Guyana Times -Monday, September 18, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, Sep 18 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Tuesday, Sep 19 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Sep 18 – 05:50h

– 07:20h and Tuesday, Sep 19 – 06:25h – 07:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

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

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:13h and 18:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.69 metres and 2.7 metres.

Low Tide: 12:01h reaching a minimum height of 0.59 metre.

Pres Ali touts creative ICT solutions to raise

While in Batavia, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), for the Heritage Day festival, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday acknowledged his Government’s responsibility to bridge infrastructure and service gaps between the capital city and hinterland locations, and made it clear that the Government takes this role seriously.

According to President Ali, minimum standards must be established across the country that would allow all Guyanese to benefit in an equitable manner. He noted that it must not be a case where the capital city is the only beneficiary of adequate services.

“Our task in Government, is to work towards bridging the gaps. Wherever there are gaps, we have to bridge

Initiative, to allow Guyana to benefit from the £46.3 mil-

the infrastructure to ensure that you have, not just Wi-Fi services, but Wi-Fi services that is capable of giving you that platform for e-learning and distance learning. Similarly, the teachers who are already trained. We want you to become trained graduates right from your villages. That is why we’re expanding the GOAL scholarship programme and building infrastructure to support you benefitting from this programme.”

ing renewed, and a fire safety system installed.

the gaps to ensure there is a minimum set of standards, a minimum set of service, that all our people enjoy in an equitable way. So, it is not, in every capital city will have services that other areas will never have,” the President said.

“But what we have to do in the country is to establish a minimum set of service and standards that every single community must enjoy. And that is what we’re doing. For water, for electricity, for education, for healthcare, for infrastructure, we’re establishing that minimum set of service that every single community must have across the country. And that is what we’re

lion Strengthening Health Facilities in the Caribbean (Smart Hospital) project. Through that project, Guyana has been able to upgrade five hospitals – Diamond in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Leonora in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Mabaruma in Region One (BarimaWaini), Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Paramakatoi in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), to accommodate Smart Hospital technology.

According to President Ali, the Government is working to incorporate Information

“We’re working with partners like the UK, to ensure we have Smart hospitals and we build out telemedicine. So that our people in our communities, all across Guyana, can have

The functional aspects of the retrofit included specific improvements for disabled persons, accessibility, telecommunication, and infection control. The green upgrades provided more efficient cooling, ventilation and waste management; rainwater harvesting systems; LED lighting; solar panels – all aimed at lowering the operating expenditures and environmental footprint.

The facility also received a full upgrade of the pharmacy and HVAC system to keep medicines and supplies at a safe storage temperature. These upgrades cost

building. A strong, prosperous, productive future for every Guyanese.”

The President also made mention of the work that has been done through a United Kingdom Smart Hospitals

and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions into not just medicine, but also education services, thereby helping to bridge gaps.

“We are now investing in

a level of service we can be proud of,” President Ali explained.

The first facility that was upgraded and commissioned was the Diamond Hospital. It was reported that on June 1, 2020, contractor Raffik and Sons started the retrofitting works which were supposed to be completed on May 31, 2021; however, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the facility was completed on April 6, 2021.

The Diamond Hospital was retrofitted to improve its resistance to strong winds, flooding, and earthquakes as well as boost the ‘greenness’ of the facility and emergency contingency provisions. The safety aspects included the installation of wind-resistant roofs, windows, and doors as well as improved storm water management. Walls were strengthened, electrical wir-

around $222 million.

Meanwhile, the Mabaruma Hospital was upgraded into a Smart facility to the tune of $150 million and was officially commissioned in December 2022. The Mabaruma Hospital now features a new Accident and Emergency (A&E) department; a renovated recovery room; a state-of-theart Intensive Care Unit (ICU); a refurbished kitchen; a sterilisation room and two surgical theatres.

The last hospital to be transformed was the Paramakatoi facility, which saw the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) coming on board to provide assistance, owing to the number of challenges faced with regard to this leg of the project. The Paramakatoi Hospital was officially launched as a Smart facility in April 2023.

(G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali shares a photo with some young residents of Batavia. Also in picture are GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and Top Cop (ag) Clifton Hicken

President Ali while addressing villagers in Batavia

Young dancers at Batavia’s Heritage Day celebrations

Editor: Tusika Martin

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A Chinese way?

With China inexorably moving to catch up economically with the US – now predicted to occur by 2036 – many countries, not surprisingly, are giving its Marxist-based economic system another look. And also not surprisingly another look at Das Capital, the book that started it all by critiquing the dominant paradigm of capitalism and proposing an alternative path to economic success – while avoiding its negative downsides. While most would have thought the “fall of communism” in 1989 in the USSR and its “Eastern Bloc” would be the death knell of Marx’s relevance, the 2008 collapse of the neo-liberal paradigm –which was supposed to have done the job – in accordance of Marx’s theory, and the rise of China gave Das Capital a new relevance.

Das Capital grounded Marx’s theory of capitalism onto an excruciatingly detailed development of the English working class. But this fact, in and of itself, should signal that with the passage of time and the historical development of capitalism, some of Marx’s conclusions might not necessarily be wrong and may even be quite relevant in the present.

One of the fundamental Marxian ideas developed in Das Capital is his particular interpretation of “labour theory of value”, which was proposed earlier by the economists Adam Smith and David Ricardo to explain the different prices at which goods were bought and sold. These pioneering economists proposed that the value of a commodity could be measured objectively by the average number of labour hours necessary to produce it.

Marx’s contribution was to query if this were so, then where do “profits” come from? His simple answer was that workers were being paid less than the true worth of their labour and profits were, therefore, squeezed from the latter. This was the essential exploitative relationship between those who own “capital” – “capitalists” – and those who provided their labour to produce commodities – “the proletariat”. He said, “Capital cares nothing for the length of life of labour power. All that concerns it is simply and solely the maximum of labour power that can be rendered fluent in a workday.” But in so doing the “labour” of persons becomes a commodity like any other that is sold and bought like any other.

In their urge to extract increasing amounts of profits, Marx proposed, capitalists would always seek to reduce the price of labour and those who are most successful at this manoeuvre can sell more commodities and acquire more profits. We witnessed this when US businesses moved en masse to China. This results in the number of capitalists decreasing as the fittest (most exploitative of labour) survives while the number of unemployed or underemployed increases. But that also sets the seed of inevitable crises in this “capitalist mode of production”: with the increasing unemployed, there are fewer customers to purchase the commodities and with the piled-up surpluses, the market periodically “crashes”.

“Along with the constantly diminishing number of the magnates of capital, who usurp and monopolize all advantages of this process of transformation, grows the mass of misery, oppression, slavery, degradation, exploitation; but with this too grows the revolt of the working class, a class always increasing in numbers, and disciplined, united, organised by the very mechanism of the process of capitalist production itself.”

After Marx, trade unions were formed in the “developed capitalist economies”, which improved the wages of their workers. However, the capitalists moved to underdeveloped countries like China, where they could pay labour at much lesser rates than in their own countries. This was the beginning of the “outsourcing” of manufacturing and services which led, among other factors, to the 2008 collapse. At present, the richest 1% owns as much wealth as the rest of the world combined and in fact just 62 persons have as much wealth as the poorest half of the world’s population. Marx is vindicated.

China’s innovation is to use capitalist techniques for efficient production, but for the government to ensure a more equitable distribution of goods and ownership of enterprises. Huawei, for instance, is owned by its employees.

Literacy is the bridge

By Wayne CampBell

Oftentimes we speak about improving literacy, yet targeted interventions to support literacy in many educational institutions are hijacked by the politics of education. In the long term, both the students and indeed the society suffer the consequences.

Literacy ignites creativity and desire. It is that springboard that must propel all students in order for them to navigate their educational journey successfully. Regrettably, without the tools of literacy, one is imprisoned and those around are also serving this sentence. Literacy is a potent tool to eradicate generational poverty and also serves as a vehicle for social progress and sustainable development.

Unfortunately, many societies do not invest as much in literacy skills as they ought to. The Global South oftentimes is burdened by debt repayment to multinational lending agencies which cuts into the budget that should be set aside as an investment in education.

The statistics paints a damning picture. Globally, despite the steady rise in literacy rates over the past 50 years, there are still 773 million illiterate adults around the world, most of whom are women. According to the 2015 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in Jamaica, more than 161,000 males and close to 74,000 females, over the age of 15, lack basic reading and writing skills, making Jamaica's adult literacy rate 88.1 per cent.

The Report of the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC), chaired by Professor Orlando Patterson, stated that most students at the primary level are barely literate. According to the JETC, the 2019 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations revealed that 33 per cent of students cannot read or can barely do so; 56 per cent of students cannot write or can barely do so; and 58 per cent of students cannot or can barely find information on a topic. These numbers produced by UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) serve as a stark reminder of the work ahead to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially target 4.6, to ensure that all youth and most adults achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030.

AI Literacy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a vital part of our daily lives. AI literacy is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond a mere understanding of AI technologies.

At its core, AI literacy involves the acquisition of the skills and competencies required to use AI technologies and applications effectively. As it continues to permeate every facet of our existence, a new form of literacy has emerged as a necessity. AI literacy is not about turning everyone into an AI specialist, it is about empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand, use, and interact with AI responsibly and effectively.

Manifestations of literacy

The meaning of liter-

acy is the ability to read and write. According to Socratica Foundation, literacy has been deemed one of the strongest predictors of individual success, and it allows people to finish schooling and secure jobs all around the world. Literacy also has the power to impact individual well-being and increase life satisfaction.

The meaning of literacy quickly transforms into something more complex when we consider how its meaning changes from one culture to the next. In other words, being literate in one culture does not necessarily mean you are literate in another. Why is this? Because different cultures speak different languages, use different writing systems, and hold different values and practices.

In order to capture a well-rounded definition of literacy, anthropologists have begun to examine what literacy looks like in different cultures around the world. Anthropologists reason that literacy is a way of thinking which is deeply intertwined with both social and cultural practices around the world. In other words, we must study literacy "in context" and remember that literacy depends on the culture in which we are examining it.

Our understanding of literacy is transformed when evaluated from an anthropological perspective. It becomes clear that literacy is not the same all around the world but rather a skill set that varies from culture to culture.

Call to action

There are concerns that

with so many schools having poor ventilation and cooling systems in the classrooms, students could face heat stress that may have calamitous consequences. There is clearly a link between climate change and how we view literacy in the traditional classroom. In a recent interview, a well-known architect noted that a lot of the schools in Jamaica were built without taking into consideration the impact of climate change.

Needless to say, much more work is needed to tackle illiteracy. International Literacy Day is the day that has been dedicated to reminding world leaders, influencers, and the general public of the current status of adult literacy and learning.

One of the first things beginner readers learn is to associate letters with the sounds they represent. This process is known as "decoding" and is the opposite of "encoding" or spelling. In order for a reader to successfully decode a word, a number of things must happen. He or she needs to recognise the letters of the alphabet, know which sounds they represent, understand how to break words down into their component sounds, and then bring all of this information together.

It is always going to be challenging for adults to return to school to acquire or sharpen literacy skills. Many adults are trying to cope with the daily struggles of life. Additionally, in many societies the learning space is rather judgemental and, therefore, not conducive to teaching and learning.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan: Top Cop (ag) Clifton Hicken and British High Commissioner,Jane Miller, having lunch with the children of Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Sunday at the community’s Heritage Village celebrations (Office of the President photos)

Potential democracy awardees

Dear Editor, International Day of Democracy was observed last Friday and the PPP/C party had much to rejoice about, much to the consternation and frustration of the PNC. The PPP/C Government was not installed on 5th August 2020 by anyone but was duly elected, legally and legitimately by the voice of the people, after a much-fought general election on 2nd March 2020 which they won by a majority of 33 seats.

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President after a five-month delay by the PNC who attempted to rig the election by their manipulation and their members whom are alleged as contributing factors are currently in court. Notably, a CoI concluded earlier this year found the mischievous and blasphemous ir -

ritants guilty of breaching GECOM rules and regulations.

Democracy was under siege and the will of the people was being denied by a bunch of tyrants led by a sanctimonious gangster who wanted to retain power at any cost. But it was the diligence, strength and determination among other factors, from the joint effort and cooperation of the local, regional and international community, which was responsible for the PPP/C party to be rightfully elected as the winner to govern Guyana for the next five years. The PNC has a track record of successfully rigging elections but in 2020, all stakeholders were determined not to allow a reoccurrence and to fight them neck to neck so that only the party chosen by the majority of the people

Congratulations to the First Lady and team!

Dear Editor, Congratulates the First Lady on her outstanding achievement in improving the sea walls. She has transformed a deteriorating location where the homeless and drug addicted had started to take over, and has transformed it into a safer family-oriented tourist attraction. Congratulations on the beautiful work done to improve the sea walls. Its proximity to the Police should help keep everyone safe and increased friendly Police presence will allow visitors at the Marriott and Pegasus to safely enjoy the sea breeze, some tasty Guyanese food, refreshments, and the occasional entertainment. A short distance from Palm Court, the

Literacy is ...

can win.

Today, the people of Guyana and the world at large can breathe a breath of fresh air and live peacefully and happily, knowing that the PPP/C party will not stifle democracy but will allow liberty, equality and fraternity to be the order of the day. Same can never be said of the PNC because hypocrisy is the foundation of their democracy and they never abide by any rules and regulations but rather, they break all law and order in order to survive for their convenience.

Guyanese from all walks of life have seen the immediate transformation of Guyana over the past three years under President Ali`s mantleship. All the Heads from Caricom embrace him as one of their own and the one to lead the Caribbean to fruition. President Ali is

being rejoicefully welcomed at all international forums and is required to address the gatherings as a leader of integrity and one leading by example.

It is not surprising that the PPP/C Government has addressed the issue of recognising, acknowledging and awarding individuals and organisations who have played a meaningful role as an instrumental, significant and positive element in the restoration and preservation of democracy in Guyana during Election 2020. Perhaps the list is an exhaustive one and the criteria will have to entail a process of elimination not because of credibility or priority but because of practically in the application of limitation.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

Proposed meeting a double standard?

entire area is being packaged nicely for tourists and visiting Guyanese. It also offers a great family outing experience for locals who wish to create the memories that we have always held dear when going to the sea walls. It continues to be a place where singles can enjoy a first kiss and romantic walks in the moonlight are treasured. The First Lady has recreated a beautiful place where Mashramani and Kite Flying experiences will be celebrated in a more beautiful environment that embraces our cultures and Caribbean traditions. The First Lady and her team are doing a great job. Congratulations!

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee

Dear Editor, It is obvious the highest-ranking congressman and his team did not get the sort of responses or commitments from the recent meeting of high-level Guyanese officials. So, the congressman and delegation will rush to Guyana to meet Opposition members shortly.

In response to recent comments by departed US Ambassador, the LotP is on record as saying Guyana must solve Guyana's problems (or words to that effect). So, this proposed meeting

could be perceived as a double standard by the opposition?! Further, the frequent intrusion could also be perceived as interference in the affairs of a sovereign state?!

The congressman would be well served to be reminded that racism is stark in his country. He should direct his energies and that of his team to stop the senseless killings of blacks by whites before embarking on a crusade in another country.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

We ought not to disregard the discrimination and stigma those who are illiterate face in the society. Not only is Jamaica's literacy rate concerning, the society also has an intolerable crime rate. It should be noted that many of those who run afoul of the law have low levels of literacy. These individuals, mainly young men, provide a ready source for recruiters to join various gangs. A society cannot progress and achieve sustainable development with high levels of illiteracy.

The time to revisit the nation's education system is now. It cannot be that so many students are passing through the school system and leaving as functionally illiterate. A distinction must be made at this point. Functional illiteracy is different from illiteracy. Adults who are functionally illiterate have limited reading and writing ability, whereas a person who is illiterate has never been taught how to read and write.

More investment in literacy is needed, especially at the early childhood and primary levels of the education system. Literacy specialists should be deployed at all levels of the education system. The foundation levels are where the greatest needs are and as such, more resources, both human and financial, are required.

Additionally, our boys

need to realise that real men read. But, sadly, the present culture is one in which boys who display smarts are often ridiculed as effeminate by peers and even adults in areas where male academic excellence is typically devalued. Unfortunately, the current education system is not very attractive to male educators due to low remuneration and hostile working conditions.

More reading clubs should be encouraged in our schools. More collaboration should be sought between various stakeholders, such as parents and guardians, to see how best they can assist in fostering a culture of reading in our educational institutions and homes.

Let us strive to work towards creating a safe and judgement-free learning environment in which students can expose their vulnerabilities and teachers can assist in correcting these challenges.

In the words of Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the UN, "Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty and a building block of development."

(Jamaica Observer)

(Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues)

Test Questions

BY HARRYETTE MULLEN

Origami-folded toads lost in parched lands

where mountain snows might whet the thirst of desert flowers

In this fun and easy force and motion science experiment for kids, we’re going to explore inertia and friction by seeing if we can flick a coin from the bottom of a stack of coins.

Materials:

12 $5 coins

Instructions:

Stack 11 of the coins on top of each other on a smooth table. Place the remaining coin on the

table about one inch away from the stack.

Use your middle finger to flick the coin at the bottom coin in the stack. If all goes well, the bottom coin should fly out from the stack without knocking the stack of coins over.

A body at rest tends to stay at rest.

How it works:

When the bottom coin is struck,

the force overcomes inertia and knock the bottom coin away. The remaining coins will simply try to stay at rest and the stack of coins will drop down due to gravity when the bottom coin gets knocked away.

Make this a science project: Try different types of stacks of coins. Try mixing different types of coins in the stack. Try safely using a butter knife to knock away the bottom coin. (sciencefun.org)

water now no longer runs or walks skips or trickles where once streams and rivers flowed arteries dried up vacant as mysterious grooves carved into grainy surface of a distant planet

Source: Poetry (September 2023)

WORD SEARCH

Guyana applauded for steps taken to mitigate money laundering risks

…as CFATF team completes on-site evaluation

“The initial high-level findings found that Guyana has good coordination for the identification and mitigation of money laundering/terrorist financing risks through the NCC. It also acknowledged the risk assessments Guyana has concluded, including the 2021 National Risk Assessment, and its wide dissemination among stakeholders,” the Legal Affairs Ministry revealed.

The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), having completed their onsite visit and assessment of Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), have applauded the steps Guyana has taken to fix the framework.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the CFATF team completed their onsite visit and assessment of Guyana’s compliance with the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations and Methodology on Friday last.

During this visit, they interviewed and examined a number of Government Ministries, law enforcement agencies, State agencies, financial institutions, as well as private sector and professional organisations.

The Ministry explained that following their assessment, the CFATF team found that Guyana, as a jurisdiction, had made satisfactory progress and was praised during the exercise.

According to the Ministry, CFATF team lead Avelon Perry and her team presented a summa-

ry of their initial findings to Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and the AML/ CFT National Coordination Committee.

“The initial high-level findings found that Guyana has good coordination for the identification and mitigation of money laundering/terrorist financing risks through the NCC. It also acknowledged the risk assessments Guyana has concluded, including the 2021 National Risk Assessment, and its wide dissemination among stakeholders,” the Ministry explained.

“The support of these actions through the National Policy and Strategy were also examined, and found to be acceptable due to the completion of a number of policy items, such as amendments to key AML/CFT related legislation, the legislative creation of the Guyana Compliance Commission and the Real Estate Agents’ Authority, and the codification of the Special Branch Anti-Terrorism Task Force,” the Ministry further said.

When it comes to the supervisory authorities such

as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the initial findings found that most of these authorities demonstrated a risk-based approach and the use of preventative measures.

Additionally, the support provided by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to these supervisory authorities was acknowledged. At the same time, however, the team also noted some shortcomings.

“Some shortcomings noted in the initial findings, is the need for Attorneys-atLaw and accountants to fully understand their AML/ CFT obligations, which is particularly important with the Guyana Compliance Commission law being passed,” the Ministry explained.

“There is also a need for a unified approach in tackling money laundering by the various law enforcement agencies, however it was seen that Guyana was investigating money laundering and associated serious offence cases in line with the

country’s risk assessment; however, the delay in the administration of cases may have contributed to the current low conviction rate for money laundering.”

Guyana had formed a national partnership with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Regional Security System (RSS), during which the regional body had provided support to Guyana for money laundering cases.

The CFATF team noted that while there is a need for increased international cooperation and resources for the Treaty Office of the Home Affairs Ministry, partnerships such as the one with RSS demonstrate Guyana’s creativity in forming partnerships.

“In terms of targeted fi-

nancial sanctions for terrorism financing and proliferation financing, the team noted that the recent 2023 amendments have cured some of the technical deficiencies; nevertheless, due to the recent passage of the laws there may be a need to revise internal procedures in the implementation of such.”

“The Assessment Team reminded Guyana that these findings may be changed upon further review of information submitted, which will be further assessed; however, no new measures after 15th September 2023 will be considered,” the assessment team said.

Meanwhile, final discussions with regard to the 4th Round Mutual Evaluation of Guyana is expected to be concluded in May/June 2024 at the CFATF Plenary, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, a preliminary Mutual Evaluation report will be sent for Guyana’s review and input within the next six weeks after the completion of the onsite visit. It was explained that upon that review, and the conclusion of those engagements, a final evaluation report will be completed and submitted to the plenary.

The CFATF team during the meeting with Government officials

Businesswoman charged with fraud

Singh was granted bail in the sum of $50,000.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, Hughes said Singh was arrested at MovieTowne in the presence of her young child. When she arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters (CID), he said she was informed that if she did not want to be held for three days, she had to pay $2M. The sum was paid, he added.

“Ms Singh then retained Hughes Fields and Stoby who immediately reported the criminal conduct of officers of the Guyana Police Force both to the Commissioner of Police and the Chairman of the Police

Abusinesswoman of Lamaha Street in Queenstown, Georgetown, who was hired to provide tempered glass for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall renovation project was charged with fraud on Friday and appeared before a city Magistrate.

Samantha Singh, a single mother, was charged with false conversion when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

She entered a not guilty plea to the charge that on April 28 at Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, she had been given $4M by Eworth C Sangster of E.C.S Construction and General Supplies to buy and provide tempered glass, but had instead used the money for her own use and benefit.

The Police prosecutor

requested for the defendant to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters and for her to provide the court with her current address.

Singh’s Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes, among other things, informed the court that Sangster had hired his client to provide reinforced glass for two projects: the renovation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and another one in Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

He clarified that his client had two dealings with Sangster in relation to the glass sourcing. Additionally, he said his client needed to import the glass from China.

Hughes further said that his client was later taken into custody and brought before the court.

Complaints Authority,” the statement said.

Hughes claims that the Police Complaints Authority received the complaint, recognised it, and then launched an investigation into the actions of the relevant Police officers. Charges against Singh, according to him, were only brought after it was reported that the Police had engaged in “criminal conduct” in their attempts to frighten her.

As such, the lawyer said, “We consider the charges to be malicious and not founded in law and will challenge the evidently abusive exercise of power by the Guyana Police Force.”

Friendship man slapped with grievous bodily harm charge

Coach Walter Scott, 57, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm on Friday and released on $100,000 bail. This Friendship, East Bank Demerara resident was arrested on Wednesday last.

Scott was brought before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts. He pleaded not guilty to the charge filed under Section 50 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The virtual complainant, Satish

New beginning…

…in sugar?

It might’ve taken a bit longer than promised – but finally Rose Hall sugar estate - which had been shuttered by the PNC back in 2017 – was finally reopened. It was more than five years in the doing – but that should remind those of us outside of the sugar belt that manufacturing sugar ain’t like making swank!! It takes time to start from ground zero…which is pretty much where Rose Hall ended up after the PNC allowed the factory equipment to rust and the fields to revert to bush.

During the past five years, the reclamation programme that had to be done was almost akin to what the Dutch did to carve out the Berbice plantations from virgin forests along the Canje Creek – three centuries ago!! And this ain’t no exaggeration!! If you’re an urban denizen and wanna get an idea of how quickly bush returns after being cleared, just look at what happens to Le Repentir Cemetery every few months after being cleared!!

Anyhow, the Herculean job’s been done and your Eyewitness saw smoke belching from the factory’s chimney – indicating that “factory grinding”!! Which means that cane had been “cut” and hauled to the factory in punts to be fed into the maws of gargantuan rollers. These would squeeze the juice from the cane-stalks and feed to various and sundry machines until brown sugar crystals are bagged and shipped to Georgetown!! It’s a pity more Guyanese don’t appreciate that sugar was produced from one of the earliest industrial manufacturing processes!!

Dass, was allegedly injured on September 13 at Land of Canaan, EBD.

The matter was adjourned to October 11. (G1)

But there was already a fly in the sugar bowl on opening day. It was revealed that there’s a labour shortage of almost 900 bodies needed to bring the factory up to optimum production. Now while Berbice has been starved of new industries to pick up the slack in field labour brought on by Rose Hall’s closure – the folks have had to become innovative in finding ways to make a living. As such, it’ll be a while – at the very best – before bodies step forward. And that’s even though one worker claimed that the “wuk na suh hard now beca’se ah cut and drap”!! Meaning that even though five were killed at Enmore in 1958 – when cane-cutters refused to change to “cut and load” – the latter’s now been voluntarily abandoned!!

The bottom line is that the PPP might just become a victim of its own success. Meaning that as all the development slated for Berbice – a good bit of it being just a short distance away at Palmyra as with the deepwater harbour, oil refinery and stadium, etc -- kicks in, the demand for higher-paying but less strenuous labour will rise tremendously!!

More mechanisation for Rose Hall??

…in health care?

The PPP Government has always placed a high priority on health care – which, along with education, is pretty much free. As a former colony, our facilities were never at first world levels – but we had the basics, along with good doctors trained in Britain. When the PNC took over in 1964; however, by 1979 they had rats nibbling at newborn babies’ toes at the “Big Hospital”. It wasn’t easy for the PPP to turn this around – especially when its backbone of nurses were all firmly in the PNC camp.

So when we hear about hundreds of nurses leaving annually and straining the old system, one has to worry about who’s gonna take care of care in all the new hospitals coming on stream. Of course, there’s the matter of higher salaries – but let’s face it, it’ll be quite a while before we can compete with America and England.

Now we’re importing some from Cuba – but we must insist they speak English!! Can’t care for patients when you can’t communicate!!

…with the Black Caucus??

The PNC were all up in arms when the US Ambassador called them out on their attempted 2020 election heist. “Interference!! Now they’re calling on US Democratic Leader Jeffries to pressure the PPP. Not interference??

Samantha Singh

Walter Scott

Mid-Year Report

Over 200,000 ounces of gold declared for 1st half of 2023 …strengthened enforcement by regulators revealed

Almost 210,000 ounces of gold was declared in Guyana for the first half of 2023, with this year’s Ministry of Finance Mid-Year Report also revealing that the regulatory authorities have upped their enforcement efforts since last year.

According to the MidYear Report, 209,756 ounces of gold was declared at the end of June 2023. The report notes that there were lower declarations from small and medium scale miners, something likely to be addressed as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has already signalled that they will be providing support to these groups of miners.

During a recent press conference, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said the Government would be probing the cause for lower declarations from these miners and will be engaging with stakeholders in the industry.

It was noted in the MidYear Report that gold declarations for the same period last year was 236,728. This year’s results were a contraction of 11.4 per cent. According to the report, small- and medium-scale gold miners declared 159,084 ounces at the end of the 2023 first half. However, declarations from the large gold producer – likely a reference to Zijin Mining – expanded by 6.1 per cent.

“Improvements observed in early third quarter, alongside strengthened enforcement efforts by the regulatory authorities, are expected to result in a rebound in the second half. The gold mining subsector is now projected to grow by 5.3 percent in 2023,” the report states.

“The outlook for metals is mixed. While aluminium prices are projected to decline from a record high average of US$2,705 per metric tonne in 2022 to US$2,400 this year, gold prices are forecasted to reach their own record high of an average of US$1,900 per troy ounce for 2023, a 5.5 percent increase yearon-year.”

In August, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) had released a statement in which they revealed some of the issues affecting small and medium scale miners. One of the situations affecting the sector is the migration of miners from gold, to the oil and gas and construction sectors.

“While the entire country is faced with an ongoing labour shortage, the mining sector has been especially hard hit. Workers have been opting out of the sector to work on the coastland where competitive salaries mitigate the risk of interior work. This unprecedented worker scarcity has

seen the small and medium scale operators struggling to find workers as the industry bears the brunt of the labour shortage in Guyana,” GGDMA said in their statement.

Mention was also made by the GGDMA about illegal operators, which they noted rob the state of revenue and overall, negatively impact the gold declarations. They noted that while licensed traders and dealers are required to follow strict guidelines and fill out doc-

umentation, illegal buyers and smugglers go under the radar.

“In contrast illegal buyers and smugglers do not require documentation and have become the obvious outlet for raiders who steal and sell minerals and have no documentation or legal obligation to prove ownership,” the GGDMA had said.

“The GGDMA is urging the Government to stamp down on the whole chain of illegality including illic-

it shops, illicit landings, illicit miners/raiders and on all illicit purchasers of gold. Buying gold in Guyana is a privilege; any dealer/trader operating must comply fully with the requirements of their licenses and if they do not, they should no longer have that privilege.”

Earlier this year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had warned of tough measures and consequences for any miner found engaged in such illegal activities. In fact, Jagdeo had admitted

Gold mining is expected to grow by 5.3 per cent this year that Government has observed a decline in gold declarations, with at least one

foreign company on its radar for declaring lower than usual figures. (G3)

Father of 2 found dead in shop

Atragic discovery was made on Sunday morning at a shop in Guyhoc, Georgetown, where the lifeless body of a businessman was found.

His body was found three days after he had last been seen by his friends.

Dead is 37-year-old Collis Alison Tyrell, a father of two.

According to information reaching Guyana Times , the man lived alone in a house in Guyhoc and operated his shop at the

same location. A relative of his revealed that the mother of his children became concerned when she had not heard from Tyrell for several days.

As such, on Sunday, she decided to visit his residence to check on him.

Upon arriving at the house, the woman noticed a foul odour emanating from the shop and further investigation led her to the discovery of his lifeless body. She immediately alerted the Police.

US-based Guyanese woman found murdered in LA apartment

AGuyanese woman residing in the United States was found murdered inside her luxury apartment in Los Angeles, United States, where she had been living for just one month, according to reports in the New York Post.

9-year-old

A9-year-old boy of Belfield, East Coast Demerara (ECD), tragically lost his life on Sunday morning after he was struck by a car driven by a teenager.

Dead is Daniel DeSouza.

Reports are that he was struck down while on his way to church at 12th Street, Dazzell Housing Scheme, ECD. Guyana Times has been informed that the driver of the car was a 16-yearold, who had stolen the keys to his father’s car and left home just moments before the tragic incident.

DeSouza was walking

Meanwhile, one of the man's friends informed this publication that he had last seen him on Thursday evening while they were socialising. During their interaction, the friend said Tyrell appeared to be in good spirits, discussing plans to expand his shop.

The friend expressed shock and disbelief at the sudden loss. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man's death has been initiated.

(G9)

Maleesa Mooney, 31, was discovered deceased in her Skye at Bunker Hill unit in Downtown Los Angeles shortly before 04:00h on a Tuesday. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that they were summoned to perform a wellness check, as stated in a statement released on Friday. The exact cause of her death has not yet been disclosed, but investigators have determined that she was a victim of homicide, pending further details on her cause of death.

The New York Post report mentions that Mooney is the younger sister of

boy struck down, killed

rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The teenage driver was subsequently arrested and is currently in Police custody assisting with the investigation.

Jourdin Pauline, a "trappop" singer originally from Guyana, while Mooney herself was aspiring to become a model and also worked as a real estate agent.

In an Instagram post, Pauline expressed her grief, saying, "My heart is crushed. I can't believe you won't be here with us anymore. You were so loving and so kind to everyone... This is so sick. I can't believe my baby big sister is gone!!!!!"

Mooney's family became concerned when their iPhone text messages with her changed from blue to green, indicating a shift in Wi-Fi and data services.

Bailey Babb, Mooney's cousin, revealed to US reporters that the family had requested a wellness check when she stopped answering their calls. She stated, "When a week went by, we just knew something was

off. Her messages weren't delivering, and we knew something was up because we all have a special relationship with Maleesa."

They added that the woman’s iCloud had an alert that she was still online, which made them believe that her murderer was trying to steal and sell her iPhone and MacBook. (G9)

by teen who stole father’s car

of three children.

In response to the alarming surge in road accidents and fatalities, President Dr Irfaan Ali has taken decisive action by instructing the Police to launch an extensive road safety campaign

nationwide.

The President has expressed his unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of the problem, highlighting the urgent need to tackle issues such as drinking and driving and ex-

cessive speeding.

He has called upon citizens to recognise road safety as a shared responsibility and urged the community to unite in efforts to curb the alarming rise in road accidents. (G9)

to church when he stopped to tie his shoelace and was struck by the car, which dragged him a short distance before plunging into a nearby trench. The child was quickly picked up and

This accident adds to the toll of children who have lost their lives in vehicular accidents, bringing the total to four from January to September. Earlier this month, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed a concerning tally of 92 road accidents that occurred from January to August this year, including the tragic deaths

Dead: Maleesa Mooney

Dead: Daniel DeSouza

The man’s body being removed by undertakers

Dead: Collis Alison Tyrell

Marriott Hotel sale Terms and conditions already negotiated – NICIL Head

…says documents being reviewed before final signing

The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has already wrapped up negotiations on the terms and conditions for the sale of the Marriott Hotel with potential buyer, American businessman Ramy El-Batrawi.

El-Batrawi’s company – X, LLC – had emerged as the successful bidder with his US$90 million proposal to buy the hotel during the public tender process.

Chief Executive Officer of NICIL, Radhakrishna Sharma recently told Guyana Times that the transactional documents are currently being reviewed.

“The parties have completed negotiations of the

principal terms and conditions of the sale. NICIL’s legal team has drafted the necessary transactional documents in that regard and they were submitted to the successful bidder, Mr. Ramy El-Batrawi for review by his legal team,” Sharman noted.

Parallel to this, the NICIL Head explained that El-Batrawi’s team has commenced their own due diligence exercise, which is expected to be completed before signing. The signing, according to Sharma, will take place after the “complete review” of all the related agreements and transactional documentation.

Meanwhile, throughout the negotiation period, the Guyana Government was

informed of the progress and had given the greenlight to the terms and conditions agreed to.

“In principle, all negoti-

ated terms and conditions were approved. A formal approval from Cabinet will be done before the sign off of the agreements by both parties,” Sharma related to this publication.

Last month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed that Cabinet had granted its approval for NICIL to go ahead and engage El-Batrawi’s company for the sale of the Marriott Hotel, which is located in Kingston, Georgetown.

X, LLC is an American investment group founded by El-Batrawi. The company’s website says its primary focus is to invest in, and enhance, target industries.

During the initial bidding round, X, LLC had submitted the highest bid of US$65 million. Among the other bidders were Pegasus Hotel Guyana, which bid at US$55.5 million; Georgetown Investments and Management Services

with El-Batrawi’s US$90 million bid.

VP Jagdeo argued at the time that if the Government had gone ahead with any of the first set of offers submitted for the Marriott Hotel, then it would have lost out on as much as US$35 million in revenues from the sale of the property.

The Guyana Marriott Hotel, which opened in 2015, was constructed to the tune of US$58 million. A feasibility study conducted by a Miami-based firm, HVS Consulting, back in 2010 had outlined that the Marriott Hotel is likely to be sold ten years after its operationalisation at some US$76.1 million.

Jagdeo has insisted that the Marriott Hotel would not be sold until an “appropriate offer that mirrors” its true value is made.

But the Government’s rejection of the initial bids submitted had attracted

important part in Guyana’s developing oil and gas sector. It is used to accommodate local and overseas offshore workers, as well as serve as a prime venue to host numerous private and State-sponsored events.

It was against this backdrop that the Vice President argued that now is the right time to sell the hotel, which is currently operating at a profit even without the casino and entertainment centre add-ons.

“Now it would be best to sell the Marriott off. You could probably maximise the price that you will get when it’s profitable, and before the seven new hotels that are privately [being] built, that are international brands, come on the market…within a year or two,” Jagdeo previously stated.

The construction of the Marriott Hotel, which started in 2011, had sparked widespread controver-

Inc, which bid at US$50M; Muneshwers Ltd, which bid at US$25 million; Integrated Group Guyana Inc, which bid at US$55 million; and NCB Capital Markets Limited, which bid at US$33 million.

In April, the Guyana Government said the bids received were “too low”, and decided not to pursue any of them. NICIL then wrote the six companies, informing them that a base price of US$85 million was set, and as such, recommended that they resubmit bids reflecting this new figure.

However, only two of the six companies responded by the May 16, 2023 deadline. New offers were received from X, LLC at US$90 million and Integrated Group Guyana Inc at US$86.1 million.

After an assessment of these two bidders, the decision was taken to go ahead

criticisms from some quarters. In response, however, the Vice President argued that Government is not obligated to accept the highest bid.

In a notice back in December 2022, NICIL had announced its intention to sell the State’s shares in Atlantic Hotels Incorporated (AHI), the State-owned holding company for the Marriott Hotel.

AHI is the NICIL special purpose company that fully owns the 197-room hotel, whose financing structure had depended on a casino and entertainment centre to make enough money to repay up to US$30 million in debts to the banks and other creditors.

Those add-ons to the hotel were scrapped. The hotel opened in 2015, the same year ExxonMobil first found oil in Guyana’s waters, and has since gone on to play an

sy. At the time, Jagdeo was the President, and his Administration had faced heavy criticism over the use of taxpayers’ money to finance the hotel. But Jagdeo has always defended the decision.

“The Government didn’t need to own a hotel at that time, but the era was that we were not getting new hotels built, and we had to trigger the investment… There is no particular supreme benefit to Government owning [the hotel],” he has emphasised.

According to the Vice President, the hotel is operating at a profit and provides some 500 jobs to Guyanese, directly and indirectly. He insists that selling the Kingston, Georgetown hotel now would bring in “maximum value” to the State, that could go towards triggering other investments in the country.

NICIL CEO Radhakrishna Sharma

Youths in Region 8 enlightened on drug smuggling risks, teenage pregnancy

At a recent outreach held by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), students were sensitised on teenage pregnancy and the dangers of smuggling marijuana.

During the one-week outreach, it was revealed that teenage pregnancy and the smoking of marijuana seeds at the dormitories are among the challenges in that region.

In her remarks, DPP's Communications Officer, Liz Rahaman, urged students to focus on their education and to stay away from early sexual cohabitation as this can have severe setbacks on their lives. During the talks on teenage pregnancies, a teacher disclosed that she faces criticism from some parents for allowing young mothers back into the school system after giving birth.

However, officials from the DPP’s Chambers and the WGEC explained that this was allowed and was focused on giving those young mothers a chance to complete their education.

The team also spoke to students about the dangers of smuggling the marijuana

seeds into the dormitories for distribution to fellow students who indulge in smoking it.

Meanwhile, Toshao Barry Joe has undertaken to have a more hands-on approach to working closely with the Police in the community and to report matters of concern.

He emphasised that one hamlet did not have an established Police station at Paramakatoi. However, it was observed that construction works are ongoing to establish a Police station at the location. At present, Police ranks have to travel from Kato by ATVs to investigate reports.

Ranks have also explained that sometimes it is very difficult to traverse the rough terrains, especially during the wet season and by the time they reach a crime scene, the suspect would have already fled the area further into the backlands.

During the week, meetings were held with communities at Bamboo Creek, Bashvale, and Kato. The DPP's Chambers also held meetings at the Paramakatoi Secondary and the Kato Secondary Schools, where students and teachers were very receptive to the visit.

(G1)

Scenes from the recent outreach held with Region 8 communities

IDB, other int’l stakeholders pledge to strengthen cooperation to protect Amazon region

Under the Amazon Forever initiative, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) along with its European members, Amazon countries and international organisations have committed to strengthen cooperation to protect the forested region.

Amazon Forever is an IDB umbrella programme for the sustainable development of the region, which aims to work together on forest and climate conservation and to improve people’s quality of life, offering economic alternatives.

Guyana is one of seven beneficiary countries under this initiative, which focuses on fighting deforestation; the bioeconomy; people; sustainable cities, infrastructure and connectivity; and sustainable low-carbon agriculture, livestock and forestry.

On Friday, IDB President Ilan Goldfajn, and the First Vice President and Minister of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation of Spain, Nadia Calviño, co-chaired a meeting of Ministers and representatives of Amazon countries, European member countries of the IDB, donors and international organisations that presented the framework for the Amazonia Forever programme. The

meeting took place during the Informal Meeting of the Ministers of Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Union (ECOFIN), under the Spanish presidency of the EU Council.

In addition to agreeing to strengthen cooperation for the conservation of the Amazon, the participants also pledged to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, working under the holistic Amazonia Forever framework.

In this context, the IDB President announced the creation of a digital platform of partners for the Amazon that will promote transparency, knowledge-sharing and coordination of financing efforts by public, private and international donors.

Participants underscored the importance of collaboration and financial innovation to increase financing and enhance the impact of efforts to preserve the Amazon.

The meeting highlighted the Amazonia Forever programme’s milestones to date, including the creation of various meeting points between key actors in the region. These include the Network of Amazonian Ministers of Finance and Planning; the Amazon Cities Forum; the Green Coalition, which brings to-

gether 20 national development banks; and a partnership with the governors of the Brazilian Amazon, which will enable mobilisation of resources at the subnational level.

Call to action

President Goldfajn issued a call to action: “In the face of growing scientific consensus on the scope of an ecological tipping point in the Amazon, we need to be mindful of the timing and intensify the impact of our actions. For this, strategic alliances are key, not only

at the Amazon level, but also with global partners, such as those of us here today, and in other initiatives, such as our recent announcement with the World Bank to develop joint projects in the Amazon.”

Vice President Calviño stressed that “Caring for the Amazon is a global responsibility because of its fundamental impact on the fight against climate change, on water and air quality, and on the prosperity of the entire planet. Spain has shown its firm commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean and to the

their visions and perspectives.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said: “A key takeaway of the EU-CELAC summit this July is that protecting the flora, fauna and the Indigenous people across the Amazon Basin is a top priority. The European Union welcomes the launch of Amazonia Forever which is strongly aligned with our Team Europe Initiatives in the region. We are working together to safeguard the region’s unique ecosystem and traditions and allow for whole communities to flourish. Through Global Gateway, the EU will support our Amazon partner countries in tackling climate change and deforestation.”

“As the current president of the Amazon Network of Ministries of Finance and Planning, Brazil applauds the remarkable progress made by the Amazonia Forever programme and is ready to foster a strong, collaborative effort in the preservation of the Amazon and the implementation of the Belém Declaration,” said Brazil’s Minister of Planning and Budget, Simone Nassar Tebet.

Sigrid Kaag, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of

and collaboration. We are committed to contribute to it and to join efforts to increase ambition by partnering with IDB as catalysers of financing at scale.”

Giant savannah Verónica Galméz, GCF’s Deputy Director of Mitigation and Adaptation said, “The window of opportunity to prevent the Amazon from becoming a giant savannah is closing fast. We need all hands on deck. Amazonia Forever offers just that: a partnership at the regional level that offers customised solutions for everyone, from supporting Indigenous peoples' rights, knowledge and businesses, to aligning blended finance with sustainability. The countries of the Amazon can count on the Green Climate Fund to accompany them at every step of the way, just as we have done since our first project in 2015.”

Meanwhile, during the meeting, the President of the IDB and the Secretary General of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO), Alexandra Moreira, signed a collaboration agreement to jointly advocate for more equitable and inclusive development of the Amazon, including environmental protection, institutional strengthening of ACTO,

sustainable development of the Amazon region. As one of the main donors to the IDB’s Amazonia Forever umbrella programme, we want to contribute to its development by supporting the fight against deforestation, the promotion of sustainable economic growth, and the reduction of the education and gender gap in the region.”

The meeting was attended by Ministers, Amazon donors and other representatives, including from the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the World Bank, the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. During the dialogue, the leaders shared

the Netherlands, also representing Switzerland and the United Kingdom, welcomed Amazonia Forever and said her country “is proud to be one of its anchor donors. Action is necessary. This programme will help expand funding and enhance regional cooperation and support Amazon countries in fulfilling their ambition to avoid the point of no return for the Amazon.”

Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, said in a message before the meeting: “We support and celebrate the launching and implementation plans of the Amazonia Forever programme of the IDB as an umbrella for coordination

promotion of sustainable cities, protection of water resources, and support for the development of science, technology and innovation, having the IDB as a crucial economic and financial implementation arm for the objectives of ACTO and its members.

“Today, we mark a crucial milestone in our collective mission to foster strong and meaningful cooperation among Amazonian countries to promote the implementation – crucially, with the help of the IDB – of the commitments set out by the Presidents in the Belém Declaration. We are excited about the possibility of closer cooperation with a key partner like the IDB, within the framework of the Amazonia Forever programme,” said Moreira.

IDB President Ilan Goldfajn

$39M water system to serve over 300 Masakenari residents

Some 333 residents of Masakenari, Region Nine, are now benefiting from access to potable water, following the construction of a new $39 million water supply system in the community.

The construction of a new distribution system is a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a visit to the remote village in August last year.

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues officially commissioned the water system on Friday and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to hinterland residents.

She was joined by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Hinterland Services Director, Ramchand Jailall and Masakenari’s Toshao, Paul Chekema, a DPI re-

port stated.

The new system replaces the previous well in the area and increases their access to potable water from 40 per cent to 95 per cent.

Rodrigues also announced plans to install a pump and water tanks to serve the eight creek-side households that are beyond the reach of the new sys-

Global South leaders demand end of ‘plundering international order’

Cuba’s leader says the Global South must “change the rules of the game” of the international order after centuries of dominance by wealthy Western nations putting their own interests first.

President Miguel DiazCanel said developing countries were the main victims of a “multidimensional crisis” in the world today from “abusive unequal trade” to devastating climate change.

“After all this time that the North has organised the world according to its interests, it is now up to the South to change the rules of the game,” DiazCanel said at the opening of the G77+China summit in Havana.

and they have not gotten enough help, he said.

“The conclusion is clear: The world is failing developing countries,” Guterres said in Spanish.

countries’ access to vaccines, noting “90 per cent of vaccines were in the hands of 10 countries”.

tem.

The Government has invested over $2 billion to improve water access in the hinterland and riverine communities, with an additional $1.4 billion set to be invested this year.

The sum of $650 million was allocated to the GWI to execute several projects in Region Nine in 2023.

These include the extension of water systems in Aranaputa, Moco Moco, Sand Creek, Karasabai, Wowetta, Quiko, Massara, Baitoon, Crash Water, Kattur, Tiger Pond, Kumu, and Bashaidrun.

New wells are being drilled and distribution networks are being extended in Kaicumbay village, Aishalton, Awarewarnau, Maruranau, Potarinau, Hiowa, Parishara, Semonie, Quatata, Shiriri, Katoonarib, Fairview and Rupertee.

Emerging countries represent 80 per cent of the world’s population. The meeting comes at a time of growing frustration with the Western-led world order because of widening differences over the Russian war in Ukraine, the fight against climate change and the global economic system.

United Nations chief António Guterres joined 30 Heads of State and Government from Africa, Asia and Latin America at the two-day gathering.

At the opening of the meeting on Friday, Guterres called for a world “more representative and responsive to the needs of developing economies”, stressing nations were “trapped in a tangle of global crises”.

While many of the countries of the G77 have helped lift millions of people from poverty, they still face hunger, inflation, climate disasters and debt,

The bloc was established by 77 countries of the Global South in 1964 “to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity”, according to the group’s website.

Latin American leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio

Lula da Silva, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, and Argentina’s Alberto Fernandez were at the summit, alongside Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Angola’s Joao Lourenco, and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.

China was represented by top Communist Party official Li Xi, who said his country “will always make South-South cooperation a priority” in its dealings with the outside world.

Fernandez said the coronavirus pandemic marked an epochal change by “exposing the inequality” in

The meeting should conclude on Saturday with a statement underscoring “the right to development in an increasingly exclusive, unfair, unjust and plundering international order”, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez earlier told reporters.

A draft of the closing statement underlined the many obstacles facing developing nations, and includes “a call for the establishment of a new economic world order”, he said.

The summit took place just a few days ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York City.

“The voice of the G77 plus China will always be essential at the United Nations,” Guterres said.

“And I count on your group, who have long been champions of multilateralism, to step up, to use your power, and fight – champion a system rooted in equality; champion a system ready to reverse the injustice and neglect of centuries.” (Al Jazeera)

Duo remanded to prison on larceny charge

Steve Green, a 20-year-old construction worker of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD, who was detained on September 13, has been charged with simple larceny.

Green is charged with stealing Dianand Rohit of Kaneville Samsung Galaxy phone, which is worth $98,000. The incident happened at Grove, EBD, on September 8.

The charge was read to the accused when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman in Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts last week Friday.

His defense was not guilty. He was remanded in custody after bail was turned down.

The case has been ad-

Steve Green Alister Bess

journed until October 11.

Zureeda Hussain Mohamed, a 58-yearold businesswoman from Charity, Essequibo Coast was the victim of a simple larceny on September 7, which was allegedly perpetrated by Alister Bess.

Bess is a construction worker from Lot 167 Charity, Essequibo Coast.

The accusation was

read to the defendant during the case’s hearing last Friday in Suddie Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Esther Sam, and he entered a not-guilty plea. The accused was remanded in custody after the prosecutor objected to bail.

The case was continued to October 5. (G1)

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel says the Global South is the victim of “abusive unequal trade” [File: Ismael Francisco/AP]

Regional PNP won’t support removal of King as Head of State without also severing Privy Council ties – Golding

Opposition Leader and President of the People’s National Party (PNP), Mark Golding, has declared that his party would not support the removal of King Charles as Jamaica’s Head of State without the island also severing ties from the United Kingdom-based Privy Council at the same time.

This declaration, made Sunday at the PNP’s 85th annual conference at the National Arena, signals that the Government’s constitutional reform process could be in trouble.

It requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the monarch to be removed as Head of State, it being a deeply-entrenched provision of the constitution.

While the Andrew Holness-led Government has a super majority in the House, it will need the vote of one Opposition Senator to

be able to enact the change.

On Sunday, Golding insisted that the PNP supported constitutional reform, remarking that “the constitution is not a meal deal, it is a big deal".

"As a first step, we must reform the Constitution to complete the decolonisation process. We need to decolonise Jamaica once and for all," he stated.

He added that "we in the PNP have no interest in moving to a republic while retaining the King’s

Environmentalists, lawyers, call for ocean ecocide laws

Trinidad and Tobago environmentalists and lawyers are lobbying to have the genocide of oceanic bodies and lifeforms for profit, or ecocide, made an eighth core crime along with murder, extermination, torture, acts of sexual violence and enforced disappearance of people.

Attorneys Justin Sobian and Sarik Maharaj joined with philanthropists John and Antoinette Vermilye and Gary Aboud of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) to discuss how oceanic ecocide laws could help protect Caribbean waters at

CrewsInn, Chaguaramas, on September 7.

Vermilye said fishing companies from 10 nations, including China and Spain, were responsible for 90 per cent of the world’s fish catch, almost half of which was discarded before it reached land.

“We extract half the world’s weight in fish annually and we put nothing back. Ten nations are responsible for 90 per cent of that catch, but their practices are mostly illegal. Fishing capacity has increased exponentially over the last 30 years. Fishes have nowhere

to rest, reproduce or respite. They are being exterminated to the last of their species.”

Sobian said the environment, in this case the ocean, had a right to exist.

“Our planet is over 70 per cent water, so it is a bit of a misnomer when we call our planet earth; it should, instead, be called water. The ocean is the lifeblood of the earth. Scientists have proven that even carrying someone to the ocean could bring them a certain amount of calm.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Privy Council in London as Jamaica’s final court. That does not make sense to any progressive person."

Golding added further that "Jamaicans need a final court where they don’t need a visa to go there and where the costs of attending court are not way out of their reach. Time come for a Jamaican Head of State and a Caribbean Court of Justice as our final court; decolonisation now."

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

14 killed in plane crash during bad weather in Brazil’s Amazon

Fourteen people on a small jet died when the plane crashed in Brazil’s northern Amazonas state.

The aircraft’s pilot approached the tourist town of Barcelos in heavy rain with low visibility, and appeared to inadvertently start landing halfway down the runway, Amazonas state security secretary Vinicius Almeida told a news conference.

The plane ran out of the landing strip and crashed, he added. Media reports showed the white jet belly-down on a dirt track, its front end crumpled into

dense vegetation.

“I deeply regret the death of the 12 passengers and two crew members who were victims of the plane crash in Barcelos on Saturday,” said Wilson Lima, Governor of Amazonas state, on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Our teams have been working from the outset to provide the necessary support. My sympathy and prayers go out to their families and friends.”

In an interview with O Globo newspaper, Lima said the bodies were removed from the aircraft and all the victims were Brazilian tourists.

PM writes Opposition Leader on crime talks

Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has written to Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar to try to start joint talks on solving the crime upsurge, according to a letter dated Saturday signed by Dr Rowley. This follows the PM's promise to do so, at last Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.

He proposed that each side nominate a four-person team for talks on a preagreed agenda.

The region faces heavy rainfall and the most likely cause of the accident was an error in the route taken at the time of landing, Lima added.

The Manaus Aerotaxi airline issued a statement confirming there had been an accident and said it is investigating. It offered no details.

“We count on respect for the privacy of those involved at this difficult time and will be available to provide all necessary information and updates as the investigation progresses,” it said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UK launches research proposal to help Caribbean countries deal with Sargassum

The Government of the United Kingdom has launched a call for research proposals on how to deal with the problem of the Sargassum seaweed across the region.

In the last few years, influxes of Sargassum has threatened the region’s marine ecosystems, economy,

and public health. The Government of UK under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in response to requests from Caribbean leaders, last week invited partners to submit proposals for up to £300,000 (US$374,000) before October 10.

The research should advance commercial, scalable,

safe solutions to process, sink or store.

A statement from the British High Commission in Bridgetown said “finding solutions to Sargassum influxes could be vital to the Caribbean’s sustainable development and climate resilience.”

(Excerpt from CMC)

Rowley's invitation was based on the two leaders' desire to put the national interest first towards securing citizens.

"In keeping with our mutual desire to put our country's national interest first, I invite you as Leader of the Opposition, to participate in the following exercise which is aimed at exploring the options available to us as parliamentarians to address the matter of the safety and security of the population of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

"I would like to receive

Dr Keith Rowley

from you, in writing, your proposal(s) which you believe are worthy of bipartisan discussions between the Government and the Opposition."

He said the Government was ready to share its own "ideas, programmes and policies" for inclusion in these talks.

"It is envisaged that your proposal(s), like the Government's, would include tools designed to law-

fully confront the criminal elements that are increasingly emboldened as they operate in TT."

Rowley proposed four-person teams each from Government and Opposition to discuss the initiatives proposed, as guided by a crafted agenda formed from the joint submissions which he anticipated would be in hand within a fortnight.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Fraud victims to receive up to US$40M from Western Union

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that the Western Union Remission Fund began a distribution of about US$40 million in funds forfeited to the United States from the Western Union Company (Western Union) to about 25,000 victims located in the Caribbean, the United States, and other places.

The DOJ said on Friday that these victims stand to recover the full amount of their losses.

It said this was the first distribution in the second phase of the Western Union

Remission distributions.

The DOJ said the first phase of distributions paid more than US$365 million to over 148,000 victims, all of whom received full compensation for their losses.

The Justice Department anticipates authorising more distributions for victims in the coming months.

The second phase of the Western Union Remission was opened in March 2022 to provide victims who had not filed petitions in the first phase of distributions an opportunity to file for remission, the DOJ said.

It said it continues to accept petitions for remission

from those victimised by the scheme.

“The latest distribution of the Western Union Remission Fund compensated thousands more victims harmed by predatory schemes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Victim assistance is a primary goal of the Department’s Asset Forfeiture Programme, and this latest distribution is a testament to the impact asset forfeiture can have in compensating and making victims whole.”

(Excerpt from CMC)

Jamaican Opposition Leader Mark Golding (Garfield Robinson photo)

Around The World OIL NEWS

Ukraine drones strike Crimea, Moscow, oil depot, Russia says

Russia mulls ban on oil product exports to stabilise prices

Russia is again reviving the possibility that it could ban all crude oil product exports in order to stabilise volatile fuel prices in the country, according to Russia’s TASS new agency said on Friday.

Alternatively, Russia could increase its oil product exports duty to US$250 per tonne. This duty will be refunded for those companies that meet their quota for supplying fuel to Russia’s domestic market.

A ban on product exports out of Russia—although temporary—would squeeze Europe’s diesel supplies even more. While Europe has banned the importation of Russiansourced refined products as of February, it merely shifted trade patterns, with Russia increasing its refined products exports by 50% year over year as of the first quarter by increasing shipments to Africa.

The news comes even as Gazprom’s Astrakhan gas processing plant resumed gasoline output after maintenance work. Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov said last week that there were a number of oil refineries that were due to be brought back online after maintenance work— Astrakhan being just one. The end of maintenance work on the refineries could go a long way in easing Russia’s domestic fuel crunch, and could negate the need for a ban on the country’s exports.

Russia has been considering a fuel export ban since May in an effort to avert domestic fuel shortages and rein in prices after announcing a halving of subsidies to oil refiners that will start this month in order to keep more money in government coffers to fund its military operation in Ukraine.

Despite the domestic fuel crunch, Russia’s oil refineries increased crude processing rates in the first half of last month in the runup to the subsidy cuts.

Russia also said it planned to reduce diesel exports from western ports by a quarter this month as seasonal refinery maintenance continued. (Oilprice.com)

Atlantic storm Lee delivers chaos as forecasters call off some warnings

Atlantic storm Lee made landfall at near-hurricane strength Saturday, bringing destructive winds, rough surf and torrential rains to New England in the US and the Maritimes in Canada.

Meanwhile, officials withdrew some warnings for the region and predicted the storm would dissipate in the coming days.

The US National Hurricane Center said early Sunday that the post-tropical cyclone was in Canada – about 56km (35 miles) west of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and about 362km (225 miles) west of Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland.

The top sustained wind speed had dropped for a third time in 24 hours to 80km/h (50mph), with some higher gusts expected.

“Gradual weakening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Lee could dissipate on Tuesday,” the hurricane centre said.

Russia said it had thwarted a coordinated Ukrainian attack on Crimea early on Sunday, while drones also targeted Moscow, disrupting air traffic in the capital, and caused a fire at an oil depot in the southwest of the country.

Ukraine in recent days has launched a series of strikes on Russian military targets in occupied Crimea, including the Russian Navy Black Sea Fleet's facilities, seeking to undermine Moscow's war efforts in the critical region.

Attacks deep inside Russia, far from the front lines, have also increased, with Moscow's Mayor saying at least two drones were shot down in the region of the cap-

ital early on Sunday. Reuters could not independently verify Sunday's reports and there was no immediate comment from Kyiv.

In an opinion piece late on Saturday, Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's Security Council, urged Kyiv's allies to speed up the delivery of weapons, saying this was the only way to end the war.

"For example, the complete or partial elimination of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which is a doable task, should significantly accelerate the process of Russia's search for a way out of the ongoing war," Danilov wrote on the Ukrainska Pravda news site.

Russian air defence systems destroyed at least six

Chess pieces are seen in front of displayed Russia and Ukraine's flags in this illustration taken January 25, 2022

drones targeting Crimea from different directions, Russia's Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

The report on the Telegram messaging app did not say whether any damage

or casualties had been caused on the Crimea peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Kyiv in a widely condemned move in 2014, eight years before Russia's full-fledged invasion. (Excerpt from Reuters)

California Sheriff's Deputy shot dead in ambush attack

ALos Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy has been shot and killed in what officials call an ambush while he was sitting in his patrol car outside a sheriff's station in the California city of Palmdale, in uniform and on duty.

Sheriff Robert Luna called the incident that occurred on Saturday night "murder" and a "targeted attack" on Deputy Ryan

Clinkunbroomer, 30, because he was a Police officer, serving his community about 55 miles (90 km) northeast of Los Angeles.

Clinkunbroomer was found at the wheel of his patrol cruiser gravely wounded about 6 pm by a passerby who called for help, Police said. Clinkunbroomer, who served for eight years on the Force, died at the hospital.

During a late-night news

Antarctic sea-ice at 'mind-blowing' low alarms experts

The centre discontinued a tropical storm warning for the coast of Maine in the US late on Saturday and reported the Canadian Hurricane Centre had ended its tropical storm warning for New Brunswick and parts of Prince Edward Island.

But a tropical storm warning remained in effect for parts of Canada’s Nova Scotia, the Magdalen Islands and Prince Edward Island, with strong winds possibly leading to downed trees and power outages, the centre said.

Lee shared some characteristics with 2012’s Superstorm Sandy. Both storms were once-strong hurricanes that became post-tropical cyclones — cyclonic storms that have lost most of their tropical characteristics — before landfall.

Lee was not expected to be nearly as destructive as Sandy, which caused billions of dollars in damage and was blamed for dozens of deaths in New York and New Jersey in the US.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The sea-ice surrounding Antarctica is well below any previous recorded winter level, satellite data shows, a worrying new benchmark for a region that once seemed resistant to global warming.

"It's so far outside anything we've seen, it's almost mind-blowing," says Walter Meier, who monitors sea-ice with the National Snow and Ice Data Center.

An unstable Antarctica could have far-reaching consequences, polar experts warn.

Antarctica's huge ice expanse regulates the planet's temperature, as the white surface reflects the Sun's energy back into the atmosphere and also cools the water beneath and near it.

Without its ice cooling the planet, Antarctica could transform from Earth's refrigerator to a radiator, experts say.

The ice that floats on

the Antarctic Ocean's surface now measures less than 17 million sq kmthat is 1.5 million sq km of sea-ice less than the September average, and well below previous winter record lows.

That's an area of missing ice about five times the size of the British Isles.

Dr Meier is not optimistic that the sea-ice will recover to a significant degree.

Scientists are still trying to identify all the factors that led to this year's low sea-ice - but studying trends in Antarctica has historically been challenging.

In a year when several global heat and ocean temperature records have broken, some scientists insist the low sea-ice is the measure to pay attention to.

Sea-ice acts as a protective sleeve for the ice covering the land and prevents the ocean from heating up. (Excerpt from BBC News)

conference, Luna asked the public to come forward with any video that may exist showing what happened.

Clinkunbroomer, who was just engaged to be married, was a third-generation member of law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, the Sheriff wrote on social media.

"It hurts, it hurts bad," Luna said. "He was mur-

dered (Saturday night). He didn't deserve that. ... From everything I know about Ryan, people loved and adored him."

"We're going to catch this person," he added. There have been 83 ambush-style attacks on Police in the United States this year, resulting in 15 killed by gunfire, according to National Fraternal Order of Police. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Thousands in Australia rally for struggling Indigenous referendum

Thousands rallied in Australia on Sunday to support recognising the country's Indigenous people in the Constitution, a proposal that is struggling ahead of a referendum next month.

If approved on Oct 14, the measure would enshrine Indigenous people in the Constitution and set up an advisory body to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people input on policies that affect them.

Indigenous Australians, who account for 3.8% of the population, face disadvantages including discrimination, poor health and education outcomes and high incarceration rates.

But the "Voice to Parliament" proposal appeared on track for defeat, a poll showed last week, the fifth monthly survey in a row to find voters against the change.

Yes23, the group behind "Walk for Yes" events, said around 20,000 people attended in Brisbane, Australia's third-biggest city, with rallies scheduled in Sydney, Melbourne,

Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin and Newcastle.

Many attendees wore T-shirts and held placards emblazoned "Vote Yes!", Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) footage showed.

To change the Constitution, the referendum, backed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labour Government, would require a national majority in favour and majorities in at least four of Australia's six states.

Most Indigenous people favour the referendum, but some, like prominent No campaigner Warren Mundine, say it is a distraction from achieving practical and positive outcomes and would not fully resolve the issues affecting them.

"If we can do just three things - accountability, jobs and education - then we'll resolve most of the problems we've got," Mundine told ABC.

Since Australian independence in 1901, only eight of 44 proposals for constitutional change have been approved. (Reuters)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Gravitate toward someone you feel akin to, and work on your long-term plans. Nurture partnerships, adjust what’s necessary to enforce closer ties and focus on unity.

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Don’t stop when you should keep working. Giving in to temptation will lead to regret. Refuse to let an emotional matter cost you. Stay focused on what matters most to you.

Trust your instincts over what someone tries to lead you to believe. Focus on home, family and what makes you happy and healthy. Keep the peace by doing your fair share and being willing to compromise.

Simplify your life. Refuse to let money, joint ventures and unwise decisions leave you struggling. Embrace positive alternatives and seek out dynamic people. Conversations will prove fruitful.

(June 21-July 22)

Set boundaries and a budget before you invest time or money in something or someone. Figure out what you want and expect from others before you agree to anyone’s demands. Protect your position.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Set a goal and follow through. Invite change and opportunity, and new beginnings will help you flourish. Follow your dreams and mix and mingle with exuberant, passionate people.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Put your energy where it counts, and refuse to let anyone talk you into excessive spending. Improve what you have to offer. Stay current, and you’ll outsmart any competition you encounter.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Your concern and emotional investment will spur you to get things running smoothly. Your effort will change how others think and react, pushing you to continue your mission.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Ask reliable people to assist you, and discard anyone who offers false information or uses chaos as a calling card. Aim to stabilize whatever situation you face.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

A steady pace is your best option. Don’t share personal or financial information. Make a stabilizing domestic change, and you’ll feel less agitated by what others do or say.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Get the facts before you react to something. An emotional situation will explode if you are too quick to judge. You will gain insight by being kind and generous, not by being hostile.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don’t limit your impact because you are afraid to say what’s on your mind. A direct approach will bring about positive change if you are friendly and offer suggestions.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

England call up Brook to World Cup squad in place of Jason Roy

Opener Jason Roy was in the provisional squad announced last month, but missed the recent One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand because of back spasms.

Brook scored only 37 runs across three matches against the Black Caps, but has starred in international cricket over the past year and can bat in both the top and middle order.

Holders England start their campaign by facing New Zealand on October 5.

The 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup in India features 10 teams and runs until November 19.

England squad for World Cup: Jos Buttler (Captain); Moeen Ali; Gus Atkinson; Jonny Bairstow; Harry Brook; Sam Curran; Liam Livingstone; Dawid Malan; Adil Rashid; Joe Root; Ben Stokes; Reece Topley; David Willey; Mark Wood and Chris Woakes.

Roy was a key part of the victorious 2019 World Cup squad, returning from a hamstring strain during the tournament to make vital scores of 66, 60 and 85 to lead England to the final.

His throw also led to the run-out of Martin Guptill that sealed England's dra-

matic win over New Zealand in the final at Lord's.

The 33-year-old has struggled for form at times since and was not part of the winning 2022 T20 World Cup squad, though he did hit two ODI centuries against South Africa and Bangladesh earlier this year.

Roy, who has not played since The Hundred final on August 27, warmed up before the final ODI against New Zealand on Friday, but was omitted from the team again.

His exclusion means Malan will almost certainly open the batting alongside Bairstow in India.

Malan, 36, is in sublime form, having hit 54, 96 and 127 as an opener in the 3-1 series victory over New Zealand.

"We have selected a

Parchment runs world-leading 12.93s to defeat world champion Holloway and win Diamond League trophy

squad we are confident can go to India and win the World Cup," said England selector Luke Wright.

"We are blessed with an incredibly strong group of white-ball players which was underlined by the performances in the series win against a very good New Zealand team.

"The strength of the group has meant that we have had to make some tough decisions on world-class players with Jason Roy missing out and Harry Brook coming into the squad."

Captain Buttler had said Roy could play against Ireland this week to prove his fitness though England have not confirmed whether he will now join that separate 13-man party.

Brook, who has hit 123 runs in his six ODIs to date,

was named in that squad for the three-match series against Ireland, but will now drop out.

Despite his inexperience in 50-over internationals, Brook, 24, was a surprise omission from the initial squad, given his stunning performances in Tests and T20s since making his England debut last year.

The rest of the squad is unchanged and features eight players from the 2019 side, including Test Captain Stokes, who came out of ODI retirement last month to play in the tournament.

Surrey pace bowler Atkinson, 25, is part of the squad after making his ODI debut against New Zealand earlier this month.

Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer, who bowled the super over in the 2019 final, has

not been included because he will not recover from a recurrence of a stress fracture in his elbow in time for the start of the tournament.

England have yet to name their three travelling reserves, though Archer, 28, raised hopes he could go to the World Cup as cover by training with the squad during the New Zealand series.

Leg-spinner Rashid missed the final three ODIs against New Zealand and fast bowler Mark Wood did not play in the series at all because of minor injuries but neither are a doubt for the World Cup.

Analysis

The England World Cup squad selection has been a strange episode, ever since what turned out to be a pro-

visional party was named back in August.

Back then, Wright said the group he had chosen was the 15 for the World Cup, only for Buttler and Coach Matthew Mott to hint at the possibility for changes. Still, even as late as Friday night, Buttler talked about "loyalty" as a selection policy.

However, the sparkling form of Malan has made the picture clear for England. With Malan demanding a place at the top of the order, Roy was squeezed out of the starting XI.

Once that happened, and with Roy's fitness an issue, the versatility of Brook made him the better option as batting cover for the starting line-up.

It means Roy loses his place in the squad without playing and Brook gets in without making a notable score in the ODIs against New Zealand.

Already out of the T20 side and having handed back his central contract, this could be the end of Roy's international career, one of England's best white-ball batters of all-time.

England have probably found their best World Cup squad, but the path they took to get there has been quite curious. (BBC Sport)

Real Madrid extend 100% start to season

Real Madrid came from behind to extend their 100 per cent start to the season to five games with a 2-1 win against Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Former Newcastle and Stoke striker Joselu was their unlikely hero, rising at the far post to head home Fran Garcia's cross on the hour.

After netting five times in his first four games for his new club, Jude Bellingham's phenomenal scoring run came to an end.

In an incredible display of high-quality sprint hurdling, Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment stormed to victory in the 110m hurdles in Eugene, Oregon on Sunday to win the 2023 Diamond League trophy over world champion Grant Holloway.

Parchment, the Olympic champion, hurdled his way to a world-leading 12.93s, which is also a personal best for the 33-year-old Jamaican.

World champion Holloway, the early leader, had to settle for second place clocking 13.06, 0.01 ahead of compatriot Daniel Roberts, who clocked in at 13.07s.

Parchment’s time also makes him the fastest Jamaican in the world this year, eclipsing the 12.94 set by Rasheed Broadbell at the National Stadium in Kingston in July.

(Sportsmax)

Bellingham's best chance came in stoppage time as he rose to meet Brahim Diaz's cross only for Alex Ramiro to make an excellent save.

However, the England man was pivotal in Real Madrid clawing their way back into the game after they had suffered the shock of conceding in the fifth minute.

On-loan Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga couldn't keep out Ander Barrenetxea's second effort after he had pushed the first back to the visiting forward.

Sociedad had gone 46

Real Madrid have 15 points after five games, two more than defending champions Barcelona

league matches without defeat since they last lost after leading at the break, but once Federico Valverde had levelled with a powerful shot from the edge of the area a minute after the resumption, it was always likely to be an uphill battle to preserve that record.

The visitors did have chances to extend their lead in an open contest as

Barrenetxea blazed over after Kepa had pushed another rebound straight to him and then saw the Spain international keep another effort out with a full-length save.

But once Real Madrid got themselves in front, they never looked likely to surrender their advantage.

The result maintains Real Madrid's two-point advantage over arch-rivals Barcelona at

the top of the table as they get ready to begin their quest for a 15th Champions League crown against German challengers Union Berlin on Wednesday.

Real Sociedad, who were suffering their first defeat of the season, are also in action on Wednesday when they entertain last season's runners-up Inter Milan. (BBC Sport)

Harry Brook

Jason Roy

Hansle Parchment

CPL: Jamaica Tallawahs cruise into play-offs after Hales’ century

Asuperb century from Englishman Alex Hales led Jamaica Tallawahs into the play-offs of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with a 122-run win over St Lucia Kings.

Playing at Providence under sweltering heat, and

absence of Brandon King.

Hales and Kirk McKenzie added 44 runs in 5.2 overs, with Hales dominating the scoring. McKenzie struggled to three from 12 balls, as Tallawahs posted 46 runs in the power play.

Steven Taylor, playing his first match of the sea-

watched by mostly schoolchildren, Hales’ unbeaten 119 propelled Tallawahs to 201-5 in 20 overs, while Chris Green’s four-wicket haul restricted St Lucia Kings to 79 all out in 15 overs.

In the tall chase of 202, St Lucia Kings never got underway as only Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22); Matthew

Forde (13) and Alzarri

son, managed 14 from 18 balls and Shamarh Brooks made 13 from eight balls. Tallawahs were 84-3 in 11.1 overs, when Wasim partnered Hales. The dynamic duo took Kings bowling to the cleaners and the Englishman reached his century from 47 balls.

Roston Chase, who picked up early wickets, was taken to the ropes when Hales

SCOREBOARD

Jamaica Tallawahs (20 ovs maximum)

Kirk McKenzie c Clarke

b Joseph 3

Alex Hales not out 119

Steven Taylor c Royal

b Chase 14

Shamarh Brooks †

Joseph (10) were the only Kings batters to reach double figures.

Kings had a new-look opening pair of Leonardo Julien (07) and Roshon

Primus (05). Mohammad Amir was all class as he dismissed both batters. After that, it was the Green show. Stand-in captain Imad Wasim and Hayden Walsh Jr then strangled the Kings men with tight bowling.

Green claimed 4-15 from four overs while Wasim had 2-24, including one maiden. Amir bowled two testing overs for seven runs and claimed two wickets in a complete bowling effort.

Earlier, St Lucia Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first. Wasim was leading the Tallawahs in the

slammed him for three sixes in three balls in the 14th over. The right-hander continued to dominate, taking 22 runs off Matthew Forde’s final over, reaching his sev-

b Chase 13

Imad Wasim (c)

b Forde 41

Fabian Allen run out (Royal/†Julien) 1

Extras (lb 3, w 7) 10

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.05) 201/5

Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Kirk McKenzie, 5.2 ov), 2-68 (Steven Taylor, 9.3 ov), 3-84 (Shamarh Brooks, 11.1 ov), 4-200 (Imad Wasim, 19.5 ov), 5-201 (Fabian Allen, 19.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Matthew Forde 4-0-48-1

Jeavor Royal 3-0-30-0

McKenny Clarke 1-0-11-0

Alzarri Joseph 4-0-28-1

Roshon Primus 2-0-28-0

Sikandar Raza 3-0-20-0

Roston Chase 3-0-33-2

St Lucia Kings (T: 202 runs from 20 ovs)

Leonardo Julien †c Green

b Mohammad Amir 7

Roshon Primus

b Mohammad Amir 5

Bhanuka Rajapaksa lbw

b Green 22

Roston Chase c Green

b Walsh 5

Sean Williams lbw

b Green 0

Sikandar Raza (c)c Springer

b Green 3

Colin Munro

b Green 4

Alzarri Joseph run out (McKenzie/†Brooks) 10

Matthew Forde c Springer

b Imad Wasim 13

McKenny Clarke lbw

b Imad Wasim 0

Jeavor Royal not out 0

Extras (lb 2, w 8) 10

TOTAL 15 Ov (RR: 5.26) 79

Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Roshon

Primus, 2.1 ov), 2-15 (Leonardo

Julien, 2.6 ov),

enth T20 century with a boundary down the ground.

Prior to this game, Hales’ best score in the 2023 CPL was 21, and in a big game of such, he stepped up when his team needed him the most. Wasim had slammed three sixes and three fours in his 24-ball 41 while Fabian Allen was run out for one.

Hales remained unbeaten on 119 from 57 balls, an innings laced with seven sixes and 12 fours. Chase had 2-33 on a hot day for the bowlers. Jamaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Kings will be in action on Tuesday, September 19 in the Eliminator from 19:00h at Providence.

Roston Chase claimed two early wickets for Kings

Tallawahs celebrate their big win

Imad Wasim played a captain’s knock

Chris Green claimed four wickets

Alex Hales was in supreme form during his unbeaten century School kids out in their numbers at Providence

CPL: Hope’s century lead GAW to massive win over Barbados Royals

Abatting masterclass from one of the world’s best, Shai Hope, led the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a crushing win against Barbados Royals in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Hope’s majestic 106 from 44 balls propelled the Guyana Amazon Warriors to 226-7 in 20 overs, their highest score in CPL history and the joint highest in all T20s played at Providence. Royals managed only 138-6 as Warriors

moved Rovman Powell (04) and Alick Athanaze (06), to break the back of the Royals’ chase.

Royals were 54-5 in 10 overs. Debutant Shamar Joseph, who was the first change, bowled with great steam as he produced some dot balls to Athanaze.

Warriors’ bowling was impressive as Jason Holder and Rivaldo Clarke looked to rebuild.

Clarke made an unbeaten 54, but Royals managed only 138-6 in 20 overs. Tahir had 3-23 in a top

won by 88 runs.

This season also became the first time five individual centuries were scored, with four centuries scored in 2014 and 2018.

Royals’ chase was too tall, and the pressure showed early. Wickets fell at regular intervals.

Rahkeem Cornwall was the first man dismissed at 16-1, as he made only six.

Justin Greaves, who played some attractive shots made a run-a-ball 16, as he was outfoxed by the impressive Gudakesh Motie.

At the power play, Royals were 38-2. Imran Tahir came into the attack and the runs stopped for Royals, as he and Motie worked magic in tandem. In the ninth over, Tahir re-

spell while Motie had 2-11 in four overs.

Earlier, Barbados Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first. Guyana

Amazon Warriors handed a debut to Kevlon Anderson and Shamar Joseph, who was a replacement for the injured Keemo Paul.

Warriors had a blistering start, adding 71-2 in the power play. It was an eventful start to proceedings as Saim Ayub was the first man dismissed for 16 from 13 balls. Akeem Jordan, playing his first match of the season, sent back Ayub at 35-1 in 3.1 overs. The Odean Smith experiment at the top of the order continued, and he excited the almost-packed crowd at Providence.

Smith struck three fours and one six in his 15-ball 21, but he was caught at point to give Obed McCoy his first wicket at 62-2 in 5.3 overs. Debutant Anderson walked to the crease and he looked busy. Anderson got off the mark with a boundary to third man the first ball he faced.

Warriors raced to 100 runs in nine overs, as Anderson and Hope put pressure on Royals early. Hope showed class and power as he and Anderson took Royals to the cleaners.

Warriors were blazing on 104-2 in 10 overs. Hope and Anderson added 132 runs from 69 balls for the third wicket.

Hope, who reached his fifty in 23 balls, took his batting into fifth gear,

deep by fellow Barbadian Justin Greaves, off Holder.

Amazon Warriors breached the 200-run threshold in 17.4 overs.

Anderson, who displayed great fitness and running between the wickets, as did Hope, eventually fell for 47 from 39 balls, an innings laced with two fours and one six. He topedged one to the wicket-keeper at 224-5 in 19.2 overs. Wickets fell in the end, but that brought the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer to the crease, who smacked his way to 16 from five balls, including two fours and one six.

It was carnage for the Royals men with McCoy claiming 2-36 and Holder claiming 2-50 in four overs.

Warriors ended on 2267 in 20 overs, their highest-ever score in CPL history and the joint highest team total in all T20s at Providence. Warriors will be in action again on Wednesday, September 20 against TKR in the first Qualifier at Providence.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Amazon Warriors (20 ovs maximum)

Saim Ayub c Powell

b Akeem Jordan 16

Odean Smith c Athanaze

b McCoy 21

Shai Hope c Greaves

b Holder 106

Kevlon Anderson c †Clarke

b McCoy 47

Azam Khan †c Qais Ahmad

b Holder 9

Shimron Hetmyer run out

(Akeem Jordan/†Clarke) 16

Dwaine Pretorius run out

(†Clarke/McCoy) 0

Shamar Joseph not out 0

Gudakesh Motie not out 0

Extras (b 1, lb 2, nb 3, w 5) 11

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 11.30) 226/7

when he slammed Cornwall for 32 runs in one over to go to his first CPL hundred from 41 balls.

Hope was eventually dismissed for a masterful 106 from 44 balls, an inning decorated with eight sixes and nine fours, striking at 240. He was taken in the

Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Saim Ayub, 3.1 ov), 2-62 (Odean Smith, 5.3 ov), 3-194 (Shai Hope, 16.6 ov), 4-205 (Azam Khan, 18.1 ov), 5-224 (Kevlon Anderson, 19.2 ov), 6-224 (Dwaine Pretorius, 19.3 ov), 7-225 (Shimron Hetmyer, 19.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Akeem Jordan 2-0-24-1

Jason Holder 4-0-50-2

Obed McCoy 4-0-36-2

Carlos Brathwaite 2-0-15-0

Fans in colourful outfits at Providence

Shai Hope was again all class

Shimron Hetmyer played a cameo

Kevlon Anderson looked promising on debut

Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie spun webs around the Royals