Guyana Times -Thursday, August 24, 2023

Workers must change work culture – Pres Ali

Mother, 8-year-old son found murdered in Berbice home

…child found in bed with stab wound, mother chopped to neck, shoulder, chest

91% of inspected businesses non-compliant with Consumer Affairs Act

Partnerships play role in Guyana’s development –Finance Minister

sugar” –

State …as Guyana seeks help from Guatemala, India to manage, restructure industry

“We are not walking away from

Head of

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, Aug 24 – 22:00h –23:30h and Friday, Aug 25 – 10:30h

– 11:30h and 23:30h – 00:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, Aug 24 – 08:55h

– 10:25h and Friday, Aug 25 – 10:10h – 11:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 09:37h and 22:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 15:27h reaching a minimum height of 1.01 metre.

Mother, 8-year-old son found murdered in Berbice home

…child found in bed with stab wound, mother chopped to neck, shoulder, chest

Amother and her only son were found dead at their Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) home on Wednesday afternoon.

Dead are 31-year-old Melisa Arokium and her eight-year-old son Anthony Arokium.

The discovery of the two bodies was made shortly after 13:00h by the now dead woman’s brother. He had stopped by to use the washroom and reportedly saw her body lying in a pool of blood on the floor.

The child was lying in his bed, also in a pool of blood, with what appeared to be at least one stab wound to the back of his neck while his mother was seen with what appeared to be chop wounds to the neck, shoulder and chest.

Reports are that a broom was seen on the floor a short distance away from the woman’s body and it appeared that she was sweeping at the time of the attack.

Police said there were no initial signs of forced entry and the initial investigation did not suggest a robbery, but they could not say if items were missing from the house.

Regional Commander,

LOTTERY NUMBERS

She shared the building with her brother, who is a cane harvester, but they lived in separate apartments. That brother left home at 04:00h to go to work. He last saw his sister alive the previous afternoon. Reports are that he returned from work at about 11:00h and did not notice anything amiss.

When the discovery of the bodies was made, he had left home on personal business.

The lots near Arokium’s home are covered with thick vegetation, reaching more than 20 feet in the air.

A cousin of the now

dead woman, Leyland Moore, said Arokium was a peace-loving person.

“She don’t make problems with people so. Every morning she does carry she son to lessons and she does stop and me and she does talk.”

Meanwhile, Police had initially called Ramo’s Funeral Parlour of Rose

Hall Town to remove the bodies and after about two hours of waiting, they were informed that Arokium Funeral Parlour of New Amsterdam was going to remove the bodies. The latter made the request to the Police, stating that the deceased and the funeral home’s owner were related.

(G4)

Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus said four persons were taken into custody. He referred to them as ‘persons of interest’ but noted that the investigation is ongoing.

Three of the four, Bacchus said, are close family members. He said Police were able to detect what appeared to be bloodstains a short distance away from the house, but could not confirm whether it was human or animal blood.

Arokium operated a small grocery shop from her home.

The crime scene at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six, on Wednesday

Dead: Mother and son, Melisa Arokium and Anthony Arokium

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Construction boom

Georgetown has seen a boom in the construction sector in recent years. This boom has inevitably led to dramatic changes in the city’s urban development, transforming sections of the old colonial landscape into a modern hub of multi-use buildings. Investments in the real estate sector have also been increased in various parts of the country at the same time that the Government decided to expand its housing drive. This drive has been given greater impetus by the cheap prices for local and foreign building materials.

When the Government decided to develop large tracts of land for housing purposes, and made it easier for every Guyanese to have their own home, the demand for construction materials and other goods and services increased. This enabled local companies from the manufacturing, services, distribution and financial sectors to capitalise on the opportunities that were created. Financial institutions are seeing increases in their businesses. Major commercial banks are also fuelling the boom by providing more financing to home owners and potential homeowners. Even the state is able to capitalise on the boom. New developments in the real estate sector are paving the way for other infrastructural projects, such as the construction of new roads, and the expansion of old ones, to enable easier transportation and alleviate traffic congestion.

As we have previously said, home ownership also has other immediate spinoff benefits, as owners seek to furnish and constantly upgrade their properties. Businesses that cater to this trade typically employ a large number of unskilled persons, as well as give a boost to local manufacturers of furniture and other household goods. The NDCs can now collect rates and taxes to provide various services to the area.

But just as important are the social benefits that give families a sense of stability and security. The moment someone owns a home, the family acquires pride in home ownership, and typically sees itself as having a stake in the community. This leads to the development of social capital in the form of trust between residents. If countries do not have this kind of social capital, it is almost impossible for them to mobilise their citizens for the sacrifices a sustainable developmental thrust demands.

The success of a developing country depends on the development of a growing middle class. There can be no middle class, unless they are facilitated to own their own homes.

It seems all exciting, especially since economic boom is spurred by a building boom. But the excitement could result in the authorities overlooking some negative issues that also accompany a construction boom. Authorities must pay keen attention to these issues.

One of Guyana’s major challenges is urban and rural flooding. That is mainly because the country is floodprone. Some 90 per cent of the Guyanese population is at risk from contemporary flood hazards. Georgetown, especially, floods quite easily. This has raised questions on the wisdom of encouraging greater construction in the city. While households and businesses could incorporate floodprotection measures during construction, they would not have considered sea level rises, which make coastal zones particularly vulnerable to climate variability and change. This raises concerns about land loss, flooding, and responses to sea level rises.

Authorities also need to consider that a construction boom exerts pressure on the water and electricity companies. The demand for water and electricity services is increasing proportionately. However, the Guyana Power and Light is presently unable to meet customers’ demands for a reliable supply of electricity. This has resulted in some communities having to wait for long periods before accessing electricity, while those that are already connected to the company’s system are receiving an unreliable supply of the commodity. The Guyana Water Inc is similarly challenged.

In fact, when new housing developments are created, both of these companies are challenged to provide services to new consumers without affecting the service offered to current customers. It means, therefore, that the utility companies would have to make large investments quickly to keep up with the boom.

Hughes’s supermajority call is to impose tyranny of a minority over the majority

Dear Editor,

The ethnic chauvinists in Guyana are getting more and more desperate. Attempts were made to change the formula for majority in Parliament; demands were made for power-sharing; and now they are asking for supermajority for decision-making in Parliament, and for presidential actions.

Nigel Hughes’s call for supermajority for decision-making in Parliament shows his and the Opposition’s continued quest for power by any means. Just as in the attempted rigging of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, Nigel Hughes is looking for another backdoor entrance into power. It is nothing less than another attempt to wrest power from the people and place it in the hands of a small group of individuals. It is not dissimilar to his attempt to thwart the No-Confidence power of Parliament when he tried to revise and pervert the majority-rule by deciding 33 is not larger than 32.

But more important, Nigel Hughes, in his call for constitutional provisions to ensure all decisions in Parliament must be decided by a supermajority, exposed him for the ethnic chauvinist he is.

There is a place for supermajority votes in Parliament. Almost all constitutions in the world identify supermajority for certain parliamentary decision-making. For example, the bulk of the constitution can only be amended or changed through supermajority votes in Parliament.

Guyana’s Constitution already provides for such supermajority votes. In addition, the Guyanese Constitution provides for certain Parliamentary responsibilities to be approved by supermajority votes. The appointment of the members of the National Procurement Commission must be approved by a super majority vote in Parliament. GECOM and the electoral system can only be changed through super-majority votes. The Rights Commissions cannot be appointed until Parliament makes nominations that involve various supermajority votes. The supermajority votes catered for by the Guyanese Constitution are usually two-thirds majority votes. The Ethnic Relations Commission is a prime example – the members must be approved by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Even to consult with organizations for nominations of candidates for the Rights Commission, supermajority votes are required.

But the Constitution requires presidential actions that must have agreements with the Leader of the Opposition. The appointments of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice require that there be agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition. Similarly, the Constitution provides for agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition for the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM. The Constitution provides for meaningful consultation between the

President and the Leader of the Opposition on a number of other actions by the President. One such other action is the appointment of the Police Commissioner.

Meaningful consultation in the present Constitution is not the kind that the PNC used to do under Forbes Burnham. For the PNC under Burnham, something that Granger tried to emulate, it was a simple phone call to Cheddi Jagan to inform him who he was appointing. In the present Constitution, meaningful consultation is defined, and involves a number of documented steps.

I challenge Nigel Hughes and those who have jumped on another of Hughes’s wicked bandwagons to dispute these following facts.

Nigel Hughes and his sycophants know that the present Guyana Constitution, through significant amendments in 2000/2001 to the 1980 Burnham Constitution, is rich in opportunities for supermajority votes and for supermajority decision-making at the executive level. He knows that Guyana does not generally have fewer opportunities for supermajority votes and participation than other countries. He, in fact, knows that Guyana has far more opportunities for super-majority decision-making than any country in Caricom, and more than most countries in the world. He needs to admit these facts, and that what he really is demanding is that all decision-making be backed up by some form of supermajority mechanisms, in spite

of the many already provided for.

Guyana has experienced the positive aspects of super-majority votes, but we have also been paralyzed by the provisions in our Constitution for super-majority votes and for super-majority-driven executive actions. Everyone I know believes there is need for regular constitutional reforms and that the present Constitution can benefit from reforms. But these very people who insist we need reforms ignore that the two-thirds majority vote in Parliament makes it almost impossible for constitutional reforms.

The Constitution caters for regular reforms through the establishment of a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform. This parliamentary committee can include civil society members coopted by Parliament. The committee met regularly after 2001 under the Chairmanship of Doodnauth Singh and Charles Ramson, but little progress was made because we could not even get agreement on what issues to place on the agenda. In 2011, David Granger became Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reform. That committee met a grand total of two times in four years for a total of no more than 15 minutes. In 2015, Basil Williams became the Chair. That committee met for even less than 15 minutes in a total of two meetings over five years.

Journalists film the live telecast of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon at ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole, becoming the fourth country to touch down on the lunar surface (VOA)

President Ali, PM Phillips have transformed Guyana into a global leader The Vreed-en-Hoop/ Plastic City issue

Dear Editor, On the third anniversary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, all Guyanese at home and in the diasporas should be proud of the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips. The transition from being a Minister and a member of the opposition for five years between 2015 and 2020 to the Presidency by His Excellency, Dr. Ali has been remarkable. Also, of great importance has been the transferal of Brigadier Mark Phillips from the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense Force to Prime Minister is amazing. It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who spent more than half of his adult life in the military has in three short years become one of the country’s most consummate politicians. Many are of the opinion that he is intelligent and smart, and some believe that he has the skills and wherewithal to do an excellent job. Although both the President and the Prime Minister have different backgrounds and experiences, they are ide-

al in their respective positions. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that their ascension to office was not a coincidence as some would assume, they were destined to lead the nation with its huge oil reserves to prosperity.

After three terrific and exciting years in office as President and Prime Minister, they must be applauded by all for improving the lives and well-being of the people, especially the poor and the downtrodden and for the rapid development that Guyana is experiencing in the areas of infrastructure, housing, education, health care, social services, and human development, to name s few. These types of development along with the soaring GDP growth rate, which is assessed to be among the highest in the world, have never been experienced before in the country. Furthermore, no one could have predicted that a country with less than one million inhabitants would have such a high economic output and would become so successful in such a short time span.

We must congratulate the President and the Prime Minister for such outstand-

ing achievements and encourage them to continue with their strategy and developmental plans to further boost the economy and uplift the people.

Since taking office in 2020, there was no shortage of challenges and obstacles, but President Dr, Ali, and Prime Minister Phillips were blessed with the ability and political acumen to confront and overcome them. First, they had to deal with the remnants of the COVID-19 global pandemic that at the time had engulfed and crippled the economic and social operations throughout the world. This was followed by the flood, which affected farmers and cattle and dairy owners, then came the Mahdia fire and the alleged allegation of the raping of a 16-year-old Amerindian girl by a senior government official, among others. These problems did not take root in the country as they were quickly solved by the President and his cabinet.

We should appreciate and admire the high level of development that the President, the Prime Minister, and the cabinet have brought to Guyana in three years, even though

it sems much longer than three years. Their tireless efforts have made Guyana a regional and world leader. Unlike the past when Guyana was a relatively unknown barely recognized country, today, it is widely admired and well-recognized among its Caricom and Latin American neighbors, its Asian and African, European and North American counterparts and hence the international community.

Under the outstanding leadership by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, at home and abroad, Guyana has emerged as a world leader on several global issues which have been articulated globally by President Dr. Ali on several occasions. Guyana’s projected future is bright, and it will provide enormous opportunities for the upliftment of the citizens and for its prosperity. All Guyanese should be thrilled and ecstatic of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips for their grand achievements.

Sincerely,

Asquith Rose

Hughes’s supermajority call is...

FROM PAGE 4

The dormancy of these Constitutional Reform Committees resulted from the supermajority imperatives.

There is a reason why the electoral system, which caters for 25 geographic seats, has not proceeded to the next step that the Constitution provides for – demarcating boundaries to allow for specific constituency seats, rather than geographic seats. There is a reason why a formula for resource allocation for local government has not advanced. The reason is simple - the supermajority imperative imposed through the Constitution has led to paralysis.

Since the 2001 constitutional introduction of a supermajority imperative for the appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice, Guyana has been forced into a state of almost perpetual acting appointments for these two critical positions. The Constitution requires agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition. For 22 years, Guyana has not had a fully-appointed Chancellor and Chief Justice. Carl Singh acted as Chancellor, and now Justice Cummings-Edwards is acting as Chancellor. Justice Chang acted as Chief Justice, and now Justice George is acting. The Commissioner of Police and other appointments continue to be acting appointments because of the need for meaningful consultation that the President and the Leader of the Opposition have not been able to conduct. There is no end in sight for their acting status.

These are just some examples of the paralysis that super-majority can lead to. Can anyone envisage what would happen if the annual budget had to be passed through a super-majority vote in Parliament? What would happen if the appointment of an Ambassador or High

Commissioner had to rely on agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition? What would happen if every road, bridge, street, pump station, school, hospital, etc. had to rely on a super-majority vote in Parliament? What would happen if a super-majority must decide on salary increases?

When, between 2011 and 2015, the PNC-controlled APNU/AFC had a one seat advantage in Parliament, they used that simple majority to cut the budget. They blocked funding for the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity project. Just think of this: Amaila would today have been producing cheaper and more reliable energy than the fossil fuel-generating plants of GPL today. They blocked the budget for the Modernisation and Expansion of the CJIA. They blocked the upgrading of dozens of airstrips in the hinterland. This is just a glimpse of how a simple majority vote was used to paralyze the Government. What would they do with a super-majority vote imperative? They would totally paralyze development in Guyana.

The hidden agenda is to ensure the PPP cannot govern. Remember that power-sharing and super-majority imperatives are only subjects when the PPP is in Government. When they are in Government, they even ignore the opportunities for supermajority votes. They changed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Sectoral Committee memberships between 2015 and 2020, allowing ministers to sit. David Granger decided to abandon the constitutional provision for the appointment of the GECOM Chair when he arbitrarily appointed James Patterson.

The fact is that while supermajority votes are extensively used for certain parliamentary and executive decision-mak-

Dear Editor, Plastic City, as it is popularly known, is a slum community located in the Vreeden-Hoop Jetty area, which emerged and grew as a result of squatting. To date, it remains an illegal community.

Squatting has been allowed to thrive for years, and regularly causes problems. This is because squatting often occurs in areas proposed for future development, etc.

The 200-plus residents who reside at Plastic City are now expected to be moved, as the development associated with the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Project has reached there.

Editor, I believe development should not be hindered by illegality. Nevertheless, the relocation of those persons must be done in a humane way. It is obvious to me that these people cannot afford appropriate housing, and have to be helped.

Editor, successive governments have failed to arrest the issue of squatting, so much so that this lawlessness has become commonplace in our country. Everyone needs to be able to live somewhere, but that decision has to be made in keeping with legal expectations, and anything less ought not to be condoned.

There is already an established belief that the fast way to acquire a house lot is to squat where development is going to take place. You are prioritised over those who follow the procedure, as lengthy as it is.

ing in every country in the world, it is not used for all decision-making, as Hughes demands. In Guyana’s case, the mistrust and the dishonesty displayed by the PNC and their sycophants have ensured that, by and large, supermajority mechanisms have led to paralysis.

The demand for, and practice of, supermajority votes in Parliaments are not new. After more than 100 years in the SEJM (Parliament) in Poland, the practice was abandoned in 1795 because that country suffered almost total paralysis for more than 100 years. The Founding Fathers of America discussed the possibility of supermajority for most decision-making in America, but after listening attentively to Alexandar Hamilton’s caution about injecting the “Polish Diet” into American democracy, decided that supermajority votes for all decision-making are capable of derailing democracy, allowing a tyranny of a minority over the majority.

What we have in Guyana is a set of persons, led largely by the PNC, who either want power through rigged elections or want to use a mechanism whereby a minority can impose tyranny over the majority. These persons have worked hard to keep one ethnic group in their corner in order to gain legitimacy for their demands. The results of the 2020 elections, the further results of LGE 2023, the popularity of President Irfaan Ali and his ONE GUYANA Movement, and the popularity of Bharrat Jagdeo are signs that the PNC, Nigel Hughes and the others have begun to lose their hold on that base. The fact is that the Guyanese people will no longer tolerate ethnic chauvinists among us.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

and demonised as Aubrey Norton seeks attention for himself, when his party neglected those same persons; yet now he demands that Government pay attention to their plight. The audacity of this man!

The Opposition Leader, however, ought to know that his party, whilst in Government, had promised the persons living in that area to have their concerns addressed, and to have them relocated in January of 2019. The APNU/ AFC simply deceived those people.

It was none other than former President David Granger who promised those living in Plastic City a good life in February 2020. The APNU/ AFC failed to deliver on its promise to the residents of Plastic City, as is typically their style.

Again, on March 15, 2020, the former President vowed to establish a National Squatter Resettlement Commission to end squatting in Guyana, again mentioning Plastic City. However, during that period, the APNU/AFC Government was illegal and they were creating distractions from the concluded elections.

The Leader of the Opposition has taken umbrage with the issue. This is almost an expected position to be taken by the Opposition of the country. It is rather unfortunate, however, this politicking of the plight of our Guyanese brothers and sisters squatting in that area. The posture of the Opposition closely resembles their position on the Mocha tragedy, and this we must be vigilant to avoid.

The PPPC is being blamed

The Vice President of Guyana has assured that the Government is now aware of the issue, and will take appropriate actions to assist those affected, as the Government has a “sympathetic ear”, and the residents will be engaged. This is wonderful news, as it reflects this Government's caring and considerate nature in regard to the welfare of the citizenry. We have witnessed this at Mocha, Success, and elsewhere where persons were relocated or compensated, or both: this PPPC Government regularly demonstrates a different quality of leadership, and it is worthy of mention.

Yours truly, Brian Azore

Page Foundation

Bar Graphs

Science and Math explorations provide growing readers with a chance to record all kinds of observations. Fill them with all sorts of drawings, scribbles, sketches, notes, and graphs. Try to date each entry and watch as your observational and recording skills grow.

Create a special journal

Use any paper for the cover: cardstock, interesting cardboard and pretty greeting cards can all be used as a cover. Then, collect some twigs from the backyard and find a large, thick rubber band. Fold your cover in half. Fold your inside pages, and put them inside the cover. Trim as needed. Punch two holes with a hole punch, measuring down from the top and up from the bottom about 2 inches. Pull one end of the rubber band through the bottom hole and slide twig into the loop. Pull the other end of the rubber band through the top hole and slide the other end of twig through that. You now have a special journal in which you, as a budding scientist, can record observations.

A scientist’s field notes

are writing for someone who’s never seen that before. Watch for movements and take note of any sounds made. Draw and label a picture of the plant or animal.

Other fun ideas to record in your field journal

A flower tally

Count the flowers in an area once a week for three weeks. Compare your tallies.

Ant watching

There are ants everywhere! Try following them to their home and see what they’re up to. Where do they live? How many can you count in one place? Record these observations and your ant grand total.

Dig a hole

As parents know, dirt can be pretty interesting to kids. Dig a hole and notice how the dirt changes as you dig deeper. Describe the different layers? What creatures did you find as you dug? Record these and other interesting findings in the journal.

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY)

BY ROBERT BURNS

Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste, An’ weary Winter comin fast, An’ cozie here, beneath the blast, Thou thought to dwell, Till crash! the cruel coulter past Out thro’ thy cell.

That wee-bit heap o’ leaves an’ stibble Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!

Now thou’s turn’d out, for a’ thy trouble, But house or hald, To thole the Winter’s sleety dribble, An’ cranreuch cauld!

But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane, In proving foresight may be vain: The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men Gang aft agley,

An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, For promis’d joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me! The present only toucheth thee: But Och! I backward cast my e’e, On prospects drear! An’ forward tho’ I canna see, I guess an’ fear!

Begin using the science journal by going outside. Write down what you observe about your surroundings, looking at both the big picture and the small, examining plants and rocks and insects up close. Make a record in the journal of what you experience with each of your senses. Then choose one animal or plant to watch for 10 minutes.

You can choose anything: a flower, a grasshopper, a bird soaring overhead. Describe it as clearly as you can, as if you

Nature scavenger hunt

Use your notebook to make (or draw) a list of some common things and a few rare ones that can be found outside near your home or in a park. Include things like: flat rock, bird feather, weed, flower. Then let the scavenger hunt begin!

Special thanks to the Two Writing Teachers for their field journal directions, and Nature Rocks for the nature-based ideas. (readingrockets.org)

WORD SEARCH

GAWU 2-day Delegates’ Congress

Workers must change work culture – Pres Ali

…says willing to work with Union, find right balance

The Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) opened its 22nd Delegates’ Congress on Wednesday, with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s assurance that it will listen to their concerns and act on them.

Well over 100 delegates were in attendance at the conference, which opened at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

In his address to the delegates, President Dr Irfaan Ali affirmed his Government’s willingness to listen to their concerns.

“In life, if everyone understands that they individually have responsibility to achieve something, and then we contribute to finding the balance. Because in this seamless relationship we have to find the balance. No one should believe that they will walk away with the winnings. For the relationship to work we have to find a balance.”

“Fortunately for you, you have a Government that is willing to work with you to find that balance. So, I will say to you, let’s work, together, on finding that balance that would enable these stakeholders in the responsibility matrix, to work together,” President Ali said.

At the same time, the President noted that workers must be cognisant of the realities on the ground. He further noted some of the key issues the unions will have to address, include mechanisation and Artificial Intelligence.

“We have to deal with

realities. Policymakers and governments must deal with realities. The reality of the country we live in today is that we’re short of labour. Every single day, the contractors come to me and say they can’t find workers. And my dear workers, I love you, but we also have to change our work culture.”

“What unions will be faced with, that you need to address, instantaneously and rapidly, is the technologically driven change that is upon us, that is regarded as robotics, AI and the digital economy. Now the whole world. Imagine AI, robotics and the digital economy is upon us. Now seeing the effect and what this new reality can do, how it can rapidly change things, we’re now fighting to find the legislative environment to manage AI.”

Positive developments

Among the several union leaders who spoke at the conference, was GAWU President Seepaul Narine expressed optimism with the way the economy and particularly, the agriculture sector has been going.

“It is important to acknowledge the positive developments taking place in Guyana. The country has made impressive economic progress under the Presidency of Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali and team. We admire their efforts to improve the well-being and welfare of all citizens. President Ali’s commitment to building a One Guyana nation is commendable. And the involvement of working people and their family, all of us, are crucial to this effort.”

“To propel Guyana forward, we must enhance our abilities and expertise. We are aware of measures being taken to address this issue. And we urge that all Guyanese contribute to the country’s progress, and thereafter reap its successes,” Narine said.

Meanwhile, among those addressing the conference was the recently re-elected General Secretary of the International Union of Food, Agriculture, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), Sue Longley.

Longley in her address

to the delegates said, “globally, and we have to be honest about this, we are seeing a push back on workers’ rights. Sometimes, it is direct repression, sometimes, it is more subtle. And I have heard in the past couple of days, here in Guyana, about the impact of increasing use of contract labour, shortterm precarious contracts, and how these undermine us as trade unions, how they make it hard for us to recruit and organise workers into unions.”

Joining the Congress were a number of overseas delegates from Jamaica and Argentina. The Union has also received several mes-

sages of solidarity and support from fraternal organisations locally and overseas.

At the opening session, GAWU gave out awards honouring several distinguished Union members who contributed to GAWU’s successes and triumphs. Posthumous awards were also given out to late former GAWU President and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian, Komal Chand, who died in 2020, and former prominent Attorney-at-Law Ashton Chase, who died this year.

The two-day conference will last until today and will feature in-depth dis-

cussions that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to, at some point, join as the Union charts its future. Additionally, a new General Council will be elected until the 23rd congress.

During the Business Sessions, the delegates and observers will receive the report of the General Council, which will be presented by the Union’s General Secretary, Aslim Singh. The report will cover more than fifty (50) subjects and will address the Union’s activities, functioning and stewardship since the last Congress. As many as 20 motions will also be moved and discussed. (G3)

GAWU President Seepaul Narine

IUF General Secretary Sue Longley

President Dr Irfaan Ali greeting a section of the delegates who turned out at the opening session

Acting Top Cop’s tenure

Nothing in Constitution prevents extension – AG to Norton

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has dismissed questions raised about the extension of acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken’s tenure in office, saying that there are no provisions in the Constitution to prevent such a move.

Hicken qualified for requirement in July, after he turned 55 years of age. However, earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that he has extended Hicken’s tenure –a move which is being questioned.

In fact, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton is contending that the extension is unlawful. He believes that only substantive appointments to the Top Cop office can be extended.

“It is my considered and respective view that there is nothing in the Constitution or in any other law which confines the extension of tenure of the holder of that office to substantive appointees only. In my considered and respective view, the holder of that office, whether acting or substantively, enjoys all the powers, all the facilities and all the privileges of that office,” AG Nandlall said during the recent episode of his weekly programme – Issues in the News. The Legal Affairs Minister pointed out that the method of appointment

for both the substantive and acting post is identical, that is, both require meaningful consultations with the Leader of the Opposition and a recommendation from the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) after consultations with its members.

Article 211 (1) of the Constitution mandates that “the Commissioner of Police and every Deputy Commissioner of Police shall be appointed by the President acting after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairperson of the Police Service Commission [PSC] after the Chairperson has consulted with the other members of the Commission”.

Meanwhile, provisions for a person to act in the office of the Police Commissioner are outlined under Article 211 (2) of the Constitution, and the provisions contained in Article

211 (1), shall apply to such an appointment as they apply to the appointment of a person to hold that office. It states that “…a person may be appointed to act in that office and the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall apply to such an appointment as they apply to the appointment of a person to hold the office.”

On this note, Nandlall argued that, “…if the holder of that office, whether substantively or by virtue of an acting appointment, can be extended then I see no reason and no principle which confines that extension only to a substantive appointee and not an acting appointee. There is nothing in the Constitution that makes that distinction.”

“I wish to confirm in my humble and respectful view that His Excellency, the President, complied with the Constitution and complied with the laws in relation to Mr Hicken’s acting

tenure beyond his age of retirement.”

The Attorney General went on to further highlight that while the Constitution itself does not cater for an extension to any holder of the Police Commissioner, it is provided for in the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act Chapter 27:12, Act No 21 of 1967.

This piece of legislation permits for the President to, inter alia, extend the tenure of a Commissioner of Police beyond his retirement age providing that the President receives a recommendation from the Police Service Commission to that effect.

According to Nandlall, President Ali did receive a recommendation from the Police Service Commission prior to extending Hicken’s tenure.

Hicken was appointed as acting Top Cop in March 2022 – a promotion from his then post as Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Operations.

Following his appointment, APNU/AFC Chief Whip Christopher Jones moved to the court to nullify the March 30 appointment, mainly on the ground that the Head of State failed to “meaningfully consult” with the Opposition Leader as is constitutionally required.

However last August, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, upheld President Ali’s appointment of Hicken as acting Police Commissioner, deeming an APNU/AFC parliamentarian’s challenge to the appointment “vexatious and an abuse of the court process”. Justice George found that the President had always properly executed his discretion.

In the absence of an Opposition Leader and the PSC, the Chief Justice held that President Ali, who is also the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, acted “out of necessity” and it was reasonable for him to take action in his “own deliberate judgement” to appoint someone to act as Top Cop.

Norton was sworn-in as Leader of the Opposition in April 2022. He replaced Joseph Harmon who had resigned as Opposition Leader in January 2022. (G8)

…but a hustle??

Now, some may be wondering why Tony Blair is in Guyana. Some may even be wondering who the heck is Tony Blair!! After all, he was the PM of Britain way back in 2007, and had to resign in disgrace!! He’d been elected in 1997 as the youngest PM in almost two hundred years, and there were great expectations of the dashing young leader at the helm of the Labour Party as Britain entered the second millennium. Blair was full of himself, and displayed a ruthless compulsion to become a world leader; but it all came to a disgraceful end.

Launching what he called a “Third Way” - between the socialist left and the Thatcherite right, folks soon found out that he was more opportunistic than pragmatic. And not only in domestic politics. After the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center, he saw an opportunity to become a world leader. Becoming even more hawkish than George Bush, he led the charge to attack Iraq for having “weapons of mass destruction” (WMDs)!! And concocted a “dossier” that purported to show Iraq was manufacturing atomic weapons!!

His party leaders were soon on to him, after no WMDs were ever found. He was dubbed BLIAR, and hounded out of the labour Party in disgrace. He had to resign as Party Leader and PM, but like a bad penny, as soon as the blood of a million Iraqi dead faded from memorywhich it soon did, what with all the new wars launched, as in Ukraine!! – Blair started to claw his way back into the public spotlight. In 2017, he founded – like former leaders of the US are wont to do – a Foundation to push his profile. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI).

With 800 employees in offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Accra, and enough money to stage the slickest political conference in Britain, he’s got a media team to manage his media “grid”, a policy team to shape national debate, and a delivery team to project-manage his priorities across the world!! He churns out policy papers on everything under the sun – and we can be sure he has a briefcase full of them to pass on to Pres Ali to deal with our oil bonanza!! And THAT’s what Blair’s visit is all about – how he can tell the world that he can get them a piece of the action in the biggest oil play in decades!!

VP Jagdeo, however, should be on to him, since he would’ve encountered this type all over the world. Sure, he should be given a hearing, but let’s not get locked into Blair’s coterie of friends and relatives. The whole world is our oyster now!!

…can stop India

Well, how about that!! Defying all the odds, yesterday India landed a Rover on the Moon’s South Pole – becoming the first nation on Earth to do so!! Now seriously, folks, this is big news for the Global South – especially at a time when the BRICS are meeting in South Africa in an attempt to craft a more effective multipolar world.

So, what’s so big about this moon landing?? Simply that we all know we’re running out of resources on our ole planet Earth, and we need to start finding out what’s on the moon. But if we’re to colonise the moon, we’re gonna need water - and oxygen, which we can get from water!! The earlier missions to the moon failed to detect water up to now. But for several good reasons, there are high hopes we’re gonna find it at the South Pole.

In the meantime, your Eyewitness joins the world in congratulating India for accomplishing this groundbreaking mission - for less than it cost to produce the movie “Gravity!!

…but praises

There are some who think that if an African Guyanese had headed the PPP, things woulda been different. Well, Dr Jagan once proposed the just-cremated Roger Luncheon for that role, and it was rejected by the Creole elite!!

Attorney General & Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken

“We are not walking away from sugar” – Head of State

restructure industry

Guatemala, a country with its own sugar industry that Guyana has been developing increasing ties with, is expected to provide management support for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) once talks are concluded, as the Government seeks to revitalise the industry.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made this revelation during the opening ceremony of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) delegates conference on Wednesday. In addition to Guatemala, which is expected to establish an embassy in Guyana this year, the President further noted that talks are ongoing with India for help with the sugar sector. According to him, structural management changes are needed.

“For GuySuCo, we’re talking with India, with Guatemala, to find the technical support service to complement the management of GuySuCo. We’re bringing in support management, to enable us to have the best, most well-equipped management service to drive the innovation, the change and the survival of the sugar industry.”

“The Board, the Chairman of the Board, and

management, are working diligently to get to the target of this year. And they’ve convinced me that they’re going to achieve the target and an incremental increase in the target. But we know we have to make and improve the institutional structure. We have to make structural changes, at the management, to achieve what we want to achieve.”

President Ali also provided details on how much money and effort the Government has invested into resuscitating GuySuCo. He also revealed the progress on the Rose Hall Estate, which is expected to be reopened next month. According to him, the factory is 95 per cent complete.

“In three years, we have

spent $17 billion to recapitalise the sugar industry. We’ve spent $8.8 billion in Rose Hall; we’ve reemployed almost 2000 employees. Added back to the payroll, The Rose Hall factory is 95 per cent completed. This is what we’re doing.”

“Let me be clear. We are not walking away from sugar. We are going to make the investments. We are going to ensure we invest in agriculture. We’re conscious of the environment,” President Ali further said.

GuySuCo has set itself a target to produce 60,858 metric tonnes of sugar for 2023, with the Albion/Port Mourant Estate only recently surpassing its weekly target. With Rose Hall Estate commencing grinding operations in late September

2023, this will further strengthen the industry’s production capacity.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the sugar company, Sasenarine Singh related, “The investment of over $17 billion in the field and factory during the last three years funded by the Government of Guyana have started to show some of the expected results despite the entire project to rebuild the largest estate at Albion was constrained by the great floods of 2021.”

He further lauded efforts to overcome the flood crisis of 2021, and their efforts to plant the canes in 2022,

which has culminated in the opportunity to now harvest better quality canes in 2023 and produce more sugar.

According to the CEO, workers at all the sugar estates and the Demerara Sugar Terminal have made a difference in the objective of the corporation in surpassing the 60,000 MT benchmark for 2023.

The Albion/Port Mourant Estate is slated to produce 47 per cent of the expected sugar production in this second crop to meet the annual target.

Final adjustments are being made to the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, as it will

be making a comeback by mid-September to recommence sugar production.

The Government’s efforts to reopen the Rose Hall Estate saw a whopping $1.1 billion being expended this year to have the facility up and running. A summary of the major works included both civil and structural interventions – including rehabilitation of the cane gantry, pre-milling, milling, boiler and process house roofing.

There was also the replacement of a vacuum pan, condenser structures, a chimney, and servicing of all equipment. (G3)

…as Guyana seeks help from Guatemala, India to manage,

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Delegates from the GAWU

Partnerships play role in Guyana’s development – Finance Minister

…as LG Electronics, Guyanese businessman begin joint venture

Guyanese company Wahab Imports Inc has secured an authorised distributorship for LG Electronics and launched its new storefront at Water Street, Georgetown, on Wednesday, promising to provide an elevated level of service to customers.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh noted that forging partnerships, such as the one between the South Korea-based electronics company and Wahab Imports Inc, is a significant component of the comprehensive transformation that Guyana is undergoing.

This transformation, he explained, does not just relate to physical infrastructural changes but also improvements to the “citizen experience” in which Guyanese can expect an advanced level of customer service within institutions as such.

“Not so long ago in Guyana, you had very few manufacturer representatives and authorised distributors, you had very few stores capable of delivering manufacturers’ warranties and manufacturers’ service obligations…you had very few manufacturer representatives offering custom-

ers the same kind of service that they would enjoy in North America or anywhere else in the world,” Singh said.

“A part of this modern Guyana that we’re trying to build up is seeing Guyanese purchasers of goods and services enjoying the same level of customer service, the same level of backup support, the same quality of manufacturers’ warranties, and other assurances provided by manufacturers, as will be available in any other market,” Singh said.

As such, he urged Wahab Imports Inc to provide a high quality of services and affordable prices to its local customers.

With Guyana seeking to construct some seven new internationally branded hotels in the coming years, Singh noted the host of po-

tential LG Electronics customers that can be served.

Singh added that partnerships as such that seek to advance Guyana’s development will continue to be embraced by the Government.

“Every instance that an international brand or company comes to Guyana and partners with a Guyanese company, and through which partner-

ship, Guyanese consumers will get the same worldclass customer service that is available anywhere else in the world – every such instance is an instance that we welcome as a Government,” Singh said.

Meanwhile, LG Electronics President for Latin America, Keepyo Eom echoed the company’s continued support to Guyana.

“We are very grateful

and happy that our brand, LG, has been able to make a contribution to have this store in this country and we will fully support this thought to make big sales,” Eom said.

Signifying his appreciation, Eom distributed a plaque to Wahab Imports Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Dr Aliesha Wahab to commemorate the store’s opening.

Sheep thief jailed for 16 months

AMagistrate on Tuesday sentenced Vikesh Bharrat, 29, to 16 months in jail for stealing three sheep.

Magistrate Esther Sam sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the offence of larceny of cattle and begged the court for leniency. Bharrat, a labourer of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) appeared virtually at the Anna Regina Magistrate's Court The animals worth $180,000 and belonging to Ayube Mohamed, a 49-year-old farmer of

Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, were stolen sometime between May 28 and June 1.

In a separate case, a 27-year-old labourer was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for a similar offence. Jason Gansham Ally, of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, was arraigned on Tuesday for the offence of larceny committed on Bibi Gafooran Salim, 71, of Lima Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast. The incident occurred on July 14 at Salim's home.

Ally appeared virtually from prison at the Anna Regina Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Esther Sam before whom two witnesses were called to testify. At the end of their tes-

timonies, the Magistrate found Ally guilty and imposed the custodial sentence.

Jailed: Jason Gansham Ally

Jailed: Vikesh Bharrat

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

Judge throws out former GPL Director’s defamation case against Guyana Times

AHigh Court Judge on Tuesday dismissed Kirk Hollingsworth’s lawsuit against the Guyana Times and its Editor-in-Chief Tusika Martin, in which the former Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Director said the newspaper defamed him by publishing that he corruptly obtained 3000 acres of prime land.

Hollingsworth, in his Statement of Claim, argued that on November 11, 2019, Guyana Times published an article titled “Over 3000 acres of prime land allocated to GPL Director”, which caused reasonable readers to conclude that the award of the land was part of a corrupt and clandestine transaction to enrich him with assets of the State of Guyana.

He contended, among other things, that the publications were calculated to lower his reputation in the estimation of right-thinking persons in society, render him the subject of disapproval and re-

jection by Guyanese, and negatively affect his credibility, character, and reputation.

Consequently, Hollingsworth, through Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde sued the newspapers, claiming inter alia damages for libel and injunctive reliefs.

As such, Guyana Times Attorney Devindra Kissoon filed a Notice of Application to strike out the claim on the

basis that there were no reasonable grounds for bringing it; the contents of the article published by the media outlet were absolutely privileged; and the contents of the article were not defamatory/libelous of Hollingsworth.

Kissoon argued that the newspaper’s statements were privileged as it did no more than publish a fair and accurate report of the notice published in the Official Gazette. Moreover, he said the publication was not actuated by malice as it was published honestly and innocently.

Presiding Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ruled that the article did not constitute defamation.

In her written judgement, she said the Declaration of Title for the land was erroneously reported in the Official Gazette. “There is no contention on the part of [Hollingsworth] that the Applicants [Guyana Times and Martin] were aware that the notice published in the

Gazette was inaccurate.”

“In fact, Section 7(b) of the Official Gazette Act allowed the Applicants without more to treat the notice published in the Gazette as prima facie evidence of the matters and things contained in the notification/ publication,” Justice Sewnarine-Beharry held.

“The words/statements published by the Guyana Times which were premised

on the publication in the Official Gazette, could not in the circumstances be anything other than a fair and accurate report protected by Sections 13 and 14 of the Defamation Act and are absolutely privileged.”

In the circumstances, the Judge ruled that the article was not defamatory to Hollingsworth.

Assuming that the or-

dinary reasonable reader would have concluded that Hollingsworth acquired the land, that the acquisition of the land was an award, and that the acquisition of the land was a result of an application he made, the Judge said she did not believe that the ordinary reasonable reader would have concluded that the award of the land was corrupt and clandestine since there was nothing in the article to suggest such.

In light of her findings, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry said Hollingsworth’s claim “does not appear to set out sufficient details to inform the Applicants of the case they were required to meet.”

Given the foregoing, she said Guyana Times’ submission that he has no reasonable grounds for bringing the claim is meritorious. In the circumstances, the claim was struck and costs were awarded to the two applicants jointly in the sum of $200,000.

91% of inspected businesses non-compliant with Consumer Affairs Act

Inspections carried out at 416 business establishments for the first half of 2023 found that an alarming 91 per cent were non-compliant with the Consumer Affairs Act.

From its mid-year report, the Competition

and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) inspected businesses across eight administrative regions between January and June. Only nine per cent were in conformance with the CAA.

The highest number of

inspections were conducted in February – showing only four per cent compliance while 96 of the establishments were in breach.

“The number of non-compliant businesses exceeded the number of compliant businesses in each and ev-

ery region. The CCAC will continue to sensitise businesses in the hope that it will reduce this high level of non-conformance among suppliers,” the report added.

Upon reinspection of 346 businesses, 27 became compliant while 73 remained non-compliant. A total of 120 compliance certificates have been issued for the first six months of 2023, while 128 complaints were sent to non-compliant en-

tities – a majority of 86 for Region Four.

In keeping with its constitutionally mandated responsibility of pursuing and ensuring that consumer rights are maintained, the Commission will be seeking a larger budget in 2024 to expand its operations.

Acting Director of the CCAC, Anil Sukhdeo explained during an interview with this publication on Tuesday that expanding the scope of its work would come

at a greater price. With just a few months away from the next national budget, the Commission will be asking for increased sums.

He zeroed in, “Currently, we would like to expand what we have. We’re looking at our 2024 budget at the moment and we can’t with our current resources. We’re asking for a larger budget in 2024 so that it is possible that we can have another sub-office established.”

The CCAC Office at the Sophia Exhibition Center

Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry Attorney for Guyana Times, Devindra Kissoon

Former GPL Director Kirk Hollingsworth

Firefighters’ quick response challenged by unresponsive drivers – Gregory Wickham …says with new

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is making significant strides towards meeting international firefighting standards, with Fire Chief Gregory Wickham at the forefront of these efforts.

Wickham, in an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, shared his optimism about the Service's progress, citing new equipment and rigorous training as key factors in raising their operational capabilities.

“We are doing lots of training [internal]. We are also seeking to have training done at an international level with many of our neighbouring countries, regional and international, even in England to give us that international status and to bring us [firefighters] up to the level that we will be compatible or to match our associates across the Caribbean and even on the wide world,” he said.

The Fire Chief added that the GFS is now receiving state-of-the-art firefighting apparatus. These tools include advanced fire trucks, and specialised rescue equipment, all of which contribute to quicker response times and improved incident management.

Wickham also emphasised Guyana's proximity to

its Caribbean counterparts in terms of firefighting capabilities.

“When it comes to compatibility with our regional and international colleagues, we are not too far away from them. This has been practically seen through courses that we would have done when we would have visited these nations. However, there is still work for us to do. There is always room for development.”

He said one of the GFS's main challenges lies in reaching remote areas due to the country's diverse and challenging terrain.

Additionally, Chief Wickham expressed concerns about drivers failing to adhere to flashing lights

and sirens on the roads, hindering speedy response to emergencies.

“There are always going to be challenges, but some of the issues that have really become challenging for us have to do with our response. Many times, when we respond with the sound of the martial horns, the sirens, the tooting of the horns, and the flashing lights, many drivers on the road do not respond positively to that, and some who respond, do not respond in a timely manner…”, he explained

“Many times, we had to stop to allow people or drivers to clear the path so that we can get to the persons who might be in distress…”.

In light of their com-

Duo nabbed attempting to smuggle ganja into prison

mitment to progress, the GFS is also gearing up for a significant move. The organisation is transitioning to new headquarters at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, which will provide a modern and expansive space to accommodate its operations.

The new facility is par-

tially occupied at present, with plans to fully transition in the coming months. This move is expected to bolster the GFS's coordination, training, and overall operational capabilities.

In November 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs awarded a $614 million contract to Mohammed’s

Enterprise, for the construction of the new head office of the fire service.

The GFS headquarters is currently situated in the congested Stabroek Market area; this has proven to be a major concern for firefighters who continue to be hampered by the heavy traffic in that area. (G9)

Omai to update resource estimate for Wenot

pit next month

– CEO

…after multiple finds, promising drilling results

The

Aman and a woman were taken into custody after some 249 grams of cannabis, intended to be delivered to two inmates in one of the country’s correctional facilities, was found in their possession.

The duo was arrested on separate occasions, with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service taking action on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The individuals had visited the correctional facility to provide items for two different inmates.

On Monday at about 10:52h, the female arrived

at the Prison Headquarters. During a search of her bag, which contained toothpaste, several plastic packets containing suspected cannabis leaves, seeds, and stems were unearthed.

As a result, she was detained. The total weight of the cannabis parcels was 22 grams.

On the following Tuesday at about 12:50h, the man underwent a routine search upon arriving at the Prison Headquarters.

During the search, cannabis seeds, leaves, and stems were located within two pairs of flip-flops. He

was subsequently taken into custody. The total weight of the cannabis parcels was 227 grams.

Meanwhile, Nicklon Elliot, the Director of Prisons, has emphasised that smuggling contraband into a correctional facility is a serious felony with severe consequences.

The Director called upon both Prison Officers and civilians to recognise the significant risks they expose themselves, society, and inmates to by engaging in contraband trade within the confines of the penitentiary.

Canadian company Omai Goldmines Corporation, plans to update its resource estimate next month after months of positive signs and drilling results from its mining pit at Wenot, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This was announced in a statement from Omai Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, Elaine Ellingham, while the company announced that for the year, 14 holes have been completed and that hole 230DD-065 encountered gold at a depth of 140 metres. In fact, gold was identified at 22 locations within the core.

"The current drilling of the Wenot target area remains focused on: 1) testing some of the undrilled gaps within the Wenot deposit model to increase the resource, 2) expanding the western "starter pit" area, and 3) providing evidence of the vast open potential at depth for the Wenot deposit," Ellingham detailed.

"These new results and recent results with wide and good grade zones are expected to positively impact the resources as we move forward to an updated mineral resource estimate expected in late September.

According to the Omai executive, a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) will be prepared immediately after the estimate. She also provided further details on their latest drilling, including the work done on hole 23ODD-065. Ellingham revealed that the hole intersects two gold zones.

"The gold zones within hole 23ODD-065 are at the northern flank of the

Wenot deposit and at a relatively shallow depth. Such wide, high-grade and shallow zones will be important for a future open pit operation. Unfortunately, this hole was lost before it reached the central shear, where additional gold zones would have been expected," Ellingham detailed in the release.

Meanwhile, the company explained that even though the hole was terminated before it could go further, there will be further exploration. According to Omai, they are considering how best to proceed with hole 23ODD-065.

"The Company believes these gold zones within the metasediments are more continuous along the length of the Wenot deposit, however large areas have not yet been drilled (figure 3). The early termination of hole 23ODD-065 resulted in the gold zones within the metasediments not being tested by this hole."

"The Company is assessing how best to explore these potentially significant zones. Hole 23ODD065 ended prematurely when the drill rods became wedged," the company also explained.

Meanwhile, Omai plans to drill an additional three to four holes during the current drill programme, before it updates its mineral resource estimate in September.

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

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

Prior to that, the company had filed a technical report with SEDAR, which supports the 16.7 million tonnes of indicated gold and 19.5 million tonnes of inferred gold it had announced the Wenot deposit held.

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

In January 2022, Omai Gold Mines had announced the discovery of significant gold values during initial trenching and drilling on the Broccoli Hill target at its Region Seven holdings. The company had disclosed that trenching exposed a quartzrich shear zone with samples assaying 29.3 g/t Au, 7.8 g/t Au, 5.0 g/t Au and 2.2 g/t Au along a 40-metre strike.

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

Omai Gold Mines, which returned to the Wenot and Fennell pits in 2020 after leaving Guyana in 2015, had announced in December 2020 that it would be pressing forward with a 5000-metre drilling programme. (G3)

drugs that were found in the duo’s possession

equipment, more training, GFS aims to meet int’l standards

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham

Omai Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, Elaine Ellingham

Treat indigenous persons with respect – DPP to cops

…ranks in Baramita partake in gender, cultural sensitivity training

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in collaboration with the Justice Education Society (JES) hosted a four-day training session on general and cultural sensitivity with ranks at the Baramita Police Station, Region One (Barima-Waini) earlier this month.

In her opening remarks, DPP Shalimar AliHack, SC, urged the Police ranks to always respect the Indigenous community they serve, reminding them that Guyana’s first people, like all other Guyanese, have rights under the supreme law, the Constitution of Guyana.

She implored the Police ranks that whenever complainants approach them to make reports of crimes involving trafficking in persons, sexual offences, domestic violence, consumption

of alcohol by underage children and young teenagers, and the smoking of marijuana, “You must always treat them with respect, they are like any other Guyanese who have rights…”

The DPP explained the law governing indictable matters such as murder, rape, and other sexual offences as well as lesser offences like larceny, assault,

and disorderly behaviour.

During her introductory remarks, JES Country Representative, Lisa Thompson echoed similar sentiments to those of the DPP when she told the participants they are the first persons to interact with the residents when something happens.

“You are the first people they come to when they need

help.”

The training was aimed at delivering greater equality in access to justice for women and girls and empowering lndigenous women and girls to be less vulnerable to violence, in particular sexual and gender-based violence, sexual violence, homicides, and gender-based assaults.

Several ranks of the

Baramita Police Station were in attendance.

The DPP suggested that the Toshao, Onika Melbourne, in collaboration with the Police and Village Council meet with the parents along with social workers to confront the selling of alcohol to children. lt was reported at the meeting that children are seen consuming High Wine regularly.

After the meeting, the

up a task force that would comprise individuals from the various Government and non-government entities to work along with residents on their complaints. Among the residents who turned out to meet with the DPP were the Toshao, who interpreted the English language to the Carib dialect spoken by the residents and Medex Holly Edghilo, who has served the community

DPP recommended and agreed with Assistant Superintendent of Police James Tappin’s suggestion for the Village Council to set

for over a decade. The DPP’s team included Assistant DPP Dionne McCammon and Communications Officer Liz Rahaman. (G1)

91% of inspected businesses non-compliant with...

The CCAC operates out of two locations: one at the Sophia Exhibition Complex in Georgetown and Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The Director hinted at considerations for another sub-office, earmarked for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

“We’d love to expand. We currently have two offices: in Linden and Georgetown. We’re looking to expand in Region Six. That’s where we have our eye on at the moment. It would be great if we can have a suboffice in all of the regions.”

The CCAC was established in 2011, to enforce consumer rights and ensure competition within markets under the Consumer Affairs Act and the Competition and Fair-Trade Act. Its functions include investigating complaints by agencies and consumers and determining if there has been a contravention of the Competition and FairTrading Act of 2006 and the CAA; taking prescribed actions should there be a con-

FROM PAGE 12►

travention of the law and eliminating anti-competitive agreements.

The functions of the CCAC include investigating complaints by agencies and consumers; taking prescribed actions should there be contravention of the law; eliminating anti-competitive agreements; to provide information to consumers on their rights and to enable them to make informed choices; instituting and supporting proceedings before a Court of Law, including to bring prosecutions where the Commission deems fit among others.

It is also responsible for providing information to consumers on their rights and enabling them to make informed choices; advising the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce on matters as it relates to the CFTA and the CAA.

The objective of the Consumer Affairs Act is to promote and protect consumer interests in relation to the supply of goods and services. (G12)

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, addressing residents of Baramita

The DPP and other officials interacting with participants during the training session

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, with a resident of Baramita

GGMC to introduce digital database to advance operations

The mining sector in Guyana is modernising with the help of digital technology, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will use digital storage to advance its operations.

This was disclosed by GGMC’s Commissioner, Newell Dennison, at a recent awards ceremony.

“The GGMC has accepted that IT and other forms of technology must be our aid and we have been examining process flows to improve efficiencies, linking databases and pursuing continuous capture of data in the digital formats,” he noted.

Commissioner Dennison said once the data is properly structured, it will become a treasure trove for the mining sector, adding that with the continued production in large-scale mining in gold, diamond and bauxite, the sector is well positioned for transformation.

The GGMC Head also said the mining industry has done extremely well, especially with support from the Government and collaboration with the private sector.

“So far, what I have observed is a healthy and strategic alliance forged, all with the underpinning objective of bringing growth, development and wealth to this ever-evolving country,” Dennison posited.

In addition, Commissioner Dennison said the consortium involved in the construction of the artificial island at the mouth of the Demerara River should not go unnoticed since it is a first for the mining sector and the country.

Partnering to advance mining

Meanwhile, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the Government in order to fur-

ther enhance the mining sector.

The Association’s President, Andron Alphonso, shared this position during Monday’s ceremony.

“Guyana is moving ahead rapidly and we must innovate or we will be left behind.

This is why we are keen to work with the Government to continue to explore novel

approaches for our sector,” Alphonso expressed.

While noting that Government support is imperative, Alphonso commended the Administration for its current efforts in transforming the sector.

“Guyanese miners must become large-scale miners. We must answer the call of the Government to work to-

gether in greater partnership to develop the industry domestically, and to ensure that we can develop similar capabilities as our large foreign counterparts,” he stressed.

The GGMC and Ministry of Natural Recourses were also recognised for funding the cost associated with the acquisition of the riverine

mineral recovery system as well the assistance provided to the technical service unit of the GGDMA. Government, since August 2020, implemented several measures aimed at bringing relief to miners and advancing the sector, in keeping with its manifesto commitments.

In May 2022, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo met with the GGDMA at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, following which the Government announced several measures.

These included the reduction of final tax from a maximum of 3.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent which resulted in an estimated $1.4 billion being returned to the mining industry, and the removal of the 10 per cent Tributors Tax that benefitted thousands of workers in the industry with $300 million returned to those who were paying this tax.

GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison

GGDMA President Andron Alphonso

700 teens register for Youth Camp, to benefit from key life skills

Some 700 young people countrywide have applied to gain key self-development skills within the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s first-ofits-kind Women Innovative and Investment Network (WIIN) Youth Camp.

Open to youths aged 16 to 19, this programme aims to reflect the Administration’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the modern world by empowering the younger generation with the requisite skills needed to address Guyana’s rapid transformation.

Through Coursera, a United States (US)-based online course provider, participants will take classes on Graphic Design,

Project Management, Entrepreneurship, and Social Media Marketing.

The Ministry seeks to transcend geographical boundaries through this collaboration with Coursera by giving youths across Guyana the opportunity to easily access world-class education, for free.

Participating youths, however, are required to have internet access, a device and an email address.

Classes commence on Monday and will take a maximum of 30 days to complete.

This Youth Camp is a one-off extension of the WIIN programme which, since its inception in 2021, serves to provide women across the country with the

training and tools to allow them to attain financial independence and security.

Over 6000 women have thus far engaged in WIIN training courses such as Home Management, Project Management, Social Media Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Child Care, Care for the Elderly, Garment Construction, and Graphic Design.

The Ministry hopes to train a further 6000 this year. Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud had told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the WIIN programme is a cornerstone of impactful and meaningful change, touching the lives of thousands of

Local bitumen, concrete company receives “Made in Guyana” certification

women.

“It gives them an opportunity not only for self-development but to have in hand a certificate that is of worth, that can help them if they are deciding to get into the world of work or to use it in their journey in academia,” Persaud had said to DPI.

Currently, some 650 women from La Parfaite Harmonie, Pouderoyen, Vreed-en-Hoop, Crane, and Leonora, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) are receiving training through this programme.

They are joined by another 550 women in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), and another 200 women hailing from Lethem, Annai, and Karasabai in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Reg 2 residents training to become licensed mechanics

The Guyana

National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Wednesday issued the “Made in Guyana” mark to DCSN Manufacturing Inc to elevate the company’s recognition on the national, regional and international scales.

DCSN Manufacturing Inc received this certification for its Pre-stressed Concrete Elements, Cationic Rapid Setting Bitumen Emulsion CRS – 2 and RC – 250 Rapid Curing Cutback Bitumen.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, during the brief ceremony, commended the company for remaining competitive as the demand for construction materials has increased with Guyana undergoing rapid development.

With this certification being issued one day before the opening of the International Building Expo 2023, Croal emphasised the importance of building brand awareness.

A subsidiary of S Jagmohan Construction and

General Supplies Inc, DCSN Manufacturing Inc specialises in the manufacturing and supply of high-quality asphalt concrete and bituminous material.

Most notably, the company is currently constructing a $237 million concrete batching plant at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), to produce pre-stressed concrete piles, slabs, pre-stressed utility poles, ready-mix concrete and hollow blocks/pavers.

DCSN Manufacturing Inc joins seven other businesses in the construction sector to be certified under the GNBS’ “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark Programme.

This programme aims to provide recognition to Guyanese-manufactured products across local and international markets.

It focuses on creating competitiveness for authentic Guyanese products certified under the programme, while maintaining a framework for the development of quality systems within local

content.

This certification is valid for one year and the company can expect to undergo a surveillance audit by GNBS officers to ensure they maintain the quality for which they earned the mark.

This is in keeping with the GNBS Act of 1984 which authorises the Bureau to use its “Made in Guyana” mark on products with set criteria that are in compliance with the terms and conditions of the programme.

GNBS Head of Marketing, Syeid Ibrahim handed over the certificate on Wednesday to DCSN Manufacturing Inc Managing Director, Chaitanya Jagmohan and S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc owner, Suresh Jagmohan.

Also present at the ceremony were Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) President Rafeek Khan, Executive Director Nizam Hassan, and GNBS Technical Officer Orlando Sturge.

In the coming months, residents of Westburg and Dartmouth in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) will be fully equipped with the technical skills and knowledge to become licensed mechanics.

The Labour Ministry’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in collaboration with Evergreen Paradise Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on Monday launched a four-month Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repairs training curriculum to provide key skills to the participating residents.

The participants received their first toolset during this launch ceremony, thereby allowing them to begin training as soon as possible.

In attendance at the ceremony were Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and BIT Regional Technical Officer Mohammed Shaheed, among a number of other officials.

During this Region Two visit, Hamilton has been

meeting with participants of several other BIT-led training programmes, including the 33 trainees who’ve been seeking an education within the Electrical Installation and Joinery programmes at the 8th of May Secondary School.

Within this batch, 18 trainees are receiving training in Electrical Installation, while the remaining 15 are being trained in Joinery.

Meanwhile, trainees from the communities of Johanna Cecilia and Charity are pursuing training in Welding and Fabrication, Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repairs, and Electrical Installation.

The Labour Ministry has been working aggressively to upskill Guyanese across the country to make them more desirable within the job market, as well as engage in key investments to expand the available training opportunities.

As such, earlier this month, the Ministry signed

a $23.7 million contract for the rehabilitation of a BIT learning resource centre at Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) that is slated for completion by December.

Meanwhile, training is scheduled to commence in the new facility next year, facilitating welding programmes at the highest level and ensuring all skilled tradesmen are correctly retrained and officially certified.

Plans are also underway to renovate several training facilities across the country, including Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Lethem and Annai in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Furthermore, recognising the challenges many job seekers have in excelling at job interviews, the Ministry’s Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) has been providing training to unemployed persons to ensure they are work-ready.

Human Services Ministry announces 700 registered youths for WIIN Youth Camp

DCSN Manufacturing Inc Director Chaitanya Jagmohan and S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc owner Suresh Jagmohan received the “Made in Guyana” mark from GNBS Head of Marketing, Syeid Ibrahim

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton alongside Westburg and Dartmouth residents gaining skills to become licensed mechanics

Around The World

Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon's south pole

Oil edges down as demand woes outweigh big draw in crude stocks

Oil prices dipped 1% on Wednesday as demand woes stemming from a build in US gasoline stocks and weak manufacturing data globally outweighed optimism around a larger-than-expected drop in US crude stocks.

Brent crude was down 82 cents, or 0.98%, at US$83.21 a barrel, bouncing off a 2.5% decline earlier in the session. US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 75 cents, or 0.9%, at US$78.89. At the session low it was down 3.4%.

US gasoline stocks climbed 1.5 million barrels last week, compared with analysts’ estimates for a 888,000 barrel drop.

Meanwhile, US crude inventories fell by 6.1 million barrels in the week to Aug 18, the Energy Information Administration said, helped by strong refining activity and high levels of exports. Analysts had expected a 2.8 million-barrel drop.

"The EIA data was a mixed bag," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital.

While refiners continue to run at a high rate and snap up oil inventories, fuel demand hasn't been very strong due to tough economic conditions, Kilduff added.

Manufacturing data from a host of purchasing managers' index (PMI) surveys painted a grim picture of the health of economies across the globe.

Japan reported shrinking factory activity for a third straight month in August. Euro zone business activity also declined more than expected, particularly in Germany. Britain's economy looked looks set to shrink in the current quarter, in danger of falling into recession.

US business activity approached the stagnation point in August, with growth at its weakest since February.

Markets are also looking for hints on the outlook for interest rates when Federal Reserve officials and policymakers from the European Central Bank (ECB), the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Thursday.

Talk has shifted to keeping interest rates around where they are now - but for longer than perhaps previously estimatedrather than raising them further.

On the supply side, Iran's crude oil output will reach 3.4 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of September, the country's Oil Minister was quoted as saying by state media, even though US sanctions remain in place.

Saudi Arabia will likely roll over a voluntary oil cut of 1 million barrels per day for a third consecutive month into October, five analysts said, amid uncertainty about supplies and as the kingdom targets drawing down global inventories further. (Reuters)

Venezuela could receive sanctions relief if it restores democracy – White House

The Biden administration is prepared to provide Venezuela sanctions relief if the country moves to restore democracy, including free elections next year, the White House said on Wednesday.

"Should Venezuela take concrete actions toward restoring democracy, leading to free and fair elections, we are prepared to provide corresponding sanctions relief," a spokesperson for the White House's National Security Council said.

The Administration has been working for years to bring President Nicolas Maduro and the Opposition to talks on fair elections. Maduro was re-elected in 2018, a vote

India has made history as its Moon mission becomes the first to land in the lunar south pole region.

With this, India joins an elite club of countries to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China.

The Vikram lander from Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down as planned at 18:04 local time (12:34 GMT).

Celebrations have broken out across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying "India is now on the Moon".

"We have reached where no other country could. It's a joyous occasion," he add-

ed. Modi was watching the event live from South Africa where he is attending the BRICS summit.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief Sreedhara Panicker Somanath said the successful landing "is not our work alone, this is the work of a generation of ISRO scientists".

India's achievement comes just days after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft spun out of control and crashed into the Moon.

The crash also put the spotlight on how difficult it is to land in the south pole region where the surface is "very uneven" and "full of craters and boulders".

India's second lunar mission, which also attempted to soft-land there in 2019, was unsuccessful - its lander and rover were destroyed, though its orbiter survived.

In a few hours - scientists say once the dust has

settled - the six-wheeled rover will crawl out of the lander's belly and roam around the rocks and craters on the Moon's surface, gathering crucial data and images to be sent to Earth. (Excerpt from BBC News)

UK carries out 1st-ever womb transplant, as sister donates uterus

The United Kingdom has made medical history with doctors carrying out the country’s first womb transplant.

Surgeons at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford successfully transplanted a sister’s womb to her 34-year-old sibling in an operation that lasted nine hours and 20 minutes on Sunday, according to local media reports.

The operation to remove the donor’s womb lasted more than eight hours.

“It was incredible. I think it was probably the most stressful week in my surgical career but also unbelievably positive,” Richard

Smith, the lead surgeon for the operation, told the UK’s Press Association.

The recipient of the womb, also called a uterus, was diagnosed with MayerRokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH), a rare condition that impacts women’s reproductive systems.

In order to conceive, she stored her embryos with the goal of undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments later this year.

But her sister, 40, was willing to donate her uterus after giving birth to her own two children, facilitating a womb transplant procedure.

Isabel Quiroga, the other

Franklin makes landfall, brings heavy rain to Dominican Republic and Haiti

Tropical Storm Franklin has made landfall on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, dumping heavy rains on the Caribbean nation and its neighbour on the island of Hispaniola, Haiti.

which the US and other countries have considered a sham.

Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, reaffirmed on Aug 10 that Washington was willing to alleviate sanctions in Venezuela should it take steps toward fair elections.

The US imposed tough sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector in 2019 and the Biden Administration has taken an initial step to ease them. In November, the Administration granted a licence to Chevron to export oil to the US.

Venezuela has not yet taken the necessary steps toward democracy for corresponding sanctions relief, the NSC spokesperson said. (Reuters)

Franklin was expected to swirl above the island for most of Wednesday, with forecasters warning the storm could dump up to 250mm (10 inches) of rain, with a maximum of 380mm (15 inches) for the central region of Hispaniola.

The storm has raised concerns that deadly landslides and heavy flooding could be triggered in both countries.

The US National Hurricane Center said in an advisory on Wednesday morning that Franklin was moving northwards and was expected to cross Hispaniola throughout the day before emerging over the southwest Atlantic Ocean.

In the Caribbean, officials were most concerned about the impact in Haiti, which is vulnerable to catastrophic flooding given the country’s

severe erosion. The Haitian civil protection agency warned on Wednesday morning that the storm was expected to bring strong winds and rain to several regions across the nation.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry urged Haitians a day earlier to stock up on water, food and medication as authorities checked on some of the more than 200,000 people displaced by gang violence, with some living on the street or in makeshift shelters.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Some recalled how a powerful thunderstorm that unleashed heavy rains one day in June killed more than 40 people across Haiti.

“This is not an unfamiliar reality for people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Yet, Haitians have still not caught their breath from the impact of recent flooding just two months ago,” Adib Fletcher, senior regional director for Latin America at the humanitarian group Project HOPE.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

lead surgeon involved in the operation, said that the recipient’s “womb was functioning perfectly”.

The transplant is expected to last for a maximum of five years before the womb is removed and during this period, the recipient will have to take immunosuppressant drugs to ensure she does not reject the implant, according to the Press Association report.

Bottom of Form Smith said that the

woman can now get pregnant.

“Hopefully that embryo will take, and hopefully nine months later she’ll [have a] Caesarean section,” he said.

“Once she’s had a Caesarean section, she does have a choice – six months later – of a complete hysterectomy or to go and have another baby,” he added.

Womb transplants have previously been carried out in countries including the United States and Sweden. (Excerpt from A l Jazeera)

Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead after Russian plane crash

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of a jet which crashed killing all on board, Russia's civil aviation authority has said.

Earlier, Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported that the private plane, which belonged to the 62-year-old, was shot down by air defences.

Grey Zone posted later on Wednesday that Prigozhin died "as a result of actions of traitors of Russia".

Prigozhin led a failed mutiny against the Russian armed forces in June.

The crash comes on the same day that senior Russian General Sergei Surovikin was reportedly sacked as air force chief.

Gen Surovikin was known to have good relations with Prigozhin and had not been seen in public since the mutiny.

The aircraft was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg, with seven passengers and three crew.

It is said to have come

down near the village of Kuzhenkino in Tver region, about half-way between Moscow and St Petersburg.

Tass news agency said the plane, an Embraer Legacy belonging to Prigozhin, caught fire on hitting the ground.

The aircraft had been in the air for less than half an hour, it added.

Senior Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin was also on the passenger list, aviation officials said.

An investigation has been launched into the crash and emergency services are searching the scene.

Another news agency, Ria, said eight bodies had been recovered.

Grey Zone reported that a second business jet owned by Prigozhin landed safely in the Moscow region.

The mercenary boss founded Wagner in 2014, and it now has about 25,000 fighters.

The group has been active in Ukraine, Syria and west Africa, and has gained a reputation for brutality. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The live simulation of the landing was shown on big screens across India

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Soothe your soul, rid yourself of stress and do whatever it takes to achieve inner peace. Refuse to let others interfere or cause you to second-guess yourself. Trust your judgment.

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Situations will not be tough to decipher. Use your intelligence, intuition and experience to help you decide whom you can trust. Words mean nothing if someone doesn’t honor their promises.

Fix up your place, add to your comfort and spend time with a loved one. Don’t listen to hearsay or gossip. Pay more attention to what and who make you happy.

Call on people you know you can count on, and you’ll get the support you need to reach your goal. A joint venture will make your plans more accessible and cost-efficient.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Pay attention. Don’t make snap decisions regarding money matters or joint ventures. Putting your best foot forward will show others you are a leader, not a follower. Adopt a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Take a step back and observe. What you discover will change how you move forward. Substantiate information you receive before using it or passing it along.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Use your power of persuasion, and you’ll get all the help you need. Use your intelligence to lessen costs and make appropriate adjustments to ensure success. Pay attention.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

A proposal will entice you. Get the lowdown before you get involved in something likely to waste your time and cause problems. A reasonable balance between work and play will help keep the peace.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Get the facts, deal with controversy and keep moving forward. Don’t hang on to what’s no longer relevant or people who hold you back. Make personal gain your goal.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Make a move. You have what it takes to reach your goal; don’t dawdle or hesitate. Trust and believe in yourself and forge ahead without trepidation. Don’t let insecurity get in your way.

Nurturing meaningful relationships will lead to unexpected benefits. Use your imagination, but don’t get carried away with ideas that aren’t feasible.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Look at the cost involved before you take on something. Consider teaming up with someone who has just as much to contribute as you. Research and education will be key.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

New boxing officials trained in ‘remarkable’ seminar

Close to two dozen boxing referee/judge assessors have, over the weekend, successfully completed their introductory knowledge or upgraded their knowledge of the sport through a training seminar facilitated by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA).

The training was conducted by the Caribbean’s only three-star referee/judge, James Beckles of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, who, upon the distribution of certificates to participants, deemed the programme remarkable.

“Well, it’s been remarkable, because normally I would come here for a longer period, but I only had like three days to work with these guys, brand new officials. The good thing about it is that they came in fresh, they had no baggage, nothing. They were fresh faces, fresh way of thinking and everything,” Beckles related.

Beckles further shared, “So you guys have seen the products of that, you have seen some in the ring; but most of all, you have seen the scoring, and I don’t know if you have seen a difference in the scoring, but there were no complaints here in the tournament thus far, and the majority of the officials we were using were the brand- new officials.”

Quizzed about the potential he saw in the week-long programme, Beckles noted

that Guyana has a good new crop of officials. He singled out 12- year-old Jumaine Moore, who was the youngest of the set in the training seminar.

About the group of new Referee/Judges, Beckles said, “The President indicated to me that this was one of his things that he had on his agenda, and he wanted to get it done as quickly as possible. So, we made it come through for him, he has a brand-new crop of officials, and I think (it is) a really good crop.”

Turning his attention to the 12-year-old referee/ judge Jumaine Moore, Beckles highlighted, “If you look at the scoring, he was right up there with everybody else, which might be shocking to some. But, even in the evaluation, he did pretty well, and I think he has a future.”

Beckles went on to share his views on the Caribbean Championships hosted over the weekend, highlighting that Guyana and Trinidad

Ramnarine gets bronze at CAREBACO

At the end of a week of tough competition in the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation Junior tournament (Carebaco International), contested at the National Racquet Centre in Trinidad and Tobago, the 12-member contingent of Guyanese players who rallied under the Golden Arrowhead still had something to celebrate, as promising young racquet wielder Gianna Ramnarine bagged the team’s only medal.

Gianna Ramnarine has secured a bronze medal in the Girls Under-13 Singles.

According to the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), it was a tough outing for the rest of the athletes, as it was their first tournament outside of Guyana. However, they were enthusiastic, and look forward to attending more international tournaments for the exposure, experience, and of course a chance to medal.

With this campaign having concluded on a somewhat successful note, the Guyana Badminton Association has

are far ahead of their counterparts. “It’s getting there, the Caribbean still has a lot of work to do, as you can see from this tournament. What we need (are) more competitions like this. Guyana usually has the most tournaments among Caribbean countries annually. Caribbean countries need this kind of tournament. Countries like Grenada, Dominica and

BCB/RL

some of the other countries, they don’t have boxing at all,” Beckles explained. Further, Beckles had this to say about Guyana and T&T’s superiority at that level, “So this is a won-

derful thing, it enhances the skill of the people around the Caribbean; but you can see from what happen at the tournament (that) Guyana and probably Trinidad and Tobago (are) far advanced from the

Constructing Ltd U15 tournament…

other countries.”

The training seminar began on Wednesday last, and was hosted at the National Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. (Jemima Holmes)

Adrian Hetmyer’s all-round brilliance leads RH Canje Arborsmart to title

In 2018, the Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club (RHCCC) was a struggling entity, but with assistance and cooperation of the proactive Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), the club, under the dynamic leadership of coach Ameer Rahaman, is today on the rise.

Last year, the Rose Hall Canje Arborsmart Under-13 team acquired their first ever junior title when they won the BCB Romario Shepherd Under-13 tournament. They added another trophy to their cupboard on Sunday last when they defeated powerhouse Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team by 79 runs to lift the RL Constructing Ltd title.

Playing before a sizeable group of parents and supporters, the visitors won the toss and elected to bat, even as the match was reduced to forty overs per side due to overnight rain and moisture on the pitch.

The RHCC innings eventually ended at 190 for 6 off their allotted 40 overs.

Needing to score 191 to win another major BCB title, the RHT Farfan and Mendes U-15 team were rocked by the fast bowling of Hetmyer, who claimed the wickets of Munesh Rampersaud (7), Balraj Narine (1), national player Shobik Mohamed (0) and Koomchand Ramnarace (2), to place the home team at 32 for 4 in the ninth over.

said, it wishes to extend special gratitude to the parents who made this trip possible, and to the sponsors: Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP), Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), Devendra Persaud, Jason Stephney, and Coaches Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes, who will now be competing in the Trinidad and Tobago International in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories. That T&T International competition commenced on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

A solid opening partnership of 85 runs between national players Adrian Hetmyer and Richard Ramdehol ensued in 24 overs, before Remdehol was caught off the bowling of offspinner Avinash Sooklall for a well-played 25.

Hetmyer was joined by the attacking Lakram Singh, and this pair contributed a further 70 runs, with Singh scoring 28 before being dismissed. In a highly mature and responsible innings, Hetmyer contributed a brilliant 109 before he was dismissed by Balraj Narine. His tally included eight delightful boundaries and one maximum on the lighting fast outfield.

Leon Reddy scored 11, and Tameshwar Deonandan scored 10 before he was run out in a mix-up. Struggling at 52 for 6, the RHTFM team eventually reach 111 all out in 30 overs.

National Under-13 all-rounder Raffel McKenzie showed his poise with a solid unbeaten 32, while the promising Matthew Perreira, nephew of former national Under-19 Captain Shawn Perriera, supported with 20. Bowling for the champions, Hetmyer claimed 4 wickets for 20 runs while J.

Hemraj took 2 wickets for 21 runs as the RHTFM batsmen were run out.

The winning team took home $60,000 and the Championship Trophy, while

at the standard of play at the Under-15 level, and said the future of Berbice Cricket is in safe hands. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Rondall Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of RL Contracting Ltd, for his sponsorship. BCB President Hilbert Foster was loud in his praise of the outstanding work of the executives of the champions. The success, he stated, was due to sheer hard work and dedication. Foster stated that while disappointed that his club was defeated in the finals, he was delighted that Rose Hall Canje continues to excel on the cricket field.

the runner-up team carried home $40,000 and a trophy.

Hetmyer was awarded with a cash prize and trophy.

Chairman of the BCB Competition Committee, Leslie Solomon, congratulated Rose Hall Canje on being crowned the Berbice Under-15 Champions. He also expressed satisfaction

The BCB, he stated, was seeing positive development from its multi-million- dollar investment in youth cricket, and noted that Rose Hall Canje had benefitted under this vital project. The club has received cricket gear, uniforms, catching crib, practice nets, cricket balls, batting cage, bowling machine, scorebooks, water pitchers, educational materials and grants. Foster urged the youths to remain focused, as the future is very bright.

James Beckles

A look at the new group of Referee/Judges, flanked by James Beckles (L) and GBA President Steve Ninvalle (R)

Gianna Ramnarine captured bronze in the U13 Singles

Man of the final: Adrian Hetmyer

The winning team posing after receiving their prizes

CPL 2023: ‘Royal’ Brandon King leads Tallawahs to victory over Patriots

- Guyana Amazon Warriors

By Brandon Corlette

Jamaica Tallawahs have cruised to their second victory of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (RBL CPL).

A regal innings of 67 from captain Brandon King enabled the Tallawahs to defeat home team St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by eight wickets in match seven, played at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Tallawahs began their chase of 157 in royal fashion, with King playing some classy shots. He struck the first ball for four, and took Sheldon Cottrell to the cleaners in harvesting 27 runs from two overs.

At the other end, new West Indies Test player Kirk McKenzie was graceful in his strokeplay, scoring 23 even as he was troubled by the pace of Oshane Thomas. The opening stand between McKenzie and King yielded 52 runs in 33 balls.

At the end of the powerplay, Tallawahs had scored 54-1. Thomas bowled a sharp first over which took

to

play Patriots today

a wicket and cost only two runs. Shamarh Brooks and King then stabilized the innings. King was seemingly in a hurry, as he scored his fifty in 22 balls, his fastest ever in T20s. The right-

Earlier, Jamaica won the toss and opted to bowl first. On a surface which extracted bounce and was twopaced, Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher added 24 runs for the opening wicket. Lewis

hander slammed four sixes and seven fours in his 67 from 33 balls. He was dropped on the 32nd ball he faced, and Dominic Drakes eventually went through his defence.

King and Brooks added 69 runs for the second wicket, which broke the Patriots’ spirit. Brooks ended unbeaten on 38 as Tallawahs ended victorious on 157-2 in 16.3 overs. Thomas was the pick of the Patriots bowlers with 1-25 from his quota.

was dismissed by the veteran Pakistani Mohmmad Amir for nine, and Fletcher followed shortly.

Salman Irshad, who

Compliments of

hails from Pakistan, rocked the Patriots’ top order, picking up three wickets in one over. He removed Fletcher for 23, then found himself on a hat trick when he sent Corbin Bosch packing for a golden duck. Retired Indian star Ambati Rayudu also failed to trouble the scores, as he departed for a duck. Irshad extracted bounce and pace at Warner Park, and Patriots were in trouble at 47-4 after the powerplay.

Rutherford and Joshua Da Silva then attempted to rebuild the innings, and after 10 overs, Patriots were 72-4. Two balls after the interval, Rutherford slashed a wide Nicholson Gordon delivery into deep backward point and departed for a

promising 16 from 15 balls.

Da Silva played some good shots, as did South African George Linde (14), but Tallawahs’ solid bowling line-up kept chipping away at the resistance with wickets. The West Indies Test keeper Da Silva played some delightful shots, but he failed to get on top of the bowling. He made 36 from 32 balls in an innings that had three fours and two sixes.

Dominic Drakes propped up the Patriots with a late

flourish, scoring an unbeaten 29 to take Patriots to 1569 in their allotted 20 overs.

The right-arm quick Irshad ended with 4-27 in his four overs. He was supported by his fellow Pakistani Amir, who impressed with 3-20 from four overs.

The 2023 CPL continues today, Thursday August 24, with Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on St Kitts and Nevis Patriots from 19:00h local time at Warner Park in St Kitts.

SCOREBOARD

St Kitts And Nevis Patriots (20 ovs maximum)

Andre Fletcher c †Jangoo

b Salman Irshad 23

Evin Lewis (c)c Allen

b Mohammad Amir 9

Joshua Da Silva †c McKenzie

b Salman Irshad 36

Corbin Bosch c Brooks

b Salman Irshad 0

Ambati Rayudu c Imad Wasim

b Salman Irshad 0

Sherfane Rutherford c

Allen b Gordon 16

George Linde c Salman Irshad

b Imad Wasim 14

Dominic Drakes not out 29

Sheldon Cottrell

b Mohammad Amir 11

Blessing Muzarabani c Green

b Mohammad Amir 1

Oshane Thomas not out 0

Extras (lb 8, nb 1, w 8) 17

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.80) 156/9

Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Evin Lewis, 2.4 ov), 2-37 (Andre Fletcher, 4.1 ov), 3-37 (Corbin Bosch, 4.2 ov), 4-37 (Ambati Rayudu, 4.5 ov), 5-73 (Sherfane Rutherford, 10.2 ov), 6-98 (George Linde, 13.5 ov), 7-112

(Joshua Da Silva, 14.5 ov), 8-131

(Sheldon Cottrell, 16.3 ov), 9-148 (Blessing Muzarabani, 18.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammad Amir 4-0-20-3

Chris Green 4-0-37-0

Imad Wasim 4-0-25-1

Salman Irshad 4-0-27-4

Nicholson Gordon 4-0-39-1

Jamaica Tallawahs (T: 157 runs from 20 ovs)

Brandon King (c) b Drakes 67

Kirk McKenzie c Lewis

b Thomas 23

Shamarh Brooks not out 38

Amir Jangoo † not out 17

Extras (lb 3, nb 1, w 8) 12

TOTAL 16.3 Ov (RR: 9.51) 157/2

Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Kirk

McKenzie, 5.3 ov), 2-121 (Brandon King, 12.2 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Sheldon Cottrell 2-0-27-0

Blessing Muzarabani 2.3-0-31-0

Dominic Drakes 4-0-28-1

Oshane Thomas 4-0-25- 1

Corbin Bosch 3-0-31-0

George Linde 1-0-12-0

Salman Irshad claimed 4-27

Jamaica made early inroads

Evin Lewis failed to impact the batting

Fans in St Kitts had good weather and good cricket

Joshua Da Silva top-scored for Patriots with 36

Brandon King looked dangerous again with bat in hand

Drakes propelled Patriots’ lower order