Guyana Times -Sunday, August 06, 2023

Private cane farmers were sued by banks after APNU/AFC closed sugar estates

Among the hardships that sugar workers faced when the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government closed down the estates, private cane farmers who had formed joint ventures and had their livelihoods snatched from them with the closures, were sued by banks after inevitably defaulting on their loans.

This was revealed from the answers to questions raised by Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, in the National Assembly. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who responded to the questions on notice, provided details on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers severed between May 2015 and August 2020.

In total, 5262 workers were severed when the estates closed. Most of them, 1830, were from the Skeldon estate, followed closely by 1589 from East Demerara (Enmore), 931 from Wales and 912 from Rose Hall. When the 1785 temporary workers are

counted in, it means that the closures affected a total of 7047 workers.

But Mustapha went on to also reveal the struggles of the private cane farmers, who number in the hundreds and come from communities such as Canal No 1 and No 2, as well as from across the West Coast of Demerara and the Corentyne Coast.

“To appreciate the total and diverse impact of these large-scale dismissals and the closure of estates, one must also appreciate the thousands of other persons who depended directly on the estates and upon the income of the sugar workers for their

own livelihood.”

“This would take the number into thousands. In fact, dozens of private cane farmers on the Corentyne Coast had joint venture agreements in writing with these estates to supply sugar cane. These operations were financed by commercial banks in joint venture arrangements.”

According to the Minister, the closure of the estates naturally led to these contracts being defaulted on, and a number of commercial banks have sued the private farmers, seeking hundreds of millions of dollars. The legal proceedings, according to the Minister, are pending

in the High Court.

“The income from these sugar workers and the revenue stream from these estates contributed significantly to the village economy of dozens of communities affecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands,” Mustapha said.

“For example, grocery shops, restaurants, bars, markets in the villages and many other undertakings in these communities depended upon the income generated from these estates. All these activities suffered a tremendous blow by the dismissal of over 7000 workers and the closure of these factories, affecting several thousand lives and livelihoods.”

It was announced recently that final adjust -

ments are being made to the Rose Hall Sugar Estate in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), as it will be making a comeback by mid-September to recommence sugar production.

The Government’s efforts to reopen the Rose Hall Estate saw a whopping $1.1 billion being expended this year to have the facility up and running. A summary of the major works included both civil and structural interventions – including rehabilitation of the cane gantry, pre-milling, milling, boiler and process house roofing. There was also the replacement of a vacuum pan, condenser structures, a chimney, and servicing of all equipment.

The Rose Hall facility

is one of four estates that were closed by the APNU/ AFC coalition after it took office. Back in 2016, the former Government closed the Wales Estate, and the following year, shut down the Enmore, Rose Hall, and Skeldon Estates, putting over 7000 sugar workers on the breadline. The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont, and Albion Estates in operation.

After taking office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had announced in the Emergency Budget presented in September 2020, that some $5 billion would be injected into the sugar industry for the phased reopening of the closed estates. Since then, sizeable allocations have been made to return the sector to its former glory.

GuySuCo was allocated a further $2 billion in Budget 2021 by the PPP/C Government for capital works to be undertaken at the various estates to help in the turnaround of the sugar industry. Then last year, GuySuCo received $1 billion in supplementary funds from the Government.

GuySuCo was allocated $4 billion in the 2023 budget to begin construction of the Albion Sugar Packaging Plant and to expand the capacity of the Blairmont Packaging Plant among other significant undertakings, which will increase the value-added capacity of the sugar company.

The PPP/C Administration has invested more than $10 billion in the plant and equipment, rehabilitated cane fields at all factory locations, and fostered private-sector partnerships to increase land under cultivation in the sugar industry. (G3)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

The Rose Hall Estate

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Aug 6 – 08:30h – 10:00h and

Monday, Aug 7 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Aug 6 – 07:40h – 09:10h and

Monday, Aug 7 – 08:25h – 09:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine and light rain showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 07:54h and 20:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 13:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.63 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

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Oil wealth must not cloud efforts to strike out injustices – Pres Ali

Blessed with an oil boon that has made Guyana one of the fastest growing economies of the world, President Irfaan Ali has determined that the country should not lose sight of the responsibility to strike out injustices and inequalities.

At a cultural extravaganza hosted at State House to continue the Emancipation festivities on Friday evening, the Guyanese Leader determined that to build a future that is free of inequality, a collective responsibility is required where the resources trickle down to benefit people of all walks of life.

He disclosed “Today, if we are to pay homage to the sacrifice our ancestors made, we cannot close our eyes to the inequality and injustice that exists in the world. As a country, we must do our part to ensure that such injustices and inequalities are removed and all of humanity

this history so that they can understand the sacrifice through which they came. They would understand the selflessness through which they came…We as a people who are the inheritors of such sacrifice have a great a responsibility and duty in the world today to ensure that wherever there is injustice, the oppression of people and dignity of people is challenged, that we stand on the

Guyanese contributing to every single area of life in

be celebrated…We want the African-Guyanese experience to continue to live on even as continue to weave this fabric of society.”

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has renewed its commitments to reparations and continued development of Afro-Guyanese, it said during the 185th Emancipation Day observance this month.

President Ali had referenced recent meetings such as the European Union – Community of Latin America and Caribbean (EU-CELAC), where prog-

Guyana, in education, Joint Services, health, arts, culture. This is something to

ress has been made in getting recognition for the fight for reparations. (G12)

can live in peace and enjoy peaceful existence with each other.”

According to him, a collective upliftment of humanity calls for Guyanese to display strength of character.

“Our wealth and strength of character of our people must be blended together to ensure that our blessing is also a blessing for all of humanity. If we fail in this responsibility, we will be just like those who sought to extract wealth without thinking about the collective upliftment of humanity. That must never be the position we find ourselves in as a people and as a country.”

“Let us recommit that the freedom that was fought and won for us will never be taken for granted and we as a collective, will use that freedom to speak out against injustices wherever they exist,” President Ali told the gathering.

Standing on the sacrifices of ancestors, many of whom fought for freedom, he noted that this history should also be imbedded in the younger population so that the stand on the right side of the line.

“Our young population need to be imbedded with

right side of history.”

The Head of State also zeroed in on the elements which constitute freedom in today’s world as he called for this to be achieved.

He directed, “We cannot make freedom a way of life until we understand the value of freedom individually and collectively and what are the characteristics that make up what we consider freedom today. Democracy, the rule of law, ensuring equitable development, upliftment of all our people, protection of women’s rights, protection of our children and the vulnerable in society, this is living a life of freedom.”

Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond noted that Emancipation was not a gift and the contributions made over the decades by Afro-Guyanese is one which should be celebrated.

Walrond underlined, “We try to overcome these lasting effects of such a horrible period of our existence. In Guyana, we find Afro-

President Irfaan Ali delivering his address at the Emancipation event on Friday evening

Views

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Moral status should not depend on social status

Today, everyone seems to be fighting for “equality”.

But what does it mean to say that everyone is equal?

The answer below is offered by the Dutch philosopher Thomas R. Wells.

“It does not mean that everyone has (or should have) the same amount of nice things, money, or happiness. Nor does it mean that everyone’s abilities or opinions are equally valuable. Rather, it means that everyone has the same –equal – moral status as everyone else. It means, for example, that the happiness of any one of us is just as important as the happiness of anyone else; that a promise made to one person is as important as that made to anyone else; that a rule should count the same for all. No one deserves more than others –more chances, more trust, more empathy, more rewards –merely because of who or what they are”.

This ideal of equality is a point on which pretty much all moral philosophers agree, and it is also the ideological foundation for liberal states. In the last centuries, much progress has been made in realising it in institutions like universal suffrage, the rule of law (where justice is portrayed wearing a blindfold), and impersonally (bureaucratically) administered social insurance systems. But this equality revolution remains an incomplete and fragile achievement. It is in perpetual conflict with our all too human moral psychology, which evolved to manage the micro-politics of small groups and is highly focused on personal relationships and social status; with assigning privileges rather than recognising rights.

Who you are known to know still counts for far too much in how we get treated. Within the state and between the state and those it governs, personal relationships are much less significant than they used to be after a centuries-long effort to redescribe them as ‘corruption’. But they are merely down; not out.

In the day-to-day functioning of the bureaucratic organisations essential to modern society, relationships still matter, because they matter to people. They also persist at the top, in the mutually self-serving reciprocity between donors and lobbyists and politicians, although generally unofficially and on the margins. Occasionally, one also sees them breaking through into the direct treatment of individuals by the state. However, this challenge to the equality revolution, though real, is well known, and is the focus of much scrutiny and resistance.

Another challenge – the connection of social to moral status – has gone far less recognised, and may even have grown worse under the guise of ‘meritocracy’. Consider what happened around Covid. The most dangerous jobs were those deemed essential, and were done by people of low social status, such as factory workers.

When we link people’s social ranking to their moral value, we systematically mistreat them. Some get much less than the merits of their case should deserve. Prisoners get less access to basic healthcare because they are taken to be less deserving, and so their needs count for less than a real person’s. Low status victims of sex crimes are taken less seriously by the general public, as well as by police and judges; are forced to bear a heavier burden of proof if they dare to use the criminal justice system; and find their complaints about this mistreatment also ignored. Others get more than they deserve, as in the high-status perpetrators of sex crimes, who are granted unfounded epistemic authority or are given extra chances because people find it easier to empathise with their situation and care for their future.

Obviously, this social ranking is intimately entangled with any systematic injustices a society may have, such as the rules and values associated with gender and race. However, the real problem does not lie in any particular social ranking system, such as associated with racism or sexism, but in our intuitive attraction to thinking of moral status as hierarchical. Our goal in completing the equality revolution should not be to find the right social hierarchy on which to arrange people’s moral status, but to remove any link between the two.

Ignorant of Govt’s work over the last

Dear Editor,

I am deeply disappointed with the Stabroek News editorial of August 2, 2023, captioned “Third anniversary of PPP/C gov’t.” This overtly biased editorial is another glaring example confirming that Stabroek News’s modus operandi is to condemn the Government even if publicly available and verifiable facts contradict the newspaper’s views/opinions.

In the editorial, the author created the false impression that ‘sporadic handouts’ were the only measure implemented by the Government to tackle the rising cost of living. For the author to make such a claim means that he/she is either ignorant of the work this Government did over the last three years, or is patently dishonest.

Since assuming office in 2020, the Government immediately implemented a suite of measures to safeguard the well-being of the citizens, who suffered significant losses in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and five-month election impasse. In the first 100 days in office, the Government distributed a one-off cash grant to every household in the country, made a one-off payment to all public servants, granted a twoweek tax-free bonus to frontline workers and the joint services, and re-hired the Community Service Officers (CSOs).

Simultaneously, the Government successfully negotiated with commercial banks to waive loan payments and reduce interest rates by up to 2 per cent for loans and credit card customers. To complement these initiatives, the Government reversed the 200 burdensome taxes imposed by the previous Government to fulfill its Manifesto promise. In its report, “Headwinds Facing Post-Pandemic Recovery in the Caribbean”, the IDB praised the Government for implementing these measures.

In subsequent budgets, the Government continued to implement numerous initiatives to boost the disposable income of citizens. The most notable initiatives were the payment of a oneoff cash grant to households in hinterland and riverine communities; a one-off cash grant to fisherfolks; re-employment of the CSOs; recruitment of part-time workers in various regions; reintroduction of the one-month tax-free bonus to the Disciplined Services; payment of the

or patently dishonest?

Because We Care cash grant; introduction of a $100,000 cash grant for each child with a disability, and $600,000 grant to dialysis patients; and increased Public Assistance and Old Age Pension as promised in its Manifesto.

Additionally, the Government implemented several supply-side measures to tame cost-push inflation, which were due to exogenous factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war and global supply chain challenges. The menu of measures included freight cost adjustment to pre-pandemic levels ($10.8 billion), lowering of excise tax on fuel ($17 billion), maintaining water and electricity tariffs, and distribution of fertilizers to over 5,000 farmers ($1 billion). The Government removed VAT and duties on machinery and equipment to allow for the recapitalization of key sectors, including mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing. Coupled with the granting of tax concessions for mining, forestry, manufacturing and agriculture, these served to stimulate supply-side response in bolstering production in the real sectors. The Government also reversed land lease fees imposed by the previous administration back to the position it was in in 2014, and removed value added tax on agro-chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and key inputs in the poultry sector; all contributing to the overarching goal of bringing relief to the lives of ordinary citizens, stimulating economic activity, increasing the country’s productive capacity, reducing the cost of doing business, and facilitating the growth and development of businesses.

These measures successfully contained inflation to single digits and well below most countries in the world.

For the editorial's author to deliberately ignore the initiatives aforementioned and highlight the ‘payouts’ is totally misleading.

Even more disappointing than the half-truth presented by the author regarding Government’s effort to combat rising cost of living are his/her views on the Government’s investment in infrastructure.

There is consensus among academics and policymakers that the infrastructure gap is a major constraint to the competitiveness of the local economy. Indeed, if Guyana is to compete with the rest of

the world, this constraint must be relaxed through investment in infrastructure projects aimed at improving the country’s Logistic Performance Index. Equally important is the fact that investment provides both short and longterm benefits. In the short-term, investment in infrastructure creates jobs and business opportunities for suppliers of building materials. Further, the investments in roads and bridges are aimed at opening up lands for economic activities and residential purposes (50,000 house lots promised by the Government). Infrastructure projects also generate positive externalities. For example, new roads and bridges significantly improve the value of properties and create wealth for property owners permanently.

It is important to note that the investment in infrastructure by the Government is not limited to roads and bridges, but hospitals, schools, sports facilities, the water and sanitation, and electricity sectors. These investments include the six Regional Hospitals, a new Specialised Pediatric and Maternal Hospital, upgrade and expansion of the existing healthcare facilities, construction of new schools and expansion of existing schools, construction of PV MicoMicro Grid Systems, small hydros, development of the Gas-to-Shore project, investment in new generators, expansion and modernization of the sports facilities, construction of water treatment plants, well and expansion water distribution networks.

Editor, the PPP/C was voted into office because it promised to make these investments. Now that the PPP/C is in Government, it is merely delivering these promises, which will ensure every Guyanese enjoys world-class health care, education, and other social services.

Editor, it would take me more than one letter to list and explain the benefits of these investments. I am sure, however, that it would be reasonable to assume that the average Guyanese deserves and will benefit from better roads, bridges, health, education, sports and recreational facilities, and more reliable and cheaper electricity.

Regards,

Kevin Persaud

Fire-breathers performing during a dinner and cultural extravaganza hosted as part of the observances of the 185th anniversary of Emancipation by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday night (Office of the President photos)

three years,

Exxon and the descendants of slavery are owed an apology

Dear Editor,

The sign reading “Exxon is Guyana’s New Slave Master”, published in the Guyanese media on August 3, 2023, is unimaginably offensive to the descendants of slavery and to Exxon.

Exxon (Hess and COONOC) delivered Guyana from an insurmountable starvation of capital (in the form of FDI), and brought our oil and gas resources from the bowels of the ocean to markets across the world. In so doing, it has given the people of this nation the opportunity to move from the oft-stated position of being the “second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere” to one of being the fastest growing economy in the world.

The idea that FDI by Exxon et al constitutes a new form of slavery is not only unfounded, but betrays a base-level ignorance of what slavery was as a matter of daily life. The key to slavery was violence. It was the violent extraction of economic value defended by an ideology of racial supremacy.

The other key aspect of slavery was that it denied the humanity of the humans it subjugated through what Achille Mbembe has called “founding violence.”

But slavery was not only about economic exploitation, nor was it only about racism. It was a physically brutal system of punishment and death. Some random (but official reports) can help the reader understand what real slavery was like, even if it is minimal. Here is a report on punishment from Berbice, March 1829. The offence - slaves supposedly not doing sufficient work.

“The Fiscal [Sheriff] pronounced on the Negroes. The men were flogged this morning…receiving 50 lashes each, except old Primo, who received 39. The women to be confined in the Stocks every night till Easter, and then during the holidays” (Alvin Thompson, 2002: 107). The year before (1828), 2173 slaves were punished by Stripes (lashes and other methods of beating) in Berbice. Solitary confinement was widespread.

“Between January 1 and July 1, 1828, 5633 slaves were charged with a crime, most of them having to do with the Master demanding more labour. One thousand, eight hundred and thirteen (1813) charges of so-called “Bad work and insufficient…” were placed on the heads of those already having their labour forcefully

extracted” (Thompson, 2002: 114).

Here is a more detailed report filed by James Stephen (an abolitionist lawyer) regarding the conduct of the Deputy Protector of Slaves at Plantation Enfield, Berbice: “His arrival seems to have excited a species of riot, especially among the females, whom he describes as vociferating for nearly an hour without interruption. Their grievance appears to have been that they were employed at task work instead of working at regular hours. It appeared to the satisfaction of the Protector that the complaints were without foundation. After quieting the tumult by placing some of the foremost in the Stocks, he directed the women to be sent back to the ordinary system of labour for one week, to convince them of their misconception of their own interest on the subject of task work. He then proceeded to adjudge that three of the Ringleaders of the Male Slaves to receive 50 lashes each, and other two to receive 40 lashes” (Thompson, 111).

Almost exactly two hundred years ago, on August 18, 1823, slaves at Plantation Success began a revolt against their oppression. The revolt spread to

37 estates, including Bachelor’s Adventure Plantation, where 200 slaves were gunned down. After the revolt “[h]undreds of rebels were hunted down and killed, including two hundred who were beheaded as a warning to other enslaved people. Fourteen rebels were hastily tried and sentenced to be hanged” (https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/ demerara-rebellion-1823/).

Guyanese also know of Damon of Plantation Richmond in Essequibo, who was hanged in front of the Parliament Building in Georgetown for resisting continued forced labour after 1834, when slavery was abolished. A so-called Apprenticeship till 1838 was instituted to help planters recoup their investment in human bodies as labour machines. It was met with disdain because it was a continuation of slavery.

In the 1763 revolt in Berbice, 1800 slaved were killed, and twenty-four of them were burnt alive by the real slave masters. How about those accused of being “Guyana’s New Slave Masters”? This is not rhetoric based on ignorance, because we all know better. The motive behind this spectacular misrepresentation is economic, in the sense that sensationalism sells

newspapers. Secondly, and without doubt, there are clear political motives. The idea is to scare off foreign investors in order to halt economic and social development.

The fact is, as pointed out by Joel Bhagwandin, “ExxonMobil/ EEPGL investment alone as of 2022 in the Stabroek block is a whopping G$1.8 trillion, or US$8.61B. When other oil majors lacked confidence to explore in Guyana, Exxon remained steadfast to the commitment, and continued exploration until they discovered commercial quantities in 2015.

For perspective, it should be noted that Exxon’s invested capital alone is equivalent to two times Guyana’s pre-oil GDP. Moreover, because of this investment and Exxon’s presence in Guyana, the country has earned more than G$425 billion cumulatively as of 2022 in profit oil and royalty, which is two times the tax revenues of the Government prior to oil production. Additionally, the local businesses and Guyanese workers benefit from another US$700 million annually in local content spent in-country. Keep in mind also other related revenue streams, such as the US$750 million from the ART-TREES framework paid

by Hess Corporation.

ExxonMobil took on a huge financial risk in its investments in Guyana, and had to wait a long time for the first profit oil. It took them 15 years before oil was discovered in commercial quantities, and another 5 years for development before going into production. That is 20 years of injecting capital continuously to finance exploration and development activities, before generating a dollar in revenue. Further, Exxon was pumping investments into Guyana while it was carrying overall losses. In 2020 alone, it lost US$22.4 billion. Earlier this year, it announced a major failure in oil exploration in Brazil after investing US$4 billion. Another US$4 billion in the same country has not yet yielded a dime of profit.

The suggestion that Exxon is Guyana’s new slave master is not only baseless, nonsensical, sensationalist, and dangerous. It is also downright disrespectful to those who toiled in one of history’s most disgraceful institutions, that is, slavery. And without ExxonMobil, Guyana would still be a flyover country.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

Govt should derecognise OGGN

Dear Editor,

The quintessential Luncheon was seen on the morning of August 6, 1985. A young Physician ran across New Market Street from the medical block of Georgetown Hospital to reach the Operating Theatre. He had just been contacted because the President of Guyana needed expert medical help. Luncheon was determined to offer such help, although he was seen as unfriendly to the President and his party.

So different from the Roger Luncheon whom I first met many years earlier in his dashiki and Burnham button, he

Dear Editor,

During its three years in Government, the PPPC has led an aggressive development agenda aimed at delivering on manifesto promises to the people of Guyana. The Ali-led Government campaigned on a very ambitious manifesto, and has worked tirelessly during its time in office to deliver on those promises.

The PPPC Government is being lauded by many as a proverbial “breath of fresh air” following the APNU/AFC’s stint in office, which was marred by their inability to deliver on campaign promises. The APNU/AFC now form the main Opposition, and have demonstrated to many their tenacity to anti-agents of development. Their constant race-baiting and propaganda spreading seek to undermine the President’s drive to unite and develop the country under his “One Guyana” mantra.

The people of Guyana are, however, not fooled, as we continue to witness the unfolding of the Government’s massive de-

was featured in a booklet titled “Why Young Professionals Support the PNC”. But upon his return to Guyana, he saw a different picture to what was presented to his overseas eyes. He felt not disappointment, but betrayal. He sought a conversation with Cheddi Jagan, which he had at Freedom House, and the rest is Guyanese history. Roger Luncheon and I did a lot of work together. He and Dr. Ramsundar Doobay treated medical kidney disease – Nephrology; Guyana was lucky to have such welltrained and dedicated doctors.

I was involved in the surgery of the kidney - Urology. Roger and

velopment agenda. The Government is three years in office, and is well on the way to delivering on all campaign promises on issues such as employment, housing, health care, and education. The robust public infrastructure improvement plan continues to impress the masses, as many enjoy the bounties of the improved road network while awaiting development such as the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

In addition to delivering on campaign promises, the PPPC Government is also working to finish works started and failed under the APNU, and further correcting their many atrocities. Since taking office, the Government has had to undo the many taxes imposed by the previous Government to ease the burden on Guyanese, while providing cash grants and other such assistance programmes to rescue the people from the hardships imposed by the previous Government.

In a recent interview, the Prime Minister boasted of works done to improve ICT ac-

I spent a great amount of time nurturing the newly resuscitated Guyana Medical Association.

A final anecdote. On his first overseas mission with Cheddi Jagan, he spotted a portable tape recorder that he greatly desired to purchase, only to be told by Dr. Cheddi that the party would appreciate any leftover money from the small amount they were given as travel allowance. He did it without his tape recorder. A wonderful colleague and a great Guyanese. Ave Atque Vale

Sincerely, Deen Sharma

cessibility in the hinterland. In the same interview, he spoke of the fact that the Government was able to actually liberalize the telecommunications sector, something that the Opposition campaigned heavily on before taking office in 2015, but failed to deliver.

As a proud son of the soil, I have nothing but commendation for the Government and its efforts at improving the lives of the people of Guyana and bringing large-scale development to local shores.

We appreciate the President and the Cabinet for not insulting our intelligence with half-baked schemes and political language, but actually developing projects and programmes to improve the lives of all Guyanese. We thank the Government for a progressive and successful three years, and look forward to many years of continued success under the stewardship of President Dr Mohamed Ali.

Yours truly, Alvin

Hamilton

Dear Editor, Readers would recall that in my recent writings I challenged the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) to verify that it is a legitimately registered organisation as it claimed to be under the United States tax laws. That is, a 501 (c) (3) organization, and whether the OGGN is in compliance with the provisions thereof.

To that end, I argued that the OGGN is likely to be in violation of the 501 (c) (3) provisions, because pursuant to the 501 (c) (3) requirements, it ought to disclose and/or publish its financial statements, its income tax returns, and its bylaws. None of this information is published on the OGGN website, hence it is safe to conclude that the OGGN has violated not only the thrust, but its legal obligations as a 501 (c) (3) organization. Moreover, it should be noted that 501 (c) (3) organizations are subject to stringent rules and regulations pursuant to the U.S tax laws enforced by the IRS. Particularly, such organizations are prohibited from engaging in political work. Yet, the OGGN engages in a covert political advocacy agenda and excessive advocacy work. These violations can be summarized as follows:

a) OGGN is involved in a covert political campaign in Guyana

b) OGGN is engaged in excessive lobbying activities

c) OGGN refused to disclose or provide a copy of Form 990

d) OGGN failed to report employment, income, or excise tax liability, and/or disclose this information to the public.

I would argue that the OGGN is engaged in deceptive fundraising practices (given the lack of transparency sur-

rounding its financials).

Despite all of the foregoing unquestionable violations by the OGGN, it has the audacity to make demands of the Government continually, and hypocritically in its latest letter to the media, dated August 5th, 2023. Unless the OGGN can subject itself to its legal obligations of transparency and accountability, it has not a modicum of authority to make any demands of the

Government in the manner it operates.

Finally, I would also like to urge the Government to derecognize the OGGN if it has previously considered it to be a legitimate and genuine stakeholder group. Evidently, the OGGN cannot be considered as such.

Yours respectfully, Joel

Bhagwandin

Sunday, August 6, 2023

06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Rel. Hour 07:00 Cartoons 08:00

10:30 Cartoons

11:00 David Persaud Religious Program

11:30 The Truth

12:00 Dharmic Ki Awaz

12:30 Movie - Tuck Everlasting (2002)

14:00 Movie - Aquamarine (2006)

16:00 Explained

16:30 Payless Power Hour

17:30 The Healing Touch

18:00 Maths is Fun

18:30 Week-in-Review

19:00 Lucifer S4 E8

20:00 Arrow S4 E23

21:00 Riverdale S4 E17

22:00 Unsolved Mysteries

23:00 The Office S4 E1

23:30 Grace & Frankie S7 E7

00:00 Sign off

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Dr Roger was a wonderful colleague and a great Guyanese

CARING FOR THE ELDERLY DOG – CONTINUED PHYSICAL CHANGES AND THE CARE ASSOCIATED THEREWITH

The previous week (July 30, 2023), we focused on the behavioural changes exhibited by the elderly dog. Today the discussion will centre on the elderly dog’s physical alterations – those that are immediately visible, and those that are insidious in their development, and not suddenly and abruptly apparent.

We must firstly recognize that since the elderly dog has become less mobile, there will consequently be a loss of muscular tone. As in humans, if you don’t use, you lose. The first areas to react to the relatively constrained usage would be the thighs (upper portions of the hind legs) and the upper parts of the front legs.

The older dog’s abdomen may move from side to side as he/she walks. The abdomen tends to hang sideways, be lopsided, and display a downward bulge.

The elbows spread out (away from the body), in order to facilitate an easier breathing and heart function.

Veterinarians and caregivers often observe that the muscles of the elderly dog may begin to quiver when the animal exerts itself too much. There are bio-chemical reasons for this phenomenon.

You may recall that I had mentioned in the previous column that elderly dogs tend to sleep a lot. Caregivers should ensure that the elderly dog must be provided a padded sleeping surface on which to rest/sleep.

Unless, the elderly dog’s environment in Guyana is in the mountains, the care-

giver ought not to worry about the ambient temperature being too cold. Importantly, however, the dog should not be exposed to sleeping conditions which are draughty.

In a nutshell, I am advising that the elderly dog should sleep indoors, and not outdoors on the cold, damp, hard ground or on a cement pad. Large and heavy dogs really need to sleep on padded surfaces. Small breeds may need to be provided blankets for coverage, and they should always be sleeping inside the house, preferably in the caregiver’s bedroom – especially during thunderstorms and fireworks’ displays.

All that I have written in the last paragraph may, in a meaningful way, contribute towards assuaging the onset of arthritis and the discomfort associated therewith. Stiffness in the joints as a consequence of

osteoarthritis, a condition which is not uncommon in elderly dogs, can be meaningfully reduced by following the advice offered in the last paragraph. At least, providing the elderly dog with optimal sleeping arrangements may offset the development of immobility and joint distress.

Moderate, less intense, less vigorous exercise schedules – worked out with your veterinarian –can be encouraged. But let me hasten to add that the older dog should not be exercised beyond its normal level of activity and capability. Again, your veterinarian has to be involved in establishing the dog’s exercise protocol. The vet will have a record of the caregiver’s dog over the many years of clinical care. For example, if your dog was a patient with a heart condition over several (or even a few) years, your vet may advise a total (or at least par-

tial) exercise restriction.

Finally, to date, although there are some promising indications (eg. analgesics and anti-inflammatories) used in human/veterinary medicine, there is no guarantee of a full and painless recovery from arthritis in the elderly dog via the available medications. Basically, I am offering the bad news version that there is no totally successful way to stop the progress of this condition of the joints. However, the medications which your veterinarian will prescribe/ administer will enable the elderly dog to lead a more active life. We may address this arthritic malady in more detail if and when we deal with this ailment affecting dogs of any age.

Next week, we will continue with documenting more physical (skin/coat) and sensory (sight, hearing) deficiencies in the elderly dog.

Integrating Technology for Sustainable Mining Practices Guyana's mining sector, focused on gold, bauxite, diamonds, and oil and gas, has been a driving force behind the nation's economic growth. However, the industry has faced significant environmental challenges, leading to deforestation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss. Mining tailings, containing hazardous substances, further exacerbate environmental damage. To address these issues, Guyana has recognized the importance of integrating environmental considerations into all development efforts. Advancements in remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are playing a critical role in enhancing monitoring and enforcement, promoting responsible mining practices, and safeguarding the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) serves as the primary regulatory agency responsible for monitoring and mitigating potential environmental impacts of mining activities. Acknowledging the significance of ongoing monitoring, the EPA has embraced cutting-edge technologies like GIS and remote sensing to enhance their capabilities. By integrating remote sensing with GIS, the EPA gains valuable geospatial information, particularly in hazardous and remote mining areas where on-site monitoring may be challenging or dangerous. This technology allows the agency to efficiently manage pollution reports, identify non-compliant mining operations, and allocate resources effectively to critical areas. One of the most significant advantages of remote sensing is its ability to mitigate the environmental effects of mining activities. It provides crucial data and insights on factors such as land use, land cover changes, and water quality. This data becomes the foundation for enforcing environmental regulations and promoting sustainable mining practices.

The EPA has made substantial strides in recent years by adopting advanced sensor technologies, such as hyperspectral imaging and LIDAR. These technologies enable even more precise and comprehensive data collection, helping the EPA to better understand the complex interactions between mining activities and the environment.

The integration of remote sensing and GIS empowers the EPA to enforce environmental regulations effectively. By identifying sources of pollution and non-compliant mining operations, the agency can ensure that mining companies adhere to guidelines, promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices.

As technology continues to evolve, the EPA remains committed to staying at the forefront of environmental monitoring. The agency invests in research and development to explore emerging technologies that promise even greater accuracy and efficiency in their monitoring and regulatory efforts.

With Guyana's mining sector being crucial to its economy, the integration of serious environmental considerations becomes imperative. The advancements in remote sensing and GIS technology by the Environmental Protection Agency offer hope for a more sustainable future. By promoting responsible mining practices and collaborative efforts among regulatory agencies, mining companies, and local communities, Guyana can strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious future for generations to come.

Remember:

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Europe overtakes US as largest market for Guyana’s crude

oil shakeup

Europe has overtaken the United States (US) as the largest market for Guyana’s crude, with S&P Analysis indicating that since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions it was met with, Europe has ramped up its purchase of oil from Guyana.

During a recent podcast titled “Guyanese Dream: Oil boom in Guyana could transform global crude market”, S&P Global Commodity Insights’ oil expert, Patrick Harrington spoke of shifts in the global market when it comes to Guyana’s crude sales.

“Initially, US West Coast and the United States was the primary destination. But in recent months, we’ve seen, especially after the Russian sanctions, Europe just slightly edging out US West Coast as the primary destination for the Guyana barrels, with the US West Coast just a narrow second,” Harrington said.

“And some interesting buyers also in there, like Brazil has been buying Guyanese crude. Which kinda seems counter intuitive. Especially as Guyana’s production ramps

up, Guyana and Brazilian crude will be in real headto-head competition. But Petrobras is also a buyer of Guyana’s. But primary export destinations at the moment are Europe and the United States.”

Harrington also contextualised Guyana’s oil production in the overall oil producers of Latin America, noting that while traditional oil exporters like Argentina and Venezuela are going through problems with their oil and gas industries, other countries like Guyana continue their rise.

“We’re seeing a kind of a shakeup or a reorientation of what we thought of as the crude landscape of Latin America, even though Guyana doesn’t really think of itself as Latin. Physically it’s there in Latin America. So, the traditional big producers in Latin America, Venezuela, Mexico, Columbia, Ecuador, they’re all having some problems.”

“Venezuelan exports have fallen off the map, Columbia, Mexico, Ecuador, are in decline. But Argentina, Guyana and Brazil are set. So, we have a shakeup of the traditional Latin American mix,” the

oil expert further said.

In the first quarter of 2023, Guyana had received in excess of US$300 million in payments for profit oil and royalty, increasing the balance of its Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to well over US$1.4 billion by the end of March 2023.

Based on the gazetted inflows of money for the first quarter, the Natural Resource Fund received US$377.1 million in oil and gas payments. This includes a payment of US$157.6 million made in January for two profit oil lifts that occurred last year from the Liza Unity and Liza Destiny floating production, storage and off-

loading (FPSO) vessels.

And at April 2023, the total amount Guyana had received was US$421 million.

Meanwhile, payments dating from last year’s transactions also included a royalty payment of US$57.5 million for 2022 fourth-quarter oil production. Guyana also received payments for two lifts that occurred this year from both FPSOs.

There was also a payment of US$82.2 million for a lift of profit oil that occurred on January 17, 2023, from the Liza Destiny FPSO. There was also a payment of US$79.6 million for a lift from the Liza Unity that occurred on February 3, 2023.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being held in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) at the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest. The oil rich Stabroek Block, which is producing the oil, is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum

Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with possibly 10 FPSOs operational by 2030. The third project – the Payara development – will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels, and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted.

The Uaru oil development, which will be the fifth one for the company offshore Guyana, is targeting between 38 and 63 development wells, including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells.

Exxon had previously also made known that they anticipate first oil from the Uaru development by late 2026 or early 2027. (G3)

...expert says Guyana among rising stars in Latin America

Left behind… …in development?

There’s a whole lotta folks from the Opposition APNU/ AFC benches weeping and wailing and wringing their hands about “being left behind”. Well, we’re in a new, liberalized world now, baby…and no one’s gonna be giving away handouts!! You gotta get up and get in this world. But it’s now clear that all the PNC types were concerned about were get-rich schemes that involved taking the nation’s assets for free - and then flipping to outsiders for astronomical sums. Never mind that, apart from swelling their bank accounts, nothing’s injected in the local economy to circulate that wealth.

Well, under President Irfaan Ali’s administration, we’re learning how REAL development takes off. Seeing that the Government was sticking to its Manifesto promise to launch massive infrastructural projects, one local businessman – now being criticised! - had shown what it takes to launch successful businesses. All it took was a bit of common sense to ask, “What goods and services gonna be demanded by those “infrastructural projects”?” And the answer goes to the nub of the much discussed and analyzed “entrepreneurial phenomenon” the PNC’s talking about - but NEVER encouraged because of their anti-business stance and their compulsions for the “quick buck”.

The answer, of course, would be the identification of NEEDS that could be satisfied -- which would then provide jobs and, not so coincidentally, generate profits for the folks with the vision and the guts to take risks!! In Guyana, some of the identified infrastructural projects were the two massive concrete bridges across the Corentyne and Demerara Rivers; the highway to Brazil; the Deep Water Harbour in the estuary of the Berbice River, etc.

What do all of these projects need? If you answered “concrete!”, dear reader, go to the head of the class! And what does concrete need? Stones, sand and cement, that’s what!! So, what did the aforementioned businessman invest in? The soon-to-be largest quarry in the Caribbean -- in Region 7!! Now some may say we already got quarries in Guyana - but you only gotta think back as to how often we hear about “stone shortages” to realize we can’t afford to have such a constraint put a crimp on our development drive. On the cement front, while we don’t seem to have its main ingredient, limestone, it does make sense to import the raw materials and add value right here.

Your Eyewitness remembers there was a cement plant launched in Berbice a while back, and maybe the one announced in 2021 in Reg 2 is facing the same problem?? Cheap energy?? Well, the O&G plant’s gonna solve that!!

Be that as it may, a hat tip goes out to entrepreneurs. Your Eyewitness hopes the PNC’s gonna get with the programme!! And quit whining!!

…laxity

President Ali has put his stamp on his administration -- and it’s a “no-nonsense” one. Some folks had figured that since Granger was an army man, he’d have been quite disciplined in getting things done. They forget the Sanctimonious Gangster had never seen action in his DECADES of army service!! The man never HAD to get anything done - and has NEVER gotten anything done!

Ali, on the other hand, had been the young go-getter Housing Minister who’d also held the Ministry of Tourism! He led one of the biggest housing drives the Caribbean has ever seen. And once the PNC finally stepped aside, he’s been literally on the go nonstop. He doesn’t seem to have a “pause button”!! Call him the “Energiser”!!

Now he’s showing a further dimension - he expects results from the people serving in Government. So those Ministers and Department Heads who’re falling behind the eighth ball better look out! Their heads may soon be rolling like goatsh*t in the wind!!

…or sent ahead??

Your Eyewitness was quite taken aback to read that the ex-mayor of GT’s one of the nine persons funded by the Govt of India for their Know India Program (KIP)!! It’s for youths between 18-30, and that fella’s definitely OVER thirty!! Graft??

Why did Burnham’s economic preferences for African Guyanese fail?

During the Emancipation Commemoration activities, African Guyanese spokespersons bemoaned the economic condition of their community as an unbroken legacy from the plantocracy’s efforts after Aug 1, 1838 to stymie their economic independence. However, in eliding the efforts of Forbes Burnham between 1964 and 1992, to improve their economic fortunes, they miss learning from that lesson of history.

In 1964, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham was bequeathed an economy shaped by colonial interests, in which African Guyanese constituted ninety-per cent of the public service and armed forces, from which Indians had been deliberately excluded by the colonial power. Portuguese dominated those business niches outside the dominant colonial sugar, Bauxite and “Bookers Guiana”, while Indian and Chinese Guyanese filled the crevices. Indians had entered mainstream retailing in Georgetown after their rural start with milk.

In Bauxite, however, the 8000 African Guyanese workforce, that had been ethnically cleansed of Indian Guyanese the same year, earned wages double that of the 17,000 mostly Indian field sugar workers.

Indians had created their major economic niche in rice, where production had reached 275,000 tons, becoming their largest employer. However, after 1965, the ruling PNC decreed all paddy be sold cheaply to the Government and the milled rice then exported at much higher prices. The huge 118% implicit tax on rice farmers crippled the industry, which by 1985 shrunk to 95,000 tons.

Examining the PNC’s 1972-76 development plan, present UG Chancellor J.E. Greene concluded, “The crucial factor in terms of patronage is the shift in the proportion of government expenditure away from the Indian farmer into the pockets of the African wage earner.”

In the sugar industry, after “profit sharing” was arbitrated in 1968, workers began receiving an annual “back pay/bonus”. In 1974, however, when sugar prices spiked, the PNC imposed a levy on profits, scooping off $256M by 1975, and US$1.5 billion by 2003. Neither the workers received their share of profits (60%) nor the industry their 40% for reinvestment in field and factory. Sugar was crippled even as the money skimmed off was to be used for hydro power and a host of light manufacturing ventures employing African Guyanese.

The Police were augmented by an Army, National Service and Peoples’ Militia to absorb the bulk of unemployed African Guyanese youths. By 1976, according to Prof Ken Danns, Guyana had “Disciplined Forces” with a combined strength of 21,000, up from 2631 in 1965.

According to the Latin American Bureau, “The intake into all of the disciplined services is 90% black, reflecting the widespread violation of entrance requirements exercised by leaders of the ruling party.”

Between 1965 and 1981, the Government workforce grew by over 400%, from 27,000 to 124,000, as the Government nationalised and controlled over 80% of the economy. The upper and middleclass supporters of the PNC were empowered through jobs in the bloated public sector (including the nationalized industries), Boards, and Directorships of Government Corporations. “State control …gave to the regime control of the lion’s share of the country’s economic resources to be used for the satisfaction of the patronage claims of its black and coloured supporters.” according to Prof Percy Hintzen.

Housing was another area to transfer wealth to PNC supporters. According to Carl Greenidge, “Some 31 subsidised, low-cost housing schemes were initiated between 1970 and 1980…The estimated costs were some $500M. In addition…several housing schemes, including North Ruimveldt, Meadow Brook, and Lodge Backlands, were developed by the CH&PA.” There were also several schemes in rural areas for PNC supporters, such as De Kendren, Crane, Wisroc. They were all African Guyanese-dominated: Indian Guyanese had to “squat”.

The PNC instituted an External Trade Bureau (ETB) to control importation of all goods, distributed through the “Knowledge Sharing Institute” (KSI) - most located in African-Guyanese-dominated areas. These destroyed private importation and the “shop-keeping”/retail sector.

Co-operatives were the vehicle for transforming the “small” African Guyanese man into a “real man”. The newly established Co-op Bank provided loans while the Ministry of Co-ops provided land, implements, seeds and technical help. The Guyana Marketing Corporation, Chaired by ASCRIA’s Eusi Kwayana, provided markets. Co-ops paid no taxes on profits. The MMA in Reg 5, which opened up 54,000 acres for rice and cash crops, pointedly distributed lands to African Guyanese to counter the Indian-dominated Black Bush Polder.

Yet, a 1992 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) showed that, overall, Poverty rates for Indian Guyanese was 33.7%; African Guyanese 43% and Mixed Guyanese 44.7%.

What happened to Burnham’s economic empowerment of African Guyanese?

Wider space for trade now a reality between Guyana, China –Ambassador on Pres Ali’s visit

President Dr Irfaan Ali’s historic visit to China last week has been viewed as one which has reignited cooperation and trust, and paves the way for greater trade and investment between the two sides.

Sharing these sentiments was Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan as President Ali led a delegation to the Asian nation last week. This year marks the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana. The bilateral ties have embarked on a new starting point of enhanced cooperation, said Ambassador Haiyan.

The diplomat noted, “The bilateral friendship and cooperation will enjoy an even a brighter future. China and Guyana share a common development vision which is to enable their people to enjoy a better life. Both China and Guyana are developing countries, facing the same tasks of development and sharing the urgent desire to accelerate development. The Chinese people are striving to realise the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernisation which assures common prosperity.”

Guyana has embarked on a fast development track and embraced great historical opportunities. Haiyan underscored that thanks to China’s advantages of experience, technology and capital in unison with Guyana’s advantages of resources, policies and location will see the bilateral cooperation enjoying a wider space in the field of trade and invest-

ment, agriculture, energy and infrastructure. Bilateral trade in goods is already pegged at some US$1.88 billion.

Common development

Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Ali have both committed to building an even closer community with a shared future and advancing common development. Both countries sport the advantage of their common development concepts of green, low-carbon development and harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

“We both have first-hand experience of the impact of climate change, and the motivation and ambition to cope with it. Both sides have great potential in developing green industries, accelerating technological

innovation and strengthening environmental protection. The two countries are ready to enhance synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, formulate cooperation plans to implement the consensus of the Heads of State, and achieve tangible results for the benefit of both peoples.”

As countries of the Global South, China and Guyana are also set to strengthen coordination on various multilateral platforms such as the UN Security Council, the Group of 77 and China, the WTO and others, working together to safeguard the interests of developing countries and uphold multilateralism and international fairness and justice.

The two sides will active-

ly seek cooperation under the framework of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

In the post-pandemic era, both China and Guyana are looking forward to frequent exchanges and fruitful cooperation.

Ambassador Haiyan added, “The accompanying delegation of Guyanese private sector also contributed greatly to the success of President Ali’s visit. Engagements and exchanges between the business communities of both sides will inject inexhaustible impetus into the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. I am ready to work with you all to actively implement the outcomes of the visit, promote various follow-up cooperation, and strive for a brighter shared future.”

Enduring friendship

Last Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Guyanese President Ali in Chengdu, the capital city of southwest China’s Sichuan Province. President Xi hailed the two countries’ bilateral enduring friendship, stressing that China and Guyana should be good friends who trust each other and rely on each other.

China is willing to work with Guyana in practicing genuine multilateralism, safeguarding the common interests of the developing countries, and jointly addressing the challenges of climate change, food security, energy security and other issues, President Xi had said. (G12)

Ravi Dev

President Irfaan Ali and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting last Friday

By AlvA Solomon

When Matthew

Sookhoo was growing up at Timehri, near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, he would see planes landing and taking off daily. He dreamt of entering the field of aviation and becoming a pilot. He aspired to be like his father, a well-known air traffic controller.

While his father, Roy, established himself in air traffic control, Matthew hoped to one day become a pilot, and he was determined to fulfil that dream.

On July 30th, 2023, the young aviator successfully completed training to become a commercial pilot, a feat which he said was the culmination of a long and arduous journey in aviation thus far, and is the beginning of a career he always envisioned while growing up at Timehri.

School life

Sookhoo started his school life at the Hauraruni Nursery School, which is located in the same compound as the Hauraruni Bible College on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. From there he attended the St. Mary’s Primary School at Soesdyke, and later the Marian Academy, where he wrote the Common Entrance Examination, what is now known as the National Grade Six Examination. His efforts proved successful, as he secured a place and attended the St. Rose’s High School. After completing sixth form at St. Rose’s, the young man decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and enter the world of aviation.

“I've been exposed to aviation at an early age due to my dad's job,” he said. “Ever since then, my dream has been

to become a career pilot.”

Started at Trans Guyana

Sookhoo obtained a job as a Flight Dispatcher with Trans Guyana Airways at the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, and during this time, he was a member of the first group of Licensed Flight Dispatchers trained in Guyana. He was enthusiastic about that job, and he noted that at one point he had given up on his plans to become a pilot.

“I started to develop myself within the Operations Department (at Trans Guyana), then it happened so suddenly, where I realized that just dispatching flights is not what I want to be doing for the rest of

documentation together, and set out on that course of beginning flight school,” he added.

Life at flight school

On 13th July 2021, Sookhoo started classes at a flight school in Florida, and six weeks later, he acquired his private pilot licence, or PPL.

“My first solo flight was one of the greatest feelings ever, but at the same time, a very stressful and anxious event, one of the main reasons being that you are, for the very first time, flying without an instructor, which means all the responsibilities are on me,” he recounted.

After obtaining his PPL, Sookhoo returned to Guyana

time, his aim was to complete Instrument and Commercial training in one trip.

In instrument training, a pilot rating is earned through intensive training focused on flying solely by reference to instruments. For Sookhoo, the task was challenging.

“Instrument was a bit tough, especially since I took such a long break between training. At times it felt like Instrument training was impossible to get right, and then one day it all came together naturally,” he said.

He was signed off by the school, which means

30, 2023.

Missing home and family Being away from one’s family can be challenging, and this was one of the difficult aspects of his journey thus far, Sookhoo said.

“The journey was difficult at times, especially being so far away from home, my parents, brother, and close friends,” he said. “Sometimes I felt like taking a break, fly to Guyana, and be home for a bit, but then the last time I did that, it took me over a year to get back into school,” he said.

As for his family’s support, Sookhoo said his parents, Roy and Sharon Sookhoo, and younger brother Marc, have been his biggest fans and supporters.

“Mom was mostly overexcited after I completed each stage, celebrating the little wins that eventually led to the main one,” he said. His father was equally excited, he added.

Sookhoo’s mother told Guyana Times that the family is always thankful to the Almighty for guiding her son through his career thus far. His father noted that he has always been supportive of his sons.

my life,” he said. As such, he got up one day and started searching for suitable flight schools which he could attend at the time. He also started putting his plans in place to follow his dream.

“I found a school in Florida, got all the relevant

and continued working as a Flight Dispatcher. “It took me just over a year to continue flight school,” he said.

Once more, he travelled to Florida and enrolled in the same flight school he had attended during his initial training. This

he successfully met the requirements to become an instrument rated pilot; he passed his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) check ride. With that aspect of training completed, the task was now for Sookhoo to complete the commercial training at the flight school.

“In this phase, I had some of the most fun time building within Florida's Airspace,” he added. He then completed his commercial check ride on July

For the young pilot, the journey has only now begun. He said he plans to return to Guyana and serve as a commercial pilot, providing the best of his abilities to the aviation sector here.

The young aviator also had a few words of advice for youths who may plan to enter the world of aviation, or any career path they have a calling for. “Never give up on your dreams! Even if it seems impossible, put in the hard work, be dedicated, and all the pieces will come together, making it a success,” the young pilot said.

Matthew Sookhoo at the controls of an aircraft during flight training in Florida in the United States

Matthew Sookhoo (right) and his instructor during flight training

Sookhoo holding a document certifying that he has completed an aspect of flight training

The Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) has partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to implement the Barima Mora ecosystem protection project, titled “Securing the Future of Guyana’s Barima Mora Passage Mangrove Ecosystems and its Indigenous Peoples.”

The objective of the project is to develop a framework to secure and finance the protection of the Barima Mora's unique ecosystem, while working with Indigenous people and migrants that live within or near this site in order to build awareness of the importance of the mangrove.

The Barima Mora Passage, located on Guyana’s Region One (Barima-Waini) coastline close to the Venezuelan border, hosts the most intact and mature mangrove ecosystem in the country. The mangroves and surrounding systems are under threat from various external and local factors, which include climate change, land speculation in coastal areas, contamination from extractive sectors, increased levels of land clearing for farming and housing, as well as unsustainable wildlife trapping, hunting, and fishing.

The solution proposed consists of four interlocking elements: recognition of the Barima Mora area as a United Nations World Heritage site; promoting local community awareness on the importance of mangroves and their ecosystem services; training and support in new green livelihoods such as research tourism, beekeeping, and ecoservices; and a framework to attract financing via a blue carbon compensation mechanism which can be managed and invested at community levels to sustain local delivery of eco-services’ conservation monitoring, and sustainable management of the ecosystem.

An IDB Lab contribution will be made to the tune of US$850,000 in nonreimbursable technical cooperation, with a counterpart contribution of US$850,000. These IDB Lab resources will be utilized primarily for technical studies, training, and livelihood support in entrepreneurship, conservation, surveillance, and monitoring and development

of research tourism; as well as building a framework for sustainable financing over a 4-year period of intervention.

The project is divided into three components: community and stakeholder sensitisation and engagement; training and support for green enterprise development and green jobs; and component and development of ecosystem management and monitoring systems.

One of the key objectives under Component Two (training and support for green enterprise development) is to connect persons in the Barima Mora Passage, particularly women and girls, with skills

One was conducted by Colin de Jesus on behalf of the GLDA, and was facilitated by Basudeo Dwarka, who is the Extension Manager of the GLDA. A total of 14 participants, eight of which were females, were trained in beekeeping.

This training report on Phase One of the beekeeping project focused on the commencement of the apiculture training for the identified participants. This report also covered the inspection and feasibility analysis carried out for the placement of hives in the three communities, as well as the pre-location placement of the bees after transportation from Georgetown.

development as well as the resources to facilitate their transition from subsistence or no-livelihood activities to sustainable and green entrepreneurship, and jobs that are directly connected to the conservation and sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem.

Honey production

To achieve this objective, one focus is on honey production and small-scale manufacturing of derived products, as the mangroves are a natural habitat for bees. The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), through the Agriculture Ministry, which has responsibility for apiculture development and management in Guyana, was approached to assist the GMSC with undertaking the development of the apiculture enterprise under the Project.

The one-day training on capacity building for prospective beekeepers drawn from Imbotero, Aruka and Morawhanna villages in Region

The areas examined along the road: Wauna–Morawhanna Stretch, are not convenient for the housing of the bees, due to heavy trafficking and movement along the roads. All of the areas examined along the creek and river have the potential for housing the hives. However, some areas may require the construction of “logies” to accommodate the bees and protect the hives from the weather, thus allowing it to be mounted from the sloppy underfoot conditions. The cost of constructing the “logie” is estimated at $50,000 each.

Chairman of Region One (Barima-Waini), Brentnol Ashley, welcomed the opportunity for the region to be a pioneer in this initiative, in order to increase the financial disposition and economic opportunity for the young people of the region, moreso the Barima Mora Passage.

He further pointed out that this is the way Government operates, and will continue to provide opportunities for the young people of the Region as part of their mandate in serving the people of Guyana.

The GMCS is a nongovernmental, charitable, non-profit organization established in 2000 with the dedicated intention to conserve and manage Guyana's marine biodiversity in partnership with the coastal communities. GMCS envisions a future in which diverse marine populations in Guyana are secure and thriving, sustained by healthy habitats and co-managed by coastal communities.

Some of the youths being trained in beekeeping

The Barima Mora Passage mangrove ecosystem

Some 12 Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) workers from Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (DemeraraMahaica) on Friday graduated as Community

Healthcare Workers (CHW), after being trained to aid in advancing the quality of care provided to members within the communities they serve.

The six-month training, which commenced

last November, included key subject areas of First Aid, Vector Control, Environmental Health, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, and Elderly Health, among other areas

of mutual interest.

The Health Ministry’s Health Sciences Division in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Department hosted a graduation ceremony for the 12 newly trained individuals at Windjammer Conference Room in Kitty, Georgetown.

Over the years, statistics have shown that Region Three is the second-highest region with Tuberculosis (TB) cases, while Region Four stands at number one, according to Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall, Manager of the National Tuberculosis Programme.

“Region Three was about fourth in terms of TB cases, and Region 10 was the sec-

ond highest. Region Four is the highest-burden region because of population–50 per cent of our TB cases is from Region Four,” Dr Mohanlall said.

“This did change over the year, however, [as] Region 10 was able to move from the second-highest burden region down to number four, and Region Three up to number two,” Mohanlall explained.

Dr Mohanlall added that between January to June of this year, Region Three was able to obtain over 80 per cent of successful treatment for TB cases, while Region Four was able to achieve 60 per cent.

“With the last cohort

of analysis from January to June last year, patients evaluated between January to June this year were actually in the top four regions with TB success rates. Region Three in the top four, achieving 80 per cent and above treatment success and Region Four, moved from 70 per cent and over during the COVID-19 pandemic, coming down to the 60s,” Dr Mohanlall stated.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were DOT Short Course Coordinator, Dr Neil Trotman; TB/HIV Coordinator, Dr Quacy Grant and Health Education Officer, Petal Gordon.

All-girl camp to boost interest in drones

Over the course of three days, young girls who have a desire to know more about drones will be taught introductory skills that would be the foundation for their future careers in dealing with drones.

The training, to be held at the National Library from August 14 to 16 at 09:00h, is a collaboration between the National Library, the Guyana Drone Operators Association, and the Rotary Club of Demerara.

This activity will enable young girls aged between eight and 16 years old to build drones from scratch and set possible careers in aviation. The young girls are expected to learn the basics of Stem/drone programming, applications, and scratch coding during the three days.

“These basic skills will allow the girls to boost their

interest, or simply adopt some if there’s none,” said Julian Cadogan, Secretary of the Guyana Drone Operators Association.

The camp is intend-

ed for girls only, to broaden their knowledge in engineering and bring more females into the field, since it is mostly dominated by boys/men.

Newly-trained Community Health Workers

Truck driver killed, porter injured in horrific accident

A27-year-old truck driver lost his life on Friday afternoon when his truck toppled while descending a hill in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Dead is Alli Edwards of Lot 140 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Reports are that the accident occurred at about 17:30h along the Lion Mountain Trail in Cuyuni-Mazaruni.

Edwards’s porter, 19-year-old Andrew Bromes, of Lot 80 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, who was in the truck, was injured.

According to Police, the motor lorry was moving at a high speed in a southward direction along the eastern side of Lion Mountain Trail when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The lorry collided with a mud wall (baranka) on the trail, causing it to flip multiple times, resulting in both the driver and the occupant sustaining injuries.

Police said the porter was found unconscious at the scene of the accident. He was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital for medical attention and was admitted.

Resort owner among 3 arrested in Region 1 drug bust

Police have taken three individuals into custody following the discovery of cocaine and marijuana at the Lorenzo and Deneve (L&D) Resort in Kumaka, Region One (Barima-Waini).

According to reports from Mabaruma, officers executed a search warrant at the resort around 21:30h on Friday. The target was Room Four, occupied by a 32-yearold owner of the establishment, and her 26-year-old brother, who is the maintenance worker at the resort.

During the search, Police said a box containing various costumes drew attention, leading them to find a black plastic bag concealed within it. This bag held a quantity of seeds, leaves, and stems suspected to be marijuana.

cials conducted an additional search, this time in an abandoned fridge near the resort’s lobby. They discovered another stash of marijuana – seeds, leaves, and stems wrapped in brown scotch tape. Both siblings denied any knowledge of the narcotics found.

na amounted to a total of 382 grams, while the cocaine weighed 20 grams. The narcotics wrapped in brown scotch tape accounted for 449 grams.

However, Edwards was trapped inside the mangled cab of the truck and unresponsive.

Emergency responders took hours to pull him from the wreckage, and he too was rushed to the Bartica Hospital. However, he was pronounced dead. His body is at the Bartica Hospital’s mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME). (G9)

Further investigation led the officers to the washroom area, where they discovered another plastic bag containing a creamish/whitish substance believed to be cocaine.

Upon questioning, the woman allegedly stated that the illicit substances belonged to her boyfriend, who had been staying with her for a few days. She reportedly claimed that they were having relationship issues and suggested that he might have set her up to implicate her.

Law enforcement offi-

During their transit to the station, the Police said they saw the boyfriend of the woman walking on the road, and the woman promptly pointed him out to the officers.

He was taken into custody but has denied knowledge of the drugs. The trio was transported to the Mabaruma Police Station where they remain in custody.

At the station, the narcotics were weighed in their presence and the marijua-

Also at the station, the woman made a report against her boyfriend, claiming that he had assaulted her. As a result, she was escorted to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital for medical attention, where she received treatment and was issued a medical certificate.

The man, during questioning, allegedly admitted to having a romantic relationship with the woman and staying in room four with her for four days. He, however, denied the assault allegations.

(G9)

Dead: Alli Edwards

The drugs that were found during the raid

Dr Balwant Singh Hospital now offering expanded histopathology testing

…lab receives GNBS, A2LA accreditations

Dr Balwant Singh's Hospital Laboratory on Saturday announced the extension of its testing capabilities to include histopathology tests, special stains, and immunohistochemistry tests.

According to the hospital, this is significant enhancement to its laboratory services as it has been officially accredited by both the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and the American

Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).

Histopathology, special stains, and immunohistochemistry tests play a crucial role in diagnosing various diseases and conditions, enabling our medical professionals to provide more accurate and comprehensive patient care. With this expansion of services, Dr Balwant Singh's Hospital Laboratory said that it reaffirms its commitment to delivering the highest

quality diagnostic solutions to our valued patients and healthcare partners.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards has granted accreditation to the laboratory's extended scope of testing under the GYS 170: 2021 standard. This recognition underscores the laboratory’s compliance with the national guidelines and maintenance of high industry standards. The hospital also announced

Local Content Laws

GCCI denounces practice of “sham” partnerships in Private Sector …urges Local Content Secretariat to continue strict vetting

While Guyana’s progress with local content has been remarkable, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Saturday had cause to issue a warning about sham partnerships intended to get around the Local Content Act.

In a statement, the GCCI expressed its consternation at what it noted was an emerging trend in the private sector, where sham partnerships are being formed. This comes even as the GCCI has been an advocate of meaningful and genuine partnerships to foster local participation.

“These faux venturesreferred to as ‘fronting’ or ‘rent-a-citizen’ - run counter to the spirit and intent of the Local Content Legislation (LCL). It has the potential to decimate 'in country value retention' which is one of the main objectives of the LCL.”

“Such rent extraction creates a gamut of problems for a country, including, the inability to realise its full growth potential. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we act as responsible stewards for Guyana's development,” the chamber said.

According to the GCCI, it will continue to be intolerable of individuals and companies who "front" in an effort to bypass the local content laws. Additionally, the chamber expressed worry about private sector members who attempt to justify the practice and even lobby for it to be normalised, noting that this is being complicit in a dangerous act.

“As such, the GCCI encourages the Local Content Secretariat to continue its

vetting of companies applying for a Local Content Certificate, or its renewal, in a thorough fashion.

As an organisation, we will continue to support the efforts of the Local Content Secretariat to weed out this parasitic behaviour which dampens the prospects for Guyana's future,” GCCI further said.

After being passed in the National Assembly in December 2021, the Local Content Act was enacted in January 2022. The Act lays out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese companies.

These include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Local Content Act mandates penalties, such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million, for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.

Since the passage of the Act, Guyanese individuals and companies continue to benefit. There has been a noticeable uptick in foreign companies looking to invest in Guyana who are actively seeking partnerships with locals.

According to the Local Content Act, contractors, sub-contractors and licensees operating in Guyana’s oil and gas sector, are also required to submit annual Local Content Plans that

detail how they intend to comply with the Act and create opportunities for locals.

The Local Content Secretariat is meanwhile responsible for issuing Certificates which confirm that the respective companies have delivered on commitments and targets set out in their annual plans. Since the establishment of the local content legislation, the first batch of companies were issued with these Certificates of Compliance in May 2023.

These companies were ExxonMobil Guyana (represented by President Alistair Routledge), Technip FMC (represented by Nicolas Siccard), Halliburton Guyana (represented by Vahman Jurai), Baker Hughes Guyana (represented by Jon Charles Rhodes) and Saipem Guyana (represented by Gianluigi Della Rosa).

On Thursday, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar had spoken out against the practice of fake partnerships, during the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) mid-year dinner. He had accused certain members of the private sector of undermining the Government’s efforts to improve local content, through their “rent-a-citizen” scheme. (G3)

that its laboratory has also received accreditation from the prestigious American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) under the ISO 15189:2012 standard.

"We are delighted to extend our range of services to include histopathology, special stains, and immunohistochemistry tests. This expansion represents a significant milestone

for Dr Balwant Singh's Hospital Laboratory as we continue to pursue excellence in healthcare diagnostics," said Chief Executive Officer of Dr Balwant Singh's Hospital, Dr Madhu Singh.

“The accreditation from both the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and A2LA reinforces our laboratory's commitment to adhering to stringent

quality control measures, continuous improvement, and the highest levels of patient safety. Our team of highly skilled and experienced pathologists and medical technologists remains dedicated to upholding these standards and providing accurate and timely results,” the hospital said in a statement on Saturday evening.

GCCI President Kester Hutson

Chief Executive Officer of Dr Balwant Singh's Hospital, Dr Madhu Singh, with staff of the laboratory displaying the accreditations

Berbice man snatches gun from attackers during scuffle

ABerbice man snatched a loaded firearm from two persons during a confrontation early on Saturday morning in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The weapon has since been recovered by the Police. Reports from the Guyana Police Force revealed that ranks, acting on information received, went to a supermarket at Essex Street, New Amsterdam, where a .38 revolver and one live .38 ammunition were found.

A 29-year-old security guard attached to the

supermarket related that he was on duty when he saw Oswain Lawson called “Blacka” running towards the supermarket with one

identifiable male and one identifiable female chasing after him.

The guard, reported the presence of the fire -

arm to the Police, recalled seeing Lawson throw what appeared to be a firearm into the supermarket compound. Shortly after, the man and woman eventually caught up to him and dealt him several lashes about his body with a piece of wood, whilst enquiring about the firearm.

Lawson then managed to run away and his two attackers left.

After recovering the weapon from the scene, the ranks returned to the Central Police Station, where they saw Lawson, who had gone to make a report about the incident.

Lawson claimed that

he and an individual had a misunderstanding that led to a scuffle between them.

The female who was there with the said male pulled out what appeared to be a firearm from her waist. As a result, Lawson dealt her one lash with a Guinness bottle to the right hand, causing the weapon to fall to the ground.

The man told the Police that he picked up the firearm and ran through Essex Street, and the man and woman gave chase behind him with pieces of wood in their hands. Lawson further related that as he ran through Essex Street, he threw the firearm into

the supermarket compound. The man and woman caught up with him and dealt him several lashes about his body before he managed to escape.

Police said marks of violence were seen on Lawson’s body and he was escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for medical attention. He is presently in Police custody, assisting with the investigation.

The suspected firearm and ammunition were marked, sealed and lodged in his presence at the Central Police Station. Efforts by the Police so far to locate the man and woman have proven futile. a

NTC Conference set for August 28

The National Toshaos Conference will be held from August 28 to 31 this year.

This was disclosed by Chairman of the National Toshaos Council and Toshao of Moraikobai Village, Derrick John.

On a recent visit to the community, the Department of Public Information spoke with John, who highlighted two of the main topics that are expected to be discussed at the conference this year.

“One of the things that is very key and important for the Indigenous community is their lands, titling of their lands and we have been working very closely with the ALT (Amerindian Land Titling) team from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and I think that they have made a lot of progress from last year, and I think that some communities now will be having their titles this year,” the NTC chairman stated.

In addition, John said

– 31

almost 90 per cent of the 242 Amerindian communities have already received their benefits from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds.

“That’s something that will be very key for us this year, we wanted to hear from communities, what are some of their priorities that they have invest this money into, so we will be having a good discussion with

leaders and to see how well they were able to manage those funds so that they will be able to showcase the true objective of that funding,” he noted.

The National Toshaos Conference offers Indigenous leaders the opportunity to meet and interact with the country’s leaders and make critical decisions regarding their livelihoods and development.

National Toshaos Council Chairman Derrick John and the NTC Executive

The gun that was found by Police

From Argentina to Guyana by cycles: Travelling couple tells all

and although it is a very small country, people have very big hearts.

Everyone has been very kind at all times,” Francesena said.

In fact, as Francesena and Pinto travel without set itineraries or plans, they’ve relied on that very kindness to find accommodation during their trip, spending their first night in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) at a fire station.

By Pooja RamBaRan

Motivated by a love of exploring new cultures, meeting new people, and learning new languages, 27-year-old María Belén Francesena embarked on a cycling journey across

been touring 16 of the 23 states within her home country of Argentina when, along the way, she met fellow adventurer Mateo Pinto in Patagonia, a region that lies within both Argentina and Chile.

“From there we decided to travel to the north of the coun-

nice, because it is easier to travel together,” Francesena said.

“We both wanted to travel

The couple has since covered some 22,000km together through their continent-wide journey, cycling from Argentina to Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and now finally marking their place in

Guyana.

“Guyana has been a very nice country to visit. We were very curious before coming, [wondering] what it was going to be like, and how we were going to communicate. But everything has been perfect,

“We slept at the fire station, and we received a lot of support with water and food while on the road,” Francesena said. “[Now] we are with a friendly family that we met in Lethem, and they welcomed us at their house. I was sick with high fever and muscle pain, but I have received a lot of affection; and in the hospital, I have been treated excellently. It is part of the trip, and I already feel better,” Francesena said.

South America some twoand-a-half years ago, making her way to Guyana just last month.

The Nutrition student had

try and continue getting to know each other little by little. We wanted to check that we were really a good team, and the truth is that it was very

with someone who really has this dream and who enjoys it. We found us in the way that was magic,” Francesena added.

María Belén Francesena and Mateo Pinto at a fire station in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where they spent a night

María Belén Francesena and Mateo Pinto at the One Guyana sign in Georgetown

María Belén Francesena and Mateo Pinto in Colombia

Drunken teen stabs older brother to death

…tells neighbour he “bore up” his sibling

An 18-year-old youth from the North-West District (NWD) is now in Police custody after he stabbed his older brother to death at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is 20-year-old

Henry Sam Bowin, a fisherman from Smith Creek in the North West District, who was temporarily residing at 139A Mon Repos, ECD with the suspect.

Eyewitnesses revealed that at around 09:00h on Saturday, the suspect was

spotted in a neighbour’s yard clutching a knife in his hand. He then calmly sat on the verandah and confessed that he had just “bore up” his brother. Neighbours subsequently noticed blood stains on the suspect’s chest, and called the Police.

Upon arriving at the scene, Police ranks found the suspect still seated in the neighbour’s yard with what appeared to be blood on his skin. Police then took the blood-stained knife from

him, before apprehending and taking him into custody at the Beterverwagting Police Station. During the arrest, Police officers say, the suspect seemed to be under the influence of alcohol.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) later pronounced Henry Sam Bowin dead. An examination of the body revealed a wound on his throat, as well as an injury on his right hand. The body has since been transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post-mortem

examination.

Meanwhile, the owner of the property wherein the bothers were staying told Guyana Times he is a fisherman who encountered the two brothers about three months ago in Liliendaal, ECD. Knowing of their illiteracy and their vulnerable background, he generously offered them a job on his fishing vessel, and provided them with a place to stay at Lot 139A Mon Repos, ECD.

“People used to take advantage of them and work them out and not pay them, and they told me that they came to town to work to send back money home to their family, because they are very poor. So, I give them the empty house to stay, and I used to provide three square meals for them without any money,” the fisherman said.

“Yesterday (Friday) they cousin come, and they leave here to go with him. The cous-

in was staying by my brother on the line top right in Mon Repos,” the fisherman said.

While with their cousin, the man said, they drank all through the day into Saturday morning. He said that on Saturday morning, at around 10:00h, he received a call informing him of the death. Upon reaching the scene, he discovered Henry Sam Bowin’s lifeless body on the verandah with a wound to the throat.

“It had to be that they were drunk and had an argument and that happened, because they don’t fight. They will be in that house the whole day and you will not even know that they are in there. They use to drink and play they little music, but never fight or quarrel with each other. It had to be alcohol,” the man said. (G9)

From Argentina to Guyana...

After arriving in Guyana on July 19, they have visited Annai, Wowetta, Surama and Kurupukari in Region Nine; Iwokrama in central Guyana; Mabura and Linden in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice); and have even made their way to Georgetown, taking their photo at the notable One Guyana sign.

Francesena estimates that it will take them about a month to cover the 800km route from south to north and west to east of the country.

“The time we travel to each country depends on the size of the country. We do 50km per day, which in a month is about 1000km. Every hour and a half, we stop to eat something, to

ginning to cycle at 04:00h, a taxing journey that has

love of cycling, noting that in addition to being an

stretch our legs, then we always try to get to the places during the day and camp, or we take hammocks to sleep,” Francesena explained.

The days in Guyana have so far started early, with the duo aiming to gain hours in the sun by be-

been met with both mental and physical preparation.

eco-friendly mode of transportation, it allows them to learn more about nature, the places they visit and the people they meet, at a slower speed.

Francesena and Pinto’s journey will continue for about one more year, as they plan on heading next to Guyana’s neighbours Suriname as well as French Guiana; Brazil once again, then Paraguay and Uruguay as they begin heading home to Argentina.

“We know that we are going to travel through South America, so we already have the countries we are going to; and when we reach the border, people tell us about the wonders of their countries, and so we are drawing a route to new destinations,” Francesena said. “Travelling is unique, and it’s something magical. We want to travel, [so] we do it, and that gives us a lot of happiness,” she added.

“[I] prepared myself by training a lot physically and with Mateo. I learned that the most important training was that of the mind,” Francesena said.

Despite these challenges, however, Francesena maintained the couple’s

As Francesena and Pinto continue their adventure, they will keep on sharing aspects of their trips on their Instagram @belufrc and @simba.on.wheels, as well as on their YouTube channel, called Mahoma on Wheels.

María Belén Francesena in Peru

María Belén Francesena and Mateo Pinto in Ecuador

The house wherein the murder occurred on Saturday

Around the World OIL NEWS

Imran Khan arrested after Pakistan court sentences ex-Prime Minister to 3 years in jail

OPEC+ panel keeps policy unchanged against backdrop of stronger oil market

An OPEC+ ministerial panel which met on Friday made no changes to the group's current oil output policy after a Saudi decision to extend its voluntary production cut into September helped oil prices rally further.

The panel, called the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, can call for a full meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies led by Russia, known as OPEC+, if warranted.

Oil prices rose more than 14% in July compared with June, the biggest monthly percentage increase since January last year, as tighter supply and rising demand outweighed concern that interest rate hikes and stubborn inflation could hit economic growth.

"The committee will continue to closely assess market conditions," an OPEC statement issued after the online meeting said, adding that the panel urged members to achieve full compliance with output cut pledges.

On Thursday, OPEC leader Saudi Arabia said it will extend a voluntary oil output cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) for another month to include September, adding it could be extended beyond that or deepened. Oil prices on Friday traded at nearly US$86 a barrel, close to their highest since mid-April.

Russia will also cut oil exports by 300,000 bpd in September, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said shortly after the Saudi announcement.

OPEC member Algeria, which announced an additional voluntary cut of 20,000 bpd for August, is yet to decide whether to extend the cut into September, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

OPEC+ agreed on a broad deal to limit supply into 2024 at its last policy meeting in June, and Saudi Arabia pledged a voluntary production cut for July that it extended to include August.

The group's output cuts, excluding the additional voluntary reductions from the three producers, amount to 3.66 million bpd, roughly 3.6% of global demand.

The JMMC will hold its next meeting on Oct 4. (Reuters)

Police arrested Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Lahore on Saturday after a court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling State gifts, potentially barring the Opposition Leader from contesting an upcoming election.

Legal experts say the guilty verdict reached by an Islamabad district court could eliminate Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's greatest rival in a national election expected in November.

"Police have arrested Imran Khan from his residence," Khan's lawyer, Intezar Panjotha, told Reuters. "We are filing a petition against the decision in high court."

His party called for peaceful protests against the decision, but there was only a limited public response on Saturday evening.

The arrest was the latest in a series of blows that have weakened Khan's political standing, after he fell out with Pakistan's powerful military and his party splintered.

Lahore Police Chief Bilal Siddique Kamiana confirmed the arrest and told Reuters Khan was being transferred to the capital,

Panama blasts Colombia for inaction on Darien Gap migrants

The head of Panama's migration agency lashed out at Colombia on Friday, slamming its southern neighbour for failure to help control the flow of mostly US-bound migrants passing through the dangerous Darien Gap amid a surge of people traveling north.

Samira Gozaine, head of Panama's national migration service, lamented the failure to reach any agreement with Colombia to promote legal transit of the up to 2800 migrants a day that unlawfully cross their shared border.

"For Panama, this is a crisis, but unfortunately with

China floods: Torrential rains in Hebei province leave 10 dead

Islamabad. He would then be held at Central Adiala Jail in nearby Rawalpindi, according to the arrest warrant.

Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said it had filed another appeal to the Supreme Court earlier on Saturday.

Khan, 70, is a former cricket star who went on to forge a political career, serving as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He has denied wrongdoing and in a pre-recorded video address released by his party he asked supporters to protest peacefully.

His conviction came a day after Pakistan's high court temporarily halted the district court trial. It was not immediately clear why the trial had proceeded despite the high court decision.

Khan's Deputy and Former Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who PTI said would lead the party in Khan's absence, said their leader had been denied a fair trial. (Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 10 people have died and 18 are missing after torrential rains battered Hebei province in northern China.

Officials evacuated more than half its 11.5 million people by noon (04:00 GMT) on Saturday from areas thought to be at high risk of landslides and floods.

Storm Doksuri, which hit mainland China last week, has brought the worst rains in 140 years.

China's weather agency issued a red alert to warn people about the "geological risks".

Hebei province, neighbouring Beijing is said to be one of the worst affected areas.

Clean-up operations are under way after the floods engulfed residential homes, destroyed infrastructure and submerged entire districts.

Aerial video footage of Hebei province shot by AFP showed entire shopping streets transformed into rivers of brown water, with farmland in the surrounding areas completely submerged.

Rescuers were seen us-

ing boats to transport instant noodles, bread and drinking water to residents who could not access basic supplies and feared leaving their homes.

In July alone, China's Ministry of Emergency Management said that it recorded 142 people dead or missing because of the extreme weather.

Globally, millions of people have been hit by extreme weather and heatwaves in recent weeks.

Ma Jun, director of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, an NGO, said: "China has suffered unprecedented extreme heatwaves since last year.

"These heatwaves are linked to global warming, and this is what most climate scientists around the world tend to agree."

Doksuri made landfall in China's south-east Fujian province on Friday, triggering landslides and floods before moving north towards the capital. Hundreds of thousands of Fujian residents were evacuated.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Colombia we have not been able to reach any kind of understanding," Gozaine said in a statement released on Friday.

She said the situation has only gotten worse, and called out Colombian officials for failing to share information with Panamanian counterparts.

The dense tropical jungle of the 60-mile (97-km) Darien Gap links Panama and Colombia, covering a missing section on the Pan-American highway, which stretches from Alaska to Argentina. The Gap, known for harboring criminal gangs and

smugglers, has become a major transit point for throngs of desperate migrants seeking a better life in the United States.

Late last month, Panama's Security Ministry released data showing that the number of individual crossings of the Darien Gap reached an all-time high of nearly 250,000 in the first seven months of the year. That already surpasses the number of crossings for all of 2022.

Panamanian officials have also had to deport many Colombian nationals, Gozaine said, most having criminal records. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuela Supreme Court orders restructuring of country's Red Cross

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday ordered a "broad and diverse restructuring" of the Venezuelan Red Cross and the dismissal of the President and members of the Board of Directors.

The ruling ordered the establishment of an ad hoc restructuring Board for the Venezuelan Red Cross, to be chaired by Ricardo Cusanno, the former President of Venezuela's largest business association, Fedecamaras.

The activities of the Venezuelan Red Cross will continue, the court said. The court will work with the Attorney General's office to prosecute the outgoing board, it added.

Miguel Villarroel, Vice President of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent National Societies, on Thursday called on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro not to allow an intervention in the Red

Cross' Venezuelan chapter.

"I ask in the most respectful way that you do not allow arbitrary action by a state entity to stain the 128 years of life of our institution," Villarroel said in a video message posted on X, the social media website formerly known as Twitter.

The ad hoc Board will perform an internal reorganisation of the Venezuelan Red Cross, the ruling said, stipulating a time limit of one year. (Reuters)

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)

CANCER

Keeping up with the times will help you remain current in all aspects of life. Attending social events or a reunion will boost your ego. Romance is favored and will enhance your life.

Refuse to let what others dangle in front of you get in your way. Take the road that allows you to control your destiny. Embrace change, seize the moment and remain true to yourself.

It’s better to be safe than sorry or angry over something you could have prevented. Don’t get entwined in someone else’s plans if they don’t suit your needs or benefit you.

Know your limits and stick to your plan. Let your intuition be your guide, and prioritize and manage your next move every step of the way. Practice makes perfect.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Hands-on help will lead to positive results and make it easier for you to eliminate what’s become irrelevant. Trust your instincts and follow your heart; you’ll end up exactly where you belong.

Protect yourself from someone disrupting your plans. The changes you make will positively impact where and how you live. Press forward diligently and reap the reward.

Share your options, and the feedback you receive will help you make an emotionally sound decision against financial or physical challenges. Check with an expert to confirm your thoughts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Ask questions, get the lowdown and decide your next move based on what you want. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled. It’s up to you to do what makes you happy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

AQUARIUS

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

A makeover, move or connection you pursue will offer the boost you need. Focus on what makes you happy and set priorities that bring about positive change. Romance is favored.

An opportunity to move will only be to your advantage if it fits your budget. Don’t add more stress to your life. Consider spending more time relaxing with loved ones.

Rethink what it costs to maintain what you have, and you’ll find out how to lighten your load. Discuss your plans with loved ones to help them see things your way. Romance is favored.

Make changes that influence how you spend money. Embrace a lifestyle you can afford and that offers peace of mind and flexibility to do more things that make you happy.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

Petra mourns loss of Dr. Olato Sam

Whyte out of Anthony Joshua fight after adverse test

Dillian Whyte has returned “an adverse finding” from a doping test, causing his heavyweight rematch against Anthony Joshua on 12 August to be cancelled.

The Voluntary AntiDoping Association (VADA) informed promoters, Matchroom and boxing authorities of the test result.

“In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled and a full investigation will be conducted,” said a Matchroom statement.

A “devastated” Whyte, 35, says he is “completely innocent”.

ThePetra Organization, like many others across the country, is mourning the loss of Dr Olato Sam, Advisor to the Ministry of Education, which tragically occurred in the wee hours of Friday.

The sporting body, which hailed Dr. Sam as being influential in the birth of its schools’ football programmes, has issued the following statement.

“We at the Petra Organization are shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Dr. Olato Sam. Dr. Sam was very instrumental in guiding our engagement and interactions with the Ministry of Education (MOE). It was during his tenure as Chief Education Officer that approval was granted for us to use School Teams in the Courts Pee Wee Football ten (10) years ago.

“Dr. Sam, without delay or hesitation, in his advisory capacity to the Minister of Education, signalled to the late Loraine Barker-King, the then Administrator of the Allied Arts Unit (Ministry of Education), to green light approval for the completion of the Milo Schools Football Tournament which the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted.

“In June of 2022, Dr. Sam and the Director of Sports, Mr. Steve Neville, invited the Petra Organization and other stakeholders to a meeting to discuss synergy, development, fair play, and the re-engagement of private schools in our football tournaments. It was Dr. Sam’s experience and shared knowledge that guided us to adjust our Rules. His input ensured that students who represented both private and public institutions were duly

registered at schools/ institutions for a specified period, with the emphasis being placed on their academic pursuits also.

“So involved was Dr. Sam with our programs that only last evening and the day before he contacted Mr. Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, via WhatsApp messages, for an update on the scores in the Digicel’s School Football Tournament Round of 16 matches.

“The Petra Organization will greatly miss Dr. Sam’s friendship, support, and impacting guidance, and we are sure numerous others that he would have come into contact with.

“We, therefore, wish to express our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, his family, and the Ministry of Education. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”

BCB/Dave West Indian Imports 40 overs tournament... Cotton Tree CC and Achievers ‘B’ to clash in finals for honours

Joshua, 33, could still fight at London’s O2 Arena if a new opponent can be found.

“I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me,” Whyte wrote in a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“I only learned of it this morning, and am still reacting to it.

“I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken. I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance in this camp or at any point in

my life.

“I am completely innocent, and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media.”

The fight between Joshua and Whyte, a rematch of their 2015 bout, was announced a month ago. Joshua knocked out Whyte in the seventh round of their heated British title fight eight years ago, which also took place at the O2, as he avenged a loss to his rival on the amateur circuit.

Whyte, who lost his only world title challenge to Tyson Fury in 2022, beat Joshua by decision as an amateur in 2009 to start what became a bitter rivalry.

Olympic gold medallist

Alana Reid wins

Joshua went on to become a two-time world champion.

Joshua gained revenge when the pair met again as professionals in December 2015, being rocked in the second round but recovering to force a stoppage in the seventh.

Whyte had a doping violation charge dropped in 2019 after UK Anti-Doping said the levels of a banned steroid were “very low”, and he was not at fault.

He served a two-year suspension from 2012 to 2014 for taking an illegal supplement.

A tribunal accepted Whyte’s claim he did not knowingly take methylhexaneamine (MHA), but said he did not do enough to check the supplement’s ingredients. (BBC Sport)

100m

gold at

Pan-Am Junior Championships

…Nkrumie takes silver in men’s equivalent

Alana Reid claimed 100m gold on day one of the Pan-Am Junior Championships on Friday at the Jose A. Figueroa Freire Stadium in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Reid, 18, ran 11.33 to comfortably win gold ahead of the American pair of Kaila Jackson (11.41) and Camryn Dickson (11.48).

The Cotton Tree cricket ground would come alive today, Sunday August 6, with the hosting of the Dave’s West Indian Imports West Berbice 40 overs tournament.

The final promises to be a thrilling one, with both teams strong on paper. The two finalists are home team Cotton Tree and Achievers.

The winner of the West Berbice zone would go on to the overall Berbice Championship. Wiruni has al-

ready qualified for the Berbice Championship after emerging as the champions of the Berbice River zone. Match time is 11am, and cash prizes would be presented to the winner, runner-up and man of the finals.

Teams Cotton Tree: Roshan Gaffoor (Captain), Wagar Hassan (Vice Captain), Nick Ramsaroop, Pooran Persaud, Abdol Subhan, Rashad Gaffoor, Lennardo Seetayah,

Brandon Budhram, Nashad Gaffoor, Fawaz Gaffoor, Daniel Harrynarine, Shoaib Gaffoor, Arif Khan, Tyron Jairam and Permaul Singh.

Achievers ‘B’: Jayden Samuels, Mark Reynolds, Leon Andrews, Andrew Dutchin, Titus Webster, Nicket Fraser, Shelton Ramsay, Collis Harcourt, Odel Miller, Azoomah Alfred, Stefon Khalil, Jarrel Hemerding, Natheen Karamchand and Evans Johnson.

This is the third major 100m title of the season for Reid. She won the Class One final at the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships in March in 10.92, a national junior record, before running 11.17 ten days later to win Under-20 gold at the 50th Carifta Games in Nassau.

Reid, now a professional athlete, reached the final at the Jamaican Championships in July, running 11.10 for seventh. The Men’s final saw Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, who

also set a national junior record at Champs when he ran 9.99 to win Class One gold, run 10.31 for silver behind the USA’s Tyler Azcano, who won in 10.26. Puerto Rico’s Adrian Canales Correa ran 10.35 for bronze.

Moving to the 400m hurdles, USVI’s Michelle Smith ran 57.99 for silver behind the USA’s Sanaa Hebron (56.90).

Another American, Allyria McBride, ran 58.32 for bronze.

In the mixed relay,

Jamaica’s team of Enrique Webster, Sabrina Dockery, Tariq Dacres and Oneika Brissett ran 3:25.03 for third behind Brazil (3:24.23) and the USA (3:18.07).

In the field, Bahamian Brenden Vanderpool was third in the men’s pole vault with 4.75m. The event was won by the USA’s Jack Mann with 5.00m, while Brazil’s Aurelio de Souza Leite was second with 4.90m. (Sportsmax)

Alana Reid and Bouwahjgie Nkrumie

Joshua and Whyte faced off at a press conference last month. Between them is promoter Eddie Hearn

Flashback: Dr Olato Sam is among the organizers and sponsors in a presentation ceremony in the earlier years of the Milo Schools’ Football tournament

Team Cotton Tree

Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Championship…

Grenada confirms 6-member team coming

Following the acknowledgment of Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in the prestigious Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/ Juniors Championship programmed for August 18th20th on local shores, the Grenada Boxing Association has officially confirmed a 5-member contingent will be coming for the tournament.

The confirmation emanated from Grenada Boxing Association President Neil Roberts, who submitted the relevant documentation to the Guyana Boxing Association yesterday.

The team, which will be under the tutelage of Coach Stephen Benjamin, comprises Joshua Clyne [81-91kg Heavyweight]; Jonathan Clyne [7580kg Light Heavyweight]; Kino Griffith [50-52kg Light Bantamweight]; Corey Joseph [70-75kg Middleweight]; and female

Norddisha Williams [7075kg Middleweight].

These combatants will be making their debut at this juncture, and will compete in the Junior Category.

The Grenadians are slated to arrive on August 16th.

The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will serve as venue for the event, which was birthed by GBA President Steve Ninvalle in 2016. The 2023 iteration is

expected to feature the largest contingent of nations. To date, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Jamaica have also signalled their impending participation, while Aruba, the Bahamas, and St Maarten are also anticipated. Guyana has walked away with the overall Champion Country accolade in each edition.

GBA President Ninvalle said, “With the confirmation

of the second na tion, the

nament brings together a region under a common banner, and while everyone has a respective competitive aim, the primary objective which can be viewed as an unwritten dogma is the development of the sport.”

He further said, “That is the real and true value of a tournament that not only ignites the competitive drive of the region, but unifies the community. While this is Guyana’s conception, the competition is essentially a

Caribbean Championship. It is uniquely our thing.”

The GBA commenced its arduous selection process with its monthly U16 Championships, which were hosted at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown. Upon the end of the previous competition in July, combatants were selected, and will be encamped for two weeks prior to the start of the regional tournament to continue their preparation.

Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/ Juniors Championship has truly begun to take shape. Grenada’s participation, like every other impending country, is a testament to the value of this product and brand, a significance that stretches beyond the competitive physicalities of the squared circle. This worth is rooted in community, as the tour-

Ten national youth players benefit from BCB/Dr. Puran Singh Financial Scheme -Two more bowling machines arrive under Patron’s Fund

Ten youth cricketers from the Ancient County who gained selection to the national teams received a total of one hundred thousand dollars from the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under its Dr. Puran Singh National Players Stipend Scheme Programme.

The players are these from the Guyana Under-13 and Under-17 teams. The Under-13 team is currently in the Republic of Trinidad while the Under-17 team is expected to leave shortly for the Cricket West Indies Regional Tournament.

BCB President Hilbert Foster disclosed that, since 2019, the BCB, with support of Barbados-based medical doctor Puran Singh, had presented all national junior players with a stipend of $10,000 (US$50). The stipend is to assist the players to prepare for the tour, and also serves as an incentive for Berbice play-

ers. Foster acknowledged that the stipend is not much, but said the BCB, with its limited fund, is still trying to assist its players.

Foster, in a short emotional address to the players, encouraged the youths to uphold the proud tradition of Berbice cricket. He stated that the present bunch of players has

a duty to carry on the legacy of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joseph Solomon, Ivan Madray, Roy Fredricks, Leonard Baichan and Alvin Kallicharran.

Berbice cricket, Foster stated, has a proud tradition of talent, discipline and high performance. He urged the players to give one hundred

per cent effort as this tournament can change the course of their cricketing careers.

Foster pledged that his administration would continue to invest heavily in the development of clubs and players.

Special thanks were expressed to Dr. Puran Singh for his sponsorship of the scheme

and support of the BCB over the years. Dr. Singh and his elder brother Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh are among the largest sponsors of Berbice cricket.

The players who benefitted from the stipends were Richard Ramdehol, Raffel McKenzie, Tameshwar Deonandan, Nathaniel Ramsammy of the Under-13 Team; and the Under-17 players were vice-captain Matthew Pottaya, Sanjay Algoo, Afri Kadir, Salim Khan, Rampersaud Ramnauth and Kevin Kisten.

The players expressed thanks to the BCB and Dr. Singh for their support. Pottaya reassured the BCB President that the players would work very hard to be outstanding ambassadors of Guyana and their home county.

Meanwhile, the BCB has received another two bowling machines as it presses ahead with its massive develop-

Exhilarating Digicel quarterfinals on today

All roads lead to the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue today, as the Digicel Schools’ Football National Championships

Quarterfinal round is keenly contested by 8 schools from all across the country.

In what will be a display of the diversity in Guyana’s football talents, schools from Region 1, 4, 7 and 9; namely: Waramuri Top Primary, Santa Rosa Secondary, Carmel Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, Tucville Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, D. C Caesar Fox (Waramadong)

Secondary, and St. Ignatius Secondary, will be competing in what one can expect to see the best of the best of the country’s current youth talents.

Beginning at 13:00hrs,

Georgetown’s Tucville Secondary will do battle with Rupununi and Region 9 Champions, St. Ignatius Secondary. At 15:00hrs, Georgetown Champions Dolphin Secondary will step up to the challenge of familiar foes Carmel Secondary.

Then at 17:00hrs, Charlestown Secondary will look to take on Region 7 victors D.C Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary). The final game of the evening, at 19:00hrs, will be an all-Region One clash, as Waramuri Top Primary and Regional Champions Santa

Rosa Secondary duke it out for a spot in this week’s semifinal.

With some prolific scoring displayed thus far, Santa Rosa’s Roy Vansluytman and Darius Williams; Dolphin Secondary’s Gerry Burnette and Jequan Cole; St. Ignatius’s Romel Ernest; Waramuri Top’s

Bruce Williams; Carmel’s Ian Daniels, and Charlestown’s Tyler Lyle will be some of the talents to look out for on the field today.

Today’s quarterfinal will only give a taste of what is to come in this Wednesday’s (August 9th) semi-final action and next Sunday’s (August 13th) grand finale. Action on both days is currently slated for the same Carifesta Avenue venue.

Meanwhile, for those who may not be able to make it down to the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, the last two games today (at 17:00hrs and 19:00hrs) will be streamed live on the What’s Happening Guyana Facebook page. In addition, Wednesday’s semifinal is expected to be live streamed on the same platform.

mental programme for youth cricketers. Foster expressed pleasure at acquiring the two additional machines with support from BCB Patron Vickram Bharrat.

The machines would be given to the Port Mourant and Cotton Tree cricket clubs, who both have active youth teams at the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

The BCB has already donated bowling machines to the RHTY&SC, Bush Lot United CC of West Berbice, Rose Hall Canje CC of New Amsterdam/ Canje, and the NO.72 Cut and Load CC of Upper Corentyne. The proactive cricket board has also shared out five batting cages at the cost of over one million dollars to RHTY&SC, Port Mourant, Bush Lot United, Rose Hall Canje and NO.72 Cut and Load.

Foster announced that a friend of Berbice cricket based in Australia would also be donating several machines to the BCB before the end of the year.

Norddisha Williams Jonathan Clyne Joshua Clyne

BCB coach Ryan Algu posing with the Under-17 players who received their stipends

A look at what to expect during the Digicel Championship Quarterfinals

Tickets for CPL final, knockouts on sale from tomorrow

CPL craze is expected to hit the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Box Office once again when tickets for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 playoffs and final games go on sale.

Ticket sales for the Eliminator, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2 and the grand final will go on sale from tomorrow: Monday, August 7th, at the GAW’s 233-

WI vs India: T20I Series, Game 2 of 5…

234 Camp Street, Georgetown Box Office. Those games are set for Tuesday September 19, Wednesday

September 20, Friday

September 22 and Sunday

September 24 respectively.

All matches are set to bowl off at 19:00hrs. Ticket prices are yet to be disclosed, but online

Tickets for the RBL CPL playoffs and final will be on sale from tomorrow

tickets for eliminator and qualifiers have ranged from US$22 to US$34. Tickets for regular season games are also still on sale at the box office.

West Indies eyeing

2-0 advantage in T20 series

International cricket will return to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) today, as West Indies and India clash in the first of two Kuhl Stylish Fans T20I Series powered by Black and White T20 Internationals.

Coming off a thrilling 4-run win in the first game of the series, the West Indian team are said to be upbeat about the remainder of the series.

During a pre-match press conference on Saturday, Captain Rovman Powell fancied the conditions at Providence, where on Sunday and Tuesday.

“To be honest, just from training here today, I think it’s better conditions than what is in Trinidad. To be honest, the pitch seems to be a little bit better. Hopefully, to morrow when we come, we do conclude that it’s a better wicket,” Powell said of the conditions at the Guyana National Stadium.

Quizzed about India missing their big-name players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Powell refused to discredit their ‘young’ opponents.

Powell explained, “I think to how powerful India is as a cricket nation, any team India put on the park gets the respect they deserve. I think we have treated them the same, you know,

India will bounce back, says Chahal

as there is a Virat Kohli and a Rohit Sharma. You know, it’s just to keep applying the pressure to these young players, and hopefully, in favour of West Indies, they will crumble.”

Given their first win, the captain of the Men in Maroon is quite optimistic about going 2-up in the tour nament, saying the team is upbeat.

“I think complacency is the furthest thing from our minds. India is 1-0 down, we’re expecting them to come hard, but if we, as a

West Indian team, can find our selves 2-love with a 2-0 lead in this series, that will be very, very important,” the West Indian T20 Captain opined.

Powell further stated, “You know, the guys are upbeat of our chances of pushing this series to a 2-0. So, hopefully, tomorrow we can do some right stuff and edge India again.”

Further probed about how the captain intends to motivate his players to attain the consistency needed to win the series, Powell highlighted that it

is a personal matter goal that players are already working towards.

The West Indian T20 Captain explained, “I think it starts from a personal pride; a personal pride of wanting to win games for West Indies, wanting to change the narrative around West Indies cricket. Just recently, I listened to Prime Ministers talk of how impactful West Indies cricket is, not just us as players, but the wider Caribbean.”

“It starts from there. So, guys are upbeat of our chances of trying to be consistent; guys are working, hard to be honest, behind the scenes in trying to be consistent. But consistency will come over time,” he went on to add.

The T20 action between West Indies and India is expected to bowl off at 10:30hrs local time today.

(Jemima Holmes)

India are 1-0 down in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies in their tour of the Caribbean, but according to leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, India will bounce in the second T20I, which starts today at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence from 10:30h, Eastern Caribbean Time.

Speaking to the media at Providence earlier today, Chahal said: “I think we played good cricket; we missed a little bit. This match, we will bounce back.

Last time when I came here, I came in 2019 and it was rain. I watched some CPL matches, but that is totally different. But we will look at the wicket and see how it is going to play.”

Playing three spinners in Tarouba left India with four No. 11s. So, even as they needed only 37 from the final 27 balls, once the last recognised batter –Axar Patel - had fallen, it became a tall ask, although Arshdeep Singh did give West Indies a scare.

That might force India to play Yashasvi Jaiswal, the only spare batter in the squad, leading to a tossup between Kuldeep and

Chahal.

India (probable XI): 1 Shubman Gill, 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Sanju Samson, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav/ Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mukesh Kumar.

Two of the last five T20Is at Providence Stadium in Guyana have been washed out. The scores batting first in the three completed games were 146, 157 and 163, with the chasing team winning twice. Going by that trend, prepare for more middling scores and more rain.

For West Indies, home boys Shimron Hetmyer and Romario Shepherd would want to give the Guyanese fans a game to remember.

West Indies (probable XI): 1 Brandon King, 2 Kyle Mayers, 3 Johnson Charles (wk), 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Rovman Powell (capt), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Obed McCoy.

The third T20I bowls off on Tuesday August 8 at Providence. 1

Hundreds of CPL fans flocked the box office on July 25, when tickets for regular season games went on sale

Glimpses from the West Indies’ training session at the Guyana National Stadium on the eve of their first T20 here (Jemima Holmes Photo)

Suryakumar Yadav with some Guyanese Under-19 players at Providence