Guyana Times -Sunday, October 1, 2023.pdf

Electricity

Large-scale GPL consumers asked to leave grid during peak

hours,

or pay increased rates – Pres Ali

School grants "hitting the nail on its head" for hinterland needs – Head Teachers

…as Guyana living with effects of APNU/AFC botching energy sector – Jagdeo

Police ordered to seize boats carrying influx of Venezuelan migrants in Region 3 Hospital supplies now between 82 and 99%, was less than 35% in 2020 – Health Ministry

Personalised learning, internet, needed to improve education in hinterland –Wapichan youth

Guyana, UAE discuss climate security, agri, infrastructure development

Rotary Club collects 67 units of blood during State House drive

Mahdia man beaten, stabbed to death by brothers Mohamed family hands over 2 new houses to amputee, caretaker

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Oct 1 – 05:30h – 07:00h and

Monday, Oct 2 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Oct 1 – 05:25h – 06:55h and

Monday, Oct 2 – 06:10h – 07:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 17:47h reaching a maximum height of 2.88 metres.

Low Tide: 11:24h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.43 metre and 0.32 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Large-scale GPL consumers asked to leave grid during peak hours, or pay increased rates – Pres Ali …announces temporary measures to address spate of electricity woes

The issue of power outages across the country is one that has attracted much attention and criticism of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). It has also attracted the announcement of “temporary measures” by President Dr Irfaan Ali, including an extra charge of US?10 per kilowatt for the commercial consumers using up the most power during peak hours.

In a live broadcast on Saturday, President Ali announced that the Government will be taking these steps to ensure power supply can be better regulated during peak hours. The increased rates for large power consumers will go hand in hand with a request to have them stay off the grid during peak hours.

President Ali explained that the previous steps his Government had taken to bring down the cost of electricity for all consumers, including removing the excise tax on fuel, had the unintended effect of causing large consumers of electricity who were self-generating previously, to return to the grid. This has in turn strained GPL’s capacity. The Government wants them to return to self-generation.

“In order to come up

high-volume consumers to go back on self-generation between 1 pm to 3 pm and

the country. When we look at it, if we have maybe 15 to 20 of the large consumers

avoid the outages that we have right now.”

“But if they stay on the grid during this period –that is 1 to 3 pm and 6 to 10 pm as a temporary measure, we would have an additional cost of 10 cents per kilowatt hour. So they can go back without absorbing this additional cost by self-generating because they have [already] built up the capacity for that… This is a temporary measure until we get this close to 30 megawatts of new power coming in at mid-December and then this temporary measure would be with-

6 pm to 10 pm so that we would not have the outag-

self-generating during this period, that would give us back that room that would

drawn so that everyone can come back on the grid [full time],” President Ali said.

with a temporary solution… we want to encourage the

es to residential communities and residents across

President Dr Irfaan Ali

GPL Vreed-en-Hoop power grid

Guyana Power and Light

Views

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Oil Matters

As an oil-producing nation on one of the steepest production trajectories in this century, it is imperative that we become much more aware of oil matters from different time perspectives. Starting production in late 2019, the Exxon-Hess-CNOOC combine are projected to reach some 1.2 million bpd by 2027 from their Stabroek Block. This will turn our country into one of the continent’s most prominent producers, surpassed only by Brazil and Mexico. By that time, operators in other blocks should be adding substantial production numbers to that total. Even if no more oil is discovered – which is very improbable - the 11 billion barrels should be enough for another 25 years at the peak production rate.

There have been concerns raised by a handful of “climate activists” about our policy to produce oil as fast as possible. But the general consensus is that we should utilise the revenues from the admittedly small percentage (14.5%) of the total revenues (until expenses are amortised, when it will increase dramatically) to create a diversified, sustainable economy that would facilitate all Guyanese to live in dignity and comfort. Another reason for the robust production programme is that, while it is a fact that continued fossil fuel’s utilisation at present rates will precipitate catastrophic climate-related disasters, the global community – especially the historically largest polluters – have promised to adopt equally robust programmes of generating their energy requirements from “renewables” to reach their “net zero” commitments, which would eventually lower the value of petro-fuels. For the record, Guyanese should know that, because of our vast carbon-sequestering forests, wind, solar and hydro power potential, we can still keep our net carbon zero commitment at far greater levels of petroleum production than are presently projected.

In the near term, however, events in Europe after the war in Russian-Ukraine, launched by Russia in Feb 2022, have created a new scenario that has roiled prices in the oil markets to present new challenges to producers like us. With sanctions imposed by the West on Russia, which is the second largest exporter of crude oil – just behind Saudi Arabia - prices have remained very high as the supply chain has been severely disrupted. Additionally, Russia and Saudi Arabia have imposed unilateral cutbacks in production –which they recently reaffirmed - to keep the prices at those new levels - even as most developed countries have not been keeping their commitments to switch to renewables and reduce oil/fossil fuel consumption.

As a result of these factors – even though the Biden Administration has drained 240 million barrels of oil from US reserves - crude oil prices have risen by some 30% since June, and are hovering near that US$100/bbl Brent light. Last week, JPMorgan Chase speculated that crude is about to rise much higher, because they project a staggering 7mmb/d deficit by 2030. Now, while this is good news for us, as our revenues will rise proportionately, there are also some challenges created. For one, the dollar will remain strong, as especially developing countries have to find dollars to pay for their oil. The efforts of Russia, China, and other larger economies to create a competing global currency to the US dollar are not going to bear fruit in the near term, and their acceptance of each other’s currencies for trade would likewise be inconsequential.

What all of this means for us is that while we accelerate the rate of implementation of the major projects that have been earmarked to effectuate our diversification and industrialisation, because such a large percentage of our inputs are imported – such as cement and steel for infrastructure – their prices will rise because of the strong dollar and wipe out much of the value of the increased price of our oil exports. In terms of our exports, which are mainly agricultural, even there our profits will be cut, since pesticides and fertilizers etc will be more expensive.

What all of this means is that as an oil producer, our policy makers will have to adopt a much more nuanced approach, since we will remain price-takers in oil for the duration.

President Ali is a formidable leader

Dear Editor,

On Saturday, September 23, 2023, something incredible took place in Guyana that did not happen when His Excellency Dr. Ali officially became President of the country three years ago. And many, including yours truly, are baffled when it was announced that President Ali briefed the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton, on the new threats to Guyana’s sovereignty from the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

Despite Mr. Norton’s refusal to shake President Dr Ali’s hand on more than one occasion, it did not bother His Excellency, who cast aside partisan politics, put the country’s interest first, and acted like a mature statesman to discuss with the Leader of the Opposition Venezuela’s ominous warning to use force to prevent the Ali administration from auctioning the oil blocks.

Frankly speaking, Maduro’s ill-conceived and baseless intimidatory tactics are meant to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and its right to develop its resources to benefit its almost 800,000 citizens.

However, at the United Nations annual general meeting of Heads of States, a confident President Dr Ali rebuffed the Maduro regime for its vile and foreboding threats to use force against Guyana.

President Dr Ali did not only display statesmanship in communicating with the Leader of the Opposition, who has been antagonistic

towards him since he was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020, but has also exhibited courage and buoyancy by putting the country and its people ahead of self, and discussing the menace posed by Venezuela.

President Ali has steadfastly and resolutely maintained that the oil blocks are within Guyana’s legally defined and internationally recognized boundaries, which were settled on October 3, 1899 in the Arbitral Award. His position has been supported by the Commonwealth of Nations, the United States, and our friendly neighbours in Caricom and the Organization of American States; all of which have rejected Venezuela’s illicit threats and called on Caracas to respect international law as well as await the decision of the International Court of Justice.

Instead of adhering to the advice of the United States and our neighbours, the Maduro regime is currently making plans to hold a national referendum on the border controversy. Not to be left out, South America’s economic and military powerhouse Brazil, through its Ambassador in Guyana, has reiterated the urgent need for a peaceful solution to the border dispute through diplomacy and the International Court of Justice.

However, following the briefing by President Dr Ali on the current developments on the border issue, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Norton, congratulated His Excellency and affirmed

the Opposition’s firm support for Guyana’s long-held position: that the Arbitral Award of 1899 settled the border dispute, and that Essequibo belongs to Guyana.

Mr Norton also reassured President Dr Ali that despite their differences on governance and politics, everyone in the Opposition is united in supporting the Government on all measures aimed at protecting the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Mr Norton, further, indicated to the President that the Opposition fully supports the view that Guyana has the legitimate right to undertake all economic activities within its territory, opposes and condemns all forms of aggression by Venezuela, and welcomes the unwavering support of the regional and international communities to protect the country’s borders against the aggressive Maduro regime.

While His Excellency was gracious and cordial with the Leader of the Opposition, and thanked him for his support, he was exceedingly blunt with the Venezuelan regime when he declared that the people and Government of Guyana will not be intimidated by, or be made afraid of, the hollow threats made by President Maduro. His Excellency vowed to defend Guyana’s territory and sovereignty at all cost, and by all necessary peaceful means.

In highlighting the new threats posed by the Maduro regime against Guyana, President Dr. Ali has done a brilliant job in

amassing immense support from our Caricom and Latin American neighbours, the Commonwealth of nations, the United States, and South America’s economic and military powerhouse, Brazil; which has warned the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of the need for a peaceful resolution to the border dispute, and that any attempt to use force against Guyana would threaten peace and stability in the region.

While other presidents have received support on the border dispute, President Dr. Ali is perhaps the first Head of State to receive unanimous support from several international and regional organizations and heads of state on the border issue. In the face of the ominous threats from Venezuela, His Excellency has displayed quintessential grace and strength.

It is said that an authentic leader is real, genuine, compassionate, visionary, and one who is dedicated to a cause that is greater than self. And a hero refers to those who are brave, determined, inspiring, and have a strong conviction. It is the belief of most Guyanese that President Ali is endowed with all the above qualities. Not to mention, he is a formidable leader who is standing up to Venezuela, and regardless of political affiliation, we should support him in these challenging and difficult times.

Sincerely,

Asquith Rose

Son of President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, Zayd Ali, playing with children at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade on Saturday afternoon (Office of the First Lady photos)

No place for lazy, backward, bigoted, race-baiting PNC/APNU/AFC politics

Dear Editor,

Unfortunately for all of us, the political Opposition went to Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, and embarrassed all of Guyana with their ineptitude.

According to the Opposition’s own accounts, the Congressmen and women told the group to produce evidence of, and data supporting, their claims; clearly indicating that none had been forthcoming. Like their talk shows and whisper campaigns, their claims were, inter alia, of discrimination by the Government against African-Guyanese.

Through the Ministry of Education, the Government provides several services to school children, their parents and teachers. And each and every such service is given equally, and as far as we can, equitably.

Absolutely no discrimination happens in the provision of any service at this Ministry, and indeed none has been claimed by the users of the system, the actual stakeholders.

That is not to say that

several prompts and similar wild claims by the Opposition have not been made, but the citizenry has not succumbed.

As promised, we restored the “Because We Care” cash grant. Every single child who attends school and is on the register is eligible.

Conversely, when the APNU/AFC abolished that grant, they said they would replace it with one of the 5 Bs - breakfast. You would be surprised that not a single child from Region 10, Essequibo, or the East Bank received said breakfast.

We launched the Breakfast for SuccessEdutrition programmeand ALL Coastland Grade 6 students receive this: in South Georgetown, in Canje, in Region 10, Region 2. Everywhere! In the hinterland, the children receive a hot meal.

We have printed and given a higher quality exercise book than was ever given, and we have bought more textbooks than our country has ever bought. Each child received those in the

same quantity regardless of which community their school resides.

We have begun to give school grants to each school, to allow for independence and autonomy in the purchase of janitorial, office, and field supplies. EVERY single school is getting this grant. In an aim for equity, hinterland schools are getting more per child, with each school in the hinterland and each school on the Coastland receiving the same amount of money per child.

Resulting from conscious, deliberate action, for the first time ever, there is no limit on the number of teachers we can train. We will, this year, graduate more than 2300 teachers - the largest batch ever to graduate in any given year anywhere in the Commonwealth Caribbean. ALL applicants who were eligible were admitted. Not a soul was turned away because of their ethnicity.

We have built, repaired and rehabilitated more than 1000 schools in the country

in every area of this land. Indeed, only today, I commissioned the Haslington Nursery School.

As promised, we offered Guyanese opportunities to study to achieve degrees, masters and PhDs, in renowned overseas universities on the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and on Get Ready For Opportunities to Work (GROW). Not a single applicant was refused acceptance because of ethnicity, and the pictures of the several graduating classes will evidence this.

We regularised the employment of sweeper-cleaners in all schools, moving them from being temporary workers to being contractual workers with benefits of gratuity, leave allowance certainty, etc. Each and every sweeper-cleaner: African, Indian, Amerindian, was treated the same way.

Editor, I can go on and on and on. I invite anyone who wishes to check for themselves to see whether any policy at this Ministry,

True development can come to any country only when there is peace

Dear Editor, President Irfaan Ali, while in Britain for the coronation of King Charles III, took the grand opportunity to meet with some of the Heads of Government of other countries. Rwandan President Paul Kagame was one of them.

Being a developing country like ours, there would have been many important things to discuss pertaining to the development of both countries.

Rwanda is a success story when it comes to the development of a Third World country. We are talking here about a Third World country moving away from being a backwater underdeveloped state to one that can stand up and take its place as an honourable developing country.

Yes, we can truly identify with Rwanda, having gone through those dark traumatic experiences of conflict and bloodshed, yet rising like the mythical phoenix from the ashes to renewed strength and future development.

Now, there are a few things that I would like us to direct our attention to,

as the violence factor and senseless killing of people. like Rwanda, we’ve had our fair share of violence and subversive activities through the years. I am speaking of people being pitted against people, political party against political party, race against race, the chief objective in it all being to divide and destroy this country for the narrow political ambitions of a few.

For this same reason, I took keen interest when mass murderer Rhondell Willams made his daring escape from prison. What was in it for us? Were we to see another period of bloodshed? Williams being a former notorious member of Fineman’s brainwashed “revolutionaries,” were we again to witness another episode of mass murder, such as the Lusignan and Bartica Massacres?

Yes, we remember those days, when it seemed that this country was teetering on the verge of a civil war. We remember! We remember the fiery speeches of those who thrive on hate, division, and the murder of those whom they deem their opponents, saying:

“Turn your guns in the right direction.” We remember those days.

So, with eager anticipation, we waited and watched the lawmen’s response to the recapture of this remnant of a mass murdering gang. He was recaptured, dead of course, in a fitting end to one who believed in the ghastly deed of man’s inhumanity to man.

The usual suspects never savoured the lawmen’s recapture of this element. Rather, they were in cheerleader euphoria at his escape, and, in like manner, gloated in the vi -

or indeed any other, discriminates against any ethnicity.

This service, with equality and equity, has begun to show real results. In two years under the PPP/C, there are more children living at the Amerindian dorms in Turkeyen, attending the national schools (QC, Bishops’, St. Stanislaus, St. Rose’s, St. Joesph’s) than there were for all five years before that; which means that more children than ever before from the hinterland are able to excel at the primary exit.

In the last NGSA result, there were more children from the public school system who earned the national schools than private school children. At CXC, more diversity was also seen in not only the top performers, but in the percentage matriculation of schools in various communities. While the world continues to struggle with performance in mathematics, and we are not exempted from that, Guyana recorded better performances by far this year, with almost 700 candidates more than last year earning passes in Mathematics with Grades 1, 2 and 3.

In senior impactful positions, we have officers of

every ethnicity, and particularly of African heritage, who were hired or retained by this Government, and they dedicatedly serve Guyana daily. The APNU/ AFC would never be able to make such a claim.

We must be reminded also that it was the APNU/ AFC who removed from their positions and posts Messrs Olatocumbo Sam and Marcel Hutson and others, including some ordinary secretaries and office staff, but all were African Guyanese who were, in the first place, hired or brought on into said senior positions by the PPP/C Government.

Editor, there is much to do in this beautiful land. And if indeed there is discrimination, we must all shout it from the rooftop and fix it. But where there isn’t, we must do as the congresspeople did: firmly dismiss those who trifle with our time and emotions by using the tired old race card. This country, this generation, won’t be pawns in that anachronistic game. There is no place for the lazy, backward, bigoted, race-baiting politics of the PNC/APNU/AFC.

Sincerely,

Priya Manickchand Minister of Education

olence that he was expected to unleash. But that did not happen, thanks to The Almighty, to Police Commissioner Hicken and Crime Chief Blanhum. We will keep these professionals in their post for as long as the Constitution affords us.

The point is: our country must move forward in the spirit of peace and development. Simply put, true development can come to any country only when there is peace.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

CARE FOR THE ELDERLY DOG (continued)

CANINE DIABETES

Well, some weeks ago, I started writing about diet management of the elderly dog. I discussed the subject of obesity last week. Immediately, the response from “Pet Care” fans was for further information on non-communicable diseases (NCD), the foremost of which is Diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Scientists, being scientists, have researched (and are still investigating) this NCD. In terms of a definition, they have differentiated two types of Diabetes – one called D. insipidus (D.I) and the other D. mellitus (D.M).

The first one (D.I) has to do with the animal’s inability to adequately concentrate urine, because of an insufficient secretion of a spe -

cial hormone. This D.I affects dogs (and cats) with no particular breed/sex/ age predisposition.

The signs would predominantly be:

* Frequent urination

* Frequent exhibition of thirst

* Disorientation

* Incoordination of movement

* Seizures

Diabetes mellitus (D.M)

This is more complex manifestation of Diabetes – so much so that definition of D.M is itself complicated. Some scientists see D.M as a complex syndrome identified by the presence of too much sugar in the blood stream.

Other researchers argue that D.M must not be seen as one disease, but rather as a result of one or more primary disease processes. For the Veterinary Clinician, it would (in practical terms) be better to recognise that many factors can play a role in the development of D.M – including the patient’s genetic background (i.e. breeds like Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and to a lesser extent Boxers and

German Shepherds) – and take it from there.

This means that the treatment protocols would differ if the animal is suffering from either, or a combination of (i) variation in the level and availability of Insulin (the hormone that regulates sugar levels in the blood stream) in the body; and (ii) the actual high levels of sugar in

cation(s) given to the animal prior to the visit to the Vet’s Clinic (ii) any other ailments that the animal might have suffered recently or over the past year.

Treatment

Home “remedies” administered by the caregiver may not be appropriate or helpful in the treatment

the blood because the pancreas (that organ which produces the hormone Insulin) is malfunctioning.

Symptoms

- Increased frequency of urination, and thirst.

- Vision impairment (dogs);

- Gait changes (cats).

- Listlessness.

- Loss of appetite. Sometimes the dog does eat well, but yet loses weight (emaciation). In some cases, the dog becomes obese.

- Vomiting.

N.B:

* Breath smells sweetish, like nail polish remover.

* The caregiver must be prepared to answer questions related to (i) medi -

of DM.

Dietary controls and daily injections of Insulin can help, but I must mention that the amount of Insulin to be administered (dosage) cannot be easily predicted (definitely not solely on the basis of weight). It must be established for each individual. The dog would have to be hospitalised so as to determine accurately its daily insulin requirement. After the dosage rate is established, the patient can be sent home. Veterinary and domestic monitoring will follow.

Oral Insulin substitutes (such as those used for humans) have been relatively unsuccessful in treating diabetic dogs.

Guyana living with effects of APNU/AFC botching energy sector – Jagdeo on blackouts

…says 30 MW of emergency power to be added to grid by year end

The fact that Guyana continues to experience regular power outages at the hands of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), is a stark reminder of the challenges the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) left for the current Government.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, in his presentation as he attended the commissioning of the $1 billion West Central Mall that was opened on Friday at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD). He explained that while current demand for power is approximately 180 Megawatts, GPL only has 174 Megawatts of power installed.

According to Jagdeo, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is making a concerted effort to secure another 30 Megawatts of emergency power, hopefully before the end of the year. This will be an interim measure until the 300-Megawatt gas-to-energy project comes online.

“On electricity, you see a spate of blackouts now. We had always argued that the lack of investments in a timely manner affects you. Because there’s a laggy effect to the economic policy. It affects you down the road? So, when APNU killed the hydro and didn’t reinvest in new capacity and because the prices are lower.

When fuel prices went up, the Government subsidised the price of electricity and water to keep the cost of living down. We’re subsidising it.”

“So, a lot of the big users, who were self-generating, they’ve come on the grid and taking power from GPL. So, our demand now, in a single night, is 180 Megawatts. And we only have 174 Megawatts of installed capacity. So, you have of necessity, to take some people off the grid. We just agreed on a policy that we’ll put a punitive tax for those big users who come onto the grid, because it’s at the peak period where demand is greater than the supply,” Jagdeo said.

According to the Vice President, Guyana is suffering the economic consequences of the APNU/AFC’s

“shortsightedness”. He noted that while people get upset at the power outages, the reality is that the former coalition Government made no investments in power generation between 2015 and 2020. Jagdeo further recalled the measures the PPP/C Government took when they entered Government, for instance reversing Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity.

“We promised a series of measures in our manifesto, when we contested the 2020 elections. We said, if we win these elections, here are the things we will implement. First, remove the disincentive of higher taxes. So, we reverse almost all those taxes. We reverse VAT on a whole range of electricity, water, services.”

“If you were operating this facility a few years back

under APNU, you would have had to pay now a 14 per cent tax on your electricity use and water use and data, that you don’t have to pay today. So annualised, all those taxes we removed resulted in people paying, over the period of a year, $40 billion less taxes than they were paying under the Opposition.”

Jagdeo noted that once the gas-to-energy project comes online, electricity prices will come down by 50 per cent. This will result in some of the lowest electricity prices in the Region, as well as the cooking gas needed.

It was only Friday that GPL announced it had re-

corded its highest-ever electricity generation and demand in the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS), leading the utility company to encourage consumers to practice electricity conservation.

The company recorded a peak demand of 182 Megawatts (MW) compared to 154 MW for the corresponding period last year.

This notable increase in electricity generation and consumption can be attributed to the increasingly high temperatures over the past few months and growth in the housing and commercial sectors, the utility company deduced.

The Government is aim-

ing for a massive energy mix to ensure stable electricity output with the multibillion-dollar transformational gas-to-energy project which includes the construction of an integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

By 2025, with 300 MW of new baseload capacity provided with natural gas, the reliability of the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) grid will increase while the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions associated with electricity generation will be reduced by half. (G3)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Once the gas-to-shore project comes online, 300 MW of power is expected to be added to the grid

Grove man admits theft, jailed for 6 months

A40-year-old resident of Grove Sea

Dam, East Bank Demerara, pleaded guilty to break and enter and larceny charges on Friday.

Kayum Khan admitted that between September 25 and 26, he broke into the Trust Mart Supermarket, owned by

Sentenced: Kayum Khan

Yu Heng Guo and stole a number of items, including one case of Absolut Vodka valued at $48,000; one bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label valued at $13,000; one bottle of 12-year-old El Dorado Rum valued $7200, and 25 cartons of cigarettes valued at $100,000. The total

Large-scale GPL consumers...

The President acknowledged the concerns of the citizens and made it clear that even the Government is dissatisfied with the current situation of power outages. He explained that Guyana is so far behind when it comes to power generation, after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/AFC) years between 2015 and 2020, that they would have to double their capacity to produce energy.

“As you know, we have been experiencing power outages. Prolonged pow-

er outages. That we are totally dissatisfied with. However, it is very important that we understand the prevailing conditions through which the Guyana Power and Light is operating.”

“We have a situation in the country where we’re trying to catch up on five years of neglect and not investing in the maintenance of the system or expanding the system, and at the same time building additional capacity to take care of the demand,” Ali said.

He explained that GPL was in total collapse when

they entered office, with the Government in $13 billion in arrears to GPL. Additionally, the capital programme was in disarray. He also noted the loss Guyana suffered from Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) not being operationalised, which would have resulted in Guyanese paying US?10 a kilowatt per hour. Now, Guyanese are paying US?22 per kilowatt.

It was only Friday that GPL announced it had recorded its highest-ever electricity generation and demand in the Demerara-

worth of the stolen goods amounted to $168,200. At the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Court, Khan appeared before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. (G9)

FROM PAGE 3

Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), leading the utility company to encourage consumers to practice electricity conservation.

The company recorded a peak demand of 182 Megawatts (MW) compared to 154 MW for the corresponding period last year. This notable increase in electricity generation and consumption can be attributed to the increasingly high temperatures over the past few months and growth in the housing and commercial sectors, the utility company deduced. (G3)

Mixed…

…messages to Big Brother

Your Eyewitness is a tad confused about that trip to Washington by our Opposition worthies. There was that old flick in which Jimmy Stewart starred – “Mr Smith goes to Washington” – in which Jimmy plays an idealistic young Senator from the country boondocks who gets a lesson about the cynicism that fuels that city of Sodom-onPotomac!! Well, looking at the entourage who were jetted up to the said Sodom from our not-so-fair Mudland, your Eyewitness wondered how many of them were still idealistic enough to believe the spiel of the hustler from Canarsie (Brooklyn) who organized the “Conference”!!

Firstly, the name “conference”! This moniker invokes serious analyses by experts on the subject under review, and insightful interventions from the floor – all leading to some kind of consensus and plan of action going forward. The Conference was on “Combating Racism, Inequality, Injustice And A One Party Ethnocracy In Guyana.” Whew!! No ambiguities there!! Seems there weren’t any “cons”, and all “pros” in that topic that needed to be cleared up!! And that explains the extreme vetting of the attendees, where one notorious provocateur wasn’t invited to vent his spleen, even though he’d once stormed the Presidential Complex!! That might’ve been extreme THE – but couldn’t pass muster now!!

But your Eyewitness was quite intrigued as to how the Opposition would articulate one of their fundamental articles of faith coming out of the 2020 elections – which saw them voted out in favour of the PPP. That it was the US Government who’d ousted them and INSTALLED the PPP!!

In fact, after 2020, they’ve been referring to the PPP Government as “the illegally installed racist regime” – with “apartheid” thrown in for good measure!! How would this go down with members of the Black Caucus who were very prominent in the Biden Administration – which has backed the PPP as fervently as the preceding Trump Administration??

Well, for one…none of the Big Wigs showed up on Day 1 of the “Conference” - when the verbal fireworks from down under flew like bombs bursting in air!! The shyster organizer apologised for their absence, and claimed they were busy trying to prevent a shutdown of the American Government. Problem was - there wasn’t gonna be a vote in the House until Saturday, when the “Conference” would’ve been loooong over!! But that allowed several Speakers from Guyana to regale the forty or so true believers who’d been allowed in as to how the big, bad PPP Govt was being propped up by the dastardly American racists!!

So, what’s expected going forward?? The handful of diehard PNC supporters who schlepped to Washington will dig into their pockets to support any movement to remove the PPP Government.

Their only question is “under whose leadership??”! Norton’s or Amanda’s??

…development

Your Eyewitness is taken aback at the pace of new shops, restaurants, malls and supermarkets, among other things being opened. He’s assuming the folks making these investments have done their basic due diligence and verified that there’s enough money circulating among the masses to keep them spending.

He emphasizes “masses”, since he’s not fooled by the astronomic numbers bandied about on oil revenues pouring into Guyana. He constantly reminds himself that 84.5% of the said revenues ain’t never coming into Guyana! And of the 14.5% that does, most of it is paid overseas for our imported petroleum products etc!!

But he’s hoping the competition will push prices downwards. Or those businesses will discover that while plenty folks will be coming to gawk and mill around, they won’t be pushing their hands into their pockets!! Cause the said pockets are generally empty after paying for groceries and rents.

The truth is development’s happening, but it’s not like the Govt can wave a wand and have it achieved immediately!

…foreigner categorization

Your Eyewitness read about those eighty or so Venezuelans who landed at the Tuschen foreshore recently. They were described as “migrants”, and arrested. So, what’s the distinction between migrants and refugees? Weren’t the “migrants” also fleeing life under Maduro??

The Opposition in Washington on discrimination charges

The Opposition parties –in and out of Parliament

– and several affiliates, such as IDPADA-G, went up to Washington last week to attend a two-day “Conference on Guyana” hosted by the Brooklyn-based GCID.

Inter alia, the attendees met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), where they presented their case that the PPP Government was practising “rampant discrimination and nepotism” against African Guyanese in all sectors of national life, but especially in the economic sphere. These accusations had been strenuously made since Aug 2, 2020, when the PPP was finally allowed to take office after five months of high political drama following their victory at the March 2nd polls.

But during the meeting, when the CBC asked for data to substantiate the claims, the Guyanese supplicants were unable to so present to the former’s satisfaction. This is rather surprising, since Mr Nigel Hughes had produced a widely circulated Opposition dossier purporting to demonstrate conclusively, with exactly such evidence, that the vast majority of state contracts, commercial land transfers, and other boondoggles had been given to Indian Guyanese while excluding African Guyanese.

It would appear that the CBC agreed with the PPP Government that discrimination was not proven, since African Guyanese companies had not submitted bids for the awarded contacts. Identical claims on awards of oil blocks would have also demanded “evidence”.

I am asserting that this lack of evidence to buttress claims of discrimination was “surprising”, since they have been made for decades – starting from 1992 after the free and fair elections of that year saw the PPP acceding to office after two decades of rigged elections by the PNC. After violent street protests following the PPP’s win in 1997, the Caricom-brokered Herdmanston Accord resulted in four bipartisan Parliamentary Sectoral Committees –Economic, Natural Resources, Social Services and Foreign Affairs –being created to “scrutinize” governmental activities in real time. The rotating Chairs of the Committees were evenly split between the Government and the Opposition, and the Committees had the power to summon any governmental official to answer any question within its purview.

When I represented ROAR in Parliament between 2001 and 2006, we were very interested in the Government’s strategic plan for sugar, and were able to have the Opposition Chair of the Economic Services Committee convene several meetings to which government and GuySuCo officials were summoned to provide hard data on the industry’s performance. I remember Government members of the Committee Komal Chand, head of GAWU, and Donald Ramotar asking probing questions to the testifying officials. I have often commented on the collegial relations between the members of the Government and Opposition, unlike on the floor of the National Assembly, where the rules almost compel an adversarial posture.

From another angle, because our severely divided society was reflected in our politics (or vice versa), we have also persistently called for “Ethnic Impact Statements” (EIS) to be issued by the Government as it crafted and embarked on programmes. The rationale is that, inevitably, there will be accusations hurled of the type we heard in Washington. The EIS could elaborate on steps taken to ensure the widest ethnic participation, and identify reasons why certain skewed results might still ensue. Those reasons that militate against wider participation might then be the basis of governmental actions to mitigate same.

While in Government, both major parties have stubbornly refused to accept this suggestion, which could neutralise much of the extant bitter denunciations.

Another source of surprise to me was the representative of IDPADA-G also bemoaning the lack of statistics on the ethnic participation in governmental programmes. Against the aforementioned longstanding accusations of PPP’s anti-African Guyanese bias, I have always assumed this would have been one of their priorities. I believe that they had conducted a survey on cash grants during the COVID outbreak that were allegedly skewed and felt this hard evidence would have been presented.

On the other foot, last year, PM Phillips broke the PPP’s reticence on ethnic impact statements when he addressed anti-African Guyanese discrimination claims by an Opposition- affiliated “Institute for Action Against Discrimination” (IAAD) that of 11,000 house lots then allocated, “more than 50%” – went to African Guyanese.

In my estimation, I do believe that we need more hard data from both sides of the aisle on the effects of governmental programmes, or else the heat of the accusations might result in societal accusations.

“If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.”

Mahdia man beaten, stabbed to death by brothers

juries shortly after the attack.

“The brothers’ relatives are hiding the story, because after the incident in Princeville, they did not call to inform the family, or con-

tact anyone to provide updates. They just left him there to bleed out and die,” the man’s relative has said.

“We want justice for Sammy”.

The Police were noti-

fied, and one suspect has been arrested, while the other reportedly fled the scene and remains on the run. Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Manuel Francis, also known as Sammy, a 28-year-old man of Campbelltown, Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) has been stabbed to death by two brothers.

According to information received from one of his relatives, Francis was at a playfield at Princeville when he became involved in an argument with one of the brothers. A scuffle ensued, and another brother joined the fight. During the altercation, one of the brothers struck Francis on the head with a piece of wood, leaving him incapacitated.

“…that lash stunned him, so that gave the other brother enough time to regain strength, and that’s when he drew his knife and stabbed my family. He was working with the same brothers on the same dredge…the brothers’ sister was his boss lady. We don’t know what led to the argument,” the relative said.

Shortly after he had already been stabbed, the other brother reportedly armed himself with a knife, approached Francis, and stabbed him multiple times. Francis succumbed to his in-

Ravi Dev

Dead: Manuel Francis

Action being taken to strengthen prison security – Benn

In the aftermath of several prisoners, including at least one notorious criminal, escaping from penitentiaries across the country, the Guyana Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has taken steps to fortify prison security in order to prevent further breaches.

The May 2023 escape of convicted killer Royden Williams, known as ‘Smallie,’ from the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven exposed vulnerabilities within the prison system and raised questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.

Williams, who had been a high-profile prisoner under a death sentence, was shot and killed shortly after his escape. He had been serving time for multiple serious offences, including two massacres in Guyana. He had managed to escape from the Mazaruni prison facility on May 17th with the help of some prison officials.

According to reports, the

escape had occurred in broad daylight and involved the use of a speedboat. During the escape, the escort party accompanying Williams was attacked with AK-47 rifles by the individuals on the boat, which was in the Mazaruni River.

Following the escape, a reward of $10 million was announced by the Guyana Police Force for any information leading to Williams’s arrest. Days after the escape, six persons, four of whom were Prison Officers, were

charged and remanded to prison for aiding the escape of the death row inmate.

The Prison Officers charged are Alexander Hopkinson, 58, of Bartica Housing Scheme, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Oldfield Romulus, 50, of Victoria Street, Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Conroy Hosannah, 35, of East Canje, Berbice; and Omar Witherspoon, 26, of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam Berbice. They have been charged along with Rajmohan Autor, called “Chico,” a 48-year-old businessman of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); and Venezuelan national Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez, 28, of Kitty, Georgetown.

Following their arrests, Williams was found and shot dead by Police. His escape highlighted weaknesses in the prison security apparatus.

The incident led to a thorough investigation, leading to the identification of the individuals charged in connection with Williams’s escape.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, speaking on the issue on Friday, emphasized the Government’s commitment to enhancing prison security.

“A review has been conducted within the prison system concerning where individuals are to be kept, their interactions with the public, and the maintenance of SOPs and discipline. We cannot relax within the system,” the Minister said. “We have to be constantly vigilant, especially with certain individuals in the prison system…I am somewhat relieved that the episode with Royden Williams was appropriately dealt with, and we

have learned from this experience.”

In response to the incident, the Prison Service announced a series of measures to curb the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities. Tightening security protocols, increasing surveillance, and deploying advanced detection technologies are among the strategies being implemented to prevent the infiltration of illegal items into prisons. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to create a more secure environment within the prison walls.

“People are finding more innovative ways to smuggle things into prisons…and it has been a longstanding issue with items being thrown over fences. We are discovering more and more of it, even in relation to weapons and other contraband. However,

these incidents have significantly reduced,” Minister Benn said.

The most recent incident of contraband being smuggled into the prison occurred a few days ago when a 21-year-old woman from C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown was apprehended at Camp Street Prison while attempting to smuggle cannabis hidden in a sneaker.

The woman was visiting an inmate named Akeem Edwards. Prison authorities discovered the illicit substance, suspected to be cannabis, concealed under the sole of the sneaker inside a black plastic bag she was carrying. The woman was arrested, cautioned, and taken into Police custody along with the seized narcotics. (G9)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

School grants “hitting the nail on its head” for hinterland needs – Head Teachers

Teacher of Arapaima Primary lauded this move by the Education Ministry as a gamechanger, adding that it is “hitting the nail on its head”.

Immediate and important needs of schools within the hinterland are now being addressed with the newly-introduced school grants, where it is no longer a case of square pegs in round holes.

As the distribution kicked off in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Head Teachers from various schools underscored that they will no longer have a surplus of materials which are not needed, while other critical items remain in deficit.

Terrence Brash, Head

“This programme is hitting the nail on the head because most times, teachers cry of materials for teaching and class development. This programme will change the whole setting of teaching. It will allow teachers to be more objective with their planning and they would have materials in their hand,” the Head Teacher shared.

Meanwhile, Head Teacher of Sand Creek Secondary, Sharon Williams highlighted that due to the remoteness of the hinterland, it is necessary to be prepared.

“This initiative for me is a good one because it’s the hinterland. At Sand Creek, we have difficulty getting stuff. This initiative will enable students, especially those in the dorms, to have the resources available to them.”

Williams noted that

with these resources, the school can expand its capacity to offer business subjects. New equipment will also be sourced for science and sports subjects.

She added, “We’ve also added some more science subjects to our curriculum with Chemistry and Physics. That is going to help them as well. We can get some more chemicals and some more materials such as cricket balls, volleyballs for sports…I know my PE teacher is going to smile broadly when I say I have more money to purchase some stuff.”

Head Teacher of Wowetta Primary, Judette Moses also detailed, “We now have the opportunity to make our own purchases. In my school, I have a lot of chalk, materials and items that my school would not need. This initiative is a great one.”

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

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

Traditionally, budgets would be provided by Central Government for the purchase of janitorial and office supplies. There was no standardisation

of how these monies were spent over the years with different regions doing different things.

An evaluation found that the former processes were either cumbersome or failed to meet the needs of the schools. A common example was that buying in bulk invoked the public bidding process because of the large sums being expended, which inevitably led to goods reaching schools very late. It also failed to meet the individual demands of classrooms.

In August, the Education Ministry an-

nounced that a value would be applied per child. On the coastland, it was $4000 per child and in the hinterland, $5500 per child.

It was announced at each distribution that the school would have to retain a percentage and the teachers would be given a percentage of the said money. From feedback, the Education Minister shared that in some primary schools, Head Teachers have given teachers their individual sums while in others, the teachers have chosen to have the money treated as a bulk sum. The Ministry has allowed autonomy on how to run the programme within the confines of remaining accountable and not breaching financial or criminal laws.

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

Head Teacher of Arapaima Primary, Terrence Brash

Head Teacher of Sand Creek Primary, Sharon Williams

Head Teacher of Wowetta Primary, Judette Moses

Hospital supplies now between 82 and 99%, was less than 35% in 2020 – Health Ministry

…shortage of nurses at Skeldon Hospital being addressed

The Health Ministry on Saturday reported that all hospitals across the country have an availability of medications and supplies that range between 82 percent in the case of Pakera Hospital at Mattew’s Ridge to 99 percent at the Mahdia Hospital.

This is a significant improvement from when the PPP/C Administration took office, reflected in the alarmingly low numbers just three years ago.

“While we have to strive for 100 percent every time,

the situation has improved dramatically from August 2020 when the hospital maintained an availabili-

ty rate of less than 35 percent,” a statement from the Ministry outlined.

Shortly after Government assumed office, hundreds of truckloads of expired medication had to be dumped from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) – the central storage bond of the Health Ministry due to poor management under the former APNU/AFC coalition.

In fact, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had said the Administration inherited a “crisis” in relation to the quantity of expired medication being stored at MMU. From 2015 to 2021, the Health Ministry had to dump over $10 billion worth of expired drugs and materials.

Meanwhile, for the Skeldon Hospital in

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), in terms of medication and medical supplies, the reporting and monitoring show that the hospital maintains an availability rate of between 85 and 95 percent.

In the case of the staffing at the facility, the Regional Health Department and the Ministry have been on record admitting that staff improvement is a priority for this hospital.

In August 2020, the Skeldon Hospital had three doctors assigned, covering the hospital and nine health centres, including Orealla and Siparuta. There are presently seven doctors assigned to the Skeldon Hospital.

The improvement in staffing has resulted in an increase in patient load from

17,800 in 2020 to 29,000 in 2022 with estimates surpassing 30,000 in 2023. The ER department is estimated to see more than 12,000 in 2023 - the highest number ever.

“From zero ultrasound in 2020, the hospital can now perform almost 3000 ultrasound per year. From less than 100,000 prescription filled in 2020, the hospital filled almost 116,000 prescriptions in 2022.”

While it is no secret that Skeldon Hospital is affected by the overall nursing shortage in Guyana, the Ministry said it is presently addressing this matter to raise the complement from the current 25. This matter is compounded by the scourge of no-notice absen-

teeism.

Complaints

According to the Health Ministry, the sector’s performance has drastically improved over the last three years as it rejected the notion in sections of the media of a deteriorated healthcare system.

“While the Ministry of Health firmly stands behind this statement, we concede that there are some areas of concern that still plague the sector and the Ministry is making earnest efforts to address these concerns.”

One of the repeated statements made is that whenever complaints are made about alleged poor and inappropriate treatment in public sector hospitals, the Ministry or other relevant health authorities completely ignore these complaints and repeatedly fail to respond.

However, the Ministry contended, “This is not accurate…In every instance, the MOH and/or other relevant public health sector authorities investigate the cases. As far as possible, findings are made known to the public. Every case is investigated.” (G12)

The National Literacy Department in collaboration with the Department of Education, Georgetown, on Friday hosted a Literacy Village along Main Street, Georgetown, in continued efforts to improve the literacy levels of students countrywide.

The avenue was a rainbow of colours as schools displayed their creative and innovative best practices in the literacy department, with some of the activities including interactive games and puppet shows that incorporated elements of literacy.

During the opening ceremony, the Regional Literacy Coordinator for

Georgetown, Tracy Ally, explained that the purpose of this initiative was to raise literacy awareness as she noted that literacy is not just a skill but a dynamic tool that helps people adapt to the ever-evolving world.

She further encouraged parents and teachers to provide the necessary support to ensure their children develop this skill.

Meanwhile, Principal Education Officer, Emmanuel Bridgewater explained that the Education Ministry has been working assiduously to improve the literacy levels of students across the country.

The Skeldon Hospital

Literacy Village urges need to improve students’ reading levels

Investigation completed on 5-year-old child’s death …77

complaints received on new MoH hotline

will be released to the public as soon as the Ministry has reviewed it,” a statement outlined on Saturday.

The Ministry has reported that referrals from WDRH has reduced by 87 percent when compared to 2020. Since the beginning of 2023, the WDRH has been playing a greater role in assisting GPHC to manage critical care babies.

being made to address the concerns. A number of practices that affect quality at the hospital have been discontinued.

Professional Services and the Director of Nursing, for action.

The Health Ministry has completed its investigation into the recent death of a five-yearold girl at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the report will soon be released to the public.

While information on the circumstances surrounding the child’s death has been limited, this publication understands that she was being treated for an asthma attack at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WRDH) hours before she was trans-

ferred.

After the death of the child, the incident was investigated by a high-level team. The Chief Medical Officer’s report was since presented to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.

“This report, like others,

“Often, the NICU at GPHC cannot accommodate additional critical care babies since the NICU is more than 100% occupied. Presently, the WDRH manages between 20 and 30 critical care neonates per month. WDRH has been ably assisting to take off the load from GPHC.”

In the meanwhile, recognising a number of shortcomings at the West Demerara Hospital, it was announced that changes are

One of the challenges facing the overall health sector has been the institutionalisation of patient-friendly services. While significant improvement has been achieved, the sector continues to be challenged by inappropriate behaviour by a small number of staff members.

For this reason, a hotline was operationalised in April 2023. The number is 2274357.

Since then, there have been 77 complaints, with 65 addressed and 12 pending.

Similarly, the GPHC has several hotlines for complaints which are immediately sent to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Medical and

The numbers at the GPHC are 226-6249, 2278210, 227-8241, 227-8245 (extension 1148) and 7014742 (WhatsApp).

“We urge that persons utilise these numbers to let us know of problems they encounter in the health sector. In addition, the GPHC has an office by the entrance painted bright orange for in-person complaints concerns. While we see some complaints in social media and sometimes in the printed media, none of these ever has been the subject of a call to the hotline. The Minister of Health has instructed that a monthly report on hotline complaints and actions taken must be made public as of November 2023,” the Health Ministry added. (G12)

The West Demerara Regional Hospital

Govt will continue developing programmes to uplift lives of Amerindians – PM

lifting lives and livelihoods wherever they are located and fostering integration into mainstream Guyana,” Phillips said.

He noted that the Government has allocated $2.97 billion to more than 240 Amerindian communities to enhance their housing, education, healthcare provision and infrastructure at large.

As Amerindian Heritage Month came to a close, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips reiterated the Government’s commitment to bridging the developmental gaps between coastal areas and hinterland communities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Friday during a cultural extravaganza hosted at the Office of the Prime Minister on Camp Street, Georgetown, for staff and representatives of various agencies under his purview.

"I want to assure our Amerindian brothers and sisters that [the Government] will continue to deliver programmes and projects aimed at up-

"We want those communities to have all the amenities that are available on the coast because you want people to remain in the communities as much as possible and modernise those communities," Phillips said.

He noted that significant strides have been made in ensuring greater access to education for Amerindian children, with the construction of new schools and renovations to several existing ones.

Meanwhile, a number of hospitals and health centres are also being modernised and outfitted with better equipment to ensure equitable access to health services across Guyana.

In regards to technological advancements in Amerindian communities, Phillips explained that over 200 Information and Communications

Technology (ICT) hubs are under construction as part of the ICT Access and e-Services project for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities.

In addition to these efforts, 30,000 household solar systems, valued at $7.2 million, have also been distributed.

To this end, Prime Minister Phillips reminded that Guyana has secured a $750 million deal for carbon credits over the next decade

whereby 15 per cent of this amount will be given annually to Indigenous communities to be used for various development projects of their choosing.

Phillips acknowledged Guyana’s Amerindian heritage as a key component of the country’s cultural diver-

sity and further stated the need to develop the country as a whole.

"When we talk about One People, One Nation, One Destiny, it means we must understand the culture of all the peoples that make up Guyana, and that is why our President, Dr

Mohamed Irfaan Ali, came up with this concept of ‘One Guyana’. We are one people; we are one nation with one destiny, and ‘One Guyana’ means that our focus for the development of Guyana must be for all the peoples of Guyana,” Phillips said. (G13)

Prime Minister Mark Phillips during a cultural extravaganza in honour of Amerindian Heritage Month

Electrical spark from power surge led to Eccles fire

…GFS confirms 15 homeless

building fully engulfed in flames. Owned by 55-year-old Bosmat Ramsahoi, the structure housed two apartments, with the upper floor being occupied by 50-year-old Natasha Singh and four others, and the lower floor being the residence of 34-year-old Kelvin McDonald and his family of four.

The destruction didn’t stop there. Heat radiating from the building ablaze spread the flames to another two-storey structure, owned by 30-yearold Rohan Nauth who lived there with his family of four. The entire family is now displaced due to their home catching afire from the initial source.

Major fire averted at Sherriff St house

The Guyana Fire Service has confirmed that 15 individuals are homeless due to the devastating fire that swept through Eccles, East Bank Demerara on Friday, destroying two homes. It has been confirmed that the blaze originated from an electrical issue.

The Fire Service received a call at 10:30h on Friday, di-

recting its attention to a building at Lot 76 Old Road, Eccles. Some 24 firefighters were dispatched, backed by three fire trucks, two water bowsers, and a support vehicle from various fire stations.

They rushed to the scene, and upon arrival, the GFS said, ranks were met with the harrowing sight of a two-storey, wooden-and-concrete

The intense blaze consumed the building and all its contents, rendering 10 people homeless.

Investigations revealed that the fire was caused by fluctuation in electricity, leading to a power surge. That surge overloaded the electrical circuits and resulted in arcing and sparking that ignited nearby combustibles.

A third house, at Lot 77 Old Road, Eccles, suffered damage. Items such as a black tank, 2 AC units, windows, and other belongings were affected due to the heat radiating from the initial fire. Firefighters utilized three jets to bring the flames under control.

The affected families are now left to rebuild their lives. (G9)

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has managed to contain a fire which erupted at a two-storey house on Sherriff Street, located just before the Rupert Craig Highway, from spiralling out of control, thereby averting a major disaster on Saturday. A section of the property has nevertheless been damaged.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that the fire started just after 12:00h,

when thick black smoke was seen emanating from a section of the lower flat of the building. However, swift action from the Fire Service allowed firemen to extinguish the flames. After the fire had been contained, visible damage was observed on the exterior of the building. The origin and cause of the fire is unknown, as are the losses suffered. (G12)

Fire at the Sherriff Street house was contained

The fire destroyed the two structures at Eccles, EBD

Personalised learning, internet needed to improve education in hinterland – Wapichan youth

A21-year-old

Wapichan youth has shared some of the challenges faced by Indigenous students in accessing a better level of education, as she called on authorities to continue doing more to bridge the gap between the coast and the hinterland.

Judy Winter from Aishalton Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is currently pursuing her tertiary education at the University of Guyana (UG), and noted concerns in the hinterland surrounding housing, digital access and scholarship opportunities.

“Imagine a young 14-year-old girl in a small Indigenous community in the hinterland who has dreams of attending a university to become a medical doctor, for example. That girl wouldn’t know that right now, those are just dreams because life in the hinterland is hard especially when it comes to education,” Winter during an Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) forum on Tuesday.

Dormitory living, while she has not experienced it firsthand, is particularly difficult, according to Winter, as hundreds of children in far-flung hinterland villages have often had to

move far away from their homes to attend school.

Winter’s colleague, whom she spoke to prior to Tuesday’s forum, described her four-year dorm experience as difficult and one lacking freedom and privacy.

“Instead, you are confined to your room with three other girls or share an entire flat with over 40 girls who come from various villages in the Upper Mazaruni. My day usually starts at 04:00h every morning. There is no running water so we have to either wait for our turn

to get rain water from the tanks or walk down to the river which is very cold at that time of the morning,” Winter said of her colleague’s experience.

The situation is similar for Indigenous youths who would have to move to cities like Georgetown to pursue even higher education, as she is doing through UG, Winter noted.

She further lamented on the rarity of scholarship opportunities.

“Those that are available are limited to some courses and would mostly just cover tuition and the

student would have to find rent, food, electricity and so on,” Winter said. The Wapichan youth also called for affordable, reliable and efficient internet access in the hinterland, as it would, among other things, greatly assist in online learning.

Developments

Recent developments, however, are in the works to build an annex of UG at Aishalton Village and the community’s Toshaos have already begun conversations with UG Vice Chancellor Paloma Mohamed Martin on the

matter.

Winter also commended the Quality Bilingual Education Programme (QBEP), a collaborative effort between the local communities of the South Rupununi, the Intercultural Bilingual Education Organisation and the Education Ministry.

The programme aims to provide an inclusive, equitable and quality education which affirms and respects the culture and identity of Indigenous children in Guyana’s hinterland.

“That programme has produced great results and this year, it has expand-

ed to all the schools in the South Rupununi and into other grades in the primary schools,” Winter said.

Winter stressed that education delivery should be better suited towards persons in the hinterland and their needs and wants, and not merely what can be afforded or what is available.

“We dream that our people would be well educated and serve as great leaders and the younger generation will be familiar with and employ our traditional knowledge and use that to better develop our communities,” Winter said. (G13)

Literacy village urges need to...

One such initiative, he noted, is the Literacy and Robotics programme, which was launched in several schools earlier this year through a collaboration between the National Department of Literacy and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

This programme falls under the Ministry’s mandate to ensure that every child is a fluent reader by Grade Four while advancing the use of technology.

Its three-tier approach provides an intensive, fastpaced remedial intervention to fast-track the learners’ literacy skills as they begin at the basic level, move onto the intermediate level and culminate at the advanced level.

Within these levels, students exclusively learn reading, phonics, pronunciation and letter sounds, combined with a robotics component.

Thus far, the programme

is being facilitated within Enterprise Primary School in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) along with Den Amstel Primary School, Kawall Primary School, La Retraite Primary School and Blankenburg Primary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

In September, a number of Grade Four teachers at pilot schools in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Three participated in the first robotics training workshop to build their capacity and enable them to become more familiarised with the robotics kit.

Armed with their new knowledge and expertise, the participating teachers are expected to serve as resource guides in their respective schools.

Similar workshops are to be held in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)

as well.

During the recent commissioning of Haslington Nursery School in East Coast Demerara (ECD), Education Minister Priya Manickchand noted that this is a revolutionary programme but teachers are still required to work alongside students to ensure they are consistently reading at their grade level. This, she said, will set the foundation for children to be successful as they move through the school system.

“We can no longer be graduating children from nursery school who cannot read at an age-appropriate level because when they can’t, they go into primary school and you see it passing from grade to grade and then we reach Grade Six and we get scripts where the children can’t write a single word because they couldn’t read a single word,” Manickchand said. (G13)

Judy Winter

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine/ enDocrinology/DiabeTes

When someone starts to feel pain from a urinary tract infection or strep throat, they may be prescribed a course of antibiotics to recover. Antibiotics may be needed for many types of bacterial infections, but what we eat while we’re on this medication can impact how well it works – and whether we’ll feel better.

WHY DOES IT MATTER WHAT WE EAT?

Certain foods can interact with an antibiotic by

HEALTH TIPS

ANTIBIOTICS: FOODS TO EAT & FOODS TO AVOID

reducing how well it is absorbed by the body, or by even blocking the medication; while other foods can intensify side effects like gastrointestinal upset.

Antibiotics are a double-edged sword. Although these drugs can clear up an infection, they can also affect the natural balance of bacteria in our system. That can lead to the nausea, gas, and diarrhoea many people experience while taking antibiotics. If people are not familiar with a new medication, it’s always a good idea to ask for some guidelines from a pharmacist who is experienced in navigating food-drug interactions.

FOODS CAN INTERFERE WITH ANTIBIOTICS

* Dairy and calcium-rich foods – Whether it’s cheese, milk, coffee creamer, yogurt, or butter, the calcium in dairy products could be a problem. Tofu, kale, and chia seeds are also high in

calcium. When these foods are eaten with certain antibiotics, like tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones (Cipro), the medicine can bind to the calcium, which prevents it from being absorbed by the body. These foods should be spaced to be taken at least two hours after taking the antibiotic, and six hours before the next dose.

* Fortified foods –Fortified foods can contain a high amount of calcium, creating the same problem that foods naturally high in calcium have – possibly in-

terfering with the antibiotics. Common fortified foods include breakfast cereal, orange juice, and non-dairy milk. Space these foods to be taken at least two hours after taking the antibiotic, and six hours before the next dose.

* High-acid foods –Citrus fruits and juices like orange and grapefruit, soda, chocolate, and tomato products have a high acid content, which could decrease how much medicine is absorbed into the system for certain antibiotics. Space these foods to be tak-

en at least two hours after taking the antibiotic, and six hours before the next dose.

* Caffeine – Some antibiotics can increase the effects of caffeine, and not in a good way. Antibiotics can keep the body from metabolising the caffeine, so it stays in the system longer. A cup of joe in the morning could lead to an increase in the diuretic effects of caffeine, jitters throughout the day, and a sleepless night. Stick to noncaffeinated beverages while taking antibiotics, and take plenty of water to stay hydrated.

* Alcohol – Put cocktails or a glass of wine with dinner on hold. It’s best to completely abstain from alcohol until 48 hours after completing the course of antibiotics, if taking metronidazole. Be on the lookout for alcohol or propylene glycol in mouthwash, cough medicine, or cold and flu products, and avoid these as well.

Consuming alcohol while taking certain antibiotics can cause severe nausea and vomiting, headache, and other side effects.

* Multi-vitamins and antacids – These products can contain minerals: primarily magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, or zinc, that bind to the antibiotic and keep it from working. People can take multivitamins and antacids, as long as they space them to be taken at least two hours after they take the antibiotic, and six hours before the next dose.

WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD

* Soup – Enjoy brothbased soups that don’t rely on cream, cheese or tomatoes for flavour; like chicken noodles, ramen, miso, or lentil. These soups often have beneficial prebiotic foods, like garlic, onion, vegetables, and beans, that help healthy bacteria regrow.

* Bland foods – In general, foods for when people are sick are also appropriate when they are taking antibiotics. Plain or lightly salted crackers, peanut butter, and non-citrus fruit are good choices. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) can help with diarrhoea from antibiotics.

* Water – Staying hydrated is important, especially when sick. It helps the body fight the infection, the medication to work properly, and combat some of the gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotics.

* Fermented foods –Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, fermented vegetables, and kombucha contain beneficial probiotics that can support the gut, and can

help offset some of the unpleasant side effects of antibiotics. Yogurt and kefir can also be helpful. Ensure dairy products are appropriately spaced from the antibiotic.

* Probiotic supplements – Taking probiotics while on antibiotics can help provide beneficial bacteria to the system, and may also help with diarrhoea.

TAKE ANTIBIOTICS PROPERLY

* Always follow the instructions on the medication label. Always finish the regimen, even if starting to feel better. Don’t save antibiotics for another time.

* Some antibiotics should not be broken, crushed, or chewed; so, check the label.

* Don’t miss doses; take them as soon as possible, unless it’s almost time for the next dose, about three to four hours. Doses are timed to keep a consistent amount of medicine in the body. Taking the doses too close together, or taking a double dose can increase the side effects, and doesn’t have any benefit.

* If the label says to take it with food, take the medicine with a meal or a little snack, like crackers and fruit. Food helps the body to absorb certain medications, and can reduce side effects.

* If the label says to take on an empty stomach, time the meals to be either one hour after taking the medicine or two hours before the next dose. Some medicines work better if there is no other food in the stomach.

* After finished with antibiotics, help healthy bacteria grow According to a study of intestinal bacteria published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, gut microbiota mostly repopulates within two to four weeks of finishing a course of antibiotics. However, it can take up to a year or longer for the gut microbiome to fully recover. Other bacterial colonies on the body can also be affected by antibiotics. For example, women can occasionally develop a yeast infection after a round of broad-spectrum antibiotics, because the antibiotics clear out beneficial bacteria in the vagina.

It’s also helpful to limit sugar and processed foods for several weeks, as these can suppress healthy bacterial growth.

Antibiotics are sometimes necessary, but the medical community is still learning the full long-term effects on the body. Take the medicine as prescribed, and talk to the pharmacist if you have any questions about the right way to take antibiotics.

Police ordered to seize boats carrying influx of Venezuelan migrants in Region 3

…migrants being processed; porous borders

Over the past few days, a number of Venezuelan migrants have been caught entering Guyana via Tuschen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). The boats that brought undocumented migrants are being seized, as these migrants continue to be processed.

This was explained by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, in an exclusive interview with this publication. He made it clear that while the Coast Guard and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been seizing such boats over the years, they were ordered to seize the latest boat that came ashore

“In this case we told the Police to seize the boats. The Coast Guards. I know this latest one, definitely the Coast Guard has seized another one. On and off, they seized a number of boats over the years. Coming through the coast from Shell Beach, out in the Moruca river and all those places,” Benn explained.

“There are people who

instance, inlets where you can go and not be observed. Whether they’re paddling or coming in a powered boat,” the Home Affairs Minister said.

“But other than that, in this case they appear to be coming well out in the ocean. And I know it would be a very difficult journey for them. It appears they would have been coming (from) well out in the ocean and there’s some talk about them laying up overnight at various places and then coming in to drop off people.”

a

challenge – Home Affairs Minister

including women and children, arrived in a metal boat, with their luggage and a large quantity of chickens. They are currently in Police custody.

Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge in Guyana are being encouraged to present themselves to immigration authorities to get registered in order to benefit from services offered by the Government.

Reports indicate that there are about 40,000 Venezuelan migrants residing in Guyana, however, only about 21,700 are officially documented. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd convened a meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee to address the influx of migrants from Venezuela into Guyana a few months ago.

The meeting was attended by key Government stakeholders along with international partners during which ongoing efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to those migrants from Venezuela were examined. The Government’s response

are on watch. Either Police, immigration or CPG itself. And at Charity. But our country is large. There are a lot of trails and inlets and creeks. And of course, there’s always the big ocean out there where there are gaps in coverage. But we’re working on it.”

According to the Minister, these latest migrants appear to have come from well out in the Atlantic Ocean. Benn spoke of floating bases, where it is believed migrants are stashed until they can be brought inland under the cover of darkness.

“There are floating bases out there, with small patrol boats both coming through from the Waini and at the mouth of the Pomeroon River. There are a number of places where you have, for

Minister Benn noted that one of the complications the authorities have had to deal with, is the fact that many of these Venezuelan migrants already have family or/and friends residing in Guyana. Some of them even have Guyanese parentage.

“One of the issues with it is that, strangely enough or maybe not strangely, many of them actually have Guyanese roots. Or already have family in Guyana, which complicates matters. But we’ve had the immigration and the Police taking down all their details for us to have a much clearer picture of what it is.”

At least 80 Venezuelans were smuggled into the country via the Atlantic Ocean at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), a few days ago. The Venezuelans,

to the migrants includes registration and regularisation services, socio-economic and cultural integration into the Guyanese society and the provision of healthcare and education for migrant children.

Despite the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela and the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Government of Guyana has taken a policy decision to offer humanitarian assistance to migrants fleeing from Venezuela.

Noteworthy is that a significant number are the Warraus, one of the Indigenous groups from Venezuela whose sister group of Warraus live in Guyana in Region One (Barima-Waini), close to the border. The

Government has put on record that this group poses the greatest concern from a

health and socio-economic perspective.

Some of the Venezuelan migrants who arrived on Thursday at Tuschen (Gordon Mosely photos)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

Rotary Club collects 67 units of blood during State House drive

In direct response to a current shortage at the National Blood Bank, President Dr Irfaan Ali on

“[These] donations will make a real difference in the lives of individuals in our community who depend

their health and well-being,” the Club President stated.

Kissoon expressed his

ing Presidential Guards and Police in training participated in the drive and donated units of blood.

tory of serving the community, and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

It said blood donation is a simple yet incredibly powerful way to give back and support local hospitals and healthcare systems. In the past, the Rotary Club has partnered with the Rotaract Club of Georgetown and Rotaract Club of University of Guyana.

surgical patients, cancer patients, and those with chronic illnesses. By participating in our blood drive, you are directly contributing to the well-being of your fellow community members,” the Club had said prior to Saturday’s drive.

The Rotary Club of Georgetown is a dedicated group of professionals and community leaders who are committed to serving the lo-

Saturday hosted the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s blood drive at State House.

Through the drive, the Rotary Club managed to secure over 67 units of blood through donations from dozens of participants.

President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown, Devindra Kissoon disclosed that the life-saving initiative, which ran from 09:00h to 15:00h, was a “huge success” and will impact more than 200 lives.

on blood transfusions for

gratitude to all participants

and donors for making it an extremely successful event.

He also extended his gratitude to President Irfaan Ali for his unbridled support, by not only encouraging donors but providing lunch for over 100 persons.

According to a post on President Ali’s Facebook page, some 46 members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) includ-

During Saturday’s exercise, blood pressure and blood sugar testing were also available for participants.

The Rotary Club of Georgetown has a long his-

“Donating blood is a noble act that can save lives. Every drop of blood has the potential to make a difference for someone in a medical crisis. Your donation can help accident victims,

cal community through various initiatives and projects. With a focus on fellowship, service, and community engagement, they work together to make Georgetown a better place for all.

President Dr Irfaan Ali with members of the Rotary Club and other volunteers at Saturday’s blood drive held at State House

President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown, Devindra Kissoon, donating blood on Saturday

Donors participating in Saturday’s blood drive at State House

Mohamed family hands over 2 new houses to amputee, caretaker

“While ribbons are being cut to open big establishments, the Mohameds are cutting ribbons to make the lives of the poor more comfortable,” were the words of A Mohamed after handing over brand-new

Demerara, on Saturday.

In the first instance, 52-year-old Salim was in all praises to the Mohameds for shaping his future.

Back in 2012, Salim was charged with murder after which his family disowned

and he was fortunate to have met a relative who was also a close associate of Nazar Mohamed.

Salim narrated his story to the relative, who in turn told Mohamed of his plight. It was at this point, the businessman immediately sought legal representation for Salim.

After years of fighting the case, Salim was eventually freed of the murder charge in 2018.

He has credited his reintegration into society to Nazar Mohamed, who worked with him through difficult times and rehabilitation.

The father of three formerly of Wakenaam Island has now become a staunch Muslim and has attended mosque every day for the past six years. Prior to the murder, he described himself as a drunkard without ambition.

Today, he is the proud owner of a two-bedroom concrete house, all thanks to the Mohameds.

The house was officially handed over to Salim on Saturday by the younger Mohamed, Azruddin.

In addition, A Mohamed handed over the keys to the other house at Annandale to Parboo’s wife, Kavita Ajodah, on Saturday.

kind gesture and praised them for always looking out for the poor.

While he remains at the MYO as a caretaker, the

house will be occupied by his brother.

Both houses were constructed by Rasheed Khan to the tune of $19 million.

Meanwhile, Mohamed also noted that his family will continue to support those in need and make a difference in society.

houses to two families on Saturday.

One of the houses was handed over to amputee, Abdool Salim at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara and the other to Bharrat Parboo at Annandale, East Coast

him by cutting all contact.

The act was more or less, self-defence. Nevertheless, he was remanded to prison awaiting trial.

However, whilst in prison, members of the Muslim community hosted a prayer service with the inmates

Parboo has practically lived his entire life at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) but has been taking care of the facility for about nine years now.

He expressed gratitude to the Mohameds for their

A Mohamed watches as one of the beneficiaries cuts the ribbon to their new home

Guyana, UAE discuss climate security, agri, infrastructure development

President Dr Irfaan Ali has led bilateral discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his delegation at State House on Saturday.

A post on the President’s social media page has said the meeting focused on strengthening relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including climate security, ICTs, research and development, agriculture

and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar; and National ICT Advisor Darryl Akeung joined President Ali at that meeting.

The UAE Non-Resident Ambassador to Guyana, Saleh Ahmed Alsuwaidi; Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade

Affairs, Saeed Al Hajeri; and Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar Saif Ghobash, were among the visiting officials.

In June, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, was in Guyana for a one-day visit to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Minister Al Hashimy, during that visit, participated in the sod-turning ceremony for a facility for persons with disabil -

Modern ways needed for increased production – Agri Minister

As Guyana continues to push its food security agenda, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday outlined to farmers in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) that they need to adopt new and modern techniques in order to increase their productive output. His comments were made on the eve of Agriculture Month.

Region Five is an agriculturally-based region, being the country’s leading cattle-producing region. Apart from that, cash crops and rice are produced in the region. However, residents of Bath Settlement, most of whom are cash crop farmers, recently met with Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, who has ministerial responsibilities for the Region, and aired some of their concerns.

Minister Parag arranged for Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to meet with the farmers, and he met with them on Saturday. Among the issues raised at that meeting is the need for fresh water for cash crop farmers.

The farmers also complained of the spraying of waterways to kill unwanted vegetation. They said it adversely affects their crops.

According to Mustapha, this issue was addressed even before the meeting was arranged. He pointed out that after hearing some of

the problems, he had contacted the Guyana Water Inc. and ensured the necessary arrangements were put in place for water to be available for those farmers. Some farmers thanked the Agriculture Minister for his timely intervention.

Meanwhile, one farmer, Seenarine Persaud, pointed out that one of the major problems affecting cash crop farmers is the destruction of their crops by cattle. Another farmer, Mahindra Sanmoogan, retaliated by saying that many cash crop farmers do not have their plots fenced. He said cash crop farmers should not be blaming cattle farmers when animals damage their crops if their areas are not protected from animals.

Responding, Mustapha said those who have cat-

tle, pigs, or small ruminants have a responsibility to ensure those animals do not go into farmers’ fields, regardless of whether those fields are not fenced.

Mustapha has called on farmers to modernise the way in which they practise agriculture. He says this would result in higher yields.

“The things that you all raised are conflicts that existed in this country for centuries. The cattle and rice conflict and things that you all raised are things that existed in this county for years. We have to (find) a solution, and many farmers - be it livestock, cash crop or cattle farmers - who have been doing things the same way that their foreparents did when they came to Guyana and expect better results, they can’t,” the Agriculture Minister pointed out. (G4)

ity at Crane, West Coast Demerara. The facility was funded by the UAE Government.

President Ali and Minister Al Hashimy first met in October 2021, when the Guyanese Leader visited the UAE. During that visit, the two countries inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance technical assistance and cooperation.

The agreement was signed by the Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni

Singh, and Minister Al Hashimy, who was the Managing Director for Expo2020 Dubai, in which Guyana participated.

The two officials had also met in Nassau, Bahamas on the sidelines of the 44th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) back in February this year.

During that engagement, President Ali and Minister Al Hashimy discussed preparation plans for COP 28, which will be held in

the UAE from November 30 to December 12, and Guyana’s partnership with the UAE regarding the conference.

Other issues discussed during that meeting included carbon credits, innovation, science and technology in the context of climate security, energy security, and food security.

Minister Al Hashimy first visited Guyana in January 2016, when she had met with then President David Granger and his Cabinet Members.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali greeting United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan at State House on Saturday

Prime Minister Mark Phillps greeting the visiting UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Also in photo is Guyana’s Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha meeting with farmers

Flooding in New York Rain eases, but flood risks remain, officials warn

Heavy rain caused serious flooding across the region on Friday, leading Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency as rising waters disrupted travel and stranded people in cars and homes.

Heavy rainfall pounded New York City and the surrounding region on Friday, bringing flash floods, shutting down entire subway lines, turning major roadways into lakes and sending children to the upper floors of flooding schoolhouses. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, urging New Yorkers to stay home and singling out those who live in basements to brace for the worst.

State and city leaders implored residents not to underestimate a storm that flipped from falling rain to fire-hose torrents in minutes. Ms. Hochul called it a “life-threatening rainfall event,” and Mayor Eric Adams called the storm “something that we cannot take lightly and we are not taking lightly.” The city’s residents, while largely caught by surprise, took heed and many stayed home and off the roads.

Sukkot, a Jewish harvest festival that was to begin

ebrate under the sky.

Rabbi Jonathan Leener of the Prospect Heights Shul in Brooklyn said that tradition allows for improvisation if necessary. The torrential rain that inundated New York City on Friday made for just such an occasion.

By Friday afternoon, the sky over Manhattan had calmed and the rain had slowed to a small drizzle. But Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers not to be fooled by the reprieve, and to continue exercising caution.

“We’re still in the throes of it,” she said in an interview on CNN. “My biggest concern right now is that people will see a lull in the rain and people will go out in their vehicles.”

It’s an unfortunate fact: Standard homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies don’t cover damages caused by flooding.

People who live in floodprone areas are generally required by their mortgage lenders to buy a separate flood insurance policy. But if you own your home outright, or rent it, you need to do your own cost-benefit analysis and decide whether to buy such coverage.

In Mamaroneck, N.Y.,

two converging rivers to overflow. It is a familiar procedure there for residents and emergency workers. The Westchester town went through a similar — though not quite as severe — process two years ago during Hurricane Ida, which caused millions of dollars in damages.

Michael Portillo, 18, and his family had to evacuate their building when water rose waist-deep in their firstfloor apartment on Friday. They grabbed some clothes and some food but did not know where they would go for shelter.

Torrential rain coincided with high tide on the Hudson River this morning, causing severe flooding in parts of Hoboken, N.J., said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “The timing was not ideal, but we don’t pick the timing. Mother Nature does,” Mr. Bhalla said, adding that the city was expected to get even more rain over the next several hours and through the weekend. “We are ready for this evening, he said, “but we caution all residents to please stay off the streets.”

Hoboken, much of which sits below sea level, has a long history of flooding, the mayor noted, and the city

morning, flooding is “inevitable,” he said.

In a string of media appearances, Mayor Eric Adams continued to push back on criticism of his management of the storm. Asked about remarks by the Brooklyn borough president that the city should have done a better job of warning about the storm, Adams said elected officials should have been out helping inform their constituents. “This is not a time for tweets and news releases,” Adams said. “It’s time to be in the streets.”

Janno Lieber, the M.T.A. chair, said that by the end of the day, the city will have gotten as much rain as it normally gets in two to three months. “This is really, as the governor said, historic,” he said.

Parked cars across the five boroughs, but especially those in Brooklyn and

Queens, had no defense against the rising water

“Don’t try to turn it on,” said Kathy Zhunio, a me-

Friday night, is traditionally celebrated outside. As night falls, Jews gather in a sukkah, a temporary structure with a roof made of branches and leaves, to eat and cel-

rescue squads used boats, front-end loaders and fire trucks to carry people out of houses and apartment buildings on flooded streets on Friday as rain caused

has made infrastructure improvements in recent years to mitigate the frequency and severity of floods. But when rain falls as hard and as quickly as it did on Friday

as heavy rains continued on Friday. On waterlogged streets around the city, cars sat idle, stranded in rainwater flooding over the curbs. So what should car owners do?

chanic at East River Auto in Astoria, Queens. “If the water goes into the engine, you will blow out your engine, which will worsen the problem.” (Excerpted from New York Times)

The Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, set to begin on Friday night, is traditionally celebrated outside. But tradition also allows for improvisation (Credit...Jake Offenhartz/Associated Press)

Special Operations Unit rescue personnel with the Westchester County Emergency Services paddle in rafts in heavy flooding in Mamaroneck, N.Y (Credit...Mike Segar/Reuters)

Starting your car when it’s sitting in water can cause some serious damage, mechanics say (Credit...Ahmed Gaber for The New York Times)

Cars driving through a flooded street near the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn on Friday (Credit...Anna Watts for The New York Times)

Early-morning shooting near US-Mexico border leaves 2 migrants dead

Supervisors at Chilean mine reject contract offer, strike possible

The union of supervisors at Chile's Escondida mine on Friday rejected a contract offer from mine owner BHP, paving the way for a strike, the union told Reuters, while the company said it would request Government mediation.

The proposed contract was rejected with nearly 99% of the vote according to the union which counts over 900 members.

In a statement, the union said it would continue to seek its objectives, including "pay increases, equal pay for men and women, fair payment of bonuses and respect for working hours," adding it would use "all available means to do

so."

The union says BHP is looking to reduce benefits and production bonuses while extending working hours.

The parties are set to begin a five-day mediation process under Government supervision that can be extended another five days if the parties come close to reaching a deal.

BHP said in a statement one of the dialogue options was a mandatory mediation before labour inspectors. If BHP does not officially request mediation, the strike would begin on Oct 4.

"The company reaffirms its permanent willingness to dialogue and seek an agree-

ment beneficial to the workers, that takes into account current challenges and longterm forecasts," it added.

Meanwhile, BHP said, the mine will keep operating as normal.

Though the sprawling Escondida mine could continue to operate even if supervisors walked off the job, a strike could lead to production bottlenecks or slowdowns.

Chile's powerful Union 1 worker union said it would stand in solidarity with the Escondida supervisors and ensure that no "illegal replacements" came on the job in the event of a work stoppage. (Reuters)

Two Mexican migrants have been shot to death on the Mexican side of the border with the United States, Mexico’s National Migration Institute said.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning. Another three people suffered gunshot wounds but were assisted by one of the institute’s emergency rescue teams, along with nine others who were not injured.

Rescue services found the group of 14 Mexican nationals at dawn on Cuchuma Hill near Tecate, a city in the border state of Baja

California. By the time rescuers climbed up to meet the group, two migrants were already dead.

The harsh desert hill is considered a sacred site by at least one Mexican Indigenous group, but it is also used by human smugglers.

The cause of the shooting is not known, but border crossings in certain regions can involve agreements with local cartels for the right of passage. Migrants and asylum seekers are sometimes shot if their smuggler is working for a rival gang or if they haven’t paid passage rights.

Migrants and asylum seekers are also often robbed by roving gangs of thieves and kidnappers in border areas.

In one notable case in 2021, Tamaulipas state police shot and killed 19 people on the border, including at least 14 Guatemalan migrants. A court recently convicted 11 officers of homicide.

The two dead in Tecate are the latest in a rapidly growing number of migrants and asylum seekers killed or injured on Mexico’s northern and southern borders in a desperate bid to reach the US. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

OAS warns of constitutional 'violations' in Guatemala following election

The Organisation of American States (OAS) said on Friday that Guatemala's Attorney General's latest actions against electoral authorities are an "intolerable violation" of the country's Constitution, in one of its strongest condemnations yet.

The Central American country's Attorney General team conducted a fresh raid on the offices of the national electoral authority, which the OAS sees as political persecution, the statement said.

Bernardo Arevalo, who campaigned on pledges to tackle corruption, resoundingly won the Aug 20 run-off election, but his victory has been overshadowed by a bitter post-election battle from his adversaries.

Prior to the final vote, prosecutors moved to suspend his party, Semilla, alleging registration flaws.

They have also conducted raids on the party's headquarters and the country's electoral authority office, prompting an international outcry.

"An attack of this nature... constitutes a shameful example for the hemisphere.

The Attorney General's office has decided to ignore the numerous calls of the international community and its behavior violates democratic standards," the OAS statement said.

Earlier this month, the United States urged Guatemalan authorities to end their "intimidation efforts" targeting election officials and members of the party voted to power. (Reuters)

Police in Cayman seize gun allegedly linked to killings in Jamaica

Cayman Islands’ Police Commissioner, Derek Byrne says members of the Police Force recently seized a firearm that was reportedly used in at least five murders in Jamaica.

Speaking with reporters, Byrne, who will be leaving the post in less than a week, said one of the many enhancements he has presided over during the last seven years was the development of ballistics, and based on this, the territory is now a regional hub for firearms forensics.

Since he took over the reins of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Byrne has presided over the most significant budgets in

Panama Canal trims vessel passage quota again to deal with severe drought

Daily ship crossings on the Panama Canal, one of the world's main maritime trade routes, will be reduced to 31 from 32 to soften the impact from a severe drought that is expected to last until next year, the authorities managing the canal said.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) in recent months has imposed various passage restrictions to conserve water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorisations, which are normally 36 per day.

ACP said late on Friday that due to the ongoing water crisis, it "finds it necessary to implement additional changes," with the new rules implemented from Nov 1.

The daily crossings will see nine ships pass through the Neopanamax lock and 22 through the Panamax lock, the ACP said, while transit reservation quotas will be adjusted to a maximum of 30 per day.

To avoid delays and ship

backlogs, the ACP will also offer a new schedule for the Neopanamax locks and the Panamax locks, part of efforts to allow customers to adjust their itineraries and reduce waiting times for vessels that do not have a daily transit schedule.

Experts have warned of possible disruptions to maritime trade in the face of what is shaping up to be an even drier period next year.

They argue that a possi-

ble early start to Panama's dry season and above-average temperatures could increase evaporation and lead to near-record-low water levels in April.

The restrictions have generated long queues of waiting vessels, although the canal administration said Friday that levels were normal. The effects have led the canal to estimate a reduction in revenues of up to US$200 million by 2024. (Reuters)

its history, adding that the enhancements of the service led to significant successes, such as connecting the gun Police seized with the five killings in Jamaica dating back to 2019.

He said the weapon, which somehow made its way to the Cayman Islands, is now part of a major investigation.

Indicating that the relationship with Jamaica remains very important, the Police Commissioner said many of the guns found in the Cayman have Jamaican origins. He also highlighted Jamaica as a source for most marijuana and other drug shipments. (Jamaica Observer)

T&T: Girl, 13, killed while asleep in bed days after reporting alleged sexual assault

A13-year-old girl and her uncle were killed, while her father was critically wounded, during a brutal attack at their Rio Claro home.

While a motive is still under investigation, Police confirmed that teenager Andrea Lallan and her father Eddy Lallan were recently threatened, after the teenager alleged she was raped by a couple.

Andrea’s uncle Sylvan, who was a paraplegic, recently moved back into his brother’s home at Old Mayaro Road, Libertyville.

Andrea’s father was shot

in the neck area but managed to make his way by a nearby neighbour’s home. The neighbour took him to the health centre, where he was treated and transferred to the Sangre Grande Hospital.

Police believe the family was asleep when the killer/s stormed the house.

Neighbours told Guardian Media that around 2 am, they heard about nine gunshots but did not venture out of their homes.

When Police got to the home, they found Andrea’s body on a bed in her bedroom and the uncle’s body on

some cushions on the floor, where he slept. Andrea was a Standard Four student at St Therese RC School in Rio Claro.

While the murders rocked the quiet community, neighbours declined to comment on the incident. They said the Lallans kept to themselves.

One of the residents said he last saw Eddy and his daughter around 8 pm when the Police brought them home in a Police vehicle. She would have gone to the Police station in relation to her sexual assault matter. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Members of Grupo Beta, a Government aid service for migrants, treated the injured after an attack on Cuchuma Hill near Tecate, Mexico, on September 29 [Mexico’s National Institute of Migration/ Handout via Reuters]

Monrovia NSU Challenger bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023

Around the World OIL NEWS

US House passes bipartisan Bill to avoid Government shutdown

OPEC+ panel unlikely to tweak oil policy at Wednesday's meeting, sources say

OPEC+ is unlikely to tweak its current oil output policy when a panel meets next Wednesday, four OPEC+ sources told Reuters, as tighter supplies and rising demand drive an oil price rally.

Ministers from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies led by Russia, known as OPEC+, meet on Oct 4. The panel, called the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, can call for a full OPEC+ meeting if warranted.

Oil has jumped towards US$100 a barrel for Brent crude, the highest since 2022, as tighter supply, due partly to OPEC+ output cuts and rising demand, outweighs concern about stubborn inflation and weaker economic growth.

Four OPEC+ sources who declined to be named said the committee would probably not make any changes to existing policy during Wednesday's online meeting.

"Nothing has been discussed. It will probably be a normal meeting with emphasis on the OPEC+ agreement," one of the sources said.

OPEC's headquarters in Vienna, Austria and the Saudi Energy Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

In focus will be an expected update on plans by Saudi Arabia and Russia on their voluntary cuts. On Sept 5, they extended cuts amounting to 1.3 million barrels per day to the end of the year and said they would review the cut decisions monthly.

With oil rallying, some analysts have cited an increasing probability the Saudi voluntary cuts will be reduced. Others expect the curbs to be extended into 2024.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who chairs the JMMC, earlier this month said OPEC+ cuts were needed to stabilise the market, and prices were not being targeted.

The Saudi and Russian cuts are on top of earlier curbs announced since late 2022. The next full OPEC+ meeting is not until November. (Reuters)

India’s monsoon rainfall this year was its lowest since 2018 as the El Nino weather pattern made August the driest in more than a century, the state-run weather department said on Saturday, which is likely to affect agricultural production.

El Nino is a warming of Pacific waters that is typically accompanied by drier conditions over the Indian subcontinent.

The monsoon, which is vital for India’s $3 trillion economy, contributes more than 70 percent of the rain the country needs to water crops and replenish reservoirs and aquifers.

Nearly half of the farmland in the world’s most populous nation lacks irrigation, making the monsoon rains even more vital for agricultural production.

The summer rainfall deficit could make staples such as sugar, pulses, rice, and vegetables more expensive and lift overall food inflation.

The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding Bill on Saturday with overwhelming Democratic support after Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy backed down from an earlier demand by party hardliners for a partisan Bill.

Time remained short to avoid the Federal Government's fourth partial shutdown in a decade, which will begin at 12:01 am ET (0401 GMT) today unless the Democraticmajority Senate passes it and President Joe Biden signs it into law in time.

McCarthy abandoned party hardliners' earlier insistence that any Bill

pass the chamber with only Republican votes, a change that could cause one of his

far-right members to try to oust him from his leadership role.

The House voted 33591 to fund the Government for another 45 days, with more Democrats than Republicans supporting it.

The move marked a profound shift from earlier in the week, when a shutdown looked all but inevitable. A shutdown would mean that most of the Government's 4 million employees would not get paid - whether they were working or not - and also would shutter a range of federal services, from National Parks to financial regulators.

Federal agencies had already drawn up detailed plans that spell out what services would continue, like airport screening and border patrols, and what must shut down, like scientific research and nutrition aid to 7 million poor mothers.

Some 209 Democrats supported the Bill, far more than the 126 Republicans who did so, and Democrats described the result as a win. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine's air force shot down 30 out of 40 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones launched by Russia in an overnight attack on central and southern regions, regional and military officials said on Saturday.

The South Military command said that 20 drones were shot down in the central Vinnytsia region and another 10 over the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions in the south.

pact the economy".

Russia has intensified air attacks on Ukrainian grain export infrastructure on the Danube River and in the port of Odesa since July, when Moscow quit a UN-brokered deal that allowed safe Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea.

Israeli conscripts banned as guards after allegations of sex with Palestinian inmate

Lower production could also prompt India, the world’s second-biggest producer of rice, wheat, and sugar, to impose more curbs on exports of these commodities amid soaring global food prices. Rainfall over the country from June to September was 94 percent of its long-period average, the lowest since 2018, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a statement.

The IMD had anticipated a rainfall deficit of 4 percent for the season, assuming limited impact from El Nino.

The monsoon was uneven, with June rains nine percent below average because of the delay in the arrival of rains, but July rains rebounded to 13 percent above average.

August was the driest on record with a 36 percent deficit, but again in September rainfall revived and the country received 13 percent more rainfall than normal, the IMD said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for the southern command, told Ukrainian TV that Russia continued to attack port infrastructure, including on the Danube river, and was also attempting to strike critical infrastructure facilities in other Ukrainian regions "to im -

Serhiy Borzov, the Vinnytsia regional governor, said that an infrastructure facility was hit in the region, causing a powerful fire. He gave no other details about the damage.

Regional authorities also said that three people were injured in the southern Kherson region which is close to the frontlines and frequently comes under artillery shelling. (Reuters)

Six dead and 15 trapped in Zimbabwe gold mine collapse

Six people have died and 15 others are trapped, after a mine shaft collapsed in Zimbabwe, state media report.

The collapse of Bay Horse gold mine in Chegutu, 100km (62 miles) west of the capital Harare on Friday morning left more than 30 people trapped.

Thirteen miners are said to have escaped or been rescued.

Efforts to reach those who remain underground are ongoing, television channel ZBC reported. It is not known what caused the collapse.

The Zimbabwe Miners

Federation said its Secretary General and the Chegutu Miners Association Chairman would go to the site to try to establish what happened.

Mining accidents in Zimbabwe - which sits on vast reserves of gold, platinum and diamonds - are not uncommon. Mining methods are often rudimentary and safety standards are largely disregarded.

In 2019, dozens of miners drowned after heavy rain flooded the Silver Moon and Cricket mines near the town of Kadoma in the centre of the country. (BBC News)

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said female soldiers will be banned from being guards in high security prisons

Female Israeli soldiers are to be banned from serving as high security prison guards after allegations of sex with a Palestinian inmate.

Israeli media say a soldier admitted to physical intimacy with a Palestinian man said to have carried out a deadly attack on Israeli civilians.

The woman is thought to have been on military service which is compulsory for the majority of Israelis.

Women must serve for at least two years and men for 32 months.

The name of the soldier and the inmate serving a life sentence have not been released.

The court hearing the case ordered that other details including the location of the prison should not be revealed.

Israeli media also reported that during questioning, the soldier - who has been arrested - claimed four other women had also had intimate relations with the same man.

The Palestinian inmate was transferred from his cell

to a segregated wing ahead of questioning, the Israeli Prison Service (IPS) said.

On Friday, IPS chief Katy Perry and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that female soldiers would no longer serve in high security prisons holding Palestinian "terrorists".

Israeli media quoted Ben-Gvir as saying that by mid-2025 "not a single female soldier will remain in the security prisoners' wings".

There have been repeated calls for the service of female Israeli soldiers in high-security Israeli prisons to be halted. However, these previously stalled because of a lack of staff to replace them.

Last year, Israeli ministers ordered an investigation after a scandal at one jail in which it was alleged that Palestinian convicts had assaulted and raped female soldiers serving as prison guards and that some senior prison officers had "pimped out" the conscripts.

(BBC News)

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) gestures as he speaks to reporters in the US Capitol after the House of Representatives passed a stopgap Government funding Bill to avert an immediate Government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, US September 30, 2023

Ukraine shoots down 30 drones over south, centre, officials say

India receives lowest rains in 5 years, agricultural production to be hit

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)

Tread carefully, look before you leap and stick to what you know and trust. Change may tempt you, but you aren’t likely to get an accurate picture without a thorough investigation.

Believe in yourself and what you can do. Distance yourself from manipulative individuals who try to take advantage of you. Reconfigure your approach to life.

Pick up the pace and do your part. Engage in events that encourage getting fit and eating healthy. A lifestyle change that helps you say no to temptation will give you a big boost.

Call on those you trust to help. Use your voice, stand up for your rights and make a difference. Choose a path that’s appropriate to your standards and financial situation.

Slow down, note what’s happening and put things in perspective before you act. Focus on maintaining your peace of mind and protecting your emotional well-being.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

CANCER CAPRICORN

Consider your options and get moving. Pursue situations that offer you a spotlight to share your thoughts. Discussions will encourage you to make positive adjustments.

Put your energy to good use. Reach out and help others, and you will receive help when you need it. Let your actions be your calling card and your insight be your ticket to better relationships.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll encounter unreliable people and shaky propositions. Ask questions and don’t hesitate to say no or walk away. Protect yourself and your reputation, and stick to the truth.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Listen more and say less. Protect what’s yours from those trying to take advantage of you. Follow up on any offer you receive to ensure it isn’t misleading. Simplify your life.

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Make domestic changes to suit your needs and protect yourself from anyone trying to take advantage of you. Anger won’t solve problems. Take action to ensure your safety.

AQUARIUS

Take care of health, financial and legal arrangements. Look for a unique approach that will sideline anyone trying to compromise your plans. A change someone makes will be revealing of their intentions. Do what’s necessary.

PISCES

Revisit old ideas and plans. With some updates, you’ll find a direct route to someone or something you want to pursue. An open mind will encourage growth and a unique approach to what’s possible.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

GFF boss Forde conducts outreach to Bartica

Accompanied by Competitions

Director Troy Peters, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde recently completed a successful two-day outreach to Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), between September 22nd and 23rd, wherein he engaged in productive discussions about the ongoing grassroots programmes with the Bartica Football Association (BFA) Executive Committee.

President Forde held meetings with Bartica Mayor Anthony Murray, BFA President Alden Marlowe, local clubs and other key regional stakeholders, and commended BFA President Marslowe and his

driving positive change, nurturing grassroots talent, and providing essential football gear and funds for senior programmes across Guyana.

President Forde indicated, “The Academy Training Centre in Bartica is experiencing a steady increase in children attending the Saturday morning grassroots programme. The increased number of young girls attending these sessions (is) an encouraging sign of the progress the BFA is making in expanding the participation levels at the Academy, and this is exactly what the M-FAP programme was designed to achieve.”

The purpose of the official two-day visit to Region Seven was to review the

in August, and saw a successful rollout in Bartica, with nearly 100 young boys and girls between the ages of five and twelve attending. The summer sessions, aimed at cultivating a passion for football and providing valuable developmental opportunities for aspiring young footballers, ended in early September with an exciting football festival which was attended by parents and members of the community.

During the trip, President Forde also distributed football equipment to local clubs in Bartica, recognising their valuable contributions to the senior men's league. The current league features eight clubs competing for the title.

his Executive Committee and the clubs. It was therefore important for the GFF to reward these clubs with a full complement of football development equipment,” Forde explained.

“Each club was tasked with the responsibility of es-

tablishing their own grassroots programme, and (have) at least one female youth team to compete in BFA competitions,” he added.

The GFF remains committed to working closely with the BFA and other regional associations to foster,

through M-FAP, the growth and development of football throughout Guyana in the areas of Administration and Operations, Equipment and Material, Competition and Technical Development, and Infrastructure Development.

Rain washes out England’s World Cup warm-up match against India

England's second warm-up game, against Bangladesh on Monday, is also at the Barsapara Cricket Ground in Guwahati

England's World Cup warm-up match against India has been abandoned without a ball being bowled, because of rain in Guwahati. The toss had already taken place, with India skipper Rohit Sharma opting to bat first, before the rain arrived.

England are going to India as current holders of the 50-over title, after dramatically beating New Zealand on boundary countback following a tie in the 2019 final at Lord's.

dedicated team for their exemplary implementation of the M-FAP-funded GFF Summer Grassroots and Academy Training Centre (ATC) programmes, as well as the ongoing success of the senior men's league.

The M-FAP initiative has played a crucial role in

BFA’s M-FAP funding usage and strengthen collaboration between the GFF and the BFA, with a specific focus on youth football initiatives.

The inaugural GFF Summer Grassroots programme was launched nationwide by President Forde

“The BFA is playing a two-round Senior Men’s League, which gives each team 16 competitive games in the 2023 season. This is a remarkable achievement that was only possible because of the hard work, leadership, and dedication of President Alden Marslowe,

England had named 13 players, with bowlers Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson missing out from their 15man squad. Their second and final warm-up match is against Bangladesh on Monday, before they start their title defence against New Zealand on Thursday (09:30 BST).

Monday's game will be the last chance England have to give fast bowler Mark Wood and leg-spinner Adil Rashid some match action, the pair having not played since 31 July and 8 September respectively, because of injuries.

Saturday's other warmup game between Australia and the Netherlands was also abandoned in Thiruvananthapuram. The start was delayed because of rain, and then a wet outfield, and the game was eventually reduced to 23 overs per side.

Steve Smith, promoted to open the batting as Australia looked to give time in the middle to certain players, made 55 as they posted 166-7 after winning the toss.

Mitchell Starc then took a hat-trick - across the final two balls of the first over and the first of the third - but the rain returned with the Netherlands on 84-6 after 14.2 overs.

Starc's hat-trick will not be officially registered though, with the warm-up games not carrying official one-day international status because sides are able to use their full 15-man squads. New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets on Friday, with captain Kane Williamson making an unbeaten half-century in his first appearance since March.

Williamson, who is recovering from a knee injury, will miss the Kiwis' game against England on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Bangladesh cruised to a seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka, while the South Africa-Afghanistan match was abandoned.

There are no warm-up games on Sunday, and New Zealand face South Africa in Monday's other game. The remaining six sides in the tournament play on Tuesday. (BBC Sport)

The outreach to Bartica was conducted to strengthen ties and review M-FAP funding usage

GFF President Wayne Forde interacting with young ballers in Bartica

GFF, USA’s Blackpool establish player-scouting network

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), represented by its President Wayne Forde, has signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding with Blackpool Sports Club of North America (BSCNA) to establish an International Player Scouting Network (IPSN) to provide Guyanese players with unparalleled opportunities for global exposure in diverse football environments.

The three-year MoU was signed on September 28 between President Forde and BSCNA President Renaud Peters to establish the GFF’s first International Player Scouting Network (IPSN) for the structured identification, recruitment, and retention of players.

The new partnership also facilitates the seamless coordination of international scouting camps to foster stronger connections with the global Guyanese diaspora football community.

BSCNA is a Guyanese football club established in the late 1960s in the United States with the primary objective of promoting and popularising Guyanese football within the diaspora community. Founded by passionate individuals who were once members of the local youth team St. Sidwell’s Rovers, BSCNA is a driving force in advancing the sport and representing the spirit of Guyanese football across the United States and beyond.

President Wayne Forde has said the GFF continues to foster collaboration and engagement with the Guyanese diaspora worldwide through partnerships with organisations that share a common goal of showcasing the incredible talent and potential of Guyanese football players.

"The GFF continues to explore new opportunities to collaborate and engage with the Guyanese diaspora in every corner of the planet. The Blackpool organization has a deep repertoire of football knowledge, experience, coupled with a wide network of Guyanese who maintain an ac-

tive interest in Guyana's football,” he said.

Forde has noted that with BSCNA’s wealth of football knowledge and experience, “we believe that together we can achieve great things through our shared commitment to lifting the profile of our national teams on the international stage."

GFF and BSCNA have said they are fully committed to successful realisation of the shared objectives outlined in the MoU, and BSCNA President Peters has said the agreement is a tangible step towards maintaining a competitive pool of talented footballers for the purpose of

Comms Bank T20I series 2023…

West Indies Women vs Australia bowls off today

Team Management

* Shane Deitz (Head Coach)

* Sheena Gooding (Team Manager)

* Damien Wright (Assistant Coach)

* Ryan Austin (Assistant Coach)

* Tajay Grant (Physiotherapist)

* Antonia Burton (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

* Gary Belle (Performance Analyst)

* Dr. Nadine Sammy (Mental Skills Coach)

representing Guyana.

“I would like to commend the President of the Guyana Football Federation and his staff for entering into this agreement. It represents a tangible step towards addressing the ever present and constant requirement to upgrade and maintain a competitive talent pool of footballers for the purpose of representing Guyana. As the oldest and most suc-

cessful Guyanese football club in the diaspora, Blackpool Sports Club of North America (BSCNA) eagerly looks forward to playing a part through a coordinated, transparent, and focused effort to identify eligible football players, wherever they may reside, to represent Guyana,” BSCNA President Renaud Peters has said.

He added: “We expect that these efforts will be a com-

ponent in the resuscitation, progress, and enthusiasm for this wonderful game among Guyanese as Guyana’s football seeks to attain new heights and take its place on the landscape of international football.”

The MoU unites the expertise and resources of both organisations to bolster player development and advance the global promotion of Guyanese football.

Taharally, Rogers to represent Guyana

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) is set to continue its hectic year of competition, and its presence at the third World Championships for this year is being considered an unprecedented feat.

Carlos “the Showstopper” Petterson-Griffith represented the Golden Arrowhead at the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships in Malta in June, while Romeo Hunter and Dominic Tyrell represented the Golden Arrowhead at the World Classic & Equipped SubJunior & Junior Powerlifting Championships in Romania in August-September. These athletes are now passing the baton to Nadina Taharally and Roger Rogers, who, on debut, would be aiming to augment the successful medal

at the regional level, and did so on two occasions at the North American Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida, once in Uruguay, and once in Mexico.

Championships in 2021 in Orlando, Florida, where he made his international debut and chalked up the Pan Am squat and deadlift records in the process. He missed the Commonwealth Championships last year in New Zealand because he was issued his visa late. That would not be a deterrent this time around, as both athletes have already obtained the necessary visas and are scheduled to wing out of Guyana on Monday night for Mongolia.

The iconic North Sydney Oval is abuzz with anticipation as the West Indies Women's team prepare to face Australia in the upcoming Comms Bank T20 International series that starts today, Sunday October 1 (Saturday night Caribbean Time).

West Indies are cautiously confident as they look to upset the home side on Australian turf. The series holds added significance for the West Indies, being their first under the guidance of new head coach Shane Deitz.

His Australian background might offer the Caribbean side a unique perspective on the challenges and nuances of playing Down Under. Such insights could prove invaluable in the closely contested matches ahead.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, exuding a quiet confidence, asserted: “We're definitely ready for the challenge. Here, in Australia, we feel we have nothing to lose, and every opportunity to play some truly competitive cricket."

The Windies women’s re-

cent morale-boosting victory against New South Wales in a preparatory match further underscores their intent.

Shining a light on the team's fresh talent, Matthews noted: “Our young players are eager. They're here without the burden of expectations, ready to seize every chance they get in the middle to showcase their skills. Their enthusiasm might just translate into some stellar performances.”

Full Squad

* Hayley Matthews (captain)

* Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain)

* Aaliyah Alleyne

* Shamilia Connell

* Afy Fletcher

* Cherry-Ann Fraser

* Shabika Gajnabi

* Jannillea Glasgow

* Chinelle Henry

* Zaida James

* Djenaba Joseph

* Ashmini Munisar

* Karishma Ramharack

* Stafanie Taylor

* Rashada Williams

* Naasira Mohammed (Media Officer)

Match Schedule

October 1: 1st T20I at North Sydney Oval, Sydney – 12:20pm local time (9:20pm

September 30 Eastern Caribbean, 8:20pm Jamaica)

October 2: 2nd T20I at North Sydney Oval, Sydney (night) – 7:05pm local time (4:05am Eastern Caribbean, 3:05am Jamaica)

October 5: 3rd T20I at Allan Border Field, Brisbane (night) – 6:05pm local time (3:05am Eastern Caribbean, 2:05am Jamaica)

October 8: 1st ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane – 9:35am local time (6:35pm

October 7 Eastern Caribbean, 5:35pm Jamaica)

October 12: 2nd ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne –10:05am local time (7:05pm

October 11 Eastern Caribbean, 6:05pm Jamaica)

October 14: 3rd ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne –10:05am local time (7:05pm

October 13 Eastern Caribbean, 6:05pm Jamaica).

hauls of their colleagues in both Malta and Romania.

Taharally would be contesting the Masters 176kg Class of the World Masters Women's Classic Championships, while Rogers would be aiming for glory in the Master 11 120kg category of the World Masters Men's Classic Championships. The action would be taking place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from October 8-15. Both athletes have been training assiduously over the past year, and they have each expressed resolve to perform at their utmost in order to maintain the rich tradition of powerlifting for Guyana.

Taharally’s career in powerlifting commenced in 2015, and she has since been a force to reckon with locally and regionally. Two years into her career, she made the cut to represent Guyana

Having missed out on competing at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand last year due to visa issues, Taharally says this year will be a defining year in her short but very successful career. She is a former bodybuilding and Miss Best Legs winner, as well as the third-placed athlete in the inaugural CrossFit competition event held in Guyana in 2015.

Roger Rogers, like Nadina Taharally, has to date enjoyed a short but successful career in the sport. His first competitive lift on the platform was in 2019, and his performance was so outstanding that he made the national shortlist for 2020.

With sports across the board locally and internationally being curtailed by COVID-19, Rogers became competitive again at the NAPF/Pan American

On behalf of the Executive body and the powerlifting fraternity in Guyana, GAPLF President Franklin Wilson has extended best wishes to both athletes.

“We have been following your progress on the platform, and we have no doubt that you will continue to do yourselves and Guyana proud on the world stage. Your commitment to putting in the hard work, we are sure, will bring the desired rewards when you hit the platform, and we wish you the best,” he said.

Wilson also noted that the year has been very hectic for the new executive body, as Guyana has already competed at three overseas competitions and has medaled at each.

“We have also been able to run off our statutory competitions locally, the Intermediate and Masters as well as Raw Nationals; and we will pull the curtains down on what will be the most hectic year for the sport to date in a calendar year with Senior Nationals on December 10,” Wilson has disclosed.

West Indies Women will go head-to-head against Australia from today

Flashback! Nadina Taharally recorded a new national deadlift record of 170kg (374.7lb), a PB for her, in 2021 (Franklin Wilson photo)

Flashback! Debutant Roger Rogers powering his way to a new Pan American Classic M 11 Squat record of 251kg (553.36lb), his PB effort, on his 3rd attempt in 2021 (Franklin Wilson photo)

The Guyana Football Federation has signed an MoU with the BSCNA to establish an international player-scouting network (IPSN)

Sinclair shines in low-scoring thriller on opening day

also finding it difficult to manoeuvre on the pitch. Rampertab Ramnauth fell in the very first over for a duck, after facing only 2 balls. Kevlon Anderson spent only enough time at the crease to produce 7 runs from 20 balls, while Sinclair, who tried his hand at the opening partnership spot, fell to Sherfane Rutherford’s bowling for 19 runs off 22 balls.

from 7.4 overs, consisting of one maiden over. Rutherford picked up two wickets for 18 runs from 5 overs, while Qumar Torrington had another 2 scalps for 22 runs in 4 overs.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior

Intercounty Super50 tournament continues today in Georgetown, where Essequibo will battle the GCB Select XI at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground at Bourda. First ball is expected to be bowled at 9:00hrs.

Defending champions Berbice held their nerve to secure a 27run win in the first game of the Senior Intercounty Super50 tournament, which bowled off on Saturday at the Blairmont Community Centre Ground on the West Bank of Berbice.

While batting on both sides was dismal, Kevin Sinclair conjured a magical arm to rout challengers Demerara in the chase. Defending a meagre target of 133, which Demerara was asked to surpass in 50 overs, Sinclair first showed his intent by rattling the stumps of Tagenarine Chanderpaul

in the second over.

And whereas Chanderpaul contributed a single run to the score from the 8 balls he faced, Mavindra Dindyal was soon out LBW off Shemar Joseph’s bowling, and Demerara Captain Tevin Imlach hasted to join him in the stands after contributing 4 runs from 2 balls before being run out.

At 3-30, the Demerara team was visibly in trouble, and Sinclair harvested four other wickets on the trot to put the Berbician team within reach of a stunning victory.

Richie Looknauth was

the only Demerarian to offer resistance to the home team’s bowling, hitting 36 runs from 44 balls, including 7 fours. However, with wickets falling all around him, Looknauth eventually became another Sinclair victim in the 24th over.

Sinclair ended the game with figures of 7-15 from 9.5 overs, thereby grabbing the ‘man of the match’ accolade. He was ably assisted by Shemar Joseph with 1-18 from 3 overs, and by captain Veerasammy Permaul with 2-12 from 2 overs.

Earlier in the game, Berbice had batted themselves into hot water, they

Smith, Holder bag 100M Gold

Sheama Tyrell grabbed second in 23 minutes, 22 seconds. Kezra Murray completed the race in 24 minutes, 12 seconds for third place.

Athletics action at the NTFC is a three-day event, and is set to conclude today: Sunday, October 1st. The

Romario Shepherd was the standout Berbician batsman, hitting 26 runs from 42 balls, including 4 fours, while Sinclair’s 19 was the next best score.

Brief innings of 18, 15 and 10 from Seon Hetmyer, Seon Glasgow and Clinton Pestano kept Berbice going, but not fast enough, as they were bowled out for 132 inside 32.4 overs.

Steven Sankar was the pick of the bowlers for Demerara, takings 3-22

SBM, VMFA team up for women’s football training project

through sports, education, or capacity building programmes, we can tangibly contribute to Guyana’s upward trajectory towards a prosperous future in its human resources.”

The Senior National Track and Field Championships of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) were staged on Friday evening at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD); and Keliza Smith and Noelex Holder have grabbed the respective women’s and men’s coveted 100M sprint titles.

In the men’s event, which missed participation from Emanuel Archibald due to his Pan Am Games preparation, Holder outclassed the competition to cross the line in 10.36s for the win. Akeem Stewart clocked 10.38s for second, while Shamar Horatio was third in 10.42s.

Keliza Smith maintained her dominance in the women’s version of this race by stopping the clock at 11.66s for first. Casy Small and Tiana Springer completed the podium placements with times of 11.93s and 13.04s respectively.

Marlon Nicholson sent a stern warning to the competition by finishing the 10,000M race in 35 minutes, 52 seconds for the top spot. Cleveland Thomas was second in 37 minutes, 02 seconds, while young Odida Parkinson made a case for himself in 37 minutes, 36 seconds for third.

The women’s 5000M event saw Jelicia Wright crossing the line first in 22 minutes, 40 seconds, while

National Seniors, which were previously cancelled, were subsequently staged after timely completion of the resurfacing of the NTFC track.

Agame-changing developmental programme was launched on Friday morning at the National Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue, and will see 50 young women benefitting from professional football training.

The collaboration between SBM Offshore Guyana and the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), as sponsor and organizer respectively, will reportedly span a year in its initial run.

Former Golden Jaguars player Vurlon Mills, after whom the Academy is named, spoke of the vision of the project and how SBM’s support would impact it positively.

The former national footballer said, “This alliance is not just a partnership; it is a manifestation of our shared dreams to empower the next generation of female football talent. Sponsorship provides the funding for large projects to reach its maximum potential. SBM Offshore Guyana, with their unwavering support, has displayed a profound understanding of the impact of sport on society.

“Mr. Martin, I want to say thanks to you and your team,” Mills added.

SBM Offshore’s General

Manager Martin Chung shed some light on why the company chose to support such an initiative. He said, “This project is one that we are particularly excited to support, especially since it will provide training for 50 aspiring young female footballers in Guyana.

“I take this opportunity to commend Vurlon Mills and his team for undertaking this initiative, for advancing the physical and mental growth of young women,” Chung shared with the gathering of company representatives, female players and coaches.

Chung went on to state, “SBM Offshore places great value on the development of youths, particularly young women. We believe that by investing in young people

Meanwhile, Technical Director at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Bryan Joseph, shared just how impactful the programme would be for developing talent at the grassroots level. He said, “The challenge is not that we don’t have the talent in this country, the challenge is that we have not given that talent a chance, a real chance. This programme, Vurlon, gives grassroots players a real chance. Every young girl should have equal opportunity like every young boy to play international football and represent their county. As it stands, it doesn’t exist. This can be the start of that project.

“So, Vurlon, I want you to understand how important it is,” Joseph urged.

In addition to football training, the SBM Offshore Guyana and VMFA project will seek to conduct life skills sessions for the female players, which will include problem-solving, decision-making, and building communication skills.

Berbice defended a low total to pick up their first win of the tournament

Kevin Sinclair receiving his 'man of the match' accolade from Match Referee Moses Ramphal

Keliza Smith

Noelex Holder

SBM General Manager Martin Chung

Vurlon Mills