Guyana Times -Thursday, July 13, 2023

Ashton Chase, OE, SC, to be cremated on Friday

New location likely as GPHC to be re-developed into modern, standalone facility

…US$161M contract to be signed for new New Amsterdam Hospital

Ghana considering tax agreement with Guyana – Petroleum Commission CEO

Guyana’s nominal GDP almost triples to

$3.1 trillion in

2 years

…as economy projected to grow at 25% annually over next 3 years

Exxon’s Guyana investments make it largest single Caribbean investor

Page 9

…dominates oil investments in both upstream, downstream

Spanish to become compulsory in schools from September

Local content targets to be updated by legislation – oil coordinator

…says some targets were exceeded by companies since enacting Act

3-day closure of DHB

Guyana heightens monkeypox surveillance system

Mahdia dorm tragedy CoI to be fully constituted by weekend

Remuneration packages Pres Ali to consult directly with teachers

Skeletal remains at Madewini DNA tests confirm remains are those of missing cop

24-hour

security

measures,

water taxis, enhanced

ambulances will be in place

…airlines to be engaged to extend check-in time …as goods, fuel distributors urged to ensure adequate supplies available

Kaburie smash-up leaves security guard dead, teen critical

Spanish to become compulsory in schools from September

…Cabinet members to also take classes

When the new school term begins in September, Spanish will be a mandatory subject from as early as primary school – in a move intended to ensure the future generation of the country is not left behind in a rapidly-changing economy.

Making the announcement on Wednesday was President Dr Irfaan Ali during a press conference, where he explained that Cabinet members would

also be mandated to learn the language.

The Head of State explained that there was enough local capacity to get this initiative started, assuring that over time, that capacity would be increased.

“I’ve been told that we have adequate capability, especially at the secondary level to have this compulsory Spanish taught. We’ve also engaged a lot of bilateral partners to loan us hu-

man resource asset in this period of transition, because I want at least from Grade Four/Grade Five, we start the process,” the President stated.

“Technology also gives us an opportunity to build an online platform through the Learning Channel that we can deliver this training also. I think that we have enough capacity and we’re going to build the capacity I think by September to have this introduced, at least to start from Grade Four/ Five.”

With Guyana surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries and with the influx of Spanish-speaking persons currently operating in the economy, the Head of State emphasised the importance of all Guyanese learning the language.

“One of my greatest regrets now that I have this responsibility for Guyana is that I dropped Spanish in secondary school and being in a continent…where we celebrate being the only English-speaking country, we have to realise too that we’re part of this continent that speaks Spanish. And I

believe we’re gonna do the future young people of this country an injustice if we don’t point them to this direction, because if you want to be competitive internationally, you have to have a second language.

“If you want to land yourself international jobs, if you want to say we’re developing the highly-skilled human resource base, then this becomes necessary.”

President Ali was also encouraging the Private Sector to make the necessary investments to ensure their employees learn Spanish.

He said Government

would also explore the possibility of launching an online platform for any Guyanese who wants to learn Spanish to be able to do so.

“If you go on Regent Street today, you would see that in many stores, they actually have someone who speaks Spanish employed. So, it would come upon us, if we don’t get ahead of the curve and get it done.”

Spanish is the official language of 20 countries and is rated as the world's second-most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese, and the world's fourth-most spoken language overall. (G11)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 13 –01:00h-02:30h and Friday, July 14 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, July 13 –13:35h-14:05h and Friday, July 14 – 14:40h-16:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect light rain showers with instances of thunder at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 13:17h reaching a maximum height of 2.21 metres.

Low Tide: 06:46h and 19:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.89 metre and 1.01 metres.

New location likely as GPHC to be redeveloped into modern, standalone facility

…US$161M contract to be signed for new New Amsterdam Hospital

In what might be the largest-ever health project in the Caribbean, the Guyana Government is working on a plan to re-develop the country’s premier public healthcare institution – the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) – into a modern, standalone facility which could see the new stateof-the-art building being moved to a different location.

Fragmented, inefficient

The GPHC currently occupies an entire block in Georgetown that is bordered by New Market, Lamaha, Thomas and East Streets, with several auxiliary arms situated in close proximity.

The hospital’s oldest section, the Seaman's Ward, was constructed in the 1800s, but over the years, there have been various additions and upgrades, creating a structure that is considered to be fragmented and inefficient.

But with the Government on a mission to develop a world-class healthcare sector, this situation needs to change.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

“Plans are underway to re-develop the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with a new standalone hospital, which is likely to be the biggest-ever health project in Caricom,” President Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday during a press conference.

New location

While no other information on this initiative was provided during the press conference, Guyana Times was reliably informed that authorities were currently developing concepts for the new hospital.

After the conceptual plan is completed, Cabinet will have to make certain decisions.

“Whether to stay on site and build upwards or to go to another site… Government will have to make that decision after technical people put together concepts for the new hospital,” this publication was informed.

Whatever the case, it was noted that the current infrastructural configuration of the GPHC needs to be improved.

“[Currently, there are] different services at different places. Therefore, there isn’t an efficient flow for patients…often we have to move patients from Accidents and Emergency through the compound before we get to a ward because of the fragmented nature of the

campus,” an official close to the initiative disclosed.

“We want to put a single building that houses all the clinical areas with an efficient and effective flow of the services… it will be a new building no matter what…for example, we can build a 10-storey building [at the current site] or whether we want to move site… once the concept designs are done, then the Government/Cabinet will decide.”

Achievements

The GPHC recorded 272,322 patient contacts in 2022. Over the years, the hospital has made significant strides to provide competitive healthcare services.

Cardiac surgeries are now being provided in large numbers with more than 250 interventional treatments for heart disease conducted each

month at the GPHC, with plans afoot to commence regular open-heart surgeries for adults this year.

Paediatric cardiac surgeries are now being regularly offered at the GPHC, with 12 patients so far benefiting this year and with plans to increase this number to more than 40 per year from 2024.

Meanwhile, child mortality has slowly improved and is now the lowest it has ever been in the country’s history at 13 per 1000 births versus 19 per 1000 births in 2020. Maternal mortality has improved to its lowest ever at 96 per 10,000 deliveries versus 170 per 10,000 deliveries in 2017.

New Amsterdam

Meanwhile, a US$161 million contract is to be signed very shortly for the construction of a new hospital in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

It was previously reported that the new facility will be furnished with cutting-edge technology, enabling the provision of critical medical procedures, including open heart, kidney transplant, and pancreatic surgeries, which are currently unavailable at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital.

Construction is expected to begin this year.

New Amsterdam Hospital

Views

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Ecological footprint

There has been much talk about climate change and the devastating impact it is having, and is likely to have, on communities and the world as a whole. However, while governments and policy makers are busy debating the issues at the national and international levels, many believe that enough is not being done in terms of designing and implementing critical projects at the community levels to encourage and sensitise individuals about the need to play their part in mitigating the effects of climate change.

In fact, it could be argued that, on the global level, not many persons are educated about the issue, especially as it relates to the kind of impact climate change has on the environment and on individuals themselves. Citizens still do take the issue for granted, and do not pay much heed to the various messages about the need to change lifestyle patterns and so on.

Scientists have argued that the planet is indeed threatened by lifestyle patterns of individuals, and if persons continue to use resources the way we currently do, the planet’s reserves will be exhausted at an increasingly rapid pace. For many countries, there is still the challenge of getting everyone to not only understand and appreciate the idea of the need to work towards sustainable consumption, but also to take practical steps to move in this direction.

Certainly, governments can set the framework with their policies; set targets, define standards, give incentives to make companies go green. Businesses and industries, together with researchers, can provide the solutions; but, in the end, the consumers have the power of the purse, whether they buy green products or not.

In essence, achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. As stated by UNDP, the efficient management of our shared natural resources, and the way we dispose of toxic wastes and pollutants are important targets to achieve this goal.

Based on statistics, the world’s population is growing rapidly, as more than a billion new people will enter the middle class by 2050. Experts have predicted that if citizens do not change their consumption patterns, the global use of resources will be multiplied by 15, which is considered dangerous for our planet, as it would not be able to satisfy the needs of everyone.

At the individual level, every individual does play a crucial role in defining his/her own consumption pattern, and can, in a way, also contribute to the fight against climate change. For example, we can reduce the level of energy utilized, and the money that is saved on energy could be used instead to develop climate-friendly technologies and appliances.

Official records show that, on a global level, more than 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to household consumption. While it is accepted that it is not an easy task to get persons to change lifestyles and to work towards a climate- friendly environment, the task would be much easier if they are educated about the role they can play and the benefits of their own action.

Here, in Guyana, we still continue to dump garbage carelessly. For example, persons continue to dispose of plastic items in reckless manner resulting in the clogging of drains and trenches, thereby leading to flooding etc. The flooding, over the years, have exposed our vulnerability and should serve as a big wake-up call for us to treat the environment differently.

We believe that there is need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools, religious organisations, among others in every region, start the conversation with citizens about climate change and eco-friendly alternatives.

Dear Editor, President Dr. Irfaan

Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips must be commended by all for their exemplary and committed leadership in respect to the rapid economic growth and development that are currently taking place in almost every village, town and region of the country.

Not only have they invested heavily in modernising the infrastructure, renewing technology, transforming education, updating health care, expanding the agriculture sector, and improving the lives of the people, especially the poor; but, since taking office in 2020, they have travelled to every region of the country to promote their policies and to make sure that everyone is involved in the development process, regardless of race, ethnicity, or party affiliation.

With proper and efficient management of the oil revenue, and with a GDP hovering around 45 percent, Guyana, under the leadership of President Dr. Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, is destined to move its status from being an underdeveloped country to becoming a developing or developed country. Simply put, Guyana will advance from its Third World (Global South) rank to a First World (Global North) country. This is largely due to its huge oil resources; its enormous minerals, such as gold; and its im-

mense agricultural production which, according to President Dr. Ali, could make it the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

In the past, Guyana, as a member of Caricom and the United Nations, was hardly recognized by most of the leaders from the developed countries of North America and Western Europe. For the longest period, these leaders were more familiar with Barbados and Jamaica for a Caribbean vacation on their pristine beaches, and Trinidad and Tobago for its oil, carnival celebration and high-income economy. Today that has changed with the discovery of huge oil reserves in Guyana, and its robust development under the leadership of President Dr. Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips.

Regionally, Guyana is recognized as the leader of the Caribbean, and internationally, it is considered among the top countries in the world. The recent visit by U.S Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maninder Sidhu, is solid proof of the country’s recognition and importance to the developed countries.

Since becoming President, His Excellency has on several occasions accentuated some serious high-level issues -- including poverty, inequality, food insecurity, energy security, and climate change -- to bolster the United

Nations global initiatives to protect the global environment and its eight billion inhabitants. He stressed the interdependence of these issues, and called for the formation of a new global coalition to address them.

The President’s call came at a critical time: as the world faces increasing threats from the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, the loss of biodiversity, food shortages, rising poverty, and worsening energy security.

He also called for the diversification of the economy, fair trade policies, and the transfer of technology from the developed to the underdeveloped countries, as well as the establishment of relations at all levels: economic, political, social, and cultural.

Dr. Ali has stated that food and energy security have become pressing concerns in that, as the world population grows, poverty and starvation increase.

He intoned that, today, more than 800 million people, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa and in some parts in India, are living on less than US$2.00 per day, and some 2.5 million are living in extreme poverty.

He alerted the leaders of the world that, during the past two years, global poverty has increased from 7.4 to 9.6 percent, which is the worst the world has ever seen and, 1 in 3 children will experience stunted growth because they are not getting enough food, or

not getting the vitamins they need in their food. To support his claim, several health experts have asserted that stunted growth also affects cognitive ability, making it more difficult for children to learn and excel in school.

While President Dr. Ali has made it quite clear that the developed nations are responsible for most of the problems mentioned above, he, however, offered an olive branch. He told the world leaders that his government has been leading a massive food security programme in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), with heightened efforts to reduce the region’s US$5 billion food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, and that Guyana is ready to lead in the areas of climate change and energy and food security to alleviate the rise in poverty.

In three years, both Dr. Ali and Brigadier Phillips have taken Guyana to new levels of regional and global recognition and admiration never seen before. Today they have transformed Guyana into a highly respectable country, not only among its Caricom and Latin American neighbours, but also in the international community.

Our leaders are dedicated and devoted to increasing the wellbeing of the people, and to making Guyana a prosperous country.

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose

Works ongoing at the Eccles roundabout which will connect Mandela Avenue to Diamond; the Eccles Industrial Site and the Ogle-toEccles four-lane roads (Office of the President photo)

President Ali, PM Phillips must be commended

Skeletal remains found at Madewini

DNA tests confirm remains are those of missing cop

In a significant development in the three-yearold case of missing Police Constable Quincy Lewis, DNA tests have confirmed that the skeletal remains found in April at Madewini, SoesdykeLinden Highway, are those of the missing constable.

Police Constable Quincy Lewis went missing on June 19, 2020, after having visited his home at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara to uplift a few pieces of clothes with the intention of reporting for duty at the Agricola Police Outpost. His family became aware that he was missing when the owner of the car turned up at their home to collect the car he had borrowed.

The family later learnt that Lewis did not turn up for work, and several calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.

A few days later, ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) surveillance recordings showed that Lewis had crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and had last been seen entering Greenfield Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Months after his disappearance, Lewis’s mobile phone was found in the Timehri, EBD area with the screen cracked.

However, on April 19 of this year, detectives uncovered human skeletal remains believed to be those of Lewis buried in a shallow grave at the Madewini Sandpit area located on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The forensic Pathologist

determined that the remains are those of a male of African ancestry, aged between 21 and 40, with an estimated height ranging from 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches.

The discovery was made after intensive interrogation of two suspects, Shafeek

who admitted that they had known about the disappearance of the constable. The suspects led the detectives to Madewini, where one of them identified the area where the constable’s corpse was buried.

During the interrogation, Police leant that Lewis had been lured to a house at Greenfield, EBD, where he had allegedly been shot dead. The home was later identified as that of a woman with whom he had been having an affair. After allegedly being shot by the woman’s husband, Lewis’s body had been transported to Madewini, where it was buried in a grave that had already been dug.

Following that confession and the discovery of the constable’s skeletal remains, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for Thakurdyal Samaroo and his wife Youseef Zahid. Weeks after, the interna-

Meanwhile, one week after the discovery, Vernom and Jamel were arraigned for the heinous crime, and have both been remanded to prison. They have been charged jointly, along with 56-year-old Samaroo and his wife Youseef in absentia.

The sitting magistrate has also issued arrest warrants for the couple, who are suspected to be living in the US.

cation was challenging without DNA testing, and as such, samples were collected from close relatives of Lewis and sent overseas for testing.

Upon completion of the testing process, the results unequivocally confirmed that the remains are indeed those of Constable Quincy Lewis.

“This hurts…and the other thing is how I learned that the DNA confirmed that it was my son…the Police did call me, but someone saw it on the news and call me to tell me, and then they called me. After they publish it, that is when they called me to tell me that,” she explained.

Vernom, also known as “Profit”, 25, of Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Jamel Van Lewis, 35, of Durban Street, Georgetown,

tional criminal Police organisation INTERPOL issued Red Notices for these two Guyanese who are wanted in connection with the murder of Lewis.

This couple reportedly fled the jurisdiction after paying the two suspects an undisclosed sum of money to kill the Police rank. Due to the state of the remains, positive identifi-

New location likely as GPHC...

Meanwhile, when that new institution comes into operation, the old facility will be repurposed, with a portion to be dedicated to a new Psychiatric Hospital.

Other hospitals

Among Government’s other plans to transform the healthcare sector is the construction of a €149 million Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

The facility, which will be financed by the United Kingdom’s export credit agency – UK Export Finance (UKEF), will be built and equipped in two-years’ time by Austria-based Vamed Engineering.

It will feature 256 beds and will be a referral centre for women and children. It will specialise in maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care with a huge imaging suite for services such as CT scans and MRIs, a modern laboratory, and surgical suites.

Six new regional hospitals are also being con-

structed. They will be located at Anna Regina, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); De Kinderen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Bath, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); Number 75 Village, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and one at Diamond and another at Enmore in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

These hospitals will be constructed by China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation, a Chinese State-owned enterprise commonly referred to as

Sinopharm. It was reported that each hospital will be 65,000 square feet and will be equipped with 75 hospital beds. When completed, patients will no longer have to travel to the GPHC to receive medical care, but can be assured of quality care while in their own region.

Moreover, several hinterland regions will soon benefit from new state-ofthe-art hospitals, financed through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), for which a US$97 million loan was secured by the Guyana Government in December

FROM PAGE 3

2022. They will be located in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini); Kamarang, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo). The funds will also be used to upgrade the Linden Hospital in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

All other existing hinterland hospitals outside of Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Mahdia, Paramakatoi, Annai, and Kwakwani are scheduled for major upgrades between 2024 and 2026 while oxygen plants are being established in all hinterland hospitals.

The Bartica Regional Hospital will also be reconstructed, with works slated to begin before year-end and completed in 2025. Plans are also underway to reconstruct the West Demerara Regional Hospital and to upgrade the hospitals at Suddie, Port Mourant, Mahaicony, and Mibicuri.

After the confirmation on Wednesday, Guyana Times contacted Ms Charlene Jordon, the mother of the dead cop, who seemed traumatised by the news. The woman said she is beyond hurt to know that her son is indeed dead, and was dealt such a cruel death.

“But I have to meet with the Inspector, because I have some questions to ask…”, the woman has said.

The DNA testing has brought closure to a painful chapter of the Lewis family’s search, but they say they are still hoping for justice to be served.

Land preparation works for six new regional hospitals in Guyana has commenced (Housing and Water Ministry photo)

Dead: Constable Quincy Lewis

Wanted: Youseef Zahid and her husband Thakurdyal Samaroo

Detectives on the scene shortly after the discovery of Lewis’s remains

Page Foundation

Solving equations by multiplication and division cont’d

Remember….

In an equation, you need to treat both sides the same way. Whatever you do to one side, you must also do to the other side.

On Tuesday, we learnt how to sketch the sky. Today, we will learn more about weather watching.

Weather watching provides opportunities to practice observation and data recording skills, facilitates real-world interaction with the environment and STEM, and supports your connection to your own communities and the larger world. Weather watching also demonstrates, in a very concrete way, how nature, science, technology, and curiosity/exploration are part of our everyday lives.

Though a Weather Walk is recommended daily, if you have the opportunity, go outside more than once

during the day to observe how the weather changes!

What you’ll need for the daily Weather Walk:

• A place to walk and observe the weather

• notebooks and coloured pencils

• Gear appropriate for the weather — sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, etc (optional)

• Weather instruments and resources like weather apps, websites, or news channels

Watching the weather at home makes it personal. Following the weather from a location someplace else in the world provides contrast and context. Choose a place with a different climate or hemisphere, or pick

someplace rural if you live in an urban environment, and vice versa.

To help keep your weather data consistent, plan for Weather Walk observations to take place every day, at the same time, and in the same location. While suggestions for Weather Walk activities will vary, count on always incorporating these components in each Weather Walk:

• Start with the senses. Write down what you see, feel, hear, touch, and even taste (rain drops or snowflakes).

• Check a thermometer and record the temperature. If you like, measure the temperature in the sunshine and the shade.

If you have made other weather instruments, like a weather vane, barometer, anemometer, hygrometer, and rain gauge, check those, too. Record all data, along with the date and time, in your Weather Journal.

• Check local weather using a favourite weather app or online site, the newspaper, or a local TV or radio station. Note what these resources report and compare it with your daily data collection.

• Use a map to choose a location somewhere else in the world. Think about what you know about this place and predict how the weather there compared with the weather here. (Excerpt from startwithabook.org)

If all the world and love were young, And truth in every Shepherd’s tongue, These pretty pleasures might me move, To live with thee, and be thy love. Time drives the flocks from field to fold, When Rivers rage and Rocks grow cold, And Philomel becometh dumb, The rest complains of cares to come. The flowers do fade, and wanton fields, To wayward winter reckoning yields, A honey tongue, a heart of gall, Is fancy’s spring, but sorrow’s fall. Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of Roses, Thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies

Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten: In folly ripe, in reason rotten. Thy belt of straw and Ivy buds, The Coral clasps and amber studs, All these in me no means can move To come to thee and be thy love. But could youth last, and love still breed, Had joys no date, nor age no need, Then these delights my mind might move To live with thee, and be thy love.

WORD SEARCH

Guyana’s nominal GDP almost triples to $3.1 trillion in 2 years

…as economy projected to grow at 25% annually over next 3 years

Guyana’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has almost tripled in the space of two years, moving from $1.1 trillion in 2020 to $3.1 trillion at the end of 2022, President Dr Irfaan Ali told a press conference Wednesday.

While he said this was largely due to the country’s petroleum industry, it is also linked to his Administration’s prudent fiscal management.

“Despite challenges, Guyana managed to grow its economy and put measures in place to reduce the burden of elevated prices on citizens while at the same time, prudently managing financial resources.”

Noting that Guyana has cemented its place as the fastest-growing economy in the world, the Head of State further boasted that the country was projected to grow at an average of 25 per cent annually from 2023 to 2026.

He indicated that these numbers were impressive, when the global economic growth estimates are examined.

“The world is estimated to grow at 2.8 per cent in 2023. Advanced economies are expected to grow at 1.3 per cent; Latin America and the Caribbean, 1.6 per cent; the Caribbean tourism-dependent countries at 3.2 per cent; Caribbean commodity exports, 18.7; and Guyana is expected to grow at 25.1 per cent,” the President said.

“Guyana’s non-oil growth is now projected at 7.9 per cent this year, building on the 11.5 per cent growth recorded last year.”

Moreover, the Guyanese leader disclosed that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood

at 24.6 per cent at the end of 2022, down from 38.9 per cent a year prior. “…demonstrating Government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management of the country’s resources,” Ali expressed.

In terms of inflation, he revealed that the world estimate is 6.1 per cent; Latin America and the Caribbean, 11.8 per cent, and Guyana is estimated at 3.8 per cent.

FDI inflows

Meanwhile, Guyana has also recorded the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in the Caribbean, with President Ali boasting that this was indicative of investors’ confidence in the country and its leadership.

The United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) “Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean” 2023 report stated that Guyana recorded FDI inflows for 2022 totalling US$4.389 billion.

“FDI is an important in-

dicator of the confidence that investors have in the country. So, we are not only the leading destination for FDI, it tells a lot about the confidence which the sophisticated and international investor has in the country, the leadership, the direction in which the country is going,” Ali told reporters. “

The Head of State also spoke about the benefits this ranking brings to the country. “We have eight hotels under construction right now where work would have started. On completion of those hotels, you’re talking about thousands of new jobs being created, that is thousands of families who now have more disposable income. When the call centres increase their capacity by a thousand workers, that’s a thousand persons now who have additional income coming in…,” he noted.

“You’ll have more spending in the economy which means you’ll have more demand for service, more demand for service increases supply, supply of services increases revenue, increased revenue triggers

spending, so it’s a cycle,” he added.

Employment

Meanwhile, in relation to employment opportunities, President Ali estimates that by 2025, Guyana would need some 6000 new employees in the hospitality sector, judging from the number of hotels that will be established, with approximately 2000 health workers needed in various sectors.

He noted also that many local companies were losing expert workers to the oil and gas companies, thus leading to a demand for skilled labour in traditional sectors.

Additionally, with the entrance of new compa-

nies in the areas of specialised warehousing and fabrication, among others, thousands of employees would be required to fill those jobs.

The Head of State said while the government was

creating the enabling environment to attract foreign and local investments in key sectors, it was simultaneously building the human resource capacity to match the rapid development unfolding daily. (G11)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Teen remanded for killing 34-year-old man

An 18-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a 34-yearold labourer.

Derrick Garraway, of Lot 15 Riverview Sea Dam, Georgetown, was arraigned before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and was not required to plead to an indictable charge which alleged that on June 28, at Riverview, Ruimveldt, he unlawfully killed Dellon Waterman, a labourer.

Police Prosecutor Quincy Lacon strongly opposed bail being granted to the accused by citing the serious nature of the of-

fence. With regard to the evidence the prosecution intends to lead, the prosecutor said CCTV footage of the incident and eyewitness statements are among them.

The defendant was refused bail, and has been

remanded to prison until August 3.

Reports are that Waterman, called “Puppi”, a labourer, was stabbed at about 18:15h on June 28 allegedly by Garraway, who made good his escape. Police Headquarters have

said that Waterman had intervened in an alleged assault being perpetrated against his nine-year-old nephew by Garraway along the Riverview Access Road, and this had led to an argument, which escalated into a fight.

During that scuffle, Garraway, who was allegedly armed with a knife, stabbed Waterman in his left side chest and made good his escape. After the stabbing, Waterman had managed to walk home, but thereafter collapsed. The Police were called in, and he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival. (G1)

Elderly child rapist appealing conviction, jail time to know fate soon

With arguments in the appeal filed by Collin Cummings against his conviction and 30-year jail sentence for child rape having been completed, the Court of Appeal is likely to render its ruling shortly.

When the matter concluded on Wednesday, Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory announced that the Court would shortly send out notices informing when it would be delivering its judgment.

In the appeal filed on Cummings’s behalf by Attorney-at-Law Tiffany Durant, the sex offend -

er argued, among other things, that the trial Judge had, in several instances, misdirected the jury; and had failed to put his defence of alibi to the jury. In relation to the ground of alibi in this appeal, Durant said her client’s mother had testified that at the time and place the eight-year-old girl alleged she was raped, her son was at another place.

“The implication of that is that she could not have been with him at the same point in time,” the lawyer had argued.

This appeal was heard by Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, and additional High Court Judge Jo-Ann Barlow. The State was represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP), Dionne Mc Cammon.

After a trial before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall in 2018, Collin Cummings, a gold miner of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), had been convicted of raping the girl on August 20, 2016 in the county of Demerara. The trial Judge had ordered that the of -

…the Yanks want

One would’ve had to be living under a rock near the Kaieteur Falls – the noise ensuring you couldn’t hear anything, even if you crept out periodically for air!! – not to know that even after they left Atkinson Airfield (later Timehri Airport/CJIA) after WWII ended, their involvement continued. There were the 1960s “interventions” to ensure we stayed on their side of the “Iron Curtain” against the USSR. Burnham knew which side his bread would be buttered, and chose accordingly. And so, for twenty-eight long years, the PPP were banished in the political wilderness because their leader believed in principles over real politik!!

As the lone superpower left standing by 1989, the US didn’t see the PPP as a bogeyman any longer, and could now concede that “democracy” meant having “free and fair” elections. But nothing lasts forever, does it? Seeking greater profits from cheaper labour led the US corporations to develop China into the “factory of the world” – and not so surprisingly into a challenger to US world dominance!! Money talks!! Lots of folks wonder why the US would nurture its own challenger in the Chinese Dragon?? Was it racial arrogance that the “Chinks” would remain as loyal drones feeding the American Queen Bee??

fender, who is in his 60s, must serve 25 years before being eligible for parole.

When the jurors had returned with their unanimous guilty verdict, Cummings had maintained his innocence by stating, “I am innocent of this charge brought against me.” He had also begged the Judge to give him the minimum penalty.

“I was afraid and uncomfortable with what [he] did to me. I was scared of him, and my life has not been the same,” the victim had related in her impact statement.

Her mother had claimed that after the incident, her daughter would often draw sketches with teardrops, with terms such as “ugly” and “stupid”, which the parent said she would throw away.

A medical examination had found that the girl’s hymen was not intact.

In sentencing the convict, Justice MorrisRamlall had noted that Cummings had taken away the girl’s innocence. She had added that children are Guyana’s most valuable resource, and had noted that children who are victims of sexual abuse are scarred for life, and this prevents them from maximising their potential, which in turn hinders the country’s development.

“They should be respected and given toys, and not be used as sex toys for the fulfilment of depraved adults,” the Judge had stressed, while declaring that the court would play its part in sending a strong message to potential sex offenders. (G1)

Whatever the reason, in the last couple of decades, the world split again into two camps!! Who says history doesn’t repeat itself?? Well, some may say, as predicted, this time it’s as farce!! The Yanks remain their new opponent’s largest customer - pouring THEIR dollars into the Chinese war chest!! And in that same timespan – why would anyone be surprised that again we gotta choose sides?? That’s how the world (of global power) turns!!

But we really didn’t have to guess what are the Yanks’ concerns. Back in 2019, as the PNC was desperately trying to wangle out of holding elections, after losing the No Confidence Motion – “No Charran!! No!!” – a professor from the US War College and a US expert in the politics of this neck of the woods came down and interviewed all the political players. He found the PPP leaders – who’re still there – very eloquent and charming, but he noted:

“In its campaign of reassurance, for me, the PPP is missing the point. The U.S. concern (misplaced or not) is not the Cheddi Jagan era fear of “communism.” It is about the risk to Guyana and the hemisphere of unbridled corruption, magnified by the arrival of unprecedented oil wealth and the opportunity to work with Chinese companies and financiers who do not ask difficult questions if the deals advance their interests.”

The key point to note is that last one about “Chinese companies and financiers” - and the unswerving US conviction that they allow slackness in their deals!!

…CAL must do

Pres Ali met the management of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to raise “issues of concern”. Now, appreciating the importance of air linkages with the rest of the world for our new oil fuel economy, within two weeks of coming into government in Aug 2020, Pres Ali had already met with the same management team. He’d explained, “I wanted us to engage and to have a clear understanding as to where CAL is heading. Stressing the need for Guyanese to be involved in CAL’s operations, he said, “We believe that CAL is a long and strong partner with us, and we need to find a way in which that partnership is demonstrated in a stronger way.”

Well, according to reports, this time, the “issues of concern” were treatment of in-transit passengers in TT, increased number of routes, frequency of flights, and “alliances in new areas of business”. As far as your Eyewitness is concerned, if CAL could just straighten out the in-transit hassle of Guyanese passengers, that would be enough!!

…is the reason?

Your Eyewitness understands that the DHB has to be closed to insert the new span. But what he doesn’t understand is why the three-day closure is during Monto-Thurs workdays. Wouldn’t the weekend make more sense??

Remanded: Derrick Garraway

Dead: Dellon Waterman

Convicted child rapist Collin Cummings

Exxon’s Guyana investments make it largest single Caribbean investor

…dominates oil investments

Guyana has the distinction of being host to the single largest investor in the Caribbean between 2015 and 2022; namely: United States (US) oil giant ExxonMobil, whose US billions of investments in Guyana have dwarfed all other projects.

This is according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in its most recent report, titled Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2023.

The report states that when it comes to the origin of investments and investment announcements in the region, large international oil companies dominate… especially those from the US and France.

Notwithstanding the difficulty in reading trends due to the large sums of capital investments, certain facts stand out. This includes the fact that, between 2015 and 2022, 35 per cent of project an-

in

both upstream, downstream

its from their local operations last year. Meanwhile, GY$239.7 billion went towards their operating expenses out of a total revenue stream of GY$876.8 billion.

nouncements in Latin America and the Caribbean were made by United States firms. US firms dominated both in upstream and downstream investments; followed by Spain, France, Bermuda, Italy, Australia and the United Kingdom. When it comes to ExxonMobil, the firm is the largest single investor in the entire region.

“In this regard, the figures are biased by ExxonMobil’s US$10 billion project in Guyana in 2022, making the firm the largest single investor in the entire region between 2015 and 2022. Bermuda is also the fourth largest source of funds in the region.

“The country’s tax framework encourages firms from other origins to register their headquar-

ters in the country. Project announcements originating in the region’s countries represent just 1 per cent of the total originating in Chile, Mexico, and the Plurinational State of Bolivia,” ECLAC said.

ExxonMobil, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator of the Stabroek Block, and holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest. According to Exxon’s audited financial statements, EEPGL garnered GY$577.7 billion in prof-

Currently, Liza Phase 1 and Phase 2 developments in the Stabroek Block are operating at a combined gross production capacity of more than 360,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) using the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels respectively. The third development in the Stabroek Block – Payara –is on track to come online by the end of 2023 with a gross production capacity of approximately 220,000 bpd. While this may be the gross production capacity, it is expected that the startup will see a much smaller number of oil barrels being produced. For instance, when Liza Phase Two started in 2022, it was producing significantly less than its current production.

Meanwhile Yellowtail – the fourth development – is slated for 2025 with a production capacity of some 250,000 bpd. Both these development projects have been approved by the Guyana Government. Uaru is the fifth development, and is expected to come online at the end of 2026 with a gross production capacity of approximately 250,000 bpd, with first oil anticipated at the end of 2026. The development plan for Uaru was submitted for

Government approval in November 2022, and it has also received project approval.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027. Meanwhile, approval is being sought for the sixth oil development in Guyana’s waters. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been approached for environmental authorization for the Whiptail Project.

ExxonMobil Chairman & CEO, Darren Woods

Ashton Chase, OE, SC, to be cremated on Friday Ghana considering tax agreement with GuyanaPetroleum Commission CEO

The farewell, tributes, and reflection ceremony in honour of the Peoples Progressive/ Civic’s (PPP/C’s) last founding member, Ashton Chase, are scheduled to be held on Friday, July 14, at 10:00h at Parliament Buildings. This will be followed by the cremation at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara at 13:00h.

Senior Counsel Ashton Chase, a legal luminary who was awarded Guyana’s highest national award - the Order of Excellence - passed away on Monday night, July 10, at the age of 96, just days before his 97th birthday.

Chase was renowned for making an exceptional contribution to Guyana’s nationalist struggle and political history, and was the last surviving member of the Political Affairs Committee (the forerunner to the People’s Progressive Party) which was established in 1946.

He was the husband of Deborah; father of Ronald, Serita and Pauline; and grandfather of Rianna,

Ravenne, Rashaada, Rachel and Wade Ashton.

He was Guyana’s first Labour Minister in the 1953 Government. In his life as a trade unionist, quite apart from his activism, he wrote profusely on the historical evolution and importance of trade unionism in Guyana. Further, he advanced the cause of trade unionism by utilising his legal prowess in taking numerous trade union struggles into the halls of Justice, winning major victories for labour and the labour movement.

Chase served with distinction as Chairman

…says will raise matter at highest level of Ghanian Govt

In light of the creation of a Ghana/Guyana Chamber of Commerce and the interest of Ghanian companies in investing here, the head of Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, Egbert Faibille Jnr, has said that a taxation agreement between the two countries would be considered.

of the Council of Legal Education of the West Indies for many years, and played an instrumental role in the automatic entry of the Bachelor of Laws graduates from the University of Guyana into the Hugh Wooding Law School of Trinidad and Tobago, a very controversial issue for many years.

He also led the Guyana Bar Association as its president during the riotous years of political dictatorship in Guyana, opposing the government of the day at a time when it was personally hazardous to do so.

On Wednesday, a round table discussion was facilitated between Guyanese and Ghanian oil officials and private sector. During the discussions, a question was asked whether a tax treaty was being considered to ensure Ghanian and Guyanese businesses are not double taxed when investing in their respective countries.

It is a question that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, Egbert Faibille Jnr, considers important. Faibille committed to raising the matter at the highest levels of the Ghanian Government.

“I think that it’s a very important question. Taxation, as we all know, is very important in the business and the international (spheres). Fortunately for both countries, we signed technical cooperation agreements. And I know that the Vice President of Ghana has been keeping an eye on our engagements with Guyana.

I will escalate this and see to it that immediately something like this is done, because it makes a lot of sense to at least be talking about double taxation arrangements,” Faibille said.

Faibille was also hopeful that a joint agreement that would include taxation could be signed between the two countries at some point in the future. The CEO noted that Ghana remains in regular contact with Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

“Now, what does this portend for indigenous Ghanian businesses? If you are already working in Ghana for Tullow strategic alliance arrangements, you can easily be taken from Ghana by Tullow to go and partner with an indigenous company in Guyana, and do the same work for Tullow in Guyana. So, this double taxation arrangement really

makes a lot of sense…

“Fortunately, we also work with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana, and we are in contact every now and then. So, hopefully, I’m sure at our level we can also take it up so that we can do possibly a joint paper between both Governments,” Faibille said.

Just a few months ago, the first Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce was commissioned in Guyana. The organization will allow the two countries to connect businesses and foster investment which would drive further economic growth locally.

That same month, a Ghanian delegation led by Gabby Otchere-Darko, Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, alongside President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, Clement Osei Amoako, and Director of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, Loveland White, along with other Private Sector officials, met with their Guyanese counterparts.

According to a subsequent statement from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the discussions centered around the extensive opportunities present in Guyana, and the potential for trade. It was also acknowledged that Ghana, which is an oil-producing country with the potential of over 170,000 barrels of oil per day, could offer valuable expertise and advice to support Guyana in the oil and

gas sector.

And in 2019, Guyana and Ghana had signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding for trading relations and information sharing between the two states. Back in December 2021, Ghanian Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia visited Guyana, during which several bilateral cooperation agreements were signed to further improve relations between the two countries.

During that visit, Dr Bawumia and delegation engaged in high-level bilateral discussions at both the Government and Private Sector levels, including engagements with President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other Ministers of Government.

Vice President Bawumia also met with members of the Ghanaian diaspora, and paid a visit to the University of Guyana. Vice President Bawumia’s visit follows on the heels of the threeday visit VP Jagdeo paid to Ghana in October that year, wherein he held talks with his Ghanian counterpart. Following those discussions, he had announced that Ghanian experts would be reviewing Guyana’s draft local content legislation. During Jagdeo’s meeting with the Ghanian Vice President, they had also spoken about the initiatives that Ghana implemented to further its industrial agenda and develop its non-oil economy.

CEO of Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, Egbert Faibille Jnr

Mahdia dorm tragedy…

CoI to be fully constituted by weekend

Almost two months after the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire had resulted in the death of 20 persons, the Government is one step closer to setting up a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the circumstances, with President Dr Irfaan Ali aiming to have all members sworn in by this weekend.

While it has been revealed that Major General (retired) Joseph Singh

Kaburie smash-up leaves security guard dead, teen critical

Asecurity officer is now dead while a teenager is in critical condition after their motorcycles collided along the No. 72 Miles Kaburie trail in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

directions when the young man reportedly lost control of the unregistered motorcycle he was driving and it collided head-on with the one Richards was driving.

Both motorcyclists sus-

ed for a fractured skull, and then referred to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he has been admitted to the Male Surgical Ward. His condition is regarded as serious. The police are continuing their investigations.

will lead that Inquiry, the names of other members are not yet known. According to President Ali, he is still in consultation with those potential persons, and is hoping to fully constitute the CoI by this weekend.

“I’m in consultation with a number of potential candidates. I have not confirmed their acceptance at this time…but I’m hoping that before the end of this week, that we can have the full complement constituted for the CoI,” the Head of State told a press conference on Wednesday.

He further explained that while there is a draft of the CoI’s Terms of Reference (ToR), this will have to be fine-tuned when all members are officially sworn in.

“I would not want to say ‘final’ Terms of Reference, because, of course, we have to have the full complement of commissioners…they have to have an input also into the finalization of the

Terms of Reference,” he explained.

The May 21 inferno killed 19 female students between the ages of 12 and 17, and a five-year-old boy who was the son of the dorm parents.

This fire was allegedly started by a 15-year-old student who had also lived at the dorm, after her cellular phone had been taken away by the facility’s mother and a teacher. The teen suspect has since been slapped with 20 murder charges, and is currently on remand in a juvenile holding facility.

According to the surviving female students, they were asleep, but were awakened by screams. Upon checking, they saw fire and smoke in the bathroom area, which quickly spread across the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and suffer smoke inhalation, while several managed to escape.

The facility housed about 59 students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapau.

Meanwhile, apart from the CoI, President Ali had announced that the victims’ families would be compensated by the State, and offered short-, medium- and long-term support.

The girls who perished in the fire are: Sherana Daniels, Subrina John, Belnisa Evans, Loreen Evans, Bibi Rita Fiona Jeffrey, Lisa Roberts, Tracil Thomas, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arianna Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Martha Dandrade, Mary Dandrade, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Sherlyn Bellarmine, Eulander Carter and Andrea Roberts. Adanye Jerome, the five-year-old son of the dorm mother, was also among those who passed. (G11)

on Tuesday.

Dead is 53-year-old Leroy Richards, while the injured 18-year-old is Maric Hendricks. Both men are from Kaburie Village.

Based on reports received, Richards and the teenager were travelling along the trail in opposite

tained injuries to their heads and bodies as a result of the collision, and were picked up by public-spirited persons in an unconscious condition and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where Richards was pronounced dead.

The teenager was treat-

WCD duo busted with over 12lbs ganja

Rickford Rogers and Mckya Smith, both of Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD), were taken into custody following the discovery of over 12 pounds of cannabis in their possession at Quartzstone Landing, Cuyuni River, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The two men were passengers on a boat transporting fuel to the said landing. As the boat arrived at its destination, Police requested to conduct a search on the passengers, but nothing illegal was found on their per-

sons. However, the ranks noticed a sealed cardboard box in the boat, which the boat’s captain indicated belonged to Rogers and Smith.

When questioned by the ranks, both Smith and Rogers accepted ownership of the box, a search of which revealed 11 large plastic-wrapped parcels which contained ganja.

The two men were arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 12.2 pounds. The suspects are in custody pending charges.

The ganja that was found in the cardboard box

The two motorcycles following the accident

Major General Retired Joseph Singh

Guyana heightens monkeypox surveillance system

Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday recorded its first confirmed case of monkeypox, and the Health Ministry in Guyana is bolstering its surveillance system to quickly detect local occurrences of this infectious disease.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, said a monkeypox surveillance system has existed in the country since last year, when Guyana recorded its first and only two cases of the virus.

“Given the report out of Trinidad and Tobago, we have heightened our surveillance system. So, we’ve already sent out advisories to the various medical departments -all the regional health ser-

vices: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the private hospitals, private doctors - so they should be aware, and (be) on the lookout,” Dr Ramsammy has said.

“Part of the heightened surveillance [is that] our health officers are screening people, making sure they know where these people are coming from, [and if] they're coming from an

infected area,” he added.

Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is characterised by a skin rash or mucosal lesions that can last between two and four weeks, and may be accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infected, through contaminated materials, or through infected animals.

“Right now, we are advising citizens on what they should be looking out for. So, any kind of unusual rash that people see, they should make sure they go to either a hospital clinic or a health centre,” Dr Ramsammy has said.

Given the prevalence of monkeypox cas-

es within the Region, the Health Ministry had, last July, strengthened its efforts to best tackle the disease by ensuring that relevant health professionals are trained in surveillance and in how to detect and treat the virus. A special unit was also established in the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara to accommodate persons who test positive for the virus locally. Following those efforts, Guyana had, in August, recorded its first two cases of monkeypox about a week apart from each other.

Given the ability to test for the virus, isolate the infected persons, and perform contact tracing, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony had previously said he did not foresee a large number of monkeypox infections in Guyana. Despite this recently reported case in Trinidad, Dr. Ramsammy has maintained this as well.

“We are able to test,

[and] because we have provisions in place to isolate those that might be diagnosed or suspected to have monkeypox, we are not likely to see an explosion like we did with COVID-19,” Dr Ramsammy has said.

As at last Tuesday, a World Health Organization (WHO) update indicated a total of 88,144 monkeypox cases detected globally within 112 countries, with a reported 149 deaths. This first case detected in Trinidad and Tobago –the patient being a middle-aged man with travel-related history – comes some two months after WHO declared monkeypox no longer a public health emergency of international concern, due to a declining number of cases globally. Trinidad and Tobago on Wedesday confirmed a second case of monkeypox.

Despite this, however, WHO continues to advise country officials to develop long-term control and surveillance strategies.

EBD man remanded over $10M cocaine bust

A32-year-old man who was arrested in a $10.6M cocaine bust at the Young Professionals Housing Scheme at Prospect, East Bank Demerara has been remanded to prison after his arraignment on Wednesday before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that last Thursday, July 6, Parmanand Persaud, also known as ‘Jason’, of Herstelling, EBD, had 10.52 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Persaud has denied the allegation, but has been remanded to prison until August 28, when disclosures would be made in the matter.

A statement from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has said that, on the day in question, ranks conducted an operation at the Young Professionals Housing Scheme at Prospect, EBD and intercepted motorcar

PVV 4385 with Persaud inside. A search was done on the vehicle in his presence, and nine brick-like parcels of suspected cocaine were found. As such, Persaud was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the suspected narcotic. The narcotic tested positive as cocaine, and weighed approximately 23 pounds (about 10.52kg), which has a street value of approximately $10.6M. (G1)

Alleged drug trafficker Parmanand Persaud

Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

18% increase in visitor arrivals for 1st half of 2023 – GTA

As Guyana continues to welcome international travellers seeking captivating tourism experiences, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in its halfyear report, stated that it recorded an 18 per cent increase of visitors when compared to the same period last year.

From January to May 2023, a total of 124,973 visitors were processed through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, the Lethem Ports of Entry, and the Moleson Creek Ferry Terminal. And the GTA has projected visitor arrivals for January-December 2023 to be 335,873.

According to statistical projections by the GTA, the resumption of flights to Guyana through British Airways will bring approximately 33,488 more travellers annually to the country, automatically increasing the visitor arrival figures.

“Based on statistical projections by the GTA, the resumption of flights to Guyana through the British Airways connection will bring approximately 33,488 more travellers annually to Guyana, automatically increasing the country’s visitor arrival figures, as penetration into existing and new markets is inevitable,” the GTA said in its report.

Additionally, as the country’s tourism potential continues to accrue commendable international media coverage, Trail Finders, one of the largest travel agents in the United Kingdom, has already started promoting five holiday experiences in Guyana. Journey Latin America has

also launched a new trip to Guyana. And further recognition includes features in prominent international media publications, including Forbes, The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, and Worldly Adventurer.

Speaking on the future of the tourism sector, the Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, commented that Guyana is envisioned to become a premier destination for travellers seeking immersive experiences.

“The future of tourism holds immense promise, as we envision Guyana becoming a premier destination for discerning travellers seeking authentic and immersive experiences. We are poised to unlock new opportunities and shape a sustainable tourism landscape by harnessing our country's rich natural and cultural heritage,” the GTA director has shared.

He added, “With our commitment to community-led initiatives, environmental stewardship and strategic partnerships, we are confident in creating a vibrant and inclusive tourism sector that will leave a positive and lasting impact on Guyana and its people.”

Meanwhile, in March, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, had shared that Government is aiming for one million passenger arrivals by 2025. Indar revealed that as many as 660,000 persons have travelled to Guyana in 2022. He was optimistic that this could be increased to one million passengers by 2025.

Minister Indar has attributed this growth to the

massive economic expansion.

“We have the fastest growth rate in the world. You don’t get that accolade simply by having passive policies. You have to really have aggressive policies to develop your country. And because of all of the investment, inward investment coupled with oil and the other areas we’re developing, we’re seeing a massive amount of traffic into Guyana,” he said.

“Last year alone we had about 660,000. We’re hoping, by 2025, we have about one million people in Guyana. That means the environment in which they come to invest must be conducive for investment. And they must be able to get here with ease,” Indar had said.

Training

Recognising the importance of improving the human resource capacity within the tourism industry, the GTA has set ambitious goals to train a minimum of 2,000 individuals by the end of 2023, focusing on priority areas such as health, safety, security & environment; delivering quality service; first aid & CPR; introduction to tourism and mixology; housekeeping; and tour guiding.

As at June 2023, the GTA has successfully trained 1238 persons. This training ensures that tourism professionals possess the necessary competencies and knowledge to deliver exceptional experiences while upholding the highest standards of safety and service quality.

This commitment to training enhances individual skills and contributes to

Teachers trained to deliver aquaculture lessons

Some 40 teachers across the country’s 11 education districts have been given practical sessions in aquaculture, to allow them to better deliver lessons to their students.

This is a part of the Education Ministry’s Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Unit’s aim to introduce aquaculture in select schools across Guyana, to ensure students graduate secondary school with the requisite skills to increase their chances of securing employment.

TVET Officer Yonnette Crandon, who has responsibility for Agriculture, explained that at the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) level, there are six occupational standards of Agriculture, three of which are aquaculture-related. She said that, over the last three weeks, teachers have received theoretical training in the subject area, after which they embarked on completing this practical aspect.

Within this two-day practical training session, participating teachers were exposed to fish handling and processing, inland aquaculture operations, and tilapia

Teachers engaged in the Education Ministry’s TVET Unit’s practical aquaculture training session

production. Training was facilitated at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara under the Agriculture Ministry’s Fisheries Department.

In advancing the country’s agriculture sector and strengthening its food security, the Government has been working to revitalise its aquaculture industry, expending over $500 million last year to do so. Further, another $750 million in cash grants were distributed to aid fishermen as they tackle the rising cost of living, low catch resulting from global warming, and increases in operational cost.

These efforts have been amplified with the commit-

the overall growth and success of the tourism industry in Guyana. The emphasis on delivering quality service ensures that tourism practitioners deliver exceptional experiences, fostering a positive image of Guyana.

Further, the introduction to tourism and mixology training cultivates a deep understanding of the tourism industry and the art of mixology, fostering innovation and creativity within the sector. Through continuous investment in training, the GTA will, without doubt, foster highly skilled human resources capable of delivering exceptional experiences and driving the country toward a prosper-

ous and sustainable future.

The GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana. The GTA has played a fundamental role in developing, regulating and

promoting Guyana's natural and cultural treasures to the world. Over the past two decades, the organisation has worked tirelessly to showcase the country's unique blend of biodiversity, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

ment to increase cage culture to about 50-75 cages this year, improve the facilities of some 75 landing sites and increasing the production of brackish water shrimp.

Earlier this year, the Ministry also collaborated with the Food and Agriculture (FAO) Organization and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to develop and receive several manuals to address critical aspects of the fishing industry: the FAO-led Seabob Management Plan (20222027), the WWF-produced Guyana Marine Industry Management Plan (20222027), and the Agriculture Ministry’s new Brackish Water Shrimp Production Manual.

Remuneration packages… Pres Ali to consult directly with teachers

President Dr Irfaan

Ali has announced plans to consult directly with teachers regarding the comprehensive remuneration package which his government plans to introduce for them.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, the Head of State said while he would be engaging with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), he also prefers to speak directly with the country’s educators.

“I would have extensive consultations with teachers across the country,” he disclosed. “I love people, I feel at loss when people are not around me, that is why you’ll see me with people all the time, that is my happiest moment. So, as I return from the EU-CELAC Leadership Conference and my State Visit to China, you will see me in every region with our beautiful teachers, talking to

our teachers, hearing from them, because what I want to do is create an enabling environment in which every teacher will grow…so I will be consulting not only with the Union, I will be consulting with the teach-

Ganja found in abandoned haversack at Mahdia

ers themselves.”

President Ali has already promised to roll out a “comprehensive” remuneration package for teachers. He said in May 2023 that this scheme will not just focus on salary. Then,

in June 2023, the Head of State announced plans to implement a standard minimum salary to eliminate the disparity among teachers.

“[The Cabinet] is considering now, looking from

when we came into office from 2020 to now, to ensure that within this period, all of our teachers are on a standard minimum basic wage, to avoid the disparity that exists; and we’re going to correct that from 2020 to now, as we’re in office,” Ali had said.

He had further announced that the Government would be approaching the National Assembly for the approval of $11 billion to rehabilitate, retrofit, and maintain teachers’ quarters, especially those in the hinterland, to bring them to the “minimum standard”.

President Ali had also signalled plans to continue training teachers in specialised fields, thus making educational opportunities more accessible to them.

It has been reported that the system that prohibited some teachers from

getting time off to train has been removed, giving educators the opportunity to further their education in a format of their choice.

Last year, the Head of State had announced that Government would introduce clerical support for teachers, to remove the burden of record-keeping and give them more time in the classrooms. He had also announced that Government would be establishing daycare centres across the country to provide much-needed support to teachers and young mothers.

When it comes to the situation of trainee teachers receiving a stipend of $11,000, President Ali had said this would be revamped into a system wherein they would be placed on the payroll and given a salary of $80,000 – something which would benefit more than 1300 teachers. (G11)

Labour Ministry staff benefit from HIV/AIDS sensitisation training

Some 20 of the Labour Ministry’s staff on Wednesday participated in a one-day sensitisation training on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), as the Ministry continues to work towards fostering a safe and supportive work environment for HIVpositive individuals.

The training aimed to improve employees’ core knowledge of HIV and key populations to help to reduce stigma and discrimination, and improve relationships with key communities.

The staffers were also trained in preventative methods such as PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP); Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and HIV self-testing.

Police in Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) have discovered a haversack containing 86 grams of marijuana.

Based on reports received, during a mobile patrol conducted on Tuesday at about 19:15h by two Police officers on ATV, several individuals were searched for illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics at the Mahdia Arcade.

During the search, one of the officers noticed a redand-black haversack hang-

ing on a nail on a shop wall. The haversack was opened and found to contain three transparent plastic bags with cannabis.

The haversack and its contents were taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where the three parcels were weighed and amounted to 86 grams. A further search of the haversack unearthed $1,700 in cash.

The items were then dusted for fingerprints, photographed, and lodged as evidence.

The session, organised by the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department, was led by staff from the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), including Senior Trainer Christopher France and Key Population Coordinator Eson Crandon.

Also in attendance were Deputy Permanent Secretary Denise Sealey, OSH Consultant Gwyneth King, Cooperative Officer Winetth Collymore, Labour Officer Candaiscee West, and technical officers of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT),

among other officials.

This training comes only a few weeks after NAPS, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Labour Ministry, hosted a consultation with necessary stakeholders to discuss the pre-existing HIV/AIDS workplace policy and how best to adjust it.

The original policy was

developed in 2009 to protect persons living with HIV against harassment or victimisation within the workplace, given the level of discrimination they usually face, particularly in terms of their employment.

Reportedly, similar consultations are to continue within private and public sector workplaces until September, after which

employers will be informed of the updated policies and relevant personnel will have the opportunity to make recommendations before the report is officially sent to the Labour Ministry.

This updated policy aims to include guidelines from the International Labour Organisation’s updated Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026.

Labour Ministry staff attend HIV/AIDS sensitisation training

File photo: Teachers during a graduation ceremony at the Cyril Potter College of Education

The haversack that contained the ganja

3-day closure of DHB 24-hour water taxis, enhanced security measures, ambulances will be in place

…airlines to be engaged to extend check-in time …as goods, fuel distributors urged to ensure adequate supplies available

As a three-day closure of the Demerara Harbour Bridge approaches, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has assured travellers of several initiatives being implemented to ensure public safety and security, and mitigate the potential impact of the disruption.

The closure is scheduled to start from July 24 at 11:59h and end on July 27 at 11:59h. It is aimed towards facilitating the replacement of span nine on the bridge.

An extended bridge closure is also expected next Tuesday, from midnight to around 03:00h, to prepare for this installation.

In the three-day non-operational period, Edghill noted that there would be a 24-hour presence of licensed water taxis working at the usual fares.

These will be managed by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and equipped with life vests and necessary features to ensure the safe travel of persons.

“We anticipate the Police, with their expertise in law enforcement and logistics, will

work with the Bridge [officials] to ensure that we can get [the water taxis] going,” Edghill said.

“We have monitors regularly to ensure there is order. Any person who is caught exploiting the situation by demanding higher fares, we will have stronger penalties by revoking their licence to operate, because we can’t allow people to hurt a population while we are trying to deal with a national situation to make life better for all of us,” Edghill added.

He noted that there would also be enhanced lighting on both sides of the river to provide adequate protection and minimise robberies.

The Public Works Ministry will also be engaging with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to allow for a continuous and smooth flow of traffic within Stabroek Market, particularly necessary during this time.

For persons experiencing medical emergencies, a 24/7 water ambulance will also be on stand-by throughout this period to transport those re-

quiring advanced care to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Meanwhile, for those travelling out of the country, Edghill noted plans to engage with various airlines to extend their check-in times.

“The airlines may want to consider an extended check-in period to facilitate people who may want to go to their airport earlier than is anticipated… so they can have the facilities

“Any person who is caught exploiting the situation by demanding higher fares, we will have stronger penalties by revoking their licence to operate, because we can’t allow people to hurt a population while we are trying to deal with a national situation to make life better for all of us”

– Minister Juan Edghill

bags to properly discard their trash in the interim.

Work on span nine was planned since last year given its dire state that was exacerbated by a crash into the bridge in October by a Panamanian registered vessel, MV Tradewind Passion, which was navigating the channel to offload fuel at GuyOil’s Providence Terminal.

of the lounge. That’s one suggestion that we’re putting out there,” Edghill said.

Recognising the impact this bridge closure may also have on the livelihoods of several stakeholders, the

Local content targets to be updated by legislation – oil coordinator …says some targets were exceeded by companies since enacting Act

As consultations on the Local Content Act continue, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is making it clear that the intent is not only to add new areas in which foreign companies must provide opportunities to locals, but also targets for how much local goods and services must be used.

Making this revelation on Wednesday was Senior Petroleum Coordinator in the Natural Resources Ministry, Bobby Gossai. According to Gossai while participating in a webinar bringing together Guyanese and Ghanaian stakeholders, the intended changes to the Local Content Act are manifold.

On one hand, the industries oil companies must give precedence to locals for will be increased, as their capacity has grown since the Local Content Act was first passed. And on the other hand, the targets that oil companies must achieve under the Act to be compliant will also be updated. “The Attorney General had indicated, yes, and of course, this has been signalled by both the Minister of Natural Resources, as well as the President and the Vice President, that the law will be adjusted to include other areas, new opportunities that

we’ve seen have grown over the years.

“And by the end of 2022, it would have reached the stage where these business/services can be provided in country. And we will, of course, not only add new areas to the schedule, but also amend the targets that we would have set originally back in 2022,” Gossai further said.

He then explained the lessons learnt since the implementation of the Act. For instance, some targets were exceeded while others need more work. He noted that the areas highlighted in the Act were arrived at through a consultative process the Government undertook.

“There were some challenges… there were some areas in which we more than excelled in reaching our target requirements. And there were some areas in which we did

not reach our target requirements,” Gossai said.

“And we try to ensure that while we’re measuring from the reports that were provided, that we determine exactly if we had excelled something, or if it’s an area of business services or physical products that we did not take into account that those can be provided for within new opportunities that may come beyond the amendment that we will put in place.”

Since the Local Content Act was enacted, the Government has described the law as a gamechanger when it comes to how foreign companies deal with local suppliers of goods and services, as well as how they employ locals.

The Local Content Act lists out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors

must procure from Guyanese companies by the end of 2022. For instance, these companies must procure from Guyanese companies 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent of pest control services; 100 per cent of local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

These are just a few of the services highlighted in the first schedule of the Local Content Act. The Local Content Act mandates penalties for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act. These fines range from as low as $5 million to as high as $50 million.

Meanwhile, the Government has also set up a Local Content Registry, in keeping with the Local Content Act which mandates the creation of a Local Content Register of Guyanese nationals for employment and a register of Guyanese nationals and companies from which goods and services may be procured. In keeping with this mandate, two registration options are available: supplier registration and employment registration. (G3)

Minister advised distributors of goods and fuel to ensure they have adequate supplies to carry them through the threeday period.

Meanwhile, Edghill also remarked that there were no set plans for alternative garbage disposal and as such, affected citizens were advised to have an adequate supply of garbage

While the bridge has been repaired several times since then, the Ministry and Demerara Harbour Bridge officials saw a need for the complete replacement of span nine.

This new $1.2 billion retractor, 170 feet long and 40 feet wide, aims to provide a much smoother operation and retractability, and enable wider vessels to pass through the channel. Industrial Fabrications Inc will be facilitating its installation.

13-year-old found dead along Bartica beach drowned – autopsy

The post-mortem conducted on the body of 13-year-old Daniel Cameron, who was reported missing in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on July 4 and later found floating at a beach, has confirmed that he died from drowning.

Cameron, who was originally from Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), had been sent to stay with his grandmother in Bartica.

Upon his arrival at the Bartica stelling, Cameron was received by his uncle, who then went to the Bartica Regional Hospital for a medical check-up. While at the hospital, Cameron was asked to wait on a bench, but when his uncle returned, the child was nowhere to be found.

Cameron's aunt, Ramdi Singh, told Guyana Times , "The uncle said that...he left him outside...and he went into the hospital to take a blood test, and when he came out, he didn't see him there. He called the mother, who then contacted me, and we started searching for him in Bartica."

"They searched, but couldn't locate him. When

they reported the matter to the Police, they eventually found him at the beach," Singh added.

Cameron was a student at Covent Garden Secondary School, EBD, and his trip to Bartica marked his first time visiting the area.

Following the discovery of his body, Region Seven Police Commander Deon Moore stated that a post-mortem examination was necessary to determine the cause of his death, as they initially did not know what had led to his demise. The uncle who had been arrested following the discovery has since been released.

Dead: Daniel Cameron

Senior Petroleum Coordinator Bobby Gossai

Regional Cuba condemns EU Parliament resolution calling for sanctions against President

Cuba's National Assembly said on Wednesday it "strongly condemns" a resolution by the European Parliament, which criticised the country's human rights record and called for EU sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other top officials.

"The European Parliament lacks the moral, political and legal authority to judge Cuba," Cuba's Parliament said in a statement. "This could cast doubt on the EU's objectives of seeking to re-launch its relations with Latin America and the Caribbean."

EU leaders will meet in Brussels next week with Heads of State of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), their first bi-regional summit in eight years.

They are expected to discuss issues such as climate change, development funding, and Haiti's security crisis. Cuba on Monday said it wanted stronger relations, but accused the EU of being opaque and manipulative in its preparations.

The European Parliament resolution proposes "autocratic regimes

should not participate in such summits" and strongly condemns Cuba's human rights record, saying this could jeopardise a 2016 cooperation deal between Cuba and the EU, its top trade partner.

It also calls for the "immediate and unconditional release" of "unjustly detained prisoners". Hundreds of Cubans remain in jail following anti-Government protests in July 2021, the largest since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution.

Cuba's Communist government says those jailed committed crimes including

Deforestation in Colombia dropped by 29%, a milestone

Deforestation in Colombia dropped by 29 per cent in 2022, falling to the lowest level in nearly 10 years, according to newly-released Government statistics.

The figures, published on Wednesday, show particular gains in regions of the Amazon rainforest, considered an important “carbon sink” for trapping greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

In the span of one year, from 2021 to 2022, de-

forestation in Colombia dropped from 174,103 hectares (672sq miles) to 123,517 hectares (477sq miles), marking a nearly 30-per cent decrease.

“This year we have a very good reduction above the target. The question is if we’re going to be able to sustain that in the year 2024, 2025, and 2026,” Environment Minister Susana Muhamad told Journalists in Bogota.

Muhamad said that the Government has worked with local communities to

protect forests and crack down on illegal enterprises that contribute to deforestation.

The numbers come as the left-wing Government of President Gustavo Petro promises to step up efforts to halt deforestation and prioritise environmental protection.

His Administration has urged wealthier countries to cancel foreign debt as part of an exchange to ensure greater investment in Amazon conservation.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

assault, vandalism, and sedition.

The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell visited the island in May where he criticised the United States over its 60-year trade embargo and said the EU had "neither the capacity nor the will to impose changes in Cuba".

The European Parliament resolution said it "deeply deplores" this comment.

Cuba's National Assembly, in turn, called the resolution "highly interfering".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuelan Opposition’s presidential hopefuls call for unity, private investment

Candidates vying to carry the banner of Venezuela's Opposition in presidential elections next year agreed at a debate on Wednesday that they must present a united front against the ruling party and work to boost the economy by attracting private investment.

The debate, the first between Opposition hopefuls since 2011, was held as they await a ruling by the country's top court which could suspend the October 22 nominating contest.

Health

Minister announces monkeypox cases in T&T

Exactly two months after the World Health Organisation (WHO) downgraded monkeypox from a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Health Ministry detected the first case of the virus on Tuesday in T&T.

According to the Ministry, the patient is a middle-aged male with travel-related history. It said in a media release that the patient was tested on Tuesday, and the sample was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s laboratory via the Trinidad Public Health Lab. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh spoke to CNC3 News Tuesday night, saying, “The patient is doing fine, clinically well.”

The relevant County Medical Officer of Health has initiated the local public health response.

Deyalsingh said, “The relevant County Medical Officer of Health has already begun the contact tracing. Once the contact tracing is finished between tonight (Tuesday night) and tomorrow (Wednesday), we start to administer vaccines.”

The Ministry placed an indicative order with the Pan American Health Organisation in July 2022, with 1400 vaccines arriving in the country on December 14, 2022. The MoH said an additional 1400 vaccines were scheduled to arrive in the country in the near future.

In T&T, the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group reviewed the WHO’s interim guidelines at the end of 2022. It recommended that available vaccines be admin-

istered to those who are close contacts of confirmed positive cases that are 18 or older but not pregnant and/or breastfeeding and as a post-exposure preventative vaccination. The Ministry added that only those who meet their criteria would be eligible, and a mass vaccination campaign would not be utilised.

Laboratory testing has since confirmed a second case. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Independent candidate for 2024 Luis Ratti – who many in the Opposition say has ties to the ruling socialist party – asked the Supreme Justice Tribunal on Monday to bar the primary on unspecified allegations of irregularities.

Venezuela's often-divided Opposition is seeking to dislodge President Nicolás Maduro, who has ruled the country since 2013.

Though the last election in 2018 was widely condemned, especially by the United States, as fraudulent, the Opposition has so far failed to unseat Maduro.

Three of the most high-profile of the 14

Opposition hopefuls, Maria Corina Machado, Henrique Capriles and Freddy Superlano, have already been barred from holding public office.

The primary must give the Opposition clear leadership and stronger unity, said the eight candidates who attended the debate, organised by non-governmental groups and hosted at Universidad Catolica Andres Bello.

"We need a leadership that does not hesitate, that confronts, that is incapable of bending in the face of threats," said Machado, a 55-year-old former lawmaker who is leading polling for the primary.

"This is not a conventional election," said Superlano, who warned any of the candidates could be banned. "We need leadership who will take the fight to the end." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Guatemala orders suspension of presidential candidate Arevalo's party

The party of Guatemala's presidential candidate Bernardo Arevalo, Semilla, was suspended, a prosecutor at the country's Attorney General's Office said on Wednesday in a video posted on Twitter.

Prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche said investigations showed irregularities in the registration of more than 5000 members of the party.

Initial results from the election's first-round vote on June 25 showed Semilla's leader Bernardo Arevalo earning a place in the country's presidential run-off set

for next month.

The electoral court has yet to confirm final results following a review of the June 25

vote, which was prompted by challenges from political parties alleging irregularities. (Reuters)

Images of late Cuban President Fidel Castro; former Cuban President Raul Castro, and current Cuban President and First Secretary of the Communist Party, Miguel Diaz-Canel are displayed in a billboard in Havana, Cuba, April 12, 2023 (Reuters/ Alexandre Meneghini file photo)

Maria Corina Machado, candidate of the Vente party, Tamara Adrian; candidate of the Unidos por la Dignidad party; Andres Caleca, candidate of the Movimiento por Venezuela party; Cesar Perez Vivas, candidate of the Centro Democratico party; Carlos Prosperi, candidate of the Accion Democratica party; Delsa Solorzano, candidate of the Encuentro Ciudadano party; Freddy Superlano, candidate of the Voluntad Popular party, and Andres Velasquez, candidate of the La Causa R party, pose at the end of a debate, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 12, 2023 (Reuters/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)

Semilla party presidential candidate Bernardo Arevalo speaks during an interview with Reuters, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, July 4, 2023 (Reuters/Cristina Chiquin)

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh

Around The World OIL NEWS

Oil prices settle up as mild US inflation data calms fear of Fed rate hike

Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday, with benchmark Brent futures breaching US$80 a barrel for the first time since May, after US inflation data spurred hopes the Federal Reserve may have fewer interest rate hikes in store for the world's biggest economy.

US data showed consumer prices rose modestly in June and registered their smallest annual increase in more than two years. Markets expect one more interest rate rise, but oil traders hope that may be it. Higher rates can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand.

"This is the lowest number since the pandemic ... but it is important to keep in mind that this is still a transitory situation. But overall, traders are cheering this event," said Naeem Aslam, chief investment officer at Zaye Capital Markets, describing the inflation figures.

Brent futures settled up 71 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to US$80.11 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up 92 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to US$75.75 a barrel.

Forecasts from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) point to the market tightening into 2024.

The IEA expects the oil market to stay tight in the second half of 2023, citing strong demand from China and developing countries combined with supply cuts from leading producers. New forecasts from the IEA are expected this week.

"The oil balance gets tighter either when supply is downgraded, or demand is revised up. If both happens at the same time the change can be seismic," said PVM analyst Tamas Varga referring to the EIA's outlook.

"Clearly, it is not worried about inflation-induced recession that could potentially dent global oil consumption."

Top producer Saudi Arabia pledged last week to extend a production cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) in August, while Russia will cut exports by 500,000 bpd.

Pressuring prices was an EIA report of a much biggerthan-expected US crude stock build of nearly six million barrels last week.

Gasoline inventories remained largely unchanged at 219.5 million barrels during the Fourth of July holiday week, a situation that is "almost unheard of", said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures group. Analysts had expected a big draw of gasoline stocks as drivers took to the roads for holiday travel. (Reuters)

Hollywood studios race to avoid actors' strike

Hollywood's major film and television studios and the union representing 160,000 actors were engaged in lastditch talks on Wednesday ahead of a midnight deadline to try to avoid a second labour strike in the entertainment business.

SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood's largest union, is demanding higher compensation in the streaming TV era plus safeguards around the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Members have authorised a strike if negotiators cannot reach a deal, and A-list stars, including Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep, have said they are ready to walk off the job.

NATO allies offer Ukraine security assurances as Biden hits out at “craven” Putin

President Joe Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of having a "craven lust for land and power" at the end of a NATO summit on Wednesday where Ukraine won new security assurances from the US and its allies for its defence against Moscow.

Members of the world's most powerful military bloc offered the prospect of longterm protection a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy decried as "absurd" a refusal to offer an invitation or timetable for Ukraine's entry into NATO.

Ukraine has been pushing for rapid membership while fighting a Russian invasion unleashed in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.

Instead, a declaration by the G7 group of the world's most industrialised countries launched a framework for bilateral negotiations to provide military and financial sup-

port, intelligence sharing and a promise of immediate steps if Russia should attack again.

“Our support will last long into the future. It's a powerful statement of our commitment to Ukraine," Biden said alongside Zelenskiy and leaders of the G7, which is made up of the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, at the end of the two-day meeting on Russia's doorstep, Biden said Putin had badly underestimated the resolve of the US-led military alliance.

"NATO is stronger, more energised and yes, more united than ever in its history. Indeed, more vital to our shared future. It didn't happen by accident. It wasn't inevitable," Biden said.

"When Putin, and his craven lust for land and power, unleashed his brutal war on Ukraine, he was betting NATO would break apart ... But he thought wrong."

Swallowing his disappointment over the lack of a membership timetable, Zelenskiy hailed NATO's "practical and unprecedented support for Ukraine" and said that at the summit Ukraine had obtained "unambiguous clarity that Ukraine will be in NATO".

He tweeted: "I believe we will be in NATO once the security situation stabilises. Put simply, when the war is over, Ukraine will be invited into NATO and Ukraine will clearly become a member of the Alliance. I felt no thoughts of any other sort."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

UN asks Putin to extend Black Sea grain deal in return for SWIFT access – sources

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he extend a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of grain from Ukraine in return for connecting a subsidiary of Russia's agricultural bank to the SWIFT international payment system, sources told Reuters.

Russia has threatened to ditch the grain deal, which expires on Monday, because several demands to dispatch its own grain and fertiliser abroad have not been met. The last two

BBC presenter at centre of sex photo scandal named as lead anchor Edwards

They would join about 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), who went on strike in early May. That walkout sent late-night television talk shows into endless reruns and disrupted most production for the autumn TV season and the filming of some big-budget movies.

A strike by SAG-AFTRA would force more sets to shut down and pile pressure on studios to find a resolution.

Hollywood has not faced a double strike since 1960, when members of the WGA and the Screen Actors Guild called work stoppages in a fight over residuals from films sold to TV networks.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

One of Britain's leading television news anchors, Huw Edwards, was identified by his wife on Wednesday as the BBC presenter facing allegations he paid a young person thousands of pounds for sexually explicit photos, the broadcaster reported.

His wife, Vicky Flind, said she was making a statement out of concern for Edwards' mental health and to protect their children, after the initial report by the Sun newspaper dominated the news agenda and sparked days of speculation.

"Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years,"

Flind said in a statement, according to the BBC.

"The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future."

The story first broke on Friday when the Sun tabloid reported a leading BBC presenter had paid a young person 35,000 pounds ($45,000) for explicit photos over three years, beginning when the person was 17.

The BBC suspended the presenter but did not name him. Several BBC stars then took to social media to say they were not involved after speculation swirled online.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

ships travelling under the Black Sea agreement are

currently loading cargoes at the Ukrainian port of Odesa ahead of the deadline.

A key demand by Moscow is the reconnection of the Russian agricultural bank Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT international payment network. It was cut off by the European Union in June 2022 over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. An EU spokesperson said in May the EU was not considering reinstating Russian banks.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cerberus heatwave: Hot weather sweeps across southern Europe

Aheatwave is sweeping across parts of southern Europe and north-west Africa, with potential record-breaking temperatures in the coming days.

Temperatures are expected to surpass 40C (104F) in parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia and Turkey.

In Italy, temperatures could reach as high as 48.8C (119.8F). A red alert warning has been issued for 10 cities, including Florence and Rome.

On Tuesday, a man in his forties died after collapsing in northern Italy.

Italian media reported that the 44-year-old worker

was painting zebra crossing lines in the town of Lodi, near Milan, before he collapsed from the heat. He was taken to hospital where he later died.

"We are facing an unbearable heatwave," Italian politician Nicola Fratoianni tweeted.

"Maybe it's the case that in the hottest hours all the useful precautions are taken to avoid tragedies like the one that happened today in Lodi."

More than 60,000 people died in Europe as a result of the heat last year. The fear is that this heatwave could cause many more deaths this summer. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine council, during a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, July 12, 2023 (Reuters/Yves Herman)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Mix business with pleasure, and something good will transpire. Don’t be afraid to make changes or to ask for something you want. Do your part, and your effort won’t go unnoticed.

(March 21-April 19)

Keep your eyes open. Take care of your responsibilities, regardless of what’s going on around you. Refuse to let anyone play games with your heart. Call the shots instead of letting someone else take control.

(April 20-May 20)

Don’t reveal secrets or spread gossip. Someone is likely to feed you false information to throw you off guard. Take an interest in everything and everyone, and offer positive suggestions.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Take the road less traveled and see where it leads. Let your discoveries fuel your imagination and encourage you to learn all you can to make your journey successful. Be cautious when money is at stake.

Make subtle changes to address sensitive situations. Being the ambassador of goodwill will encourage others to join your team. Put your heart into everything you do. Choose peace and love.

Be understanding and compassionate instead of letting anger take the reins and negativity and criticism prevail. You’ll gain respect and loyalty if you solve problems instead of adding fuel to the fire.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Call on those you trust. The discussions you have will change the way your day unfolds. A positive attitude will prompt suggestions that encourage you to choose healthy behaviors, peace and love.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Be a good friend. Listening and observing will give you the tools to help the people you care about make better decisions. Enhance your life by exploring a creative outlet that interests you.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Search for the truth before you make recommendations. How you handle emotional situations will determine how others treat you. Contemplate the best way to help others without endangering yourself.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don’t let a change at home lead to worry and stress. Live within your means and be grateful for what you have. Invest in yourself, and learn skills that can help you better manage your finances.

Manufacture the perfect setup at home to ensure you make the most of your day. Take control instead of letting others dictate what happens next. Personal gain is within reach. Put your needs first.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don’t be too eager to share your intentions. A friend or relative will interfere with your plans if given the chance. Keep your emotions hidden from negative individuals.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

National spots up for grabs at U-16 Boxing Championships

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will commence its rigorous selection process from Sunday with the staging of the monthly U16 Championships at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym, Albouystown, as the annual and highly anticipated sixth Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships, programmed for August 1820 on local shores, looms.

Based on the results from the aforementioned tournament, boxers will be selected and subsequently encamped two weeks prior to the prestigious regional championship, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, to commence the preparatory phase.

Regional U-19 tourney

2023…

Rampersaud’s all-round efforts in vain as Guyana lose to Windwards

The competition, which is the brainchild of the incumbent GBA chief, Steve Ninvalle, will be staged at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. This tournament commenced in 2016, and has featured an expanding list of nations with each edition. At the moment, the 2023 iteration has confirmed the participation of the largest contingent in the event’s burgeoning history, with confirmed representation emanating from the likes of Aruba, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and The Bahamas.

Guyana has emerged as the overall Champion County in each edition.

Similarly, the GBA, in an effort to improve the quality of its training and prepara-

tory apparatus, will conduct a Referees/Judges Training Seminar from August 14th17th. The yearly forum, which will be administered by Three Star Trainer James Beckles of Trinidad and Tobago, is being staged to sensitise and educate the respective participants on the new rule changes that have been implemented by the world governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA), to ensure uniformity and clarity.

President Ninvalle has said, “There is no obligation to, or for, success. In basic parlance, what was subsequently reaped is what was initially sowed, and as such, the GBA has again demonstrated its visionary approach and aptitude for

success via the implementation of programmes, policies and initiatives that drive this empirical agenda and mandate. Unarguably, the Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships, which is a unique platform in the region, especially in the English-speaking strata, not only form, but is the backbone of, Guyana’s future in the discipline. It is our most important element in sustaining our dominance at the various levels in the region, and has effectively evolved into the de facto World Championships of the region, something that the Guyanese public and sporting fraternity should be proud of.”

He added, “Development is an arduous and painstaking process. At the GBA, we understand that basic reality, and have concep-

GCB Inter-County U17 Tournament 2023…

The Guyana Under-19 boys team suffered a 56-run defeat against Windward Islands in the Regional Under-19 tournament being played in St Vincent.

Windwards posted 285-5 in 50 overs, riding on the back of Divoine Joseph’s unbeaten 132. Guyana were 179-7 in 38.5 overs when rain ended the match, to give Windward Islands the win on DLS method.

Jonathan Rampersaud, batting at number eight, top-scored with an unbeaten 58 from 46 balls.

In Windwards batting effort, Joseph struck nine fours and four sixes in his 132-ball knock.

Tarrique Edward made 64, and Akeem Auguste made 30. Jonathan Rampersaud was the pick of the bowlers with 2-49. Rampersaud, who lacked support from the other Guyanese batsmen, struck three fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 58 from 46 balls.

Mavendra Dindyal made 37, and Rampertab Ramnauth made 33. Edward returned figures of 4-40 for the Windwards.

tualized programmes like our U16 Tournaments and our Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships to create the foundation and continuity that is required to achieve and realize our developmental objectives. In particular, Caribbean Schools Boys and Junior Championships, despite the unofficial label of a Caribbean World Championship, a title which might eventually become a reality, benefits not only the local populace, but the entire region, and this is evident by its annual expansion in the number of participants and nations.

“Its success is a testament to the hard work of the association, but more importantly, the concerted exertions of our boxers, coaches, and trainers who have utilized and embraced this platform and avenue for their own personal evolution.”

Essequibo beat Select XI by nine wickets

TheGuyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) InterCounty U17 tournament continued at the Everest Ground, where the Essequibo team defeated the GCB Select XI by nine wickets.

Batting first, Select XI posted 80 all out in 31.1 overs. Dave Mohabir and Parmeshwar Ram scored 16 runs each in a poor display.

Rajindra Ramballi was the pick of the bowlers with 3-9 in 3.1 overs, and Darwin Joseph had 3-21.

In reply, Essequibo cruised to victory, with Harold De Mattos scoring an unbeaten 44 and Gladwin Henry scoring 28. Ramballi was removed for an 11-ball duck in the chase, but Essequibo reached 83-1 in 24.1 overs.

The final match of the

tournament will be played today, Thursday July 13, at the Everest ground with

Jonathan Rampersaud

The young boxers will be showcasing their talent

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

Demerara taking on Berbice. Both teams are this far unbeaten in this tournament, and some of the more recognized players will be in action from 9:30h.

Player of the match, Harold De Mattos, receiving award from Mr Grantley Culbard

Ethan Lee wins National Junior chess qualifiers

- National Junior Championship set for July 14

The De Sinco Limited National Junior Chess Qualifiers concluded on Tuesday, July 11th, at the National Stadium, Providence, with an excellent performance from Ethan Lee, who emerged as the best player.

Lee finished on 6.5 points after seven rounds. His only draw was a round 6 clash against Keron Sandiford.

He also amounted wins against National Under-16 Girls Champion Anaya Lall and Under-16 Open Champion Alexander Zhang, Aditi Joshi, Micaiah Enoe, Ronan Lee and Kishan Puran.

This puts Lee as the top contender to rival reigning champion Ricardo Narine, who is poised and ready to defend his title.

In 2022, when Narine first claimed the title, the championship had winded down to a tense battle between him and Lee who

had tied on points and were forced to go to a play off.

But Lee is not the only challenger Narine must prepare for, with the top 9 players in the qualifiers, eager for a chance to win the title of National Junior Champion 2023.

In second place is Keron Sandiford with 6 points, after drawing matches with Lee and National U14 Open Champion Kyle Couchman, and winning his remaining games.

Alexander Zhang, Ronan Lee, Nicholas Zhang, Kyle Couchman, Matthew Singh and Oluwadare Oyeyipo all finished on five points each to take 3rd to 8th place respectively.

With 4.5 points, Kishan Puran took the final spot to continue on to the Championships.

Notable performances came from Logan Simpson, Italy Ton-Chung, Ethan Persaud and Omar Shariff

Murray edges Campbell, advances to Men’s 35 Singles semifinals

who all ended on 4.5 points each.

The 2023 Junior National Championship will play in a round Robin format under the time control of 90 minutes with 30 second increments. Games will play between July 14th and 19th at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Junior Chess Championship Qualifier tournament attracted over 50 students from schools in Region 3, 4, 6 and 10, and was supervised by FIDE Arbiters John Lee and Anand Raghunauth, assisted by top player CM Taffin Khan. The top 8 boards were broadcast live on you-tube and livechesscloud.com giving viewers at home a firsthand look at the juniors’ performances.

The Guyana Chess Federation would like to thank the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for once again providing the venue for the tournament and Café Bellvana for their support.

The GCF has recently engaged the Ministry of Education’s CEO Saddam Hussain to expand its chess in schools program. The initial focus will be on dormitory schools and some key regions in the initial stages.

Mr. Nicholas Fraser from the Allied Arts division had the opportunity to interact with the chess players participating in the tournament and committed to collaborating with the GCF in providing the necessary support in having the sport introduced to teachers and students in various regions.

Special thanks to the event title sponsor De Sinco Limited and Milex: one of Guyana's leading distributors of fast-moving consumer goods. Medals were presented to the top 9 performers and to Italy TonChung, who copped the best female prize for the tournament. De Sinco Limited

also distributed gifts to all participants promoting their product Milex. Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Alicia De Abreu congratulated the players and commented on the familiar faces in chess she’s been seeing over the years since De Sinco Limited has been a sponsor. She thanked the parents who took time off from their busy schedule to support their children in the game of chess. Ms. De Abreu said De Sinco will continue to promote different brands in upcoming chess tournaments.

Milex is the official brand for the National Junior Qualifiers and National Junior Championship 2023.

FullWorks/Blue Spring Water throws support at Linden Marathon

The Guyana Tennis Association’s “One Guyana” Open Tournament 2023 is a pillar of the emerging National Sports Academy; an initiative which is funded by the National Sports Commission (NSC); the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and by extension the Government of Guyana.

Ronald Murray, the reigning Men’s 35 Singles champion and the top seed, defeated Martin Campbell 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the GTA “One Guyana” Open Men’s 35 Singles semifinal.

After falling behind in the second set by a break, lefty Murray battled back to win. The crucial moment occurred when Campbell was serving at 5-3 to secure the second set and level the match. The experienced Murray cleaned up his unforced errors and found some well-placed serves at critical moments to win the match’s final four games.

“I was confident all the way! More or less, I was still trying to find my form in the match. I realised [Campbell’s] game started to pick up in the second set. So at 3-5 down, I

decided to retake control and close it out without giving him any chances,” the Men’s 35 Champ said.

The No. 4 seed Aubrey Younge awaits Murray next in a rematch of the 2022 GBTI Open Men’s 35 semifinal.

The Men’s 35 Champ applauds the Government’s initiative.

“In the years before, tennis was on the backburner and was never considered when all the funds were being distributed, so to see tennis then to now, while there is room for improvement, I love what the Government of Guyana is doing for the sport,” Murray said. “I hope to see more spectators and more persons involved, because tennis is not only for the persons in the tennis fraternity, but for all of Guyana.”

Other Results Men’s 35 Singles Quarterfinals: No. 4 seed Aubrey Younge defeated Leroy Chapman 6/1 – 6/1.

Men’s 45 Singles Round Robin: Harry Panday defeated Steve David-Longe 6/4 –3/0 (ret.).

FullWorks Industrial Park Inc., through its brand Blue Spring Water (a leading provider of premium bottled water), has proudly announced its partnership as the Platinum sponsor for the second annual Linden Marathon. The cheque handover ceremony took place on July 10, 2023 at the company’s head office at 1225 Industrial Zone, Eccles, EBD.

The Linden Marathon, founded and coordinated by Mr. Claudius Baird, aims to create a platform wherein individuals can challenge themselves, build endurance, expand their horizons, forge new connections, and experience a profound sense of achievement. The event is scheduled to take place on August 5, 2023, starting at 6:00 a.m. from the Bamia Police Outpost and concluding at the Christianburg ballfield, encompassing a ten-mile course.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Claudius Baird, the coordinator of the Linden Marathon, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, "We are excited to have FullWorks join us as the Platinum sponsor of the Linden Marathon. Their support not only highlights their commitment to promoting health and well-being, but also reinforces their dedication to the community we serve. With their contribution, we can execute

one of the event’s main objectives, which is to provide funding for at-risk students in Region 10. Together, we look forward to bringing together both competitive and casual walkers, fostering a vibrant sporting event, and making a positive impact on our community."

The presence of the CEO of FullWorks Industrial Park Inc., Mr. Roshan Ali, further emphasized the company's commitment to supporting the Linden Marathon.

Mr. Ali was joined by Ms. Teeka Ramnarain, Director; Mr. Narendra Lucknauth, General Manager; and Ms. Venita Andrew, Human Resources Manager. Their partnership ensures that the event will continue to flourish and deliver its mission of promoting health,

sportsmanship, and community engagement.

The Linden Marathon, officially launched in 2022, presents an opportunity for participants to challenge their physical limits, embrace personal growth, and contribute to a noble cause. By raising funds for at-risk students in Region 10, the event strives to make a lasting impact on the community, empowering the youth to pursue their education and dreams.

For more information about the Linden Marathon and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our official Facebook page at ‘The Linden Marathon’, or contact the event’s coordinator, Mr. Claudius Baird, at lindenmarathon@gmail.com.

223-6218, 656-5544 or 6237805.

Vacancy for a house cleaner at a private house in Herstelling EBD. One female between the ages of 35 – 45 years, from the hours of 9 am – 3 pm, 6 days per week. Days and hours are negotiable. Kindly contact 592-673-5300.

Ethan Lee and Keron Sandiford

Ronald Murray

Mr. Claudius Baird and Representatives of Blue Spring Water

Haris, Ayub to play for Guyana Amazon Warriors

Three teams have confirmed their fifth overseas player ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Saim Ayub, an international batter for Pakistan in T20 International cricket, will join the Guyana Amazon Warriors. With a proven track record of success, he will be a real boost for the Amazon Warriors.

The Amazon Warriors have also announced that Rahmanullah Gurbaz will not be available for some of this year’s CPL due to international commitments.

Gurbaz will be replaced by Pakistan international Mohammad Haris for that period.

Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting will be join-

ing the Jamaica Tallawahs. Cutting has played at the CPL before, with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in 2018. With experience in the best T20 leagues around the world, he will bring power

WI vs INDIA: Test 1 of 2…

batting and skillful bowling to the Tallawahs line-up.

Tristan Stubbs will be joining the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. A powerful batter who has recently broken into the South African

international team, Stubbs has experience playing in T20 leagues in England, India and his native South Africa. This exciting talent will bring firepower to the Patriots team.

Ashwin, Jadeja and openers assert India's day of dominance

- Athanaze shows promise on debut

Ravi Ashwin bagged his 33rd five-wicket haul to expedite West Indies' collapse on Day 1 of the first Test in Dominica on Wednesday (July 12). Ashwin's 5 for 60, along with Ravindra Jadeja's 3 for 36, helped India bowl the hosts out for 150, despite a fighting 47 from debutant Alick Athanaze.

Debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma then put on an unbeaten 80run partnership for the opening wicket to bring the deficit down to 70.

The umpire's call saved Rohit Sharma in the second over of India's innings after West Indies opted for the DRS for a leg-before shout. The Indian captain, who got off the mark with a swivelled pull for a boundary earlier in the over, played a one-handed cover drive off Kemar Roach for his second four. Joseph, meanwhile, was wayward with his lines, resulting in plenty of runs via extras for India. It took India's debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal 16 deliveries to score his first runs, which he did with an authoritative cut off Joseph for a bound - ary.

Rahkeem Cornwall was introduced in the eighth over and Jaiswal was quick to take on the spinner, playing a sweep for a four. Rohit was hobbling for a while, having inside-edged a Joseph delivery onto his boot.

Jaiswal wasn't in control when he tried to play some forceful shots off Cornwall.

Rohit, at the other end, played a classy straight drive off Joseph for his third four, and got his first six going over midwicket in Jomel Warrican's first over to extend the partnership past 50. Jaiswal was quick to pick the lengths as he cut away Cornwall and Warrican for a couple of boundaries. He also drove a Jason Holder delivery through cover for his fifth four, and played a reverse sweep for a boundary off Warrican in the final over of the day.

Siraj and Jaydev Unadkat tested the openers with good lines, going past both edges on multiple occasions. But they could not do any damage as Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul survived for close to an hour, before R Ashwin

sent both back in quick succession. Chanderpaul was bowled trying to defend while Brathwaite's decision to attack brought about his downfall. Umpire's call saved Jermaine Blackwood after India went up for a review for a leg-before decision in Ashwin's over. Raymon Reifer, though, fell soon after, as he got an outside edge off Shardul Thakur to give another India debutant Ishan Kishan his first catch. A wicket for Jadeja followed, in the last over before Lunch - thanks to a stunning catch from Mohammed Siraj to dismiss Jermaine Blackwood.

India wasted a review early in the second session when Thakur rapped Joshua Da Silva on the pad. But the wicketkeeper-batter's stay was a short one, as he fell attempting to cut a Jadeja delivery close to his body.

Athanaze and Holder tried to steady the innings, with the former playing some stylish shots reminiscent of Brian Lara. Ashwin was getting more

spin compared to the first session, but the fifth wicket pair was up to the task, with Athanaze confident enough to even play a slog sweep for a six. But Siraj ended the stand by getting Holder with a short ball. Ashwin reached 700 international wickets when Joseph fell to a leading edge. A mistimed pull resulted in Athanaze missing his fifty by three runs, giving Ashwin his fourth wicket.

Cornwall took the attack to Ashwin at the start

of the final session, striking a couple of boundaries in the first over after tea. Roach hung around for a while before becoming Jadeja's third scalp, trapped leg-before, with India using a review to reverse the onfield decision of not-out. Warrican became Ashwin's fifth wicket, handing a catch to Shubman Gill at bat-pad, with third umpire Marais Erasmus referring to different angles before giving his decision in favour of the bowler. (cricbuzz)

West Indies 1st Innings

Kraigg Brathwaite (c)c

Sharma b Ashwin 20

Tagenarine Chanderpaul b

Ashwin 12

Raymon Reifer c †

Ishan Kishan b Thakur 2

Jermaine Blackwood c

Mohammed Siraj b Jadeja 14

Alick Athanaze c Thakur

b Ashwin 47

Joshua Da Silva †c

†Ishan Kishan b Jadeja 2

Jason Holder c Thakur

b Mohammed Siraj 18

Alzarri Joseph c

Unadkat b Ashwin 4

Rahkeem Cornwall not out 19

Kemar Roach lbw b Jadeja 1

Jomel Warrican c

Shubman Gill b Ashwin 1

Extras (b 2, lb 5, nb

TOTAL 64.3 Ov (RR: 2.32) 150 Fall of wickets:

(Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 12.5 ov), 2-38

(Kraigg Brathwaite, 16.3 ov), 3-47

(Raymon Reifer, 19.3 ov), 4-68 (Jermaine Blackwood, 27.6 ov), 5-76

Da Silva, 31.5 ov), 6-117

Holder, 49.4 ov), 7-124

Joseph, 52.4

Mohammad Haris

Saim Ayub

Gurbaz will miss a few

Ashwin bowling during his five-wicket haul

Alick Athanaze shone on Test debut with 47

Ashwin and co celebrating (Photos: Getty Images)

Kemar Roach appealing against Rohit