Guyana Times -Friday, September 29, 2023.pdf

ExxonMobil withdraws from Kaieteur Block

…Israeli oil company to take over as operator

United States oil giant ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary announced on Thursday that it has exited the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana and has since handed over its interest to an Israeli oil

“ExxonMobil Guyana has exited the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana, with participating interest assigned to Ratio Guyana Limited and Cataleya Energy Limited; Ratio is anticipated to assume the role as operator,” the company said in a statement.

Ratio Guyana Limited is a Tel Aviv, Israel-based energy company that operates in a joint venture with ESSO Guyana Limited, holding 25 per cent of the licence in the Kaieteur Block, which covers an area of approximately

13,535 square kilometres.

As it is, Exxon is the operator of Kaieteur Block with a 35 per cent working interest while Hess holds 20 per cent, Cataleya 20 per cent and Ratio 25 per cent.

Based on international reports, both Exxon and Hess are withdrawing from the licence which means the remaining stakeholders, Ratio and Cataleya, would possibly retain a 50 per cent participating interest each. Permission will have to be sought from the Guyana Government to allow Ratio to be appointed as operator of the block.

At the beginning of 2021, the partnership had announced the Tanager-1 discovery in the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana, with proven reserves of 65 million barrels of oil.

In addition to Tanager-1, it was previously reported that there was the prospect of additional oil mapped across a 5750 sq km 3D seismic survey. It is located in the southern part of the Kaieteur Block, where the joint venture partners are grading the next potential targets for drilling.

The Kaieteur Petroleum Agreement is currently in the first extension period, which began on February 2, 2021 and lasts for three years.

Last month, it was revealed that former President David Granger had granted a one-year extension to ExxonMobil on its 2016 prospecting licence – a move which has shifted the oil major’s relinquishment timeline.

In the letter, dated July 24, 2020, the then Head of State approved extensions for Exxon’s holdings in the Stabroek, Canje, and Kaieteur Blocks. Based on provisions in that 2016 agreement, when the second renewal period comes up, the license holder would have to relinquish 20 per cent of the block.

According to Exxon in its brief statement on Thursday, “Our exploration efforts and discovery of oil in the Kaieteur Block have highlighted Guyana’s offshore potential. Our withdrawal from the Kaieteur Block has no impact on our commitment to seeking further exploration and development opportunities and to generating additional value for the Government and people of Guyana.”

These opportunities, the US oil company noted, include plans to accelerate development and production in the Stabroek Block, where Exxon is targeting six Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Vessels (FPSOs) by the end

of 2027, bringing Guyana’s production capacity to more than one million barrels per day.

Guyana, with ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, which is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Since last year, Guyana has been recording weekly lifts in the Stabroek Block with oil production now at 340,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the “Liza Destiny” and “Liza Unity” FPSO vessels.

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

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will target a mammoth 250,000 bpd.

Earlier this month, Guyana concluded the bid round of its historic oil block auction, receiving 14 offers on eight of the 14 blocks offshore that were put up for auction.

Of the 14 blocks in the auction, three were for deep-sea areas and the other 11 for shallow areas. Offers were made on two deep-sea blocks and six shallow-area blocks.

Among the six bidders are ExxonMobil; SISPRO INC (Guyana); Total Energies EP Guyana BV; Qatar Energy International E&P LLC; Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp Inc Guyana and Watad Energy and Arabian Drillers of Saudi Arabia; Liberty Petroleum Corporation of the US and Ghanabased Cybele Energy Limited; International Group Investment Inc, and Montego Energy SA (London).

Government said it would now have to conduct evaluations on the bids received, and expected to wrap this process up in early October in order to move on to negotiations and conclude the agreements before the end of this year. (G8)

Map showing the location of the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, September 29 –04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, September 30 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, September 29 –16:10h-17:40h and Saturday, September 30– 16:50h-18:20h.

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. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 16:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.88 metres.

Low Tide: 10:11h and 22:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.38 metre and 0.30 metre.

US congressional meeting Opposition MPs asked to provide evidence of discrimination in Guyana

United States Congressional Leaders have asked Guyana’s Parliamentary Opposition to submit evidence of the alleged widespread discrimination and marginalization of Afro-Guyanese allegedly being practised by the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government.

Led by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, a team of Members of Parliament (MPs) from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) travelled to Washington, D.C. where they met with the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday. Among the Opposition parliamentarians there was Shadow Attorney General and PNCR Executive Committee Member Roysdale Forde, who revealed during a subsequent conference that the Congressional Leaders requested evidence of the alleged discrimination in Guyana.

“Today we were requested again to provide data on discrimination and marginalization by [US Congressional] Representatives, which we will do,” Forde said on Wednesday after the meeting.

In addition to evidence of discrimination, the Guyanese Opposition MPs were also asked by Congresswoman Maxine Waters to present their development plans for Guyana.

According to the Opposition Leader, while Congresswoman Waters accepted some of the Opposition’s positions during the meeting, she also pointed to the fact that there are two sides to a coin.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

“[Congresswoman Waters] asked for a clear development plan, which we identified the tenets. We also left with her a document that will give a lot of that information. There is a wider dossier that we would’ve left that would’ve put all the issues in context in Guyana,” Norton said during a briefing after the meeting.

The Opposition Leader has said that Wednesday’s meeting with the Congressional leaders went “extremely well”. He said they were able to inform the US officials of the critical issues in Guyana, and give them a clear vision of where his party wants to take the country.

“I think there was a healthy exchange. We understand some of their interests, where the confluence of interest lies, and we will pursue those issues,” he noted.

Meanwhile, US House of Representatives Leader Hakeem Jeffries told the Opposition politicians that he wants to see more inclusivity between Guyanese leaders, and urged the APNU/ AFC delegation to work towards this.

The other Opposition MPs who joined Norton and Forde for the meeting were People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General Secretary Dawn Hastings; Shadow Local Government Minister and PNCR Executive Committee

Member Ganesh Mahipaul; Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and PNCR Executive Committee Member Amanza Walton-Desir; PNCR Member Nima Flue Bess; Chairman of the AFC, Catherine Hughes; and AFC Member Deonarine Ramsaroop.

This meeting with the Opposition MPs comes about two weeks after House Leader Jeffries had hosted an engagement with President Dr Irfaan Ali and a delegation of Government officials.

Jeffries said in a Facebook post that they had discussed several critical issues, including regional and energy security, the climate crisis, and the importance of an inclusive society in Guyana, which involves full economic participation and civic engagement by Guyanese-Africans and Guyanese-Indians.

At that time, Jeffries had indicated that when he meets with the leaders of the Guyanese Opposition party, he would continue the dialogue about the opportunities and challenges confronting Guyana.

“We will continue to encourage the Government and the Opposition to work together to ensure that all Guyanese citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity, benefit from the economic growth underway in the South American nation,” Jeffries had stated in the social media post earlier this month.

Congressman Jeffries is a US Democratic Party top leader in the House of Representatives. He is a representative of parts of Brooklyn and Queens in New York, which is home to a large Guyanese population,

and he has been making public statements about discrimination in Guyana – a narrative that is being peddled by the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition.

Last year, President Ali had expressed concerns over remarks made by Jeffries, whom he had noted was being misled about governance issues and democracy in Guyana. In fact, the Head of State had even invited the Congressman for a meeting during a July 2022 US trip, but Jeffries had declined to meet. However, about a year later, President Ali and Congressman Jeffries met in Trinidad and Tobago in July of this year, and during the brief interaction, the Guyanese Leader said he schooled the US politician on the reality in Guyana. (G8)

The APNU/AFC Opposition Members of Parliament at Capitol Hill, where they met with the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday

Editor: Tusika Martin

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

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

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

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

Waste-wise

It has become apparent, more glaring, that we have become increasingly irresponsible in disposing of our trash, which eventually ends up in our drains and waterways. The voluminous build-up of garbage in communities across the country speaks of a society that is yet to be trained on proper waste disposal. We are guilty of indiscriminate dumping of garbage.

A casual drive around many communities would reveal the shocking truth: in many areas, there are mounds of garbage strewn across the reserves and roadways. As an attempt to conceal the act of indiscriminate dumping, some perpetrators dispose of their trash at night, and would go so far as to travel to neighbouring communities and villages to commit the act.

How sad that we have become so callously abusive of our environment. We only think of Mother Nature when calamity or disaster strikes. Every human being should go the extra mile in caring for our one and only Mother Earth.

Many of the smaller communities do not have regular garbage disposal services, and most private collectors would service these areas at least once a week. Does this then excuse the action of residents to take their waste elsewhere?

There are so many other options for solid waste disposal.

In most developed and developing countries, like Guyana, with increasing population, prosperity and urbanisation, it remains a major challenge for municipalities to collect, recycle, treat and dispose of increasing quantities of solid waste, especially in a changing climate. Everyone is aware of the issues we are facing with solid waste management.

Isn’t it high time we took part in making our society garbage-free? Communities cannot rely solely on our Government to clean up the environment. A concerted effort is highly needed.

A cornerstone of sustainable development is the establishment of affordable, effective, and truly sustainable waste management practices. We should therefore make it a daily habit to help control the floods and other problems caused by the mountains of garbage we throw away. What is lacking is discipline in disposing of our garbage properly.

Quite recently, it was reported that the carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the Earth’s atmosphere have surged past an important threshold, and may not dip below it for “many generations”. The 400 parts per million (ppm) benchmark was broken globally for the first time in recorded history in 2015. According to the new update from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years, fuelled by heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a naturally occurring El Niño event.

The WMO has said there is a 66% likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between 2023 and 2027 would be more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least one year. There is a 98% likelihood that at least one of the next five years, and the five-year period as a whole, would be the warmest on record.

It is time to consider the reality facing the world today, and it is even more crucial to take stock of the individual responsibility for this global situation. It is highly improbable that citizens do not yet know the impacts of climate change, and are unaware of current challenges across the globe in regard to access to potable water, arable lands, and in some severe cases access to food.

The time has long since passed for affirmative action, and the hour of reckoning is upon us. The Earth itself is sending a message, and it behooves us to change our attitudes and behaviours. It is time we see the importance of becoming waste-wise and take the pledge to make a concerted effort to recycle more, and reduce the waste sent to the landfill. If not today, when would be the perfect time for action?

All citizens should pledge to reduce, reuse, and recycle when possible, and rejoice in the wonderful creation we’ve been given.

By ElisaBEtta REcinE

The global hunger crisis is flashing red on all fronts, exacerbated by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the war in Ukraine. The United Nations confirms global progress on hunger is lethally in reverse – with the Food and Agriculture Organisation registering the worst numbers of food insecurity in eight years, and the global goal of ending hunger by 2030 appearing beyond reach.

Food prices are stuck at historic highs and low-income countries face an intensifying debt crisis. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was supposed to ensure Ukrainian grain exports could depart from the country’s Black Sea ports, has collapsed, thus eliminating a lifeline for poor food-importing countries. International summits have come and gone with a dearth of ideas or action on hunger.

Brazil, an agricultural superpower and the world’s largest net exporter of food, has also seen hunger and poverty rise in recent years, after the Administration of Jair Bolsonaro dismantled social policies, amid an economic downturn. Heartbreakingly, almost three in every five households do not always have enough to eat, while 33 million people (about 15 per cent of the population) are going hungry.

But now President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated in January,

has stepped up. “I am obsessed with fighting hunger … I want workers to once again be able to have three meals a day in a dignified manner and to provide quality food for their children,” he said as he launched the Brasil Sem Fome (Brazil Without Hunger) plan in late August.

Arguably the most comprehensive set of anti-hunger policies the world has ever seen, this bold plan opens a new front in the global war on hunger, just as hope was beginning to fade.

The Brasil Sem Fome – on which the National Food and Nutrition Security Council (CONSEA), the organisation I chair, advised –has far-reaching but simple goals. It aims to wipe Brazil off the UN Hunger Map by 2030 – no ifs or buts – and to ensure that more than 95 per cent of households are food secure by the end of the decade. It also aims to improve access to healthy diets and kick-start a transition to sustainable agriculture.

Some 32 programmes and policies will be leveraged to achieve these goals – from cash transfers to poor households to the purchase of healthy school food from smallholder farmers; from agroecological transition payments to support Black and rural women, to bolstering protection of the Amazon. All of this will come under an apparatus that is purpose-built to bring the voices of food-insecure and marginalised people into the decision-making process.

right

If this plan sounds familiar, that is because it is a recast of the Fome Zero (Zero Hunger) policies introduced by Lula’s first Administration in 2003 –but with an extra dose of ambition on democratic governance and sustainably produced food, reaching the most marginalised groups.

That original policy halved food insecurity in Brazil and took the country off the UN’s Hunger Map – making Brazil a poster child for international development. By linking cash transfers to school attendance and healthcare, leveraging government purchases to support smallholders, and, crucially, building inclusive decision-making bodies, Lula’s Government succeeded where many had failed.

But the subsequent demolition of Brazil’s anti-hunger apparatus was just as dramatic. After coming to power in 2019, Bolsonaro’s far-right Government imposed grinding austerity and dismantled the foundations of food and nutrition security policies. Brazilians found themselves without a safety net, just as the country was hit by the COVID pandemic. This teaches us a key lesson: it is possible to significantly reduce poverty and hunger indicators, but if we do not shift the structural determinants of inequalities, the results are easily and quickly undone. This time, the legacy must be longer-lasting and deeper. This requires the plan to go even further in rolling out con-

crete actions to address the root causes of hunger – inequality and injustice. That means enabling access to land for the landless, fairer distribution of incomes, and confronting pervasive gender inequality and racism. There is also a need for deep participation, mobilisation and dialogue with Brazilian civil society. The promise of coordinated implementation across every ministry, and every level of local, regional and federal government will be key.

Hunger is not homogeneous; it does not express itself uniformly. Really, we should talk of many hungers: hunger in the city, in the countryside, of children, of women, of Black and Indigenous peoples, etc. It is too big to tackle with just one programme or fragmented government department. But if Brazil is able to follow through on these comprehensive policies and beat back hunger again, the significance will resonate far beyond our borders.

In the struggle against hunger, the world is in drastic need of answers. This plan could be a shot of hope and a highly significant global role model. Many hurdles remain, but Brazil is back, and the fight against world hunger is back on. (Al Jazeera)

(Elisabetta Recine is President of the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Security Council (CONSEA), professor of public health and nutrition at the University of Brasília, and an IPES-Food expert.)

President Dr Irfaan Ali with nine Guyanese students Lakeisha Henry, Ryan Duff, Ozioma Scott, Keith Cort, Aliyah Anthony, Moriah Hamilton, Kaeyla Vanderstoop, Kayla Forde, and Amir Ince who are attending Howard University, Washington, DC. Howard University has a long history with Guyana. Late President Dr Cheddi Jagan attended the university in the 1930s (Office of the President photo)

This time around Brazil can and must do the anti-hunger fight

PNC-APNU-AFC disgraced in Washington, DC

Dear Editor,

The much-touted socalled conference of the GCID-PNC-AFC-WPA in Washington, DC, held with US lawmakers to discuss discrimination in Guyana, has fallen flat on its face. Guyana woke up this morning to the news that the PNC-AFC delegation was embarrassed that they did not have any data to provide when asked

for by the Americans. A sombre Roysdale Forde (Shadow Attorney General, Attorneyat-Law) confirmed that “Today, we were requested again to provide data of discrimination and marginalisation by representatives” (Demerara Waves, 9/28/2023). Note the word ‘again’.

The truth is that the PNC-AFC and their cohort of

electoral bandits and development deniers have always been pressed for this information, yet they went empty-handed, sobbing, pleading for understanding, begging for an opportunity to raise some other issues other than what they went for; namely, to talk about discrimination.

Forde and Norton begged for another opportunity, sometime in the future, to find

some evidence. The excuse they offered was pathetic at best.

Said Forde, “The Opposition was faced with a ‘diabolical’ situation in which Government has refused to consult on the establishment of the constitutional Human Rights Commission, which is empowered to conduct studies, formulate reports, investigate and assess instances of

PNCR had an enlightenment in Washington: They have become guardians of democracy

Dear Editor,

Ilistened with great astonishment as PNCR and AFC Opposition MPs launched a scathing attack on the PPPC Government at their Burke-sponsored Washington Conference on September 27, 2023. To an audience that comprised one ethnic group, it was like preaching to the flock.

Nothing is wrong with criticism, but when those attacks are based on fabrication and distorted information, and are spewed out with reckless abandon, serious questions are raised about credibility.

One constructive comment was made by Amanza Walton-Desir, who said the Opposition and Government are one in defence of Guyana’s territorial integrity.

Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton, spoke about their people-centred development plan (but didn’t have a copy to show the audience), and repeated an old mantra, “growth is not development.” Only a blind person cannot see the vast development taking place in Guyana.

He blasted the PPPC for destroying democracy in Guyana. Cathy Hughes joined him in this tirade. They quickly pointed out that the action by the Immigration Department to stop Mr David Patterson, MP, from leaving the country was a sign of the PPPC’s authoritarian rule. They didn’t tell the audience that the Chief Immigration Officer blamed the snafu on a computer error, and that the error was later corrected.

Why would the PPPC not

want Mr Patterson to attend the Washington Conference, that political grandstanding forum?

Cathy Hughes quoted from News Room, which she said is a PPPC medium. That is false. She also complained about the NRF, which had US$1.7 billion at end of June 2023, and asserted that most of this money is going to fund big contracts, while many children cannot read and write, and many go hungry.

That is a gross exaggeration.

She lamented that the 22 members that they had in their version of the NRF (Act 12 of 2019) to overlook the NRF monitoring and compliance income was replaced by 5 members closely connected with the PPPC. This information is wrong. The comparative body in the PPPC legislation (Act 19, 2021) has 9 members. Under the PPPC’s Act, the 5 members are for the Board of Directors who are responsible for managing the NRF.

Were these falsehoods designed to excite the audience’s sensibilities? If there was any doubt about this, Burke took to the podium and accused the Jagdeo Government of killing 1,400 Black men. Already, Stabroek News had done an analysis of the 420 cases, and disputed these allegations. And I have done a content analysis and found that 118 of the 420 people listed were Indo-Guyanese.

Most of those killings were linked to gang warfare, shootout with Police, rampage by Fineman and his gang, and many were known

criminals wanted by the Police.

What about the attempt to overthrow the PPPC Government, the storming of the President’s Office, and the East Coast insurrection?

Burke played to his true form. He used incendiary rhetoric to stir the emotions of the audience. He asserted that Jagdeo must pay for the murders committed under his Presidency. He subtly suggested street action as one remedy.

“We cannot trust the Police, so we have to take action.” What action?

When the PNCR led-Government was in power from 2015 to 2020, why didn’t they carry out an inquiry into those murders, but just decided instead to inquire into the Lindo Creek murders? They knew that the evidence was not there. Also, that would have raised a Pandora’s Box about the killings of Father Darke, Dr Walter Rodney, Vincent Teekah, and the attempted assassination of Dr Josh Ramsamny, among others.

It has always been the PNC that was linked to violence, arson (slow fiah, mo fiah), and destruction of property, not to mention the X13 Plan.

The biggest travesty perpetrated upon the audience in Washington was the claim by Mr Norton that the PPPC Government is destroying democracy in Guyana. How much more outlandish could one become? All the western diplomatic missions are

aware of their (PNCR) attempt to stage a daring electoral heist in 2020. All the international observer missions, including the Carter Center, have condemned the PNCR’s democratic behaviour, and several of them had their US visas suspended for this purpose. How do they have the gall to preach and pontificate on the altar of democracy?

In December 2018, they lost a No Confidence motion in Parliament. Instead of stepping down from power after 3 months, they hung onto power until August 2, 2020 on the absurdity that 34 is a majority of 65. Another blatant abuse of the constitution and a frontal attack on democracy was when PNCR Leader Mr David Granger unilaterally appointed Judge James Patterson as GECOM Chair on October 19, 2017, contrary to the Constitution. Mr Granger’s decision was overturned by the Caribbean Court of Justice, and Justice Patterson had to demit office in June 2019.

The history of PNCR is a sad tale of electoral rigging (1968-1982), dictatorship, economic collapse, and hopelessness. If their purpose is to get the US to interfere in the internal affairs of Guyana, that would not happen. The US Embassy has all the factual information which they conveyed to the State Department. They are aware that the PNCR is a democracy buster.

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

marginalisation and inequalities” (Ibid).

Balderdash, plain and simple. There is the Ethnic Relations Commission in place; and Norton, Forde and Desir could have gone there for information.

Parenthetically, I should remind readers that I have regularly urged Nigel Hughes and others to take cases of discrimination to the ERC. They never have, because there is no case.

I worked in Washington, DC for twenty-five years, and so I know a thing or two about the place. While DC is full of political theatrics, when they get down to business, they do not work with hearsay, they work with evidence. Letters in Kaieteur News and Stabroek News do not constitute evidence. Neither do the fancy editorials concocted in the interests and idioms of the MMC and TUS (as per Freddie Kissoon). The racialised nonsense regularly deposited by the likes of Dr. Henry Jeffries, Lincoln Lewis, Hamilton Green and, inter alia, the Hon. Annette Ferguson (MP) met its demise on the doorsteps of democracy.

The PNC and AFC have disgraced a space where epic struggles for racial equality and equity have occurred. They went there to exploit the powerful historical presence and memory of giants like W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, CLR James, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, A. Phillip Randolph, Jesse Jackson, and John Lewis. The PNC-AFC-WPA axis thought they would exploit the powerful historical surroundings as a backdrop to make exaggerated claims of discrimination. How diabolical!

Forde’s admission of having no data was backed up by the ubiquitous but illequipped Amanza WaltonDesir. Here she is in her own words: “The provision of empirical data: When we speak, one of the challenges that you have is that they say, ‘Where is the information?’” (Ibid). You read that right! The Shadow Foreign Minister admits that they were pressed with this most predictable question – “Where is the information?” They had none to offer.

And how about the Chief Executive Officer of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G), Olive SampsonCannings? Well, her admission of ill-preparedness is even more revealing. She is quoted as saying, “When the United States articulates its policy on Guyana, they speak to inclusion. Inclusion has to be measured. We need to collect the data that speaks to where are the gaps…The collection of data is important in order for us to make the case” (Ibid).

Let me say to Ms. Sampson-Cannings that she has it right. You must have data. You cannot meet with Congressional leaders with the expectation that they will believe you based on appearance and ancestry.

The PNC-AFC trip to Washington, DC to air grievances was an unmitigated disaster. To tell the truth, I feel sorry for Norton, Forde, Desir and their gang. Shameful behaviour in Guyana is bad, but to be put to shame in the leading capital in the world must be humiliating.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

Test Questions

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY)

BY OVID

He grinds his molars on air, with a dry creaking, Dreaming that he grinds between his molars A feast of nothing, food that is like air. At last he writhes awake in convulsive Cramps of hunger. His jaws

Seem to have their own life, snapping at air With uncontrollable eagerness to be biting Into food and swallowing like a cat Staring at a bird out of reach. His stomach feels like a fist Gripping and wringing out The mere idea of food.

He calls for food. Everything edible Out of the sea and earth. When it comes Dearth is all he sees where tables bend Under the spilling plenty.

Emptying Bowls of heaped food, all he craves for Is bigger bowls heaped higher.

Food For a whole city cannot sate him.

Food For a whole nation leaves him faint with hunger. As every river on earth

Pours its wealth towards ocean

That is always sweeping for more, Draining the continents, And as fire grows hungrier

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate force and motion by tossing water balloons.

Materials:

Water filled balloons

Friend Instructions:

Stand facing your friend a few feet apart and toss the water-filled balloon

to your friend.

Once your friend catches the balloon, take one step backwards.

As you get further away from one another, take note of how you have to give with your hands to keep the water balloon from bursting.

Observe what causes the water balloon to eventually burst.

How it works:

When you lift the balloon to toss it,

you give it potential energy. This potential energy become kinetic energy once the balloon is tossed. Eventually, the kinetic energy cannot be contained by the balloon and the balloon will pop.

Make this a science project: Try different sized balloons. Try different temperatures of water in the balloons. (sciencefun.org)

The more fuel it finds, So, famished by food, The gullet of Erysichthon, gulping down

Whatever its diameter can manage Through every waking moment, Spares a mouthful Only to shout for more.

This voracity, this bottomless belly, As if his throat opened Into the void of stars, Engulfed his entire wealth.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

APNU, AFC "unpatriotic" to malign Govt's 'One Guyana' programme with unsubstantiated allegations – PM Phillips

The Guyana Government has called out the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition parties over their "unpatriotic" attempt to undermine the work that the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been doing to push unity among, and progress of, the people of this country.

In a statement emanating on Thursday evening from the Office of the Prime Minister, Government categorically rejected the claims made in a petition dated September 24, 2023 in support of the Washington Diaspora Conference. It said this attempt by the Opposition APNU/AFC is not only aimed at undermining the Government's commitment to the betterment of Guyana, but is engineered and designed to present a one-sided perspective that does not accurately represent the actions and policies of the PPP/C Administration.

"While the Government recognizes the importance of addressing the concerns and grievances of any group of citizens, it is disheartening to witness the deliberate APNU/AFC-led smear campaign aimed at poisoning the well of public discourse both locally and internationally. This approach does a disservice to the democratic principles that Guyana upholds, and the tireless efforts of the Government to build a united Guyana under its "One Guyana" policy, which actively promotes inclusion, engagement, and consultation at all levels of our society.

"The Government views this petition, orchestrated by the APNU/AFC, as regressive, mischievous, and unpatriotic. It appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the universally unifying work that successive PPP/C Administrations have undertaken, and which President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been vigorously advancing since his assumption to office in 2020, to transform the socio-economic construct of Guyana and foster an environment

where every creed and race has an equal place," the missive detailed.

Citizen empowerment

According to the Government, its transformative agenda, underpinned by the PPP/C's campaign manifesto, is specifically targeting universal citizen empowerment throughout the length and breadth of the country.

In setting the record straight on the claims being made by the Opposition regarding Government's engagement with local democratic institutions, it was outlined that, contrary to the petition's claims, the PPP/C Administration has consistently reached out to local democratic institutions representing people of African descent. It noted that the "One Guyana" policy stands as a testament to its commitment to inclusivity and harmony among all ethnic groups in Guyana. It is worth noting that invitations for dialogue and cooperation have been extended to the Opposition on numerous occasions, invitations which they have chosen to decline, the Government stated.

On the issue of the Decade for People of African Descent, the PPP/C noted that it is important to highlight the concrete steps taken by Government despite the petition asserting that the Government has not submitted any report to the United Nations regarding progress on actions to ensure African Guyanese are on equal footing with all other ethnic groups during the UN's Decade for People of African Descent.

"These steps include unprecedented levels of in-

vestment in education, including thousands of local and international scholarships from certificate to doctoral levels, re-education pathways for early school-leavers and those who missed the opportunity; technical and vocational training and upskilling certification for youths across all ten administrative regions; economic development and empowerment initiatives, including job creation, private sector investment enablement and growth incentives, and small business loans and grants with a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment.

"The Government’s social security and justice reforms aimed at creating a more equitable society and improve livelihoods for all Guyanese have provided an annual US$200 grant for every school-going child, placed thousands more into their own homes through reduced costs, incentives and direct building assistance; while restorative justice and community rebuilding and advancement programmes have set a

course for universal impact for the citizenry, including construction of sports and recreational facilities in all townships," the statement detailed.

More importantly to note, according to Government, is the fact that in August 2023, more than 33 organisations representing people of African descent received Government grants for various cultural activities and events, and that is in addition to the annual Emancipation grants for African-related observances.

Representative Govt The PPP/C Administration went on to note that it is a representative Government, and this is reflective in the fact that the people of African descent are holders of some of the highest and most significant constitutional, governmental and civil society offices in the country. These include Parliamentary, Judicial and Ministerial portfolios.

The Government said it is also proud of its wide-ranging support among the AfricanGuyanese community,

which led to its victory at the last General Elections; and it has since been managing the affairs of the country inclusively for the benefit of all Guyanese, irrespective of race, political affiliation, and economic status.

"Claims that African Guyanese face hostility and repression when asserting their state are unequivocally false. Guyana's political landscape is diverse, with multiple parties and organizations representing various interests, including those of African Guyanese. These organisations have been welcomed to engage in the Government's consultative processes to address community concerns with ample mechanisms provided for the facilitation of such engagements, notwithstanding the approach of regular direct grassroots engagement of the citizenry by the President and his cabinet ministers," the missive said.

Moreover, the PPP/C Government pointed out that its international stance has been consistent with its national disposition, that is evidence-based, constitutionally sound, and

aligned to global best practices, for an equitable governance framework that caters to achieving universal citizens empowerment. These, it noted, are in keeping with all international charters to which Guyana is subscribed, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

"All claims otherwise are considered malicious and wicked, and can be easily disproved. We have made efforts to engage with the global community and express our commitment to fostering unity and equality among all Guyanese, despite an antithetical agenda from the political opposition.

"The Government wishes to reiterate its unwavering commitment to its "One Guyana" policy, which caters to all Guyanese and seeks to promote inclusivity, unity, and equal opportunities for every citizen, regardless of their ethnic background. We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation with all stakeholders to continue building a prosperous and harmonious Guyana," the PPP/C Administration said. (G8)

Prime Minister Brigadier (retd) Mark Phillips

Govt seeking consultant to review Sexual Offences Act

Government has decided to review the Sexual Offences Act of 2010 in an effort to end sexual assault, and is currently looking for a consultant to help in this regard.

In a recent notice published in the media, the Government has invited bids from individual consulting services to review the Sexual Offences Act and provide recommendations.

This is being done as part support for the Criminal Justice System programme, a collaboration between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Legal Affairs. The programme focuses on two distinct issues in order to alleviate the difficulty of jail-overcrowding conditions: (i) the overreliance by the criminal justice system on custodial sentences; and (ii) the overuse of pre-trial detention.

Interested consultants are required to provide the Legal Affairs Ministry with information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to do the job.

The notice states that consultants would be chosen as per the guidelines outlined in the IDB's Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants Financed by the IDB, GN2350-9, and in accordance with the comparison-based standards known as the Qualifications of National Individuals (QCNI) princi-

ples. Details of the consultancy are in the Terms of Reference which can be uplifted via email, or at the Ministry’s Carmichael Street, Georgetown offices.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, stated earlier this year that after the review is finished, the law will be expanded to include areas that are not covered by the Act.

The current legislation details a range of sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault, and sexu-

al activity with a person, and provides definitions for those crimes. Some new crimes reflect social progress, for example: voyeurism and grooming.

The penalties set out in this law are severe, taking into account the gravity of the offences, and are expected to serve as deterrents.

A provision has been laid down in the law enabling Police and the Judiciary to adopt best practices and procedures with a view to ensuring effective enforcement and application of legislation. Audiovisual links for witnesses have been made legal under this Act.

It should also be noted that the Act includes a provision for the rehabilitation of sexual offenders, and for them to register as sex offenders in order to allow authorities to keep track of their activities when they have completed serving their criminal sentences.

(G1)

EBD man remanded over robbery at GTT’s Grove store

When he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates' Courts earlier this week, 27-year-old Aleebia London, an unemployed man of Second Street, Kaneville, EBD, was facing a charge accusing him of robbing a GTT store in Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). He was remanded to prison.

London faces a charge of robbery under arms, committed contrary to Section 26 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.

It is alleged that on August 4, while armed with a gun, he robbed the GTT outlet at Lot 116 North East Grove, EBD of 1,287 phone cards each worth $500, making the robbery of these phone cards worth $643,500; and he also took $1,065,200 in cash.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was refused bail, and has been remanded to prison. The matter has been postponed to October 4.

A statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said the robbery was com-

Celebrating…

…Foreign Intervention

The Opposition went up to Washington to meet the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) – a case of mountain going to meet Mohomet, since the CBC’s Hakeem Jeffries had promised to come down to Guyana to hear their gripes!! Or, more accurately, their faceto-face pleas for the US to intervene in the affairs of our sovereign nation!! And this is the same bunch of jokers who’re still running around the place telling anyone and their uncle who’d listen to them that the PPP government was “illegally installed” by the US!! So, it’s okay for the US to intervene, once it’s to get the PNC into office – like they did with Burnham’s PNC back in 1964 – but not the PPP?? Ah…their hypocrisy knows no bounds!! You’d think by now they’d appreciate that we Guyanese have to sort out our disagreements by ourselves!!

According to some of the reports coming out of the meetings, several of the PNC African-Guyanese MPs stressed that the PPP was massively discriminating extensively against African-Guyanese. It’s not clear whether they’d repeated the “apartheid” charge they’d been flaunting locally!! Obviously, they were playing the race card – as they’ve been doing forever with whatever project the PPP unfurls – to gain the sympathy of the brothers and sisters of the CBC. However, if they’d assumed that some kinda epidermal loyalty would make the CBC members foam at the mouth at the PPP, they got a rude awakening when they were asked, “Where’s the evidence??!!”

the Giftland Mall and robbed the GTT Store on the second floor.

Those charged in this matter are: Andrea Dover of D Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Piercy Roberts of Tucville, Georgetown; Ashley Mansfield of Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Jamal Haley of “D” Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Ryan Goodluck of Herstelling Housing Scheme, EBD; and Osman Brummell of Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

approached her and checked the bags with the cash as per normal.

One of the suspects then went outside to the other staff members and brandished a handgun at them. They were reportedly instructed to lie on the floor, and without hesitation they complied.

The other suspect, who was in the supervisor’s room, took out a handgun from the waist of his pants and also instructed her to lie on the floor.

That stopped them stone cold in their tracks!! They stammered that the big, bad PPP wasn’t releasing no data - so they didn’t have any!! Imagine that!! They didn’t realize this admission conclusively proved that when they screamed “DISCRIMINATION!!!” on cash grants, house lots, business contracts etc, they were just blowing smoke up the collective asses of the Guyanese people!! But the CBC knew, since they were old hands at this game!! What makes it an even more damning confession is that it reveals the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees they extracted by pummelling the PPP in the streets back in 2000 aren’t being used to “scrutinize” the Government’s activities – and, inter alia, get the info they want!! How lazy can you be??

One interesting titbit revealed was that the PNC Indian Reps didn’t utter a word about their constituencies’ concerns - even though those from the Africans and Amerindians did for theirs!! Are all Indian-Guyanese taken care of by the PPP? So, what will these PNC Indian MPs bring to the table?? Another part of the sideshow was the mix-up by the Police that made the AFC’s David Patterson miss the Washington meet. So, if deliberate, why was only Patto denied?

mitted at about 21:45h on August 4 by two men, both of whom were armed with handguns.

Last September, two women were among six persons charged for a daring robbery committed at the GTT outlet at Giftland Mall, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on September 8, 2022.

It was reported that two gunmen, posing as security guards from the Amalgamated Security Services Limited, entered

The robbers escaped with $13,420,487 in cash and $6,015,524 in cheques from the outlet, according to the Police. Based on information received, two men were dressed in the uniform used by a private security service that usually uplifts money from the outlet when it closes.

An employee of the store had told the Police that, on the day in question, she and five other staff members were on duty when the two suspects, wearing face masks and fully dressed in the said security uniforms,

The suspects duct-taped the mouths of the staffers and locked them in the booth, before taking the cash, exiting through a back door, and making their way into the parking lot, where they entered a white Toyota Raum motor car and made good their escape.

A short while after, the staff members managed to free themselves, and an alarm was raised, but by that time the suspects had already escaped.

After discovering the getaway vehicle used in the crime, the Police quickly solved the case. (G1)

He's more feared than, say, Norton?? The power of pissing!!

…our popularity

Back in the day, avant-garde artist Andy Warhol predicted that everyone’s gonna have 15 minutes of fame. Well, it looks like the observation also applies to countries. And right now, our old Mudland is smack in the middle of its time in the sun. Daily, as your Eyewitness opens the newspapers, he’s bombarded by this or that big one - or big-name delegation - traipsing down to our neck of the woods. The latest is Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister.

When a callow youth, however, your Eyewitness’s momma had warned that he should be careful of “fair weather” friends - those who were only friendly when he had something to give. He would like to remind the Govt of the old lady’s homily. All these “friends” are dropping by only because we’re pumping oil at a time of crisis. The moment the oil runs out – in a couple of decades – they’ll drop us like a hot roti!!

Like the man said, the fame lasts for just fifteen minutes!!

…an important birthday

Yesterday was Youman Nabi - the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed’s birthday. Once again, we’re reminded of our religious diversity and our religious toleration. Every now and then we witness uncouth eruptions; but, thankfully, they’re rare!!

Remanded: Aleebia London

456 traffic violation cases recorded on Wednesday

In endeavours ongoing to enhance road safety and uphold traffic regulations, 456 traffic violation cases were recorded on Wednesday. Among those are 165 pertaining to speeding violations and nine involving driving under the influence (DUI).

To reinforce the effectiveness of enforcement measures, a series of educational programmes have been introduced, encompassing informative lectures delivered to schools, drivers, bar owners, and individuals gathered at entertainment venues across the country. The overarching objective of these coordinated efforts is to cultivate a culture of strict compliance with traffic laws and respect for the road. This, in turn, ensures the safety and wellbeing of all road users, irrespective of their category.

Just three days ago, a total of 223 cases were made out against errant drivers. Among those were 75 for speeding and nine for DUI.

In light of these statistics, the Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, has emphasised that the ongoing nationwide traffic enforcement exercises constitute a collaborative, impartial initiative involving traffic personnel and other stakeholders. Its primary aim is to curtail reckless road usage and render our roadways safer for everyone.

The daily fluctuations in traffic cases suggest that the traffic management approach is yielding some positive outcomes, according to the Police force.

Motorists are urged to adhere to vital safety guidelines: reduce speed, abstain from drinking and driving, employ designated sober and responsible drivers, fasten seat belts, and prioritise arriving safely at their destinations.

Public awareness campaigns now extend beyond daylight hours, and include interactions with bars and restaurants, where traffic officers conduct informative sessions. Bar owners are provided with emergency contact numbers to report motorists’ misconduct promptly.

Additionally, suggestion boxes are now in place, and engagement with Regional Road Safety Councils and other partners is underway to promote a positive shift in motorists' mindsets.

A concerted effort is underway to engage a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including public transpor-

tation providers, drivers, and religious organizations, among others. These endeavours aim to ensure effective commu-

nication and resonance of positive messages.

It has been pointed out that the joint endeavour of enforcing traffic

regulations and promoting educational awareness is diligently working to strengthen road safety on a comprehensive scale.

Police ranks during the operation

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Social welfare plans to continue addressing well-being of veterans – PM

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips has reiterated that the Government’s social welfare plans encompass the well-being of veterans and would continue to advance as they implement further social policies to complement Guyana’s rapid transformation.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Wednesday, as he received a visit from the Secretary General of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL), Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Christopher Warren at his office in Georgetown.

“Support will get better, with Guyana enjoying some level of prosperity as the fastest-growing economy in the world,” PM Phillips said.

He added that this support would benefit all Guyanese citizens, including veterans from the World Wars, Pre-independence soldiers, those serving in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and public service workers.

Meanwhile, Lt Col Warren, alongside the President of Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) Lt Col (Retired) George Gomes, updated the Prime Minister on RCEL’s collaboration

with GVL to support veterans and widows of veterans in Guyana.

This assistance includes financial aid for World War II veterans in Commonwealth countries who served the Crown, but remain outside of the United Kingdom (UK).

Warren also expressed appreciation to the Guyana Government for its continued support of veterans.

Last November, Phillips had presented GVL with a cheque worth $1 million on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali, thereby reaffirming this assistance.

The Prime Minister had done so during a

Remembrance Sunday ceremony that paid homage to the millions of service personnel who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, including a number of Guyanese soldiers.

Meanwhile, last November as well, President Ali had committed to putting together a team of National Insurance Scheme (NIS) officers to conduct an exercise at the GDF Headquarters to specifically tackle challenges faced by veterans.

This was in response to several concerns previously raised by Lt Col Gomes, including the policy that stipulated that if a person never made any claims at the NIS during their working years, then they were unable to do so when they retire and their health deteriorates.

Another issue raised had been in regard to the destruction of a significant number of GDF records during the 2005 flood which led to many persons being

told that there was no record of their contributions upon visiting NIS to make their claims at retirement age.

The GDF, Lt Col Gomes had noted, created a system where they prepared letters indicating that the individual in question actively served as a soldier within the requisite years. However, Gomes had said that the NIS did not recognise this letter. (G13)

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips with Secretary General of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL), Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Christopher Warren and President of Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL), Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) George Gomes

Teachers want more latitude to spend school grants – Manickchand

…exploring options with MoF to offer subvention instead

Thousands of teachers have expressed their satisfaction at the newly-introduced school grants to purchase needed supplies, but have also called for more leeway in securing items outside of the current list or otherwise viewed as capital items.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand made this disclosure in response to a letter in one of the daily newspapers, clarifying the benefits of the grant and the progress made thus far.

She penned, “We have since received feedback that teachers are deeply grateful and pleased with this grant, but that they would like more latitude in pur-

chasing in their classrooms in service to their children. For example, teachers hold the view that they can use the money wisely to have enough left over to buy fans or whiteboards or water dispensers. Some of these items, unfortunately, are categorised as capital items and cannot be purchased this year.”

The Education Ministry is engaging the Finance Ministry to offer the grant as a subvention to schools rather than under the line items of janitorial, field and office supplies. This request is being studied to provide a sensible solution that marries the Government’s intention to serve the nation’s

children and their teachers, and the Government’s desire to stay accountable.

Manickchand outlined, “This we believe would of-

Window

fer more latitude to teachers which in turn would offer a better service to our children, even as we intend firmly to stay accountable.”

ample was that buying in bulk invoked the public bidding process because of the large sums being expended, which inevitably led to goods reaching schools very late. It also failed to meet the individual demands of classrooms.

In August, the Education Ministry announced that each school would be given a value per child. On the coastland, it was $4000 per child and in the hinterland, $5500 per child.

Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and now Nine, with plans to move to Region One (BarimaWaini) next.

In December 2022, a $202 million contract was signed with Global Services to make the issuance of planning and building permits hassle-free as it was tasked with providing server and network infrastructure, security solutions, and hardware and software maintenance and repairs.

Guidelines

For many years, she noted, the Ministry has received complaints from teachers and parents alike that enough independence had not been given in the identification of needs of a classroom and procurement of products or services. In fact, teachers themselves would have to expend their own salaries to change that reality.

On the other hand, parents have complained that they were being taxed daily to provide bleach, toilet paper, crayons and pay for test papers – a bill that would make it unaffordable to send their children to school.

Traditionally, budgets would be provided by Central Government for the purchase of janitorial and office supplies. There was no standardisation of how these monies were spent over the years with different regions doing different things.

An evaluation found that the former processes were either cumbersome or failed to meet the needs of the schools. A common ex-

It was announced at each distribution that the school would have to retain a percentage and the teachers would be given a percentage of the said money while the headteacher would retain 80 per cent of the janitorial sum. For items which teachers wanted to purchase, such as cement for a particular technical subject, approval was sought since it was not included in the original list.

From feedback, the Education Minister shared that in some primary schools, headteachers have given teachers their individual sums while in others, the teachers have chosen to have the money treated as a bulk sum. The Ministry has allowed autonomy on how to run their programme within the confines of remaining accountable and not breaching our financial or criminal laws.

It has been clearly outlined that the sums distributed must be fully accounted for. Receipts, that are visible and authentic of purchases, would be required and must be submitted as this programme will be fully audited. (G12)

Following the recent passage of the Single Window System Bill in the National Assembly, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has intensified its consultation efforts on the system’s implementation, engaging Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) authorities on Tuesday.

The Planning and Development Single Window System aims to significantly improve the planning and permitting process by providing a unified entry point for the CH&PA and its partner agencies.

The system’s electronic portal will enable local and international investors to submit applications online from anywhere in the world.

CH&PA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn Greaves led the consultation session on Tuesday at the Lethem Business Incubator.

He was joined by Consultant Fareed Amin and Business Analyst Kevin Sukhdeo while Regional Chairman Brian Allicock and Lethem Mayor John

Macedo were among the regional officials present.

Greaves emphasised that the cooperation of all administrative bodies was crucial for the successful implementation of the system and ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Prior to the Bill’s passage, the CH&PA conduct-

ed consultations across the country, engaging with local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), heads of service agencies and regulatory bodies.

Since approval of the Bill in July, these efforts have increased as they have covered Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam);

As the CH&PA moves to introduce this system shortly in consideration of the countrywide consultations, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal last week had disclosed that the guidelines of the system would be released soon.

Croal made this remark during the launch of the Core Home Support and Home Improvement Subsidy mobile app.

“Within this month, we’ll see the gazetting of the regulations in terms of the single window guidelines,” Croal said.

“And very shortly, as soon as we complete the awareness aspect, and we feel comfortable that the users understand [the system], we will officially launch the online platform [so] wherever you are in this world, whichever corner of the world you are, once you have access to Internet, you will be able to make the application for construction,” Croal said.

He noted that this was all part of the rapid development that is taking place in the country that does not only involve “agendas of infrastructure” but also legislative agenda. (G13)

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and stakeholders during the school grant distribution exercise this month

Single

System Collaboration between regional bodies necessary to successfully implement – CH&PA

Central Housing and Planning Authority hosted a Single Window System consultation in Region Nine

Central Housing and Planning Authority Chief Executive Officer Sherwyn Greaves

Massive spending in housing aimed at reducing gap between rich & poor – Rodrigues

Massing spending by Government in the housing sector to deliver thousands of house lots and housing units have been part of a strategy to not only avoid the resource curse in a budding oil economy, but also to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues on Wednesday made this point during her presentation at the Regional Forum on Urban and Housing Financing in Ecuador, where she responded to the question of safeguarding accessibility to housing for low- and middle-income persons.

“We recognise that we have to avoid the resource curse, the Dutch Disease and widening the gap between the rich and poor, and ensuring that there is equal distribution in our country. So, we have embarked on massive spending, ensuring that we put the resources to great use and that while we transform our country, that equally we bring prosperity to the homes of every single Guyanese,” Rodrigues outlined.

She told the panel that Government has been investing in infrastructure, health care, education and

other critical sectors on a scale that has never been done before.

“Similarly, we have been doing the same in housing,” the Minister related. The housing sector has always been a major pillar of our government. In 2020, when we took office, we found a deficit of 70,000 in the housing sector. We made a political promise to deliver 50,000 lots. So, our housing programme is mostly driven by public spending.”

Some 26,000 house lots have been delivered since August 2020.

Despite a deficit of 57,000 applications still existing, the Minister added that public spending has been enlarged to meet the demand.

She underscored, “There still remains a deficit of 57,000 now because for every plot of land we allocate, we receive a new application. There will always be a demand in that sector. But coming back to the public spending, we have increased our housing budget by over 1000 percent from 2020 to 2023. We’re spending more to ensure that we do the infrastructure work in new areas, so the housing programme is heavily subsidised for the low-income population.”

Government has been able to subsidise costs for homeownership by up to 90 per cent. Road networks, water and electricity are also provided in new housing areas.

“We have devised several subsidies and incentives to support low-income families. We have the core home subsidy programme which addresses both qualitative

and quantitative deficit in the housing sector. That programme has been performing very well. We have mortgage relief for firsttime homeowners, which is a deductible that you can reclaim for income-tax pur-

poses. We also have an incentive for the banking institutions – who are given waivers on the taxes of their mortgage portfolio.”

In 2020, the mortgage interest rate was about six per cent. Today, it is down to

about 3.5 per cent at a time when global numbers are on the rise. Land allocations are being tied in with construction of housing units to address the deficit in homeownership for low-income earners and young professionals.

Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali shared during the International Building Expo that some $170 billion would have to be expended to address the housing needs and backlogs.

This sum comprises $1 billion in Region One, $4 billion in Region Two, close to $42 billion in Region Three, $80 billion in Region Four, $4 billion in Region Five, $16 billion in Region Six, $4 billion in Region Seven, $3 billion in Region Nine and $15 billion in Region Ten.”

He added that in 2015, the total capital budget for the entire Government was $39 billion. In 2020, it was $72 billion. To meet the demand for housing and water only presently requires $170 billion. That is more than the entire capital budget in 2015 and 2020. (G12)

PAHO endorses new regional strategy to improve mental health, prevent suicide

The Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has approved a new regional strategy aimed at improving mental health and suicide prevention in the Americas and mobilising resources to respond to the demand for care.

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

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

Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr Anselm Hennis said, “Even before the pandemic, we were already facing a significant burden of mental illnesses with inadequate care for those affected, which was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy aims to support countries to prioritise mental health by integrating it into all policies.”

According to the document, the pandemic has worsened pre-existing mental health conditions, such as major depressive and anxiety disorders, which increased by 35 per cent and 32 per cent respectively during 2020 in Latin America and the Caribbean. The most recent data show that each year almost 100,000 people die by suicide in the Americas, making it the only World Health Organisation (WHO) region where suicides are on the rise.

It notes that women, young people, Indigenous populations, Afrodescendants, and members of other ethnic groups, as well as people living in poverty and those with pre-existing mental health disorders, are among the most severely affected.

Despite the high costs associated with mental health issues and suicides in the region, care is not always prioritised, and the funding for addressing mental health is insufficient, with only a small fraction of national health budgets allocated to this area.

The regional strategy es-

tablishes six lines of action to address this issue, first dealing with building mental health leadership, governance, and multisectoral partnerships, and integrating mental health into all policies.

It also speaks to improving the availability, accessibility, and quality of community-based services for mental health conditions, and support the advance of deinstitutionalisation;

The other points include advancing mental health promotion and prevention strategies and activities throughout the life course; reinforcing the integration of mental health and psychosocial support in emergency contexts; strengthening data, evidence, and research; and making suicide prevention a national whole-of-government priority.

In June 2023, the PAHO High-Level Commission on Mental Health and COVID-19 published its final report on how to move forward on mental health in the region, and their recommendations underpin this strategy. (G12)

Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues in discussion at the Regional Forum on Urban and Housing Financing in Ecuador

3 women crushed to death by falling trees after freak storm hits Jawalla

…2 critical

Three women are now dead, and several others have been injured following a freak storm that descended on the community of Jawalla, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) at about 15:30h on Thursday.

Dead are Selina Hope, Celeste Albert and Godfrena Fredericks, all residents of Jawalla.

Reports reaching

<<Guyana Times>> detailed that the women were in a farm participating in a selfhelp activity when the storm suddenly passed through the area, uprooting several trees that fell on the women in the farm.

This publication was told that at least six other injured women had to be transported from Jawalla to Kamarang in order to get medical treatment. Four of these wom-

Intoxicated pensioner nabbed with illegal gun, ammo

en were in stable condition, while two others have sustained head injuries.

Up to press time, this newspaper was unable to ascertain whether the two women with head injuries were critical. However, it was reported by senior officials in Kamarang that arrangements are being made to have all the victims medevacked to Georgetown today in order that they could receive further medical care.

A68-year-old resident of Auchlyne Estate in Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was apprehended on Wednesday after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The pensioner, who was intoxicated at the time of his arrest, was stopped about 21:30h during a roadblock operation on Whim Public Road. Police said at the time he was riding his red and black motorcycle with registration number CG 8503.

Two breathalyser tests were administered, recording alcohol levels of .64 and

.67 micrograms, respectively, which exceed the legal limit.

Subsequently, officers conducted a search on the suspect and discovered a .32 Beretta pistol along with six live matching rounds in his possession. It was then confirmed that he did not possess a firearm licence.

As a result, he was arrested and escorted to the Whim Police Station. He remains in custody pending charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing. (G9)

The motorcycle the suspect was riding at the time he was arrested

The gun found in the man’s possession

The bodies of victims at the Kamarang Hospital in Region Seven on Thursday

The proverbial curtains have been pulled on the Cricket Carnival festivities, but there were a few events that stood out.

The carnival kicked off on Friday, August 8, 2023 with welcome vibes at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, where arriving passengers were greeted by the sweet sound of Soca and steel pan music, accompanied by welldecked models in carnival costumes. This had definitely set the tone for a fantastic season.

Later that day, all roads led to the parking lot of the Synthetic Track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), for ‘Chutney Over Dose’, which featured some of the best chutney performers in Guyana and Trinidad, including

15-17, several activities were hosted, the main one being the “One Guyana” Chutney Concert at the Canje Ground in Berbice. Berbicians were treated to a high-class show that featured Ravi B, Guyanese Baboo, Mahendra Ramkellawan, Davendra Pooran, Rick Ramotar, and a host of talented entertainers.

Another concert before that massive super concert was held was “Wet”, held at the National Park in Georgetown. This j’ouvert-style event saw Nailah Blackman, Skinny Fabulous,

only in Guyana, but around the world. All would agree that the crowning performance of the evening was done by Kes the Band, who set the stadium on fire with its hour-long show. Singing tune after tune, the band left the entire crowd in a frenzy. The stage front was invaded by screaming young ladies, who not just wanted to get a close-up with the artiste, but had hopes of touching him. As usual, Kes the Band did not disappoint, and by the end of its performance, the audience had already received its money’s worth.

her performance did not go down well with the already hyped crowd. She must, however, be given credit for at least singing a few of her favourite tunes, but the highlight of her performance was when she was outplayed by one of her fans, who accompanied her on stage.

afield were amazed at his high-energy performance, despite his age. However, they, too, agreed that Kes the Band was the climax of the show.

The Cricket Carnival culminated with the grand Road Parade on Monday – one day after the Guyana Amazon Warriors had clinched their first CPL title by outplaying the Trinbago Knight Riders.

Gyrating down the streets of Georgetown were several bands, including the Hits & Jams Lava band, Decoded, and the 595 Heritage Band. Some members of the GAW team were also on parade, carrying the winning

Vicadi Singh, Tony Cuttz, KI, Savita Singh, Master Saleem, Elsa Lisa, Adesh Samaroo, and others. This event saw a sizable crowd being fully entertained by some energetic performances from the cast.

This event made way for other events: the “One Guyana” Concert, and the massive super concert titled “Wet” being among them. The “One Guyana” Concert was held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, EBD, and it featured a line-up of Guyanese entertainers. There were some outstanding performers, who put on a show for a large audience. Without a doubt, they performed exceptionally.

During the weekend of September

Sackie, Yung Bredda, Lady Lava and others performing. The venue was engulfed with powder, water, and good music that captured the carnival-type atmosphere.

The highlight of Cricket Carnival was the Super Concert held on Saturday, September 23, featuring some top Caribbean performers who wowed the crowd. The Guyana National Stadium was filled to capacity.

The show opened with Guyanese singing sensation Niketa, who performed some of her hits that made way for Former X2 member Adrian Dutchin, who did not disappoint, as he dished out some of his tunes, including his most popular “I am Guyanese”, which resonated with the large crown. His performance was followed by that of Terry Gajraj, who again sang some of his hits, including ‘Guyanese Baboo’ - a song that is well known not

Jamaican Dancehall artiste Shenseea next took to the stage, but

As she left the stage, the deejays reenergized the crowd with an excellent selection of music from all genres. After about 30 minutes, renowned Jamaican musical star Sean Paul made his appearance on stage, much to the delight of the crowd.

He, too, sang a few of his tunes, but again, some sections of the crowd were not too pleased.

One could say that most of his fans were generally not pleased, and obviously they did not have a chance to see him, except on the screens that were set up at the side of the stage. Moreover, the sounds booming through the speakers were drowned in the screams and shouts of the fans. By the time Sean Paul had left the stage, at about 2:30h, the crowd was dripping wet with perspiration and drinks that were tossed into the air throughout his performance.

A musical interlude was taken, making way for Soca sensation Machel Montano. He appeared on stage at about 3:00h, and went straight into his hit songs. And despite being tired, worn, and drunk, the crowd did not hold back from tramping, jumping, and winding down to the Soca vibes.

Machel has been performing very frequently in Guyana, and his fans from around the region and further

trophy.

Although that Monday was not declared a holiday, hundreds of Guyanese were seen lining the parade route to get a glimpse of the carnival vibes and at least a glimpse of the Warriors. The parade ended with a grand concert at the Kitty Roundabout.

Cricket Carnival has been dubbed a huge success, although there were a few hiccups that have to be sorted out before the 2024 edition is held.

UG student body launches website

Anew website has been launched on September 20 with the goal of improving the college experience of the University of Guyana's (UG) more than 8,000 students.

This website is entirely funded by the University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS), and its launch is in keeping with the UGSS promise to enhance student life in a variety of ways.

The website represents the fulfillment of the fifth and final promise made by the UGSS Council upon its assumption of office, according to UGSS President Shaquawn Gill, who gave the keynote address during the unveiling of the website at the university’s cam-

pus at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

UG Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande also praised and supported the website, calling it the technical breakthrough necessary for enhancing student life.

The website has a student complaint page that offers a simple emailing mechanism so students can contact their faculty representatives about problems. On the student life page can be found blogs, UGSS discounts, success stories, and the various university groups. Students can view the academic calendar, GTT's UG student plan, and information on visa applications on the document page. The UGSS background, ad-

ministrative body, faculty representative, and campus tour are also available at uogss.com

Last month, the UGSS, in collaboration with GTT, launched a smartphone plan specifically designed to suit the needs of the university’s thousands of students enrolled at both of its campuses. This plan, which costs only $3,750, offers a range of benefits and services tailored to meet the needs of students. Among those are: 75 GB monthly data, unlimited social media messaging, unlimited GTT minutes, and unlimited texts. This plan normally costs $7,500.

The UGSS is a student-run organisation that

Region 6 businesses trained to generate better work environments

represents the student body at the University of Guyana. It was established in 1973 to allow students of the University to formally voice their desires. The University of Guyana Students’ Society is intended to foster and promote so-

cial and cultural activities among students, to attend to the welfare of any member of the student body, and to provide representation of the concrete opinion of the students of the University.

The Students’ Society has been tasked to help de-

velop coherent values and ethical standards, forge educational partnerships, and build supportive and inclusive communities across the two campuses and four centres of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education. (G1)

Anumber of representatives of businesses in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) were engaged in a one-day seminar on the Conditions of Work, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) requirements, and Employment Exchange Services, in a continuation of the Labour Ministry’s efforts to push for healthier work environments.

Held at the Little Rock Suites in Berbice, the seminar was aimed to sensitise the business community in the region on the labour laws and regulations governing the conditions of work and a safe system of work.

Focus was placed on the labour laws governing overtime payments, termination of employment and severance pay, inspection and record-keeping, National Minimum Wage, probation period and leave with pay, safety and health at work, and the employment services offered by the Ministry.

In opening remarks made at the seminar, Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine urged the partic-

ipants to view their employees as their greatest asset. He noted that if all present business representatives were complying with the labour laws, it would equate to approximately 350 workers’ rights and welfare being upheld.

Further, he explained that the Labour Ministry is seeking to build a partnership with the business community, as they are an important catalyst and means to promote and ensure compliance with the laws relating to conditions of work and OSH.

In that regard, Deonarine shared that from January to August, the Ministry conducted 407 inspections at workplaces in Region Six and found that approximately 53 per cent of the businesses complied with the requirements under the law, while 47 per cent were not following all of the requirements.

Meanwhile, 14 per cent of the inspected businesses and workplaces in the region had no wage records. As such, Deonarine reiterated a call for businesses to make a concerted

effort to follow the laws, and to visit the Ministry's offices at Lot 21 Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, and Lot 12 Springlands, Corriverton, should they require advice and clarification on their obligations.

The Ministry regularly conducts sensitisation campaigns and training sessions to allow employees and employers to better understand how to establish and maintain a safe work environment.

Just Tuesday, the Ministry, in collaboration with Global People Services and Management (GPSM) Consultants Inc., concluded an accident and incident investigation training programme aimed at enhancing the abilities of safety and health officers.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, several employees of the Aurora Gold Mines/Zijin Mining Group, and Guyana Prison Services (GPS) officers participated in a respective three-day and fourday Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee Training Programme facilitated by the Ministry’s OSH Department.

Region Six businesses have benefitted from the Labour Ministry’s seminars

ECD hit-and-run accident…

US-based Guyanese driver flees country - victim's family claims

if he was still alive, or even render assistance. We need justice for my son."

The driver who is accused of being responsible for the hit-andrun accident that claimed the life of 25-year-old Adzel Inniss of Burma Housing Scheme on September 22 is alleged to be a US-based Guyanese who has reportedly fled the country, according to the victim's family.

In an interview with Inniss's mother Tamika Wilson on Thursday, this publication was made to understand that she had received a call on Tuesday informing her that a vehicle suspected to be the one that had struck her son and caused his death had

been spotted in a yard in Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Prompted by this information, she had contacted the Police, who subsequently located the damaged car at the scene.

According to a report from Police headquarters, detectives acting on information received on Tuesday morning led ranks from Vigilance Police Station to the site in Victoria, East Coast Demerara. There they discovered a motorcar with the registration number PAD 9709 which exhibited significant damage to its left front side.

That vehicle has been transported to the Cove and John Police Station for further investigation, but the Police did not disclose whether they had located the driver of the car or had

made any arrest in connection with the accident.

However, <<Guyana Times>> has been informed that the owner of the car has been taken into custody, and is currently assisting the Police with their investigations.

Wilson disclosed that after the car's discovery, she went to the Cove and John Police Station, where she met the owner of the car and the alleged suspect's family. During that encounter, she claimed that she learned the driver's name.

“While I was there, they told me the person who was driving the car’s name… They [the alleged suspect's family] said that he came to the country for his grandmother’s funeral and he borrowed the car from his cousin. However, the cousin [the owner of the car] is claiming

that the man came into the country on Wednesday and left the same night of the accident,” she said.

"The cousin said that the car was parked by him, but the suspect told him that a truck hit him, and he would send back money to him to fix the car," Wilson explained.

"The owner of the car said that he dropped him off at the airport…and he was acting normal. He said he did not even know that there was an accident or anything, because he was not following (the news) until the car got seized."

Wilson has expressed dismay that the driver not only fled the scene after the accident, but has also left the country, indicating that he has no intention of taking responsibility for his actions.

Justice

"This is really painful, and I need justice for my son," she said. "My son is a very hard-working person. On the night, he called his child's mother and he told her that he is coming home, and he never did. He (driver) hit him and just drove away. He did not even stop to see

The accident occurred at about 04:30h on September 22 when Inniss stopped his motor lorry, GAC 1443, near Chico Ramas Gas Station at Coldingen, ECD. As he was disembarking the vehicle, he allegedly stepped into the path of a black Toyota Fielder Wagon, resulting in a collision that caused him to sustain severe injuries. The driver of the Fielder Wagon fled the scene, leaving both the car's registration and the driver's identity unknown until the car was found on Tuesday. Inniss was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. His sister Tonica Inniss revealed that she had last seen her brother alive on Wednesday evening at around 18:00h.

Due to his work, Inniss had frequently spent extended periods away from home. The family learned about the accident when they called his phone to check on his whereabouts. An eyewitness to the accident answered the phone and shared details of the incident with both Inniss's mother and the mother of his child. (G9)

Over 200 head of cattle will be artificially inseminated in Region 9 by year-end

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s (GLDA’s) artificial insemination (AI) programme is progressing smoothly, and over 200 head of cattle are, by year-end, expected to be inseminated in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The programme’s objectives are to improve the growth of the country’s livestock sector, while advancing Guyana’s food security efforts locally and regionally.

Artificial insemination, the placement of semen suspension into the female reproductive tract, commenced in Aranaputa, North Rupununi, by staffers of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) in May, and 66 animals have been so insemi-

nated. Guyana has imported two Santa Gertrudis bulls, and the semen from those bulls will be used primarily in Region Nine and in the Intermediate Savannahs.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday, GLDA’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Dwight Walrond noted that GLDA is extremely pleased to commence the programme in the region.

While outlining the mechanics and target for the programme, Dr Walrond explained that GLDA had programmed to start the initiative in the region because of the weather, so easy access could be had.

A team is scheduled to return by October monthend to complete the process

on the additional 120 animals that were selected to be inseminated in the region.

“We are already in excess of 100 inseminations in the region… For the year 2023, we would have planned to do 200 AI in all three of the sub-districts in Region Nine. Fortunately for the farmers, and unfortunately for GLDA, we had to adjust our work programme to suit what was happening on the ground. I am optimistic that we will surpass that 200 target that was set,” Dr Walrond underlined.

This activity fulfils a promise made to the people by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in April during his visit to the community.

Based on demand from the communities and the

obstetric works that were done by GLDA, Dr Walrond added, “We will have to spend some additional time in Region Nine, to ensure that we can satisfy the demand of the remaining communities…”

Dr Walrond outlined the benefits of the programme to farmers and the sector. “If we are able to inseminate those animals with some diary breeds, they will have access to fresh milk. So, they don’t have to travel a day and a half or one day to Brazil to buy milk, they will have it there. We are also doing beef breeds in those communities, since they use a lot of beef. So, we ensure that they receive breeds

that are adaptable to those conditions.”

As regards replication of the programme in other regions, Dr Walrond emphasised that AI is something the Ministry has been executing locally, but the focus was primarily along the five coastal regions.

“Now we want to take it to initially 9 of the 10 administrative regions. Kato is still posing some challenges for us in terms of moving the liquid nitrogen which we use to conserve the semen. We are still having some difficulties with aircraft willingness to transport it; it is considered as a potential hazard. As such, we now have to go from Lethem to Karasabai

to get to Region Eight. We are looking at the logistics and the possibility of damage to the flask. Once we can overcome that, we will have Kato involved also in the programme,” he explained.

The Government’s ambitions for improved food security, sustainable economic growth, and increased agricultural incomes all depend on the livestock industry.

According to the 2023 Mid-Year Report, of the $1.1 billion budgeted for the regulation, support, and growth of the dairy and meat industries, as at the end of June 2023, $500 million had already been spent.

The car that reportedly struck the man down

Moments after Inniss was struck down

Dead: Adzel Inniss

Guyana’s economy to experience ‘explosive’ growth over next 5 years – BMI

The world’s fastest-growing economy may be on track to grow by more than 100% by 2028, largely fueled by profits from its oil production and export sector, according to one analysis.

Guyana, a country in South America with a population of about 800,000 people, is projected to grow 38% by the end of the year — an “extremely fast” pace, according to recent gross domestic product forecasts by the International Monetary Fund. The IMF is not alone in

its optimism.

BMI, a Fitch Solutions research unit, is also of the view that “Guyana will see explosive growth this year,” said Andrew Trahan, its head of Latin America country risk.

He expects real GDP in Guyana to rise about 115% in the next five years.

“The exact magnitude of the increase [is] dependent on how quickly additional oil production is brought online,” he added.

BMI sees oil production in Guyana to jump from around 390,000 barrels per

day this year to over a million barrels per day by 2027 as new offshore fields in the country’s Stabroek Block are opened by a consortium led by Exxon Mobil.

Guyana’s Stabroek Block is a 6.6-million-acre offshore oil reservoir off the country’s Atlantic coast, and is estimated to hold 11 billion barrels of oil, according to Exxon Mobil.

“Guyana’s robust growth has been, and will continue to be, driven by a rapid expansion of oil production following a series of discoveries in recent years,” Trahan

Community engagement to be fostered as St Ignatius gets new benab

said, adding that higher oil production will bolster Guyana’s net exports.

Guyana recorded GDP growth of 62.3% in 2022, the highest in the world, according to the IMF.

Besides oil production ramping up with a third oil field coming on stream, growth in Guyana’s nonoil sector has also been boosted by investment in transportation, housing and raising human capital. The IMF’s report highlighted that Guyana’s agriculture, mining and quarrying sectors are also performing well.

Trahan forecasts that the country will be the fastest-growing economy in the world in 2023 again, and expects it to retain the title for at least the next two years.

“We see this strong growth continuing over the coming years as oil production keeps going up, with

real GDP rising roughly 115% between 2022 and 2028,” he said.

Guyana’s stronger energy exports will fuel the country’s growth trajectory, as will the spillover benefits of strong investment, new employment opportunities and an increase in government revenues.

That said, the bullish outlook is not without risks.

Guyana has grown rapidly from being one of the poorest Caribbean countries to an economy “showing exceptional growth,” Valerie Marcel, an associate fellow at think tank Chatham House, told CNBC via email.

The positive growth trajectory will continue, but that will hinge on the country’s political stability and high oil prices.

“Over time, oil prices will be quite volatile and

eventually stay low. That’s why it’s extremely important for Guyana to diversify its economy,” said Marcel.

Like any country dependent on oil revenues, Guyana races risks — notably in corruption and Dutch disease, she cautioned. Dutch disease is an economic term referring to the negative repercussions that arise from rapid development as a result of newfound resources, which paradoxically harms the broader economy.

Likewise, BMI sees notable political risks.

“Guyana is a country with a history of deep divisions between its Indoand Afro-Guyanese populations, and it struggles with corruption and organized crime,” said Trahan. The influx of oil profits could exacerbate the divisions, he said. (CNBC)

Pauline Sukhai and other regional officials cutting the ribbon to commission the

The involvement of both adults and youths is expected to be fostered in the village of St Ignatius, as the new ‘Ariwa Village Benab’ was commissioned recently by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai during her visit to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

As she congratulated the village for their coordination and cooperation in helping to better the community, the Minister noted that the benab is important for residents and their leaders to congregate.

“A benab of this dimension is not a small project, but it is a huge project that is vital for a community, because a benab is understood to be the meeting place for the village, and it is important for us as a Government to always be engaged with the people as well,” Sukhai is quoted in a Department of Public

Information report as saying.

The cultural infrastructure can facilitate training programmes, community meetings, cultural events, and other gatherings.

Meanwhile, the DPI report stated that the Minister also encouraged the villagers to support their leaders and join in the development of the community. She stressed that unity and equity in a village are two features that would drive a region to profound success.

“We must remain united. We must stay willing and committed to community and village development. Once we join hands, we can achieve the impossible,” she posited.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister has called on the youths to be proactive in their village, since their positive actions would not only help to better their village, but the country at large.

Further, Minister Sukhai

said Government is very proud to work towards a “One Guyana”, an initiative formed by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali with the aim of establishing inclusivity in the country.

“Our President is building out a philosophy that establishes a ‘One Guyana’, where every single ethnic group in our country will be recognized; where all of our people will benefit from the resources and the proceeds that our country earns,” Minister Sukhai stated.

Just like with all the other Indigenous villages, St Ignatius has been benefitting tremendously from funds from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Through this fund, Amerindian leaders are being given in excess of one million dollars to purchase, establish, or construct equipment and buildings to enhance the livelihoods of the people.

Benab

Regional Brazil sets up task force for unprecedented drought in Amazon, Minister says

Brazil's Government is preparing a task force to provide emergency assistance to inhabitants in the Amazon region hit by a severe drought that has impacted the rivers that are their life support, Environment Minister Marina Silva said.

Low river levels and hotter waters have killed masses of fish, which are seen floating on river surfaces, contaminating the drinking water, she said.

"We have a very worrying situation. This record drought has disrupted river transport routes threatening food and water shortages, and a large fish mortality is already beginning," she told Reuters in an interview.

Some 111,000 people have been affected in a region where much of the population's protein comes from fishing, which will be suspended for some time, she added.

The civil defence agency warned that the drought could eventually impact up

Dead fish are seen at Piranha lake, which has been affected by the drought of the Solimoes River, in Manicure, state of Amazonas, Brazil, September 27, 2023 (Reuters/Bruno Kelly photos)

to 500,000 people in the Amazon.

The Port of Manaus website said the Rio Negro's water level fell by an average of 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) a day since mid-September and stood at 16.4 meters (54 feet) on Wednesday, about six meters below its level on the same day of last year.

The federal task force would be airlifted by the Air Force to the states of Amazonas and Acre with water, food, medicines and

Peruvian national arrested on suspicion of making 150 US bomb threats

Police in Peru have arrested a man suspected of perpetrating a wave of bomb threats against US schools, synagogues, hospitals and airports, triggering evacuations, flight delays and other disruptions in five states this month, authorities said on Thursday.

Eddie Manuel Nunez Santos, 33, of Lima, Peru, is accused of making 150 bomb threats in all, some directed at Jewish institutions on the Rosh Hashanah holiday, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New

York said in a press release.

All the threats proved to be hoaxes, it said. A Department of Justice spokesperson said his motive in some cases was to get youths to send him sexually explicit photos, or he would set off bombs.

It was not immediately known whether Nunez Santos, who faced extradition to the United States under a federal indictment in New York City, had yet obtained legal representation.

The alleged threats, conveyed by email, were directed at supposed targets in

New York City as well as in Alaska, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Arizona, officials said in the press statement.

One threat cited as an example by prosecutors read: "I placed multiple bombs in all of the schools from your School Districts. The bombs will blow up in a few hours. I'll gladly smile when your families are crying because of your deaths."

That message prompted the evacuation of 1100 students from 20 schools in Pennsylvania, authorities said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

other resources, Silva said.

The Government also allocated 140 million reais ($27.76 million) to dredge rivers and ports in the region to keep transport flowing when water levels drop, she added.

The drought in the Amazon, like the flooding in the south of Brazil, results from the El Niño phenomenon, which warms the surface water in the Pacific Ocean. This year the impact has been greater than normal, weather experts say . (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bolivia faces water shortage as winter heatwave drives drought

Aprolonged drought in Bolivia and one of the hottest winters on record is threatening to leave parts of the South American country short of water, including in the high-altitude city of El Alto, some 4000 metres above sea level.

Climate change is affecting glaciers in the Bolivian Andes that provide fresh water to the surrounding wetlands, springs and dams, with residents of El Alto, perched above La Paz, now only able to access water

at certain times of the day.

Bertha Apaza, a local resident, said the extreme heat was a clear sign of shifting climates that had now forced the city to ration water use.

"We have schedules to receive water, we don't have enough to cook or wash clothes, much less take a shower," she said.

Bolivia has experienced some of the most extreme temperatures in August and September, which are usually temperate months.

Neighbouring Brazil, Paraguay and Peru have

IMF says Argentina’s spending splurge sharpens economic challenge

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday recent policy moves by Argentina's Government, including wide-ranging tax breaks for individuals and sectors, were aggravating the country's already complex economic situation.

Argentina, battling inflation at 124 per cent, negative net foreign currency reserves, a looming recession and a sliding peso currency, is the IMF's largest creditor with a US$44 billion loan deal both sides are trying des-

perately to salvage.

The South American country is also headed for crunch general elections next month. Economy Minister Sergio Massa, the presidential candidate for the ruling Peronist coalition, is battling to stay in the race against two rightwing rivals.

The government in recent weeks has rolled out tax breaks for workers, certain sectors and preferential currency exchange measures for the energy sector, despite pledges to trim spending and improve the fiscal deficit.

"The recently-adopted policy measures and announcements add to Argentina's challenges," IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said in a scheduled press briefing, citing "very challenging and complex" economic situations.

"We are working to better understand and assess the impact of the recent measures and the need for offsetting actions that could be taken to strengthen stability and safeguard programme objectives –while not adding to future vulnerabilities." (Excerpt from Reuters)

also experienced unusual late winter and early spring heat waves, with temperatures at all-time records in the Southern Hemisphere, including large parts of southeastern Australia.

Some once-fertile areas across the western region of Bolivia have been reduced to dust. Many of those living in El Alto, a city of around one million people, come from farming communities raising livestock and planting vegetables to survive. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US$5M reward offered for information on killing of Ecuadorean presidential candidate

The United States is offering a US$5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of those behind the killing of Ecuadorean presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

Villavicencio, a former lawmaker and crusading anti-corruption Journalist,

was gunned down in Quito on August 9, less than two weeks before the presidential election. Ecuadorean Police have arrested six suspects who they say are all Colombians belonging to criminal groups.

In addition to the US$5 million reward, Blinken also announced a US$1 million reward for information leading to the identification

Antigua and Barbuda signs

landmark ocean protection treaty at the United Nations

Antigua and Barbuda has joined several countries around the world as the first signatories to a landmark agreement on marine biodiversity in the high seas, which allows for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans.

During the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Chet Greene added his signature to the agreement, committing Antigua and Barbuda to the principles laid out in what is known as the Biodiversity Behind National Jurisdictions or BBNJ Treaty.

or location of any individual holding a key leadership position in the group responsible for Villavicencio's death.

"The United States will continue to support the people of Ecuador and work to bring to justice individuals who seek to undermine democratic processes through violent crime," Blinken said in a statement. (Reuters)

The ceremony represented a groundbreaking moment for Antigua and Barbuda as the signing comes after nearly two decades of talks that culminated last June when Governments adopted the internationally legally-binding instrument.

The agreement required 60 ratifications to go into force and thanks to Minister

Greene, who was among Antigua and Barbuda’s high-level delegation attending the UN General Assembly, this country can be counted among the well over 80 nations that signed as the first step towards ratification.

“This was indeed a proud and seminal moment for me personally and for Antigua and Barbuda. We have no control over the vastness of the ocean or the actions of others who use it to

dump their waste,” Minister Greene pointed out.

“In the BBNJ Treaty we now have a legal framework on which small island nations like Antigua and Barbuda can rely on in protecting our fragile marine space from what enters it from well beyond our borders. It is indeed fulfilling that as a nation we were able to be a part of such an important process in getting us to this day,” the Minister remarked. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Chet Greene

Around The World OIL NEWS

US Govt shutdown odds grow as Senate, House advance separate spending plans

Oil eases 1%, reversing rally, on profit taking, interest rate worries

An aerial view shows an oil factory of Idemitsu Kosan Co. in Ichihara

Oil futures eased about one per cent on Thursday, as traders took profits after prices soared to 10-month highs, and some worried that high interest rates may weigh on oil demand.

On its second to last day as the front-month, Brent futures for November delivery fell US$1.17 or 1.2 per cent, to settle at US$95.38 a barrel. Brent November futures expire today.

Brent December futures fell about 1.3 per cent to settle at US$93.10 per barrel.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$1.97, or 2.1 per cent, to settle at US$91.71 per barrel.

Earlier, scarce supply and inventory supplies lifted the Brent front-month to hit US$97.69, its highest since November 2022. WTI rose to its highest since August 2022 at US$95.03.

"Oil was ripe for a pullback. After coming a few dollars short of the US$100 level, energy traders are quickly locking in profits," Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA, said in a note.

Some traders worried high oil prices will stoke inflation, encouraging the US Federal Reserve and other central banks to persist with high interest rates.

"Crude is now serving as a catalyst for bearishness ... as investors view high oil prices as reason for the Fed to persist with high rates for longer than originally planned in order to curb inflation," analysts at energy consulting firm Gelber & Associates said in a note.

The US economy maintained a fairly-strong 2.1 per cent pace of growth in the second quarter and appears to have gathered momentum this quarter with a resilient labour market driving strong wage gains.

Growth estimates for the July-September quarter are currently as high as a 4.9 per cent rate. But the fourth quarter could see a sharp slowdown if there is a US government shutdown on October 1.

Fed officials are focused on the super core price measure after hiking the benchmark overnight interest rate by 525 basis points since March 2022 to the 5.25 per cent-5.50-per cent range.

The premium of the WTI front-month over the second month held near a 14-month high for a second day. The market structure called backwardation occurs when spot prices are higher than future prices, giving energy firms little incentive to pay to store fuel for future months.

On Wednesday, WTI backwardation soared 48 per cent to US$2.38 a barrel, the highest since the end of July 2022, after Government data showed stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma storage hub and delivery point for US crude futures, extended their drawdown, also to the lowest since July 2022.

"Cushing storage has shrunk to a historically-low level, leading to a further increase in backwardation in the WTI curve," analysts at Barclays, a bank, said in a note.

"In the absence of a demand shock, it might take a sustained further narrowing of the WTI-Brent spread for a material turnaround in storage level at Cushing to occur," Barclays said.

Cushing's levels have slid to near historic lows due to strong refining and export demand, prompting concerns about quality of the remaining oil.

Meanwhile, tight prompt US supplies have also narrowed the premium of Brent over WTI held near a five-month low after falling to $2.87 per barrel on Wednesday, its lowest since late April.

Falling U.S. crude inventories follow combined cuts of 1.3 million barrels per day to the end of the year by Saudi Arabia and Russia, part of OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies.

Russia said its ban on fuel exports will remain in place until the domestic market stabilises and noted it has not discussed with OPEC+ a possible supply increase to compensate for that fuel export ban. (Reuters)

The Democratic-led US Senate forged ahead on Thursday with a bipartisan stopgap funding bill aimed at averting a fourth partial government shutdown in a decade, while the House prepared to vote on partisan Republican spending bills with no chance of becoming law.

The divergent paths of the two chambers appeared to increase the odds that federal agencies will run out of money on Sunday, furloughing hundreds of thousands of federal workers and halting a wide range of services from economic data releases to nutrition benefits.

The Senate voted 76-22

to open debate on a stopgap bill known as a continuing resolution, or CR, which would extend federal spending until Nov. 17, and authorise roughly US$6 billion each for domestic disaster response funding and aid to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia.

The Senate measure has already been rejected by Republicans, who control the House of Representatives.

The House planned latenight votes on four partisan appropriations bills that would not alone prevent a shutdown, even if they could overcome strong opposition from Democrats and become law.

House Republicans, led

The US Capitol

by a small faction of hardline conservatives in the chamber they control by a 221-212 margin, have rejected spending levels for fiscal year 2024 set in a deal Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated with Biden in May.

The agreement included US$1.59 trillion in discretionary spending in fiscal 2024. House Republicans are demanding another US$120 billion in cuts, plus tougher legislation that would stop the flow of

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukrainian forces are “gradually gaining ground”, NATO chief says

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, on an unannounced visit to Kyiv, said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces were "gradually gaining ground" in their counteroffensive against Russian forces.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Stoltenberg said "every metre that Ukrainian forces regain is a metre that Russia loses".

"And there is a stark contrast: Ukrainians are fighting for their families, their future, their freedom," he added. "Moscow is fighting for imperial delusions."

Zelenskiy stressed Ukraine's need for more air defence against Russian attacks, saying Moscow had used more than 40 Shahed drones

in strikes on Ukraine the previous night alone.

"And so it is almost every night. In the conditions of such intense attacks against Ukrainians, against our cities, ports – which are important for global food security –we need a corresponding increase in pressure on Russia and a corresponding increase in our air shield," he said.

Stoltenberg said he was "constantly pushing" NATO allies to provide more support to Ukraine and speed up delivery, "not least" of air defence systems.

Stoltenberg announced that NATO now had over-arching framework contracts in place with arms companies worth 2.4 billion euros (US$2.53 billion) for ammunition, including one billion euros in firm orders.

He said such contracts

Gunman kills 3 in twin Rotterdam shootings – Dutch Police

Dutch Police have arrested a gunman who killed at least three people in twin shootings in the city of Rotterdam.

They say the male attacker, 32, opened fire in a home before setting it alight, then stormed the city's Erasmus Medical Center on Thursday.

He was a student at Erasmus University, which is affiliated with the hospital.

A woman, 39, and her 14year old daughter were killed in the first shooting. A male lecturer, 43, was shot dead at the hospital.

Footage has emerged showing a man in camouflaged clothing being taken from the hospital building in

handcuffs. The motives for the attack were not immediately known.

A security guard who says he was first on the scene told the BBC it was a "shocking" day.

"It was terrible, terrible," he said, visibly shaken and not wanting to give his name.

He said that the gunman had not entered the medical centre through the main entrance.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote in a post on social media: "My thoughts go out to the victims of the violence, their loved ones and to all the people who have been in great fear."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

would allow NATO members to replenish their depleted stockpiles while also continuing to provide Ukraine with ammunition, a key factor in the war.

Stoltenberg also condemned Russian strikes

near Ukraine's border with NATO member Romania. He said there was no evidence such strikes were a deliberate attack on Romania, but branded them "reckless" and "destabilising". (Reuters)

“Dumbledore” actor dies

“Harry Potter” co-stars of

Sir Michael Gambon, who played Professor Albus Dumbledore in six films, are among those paying tribute to the stage and screen legend after his death aged 82.

Daniel Radcliffe said the "brilliant, effortless" actor "loved his job but never seemed defined by it".

Emma Watson thanked Sir Michael for "showing us what it looks like to wear greatness lightly".

Writer JK Rowling hailed a "wonderful man" and "outstanding actor".

Another Potter star, Fiona Shaw, said Sir Michael has shown during his long and varied life that he "could do anything" as an actor.

The Dublin-born actor, who died in hospital after a bout of pneumonia, worked in TV, film, theatre and radio in his six-decade career. He won four Baftas.

Sir Michael's family had moved to London when he was a child but he made his very first stage performance in Ireland, in a production of

Othello in Dublin in 1962.

His career took off when he became one of the original members of Laurence Olivier's National Theatre acting company in London. He went on to win three Olivier awards for performances in National Theatre productions.

Although he always regarded his theatre work as the most important, he won acclaim for a series of key TV and cinema roles in the 1980s and 1990s.

These included the ground-breaking and controversial BBC One drama “The Singing Detective”, in which he played the eponymous sleuth in a complex tale from writer Dennis Potter.

He played a very different detective, Parisian Jules Maigret, in two series of an ITV adaptation of Georges Simenon's classic novels, and portrayed Oscar Wilde in 1985 in a three-part BBC Two series focused on the writer's criminal trial and imprisonment. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sir Michael played “Dumbledore” in six Harry Potter films

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Your energy is mounting and will require direction. Compatibility with others is necessary if you want to get things done on time. Refuse to let persuasive people interfere with your agenda.

(March 21-April 19)

Focus on pastimes that make you think and inspire you to direct your talent toward something desirable. Bring about change that gives you more control over your life.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Don’t let a smooth talker lead you astray. Trust your instincts, look at the facts and resist temptation. Fix up your space to serve your needs and simplify your life.

Be smart, assess situations and choose a practical route that offers stability and less stress. Say no to people awash in drama, chaos and temptation. Seek out supportive allies.

(June 21-July 22)

Do your own thing. If you follow someone else, you won’t have control over your destiny. Use your experience to discern what’s best for you, and set your sights on something big.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Consider how you earn and handle money. Don’t let your emotions interfere with financial decisions. An encounter will impact how you think and live. Consider your options and make plans.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take everything in stride. Be observant. Don’t feel obligated to jump on someone else’s bandwagon. Pay attention to personal growth, long-term goals and saving money. Work to lessen stress.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Get in the game, have fun, expand your mind and display your passion. Set high standards and look for innovative solutions, and the success and happiness you desire will be yours.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don’t get trapped in a verbal battle with someone trying to take advantage of you. Walk away and put your energy into something that matters to you. Hone your skills and do your own thing.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Refuse to let emotional issues interfere with your plans. Take care of business and make personal improvements that set your mind at ease. Interact with others and make a difference.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Refuse to get tangled up in someone else’s dilemma. Pay attention to money matters, your lifestyle and your goals. Take control of partnerships and set ground rules that protect everyone.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

You can go the distance if you stay focused on what’s important to you. Adding structure to your life will help you obtain security. Tighten up your financial situation.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Gilbert backs Reggae Girlz to bounce back in Gold Cup qualifying campaign

With their Concacaf Olympic qualifying chapter now closed, as they failed to rewrite the history books, Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz and coaching staff will not only have to pick up the pieces, but also come up with new ideas to ensure the programme's continued progress, as they now shift focus to the Gold Cup qualifying campaign.

The Girlz, who were seeking to become the first Caribbean nation to qualify for women's football at the Olympic Games, suffered a 1-4 aggregate defeat to reigning Olympic champions Canada, after 0-2 and 1-2 losses across the two-leg home-and-away playoffs. The victories ensured Canada the second automatic spot for both the Olympic Games and Gold Cup respectively, and they join the United States, who were already qualified by virtue of topping last year's CONCACAF Women’s Championships in Mexico.

For the Reggae Girlz, it is back to the proverbial drawing board, with much to contemplate, as their defence, particularly on the left, and midfield in the playoff fixtures, were a shadow of what it was when they held Brazil and France to goalless stalemates at the

FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia.

While the Girlz are expected to bounce back against Panama and Guatemala next month, assistant coach Xavier Gilbert has said it is hard for the coaching staff to really think too far ahead, as uncertainty surrounds the renewal of their contracts, which expire on Saturday.

"It's difficult to say what our plans are, going forward. Our contract ends on the 30th of September, and we are yet to hear anything from the Jamaica Football Federation. So, we don't know what will happen after this; we don't know if we will be the staff in charge of the unit. But it's still a good unit, and I

think they are going to do well against those opposition next month, regardless," Gilbert told SportsMax.tv.

Reflecting on performances against Canada, Gilbert, though admitting shortcomings in certain areas, credited the Girlz for the fight shown, particularly in Tuesday's second-leg at a soldout BMO Field in Toronto.

"I think the performance wasn't bad. We wanted to score at least one before the half-time break, and we got that go-ahead goal. Unfortunately, we conceded, and I think that set us back again. But it was a good effort, and it just goes to show how much we are growing in the region and on the world stage.

"So, I have to give the Girlz

Spanish Police raid Referees’ Committee offices

Spanish police have raided the offices of the Referees' Committee as part of an investigation into Barcelona's alleged corrupt payments to an official.

Barcelona face charges of corruption over payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of the Committee, in return for favourable refereeing decisions. UEFA are also investigating the matter. Barcelona have denied any wrongdoing, and no arrest was made during the search in Madrid.

The Spanish Civil Guard searched the Spanish Technical Committee of Referees’ (CTA) headquarters on Thursday. BBC Sport has been told that the judge presiding over the case demanded documentation from the CTA. This was not sent, and that prompted the raid.

The initial criminal investigation was brought by the Barcelona Public Prosecutor's Office in March, with European football's governing body, UEFA, launching their own investigation shortly after.

It is alleged that Barcelona

paid 8.4m euros (£7.4m) to Negreira and his Dasnil 95 company. The payments were initially investigated as part of a tax probe into the company run by Negreira. Barcelona made payments to the company totalling a reported 1.4m euros (£1.2m) between 2016 and 2018, and paid Negreira about 7m euros (£6.2m) between 2001 and 2018, the year he left his role with the Referees' Committee.

Barcelona acknowledged they had paid Dasnil 95, which has been described as "an ex-

credit, they held their own in a hostile environment… Yes, there were some lapses in concentration, and there was an overload on the left side again; and when you make certain errors, you pay the price, especially against quality opposition. And that's what happened last night," Gilbert reasoned.

"I don't think the issue is only at the left back, because we know what they (Canada) were doing, and we should have prevented that. The Canadian team did well the way they pulled our left back out and exploited the spaces behind. But we have to give more help and support in that area, and then we also have to be a little bit more positive on that side too, so that we can push the overlap and get forward more often," he added.

On that note, Gilbert re-

vealed that the players accepted responsibility for the lukewarm performance, and by extension not being able to give the country something more to celebrate.

“They are disappointed, because they really wanted to make the country proud. Some of them even broke down in tears after the game, but we just have to pick ourselves up and go again,” Gilbert shared.

He continued: “Like I said, we did well in terms of where we are on the world stage right now; because, playing against Canada, everybody would have expected at least 4-0, as those are the defeats that we used to get against these oppositions. So, I believe we are now closing the gap and things are changing, and those are the positives that we have to take from this.

“We are getting closer and closer because, again, no one

would have thought -- even years gone by, and probably even now -- that we would have been so competitive against Canada, who are the defending Olympic champions. So, let’s not forget that.”

Finally, Gilbert pointed out that, should the Lorne Donaldson-led unit remain in charge of the programme, they would be aiming to add more players to the pool. This is to not only remedy their defensive and midfield concerns, but also to ensure continuity.

“For sure, we want to continue on the same path: widen the pool of players, especially in certain areas that we think we need it, and continue to give other players opportunities, so that we can have a wider pool to select from, and make it more competitive in every position,” he ended. (Sportsmax)

Ashwin replaces Axar in India's World Cup squad

Offspinner R Ashwin has replaced left-arm spinner Axar Patel in India's final 15 for the 2023 World Cup*.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that Axar, who left the Asia Cup with a quadriceps strain, needs at least three more weeks to recover fully. Today is the deadline for teams to make changes - no questions asked - to their World Cup squads, as per the ICC's regulations. From tomorrow, any further change would need the consent of the World Cup's Technical Committee.

This development means that Ashwin joins Virat Kohli as one of only two players in this squad who also featured in India's 2011 World Cupwinning run. Ashwin's inclusion has come as a surprise, with things changing quickly. He was not part of the 15-man squad announced by the BCCI in late August.

those Australia games, taking 1 for 47 and 3 for 41, before being rested for the third ODI in Rajkot, where Washington replaced him.

ternal technical consultant", to compile video reports on referees "with the aim of complementing the information required by the coaching staff". They said paying for reports was "a habitual practice among professional clubs".

In February, 18 of the 19 other La Liga clubs had issued a statement expressing "deep concern". In July, UEFA had provisionally cleared Barcelona to play in this season's Champions League, while their investigation is ongoing. (BBC Sport)

At that time, India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar had pointed out that while Ashwin was one of the contenders, the selectors and the team management had opted for Axar, whom they felt provided batting depth. In the Asia Cup, when Axar got injured and returned to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, the BCCI had drafted Washington Sundar as his replacement.

Both Washington and Ashwin were included in the three-match ODI series against Australia that followed, which India won 2-1. That series was the first time Ashwin, 37, had played for India in ODIs in 18 months.

He played the first two of

Rahul Dravid, India's head coach, had said at a media briefing on Wednesday, after the third ODI, that "there were no changes" to the World Cup squad. Dravid had said that Agarkar had been in touch with the NCA on Axar's rehab.

However, following the latest update on Axar, Ashwin has been slotted in, and Washington will fly to China on Friday to join India's squad for the Asian Games.

Ashwin is the only specialist off-spinner in India's World Cup squad, and brings with him the experience of 115 ODIs (155 wickets, economy rate 4.94). He had made his ODI debut a year before the 2011 World Cup, and was part of India's successful campaign with four wickets in two games. He had also played in the 2015 World Cup in Australia, where he took 13 wickets in eight matches. He

had not been part of India's 2019 World Cup squad in England. India captain Rohit Sharma had said, on the eve of the third ODI against Australia, that all this experience worked in Ashwin's favour. "Ashwin has got the class, he's got experience of playing the sport and handling the pressure; it's just that he hasn't played ODIs [for] a year or so. But you cannot take away the class and the experience that the individual has over the years, and in the last couple of games [against Australia], we saw how well he bowled. He's got a lot of variations up his sleeves."

India's updated World Cup squad: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (vice-capt), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj. (ESPNCricinfo)

Assistant coach Xavier Gilbert (inset) and the Reggae Girlz

The alleged payments between Barcelona and Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira were revealed in February by radio station Ser Catalunya

Ravichandran Ashwin

“WAIT AND SEE” – as part of corruption investigation in Barcelona

WI Women’s tour to Australia…

Ramharack leads Windies to warm-up win

West Indies Women got their tour to Australia off to a winning start with a 4-wicket victory over a New South Wales (NSW) team at Wilson Park.

Batting first, Karishma Ramharack had the NSW ladies spun tightly in her off-spin web, as did skipper Hayley Matthews. NSW Women posted 105/9 from their 20 overs, with skipper Sammy-Jo Johnson being their top-scorer with 28. This was followed by Hannah Darlington with 24. Ramharack finished with figures of 3-0-12-3, and Matthews with figures of 2-07-2.

Shemaine Campbelle led the West Indies’ run-chase with 33 runs from 34 deliveries, which included five boundaries. Skipper Matthews was next best with 24 runs off 27 deliveries. Aaliyah Alleyne made 19 not out, and Zaida James made 15 not out, which took the visitors home to victory in 17.5 overs.

Maitlan Brown was the pick of the New South Wales bowlers, producing figures of 2-8 from 2.5 overs, while Stella Campbell returned figures of 2-16 from 2 overs.

Head Coach Shane Deitz has been pleased with the results from the team's first outing since arriving in Australia four days ago. He said, "It's good to get the first win on tour. I think we've got a lot of areas we need to improve on…especially getting used to

batting on these wickets with some extra pace and bounce. Overall, I think we played generally good all-round, and it's going to put us in a good position to play on Sunday.”

The ODI series against Australia is West Indies’ fourth fixture in the ICC Women’s Championship 20222025, after playing New Zealand, England and Ireland. Each match provides West Indies with opportunity to win valuable points to climb the Championship table, where they currently lie at 9th out of ten teams. Following the Australia Series, West Indies Women will have four further three-match ODI series to play over the next two years.

At the end of the cycle, the top five teams in the ICC Women’s Championship

Developments in local boxing…

will book a berth for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025, as well as hosts India. The remaining teams will have to go through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

West Indies Full Squad

* Hayley Matthews (captain)

* Shemaine Campbelle

(vice-captain)

* Aaliyah Alleyne

* Shamilia Connell

* Afy Fletcher

* Cherry-Ann Fraser

* Shabika Gajnabi

* Jannillea Glasgow

* Chinelle Henry

* Zaida James

* Djenaba Joseph

* Ashmini Munisar

* Karishma Ramharack

* Stafanie Taylor

Republican Boxing Gym back in action

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has officially confirmed the revival of the Republican Gym; which, following a fiveyear hiatus, will make its competitive re-emergence at the 2023 edition of the Andrew 'Six Head' Lewis National Novices Championships, which run from this evening to Sunday, October 1st, at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

This popular fighting stable will feature 10 boxers in the tournament, and they will be under the tutelage of national coach Lennox Daniels; who, under the auspices of the National Sports Commission, has been working assiduously with the group at the Lusignan Prison Facility, East Coast Demerara.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle has said, "Like the proverbial phoenix (rising) from the ashes, the Republican Gym has re-emerged, and their reappearance -- which is very significant, given their historic contributions to the discipline and the overall fraternity -- has been a project that was directly undertaken and assisted by the GBA and the National Sports Commission.”

He further said, "We com-

prehend the significance of providing opportunities and a platform for individuals to display their aptitudes, and these occasions and chances should be available and afforded to all and sundry. The GBA anticipates, much to the benefit of the tournament, that their re-emergence will serve as a catalyst for the gym's continued vibrancy. As such, the gym was provided a quality coaching apparatus administered by national coach Lennox Daniels for their utilisation, so that their return will be as memorable as it's competitive."

Ninvalle reminded that when coached by Wincell Thomas, the Republican Gym had turned the tables on the highly favoured GDF

Lennox Daniels

Gym at the 2014 National Intermediate Championships. This year's National Novice Championships, which will feature participation from notable gyms such as defending champion the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pace and Power, Rose Hall, and Vergenoegen, will commence on a daily basis from 18:00hrs. The medical assessment and weight-in exercise was held yesterday at the National Gymnasium.

Staged in honour of former world champion Andrew Six Heads Lewis, who met his unfortunate demise in a vehicular accident on May 4th, 2015, the championships have birthed the journey of numerous of the nation's leading premier amateur pugilists.

(5:05am Eastern Caribbean, 4:05pm Jamaica time)

October 5: 3rd T20I at Allan Border Field, Brisbane (night) - 7:05pm local time

(5:05am Eastern Caribbean, 4:05pm Jamaica time)

October 8: 1st ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane - 10:35am local time (8:35pm

October 7 Eastern Caribbean,

7:35pm Jamaica time)

October 12: 2nd ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne10:05am local time (8:05pm

October 11 Eastern Caribbean, 7:05pm Jamaica time)

October 14: 3rd ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne10:05am local time (8:05pm

October 13 Eastern Caribbean, 7:05pm Jamaica time).

SCOREBOARD

New South Wales Women (20 ovs

maximum)

Tahlia Wilson † c Matthews

b Henry 10

Claire Moore c Williams

b Ramharack 12

Anika Learoyd c †Campbelle

b Matthews 1

Williams

Team Management Unit

* Shane Deitz - Head Coach

* Sheena Gooding - Team Manager

* Damien WrightAssistant Coach

* Ryan Austin - Assistant Coach

* Tajay GrantPhysiotherapist

* Antonia BurtonStrength & Conditioning Coach

* Naasira MohammedMedia Officer

Match Schedule

October 1: 1st T20I at North Sydney Oval, Sydney12:20pm local time (11:20pm

September 30 Eastern Caribbean, 10:20pm Jamaica time)

October 2: 2nd T20I at North Sydney Oval, Sydney (night) - 7:05pm local time

Erin Burns c Alleyne

b Ramharack 0

Saskia Horley c Williams

b Ramharack 5

Maitlan Brown c Connell

b Zaida James 5

Sammy-Jo Johnson (c) st †Campbelle

b Matthews 28

Hannah Darlington c Gajnabi

b Alleyne 24

Sarah Coyte not out 11

Stella Campbell c Henry

b Alleyne 4

Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.25) 105/9

Did not bat: Jade Allen, Ebony

Hoskin, Isabella Malgioglio

Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Tahlia Wilson,

2.4 ov), 2-19 (Anika Learoyd, 4.6 ov), 3-20 (Erin Burns, 5.3 ov), 4-31 (Claire Moore, 7.3 ov),

5-32 (Saskia Horley, 7.6 ov), 6-38 (Maitlan Brown, 10.4 ov), 7-87 (Hannah Darlington, 17.4 ov), 8-93 (Sammy-Jo Johnson, 18.5 ov),

9-105 (Stella Campbell, 19.6 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Chinelle Henry 3-0-19-1

Cherry-Ann Fraser 3-0-20-0

Hayley Matthews 2-0-7-2

Karishma Ramharack 3-0-12-3

Afy Fletcher 2-0-6-0

Shamilia Connell 2-0-11-0

Developments in European football…

Zaida James 3-0-16-1

Aaliyah Alleyne 2-0-13-2

West Indies Women (T: 106 runs from 20 ovs)

Hayley Matthews (c) c Burns

b Campbell 24

Shabika Gajnabi c †Wilson b Brown 1

Stafanie Taylor c †Wilson

b Brown 0

Rashada Williams c Burns

b Darlington 0

Shemaine Campbelle † c †Wilson

b Hoskin 33

Chinelle Henry c Burns

b Campbell 2

Aaliyah Alleyne not out 19

Zaida James not out 15

Extras (lb 3, w 9) 12

TOTAL 17.5 Ov (RR: 5.94) 106/6

Did not bat: Shamilia Connell, Afy

Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack,

Cherry-Ann Fraser, Djenaba

Joseph, Ashmini Munisar

Fall of wickets:

Ukrainian FA asks European teams not to play Russia U17s

…Despite Russia having UEFA permission

The Ukrainian Football Association has written to all European associations, asking them not to play against Russia U17s, following UEFA's decision to readmit national teams from that country at youth level.

BBC Sport understands that the decision to readmit national teams from Russia was not supported unanimously within UEFA. This decision to readmit has come after European football's governing body had banned all Russian sides following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The English FA has already said it will not allow England to play Russia, and Sweden has also said its U17 side will not host Russia.

UEFA made the surprise reversal earlier this week, and is now deciding how to reintegrate the teams into the male and female European championships which are due to take place next year, given the respective qualifying draws have already been made.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has said that youth players should not be held accountable for the actions of the Russian Government.

Evidently, this stance is not accepted by the Ukrainians, who want the decision overturned. In its letter, the Ukraine FA said: "We are convinced any step towards reintegration of Russian representatives is a hazardous and terrifying trend, which means nothing but support to the Russian terrorist state and all their crimes committed in Ukraine."

The next Under-17 Male European Championship finals are due to be played in Cyprus next year, with the women's equivalent scheduled for May in Sweden. After banning the country's teams from European competition, UEFA had also revoked Russia's hosting rights for the 2022 Champions League final and 2023 Super Cup - due to be held in Saint Petersburg and Kazan respectively – and had also cancelled the sponsorship contract with state-owned energy giant Gazprom. (BBC Sport)

The West Indies Women have had a warm-up win against New South Wales

Wincell Thomas

Aleksander Ceferin

* Rashada

urges athletes to use

Heritage Games as springboard

…As 2023 edition officially opens

The 2023 edition of the annual Heritage Games opened on Wednesday night at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown with much pomp and splendour.

Some 792 athletes are set to compete in various sporting disciplines in these Games; and this year’s Heritage Games have been dedicated to the memory of the 20 children who lost their lives in the Mahdia School Dormitory fire that occurred in May 2023. With each of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions being amply represented at these Games, intense com- petition is anticipated in football, cricket, archery, track and field, and swim ming.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, had an inspiring sto ry to tell at the event’s opening ceremony -- that of Region One footballer Analis Vincent. “She came down to one of the Heritage Games as a teenager 16 years old, and got recognized at the Heritage Games,

called to a trial by the GFF, and she was selected as a teenager to represent Guyana (as a member of) the

United States of America (USA), Ramson encouraged this year’s athletes to view the Heritage Games as a platform to propel their athletic and academic careers.

“I wanted to trace that story for you, because I want you to understand that this is a platform; every single opportunity that you have ever had, that took you to this point, is a platform, a stepping stone to where you’re going to go next,” Ramson Jr shared.

assurance for those gathered.

of you are already winners,” he added.

Speaking of Vincent’s progression to the senior women’s national team, and her acquisition of a scholarship to study and play in the

The Sport Minister did not there end his encouraging words, as he cited the far distances and often disenfranchised situations that athletes have had to overcome to compete in the Games. As such, he had further words of

“Many people see their circumstances, which may not be fortunate, as a reason for discouragement and abandonment of their dreams. I want you to know that those unfortunate, or circumstances that are not favourable for your success, are not reasons for your being in any way disadvantaged,” he declared.

“Many times, those circumstances make you work harder and overcome far more, and it makes you stronger. And I want you to know that just being here today, all

AAG National Seniors back on from today

…Trinidadian athletes slated to compete

After announcing last month that their National Senior Track and Field Championships would be cancelled completely, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) have now declared that the meet is back on.

Back in August, the AAG had citied the lack of a suitable venue as reason for cancelling the all-important meet, noting that it was already late in the season to persist with hosting such.

However, with the recent refurbishing of the track at the National Track and Field Center at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), it appears that the AAG have had a change of heart.

The Championships will now be staged from today, Friday, September 29th, to Sunday October 1st. The action is scheduled to kick-off at 5:00 pm today, with proceedings commencing at 10:00am on both Saturday and Sunday.

AAG President Sheryl Hermonstine has revealed

that the three-day championships would showcase some of the nation's exceptional athletes alongside participants from Trinidad and Tobago. She has expressed the AAG's elation at finally being able to host these long-delayed championships, and has extended gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport as well as the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support.

While the primary fo-

cus of these events is on senior athletes, competitors born in 2007 are eligible to participate today in events such as the men's 10,000m, women's 5000m, high jump, men's shot put, and women's 100m.

"We anticipate three thrilling days of competitive events, and I have full confidence that the athletes and coaches are prepared to deliver," Hermonstine has said.

Hermonstine said fans will not see Emanuel

Archibald, National Champion in the long jump, 100m and 200m, in action, since he’s in preparation mode for next month’s Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Running Brave track club, the Police Progressive Youth Club, Hopetown Flames, and athletes from Linden are expected to participate.

Mark Scott serves as the competition's Technical Delegate, while Kenisha Headley will oversee the sports as the Competitions Secretary.

Hermonstine emphasised the pivotal role played by the technical committee, led by Orin Thomas and his team, in organising the championships.

The AAG President also acknowledged the valuable support of sponsors for the Association's premier event in 2023, including the KMPA Foundation, Banks DIH, Courts Guyana, GT&T, Guyana Beverages Inc., and Woodpecker Products.

Also in attendance at the Heritage Games’ opening were Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) all-rounder Keemo Paul, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline

Sukhai, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, and Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton.

The Games are scheduled to conclude on Sunday, October 1st, at the same venue.

CWI reiterates no decision yet made for World Cup final

Following a recent misunderstanding between Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow and Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) President Conde Riley, the CWI has issued a statement to provide clarity on the ongoing process of venue selection for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the Caribbean and USA in June 2024.

The statement reads, “CWI acknowledges the enthusiasm and interest expressed by various governments, cricket boards, and stakeholders in hosting the highly anticipated tournament.”

Johnny Grave, CWI Chief Executive Officer, has said: "Following a robust selection process of our seven host venues, CWIappointed Venues Selection Committee, chaired by President Dr. Kishore

Shallow, has made recommendations to the ICC on allocations of matches for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the Caribbean and USA in June 2024."

He also acknowledged the commendable efforts made by nations within the region; however, he emphasized that final decisions have yet to be reached.

"These recommendations are subject to venues confirming commitment to all required obligations and ICC approval. We are delighted by the enthusiasm and interest expressed by our host governments and cricket boards, and appreciate the hard work and commitment shown as we look to deliver a spectacular Men's T20 World Cup next year. We will now work with the ICC, our hosts and ICC members to finalise the match schedule in the coming weeks."

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (DPI Photo)

CWI CEO, Johnny Grave

A glimpse of the Heritage Games’ opening ceremony (DPI Photo)

AAG President Amanda Hermonstine