Guyana Times -Thursday, August 03, 2023

of his labour will live on forever” – Pres Ali on passing of Dr Roger Luncheon

Former Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, who headed the Presidential Secretariat under previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Governments, a party in which he was a stalwart, has died at the age of 74.

Dr Luncheon, a senior Central and Executive Member of the PPP/C, served as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) for over 21 years - a tenure that spanned the Presidencies of Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar.

At the time of his passing, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday, where he had been hospitalized for an ailment, he was a member of the current PPP/C Cabinet and the party’s Central and Executive Committees.

Legacy

Since his passing, the tributes have poured in. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in expressing his condolences to Dr Luncheon’s family and friends, noted the important role that the party stalwart played in his development. According to President Ali, Luncheon’s legacy is one that will live on forever.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness we receive the news of the passing of one of Guyana’s most outstanding sons, Dr. Roger Luncheon. This exceptional patriot and national icon was fearless and selfless in his complete commitment to national development and defence of a free and democratic Guyana.

“It is a painful and deep-wounded loss for the Government and Party. He

offered me unflinching support throughout my political career, both within the PPP and in public life. This man has shaped me in many ways, and placed tremendous trust and confidence in me. Onward, fearless warrior and pure nationalist, your work is done, but the

Secretary of the PPP, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, described Dr Luncheon as a “true son of the soil”, who has left behind a legacy of true commitment to service in Guyana.

In his message of condolence, Jagdeo hailed Luncheon’s valuable contri-

work for the people of Guyana. May his soul rest in peace,” Jagdeo said.

Towering intellect

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC., meanwhile noted that with the tragic death of Dr.

butions to the Scheme were extensive.

“Our Scheme has benefitted tremendously from the wisdom and inputs of Dr. Luncheon during his tenure as Chairman of the NIS Board. He was one of Guyana's true sons of the soil, a brilliant medical doctor, politician and communication specialist.

ing out of the Herdmanston Accord process. It was hard not to get to know each other on a more personal level.”

“Though political views and positions remained unassailable, we all came away with a better appreciation and understanding of each other. Roger Luncheon, in those meetings, never failed to entertain or disappoint,” Trotman said.

product of your labour will live on forever,” President Ali said. True

butions to the party. Those include his immense contributions during the struggle against People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) dictatorship.

“Dr. Luncheon served in many capacities, including as Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary for five Presidents of Guyana. He was a member of the Cabinet and the party’s Central and Executive Committees up until his passing,” Jagdeo has said.

“A true son of the soil who helped to shape the lives of many, Dr. Luncheon left a rich legacy of true commitment to service, patriotism, and a deep sense of national pride and hard

Luncheon, Guyana has lost a national asset. According to Nandlall, Luncheon was an influential leader who possessed a towering intellect and acclaimed oratory skills.

“This was exemplified at his post-Cabinet press briefings, which became a media staple for decades. His capacity, tenacity, and appetite for selfless public service in successive PPP/C Governments from 1992 to present is simply without compare.

“Intense bouts of illness failed to faze him. He remained a member of our Cabinet to the very end. During his protracted stint in Government, he wielded tremendous political power, but was never overwhelmed by it,” Nandlall said.

The Attorney General further noted that Dr. Luncheon was a mentor and an example to many, and with his mental agility and understanding of complex issues, including law, he learnt much from working with him.

“No doubt, he is gone but has left a rich legacy of sterling contribution. It will be a long time before the void his death has created is filled. A grateful nation mourns the passing of one of its most industrious sons. To his children and other relatives, I offer my sincere condolences,” Nandlall said.

NIS

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which Luncheon chaired from 1992 to 2009, also sent out a statement expressing sadness at the passing of their former Chairman. According to NIS, Luncheon’s contri-

“The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the National Insurance Scheme would like to extend sincere condolences to the Government and people of Guyana, the family, friends and associates of the late Dr. Luncheon. May his soul rest in peace, and his legacy be cherished,” the message from the NIS stated.

Bipartisan

Bipartisan condolences were also forthcoming from former Alliance For Change (AFC) leader and former Minister of Natural Resources under the former Government, Raphael Trotman. In a missive, Trotman hailed Luncheon’s qualities, which he said he came to appreciate despite their opposing political views.

“In adversarial forms of politics, as Guyana's is, the acrimony and disdain for, and between, opposing sides is always very palpable. One is simply not expected to admire or revere anyone from the "other side”.

“In the case of Dr. Roger Luncheon, however, one could not escape the obvious reality that he was an enigma who commanded respect. I have had countless close encounters and engagements with Dr. Luncheon, and in all he would remind you that he was no regular "banna" - to use one of his favourite expressions.”

Trotman recalled the bipartisan work done on the Herdmanston Accord of 1998, which saw them meeting for a Caribbean Community (Caricom) brokered process of dialogue. According to Trotman, they came away with a better understanding of each other.

“For three years, a small group, representing the PPP/C and PNCR met quietly in dialogue to discuss a range of issues aris-

Trotman further recalled that, on a personal note, Dr. Luncheon was willing to put politics aside and provide medical assistance to an acquaintance of his that he interceded for, without a hint of “rancour, bitterness or arrogance on his part.”

“It was easy to take the low road and hit his opponents when in distress. In the end, he calmly said, "We will help". I came away from that meeting with the conviction that though we would be embattled, we must always maintain a sense of humanity. May his soul rest in peace,” Trotman said.

The life of a stalwart

Born on July 17, 1949, Dr. Roger Luncheon was a graduate of Queen’s College, after which he proceeded to study at Howard University in Washington D.C, and became an internal medicine specialist in nephrology.

After serving the Health Ministry as an Internal Medicine Consultant, he became head of the Internal Medicine Department. He worked at the University of Guyana as an Associate Professor of the Medical Practitioners Programme.

A member of the PPP since the early 1980s, Luncheon served as head of the Presidential Secretariat from 1992 to 2015. He also Chaired and served on a number of boards during this time, including the NIS and the Defence Board. He was also Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee.

Dr Luncheon is the third PPP/C stalwart to have died in a year, following the death of Bibi Shadick in August 2022 and the death of party co-founder and renowned Attorneyat-Law Ashton Chase, OE, SC, last month. (G3)

“Product

…as tributes pour in following death of stalwart

Dr Roger Luncheon as Cabinet Secretary gave numerous briefings to the media

Dr Luncheon

File photo: Dr Luncheon while being given a tour of a regional hospital at Kumaka (Region One)

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, August 3 –04:15h-05:45h and Friday, August 4 – 04:15h-05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, August 3 –05:15h-06:45h and Friday, August 4 – 06:05h-07:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day and at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthWesterly between 0.89 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 18:06h reaching a maximum height of 2.71 metres.

Low Tide: 11:39h and 23:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.41 metre and 0.50 metre.

years in Govt

Majority of manifesto promises fulfilled – President Ali …says foundation being laid for Guyana 2030

President Dr Irfaan Ali has disclosed that Government’s transformative development agenda has successfully led to the realisation of a majority of its manifesto promises.

“We have almost completed our manifesto… I'm most proud of all of the work that we have done,” President Ali said as he reflected on his term in office to date, adding that the achievements in all the sectors are massive and have propelled the country into an advanced state which his government is proud.

The Head of State pointed out that the accomplishments of the government over the past three years cannot be attributed solely to him but to his entire team of Ministers and advisors. The pursuit of such an aggressive development agenda is to ensure they “bring prosperity to every Guyanese home.”

President Ali emphasised that the ongoing progress in the country is a fulfilment of his government's commitment to the people.

He explained that there have been tremendous achievements in health care, education, infrastructure, technological transformation, the delivery of jobs, the expansion of housing, the opening up of opportunities for the vulnerable and support for the elderly, women and children.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Ali is also proud that his government has been able to stand true and successfully fulfil the promises outlined in its manifesto.

“We have brought back jobs in the sugar estate. We are revitalising the sugar sector, we are revitalising agriculture, and we are putting food security on the front. We are investing in human development, in the modernisation of our country, in the technological advancement of our country, bringing the infrastructure that will support the best possible health and education, deliverables and service to our people. This

is what makes me proud,” the Head of State is quoted as saying by the Press and Publicity Unit of the Office of the President.

In addition, President Ali stressed that another important achievement of his government is being able to take services to the people. He said this matrix approach to leadership has unearthed many openings to meet and connect with the people.

“It's a matrix approach to leadership, a matrix approach to development, a matrix approach to service where the people are at the centre and a service that the government offers surrounds the people… Everything that we do, all the action that we take is bringing people at the core, and it's not a hierarchical movement where someone is at the top and passing things down at the bottom,” he underscored.

Noting that there were many challenges and hurdles that he overcame, the President explained that when he assumed office in 2020, it was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and months later, his government had to wrestle with one of the largest flooding in the country.

“So, to achieve what we achieved in such an environment is remarkable by any standard,” he added.

New Paradigm

The president reiterated that his government is working to reposition Guyana at the global level as a country

that is competitive and sustainable, with “respect for the rule of law, respect for democratic principles and respect for our people.”

He added that every citizen should be proud and celebrate the fact that Guyana is now being held in high esteem on the international stage.

Through an aggressive approach to development, Dr Ali said his government is able to set a new paradigm for Guyana. This, he said, will present valuable opportunities for Guyana and position the country as “an important global leader on three of the most challenging crises that the world face. These are food, energy and climate.”

The significant progress and robust approach by Government towards development across the country is the foundation for what Guyana will be by 2030.

“We are laying the framework now to ensure that we present a Guyana that by

2030 will be a sustainable, highly competitive, developed, advanced country in which the citizens of our country will enjoy the best health care, enjoy the best educational services. Where prosperity will come from every home where we will be singing from a singular Guyanese hymn book that we are one, that we are together.”

Highlighting additional achievements, the President noted that the Government has been able to attract direct foreign investments in the area of oil and gas, hospitality and accommodation, among others.

“We were able to position Guyana to be an attractive destination for internationally branded hotels, for foreign direct investment, not only in oil and gas, but in a diversified portfolio of opportunity…”

President Ali stated too, that investments will be made by the government to ensure that the country becomes competitive and sustainable with a diversified economic profile through the setting up of an agenda for research and development.

“We are talking about a new Guyana that is emerging, and what will fuel the emergence of this new Guyana? It is the revenue from oil and gas that has to fuel it. But it will fuel it to create new growth poles. It will fuel it to create new areas of revenue. It will fuel it to create new economic opportunity…”

3

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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3 years ago, yesterday

August 2, 2023 marks three years after the fivemonth political impasse of the elections of March 2, 2020, and five years, seven months after the NoConfidence Motion (NCM) of December 21, 2018. These dates are markers of the PNC’s desperate efforts to destroy the democratic edifice the PPP built after 1992 following the PNC’s rigging of elections in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985. In elections in those 28 years, the Burnhamite regime had installed a de-facto authoritarian one-party State that made a mockery of its democratic pretentions.

It was against this background that as soon as it slid into office by the narrowest of margins in 2015, the PNC, under its leader David Granger, prepared to hold on to power by any means necessary. This was signalled by Granger’s refusal to adhere to the clearly-stated constitutional rules for appointing the Chairman of GECOM, and to unilaterally appoint his choice, James Paterson. The latter justified his selection by throwing several spanners into the election machinery until he was adjudged to have been unconstitutionally appointed by the CCJ.

Concomitantly, Granger refused to obey the even more pellucid constitutional stricture of Article 106 (6)(7) for his Government to resign following its defeat in the NCM moved by the PPP. This precipitated a constitutional crisis that was a harbinger of the lengths Granger and the PNC would go to, to hold on to power by any means necessary.

In the words of one constitutional expert, “This was a “crisis of fidelity”, which occurs when important political actors are simply unwilling to adhere to the constitutional commitments as they understand them. If consequential political actors determined that a constitutional rule or a prescribed constitutional outcome should be ignored, because some other political priority than following the Constitution is more important, then the Constitution’s ability to guide and constrain political behaviour has, to that degree, been cast into doubt.”

After a tortuous passage through the three tiers of our Judiciary, that crisis was resolved and the PNC was forced to schedule elections. But not in the three months after the judgement in July 2019, as was mandated, but eight months after, on March 2, 2020. The courts were cynically used as a sword to subvert the constitutional basis of our democratic order. Two days before the elections, the US Ambassador issued a statement on “democratic elections”, which was eerily prescient as to what lay ahead. We published that statement on Election Day in this space: “To cast a free ballot and minimize the opportunity for intimidation, voters in a democracy must be permitted to cast their ballots in secret. At the same time, the protection of the ballot box and tallying of vote totals must be conducted as openly as possible, so that citizens are confident that the results are accurate and that the Government does, indeed, rest upon their “consent”.

While it was universally accepted that the first part of the caution – the actual voting – was satisfied; on the following day, all hell broke loose. In full view of the international observers of the US, UK, Caricom, EU, and Commonwealth and local observers, the PNC crudely attempted to rig the elections as the Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo refused to display the Statements of Poll (SoPs) being tallied, as statutorily demanded, and declared the PNC the winner of the Region and, consequently, the general elections.

The country was plunged not into a constitutional crisis this time, but a naked grab for power that once again used the courts as a sword to deny the right of the people to select their Government. It was only because of the fortitude of the people of Guyana, the international community, and the integrity of the CCJ that the elections of March 2 were finally declared in favour of the PPP, five months later, on August 2.

Let us never again allow the trampling of our Constitution, as has happened between December 21, 2018 and August 1, 2020.

August 2 – a day to remember

With the passing yesterday of Dr. Roger Luncheon, August 2nd now has a double meaning. Dr. Luncheon, of course, was no stranger to the electoral victory of August 2, 2020, because he gave all he had in him to save democracy from the threat by the APNU-AFC that was fully operational.

The PPPC victory of 2020 was in no small measure due to Roger Luncheon’s dedication, sense of duty to the nation, and to his unfathomable resilience. What an extraordinary and blissful coincidence that he has departed this life on what is no doubt a day in history to remember.

The election saga from March to August 2020 that the APNU-AFC put this country through should never be forgotten. This is particularly so because while the PNCR, AFC, and some civil society groups talk a lot of democracy, they are in fact agents of authoritarian rule. Worse yet, a small number of the ideologues (David Hinds, Lincoln Lewis) continue to peddle the narratives of freedom solely in Afrocentric terms, and some in civil society believe that East Indians have no right to govern Guyana.

These backward discourses persist despite the strong presence of AfroGuyanese support for the PPPC, and massive contributions by Africans across Guyanese society. Many of you will recall that, lead -

ing up to the 1992 elections, David Hinds wanted Desmond Hoyte to be the (PCD) consensus candidate on the ground that Jagan was tainted. He meant that the urban, Afro-Mulatto middle class would rather accept the very president (Hoyte) who had helped to preside over numerous rigged elections, over a man from Port Mourant who has toiled with honesty and dignity for decades to remove the same PNC that the said Desmond Hoyte led. Astounding! Over the dreary months of March 2-August 2, 2020, the likes of Mingo, Lowenfield and Myers became celebrities with the authoritarians. They almost became life-long heroes for those that still nurture the rigging instincts of the Burnham days. They failed because PPPC supporters stood with resolve, while the PPPC leadership under presidential candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo mounted a courageous battle to save this nation from impending tyranny.

Too many people were involved in this fight to list names, but who could forget the brilliant legal work of Anil Nandlall and Sanjeev Datadin, the towering strength of Sase Gunraj and Bibi Shadick, the tenacity of Sasenarine Singh, Charles Ramson Jr., Rosalinda Rasul, the courage and experience deployed by Sonia Parag and

Gail Teixeira and many

who now form the cabinet, the moral presence of FITUG leadership, the civil society giants like N.K. Gopaul and Captain Gerry Gouveia; and last, but not least, the rank and file of PPPC supporters who guarded the ballot boxes and containers, provided the logistics, and most of all stood tall in the face of what was an exorable drive towards domination by the APNU-AFC.

Remember David Hinds and his friends wanted to throw out the entire results of the election and simply declare Granger the winner.

The diaspora also played a key role by contacting elected officials in the US Congress and State Legislature. Some helped to fund ground operations in Guyana. I know specifically of money raised in Maryland-DC-Virginia area that helped to fund the people who were guarding the ballot box containers. Still others were in direct contact with key officials in the Department of State, right up to Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Ambassador Michael Kozak. I have seen a letter from Ambassador Kozak stating that the APNU-AFC can remain in office only “at their peril.”

For the record, please note the pattern of delaying by the PNC and later APNU-AFC where elections are concerned. This is important for those who might think that the 2020

attempt at election theft was a one-off.

Instance No. 1: The PNC under Hoyte agreed in December 1989 to hold free and fair elections. The agreement with Carter Center. The election did not happen until October 1992. - Lapse 1009 days.

Instance No. 2: The no-confidence vote occurred on Dec 21, 2018. The elections did not come until March 2020. Lapse 437 days.

Instance No 3: The election took place on March 2 and the APNUAFC did not concede until August 2. Lapse 153 days.

To date, therefore, the PNC-APNU-AFC have spent no less than illegitimate 588 days in office, 1009 days governing in bad faith, and 28 years in rigged or manipulated elections.

Between the elections of December 16, 1968 and October 5, 1992, there were 9125 days. Altogether, therefore, the PNC/R has snatched approximately 9715 days from the Guyanese people since the 1968 election. (I did not double count the 1009 days).

March 2-August 2, 2020 was not a sideshow for the PNCR/APNU and AFC. The PNC has a long and tortured history of delaying, diverting, and rigging. The people must be on their toes, because there is no sign of change for the authoritarians.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Ambassador Elisabeth Harper join outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa, his wife and parents for a toast during a farewell reception at his Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara residence on Wednesday evening. After a five-year tenure, Dr Srinivasa will depart Guyana this weekend and head back home to serve in another position with the Indian Government

Dr Roger Luncheon’s sense of humanity

Dear Editor,

In adversarial forms of politics, as Guyana's is, the acrimony and disdain for, and between, opposing sides is always very palpable. One is simply not expected to admire or revere anyone from the "other side". In the case of Dr. Roger Luncheon, however, one could not escape the obvious reality that he was an enigma who commanded respect.

I have had countless close encounters and engagements with Dr. Luncheon,

and in all he would remind you that he was no regular "banna" - to use one of his favourite expressions.

For three years, a small group representing the PPP/C and PNCR met quietly in dialogue to discuss a range of issues arising out of the Herdmanston Accord process. It was hard not to get to know each other on a more personal level. Though political views and positions remained unassailable, we all came away with a better appreciation

and understanding of each other. Roger Luncheon, in those meetings, never failed to entertain or disappoint.

At his press conferences, he spoke in a very circuitous way, and one had to develop an art to decipher his language. He wasn't known to lie, but didn't make it easy to understand what he was saying; especially when he was dealing with a thorny subject. If you took the time to dissect his words, all one needed to know was intricately revealed. A most

memorable example of this was when he coined the phrase "phantom force" in the heyday of the killings by stating at a press conference: "…there is reasonably plausible evidence that there is a phantom force involved in killings, and it is not the security forces." In those words, was the first official acknowledgement of the killings that were plaguing the nation, and the source of them.

On a more personal note, during the height of 2011

All's well that ends well

Dear Editor, August 2nd, 2023, the entire Guyana is celebrating society’s restoration from ‘autocracy’ (hypocrisy) to democracy. After the PPP/C party had convincingly won the March 5th, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the then PNC Government, led by President David Granger, had refused to hand over governance to the PPP/C Party led by Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the legal and legitimate winner of the election. The world has chosen not to forget the five agonizing and traumatizing months of drama, when the PNC Party held this country to ransom with a rebel band of “sanctimonious gangsters” placing their knees on the throats of pleading Guyanese.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the former Caricom Chairman, had accused a “rogue clique” of playing with fire, commotion, disorder and civil war, and wanting to hijack, in plain sight, the elections, and thus the country.

In fact, what the world prefers to remember is the blatant and barefaced attempts by the then PNC Government to feebly and porously rig the election in front the glaring eyes of the watchful national, regional and international observers. With their usual foolish, dotish and childish misdemeanors, their prankish, hoggish and selfish endeavors failed to defraud the Guyanese people of electing a party of their choice to manage the affairs of the nation.

Head of the OAS observer mission to Guyana’s March 2nd elections, Bruce Golding (former Jamaica Prime Minister), had said, “And permit me here to pause to make a comment. I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.”

“You know it takes an extraordinarily courageous mind [he gave a hint of a laugh as he said those two words] to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists,” he had asserted.

Guyanese would forever be grateful, praiseful and thankful to the members of the ABCE diplomatic corps, in particular US Ambassador SarahAnn Lynch, who stood their ground and refused to be intimidated by a bunch of ruffians and rebels who wanted to retain power through illegal means by rigging the election with fictitious votes, swear in David Granger as President, and storm in power with their high-handed attitude, backed and protected by their friends in the then GDF and the GPF.

It was obvious back in 2020 that the military forces were influenced to delay and deny the process of law and order, and the practice of fair treatment was unquestionably trampled. Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley (former Caricom Chair), had said, “Many of us have observed with great sadness what has been transpiring in Guyana… The role and focus of political parties must be useful, and not obstructive in embracing and promoting the clear and expressed will of the people. When we confuse and frustrate that will is when we begin to sow the very seeds of discord and acrimony that we are sworn to dissuade and discourage.” Mia Mottley did remind the PNC, “The truth hurts.”

Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago had expressed grave concern, “I am getting a feeling that this is not going to end well…I hope I am wrong, but that feeling…I am not having a good feeling…I have this unsettling feeling [that grows] with every passing day.”

It was the “Landing of the Eagle” which saved Guyana’s bacon. First, it was the institution of visa sanctions to members of the then PNC Government, their families and relatives, which sparked second thought to continue holding the country to hostage. A soured caretaker President Granger’s 75th birthday celebration was marred as the US Government announced

the sanctions. In as much as this move instilled some degree of fear on July 15th, 2020, a still dejected and daunted PNC Government refused to comply. It was only when the heavy booths of the then US Secretary of State Mr. Mike Pompeo directed that “individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana,” “step aside” that Dr. Ali was allowed to be sworn in as the President of Guyana and the PPP/C Party form the new Government. “The Granger Government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo said.

The PNC needs to reflect back in Guyana’s Parliament, November 2018, when former Prime Minister of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo, once told the then PPP Opposition Party, “We are not afraid of debate. We are old debaters. Question is, there is an old unwritten law, this is inequity that says “He who wants justice must come with clean hands”. The clean hands doctrine is based on the maxims of equity, which state that one “who comes into equity must come with clean hands.” This doctrine requires the court to deny equitable relief to a party who has violated good faith with respect to the subject of the claim.

The dirty hands of the PNC can never be clean. They have forcefully, violently and brutishly rigged elections in order to retain power. Their mantra is to seize power at any cost. Mr. Nagamootoo had declared, “First, the constitution –our law - says that in order for a motion of no-confidence to pass, it must have a majority of the elected members of the National Assembly. I’ll repeat that. It must have a majority of all elected members of National Assembly. Our National Assembly has 65 members. It means that the motion of no-confidence, in order to pass, must have 33 members who are elected as members of the National Assembly. The Opposition doesn’t have that. It is the Government that has 33 members who are elected and sitting in the National Assembly.”

It was the very Party which went against its words to claim that 33 is not the majority of 65. Of course, their “bombast” was exposed when the CCJ overruled their “unmeritorious, frivolous and vexatious” claim. Mr. Charrandas Persaud’s name will forever be associated with the motion of no confidence and Guyana’s fight for democracy.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

elections campaign, I once accompanied a colleague's relative to meet with him at 6am, to discuss possible Government support in a time of personal need of the colleague's family. At that meeting, though we were publicly locked in political battle, Dr. Luncheon produced a masterclass on the medical condition and outcomes my colleague was dealing with, and another masterclass on humanity. There was not a hint of rancour, bitterness, or ar-

rogance on his part. It was easy to take the low road and hit his opponents when in distress. In the end, he calmly said, "We will help". I came away from that meeting with the conviction that though we would be embattled, we must always maintain a sense of humanity. May his soul rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Raphael Trotman

US downgrade should strengthen Guyanese dollar

Dear Editor,

The recent Fitch downgrade of the US from AAA to AA+ should result in a stronger Guyanese dollar. Our economy is headed in the correct direction, with both leading and lagging indicators showing positives for a strong economic outlook in both the near and long terms.

Having increased buying power will be a welcome change during this high inflation period in the global markets. Continued prudent financial management and increased returns on our investments are necessary to ensure that the strength of the Guyanese dollar has a strong base

upon which to be sustained. Our Sovereign Wealth Fund continues to be an opportunity where increased returns can be achieved that will result in less borrowing, thus strengthening our balance sheet and further increasing the value of our currency. A strong Guyanese dollar will also help the current construction boom in the economy, and make it more affordable for new house lot owners to build their homes.

This opportunity does not come along very often, and we should make the most of it when it does.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Customary Units of Length

CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY

By John Keats

But, in embalmed darkness, guess each sweet Wherewith the seasonable month endows The grass, the thicket, and the fruit-tree wild; White hawthorn, and the pastoral eglantine; Fast fading violets cover’d up in leaves; And mid-May’s eldest child, The coming musk-rose, full of dewy wine, The murmurous haunt of flies on summer eves. Darkling I listen; and, for many a time I have been half in love with easeful Death, Call’d him soft names in many a mused rhyme, To take into the air my quiet breath; Now more than ever seems it rich to die, To cease upon the midnight with no pain, While thou art pouring forth thy soul abroad In such an ecstasy!

Exercises: Solve

1) 18.25 feet is how many inches?

2) 7 miles equals how many inches?

3) 6 inches is how many yards?

Materials:

Chicken bones

Water

Vinegar

2 glass jars

2 labels

A writing utensil

Instructions:

Collect chicken bones from dinner and wash them.

Pour water into one jar and vinegar into the other.

Label the jars so you know

4)39 inches in how many feet?

5)20.5 yards is how many feet?

6)6.75 yards is how many inches?

which one is which.

Place bones into jars and leave for a week.

Rinse off bones and try to bend them. Which ones bend easier?

How it works:

Bones are filled with calcium carbonate. When calcium carbonate reacts to the vinegar, it weakens the bones. Bones need calcium to stay strong, but when they get altered, they become weak and bendy.

7) 17.25 miles in how many yards?

8)9000 yards is how many miles?

Extra experiments:

Have beef, duck, ham, or turkey bones instead? Try those instead. Do they become bendy too?

Vegetarian? Try pasta instead. Does the vinegar or water make the pasta bendy first? Why do you think that is? Try leaving the bones in for two weeks. Do the results stay about the same or are they significantly different? How many days is the optimal number of days? (sciencefun.org)

Still wouldst thou sing, and I have ears in vain— To thy high requiem become a sod. Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown: Perhaps the self-same song that found a path Through the sad heart of Ruth, when, sick for home, She stood in tears amid the alien corn; The same that oft-times hath Charm’d magic casements, opening on the foam Of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn. Forlorn! the very word is like a bell To toll me back from thee to my sole self! Adieu! the fancy cannot cheat so well As she is fam’d to do, deceiving elf. Adieu! adieu! thy plaintive anthem fades Past the near meadows, over the still stream, Up the hill-side; and now ‘tis buried deep In the next valley-glades: Was it a vision, or a waking dream? Fled is that music:—Do I wake or sleep?

WORD SEARCH

Investment mandate for NRF updated; oil money to stay put in Federal Reserve Bank

…following meetings between Board of Directors, BoG

Based on the updated investment mandate for the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), a decision has been made to maintain the oil money in the United States (US) Federal Reserve Fund, where it continues to earn favourable interest rates.

The recently released NRF Annual Report of 2022 had stated that discussions were held last year by the Board of Directors of the fund and the Bank of Guyana on the establishment of an investment mandate. While there was no formal investment mandate as at 2022-year end, the fund managers nevertheless took guidance from the principal NRF Act.

“There was no formal investment mandate of the fund as at the end of the financial year. However, the Act stipulates the investment guidelines for when the balance of the fund is less than US$500 Million, or more than US$500 Million but less than three times the amount approved by the National Assembly for withdrawal.

“Notwithstanding, the Board of Directors and the Bank of Guyana were engaged in discussions regarding the formulation of an investment mandate. In the interim, funds were maintained in the deposit account held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, earning overnight deposit interest at the prevailing federal funds rate.”

It had been decided at the time that the fund would be focused for the first few years on as safe investments

as possible, currently overnight deposits and treasury bills in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“The board’s decisions on investment of the fund are compliant with the guidance given in the Act and in accordance with the schedules of withdrawals and balances that are reflected in the schedules appended to the Act.

“The investment mandate will be implemented by the Bank of Guyana in a manner that ensures compliance with the safe investments prescribed in the Act, with the adoption of a laddered approach to maximize on interest accruing on the overnight deposits and treasury bills,” the annual re-

port says.

A formal investment mandate has since been established that reinforces the discussions of 2022. Additionally, the Bank of Guyana’s quarterly report states that following a meeting in June, the updated investment mandate was approved, which requires the oil funds to be kept in its deposit account.

“The Board of Directors of the Natural Resource Fund, at its meeting held on June 26, 2023, approved the updated investment mandate for the Fund. It was mandated that the funds be maintained in the deposit account held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, earning overnight depos-

it interest at the prevailing federal funds rate of 5.05 per cent.

“It was also agreed that the Bank of Guyana will continue to monitor the overnight interest rate and inform the Chairman of any changes by the Federal Reserve Bank to consider redeploying cash,” the report

states.

The NRF Fund board consists of five members, while the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) is comprised of nine members, and the Investment Committee is comprised of seven members.

Since passage of the NRF Act in 2021, Government has gone on to establish the Natural Resource Fund Board. Following parliamentary approval, the Government has made several withdrawals from the fund, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, which were transferred to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities.

The funds from the NRF have their origins in the Stabroek Block – Guyana’s only block currently producing oil. The Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Section 3 (1) of the NRF Act 2021, Act No 19 of 2021, which was assented to by President Dr Irfaan Ali on December 30, 2021, establishes the NRF to manage the natural resource wealth of Guyana for the present and future benefit of the people in an effective and efficient manner, and in accordance with the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and international best practices, including the Santiago Principles.

When it comes to the NRF Board, it is Chaired by retired Major General Joseph Singh. Other members of the Board are Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett; Private Sector Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarian Dunstan Barrow; and former Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Compton Bourne.

The Bank of Guyana

Looking back…

…three years later

It’s been three years since Granger decided to throw in the towel and not “do a Burnham”!! But rather than reflect on why they lost the elections of 2020, after winning – under the same rules and electoral lists etc – in 2015, the PNC’s insisting that the “ethnic divide” demands new electoral rules that’ll guarantee them a place in government!! And that’s democracy??

OK…there are definitely “divides” in Guyana. But which society on Planet Earth doesn’t have “divides”?? Even the most homogenous societies in the world – say, Japan and the Scandinavian countries - got class divides. Human beings gonna always divide themselves…it’s the way with the world. The challenge is for leaders to work for the good of their country, and not EXPLOIT divisions. And that’s the problem in Guyana!

The PNC exploits our Guyanese divisions for their own narrow, selfish compulsion to seize power - by hook or crook, especially by crook! - in the tradition of their founder-leader Burnham!! That’s all there is to what went down three years ago. For instance, how in the world do you FIX a situation that works in every parliamentary democracy in the world with absolutely no problem - the NO Confidence Motion (NCM) - with “electoral and constitutional reform”?? Do you need “electoral and constitutional” reform to make the PNC accept that 33 is the majority of 65 - especially when they had got into office with that majority??

And that’s the problem we have in Guyana…it’s a situation that has nothing to do with Guyana’s “divisions” and everything to do with the PNC and their bullyism. Didn’t they beat the PPP to the “negotiating table”, after losing the 1997 elections, and extracted not only a two-year reduction in their term of office – but massive “constitutional reform” that saw the PNC given all sorts of Parliamentary power to checkmate the Executive power of the PPP Government? For instance, there were the “Parliamentary Sectoral Committees” that had oversight over every aspect of the Government’s work.

But that didn’t satisfy the PNC, did it?? The bottom line is nothing else but total power for ever and ever (was that an amen??) gonna ever satisfy them. Never mind the demographic changes in our country - wrought by the PNC’s reversion to violence after every election, which pushed greater Indian Guyanese emigration – now ensures there’s no one group with an absolute majority. All the PNC has to do is rein in its thuggish behaviour - like it did in 2015 - and it can gain office!!

The Americans have a pithy saying that’s very apt for us right now: “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it”. Just have the PNC fix their demons!!

…at Roger Luncheon

While Roger Luncheon was only seventy-four, to most Guyanese he was like “ole man river” – always there representing the PPP. He was involved in a famous incident in the lead-up to the 1992 elections. One of the urban group of professionals who’d anointed themselves “power brokers” – Compass? Guard?? - suggested to Dr Jagan that he step aside as the leader of the Opposition, because as an “Indian” he wouldn’t be acceptable to the African voters.

As a measure of his confidence in Roger Luncheon, Dr Jagan proposed him to be the PPP’s Presidential Candidate. Back came the answer – while Luncheon was Black, which was acceptable, he was also Red, which wasn’t!! So, to those who bemoan that the PPP never had an African Guyanese Presidential candidate, let it be known it wasn’t because of the PPP!!

While Luncheon didn’t hold any ministerial post after the PPP got into office in 1992, as Head of the Presidential Secretariat, he wielded more power than most in the PPP. RIP.

…at “Day of Standstill”

Last Monday, your Eyewitness was on the lookout for signs that the “Day of Standstill” called by one of the upcoming mushroom parties for 2025 was being observed. Traffic certainly didn’t grind to no standstill!!

Govts’ intervention needed to address poor interCaribbean Airways service – Guyana Consul

Following numerous complaints of travellers being inconvenienced and of substandard treatment being meted out by handling agents of the interCaribbean Airways, Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Antigua and Barbuda, Robert Reis, on Wednesday called for the governments of the two countries to ensure their contractual service agreements with the airline are honoured.

Over the past six weeks, complaints have surfaced

of flights being cancelled or delayed across several destinations served by this airline, headquartered in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and there are reports that the airline and its handling agents lack empathy and accountability in addressing matters promptly.

Further, compensation has not yet been provided to travellers who have faced issues in Guyana, as well as in Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia.

Motorcyclist, pillion rider injured in ECD accident

Two people have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred on the Paradise Public Road, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday at around 22:40h.

When Police arrived on scene, they found motorcyclist Omar Hameed, 36, and pillion rider Barbara RingHill injured. RingHill is a 40-yearold Venezuelan national who lives with Hameed at Lot 41 West Road Sparendaam, ECD.

Enquiries revealed that, at the time of the accident,

Hameed was riding motorcycle CL 7544 along the southern side of the Paradise Public Road and RingHill was his pillion rider. According to the Police, Hameed alleged that while he was negotiating a right bend, he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a road barrier that was on the western side.

That collision resulted in both Hameed and RingHill sustaining injuries to their bodies. They were both transported by ambulance in a conscious state to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC),

where Hameed was admitted a patient in the Critical Bay suffering from injuries to his chest and about his body, while RingHill was admitted a patient suffering from a fractured right hand.

A party of Police ranks visited the scene and questioned persons, but no useful information was received. Efforts are being made by the Police to obtain CCTV footage. The motorcycle, which is owned by Hameed, has been lodged at the Police station, and is to be examined by a licensing officer. (G1)

US Health Advisors to strengthen Guyana’s public health infrastructure

The United States (US) Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing two global public health technical consultants to Guyana’s Health Ministry to advance the country’s public health infrastructure.

USAID’s Country Health Information Systems and Data Use (CHISU) Programme, a flagship data and information system project of USAID’s Bureau for Global Health, is providing these consultants for one year, during which the advisors will be focusing on two key areas: addressing COVID-19 data management issues, and enhancing the public health supply chain management system.

Part of this duo is Emeka Ogbolu, a public health supply chain expert, who is collaborating with the Ministry's Materials Management Unit to strengthen the ef -

Emeka Ogbolu, public health

ficiency and effectiveness of the public health supply chain management system. In particular, Ogbolu is coordinating with the Unit’s Director in strengthening the operations and logistics of the central and regional warehouses.

With extensive experience in supply chain logistics and management, Ogbolu is dedicated to supporting the Ministry's vision for 2030 and aligning efforts to achieve public health objectives.

Meanwhile, South African Health Information Systems Advisor Yazabantu Soldati is leading efforts to identi -

fy and implement solutions related to the collection, storage, and utilization of COVID-19 data.

With more than 15 years of experience in information systems and data analytics, Soldati brings a wealth of knowledge to support monitoring and evaluation and operations research of health programmes.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, expressed her support for this initiative, regarding it as a key step towards a healthier future.

“Through this strategic partnership, the United States Government, through USAID, is bolstering Guyana's capacity to combat COVID-19 and optimize public health supply chain management, contributing to the country's overall health resilience and progress toward a healthier future. We remain a committed and resolute partner with the Government and people of Guyana,” Lynch said.

This, the Consul said, has resulted in unjust additional financial burdens being placed on passengers, as they were forced to find alternative travel arrangements at their own expense.

Reis emphasised the experiences of Guyanese travelling from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to Montserrat, and from Antigua to Guyana, as these passengers usually cover considerable distances with connecting flights.

“Recent incidents, such as the stranding of a family, including small children, from Montserrat at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua, and

the excessive delays and flight cancellations faced by passengers underscore the urgency of this matter. The additional costs incurred by travellers and the seeming indifference from handling agents only compound the distress,” the statement read.

In this regard, Reis called on the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana to engage with the interCaribbean Airways, as permission for the airline to operate within the region has been granted by these governments, making them rightfully positioned to insist that the contractual service agreements be honoured.

Further, the Honorary Consul recognised the role that the interCaribbean Airways could play in regional travel, and their subsequent need to improve performance as well as the Governments’ roles in safeguarding the interest of passengers.

He urged all relevant stakeholders to come together to address this situation promptly, adding that it is in the best interest of all parties, especially the travelling public, to ensure that the service provided meets the standards of reliability, empathy, and professionalism that they rightly expect and deserve.

supply chain expert

Guyana Honorary Consul in Antigua and Barbuda, Robert Reis

AG condemns politicising of Mahdia fire tragedy

…says Govt providing assistance, not compensation

appropriate compensation for the loss of any child,” Nandlall said. “There is no compensation being paid or offered. Compensation is a legal terminology which connotes that there is an acceptance of blame or culpability, or there is a finding of blame or culpability by a tribunal of competent jurisdiction. None of those things have happened,” Nandlall said.

Further, he noted that the Government disclosed the amounts being given to the families as a means of maintaining accountability.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs

Minister Anil Nandlall has denounced claims that Government’s financial assistance to persons affected by the fatal Mahdia dormitory fire is compensation, and has

urged persons to avoid politicising the tragic event.

The Attorney General made these remarks in his weekly “Issues in the News” programme, following a recent visit to Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), where he met with families

and community members affected by the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory in May.

Government last month announced that in addition to medical and mental health support, $5 million would be provided to

the families of each of the 20 children who died in the fire.

Nandlall has reiterated that Government’s financial assistance is not aimed at compensating those families for their losses.

“I made it very, very clear that if the Government is to offer hundreds of millions of dollars, it will not be

“The intention was to explain that this financial assistance is part and parcel of a series of assistance that the Government is offering and will continue to offer. This is not the end. In any event, the Government is using public funds in these endeavours, and these funds have to be accounted for, and they have to be made public,” Nandlall explained. Meanwhile, the Government has faced some criticism for the approach adopted in aiding the affected families.

The Amerindian Peoples

Association (APA) recently issued a statement regarding what they called a “rush” to settle all possible claims as “disrespectful.”

The APA also claimed that families were coerced into signing settlement agreements absolving the State of all liability, and that the monetary assistance can influence the impending Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

The Attorney General denied these claims and said the CoI would soon be established, and will work independently to investigate the dormitory fire.

Friendship man wanted for security guard's murder

The Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for Ossafo Chester, wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of his colleague, Gerald Sobers of Paradise, East Coast Demerara. Chester’s last known address is Lot 60 Friendship, ECD.

It is alleged that on June 17, at Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt Georgetown, the men had a heated argument at their place of work, occasioned when Sobers tried to borrow an electric bike from the suspect, who vehemently declined the request. The disagreement quickly escalated, and the suspect allegedly brandished his service firearm as he threatened Sobers during the confrontation. Police were called to the scene by the owner of the supermarket where Chester was on duty, and both men were arrested and later charged. They were awaiting their court hearing.

However, in early July, Sobers and his girlfriend visited family members in Georgetown who were un-

aware of the previous altercation. While Sobers was outside his relative's house, a loud explosion was heard, but relatives assumed it was something minor. Moments later, they discovered that Sobers had been shot.

Sobers was rushed to the hospital, where doctors found that the bullet had struck his neck and exited through his spine, leaving him paralyzed. Tragically, Sobers succumbed to his injuries three weeks later while in the Intensive Care

Unit.

Family members are devastated by Sobers's death, and are demanding justice for the tragedy that unfolded. They hope that the suspect, Ossafo Chester, will be apprehended soon.

Anyone with information regarding Ossafo Chester's whereabouts is urged to contact the Police on the following numbers: 225-6940, 225-8196, 2252317, 226-7476, 227-1149, or at the nearest Police station. (G9)

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

Wanted: Ossafo Chester

Dead: Gerald Sobers

Mazaruni shopkeeper fatally stabbed

Law enforcement officers in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are investigating the death of Andrew Harris, a 55-yearold shopkeeper known as ‘Shortman’, of Surinamo Landing, Mazaruni River, who was found dead at ‘Mer Meria’ Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River, at sometime between July 31 and August 1.

The prime suspect in Harris’s death is a 34-yearold co-worker. Police reports indicate that Harris and the suspect had, for the past 10 days, been working together on a newly-built shop owned by a 52-year-old businesswoman of Stewartville, West

Bus driver’s death…

Woman accused of fatal stabbing charged with manslaughter

Coast Demerara. According to the businesswoman, the suspect contacted her on Tuesday at about 10:00h and informed her of the tragic discovery of Harris’s lifeless body at the shop.

Upon reaching the scene, investigators found Harris’s body in a slouched position on a bench, with apparent bloodstains on his jersey and the surrounding area. Further examination revealed a 3-inch -wide stab wound on his upper left chest.

The suspect was subsequently apprehended at a nearby camp. An investigation has been launched. (G9)

Vanessa Emmanuel, resident of Lot 992

Taxi

driver jailed

for robbing hotel singers

Taxi driver Quincy Barker of Timehri, EBD has been sentenced to 56 months in prison for robbing two female hotel singers at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The 27-year-old Barker confessed to the crime in his arraignment before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court on July 24.

The incident took place at about 22:00h on July 8, when Maria Rodriquez Caballero and Sheyla Toledo Rodriquez boarded Barker’s taxi after finishing their work at the Ramada Hotel in Providence. As they were heading home, Barker allegedly pulled out a handgun and demanded money and cell phones from the women.

When the women re-

fused to hand over their belongings, they were subjected to a harrowing ordeal, as Barker stopped the car and put one of the women in the car trunk before proceeding to drive further along the access road, during which

he took items from the women’s bags before letting the second woman out of the car.

However, the courageous victim in the trunk managed to escape while the car was still in motion, and the incident was reported to the Police.

On July 21, 2023, a rank from the Acquero Police Station arrested Barker at Kwebanna Village, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini). He was subsequently transported to Police Regional Division Headquarters 4B (East Bank Demerara) for an interview, during which he confessed to the robbery. He said he had used an ice pick, and denied using a firearm.

As a result of his plea, Barker has been sentenced to 56 months in prison. (G9)

Section B, Block “X” Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, has not been required to plead to a manslaughter charge during her arraignment on Monday before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on July 27, the 25-yearold Emmanuel unlawfully killed 37-year-old Zehron Nieuenkirk, a father of five and resident of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

Emmanuel was not granted bail, and has been remanded to prison until August 17.

Guyana Times had previously reported that Nieuenkirk, called

“Orlando”, had been stabbed to death by a female in the vicinity of the Linden minibus park at Water and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown.

An eyewitness told Police that he was sitting on the Parliament Building fence chatting with Nieuenkirk when they were joined by Emmanuel.

A conversation later ensued between the trio, during which Nieuenkirk had pinched Emmanuel on her left hand and she had “knocked away” his hand and pulled out a knife from her waist.

The eyewitness related that upon seeing the weapon, Nieuenkirk had told Emmanuel that she cannot use it on him, and as the woman started to walk away, Nieuenkirk had

hugged and lifted her from behind in a joking manner. However, Nieuenkirk had soon after made a sound, and was heard asking the woman “Is what you done to me girl?” At that time, the injured Nieuenkirk had pulled down his pants and showed the eyewitness a wound to his right-side groin area which was bleeding.

After committing the act, the woman fled the scene with the knife in her hand, while the injured man was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

Police later arrested her, and found the alleged murder weapon in a drain at the bus park.

Nieuenkirk was a bus driver who plied Route 43 (Georgetown/Linden). (G1)

AG condemns politicising of Mahdia fire...

“The CoI has an amplitude of power, based upon the terms of reference, to make findings based upon the evidence that will be presented to it. It’s totally unrelated, and will be totally unaffected by what the Government is offering as a form of financial assistance,” Nandlall said.

“The CoI, if they wish, may take that into account, but that is a matter completely within the remit and jurisdiction of the CoI members,” he added.

In light of these claims, Nandlall further called for avoidance of politicisation of the fatal fire.

“Hopefully, people will stop playing politics with the pain, suffering, and anguish of our Amerindian brothers and sisters who are affected by this tragedy,” Nandlall said.

On May 21, a fire that engulfed the Mahdia Secondary School girls’ dormitory claimed the lives of 19 female students and a five-year-old boy. A 15-year-old student was later charged with 20 counts of murder for her alleged involvement in that fire.

FROM PAGE 10►

Initial reports indicate that that student had her cell phone confiscated, and had previously been suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution, after which she had allegedly threatened to cause “trouble” during an argument with the administrators

Dead: Andrew Harris

Jailed: Quincy Barker

Remanded: Vanessa Emmanuel

Dead: Zehron Nieuenkirk

All mining operations at Chinese Landing halted – Govt

for

The Government on Wednesday evening announced that all mining operations at Chinese Landing, Region One (Barima-Waini) have been temporarily halted.

The Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry has said that in response to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) precautionary measures issued to Guyana on July 21, 2023, the Government has taken a decision to stop all mining in Chinese Landing temporarily to allow for a more conducive environment to address the concerns of the community and all concerned.

This, according to the Ministry, comes in response to the claims contained in the IACHR resolution including that community members “felt unsafe even passing through the concessions to the other side to farm, hunt and fish, and to visit our families”. This concern was also reiterated in correspondence to Minister Teixeira dated July 29, 2023 in which Toshao Orin Fernandes stated that steps which require immediate attention included “mining activity must stop”. This decision, the Government said on Wednesday, is as a direct result of the ongoing communication between the Government of Guyana through the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister and the Chinese Landing Village Council through Toshao Fernandes.

“It should be noted that an initial request for the planned fact-finding mission to be accommodated was sent to Toshao Fernandes on July 28. A response was received dated July 29 in which the Toshao explained that “while we appreciate your quick reaction and proposal…the Village Council requires slightly more time to confer with the village on the appropriate measures”. August 2/3 was identified by the Toshao as a more favourable time. In addition, the Toshao also highlighted four measures which in the Council’s opinion required the Government’s immediate intervention – among which was the halting of all mining activity. The Toshao also indicated in this correspondence that it was “not clear” what the purpose of the fact-finding mission is,” the Ministry said in its statement on Wednesday evening.

The Government then dispatched another correspondence on July 31, 2023 to the Toshao, responding to all questions and concerns and making clear the Government’s approach. It was reiterated that the fact-finding mission was

continue directly with Village Council

being implanted to effectively implement requests from the IACHR for the Government of Guyana to “report on the actions taken to investigate the events that led up to the adoption of [the] precautionary measure, so as to prevent such events from happening again”.

According to the Ministry, the Toshao was reminded that the outstanding issues identified by the IACHR as prompted by the community’s May 22, 2023 submission were only seen for the first time by Government when it received the IACHR resolution, and as such, those claims would need to be investigated as they include further allegations about health, environment pollution and outstanding investigations with regard to harassment, intimidation, and personal integrity.

Halted

The Ministry said that in the July 31, 2023 correspondence, the Government also indicated that it would comply with the request of the Village Council to stop all mining in the village.

To implement this, a team from the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission will be deployed to put this decision into effect and to ensure that there is a peaceful cessation to all mining. As such, a request was made for the fact-finding mission to be shifted to August 5-6, 2023 to allow for the measures to be properly implemented.

The Government on Wednesday evening expressed its appreciation for the continued communication between the Toshao, Village Council and the Government, even in the face of inevitable differences. In the space of only five days, it noted that there has been a total of four pieces of correspondence between the parties, and the Village Council has clearly indicated its resolution to collaborate with Government in the best interest of the community of Chinese Landing.

The Government said that it welcomed the efforts made by the Chinese

Landing Village Council and commits to continue working directly with the beneficiaries (the people of Chinese Landing) and their elected representatives (Toshao Orin Fernandes and the Village Council).

Disingenuous, fuelling rivalry

It is on these grounds that the Government said on Wednesday evening that it finds the statements made by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) to be most disingenuous and tantamount to fuelling rivalry and creating an unnecessarily divisive environment.

The APA statement, which is published in the August 2 edition of a local newspaper, notes that “MPAG’s announced plan suggests that it, at best, does not understand the IACHR’s recommendations, or that, at worst, it is deliberately attempting to undermine the village’s rights”. These statements, the Government noted, are clear “indications that the APA does not respect the process laid out by the IACHR and does not wish the matters affecting the Chinese Landing community to be resolved by the Government and the community.”

Further, the Government called on the APA to play a more constructive role in the implementation of these measures.

“In the interest of full disclosure and transparency, the Government of Guyana calls on the APA to share with its constituents the records of the funds it has been receiving to implement numerous projects. Interestingly, simple research will show that from 2019 to 2026 APA has been allocated a total of US$5,151,387 – in excess of 1.03 billion Guyana dollars by the Land Tenure Facility (based in Stockholm, Sweden). According to the Land Tenure Facility, this project is supposed to “support the 70,000-strong Indigenous population –roughly 10% of the nation –in work to protect their cultural and practical links to the land, by securing legal ownership (https://thetenurefacility.org/country/guyana/),” the Government said on Wednesday evening.

According to the state-

ment issued by the Government, of the numerous funding sources, this is the only donor which has been directly transparent about the project funds which are being made available to the APA.

“It should also be noted that the stakeholders listed under this project included “the National Toshaos Council, and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.” However, these entities have no records of any engagements with the APA with regard to the project outlined. It is also notable that in Phase 2 (2023-2026) “Securing and Enhancing Indigenous Land Tenure in Guyana” of this project, valued at the sum of US3,001,887 or over 600 million Guyanese Dollars, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and National Toshaos Council have not been listed as stakeholders – a clear indication of the APA’s unwillingness to work with Government and the National Toshaos Council. It should also be noted that Amerindian Land Titling is a process which engages the Amerindian communities and the Government of Guyana in accordance with the Amerindian Act – the APA has no authority to allocate titles to Amerindian communities,” the Government said.

No financial support

In its statement, the Government said that it received “absolutely zero” financial support from any international or regional civil society body, trust fund, etc, in its consistent work to advance land titling, extensions, and demarcation of Amerindian lands. Government allocated over G$560 million in 2022 and over G$500M in 2023 towards land titling only. This does not include the multibillion-dollar budgets geared towards Amerindian development, nor the carbon credit financing for Amerindian villages as part of the carbon credits partnerships.

APA failed

In its strongly-worded statement, the Government said that Guyanese should be reminded that it was the APA that made representation to the independent ART-TREES, calling for the suspension of Guyana’s

ART-TREES carbon credits.

“APA failed and is now attempting to appeal against the decision of ARTTREES. These very resources, which APA wants to prevent the communities from receiving, are being used to directly improve the social and economic development of Amerindian communities. In 2023, the first payment of $4.7 billion Guyanese dollars or US$22 million is being disbursed to 241 Indigenous communities. Some 220 Amerindian communities have already submitted the outlines of their Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs) as part of the process of accessing their respective allocations from the $4.6 billion (US$22 million) earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits.”

It added that the APA’s request for the suspension of the process would have denied much-needed resources to the Amerindian communities – a grave injustice to the Indigenous peoples of Guyana.

“Thankfully for our Amerindian brothers and sisters, the ART-TREES independent grievance process verified that the APA made false claims that they had not been appropriately consulted. It was revealed that the APA’s complaint had been made without the knowledge or support of any Amerindian communities in

Guyana, and even without the knowledge of any of their elected representatives who form the National Toshaos Council – the only official representative organisation of the Amerindian communities across the entirety of Guyana comprised of leaders elected by the Amerindian communities, unlike those of the APA,” the Government statement read.

It added that it was unfortunate that the APA continued to misrepresent the needs of Amerindian communities in an effort to consistently conflagrate situations which may invite more donor attention, and consequently lead to accessing more funding.

The Government said that it was committed to “working with the people of Chinese Landing, who are the real beneficiaries, to ensure that the identified issues can be adequately resolved. We trust that this decision to implement a cessation on all mining is welcomed by the people of Chinese Landing as it was part and parcel of their primary requests. Further, the Government welcomes the open communication approach by Toshao Fernandes and the Chinese Landing Village Council, and looks forward to realising the important fact-finding mission as soon as practically possible.”

…says plan

interventions

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

Chinese Landing Toshao Orin Fernandes

File photo: Chinese Landing

Police Commander injured in EBD collision

Acollision between a Police car and a truck on the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday has left Senior Police Superintendent Mahendra Singh, Commander of Regional Division 4B, injured.

That accident, which occurred at approximately 06:15h, involved GPF motor pickup PAC 5254 and motor lorry GAE 38, belonging to Ashoka

Buildcon Limited of GUYSUCO Compound, La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara.

According to a report from Police Headquarters, the pickup was being driven by 31-year-old Police Constable Ellery Mason of Regional 4B Headquarters, and it was taking Commander Singh in a southerly direction to a Presidential engagement. The motor lorry was being operated by 29-year-

old Romel Benjamin of Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice, and it was travelling at high speed in a northbound direction on the western side of the Friendship Public Road.

As the lorry attempted to overtake a line of traffic on the eastern side of the road, it veered into the path of the Police pickup, which was travelling without any flashing lights or sirens, and a collision resulted between the right-

side front portion of both vehicles.

The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles, and public-spirited citizens came to the aid of Commander Singh and the Police driver, who were transported to the Diamond Diagnostic Center for medical attention. The driver of the motor lorry was examined by a doctor on duty at the center, and later referred

to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken right leg and left wrist.

Commander Singh was also taken to the GPHC, where he was treated for multiple abrasions about his body.

A breathalyzer test subsequently conducted on the lorry driver found no trace of alcohol in his system. However, he has been served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution, and

Injured: Commander of Regional Division 4B, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh

is presently in custody, cooperating with the ongoing investigation. (G9)

Over $1.5B worth of ganja destroyed along Upper Berbice River

Ajoint operation by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force (Coast Guard) has led to the discovery of 27 acres with about 406,000 cannabis sativa plants ranging in height from

four inches to seven feet.

Police said on Wednesday that, acting on information received, ranks went to De Veldt village, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) where they

destroyed the cannabis sativa plants, three makeshift camps, one trailer and two ploughs.

The cannabis sativa destroyed is estimated to be valued at $1,566,707,600 ($1.5B)

The scene of the accident

3 years after attempts to derail 2020 elections

AG laments “unsatisfactory” progress of electoral fraud cases

It has been three years since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government was finally sworn into office following a five-month political impasse that saw efforts to derail the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In June 2021, several of the key players who were allegedly behind those blatant attempts to steal the elections were slapped with fraud charges. However, more than two years later, those cases continue to languish in the Magistrates’ Courts.

During his weekly programme, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall expressed his dissatisfaction with the progress of the electoral fraud cases in the Magistrates’ Courts.

“Some 28 charges have been instituted and they are all pending in the Magistrates’ Courts of Georgetown. A special prosecutor has been appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and that Prosecutor has a team of lawyers. The progress with those cases has been unsatisfactory to say the least and I can relate to [the public’s frustration in respect to the

progress or lack of progress being made with these cases,” Nandlall stated.

Stemming from the March 2, 2020 elections, some 32 electoral fraud cases have been filed in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts against several political activists, including APNU/AFC’s Volda Lawrence, and GECOM officials, including former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; his then Deputy, Roxanne Myers and former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

Several GECOM staffers were also charged and placed before the courts. Most of these charges were filed in late 2020 and early 2021.

The prosecution’s case is being led by Queen’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani.

According to the Attorney General, he has requested the special prosecutor, who is currently out of the country, to update the public on these cases upon his return. Ramdhani, QC, has also been instructed to compile a progress report to be submitted to the DPP.

“These are cases of national importance. They touch and concern issues of public importance, vital and crucial to law and order in this country, and to the democratic architecture of our

nation. And you the people were following these events and you played a significant role in ensuring that the rule of law was maintained, that the will of the people prevail and that democracy was preserved and protected. And you are entitled, therefore, to an update because all of you – many of you called for these charges. You were outraged, and rightfully so, by what was done. And the charges, to the credit of the Police, were instituted and placed before the magistracy. And that is where they’ve been. We’re now celebrating three years and they have not advanced in the manner that they should have,” the Attorney General point-

ed out.

Only back in February of this year, AG Nandlall had written the DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack, for an update on the electoral fraud cases after expressing his concerns over the long delays. This had followed similar concerns highlighted in August 2022.

The Legal Affairs Minister had assured earlier this year that while the Government was insulated from the court process, it would not sit idly by and allow the charges to “just fall away”.

“We are equally and as an important stakeholder interested in the outcome of these charges… You are entitled to that information and it will

come from the DPP, because the DPP is responsible for the prosecution of these offences,” the AG had noted.

Lowenfield is facing three counts of forgery and three counts of misconduct in public office, while Mingo and Myers are facing separate charges for misconduct in public office.

Lowenfield’s election report claimed that the APNU/ AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the PPP/C gained 166,343 votes.

How he arrived at these figures is still not known, since the certified results from the recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community

(Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes while the coalition garnered 217,920.

The recount exercise also proved that Mingo had heavily inflated the figures in Region Four—Guyana’s largest voting district, in favour of the then caretaker APNU/ AFC regime.

In August 2021, GECOM voted to terminate Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo.

The firing of these officials was met with much satisfaction by various stakeholders including the Government, which hailed it as a step in the right direction to restoring public confidence in GECOM. (G8)

Compromised drainage system, indiscriminate dumping worry Rosignol NDC

Apoor drainage system is being further compromised by the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in the Rosignol area, posing a major challenge for the RosignolZee Lust Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

This is according to constituency Councillor Bibi

Waheeda Hamid. The newly-elected Councillor says residents, many of whom are well-established business persons, would give junkies their garbage to dispose of as they only have to pay them a small fee. Many of these unofficial garbagemen utilise the Rosignol Stelling

Road as a dumping site.

Hamid says that much of the garbage finds its way to the drains compromising the already poor drainage system.

According to the NDC Councillor, this is one of the issues the newly-installed Council will be addressing.

Meanwhile, NDC Chairman Winston Herealall says the NDC has been experiencing difficulty maintaining the drainage network.

However, he noted that systems were now being put in place to address the issues.

“The NDC has been re-

ceiving numerous complaints about flooding. One area is floods at Stelling Road. We will be looking into the matter,” he said.

“What we have been observing in the entire Rosignol area, people have been building concrete drains without permission from the NDC, where-

by they are compromising the width and depth of the drain. This is one of the main factors that is causing flooding,” Herealall pointed out.

As the dry season has arrived, the Council will be using this period to address the cleaning of the drainage system.

Garbage dumped along Stelling Road

Plastic bottles and other containers in the waterways have also led to flooding

Charged: Former Region 4 RO Clairmont Mingo Charged: Former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers

Charged: Former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield

Attorney General & Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC

MV Ma Lisha to make inaugural trip to NWD next week

The new and eagerly-anticipated $2.5 billion (US$12.7M) MV

Ma Lisha will depart Port Georgetown on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 16:00h (4pm) for its inaugural trip to Region One (Barima-Waini).

It will then return to Georgetown from Kumaka, Region One on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 16:00h, according to the Public Works Ministry.

The ferry, which will ply the Region One-Georgetown route, can accommodate 250 revenue-paying passengers, 12 sedan type vehicles and two trucks.

MV Ma Lisha was built by Indian company Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, and has special features to mitigate challenges faced by travellers.

The vessel arrived in Guyana's waters back in

April after setting sail from Kolkata to Chennai, and then making its way through the Atlantic Ocean to Trinidad.

On April 3, 2023, the ves-

sel was offloaded from the MV Sun Rise at the Port of Chaguaramas and set sail for local waters.

A 14-member Guyanese

crew led by veteran Guyanese Captain and Director of Maritime Safety at the Maritime Administration Department, Captain

Courtney McDonald, was onboard the vessel to guide it home to Guyana.

The Guyanese crew was complemented by three crew members from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, and two technicians from MACORP.

Public Works Minister

Juan Edghill had said earlier this year that this vessel would support the Government’s pursuit of transforming and improving the country’s transport infrastructure, especially for the hinterland regions.

“This new North-Westbound ferry which has the capacity to accommodate up to 276 passengers, along with 18 crew members, can also carry 14 sedan-type vehicles and two trucks. It is ideal for this route and we are especially happy to bear witness to the improvements that this

will bring to the lives of residents, who will now be able to travel more freely, frequently, and comfortably.”

“The economic gains for local businesses are also expected to be many, as persons shipping produce in and out of Region One will now have access to a cold and cool room storage, thereby reducing spoilage. The vessel can also accommodate up to 250 tonnes of cargo,” Minister Edghill stated.

The MV Ma Lisha has a front loading/offloading ramp which can accommodate easy loading and discharging of cargo. The vessel also has side-boarding capacity.

A total of 19 Navigational, Mechanical and Auxiliary Staff of the Transport and Harbours Department were trained in India during 2022 and earlier this year, to operate the new ferry vessel.

Dictionary of Guyanese words published

There are many words that are synonymous with the Guyanese culture and when used in different parts of the world, indicate that users have close connections to Guyana.

A dictionary containing these words and phrases has been published.

Professor Daizal Samad, who is attached to the University of Guyana Berbice Campus, and his wife, Ashwannie Harripersaud, a senior assistant mistress at a Corentyne secondary school, who has been a teacher for 20 years, have published “Dictionary of Guyanese Words and Expressions.”

Professor Daizal Samad

Professor Samad, the dictionary implicitly recognises that ‘Guyana Creole’ is a living language with wide variations in its use.”

Speaking of the difficulty compiling the dictionary, he said as writers they were constantly being reminded that there is no homogeneous Guyana Creolese.

“It is quite well known that “town people” (Georgetown) speak quite differently from folks in Albion, in Corentyne, Berbice. Even within Albion itself, the small village of Guava Bush has variations not used in Sand Reef, the former a stone’s throw away from the latter… Similarly,

there are differences between the Creole spoken in Anna Regina and Charity, respectively, in Essequibo, as there are marked distinctions between the Creole spoken in Port Mourant to that spoken in Rose Hall Town, less than half of a mile away.”

In an interview with Guyana Times, Samad and Harripersaud explained that “Guyanese Creole is a living language. It carries the heavy cargo of our history, our culture, and the many cultures that gave birth to our culture.

“It contains living reminders of the places from which we came, the cultures

from which we hail, and the multiple intersections of these once-separable variables. Guyanese Creole is a constant and living reminder of how we became one despite the odds and in spite of extant apparent differences.

“Our language is the embodiment of our past and our present and has the capacity to contain the future…our language is gold; it carries and contains our memories.”

A Dictionary of Guyanese Words and Expressions is available at Amazon online. The writers are hoping that hard copies will be available soon in local bookstores. (G4)

Senior secondary school assistant mistress

Ashwannie Harripersaud

The dictionary contains some 1000 entries. Each entry is accompanied by its pronunciation in the International Phonetic Alphabet; its meaning or meanings; its use in a sen-

tence using Guyanese Creole; and a translation of that creole sentence into formal English. According to

2 nabbed with illegal gun

Coast of Demerara. While there, the officers observed two men acting suspiciously and searched them, unearthing the weapon in the pant crotch of one of them. He was asked to produce a firearm licence, but failed to do so. Consequently, both men were arrested and escorted, along with the firearm, to the Vigilance Police Station. On arrival at the station, the weapon was inspected and observed to be a. 32 Taurus Pistol without number.

Two men are now in Police custody after being arrested on Wednesday by ranks of the Vigilance Police Station, East Coast Demerara with an unlicensed firearm.

It has been reported that, at about 05:00h, officers from the station’s Anti-Crime Patrol responded to a report of gunshots being fired in the Melanie Market area on the East

Both suspects, a 25-year-old construction worker of Vigilance, ECD and a 29-year-old construction worker of Buxton, ECD, were swabbed and placed into Police custody pending further investigation. (G9)

MV Ma Lisha

The unlicensed firearm found on the suspects

GTA, GEA to host energy workshop this month

…safety

items donated in support of Indigenous tourism enterprises

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) will host a Renewable Energy Sensitisation and Training Workshop for stakeholders on August 29, 2023. The one-day workshop will focus on improving sustainability efforts in tourism businesses and promoting energy efficiency.

This was revealed by the Marketing and Communications Officer of the GTA, Sade Cameron during a telephone interview with <<<Guyana Times>>> on Wednesday.

According to Cameron, "We're partnering with the Guyana Energy Agency and we're targeting all of our tourism stakeholders, whether they're operating hotels, interior lodges and resorts, or even our tour operators and tour guides. So, we're asking them to sign up and to participate in this session...which will focus on improving sustainability efforts in tourism businesses and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy as well."

Cameron highlighted that existing stakeholders would be prioritised for this workshop as there were only

30 spaces available. She added that other individuals who did not fall into this category but wanted to apply would only be accepted to participate if seats were available.

"As it is right now, we are targeting our current tourism stakeholders...but if you do have a vested interest in tourism and you are interested in joining, then we may be able to facilitate you, but space is limited," Cameron told this publication.

This workshop, she said, was previously proposed by GTA Director Kamrul Baksh and would be hosted to instil greater importance in improving sustainability and promoting energy efficiency within tourism business operations.

"This is actually something that has been proposed a while ago by our director, and ideally what we want to do is enforce greater importance as it relates to improving sustainability within the way our tourism businesses operate. We want to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy, because these are things that tie into our overall tourism development and promotion of sustainable tour-

ism development at the Guyana Tourism Authority," Cameron explained.

Additionally, the GTA urges stakeholders to register before the deadline which is August 18, 2023, so that the necessary preparations can be made to accommodate each individual.

Indigenous tourism

Meanwhile, the GTA and its partners have also been supporting Indigenous tourism enterprises by donating

a variety of safety items to Santa Mission and Wakapao which will improve the quality and safety of tourism experiences.

The Guyana Conservation Initiative, a partnership between the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development, Environmental Management Consultants Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana, and the GTA supporting Indigenous tourism enterprises, handed

over several items to these communities last month. Some of the items include birding books, first aid kits, and life jackets.

In Santa Mission, the delegation was also treated to a Taisir processing experience with local guides and a visit to the village’s craft centre.

In Wakapao, the group had the privilege of engaging in an immersive coffee-making demonstration led by a knowledgeable local

guide, followed by a ground coffee-tasting experience.

To celebrate their rich cultural heritage, there was a traditional fishing trap demonstration and a delicious lunch prepared by talented individuals who recently completed a Culinary Arts training programme facilitated by the GTA, led by Margarette Cornette.

The Agency also conducted financial management training with Santa Mission and Wakapao representatives. This session was led by Marlon George, who guided participants through areas such as Business Fundamentals; Bookkeeping and Financial Management; Budgeting; Pricing; Contracts (Employee and Business); Taxes (Covering NIS & GRA) and key areas of marketing their business.

The GTA also supported several initiatives last month including the Moruca Expo 2023; the Kids Cooking Academy hosted by Chef Kester Robinson; the Inter-Schools Kayaking Competition hosted by Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours; PanJam: The Garden of Eden; and the Hot and Cold Lake Eco-Resorts Grass Track and Regatta.

More persons to be trained in EV maintenance, repairs

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) will soon be hosting its fourth batch of training in electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and repairs.

In an advertisement posted by the Agency, the GEA said it would implement its fourth practical and classroom-based training course to build local technical capacity supporting the growing electric vehicle market.

The course will cover the technological aspects of all major makes and models of hybrid and electric vehicles. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on best practices for the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Training is expected to commence on Monday, September 25, 2023, and end on Friday, September 29, 2023, and run from 09:00h to 16:30h each day at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre, Park, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Interested practicing auto electricians and mechanical technicians are asked to submit an updated resume, character references, any relevant technical certificates, and one form of national identification. The training will be provided to the participants free of cost and upon successful completion, participants will be issued an internationally-recognised electric vehicle maintenance and repair certificate.

Submissions should be addressed to, The Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), 295 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, via hard copy or emailed to gea@gea.gov.gy no later than 09:00h on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Interested individuals are advised to submit their documents as soon as possible, given that spaces for this programme are limited and early submissions will be prioritised.

Since the GEA began offering these types of training

in July 2022, the Agency has trained a total of 38 persons to date. During a telephone interview with <<<Guyana Times>>> on Monday, GEA CEO, Dr Mahender Sharma shared that in this batch the Agency would train a new cohort of level three’s and would accommodate previous trainees who would benefit from a level four training.

The Government is moving to put the necessary infrastructure in place to en-

courage more persons to utilise electric vehicles and training human resources is a necessary part of going forward with the use of EVs.

This includes the installation of six public charging stations at strategic locations across the country: Giftland Mall on the East Coast of Demerara; Little Rock Suites in New Amsterdam, Berbice; Big Kiss Parking Lot in Parika; Amazonia Mall, East Bank Demerara; the

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri, and outside of the GEA office on Quamina Street, Georgetown.

Last year, a US$141,199.38 contract was awarded to Jamaica-based Flash Motors Company Limited to procure and install the six public EV charging stations.

Meanwhile, in addition to the infrastructure to encourage the use of EVs in Guyana,

the Government has recently announced the removal of taxes on the importation of electric vehicles as one of the measures in Budget 2023.

The removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric vehicles applies to new (less than four years old) electric motor vehicles – not hybrid –of any power rating.

Further, to support the investment decision of businesses to switch to more environmentally-friendly vehicles, a further increase in the writing-down allowance applicable to all-electric motor vehicles to 50 per cent annually has been implemented.

These measures are in keeping with the Guyana Government’s commitment towards development along a low-carbon development pathway.

Unlike combustion vehicles, electric vehicles are propelled by electromagnetism via an electric motor. It is charged using electricity, eliminating oil changes and other features distinct from gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Some of the items that were donated to Santa Mission and Wakapao

Brazil Police raids leave at least 45 dead

Police raids targeting drug gangs in three Brazilian states have left at least 45 persons dead.

In the latest operation in Rio de Janeiro, Police said they returned fire in a shootout in the Complexo da Penha area, killing at least 10.

Earlier, 16 people died in clashes during a five-day Police raid in São Paulo state, dubbed Operation Shield.

And in the north-eastern state of Bahia, officials say 19 suspects have been killed since Friday.

Fifty-eight persons were arrested during the operation in São Paulo state, which began after a special forces Police Officer was killed on Thursday in the coastal town of Guarujá.

Police seized 385kg of narcotics, as well as guns, according to local media.

The operation in Guarujá was criticised by Brazil's Justice Minister Flavio Dino, who said the Police's reaction was not proportion-

Vehicles of the Rio de Janeiro's Military Police are parked outside the Getulio Vargas hospital, where injured and dead people were admitted after a Police operation at the Complexo da Penha favela complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 2, 2023 (Getty Images)

al to the crime committed.

During an interview on Tuesday, São Paulo State Governor Tarcisio de Freitas said two Police Officers were among those killed during clashes.

Amnesty International said the Guarujá police raid showed "clear signs of seeking vengeance for the death of a Police Officer".

In Rio de Janeiro, a drug trafficking kingpin and a trafficker were among the 10 people killed on Wednesday, according to local media reports.

Four others were injured, including a Police Officer.

According to the city's military police, the operation in Complexo da Penha, a group of favelas in the north of the city, was launched after intelligence information suggested that a meeting of drug traffic ringleaders would be taking place in the area.

Eyewitnesses told local media they heard several gunshots and clashes between heavily-armed gang members and the Police.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Amazon countries' summit to build common policy for 1st time – Lula

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday said that next week's summit of Amazon region nations will seek to draw up a common policy for the first time to protect the rainforest.

"I have high expectations for this summit. For the first time we are going to have a common policy for the Amazon, for preservation, security, borders," Lula said.

The eight countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) will meet August 7-8 in the city of Belem at the mouth of the Amazon River.

The summit will focus on forest conservation and security along the borders, Lula said, adding that private businesses will be asked to help with the reforestation of 30 million hectares of degraded land.

"We are going to discuss

with the business sector a policy for the reforestation of 30 million hectares of degraded land with trees that can be used by furniture industries," he said.

ACTO was created in 1978 to promote the preservation of the Amazon basin and regulate Amazonian development through cooperation. Its members are Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. (Reuters)

T&T PM: UK never replied to my call for reparations

Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley complained that his call for talks on reparations had not even elicited an acknowledgement from the United Kingdom, as he addressed the Emancipation Day celebrations on Tuesday at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

Dr Rowley recalled recent regrets over the trans-Atlantic slave trade expressed by members of the British royal family.

In June 2022 in Rwanda, King Charles III who was then Prince Charles, the Duke of Edinburgh, declared, “I cannot describe the depths of my personal

sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery’s enduring impact."

In March 2023 in Jamaica, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, said, “Slavery was abhorrent and it never should have happened.

“I strongly agree with my father, the Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados last year that the appalling atrocity of slavery forever stains our history.”

Rowley said at the time of his visit to Barbados when it became a republic, he had noted royals attempting to apologise and take some responsibility for a bit of their history, namely slavery. He said he had then written to King Charles and

The Cuban peso was trading on the informal market at an alltime low of 230 to the dollar on Wednesday, slumping to half its value a year ago as consumers struggle with surging inflation and scarce goods, a widely-watched tracker showed.

The State considers the informal exchange rate, widely tracked via the independent news outlet El Toque, as illegal, but it has been unable to shut it down. The State officially pegs the local currency at 120 pesos to the dollar, but it has few to exchange.

"The fall of the Cuban currency reflects the slow-motion collapse of the island’s productive economy," said Bert Hoffman,

a Latin America expert at the German Institute of Global and Area Studies in Hamburg.

Cuban economists said the peso's plunge reflects a deepening four-year-old crisis in the Communistrun country that has been driven by a lack of convertible foreign currency and falling production.

While authorities mainly blame tougher US sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic for the crisis, critics point to the slow pace of market-oriented reforms.

Economy Minister Alejandro Gil in May said there was no quick fix for the economy.

A weak peso, the currency in which most Cubans

are paid, undercuts the buying power of already paltry salaries that rarely top 5000 pesos monthly, or US$20 at the current exchange. The local cost of many goods imported in dollars also skyrockets as the peso plunges.

The currency's decline has been accompanied by shortages of food, medicine and other basic goods and long lines appear when they are available.

Experts estimate 40 per cent of Cuba's 11 million people rely entirely on pesos and have no access to dollars. Those who are able to get their hands on greenbacks obtain them primarily via remittances from abroad or from selling to tourists.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

St Vincent PM holds aid talks with Saudi Arabia fund

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has held talks with a senior official from the Saudi Arabia Fund for Development, according to an official statement.

It said that Dr Gonsalves met with the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Sultan bin Abdulrahaman AlMarshad as Kingston seeks to “deepen relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.

The statement quoted Dr Gonsalves as saying that the meeting held at the Arygle International Airport on Tuesday was “ an extremely discussion” and that they “spoke on development projects touching and concerning climate

change and other priority areas”.

Al Marshad has said the fund “ will re-evaluate the proposed developmental projects and are more than happy to continue development relations”.

The St Vincent and the

Grenadines Government recently signed two loan agreements totalling EC$16 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) with the fund that was established in 1975, for the construction two cultural hubs and a health centre. (CMC)

UN calls for regional solutions to curb record migration through Darien Gap

the British Prime Minister to tell them Caricom has a committee on reparations, having reckoned it was "a good time" to do. The crowd cheered.

However, Dr Rowley went on, to refer to the address of the British Prime Minister, saying, "From Number 10 Downing Street, I never got a response.

“Just to tell you where we are in this world, who we are in this world, I tell you now, it must be the only time in the history of the British Commonwealth that a letter would have come from a Prime Minister to Buckingham Palace and to Number 10 Downing Street and never got a response.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

The United Nations on Wednesday called on countries to join efforts to contain the record-high traffic of US-bound migrants and refugees crossing the treacherous jungle region linking Panama and Colombia, known as the Darien Gap.

Official data shows 248,901 people crossed the dangerous stretch between January and July, surpassing the record high seen for all of 2022.

The "dramatic" numbers show a need for joint efforts to address the root causes of forced displacement and irregular migration, the UN refugee agency and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said in a statement.

Expanding routes to ensure people can obtain regular immigration status is

also necessary, it added.

"The perilous journey through the Darien jungle is not only a testament to the desperation and determination of those seeking a better life, but a grim reminder of the urgency of updating our migration systems," said IOM Director Michele Klein Solomon.

Migrants crossing the Darien Gap are mostly from Venezuela, while Haitians and Ecuadorians make up the next two largest groups.

Crossings through the jungle are expected to surpass 400,000 this year, according to the UN, well up from nearly 250,000 in 2022.(Reuters)

Cubans struggle as peso loses half its value in a year on informal market

PM Ralph Gonsalves and Sultan bin Abdulrahaman Al-Marshad (API photo)

A group of migrants from different countries walk through the Darien Gap, as they continue their journey to the US border, in Acandi, Colombia, July 9, 2023 (Reuters/Adri Salido photo)

Around The World OIL NEWS

Russia strikes Ukraine's Danube port, driving up global grain prices

Oil settles lower despite record US crude stock drawdown

Oil prices settled down two per cent on Wednesday despite a historic drop in US crude stocks, as traders derisk following the downgrade of the U S Government's top credit by a major ratings agency.

US crude stocks fell in the week by 17 million barrels, the largest drop in US crude inventories according to records dating back to 1982, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday. The draw was driven by increased refinery runs and strong crude exports.

Despite the record stock draw, U.S. oil prices fell amid falls across financial markets after rating agency Fitch downgraded the US Government's top credit rating.

US crude futures settled down US$1.88, or 2.3 per cent, to US$79.49 a barrel while Brent crude futures settled down US$1.71, or two per cent, to US$83.20 a barrel.

Both contracts rose by more than US$1 earlier on the session, buoyed by falling US stockpiles in Tuesday's data from the American Petroleum Industry, which also indicated a large US stockpile drawdown.

That the US Government has pulled an offer to buy six million barrels of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve also pushed prices lower, traders and analysts said.

Total product supplied – a proxy for demand – also fell by 1.3 million barrels in the week to 20 million barrels per day, the EIA said.

"Gasoline demand seems to have peaked after higher prices at the pump," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst of the Americas at OANDA.

Crude oil inventories have also begun to drop in other regions as demand outpaces supply, which has been constrained by deep production cuts from Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said.

Concerns have risen that oil buying in China, the world's biggest oil importer, may slow as prices rise.

Weak PMI data released this week, meanwhile, indicated fuel demand may be weaker than expected.

"Chinese crude buying has been opportunistic rather than due to higher demand. (The) market continues to be driven purely by supply constraints, which are always subject to potential political volatility," said Sparta Commodities' Philip Jones-Lux.

Analysts expect Saudi Arabia to extend its voluntary oil output cut of one million barrels per day for another month to include September in a meeting of producers on Friday.

OPEC+, which groups OPEC and allies led by Russia, is unlikely to revise its current oil output policy when a panel meets on Friday, six OPEC+ sources told Reuters. (Reuters)

Russia attacked Ukraine's main inland port across the Danube River from Romania on Wednesday, sending global food prices higher as it ramped up its use of force to prevent Ukraine from exporting grain.

The drone attacks destroyed buildings in the port of Izmail and halted ships as they prepared to arrive there to load with Ukrainian grain in defiance of a de-facto blockade Russia reimposed in mid-July.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said the Russian attacks damaged almost 40,000 tons of grain which

had been destined for countries in Africa as well as China and Israel.

"Moscow is waging a battle for a global catastrophe," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

"In their madness, they need world food markets to collapse, they need a price crisis, they need disruptions in supplies."

Kubrakov, writing on Facebook, said the Danube ports' infrastructure had been "devastated".

"Ukrainian grain is indispensable for the world and cannot be replaced by any other country in the coming years," he wrote.

"The port of Izmail suffered the most damage, in-

Trump slams election indictment on eve of court hearing

Ex-US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Prosecutors on the eve of his court appearance on charges of plotting to overturn his 2020 election defeat.

The "unprecedented indictment" shows the "corruption, scandal, & failure" of the US under Joe Biden's presidency, he wrote on social media.

Security is being ramped up in Washington DC for today's hearing.

Trump already faces two other criminal cases as he campaigns for the White House next year.

But the election case he was charged with on Tuesday is widely seen as the most serious one of all.

In an all-capital-letters post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump, who was at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club, thanked his followers and said: "I never had so much support on

anything before."

In other posts he attacked rival Republican presidential hopefuls, including his former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

He repeated his argument that Pence had had the legal authority to stop Congress from certifying Biden's election victory on January 6, 2021, proceedings that were disrupted as Trump supporters rioted at the US Capitol.

Trump, 77, is expected to appear in person at a federal courthouse in Washington, DC today at 16:00 EDT (20:00 GMT). He has visited DC only once since he left the White House. A queue was already forming on Wednesday evening outside the building.

He faces four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the US, tampering with a witness and conspiracy against the rights of citizens. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pittsburgh synagogue gunman gets death penalty

AUS federal jury has sentenced the attacker who killed 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018 to the death penalty.

The ruling needed a unanimous vote from the 12-member jury for the sentence to be imposed. Prosecutors had asked the jury to vote for the death penalty.

The same jury found the man guilty of all 63 charges stemming from the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue.

It was the worst antisemitic attack in American history.

The verdict was delivered to US District Court Judge Robert Colville on Wednesday. Colville is now expected to impose the jury's

ruling.

The jury deliberated for 10 hours over two days. A decision was reached on the second day of deliberations.

Robert Bowers killed 11 worshippers in the attack, ranging in age from 54 to 97. Seven others were injured, including five Police Officers who rushed to the scene.

Three congregations – Dor Hadash, New Light and the Tree of Life – shared the synagogue.

Reporters inside the courtroom said Bowers had no reaction as the death sentence verdict was read.

Most families of those killed in the attack have said they support the death penalty for Bowers, although some, including the Dor Hadash

congregation, have stated their opposition.

At a news conference on Wednesday, many families and survivors said they were relieved with the verdict.

Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation, a survivor of the attack, said the jury's decision provides some closure to the community.(Excerpt from BBC News)

Firefighters work at a damaged property following a Russian drone attack in Izmail, Odesa region, Ukraine, August 2, 2023, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video (Ukraine's Operational Command 'South'

cluding the terminal and infrastructure of the Danube Shipping Company."

Russian state news agency RIA said the port and grain infrastructure hit

was housing foreign mercenaries and military hardware. A naval ship repair yard was also targeted, it said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie separate

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie are separating after 18 years, following "meaningful and difficult conversations".

The couple said they would remain "a close family with deep love and respect" in an Instagram post.

They were married in Montreal in 2005 and have three children together.

In a statement, Trudeau's office said that while the couple had signed separation agreement they will still make public appearances.

"They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will

continue to do so moving forward," the statement said, adding they would be on holiday as a family next week.

The couple have asked for privacy for the "well-being" of their children, Xavier, 15, Ella-Grace 14, and Hadrien, nine.

"We remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build," Trudeau, 51, and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, 48, said.

They have been seen together publicly less frequently in recent years, though they attended the coronation of King Charles III together in May and hosted US President Joe Biden in Canada in March.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

West African bloc sends delegation to Niger, says force is last resort

West African regional bloc ECOWAS sent a delegation to Niger on Wednesday to negotiate with the military officers who seized power in last week’s coup, while regional defence chiefs began a two-day meeting in neighbouring Nigeria.

The Economic Community of West African

States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions on Niger and said it could authorise the use of force if the coup leaders do not reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum within a week from last Sunday.

“The military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the even-

tuality,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.

“There is a need to demonstrate that we cannot only bark but can bite,” he told reporters in Abuja.

The delegation to Niger is being led by former Nigerian military leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was expect-

ed in Niamey on Wednesday to start talks with the military government, Musah said.

Other details about the mission remain unclear. Amos Lungu, spokesperson for the ECOWAS Commission, did not respond to Al Jazeera’s requests for comment.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

/Handout via Reuters)

PM Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Distance yourself from people who expect too much from you. Consider your needs and how best to make your dreams come true. It’s your life; take control and make decisions that benefit you.

PICKLES

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(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

You may not like change, but when the benefits outnumber your fears, you may want to reconsider your options. A forward move will lead to personal growth and a brighter future.

A change may take you by surprise but also open your eyes to many opportunities. Talk to experts and embark on a new adventure. Let go of what no longer brings you joy.

Take in what’s happening around you and engage in conversations that enrich your mind and life. Consider what moves you, and pursue the people, places and prospects that make you feel good.

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Offering a donation instead of getting involved in the nitty-gritty will not have the same effect, leaving you and those in need at a disadvantage. Embrace the experience.

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Make a difference in how you live, work and play. Think outside the box, put a wish list together, set your sights on what’s important to you and devise a plan that will be met with approval.

Think twice before you say or do something you’ll regret. Look for ways to improve yourself and your life instead of putting the blame elsewhere. Take responsibility and do what’s best for you.

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A realistic approach to the possibilities will help you find a way to improve your life and relationships with others. Speak from the heart, but maintain honesty and integrity.

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FIFA Women’s World Cup… Jamaica's Reggae Girlz hold mighty Brazil 0-0 to book historic Knockout spot

In another breathtaking display of grit, stubborn determination and just pure heart, Lorne Donaldson’s Reggae Girlz once again rewrote their names in the annals of Jamaica’s and the world’s sporting history in more ways than one.

Not only did the Jamaicans hold mighty Brazil to their first goalless stalemate in a group stage at the Fifa Women’s World Cup, but they secured a spot in the knockout stages for the first time in the tiny island's history, and they did so without conceding a goal.

Such statistics in what many will describe as a fairytale run – particularly when their first appearance at the 2019 showpiece in France is taken into consideration –is at once both emotional and exciting.

During that 2019 debut, the Reggae Girlz conceded 12 goals, losing all three games to Brazil, Italy and Australia. Now, four years later, they held France to a goalless stalemate, defeated Panama, and denied Brazil a spot in the Round of 16 for the first time since 1995.

The Reggae Girlz, who finished second on five points behind Group F winners France, who defeated Panama 6-3 in the other contest, will next face the winner of Group H, which is either Colombia

or Germany, in Round of 16 action in Adelaide, next week.

Donaldson who heaped praise on his team for their resilience in rising above challenges both on and off the field, and said Jamaicans at home and abroad should be proud, as the achievement came a day after the country celebrated Emancipation Day, and only a few days before celebrating its 61st year of Independence.

“This is one of the best feelings I have ever had in my life. Just to see these Girlz and see a country like Jamaica able to achieve this is just unbelievable. I thank the Girlz for doing this for Jamaica, and the country should be proud,”

Donaldson declared in a postgame interview. “The resilience and the fight, we knew we were coming into a war, and we had to be ready, and we stood tall in the battle, and we won. We still have some more work to do, but we will just enjoy tonight,” he added.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer put the team’s emotions into words.

“We are a team that goes through so much off the pitch. No one else believes in us, the ones above us don’t believe in us, but we believe in ourselves; and as you can see from that performance today, we knew we could do it inside our

Jamaica on top of the world as they complete double

Jamaica defeated

Barbados by 56 runs to win the three-day tournament and complete the double in the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s U19 Championship on Tuesday.

On a tense final day of the three-day final, Jamaica recovered after being bowled out for 87 in their second innings to send Barbados tumbling for 142 all out, with 10 balls remaining at Arnos Vale.

The result meant they won both titles, having secured the 50-over trophy last month.

Leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood led the champions with 4-47 to end with a seven-wicket match haul while seamer Raneico Edwards supported well with 3-31. Joshua Dorne top-scored for Barbados with 34, opener Zion Brathwaite got 28 while Nimar Bolden and Nathan Sealy both struck 23.

“It’s a feeling I can’t describe. I’m totally elated,”

Jamaica’s victorious U19 3-Day team

said Jamaica head coach Terrence Corke. “We have not won this in over 10 years so it’s good to get the double now. The last time we won the double was 2010 and now we’re winning it away from home. That’s a plus for us.”

Resuming the morning on four without loss and an overall lead of 115, Jamaica folded quickly courtesy of incisive spells from off-spinner Saurav Worrell (4-14) and fast

group,” she said.

“It was tough to hold Brazil, but we proved it against France that we can do it, and it is not just one person, it is not just the defence, but the entire team. Like I said, the ones above us don’t believe in us, and they always put us through things that we don’t want to go through, but that just gives us more fire in our veins to go out there and do well,” Spencer shared. With Marta starting the match for the first time in

the group stage, Brazil maintained possession for most of the first half, but struggled to really test Spencer, much to the disappoint of the South Americans that dominated a crowd of just under 28,000 in the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

The Jamaicans, who seemingly thrive when their backs are against the wall, defended stoutly, as they absorbed pressure and answered all questions asked of them by the Brazilians.

Still, the Girlz did display some attacking intent, even though they were unable to get anything on Brazil’s goal.

Brazil’s best chance of the game came in the 39th minute, when a delightful chip pass from Ary Borges found Tamires, who met it on the volley with the left-foot, but Spencer proved equal to it.

Brazil lifted the tempo in the second half, as they chased the goal needed to advance, but it was not to be. A free kick from substitute Andressa and a header from Debinha in stoppage time represented Brazil’s closest chance of scoring the winning goal, as Jamaica’s organized defense stifled the South Americans throughout the game.

Kares ‘One Guyana’ T10…

Teams

Jamaica: Rebecca Spencer, Chantelle Swaby, Allyson Swaby, Tiernny Wiltshire, Deneisha Blackwood, Drew Spence, Atlanta Primus, Jody Brown (Solai Washington 85th), Vyan Sampson, Cheyna Matthews (Tiffany Cameron 46th), Khadija Shaw

Subs not used: Sydney Schneider, Liya Brooks, Konya Plummer, Havana Solaun, Kalyssa Van Zanten, Paige Bailey-Gayle, Kameron Simmonds, Kayla McKenna, Peyton McNamara, Trudi Carter

Booked: Matthews (30th)

Brazil: Leticia, Antonia (Geyse 80th), Kathellen, Rafaelle, Luana (Duda Sampaio 80th), Tamires, Debinha, Marta (Andressa 80th), Adriana, Ary Borges (Bia Zaneratto 46th), Kerolin

Subs not used: Barbara, Camila, Ana Vitoria, Bruninha, Lauren, Monica, Angelina, Gabi Nunes

Booked:

Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI)

Assistant referees: Katrin Rafalski (GER); Susanne Kueng (SUI)

Fourth official: Vincentia Amedome (TOG)

Key Super Eight matches for Enmore on August 5

with $300,000 pocketed, while the losing semi-finalists will take home $100,000. Individual prizes are also up for grabs, including a motorcycle compliments of Assuria Insurance and three television sets, compliments of Regal Stationery.

The final has been confirmed for August 12 at the National Stadium at Providence. It will be played under lights.

Preparatory work underway at the Enmore Community Centre Ground

bowler Raneico Smith (311). Steven Wedderburn top-scored with 39 while Reon Edwards chipped in with 20.

At Park Hill, the thirdplace playoff between Guyana and Windward Islands finished in a draw while Trinidad and Tobago defeated Leeward Islands by nine wickets after chasing down 118 at Cumberland, opener Justin Jagessar stroking an unbeaten 64.

The final three semi-finalists will be decided as the Kares One Guyana T10 Tape ball tournament’s Super 8 stage bowls off at the Enmore Community Centre ground on Saturday, August 5.

Six teams will be vying for a spot to be guaranteed prize winnings and join Eccles All Stars in the playoff stages of the competition.

In the opening match at 10.00 hours, Region Two’s United Crew will go up against Tarmac Titans. This will be followed by

Village Rams taking on V-Net Vipers at noon, and Team Corruption competing against Avinash All-Stars from 14.00 hours.

The move to Enmore resulted from the inclement weather on Saturday. After the dust has settled, Eccles All-Stars and the three winners will head to the National Stadium, Providence to clash in the semi-finals, before the winners battle for $1M in the final under lights on August 12.

The runner-up will not leave empty-handed, but

The tournament is also sponsored by GT Beer, Star Rentals, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., ENet, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, Premier Insurance, Cricket Zone USA, Beacon Café, Continental Transport, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop, First Change Builder Inc. Impressions Inc. and Sicko Mode, 94.1 BOOM FM, Assuria Insurance, Montra Restaurant & Longue, Gafoors and Hard Rock Café.

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz celebrating

Shariff dominates Diamond Insurance Women's Chess Championship qualifiers thus far

With only three rounds left to play, former Women’s Champion Sasha Shariff has begun her journey with thrilling performances, aiming to advance to the National Women’s Championship and reclaim the coveted title.

Shariff was in possession of the title up to 2022 when it was won by current reigning champion Pooja Lam.

After four rounds, Shariff has claimed the top spot as the only player with 3.5 points. The matches began on July 29th, when she secured victories against Chelsea Harrison and Chandra Lall, both newcomers to competitive chess.

Despite their valiant efforts, the seasoned national player proved too strong, resulting in their defeat.

In round three, Shariff continued her winning streak by defeating Vienna Bharosay. However, her match against fellow senior national player Jessica Callender in round four was a grueling battle that lasted about 2.5 hours and ended in a draw Both Shariff and Callender are accomplished senior players who have represented Guyana multiple times on the international stage. They previously faced each other in the Women's National Chess Championship last year and were teammates at the 2022 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India.

A head-to-head clash between the two demonstrated their prowess in the game.

Shariff, playing the white pieces, opened with the popular King’s Pawn Opening and Callender countered with the Caro-Kann Defense. The Caro–Kann is a common response to the King's Pawn Opening and is classified as a

semi-open game which was an interesting twist since Shariff and Callender are both typically known for playing closed games.

The Caro-Kann, when played efficiently, often leads to good endgames for black, who has the better pawn structure. This endgame, however, culminated with Shariff’s lone

rook against Callender’s connected passed pawns fast approaching the first rank. At move 48, the players saw no way forward that offered either of them the upper hand and agreed to a draw.

Currently, Shariff leads with 3.5 points, closely followed by Callender, Waveney Johnson, and Aniyah Couchman, all with three points. Italy Ton Chung, Anaya Lall, Vienna Bharosay, Adia Alphonso, and Aditi Joshi are at 2.5 points; while Priya Doodnaught, Chandra Lall, Ciel Clement, and Kataleya Sam stand at 2 points. Chelsea Harrison, Parnita Kishun, and Tharisha Montes De Oca have each earned one point, and Kaija Clement and Joanna Shepherd are both on half a point.

The players have proved their titles as "Queens of the Board", demonstrating their valour and determination in all their games, with players even journeying from Regions Three and Six for a chance at the title.

While Shariff currently holds the lead, she must keep winning to remain in the top position until the close of play, or other players may surpass her within the final three rounds.

The qualifiers will conclude on August 6th, after which the top ten players will compete in a National Championship at a date to be

LGC re-elects Pur Persaud et al for third term

…Kids golf, major upgrades to the facility in the making

The Lusignan Golf Club held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 30th July, 2023. In the end, the Executive of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) was returned, with minor changes, for a second term, signalling broad approval for the organisation’s direction.

A total of thirty-four (34) financial voting members along with many non-voting members and guests were all interested in the outcomes and deliberations. The first order of business was the election of the Returning Officer (RO). A non-partisan independent Returning Officer by the name of Stephano Ramnaught, who has an auditing background and also worked for GECOM, was appointed.

There were two competing slates for the general elections. They were:

Slate 1: led by incumbent President Patanjilee Persaud, VP Brian Hackett, Secretary Chetwynd Bowling, Ground Superintendent Rabindranath Persaud, Captain Pope Emmanuel London, Treasurer Miguel Yunes, Assistant Secretary Treasurer Ms. Eureka Giddings and PRO Paton George.

Slate 2: Led by President Pastor Balgobin Ragnauth,

VP Richard Hanif, Secretary Rommel Bhagwandin, Captain Ayube Subhan, Treasurer Selochni Ramsundar, Ground Superintendent Hardeo Ganpat, Assistant Treasury Secretary Seeru Deo, PRO Robin Tiwari

The slate led by Patanjilee Persaud got an overwhelming majority of over 70 percent of the votes, demonstrating the confidence the membership has in his leadership and that of the full committee – most of which had served on the management committee over the previous two years.

However, there were three new entrants, namely: Eureka Giddings, Miguel Yunis and Pope Emanuel London, bringing new blood into the management committee.

Returning President Patanjilee Persaud took the floor and highlighted the club’s achievements of the past year, which included a successful Guyana Open, more than 24 tournaments, and improved playing conditions.

As part of the President’s report, Vice President Brian Hackett presented some of the future plans, which included a commitment from Republic Bank Guyana Limited to sponsor this

LGC President

Ms. Eureka Giddings, and PRO Paton George

year’s kids’ youth camp and golf clinic scheduled to begin in the second week of August.

Hackett also reported that the committee was able to have an aerial drone survey done of the entire golf course to identify low lying areas. This survey will enable the club to further improve the drainage of the grounds, which will allow more play during the wet

determined. 2022 Women’s Champion Pooja Lam will not

filling study commitments. This makes way for a new champion this year.

seasons. The management committee noted that they will continue to work with the broader membership in a big tent approach, and as such will reach out to the full membership, including the members from the other slate, to work together to ensure they have buy-in and contributions and diverse ideas so that LGC can realize its full potential.

be returning to defend her title, since she is currently ful-

The Guyana Chess Federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to Diamond Fire and General Insurance for their generous sponsorship of this prestigious event. Additionally, the GCF would like to acknowledge the School of the Nations for graciously providing the venue for the tournament. As an avid supporter of chess in Guyana, the School of the Nations also facilitates the Federation's Chess Club every Saturday from 10am to 12pm.

GBA World Badminton Day Tournament 2023…

Haynes, Ramdhani, Singh, Eastman shine as tournament concludes

After three competitive days of badminton, the Guyana Badminton Association World Badminton Day Tournament 2023 completed on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

In the A-DIVISION the Men and Women performed excessively with their racketing skills and showcased their raw talent with Akili Haynes securing first place over Tyrese Jeffrey settling for second place with the scoreline reading:

filled the position of third place

The C-DIVISION concluded the action for Day three as Joanathan Debidin attained first place over Frank Waddell with the scoreline in favour of Debidin 21-19, 21-15; while Raah Russell & Jedidiah Uwagboe secured third place.

The women’s contest saw Gabrielle Felix dazzling the crowd with a first-place position while Gianna Ramnarine secured second place, forcing Aaliyah Bacchus to fill the po-

21-18, 17-21, 21-12. Marlon Chung and Avinash Odit had to settle for third place.

Priyanna Ramdhani powered her way to secure 1st place in the Women’s A-Divison over Shivanne Persaud in the score line: 21-11, 21-5 forcing Priyanka Shivnauth & Alima Eastman to wsettle for third place.

The B-DIVISION featured some of Guyana’s potential Badminton athletes to represent this country at the national stage. In the Men’s Viraj Singh with an undoubtful performance cruised his way to first place against favourites Colin Bowry in the scoreline:21-9, 24-22 with Priyanka Shivnauth & Alima Eastman filling the position of third.

The Women dazzled the crowd with their racqueting skills with Alima Eastman achieving the top spot, while Asiyah Eastman acquired second place and Naveah Eastman & Leshaunte Berkley

sition of third place.

The GBA expressed thanks to their sponsor Total Solutions for their ongoing sponsorship towards this tournament.

The Guyana Badminton Association will now focus its attention on the Badminton Camp which started on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 09:00-11:00hrs at the National Gymnasium. This camp is being powered by the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and is being conducted by national players Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes. Also, the GBA will be taking a junior team to the CAREBACO Regional Badminton Tournament to be held in Trinidad from August 16-20, 2023. Thereafter, the Seniors will attend the Trinidad and Tobago International from August 22-27, 2023. The junior tournament is being held after a three-year hiatus.

Sasha Shariff

Jessica Callender

Patanjilee 'Pur' Persaud, Vice President Brian Hackett, Captain Pope Emmanuel London, Ground Superintendent Rabindranath Persaud, Treasurer Miguel Yunes, Secretary Chet Bowling, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

The winners’ row after the GBA World Badminton Day tournament

Relish the experience – Digicel tells competitors

…As teams receive brand-new kits

16 secondary schools

from all across the country have benefitted from new football kits, given as a reward for their success in the 2023 Digicel Schools’ Football tournament.

The kits were presented to the top 16 schools on Wednesday morning during a simple ceremony at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Sharing remarks was Digicel’s Communications and PR Manager Gabriella Chapman, who reiter ated the com pany’s commitment to their social responsi bility and urged the students to take ad vantage of the op portunity ahead.

“So, I know you guys would’ve put in the work to make it thus far, and this re ally demonstrates your dedication and your true spirit of sportsmanship; and we want to commend you on that. As we are here today, we’re reminded of the reason why Digicel decided to support this tournament,” Chapman noted.

The Digicel representative went on to share, “As a socially responsible corporate entity, we recognize that our success is not solely measured by financial gains, but by the positive impact we create in the communities. And today I just want to remind that beyond this competition lies a deeper significance. So, I’m encouraging each one of you to relish the experience.”

The Round of 16 kicked off later on Wednesday afternoon, where 4 games were on the cards at the Ministry of

Education (MoE) Ground.

As such, Petra organization’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca shared his thoughts on the tournament thus far.

Mendonca revealed, “The eighth Digicel tournament, with Petra for the first time, has been a really good experience. We had to pull out a lot, all our experience, to be able to be here today, and with the support of our coordinator and other individuals throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, and we’re learned a lot over the period.

“For sure, this experience can only take us to better whatever we do in the future,” he went on to state.

The Digicel Round of 16 will continue today, Thursday, August 3, with another 4 games. there, Carmel Secondary takes on Berbice Educational Institute from 13:00hrs, Dolphin and Westminster Secondary will do battle from 15:00hrs; D.C Caesar Fox Secondary and Mahaicony Technical Institute go head-to-head from 17:00hrs, while West Ruimveldt and Charlestown Secondary duke it out in the final Round of 16 game at 19:00hrs.

Ramson sees off Commonwealth Youth Games team with well wishes

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, yesterday morning, in his Ministry’s Conference Room, delivered the charge to Guyana’s Commonwealth Youth Games team before they departed Guyana for the Games, scheduled from 4th11th August 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ramson remarked, “On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I wish you every success, and we are grateful for your service.

Congratulations on being selected as national representatives. It is an honour and privilege to represent one’s country, and do so with honour, pride, distinction, and to the best of your abilities”.

He further emphasized

referenced the potential and positive impact sports has on moulding one’s life. He advised the selected student athletes to use the experience gained in sports to expand their horizon,

WI switch to T20 mode as CPL stars look to topple India

Big picture: IPL heroes vs CPL stars

Though West Indies failed to qualify for the main event of the last T20 World Cup - and the upcoming ODI World Cup - their T20I side seems to be in better health than their ODI and Test teams. Either side of the T20 World Cup's first round in 2022, West Indies challenged New Zealand in a 2-1 series defeat at home, and beat South Africa 2-1 away. They will be bolstered further by the return of Nicholas Pooran, who propelled MI New York to the MLC title last Sunday with a sensational 137 not out off 55 balls.

Allrounders Jason Holder, Odean Smith and Akeal Hosein are also back in the mix.

on the Government’s commitment to developing sport in Guyana. “As a Government, we are working and making the strategic investment in developing the sporting landscape and industry,” he said.

Reflecting on his own life experiences, Minister Ramson

growth and development.

“In your young and budding careers, filled with so much potential, you are on the pathway to excellence, and it’s critical that you remain disciplined as students of your sport and life”, he said.

Minister Ramson im-

plored the athletes to use the opportunity of the Games and the current position they are in to inculcate the right habits, create the attributes, attitudes, mindset that would see them maximizing and realizing their fullest potential in future sporting careers and in life.

“Know that you have worked hard, sacrificed, have the talent and potential to do of your best; meet new friends in your downtime; discuss training regimen; adopt a resilient, positive and growth mindset as a key ingredient for realization of your potential and talent as you embark on this wonderful journey”, he said.

Guyana will be represented by a delegation of 13. The team comprises of five track and field athletes, three swimmers, two physiotherapists, swimming and athletics coaches, along with Chef de Mission, Ms Nalini Mc Koy.

The swimmers will commence competition on August 6, while the athletics team will display talent on the 7th August.

India will be without Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj for the T20I leg of the West Indies and USA tours, but their line-up still drips with power and class, thanks to their IPL heroes. After having lit up his Test debut with 171 in Dominica, Yashasvi Jaiswal could potentially make his T20I debut on Thursday in Tarouba, and open alongside Shubman Gill. There could also be a debut for Tilak Varma, who has been the engine room of Mumbai Indians' middle order since Hardik Pandya moved to Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

Varma will now combine with Pandya to marshal India's middle order. This could be another opportunity for Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to prove their white-ball chops and firm up their cases to be India's back-up wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul, who is on the road to recovery from injury.

For West Indies, this series marks the beginning of a long T20 home season, with the CPL set to begin on August 16, three days after the end of the T20I series against India in Lauderhill, USA. Strong performances in this series - and the following CPL - could help West Indies shape their side for their home T20 World Cup next year.

In the spotlight: Powell and Mukesh Rovman Powell is among West Indies' leaders in whiteball cricket, but he was dropped for the last two ODIs against India, with Keacy

Carty replacing him. He had also been dropped from the ODI side during the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. But Powell is now set to return, this time as the captain of the T20I team, and with a point to prove - particularly against the spinners. Powell has a strike rate of 115.03 only while facing spin in T20 cricket, while that number jumps up to 153.20 against pace.

Mukesh Kumar had to slog for years to make it to India's squad, but if he gets picked on Thursday, he will end up making his Test, ODI and T20I debuts in a fortnight in the West Indies. Mukesh usually operates in the lower 130kph range, but he can get the ball to skid and seam off the pitch like he did in the ODI series decider in Tarouba on Tuesday. With a number of senior quicks absent once again, Mukesh is likely to get a good run in the five-match T20I series.

Team news: Will India pick an extra spinner?

This will be West Indies' first T20I under coach Daren Sammy, but there might not be too many changes from the team that toppled South Africa in South Africa. ODI captain Shai Hope might compete with Johnson Charles for the No.3 spot.

West Indies will look up to the returning Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer to counter India's spinners. Hosein could be West Indies' main spinner after having returned from the MLC.

West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Kyle Mayers, 3 Johnson Charles/ Shai Hope (wk), 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Rovman Powell (capt), 7 Roston Chase, 8 Jason Holder, 9 Romario Shepherd/Odean Smith, 10 Akeal Hosein,

11 Alzarri Joseph/Oshane Thomas.

If the pitch that was used for the final ODI is rolled out once again, India might consider bringing in an extra spinner. And it remains to be seen whether the visitors can fit both Kishan and Samson in their XI.

India (probable): 1 Shubman Gill,

2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Ishan Kishan/Sanju Samson (wk), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Hardik Pandya (capt), 6 Suryakumar Yadav, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Kuldeep Yadav, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal/Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mukesh Kumar/Umran Malik/ Avesh Khan

Pitch and conditions: Rain could interrupt the game

The Brian Lara Cricket Academy has hosted just one T20I so far, in 2022, when India piled up 190 for 6, and then defended it with considerable ease against West Indies. The Tarouba pitch is usually friendly to batters, but a used one could offer more assistance to the bowlers. The forecast for Thursday isn't particularly promising, with a 40% chance of rain.

Petra’s Troy Mendonca, Digicel’s Gabriella Chapman and Organizer Lavern Fraser are flanked by representatives of the teams that received new Digicel-branded uniforms

Digicel’s Gabriella Chapman

Sport Minister Charles Ramson jr. is flanked by Guyana’s Commonwealth Youth Games 2023 contingent, GOA Secretary Garfield Wiltshire, and GOA President Godfrey Munroe

Sport Minister Charles Ramson jr. taking a photo opportunity with the eight athletes that will be representing Guyana at the Commonwealth Youth Games

The Men in Maroon will be looking to change their fortunes in the T20 series

Mukesh Kumar could end up making his Test, ODI and T20I debuts on this tour

Rovman Powell appointed Barbados Royals Captain

West Indies’ T20

Captain and Caribbean premier League

2022 winning captain Rovman Powell, will be the man in charge in the Barbados Royals Camp for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.

Powell, who led the Tallawahs to their 3rd CPL title in 2022 was transferred to the Barbados Royals back in May; in a deal which saw Hayden Walsh Jr. moving over to the Tallawahs. Powell now takes over from David Miller, who led the Barbadian franchise in 2022.

The new Barbados Royals Captain moves to the camp with a wealth of experience,

having played 73 matches in the CPL from 2016 to present, racking up 1337 runs,

CPL career at his local franchise, the Tallawahs.

In an official announcement on Wednesday morning, Powell shared a brief message with Royals’ fans.

“This is your captain speaking, I’m excited to lead the Barbados Royals for the 2023 season of the Caribbean Premier League. I’m definitely looking forward to this season, to see how best myself and the players can put smiles on the people of Barbados face, and by extension all the Royals supporters across the globe,”

Powell shared in the video message via the team’s social media handles.

17 wickets and a high score of 84*. Up until now, Powell has spent the entirety of his

The Republic Bank CPL is set to bowl off on Wednesday August 16th in St. Lucia, and moves across the Caribbean in St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados and Trinidad

Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2… Team Mohamed’s Pro-Mod, Godzilla named official winners

The highly anticipated

Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0 had generated much hype over the past few weeks and was set to culminate in the grand finale on Sunday. Teams from Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname were here and set to take on the local competition who was ready to defend the home turf.

The day got off to an early start and the event was ahead of the day’s schedule, producing exciting races in the lower classes, setting up nicely for

- 14 seconds - #1165Akshay LachninarainsinghToyota Crown (Suriname)

- 13 seconds - #300 -

Parshuram Ramkissoon -

Honda Prelude - 12 seconds - #1234 -

Raghubar Virish - Volkswagen

Golf (Suriname)

- 11 seconds - #110 -

Raymond John - Toyota Chaser (Suriname)

- 10 seconds - #1166

- Jasvant Bhagikath (Suriname)

- 9 seconds - #1176 -

Whisper appointed Host Broadcaster for CPL

Team Mohamed’s in the final. However, this race could not take place immediately since these high-powered cars have cool down times ranging between 30 to 60 minutes. With light fading quickly and competitor and spectator safety being of paramount importance, the race could not be run. As such the winner was decided in the same way as that of the other incomplete classes, and that is by the fastest dial-in time. Team

the heavy hitters.

However, a major snag was hit when our timing equipment started to malfunction shortly after 1:00 pm.

Officials and technical personnel, along with help from several race teams, attempted to identify and resolve the issues that were being experienced. After several attempts, the equipment was still plagued with several errors which would have produced inaccurate results.

Given the circumstances of the day, the completion of racing in the 12 to 6 second classes could not be completed.

As a result, the winner of these classes was decided based on which competitor had the fastest dial-in time on Saturday.

The winners are as follows:

- 16 seconds - #923 - Shawn

Whyte - Toyota Corolla AE100

- 15 seconds - #94 - Devin

Moses - Toyota Starlet EP91

Rabbanie Yacoob - Toyota

Verossa (Suriname)

- 8 seconds - #1162Michael Namchand - Mazda RX-7 (Suriname)

- 7 seconds - #2 - Terrence Cox (Team Mohameds) –Nissan GT-R (Godzilla) - 6 seconds - #5 - Victor Florito Flores (Team Mohameds) – Mustang Pro Mod

The showdown between the 6-second cars of Team Mohamed’s, Team Daby and Sheldon Bissessar was perhaps the most anticipated races of the day and the GMR&SC made every attempt for racing in this class to take place.

Team Daby’s Toyota Solara faced Sheldon Bissessar’s Spitzer Dragster in the first round since their dial-in times were closest to each other (6.727 & 6.728 respectively). Bissessar emerged victorious over Team Daby in this race, and was set to take on the Pro Mod Mustang of

Mohamed’s Pro Mod Mustang set a time of 6.403 during dial-in on Saturday and as such, that car was declared the winner.

The GMR&SC apologizes to fans that left the event feeling disappointed, and we assure you that we will be taking steps to ensure that such a situation does not recur in the future. We are committed to enhancing the motorsport experience in Guyana and the Caribbean, and events like the Tropical Shipping Drag Wars continue to serve as thrilling platforms for showcasing the region's best talents.

The Club went on to extend thanks to their sponsors, officials, competitors and everyone who was involved in putting together this event.

In a word to racing the fans, the GMR&SC said, “To you, the fans, a special thank you for your continued support, and especially the patience you exercised throughout the technical problems.”

Global host broadcast specialists Whisper will be the new production partner for the Caribbean Premier League, delivering 41 matches live for the Biggest Party in Sport.

The contract will include delivering world-class coverage of all 34 games in the Republic Bank CPL T20 and seven games

ternational cricket, as well as peak-time highlights of England matches for the BBC, including this year’s Ashes.

The Whisper creative teams also produced the critically acclaimed “Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes”, with academy award winner Sir Sam Mendes as Executive Producer.

The Whisper team will be led by three-time BAFTA winning Director Mark Lynch, who joined the Whisper cricket team in 2021 from Sky Sports; alongside producer Craig Cozier, Executive Producers Rob Williams and Mark Cole, and Director of Production, Bethan Evans.

that Whisper’s fantastic team will help us to showcase the amazing cricketing talent in the Caribbean as well as showing off how the region is a must-visit location.”

in the Massy WCPL T20 taking place from August 16th to September 24th across five Caribbean islands. This will be supplemented by daily highlight shows, insightful analyses, and a range of creative digital content, taking audiences closer to the action than ever before.

CPL is one of the most watched T20 tournaments around the world, and last year had a combined audience of over 720 million viewers.

The tournament will be the latest in a growing cricket portfolio for Whisper, which currently produces all West Indies and New Zealand in-

Mark Cole, Whisper MD, said: “We are delighted to partner with the team at the CPL, and hugely excited about showcasing the amazing cricket and full stadiums to audiences around the world. Our team of cricket specialists have great experience of delivering cricket in the Caribbean, and will continue to evolve the coverage with the Whisper stamp of innovation and creativity.”

Pete Russell, CPL CEO, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Whisper as we deliver a world-class tournament for fans in stadiums and for those watching across the globe. We know

Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

and Tobago, before concluding in Guyana with the grand finale on Sunday, September, 24th.

New Barbados Royals Captain Rovman Powell dons the team’s signature pink jersey

Rovman Powell led the Jamaica Tallawahs to their 3rd CPL title last year

Team Mohamed’s Pro- Mod retained the 6-second strip record

The Whisper-CPL collab will cover all games in the Men’s and Women’s tournaments