Guyana Times -Sunday, July 2, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, July 2 – 03:30h – 05:00h and

Monday, July 3 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, July 2 – 15:45h – 17:15h and

Monday, June 3 – 16:40h – 18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 0.89 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 15:52h reaching a maximum height of 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 09:22h and 21:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.72 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana attracting more interest

from int’l investors in corn & soya consortium

– Pres Ali

– says interest high in expanding cultivation, reaching self-sufficiency by 2025

By Jarryl Bryan

Since the launch of the first trial of corn and soya cultivation in 2021, the industry has progressed at a rapid rate. So rapid, in fact, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not only projecting self-sufficiency in the production of this crop by 2025, but their efforts have been able to attract the interest of more foreign investors.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made this disclosure while addressing the Guyanese diaspora in Canada, where he is discussing Guyana's development and the numerous investment opportunities, while also taking part in Canada Day celebrations.

During his presentation, he spoke about the Government’s overall plan for the agriculture sector and its desire to develop a modern, state-of-the-art dairy industry. When it comes to crops, the agenda is to produce high-value crops that can be exported.

“I’m going to speak to you about the creation of a food production system. Agriculture is just a subset of a food production system. What is it that will make us competitive? We have to produce high-value crops.”

“We have to invest in technology and use the technology. We have to train our people. We have to invest in drainage and irrigation. We have to open up new lands. We have to increase the yields and production that come from better variety,” Ali said.

At present, there is a consortium that includes Guyana Stockfeed Limited, Edun Farms and Bounty Farm Limited. Other investors are Royal Chicken, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and the Brazilian-owned N F Agriculture, who are cultivating over 1000 acres of soya bean crop in the Tacama Savannah. According to President Ali, there is international interest in joining the cultivation of corn and soya.

“When we started a few years ago, I said, I said to them, you guys are competitors. Very good. But I now want you to work on a project together. You guys must form yourselves into a consortium and in three years, you must be able to produce all the corn and soya we import,” the President said.

“By 2025, we will be self-sufficient in corn and soya production. We have been able to do it so well that now, we have international investors wanting to join the consortium to expand the corn and soya production for the global market,” he added.

Guyana’s corn and soya bean production has been on the rise, with the Government committing to the cultivation of these crops in the intermediate savannahs in order to become self-sufficient by 2025.

The large-scale trial cultivation of corn and soya beans by private investors was announced by the Government in 2021. In the feed industry, Guyana imports close to US$30 million in products annually. The aim is to not just

attain self-sufficiency but also establish the country as a net exporter of soya.

The key stakeholders in the massive corn and soya bean project include the Government, farmers, and private companies. The Government has played a crucial role in supporting the growth of the industry, with a commitment of over $1.2 billion to infrastructural development in the Tacama area.

Last year, the Government improved access to the area by constructing 40 kilometres of road, with the remaining seven kilometres scheduled to be completed in 2023. Additionally, the Government invested in a drying and storage facility for corn and soya bean, which will be completed this year, establishing the first such facility in the country.

In 2021, the Government started the trial of 125 acres of corn and soya bean, which showed major suc-

cess. Previously, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had said that the intention was to continuously increase production to cover at least 25,000 acres by 2025. The Minister had expressed the belief that the aim of becoming self-sufficient by 2025 was ambitious, but with the continued support of the Government and the private sector, it was achievable.

The Government’s investment in infrastructure and facilities is expected to significantly increase the yields and profits of farmers, and boost the country’s economy. Minister Mustapha has already announced his Ministry’s plans to start cultivating corn and soya bean in Moco Moco Village, North Rupununi.

The Ministry is also assessing the capacity in other regions, with the aim of taking the project there in the future. The commitment to expand the cultivation of these crops is in keeping with the Government’s

manifesto promise.

Notably, the Administration plans to invest some $150 million in the construction of a wharf in the Tacama area to further support the industry this year. The project will provide critical riverine access to the area under cultivation, making it more accessible for farmers to transport and export their produce. There is also a plan for the construction of a 3000-tonne silo and an 80 tonne per hour drying tower at Tacama – likely to be completed by September.

Meanwhile, during his visit in Canada, the President met with the Guyanese religious community in Toronto… including the International Muslim Organisation of Toronto. Their masjid, which caters for over 6000 persons, has a strong Guyanese presence. The aim is to redevelop the masjid into a state-of-theart facility with a residential complex.

President Dr Irfaan Ali while meeting with the International Muslim Organisation of Toronto

Views

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Whither

Affirmative Action?

Historically, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has taken a very interventionist role that touches virtually every aspect of social welfare policy. Because many policy disputes become legal questions, the Court has a crucial role in making social policy, from which it has not shied away. If, as Martin Luther King said, “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice”, in the US, it needed the firm intervention of SCOTUS. From the 1950s era of civil rights struggle of the minority AfricanAmerican, their landmark “Brown vs Board of Education (1954) outlawed segregation based on race in schools. SCOTUS stood as a beacon to ensure that justice in delivering education - a foundation of progress - was served. But in a decision issued last Thursday, some claim that the arc has reached an inflection point away from justice.

After Brown, governmental policy moved towards instituting affirmative action - which was introduced under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in several areas of government hiring. Several universities, especially the elite ones, introduced race as one of the criteria for selecting students for admission into competitive programmes, to supposedly compensate for historical unfair disadvantages based on race. For instance, the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, established a programme to designate 16 of the 100 spots in each class for minority students. There was an immediate backlash at this “reverse discrimination”, and recourse was taken to the courts by one White individual, Bakke, on the ground that the constitution guaranteed equal protection under the law.

In the landmark 1978 case, Regents of the University of California vs Bakke, SCOTUS ruled that the fatal flaw in …[UC’s] preferential program is its disregard of individual rights, as guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.” More explicitly, the Court struck down the imposed racial quota as unfair, since, they pointed out, while minorities were vying for 100 places, whites were vying for only 84. Critically, however, the Court asserted the legality of a program for admission that considered race as one of the factors for admission. In this formulation, no one group was specifically excluded. And this remained the law for 45 years – until Thursday.

In a 6-3 decision, SCOTUS ruled that race-based affirmative action in college admissions is no longer legal. As Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote in the majority opinion, “The student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual — not on the basis of race. Many universities have for too long done just the opposite. And in doing so, they have concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned, but the colour of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice.” He was joined by five other Justices, including Justice Clarence Thomas, who is Black. An applicant can still mention race as part of his/her personal experience, but does not get an automatic pass by ticking a “race” box.

Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s first Latina, and a proponent of affirmative action, read parts of her opinion from the bench. She was joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, the latter being Black. She stated: “The devastating impact of this decision cannot be overstated. The majority’s vision of race neutrality will entrench racial segregation in higher education, because racial inequality will persist so long as it is ignored.” The elite colleges have already stated that their proportion of Blacks and Latinos will decrease, while Whites and Asians will increase, and decrease the diversity of the student population.

In Guyana, there have been calls for affirmative action based on race in several areas of our national life, and the American experience should be reviewed by both proponents and opponents. In the meantime, US President Biden disagreed vehemently with the decision because he feels that affirmative action by the schools helps to deal with “discrimination” that he feels still exists in America.

This initiative

Dear Editor, The People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), as Guyana's elected Government, is aggressively pursuing the rapid transformation of our country. Central to the Party's successful strategic and carefully orchestrated roll-out planning is the genuine approach to inclusivity and diversity as crucial pillars in advancing the way forward in our local and national democracy.

Implementing the strategic campaign Manifesto commitments have been swift and purposeful at the national and international levels, driving many capital development projects and investment interests. The desired parallel transformation in the Local Authority Areas (LAAs), to advance our citizens' welfare and capacity, has also been a high-priority focus, albeit it was dependent on the successful conduct of Local Government Elections (LGEs).

With the LGEs now completed, the preliminary results indicate strengthened confidence in the visible PPP/C programme across the length and breadth of our country, with the confirmation of tremendous support that ensured wins in 67 of the eighty LAAs.

Significantly, in areas where the Party was not as victorious, it has made significant inroads, which augurs well for a less obstructive approach to the required swift development agenda.

Notably, these successes serve as substantial incentives for the PPP/C teams, leading the Councils to work even harder to win the confidence of a more significant majority.

The PPP/C engaged citizens using widespread consultations, and carefully selected teams of representative candidates would each occupy a seat on the Council in each of the eighty LAA. The Party’s leaders, supporters, and activists campaigned hard from house to house in every community; of course, backed by a track record of trust and delivery among other visible tangibles one cannot dispute. Notwithstanding, a careful look at the selection of the new councillors elected to serve on the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils evidences and manifests President Irfaan Ali's motto of “One Guyana”.

Subject to a few limitations, the Party focused on applying the common factors to achieve the best balance of respected, experienced, youthful, gender-neutral, ethnic, and religious representation in teams of candidates in every LAA.

A perusal of the selection for the Eccles Ramsburg Council, where the PPP/C won eight of nine Constituency seats, and will occupy fourteen of the Council's seats, lends affirmative testimony. The proposed councillors of the PPP/C slate include five females and, generally, a cross-section and balance of varying ethnic persuasions.

Among the group, several

members boast widely accepted academic qualifications at the post-graduate level, and are otherwise meaningfully engaged in driving positive community initiatives. They bring enthusiasm and a class of passionate representation targeted and partnering with the Government to move things forward in the respective LAAs. Most fall into the youthful-to-mature categorisation, supplemented by a blend of successful business professionals with tested experience to guide the Council’s meaningful endeavours.

Individually and collectively, all were very active and visible during the campaign. More significantly, with Party activists’ support, the team advanced a serious commitment to attracting more women, girls, and youths through effective home-to-house connection with the masses. Further, among the councillors are young enthusiasts, sports personalities, supervisors, managers, and three genuine foot soldiers.

Indeed, the selection process was heavily contested, and the selection competition was keen. However, with mature leadership and guidance from the PPP leadership, who thoroughly explained the approach, all the candidates fully endorsed the process.

Eight of the councillors were former councillors. With this blend of new and fresh blood among the first-timers, constituency residents could anticipate the combination of mature and experienced men and women would give

rise to a dynamic and vibrant Neighbourhood Democratic Council working to advance their interests.

The PPP/C has embarked on a clear way forward to deepen recognition and inclusivity at all levels of the Government. The way ahead will be heavily influenced by the resounding and massive victory of the PPP/C at the just concluded LGE polls. As Guyanese are raring to go at the upcoming National and Regional Elections, the PPP/C’s well-oiled machinery must render the best service and support through the NDC, Municipal, and Village Councils, working harmoniously to continue closely connecting to the masses.

Significantly, the PPP/C leadership demands accountability and transparency at the LAAs. With the tremendous development at the national level and the hastened transformation within the communities, we will see growth across the country. To this end, the Council's work must be of the highest quality, and must be responsive, initiative- driven, and devoid of discrimination. All the quality persons who came to the PPP/C will continue working together for tremendous success in our country.

We must reject the naysayers and continue nation-building under the inclusive 'One Guyana' platform and democratic framework.

Sincerely,

Neil Kumar

One of the booths at the Market Day organized by the Department of Co-operatives of the Ministry of Labour in observance of International Co-operatives Week. This Market Day activity was held on the premises of the Ministry of Labour in Brickdam, Georgetown on Saturday.

saw over 17 exhibitors from across the country showcasing their locally-manufactured products, which ranged from cut roses to craft, to skin and hair care products, to seasoning, candles, vegetables and fruits; eggs, milk, wine, various sweet delicacies; salted fish (trout, snapper, shark), plantains, various plants, beans and peas, among other things

Inclusivity and diversity are key pillars in advancing the way forward in our local and national democracy

What manner of organization is IDPADA-G?

Dear Editor,

Recently in the news, we saw an Afro-Guyanese mother of four underage children having the grave misfortune of her already dilapidated house collapsing under the weight of its occupants. The home has been irreparably damaged, in that the building is now structurally unsound and dangerous to live in, so this lady and her family are in a very bad state. She is now calling out for help from kind-hearted citizens who would be willing to help her in this time of need.

Soon after this situation occurred, I contacted a PNC friend of mine and inquired why the IDPADA-G

couldn’t come to the woman’s rescue, to which this friend responded, “Why couldn’t Men on a Mission (MOM) do the job? Or, better still, why shouldn’t the Government be there to help?” These are all nice-sounding evasive answers, but the fact of the matter is: Where is IDPADA-G in all of this? Isn’t that the purpose of this organization? Isn’t this the real purpose of an IDPADA-G; that is: to help people of colour?

So, in light of the foregoing question, I would like us to delve a little deeper into the operations of this organization.

IDPADA-G, inter-

preted The International Decade for Peoples of African Descent AssemblyGuyana, is an organization set up for the sole purpose of assisting or helping people of colour. It is a non-profit, limited liability organization that receives a hefty subvention from the public purse. To date, this organization has received over half a billion dollars in taxpayers’ money, but cannot show any tangible evidence of its existence in terms of giving or helping the unfortunate, only a ton of banal, convoluted blabbering from its political leader Vincent Alexander, and nothing else.

We would like to see

this so-called organization running to the rescue of this Black Sister unto whom an unfortunate mishap has come. Situations like this one warrant the featured prominence of this organization; but sadly, it is not prominent.

What is interesting to note, however, is that this organization comes into public view when political matters are under scrutiny, such as IDPADA-G entering into a discussion formulated by The Opposition, “Resisting the emerging apartheid state in Guyana”, which calls into question the purpose of this organization. Who or what is IDPADA-G, we would ask;

Columnists heading towards catastrophic implosion

Dear Editor, KN columnist GHK Lall has staked his career on criticizing Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. He has experimented with a few methods and styles against the Vice President. These include, but are not limited to, name-calling, digressions, exploitation of irrelevant matter, half-truths, clumsy storytelling; and the saddest of them all: writing that takes the form of bad poetry. The “brother Jagdeo thing” does not work either. It is a sign of weakness.

If you want evidence of GHK Lall’s elliptical writing, just read this paragraph from his column. Here he is: “Dr. Jagdeo’s position is that Exxon does not decide for him, does not tell him what to say, what to do, and when to say or do so. I am sorry brother Jagdeo, but please tell that to the Marines (he can check with his American friends at Exxon on the meaning of that string of words), or to somebody now the proud owner of the new Demerara River Bridge years away from completion” (KN June 30, 2023). Can anyone say that they understand this gobbledygook?

On the empirical side of things, GHK Lall is worse off. This is so because every substantive claim he has made to date can be proven to be demonstrably incorrect. The inaccuracies are not simply plentiful and predictable, but form a core part of GHK Lall’s epistemology. This means that the very way in which he produces ‘knowledge’ (or what he thinks is knowledge) is self-decomposing, because the basic facts of his arguments are highly suspect.

The attacks on the diplomatic corps, and especially against US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, illustrate the point well. Here is Lall: “Our resource curse

explains the energies, bustles, objectives of Her Excellency, US Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch (and like-minded European cronies)” (KN 6/28/2023).

In the above, the concept of the resource curse is mangled to be politically weaponised. Having achieved that by twisting the resource curse from an economic phenomenon to a political technology, he then proceeds to falsely claim that the interests of Exxon (and Hess) purely animate US diplomacy. This is a massive distortion because, since 1992, the US has been working to make sure the PNC, APNU and their partners, AFC and WPA, do not steal elections or make Guyana into an economic basket case.

Finally, for good measure, GHK Lall takes a low, undignified dig at European diplomats by naming them “cronies.”

The Trotman book and his subsequent public offerings have been seized upon by GHK Lall to reignite the most sordid, unforgivable, and dishonourable lie in modern Guyanese history. The lie is that Granger was removed from the presidency because he was against the PSA his own administration signed in 2016. Again, The FACT is that the Grander Administration signed the PSA in 2016, and never did anything to undo their pathetic work. I suppose the US$18 million was good enough, because it was a “gift”!

One really must wonder about Mr. Lall’s motivations. Both Granger and he are men of religion. And readers might remember that, only recently, MP Annette Ferguson was gushing that Burnham had been sent by God. Are we in some kind of eschatological survivalism here? Will GHK Lall soon tell us that Burnham was a brilliant

man who frigged up Guyana because he did not have oil revenues?

Let me help Mr. Lall with the truth here. Jagan was deposed, and Burnham was installed in 1964. Between 1964 and 1992, elections were rigged, the economy went bankrupt, citizens were assassinated, and mass exodus began. In place of a nation, we had a morgue.

Now, Mr. Lall needs to listen carefully here: The excesses of the Cold War gave way to a new ‘apetura.’ The Carter Center listened to the cry for help and prevailed upon the Bush Administration to reverse course on Guyana.

In October 1992, democracy was restored to Guyana. The PNC, and not long after the WPA, based on a perverted form of ethnic nationalism, began a campaign of destabilisation. Slo fiah; mo fiah, and other technologies of intimidation were put in place. Yet, democracy held on, even if barely.

In 2015, the ABCE countries declared the APNU-AFC winner of the presidential election and Granger was installed. The APNU-AFC was so corrupt and inept that one of their own crossed the floor and a no-confidence motion was passed in December 2018. Instead of a constitutionally mandated election in months, the APNU-AFC held on to power for fifteen months. During that time, Mr. GHK Lall had a top job in the APNU-AFC administration. The election finally came in March 2020. The APNU-AFC lost, but tried for five months to steal the vote. Vaseline and bedsheets were part of the technology employed in the rigging attempt. They were forced to abandon their grand election theft. An independent COI fingered the APNU-AFC and their cro-

is it an extension of the PNC Party? Is IDPADA-G another of those organizations set up to draw down on funds from the state for political purposes? Is IDPADA-G a slush funded by taxpayers to enhance the work of a political grouping of persons? These are all searching questions I put to its leader, Vincent Alexander.

I close by informing Vincent Alexander that neither he nor the party he is part of is representative of The Black Race in Guyana. Let not the PNC or any of its surrogates fool themselves that they can speak on behalf of the race, or that they are in some way the protectorate of Black People; that is not going to happen. As the Black Race, we speak for ourselves, and not through an interpreter.

What Alexander and the PNC should know is that, in light of their shenanigans with monies earmarked for the race, we are most uncomfortable in having any one of them speak on our behalf. The present revelations speak in clarion tones as to what is their real intent, and what would befall us should any more disbursements come into their hands.

In this regard, I sound the alarm that is it known, if and when reparations become a reality, there would not -- I repeat: there would not -- be a Vincent Alexander or his party coming anywhere near as a recipient of disbursement of the proceeds. I rest my case!

Respectfully, Neil

Adams

nies for election irregularities.

In the meantime, Exxon discovered oil and the David Granger Administration signed a PSA in 2016. Granger did nothing to make any changes to an admittedly bad deal. The PPP/C has taken the position that there is more to be gained by developing more favourable contracts in future PSAs. President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have been using every national and international technical resource available to ensure that we do not make the same mistakes at did Granger and his “group.”

Those are the facts. Mr. Lall’s narratives are bound to catastrophically implode, because these facts are the only ones that can and have been corroborated by every independent election official, and every independent observer of development in Guyana: Commonwealth Observer Group, OAS, Carter Center, CARICOM, the EU, and every reputable independent organization in Guyana. Add to that the voices of regional giants like Owen Arthur, Mia Mottley, and Ralph Gonsalves!

The nation again thanks Ambassador Lynch for her service. Prime Minister Phillips expressed the appreciation of a grateful nation only days ago, and soon President Ali, bother Jagdeo, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will talk about how to deepen our ties. I feel confident that the top of the agenda will be how to preserve democracy in Guyana. I personally recommend better quality journalism, with added responsibility for some columns based on truth, wisdom, and dignity. As of today, we have a long way to go.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

We need clarification from President Irfaan Ali

Dear Editor, While I am not in support of a PUBLIC LYNCHING of Nigel Dharamlall, in that he should not be fired because of current allegations against him, President Irfaan Ali needs to clarify that he supports the Police and DPP in their work. And, as such would welcome the Police Force arresting and charging Dharamlall if there is enough evidence to do so. The DPP can then prosecute the charges.

The current circus by which this case is being passed from the Police to the DPP and then back to the Police Force will not do.

Nigel Dharamlall needs to be charged or not charged, to end this political circus. Ministers are not above the law, and everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. The Police Force needs to do its duty, and either charge or not charge Dharamlall, regardless of if the alleged victim withdraws the charges. Guyanese expect better from their Police Force and its DPP. The complainant is a minor, who is susceptible to adult influence/coercion. The original charges stand.

Sincerely, Sean Ori

Sunday, July 2, 2023

19:00 Lucifer S4 E3

20:00 Arrow S4 E18

21:00 Riverdale S4 E12

22:00 Unsolved Mysteries

23:00 The Office S3 E15

23:30 Grace & Frankie S6 E12 00:00 Sign off

CHOICE OF EXOTIC SMALL DOG BREEDS AS PETS IN GUYANA

well cared for.

SPANIEL

This breed, or group of breeds known as Spaniels, was first developed as a hunting companion – not lastly because of its athleticism and its ability to find, flush out and retrieve the objects of the hunt. Over decades, a plethora of spaniels has emerged. e.g., the Cocker Spaniel (American and English varieties), the King Charles Spaniel, the Springer Spaniel, and others which have not yet reached our shores.

Over the last few weeks, we have focused our comments of the appropriateness of large exotic breeds entering and nurtured in Guyana. Last week, we turned our attention to the smaller exotic breeds (companions animals/pets/lap dogs) and began the series with a discussion on Chihuahuas. Today, we shall discuss the Dachshund and the Spaniel.

DACHSHUND

This breed has been with us in Guyana for a while now. In fact, most Guyanese incorrectly refer to it as a “Dashound”, but the correct pronunciation is “dax hoond”. The German word “Dachs”

means Badger. According to which source one uses, Dachs has been translated as Weasel, Stoat or Ferret. “Hund” in German means dog. Irrespective of whichever translation of Dachs we use, the Dachshund was bred to go after and kill those small, nimble, slender-bodied, vicious, carnivorous four-legged fiends which would enter farmer’s pens, and steal the latter’s chickens and eggs. These badgers would then return to their tunnels in the ground, and could not be caught.

The Dachshund was bred to malevolently go after the badgers in their warrens and kill them. Originally the Dachshund was therefore bred as a hunting dog. Actually, only in the last

century –during which other methods to get rid of farm animal predators had been developed – did breeders turn the Dachshund (in any of its forms, viz long-haired, smooth-haired wire-haired) into a dog which gives great comfort in the lap of a worthy caregiver. But beware. The Dachshund still retains, in its DNA, the propensity to be vicious.

It is not just coincidental that many Dachshund companion animals are given the names “Terror”, “Diablo”, “Devil”, “Monster”, “Satan”, and other such “complimentary” names. These names are attached to many patients of mine. Consequently, I am very careful when

Dachshunds are very brave and have been known to take on even foxes and wolverines – and emerge winners. They can also

trail quarries by scent and engage them in battle.

The modern Dachshund has been bred to have even shorter legs. Now you

I should mention that the Irish, Dutch, Welsh and other European nations have gotten into the act of producing spaniels

“Sausage Dog”. I should mention that Dachshunds need plenty of physical and mental exercise. It is no wonder that this breed is still used in Germany as a hunting dog. That having been said, one must add that Dachshunds are very protective towards their human family, and are effective as guard dogs, in spite of their size. Their bark is loud and distinctive, which belies the dog’s small structure.

I know Dachshunds to be intelligent; they are vouched for by my clients to be extremely affectionate and protective – but perhaps not so much toward strangers (like vets).

Finally, the caregiver does not need to groom the Dachshund too much. Combing and brushing with the appropriate utensils, every week, will suffice. It is also good to know that Dachshunds are among the top ten breeds where longevity is concerned – when

tive nationalities to the breed’s name.

Also, please be alerted to the fact that some dogs may be sold as spaniels but are not accepted as such, because they do not exhibit the traits of genuine spaniels. The Brittany, Japanese and Tibetan “spaniels” fall into this category.

The common characteristics include intelligence, willingness to please and be affectional to its caregiver family (therefore extremely playful), peacefulness, obedience and love of companionship (therefore do not leave alone for long periods). A great plus of this breed is its comfortable existence in a small dwelling (house, not kennel). The downside is that it needs almost daily combing and brushing. Furthermore, those long, drooping ears are conducive to ear infections, and the surrounding hair tangles and must be groomed and trimmed regularly.

COCKER SPANIELS

$1.8B plugged into developing small businesses for 2023 – VP Jagdeo …says no MPs can benefit from refashioned SLED initiative

applied through the Small Business Bureau to know that we’ve addressed that concern.”

Based on Guyana’s grant regulations, recipients can receive anywhere between $500,000 and $150,000 under this initiative. However, the business must be compliant with all the requirements, including being registered with the Deeds and Commercial Registry, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). A business plan must also be submitted.

The Guyana Government has injected a whopping $1.8 billion to develop small businesses in all 10 administrative regions for 2023.

This was according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent interview during which he added that a large portion of this money is yet to be distributed.

This sum accounts for two separate avenues to support small business fi -

nancing. The first is the Small Business Bureau (SBB) grant, which falls under the auspices of the Tourism Industry and Commerce Ministry. It was previously reported that over 700 applications are currently outstanding, given the meticulous requirements to confirm eligibility.

“We’ve decided that they will all get some grant through that Ministry. They have a pool of money and those persons will receive…I want those who

The former Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme was redesigned by Government to allow for smaller business grants to be issued to a larger pool of people. This is after several members of the former Government were flagged during an audit that found that millions in State funds were in fact wasted.

With just a fraction of this grant issued, the rollout is yet to be done in

Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), parts of Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

This programme is capped at about $200,000. According to Jagdeo, about 4000 persons would be targeted.

“We reformed that programme and we reduced the sum so that more people can benefit. We prohibited Members of Parliament from getting any money from this grant. That is a separate grant that we have to rollout out across the country…We haven’t done it

as yet. It will be done over the course of the next few months,” Jagdeo outlined.

A total of $760 million was disbursed under the SLED programme between 2015 and 2020, in increments of $115 million, $40 million, $100 million, $150 million, $250 million, and $105 million, respectively. In April 2023, prominent Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were fingered in a damning forensic audit report into the former APNU/ AFC Government’s SLED Programme.

In one instance, a project analysis zeroed in on MP Christopher Jones and the Precision Barber Shop and Beauty Salon. The report stated that no interview was conducted with

Jones nor was the team able to confirm the grant received from the SLED initiative.

However, it noted that based on the review of the Compliance Audit, “Christopher Jones entity is not a registered society under the Co-operative Societies Act 88:01 or Friendly Society Act 36:04.”

Back in 2020, the CID Headquarters had reported that the barbershop equipment was allegedly fraudulently obtained based on an audit which showed that the Ministry of Social Protection approved the disbursement of $4.9 million under the Region Four Administration for the procurement of equipment for a barbershop. (G-12)

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Berbice labourer to now face trial after Judge vacates guilty plea

Justice Simone MorrisRamlall, presiding in the Berbice High Court, has vacated the guilty plea of Kareem Charles, a 39-yearold labourer of Rosignol, West Coast Berbice (WCB), who has been charged with murdering a young father.

Indicted for the capital offence of murder, Charles had pleaded guilty as charged when he appeared before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall back in May, and was scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 28. However, on that day, his guilty plea was vacated by the presiding Judge, and he will now have to face a jury trial.

It is alleged that on March 1, 2019, at Rosignol,

West Coast Berbice, Charles murdered Arshad Ally, a 24-year-old labourer of the Blairmont Estate and resident of Bennet Dam in Rosignol, whom he is reported to have hit in the head with a metal pipe in an alleged act of revenge.

Guyana Times had previously reported that the young father, who was killed as he was on his way to see his newborn baby at the New Amsterdam Hospital, died from shock and haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head. Ally’s death left his then one-day-old baby fatherless.

Connections…

…with the US

Here we are – just a speck in the Caribbean archipelago that happens to’ve been inserted in South America! – yet, once again, we’re getting a whole lotta attention from the mighty America. The first time – of course – was when Jagan hemmed and hawed about whether he was a commie at a time when the US had suffered a huge embarrassment at the Bay of Pigs by the Commie Castro. Newbie President JFK - accused of being soft on commies - couldn’t take a chance of BG siding with its Cold War enemy USSR, could he??

So what is it that’s earned us TWO visits by an American Secretary of State in three years?? You do remember Secty Pompeo jetting in right after the PPP Government finally assumed office - following the PNC’s barefaced rigging attempt?? The American Ambassador stood tall in her defence of the central tenet of democracy: that every vote should count in a country electing their leader!! And Pompeo’s presence was meant to send the strongest possible signal that the US wouldn’t stand for any kind of regime change that the PNC could engineer – through riots or armed intervention – as they’d done in the past!!

Well, we’ve been told that Pompeo’s successor, Secty Bliken from the Democratic Biden Administration, will be taking a special trip to GT – after he felicitates Caricom in Trinidad on its 50th anniversary! So why this special attention? The press release says he’ll be discussing “priority bilateral issues, including food and energy security and decarbonisation, climate resilience, regional migration, and building local capacity.” But couldn’t he have done that on the sidelines with Pres Ali, who would’ve attended the Caricom meet??

Here, again, it has to do with the optics. The US wants to signal that Guyana’s special among the Caricom nations. And in its own right! A year ago, Blinken had invited President Ali up to Washington for a similar meeting, after he’d already met him at the Summit of the Americas. Then VP Harris also met him a few months later, and again earlier this year in the Bahamas. So many meetings with these high American officials by a country without even a million people is unprecedented!!

What gives?? Is it the oil?? Is it the chatter that the contract with Exxon must be renegotiated?? Your Eyewitness doesn’t think so. After all, even in the US, their Government has been on Exxon’s case for sharing its loot a bit more equitably!! But then the rules aren’t the same for the US and us, are they??!!

Frankly, he believes it’s about the US’ tussle with China for global dominance. Ali’s going to China this month, and the US doesn’t want him to stray!!

…with Caricom

So Caricom’s gonna be fifty years old this Tuesday. Imagine that!! That’s quite an achievement!! What with all the big egos in its founding leadership corps – Eric Williams, the three Bs (Barrow, Bird, and Burnham), Grantley Adams, Bustamante, and Manley – your Eyewitness wouldn’t have put any money on them remaining together for more than a decade!! But here we are in 2023, and they’ve actually expanded to include the French-speaking Haiti and the Dutch-speaking Suriname!!

But that in itself tells the story, doesn’t it?? On their lonesome, they’re nothing but flotsam and jetsam in the Caribbean Sea! But together, they have 15 votes in the UN – which unfortunately isn’t such the big deal they hoped it’d be back when they founded Caricom!! So, they’ve been allowed to eat their power and have it too!! Look at all the wannabe successors to the US courting them – and forcing the latter to pay attention!! But what have they actually achieved for us West Indians??

Maybe they can manage the WI Cricket team??

…the dots on Dharamlall

To all those who wondered what was the point of the beleaguered Dharamlall hiring Nigel Hughes – now they know. He got Dharamlall off in what your Eyewitness thought was a slam-dunk case, didn’t he??

Dead: Arshad Ally

Murder accused Kareem Charles

Govt narrows down to 4 bidders vying to construct oil refinery

– Jagdeo says Govt will enter negotiations with top-ranked firm

Progress is being made when it comes to the Request for Proposals (RFP) that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had put out for an oil refinery. So far, four out of the 11 companies that had submitted proposals last year have been shortlisted.

Giving this update was Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent interview with select media houses. According to Jagdeo, of the 11 proposals that were submitted, the Natural Resources Ministry’s evaluation team has narrowed it down to four.

“The Ministry had set up a team to do a spreadsheet on all of the proposals that we receive. There are about 11 proposals. I think these have been narrowed down to about four that met almost all of the parameters that we requested in the RFP. So that now needs to move to the next stage.”

“So that is where we are based on that Request for Proposals. That is as far as we got. The next stage is to rank these. The ones that are compliant and then start the discussions with the number one ranked firm, to see if we can reach agreement on the refinery,” Jagdeo said.

Last month, it was announced that the Dominican Republic was exploring the possibility of collaborating with Guyana for the establishment of a

crude oil refinery here. This was revealed by Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, during a oneday visit to Georgetown.

The visiting Head of State was accompanied by a delegation comprising of both Government and private sector officials.

Following brief bilateral talks between President Dr Irfaan Ali and President Abinader at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Greater Georgetown, senior Ministers from the two regional nations signed three pacts to strengthen collaborations including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in energy-related matters.

In 2022, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for companies to express their interest in constructing a 30,000-barrels per day (bpd) refinery. Specifically, companies were asked to submit bids for the design, finance, and construction of the oil refinery, which will be located at the mouth of the Berbice River.

According to the RFP that was issued, construction on the refinery was expected to begin in 2023, with the project expected to be completed within two years. The refinery was to be located near the Berbice River.

The plan for the refinery’s construction ties into the Government’s vision

of promoting value-added production and securing energy security both for Guyana and the Caribbean.

It is also an integral part of the Government’s developmental plan for Region Six.

An oil refinery is an industrial plant that transforms crude oil into various usable petroleum products, such as diesel, gasoline, lubricants and heating oils like kerosene.

Refineries serve as the second stage in the crude oil production process, following the extraction of

crude oil from the earth.

Once the refinery at Berbice becomes operational, Guyana will be able to sell crude oil components to various industries for a broad range of purposes, including fuels for transportation, heating, paving roads, and generating electricity and raw materials for chemical manufacturing.

This would attract global investments due to soar-

ing fuel prices worldwide, the increased cost of heating as time goes by, and a lack of adequate refining capacity to process crude into gasoline and diesel.

Neighbouring states including Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Aruba, The Netherlands Antilles, Cuba, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Barbados and Suriname possess oil refineries as well.

Petrotrin Refinery in neighbouring Trinidad (Photo: T&T Guardian)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Omai finds extensive gold in Wenot in 1st half of 2023

– more drilling planned for current, higher-grade zones

Canadian company Omai Goldmines, which is currently doing gold exploration in its Wenot pit in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has reported that for the first half of 2023, they’ve found extensive gold in their Wenot drill site.

The announcement was made by the company in a recent statement, in which they revealed that a total of 3569 metres have been completed in 11 holes in 2023. In hole 23ODD-063, visible gold was seen in 37 locations along 299 metres of core.

In fact, it was explained that this particular hole contained multiple gold zones within the Wenot shear corridor, with gold mineralisation extending to the surface. Importantly, no previous mining was done in this area below the surficial saprolite. The company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elaine Ellingham, described the results as impressive.

“These impressive new drill results continue to confirm the magnitude of the Wenot deposit, by demon-

strating strike and depth continuity of significant gold mineralisation. We have not seen any limitations to the Wenot deposit, and as such are confident that additional drilling can further expand the gold resources.”

“At Wenot, 88 per cent of the NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate lies above a 300m depth and the few holes that tested below confirm continuity and suggest that grades may increase with depth, particularly at the west end of the deposit,” Ellingham said.

It was further explained that due to the potential for a future mine plan in the lo-

cation, an additional two to three drill holes are planned to pursue these and other higher-grade zones within the west Wenot area. Additionally, the results for other drill sites in the programme are expected soon.

Last year, Omai announced that it was accelerating its drilling campaign with the addition of a second drill. In a statement, Ellingham had explained that the second drill was intended to supplement the work being done by the first one on nearby targets.

“Our focus continues to be on advancing exploration at our 100%-owned Omai

Project in Guyana, to create tangible value and real growth for our shareholders. We have added a second drill at the Omai Gold Project in Guyana.”

“This will allow us to accelerate our work to expand the Wenot resource, while the first drill can continue to explore the additional nearby targets identified by our exploration team,” Ellingham had said.

Back in February 2022, the company announced that it would continue drilling at its Region Seven location since it believes that even more deposits of gold are available at the Wenot deposit.

Prior to that, the company had filed a technical re-

port with SEDAR, which supports the 16.7 million tonnes of indicated gold and 19.5 million tonnes of inferred gold it had announced the Wenot deposit held back in January.

In this technical report, consultant P&E Mining explained that extending the Wenot deposit is expected to cost US$2.65 million and be completed in the next 12 months. According to the report, it was explained that exploring these targets could provide opportunities for open-pit mining.

In January 2022, Omai

Gold Mines had announced the discovery of significant gold values during initial trenching and drilling on the Broccoli Hill target at its

Region Seven holdings. The company had disclosed that trenching exposed a quartzrich shear zone with samples assaying 29.3 g/t Au, 7.8 g/t Au, 5.0 g/t Au and 2.2 g/t Au along a 40-metre strike.

Additionally, the first round of drilling on Broccoli Hill, totalling 690 metres, intersected gold mineralisation with four of the six holes returning assays greater than 1 g/t Au and as high as 4.04 g/t Au over 0.9 m and 0.91 g/t over 6.8 m.

Omai Gold Mines, which returned to the Wenot and Fennell pits in 2020 after leaving Guyana in 2015, had announced in December 2020 that it would be pressing forward with a 5000-metre drilling programme.

GuyOil launches MMG as payment option at service stations countrywide

The Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil) has officially launched Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) as a payment method at all eight of its company-owned service stations across the country.

During a simple launching ceremony on Friday, General Manager of MMG, Bobita Ram expressed her excitement for extending this service to GuyOil which will ensure that customers can pay for their fuel in a convenient and hassle-free way.

She added that this ser-

vice will transform the customer experience when buying gas and other items at service stations.

“The team at GuyOil has clearly put convenience at the top of their agenda, and with their customers in mind, have taken this step to introduce technology at the pump. As you know we at MMG have enabled mobile cashless payments across several sectors and today we welcome the addition of GuyOil to the long list of places where mobile payments are accepted,” Ram remarked.

She added “Now when you drive up to the pump at GuyOil, no need to fumble for cash [or] wait for the attendant to make a change. Those days are in the past. With a simple scan of the QR code, conveniently placed on the pumps, you can effortlessly pay for fuel, lubricants, and a range of other services. This not only saves valuable time but [also] transforms the experience of buying gas into one of ease and convenience.”

For pragmatic democratic socialism

Mahdia fire victim medevacked to US hospital expected home soon

– teen currently undergoing physiotherapy

The 13-year-old student, who sustained critical injuries following the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire in May, is reportedly recovering well and expected to be discharged soon.

derwent two surgeries, and her condition, though critical, improved steadily. She was the only victim to be taken out of the country to seek further care.

One of the opportunities available to the Opposition is to distinguish their position, on the role of government in the development of the economy, from the incumbent PPP. We, citizens, would then be presented with a reason for choosing between them, apart from race, which should be a non-starter since neither of them can any longer be elected solely on that basis. Do we continue with the neo-liberal “night-watchman” state we accepted with the IMF’s Washington Consensus in 1989? Or do we accept the latter’s changed position of the present, where they took heed of the collapse of the model in 2008, and proposed the more interventional state model from the Far Eastern example of Japan, S. Korea et al?

This is according to Georgetown Public Health Corporation (GPHC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran during a press conference alongside a surgical team from Northwell, currently in Guyana to perform over 60 hernia-related operations.

Ravi Dev

With the coming of oil revenues, this is a key question that must be answered, so we do not keep on confusing Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” that would guide the market to deliver the “goods” that society needs, with “no hands”. With self-interest -if not greed -- as a human constant, this has contributed greatly to the debilitations that some, unfortunately, see as inevitable by-products of “capitalism”.

But we cannot ignore the reality that, somehow, our methods of socialisation keep on throwing up individuals who are only driven by their id and greed. As one early US commentator, Madison, noted not long after Smith, in an analogous context (politics): “If men were angels, we would not need governments.” In addition to the demons of the id, we recognise that none of the institutions that we design around our values will ever work perfectly (hence imperfect socialisations, to begin with), so we create macro-institutions to deal with these exigencies. And so, from early in the day in matters economic, markets have been regulated so as to mitigate the inevitable excesses precipitated by greed, “imperfect markets”, or for “infant industry” protection etc,.

Those who insist that Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” means “no hand” in the much-abused term, “free markets” speak from both sides of their mouths. Take, for instance, the creation and issuance of money, which is regarded as the sine qua non for the creation of markets in the modern sense of the term. This has been regulated, by definition, from the earliest days either by the institutions that issued them in the first place - or later, by governments. One can’t very well have everyone creating money and expect markets to function. The problem is that those who ritually invoke the ethereal “free market” do so only when the regulation in question hinders their efforts to make excess profits over what other regulations allow them to make in the first place.

Take banking. Government regulations the world over allow banks to create money out of thin air by a multiple over and above the amount that is deposited. Thus, they make money coming and going - once by paying lower interest to depositors than borrowers (double-digit figures in Guyana!), and then by lending the excess money created through the magic of regulation. Yet these bankers in the developed economies complained when they were prohibited from investing depositors’ money in speculative vehicles, and then had the regulations repealed. After making trillions of dollars of profits - which the bank operators pocketed - when their greed-fuelled speculative bubbles inevitably collapsed, they were defined as “too big to fail”, and were bailed out at the taxpayers’ expense. In a perfect demonstration of the workings of the id-greed imperative, bankers expect profits to be privatized, but losses socialised.

Karl Marx’s early critique of Capitalism was remarkable for its prescience in highlighting several of its inherent contradictions, but the attempts to institutionalise his insights failed miserably in our own lifetime. Marx ironically confused epistemology (the theory of knowledge) with ontology (what actually is), and was too idealistic about a man and his greed. To paraphrase Churchill’s aphorism about democracy, capitalism is evidently the worst type of economic system - except for all others that have been tried and failed.

We cannot give up on socialising ourselves into becoming more sensitive and responsive to the overall societal good –if for nothing else that society is simply a collection of us, the individuals. But in the meantime, our governments have to get back to regulating and making appropriate market interventions to deliver the good life for all, now that we finally have the wherewithal. Democratic socialism, anyone?

Recognising her need for advanced care, the teenager was medically evacuated from GPHC, where she was initially seeking treatment, to the Northwell Health Burn Care Centre, Staten Island University Hospital in the United States (US).

Rambarran commended the growing partnership between Northwell and Guyana, remarking on their

prompt assistance following the call for care of the 13-year-old.

“In a matter of 60 to 72 hours, we were able to secure passports and visas to medevac and take this patient to the Staten Island Hospital where they have a burn centre. We’re very grateful for that, especially in a time when we were most vulnerable,” Rambarran said

“She had several surgeries already and is recovering pretty well. She’s extubated and very soon will be dis-

charged,” he said. Rambarran further added that currently, the teen is undergoing physiotherapy – a treatment that is done to restore a patient’s mobility, function and well-being.

On May 27, the critically injured teen was picked up by the Global Rescue Ambulance via the Air Ambulance at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and taken to the Northwell facility – which waived all costs for medical care.

While at GPHC, she un-

The fire that engulfed the Mahdia Secondary School girls’ dormitory in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) has claimed the lives of 19 of her friends and a five-year-old boy.

Following Police investigations, a 15-year-old student was charged and remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre for her alleged involvement in starting this fire. This case was adjourned until this coming Tuesday.

Initial reports indicated that this student had her cell phone confiscated, and was previously suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution, after which she allegedly threatened to cause “trouble” during an argument with the administrators. (Pooja Rambarran)

Medevac efforts

Burnt Bush Dam residents call out contractor over sloppy work –

contractor blames residents, weather for delays

Residents of Third Street, Burnt Bush Dam, East Canje in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) are furious at the slow pace at which their main access road is being constructed. The project reportedly started six months ago with no signs of it being completed soon and as such, the residents are calling for a new contractor to be assigned.

On the other hand, MRC Construction Company has blamed the weather for the incomplete project while referring to the residents as being illiterate when it comes to construction.

There are more than a dozen houses at Third Street, Burnt Bush Dam, East Canje, and according to the residents, the delayed road repairs has forced them to leave their vehicles in unsafe areas.

When Guyana Times visited the area, newspaper vendor Manohar Bramadeen explained that the contractor is not on site regularly even though the road is left in such a state that it is almost impassable to vehicles.

“Dem picknie got to go to school and it hard for them to come out; motorbike have to sleep at people place, cars have to sleep on the road and people steal-

ing things for you car. It is too difficult for us living in these conditions. It is between six to seven months that the contractor dig it up and leff it just like this,” he said.

In addition, Maneeta Palwan, a housewife, related that two months after digging up the street, the workers returned and “spread some sand.”

“When it get sun, you ain’t seeing him at all. It is really hard on us. In here we have about ten vehicles and all have to be on the street park up, then we getting problems with the people who we park our vehicles in front of their house – it really hard.”

However, the contractor stated that on many occasions he cannot work because residents have their vehicles parked on the street which is under construction. He provided pictures to this publication and also claimed that ani-

mals on the road have negatively impacted the ongoing work.

The project was awarded to construct a street from an existing earth-

en dam. The contractor claimed that more than 20 inches of soil had to be removed before construction could have commenced.

However, the inclement weather is making it difficult for them to move on to the next stage and place the crusher and run on the loam since the loam has become soggy.

Meanwhile, MRC Construction was reportedly given up June 10 to complete the project. When asked about this date, the contractor did not confirm nor deny it.

Only recently Public Works Minister Juan Edghill told contractors in Region Six that they should engage residents before commencing work so that residents know what is expected and when the project is expected to be completed.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Residents’ vehicles parked in the path of the construction

The animals on the road

The present state of the road

Rupununi conservation body teaching students how to preserve their environment …aims

to inculcate environmental education into national curriculum

After school is over in several South Rupununi villages, the children await the start of exciting lessons, which centre on their culture and how to preserve the environment where they live.

In fact, since 2018, the curriculum has been crafted to cater for over 700 students in 14 communities in the Rupununi. The project is being undertaken by the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), and this nongovernmental organisation plans to expand these lessons to more communities within the region over the coming years. It also plans to assist groups in other regions to design and implement their own curriculum based on their local wildlife, environment, and culture.

According to the SRCS, the aim of the project is to create a national environmental education curriculum to be developed and implemented as part of the

national school curriculum. Neal Millar, Programme Coordinator of the SRCS, told Guyana Times about the importance of the project.

“The ultimate aim of the Citizen Science Curriculum is to show children that, despite their age, they are never too young to

make a difference. They are the future leaders of their community, so it is important that we give them agency from a young age,” he said.

Background of the project

When the SRCS was formed in 2002, its founders, a group of

friends living in the South Central Rupununi, wanted to create a local society that could implement community-based conservation projects, environmental education programmes, and research projects. They had noticed a decline in wildlife populations, increased environmental degradation, and an erosion of local culture.

In 2018, with support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management - Programme Guyana, the SRCS was able to design a 2-year environmental education curriculum. The curriculum targets children between the ages of 8 and 18, the body has said, and it is intended to increase the children’s knowledge about their local wildlife and environment, inform them about the environmental threats facing the Rupununi, and empower them to make positive changes to their community.

According to the SRCS, in the first year of the curriculum,

students are taught about their local wildlife, environment and culture. This is done through weekly lessons which are taught by a local facilitator from their community, one who has been trained by SRCS. The students have a workbook that they use in each lesson, but the lessons are aimed to be as interactive as possible, and all of the lessons involve the children participating in practical activities: such as bird watching, learning how to set a camera trap, field trips, scavenger hunts, games, and lots more. The curriculum follows the national school curriculum, the SRCS has said, occurs over the 3 school terms, and teachers conduct the lessons after school hours.

Within the first year, students are able to learn about the different animals that can be found in the Rupununi, the threats that local habitats face, and how Wapichan and Makushi culture has helped to preserve the environment in a sustainable manner.

In the second year of the curriculum, the students focus on becoming "citizen scientists". In the first term, students learn about what citizen science is, what a citizen scientist does, and who can be a citizen scientist.

Solutions to community issues

In the second term, students choose an environmental issue in their community, design research

questions, collect data on the issue, and then analyse that data. Examples of issues that were selected by the students include overfishing, overhunting, savannah burning, littering, and deforestation.

The SRCS has said that, based on the results that students found from term 2, the students then implemented solutions to the issues in their communities. These implemented solutions so far include planting trees, installing garbage bins, erecting signs, designing posters, and creating radio campaigns.

In the community of Karaudarnau, the students asked their Village Council to designate an area of environmental importance in the middle of the village as a "Nature Park", to protect it from livestock, human erosion, and littering.

Alyssa Melville, Environmental Education Coordinator of the SRCS, noted that the project is teaching students about wildlife within their communities, rather than what occurs in other countries.

“A lot of time in school, children are learning about foreign wildlife like elephants and giraffes. But they are not learning about their local wildlife, such as ocelots, margays and tayras,” she said. “To conserve their wildlife, children need to know what exists, which is why this curriculum is so important,” she added.

Project participants posing with an eagle mascot (SRCS photo)

Several teenage students from the 14 South Rupununi villages are participating in the project (SRCS photo)

By AlvA Solomon

Businesswoman Bernadine

Gomes has been described as a workaholic, a woman who never gives up, and one who always stretches her energy to ensure the bus service she runs satisfies every customer.

In fact, Bernadine Gomes double-checks every aspect of her bus service, and if she sits and recounts her early days in the transportation sector -- some 20 years ago, when she created a bus service between Georgetown and Lethem -- the conversation would be filled with numerous tales of her ups and downs, her persistence, and her drive to ensure her company never disappoints its customers.

It started at the Rodeo

Well known as ‘Cindy’, Bernardine Gomes grew up in the village of Craig, on the East Bank of Demerara. She then moved to Lethem, in the Rupununi, to start a new life soon after giving birth to her two children. At the time, she was still in her teenage years, and moving to a remote area of the country, which would require a changed lifestyle, was a new challenge for this young mother.

During those years, buses would ply the Georgetown to Lethem route, and Gomes was performing her duties as a mother and housewife

when a family friend asked her to undertake logistics for the buses which were operating along that route. At the time, the annual Lethem Rodeo was attracting national attention, and people from the Coastland were among the myriad fans who looked forward to travelling to experience life on the ‘Wild Side.’

“The family friend said, ‘Cindy, you know how to write and make a note of who is travelling. Get receipts.’

And he said, ‘They have a lot of people travelling’. However, the people don’t want to just pay any driver to travel, they said they need something organized’,” Gomes explained.

Cindy’s daughter Shaliza, spokesperson for the family-run business, spoke about the days prior to her mother starting the venture. She said Cindy considered the idea and undertook the task during the rodeo, and it was the start of a job she enjoys to this day.

“She started to call the bus drivers in Lethem, and then she would load the people in the buses and she would pay the driver and work for a commission,” Shaliza related. “That is when she realized that there is a need for such a business in the Rupununi,” she added.

Initially, when Cindy established the service during the rodeo, she ensured that she registered her business, and she also bought her own signage. Initially, she started the entity with the name ‘GuyBraz Bus Service’, then it was changed to ‘Carly’s Bus Service’, a name which the company used for many years. She also changed the name to Guyana/ Brazil Tours at one point.

“The name changed because of location and finding partners to undertake the business with,” Shaliza explained. It was noted, too, that although there were private individuals working their buses along

the route, Cindy’s company was the only one of its kind offering a service to the travelling public, and providing cargo and postal services.

Some five years ago, Cindy finally settled on the name ‘Cindy’s Bus Service’, and it has become well known within the Rupununi, over in Brazil, and in Georgetown, especially among travellers who make the daily trips to the border region from the Coastland.

How the service works

The buses which operate under the banner of Cindy’s Bus Service are owned by private individuals. Currently, there are 35 buses on the company’s roster. The business operates on a 24/7 basis, Sunday to Sunday. The service also operates on

holidays, but with less working hours.

“We have been operating every single day since we opened,” Cindy has said.

Her daughter explained that, given that her mother has been in the transportation business for over two decades, she knows when the busy periods would begin, and she can also forecast when there may be a lull in demand.

“So, we would make sure we call our drivers, we would have a little group chat before, we would say, ‘Okay, we are heading into this, you guys have to decide among yourselves who is working on which days’,” Shaliza explained.

Now in her 20s, and being the eldest of Cindy’s four children, Shaliza told Guyana Times that, on a typical

working day, the company doesn’t know until late in the day how many buses would leave the base in the city for Lethem, and vice versa.

“So, as one bus full, we call the other driver who is next in line,” she said. “But by now we would know how people travel. Today we may say we need 3 buses, tomorrow we may need 5,” she explained.

She said, too, that when the company is booked out, such as at Rodeo time or during a national event being hosted in the Rupununi, the bus service would liaise with other bus services to fill the gap. Additionally, other private drivers who work independently would be called upon to fill the slack.

Bernadene Gomes, well known as Cindy, the proprietor of Cindy’s Bus Service

Cindy sharing a moment with two employees of the bus service TURN

Guyana, European Commission sign Forest Partnership roadmap

Natural Resources

Minister Vickram Bharrat and European Commissioner for International Partnerships

Jutta Urpilainen on Friday signed a roadmap for the implementation of the Guyana-European Union (EU) Forest Partnership with the aim of managing Guyana’s forests and promoting the forest bioeconomy.

This roadmap establishes the EU and Guyana’s commitment to reaching a set number of targets by 2030.

These include: maintaining 12.5 million hectares of sustainably managed forests; expanding protected and conserved forests to 30 per cent of terrestrial and marine species; increasing restored forest to 200,000 hectares; increasing the number of forest-related decent jobs; and maintaining the rate of deforestation of

natural forests below 0.01 per cent per annum.

Urpilainen reiterat-

Bernadene ‘Cindy’ Gomes...

“So, instead of sending passengers home in disappointment, we liaise with the other services,” she disclosed.

Alone time

Cindy’s children live with her, although the eldest of those have started their own families. Her 18-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son also live with her. “Most of the time we are together. We try to do most of our family activities in the evenings, so that it doesn’t affect the operation of our business,” Shaliza has said.

Currently, Shaliza runs the base of the bus service at Lethem, while her mother runs the service in the city.

Shaliza noted that, although Cindy made her children in her mid-teenage years, she did not lot the early motherhood years hold her back.

“Mom loves her job, and she is really a hard worker,” the young woman has said of her mother. She recounted the early years when her mother lived in the city in a back room of the bus service, when it operated at the corner of Robb and Oronoque Streets. Cindy had resided there alone as she built the business into what it is today.

“Somehow, we always used to fit in that little space there. I think that is what makes us such a close-knit family. We always find comfort wherever we be, no

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matter how small it be,” Shaliza explained.

Shaliza has said she is always willing to share her mother’s story. “Mom’s story is a really inspiring one: to let people know that, no matter what happen in life, where you come from, no matter your life experiences, it makes you who you are. And keep at it, that is something I have learnt from my mom,” she added.

“There are many times she failed, many times I saw her cry, but one thing she never did was give up. And that is her best quality: no matter how difficult it gets, she always holds on and tries again,” Shaliza has said of her mother.

ed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the work jointly carried out

with Guyana.

“Guyana wants to protect and use its forests sustainably. I am glad that we will continue to work together as partners on this shared ambition. The Forest Partnership will help us reach our joint climate and biodiversity goals while promoting socio-economic development.”

Furthermore, Urpilainen and Bharrat also discussed the next steps of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) after its entry into force in June of this year.

This agreement on bilateral trade aims to improve forest governance and ensure the harvesting and trade of legal timber.

The duo agreed on the next steps to implement the

VPA towards the licensing system.

The Forest Partnership and the FLEGT VPA are expected to help Guyana enhance its forest bioeconomy and attract public and private investments while contributing to climate and biodiversity objectives and reinforcing the rights of local communities and Indigenous people.

In November during COP27, Guyana was one of five countries to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a Forest Partnership with the European Commission.

This worked as an acknowledgment of the challenges posed to forests by climate change and development needs as well as the opportunity to position forests to play their full economic, social, and environmental roles.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen after the signing of the roadmap

82 murders, 102 road fatalities recorded in 1st half of 2023

The Guyana Police Force has recorded an increase in the number of murders reported in the first half of 2023, while also revealing that fatalities on the country’s roadways during this same period have surpassed 100.

For the period January 1 to June 29, 2023, the GPF said 82 murders were recorded when compared to 60 during the same period in 2022.

Among the murders in the first half of this year, 33 were domestic related; 32 stemmed from disorderly behaviour and two exe -

cution-style killings.

In addition, six of those murders were committed during the course of robberies, while the remaining nine murders are of unknown causes.

Two of the murders which stemmed from robbery were those of 87-yearold Johnson Bowen and his son-in-law Emmanuel Dos Santos, 58, both of Block 22 Wismar, Linden.

Bowen and Dos Santos were brutally killed, allegedly by bandits in the latter part of May. It was reported that another family member, Denzel Roberts,

20, was shot in the mouth and remains in critical condition.

Days prior to the incident, Dos Santos had reportedly returned from working in the interior, thus leading the bandit to believe that he had gold and cash in the house. However, the bandits only escaped with a laptop and some other items.

Two of the suspects were later arrested at a hideout in Linden while the body of Anthony Dennis, who is believed to be one of the suspects, was found. The Police had lat -

er issued a wanted bulletin for Travis Bruce called “Backa” for questioning in relation to the murder. To date, Shadwin Semple was charged and remanded to prison for the murders.

Meanwhile, with regard to traffic statistics, the Police Force reported that some 102 road fatalities were recorded within the first six months of this year. During this period, there were 65 fatal acci -

dents from which some 75 persons died.

Between January to June, fatal incidents on the roadways amounted to 24, resulting in the deaths of another 27 persons. The 102 road fatalities in the first half of 2023 is compared to 77 recorded during the same period last year.

However, while the Police’s statistics covered up to June 29, another fa -

tal accident occurred on Friday, June 30, on the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara, involving two motorcycles, which led to the death of 26-yearold Muneshwar Singh of Cornelia Ida, WCD.

Back in December 2022, the Police reported that some 122 homicides were recorded, with a 19 per cent reduction in serious crimes in 2022 compared to 2021.

Dead: Emmanuel Dos Santos and Johnson Bowen

Cornelia Ida youth dies in Leonora accident

The death toll on Guyana’s roadways continues to rise after a motorcyclist lost his life on Friday evening along the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Dead is 26-year-old Muneshwar Singh of Cornelia Ida, WCD.

Based on reports received, at the time of the accident, Singh was riding motorcycle CM 1052 along the Leonora Public Road when another motorcycle, CL 9563, ridden by a 19-year-old, collided with him.

Police stated that the teenager was proceeding east along the northern side of the road at a fast rate of speed and whilst overtaking a motor car, he lost control, flipped, and collided with Singh.

At the time, Singh was

proceeding in the opposite direction. As a result of the collision, both riders fell onto the roadway and received injuries on their bodies.

Singh was picked up

by public-spirited persons in an unconscious state and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The teenage rider was also taken to the med-

ical facility where he was treated and handed over to the authorities.

A breathalyser test was administered on the teenager but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. Only on Wednesday evening, 20-year-old Joshua Blackin of Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, lost his life.

He reportedly lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and crashed into a car along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. At the time of the accident, 18-year-old Natasha McKenzie, the pillion rider, of Kisskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt, also sustained injuries.

The Police on Saturday revealed that 102 persons would have lost their lives on the roadway between January 1 and June 29, 2023.

Bartica woman allegedly raped in suspect’s car

The Police are on the hunt for a resident of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), who allegedly raped a 20-year-old woman on Friday.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 18:00h, the suspect, who is known to the victim, invited her for a drink at Sixth Avenue Beach.

While taking the drink, it started to rain, thus resulting in both the suspect and the victim taking shelter in the suspect’s car.

The victim reportedly told the Police that the suspect forcefully took off her clothes and had unprotected sex with her against her will. The ordeal lasted for about four minutes.

The suspect then dropped her home, where she related what had transpired to a friend, who advised her to make a report to the Police. Police are currently looking for the suspect as investigations continue.

This comes one day after a 13-year-old was also attacked and raped at a village along the SoesdykeLinden Highway. Relatives had reported that the teenager went to a nearby shop and was on her way home when she was attacked and taken to a house where the two suspects committed the act.

Police are yet to arrest the duo who are said to be from the same area.

Dead: Muneshwar Singh

Search continues for missing Guyanese accountant who disappeared in T&T

Police in Trinidad and Tobago have initiated a search operation for Reagan Reece, a Guyanese accountant who went missing after visiting a barber shop two Thursdays ago.

His last known location was Lapinot Junction, where he was seen wearing a pair of black three-quarter pants, a black T-shirt, and black sneakers.

Reece, aged 45, resides in the Bon Air community in Arouca. According to a friend, he had been at home all day on Thursday until around 13:45h when he left for a nearby barbershop.

However, Reece has not been seen or heard from since.

The Hunters Search and Rescue team in the twin island in collaboration with

the Trinidad and Tobago anti-kidnapping unit, is closely involved in the search operation, suspecting that Reece may have been abducted.

They said their joint effort aims to locate Reece and ensure his safe return.

GuyOil launches MMG...

Reece's family and friends sought assistance from the Hunters Search and Rescue Team after he went missing, and the Police have been notified of his disappearance.

There have been reports that Reece's car, a Hyundai Tucson with the registration number PEC 735, was spotted in the area known as 'the Bamboo' over the past weekend, with attempts made by unidentified individuals to sell the vehicle.

The public is urged to provide any information that may assist in the investigation. Meanwhile, Reece’s family and loved ones remain hopeful for his safe return and appeal for support from the community during this distressing time.

Ram also highlighted the recent removal of Value Added Tax on mobile phones, which she noted is a significant step forward for the country and will now allow persons to purchase phones at an affordable cost.

“With the recent removal of taxes on mobile phones announced by President Ali, which we welcome, we see more and more of the citizens of Guyana, being able to access services from the convenience of their phones and without even having to leave their homes. We are thrilled to play a part in the transformation of our nation into a digitally accessible environment,” Ram commented.

Additionally, Ram challenged other businesses to get on board with MMG and improve their overall customer experience.

“Today as we launch mobile payments at GuyOil services stations, we challenge other companies providing services to embrace this technology and improve the experience of your customers by enhancing the ease and convenience of their payments.”

Meanwhile, General Manager for GuyOil, Molly Hassan noted that the implementation of this payment method moves the company one step closer to improved customer experience at all facilities.

“Consumers today have an array of choices; we’re bombarded by a plethora of offerings…we’re living in an information age. MMG has now moved GuyOil closer to consideration. No, we don’t have cash, we have mobile money, so there’s this choice which makes it very easy to transition and bring that kind of value, customer value to our customers,” Hassan remarked.

According to Hassan, as the world advances, it is important for businesses to em-

brace technology.

“Today as markets evolve, it becomes necessary for companies to adapt to the changing technologies of consumers and to embrace the new available technologies to assert the opportunities for business optimisation, which is what MMG will add to GuyOil. At this point, it becomes necessary for businesses like us to embrace what’s available and make the lives of our customers easier, affordable, and convenient.”

This payment option is available 24 hours at Providence and Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, Sheriff Street, Regent Street and Kitty in Georgetown, Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara, Adventure in Essequibo as well as Palmyra and Heathburn in Berbice.

L-R: MMG General Manager Bobita Ram and GUYOIL General Manager Molly Hassan at the launch

Missing: Reagan Reece

Dharamlall rape allegation case

APA questions actions of state institution's SOPs

...calls for independent investigation

The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in a release to the media on Saturday stated that it is deeply concerned about the recent development in the investigation into the allegation of rape levelled against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, by an indigenous child.

The APA believes that the alleged instruction of “no further action” to the Police, by the child is a culmination of improper investigation and systemic emotional abuse by the authorities.

The child's treatment raises serious questions about the authorities' interest in delivering justice, the APA stated in the release.

“Over the course of the investigation, we have noted reports of the denial of counsel to the child and the Police treating her more like a suspect rath-

er than a victim of a serious crime. The APA is also concerned about the role played by the Welfare Officers of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) in this whole investigation. It is clear, from the press reports, that the child’s interests were not adequately represented by those entrusted to protect her,” the association noted.

As such, the APA is demanding an investigation into the conditions under which this child was being kept and the Police’s conduct of the investigation. The association stated that it is dismayed at this conclusion and awaits the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In the interim, the APA is calling on the Childcare and Protection Agency to provide answers to several questions including whether standard operating procedures were employed in addressing the allegations; the amount of Welfare Officers who were assigned to take care of the child; was the child denied legal representation by independent attorneys; was any lawyer contacted by the Childcare and Protection Agency to provide legal assistance to the child and her family.

In addition, the APA wants to know if the Guyana Police Force would have followed SOPs in

dealing with allegations against the Minister and whether or not there were any confrontations between the child and the accused.

Further, the APA wants to know how often were the victim and her younger sibling interrogated by the police.

The APA remains concerned for the child’s well-being and that of her family. “Allegations of this nature require an enor-

mous amount of strength to be made and we are hopeful that the child is receiving the right mental health and trauma care. This will inevitably shape her future and we view the “instruction” as alleged by the Guyana Police Force to be nothing, but a culmination of the enormous pressures placed on this child and her family,” the release stated.

Meanwhile, the APA joins the calls for the mat-

ter to be independently investigated while noting that the protection of our children should be of paramount importance and value to all.

The APA says that it vows to continue to fight for the protection of basic human and other indigenous peoples’ rights and will engage with United Nations and other regional mechanisms to ensure that justice is served.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

SBM Offshore promotes safety in operations during Life Day activities

SBM Offshore has emphasised the importance of safety and securing workers to prevent workplace accidents, as it observed its 10th annual Life Day celebration.

Life Day 2023, held under the theme “Observe and Intervene”, placed special emphasis on being aware of the environment and potential hazards and responding in a manner that prevents and mitigates accidents.

This year is the tenth anniversary of the observance at SBM Offshore globally, and the fourth held in Guyana. As per the objective, it provided

an opportunity for the SBM Offshore Guyana team to ‘stand down’ for the day and reflect and refocus on the elements of wellness and safety in its operations.

Life Day is a key activity that sees positive activities and practical knowledge-sharing as well as collaborative learning. It also allows the SBM Offshore team to reconnect with the elements of the ongoing ‘LIFE 365’ campaign. LIFE 365 focuses on supporting behavioural change and raises process awareness throughout the SBM Offshore ecosystem.

The event, which was live-

streamed to the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels sought to highlight the importance of observation and intervention.

Health Safety Security and Environment (HSSE) Advisor, Rafael Magalhães outlined the importance of having safety reinforcements in place to prevent accidents. He also highlighted the link between activators, behaviours, and consequences, and how each step could impact the safety and well-being of people.

He said, “By intervening

and addressing unsafe behaviours and actions, major accidents, and even fatalities can be prevented.”

General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong noted that Life Day plays an integral role in gathering to focus on the importance of safety in the company’s operations and the wellbeing of its employees.

“As SBM Offshore moves forward in the energy transition, we hold firm to our vision to meet society’s demand for safe, sustainable, and af-

fordable energy for generations to come, by harnessing the energies from the ocean. We pride ourselves on being an industry-leading company where safety is a key part of our everyday activities,” he zeroed in.

Meanwhile, the Production Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, Mike Ryan, took the opportunity to commend the offshore fleet for their daily teamwork as “One Team” and emphasised the need to continue operating safely to achieve Target Excellence.

“We have very good systems and facilities that are designed well, and procedures and protocols that we must execute precisely; however, it comes down to people. Observing and intervening is an important skill and crucial aspect of what we do to make sure we take care of people and take care of the environment.”

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton in his address iterated the need for safety in the workplace to reduce workplace accidents and injuries and commended SBM Offshore Guyana for taking the initiative with Life Day. He stated, “It is good to see that as a company you have not only recognised the importance of safety and health at work, but you are taking the actions to make this a reality for the benefit of all employees.” The Minister also stated that there is a notable link between increased focus on safety and the emergence of the oil and gas industry in Guyana.

Participants in the Life Day Logo formation

MoA calls on fisherfolk to practise sustainable fishing

- fisheries constitute 3% of Guyana’s GDP

Fisherfolk within the local industry have been urged to practice sustainable fishing, having recognised that it is the foundation of maintaining healthy oceans and the continuity of such resources.

Scores of fisherfolk from across the country gathered at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground to celebrate National Fisherfolk Day

2023. While offering remarks, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha commended Guyana’s fisherfolk for their invaluable contribution to Guyana’s economy and the population's nutritional intake, as he urged them to practice sustainability.

“Our growing population requires high-quali-

Over 17 local businesses showcase products at Co-op Market Day

ty foods to promote healthy living, to boost immune systems, and to ward off sickness. Sustainable fishing is the foundation of maintaining the health of our oceans, which is important for quality aquatic foods to reach every plate. The interconnectivity of our ocean demonstrates that though there are diverse ecologies, they are all brought together as one for overall health and wellbeing of the species and people that utilise it,” said the Minister.

Fisheries constitute three per cent of Guyana’s agricultural GDP and approximately $11.95 billion to Guyana’s exports, which represents about six per cent of total exports. Additionally, about 15,000 persons are directly and indirectly employed by the fisheries industry.

In 2022, Guyana produced more than 33,500 metric tonnes of seafood of which Guyanese are said to consume approximately 35kg of seafood per person annually. This is more than twice the

world’s average.

Minister Mustapha also spoke about the collaborative efforts between the Ministry and organisations like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to provide technical guidance to support a sustainable fisheries sector.

Furthermore, he said that the Government has executed a number of infrastructural works at the var-

ious landing sites to assist fisherfolk with their daily operations.

“With the FAO, we have projects addressing the sustainability of resources through the FISH4ACP Project, the distribution of safety equipment, and the generation of a Fisheries Department Information System. The WWF in collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has provided the Government of Guyana with a National Plan of Action for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.”

In addition, to improve the social conditions at landing sites, over $300 million was spent to construct washroom facilities, sheds, storerooms, ramps, installation of solar lights, rehabilitation of wharves, and construction of an office building at Number 79 Village for the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Cooperative.

While highlighting the

fact that fishing remains an extremely dangerous profession, Minister Mustapha commended fisherfolk for the sacrifices they continue to make for their families and the country, by braving the oceans to earn a living.

“This annual event is an acknowledgment of the bravery, hard work, and sacrifices made by our fisherfolks who provide nutritious food and major protein sources for Guyanese, contributing to securing livelihoods. Fisherfolks provide an essential service that must be recognised, and appreciation must be shown. Fishing remains an extremely dangerous profession, and so we must commend and applaud our fishers for the sacrifices they make for their families and the country, by braving the oceans to earn a living,” he noted.

This year, Fisherfolk Day was observed under the theme “One Ocean, One Planet, One Plate: Improving Aquatic Food Standards and Ocean Health".

In commemoration of the global observance of International Cooperative Day, the Labour Ministry on Saturday hosted a Market Day, offering some 17 local businesses the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services.

This event saw the participation of cooperative societies and businesses from Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (DemeraraMahaica), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) displaying a number of products including organic produce, plantains, eggs, fish and beef.

During the event hosted at the Labour Ministry in Brickdam, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton noted that this is an opportunity for these small businesses to enhance their operations by improving their manufacturing and marketing processes. He further encouraged attendees and Labour Ministry officials to offer them maximum support.

“What we’re attempting to do here is all in keeping with the Government’s programme of food security – to ensure that we can become a nation that is secure as it regards food. And we now

have to pay attention to how we eat and what we eat,” Hamilton said.

Market Day participant and co-owner of Maaliyah’s Kitchen, Mark Singh explained that his business offers traditional snacks such as chicken foot, mithai, milk fudge and black cake.

“The business was birthed during [the] COVID-19 [pandemic] in 2020. It forced us to venture out to different things. We went around to supermarkets and shops and we noticed that the quality was not there. So, we decided to offer our packaging and have quality authentic snacks,” Singh said.

Meanwhile, Radhika Basdeo of Basdeo’s Dynasty, another Market Day participant, highlighted her products and encouraged interested individuals to visit her establishment in Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

“Basdeo’s Dynasty is an agro-processing establishment that manufactures and processes mango achar, pepper sauce, tamarind achar, salt fish, and plantain sour, among other spices,” Basdeo said.

Other companies featured during the Market Day activities included Leisa's Hair & Beauty Products, selling handmade soaps and botanical body oils, and Jofa Products, offering pepper stew and sweet pepper jelly.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at the National Fisherfolk Day exercise

The Labour Ministry’s Cooperative Market Day activities

Nandlall wins defamation case against Basil Williams over “stolen” law books allegation

– court upholds evidence that contract existed for State to pay for law books

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, has won an over $10 million judgement against his predecessor Basil Williams, SC, over his longstanding allegations that Nandlall “stole” Commonwealth law books and would have been charged for it.

The judgement was handed down by High Court Judge Priya SewnarineBeharry on Friday. In her ruling, Justice SewnarineBeharry awarded damages of $10 million to be paid by Williams. She also applied interest on the award at a rate of 6 per cent per annum from April 4, 2017, to June 29, 2023.

Additionally, the Justice ruled that interest of 4 per cent per annum would be applied after June 29, 2023, until the judgement was fully paid. Justice Sewnarine-Beharry also ruled that costs in the sum of $1.6 million must be paid by Williams to Nandlall by August 18, 2023.

According to the court

documents, Nandlall commenced subscribing to Lexis Nexis (UK), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, sometime in 2003, and to date still does; with the arrangement that individual Law Reports are shipped to him along with an invoice, which he pays upon receipt of each Report.

However, during discussions with the then President, Donald Ramotar, prior to his appointment as Attorney General and

Legal Affairs Minister in 2011, Nandlall requested that as a condition of his service, the Government of Guyana take over payment arrangements with Lexis Nexis (UK) in relation to the said Commonwealth Law Reports for the period during his tenure in office.

In her ruling, the Justice found that Williams failed to disprove the evidence Nandlall presented to the court that the Government of Guyana indeed came to an agreement with him,

as part of his contract before he was first appointed Attorney General, to pay for his law books.

According to Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, “the claimant’s evidence as a whole, particularly his evidence, that the Government of Guyana took over the payment arrangements he had with Lexis Nexis (UK) in relation to the said Commonwealth Page 10 of 13 Law Reports during his tenure as AGMLA was not discredited and remained competent, cogent and compelling.”

The Judge also ruled that “it is the considered view of this court that the claimant has established on a balance of probabilities that the defendant published the defamatory words complained of.”

In her ruling, the Judge noted that Williams denied he published the words complained of. Instead, he admitted to saying that Nandlall could be prosecuted for larceny of the Commonwealth Law Reports. However, video

evidence told another story.

“This contention is rebutted by the video recording tendered into evidence. This video recording shows the defendant uttering defamatory statements while being interviewed by the press. It is to be noted also that defendant led no evidence to contradict the account of his published statements that were recorded and reduced into writing in the Guyana Times Newspaper and Demerara Waves.”

Factors According to the Judge, a number of factors were taken into account in arriving at her ruling. These include; “The defamatory statements attacked the claimant’s reputation and professional standing; The defamatory statements were bound to cause considerable distress, anxiety, and public humiliation; Prior to the defendant publishing the defamatory statements of and concerning the claimant, both the claimant and His Excellency President Donald Ramotar issued public statements explaining the claimant’s terms of employment; The defendant’s interview by the press was widely covered.”

Other factors that were considered include; “The defendant’s insistence on pursuing his defence at trial to further cast aspersions on the plaintiff’s character knowing that he was not in possession of evidence to substantiate the pleadings; defendant’s insistence on misstating facts and asserting facts which did not arise during the course of the trial; failure of the defendant to apologise or publish an apology.”

In April 2017, Nandlall had filed a $125 million lawsuit against Williams, alleging that he had stolen a series of Commonwealth Law Books from the State while he occupied the office of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Williams, the then Attorney General, had declared only the month before that charges were looming against Nandlall, who admitted to having the books but denied stealing them; but Nandlall had explained that the books were acquired under an arrangement with President Donald Ramotar and in regard to his appointment as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. In his lawsuit, Nandlall had also contended that because he had critiqued the performance of Attorney General Basil Williams, he was being victimised. Nandlall had thus moved to the court, seeking damages in excess of $25 million each for slander and libel published on March 24, 2017, at a press conference hosted at the National Communication Network Inc; another $25 million for libel published on page 11 of the Guyana Times newspaper on March 25, 2017; damages in excess of $25 million for slander published during an outreach programme in Berbice on March 26, 2017; and another $25 million for libel published by Demerara Waves Online News on March 27, 2017.

He also sought exemplary/aggravated damages and interest on all damages awarded pursuant to Section 12 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Chap 6:02. (G-3)

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC

Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry

Nandlall’s predecessor Basil Williams, SC

ENet to power GMR&SC South Dakota Grand Prix Round 2

GMR&SC is excited to announce that the much-anticipated Round Two of the South Dakota Grand Prix is being powered by ENet, Guyana's fastest growing internet service provider and #1 TV service provider.

On Sunday, July 9th, at the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri, EBD, this exciting event will kick-off at 10am; and a day of high-speed action, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments would inevitably result.

As the event's title sponsor, ENet, renowned for its cutting-edge fiber optic, 4G, 5G, VoLTE, and superior TV services, is partnering with the GMR&SC to produce this event, even as ENet aims to showcase its commitment to providing topnotch connectivity and entertainment solutions to the Guyanese community.

"We are thrilled to have ENet as our title sponsor for Round Two of the

South Dakota Grand Prix," Mahendra Boodhoo, GMR&SC President, has said. "Their dedication to delivering reliable and highspeed internet and TV services aligns perfectly with the needs of our motorsports fans. Together, we are ready to provide an exceptional race experience, complete with thrilling battles and championship rivalries."

The GMR&SC South Dakota Grand Prix Round Two will feature an impressive lineup of championship battles, showcasing the skill

and determination of the competitors. Spectators can look forward to exciting duels between top contenders in various categories:

- Kevin Jeffrey vs Mark Vieira in the AJM GP4 Championship battle.

- Rameez Mohamed vs Anand Ramchand in the BM Soat Starlet Cup battle

- Vishok Persaud vs Stefan Jeffrey in the SIC GP3 Championship chase.

- Shan Seejatan vs Chet Singh in the Prem's Electrical GP2 tussle

- Azaad Hassan vs Ryan

Rahaman in the SVC/PSC Sports Tuner class

- Vickey Persaud vs Naresh Alves in the SIC Street Tuner battle

- Matthew Vieira vs Stephen Vieira in the thrilling bikes competition

- Mohamed Ali vs Tarick Baijnauth in the Rookie Cup. These rivalries promise intense on-track action as drivers and riders push

their limits to secure victory and claim their respective championships.

This electrifying event brings together motorsport enthusiasts, championship battles, and the high-speed racing world. Get your tickets now and be part of the thrill at the South Dakota Circuit on July 9th!

Tickets for the GMR&SC South Dakota Grand Prix Round Two are being sold

as follows: Adults $2000, kids $1000. For an elevated experience, the Clubhouse tickets are priced at $5000. On offer are seating amenities and unparalleled views of the races.

Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club is located in Thomas Lands, Georgetown, and can be contacted on Tel: 592-225-7492/592-231-5457

Email: gmrscgy@gmail.com

A look at the competitors lined up for the Grand Prix Round 2

Digicel Schools’ Football Championships 2023…

Waramuri, Soesdyke, Bartica bag wins

The Digicel Schools’ Football Championships

Regional Competitions continued on Friday, June 30, with action kicking off in Regions One, Seven and Ten, while the excitement continued in Region Four.

In Region One (BarimaWaini), Hosororo and Waramuri Secondary walked away with victories. Hosororo defeated Wauna

Secondary 1-0, while Waramuri eased past Kamwatta Secondary 3-1. Bruce Vincent netted a hat trick for Waramuri in the 15th, 25th and 43rd minutes, while Ravi Benjamin netted Kamwatta’s consolation in the 4th minute.

In Region Three, Leonora Secondary overcame Vergenoegen

Secondary 3-0. Goals from Keon Grant in the 42nd and Tromayne Hercules in the 47th, accompanied by an own goal in the 12th minute, accounted for Leonora’s 3.

Meanwhile, it was a nailbiter of a game between Westminster Secondary and Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary.

After being drawn 2-2 at the end of regulation time, the battle went down to penalties, and Vreed-en-Hoop prevailed by 3goals to 2.

On the East Bank of Demerara, Soesdyke Secondary sent 4 unanswered goals past Camille’s Institute. Jermin Lewis led the charge for Soesdyke with a hat trick in the 14th, 26th and 42nd minutes, while William Davis netted the other in the 52nd.

President’s College picked up their second win of the tournament when action

continued in the East Coast Demerara division. Shamar Barrington netted a brace for PC in the 48th and 59th on their way to the 2-0 win over Bygeval Secondary. The other game on the ECD saw Buxton Secondary gaining a walkover, as Ann’s Grove Secondary failed to show up.

In Region 5, Mahaicony Technical Institute defeated Woodley Park 3-1. Woodley Park’s Winton Hartman was the first to inscribe his name on the scoresheet - in the 16th; but Jaheim Drakes, Rolston McDonald and Duward Wilson netted in the 44th, 55th and 63rd respective minutes to seal the win.

Subsequently,

Golden Jaguars vs Ethiopia friendly rescheduled to August 2

The much-anticipated historic international ‘friendly’ between the Golden Jaguars and Ethiopia will now be held on August 2nd at the Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, USA.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde has agreed to the change of date and venue requested by the Ethiopian Football Federation in order to give the African footballing body more time to secure relevant clearances.

Belladrum Secondary edged Fort Wellington Secondary 1-0. Dendray McKenzie, who netted in the 26th, was the lone marksman on show.

Over in Region 7, Bartica Secondary trounced Three Miles Secondary 8-0. And another exciting game was witnessed when the Region 10 competition kicked off with a close battle between Kwakwani Secondary and New Silver City. Keron Phillips found the back of the net for Kwakwani in the 10th and 55th, while Wisburg’s Clinton Fingal and Rawle Heney netted in the 14th and 65th to level the scores.

The game went down to penalties, from where Kwakwani prevailed 3-1.

This match, the first such between Guyana and an Africa team since the GFF was founded 121 years ago, had been scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 8th at the Subaru Park in Philadelphia from 7:30pm.

“We are expecting our first outing against an African Nation to be very competitive, as we continue to cultivate more sporting relationships within the Confederation of African Football.” President Forde explained.

FIFA world rankings have placed Guyana’s senior men’s team at 169, and Ethiopia, the one-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, at 143 as at June 2023. Teams are ranked using a points system on international form based on their current performances.

The August clash is expected to be a memorable experience for both teams, with the Golden Jaguars us-

ing this match as a warmup for the Concacaf Nations League which kicks off in September. This will also be Ethiopia’s first time playing in the United States.

The GFF is again appealing to fans and corporate Guyana to support this historic international friendly, as the GFF seeks to create more high-quality playing opportunities and exposure for the Golden Jaguars.

GTA “One Guyana” Open tennis tournament 2023…

Resurgent Downes tops 2022

Year-End Champion Anderson

Competing in his first tournament in four years, former Men’s Tennis Champion Anthony Downes defeated the #1 seed and 2022 Year-End Champion Donnie Anderson 6/0, 6/2 in just over an hour.

It was Downes’s first competitive match since being dethroned at the GBTI Open in 2019, but he showed no sign of rustiness in the lone completed match on day one of the GTA “One Guyana” Open tennis tournament.

“It feels amazing,” Downes said in a brief postmatch interview. “I was kinda surprised with myself. I didn’t expect to play so well [because] it has been [four] years.” Main-draw match-

to officially open this tournament, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle thanked the GTA for its commitment to improving the level of tennis in Guyana, and encouraged all players to be respectful and show good sportsmanship.

“It’s not only about winning, but how you win also,”

cord-breaking prize money on offer. This tournament is a collaborative effort between the GTA; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; the National Sports Commission (NSC), and by extension the Government of Guyana.

es continued on Saturday, July 1, from 12:00 hrs at the National Racquet Centre.

During the ceremony

he said. The GTA “One Guyana” Open makes history in local tennis because of the re-

Scenes from the Digicel Tournament thus far played (File Photos)

The Golden Jaguars will be in action in a historic friendly vs Ethiopia on August 2 in the USA

Anthony Downes and Donny Anderson shook hands after the encounter

A look at the action in the GTA “One Guyana” Open tennis tournament

$400M for ground enhancement in Berbice – VP Jagdeo

Devendra Bishoo. VP Jagdeo also called for a committee to be formed to track progress of the grounds that require enhancement in Region 6.

Excitement pervades as Kennard’s Memorial Caricom Day horse meet looms

Vice President

Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that $400 million would immediately be allocated to Berbice for ground enhancement.

He made this disclosure at the Albion Community Centre Ground on Saturday afternoon in the presence of hundreds of persons, including West Indies cricketers Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul and

During the interactive session, Jagdeo highlighted that ground enhancement for football and cricket would be the primary focus of Government’s activities in Berbice. Given that ground enhancement activities have already commenced, VP Jagdeo noted, contractors in Region 6 would also benefit, as these activities would also create more employment opportunities.

Jagdeo also said Government must invest in coaches and in tournaments, and he explained that school cricket is important. Further, the VP said priority would be given to school grounds being enhanced first.

BCB President Hilbert

Foster was also offered the opportunity to raise his concerns about development of the Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town, and the VP pledged that the Area H Ground would also be developed.

Berbice is certainly on the rise, as the Albion Community Centre Ground is being upgraded to an in-

ternational standard facility. Moreover, the Palmyra Stadium is on the horizon as another premier international facility.

Also present at this meeting was Sport Minister Charles Ramson, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. (Brandon Corlette)

KFC backs VMFA Football Camp

ercises, skills work and life skills sessions, while the second week will entail a mini tournament in the U9, U11, U13 and U16 age groups. The camp will run from 09:00hrs to 13:00hrs daily.

Mrs Chan Kennard receiving trophies from Amy Anuradha Gomes, the Supervisor of Trophy Stall at Bourda Market, earlier this week

Excitement is pervasive as the Caricom Day horse meet, set for Monday, July 3, at the Kennard's Memorial Turf Club at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice, looms.

Six races are on the cards, and more than 50 horses have been registered to participate in the day’s activities. In excess of $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives will be up for grabs by horsemen.

The feature event, the G3 Non-Winners and Lower race, will see some energetic horses taking centre stage. Nuclear Fire will be aiming to ignite the track, while American

Traveler would want to steal the show. The likes of Memories, Amerceable Kate, Republican and Pocoyo would all be looking to make their mark.

Other scintillating activities listed for the meet are: the J1 and Lower race over 6 furlongs; the contest for three-year-old maiden horses over 6 furlongs; the race for Guyana-bred two-year-old horses over 5 furlongs; the L Class Open over 6 furlongs, and the J and L non-earners race over 6 furlongs.

The day’s event will be conducted using the rules of the Kennard's Memorial Turf Club. Race time is 13:00 hrs.

Fuelled by the support of KFC Guyana, the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) is set to train the next generation of young ballers, not only in the sport, but in other life skills, during its annual football camp.

This is a camp for children ranging between the ages of 4 and 16, and it has captured the support of KFC Guyana, who will also be sponsoring 40 children to attend the camp.

Team work, leadership and confidence are some of the values that will be in focus next Monday: July 10, 2023, when the VMFA kicks off.

At the official announcement on Saturday morning, Director Vurlon Mills spoke of the ‘TLC’ teaching that will be done during the two-week event.

“It’s not tender love and care,” Mills joked. “It’s teamwork, leadership and confidence. We want these kids to share an experience after the camp of what it is like to be playing as part of a team. We want to develop leadership qualities through life skill sessions, and build confidence through participating amongst their peers.” Mills added, “So, thank you again, KFC, for making this possible.”

On the sponsors’ behalf,

KFC Marketing Manager Pamela Manasseh shared why the company was so eager to hop aboard.

“A lot of times, you realise people are not focused on our youths and what they have to offer, and developing them and the new generation is go-

volvement in the camp.

“This is a very exciting moment for me; because I’ve always been supportive of youth football and youth football development, and I think what Vurlon, through his Academy, continues to do, as he said, (is) shaping the fu-

ing to take us where we want to go. Not just eating Finger lickin’ Chicken, but contributing to people; children with a goal, a dream, a vision. That is what is important today,” Manasseh declared.

“So, KFC is always here to support those events, as we have a history based on Mills and Williams, and we’re looking forward to continue supporting our young children,” she revealed.

Assistant Director of Sport (ADoS), Franklin Wilson, had words of praise for both stakeholders’ in-

ture of football in Guyana,” Wilson noted.

The ADoS highlighted, “The fact that KFC, apart from supporting the Elite League in Guyana, has seen it fit to team up with the Vurlon Mills Academy to further strengthen the foundation of sport by supporting the development of youngsters is a testimony to their understanding of what it takes to shape a society, and ultimately a country.”

The first week of the camp will see the participants benefitting from technical ex-

Vice President

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo arriving at the Albion Community Centre Ground

Several coaches will be sharing their knowledge during the VMFA Football Camp

VMFA’s Vurlon Mills and KFC’s Pamela Manasseh sharing a light moment. They are flanked by ADoS Franklin Wilson, coaches and children who will be participating in the camp

Brandon McMullen shone with bat and ball as Scotland earned another landmark victory over West Indies to keep their ICC Men’s Cricket

(13) and Nicholas Pooran (21) led a brief recovery, but when the latter picked out McBride at deep mid-wicket, West Indies were reeling on 81 for six in the 21st over.

Johnson Charles is cleaned up for a duck

McMullen starred with bat and ball