Page 3
142 children medically screened under First Lady’s Adopt an Orphanage initiative
P10
Finance Minister urges French bank to explore
investment opportunities in Guyana
New $294M Magistrates’ Courts, living quarters commissioned at Vigilance
Page 9
Govt developing over 1700 acres of land along EBD corridor for housing drive
Transferred Rose Hall workers protest ahead of estate's reopening
The spanking new Vigilance Magistrate’s Court that was commissioned on Wednesday
Page 15
call for packages similar to that given to sacked sugar workers – GAWU says workers have been asked to voluntarily return to estate
Essequibo farmer dies after falling off motorcycle on way to farm
Pandit accused of murder freed after Court upholds no-case submission
Construction to start soon on Magistrates' Courts at Timehri, Friendship EBD
WHAT'S INSIDE: P7 P14 P16 P7
P2 Page 11
‘Metal Shark’ patrol vessel for GDF to arrive in October –Finance Minister
The Home Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), on Wednesday took a significant step in easing public stress by introducing cashless payments to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and Guyana Fire Service (GFS).
Through Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), Guyanese can now enjoy more time-efficient, convenient means of transactions from the comfort of their homes, offices or other locations of their choice for services provided by the GPS and GFS.
Some of these services include paying for petro-
ernisation and efficiency as they move towards a more accessible and convenient future for all Guyanese.
“Both of these institutions are major parts of our infrastructure as a nation, and the introduction of this convenient and reliable way of paying was done with the citizens of Guyana, [first] and foremost in the minds of the decision-makers,” Ram said.
Now, payments for services provided by these agencies can be made either from an individual’s MMG account or through one of MMG’s 1200 agent locations within their agent network which spans across the country.
ply log into my MMG account, go to Government Services, choose Guyana Fire Service, choose petrol licence and make the payment,” Ram said.
“Immediately, the personnel at the Guyana Fire Service will see my payment and release my petrol licence. It's that easy,” Ram added.
Acknowledging the time taken to usually pay for these services, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn noted that this new alternative option is a strategic move to improve the lives of all Guyanese.
“We have been moving to improve at a strategic management level, at the
efficiency in relation to engaging with persons, even if it's at a virtual level, it gives us more time and space to focus quickly and more effectively on issues related to improving the overall quality of life and the quality of service delivered,” Benn said.
Meanwhile, Ram further noted that adding another payment method is a huge step in highlighting the power of collaboration.
personal data.
Ram noted that this new Bill will pave the way towards creating the proper legislative framework to support the implementation of e-governance.
persons countrywide.
leum licences, safety certificates, and music and dance permits.
General Manager of MMG, Bobita Ram commended the two agencies for their commitment to mod-
“Let's just take a simple example: I need to pay for a petrol licence. Instead of travelling to the Guyana Fire Service, and we know how congested traffic can get, I sim -
level of the Government, at the level of putting resources in respect of assets, to improve services [and] improve life in all aspects,” Benn said.
“And if we bring greater
Last week, the National Assembly passed the Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2023, which primarily seeks to protect a person’s right to privacy in regards to the processing of their
“We firmly believe that financial technology platforms, such as MMG, present multiple advantages in contributing to the Government's efforts at reinforcing trust and accountability and modernising the public sector. We at MMG recommit our support in this regard,” Ram said.
Ram added that public confidence in MMG continues to grow, with the organisation serving over 110,000
Last December, in another collaboration with the Home Affairs Ministry, MMG launched mobile payment services for the General Register Office (GRO) and Immigration Support Services.
Meanwhile, in June, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry advanced its delivery of the Old Age Pension through MMG as well, while in July, GuyOil’s eight company-owned service stations and at its Adventure Depot also began to facilitate MMG payments for their products and services.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, Aug 17 – 04:15h – 05:45h and Friday, Aug 18 – 04:15h – 05:45h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, Aug 17 – 17:10h – 18:40h and Friday, Aug 18 – 05:05h – 06:35h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
There will be light rainy showers and thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: Easterly to South South-Westerly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.
High Tide: 17:23h reaching a maximum height of 2.51 metres.
Low Tide: 10:26h and 22:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.7 metre and 0.74 metre.
Officials from the French Development Agency (AFD) currently in Guyana, on Wednesday, had discussions with Senior Minister in the Office of the Presidency with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, where opportunities for partnerships were explored.
In a statement from the Finance Ministry, it was explained that the Southern Regional Head of Proparco (the private arm of AFD), Julien Vanhooydonck and the Project Manager (SurinameGuyana), of the AFD, Julie Grunner, met with the Finance Minister at his Main Street office.
According to the statement, Dr Singh invited Proparco’s officials during the
nities in a variety of sectors including finance, maritime transport, and energy, in Guyana.
The trade mission was led by the President of the
discussions to continue to explore Guyana’s financial landscape and examine ways in which they can forge possible partnerships with the various private sector institutions and contribute to the country’s current economic development.
Proparco is a subsidiary of the AFD Group that provides funding and support to private sector development, and its action focuses on key development sectors including infrastructure - mainly for renewable energies, agribusiness, financial institutions, health, and education, all with the aim to strengthen the contribution of private players to the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
AFD is a French public development bank that commits financing and technical assistance to projects in various sectors including energy, healthcare, biodiversity, digital technology, and professional training, among others. Its stated goals are to assist countries with transitioning towards a safer, more equitable, and more sustainable world.
It was only in June 2023 that a French trade mission mostly comprising of Small and Medium Enterprises from French Guiana and the French Caribbean; with business representatives, visited Guyana to explore opportu-
Collectivité territoriale de Guyane, the executive entity of the French Guiana region, Gabriel Serville, and
the French Ambassador to Suriname and Guyana, Nicolas de Lacoste. The visit was also co-organised by the Chamber of Commerce of French Guiana and the French Embassy in Suriname and Guyana.
Guyana and France have been taking steps in recent times to strengthen their bilateral relationship. In April 2023, a delegation of French Senators had visited the country, where they met with President Dr Irfaan Ali. The French delegation was led by Joslle Garriaud-Maylam and featured Cattherine Dumas, Phillipe Falliot, Andre Vallini and Nicole Duranton. During the meeting, the Guyanese Head of State had described France as a “key partner” for the country’s future development.
The French Senators’ visit to Guyana forms part of that country’s mission “to assess the new strategic balance in
South America”, according to information from the French Embassy to Guyana.
The visit also contributed to materialising France’s new commitment to Guyana and the Guiana Shield region as a whole. During the visit, the French delegation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Guyana.
As the two countries seek to deepen their ties, a local office of the French Embassy is set to be opened on September 1. Currently, the Embassy of France to Guyana and Suriname is located in Paramaribo, with the ambassador being stationed in the neighbouring Dutch-speaking country.
There are roughly 50 French persons residing in Guyana but the size of the Guyanese diaspora in France is not immediately known. The two countries established formal diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967.
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There is an ongoing debate about whether or not crime is being brought under control, as the Police claim. Statistics alone will not convince citizens, until they actually begin to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and are not forced to convert their homes into jails with the “iron grills” installed over their doors and windows.
While “intelligence-led” policing has been touted as one approach to address the challenge, this is more tactical than strategic.
In his 1982 article “Broken Windows”, Harvard sociologist James Q Wilson took a contrarian position to the dominant “root causes of crime” approach. Crime would not decrease, it was asserted, until we first address the social and environmental causes, like poverty, racism, bad housing, poor education, inequality, etc.
Not surprisingly, the Police loved the idea: basically, it absolved them from ever reducing crime in absolute terms. Their stock answer to the US’ stubbornly high and growing crime figures was: “It was society’s fault.” In Guyana, there is a persistent section of officialdom that insists on pushing the “root causes” theory of crime reduction. We hope that they will take a look at Wilson’s “broken windows” alternative.
The broken windows theory derived both its inspiration and name from a widely-observed phenomenon. “Social psychologists and Police officers tend to agree,” Wilson and his co-author Kelling wrote, “that if a window in a building is broken and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken. This is as true in nice neighbourhoods as in rundown ones. Window-breaking does not necessarily occur on a large scale because some areas are inhabited by determined window-breakers whereas others are populated by window-lovers; rather, one unrepaired broken window is a signal that no one cares, and so breaking more windows costs nothing. (It has always been fun.)”
What was true of windows, Kelling and Wilson argued, was also true more generally of disruptive public behaviour in a community. Wilson pointed out that culture matters, and if such behaviour is not nipped in the bud, it can quickly develop into institutionalised criminal lifestyles. While Wilson was thinking mostly of urban areas, with our older, densely packed villages joined by newer and larger housing developments with no organic community spirit, the now ubiquitous petty drug dealers and users in the villages might just be our tip-off “broken windows”.
We can already see in our villages the alienation, anonymity and anomie that used to typify towns. Unruly children who are not “raised by the village” grow up to be teenagers who get into fights and bully people on street corners. They drive their cars with their music blaring from their amplified speakers in the middle of the night. Rum shops are opened at every other street corner, and drunks meander the streets panhandling unwary pedestrians.
Fearing that more serious crimes would occur, residents would keep indoors more often, and, very soon, the streets are left to the unruly elements. Kelling and Wilson were arguing that minor crimes, if unpunished, lead to major crimes and massive social breakdown. The goal of “Broken Windows policing” is to allow a neighbourhood to police itself and reduce crime.
In this approach, the role of the Police is to reduce fear through foot patrols, maintaining order, and the judicious use of officers’ discretion through “community policing”. While our “community policing” and “neighbourhood police” initiatives have adopted their names from “Broken Windows” policing, they have entirely missed its essence. In Guyana, the community Police is not part and parcel of the official Police Force, and merely rides around in its officially supplied vehicles, throwing its weight around on ordinary residents.
The Public Security Ministry must integrate the two units into one, with the Community Policing unit being dedicated as “beat Police” that patrol “broken windows” neighbourhoods constantly on foot or bicycle.
Dear Editor, I wish to state clearly - without any ambiguity, and to advice Hon. former Minister David Pattersonthat ExxonMobil is “no pimper” of our nation!
Please allow me to highlight the fact that the contract with ExxonMobil was originally signed by the previous Government and political parties to which Hon. David Patterson was a senior minister.
Former Minister Patterson constantly, in a most disrespectful manner, tries to humiliate the people’s Government of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, when it was the parties in which he was a senior minister that signed the oil contract with ExxonMobil and created the fiasco that we are in.
Their signing of that contract without consultation with the people set a precedent that ExxonMobil and any oil investor would want to hold on to. It also displays a lack of wisdom and maturity that Mr. Patterson never condemned his own political party, the Alliance for Change (AFC), and his executive leadership party and owner of the
AFC, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), for them signing blindly such a poor Exxon deal. Therefore, I expect him to show respect to the present Government of Dr. Ali, and the fact that they are trying to make the best of the ‘poor deal’ that the Coalition signed and established as policy.
Your colleague, Mr. Patterson, former Minister Raphael Trotman, signed the contract on behalf of your combined Government, and His Excellency President David Arthur Granger. It was reported in the various media that Mr. Trotman had not read the contract, and only later signed, he claimed, because he was instructed to sign. For an attorney-at-law to sign anything, whether instructed or not, displays a very dictatorial policy, and even a lack of legal skills as an attorney-at-law.
After having disappeared from Guyana for a number of years, Mr Raphael Trotman reemerged, and was trying to make himself a kind of superstar, offering to renegotiate the lopsided oil deal that he had signed.
Even trying to market his book on the matter, and expecting the current Government of Guyana to appoint him to renegotiate the oil deal which he and the previous Government he belonged to, the APNU Coalition, signed. It is here, Mr. Patterson, where the “pimping” commenced.
Therefore, the present Government is not allowing ‘pimping’ of our resources by Exxon. It was the previous Government, of which you are a member, The APNU Coalition, your former bosses, which truly created the fiasco of the poor Exxon oil deal for the generation of funds for political reasons and ‘whatever else!’ I leave that “whatever else” to the imagination and minds of the Guyanese people and the World at large.
ExxonMobil is an international powerhouse corporation, ‘like a Super power’, Mr. Patterson! (nickname “Patto”,”Patto”), as President Ali explained. Exxon provided the terms of the contract with careful attention to the interests of their shareholders, as a business entity should do. It was the then Guyana Government, of which Mr.
Patterson was a senior minister, that failed, in my opinion, to attend to the interests of the Guyanese people. They were more interested in getting funds for political reasons and “looking good.”
Notwithstanding, ExxonMobil is assisting us to extract our resources, which we can never hope to extract ourselves. A process which is highly technological and scientific. All in an effort for the creation of job opportunities, business opportunities, and upliftment of the economic status and power of Guyana and the Guyanese people.
Mr Patterson, as a former minister of Government, in league with other ministers of the combined Government, I had considered then to possess a high level of intelligence, more was expected of you, “Patto” (nickname), and your political parties.
It is my opinion that if fingers are to be pointed for the poor oil deal with Exxon, it would be pointed at your political parties.
Sincerely,
Hajji Dr Roshan KhanDear Editor, Three years have already elapsed into the first term of Dr. Ali’s tenure as president. His Government has surpassed all targets which were set to be accomplished prior to assuming office, and has fulfilled the promises which were made to Guyanese.
This demonstrates the vibrancy, will, and commitment of the Government to alter the course of a sinking economy that was inherited.
Undoubtedly, the People’s Progressive Party Government has proven, since its inception, that it is a party for the people, and
President Ali has achieved substantial success as President because he is connected to the populace.
He has a well-defined mandate, his vision for our beloved Guyana is magnanimous, and his love for people is unparalleled. He utilises his energy to bring people together, not float
around like the helpless, callous and oblivious few.
Every sector has been growing considerably, and this has to be attributed to the governance which we have today. The status of this great country has risen, and Guyanese are enjoying a better standard of living. The future of our
children is in good hands, and there will be opportunities for all.
Guyana’s transformation is unimaginable, and one more term of President Ali will create the paradise we all dream about. He stands miles above the political Opposition, and he is cementing his place in
history as a man who genuinely works for the advancement of his people and his country. The community of Windsor Forest fully endorses President Ali’s bid for a second term in office.
Yours sincerely, Rajiv Kadarnauth
Dear Editor,
Over the past few weeks, Guyana lost some famous sons of the soil; namely, Ashton Chase, Dr. Roger Luncheon, and Justice James Patterson. Each scholarly gentleman was distinguished for different commendations, and would be remembered for various reasons and challenging issues. Guyanese of different generations, in particular the elderly, will pause on a memory lane reflective of plaudits for compliments and criticisms. The departed have certainly significantly contributed to the composition of Guyana’s history.
Senior Counsel Ashton Chase passed away on July 10th at the age of 96. He exemplified his character in the arenas of politics, law, and labour, having identified himself with the PPP, the courthouse, and NAACIE. President
Dr. Irfaan Ali paid a glowing tribute, “His death represents an incalculable loss to our nation. His name and contributions will forever be etched in our country’s political, labour, and legal history. He made an exceptional contribution to Guyana’s nationalist struggle and political history, and was the last surviving member of the Political Affairs Committee established in 1946. He was among our finest legal minds, and was a pillar of our country’s early trade union activism, authoring the most authoritative work on our trade union history.”
General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, added, “Our country owes an eternal debt of gratitude to this outstanding son of the soil. Guyana has lost an amazing human being.”
Dr. Roger Luncheon departed the shores of Guyana on August 2nd at the age of 74. His prominence prevailed in the fields of medicine and politics, having served as a medical doctor and as Head of the Presidential Secretariat for the PPP/C Government, and as Cabinet Secretary for not
one, but five Presidents of Guyana.
President Dr. Ali was loud in his praise, “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 product of your labour will live on forever.”
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo described him as “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 work for the people of Guyana.”
More recently, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson waved a final goodbye to all on the 13th of August at the age of 89, just two weeks short of becoming 90. Having served the courts of Guyana and Grenada, he was a former Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. To date, only the Chairman of CRG has paid a public tribute.
Justice Patterson’s death opens a floodgate of memories, reminiscing on the ‘mother of all elections,’ the Guyana General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020, the year the “sanctimonious gangster’ and his cabals, a band of rebels, tried to hijack the election and install an unelected president! At least five occasions were noted, but their unsuccessful attempts were a breeding ground for denigration, distrust, and division within the PNC. It was the turning point for the PNC when the local, regional, and international communities refused to accept the PNC’s daring and glaring attempts to rig the results of the election. The US played a major role in the restoration of democracy in Guyana, both in 1992 and again in 2020.
The legal and legitimate winner both times, the PPP/C, was then able to govern the country, after being duly elected by the people.
The winner of Election 2020 was the factor determining who would manage the revenue generated from the oil sector to propel Guyana to world fame, economic development, and prosperity. The stake was high, and the PNC knew that they couldn’t win in a straight and clean fight, and that they had to resort to the way Burnham taught them, i.e., to win by fraudulent means via wholesale rigging of the election.
Back in 1985, the Executive Secretary of the Guyana Council of Churches, Mr. Michael McCormack, said, “The question of rigging is paramount… You cannot have a discussion without this coming up. Basically, everybody is just watching for the rig.”
The PNC prospered for 28 years through foul, and not fair means. But the PNC brain boxes were poor learners. They lacked Burnham’s touch to drive home the final nail and ‘bamboozle’ everyone to claim the crown by deceit!
Granger’s partnership with Patterson raised eyebrows. Guyanese and their country became a laughing stock after the PNC argued that 33 is not the majority of 65, a simple deduction any primary school boy knows, except the brilliant PNC scholars, including Granger, Trotman, and Williams! No wonder the PNC led this country to bankruptcy, not once, but twice, during their governance!
Not surprisingly, the PNC signed the most lopsided oil contract in the world, thanks to their mathematical geniuses! What a shame! The judges at the CCJ refused to listen to the PNC’s mathemati -
cal hocus-pocus and mumbo-jumbo attempted presentation of dividing bodies and rejoining them to make a whole!
The CCJ upheld that the Motion of No Confidence moved in December 2018 was valid. Charrandas was not the only person holding dual citizenship! That was the beginning of the end of another PNC era. Granger’s selection of Patterson as GECOM Chairman in 2019 was refused by the CCJ.
The election petition by the PNC was annulled by the CCJ. The PNC mem -
bers were sanctioned and asked to ‘step aside’. Has anyone sighted any more Russians, or had a “bombscare” interruption?
The reliable, resourceful and resilient Freddie Kissoon reminds us of what a British writer quipped, “There have always been stupid people in the world and plenty of nasty people too. But rarely has stupidity been so nasty, or nastiness so stupid”.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
BY Patricia Lockwood
Is worth any number of old ladies. A grandmother hung from a cliff like a tense moment in an action movie and the Ode, speaking itself with its hand on one heart, steadfastly refused to save her, in fact it did that thing where it ground each finger out with a motorcycle boot and then ate its cigarette for emphasis, whooping; some old-ass bitch was in pussy church when the Öde, now spelling itself with an umlaut, swung its urn at the back of her head, really clocking her; till the violets in her church hat grew from the floor and won a third-place prize for consciousness;
In this fun and easy cool science experiment for kids, we’re going to see if we can drop a coin in a bottle.
$10 coin
Materials:
Bottle with a large enough opening for the $10 coin to fall inside.
Eight-inch square piece of cardboard
Instructions:
Set the bottle on a solid surface.
Balance the piece of cardboard on the bottle.
Now put the coin on the cardboard, be sure to centre it over the mouth of the bottle.
With your middle finger, flip the cardboard quickly off of the bottle. The coin should drop down into the bottle.
How it works:
The coin has inertia, so it will want to stay in one place. If you pull the cardboard slowly, you will not overcome that force and the coin will
simply stay on the cardboard. If you remove the cardboard quickly, the coin will stay suspended in mid-air for a fraction of a nanosecond before gravity takes over and the coin drops down into the bottle. The coin will come to rest when it hits the bottom of the bottle.
Make this a science project: Try putting the coin on a hoop. Try putting the coin higher up by balancing it on a ruler. Try bolts or other items. Try stacking several coins. (sciencefun.org)
the Ode is pushing nanas off bridges, detonating them with dynamite, tying them to railroad tracks with squeaky young rope, pouring big glugs into them out of the skull-and-crossbones bottle, the Ode is checking its pocketwatch, which points always to death-to-old-ladies o’clock, it is shrieking ugh you’re like one hundred and your breath smells exactly like horse medicine ho, the Ode is blasting holes in them, is laying them out in the potpourri aisle, is stabbing them with those icicles they always said were dangerous, the Ode means ill to all of them, the Ode is worth any number...???? and the worst is I believe it. The worst is I will become one, without having written anything like the Ode on a Grecian Urn, and sit in long rows along with my kind, till there the Ode comes striding toward me, my necessary death at the ready, my pulse like black grapes at its fingertips, saying, “Fear not, it will be fast, the forgetting of great poems will fly through you in bullets”;
TO BE CONTINUED
The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) being procured for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will arrive in October 2023, with additional monies for this and other Force expenses being approved by the National Assembly last week.
Information on the 115foot vessel was revealed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh, when answering questions on the supplementary funds being sought for the GDF.
The Finance Minister was asked what type of expanded work was being done with the additional millions being sought.
According to him, the money will not only help develop the Information and Communications Technology capacity of the Force but also cover additional expenses for the vessel.
“With due regard to the comments I made earlier in regards to being circumspect in connection to the GDF’s operations, I would
say under this line there are essentially two or three broad categories of operations and activities that account for the supplementary appropriation being sought.”
“The first is in relation to upgrading the ICT capabilities of the Force. The second and third are in connection with the completion, transport, and delivery of the Offshore Patrol Vessel that is being procured. There are certain recurrent costs that are being incurred in connection with that,” the Finance Minister said.
Meanwhile, more details were also provided about the building works the GDF plans to accomplish with the $563 million being sought. This money was allocated in the financial paper for the “provision of additional resources to facilitate the urgent upgrade of infrastructure across several bases.”
“There are a number of buildings that we are proposing to do additional work on. These include the building facility that we have at Eteringbang, the air corps facilities at Timehri, the
hangar at Ogle, the accommodations and several buildings at base camp Ayanganna, and the lecture hall at Tacama,” the Minister said.
The 115-foot Defiant patrol vessel earmarked for Guyana, dubbed the “GDFS Berbice”, was launched earlier this month. Metal Shark Chief Executive Officer Chris Allard had said that the vessel will play a key role in helping to protect Guyana’s oil and gas industry.
Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that the vessel being procured from United States (US)-based company Metal Shark, would also help Guyana in patrolling the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) against illegal fishing.
He pointed out that Guyana has been losing significant revenue from illegal fishing in its EEZ, a problem that is being dealt with through the modernisation and outfitting of the GDF with a wide range of marine and aviation equipment.
Additionally, he had said they are already in discus-
sions with different stakeholders on a mother ship to help secure the EEZ. President Ali pointed out that Guyana is already losing significant revenue from illegal fishing in the EEZ.
“We’re already in discussions with different stakeholders on a mother ship that would help us in securing our EEZ and ensuring that the commercial value of our EEZ is not exploited without us having a presence there. And that is what the Beechcraft would allow us to do,” President Ali said.
“When outfitted with additional equipment and the Dornier when that comes into the fleet, [it] will help us to tremendously secure our EEZ. We know from information that is being shared with us that we’re losing a lot of revenue with illegal fishing within our EEZ. So, the commercial viability of the investment is one that is also taken into consideration.”
Mention was also made of the conversion of the hangar. President Ali had revealed that, with the au-
thorisation of the Defence Board, the GDF will be taking over the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) hangar at the Eugene F Correia (Ogle) airport.
“The Defence Board has also authorised the Air Corps, the Chief of Staff, to move now on setting out a plan to take over the operations, maintenance of the GuySuCo hangar at Ogle.
So that that GuySuCo hangar will now come into use for the Air Corps, but in an expanded way,” President Ali had said. (G-3)
A35-year-old farmer on Tuesday met his demise after he reportedly fell off his motorcycle along the Mashabo Trail, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
The body of Ganesh Ramcharran, who hailed from Pomona Housing Scheme, was found motionless with the neck broken. Ramcharran reportedly left his home to attend to his farm in Grove Hill, Mashabo.
As customary, he was riding his motorcycle, bearing registration plate CL 5021.
However, while returning home, he reportedly fell off his bike. As a result, the farmer sustained a broken neck and other injuries to his body.
Guyana Times was told that he was found lying mo-
incident
tionlessly by another farmer who was traversing the area at that time. An alarm was raised and Police ranks were sent to the scene.
Father of the dead man, Harrinarine Ramcharran when contacted explained that on the day in question, as customary, his son left home to attend to his farm. In fact, he would have accompanied him on some occasions.
However, while it is unclear as to what may have led to the incident, the elderly man related that based on information received, the motorcycle might have come into contact with a vine that was across that trail.
He added that upon receiving the news, he rushed to the area but his son was already dead.
“What I understand is a vine or something pull
him off the motorbike. The Police went in there. They said he neck break. When I meet there, he lay down on the ground and bleeding from his mouth. He had already died when I reach in the backdam,” the father shared.
This publication understands that the dead man was a father of one. Apart from cultivating at the farm, he also produced charcoal. Ramcharran was described as a willing and very hard-working individual.
The body was examined and no marks of violence were found. Ramcharran was first taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Later, he was transferred to the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Aman whose alleged accomplice was shot dead after they committed a robbery at King Street, Georgetown, has been charged and remanded to prison.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate (ag), Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Tuesday was 19-year-old
Randy Smart, of Lot 240 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.
Police stated that on August 11, at King Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of another, the teenager robbed Chandradat Mangru of a Samsung cellular phone valued at $80,000.
The court heard that Mangru was sent by his employer, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Attorney General’s Chambers to a Cambio on King Street to change foreign currency. Accompanying him in a State-owned vehicle was a Policeman attached to the Presidential Guard.
When he finished the transaction, Mangru exited the Cambio, and started to walk toward the vehi-
cle when Smart's accused accomplice approached him and snatched his phone.
He then jumped onto the motorcycle Smart was riding, and together, they rode north along King Street. The
Policeman who was with Mangru chased after the fleeing men and caught up with them in the vicinity of North Road and King Street, where he fired several shots in their direction.
Abednego Trotman, a 25-year-old of Tiger Bay, Georgetown, was fatally shot. Smart was subsequently taken into custody after he lost his balance and fell onto the road.
In objecting to bail for Smart, the prosecutor cited the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. Police have since described the now dead man as a “known character”.
The accused robber will return to court on September 13 to collect statements.
With all those symposia and panel discussions following Emancipation Day, our Eyewitness is very disappointed - but not really surprised - about the continuous harping on “race” to explain any perceived negative happening in Guyana.
In fact, if these accounts are to be believed, race isn’t a variable any longer in our dear mudland, but a constant! Fella gets robbed as he staggers home from the rum shop? Race! Cocaine discovered in saltfish? Race! New captain of the Warriors gets selected…Race!! Never mind about cocaine in the vagina.
And we arrive at some of the dismissals and disavowals extracted from the PPP ever since they were ALLOWEDwith great reluctance - to take office five months after they were legally voted in. Not only race, but this time “Racial Apartheid” was the cry!!! Your Eyewitness knows we don’t have much experience with the changes of Government in Guyana and the ensuing transitions – after all, the PNC under Burnham and Hoyte rigged their way into power for almost three decades, until “free and fair” elections. But Jeez…isn’t it time they get with the (democratic) programme??
In 1992, even before the election was called, Hamilton Green insisted that the “White Man” Jimmy Carter was bent on ousting the PNC. Why? Well, duh - race! Carter was just another “Redneck” from the US Deep South who had it in for Blacks! He’s been repeating this bilge ever since –and did so again most vehemently in 2020! And once again, as the PPP attempted to govern during the past three years and were forced to get rid of some of the “square pegs in round holes” that had accumulated over the previous 5 years, there came the cries of “ethnic cleansing”!! Race! Never mind that the 92% of one ethnic group in the Bertrand Collins Public Service College signals that any house cleaning will unavoidably affect that ethnic group inordinately!!
And never mind that Granger had fired more than 7000 mostly Indian Guyanese sugar workers - that wasn’t race! Could you imagine if the PPP had done the same in the Bauxite Industry at Linden? House lots allocation to fulfill their campaign promise of 50,000? “Race!” Never mind that Prime Minister Phillips released figures to show that 50% of the awardees were African Guyanese!! And of course, these justified beatings, of Indian Guyanese at Mon Repos!! How dare they support the “racist” PPP? And, even more invidiously, individuals who called out racial attacks against Indian Guyanese are dubbed “slave catchers”!
The fact of the matter is that all this stridency is working against the PNC, since it turns off even members of their base, who know they need to become more accommodative of “outsiders” to win elections - and should quit painting all of them with the same brush.
Isn’t that the race the PNC should focus on?
You don’t have to be reminded, dear reader, that your Eyewitness wears his cricket mania on his sleeves. “What do they know of cricket that only cricket knows?” asked CLR James. For us West Indians, we know cricket’s influence goes way “beyond the boundary”, and indeed permeates our very soul. Your Eyewitness is skeptical of the loyalty of anyone who claims to be “West Indian” but isn’t besotted by cricket - in all its glorious contradictions!
He feels that, in terms of Guyana’s role in the regional game, we’ve arrived at a crossroads - and he hopes the powers that be don’t muck it up because of their egos. He’s talking, of course, about the need for a complete overhaul of our cricket administration. From the experience of the other cricketing nations – think India especially! - the success, and even the survival, of the game depends on its administration!
With Guyana open for business and finally having something for the multi-national corporations (MNCs) to oppose, shouldn’t the umbrella trade union bodies bury the hatchet and form a united front?
What is that about “divided we fall”?
Magistrates’ Courts
and fully furnished living quarters are housed in a new structure that the Judiciary commissioned on Wednesday at Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The total cost of the building, furniture, and equipment amounts to $294,724,920.
It houses two courtrooms, Magistrates’ chambers, a prison, a hearing room for domestic violence cases, an interview room for survivors, a library, living quarters for Magistrates and clerk of court, and a briefing room for attorneys-at-law, among other modern facilities.
During a simple ceremony to commission the edifice, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, said this new courthouse will play an important role in the maintenance of law and order and will benefit lawyers, litigants, and members of the public.
“This court will no doubt play an important role in the maintenance of law and order in this magisterial district. I am happy that his court has a heavy workload. I am happy that, we are, for the first time, having a duplex court that will allow two Magistrates to sit. I hope that they will sit simultaneously and for five days per week. That will bring great speed to the way litigation is conducted and that is always welcomed in our system that has been plagued with chronic delays.”
Alluding to the court’s facilities, Nandlall said, “These are important facilities that our courts are now being equipped with right across Guyana. The added feature also is the residence facilities for the Magistrates to be here. These new facilities in addition to the architectural designs of these courthouses will no doubt enhance and augment efficiency.”
In addition, the Attorney General boasted about the massive changes taking place across the legal sector, especially in the area of criminal justice. On this note, he al-
luded to the pilot project being executed by the Director of Restorative Justice, the overhauling of the country’s archaic Evidence Act, and the repealing of the Domestic Violence Act. The latter, he noted, will be replaced by a modern Family Violence Bill.
He pointed out that the Government is cognisant of the economic and social transformation taking place in Guyana; and so must the justice system, the rule of law and access to justice advance. The Government is
But like everything else, the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.”
According to her, the opening of the new court signifies not only improved access to justice but also the commitment and dedication of a team of judicial officers and staff to achieving that end.
Sharing a historical background of the court, she noted that as far back as the 1940s, the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court was held in the top flat of a two-storey wooden building in the compound of the Vigilance Police Station and had one Magistrate sitting for three days per week.
She added that the new court has all the necessary facilities and technology to make it a smart court.
The Chancellor expressed that the Judiciary is truly grateful to the State of Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali, and stakeholders who worked tirelessly in bringing about this e-court.
The design and supervision of the project was the responsibility of E&A Consultants Incorporated; while the construction was completed by Builders Hardware, General Supply and Construction. The con-
struction of new Magistrates’ Courts at Friendship and Timehri, both on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
For this year, $6.2B has been allocated to the justice sector from the $789.1B national budget, Guyana’s larg-
the digital transformation of the court system is how we handle payments digitally whether we are talking about bail, or fines, or filing fees or any other kind of payment that you make at any court registry.”
committed to investing heavily in those areas, assured the Attorney General.
Long overdue
For her part, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards told the gathering that the Vigilance Magistrates’ Courts is long overdue.
“This court is long overdue. The enhancement of the
Tangible support was also received from the USA’s National Centre for State Courts, the European Union (EU), UNICEF, the British High Commission, and the Canadian High Commission. Justice Cummings-Edwards added, “We continue to push for technological innovations and advancement, not just for the sake of it but to improve the delivery of justice and legal services.”
In closing, she urged the public to cherish the courthouse and to “hold all judicial officers, even me to account, if you are not getting
tract for the new court was awarded in 2021.
Fabayo Azore, Christel Lambert, Alisha George, Marisa Mittelholzer, and Rochelle Liverpool are the Magistrates assigned to the East Demerara Magisterial District.
In the coming week, the
est budget ever. The monies will be used to expand access to justice countrywide, while also addressing existing challenges in the legal system.
MMG
The Judiciary is preparing to launch its maintenance and affiliation application with digital payments.
Online payment of child/spousal maintenance will start from next month through Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), Alex Graham, of Tagman Incorporated and the Information Technology Consultant at the Supreme Court of Judicature revealed on Wednesday.
And in the near future, MMG, a user-friendly app that can be downloaded on both Google Play Store and Apple Store, will be expanded to facilitate the payment of fines, bail, and court fees.
The foregoing was especially challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. “We have now passed that challenge. With the support we have received from MMG, we are able to introduce for the time in the court system starting with the payments of maintenance and affiliation. Persons who have been ordered by the court to make payments for their children and their former spouses will now be able to make those payments using the MMG platform.”
delivery of services in the justice sector is long overdue.
the quality of service that you are entitled to receive.”
Judiciary will hold sod-turning ceremonies for the con-
With the Judiciary preparing to launch its sophisticated electronic case management and litigation systems, Graham explained, “A considerable challenge to
The Judiciary is in the process of training its staff and educating the public on the introduction of this new payment method. Very soon, the Judiciary intends to put in place other e-payment methods. Also in attendance at Wednesday’s opening ceremony were Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, several Magistrates and Judges, court staff, foreign diplomats, and members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Under the banner of the Office of the First Lady with support from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 142 children from 10 orphanages in Guyana benefitted from medical screening on Wednesday.
Through the Adopt an Orphanage initiative, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana provided 16 medical personnel to provide a range of healthcare services, such as heart, eyes, spine and extremities, and dental checkups to the children at Baridi Benab, State House, Main Street, Georgetown.
Institutions that benefitted included Hope
in institutional care.
“Children in institutional care require greater medical care and attention for a number of reasons.
First, children in general have weaker immune systems when compared to our adults. This, therefore, limits their ability to fight infections. Children, especially those under the age of five, have significantly higher developmental delays and are vulnerable to illnesses as their immune systems aren’t fully devel-
Children’s Home, Shaheed’s Boys Orphanage, Shaheed’s Girls Orphanage, Joshua’s Children Centre, Ruimveldt Children Home, Bless the Children Home, Prabhu Sharam Orphanage, St John’s Bosco Orphanage, and Red Cross Convalescent Home.
First Lady Arya Ali stated that the Adopt an Orphanage initiative continues to focus on providing holistic support to children
oped. Hence, they require greater medical attention and care,” the First Lady pointed out.
According to her, children in such settings are at a higher risk of mental and psychological problems affecting their physical health. This means they stand a higher chance of suffering from depression or similar conditions, which can affect their physical health.
“Changes like these can have adverse effects on their lives and it is for this reason they require greater medical attention and care.
Children in institutional care fight many silent battles that we do not know of. In many ways, they struggle mentally, emotionally, and physically almost on a daily basis. The fact that we know this imposes on us a responsibility to act,” she added.
Infrastructural works are ongoing in several schemes along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to accommodate more than 5000 low, moderate and middle-income residential house lots and industrial/commercial lots, spanning some 1700 acres of land.
The works being undertaken amount to some $19 billion and include access roads, bridges, culverts, water distribution systems and drainage networks. Upon completion, the allottees will be able to access their lands.
On Tuesday, Housing and Water Minister Collin
The team first visited Block 1 Great Diamond, where over 1100 house lots have been allocated. Croal emphasised the strategic lo-
tion between the EBD and Georgetown.
In addition, for Block 7 Great Diamond (approximately 750 house lots) and Block 11 Golden Grove (approximately 650 house lots), which are situated adjacently, Croal added that the future alignment for the Ogle bypass road will be nearby.
At Block 13 Golden Grove, he pointed out that persons who were allocated to Block 18 Golden Grove will now be occupying this area.
repurposed into an industrial zone.
“When we’ve examined the two lands, we think this is a better land. This is much more suitable for the residents for that allocation, and what we’ve done is redesigned the other block for industrial/commercial purposes because the land is slightly low.”
He further stated that
blocks are expected to be renamed. Flooding in some of these areas, he noted, poses some challenges.
Meanwhile, Indarjeet elaborated that the completion of works is anticipated to effectively address and mitigate flooding concerns in these areas.
Works are also being executed at Block 15 and 17 Golden Grove. Minister
Croal conveyed that in Region Four, land allocations along the EBD corridor are currently exhausted and more focus will be placed on allocations in the East Coast Demerara schemes.
Minister Croal reiterated that the extensive scale of ongoing works throughout the country amounts to some $64 billion, including the construction of major highways.
Croal and Deputy Director of Projects at the Central Housing and Planning Authority Intakab Indarjeet inspected the projects.
cation of this area, as it is in close proximity to the Eccles to Great Diamond Highway, which upon completion will provide easier naviga-
He explained that the low-lying land at Block 18 posed several challenges, resulting in the delay of infrastructural works. Works at Block 13 are currently progressing, and allottees will soon be able to access the land to construct their homes, while Block 18 is now
communities.
While HERO's medical and educational missions extend across different communities in Guyana, the surgical aspect of their efforts is primarily conducted at Georgetown Public Hospital.
This strategic focus allows for the concentration of expertise, resources, and facilities to maximise the impact of each surgical mission.
As Operation HERO continues to make a positive impact on the lives of countless
individuals in Guyana, both organisations remain committed to upholding their shared vision of enhancing healthcare, medical education, and surgical practices for the benefit of the people of Guyana.
Members of Team HERO at the GPHC
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in collaboration with the Health and Education Relief Organisation (HERO) has performed eight paediatric orthopaedic surgeries targeting lower extremity deformities in children, and 10 plastic surgeries, primarily breast reduction procedures, for women.
The surgical procedures have not only provided life-changing transformations for patients but also exemplified the dedication of both organisations towards enhancing the quality of life for those who need it most.
However, HERO's support extended beyond sur-
gical procedures, as their skilled anaesthesia assistance proved instrumental in ensuring the safety and comfort of the patients throughout the operations.
The recent collaboration underscores the importance of teamwork and cross-border partnerships in delivering comprehensive medical care.
Since 2007, Operation HERO has facilitated hundreds of surgeries for patients in dire need thus significantly impacting their lives and well-being.
The partnership has also enabled GPHC's medical team to gain valuable handson experience, exposure to intricate cases, and access to
advanced surgical materials and equipment. This dynamic exchange of knowledge and resources has contributed to enhancing the overall capabilities of GPHC's medical professionals.
HERO, a US-based nonprofit organisation, was founded by Guyanese physicians in the United States who shared a common goal of giving back to their homeland. Their commitment to making a difference is evident through their biannual visits to Guyana, usually occurring in March and August. These visits encompass not only surgical missions but also educational and medical initiatives aimed at uplifting various
Six Guyanese persons between the ages of 15 and 18, along with two programme mentors, have been selected to present Guyana in the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Youth Ambassadors Program in the United States.
The programme commenced on August 16, and will end on August 30. Representing Guyana in this year’s exchange programme are Shonjay Mendonca, Naila Rahaman,
Alyssa Persaud, Mya Saunders, Charisa Corbin, Carrian Perriera, and mentors Omario Gooding and Mellesia Lindie.
The in-person exchange brings together outstanding young people between the ages of 15 and 18 from across the Americas for an enrichment programme that explores themes such as civic education, leadership, cross-cultural connections, community service, and youth and social transformation through experi-
ential learning activities, leadership training, civic participation at the community level, mentoring by community, business, and NGO leaders, and volunteering.
The youths were shortlisted from a large pool of applicants after an interview process. They join a cadre of 61 youth leaders and eleven adult mentors who have been part of the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP) since September 2012.
The Housing and Water Ministry is exploring the option of implementing inline water filter technology, which will give citizens access to drinking water through their taps.
This was revealed by Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, during a recent televised programme “The Guyana Dialogue”, where she outlined some of the Government's plans to upgrade the water sector.
According to Rodrigues, this type of technology is cheaper, and once implemented it will be a longterm intervention.
“We also are looking to employ the inline filter technology, which can help us in other areas filter water so that people can have drinking water coming through their taps. This is another type of technology and it’s cheaper, it’s a filter that we’re putting in those areas that can last a very long time, it’s not a shortterm intervention, it’s a long-term intervention,” Rodrigues announced.
She added that the Ministry is also seeking to upgrade and expand its transmission and distribution network so more communities can have access to water while reiterating that the Ministry has
a goal to ensure that some 90 per cent of households along the coast receive treated water by 2025.
“We also have to spend a massive amount of money upgrading our transmission and distribution network to bring more water to the treatment plants and also to take more treated water from the treatment plants to more communities. So, a lot of our network has to be extended and so that’s why you have a lot of contracts you will see advertised for the extension of our distribution network to reach more communities to take treated water to them.”
The Minister further added that the Ministry is working aggressively to ensure that there is 100 per cent access to water in the hinterland by 2025. According to Rodrigues, there are many hinterland communities that do not have access to a water source and they rely on rainwater harvesting, creeks, or streams.
“The aim is to ensure we have 100 per cent access to water by 2025 because we have many communities in the hinterland that still do not have access to a water source. So, maybe they do rainwater harvesting or they get wa-
ter from the creek or nearby streams. And in many cases, it is not nearby, they have to walk great distances,” Rodrigues explained.
“We have made tremendous progress in the hinterland through the construction of wells and installing photovoltaic systems, building reservoirs, trestles, and storage tanks to service communities in the hinterland,” she added.
She added that by the end of this year, there should be some 89 per cent water access across the hinterland.
“By the end of 2023 at the implementation of all of our programmes for this year, we would have improved access to 89 per cent. We have this well coordinated to ensure that by 2025, 100 per cent of our hinterland communities will have access to clean water.”
Rodrigues also outlined that a loan was approved by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the construction of five water treatment plants across Guyana, which will see tenders going out soon for the construction of the project.
An inline water filter is a type of standalone water filter that is typically installed on a water line, with the water passing through the filter prior to the tap or appliance. There are two basic types of inline water filters. The first and most common type of inline water filter is the hassle-free under-sink inline filter system. These are ideal for providing filtered drinking water directly to your existing tap, without the need to install a separate drinking water faucet.
The second type is widely used for situations where
FROM PAGE 10
Last year, the Embassy supported three orphanages and is planning to support another two in 2023. Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan hinted at plans to support other projects under this umbrella.
The Chinese diplomat noted that the Chinese Medical Brigade has made significant contributions to supporting Guyana’s
healthcare system.
“The Chinese Medical Team is working at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Linden Hospital. They will finish their term next month and we will welcome the 19th team. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Chinese Medical Team’s service in Guyana. During the past thirty years, they have provided not only high-level medical services at hospi-
tals but also travelled frequently to remote areas to provide free medical services,” the diplomat underscored.
The Adopt an Orphanage initiative was launched in 2021 to link underfunded orphanages in the country with the private sector, in ensuring that their needs are well met. Initially starting with eight orphanages adopted in 2021, this number grew to 11 in 2022.
it is necessary to filter your water prior to a fridge, coffee machine, caravan, or other purposes in an easyto-install system.
The difference between an inline filter and a standard filter system is that they are generally used with your existing tap or outlet and don’t require a separate drinking water faucet. Inline water filters utilise different materials to remove contaminants from the water, just like standard filters. They are also available in a range of sizes, specifications, and ratings to suit your filtration requirements.
Twenty-three-yearold Shawn Dwayne and 24-year-old Bhopendra Singh, wanted for the murder of Chris Persaud in Suriname, were arrested on Monday in Black Bush Polder, Berbice. The two men and a 14-year-old girl were on Wednesday handed over to Surinamese law enforcement officials, and the duo is expected to be arraigned for the murder of their countryman.
Persaud, formerly of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was stabbed to death during an argument with the two men on August 11, 2023 at Nieuw Amsterdam in Paramaribo, Suriname. Police in the Dutch-speaking territory had issued a statement stating that Persaud died after a stabbing shortly before arrival at the RGD Police in Meerzorg.
The Dutch Police said the main suspect fled to Guyana with his girlfriend, a 14-year-old teen, and another male who was also wanted for questioning in relation to the same matter.
According to the Dutch
authorities, upon arrival at the clinic, Police of the Meerzorg office found Persaud, who is of Guyanese origin, and who showed no sign of life, with stab and cut injuries on his body.
One eyewitness told the Dutch Police that the men were imbibing earlier, and a fight broke out, during which Persaud was fatally injured.
thenewsdeskgy.com reported that the two male suspects were drinking with a few friends in front of the home of the 14-year-old in Suriname when a male arrived and an argument ensued between Persaud and the suspects.
As a result, Persaud ran back into his bus and re-
turned with a cutlass, with which he started chopping Dwayne, who managed to overpower him. Dwayne then ran into the house, picked up a knife, and dealt Persaud one stab to his chest.
As the Housing and Water Ministry continues to ease the process of homeownership for all Guyanese, four low-income families on Tuesday were given access to their new two-bedroom core homes in Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Sophia, Georgetown.
Falling under the InterAmerican Development Bank (IBD)-funded Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), this core home initiative aims to improve the quality of life of Guyanese in urban and peri-urban communities through better access to adequate housing and basic infrastructure and improved accessibility and mobility services.
The recent four beneficiaries were Paul Cottam of 2453 Section C, Block
X, Great Diamond; Sonia Thomas of 1063 Section B, Block X, Great Diamond; Dawn Waithe of 984 Pattensen, Turkeyen (Sophia); and Joy Castillo of 3067, Section D, South Turkeyen (Sophia).
Ranging from $4.5 to $4.9 million, their newly constructed homes are outfitted with two bedrooms, a kitchen and washroom facilities.
Construction was supervised by engineers from the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA) Projects Department to ensure they meet the specifications outlined by the IDB.
For the recipients and their families, these new homes mark a significant improvement from their previous living conditions, which in some cases, included living in dilapidated structures or cramped quar-
ters with other family members.
Thomas remarked that the home provides great relief for her children, as they can now enjoy comfort and security.
Cottam, who has been visually impaired for 22 years and has four children, echoed these sentiments and said that he is happy to finally have his own home. The four families were also presented with their electrical certificates, which are valid for the next 10 years.
The AHUAP requires beneficiaries to only make a $100,000 contribution towards the construction of their homes, with a stipulation that they must be the owners of the lands on which the houses were constructed.
This programme started in December 2017 and will run until June 2024. As of this past June, there were
He was, however, set free on Wednesday after Attorney at Law Mursaline Bacchus made a no-case submission during the preliminary inquiry (PI).
The lifeless body of Indrpaul, a security guard attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) Rose Hall Estate, was discovered floating in the Canje River in August 2022.
reportedly 80 beneficiaries selected from Sophia, of which 35 core homes were built, 21 core homes were handed over to beneficiaries, 14 were already being occupied and another 14 were still under construction.
Meanwhile, 31 homes were at the procurement
stage.
In addition to these recent four beneficiaries, last month, four other residents received access to their homes in Good Hope and Lusignan, ECD.
The AHUAP previously covered communities from Georgetown to Grove, EBD, up to La Bonne Intention on
the East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Westminster, Onderneeming, RechtDoor-Zee, Lust en Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).
In 2021, it expanded to include 19 ECD communities, extending the boundary to Victoria.
Dead: Angraj Kumar Indrpaul
Reliance, East Canje
Magistrate Renita Singh on Wednesday dismissed the murder charges brought against Pandit Tharun Balgobin, who was accused of killing Angraj Kumar Indrpaul in 2022. The religious leader was being tried for the murder of Indrpaul, 59, of New Area, Canefield, East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) committed on August 13, 2022.
He had last been seen alive when he had reported for duty one day prior to his death. The following morning, when the person who had to take over the shift arrived at the work site, only Indrpaul’s footwear was seen. Several hours later, his body was discovered floating in the Canje River.
An autopsy performed on the body a few days later gave the cause of his death as manual strangulation.
Police later arrested the religious leader, and he confessed to the crime. He re-
Freed: Pandit Tharun Balgobin
portedly told investigators that he and Indrpaul had been working in the pump station when they had had a misunderstanding and he strangled Indrpaul.
Balgobin reportedly told detectives that he had instructed Indrpaul to clean the grill, but he refused. This angered him, and he retaliated by choking the man to death. After realizing that the man had become unresponsive, he had then thrown the man’s body overboard.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has urged the public to respect the Indigenous community. She called for this while leading a threeday training on gender and cultural sensitivity in Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini).
In her opening remarks, the Senior Counsel besieged the participants to be respectful to residents of the Amerindian community since like all other Guyanese, the Amerindian people have rights under the supreme law, the Constitution of Guyana.
The DPP implored the Police ranks present to be respectful in dealing with matters involving trafficking in persons, sexual offences, domestic violence committed on both men and women, and the vexed issue of consumption of alcohol, especially High Wine, by teenagers and the smoking of marijuana by the young persons in the community.
Country Representative of the Justice Education Society (JES), Lisa
Thompson echoed similar sentiments when she informed the participants, including Police ranks, Toshao, village councillors, and health workers that they are the frontline people who would first interact with Guyana’s Indigenous people when they need help.
Ali-Hack and Police Deputy Superintendent James Tappin have suggested to Toshao Onika Melbourne to set up a task force comprising representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and other agencies to collaborate on deal-
ing with issues affecting the Baramita residents.
These issues include the registration of births affecting school children, welfare officers to look into issues affecting schools and students/pupils, and a resident probation officer from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
Members of the Baramita community, especially the adults and members of the Police Force, thanked Ali-Hack for her presence, since it was the very first time a DPP has ever taken the time to visit and meet one-on-one with the residents of the community.
The Education Ministry has received 100 Early Childhood Development (ECD) kits from the Canadian Government to aid in the strengthening of the Comprehensive School Health Programme, which is currently being rolled out across the country.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony received the donation at a simple ceremony on Tuesday in the presence of Chargé d'affaires from the Canadian High Commission, Caroline Mireault; Head of Corporation in the Canada High Commission, Adam Loyer; Programme Associate from UNICEF, Danielle Chase; School Health Coordinator, Dr Farrah December among others.
The kits were funded as part of the Canadian High Commission's Project, which promotes a safe and healthy learning and liv-
ing environment to migrant and host communities in Guyana. This C$3 million project is being implemented by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Health facilities within Regions One (BarimaWaini), Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are expected to benefit from these kits.
With the establishment of the Comprehensive School Health Programme, the Ministry aims to screen approximately 27,000 nursery children in public schools by the end of this year.
Dr Anthony further disclosed that the Ministry is working with the Canadian Government to roll out a programme that focuses on neonatal care at all regional hospitals.
Meanwhile, Deputy Representative for UNICEF,
Irfan Akhtar stated that the ECD kits are fully equipped to provide good nutrition stimulation, responsive care and early learning, health, and a safe environment for children.
"The kits being handed over today contain materials to help healthcare workers create a safe learning environment in each health facility for up to 50 young children, newborns to six years of age. Each item was carefully selected to help develop skills for thinking, speaking, feeling, and interacting with others,” he stated.
Intended to improve the health of school children aged 5-17, this comprehensive programme will ensure that every child gets at least one checkup. This data will be entered into a chart and if there are any problems, it will allow the Ministry to address them at an early age to prevent any longterm health conditions.
The initiative currently targets children who are enrolled to commence Nursery Level One this year. Medical examination and screening are being conducted by healthcare workers of the
Health Ministry at specific health centres in each region.
Each child will undergo a physical examination of their head, eyes, ears, face, legs and arms. Heartbeat
and blood pressure readings will also be recorded. Should a child require further care and examination, a referral mechanism will be put in place by the healthcare workers administering care.
along with one of the occupants, Mark Benn, managed to swim to shore. However, “Rasta” was not seen. An alarm was raised, and checks were made in the area for him, but this effort proved futile.
The matter was reported to the Police, and ranks and villagers formed a search party, which is presently ongoing for the missing person.
Shojhi Roberts is currently in Police custody as the investigation continues.
Only on Saturday morning, a similar boat accident in the Essequibo River
at Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) resulted in the death of three young children.
Twelve-year-old Linda Joseph from Karaudarnau, three-year-old Norsha Ayaw and 11-month-old Newton Ayaw, both of Masakenari – all in the Deep South Rupununi – were among several passengers travelling in a boat when the vessel collided with a hidden rock and started to sink from the back where the engine was located.
The accident occurred sometime around 03:00h on Saturday. It was report-
ed that the boat was transporting fuel, which spilt and flames ignited, resulting in a fire that claimed the lives of the three children, who disappeared underwater.
Search and rescue efforts were led by two brave individuals from the local community, who tirelessly searched the river and were able to locate the three victims sometime after.
However, this publication was told that the condition of 3-year-old Norsha’s body made identification difficult. The piranhas in the river had eaten parts of her face, hands, and feet. Missing:
An Essequibo Coast man has gone missing following a river mishap on Tuesday night after the ‘balahoo’ he and two others were travelling in, sank in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The missing man has only been identified as “Rasta” or “Mark” of Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). No other particulars about the victim were provided up to press time.
The accident reportedly occurred at about 20:40h on Tuesday near a waterfall at Middle Mazaruni River.
Based on Police reports,
32-year-old Shojhi Roberts, a Ranger of Isseneru village, Middle Mazaruni River, had borrowed the village's wooden ‘balahoo’, which was powered by a 75 Yamaha horsepower outboard engine. He later left with Mark Benn and “Rasta” - the missing manfor Apaiqua Landing, located about five minutes away.
However, it was reported that whilst navigating the river near a 'waterfall' in the area, the boat collided with a rock, causing the occupants to be flung out of the vessel and into the river.
The ‘balahoo’ sank, and the captain of the boat,
Less than two weeks after commissioning an agro-processing facility in Karaudarnau village in Region Nine, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday commissioned a similar facility in Watooka, Linden, Region 10.
The Ministry of Agriculture through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) expended some $23.6 million to construct and outfit the facility, providing much-needed agro-processing services to approximately 600 persons in and around the region.
Mustapha in his address at the commissioning noted that the Government has made large sums of money available to fund initiatives to develop Guyana’s agro-processing sector.
He explained that while farmers are encouraged to
produce more, value-added production will enable them to maximise profits and extend the shelf life of their commodities.
“The commissioning of this facility at Watooka clearly indicates the ongoing development in the agri-
culture sector. Our farmers are producing primary products and are selling them to middlemen. There is no value added. We sell our fruits and we are purchasing juices from overseas. So, at the Ministry level, a decision was taken to devel-
op these facilities because we have sufficient products to help our farmers get involved in value-added production. When we do this, our country is able to move to a higher level. We are not only focused on primary production. Now our farmers are having these facilities because this Government is interested in development, especially in the agriculture sector,” he explained.
The Minister also said that over the last three years, approximately 300 new agro-processed products were introduced through collaboration and support from the New GMC.
He added that by the end of 2023, some 13 agro-processing facilities will be commissioned and put into operation to assist farmers in rural areas with value-added production.
see over 450 families getting titles for land that they and their fore parents have been occupying since the abolition of slavery.
“Since the abolition of slavery, they have been occupying lands in Anns Grove without the title. A PPP Government went in there – headed by our Prime Minister [Brig Ret’d Mark Phillips] and our Minister of Housing [Collin Croal] and Lands and Surveys as well yours truly, and we commenced an initiative that would issue to families, after 200 years or more, they’re going to get the title in Anns Grove.”
mal paper titles. It is those titles that they can now hold up and say they own that land, that they can say to the bank ‘This is my title; I want to borrow a loan,’ that they can pledge to educate their children, that they can transmit in a legal way now, properties to their heir and beneficiaries. That is empowering people…,” the Legal Affairs Minister stressed.
title for the lands and also shared that the citizens’ cooperation is crucial for the process to be completed. This entails supporting the GL&SC so that the lands can be properly surveyed and demarcated.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs
Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has stated that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is empowering Guyanese with the distribution of land titles, especially to those families who have had properties for generations but no legal show of ownership.
During the recent episode of his weekly programme – Issues in the News, Nandlall noted that Government has embarked on an initiative where it is looking at areas across the country where persons have been occupying lands without any Certificate of Title. He noted that this land regularisation exercise had started during the previous PPP Administration under the Donald Ramotar presidency.
The project is currently being executed by the
Legal Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC).
“This what we’re doing here, giving people titles to their lands, is real empowerment,” the AG posited.
Only last weekend, Minister Nandlall was in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) to roll out the land regularisation exercise in the Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, and Number Five Villages on the West Coast of Berbice.
The Attorney General further pointed out that, unlike the naysayers who are constantly talking about empowering citizens and the rights of Guyanese, especially the Afro-Guyanese, the PPP Government is taking action that would benefit people.
In fact, he noted that contrary to utterings that the current Administration is discriminating against
this particular grouping, the Number Three to Five Villages are predominantly Afro-Guyanese and they are the ones who will benefit from the issuance of land titles in this leg of the exercise, which is being rolled out across the country.
“We started at Cotton Tree [in Region Five] and we are moving down the line. We have done it at Enterprise [East Coast Demerara]. We have done it on the West Coast of Demerara. We’re doing it in Essequibo. We’re doing in on the Corentyne Coast and we’re doing it in West Coast Berbice. That is empowering people,” the AG asserted.
Nandlall further disclosed that only recently, a Government team led by Prime Minister Mark Phillips went to Anns Grove on the East Coast of Demerara where they started the process that would
“That is empowerment, not talking about ancestral lands and causing strife in the country. It’s giving people titles for the lands that they’re occupying, that they own but they don’t have for-
Since taking office in August 2020, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government through the Legal Affairs and Housing Ministries has commenced land regularisation exercises in several communities across the country.
During last weekend’s engagement with scores of residents in Region Five, AG Nandlall explained the importance of a formal legal
“You are to assist and cooperate with the sworn land surveyors from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission who will begin work in your community. It will entail a survey of the entire block of the village as well as an occupational survey of each house lot. It may involve persons being required to adjust their fences in order to have clear ingress and egress to streets in the community as well as to bring alignment to persons’ property that may extend beyond its lawful boundaries,” he had explained.
As part of efforts to enhance the local Judiciary and improve its services, two brand new Magistrate’s Courts will soon be constructed along the East Bank Demerara corridor.
These works, according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, are slated to commence soon, following the sod-turning ceremony for both structures.
During his weekly programme – Issues in the News, AG Nandlall revealed that on Friday, the sod will be turned for the construction of the first $303 million Magistrate’s Court in Timehri. Similarly, the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a new $388 million Magistrate’s Court at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, also a first, will be held next week.
saw the Guyana Government allocating a whopping $6.2 billion towards the enhancement of the local justice sector throughout the country including several new court buildings that will expand access to justice nationwide.
taking steps to ensure that justice is delivered on time regardless of where citizens live by constructing new Magistrates’ Courts, expanding several courthouses, and opening new Magisterial Districts.
While noting that Guyana produces most of the food consumed locally, Mustapha said that focus is being placed on increasing production in order to lower Guyana’s and the Region’s food import bill.
“We, in Guyana, are very fortunate because we are producing 60% of the food we are consuming. But, as a Government, we are not satisfied with only 60%. We are still importing a number of commodities that we can produce locally. A lot of effort and emphasis is being placed
on ensuring farmers are able to produce more and have the necessary infrastructure and inputs to do so. We are also working at the level of Caricom to lower the regional food import bill,” he added.
New GMC General Manager, Teshawna Lall explained that the establishment of the facility stands as a testament to the Government’s commitment to bolster commercial agro-processing within the Region. She added that the facility was constructed and outfitted to satisfy interna-
tional standards, fortified with efficient technology to minimise wastage and spoilage.
The facility is said to have the capacity to produce in excess of 4300 litres of sauces and seasonings monthly and is equipped with an array of machinery such as mixers, blenders, stoves, stainless steel containers, heavy-duty scales, and chillers. It also has the capacity to operate on a 24-hour basis, offering mechanised processes to allow for lower operational expenses.
In June, it was reported that the construction of the new courthouse at Friendship was awarded to Romano Builders General Building, who put in a bid of $388,873,985, after the national bidding process for the contract had been completed. The Supreme Court of Judicature, acting as the procuring entity, had estimated that the project to construct the court and the living quarters would have cost $418,259,540.
Meanwhile, a similar courthouse and living quarters at Timehri are being constructed by Orion Engineering Inc to the tune of $303,905,015.
In addition, construction will also commence soon for a new court building to house the Providence Magistrate’s Court on the East Bank of Demerara.
The 2023 national budget
Only on Wednesday, a new state-of-the-art courthouse was commissioned to the tune of $294.7 million at Vigilance on the East Coast Demerara. This facility features accommodation for two Magistrate’s Courts, living quarters for two Magistrates, an office for the East Demerara Magisterial District, a prisoners’ holding cell, a domestic violence room and a conference room for lawyers, among other facilities
Currently, similar courthouses are being constructed at Port Kaituma and Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini), Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara and Cove and John, ECD.
Since August 2020 when the current PPP Administration assumed office, several new court facilities have already been commissioned at Bartica, Kwakwani and Mibicuri.
The Judiciary has been
Following last month’s swearing-in of the new Judicial Service Commission (JSC), it is expected that more Judges and Magistrates will be appointed soon to complement the massive upgrades to the Judiciary’s physical infrastructure.
The Judiciary has also commissioned Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Courts and Children’s Courts as well as specialised courts for hearing sexual offences such as rape.
Additionally, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is being deployed to improve the efficiency of the court system. In this regard, SMART courts are among the new projects intended in 2023 to accelerate the provision of justice.
An e-Litigation Programme for the Court of Appeal and the Georgetown High Court, as well as a Case Management System for the Magistrates’ Courts are intended to go live in 2023.
Workers attached to the Albion and Blairmount Sugar Estates in Berbice on Wednesday protested the conditions under which they are being asked to return to the Rose Hall Estate, which is scheduled to be reopened next month.
Workers’ protest action came on the heels of a high-level meeting between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), which represents the workers, and management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Tuesday.
Held at the Albion Estate on the Corentyne Coast, that meeting was aimed at discussing harvesting strategies for the Rose Hall Estate, which is expected to commence grinding operations on September 16. Attending that meeting were GAWU President Seepaul Narine and other union officials and field secretaries from the Blairmont, Rose Hall and Albion Estates.
In January 2017, when that estate was shut down by the APNU/AFC coalition Government, there were some 2500 workers at the Rose Hall Estate, 1,181 of whom were retrenched, while the remainder were transferred to Blairmont
and Albion Estates.
The retrenched workers were subsequently given a severance package.
Now as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government seeks to reopen the Rose Hall Estate, the transferred workers are being asked to return to Rose Hall.
Those workers are, however, demanding a package, claiming that many of the retrenched workers who had received a severance pack-
Blairmont Estate, assembled at Number Two Village in East Canje, threatening not to return to work until their concerns are addressed.
Omadatt Seecharran, representative of the 15B gang, which consists of the transferred harvesters at Albion, explained that they were told that the plan is to relocate 140 cane harvesters from the Albion Estate and a further 130 from Blairmont Estate to work at Rose Hall
retrenched workers.
In addition, one of the protestors from Albion, Kepie Dennis, said he was told on Wednesday morning that there was a request to have them return to the Rose Hall Estate.
“It is unfair to us to go back to an estate which was closed and pay off workers, and now reopening and want us to go there to work,” he said, while adding that they are seeking the intervention of either the President or Vice President of the country. Denis added that the workers want a severance package.
“This issue was pending for a very long time. We went to the Labour Minister Mr Hamilton. I want to know what Mr Hamilton is doing, because this matter went to him several times. We, the frustrated workers, are not cutting no cane till Mr Bharrat Jagdeo and President Ali solve our concerns,” he added.
Meanwhile, GAWU says it did not back the strike. Despite the strike, other cane harvesters continued working as usual. GAWU held out that the workers requested packages, but have not stated exactly what they are expecting.
GAWU has told Guyana Times that Monday’s meeting will continue, since no agreement has been reached.
GAWU said the workers have been asked to volun-
tarily return to the Rose Hall Estate, noting that they will still be entitled to any incentives earned by either the Albion or Blairmont Estates.
According to the Union, it is still to meet with GuySuCo to discuss additional benefits for transferred planters at the Blairmont Estate and the two-hour handover time between shifts, concerns which are currently causing a loss in production time. (Andrew Carmichael)
age have already been rehired by Rose Hall.
Last Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told the National Assembly that 1,100 workers have already been rehired. However, on Wednesday, 78 harvesters and 28 planters from the Albion Estate, along with 120 harvesters from the
for the crop, which is expected to last between five and six weeks. He said this information was subsequently passed on to the workers.
“They don’t want to come and cut no cane at Rose Hall,” he noted.
Seecharran related that since being transferred, the workers have been fighting to get a package similar to what had been given to the
The death toll from a powerful explosion in the Dominican Republic this week has risen to 27, as firefighters continued efforts to extinguish the ongoing blaze, the country’s national emergency director said.
Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Emergency Operations Centre, also said on Wednesday that there were no longer any people believed missing.
Earlier, authorities cited 10 missing but said that would change as forensic officials identified bodies found by search teams.
Officials said the explosion began on Monday with a fire near a bakery in the city of San Cristobal, which lies just west of the
capital of Santo Domingo. The emergency responders have not been able to fully access the building where the explosion occurred.
Anguished friends and family have been pacing outside hospitals and morgues in anger and frustration, saying no one has been providing them with information.
Meanwhile, authorities are probing what might have caused the explosion, vowing to crack down on any business that might not have been following regulations.
Ito Bisono, Minister of Industry and Commerce, told reporters that officials already have determined there were no tanks of any type in the area, add -
ing that he is waiting on authorities to investigate what happened.
“It was of great magnitude,” he said of the explosion.
Bisono spoke inside a cathedral in San Cristobal that held a service Wednesday for those who died, with mourners dressed largely in white filling the building until there was standing room only.
Mendez, of the Emergency Operations Centre, said at a news conference late on Tuesday that, if an unidentified factory was operating illegally as some residents have alleged, the investigation would shed light on that.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
AGuatemalan anti-corruption campaigner is heavily favoured to snag the presidency in Sunday's run-off vote, suggesting the country could be heading towards a new era after years of democratic backsliding.
Bernardo Arevalo of the progressive centre-left Semilla party, who surprised with a second-place finish in the first-round vote, had a strong lead in a recent opinion poll over his rival, former first lady Sandra Torres of the large, establishment centre-left National Unity of Hope (UNE) party.
Arevalo, a 64-year-old ex-diplomat and son of a
former President, has survived attempts by prosecutors to bar him from the race, amid increasing international scrutiny of the electoral process and allegations of government interference.
Guatemalans will choose their next President at a crucial moment in which the Central American country is dealing with pervasive insecurity, a poverty rate of more than 55%, record hunger and the region's highest level of migration to the United States.
Arevalo has vowed to investigate wrongdoing, and analysts say that a win for him could see a shake-up of
a decades-long status quo in Guatemalan politics, with voters frustrated with corrupt institutions and regular crackdowns on political rivals and journalists.
"This election can be a game-changer. It's a test for Guatemalan democracy," said Tamara Taraciuk, Rule of Law programme director at the InterAmerican Dialogue thinktank.
The campaign period has been wrought with disruptions. The official results of the first-round vote on June 25 were delayed after a challenge by several parties, including that of Torres. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Approval of President
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's Government increased in August on voter perceptions that Brazil's economy is improving and he is doing a good job governing, a new Genial/Quaest poll showed on Wednesday.
Positive approval of the Government rose to 42% of respondents from 37% in June, while negative views fell 3 points to 24%, the poll found.
Approval of Lula's performance as President has risen to 60% from 56%, and is at its highest since a February poll, the first survey one month after he took office.
"The 60% is good news for Lula, particularly given the political polarisation of Brazil," said analyst Andre Cesar at Hold Assessoria Legislativa consultancy. But he warned that the Government cannot rest on its laurels and should watch out for the impact fuel price rises will have.
After dipping in April to 23%, the number of Brazilians who now see the economy improving rose to 34% in August, and the main reason has been the drop in food prices, the poll showed. Negative views of the economy have decreased again after starting to fall in June, the polling
Asurge in violence in parts of Haiti’s capital over the past week has pushed more than 3000 people to flee their homes, including many who have been forced to seek shelter in improvised sites that leave them vulnerable to attacks.
More than half of the internally displaced people in Port-au-Prince “have had to leave their temporary accommodations in host communities” for the improvised sites where conditions are “extremely dire”, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday.
The agency estimates that nearly 200,000 people are displaced across the Caribbean nation, with the
highest concentration in the capital, where fierce fighting between armed gangs has raged over the past several months and violence has skyrocketed.
“High levels of insecurity are creating a climate of mistrust between certain host communities and displaced populations, thus deteriorating social cohesion,” the IOM said.
“This situation is causing the displaced persons to leave the relative safety of these homes for improvised displacement sites where they are exposed to additional risks, including communal violence, sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination, and outright abuse.”
Earlier this week, an IOM emergency data tracker reported that armed violence in the Port-auPrince neighbourhoods of Carrefour-Feuilles and Savanes Pistaches at the weekend had forced approximately 3556 people across 717 households to flee.
Most have taken shelter in local schools, the agency said.
Gang violence has surged in Haiti – particularly after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum – and the country’s virtually non-existent government system has made stemming attacks more difficult. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
ANicaraguan Judge has ordered the confiscation of all assets belonging to a prestigious Jesuit-run university, the college announced, as the Government's crackdown on Catholic clergy and church-affiliated institutions intensifies.
In a letter seen by Reuters that was dated Tuesday and addressed to the university community, the Central American University (UCA) said it had been informed by a criminal court in the capital Managua that all of its assets would be transferred to the Government.
The letter cited the Government as saying it would guarantee all educational programmes, but the university said it would suspend all its classes and administrative activities, without giving a restart date.
UCA, widely-considered one of Central America's top private institutions of higher learning, said it stands accused of being a "centre for terrorism organised by criminal groups," which it rejects as false.
While the UCA is not
the first private university to face seizure orders by the Government of President Daniel Ortega - more than two dozen others have been targeted in the same way - it is by far the best-known.
UCA is the alma mater of many student leaders active in the 2018 anti-Government protests that left more than 360 dead - mostly at the hands of Police and other Government-affiliated forces, according to human rights groups.
Last week, authorities froze the university's
bank accounts.
The university had already been singled out for budget cuts and its leaders targeted, including UCA rector and Jesuit priest Jose Idiaquez who last year was barred from returning to Nicaragua after travelling to Mexico.
The UCA seizure follows escalating tensions between the government and Nicaragua's Catholic Church, whose leaders acted as mediators in the aftermath of the 2018 protests. (Excerpt from Reuters)
firm found.
Optimism over the economy's future has grown, from 56% to 59% of Brazilians who believe it will improve in the next 12 months.
The poll showed that Lula's approval rating has improved among sectors of society and regions of Brazil that mostly voted against him in last year's election.
For the first time more Evangelical Christians approve of the leftist leader than disapprove, and his ratings rose in the south of Brazil, where his Workers Party has faced electoral defeats. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Andrea González now wears a bulletproof vest 24 hours a day.
A week ago, her Construye party's presidential candidate in the Ecuadorean election this Sunday, Fernando Villavicencio, was shot three times in the head after a campaign rally in the capital, Quito.
González, 36, will remain the party's candidate for Vice President, as the running mate of Christian Zurita. He is a journalist who has investigated corruption - as Fernando Villavicencio had.
"To me it's incredibly personal and hard to not be able to say goodbye to my
friend. I'm wearing a bulletproof vest 24 hours [a day]," she said.
Villavicencio, 59, a journalist and member of Ecuador's national assembly, was shot as he left a campaign rally in the capital last Wednesday - 11 days before the presidential election.
One attacker was killed in an exchange of fire with Police, while several others escaped.
His death shocked a nation that has largely escaped the decades of drug-gang violence, cartel wars and corruption that has blighted many of its neighbours.
Crime has, however, shot up in recent years, fuelled by the growth of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels.
Villavicencio's campaign focused on corruption and gangs, and he was one of only a few candidates to allege links between organised crime and government officials in Ecuador.
"We are at the brink of becoming a narco state," González said.
González, whose career has mainly focused on environmental issues, said that these levels of violence had become normalised in Ecuadorean politics.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Oil prices settled lower on Wednesday despite a large drawdown in US crude stocks as investors weighed worries about China's embattled economy against expectations of tighter supply in the United States.
Brent crude futures fell US$1.44, or 1.7%, to settle at US$83.45 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) fell US$1.61, or 2%, to US$79.38.
Both benchmarks fell more than 1% in the previous session to their lowest since Aug 8.
US crude oil inventories fell by nearly 6 million barrels last week on strong exports and refining run rates, despite crude production rising to its highest since the coronavirus pandemic decimated fuel consumption, Energy Information Administration data showed on Wednesday.
However, product supplied of gasoline fell by 451,000 barrels per day in the week as peak driving season draws to a close.
"This week's draw simply offset last week’s unexpected 6-million-barrel build and looking ahead to next week, we can see a sharp decline in exports that will likely prompt a counterseasonal crude stock build," said Jim Ritterbusch, President of Ritterbusch and Associates LLC in Galena, Illinois.
Oil also fell along with equities after the release of the Federal Reserve's minutes showed central bank officials were divided over the need for more interest rate hikes at their last meeting.
Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which could slow economic growth and reduce oil demand.
China's sluggish economy remained in focus, after retail sales, industrial output and investment figures failed to match expectations, fuelling concern over a deeper, longer-lasting slowdown.
July activity figures have prompted concerns that China may struggle to meet its growth target of about 5% for the year without more fiscal stimulus, and calls for authorities to take decisive steps.
Without giving details, a cabinet meeting chaired on Wednesday by Premier Li Qiang said China would continue to introduce policies aimed at boosting consumption and promoting investment.
Both the OPEC+ group, comprising the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) are banking on China - the world's biggest oil importer - to galvanise crude demand over the rest of 2023.
While dismal Chinese economic indicators have been causing headaches, providing a justified excuse for investors to go on the defensive, the global oil balance shows no signs of loosening up, PVM analyst Tamas Varga said, citing the latest numbers on US crude inventories.
Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia have pushed up oil prices over the past seven weeks. Figures published on Wednesday showed that Riyadh's crude exports fell to their lowest since September 2021. (Reuters)
Ukraine announced the recapture of the village of Urozhaine from Russian troops in the southeast on Wednesday, but warned the situation on the northeastern front was deteriorating amid Russian counter-attacks.
Urozhaine, on the edge of Donetsk region, is the first village Kyiv says it has retaken since July 27, a sign of the challenge Ukraine faces advancing through
heavily mined Russian defensive lines without powerful air support.
"Urozhaine is liberated," Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on the Telegram messaging app. "Our defenders are entrenched on the outskirts."
The village is one of several small rural settlements near the Mokri Yaly river that Ukraine has declared liberated since early June, when it launched
The group were said to have been in a boat similar to this one, involved in an incident in July in which 15 migrants drowned
More than 60 people have died after a boat carrying migrants was found off the coast of Cape Verde in West Africa.
Thirty-eight people were rescued, including children aged 12 to 16, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said.
An estimated 100 people, mostly from Senegal and Sierra Leone, were said to have been on board the boat and had been at sea for a month.
It is not immediately clear when the incident occurred.
The vessel was first spotted on Monday, Police told the AFP news agency. Initial reports suggested the boat sank, but it was later clarified that the boat was found drifting.
The wooden pirogue style boat was seen almost 320km (200 miles) off the island of Sal by a Spanish fishing
boat, which alerted authorities, Police said.
Senegal's Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued late on Tuesday that the boat had left Senegal on July 10 with 101 passengers on board.
The Ministry said it was liaising with authorities in Cape Verde for the repatriation of survivors, one of whom was from GuineaBissau.
Cape Verde is around 600km off the coast of West Africa on a maritime migration route to the Spanish Canary Islands, often used as a gateway to the European Union.
At least 559 people died trying to reach the Canary Islands in 2022, according to figures from the IOM, while 126 people died or went missing on the same route in the first six months of this year with 15 shipwrecks recorded. (Excerpt from BBC News)
AMuslim crowd attacked a Christian community in eastern Pakistan on Wednesday, vandalising several churches and setting scores of houses on fire after accusing two of its members of desecrating the Koran, Police and community leaders said.
The attack took place in Jaranwala in the industrial district of Faisalabad, Police spokesman Naveed Ahmad said. The two
Christians were accused of blasphemy, he said, adding they and family members had fled their homes.
Resident Shakil Masih said he heard announcements inciting the mob and then saw crowds heading towards his Christian area.
"I left my home immediately with my family. Several other families did the same," he told Reuters.
Over 100 people were arrested, Punjab's caretaker Information Minister,
Amir Mir, said later on Wednesday. "People who attacked the churches are being identified through video footage," he said.
Police said the case against the Christians relates to pages of the Koran found with some derogatory remarks written in red.
Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan and though no one has ever been executed for it, numerous accused people have been lynched by outraged
a long-touted counteroffensive against Russian troops who occupy swathes of the south and east.
Its recapture would bring Kyiv closer to threatening the village of Staromlynivka, several kilometres to the south, which military analysts say is a Russian stronghold in the area.
Russia's Defence Ministry did not confirm losing Urozhaine in a statement on Telegram but said its artillery and warplanes were attacking Ukrainian
forces in the Urozhaine area.
The village's recapture would indicate Ukraine is pressing ahead with an offensive drive south towards the Sea of Azov that aims to cut Russian occupying forces in half. Urozhaine lies just over 90 km (55 miles) from the Sea of Azov.
Kyiv says its counteroffensive is progressing slower than it wanted because of vast Russian minefields and prepared Russian defensive lines. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Syria's Government has doubled public sector pay while at the same time cut fuel subsidies, as it tries to boost the war-torn country's economy.
The announcements were made overnight, after the value of the Syrian pound fell to a new low against the US dollar on the parallel, or black, market.
The currency's collapse has helped fuel hyperinflation and push 90% of the population below the poverty line.
The hardship has recently sparked rare protests in Government strongholds.
salaries and pensions of civil servants, military personnel and Government contractors - the first such rise since December 2021.
They also set the overall minimum monthly wage for all workers at 185,940 Syrian pounds, which is worth US$21.76 (£17.09) at the official exchange rate of 8542 and US$12.40 at the current parallel market rate of 15,000. At the start of the war, a dollar was worth 47 Syrian pounds.
crowds. A former provincial governor and a Minister for minorities have also been shot dead because of blasphemy accusations.
Rights groups say accusations of blasphemy are sometimes used to settle scores. Hundreds of people are languishing in prison after being accused because Judges often put off trials, fearing retribution if they are seen as being too lenient, they say. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Syria has been devastated and more than half a million people have been killed by the civil war that erupted after President Bashar al-Assad cracked down violently on peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011.
More than 15 million people - 70% of the population - require humanitarian assistance, with 12.1 million considered food insecure.
Presidential decrees issued early on Wednesday ordered a 100% increase in the
The new minimum wage would only be enough to buy a third of the essential food that the World Food Programme (WFP) calculates a family of five requires each month, according to data from May. It would also cover just over a tenth of such a family's minimum household expenditure.
Vulnerable households have been struggling to pay their bills due to spiralling inflation, with the minimum expenditure figure 62% higher than it was in May 2022 and 159% higher than in September 2021, according to the WFP. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Social events, personal growth and physical fitness are favored, but before you set your sights on something, evaluate the emotional, financial and material costs involved.
(March 21-April 19)
Don't jump for joy prematurely. There will be some ifs and buts to deal with before you get what you want. Your persistence will pay off, so don't get discouraged.
(April 20-May 20)
Stifle your emotions, keep your plans to yourself and adjust your lifestyle to fit your needs. Taking on someone else's fight will not solve your problems. Make self-improvement a priority.
(May 21-June 20)
Adjust your home to suit your needs. Fuel your imagination and build a space specific to a pursuit that interests you. Refuse to let outside interference get in your way.
(June 21-July 22)
You've got the right idea but the wrong team. Redesign your plans to fit the talent in the room or change your helpers to fulfill your original concept. Be a take-charge leader.
(July 23-Aug. 22)
Focus on how you want things to unfold, and make it happen. Your perceptive determination will take you where you want to go and give you the platform to get others on board.
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Participation will lead to exciting connections, but don't let it break the bank. Cap what you will spend before you get involved. An opportunity is only good if it will get you where you want to go.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Pay attention to what's happening behind your back. Study the past, and you'll make better decisions. Use your voice to inform others of the truth. Make changes that propagate trust.
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
What you see is what you get. Don't believe everything you hear. Ask questions, go directly to the source and make decisions based on what you see and experience. Don't be a follower.
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
You are sitting in a better position than anticipated. Strike while the iron is hot, but stay within budget. Refuse to let someone you love or want to impress push you into something unwise.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Assess partnerships and reset how you structure your life. Peace of mind comes from doing what's best for you, not from putting others first. Focus on your achievements and protecting what's important.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Don't miss an opportunity because you are too afraid to move. Look at your options, discuss your plans with an expert or someone you respect, and make necessary changes.
(Feb. 20-March 20)
distil and blend new rums, noted that the link between rum, sugar and cricket made this lengthy CPL partnership a natural one.
“As Guyanese who have inherited the rum production art, we’re very
which it is at the moment. The capability of distilling and blending unique flavour profiles has allowed us to create special edition for various occasions; and in this particular case, cricket, about which every Caribbean person is extremely passionate -- and in Guyana in particular, where some of the greatest cricketers came from around the sugar belt, from which these rums are made,” Samaroo revealed.
Signifying the 11th year of partnership between Demerara Distillers Limited’s El Dorado Rum and the Caribbean Premier League, the 2023 Special Edition of the Master Blender’s Rum was unveiled last evening at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
Being its 11th year as the Spirit of the CPL, the
rum has matured for as many years, and is said to be a unique blend of carefully selected marques from the historical Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still, Versailles Single Wooden Pot Still, the Uitvlugt French Savalle Still, and the Diamond Coffey Still.
DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo, in discussing the company’s capability to
proud to have perfected it and take it to the level at
“We see a very strong nexus between rum, sugar, and the cricketing talent that developed in Guyana. So, when we were approached 11 years ago to participate in the newly-found Caribbean Premier League, we readily agreed because we saw the elements of a natural partnership.”
Meanwhile, CPL CEO Pete Russell, in a statement shared, “El Dorado
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited continued their decades-long relationship with the official launching of the nationwide-sponsored, inaugural Under-23 Super50 inter-club cricket tournament.
Wednesday’s historic
spective clubs from across the 3 counties (Demerara, Essequibo, Berbice) would now play a huge role, with this new format expected to host many national cricketers who are on the cusp of commencing their careers as seniors. He added that Republic Bank and GCB would now help to bridge the gap be-
launch of this U23 initiative, held at the Bourda Cricket Club Ground in Georgetown, took cricket to a new height; the tournament is set to bowl off on Friday, August 18.
Delivering opening remarks, GCB Secretary Ronald Williams said this new concept would specifically target players whose careers at the U19 level have come to an end, but they may need to further hone their skills while needing a feeder-like system to enable that final spark, which leads to senior or West Indies Cricket selection.
He added that the 44 re-
tween junior and senior cricket.
GCB Manager of Cricket Operations, Anthony D’Andrade, who gave more logistical insight into the structure of things, said beforehand that the GCB found it necessary to introduce this system, as it would play a key role in feeding from one system to another more senior, regarding transitioning.
He recapped the GCB’s recent string of events, which featured the Republic Bank 5FORFUN, which targeted age groups 5-10; the GCB U13 Inter-County, and the recently concluded U13 Bilateral
Series between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, the hosts.
He noted that players who may not be successful at U19 could play U23 to keep their careers going with another shot at making the senior team before it’s too late.
Commercial Manager of the Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Mr. Harry Dass Ghaness, during his brief remarks, outlined the bank’s pleasure at supporting the GCB for yet another venture.
He added that the two entities have been sharing close working ties for decades, and cited this as one main factor having a major impact on lives and youth development.
With Republic Bank being the premier sponsor of this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Ghaness said, cricket is part of the Bank’s Social Investment Program – The Power to Make a Difference - as it creates an environment for kids and sports alike, while creating a huge positive impact for all beneficiaries.
has been a huge part of CPL since its inception, and it is always exciting when they release a new blend of their world-class rum. We are looking forward to toasting the success of the 11th edition of the CPL with their Master Blender rum."
DDL also took this opportunity on Wednesday evening to announce the renewal of their partnership with the local CPL
franchise the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and expressed continued commitment to supporting the team’s progress and success. As such, the company revealed that it is looking forward to another exciting tournament.
The 2023 Special Edition Rum has already hit shelves, being wholesaled for Gy$16,000 and retailed for Gy$19,200.
He said cricket especially allows youths to find, at an early age, the tenacity, strength and confidence needed to thrive in both a social and economic structure, while building an overall competitive environment.
Meanwhile, GCB Executive Robby Saywack lauded the RBL for playing a huge role in the growth of cricket, saying it fills a void which has been there since his playing days. He deemed that void now filled, thanks to the support of Republic Bank.
Essequibo will have 7 teams playing in 6 matches, while Berbice will feature 16 teams which will battle in a total of 18 matches. Demerara will have 21 teams playing in 19 matches. The winner of each county would be competing in a national play-off.
County finals are expected to bowl off on September 1, as county preliminaries and finals are set to end on August 30. The Finals will be held on September 3rd. (RBL)
Beacons FC, former champions of the Bartica Football Association’s Senior Men's League, have won their sixth match in the 2023 league, while defending champions Rivers View have suffered a 2nd defeat when the Bartica FA continued last Wednesday night at the Bartica Community Centre ground.
Led by Shaquille Hopkinson’s 2nd hat-trick of the season, Beacons brushed aside Mil Ballers 4-1 to remain the only unbeaten side at the end of the first round of matches in the 9-team League. Hopkinson netted in the 2nd, 22nd and 40th minutes to push his tally of goals to eight; and Kyle Caesar
added the fourth one minute into the 2nd period.
Kishon Tobin reduced the lead in the 66th minute.
Beacons have six wins and 2 draws at completion of this first round of matches. They top the table on 20 points, while Ballers lost for the 7th time to stay 2nd from the bottom on 3 points.
In the other match of the double-header, cup holders Rivers View were outlasted by Rising Stars, thanks to a 61st minute strike by Tyrese Gomes. It was the 4th win for the Stars, who occupy 4th place on 14 points, while Rivers View have been kept on 18 points and are in third place.
The 2nd round of competition will start next Monday.
Guyana Amazon Warriors’ premier left-arm spinner
Gudakesh Motie has said he is ready to dominate the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.
Having made a mark for the West Indies in both Test and One Day International formats, Motie has said he is ready to cement his place in the West Indies T20 squad.
While stay- ing humWarriors.
Hailing from the cricket-crazy Corentyne
Motie in action bowling
community of Albion in East Berbice, this wily spinner of the ball has the best ever Test figures registered by a West Indies spinner; and is also experiencing good form, having picked up six wickets in the three One Day Internationals against India, with figures of 2-26, 3-36 and 1-38.
“My body is feeling really good, and my confidence is very high, coming
Hard-hitting Afghanistan opener Hazratullah
Zazai will join the Guyana Amazon Warriors family today, Thursday August 17, to replace Pakistan’s
will arrive in St. Lucia this evening (Thursday). The 25-year-old, left-handed Zazai has played in 101 Twenty20 matches, and has a strike rate of 140.54 with a high-
Guyana Amazon Warriors play their first match on August 19 against St. Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Cricket
off a good series against India. Each and every tournament I play is always big for me. I am looking to be among the leading wicket-takers in the tournament,” Motie disclosed.
He added: “I am very happy that I am the guy to turn to. Going out, and when the skipper (calls) on me, I am always ready to make an impact.”
While the Guyana Amazon Warriors have a solid record at home, Motie has said it is important for the team to win away from home.
“It is very important for us to do good. We are looking to win at least four to five matches on the road, so when we go home, we would not put pressure on ourselves to win all the games.
Most of the guys know each other, so the mood is good, and we are gelling together and we are looking forward for this tournament,” this effective and determined West Indies spinner has said.
“I do not want to look too far ahead, I just want to take it game by game: go out and perform for my team, and do well every game I play,” Motie has said.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will start their 2023 RBL CPL campaign
on Saturday August 19 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia.
Guyana Amazon Warriors squad (CPL 2023): Imran Tahir (capt), Romario Shepherd (VC), Shimron Hetmyer, Kevlon Anderson, Azam Khan, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope, Mohammad Haris, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Saim Ayub, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Odean Smith, Ronsford Beaton, Gudakesh Motie, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Matthew Nandu.
The English-speaking Caribbean’s only boxing referee/judge assessor, Trinidadian James Beckles, on Wednesday morning commenced two training seminars that would benefit approximately 20 existing Guyanese referees/judges and those now being introduced to the job.
The Intermediary Workshop and beginners’ Forum are set to run concurrently up to Sunday, August 20th. During the simple opening ceremony, held at the National Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue, Beckles disclosed what he intends to achieve in the 5-day seminar.
the IBA 2-Star exams later this year, we can also upgrade your skills.”
Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)
President Steve Ninvalle
School Boys and Juniors tournament, we saw it fit, we saw it apposite, to make sure that we have this course for our referees/ judges.
“I would really want to welcome the new persons, because of the fact that we need to start replenishing our supplies of referees/ judges, and I do hope that you would be with us for a very long time,” the GBA President further stated.
would hope, through courses such as these, that we can start see Guyanese now moving (from) one stars (to) two stars and to three stars. I think we have competent people. I think we have people with the energy, we just need to make sure that we work that plan.”
Ninvalle later assured, “And rest assured that the Guyana Boxing Association is willing, able, and capable to assist you in making sure that our plans can be reached.”
The seminar was hosted this week to coincide with the Winfield Braithwaite School Boys and Juniors tournament set for this weekend.
ed Gurbaz is preparing to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, which would be contested from August 30 to September 17, and be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League runs from August 16 to September 24.
According to Amazon Warriors Manager Leon Johnson, who spoke to the media on Wednesday, four players: Zazai, captain Imran Tahir, Pakistan batter Saim Ayub, and all-rounder Odean Smith,
Ground from 19:00h. They have been encamped in St. Lucia since August 12.
Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Imran Tahir (Captain), Romario Shepherd (Vice-captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Hazratullah Zazai, Azam Khan, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ronsford Beaton, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior Sinclair and Saim Ayub.
“It is hoped that in this seminar we can upgrade our skills and introduce some new referees. What I’m looking forward to: the last time we had a seminar, we were actually able to put a couple referees into the ring after only 2 days or 3 days of training.
I am hoping that we can do that again with some of you aspiring referees,” Beckles shared. “And to make those who are in preparation for
was on hand to emphasize the importance of such a seminar and share why it is being facilitated now.
Ninvalle explained, “The reason why the Guyana Boxing Association saw it fit is because of the fact that we would not have had such a refresher course and such a seminar in a very long time. And since we would have been organizing and hosting the Winfield Braithwaite
Ninvalle revealed that he intends to improve the qualifications of Guyana’s referees/judges, and affirmed the GBA’s commitment to this goal.
“During the course of this year, as Mr. Beckles would’ve said, we would be attempting to have those who are one stars move to two stars, and it is in our plan to make sure that we have -- after those one stars would’ve gone to two stars -- other referees and judges exposed, so that they can become one stars,” Ninvalle expressed.
“Mr. Beckles is a threestar referee/judge, that’s the highest they have in IBA right now; and we
By Brandon Corlette in St luCia
All-rounder Roston
Chase played a topnotch innings and picked up three wickets, but Jamaica Tallawahs held their nerve to register an 11-run win against St Lucia Kings in the first match of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (RBL CPL), played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia.
On the back of Brandon King’s brilliant 81, Jamaica Tallawahs posted 187 all out in their 20 overs, while Kings recorded 176-8 in their 20 overs.
In the St Lucia Kings’ chase, rain interrupted proceedings with the score on 13-0 after 1.1 overs; however, the match resumed at 21:30h with no overs lost. After Johnson Charles was dropped again by the Tallawahs, he became the leading run-scorer in the history of CPL cricket, posting a score that surpassed that of former leading run-scorer Lendl Simmons.
Faf du Plessis, meanwhile, failed to clear long-on, and was dismissed for nine, with the score at 25-1 in 3.1 overs. Charles’s struggles ended when he was caught for 24 made from 22 balls, and with the score at 57-2 in 7.3 overs.
Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams and Chase then joined forces, and the cautious duo ensured no further hiccups at the half-way stage, with Kings on 74-2. Williams looked to accelerate the scoring, but was removed for 26 by Chris Green, when the score was at 90-3 in 11.1 overs.
Pakistani spinner Imad Wasim turned the game with two important strikes in the 14th over. He removed dan-
german Sikandar Raza for 04, and Kimani Melius for a golden duck. Kings required 84 runs in 36 balls, and Chase was the key.
three sixes and four fours. After that wicket, that was all she wrote, as Irshad closed off the game. Wasim ended with 3-27 from his quota.
The big Barbadian Primus came displaying power, and took the equation down to 32 needed from 12 balls, but was run out for 37; and with 19 needed from six balls, Chase remained the key. Chase was eventually dismissed by Salam Irshad for a 31-ball 53, which had
St Lucia Kings had earlier won the toss and elected to bowl first. King and Kirk McKenzie had a good start, contributing 44 runs for the first wicket. The duo survived some close calls, but McKenzie had a brain fade, as he spooned a Roston Chase delivery to mid-on.
McKenzie made a promising 20 from 11 balls, while Chase tasted success with the first ball he bowled in CPL 2023.
King, who continued from where he had left off against India, played some delightful shots to take Tallawahs at the end of the powerplay to 47-1. He stood firm, but
wickets tumbled around him. Chase removed his countrymen Shamarh Brooks for 12 and Raymon Reifer for 16. The Kings dropped some catches, and King demonstrated his royal touch in a one-man show that cost the Kings somewhat, as Captain King dominated in a 77-run stand with Reifer.
King slammed nine classy fours and three thumping sixes in his 54-ball 81, but the Tallawahs lost their way
in the end, as their innings included three run-outs.
Chase ended with 3-39 from four goodly overs, but Alzarri Joseph was impressive with his express pace that claimed 2-21 in four overs. Apart from McKenzie’s 20 and King’s 81, no other Tallawahs’ batter passed 20.
The second match of the 2023 RBL CPL will bowl off today at 19:00h, with St Lucia Kings taking on Barbados Royals at the same venue.
Jamaica Tallawahs (20
ovs maximum)
Brandon King (c)c du Plessis
b Sole 81
Kirk McKenzie c du Plessis
b Chase 20
Shamarh Brooks c Hatzoglou
b Chase 12
Amir Jangoo †c Hatzoglou
b Joseph 0
Raymon Reifer c Williams
b Chase 16
Fabian Allen run out (Joseph) 15
Imad Wasim c Sole
b Forde 19
Chris Green lbw
b Joseph 6
Mohammad Amir run out (Hatzoglou/†Charles/Forde) 0
Nicholson Gordon run out (Williams/Forde) 0
Salman Irshad not out 0
Extras (b 1, lb 7, w 10) 18
TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.35) 187
Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Kirk
McKenzie, 5.1 ov), 2-62 (Shamarh Brooks, 7.6 ov), 3-63 (Amir Jangoo,
8.3 ov), 4-140 (Raymon Reifer, 15.1 ov), 5-156 (Fabian Allen, 16.1 ov), 6-170 (Brandon King, 17.6 ov), 7-181 (Chris Green, 18.5 ov),
8-186 (Mohammad Amir, 19.4 ov),
9-187 (Nicholson Gordon, 19.5 ov),
10-187 (Imad Wasim, 19.6 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W
Matthew Forde 3-0-22-1
Chris Sole 4-0-40-1
Alzarri Joseph 4-0-21-2
Roston Chase 4-0-39-3
Peter Hatzoglou 2-0-18-0
Sikandar Raza 2-0-19-0
Roshon Primus 1-0-20-0
St Lucia Kings (T: 188 runs from 20 ovs)
Johnson Charles † c Allen
b Green 24
Faf du Plessis (c) c Green
b Imad Wasim 9
Sean Williams c Salman Irshad
b Green 26
Roston Chase b Irshad 53
Sikandar Raza c Brooks
b Imad Wasim 4
Kimani Melius c †Jangoo
b Imad Wasim 0
Roshon Primus run out 37
Matthew Forde
b Salman Irshad 4
Alzarri Joseph not out 6
Peter Hatzoglou not out 1
Extras (b 1, w 11) 12
TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.80) 176/8
Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Faf du Plessis, 3.1 ov), 2-57 (Johnson Charles, 7.3
