Guyana Times -Sunday, September 3, 2023.pdf

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Sep 3 – 07:00h – 08:30h and

Monday, Sep 4 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Sep 3 – 06:30h – 08:00h and

Monday, Sep 4 – 07:15h – 08:45h.

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 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 06:42h and 18:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.79 metres and 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 12:43h reaching a minimum height of 0.49 metre.

8 interconnecting roads to be built between Eccles, Diamond – President …as

$60M roundabout commissioned at Eccles/Haags Bosch

Amassive roundabout was on Saturday commissioned at Eccles/Haags Bosch junction on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), accompanied by the announcement that approximately eight interconnecting roads are likely to be built between Eccles and Diamond, to connect old and new highways.

At the commissioning ceremony for the roundabout, which also features a bronze statue of a Jaguar, President Ali made it clear that the construction was a local effort. He was optimistic that by 2027, more projects in Guyana will be constructed by local talent than foreign.

“This is part of building national pride. It is part of modernising our country. Part of transforming our thinking, our mindset, positioning our thought process to understand that we can be the best and we can do things that can be ranked with the best.”

“And much of the work we’re doing is led by local engineering and contracting skills. This design is one that we take great pride in. And I believe by the time we get to 2027, we will build up such an amazing local contracting pool, that much of our work will be done inhouse,” President Ali said.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

The roundabout, President Ali explained, is part of the overall infrastructural programme connecting the new, US$106 million four lane highway from Ogle to Eccles, to the old EBD highway. According to the President, they will possibly end up with eight interconnecting roads between the old and new highway between Eccles and Diamond, where the bypass road will eventually extend.

“Importantly too, you remember when we opened the Mandela to Eccles Road, we did not complete the connection to Eccles. Now that four-lane connection is completed… a lot of the traffic from Eccles will now be able to come on directly to this highway from Providence, from Peter’s Hall, straight to Georgetown.”

“So hopefully when school reopens, we will not have the types of delays in traffic that we’ve had before. We are going to work, Housing and Public Works, in continuing this road on the Bagotsville stretch, connecting the old highway to this. So that between Eccles and Diamond, you will have perhaps about eight inter-connectors, between the old and the new highway.”

In addition to the bronze representation of Guyana’s national animal, the roundabout also features a fountains and pool. The contractor behind these and other

related works on the roundabout was Build Smart Construction and Supplies.

Roundabout

On the other hand, the roundabout itself was built as part of the budget for the four-lane highway. Minister of Housing Collin Croal subsequently revealed in an interview with this publication that the opening of the roundabout cost approximately $60 million to build.

The commissioned Roundabout at Eccles/ Haags Bosch (Delano Williams photo)

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the commissioning of the Eccles/Haags Bosch Roundabout TURN TO PAGE 7►

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Land Heritage of Indigenous Peoples

It is now almost three decades since the PPP administration announced in 1995 that, henceforth, the month of September would be designated as “Amerindian Heritage Month”, and that the Guyanese State would launch a series of activities annually to bring to the consciousness and weave into the rich tapestry of Guyana the heritage of our Indigenous Peoples. Locked away in the hinterland from the plantation-colonised Coastal region, it was a case of “out of sight, out of mind” to 90% of the populace resident there.

Every year since 1995, Amerindian Heritage Month has been given a theme, but while a comprehensive series of activities were announced, this year, we have not been given a theme as yet. It might very well be that since the ambit of observances, along with the slew of programmes have been unleashed in Amerindian Communities, a “theme” would prove constricting. Most critically, however, since the identity of Indigenous peoples is so inextricably bound up with their land, the continuation of the legalization of titles to the land they occupy is significant.

We cannot fail to point out that Amerindian land titling was subjected to extremely gratuitous attacks from members of the APNU/AFC administration, which continue now they are out of office. Unlike the descendants of Columbus and those they colonised and hegemonised, the Indigenous Peoples view the land they occupy as sacred, since they are sustained in every way through the crops they can grow, the animals they can hunt or fish, the shelters they can build, the cotton fabric they can cover their nakedness with, and the herbs from the forest that provide medicines to cure their ailments. Like most modern men, our coastlanders can learn the true meaning of “environmental consciousness” from our Indigenous Peoples, who have not been completely brainwashed, as most of us are, into believing the earth is to be raped and ravished.

The APNU/AFC Government attempted to undermine - through stratagems such as attempting to subsume Amerindian Land Rights under a Commission of Inquiry into “African Ancestral Land Rights” and wild claims that some Indigenous Peoples are not actually “Indigenous” to Guyana - the authoritative legal acknowledgement of Amerindian Land Rights. Unlike what is being asserted by some individuals who are claiming to speak on behalf of African Guyanese, the lands to which Indigenous Peoples are been given title are not “reparations” for any past actions of the departed European powers, but an acknowledgement of their rights over land to which they are spiritually and culturally connected. The Dutch, whose rights the British assumed, never conquered, but made treaties with the Indigenous Peoples.

In 1965, the first Amerindian MP, Stephen Campbell, accompanied the PNC delegation, headed by Forbes Burnham, to London to negotiate the terms of Guyana’s imminent independence. Annex C of the Independence Agreement stipulated that the independent Government provide legal ownership or rights of occupancy for Amerindians over “areas and reservations or parts thereof where any tribe or community of Amerindians is now ordinarily resident or settled and other legal rights, such as the rights of passage, in respect of any other lands they now by tradition or custom de facto enjoy freedoms and permissions corresponding to rights of that nature.”

By 1976, the Amerindian Act passed by the then PNC Government to give effect to Annex C resulted in some Amerindian villages obtaining title to their lands. But it was not until a new Amerindian Act was passed by the PPP Government in 2006 that the full value of Annex C was given meaning. Unlike the allusions as to when any particular Amerindian Tribe arrived in Guyana, Art 60 (1) of the Act declares simply,

“An Amerindian Community may apply in writing to the Minister for a grant of State lands, provided - (a) it has been in existence for at least twenty-five years; (b) at the time of the application and for the immediately preceding five years, it comprised at least one hundred and fifty persons.”

By Sonia Ben Jaafar

In our pursuit of transforming the future of education, we must confront the stark reality of global youth unrest. Recent events in countries like France have highlighted the deep divisions and fragmentation faced by young adults. The unfortunately frequent instances of youth responding to violence with violence, mirror their profound frustration and yearning for change.

This surge of unrest is not exclusive to France – it is a global trend. The tragic deaths of individuals like Nahel in France, George Floyd in the United States and Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia, to name just a few instances, have ignited worldwide reactions, sparking movements that demand justice and equality from those who feel unheard and unseen. In the face of these issues, higher education institutions – colleges and universities –have a unique and critical role to play. These places are not mere centres of learning but potent catalysts for transformation. Education today must provide young adults with the necessary knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to engage in constructive dialogue and tackle complex problems.

To effectively drive positive change, higher education must foster inclusive environments that value diversity and create spaces where all voices are heard and respected. Too many young adults feel overlooked and anxious about the future.

These tragic events in different parts of the world have laid bare the systemic issues

that afflict our societies. They have kindled a fire in the hearts of young people, inspiring them to seek solutions and demand change.

This is a generation that refuses to be silenced; a generation ready to challenge the status quo and fight for a brighter future. Leaders in all sectors must support them in finding their voice and the opportunities to fulfil their purpose responsibly. As we process the news and share in the collective anger and pain, we know that violent responses are merely expressions of the frustration and anger felt by those who feel they have no other way to voice their grievances.

Yet any transformation will not stem from conference room conversations and auditorium speeches. It will need a recognition of the overlooked potential of education and employment, especially among the growing young population. It will come when we challenge the quiet acceptance of chronic obstacles in education and embrace greater diversity and inclusion among higher education leadership.

Higher education institutions must up their game and focus on practical solutions if they are to serve as the foundation for the leaders of today and tomorrow to engage in resilient, inclusive and forward-thinking innovations that cultivate peace, security, and sustainable development.

When these institutions foster an environment that not only educates but also empowers students to address societal issues, they cultivate leaders who make themselves and their communities resistant to

recruitment tactics for radicalisation and violence.

Higher education has always aimed to equip students with the tools to dissect and understand complex problems, foster critical thinking and facilitate open dialogue. The world’s leading institutions empower students to become active contributors in their communities, promoting civic engagement and human rights. This is most effective when there is a genuine, deep connection between the theoretical aspects of higher education and the realities of the non-academic setting – the world of work and growth opportunities surrounding these eager young minds.

The World Bank has highlighted youth unemployment in Arab states and its potential radicalisation implications. Universities and colleges can counteract this by prioritising practical skills aligned with job market demands, moving beyond purely academic teachings.

Discussions like those at the United Nations Transforming Education Summit in September 2022 are important but need to result in concrete actions.

One such action is the work of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, partnering with 24 universities as part of their outreach to provide 200,000 Arab youth with accessible professional learning for high-demand jobs.

As part of this effort, the foundation leverages participatory design methods to promote wider offerings of professional graduate diplomas that have employment outcomes for these youth. One such ap-

proach is in artificial intelligence and data science from the American University of Beirut, which includes regionally relevant applications and the integration of ethics as a core component, with connections to real market opportunities.

We must fervently engage with our youth, especially those who may feel sidelined or despondent, ensuring they feel embraced and empowered. Diversity is the key to understanding and connecting with the lived reality of those who were not born with privilege.

To truly transform higher education, we need practical leadership in higher education that empathises with the passion of youth who are grappling with extreme climates, high unemployment and profound disenchantment.

By nurturing inclusive environments that equip them with the tools and market practice to navigate real-world challenges, we can empower the youth to become positive agents of change and progress.

If we want to see real change, we must be willing to challenge existing norms within these institutions and break down some longstanding barriers to higher education.

If we don’t, we risk seeing further outbursts of anger and violence from a disappointed segment of society, ultimately causing harm to both themselves and the world around them. (Al Jazeera)

(Sonia Ben Jaafar is the CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, one of the largest privately funded philanthropic education initiatives in the Arab world.)

Miss Universe Guyana 2023 Lisa Narine, who was crowed at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Saturday evening

The key to saving youth from violent paths? Inclusive higher education

Telemedicine saves Konashen baby’s life

Hundreds of miles away from the capital city of Georgetown lies an Amerindian village called Konashen/Masakenari in the deep south of the Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), home to the Wai Wai tribe.

Access to quality and efficient healthcare services is limited in this part of the country, but with the Government’s strategic telemedicine project that has been placed in the village’s health centre, residents are now accessing quality healthcare and even lives are being saved.

Telemedicine is a twoway, real-time interactive communication between a

patient and healthcare provider at different sites. It’s supported by audio and video equipment and integrated medical devices that empower clinicians to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients remotely and is beneficial in

Guyana’s case.

On the sidelines of the 2023 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Friday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with Konashen’s Toshao, Paul Chekema, who shared a story of how a mother and a baby’s lives were saved with the telemedicine system. “Telemedicine is working well for my people. Recently, a baby was in a breached position … if we didn’t have telemedicine, I don’t know what I was supposed to do,” he said.

“I will say thank you to the Government for doing that. I was surprised when I saw this thing … It shows me how great the Government does help us with that kind of project. So, my people

whenever they have sickness, right away they will come to Georgetown,” the Toshao added.

Chekema also said he supports the expan-

sion of this project to other remote communities. “I will say thank you to the Government for this thing. I heard they mentioned today that communities will get

telemedicine because we are remote. So, I will say thank you to the Government for doing that,” the Toshao expressed.

The telemedicine project was officially launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with US company – 19Labs.

Konashen is one of several communities in Region Nine benefitting from the initiative and with $1.8 billion earmarked in Budget 2023, it will be expanded to Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and other remote communities in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Free and fair elections must be a “right”, and not a privilege in Guyana!

Dear Editor, Following Guyana’s March 02, 2020 General and Regional Elections, August 02, 2020 marks approximately 60 per cent of the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP/C) term of office.

The eventual accession to govern as the elected party followed a tumultuous national struggle that had to be supported almost globally. It is public knowledge that the causal factors for this battle oozed from the historically manipulative and sustained cheating behaviour of the PNC and its cohorts, who have failed to recognize “free and fair elections” as our citizens’ right.

Emerging from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections is evidence of a glaring fraudulent plot involving corrupt officials as “frontmen and women” within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to misrepresent the authentic results in favour of the rejected PNC-led APNU. Some of these officials are now facing fraud charges in the courts. Still, one could hardly deny the associated PNC leadership role as orchestrators.

Notably, the PPP/C Government has amended related electoral legislation to serve as a deterrent against some of these occurrences at the GECOM level, but the PNC-led cabal remains unapologetic. One therefore must always be weary of the PNC’s seemingly sub-par approach to democratic guidelines and obligations. Consequently, the overseeing institutions must be proactive to prevent or arrest these undercurrents whenever contributing elements

emerge.

The struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana must gain momentum with the participation of the broader diversity and inclusion of all our people. Guyanese must never suffer from another “rigged election.”

The PNC’s greed and diabolic lust for ‘political power’ at any cost has led the orchestrators to employ a continuous division and rule strategy that plunged our people into the travesty of the condemnable rigging of elections. It is factual that the PPP/C’s Irfaan Ali-led Government has made tremendous strides in turning around our country’s economy.

Today, our country is transforming into a progressive state in which our people are guaranteed a better livelihood. The dynamic and visionary leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government is accelerating the unification of this nation and developing a robust economy. The transformation of our national and international image in the global landscape is enlightening and realizing increased opportunities for our people.

From this perspective, our citizens are also recognizably demonstrating merit-based considerations in their support for local and national leadership.

The role of GECOM is very significant as the constitutional body with the mandate for ensuring the delivery of acceptable results from free and fair elections. The institution has come a long way since the March 2020 debacle and the aftermath of the condemnable occurrences, which are still fresh in the minds of our people. The 2023 Local Government

Elections were free and fair, and we should all commend GECOM for holding highly successful elections and improving its credibility. However, the National and Regional Elections scheduled for 2025 are already in sight, and the steps towards timely preparation seem to be on track.

The Guyana Police Force must be ready to prosecute those involved in advancing the PNC’s characteristic penchant for rigging within the legal framework, which now has more substantial penalties to protect our citizens’

rights. Further, our nation calls on our Judiciary to accelerate the hearing of these matters and apply the most significant penalties on those unwilling to appreciate that we live in a new era, where civilization will not accept any form of rigging of elections.

The present struggle in the courts in the United States of America and the lengthy imprisonment of several persons who mindlessly follow “Trump” lend testimony, and must be noted in Guyana. All those before the courts on fraud charges must defend

themselves and spend the time for their crime. The penalty must act as a deterrent to “rigging”.

Concerning the 2025 National and Regional Elections, GECOM must ensure early scheduling, and put all possible logistics in place to hold those elections. The present Continuous Registration is highly successful, and will enable GECOM to produce an excellent Register of Registrants. However, GECOM will have to look carefully at its Election Day staff.

The support that Guyana received from the

diplomats and CARICOM was indeed significant. However, we must cherish the memories of the Guardians of Democracy. It was a united people with the genuine leadership of the PPP/C, particularly the General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and President Dr. Irfaan Ali, that ensured victory for the people. Our party will continue to preserve the constitutional rights of our people as an entitlement, and not a privilege.

Sincerely,

Neil Kumar

A Konashen Community Health Worker utilising the telemedicine system

Konashen/Masakenari Toshao Paul Chekema

CARING FOR THE ELDERLY DOG WITH HEART DEFICIENCIES

As a caregiver, try to imagine the heart’s unique function of pumping the blood incessantly (non-stop) throughout the animal’s body. The blood is the great connector to all the body’s tissues, and the heart is the organ which makes the connection possible.

Most dogs will have an average heart rate of approximately 80 (-130) beats per minute while resting. Large dogs have a lower heart (pulse) rate, while smaller dogs have a faster heartbeat. If we use even 80 beats per minute as a low average, then the heart muscles will be in use 115,200 times in a day. Multiply that figure by 365 (days in a year), it amounts to a dog’s heart beating over forty million times a year. 10 years equals more than 400 million

times. Now, you will realize and appreciate the value of this muscular organ, which works non-stop every minute of every hour of every day for the entire animal’s life. If the heart’s function is compromised by any agents (see below), especially as the animal becomes older, then serious trouble is looming.

We are not going into details about the pathophysiology of impaired heart function. What is more important for the caregiver, who has the pet 24/7 at home, are the general symptoms, which include:

1) Congestion and fluid accumulation in the lungs.

2) Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen

3) Fluid accumulation in the extremities (especially hind legs).

4) Coughing/wheezing.

5) Listlessness - unwillingness to participate in any physical activity. If any of these symptoms is apparent, the caregiver should seek out specialized help from the veterinarian. Please bear in mind that the symptoms are often exhibited only after the problem is well on the way. The message is therefore obvious: Ensure that your companion animal visits your chosen veterinary clinic as often as is practically possible.

N.B:

1. As a younger Vet, I often sought the advice of a cardiologist - tested and proven in human medicine.

2. The veterinarian, in turn, after listening to murmurs and/or other arrhythmic sounds, would prescribe an X-ray of the thoracic (chest) cavity. An enlarged heart can be ascertained from an X-ray picture.

3. The caregiver must prepare himself/herself to answer the following questions:

I. How long has the cough and signs of respiratory distress been obvious?

II. Do the coughing episodes end with a gag reflex?

III. Does the animal

receive medication from yourself and/or veterinarians? Provide names of medication and dosage rates, as well as the condition they are being used to treat.

Of course, many elements can have an influence on the deterioration of the physical activity of the heart. For example: anaemia, fever, blood loss, shock, infection, Heartworm infestation, stressors from a multiplicity of causes (anxiety, fear, aggression, faulty nutrition, maltreatment), and one can go on and on.

Breed disposition has long been known to be associated with heart problems. The Doberman and the St. Bernard are two examples of breeds that are known to develop heart problems. Progressive heart failure (as the dog gets older) is a complex condition that can have its origin in the animal’s genetic history, or it can be acquired (age, too much exercise, excessive sporting activities - racing and hunting etc).

The point I want to make is that, as with any of the body’s muscles, the more the muscles are used over the years, the larg-

er they will get, especially if constant and high stress exertion are factored into the equation (for example, with hunting and racing dogs). Please do not forget that the heart is a very specialised muscle, with its own nervous system and with very specific accessorial support equipment. Also, let’s be clear: Once the heart is enlarged, one cannot bring it back to normal size.

Elderly dogs which have developed enlarged hearts may later – progressively, as they get even older - suffer from inability of the heart to provide adequate circulation to meet the needs of the other organs of their bodies. Need I emphasize that if the heart is failing, then the function of the kidneys, liver, lungs and other physiological systems would also be compromised?

Having delineated the facts associated with the elderly dog’s heart deficiencies, how can we best handle this problem?

Next week, we will focus on the possible medication and diet regimes which can be introduced to alleviate the elderly animal’s discomfort.

Govt aggressively policing tax exemptions to companies – VP …says GRA should have in-house capabilities to prevent abuse of system

did just that, the system was able to catch them and force them to make restitution.

“GRA polices exemptions. So GRA should aggressively ensure that the exemptions are used only for the dedicated purposes. That’s GRA’s job, to police exemptions to ensure that people are not abusing this.”

One of the tools a Government has to attract investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is tax exemption. It is a tool, however, that can be abused, and according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Government will be aggressively policing tax exemptions through the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

During his recent press conference, Jagdeo responded to questions regarding exemptions for oil companies and how the Government is guarding against its abuse. According to him, GRA is tasked with ensuring that companies do not abuse the system. Though there have been times when companies

“We’ve had cases, including from reputable companies that have abused this. You recall the recycling of the fuel and one company had to pay in excess of $3 billion. A recognised company, that is located here. So GRA has to police those exemptions,” Jagdeo explained.

Jagdeo further noted that from discussions he has had with GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, the tax agency’s staffing woes whereby staff are being poached by oil companies at alarming rates, are confined to the petroleum unit. However, GRA’s regular departments, including the one that looks at tax exemptions, are adequately staffed.

“The discussion I’ve had with Statia, because he said to me on the regular GRA, I have adequate staff. In fact, I may even have too much. It is the petroleum unit where they had the problem with.”

“But not so much GRA regular staff that looks at customs, exemptions and the oth-

er stuff. So, they should have the capability now, to look at this, in-house, every contract. And to make sure there are systems in place,” the Vice President said.

Guyana has long been recognised as an attractive investment destination. With a projected growth rate of 37.2 per cent for 2023, Guyana is expected to continue its trend this year, of outpacing every other Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) country when it comes to economic growth. Additionally, the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has almost tripled in the space of two years,

moving from $1.1 trillion in 2020 to $3.1 trillion at the end of 2022.

Guyana has also recorded the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in the Caribbean. The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) “Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean” 2023 report stated that Guyana recorded FDI inflows for 2022 totalling US$4.389 billion. It is a similar result to the record inflows in 2021. All in all, Guyana played a critical role in the overall 55.2 per cent

8 interconnecting roads to be built...

The structure, according to the Minister, will provide drivers with options between the East Bank and Aubrey Barker, where the Mandela roundabout is located.

“This road here will be a major road to connect the East Coast to East Bank. The four lanes from Ogle to Eccles is being done under the Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with India. So, if you take this road and go all the way, it will meet to that junction.”

“So, this now, when it’s complete, you don’t have to drive all the way there. You can take this and connect to the East Coast. As it is right now, you still don’t have to drive that part of Mandela.

You can come here, connect to that four-lane and reach on that junction by Aubrey Barker,” Minister Croal said. Works have been ramping up on the Ogle to Eccles bypass road, where some 6.5 kilometres of land clearing and sand-filling works had been completed at both the Ogle and Eccles ends as of April.

The contractor, India-based Ashoka Buildcon Limited, is using a special technology for compaction during the sand-filling process called PVDs (Prefabricated Vertical Drains), which is a durable plastic core wrapped around a geotextile filter fabric to facilitate the movement of water through slow-draining

soils. This fabric will help to accelerate the primary settlement of the soil.

At the time when the project was conceptualised and designed, there was a roundabout at the intersection with the Railway and Embankment, which is currently two-lane road. However, with the Guyana Government now upgrading the Railway and Embankment into a fourlane, the roundabout has to be redesigned.

Back in 2015, the Indian Government had provided the US$50 million credit line for the road link that was initially slated for Ogle to Diamond, EBD. However, the project cost was driven up to over $208 million by the previous A

Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government and the project languished under them.

However, when the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration took office in 2020, it redesigned the project into two phases to fit the LOC – first from Ogle to Haags Bosch road in Eccles, which is about 48-50 per cent of the project, and then from Eccles to Diamond.

The Guyana Government will be undertaking the extension from Diamond all the way to Timehri where the country’s main port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), is located.

rise in FDI in the Caribbeana historic rise.

According to the report, the rise in FDI project announcements in Latin America and the Caribbean was mainly a result of a higher number of projects in Guyana, Mexico, Brazil, and Panama. In Guyana’s case and the

Caribbean in general, companies from the United States were responsible for a significant chunk of these investments.

However, there has also been a push for the European Union (EU) to increase its investments in Guyana. During Europe day celebrations in May of this year, EU Ambassador to Guyana Rene Van Nes had said that an EU/Guyana business chamber will be set up to help both European and Guyanese companies navigate their respective markets.

Prior to that, it had been reported that Helena König, who is the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, would visit Guyana to help fast track the setting-up of a fully-fledged EU-Guyana Chamber of Commerce. Guyana already has Chambers of Commerce with the United States of America (USA), Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and Ghana. (G3)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The Guyana Revenue Authority

3rd suspect in Chinese supermarket robbery arrested

Police from Regional Division 4C (East Coast Demerara) and 4A (Georgetown) – led by Deputy Commander 4C, Jermaine Dufu – have arrested another suspect in the armed robbery that was carried out at a Chineseowned supermarket at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday.

Police Headquarters have reported that a man of Sussex Street, Georgetown, was nabbed on Friday. The Police also recovered a motorcycle used in the robbery. The suspect is in custody assisting investigators.

Two other suspects, a 29-year-old vendor of Herstelling Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and a 25-year-mason of Sussex Street, Georgetown, were arrested on Wednesday night.

According to the Police, those two men also carried out the armed robbery at the Chinese-owned supermarket. The breakthrough in their capture came as a result of information and feedback received after the release of CCTV screen grabs of the suspects on the Police’s Facebook page.

Division 4C Commander, his Deputy,

along with a team from Divisions 4C and 4A, conducted searches at the homes of the two suspects at about 23:00h on Wednesday night.

During the search, law enforcement discovered the clothing worn by the suspect who brandished the firearm during the robbery. Both suspects are currently in Police custody and are expected to face charges in the near future.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), four armed men approached the business establishment via

XR motorcycles, one red and the other black.

CCTV footage seen by this publication showed that the perpetrators brazenly parked their bikes in front of the supermarket before storming inside, brandishing firearms, and threatening two cashiers, 50-year-old Xie Zie Ying and 46-year-old Xie Zi Xia.

The criminals then confiscated a stack of phone cards and an undisclosed sum of cash before returning to their motorcycles, which they mounted and rode off the scene.

Ryan Goodluck is no

What’s with…

…the Venezuelan threat??

Your Eyewitness is reminded of Henry II’s exasperated cry - "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?" – at Thomas Becket’s goings on against him!! In this case, however, it’s this “turbulent dictator” Maduro. By now we thought the ex-bus driver successor to Chavez would’ve been long gone - after the Americans had put him in their sights!! But it seems the Agency just ain’t what it used to be!! And then again, under the new woke dispensation, it’s been decided that USAID and other “no contact” bodies are supposed to deal with nettlesome regimes!!

stranger to the law, he has a prior history with the law, having been among six individuals charged and remanded to prison for a $13.4 million heist at GTT’s Giftland store in September of the previous year.

Goodluck, along with Andrea Dover, Priecy Roberts, Ashley Mansfield, Jamal Haley, and Osman Brummell, appeared in court at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where they faced armed robbery charges. They all pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison.

On September 8, 2022, at Giftland Mall, two individuals posed as security guards from Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL) and stole $13.4 million in cash and $6 million in checks from GTT store located on the mall’s second floor. The suspects were apprehended after Police tracked down the getaway car, a white Toyota Raum, which was owned by Priecy Roberts.

During questioning, Roberts admitted to being the getaway driver and led the Police to recover $500,000 from his share of the stolen money. Andrea Dover, a cleaner at Giftland Mall’s GTT branch, confessed to her involvement in planning the robbery but claimed she wasn’t the mastermind.

She identified Haley, known as “Biggs,” as the mastermind and revealed her role in providing key details about GTT’s cash movements and the layout of the building. She received $800,000 for her participation, which was found hidden in her sister’s backyard.

Police later located Haley and arrested him, along with his accomplice, Goodluck, who had a significant amount of cash in his possession. Both men confessed to their involvement in the robbery. Additionally, Biggs handed over $1.1 million to the Police, which he had given to a bus driver for safekeeping. (G9)

But even then, there gotta be a clear and consistent policy from the political directorate!! And right now, the Biden Administration seems to be caught in some Hamletlike existential angst of “to be or not to be” firm with Maduro. Now, as a Guyanese, your Eyewitness is a realist and considers Maduro as external enemy#1!! No if and buts about that!! And so will every Venezuelan leader qualify until they decide to give up their claim to our Essequibowhich is two-thirds of our national territory. This Sword of Damocles gotta be removed over our heads!!

Now, from that same realpolitik standpoint, your Eyewitness accepts that the US wants to control those 300 billion barrels of oil sloshing under Venezuelan territory. Whoever controls that oil has a head start to head off the challenge from China and India to be the #1 superpower in the world. But the US under Biden is playing a “hold meloose me” game that’s not gonna get them anywhere. They’ve been playing around with elections for years now – and what has it gotten them?? Zilch. They even gave permission for Chevron to produce oil from their licence and sell it to PVDSA – to no avail.

Now, again to encourage democratic elections in Venezuela, Biden had drafted a proposal to ease oil sanctions against the country. If the measures are approved, he’s gonna amend or replace executive orders issued by Trump - in response to Maduro’s fraudulent 2018 re-election. The US first implemented sanctions against Venezuela back in 2006, taking on then strongman-leader Hugo Chavez’s obduracy on terrorism and drug trafficking. These were expanded to cover human and civil rights abuses in 2014. These sanctions designated state officials, including Chavez’s successor Maduro and his close associates. They also limited financial transactions and placed controls on the oil and gold trade with Venezuela. In 2018, after the aforementioned Maduro’s fiddled re-election, the US imposed further sanctions.

Now, in your Eyewitness’s opinion, the carrot will never work against dictators like Maduro. They only understand the stick.

While the US may talk softly to lull him, they gotta wield their big stick against Maduro!!

…Norton in America?

It seems Norton’s enemies have drawn their long knives and are diligently following the advice of the droll comedian WC Fields, who once famously suggested: “If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.” The Opposition Leader is touring the US – obviously in an effort to build a war chest for the 2025 elections. But rather than get behind the man, half of the Central Exec are spending their time throwing bullshit potshots at the man.

Hey…so he didn’t draw no crowd in Richmond Hill –but that’s no fault of his, is it?? It was his bete noir Granger who’d muddied the waters in that PPP stronghold. Back in 2015, when some had become disenchanted with the PPP in government for 23 years – the perennial danger of long incumbency! – some Richmond Hill residents had invited Granger to a duck curry dinner. But the man insisted on eating the duck curry and rice with a knife and fork!!

They decided the PNC couldn’t be rusted!! Poor Norton!! …wheat in Guyana?

Your Eyewitness has heard the wheat-growing trials were “successful” and the acreage is being increased for this. He wonders what’s deemed “successful”. Can we produce it cheaply enough to compete in the world market??

The bandits robbing the supermarket

Recuperate our heritages from European epistemic violence

As Guyana commemorates

“Amerindian Heritage Month”, let us reflect on the irony in that name. When the Spaniards “discovered” the “New World”, they encountered peoples with numerous cultures, each with its own perspectives, practices and products - ways of life; if you will, histories, languages etc, but they were all dubbed “Indians”. Later, they were “Red Indians, Indios, Amerindians”, but all still “Indians” - a name they had mistakenly imposed on the peoples from the land Columbus was actually seeking - India.

“India”, also ironically, was a mispronunciation by the ancient Greeks of the earlier Persian mispronunciation “Hindu”, to refer to the people living to east of the River “Sindhu”, the real name in Sanskrit. The British chose the Greek variant as they pretended, against all evidence, to be the inheritors of Greek civilization. At independence, Jawaharlal Nehru and India equivocated in their constitution to label themselves: “India that is Bharat”! They are finally grappling with some of the implications of that ambiguity.

The present “Amerindian” leaders accepted being labelled as such for the longest while, and we should examine why their demand to be called “Indigenous Peoples” has not been legalized. Very critically, those acts of naming are but one seemingly innocuous instance of the hegemony imposed by Europeans on all of us in the non-European world through the epistemic violence inflicted after their violent conquests of our lands. “Epistemic”, of course, refers to knowledge and its measure of validation. Whose name? What’s in a name? “When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.”

“The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master — that’s all.”

It is all a question of power: in this case, definitional power. Europeans were the masters, and their words since the initial encounter have served to define us so comprehensively that we have internalised them to accept whatever they are posited to mean by the Europeans. The European experience is now the measure of all things.

The power of naming is an aspect of the power to “other” us within Europe’s epistemic territory, and means we have no say as to what aspect of our being or lives fits and is allowed to be incorporated into “modernity”, and which is to be erased as “backward”. For instance, today “Amerindian” land is being demarcated to define “ownership”, but under whose definition?

“When most Indigenous peoples refer to land”, as one writer notes, “they do not mean a measurable or quantifiable extension of land, an object of geography, and even less a commodity. (Land, for them) exceeds the modern limit of reality in presence, it implies the past, heritage, memory. (It) has to be defended, not for the sake of property, but for the sake of protecting the ancestors, of preserving an origin that is both “past” and always already “present”.

So, ironically, the Indigenous Peoples’ claim to land can be challenged by some African activists, who have been hegemonized like all of us were to a greater or lesser degree, as “reparations”. When, in fact, even by the European-imposed positivistic law, the land to which they are granted very limited “title” was incorporated in Annex C of our Independence Constitution subsequent to treaties between the Indigenous Peoples and the Dutch, which the British adopted.

What is rather poignant is that the epistemic violence inflicted on peoples from Africa, who were dragged from Africa to slave in the “New World”, was the paradigmatic case of erasure, in which the category called “race” was invented by Europe during a period they called “the Enlightenment”. Africa was deemed a “Dark Continent” from which nothing positive was ever created by the “race” that inhabited it. In India, Macaulay explicitly presented a “Minute” to the Indian Parliament (run by Englishmen, of course) in which he declared Indians had also produced nothing of value, and henceforth, all “knowledge” was to be disseminated in English and in English-run schools. This was in 1832, when the abolition of African slavery was being debated, and just in time for the Missionary schools and others like Queen’s College and Bishops’ to be established to impose mental slavery through epistemic violence across the Empire.

And the final irony is today we still use their definitions of us to denigrate and fight each other.

Delayed reopening for 8 schools amid ongoing construction works

Several schools will face a delayed reopening for the new school year, amid ongoing infrastructural works which could not be completed on time.

This announcement was made on Saturday by the Education Ministry.

In 2023, Government commenced its largest effort to improve education by renovating, rehabilitating, repairing, and building more than 1100 institutions across the country.

In a memorandum issued by the Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain, he updated that the majority of schools will reopen on Monday, September 4. However, Uitvlugt Secondary Annex, Stewartville Secondary, Vryheid’s Lust Primary, Maria Henrietta Primary, Tucville Primary, Tucville Secondary and St Rose’s High School are slated for reopening on September 11, 2023.

Alexander Village Nursery will be reopened until October 2, 2023.

According to the Education Ministry, “Unfortunately, contractors at the schools mentioned were unable to complete their tasks.”

Stakeholders have been reassured that arrangements will be made to cater for any losses in instructional time.

The Georgetown Education District has faced serious space constraints after fires destroyed St George’s High School, North Ruimveldt Secondary School and Christ Church Secondary.

Over $668 million in contracts have been signed to rebuild Christ Church Secondary School, which was also gutted by a fire in January.

This, along with the reconstruction of North Ruimveldt Secondary School, St Rose’s High School, extensions at Queen’s College, The Bishops’ High School,

East Ruimveldt Secondary School and St Winefride’s Secondary School, will see the space issues in the Georgetown District being addressed.

Completion of Good Hope Secondary School saw space issues along the East Coast while the completion of Yarrowkabra Secondary School will address the said issue for the Upper East Bank Demerara area.

Other schools being built

are $1.9 billion Kopinang Secondary School (Region Eight), the $2.5 billion Hosororo Secondary School (Region One), the $2 billion Kwebanna Secondary School (Region One), the $2 billion Jawalla Secondary School (Region Seven) and the $978.6 million contract to construct a modern school building/complex to house 800 students, Tuschen, West Coast Demerara.

Back in 2022, Education

Minister Priya Manickchand had announced the impending construction of a number of schools including secondary schools at Turkeyen (East Coast Demerara) and Orealla (East BerbiceCorentyne). And with the construction of new secondary schools across Guyana, Manickchand had said last year that universal secondary education will be a reality by 2025. (G12)

Ravi Dev

Guyana close to Egmont Group membership – Nandlall

…as country continues to build AML/CFT capabilities

Guyana is on the cusp of becoming a member of the Egmont Group, an international group of member countries focused on Anti-Money Laundering/ Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).

This was recently revealed by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, during a recent event that saw a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) being signed by representatives from agencies that are involved in the AML/CFT world.

Nandlall explained that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has had to do

much work to improve its AML/CFT architecture. And joining the Egmont Group, which is made up of over 150 Financial Intelligence Units (FIU), would boost Guyana’s capabilities to navigate AML/ CFT even further. “We passed a Real Estate Agent and Brokerage Bill. And we passed a National Compliance Bill. Those Bills, taken together, would have met our national requirements in terms of bringing our legislation up to where we are required to be. Administratively, we also had to do a number of things to ensure we implement the relevant recommendations.”

“All of them relate to legislation. Others include, for example, the execution of the MoU we will execute this morning. Another component had to do with our membership to the Egmont Group, which we are about to accomplish. So, we have been working, over the past two years, in preparing our country for this important assessment,” Nandlall said.

The AG recalled a time, prior to 2015, when Guyana was actually sanctioned for failing to keep its AML/CFT laws updated despite the best efforts of the former PPP/C Government to pass legislative amendments.

“Those representing the money transfer agencies will tell you when persons turned up at Grace Kennedy in New York, they had to show source of income. They had to show their legitimacy in the US. There was a slew of sanctions that were imposed upon Guyana. We have not yet fully recovered from those sanctions.”

“So, we had to ensure we bring our legislative requirements up to speed. You may have observed over the last two to three months, we passed in our National Assembly a very comprehensive AML/CFT Amendment Bill. We also laid and passed

some AML/CFT regulations to that substantive law,” Nandlall said.

The Egmont Group, among other things, facilitates intelligence exchange and cooperation on money laundering. There has been talk of Guyana joining the

group for years, but the application to join Egmont Group was submitted this year.

A delegation from the Financial Intelligence Units (FIU) of Trinidad and Tobago and the British Virgin Islands visited Guyana in April of this year, during which the team was updated on the various pieces of legislation currently in draft to strengthen and update Guyana’s AML/ CFT regime and to meet the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) international standards.

These include amendments to the principal AML/ CFT Act, a Bill to create an omnibus agency as a supervisory authority for unsupervised entities, and the Real Estate Bill that was passed last month, to provide the regulatory framework for real estate agents and developers.

Guyana is scheduled to undergo an onsite evaluation and examination of its financial sector, starting next week. In preparation therefor, the Government has worked to ensure that the country’s AML/CFT framework is updated. This included implementing a number of administrative decisions and measures, as well as strengthening many aspects of its legislative architecture.

One critical element to Guyana’s fourth round of mutual evaluation was the enactment of a Real Estate Bill. The draft Real Estate Agents & Brokers Bill was prepared in consultation with the various stakeholders in the local real estate industry, and was published for public feedback, prior to its passage in the National Assembly in August.

Another initiative aimed at addressing the gaps in Guyana’s financial sector in accordance with the AML/ CFT stipulations was the establishment of a Compliance Commission, that will supervise the operations of agencies and/or sectors in the country that do not have a direct regulatory body. The Compliance Commission Bill 2023 was also passed.

The Government’s anti-money laundering strategies are laid out in its fiveyear plan, which was released by the Attorney General’s chambers this year. According to the strategy, laws, and regulations will be developed and revised during that time, in line with international standards.

While there are existing AML/CFT laws, more can be done to strengthen or clarify the legislative framework, to better aid Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) to carry out their duties. The deadline given to complete the updates and revisions to this legal framework is by the fourth quarter of 2025. (G3)

By AlvA Solomon

Shunette Thompson is

very passionate about her Indigenous culture. The singer belts out new tunes annually, and the popularity of her song ‘Kanaima’ has been evolving each year.

In fact, it was around 2018 that, while singing at a party at Karasabai in South Pakaraima, her husband shot a video of her performing the song on stage, and released it on social media platform YouTube. The feedback surprised Thompson. The video has since grown wildly popular within Indigenous communities, gaining over 11,000 views; and as Heritage Month activities kick-off this month, it is already gaining traction at cultural events.

The lyrics ‘Kanaima kanaima kanaima’ catch the ear; and Thompson, a mother of three, who lives with her family at St. Ignatius village outside Lethem, is already gearing up to belt out the lyrics of the song and many others in her repertoire.

Since 2012

Although the song’s popularity has been growing post-pandemic, ‘Kanaima’ was recorded more than a decade ago, Thompson told Guyana Times recently. “It is an old song I wrote since 2012, and I would sing it regularly,” the smiling songstress noted. The song is “about blaming the kanaima for everything”, Thompson

said. In Indigenous culture, the kanaima is considered a spiritual being which unleashes demonic power to weaken, or even kill, a human being or animals. Thompson said her song is “about the reality of the kanaima, because it is dangerous and scary. I think it is persons who transform

into beings.”

She said that sometimes, when someone is sick or has a prolonged fever, or is paralyzed mysteriously from some form of sickness, “kanamia gets the blame.” She said, “When people smoke, those addicts, they have this passion to do terrible things; so kanaima is like that, but

deadly.” Thompson said she sang the song in English and Wapichan.

Thompson, a Wapichan who was born and raised in the village of Tiperu in the South Pakaraimas, has been singing since her early teenage years. She said she attended primary school

at Tiperu, and later attended Annai Secondary School. While at the latter school, she picked up the microphone at a cultural event and started singing publicly.

“I started at Heritage

Time one September, at the village of Tiger Pond; and since then, everyone encour-

aged me to sing,” she related. She said she would write and sing “little songs about “life and how I grew up, and about my experience.” Thompson said she would sing while on the farm with her husband and children, and also within the household.

TURN TO PAGE 20

Rupununi songstress Shunette Thompson is passionate about her Indigenous roots

The rich cultural fabric woven over the years by the Amerindian people was on Friday evening celebrated in a glamorous extravaganza to open this year’s Amerindian Heritage Month.

Amerindian Heritage Month is observed every September, and this year the month is themed “Sustaining our Cultural Heritage and Identity While Contributing to One Guyana.”

Kickstarting the festivities was a cultural extravaganza opening ceremony at the National Park, putting spotlight on the differ-

sive as our Government can sit with our Indigenous leaders and dialogue with them on the challenges, on the opportunities and solutions; talking about solutions as it relates to their development, their livelihood and their people’s wellbeing,” Sukhai delivered in her speech.

Custodians

Performing the functions of Prime Minister, Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira zeroed in on the fact that Guyana is blessed to have a society that is multicultural. The Indigenous peoples

ent tribes, their languages, dance, food, and other important elements of their existence.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai pronounced on the fact that Guyana’s Indigenous culture is rich and diverse, adding that her Administration has always stood by its commitment to highlight, integrate and support opportunities to the country’s first peoples.

“It’s a model for the world to emulate whereby a Government as progres-

were lauded as custodians of the environment, having maintained their sustainable lifestyles which have protected the forest resources.

She highlighted, “Our diversity must not be a weapon of division but diversity is a way to build a nation. Our Indigenous people, have for centuries, had a deep connection with nature. This connection is rooted in your beliefs, traditional knowledge and practices.

…as Indigenous community lauded as custodians of environment

A cultural dance performed during the opening ceremony

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai

FROM

You have for centuries been custodians of our environment and you have been its prime protectors.”

Texiera spoke on the global recognition which forests are now capturing, and Government’s efforts to capitalise on these resources. Last December, the Guyana Government signed a multi-year agreement for the sale of high-quality carbon credits to United States energy major, Hess Corporation, to the tune of a whopping US$750 million.

A significant portion will be injected into the development of Indigenous communities across the country.

“We’re proud of the fact that $4.7 billion or 15 per cent of Guyana’s first tranche was allocated to the 243 Amerindian communities for their sustainable development. This is an indication of our continued commitment and inclusion of Indigenous communities in our national development agenda.”

By harnessing the value of the forest through carbon credits, the acting Prime Minister added that the country is not only protecting its natural heritage but setting a precedent for the rest of the world.

“We need other countries to do the same. Small countries along cannot reverse climate change by ourselves. We must therefore continue to protect our forest and biodiversity within the environmental services they provide,” she voiced.

The role of the Indigenous people in bringing the country to this point, the senior Government official noted, is noteworthy.

“Indigenous peoples of Guyana are an example to the world on how to conserve and manage resources sustainably. This too, is your cultural heritage. You have taught us how to survive off the land and how to live in harmony with nature. You have helped to keep our ecosystems intact. This too, is your heritage,” the gathering heard.

Guyanese were urged to recognise the stewardship of Amerindians in protecting the environment, as they have holistically benefitted as a nation. Moreover, they were charged to recognise cultural diversity as an asset to build a united nation, that encompasses ‘oneness’ at the core.

She added, “As we enter a new and fascinating phase of transformation, we must not forget to preserve our cultural legacy. The One Guyana agenda that President Irfaan Ali is pursuing aims at ensuring that our country is grounded in greater respect for cultural diversity.”

Among the events planned throughout the month are an art exhibition at Castellani House, culture nights, Batavia Village Day, heritage sports among others.

Amerindian arts, crafts and cuisine will be available at the Amerindian Village, Sophia, until September 5.

An Indigenous performance to open Amerindian Heritage Month 2023

Acting Prime Minister, Gail Teixeira

Guyanese scholar Ashwannie Harripersaud has received the prestigious award for outstanding contribution to global scholarship from India’s Study Group.

A Berbician who has taught at a secondary school for 20 years, Harripersaud has, in 18 months, written and published 14 scholarly articles in international, scholarly, refereed journals, and has also written three books within that time.

In a momentous celebration of talent, dedication and exceptional contribution to Global Scholarship, Ashwannie Harripersaud has been bestowed with the prestigious Global Excellence Award

during an online ceremony held in mid-August 2023. The Global Excellence Award is an internationally recognised accolade.

Broadcasted in 156 countries, the event drew a distinguished audience, including President of the Delhi Study Group, Dr Vijay Jolly; former Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus, Professor Daizal Samad; Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Dr Walter Singh; and Ex-Mayor of South Delhi, Narendra Chawla, among others.

Harripersaud’s receipt of the award has been considered a proud moment for Guyana and its people.

Professor Daizal

Samad, in his congratulatory speech, expressed that one of the joys of teaching is to see one’s students outdo their teachers.

“I am truly delighted that Ashwannie Harripersaud has surpassed such as myself. I thank her for making me proud to be a Guyanese, and I thank her for her contribution to the pool of national and global knowledge,” he declared.

Reflecting on the award, Harripersaud expressed gratitude for the honour, saying she is proud to be honoured internationally.

“I am still quite incredulous that my scholarly work has caught the attention of kind and esteemed scholars in countries far away from my own nation of Guyana. In the blink of an eye, my family has been extended to being one that encircles the Globe, which encompasses nations other than my beloved Guyana. I am honoured to join the international family of scholars,” she said.

During her address, Harripersaud noted that, as an undergraduate at the University of Guyana

Berbice Campus, she had the good fortune of having Professor Daizal Samad mentor, guide and encourage her to walk the road of scholarly investigation.

“He set us on a path, and my walking that path has led me here. I shall always be grateful to him, and hope that all other students who fall into his hands will follow that guid-

ance,” she added.

Harripersaud also shared words of motivation and encouragement to fellow teachers in Guyana.

“To my fellow teachers at all levels, I say to you that your future is bright if you involve yourselves in intellectual investigation alongside and beyond your classroom teaching. That takes intellectual curiosity… so, be curious. Research and publish in as many academic disciplines as your talent would allow. Surely your students, your schools, your Guyana, and your world will be richer for it. Surely.”

With the Global Excellence Award added to her list of accolades, Harripersaud said, she will continue to be an example of perseverance, innovation and positive change. Her journey, she added, stands as a testament to the power of determination, and the achievement serves as an inspiration for generations of Guyanese to come.

Harripersaud has three additional books that have been accepted for publication. (G4)

Berbician Ashwannie Harripersaud, who won the Global Excellence Award

“Guyana cannot only be changed with nice roads and buildings” – Pres Ali

…leads clean-up exercise in Georgetown

Just at the break of dawn on Saturday, President Irfaan Ali and several Cabinet Ministers led a clean-up exercise throughout the city in demonstration of his Government’s commitment to holistic transformation of Georgetown.

The Head of State spearheaded the clean-up exercise in Sophia and at the Georgetown Seawalls, where he was joined by Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Public Works Minister Juan Edghill; Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat; Sport Minister Charles Ramson; and Home Affairs Minister

Robeson Benn.

Along with garbage collection, unwanted items lying along the roadway were removed, and the Guyana Fire Service assisted by washing unclean areas and pavements. The seawalls were littered with garbage, and needed immediate intervention, and President Ali explained that Guyana’s transformation must not only be through infrastructure such as roads and buildings, but also cleanliness and appreciation of the environment.

He underscored, “This is another demonstration of our total commitment to Guyana; our commitment to the improvement of every aspect of

life in Guyana, the way we ought to be, and the type of examples we ought to set if we are to change Guyana.”

He added, “Guyana cannot only be changed with nice roads and buildings; it has to be changed by each of us changing the way we treat the environment; changing our behaviour in the environment; the way we respect each other on the road; the type of responsibility we exercise towards each other.”

In just Georgetown, over 1,400 persons came out to support the clean-up efforts. The President called for this to be the stepping stone towards influencing others to join the movement and contributing to the “One Guyana” mission.

“That tells you that our people, the Guyanese people, are committed to this task. We now have to ensure that we work each on changing another person, so that they will understand how important it is to keep the place clean and be a positive role model,” the President said.

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan; acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken; members of the Joint Services, the Private Sector and Civil Society also participated in the clean-up efforts.

This clean-up exercise has been dubbed important, since it leads into the Cricket Carnival period and then the Christmas season.

Ali stressed, “Work is go-

ing on…all across the country; we will be joining the different regions. This is an exercise that we said we would do every quarter, but this one is very significant because it is taking us into the Cricket Carnival and then into important national celebrations, including Diwali and the Christmas season…

It takes us into an explosive year next year.”

The last massive cleanup exercise was done back in May, when volunteers across the country participated in a beautification effort spearheaded by the President under the “Men on Mission” and “One Guyana” initiatives. (G12)

President Ali leading the way during the clean-up initiative

Minister Juan Edghill at the seawalls where garbage and debris were removed from the area

GDF ranks on the ground

Regions 1, 9 benefit from assistive aids

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry extended its assistive aids programme to Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Through this initiative, the villages of Huradiah, Matthew’s Ridge, Santa Rosa, Kamwatta, Hosororo, Smith Creek, Rincon and Semone received assistance in the form of wheelchairs, walkers, white canes and diapers. The announcement was made at the just-concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.

“This expansion is a testament to the Government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all communities have the support they need for a better quality of life,” a Human Services Ministry statement read.

Through the Ministry’s Difficult Circumstances Unit

(DCU), some 3000 persons living with disabilities, senior citizens, victims of domestic violence and persons living in poverty have received supplies aimed towards improving their quality of life.

Last November, through the DCU and Miracle Vision Care, some 64 residents between eight and 90 years old, who are residents of Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) received spectacles for the first time at no cost to themselves.

The Unit also provided wheelchairs, crutches, walking canes and hampers to persons living with disabilities in that area.

On Thursday, Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud handed over the items to representatives of Regions One and Nine during the week-long conference that gave Amerindian

leaders the platform to highlight areas of development within the hinterland and riverine communities that they deemed high priority.

Concerns raised over the lack of opportunities for development of women and youth in these communities encouraged the Human Services Ministry to work on specific programmes that address these target groups.

During the Conference’s closing ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali assured the Toshaos that the upcoming Budget 2024-2025 will speak directly to a new initiative that seeks to support women and young people, in areas of skills development, for one.

From Monday to Friday, community members engaged with Government officials at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. (G13)

Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud handing over assistive aids to representatives of Regions One and Nine

Moved to St Ignatius

After meeting her husband Erwin, she said, they decided to combine their skills, since he is an expert in information communication technology, and he also records her music. “When I talked to him, I said, ‘Why can’t we do our own little music production?’ and he encouraged me to sing while he would record the songs,” she explained.

Thompson has performed at multiple venues across the Rupununi, and last week she returned from Brazil after a vacation. She said that while she was there, she also performed some of her songs.

She has performed in Georgetown multiple times, at Heritage Celebrations during the month of September.

With a smile, she noted that the crowds in the villages in the Rupununi

are livelier than those in the city. “In the villages, the response if livelier; the crowds get more involved in the music,” she said.

She said she also performed her songs in Panama a few years ago, and she noted that it was one of her favourite moments as a singer and mother.

In addition to the ‘Kanaima’ song, Thompson said, there are several songs for which she received positive feedback. They include “the Crab song”, another named “Farine and Tasso”, and just last week, she released another song on social media, named “Lazy me like de donkey”.

She said she has a packed agenda this September, as she has been booked to perform at many cultural events to mark Amerindian Heritage Month.

Shunette Thompson performing one of her songs at a private function

1215 tablets given to Indigenous communities to access GOAL programmes

…100 villages receive $1M each to develop community grounds

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Friday handed over 1215 tablets to Toshaos to be distributed in their respective villages.

Singh, who made the donation on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali, encouraged Indigenous leaders to ensure that the tablets are used to access the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programmes so that more persons from the hinterland can benefit from the training provided and therefore, participate meaningfully in the transformation of the country that is currently underway.

Held at the Arthur

Chung Conference Centre, the NTC Conference, which began on Monday, allowed 200 Toshaos from Indigenous villages across the country to discuss critical issues concerning the development of their villages, with Government officials.

The Government assured of plans to address the identified areas of priority within the upcoming Budget 2024.

In addition to the donation of tablets, President Dr Irfaan Ali had committed to bridging the digital divide by building out the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure within the hinterland community to ensure persons have ac-

Stepson among 6 in custody for security guard’s death

A team of detectives from Regional Division 4C (East Coast Demerara) led by Superintendent Krishna Ramana, on Saturday morning arrested six suspects in connection with the murder of Dalchand Dhanai, the security guard who was found dead while on duty at the Lusignan Golf Club, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Among those arrested is the dead man’s stepson.

Fifty-seven-yearold Dhanai of Lusignan Pasture, ECD, was found dead on Thursday morning by another worker who turned up for work.

Police stated that around 06:20h, a report

Murdered: Dalchand Dhanai

was made to the Vigilance Police Station that a body was found inside the club. The detectives, during their preliminary investigations, observed Dhanai lying face down in the upper flat of the building, with his hands bound with

shoelaces and there were injuries to his head.

Guyana Times understands that two brush cutters, a laptop computer, several cases of beverages, and some other items were stolen from the property as the bond was broken into. Some of the items have since been recovered from some nearby bushes.

At the time of the tragic incident, Dhanai was the only guard on duty.

Another of Dhanai’s stepsons, Avinash Persaud, shared with Guyana Times that Dhanai had left home for work at around 17:45h the previous day, and by 5:30h the following day, he received the distressing news of his stepfather’s

death. He said Dhanai used to open the gate early for members who came to practice golf, but when he didn’t respond to their calls on Tuesday morning, they became concerned and discovered the breakin and Dhanai’s lifeless body.

Persaud described his stepfather as a dedicated worker who had been with the club for 25-30 years, initially as a groundsman and later overseeing the premises. (G9)

cess to all facilities by the last quarter of 2024.

This, he noted, will ensure persons, most importantly, have the full potential of the GOAL programme at their disposal.

Broader agenda

Singh further explained that the Government’s broader agenda for improving the lives of the country’s hinterland population includes investments to expand the hinterland transport infrastructure such as roads and bridges, investments to fulfil the hinterland electrification including the purchase of 30,000 standalone household solar units, and investments to increase access to hinterland water wells and water supply systems.

He added that efforts are

also being made to build educational facilities such as new schools and dormitories, and public healthcare facilities including for the deployment of telemedicine.

During this week-long engagement, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Charles Ramson also handed over 100 cheques equating to $1 million each to 100 Amerindian villages to offset upgrades to their community grounds.

This came after an announcement made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday.

The upcoming Budget 2024 is expected to see billions of dollars allocated for further development of Indigenous communities following full consultation with the Chairman of the NTC, Derrick John.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh handing over tablets to Indigenous leaders

Scenes from the commissioning of the roundabout at Eccles/Haags Bosch junction, EBD

Region 2 preschoolers get free eye testing, dental check-up

The Health Ministry in collaboration with the Education Department in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Saturday successfully hosted a school health screening drive, targeting nursery school year one students. The initiative provided the children with free eye testing and dental checkups. The joint effort also highlighted the importance of proactive healthcare measures for the young learners by offering these essential screenings.

Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh in an interview said that he was thrilled to host the school health screening drive before school reopens, specifically for the pre-school students.

He noted that the primary objective of the programme is to proactively identify any ailments or diseases in children at an early stage. He added that the initiative will promptly provide the necessary treatment and rectify any issues before they become more serious.

“It's crucial because some-

times these diseases go unnoticed until it's too late to take effective action. Moreover, this programme will also enable us to identify if a child is a slow learner and potentially detect the underlying cause at an early stage. It's all about ensuring the well-being and academic success of our little ones,” the RHO said. During the health screening drive, nursery school students had the opportunity to undergo comprehensive eye tests. This crucial service helps identify any potential

vision impairments that may hinder their learning and development.

Additionally, dental checkups provided.

Parents and guardians have expressed their gratitude for this initiative, recognising the significance of early intervention in safeguarding their children's health.

“I'm really thankful to the Government for the school health screening drive that provided free eye and dental check-ups for my children. It's an incredible initiative that

Cuban specialists to support Guyana’s honey production endeavours

As Guyana moves to diversify its food production efforts, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday announced plans to involve Cuban specialists in the advancement of the country’s honey industry.

The President made these remarks during the final day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference in which he highlighted key investments being made to address prioritised areas of concerns and develop the hinterland and riverine communities.

“We have just agreed to invest in specialists from Cuba, who will come to Guyana not to do studies, but to work with you [Indigenous leaders] in the [hinterland] communities in building out and expanding the honey industry,” Ali said.

“We want to create a common brand of honey that is associated with Guyana’s rainforests that can be marketed as a specialised product. So, they're going to work with you on the development of this product,” Ali said.

He added that the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will also be working with the Agriculture Ministry to launch an initiative that supports organic honey production.

In 2021, the global honey market was said to be valued at US$8.58 billion – a number that is set to increase with honey being a natural sweetener and an excellent source of nutrition.

In fact, the global honey market size is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 per

cent from 2022 to 2030, thereby placing the honey industry high on the Government’s agricultural development agenda.

According to a previous statement by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana was able to maintain its honey production levels in 2022, despite unfavourable weather conditions in the form of rain, seeing over 3700 gallons of honey.

Guyanese honey producers, however, continue to face significant trade barriers that hinder the export of honey into countries like Trinidad and Tobago.

In accordance with Trinidad and Tobago’s Beekeeping and Bee Products Act, the country prohibits the transhipment of honey from countries outside of the Windward and Leeward Islands.

This was reportedly caused by concerns of a potential disease of honeybees within other Caribbean countries.

Though the Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED) found these trade barriers a violation of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Caribbean

shows their commitment to our kids' well-being. I'm truly grateful for their support,” a parent told the publication.

Another parent, Satyawattie Shivbarran said the health initiative providing free eye and dental check-ups for her children is truly commendable. She added that It's a wonderful way to ensure their overall health and well-being. She took the opportunity to commend the effort of the Government for taking such proactive measures. (G14)

Community’s (Caricom) central treaty, Trinidad reportedly has yet to lift its prohibition on the transhipment of the product.

Mustapha has previously assured of efforts to remove all non-tariff barriers.

Meanwhile, during the Friday engagement, Ali noted that support is also being given to ensure traditional agricultural products coming out of Region One (Barima-Waini) and other communities are able to be brought to a larger market both in Georgetown, and now externally.

“We are also working with external markets to have long term arrangements for large scale production of sweet cassava, to meet those external market needs. So, before the end of the year, in selected communities, the Agriculture Ministry will be consulting with you on supporting the development of large-scale cassava production,” Ali explained.

The Government continues to place major emphasis on enhancing the country’s agriculture sector as it works to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Pre-school students and parents at the schools health screening drive on Saturday

A child receiving a dental check-up during the health drive

Cocaine found stashed in bathroom of businessman’s apt building

Ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday night arrested a businessman on the LindenSoesdyke Highway after a large quantity of cocaine was found in a room at an apartment building which he operates.

The intelligence-led operation was led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police and Inspector, involved officers from Police Regional Division 4B and The parcels of cocaine that were found on the businessman's premises the Special Branch.

Reports are that the

businessman owns a popular nightclub in Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Reports are that during the search of the premises, Police entered a room which was securely locked but unoccupied.

While searching the bathroom area in the presence of the businessman, the Police noticed a salt bag. Upon opening it, they found parcels wrapped in black and transparent scotch tape, which were later determined to contain

cocaine.

When questioned, the businessman stated that he had rented the room to an individual just over a month ago but had no information about the tenant's identity or whereabouts.

The Police continued their search of the entire facility, including the nightclub and apartment building, but did not find any other illegal items.

The businessman is in custody as investigations continue. (G9)

Pushcart vendor busted with ganja

Police in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Friday evening arrested a self-employed man with 29 grams of marijuana.

Reports are at about 21:00h, ranks went to Third Street and Third Avenue Bartica, opposite a popular night club, where they arrested the 40-year-old man called “Bear”.

At that time, the man was operating a pushcart retailing alcoholic and non-al-

Charity river mishap

coholic beverages. One of the ranks searched his person and the pushcart and found a haversack containing 28 small bags containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Following the bust, the man allegedly confessed ownership of the drugs and was arrested.

At the Bartica Police Station, the marijuana was weighed and amounted to 29 grams. He remains in custody pending charges.

Body of farmer found floating in Pomeroon River

The body of Reagan Rodriguez, who went missing following a boat mishap in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Thursday last, was found floating on Saturday morning.

Reports are that family members found the body at about 07:50h on Saturday morning.

Police on Saturday evening said that a 38-yearold farmer reported that he and other family members were in the Pomeroon River in search of Rodriguez when they saw the body of a man floating on its back in the vicinity of Charity Waterfront on the western side of the Pomeroon River.

As a result, contact was made with the Police and the body was fished out of the water.

He was identified by the clothing, wristwatch, and finger ring. The partially decomposed body was

escorted to Suddie Public Hospital’s Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Rodriguez, a farmer of Charity Housing Scheme, was thrown into the river following a two-boat collision along the Pomeroon River on Thursday last at about 14:40h.

Based on reports received, a licensed boat captain was the lone occupant in a 21-foot wooden boat powered by a 250-horse -

power Yamaha outboard engine and was proceeding from the Charity Wharf to Grant Phoenix Park, Lower Pomeroon River.

However, during the journey, he collided with another wooden boat that was powered by a 5-horsepower Yamaha engine. The smaller vessel was captained by Rodriguez.

Following the accident, the captain went to the Charity Police Station and reported that he was proceeding south on the river when he collided with Rodriguez, causing him to capsize and fall overboard.

The captain claimed that he did not see the smaller boat and just felt an impact. Upon looking into the water, he said he saw a hat and a small boat with the engine ‘tilt up’.

Police are continuing their investigation.

The marijuana that was found in the pushcart

The boat that was being captained by Reagan Rodriguez

30,000 solar units, 2000 water tanks for hinterland communities

The week-long National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference concluded on Friday, with President Dr Irfaan Ali reiterating the Government’s plans to deliver a number of solar units and water tanks in the near future within hinterland and riverine communities.

The conference was held at the Arthur Chung

land and riverine communities whereupon completion, would provide 4.5 megawatts of power across all administrative regions.

These units are to include a 160-watt panel, charge controller, battery, and other basic fittings, to ensure each household can independently generate electricity.

The first 1830 solar units reportedly arrived in the

November.

The distribution of the systems will begin in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Further, the President also explained that investments will be made over the next 12 to 18 months to improve access to clean water within hinterland and riverine communities.

“In those communities to support our critical infrastructure, whether it is health centres, schools, community centres, or in areas where we have the houses in close proximity to each other, we are going to procure a further 2000 black tanks to support those homes and those families,” Ali said.

Ministry has been making efforts to improve water coverage within these communities, with plans to increase clean water access from 75

per cent to 83 per cent by the end of this year. Under the Ministry’s 2023 work programme, a number of hinterland com-

munities are seeing the drilling of deep wells, and extension of water supply systems and distribution networks. (G13)

Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, and offered leaders from Amerindian communities the opportunity to share their concerns and highlight priority areas to be addressed to ensure their development.

President Ali, during the closing ceremony, explained that immediate tasks include fulfilling the hinterland solar electrification project and improving water access.

“We’re acquiring 30,000 solar household units to be distributed to every household in our hinterland and riverine communities. We’ve commenced work in this regard,” Ali said.

“We are going to share with you [the Indigenous leaders] the delivery schedule with the assigned Minister that will come to your community to hand over the first phase of those units to the households,” Ali said.

Last year, the Government had announced plans to distribute 30,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) home energy systems in hinter-

country in May, with the remaining systems expected to arrive between now and

“And we are going to work to ensure that before the end of this year, those tanks can be in the communities,” Ali added.

The Housing and Water

Indigenious Leaders at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference

Bolivia hardens tone on cocaine 'mega labs', signalling crackdown

In a break with the past, Bolivia's Government has acknowledged that the country is becoming a production hub for cocaine rather than a mere transport hub and grower of raw coca leaves.

Along with Colombia and Peru, Bolivia is widely recognised as a leading world producer of coca, the raw ingredient for cocaine, but the Government has long maintained production of consumption-ready cocaine was limited.

In a shift of tone this week, the Government said it had destroyed a large number of laboratories, mostly in the tropical Chapare region, one of the main coca growing areas and a stronghold of former leftist President Evo Morales.

"In 2023 alone, our administration has destroyed more than 27 mega laboratories (there) for the crystallisation of cocaine hydrochloride," Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo told reporters, referring to the salt or powdered form of the drug.

"They are trying to turn

A customer looking at the coca leaves that are for sale at a market during the reopening of the coca market of the Departmental Association of Coca Producers (ADEPCOCA) after the organisation's building was partially burned down following months

our nation from being a drug transit country to a drug-producing country," he added and presented a drug trafficking map of some 1804 drug factory busts since 2020, the "vast majority" in Chapare, he said.

The acknowledgement underscores the pressure the Government faces abroad and at home to tackle the issue as well as

Cuban scientists hunt for clues to save coral reefs as ocean temperatures soar

Cuban marine biologist Ariandy Gonzalez emerges uneasy from the sun-speckled Caribbean sea off a remote stretch of Cuba's south coast. Something is not right.

The sea floor, once a mosaic of colourful corals, is now marred by patchy white splotches. That is evidence of heat-related coral bleaching, where stressed corals expel their colourful algae symbionts, leaving them pale and vulnerable.

"I think this is the worst bleaching we've seen yet," Gonzalez told five fellow scientists, hoisting himself into a small dive boat that heaved in churning seas.

Gonzalez is among 18 scientists and crew members who for nearly two months have circumnavigated Cuba in the M/V Oceans for Youth ship to hunt for clues that could help researchers across the globe protect reefs in the face of warming waters, over-fishing, pollution and other threats.

The ongoing "Bojeo a Cuba" study is a snapshot in time of the health of Cuba's reef, fish and sea life, the first of its kind across such a large area of the island's waters, said Dr Fabian Pina, a Cuban marine biologist and expedition co-leader who initiated the project nearly two years ago.

The water here, off the island's little developed south-central coast, is a sweltering 90F (32°C), and elsewhere even warmer, the scientists said.

Sea surface temperatures globally have broken records this year. In Florida, just 90 miles (145 km) from Cuba, temperatures soared to hot tub levels, prompting US scientists to warn of the potential for catastrophic bleaching.

Pina said the expedition's scientists were also disappointed to find few larger specimens of fish like grouper, snapper and sharks even on Cuban reefs that appeared otherwise healthy.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Vessel wait times at Panama Canal

tensions between socialist MAS President Luis Arce and Morales, his MAS party rival and a former coca union leader in Chapare.

The Government has been prodded to act domestically, including by allies of Morales - President from 2006 until 2019 - who suggest the Government has been soft on traffickers.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The average wait time for non-booked vessels at the Panama Canal jumped by between 44% and 59% last month as a prolonged drought led to restrictions on daily transits and ship drafts.

The Panama Canal Authority began imposing the restrictions earlier this year in a move to conserve water. Only 32 vessels with a draft of up to 44 feet are now allowed to pass every day, from 36 ships and maximum draft of 50 feet in normal conditions.

The limitations have led to bottlenecks at both ends of the canal, pushed up freight tariffs and forced some vessels to divert to avoid deliv-

ery delays, especially those that do not have priority to pass.

The waiting time was longer for general cargo vessels, dry bulk carriers and tankers transporting liquefied petroleum gas.

Container ships, passenger vessels, refrigerated cargo vessels and vehicle carriers were less affected, the data showed.

The backlog of ships had eased to 117 on Friday from a peak of more than 160 vessels in early August, according to the data.

"To ensure the canal remains open to the world of commerce, the Panama Canal Authority has implemented strategic measures

over the past several months ... to mitigate the impacts from climate change and a subsequent dry season," the canal said this week.

The measures are expected to last at least 10 more months, canal officials have said.

Panama has seen a slight increase in rainfall in the past two months, resulting in a stabilisation of the canal's water levels after months of sharp declines. However, rain has not increased enough to raise levels in the waterway, which handles an estimated 5% of the world's entire trade, or to lessen the drought, experts said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Inmates free 57 Ecuador prison guards after stand-off

Inmates in six Ecuadorian prisons have released 50 guards and seven Police officers they had taken hostage, the prison service (SNAI) has said.

The 57 freed hostages are "undergoing medical evaluation" but appear to be in good health, according to SNAI.

Officials say the kidnappings were coordinated by criminal gangs angry at attempts to curb their power.

Two car bombs which went off near Police buildings in the capital, Quito, have also been blamed on the gangs.

The authorities believe at least one of the incidents could be retaliation for a Police search for weapons at one of the country's biggest jails.

Hundreds of Police officers and soldiers carried out the search at Cotopaxi jail in Latacunga, about 55 miles (88km) south of Quito, as part of efforts to prevent further violence at the prison on Wednesday.

Officials say normal activities have resumed in the six facilities

Normal activities have now been resumed in the six facilities, including a young offenders unit which was badly damaged by an arson attack. Officials have not offered any details as to how or why the officers were released.

"The measures we have taken, especially in the prison system, have generated violent reactions from criminal organisations that seek to intimidate the state," President Guillermo Lasso said on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday night.

Ecuador is facing growing violence linked to drug-trafficking gangs, which has put a huge strain on the under-resourced and overcrowded prison system.

Hundreds of inmates have been killed in deadly fights in Ecuador's overcrowded jails in recent years. Such is the influence of narco-politics in Ecuador, its prisons are places of power - it's where those involved in drugs offences get locked away. (Excerpt from BBC News)

of protest against the market, in La Paz, Bolivia October 10, 2022

increased more than 40% in August

Around the World OIL NEWS

With DeSantis absent, Biden surveys storm damage in Florida

US crude stocks to fall further, end below year-ago levels, say analysts

US crude oil stocks have fallen to their lowest level this year and likely will shrink further, analysts said, as record demand, producer supply cuts, weaker futures and rising storage costs all point to increasing drawdowns.

A tight crude market is poised to extend into 2024 and add upward pressure on global oil prices, they said. In a bullish sign, US inventories last week dropped 10.6 million barrels, hitting the lowest level since December 2022's 420.65 million barrels.

"We are already around 2022's close and I don't think we are getting a build in the second half of the year," said Al Salazar, a senior vice president at energy technology firm Enverus. "US$100 a barrel (for Brent crude) is definitely within striking range."

Brent crude futures were trading at US$88.08 a barrel on Friday, while US crude futures were trading at US$85.16 per barrel.

World demand is poised to hit a record high this year on strong air travel, power generation needs and surging Chinese petrochemical activity, the International Energy Agency forecast in August. Demand could grow this year by 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to 102.2 million bpd.

Oil supply will not match the rise in demand, the IEA said, adding it expects output to rise by 1.5 million bpd. Supply has fallen after Saudi Arabia voluntarily cut output in recent months and is likely to outweigh increases in US shale and by Iran and Venezuela.

Overall, US oil production could average 12.8 million bpd in 2023, but analysts are sceptical that shale gains can be sustained without a sharp increase in drilling activity. Active US oil rigs this month fell to the lowest since February 2022.

Near-term US oil prices also are higher than futures, which has further encouraged withdrawals from inventory. US crude for delivery in October recently traded about US$6 higher than for delivery 12 months out.

Even when six-month futures in late July briefly rose above those for October delivery, US stocks fell as central bankers raised interest rates, lifting costs to buy and store oil.

"It's going to be pretty difficult to incentivise that storage," said Christopher Haines, an analyst at Energy Aspects.

Prices of crude for future deliveries need to trade at least 50 cents above October prices before it is profitable to store crude, said Ernie Barsamian, chief executive of terminal storage clearinghouse The Tank Tiger.

That compares with estimates of 10-20 cents when interest rates hovered around 1%.

"We are likely moving to a new normal of lower inventory forward cover," analysts at Energy Aspects wrote in a note. (Reuters)

President Joe Biden travelled to Florida on Saturday to survey the destruction from Hurricane Idalia and comfort victims of the storm, but he did not meet Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential presidential rival, who opted not to come.

Biden, who praised DeSantis during the visit, said he was not disappointed by the Governor's absence and said DeSantis had helped plan the trip.

DeSantis' spokesperson said on Friday the Governor had no plans to meet Biden, saying "the security preparations alone that would go in to setting up such a meeting would shut down ongoing recovery efforts."

Biden took an aerial tour and received a briefing

It could have been politically perilous for DeSantis to be photographed with Biden overlooking storm damage now as the primary race intensifies. Though he trails far behind Trump, DeSantis leads the other Republican candidates in the race

from local officials and first responders in Live Oak, a town that was hit hard by the storm. He saw houses with fallen trees on them and said no one "intelligent" could doubt that cli-

Tel Aviv

More than 100 people were injured in violent clashes in Tel Aviv between Eritrean Government supporters celebrating an Eritrea Day event and opponents of President Isaias Afwerki.

Israeli Police fired stun grenades to break up the clashes, while some protesters hurled stones at Police and set fire to trash bins, Reuters journalists at the scene said. Footage on social media showed Eritrean Government supporters beating anti-Government protesters with clubs.

Israeli medical officials said more than 114 people had been treated for injuries, including about 30 Police officers.

The violence broke out around an event organised by the Eritrean embassy to mark Revolution Day on Sept 1, which commemorates the start of the Eritrean War of Independence against

Ethiopia in 1961. Isaias has ruled since Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Human rights groups have condemned his Government as being highly repressive and the country is under US and EU sanctions for alleged abuses.

"Why did we run from our country?," one protester in Tel Aviv, Hagos Gavriot, told Reuters. "Why the Israeli police gave them a permit to celebrate...for this dictator? We are against this. Why am I here seeking a shelter?"

About 25,500 Eritrean asylum seekers currently live in Israel, according to Assaf, an organisation that aids refugees.

Eritreans who fled to Israel over its border with Egypt say they will face persecution if they are repatriated. Eritrea requires exit permits for its citizens and has a mandatory military draft. (Excerpt from Reuters)

mate change was happening.

But politics hung over his trip. The President, who has spoken to DeSantis multiple times this week, had said on Friday they would meet in person. The decision by the Governor caught the White House off

guard.

Asked if he was disappointed DeSantis did not come, Biden said no. Biden said he was pleased that Senator Rick Scott, a Republican former Governor of Florida, had come despite their disagreements on many issues. Scott, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, wore a hat that said "Navy" on the front and "45" on the back. Trump was the 45th US President.

DeSantis, 44, spent the day about 50 miles (80 km) south, touring small communities along Florida's Gulf Coast, according to his official schedule.

DeSantis is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to oust Biden from the White House, but trails Trump in opinion polls. Biden, 80, is running for re-election.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Nobel Foundation cancels Russia, Belarus, Iran invites to annual prize awards

The Nobel Foundation said on Saturday it would not after all invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran to attend the Nobel Prize awards ceremony in Stockholm this year, reversing an earlier decision after widespread criticism.

Last year, the foundation left out the ambassadors of Russia and its ally Belarus because of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The foundation said on Thursday it would invite them, and Iran's ambassador, to this year's prize award ceremonies in December, commenting that it sought to include even those who did not share the values of the Nobel Prize.

That announcement

prompted the leaders of several Swedish political parties to say they would boycott the ceremonies.

"We recognise the strong reactions in Sweden," the foundation said in a statement on Saturday.

"We, therefore, choose to repeat last year's exception to regular practice – that is, to not invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran to the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm."

The prize-winners are announced in early October and five of the six Nobel prizes are awarded in Stockholm every year after a nomination process that is kept secret for the next 50 years. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo where separate festivities are held. (Reuters)

Aditya-L1:

India successfully launches its first mission to the Sun

India has launched its first observation mission to the Sun, just days after the country made history by becoming the first to land near the Moon's south pole.

Aditya-L1 lifted off from the launch pad at Sriharikota on Saturday at 11:50 India time (06:20 GMT).

It will travel 1.5 million km (932,000 miles) from the Earth - 1% of the Earth-Sun distance.

India's space agency says it will take four months

to travel that far.

India's first space-based mission to study the solar system's biggest object is named after Surya - the Hindu god of Sun who is also known as Aditya.

And L1 stands for Lagrange point 1 - the exact place between Sun and Earth where the Indian spacecraft is heading.

According to the European Space Agency, a Lagrange point is a spot where the gravitational forces of two large objects - such as the Sun and the

Earth - cancel each other out, allowing a spacecraft to "hover".

Once Aditya-L1 reaches this "parking spot", it would be able to orbit the Sun at the same rate as the Earth. This also means the satellite will require very little fuel to operate.

On Saturday morning, a few thousand people gathered in the viewing gallery set up by the Indian Space Research Agency (ISRO) near the launch site to watch the blast off.

It was also broadcast

Nigerian President recalls ambassadors worldwide

live on national TV where commentators described it as a "magnificent" launch.

ISRO scientists said the launch had been successful and its "performance is normal". After an hour and four minutes of flight-time, ISRO declared it "mission successful".

Project director Nigar Shaji said once Aditya-L1 reaches its destination, it will benefit not only India, but the global scientific community. (Excerpt from BBC News)

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a recall of Nigeria's ambassadors the world over with immediate effect, his spokesman said on Saturday.

"The President is determined to ensure that worldclass efficiency and quality, will henceforth, characterise foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents and prospective visitors alike," presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said.

Nigeria's United Nations permanent representatives in New York and Geneva are exempted from the "total recall" due to the upcom-

ing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later in the month, Tinubu's office said in a statement.

Nigeria has 109 diplomatic missions worldwide, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions and 11 consulates.

Tinubu, who has embarked on the country's boldest reforms in decades, is scheduled to hold talks with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the General Assembly and also meet leaders from Brazil, India, South Korea and Germany during the G20 meeting later in the month. (Reuters)

More than 100 injured in Eritrean clashes in

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)

CANCER

Pickles

Revamp your routine to satisfy your needs. Take better care of your physical and mental health; you’ll boost confidence and ease stress. Make a point to show enthusiasm.

Choose the most inviting path. Don’t let your emotions run wild. A physical outlet will ease stress and keep you out of trouble. Work to improve an important relationship.

Refuse to take part in gossip or reveal someone’s secrets. Work on self-improvement, not on dismantling someone’s reputation or position. Personal growth and romance are favored.

Observe what others are doing before you align yourself with someone who doesn’t share your objective. Put the changes you want in place and enjoy what you accomplish. Don’t hold back.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Digest what’s happening before you respond. Overreacting will make matters worse and can have costly consequences. Plan to do something exhilarating to clear your head.

Gather information that you need, then begin your adventure. Heading down a path that excites you will give you hope for a better future. Attend events conducive to fact-finding and networking.

You will pay a price if you give in to someone to avoid controversy. Distance yourself from demanding requests and put your energy into something that offers hope and joy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

The changes you implement will work out well. Focus on what makes you content with life. Be the master of your universe. Use your skills to improve the world and boost your passion.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

AQUARIUS

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Take care of your health and reputation. Refuse to let anyone redirect your energy into something you don’t like. Do your homework and reject questionable plans. Spend time with a loved one.

You’re sitting on a gold mine of knowledge, skills and experience. Know your worth and focus on positive results. Less criticism and more action will lead to your success.

Consider your options and think about who you want to include in your next transformation. Refuse to let anyone rain on your parade or lure you into something unwise.

A plan, coupled with a steady pace, will add to your stability and bring you closer to the lifestyle you long for. Refuse to jeopardize your health, financial well-being or relationships over petty concerns.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Anandjit is new ECCB President

The Annual General Meeting of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) was held on Thursday, August 31, at the LBI Facility, where Mr. Davteerth Anandjit was elected unopposed as the President.

Mr Anandjit’s administrative experience with the ECCB dates back to the mid-1990s, when he was secretary of the DCB, assistant secretary of the GCB, and a former Regional First-Class Umpire who served as President of the Guyana Umpires Council.

Mr. Anandjit is responsible for overseeing this sport in the ECCB for the next three years.

Outgoing ECCB President Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, who did not seek

re-election, has highlighted the efforts made by the GCB to restore the sport to

its rightful place in communities across Guyana, achievements over the past

two years since getting into office, and developmental plans for the future. He expressed confidence in the newly elected executives, as they have working knowledge of everyone as players, administrators and professionals.

The election was conducted by Cricket Ombudsman Mr. Malcom Peters, assisted by Mr. Arnold Sookraj and Mr. Javed Saywack, who witnessed the election. Officeholders are:

Vice-President: Suresh Budhu (Administration)

Chairman of Competitions Committee: Yeuraj Khemraj

Secretary: Clarence

Brotherson Treasurer: Poorendra

Jaigobin

Asst Treasurer: Omadat Samaroo

Marketing Manager: Yogeshwar Bishun

Public Relations Officer: Vishnu Ramjit

Trustees – Bissoondyal Singh

-Parmanand Dindyal Mr Peters, at conclusion of the elections, wished the Executives well, and emphasized that it takes hard work to achieve success.

The Executives will meet within the next week to appoint members of the different sub committees, and to plan the way forward.

Championships… NAMILCO throws support behind GAPLF

2023 FESUPO Powerlifting

The National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO), the largest and oldest operating commercial flour mill here, has thrown its support behind the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) ahead of the 10th South American Men’s and Women’s Classic Powerlifting & Bench Press Championships (FESUPO), set for Lima, Peru from September 6-11, 2023.

Serving markets also in St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, Canada, Suriname, and Brazil, NAMILCO’s Managing Director Bert Sukhai shared that the company, which is over 50 years old, is pleased to be supporting the ambitions of the Powerlifting Federation and its athletes.

“We at NAMILCO have been very supportive of sports and its development in Guyana over the years, and we are very proud of this across many, many dis-

ciplines. Powerlifting has been holding its own, and we are more than happy for the opportunity to support you guys.”

In handing over the cheque to GAPLF President Franklin Wilson at the company’s headquarters in Agricola, Finance Executive Fitroy McLeod echoed Mr. Sukhai’s comments while congratulating the Federation for making Guyana proud at both the Senior, SubJunior, and Junior World Championships, where Guyana got one bronze and two silver and one gold medal in June and August respectively.

Carlos PettersonGriffith gained bronze and silver medals in the squat and deadlift in Malta in June, where he ended 6th of 38 lifters in the 93kg class and qualified as the top South American lifter for Sheffield next February, while Dominic Tyrrell (deadlift silver)

and Romeo Hunter,(gold in the squat) emulated Petterson-Griffith’s feat. The NAMILCO executives have said they were very impressive for the nation.

“The sport no doubt has been doing very well for Guyana, so we as a company are very happy to assist you, and in this instance,

for the South American Championships in Peru this month. We are confident that the team will do well once again and bring back medals for Guyana.”

President of the Federation, Franklin Wilson, expressed gratitude of his executive, Team Guyana, and mem-

bers of the GAPLF to Mr. Sukhai, NAMILCO, and Mr. McLeod.

“The Powerlifting Federation is very pleased with this partnership that has started here with NAMILCO. We, too, are well aware of the company’s support and partnership with other sports associations and federations over the years, and can assure you that we intend to build on this and make it more solid going forward.”

Guyana would be represented by a 10-member team at the South American Championships:

Ms. Sarah Sanmoogan (66kg-Open/JuniorClassics), Ms. Keisha Abrigo (76kg-Open-Classics), Mr. Kheon Evans (83 kgOpen-Classics), Mr. Wasim Mohamed (93 kg-Open/ MI-Classics), Mr. Leroy Trotman (93 kg-Open-Classics), Mr. Bjorn Williams (105 kg-Open-Classics), and the USA-based Mr. Nairanjan Singh (83

Golden Jaguars give back

The Guyana Golden Jaguars have expressed their love and appreciation to their fans, sponsors and well-wishers by distributing backpacks to young students, compliments of Guyana Football Association President Wayne Forde, who donated a dozen of the backpacks.

Jermy Garrett, Curtez Kellman and Ackel Clarke visited Joshua House Children’s Centre and handed over the backpacks to the boys and girls

who will commence the new school term on Monday.

The players also visited the Tiger Bay community and donated backpacks to a cheerful and thankful group on children.

“Our team receive support and contributions from sponsors and many stakeholders, so it feels really good to be able to give back and put smiles on the faces of these kids. With the support of President Forde and the GFF, we hope to do this more often,” they said.

kg-Masters 4-Equipped).

The Team Coach is USA-based Mr. Kerma Singh, the Manager is Mr. Franklin Wilson, and the Referee is IPF Category 11 accredited, Mr. Colin Andrew Austin. Other sponsors on board the GAPLF to date are the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; National Sports Commission; Guyana Olympic Association; and John Fernandes Limited.

The New Executives of the ECCB

NAMILCO’s Finance Executive Fitzroy McLeod (left) handing over the sponsorship cheque to GAPLF President Franklin Wilson

Barbados Women record second win in Massy CPL 2023

Home team Barbados Royals have cruised to their second win in as many matches in the Massy CPL 2023 by chasing 74 to beat the Trinbago Knight Riders Women by six wickets at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

After chasing a record 167 two days ago in the first match, the Hayley Matthews side made the most of their chances against the Trinbago Knight Riders, who were without their captain and most experienced international player Deandra Dottin, and exciting new overseas player Orla Prendergast for the opening match of their WCPL defence. Trinbago Knight Riders never got going with the bat, despite winning the toss and opting to bat first. Only one player reached double figures, as the side capitulated to 73 all out.

The Royals didn’t hang around in their pursuit of the total, knocking off 74 for four wickets inside 11 overs, after an explosive powerplay started the chase strongly.

The Knight Riders reached 32-1 from their steady Power play. Kycia Knight made a good start, scoring at just shy of a run a ball in the first six overs. However, when she was dismissed by Erin Burns, the visitors fell from 36-2 to 73 all out.

Spin dominated for the Matthews side, as it had in their first match on Thursday.

It was responsible for the fall of eight wickets for 54 runs, and was employed for 12.4 of the 16.4 overs bowled.

Australian pair

Erin Burns and Amanda-Jade Wellington were the stars, with 3/19 and 2/13 respec-

tively.

The Royals, in response, got off to a fast start in the powerplay, the captain lead-

ing off with a quickfire 19, supported by Gaby Lewis, on the back of a score of 47, reaching a run-a-ball 27. It enabled the

hosts to surpass 50 inside the Powerplay.

The Matthews side endured a setback when they lost three wickets for 11 runs between overs five and nine, with Knight Riders’ spinners enjoying some consolation wicket-taking, although

it wasn’t enough to affect the result.

Barbados Royals are back in action for a third consecutive match tomorrow. They face Guyana Amazon Warriors in a repeat of the 2023 WCPL opener. Action starts from 15:30h.

SCOREBOARD

Trinbago Knight Riders

Women (20 ovs maximum)

Marie Kelly c †Williams

b Alleyne 5

Lee-Ann Kirby c Lewis

b Wellington 8

Kycia Knight †c Joseph

b Burns 15

Mignon du Preez lbw

b Burns 7

Kyshona Knight c Fletcher b Burns 7

Britney Cooper run out (Harris) 4

Zaida James lbw

b Wellington 0

Carena Noel b Matthews 4

Anisa Mohammed (c)lbw

b Matthews 6

Shamilia Connell c Lewis

b Fletcher 4

Fran Jonas not out 2 Extras (b 3, lb 1, w 7) 11

TOTAL 16.4 Ov (RR: 4.38) 73

Fall of wickets: 1-5

(Marie Kelly, 1.3 ov), 2-32

(Lee-Ann Kirby, 6.4 ov), 3-36

(Kycia Knight, 7.5 ov), 4-44

(Kyshona Knight, 9.1 ov), 5-51

(Britney Cooper, 10.4 ov), 6-52

(Zaida James, 10.6 ov), 7-55

(Mignon du Preez, 11.4 ov), 8-63

(Anisa Mohammed, 13.6 ov), 9-67

(Carena Noel, 15.3 ov), 10-73

(Shamilia Connell, 16.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Chinelle Henry 2-0-8-0 Aaliyah Alleyne 2-0-7-1 Hayley Matthews 3-0-16-2 Erin Burns 4-0-19-3

Amanda-Jade Wellington 4-1-13- 2

Afy Fletcher 1.4-0-6-1

Barbados Royals Women (T: 74 runs from 20 ovs)

Hayley Matthews (c)c Connell b Kelly 19

Gaby Lewis c Connell b Jonas 27 Rashada Williams †c †Kycia A Knight b Zaida James 2 Erin Burns not out 11 Laura Harris c Kyshona A Knight b

Royals Women are 2 in 2

12 locals headline 23-man squad

Twelve local players and 11 foreign-based players will be tasked with giving Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, their dream start to the CONCACAF Nations League 2023/2024.

The 23-member Golden Jaguars Team are gearing up for their first match in the 2023/2024 CONCACAF Nations League Group Stage against Antigua and Barbuda, and Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has expressed confidence in his team's preparations over the last few weeks.

The squad, including two crowd favourites: 19-year-old Chicago Fire Football Club forward Omari Glasgow and 23- year-old Queen’s Park Rangers midfielder Stephen Duke McKenna, were revealed on Friday, September 1. Coach Shabazz has chosen three goalkeepers, ten defenders, five midfielders, and five forwards to kick-start Guyana’s CNL.

According to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), training for players based in Guyana has been intense over the last few weeks with the addition of South

African Fitness Coach Riedoh Berdien, who worked alongside Shabazz and Assistant Head Coach Wayne Dover.

“The guys at home responded well to the work put in by our staff, especially the methods employed by our Fitness Coach Riedoh Berdien,” Shabazz has shared. He added that “a couple lads fought their way into the squad".

Following impressive performances in the recently concluded Guyana Football Federation (GFF) KFC Elite League, Coach Shabazz gave the nod to

midfielder Ryan ‘Boom Boom’ Hackett and defender Amos Ramsay of the Guyana Defence Force Football Club, and Santos Football Club midfielder Darron Niles.

Notably missing from the team are three of the most experienced players: Neil Danns, who recently retired; Emery Welshman, who is in pre-retirement; and Sam Cox, who has temporarily joined the Golden Jaguars coaching staff.

"This places responsibility on the likes of Omari Glasgow, Jeremy Garrett, Duke McKenna, Daniel Wilson and Elliot Bonds to

show more leadership,” an unfazed Shabazz has emphasised.

The team reads as follows: GoalkeepersQuillan Roberts, Kai McKenzie-Lyle and Akel Clarke; Defenders - Jeremy Garrett, Curtez Kellman, Jalen Jones, Marcus Wilson, Colin Nelson, Leo Lovell, Raushan Ritch, Liam Gordon, Miguel Scarlet and Amos Ramsey.

Midfielders - Daniel Wilson, Stephen DukeMcKenna, Darren Niles, Ryan Hackett and Elliott Bonds.

Forwards - Omari

Glasgow, Kadell Daniel, Deon Moore, Kelsey Benjamin and Connor Kurran-Browne.

Guyana has been drawn in Group D of League B, along with Antigua and Barbuda, Puerto Rico, and Bahamas.

League B’s sixteen national teams are divided into four groups of four teams. Each team will play every other team in their group, home and away, for six matches per team. The first and second-placed fin - ishers

of each group would advance to the Quarterfinals.

With a strong squad in place to face the Antigua challenge, the Golden Jaguars are motivated and focused on advancing to the next round.

“Our ambition is to win the group, so picking up points away from home against Antigua is vital. The ability to block out outside influences and pull together and gel as a team with one dream will shape the results.

“We face this away game with full respect to Antigua, but courage and confidence in our team,” Coach Shabazz shared.

As such, the GFF has moved to encourage Guyanese at home and abroad to support the Golden Jaguars as they aim to make their mark in the CONCACAF Nations League.

The Golden Jaguars’ opening match against Antigua and Barbuda starts at 15:30hrs local time at the Antigua & Barbuda Technical Centre in St. John's.

The Golden Jaguars will begin their CONCACAF Nations League campaign next Saturday against Antigua and Barbuda

Erin Burns and Henry took Royals to the target

Matthews appealing during her spell

Burns claimed three wickets with ball

RBL CPL 2023: Guyana Amazon Warriors dominate St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

especially with Berbicians. Hetmyer had a warm welcome and he did not disappoint the fans with his aggressive hitting.

Hetmyer was joined by Paul, and the Guyanese duo added 57 runs from 39 balls to revive the Amazon Warriors’ innings, from 54-4 to 111-5 in 13.4 overs.

The southpaw, Hetmyer struck 36 from 22 balls, an innings laced with threes sixes and one four. He was caught by Dominic Drakes, as he attempted to pull one out of the ground.

Warriors were seeking a big finish, and Paul continued his form with the bat. He was the top-scorer with an unbeaten 41 from 31 balls, an innings

By Brandon Corlette

The dominant Guyana

Amazon Warriors remained unbeaten in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League with their third win of the season.

A complete team effort propelled the Warriors to a 98-run win against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Kensington Oval, in Bridgetown Barbados. Warriors had posted 1866 in their 20 overs, and restricted Patriotrs to 88 all out in 17.1 overs.

Guyana Amazon Warriors began the defense in style as they picked up four Patriots wickets inside the power play. Patriots were reeling at 43-4 as

Dwaine Pretorius blew away the top-order with his right-arm seam. Andre Fletcher was the first dismissed for 11 at 15-1, and Patriots top order slide down the drain.

Romario Shepherd sent back Evin Lewis for seven while Sherfane Rutherford survived only two balls for his two runs. He was caught at first slip by Shai Hope off Pretorius. Warriors bowlers were discipline and the fielders backed up them.

Gudakesh Motie was at his best as he mesmerized the Patriots bowlers to end with 2-15 from his four overs.

The South African Pretorius ended with 3-17 in his player of the match effort as Warriors bundled out Patriotrs to 88 all

out in 17.1 overs. Patriots have played seven matches have are yet to win a single game.

Earlier, Guyana Amazon Warriors were asked to bat first after Patriots won the toss. Warriors were unchanged while Patriots made five changes, including Sherfane Rutherford, who was in the team but not as captain.

Warriors had a fiery start under glorious sunshine with Saim Ayub scoring a boundary the first ball of the match. He looked promsing but he gifted his wicket for 21, as Warriors were 32-1 after 3.2 overs.

Hazratullah Zazai continued his lean run of form with the bat, as he was caught at he wicket for seven.

Azam Khan struck one six, but soaked up 11 balls as Warriors slumped to 52-3 in 6.3 overs. Shai

Hope played some classy shots but his 13 at home saw Shimron Hetmyer entering the ring. The 3Ws stand at Kensignton Oval was floded with Guyanese,

laced with three sixes and one four. Dwaine Pretorius made 20 but it was Romario Shepherd, who was again, a man on a mission.

The well-build lad, Shepherd slammed 26 from seven balls, in his brutal unbeaten innings, which featured three huge sixes and one four. Warriors ended with a strong total of 186-6 in 20 overs.

Warriors will be in action again on Tuesday September 5 against

Trinbago Knight Riders at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Amazon Warriors (20 ovs maximum)

Saim Ayub c Layne b Thomas 21

Hazratullah Zazai c

†Fletcher b Thomas 7

Shai Hope c Lewis

b Thomas 13

Azam Khan †c Drakes b Linde 6

Shimron Hetmyer c & b Drakes 36

Keemo Paul not out 41

Dwaine Pretorius c

Howell b Bosch 27

Romario Shepherd not out 26

Extras (lb 3, nb 3, w 3) 9

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.30) 186/6

Fall of wickets: 1-32

(Saim Ayub, 3.2 ov), 2-43

(Hazratullah Zazai, 3.6 ov), 3-52

(Azam Khan, 6.3 ov), 4-54

(Shai Hope, 7.1 ov), 5-111

(Shimron Hetmyer, 13.4 ov), 6-159

(Dwaine Pretorius, 18.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Johann Layne 2-0-17-0

Corbin Bosch 3-0-31-1

Oshane Thomas 3-0-26-3

George Linde 3-0-18-1

Dominic Drakes 4-0-45-1

Benny Howell 2-0-18-0

Compliments of

Oshane Thomas was the pick of the Patriots bowlers with 3-26 in three overs, as he extracted serious pace and bounce. Warriors ended up scoring 71 runs in their last five overs of dominance.

Yannic Cariah 3-0-28-0

St Kitts And Nevis Patriots (T: 187 runs from 20 ovs)

Andre Fletcher †c Motie

b Pretorius 11

Evin Lewis (c)c †Azam

Khan b Shepherd 7

Will Smeed c Imran Tahir

b Pretorius 2

George Linde c Shepherd

b Motie 13

Sherfane Rutherford c

Hope b Pretorius 2

Corbin Bosch c & b Motie 27

Yannic Cariah run out

(Hazratullah Zazai) 13

Benny Howell c Hope

b Saim Ayub 2

Dominic Drakes run out

(Paul/†Azam Khan) 6

Johann Layne c Pretorius b Sinclair 1

Oshane Thomas not out 1

Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3

TOTAL 17.1 Ov (RR: 5.12) 88

Fall of wickets: 1-15

(Andre Fletcher, 1.1 ov), 2-23

(Evin Lewis, 2.6 ov), 3-23

(Will Smeed, 3.1 ov), 4-25 (Sherfane Rutherford, 3.3 ov), 5-45 (George Linde, 6.6 ov), 6-78 (Yannic Cariah, 13.1 ov), 7-78 (Corbin Bosch, 13.2 ov), 8-85 (Benny Howell, 15.2 ov), 9-86 (Johann Layne, 16.1 ov), 10-88 (Dominic Drakes, 17.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Romario Shepherd 2-0-19-1

Dwaine Pretorius 3-0-17-3

Keemo Paul 1-0-6-0

Gudakesh Motie 4-0-15-2

Imran Tahir 3.1-0-18-0

Junior Sinclair 3-0-10-1 Saim

Ayub 1-0-2-1

GAW celebrating the wicket of Rutherford

Oshane Thomas claimed three wickets

Keemo Paul continued his top form

Motie was outstanding again

Shimron Hetmyer looked dangerous again