Guyana Times -Wednesday, August 16, 2023

2 children among 4 perished in Linden, Essequibo infernos

– suspect accused of setting Linden house on fire arrested

Artificial island being built in Demerara River 80% complete – VESHI Director

– as MV Galileo departs following reclamation of 44 acres

GCCI Head charges members to form more partnerships

– Laparkan looks to capitalise on oil & gas opportunities

2 busted with $54M in ganja in Berbice

Guyana moving towards more technology-driven agriculture

Pres Ali – reiterates level playing field for foreign, local investors

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sophia resident stabbed to death during scuffle – suspect was defending self – relatives

P8

Fly All Ways cleared to leave Guyana after engine failure

– GCAA Head

– says Suriname aviation authorities to determine cause of failure, rectify problem

Taxi driver nabbed with unlicensed firearm, ammo

P 16

P10 P17

Mustapha promises probe into allegations against Whim/ Bloomfield NDC Chair PAHO donates $2.5M in equipment to treat patients with cervical cancer in Reg 6

UNC celebrates LGE 7-7 results, Kamla: We won popular vote

Dead: 12-year-old Eukeila Adams

Dead: Susan LaCruz

Dead: 9-year-old Ilyas Wilson

Dead: Cheryl Moore

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Demerara – Wednesday, Aug 16 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Thursday, Aug 17 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Aug 16 – 16:50h – 18:20h and Thursday, Aug 17 – 17:10h – 18:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be light rain showers and thundery showers during the day. Expect thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to South South-Westerly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 16:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.45 metres.

Low Tide: 10:26h and 22:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.7 metre and 0.74 metre.

Guyana moving towards

more

technology-driven agriculture – Pres Ali - reiterates level playing field for foreign, local investors

With Guyana’s current trajectory of incorporating more technology in the various economic sectors, particularly agriculture, President Dr Irfaan Ali recently highlighted Guyana’s attractiveness as an investment destination during his recent visit to the Dominican Republic last week.

While on his trip, the President sat down with Mercado Media Network for an interview during which he spoke of the exciting new opportunities in Guyana, including in the agriculture sector where he said more technology is being introduced.

“We are one of the most competitive countries when it comes to our natural assets for food production. Fresh water, brackish water, aquaculture, corn and soya production, and grains production generally. And we have large tracts of land. We’re looking to expand our poultry livestock production.”

“We’re investing in technology-driven agriculture, moving towards the technological transformation of the economy. Looking at digitisation. AI, robotics. So, a lot of exciting things are going on in the country,” Ali said.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

According to President Ali, a level playing field for foreign and local investors currently exists in Guyana. Additionally, he reminded that the Government is making massive investments in infrastructure and developing an economy based on the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

“There are a lot of ar-

eas where we’re going to collaborate. Energy. Petrochemical. Agriculture. Tourism. Food production systems. And then we signed the general agreement in terms of investment and how investment is treated. So, we’re creating a seamless, smooth business environment.”

“Where the two private sectors that collaborate and cooperate and work, with the ease of doing business and efficiency of doing business. So foreign investors are treated equally as local investors. In many other countries, there are disparities between the treatment of foreign and local investors. In Guyana’s case, foreign investors are treated equally.”

According to the President, the Government is working on creating a new model in Guyana that emphasises partnerships between foreign and local investors. He also cited other advantages that doing business in Guyana has, which include democratic institutions and political stability. There are also ex-

isting partnerships between major international and local companies.

“We have massive foreign investments in mining, from Australia, Canada. We have all the major sectors that have transformed the economy and contributed significantly to growth and development, had major investment from foreign investors.”

“The oil and gas sector is a consortium of the Government and three other foreign investors. Exxon, CNNOC, and Hess. So, we have a strong history, working with multi-nationals and our credentials are very strong.”

While in the Dominican Republic, delegates from the local private sector had met and inked agreements with their Spanishspeaking counterparts last week. At the bilateral level, Guyana had inked an agreement of its own with the Dominican Republic, for a 50,000 barrels per day oil refinery to be built here.

When it comes to agriculture, the joint production of agricultural products

such as corn and soybeans, as well as partnerships in the poultry sector, were discussed. President Ali had said at the time that the agreements inked in agriculture between the two countries will ensure their prominence at the table whenever food security is discussed.

“When it comes to food security, with the partnership we’re establishing with the Dominican Republic today, the transfer of technology, knowledge, the building of capital, the integration of markets, the integration of our food systems and agriculture portfolio, there will be no conversation on food security, especially in this Region, without the two countries being a part of it,” he had said following the signing of the agreements.

According to President Ali, record-breaking trade is already being recorded between the two countries. He was optimistic that this would only improve over the coming years. In particular, the President said that they are targeting markets such as aquaculture. He stressed, however, that the two countries are not limiting themselves to the traditional sectors.

The Agriculture Ministry was allocated $33.2 billion in Budget 2023. The Government’s focus on agriculture is down to the vision of making Guyana the bread basket of the Caribbean and reducing the regional food import bill. With the assistance of more diversified crops, Guyana is aiming to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. (G-3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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

Dangers of smoking

More than 40 million young people aged 13-15 have already started to use tobacco, the World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined. This, by any measure, is quite alarming, and one can only imagine the kind of impact this would have on our young people if urgent action is not taken to discourage such actions.

The WHO, for some time now, has embarked on a global campaign to highlight the “strategic, aggressive and well-resourced tactics” employed by the tobacco industry to target youths, with the aim of debunking the myths they create. The campaign seeks to provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation – from product design to marketing campaigns – and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against the tobacco industry. The WHO described this effort as a counter-marketing campaign, as it would reinforce work in assisting countries to implement effective policy interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco.

Guyana’s Chronic Diseases Coordinator Dr Kavita Singh had, in the past, lamented the fact that the tobacco industry is capitalising on new trends in targeting young persons. She noted that it was during this point in time that ‘big tobacco’ was using strategic marketing techniques to try to get young people to experiment with new and emerging novel products, like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

While there is a myth that these products are safe, the reality is that they are equally as harmful as the smoke of an actual cigarette. According to WHO, smoking e-cigarettes and hookah pipes – marketed as “safer” alternatives to conventional cigarettes – is harmful, addictive, and increases the risk of developing heart and lung diseases.

Of note is that these products have the same tobacco, which has cancer-causing agents among other deadly emissions. The WHO notes that most of the countless flavours on offer – such as bubble gum and candy – are there to attract youngsters, who at least double their chances of smoking cigarettes later in life.

It should be stated that tobacco is responsible for over seven million deaths per year worldwide. This includes approximately 900,000 persons who die from diseases related to exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 40 per cent of all tobacco-related deaths are from lung diseases like cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and tuberculosis.

Guyana’s Tobacco Control Law, enacted in 2017, follows several of the Articles of the WHO Convention, and mandates the adoption and implementation of a series of tobacco control policies that make it one of the most complete tobacco control laws. These include 100 per cent smokefree environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation, and specified outdoor spaces to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke; a ban on all forms of advertising and promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60 per cent of tobacco product packaging, including images. It also includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to and by minors, a prohibition on vending machines’ sales, and a ban on the manufacture and sale of toys and candies and any other goods in the form of tobacco products.

However, there is still much work to be done to win the battle against tobacco, as 78 per cent of all deaths here are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), some of which, we all know, are strongly related to tobacco use.

Having the necessary legislation in place is a good starting point, but there are many other challenges that health authorities here must address if Guyana is to really reduce the number of persons dying or becoming ill due to tobacco use or exposure.

These challenges relate to monitoring and compliance, stricter enforcement of the legislation to ensure that the population is protected from the dangers of tobacco use, and more recently tackling the newer forms of cigarette substitutes, which are proving to be very attractive to youths.

White guilt, Black nationalism, and Indian marginalisation

Dear Editor, Recent developments in Guyana require careful reflection on the ways in which Guyanese nationhood has been imagined.

My argument is that East Indians in Guyana have never been allowed to belong to the inner core of nationhood. Despite 185 years of physical presence in the country, they have been both inadvertently and deliberately excommunicated from the inside of nationhood, from equal and full belonging.

Instead, the Guyanese East Indian is constructed as an intruder in a country and a region where their history and their very existence are confined and quarantined to the margins. They have been marked absent in their presence.

Further, Guyanese Indians are wrongly blamed for the structural location bequeathed by colonialism to Afro-Guyanese. Unlike Guyanese Black nationalists, Indians have no equivalent of the Black Caucus. How could such a thing happen in a country that was born through a united anti-colonial struggle? How could such a thing indeed happen in a country where the founding figures of the Independence Movement and of the struggle for national sovereignty were built on solidarity across racial groups?

The central argument is that, whereas Africans and Afro-Guyanese have direct access to, and are an integral part of, Western modernity, Caribbean Indians - and especially Guyanese Indians - have been rendered in-

visible. They have no connection to the discourses of either suffering or emancipation beyond their own articulations of indentureship. Indentureship has not been given the status of a great historical wrong.

India, though ravaged for hundreds of years by Europe; and Indians, though plundered, raped, and murdered by the millions through war and deliberate starvation, have had no place in the historical imagination of the Guyanese creole intellectual class.

Let us proceed with three arguments to establish my theory of East Indian disqualification from the inside of nationhood. Firstly, we should recognize and embrace the fact that there is a global African presence, something that emerged through centuries of struggle. It is not that Indigenous peoples or the numerous countries in Asia did not suffer. They did, and millions perished. But the power and influence of Pan-African universalism is powerful in our minds because Africans were subjected to slavery in the West itself.

Generalized economic exploitation and dehumanization of Africans by Europeans resulted in an almost permanent state of shame by White Americans and Europeans towards Africans.

By contrast, there is no corresponding rhetorical regime of injuries and injustices for Indians. Guyanese Indians do not even fit in the histories of the subaltern school of postcolonialism, which originated in India. These displaced Indians

have no emancipatory grand narrative in which to situate their grievances. They belong to neither the East nor the West. They are marginalized to the point where, though they are a numerical majority, they are treated as an ethnic group that is outside of the national mainstream. Why else do you think you never hear an Indian melody in public spaces such as hotel lobbies or shopping malls?

Secondly, global capitalism and successive world orders since the late 19th century have been anchored by Anglo-American economic dominance and cultural hegemony. The Grand Other in the Anglo-American imagination has been the “Black” figure. American world influence has also catapulted the injustices against African Americans to a global audience. Afro-Guyanese intellectuals and politicians locate their own grievances within this transnational paradigm of resistance and redemption. The Caribbean Indian has no such recourse.

Now, based on the first and second points, I argue that because Africans have been in the ‘West’ - even though as the Other - their spatial, intellectual, and cultural proximity to the West has given their resistance to domination greater exposure, saliency, and political priority. A global Afroemancipatory epistemology emerged since the days of the Civil Rights Movement, and has been rightfully consolidated, at least in Western intellectual circles. Although intellectuals in India have made significant contribu-

tions to Marxism, postcolonialism, and other branches of critical intervention, there is no equivalence to the expansive rhetorical repertoire available to Afro-Guyanese.

Moreover, most Guyanese Indians educated in the West in the social sciences and humanities, including this writer, accept the general arguments of African emancipatory struggles. This is precisely why so many Indians (intellectuals and others) had gravitated to Walter Rodney.

We should recognize that “Black” intellectuals have been producing counter-hegemonic knowledge in the West for at least a hundred years. No university social science curriculum today can ignore the writings of W.E.B. DuBois, Frantz Fanon, Amié Césaire, Wole Soyinka, Eric Williams, Walter Rodney, Bell Hooks, Stuart Hall, Paul Gilroy, or Achille Membe. And then there are iconic names like James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Angela Davis, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Wilson Harris, Chinua Achebe, and Ngugi wa Thiongo, among others.

We should not forget the massive influence of resistance songs by Bob Marley, one of the few global musicians of all time. The global impact of these writers, combined with the historic work done in the Pan African Congresses and in the UNIA through the Garvey Movement, put in place a reservoir of knowledge that can ‘authorize’ discursive moves such as those made by the WPA.

Miss India Worldwide 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, accompanied by First Runner-up of Miss Teen India Worldwide, Netu Lal, and Mrs. India Worldwide Top 5, Reanna Aarkhan, joined the Indian High Commission in observance of India’s 77 Independence Anniversary at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Queenstown, Georgetown

Implementation of EMR in Guyana

Dear Editor, Electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medical records (EMR) have become revolutionary for medicine and public health due to their propensity to integrate technology into patients’ healthcare and wellbeing.

EMR and EHR are used interchangeably to describe a system that collects, stores, and disseminates a patient’s medical history, inclusive of demographics, medications, allergies, lab results, radiology, billing, and insurance information. The difference is that the former

(EHR) contains information monitored by a single provider, whereas the latter (EMR) is supervised by multiple providers.

EMRs are the trademark of many private and public health systems, but unfortunately, the recent rollout in Guyana has been chaotic. Best practice dictates that before implementation of an EMR, health systems are mandated to implement adequate health information privacy, storage, and dissemination of health data policies.

In the United States, the Health

Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs the safe and effective use of health data. Within governmental and private agencies, additional safeguards have been implemented to ensure that patients’ protected health information (PHI) is secured.

It is treacherous and senseless for the Minister of Health to initiate the implementation of an EMR at the nation’s leading facility without any patient health information and data privacy laws. Although he has long lamented legislation, he has unproductive -

White guilt, Black...

When Tacuma Ogunseye calls for an Afro-led subversion of the state, he takes cover not based on what is happening in Guyana. Rather, he finds an already available alibi located in the sanctified universalism of Afroemancipatory narratives.

For the past several hundred years, Africans have established a global presence. I am arguing that Africans have constructed a global PanAfrican identity, one that is necessarily politicized and massively influential. The practice of “Black politics” in Guyana is constructed within the ambit of this Black transnational identity. The East Indians of Guyana have no such resource or recourse available, because they do not have an equivalent paradigm. White guilt regarding slavery and racism in the US and Europe leaves no space to recognize

wrongs against Guyanese Indians. East Indians, therefore, must pay the price for White Guilt.

Afro-Guyanese are quintessentially Western in culture, and this is despite the painful history of Africans in the West well into the contemporary period. Most are Christians. Most became literate at a time when Indians were barely graduating from secondary schools, and a significant percentage lived in urban areas.

Guyanese ‘nation-ness’ was fomented through the systematic exclusion of Indian customs, religious practices and ways of life.

Jagan’s victory in 1992 was taken to be a wrongful instance in our historical development. Many will recall that Associate Professor David Hinds advanced the theory that Hoyte, not Jagan, should be a consensus candidate, even though Hoyte

ly produced to date. This means that public and private citizens’ health information is in the hands of health professionals without a compass of use, and opens the window to many possible violations of health information and data breaches.

Additionally, physical infrastructure is abject in a country that it now grappling with improving internet connectivity, which is a major conduit to store, save, and transfer health information. Coupled with very little knowledge of data server management and integration of state-

FROM PAGE 4

was an “electoral bandit” in the language of Paul Tennassee (leader of the PDM).

The PPP victory in 1992 was taken traumatically, because the Afro-modern creole sector of the population felt they have a natural right and a sole right to state power. It is under these circumstances that global narratives of African emancipation became a political resource in Guyana. Afro-Guyanese therefore have a global backdrop in which to situate their claims of suffering, and their claims of the natural right to state power in Guyana.

In the current situation, anti-PPPC activists in the United States have combined with the APNU

in Guyana to exploit race to the fullest. Instead of raising issues of policy, they try to connect the struggles of African Americans to the development issues in Guyana. Hakeem Jeffries has been fooled into believing that the African condition in Guyana is like that of the United States. This monstrous distortion must be corrected. The record shows that an African Guyanese was the head of government for 31 of the 57 years since independence. Through its coalition, the PNC has controlled state finances for 34.5 years of those 57 years since independence. White guilt cannot displace this record.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

of-the-art technological health equipment such as fax machines, workstations on wheels (WoW), copier machines and label printers - which, as peripherals, connect patients’ information – the system is tasked with effectively and efficiently delivering quality healthcare.

As an EMR consultant with over a decade of experience and 25-plus implementations across elite public and private health systems in the United States, Europe and Asia, I say the standard procedure with implementations of such magnitude in a systemic approach is to pilot the implementation of an EMR within smaller facilities, like the Diamond Hospital or Campbellville Health Centre first, so that defects and anomalies can be sorted out, and best practices can be implemented to facilitate a successful implementation for a scale of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

It is unimaginable that, with the experiences of yours truly and Shellane Gill, another Guyaneseborn EMR expert, we have not been consulted, although we have represented Guyana across the world advising and conducting full-scale implementations of EMR and EHR systems for public and private health institutions. It is a disease for policymakers to not integrate local expertise into the development of the country, and there is this tendency to engage less experienced and qualified personnel, like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), who are development generalists, and not EMR experts. We have to do better to protect health information and the safety of our patients.

Thank you,

Collin Haynes MPH MBA Shellane Gill BSc. EMR Implementation Consultants

Page Foundation

Quadrilaterals

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY)

By Adrienne rich

And now: it is easy to forget what I came for among so many who have always lived here swaying their crenellated fans between the reefs and besides you breathe differently down here. I came to explore the wreck. The words are purposes. The words are maps. I came to see the damage that was done and the treasures that prevail. I stroke the beam of my lamp slowly along the flank of something more permanent than fish or weed the thing I came for: the wreck and not the story of the wreck the thing itself and not the myth the drowned face always staring toward the sun the evidence of damage worn by salt and sway into this threadbare beauty the ribs of the disaster curving their assertion among the tentative haunters. This is the place. And I am here, the mermaid whose dark hair streams black, the merman in his armored body. We circle silently about the wreck we dive into the hold.

I am she: I am he whose drowned face sleeps with open eyes whose breasts still bear the stress whose silver, copper, vermeil cargo lies obscurely inside barrels half-wedged and left to rot we are the half-destroyed instruments that once held to a course the water-eaten log the fouled compass We are, I am, you are by cowardice or courage the one who find our way back to this scene carrying a knife, a camera a book of myths in which our names do not appear.

WORD SEARCH

Artificial island being built in Demerara River 80% complete – VESHI Director

- as MV Galileo departs following reclamation of 44 acres

With the completion of land reclamation on the artificial island being built in the Demerara River by Vreed-enHoop Shorebase Incorporated (VESHI) and the addition of 44 acres of land, the project is now approximately 80 per cent complete.

This was explained by VESHI Director Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, in an interview with this publication. He further noted that the company will soon be evaluating the responses received to its Request for Information (RFI) from potential suppliers. The consortium has said it is looking to engage between 30 and 90 services.

“With the land reclamation completed, the only remaining pieces to do now are to put the electrical networking and light up the buildings. And there are some amounts of civil works remaining. Small amounts, because the land reclamation is a big part of the project,” Deygoo-Boyer explained.

“The first thing we did, we put out the first RFI and we put out this second RFI. Once we get those responses, we’re going to do some analysis and create a shortlist of providers. And then we’re going to go to the RFP stage. Because essentially, we have to have some of those services opera-

tional for December 15th,” he added.

Meanwhile, a statement from VESHI revealed that having completed its task of reclaiming 44 acres of land, MV Galileo Galilei has departed Guyana. The vessel, which is owned and operated by VESHI’s Joint Venture partner Jan De Nul Group, was deployed last year to the artificial island.

“The vessel’s key mission was the sand key reclamation phase of the project. During this phase, the dredger cleared the existing area and begin the process of adding reclaimed material for the

44 acres to Guyana’s coastline,” VESHI explained in the statement.

It was further explained that VESHI has completed construction work on the 200-metre quay wall. They are now moving on to the fitting fenders and bollards, some excavation work in front of the quay wall, pavement, and other works. When it comes to its current search for service providers, VEHSI is actively seeking local companies not only for its shore base in Region Three but also additional services in Region Four.

Previously, the channel had a 5m depth at the lowest tide compared to 9m now. Further, the width of the channel was dredged to a whopping 100m, which will now accommodate two vessels – one coming out and one going in.

According to the project directors, the support and encouragement given by the Government of Guyana have been reassuring and augur well for additional investment and the future of Guyana. The project is expected to become operational in 2023, with the second phase set to commence in 2024.

In April 2022, ExxonMobil Guyana and VEHSI signed a 20-year agreement for shore base services to be provided at the port of Vreed-en-Hoop facility to support the US oil giant’s operations offshore Guyana. The sod was subsequently turned in June on the US$300 million facility.

creation of an artificial island on which the construction of the new terminal will be situated. During its deployment in Guyana, it helped maintain the channel and as it departs, it has added more than

VEHSI is a joint venture between a fully-owned Guyanese consortium –NRG Holdings Incorporated, and Jan De Nul Group, the Belgium-based company undertaking the project that specialises in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and project development.

VESHI Director Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer

MV Galileo Galilei during its reclamation work

Sophia resident stabbed to death during scuffle

– suspect was defending self – relatives

Twenty-five-year-old Mark Harris, a horsecart operator, was on Monday evening stabbed to death during an argument at a shop at Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The incident reportedly took place at about 19:30h and Police have since confirmed that the suspect in the murder subsequently surrendered.

Based on reports received, the now dead man and the suspect, who are known to each other, had an ongoing feud.

However, on the day in question, the victim and suspect were at a shop in the area when an argument broke out between them.

Police said the victim, who was allegedly armed

with a knife, attempted to stab the suspect, but the suspect held on to the knife, removed a pair of scissors from the waist of his pants and dealt the victim two blows to his body. After receiving the wounds, Harris reported-

ly attempted to escape, but collapsed a short distance away.

The suspect subsequently left the scene and went to the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost, where he reported the incident and handed over the murder weapon to the Police.

Police said the victim was picked up in an unconscious state and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, a relative of the suspect, told Guyana Times that the victim would constantly harass her family. The relative stated that the suspect was even threatened multiple times by the victim that he would kill him.

Even though the suspect made several reports, the threats persisted until the unfortunate demise of Harris on Monday night.

The relative further claimed that the duo was engaged in an ongoing misunderstanding, with confrontations arising each time they crossed paths with Harris.

However, on the day in question, the suspect reportedly left his home to purchase food when he was confronted by Harris. An altercation unfolded, during which Harris attempted to injure the suspect and in self-defence, he took out a pair of scissors and inflicted the fatal blows.

As the investigation progresses, the suspect remains in Police custody.

Artificial island being built in Demerara...

The consortium includes Hadi’s World Inc, owned by businessmen Nazar “Shell”

Mohamed and Azruddin

Mohamed; Nicholas DeygooBoyer and Eddie Boyer of

National Hardware Guyana Limited; and Andron

Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc. NRG holds a majority stake of 85 per cent in VEHSI, while the remaining

15 per cent is owned by Jan De Nul – the company that is constructing the facility.

The multimillion-dollar port, when completed, will feature an offshore terminal;

Deepening… …democracy

As the oil money percolates into the wider economyvia governmental spending fuelled by the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), and from the Private Sector via the Local Content Legislation – it’s not only the economy that’s gonna be affected; every other institution of society will be altered. Money talks, baby!! So, what your Eyewitness wants to know is: how do we try to deal with this new world??

Well, first of all, we gotta prioritise. And from where your Eyewitness sits, the political system has been the most critical in influencing our behaviour, and that’s where we oughta start. Up until now, ethnicity’s been the driving force of politics - and we all know where that’s taken us!! So, how will money change this?? As in so many areas of life, we just gotta look at the US and we can see our future. Money has made the world go round for the longest while, and in politics this was largely done through “lobbying”.

“Lobbying”, we’re told, “is any attempt to influence government decision-making.”

FROM PAGE 7►

fabrication, umbilical and spooling yards; a dry dock facility; a wharf and berths, and administrative buildings, among other facilities spanning 65 hectares. (G-3)

Knowing that humans will always seek to have an advantage in furthering their interests, Americans see “lobbying as an integral part of a modern participatory government, and is legally protected.” There, the right to lobby is protected by both the 1st Amendment (free speech) and the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - and additionally, by “the inherent need for participation in our democratic environment”.

Each state has its own definition of lobbying.

For example, in California, “lobbyist” means: “Any individual who receives US$2,000 or more in economic consideration in a calendar month, other than reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses, or whose principal duties as an employee are to communicate directly or through his or her agents with any elective state official, agency official, or legislative official for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action.”

Even foreigners are allowed to lobby.

We Guyanese would know from our experience during and after the 2020 elections - which the PNC tried to steal - both the PNC and PPP hired lobbyists to influence US lawmakers. We even heard about the amount of money the lobbyists charged – they didn’t come cheap!! But the point is, we know all of that cause there were laws to regulate an activity that everyone knew would take place - regardless!!

The Americans have two statutes to regulate the disclosure of lobbying activities by foreigners: The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)1 and the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA). One analyst estimated that there were close to 100,000 lobbyists who earned $9 billion annually. Wall Street spent a record $2 billion trying to influence the 2016 US Presidential election!!

Isn’t it time we get with the (lobbying) program??

…BRICS

Remember “BRICS” – the serendipitous acronym standing for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa?? The “emerging economies” that promised a whole new world order - away from the Western-centric model that ruled the roost for the last 500 years?? Well, after making a big splash and launching their own development bank and stuff…they dropped off the radar a bit. But seems to’ve found new energy with the Ukraine War. They’ll be meeting next week in South Africa, but - fuelled by ambition and self-interest – don’t expect anything dramatic. After all, China’s jostling with India over their borders, and blood has even been spilled up in the Himalayas – still rankles!!

While Russia seems to’ve accepted China’s ascendency - after being their senior partner back in the day – Putin’s absence will put a dent to any ambitious agenda.

Ukraine, of course, gonna be on the agenda – with China and India making out like bandits by sopping up Russian oil available through Western sanctions.

But don’t expect any new reserve currency to replace the greenback!!

…the Ukraine gambit

Now it’s not just a matter of “I told you so”, but now that Russia has acquired the “strategic depth” it desired from the very beginning, the West is gonna have to fight to the last Ukrainian!!

Dead: Mark Harris

India observes 77th Independence in Guyana with traditional hoisting of National Flag

India’s 77th Independence Day was celebrated on Tuesday with the ceremonial hoisting of its National Flag at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Peter Rose Street, Georgetown. The flag was hoisted by Charge d’Affaires of the Indian High Commission, Shri Amir Chand, which was followed by the National Anthem. Present at the event were members of the

Indian diaspora, Indian nationals, friends of India, and representatives of cultural organisations in Guyana among others.

A message from the President of India HE Smt Droupadi Murmu, was also read by the Indian diplomat and this was followed by several cultural items including classical dance, the reciting of poems, and the singing of patriotic songs.

The High Commission

of India has also been organising various events since March 2021 to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

A virtual exhibition to commemorate Partition Horror Remembrance Day was organised on August 14, also at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

The exhibition was inaugurated by a senior and prominent member of the Indian diaspora in

Guyana, Kanhaiya Lal Kriplani. Shri Amir Chand gave brief remarks on the occasion, explaining the significance of the event. The exhibition will continue until August 16.

India gained Independence from British rule on this day in 1947, while the Constitution was adopted in 1950. In 1757, British rule began in India, which was followed by the victory of the English East India Company at the Battle of Plassey and they gained control over the country. The East India Company took control of India for almost 100 years and then the British crown replaced it via the Indian Mutiny in 1857-58. During World War I, the Indian Independence Movement was started and it was led by Mahatma Gandhi, who

advocated the method of a nonviolent, non-cooperation movement which was followed by the Civil Disobedience Movement.

In 1946, the Labour Government, the exchequer of Britain, thought of ending their rule over India because of their capital loss during World War II. Then, the British Government in early 1947 announced the transfer of all powers to the Indians by June 1948.

In June 1947, several

leaders - Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Abul Kalam Azad, B R Ambedkar, etc agreed to the partition of India.

Millions of people from different religious groups started finding places to reside. Due to this, approximately 250,000 to 500,000 people died.

On August 15, 1947, at midnight, India achieved independence and was concluded by the Jawahar Lal Nehru speech "Tryst with destiny".

Charge d’Affaires of the Indian High Commission, Shri Amir Chand, and other Indian diplomats after the hoisting of the National Flag of India

The Indian contingent at the event on Tuesday

2 busted with $54M in ganja in Berbice

Two persons were arrested following the discovery of a quantity of ganja worth about $54 million at Number 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Tuesday.

Based on reports received, ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) were conducting an operation in No 51 Village along the Corentyne Coast when they discovered several bags, which, when inspected, contained a number of smaller parcels with the cannabis.

The cannabis was retrieved and taken to CANU’s Skeldon Office, Corentyne, Berbice, where it was weighed and amounted to 180.6 kg (398.15lbs), with a street value of about $54.1 million.

Two persons who were in the area at the time of the operation were arrested and are being questioned about discovery.

For the year thus far, CANU has seized 54.4kg of cocaine, 790kg of cannabis, 69g of ecstasy, and 101g of hashish. The estimated

street value for the drugs seized is about $800 million. In addition, five weapons (3 shotguns and 2 pistols) were intercepted along with 1087 rounds of various calibres of ammunition.

Only recently, the drug enforcement body destroyed a total of 1009kg of local and foreign marijuana with a street value of a whopping US$2.5 million which is equivalent to G$500,000,000.

The ganja was from cases that were disposed of by the Magistrates’ Courts.

AFly Allways flight destined for Suriname was forced to return to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Monday after it experienced an engine failure.

On Tuesday, the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lieutenant Colonel Ebert Field told Guyana Times that the authority was informed of the incident, which prompted an inspection of the aircraft and its documents.

As such, he added that local aviation officials have subsequently inspected the aircraft and the documents that were provided by an engineer onboard.

After completing a thorough inspection, the aircraft was given clearance to leave Guyana.

He added that upon arriving in Suriname, the aviation authorities will conduct further inspections to determine the issue. “Once, everything is rectified, then the Surinamese officials will give

the necessary clearance but once it lands in Guyana, we can also do an inspection if needed to determine the safety of the passengers on board,” Field added.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported that on the day in question, at about 11:14h, officers at the Timehri Aerodrome were on standby at the CJIA following report of an engine failure.

Based on the information provided, the Fly AllWays flight (PZ-TFB) was outbound to Suriname with 44 passengers on board. However, when the plane was about 20,000 feet in the air, oil pressure dropped below the prescribed limit, causing pressure loss in the right engine.

The pilot then acted swiftly to put the failed engine in idle mode. He turned the aircraft around and returned to CJIA for an emergency landing.

The information was relayed to the Timehri Fire Station, following which 10 ranks immediately took up their positions and were on standby as a precautionary measure in preparation for any eventuality that could

have occurred in those circumstances.

Ranks remained on standby until the aircraft landed safely. All passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated.

Fly Allways started operating in Guyana back in 2016 and currently offers flights from Guyana to Suriname, Barbados and Jamaica. Last year, the Government of Cuba also gave the green light for the carrier to operate non-stop flights between Georgetown and Havana.

The GCAA is responsible for managing and regulating the aviation sector in Guyana, ensuring compliance with international standards.

The Authority regulates and manages the aviation sector in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act (2018), the Civil Aviation (Air Navigation) Regulations 2001, Air Transport (Licensing of Air Transport Services) Regulations 2001, the Civil Aviation (Security) Regulation 2004 and Civil Aviation (Air Traffic Services and Rules of the Air) Regulations 2006 made under the Act.

The cannabis that was found during the operation at No 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Tuesday

Fly All Ways cleared to leave Guyana after engine failure – GCAA Head - says Suriname aviation authorities to determine cause of failure, rectify problem

Head of GCAA, Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field

The Fly All Ways flight made an emergency landing at the CJIA

GCCI Head charges members to form more partnerships

- Laparkan looks to capitalise on oil & gas opportunities

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Hutson has spurred on the organisation’s membership to look for more opportunities to form partnerships, taking into consideration the developmental trajectory of the country.

He challenged the membership during an event on Monday hosted by shipping company Laparkan and its partner, technology company Canon.

Noting that the GCCI’s membership stands at over 800, he went on to urge his membership to seek out such partnerships, which will help them grow their capacity and be better able to compete.

“I want to use this opportunity to encourage you to look at collaboration now. Now the chamber has, again, 800plus companies. Quite a few are tech companies, that you can certainly partner with to

a lot of international companies coming to Guyana to find their way. Hopefully, we can do that and support that process.” Laparkan Technology Expo which featured Canon Innovation & Imaging Solutions products and technologies, was held at the Pegasus Conference Centre. The occasion also marked the company’s 40th anniversary.

Guyana is expected to continue its trend this year of outpacing every other Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) country when it comes to economic growth. Additionally, the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has almost tripled in the space of two years, moving from $1.1 trillion in 2020 to $3.1 trillion at the end of 2022.

Guyana has also recorded the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in the Caribbean, with President Dr Irfaan Ali boasting last month 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.

build out that enterprise of the Canon services. The imaging services that they offer,” Hutson said.

“Now, you also have the membership that you can have a product in every office of the enterprise of the membership. So, it’s very important that we look at collaboration. We look at how we’re going to include, from the top to the bottom type companies, to build out resources and capacity and build out Guyana in a significant and sustainable way.”

Meanwhile, Laparkan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hussein “Butch” Haniff spoke of how his company has grown over the years. Now, Laparkan has locations in nine countries. He also gave projections for the company while admitting that Laparkan is catching up to the opportunities that come with oil and gas, but he was optimistic that they can reach their target.

“We’ve taken the steps to go ahead and get our ISO certification. We’ve done it in anticipation of what is going to happen in Suriname. We’ve started that process. We’re there. We’ve got a lot of employees there also. We’ve got an office over there,” Haniff said.

“And we’re setting ourselves up to capitalise on the future of oil and gas in Guyana. And all the supporting industries that are gonna come up. We only see Guyana as pretty much the next horizon for not only Laparkan, but

Other officials present at the opening ceremony included the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, and President of Canon Mexicana, Mikio Tagaki.

With a projected growth rate of 37.2 per cent for 2023,

“FDI is an important indicator 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 had told reporters.

Laparkan CEO Hussein Haniff

GCCI President Kester Hutson

2 children among 4 perished in Linden, Essequibo infernos - suspect accused of setting Linden house on fire arrested

Four individuals, including two children, tragically lost their lives in two separate fires in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) and Good Hope in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The first incident took place on Monday evening when a girl who was celebrating her 12th birthday and her aunt perished after their Silvertown, Linden home was set on fire by a male relative who was later apprehended. He had previously threatened to set the house on fire.

The fire reportedly rapidly consumed the two-storey house, leaving 12-yearold Eukeila Adams and her 50-year-old aunt, Cheryl Moore, trapped inside. Despite the efforts of firefighters, both victims could not have been saved.

According to the Guyana Fire Service, the fire started at about 23:45h, and by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the house was already engulfed in flames.

The child's mother, Althea Adams, told Guyana Times on Tuesday that her daughter had been living with her father and they had not communicated for about a year. Althea said she had hoped to spend her daughter's birthday with her but that wish did not come through. She said she learnt of her child's tragic passing through social media.

“I was home and my friend come and show me on social media that the house was on fire, so I run from where I living to the house. When I got there, nobody told me anything. Eyewitnesses on the

had with them at the house and they put him out. He allegedly comes outside and eyewitnesses say he lock up the downstairs because there is no outside exit. They can only come out from inside the house, and he lights all the windows around the house and he was holding a cutlass and a bottle and he was saying if any of them come out, he would chop them up.”

The woman said she had requested to see her daughter three weeks in advance and she was promised that she would get her on her birthday. She said the child’s aunt, after not being able to fulfil her promise, told her that she would get the girl on Tuesday.

“I wanted to see my daughter and take her out for her birthday. I wanted her to spend some time with her siblings. The last time I got to spend time with my daughter was last year when she was staying here with me for about five months. Me and her father had a mutual agreement for her to stay with him and when I call her to get him, he doesn’t want to send her with me. I went to wel-

supposed to go to secondary school when school open…. this is painful, this is heart-wrenching,” she said.

She bemoaned the fact that her daughter would have been alive today if she had spent her birthday with her.

“If they had only given me my daughter, she would have been alive today. Maybe there would have been a fire, but my daughter would not have been in it. All I wanted was my daughter. Now, she died on her 12th birthday. This is the second child I lost in such a cruel way… this is hard,” the woman cried, Althea’s six-year-old son Keith Adams was struck and killed by a speeding car on Westminster Road, at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, as he was making his way to school in November 2015.

Police said the accident occurred when the driver of a speeding car was proceeding along the roadway at a fast rate, lost control of the vehicle, and hit Adams, who was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead.

ished in a fire.

Police stated that at about 05:00h on Tuesday, the devastating fire completely destroyed their two-storey wooden and concrete building at Lot 12 Good Hope, Essequibo Coast.

According to initial information, LaCruz was suffering from a 'stroke', and she was occupying the upper flat of the house where she lived with her husband and their three children, aged 13, 12 and 9.

the burning building with his sister-in-law and nephew screaming for help. He was forced to watch the building reduce to ashes knowing that two loved ones were still inside.

As residents rushed to the scene, they too were left in shock and tears were trickling down their faces as they stood helplessly. The firemen managed to put out the fire after which the charred remains of LaCruz and her son were

Adams and her aunt, Cheryl Moore, who also perished in a fire, he received the devastating news about the one on the Essequibo Coast.

“We are suffering not because we don’t have sufficient capacity at all the places where fire may occur and can happen along the country. While we build up capacity, the more important thing is to have awareness and prevention and precaution,” Minister Benn said

scene told me that was her daughter’s uncle who lit the house on fire,” she said.

“Apparently, his wife put him out and he was living at the house for a short time and some problem he

fare and everything and they told me that I need a lawyer. I asked them why do I need a lawyer when we had a mutual understanding.”

“My daughter just wrote common entrance and was

Meanwhile, in Region Two, 32-year-old Susan Bibi LaCruz, a housewife, and her 9-year-old son, Ilyas Wilson, a former pupil of Good Hope Primary School on the Essequibo Coast, also per-

The lower flat was occupied by another relative, his wife, daughter, and granddaughter.

According to the relative, who is LaCruz’s brother-inlaw, he was in the lower flat with his family at about 5:00h when he heard his 13-yearold nephew raising an alarm about a fire. He stated that as he went to investigate, he saw the teenager running down the stairway. By this time, the man had already moved his family to safety.

However, as he rushed to the upper flat of the house, he was greeted by a ball of fire. His primary focus was to get the others out of the house. He first collected his 12-yearold niece, who was in the middle room, and made sure she was safe. As he approached the front bedroom, occupied by LaCruz and her son, Ilyas Wilson, he was forced to retreat due to the intensity of the heat.

He made several attempts, but in tears, he had to leave

found among the debris.

Following the tragic incident, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn visited the scene.

In a brief interview with this publication, the Minister related that as soon as he returned from Linden, where he visited relatives of Eukeila

He further highlighted the difficulties faced by the Fire Department as they had to navigate the road from Anna Regina to reach the scene. He also expressed his deepest condolences to the family, relatives, and the community affected by this tragic incident.

Dead: 12-year-old Eukeila Adams, who died in the Linden fire

Susan LaCruz, who died in the fire at Good Hope

Scenes from the Good Hope fire

Scene from the Linden fire

Another scene from the Linden fire

Ilyas Wilson, who died in the fire at Good Hope

Cheryl Moore, who died in the Linden fire Suspect: Alkali Moore, who reportedly set the Linden house on fire

School Health Screening

MoH targets 27,000 nursery school children by year-end

- as programme launched in Reg 2

least once during their secondary year. In that way, we will pick up if the child requires medical care,” Anthony said.

Having rolled out the programme in other regions across Guyana earlier this month, the Ministry is working closely with teachers within the Education Ministry to detect challenges a child may be facing as it pertains to their sight, hearing or dental health.

School Health Coordinator, Dr Farrah

December explained that if any abnormalities are identified, that child will be deferred to the necessary specialist for follow-up care and treatment.

"Our screenings are focused on the general well-being of the child. So, if the child needs spectacles, if they need hearing aids, this is the programme that will see them through so that they can get the care that they need,” December said.

Also in attendance at the Region Two launch

were Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Ranjeev Singh; Prime Ministerial Representative in Region Two and Health Community Chair, Arnold Adams; Regional Vice Chairman of Region Two, Humace Oodit; Materials Management Unit (MMU) Director, Vivienne Galasso; United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Supply Chain Consultant, Emeka Ogbolu; and Pharmacy Logistics Officer, Celena Robertson. (Pooja Rambaran)

Boosting healthcare provision for students countrywide, the Health Ministry’s School Health Department on Friday launched its firsttime Comprehensive Child and Youth School Health Screening Programme at Mainstay Health Post in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Through this programme, students at Mainstay Nursery School join other children across the country for screening and treatment of their oral health, hearing and vision.

Intending to improve the health of school children aged 5-17, the Health

Ministry in collaboration with the Education Ministry and Mount Sinai Health Systems, aims to screen at least 27,000 nursery-level children by the end of the year.

At the Region Two programme launch, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that with this initiative, early detection of health issues can be promptly addressed, expanding focus beyond the first three to five years of a child’s life.

"After children get to a certain age, in most cases threefive years of age, parents would oftentimes stop taking them to the health centre because they feel as though their child is healthy and so

they don't do any preventative checkups. So, we thought by having [this] programme at the beginning, we will be able to do our immunisation and provide other services to keep our children healthy, and we need to go to the next phase,” Anthony said.

This next phase, he explained, is where children move into their next level of schooling. As such, the school programme was divided into nursery, primary and secondary levels.

“We intend that during your school years, every child would be screened at least once during their nursery year, at least once during their primary year and at

Health Ministry’s Comprehensive Child and Youth School Health Screening Programme being launched in Region Two

Over 900 Wauna residents to benefit from new

upon completion

The drilling of a new well at Wauna, Region One (Barima-Waini) is on schedule to finish in September, providing potable water services to over 900 residents in the community and surrounding areas.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal visited the site to inspect the works and stated that the well is being dug by Guyana Water Incorporated at an estimated cost of $10 million.

Minister Croal said the project is on schedule to be completed by the end of September, and the area already has an existing distribution network. The community is currently receiving water from a reservoir in the neighbouring community of Wanania on a rotational basis.

This project was embarked on to fulfil a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a previous engagement with the residents.

Several projects are ongoing through the Ministry to enhance water access for Region One. A few days ago, a $20 million water system was commissioned in the community of Kwebanna. Before 2023, only 10 per cent of Kwebanna’s population had access to water, from a shallow well and a few standpipes.

The Government has al-

lotted $1.4 billion this year to drill wells and establish water distribution networks in the hinterland region. The objective is to attain 100 per cent water access for residents in these parts of Guyana by 2025. This is five years earlier than what is set out by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

To expedite access to potable water for residents, over $15 billion has been expended to make this a reality.

Overall, 97 per cent of Guyana’s population has access to clean potable water.

However, for the hinterland and riverine communities, there is 75 per cent coverage and by the end of 2023, with investments being made, the coverage will increase to 83 per cent. This is up from 45 per cent before Government took office.

Meanwhile, GWI is looking to establish 40 new wells and 30 water supply systems in hinterland regions this year, as part of the Government’s agenda to ensure every household is provided with potable water.

Once completed, these fa-

cilities would serve approximately 12,000 residents. Some 7000 residents are already receiving first-time access to potable water in their homes.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues told Region Nine residents last month,” “We will ensure access to clean and safe water for all by 2030 and we are going to do it five years earlier. We have 230 hinterland communities across the country, and our investments in the water sector will ensure this.”

Taxi driver nabbed with unlicensed firearm, ammo

APolice operation on Monday in the vicinity of Princes Street, Georgetown, between Victor Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, led to the arrest of a taxi driver with an illegal gun and ammunition.

The 44-year-old taxi driver, who was identified as Adrian Brandt of Lot 9 Norton Street, Georgetown, was at the time sitting in the driver’s

seat of motor car PAD 2499.

During the operation, the officers approached Brandt and introduced themselves, and immediately noticed a firearm positioned on his lap. One of the officers took control of the firearm, identified as a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, accompanied by a magazine containing 15 suspected 9mm rounds of ammunition.

Brandt was questioned about possessing a firearm licence, to which he responded negatively. He was then informed of the offences, cautioned, and taken into custody pending charges.

Brant is no stranger to the law. In fact, in 2019, he was sentenced to six weeks in jail after he admitted to assaulting a minibus conductor, Eric Lang.

It was reported that Brandt, who was armed with a metal object, confronted Lang after which he proceeded to grab him by his shirt and beat him. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Route 47 minibus park.

Last year, more than 2,000 streets were reconstructed. This year, another 2,000 streets have either been, or will be, reconstructed. This is happening in every village in every region. In all the municipalities, most of the streets and roads have been repaired and reconstructed.

In Mabaruma (Region 1), Anna Regina (Region 2), Georgetown (Region 4), Rose Hall, New Amsterdam, Corriverton (Region 6), Bartica (Region 7), Mahdia (Region 8), Lethem (Region 9) and Linden (Region 10), almost all streets and roads have been redone.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

The East Berbice, the West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, West Demerara highways are being transformed into 4-lane roads. New roads going around Georgetown and directly linking the East Coast to the East Bank are being constructed, and some have been completed. The Linden Highway, the road to Lethem, linking Georgetown to Brazil, are underway. The whole country is being linked up by roads, some already underway. Who benefits from such an aggressive roads programme? The answer is not blowing in the wind, my friends. It is all of us, no matter where we live.

A new Demerara River bridge has started. There will be a new Berbice River bridge, a new bridge linking Guyana to Suriname, a new bridge connecting Wismar to Mackenzie, and linking Georgetown to Lethem. Hundreds of bridges are being constructed to create quick, safe travel through the hinterland. Who benefits? We all know; it is each of us.

A new specialist pediatric and maternal hospital is presently under construction in Ogle to meet American and European standards, at a cost of more than $US161M, equipped to perform surgeries and provide services that presently people must go overseas for. This new hospital will include MRI and CT with technology not yet available anywhere in CARICOM. Six new Regional Hospitals are presently under construction – at #75, Bath, Enmore, Diamond, De Kendren, and Lima/ Anna Regina - that will have modern operating rooms and CT, at a cost of $US180M. Design work has started for four new regional hospitals in Moruca, Kamarang, Kato and Lethem. These hospitals will have a minimum of eight operating rooms, and each of these hospitals will have CTs. Linden Hospital is being upgraded. A new New Amsterdam Hospital at a cost of more than US$160M, with cardiac (heart) surgery capability, is being constructed. A new Georgetown Hospital will soon start construction, which will likely be the biggest ever investment in CARICOM’s history. Who benefits? Does anyone really need me to tell them it is all of us?

This is merely a passing glimpse of the robust development taking place in Guyana. None of this would have happened had Guyana’s economy not become the fastest growing economy in the world for three years in a row now, and projected to maintain that status in 2024. The reason the economy has been blazing ahead is because of OIL & GAS. Thus, agriculture is benefiting tremendously; manufacturing has been catalyzed, new service industries, with new hotels and hospitality businesses, are blooming; a new ICT industry is taking off. But we also have added a carbon credit revenue stream. And no country in CARICOM has attracted more foreign direct investment than Guyana since 2020. A country in which a one million US dollar investment was a big deal in the early 1990s is now attracting billions of dollars in FDI.

As bad as the 2016 OIL Deal was, Guyana is developing by leaps and bounds, and all of us are benefitting, no one more than KN and the sycophants who call every day to leave the oil in the ground. The small group every single day insult our intelligence, insisting that only a few people in Guyana benefit, while they make a business out of shouting out for a new deal. For anyone to say that everyone does not benefit from the economic trajectory that has been propelled by the OIL & GAS industry, they are dishonest and playing the fool.

No ambiguity, the EXXON PSA was a bad deal when it was signed in 2016. It remains a bad deal today. Guyana is not against renegotiation, but who thinks EXXON will agree? Rather than moaning and groaning, the PPP is trying its best to make the most out of a bad deal. The PPP Government, from the first moment it discovered what the Granger/ APNU/AFC (PNC) Government had signed, condemned the contract. The PPP, in opposition and now in government, reiterated many times that the deal, as signed in 2016, is a bad deal. There is unanimity on this matter. The PNC/AFC and their main players, such as Patterson, Trotman, Ramjattan and others, today have joined in condemning the 2016 EXXON contract. Why do you think they hid the contract for two years after they signed it?

President Irfaan Ali, VP Bharrat Jagdeo, and the PPP Government have done the right thing in the interest of Guyana. Let us use our OIL now to transform Guyana. Those who today moan and groan and have a temper tantrum each and every day were generally quiet. They and the PNC (APNU/AFC) only decided that the contract was a terrible one after August 2, 2020. They are morbidly afraid that the development taking place today is resulting in people uniting under a single banner – ONE GUYANA. They are traumatized that there is no way they can stop the people uniting behind the PPP Government. They try their best to find any and whatever new reason to demand renegotiation of the contract, and talk about leaving the oil in the ground until we do so. Let them talk. While they waste their time, Guyana is ensuring our OIL wealth makes Guyana a paradise.

$10M well

- expected to be opened by September month-end

Let us stop playing the fool – oil has been good for Guyana so far

Arrested: Adrian Brandt

The gun that was found in the driver’s possession

PAHO donates $2.5M in equipment to treat patients with cervical cancer in Reg 6

Healthcare provision in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is expected to improve with the recent procurement of $2.5 million worth of cryotherapy guns to aid in the treatment of cervical cancer as well as a number of computers and electronic supplies to boost the Region’s overall health surveillance system.

The Health Department of Region Six on Monday received this generous donation from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Given the common correlation between being infected with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and developing cervical cancer, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted the

importance of testing for the virus and having other mechanisms put in place to better address it in the country.

“[Cervical cancer] is something we can eliminate from Guyana. All it takes for us to do is to intensify our vaccination, our immunisation with HPV. But so far, the rates have been quite low, especially in [Region Six]. If we want to eliminate cervical cancer, we have to increase the rates of HPV vaccinations,” Anthony said.

In addition to increasing the prevalence of HPV vaccinations, Minister Anthony also explained that for persons who are sexually active, the Ministry’s service expansion further includes pap

smears and visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) testing.

“During VIA, if we notice any abnormal cells, we can then use cryotherapy to make sure that we fix them,” Anthony said.

While VIA screening is an effective method used to screen the cervix with acetic acid for pre-cancerous lesions in women, cryotherapy refers to the use of extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue.

As such, the newly acquired cryotherapy guns will be distributed within a number of health centres in Region Six, including the Orealla Health Centre, to build its capacity for dealing with these health concerns.

TURN TO PAGE 18

Health Department of Region Six received cryotherapy guns, computers and other electronic supplies

Mustapha promises probe into allegations against Whim/Bloomfield NDC Chair

cials received same.

Additionally, they say they are being deprived of being a part of the Government’s part-time jobs.

They even accuse the Chairman of ensuring that persons who are employed under the Government’s part-time jobs initiative benefitted from the cash grants, while others were told that their names were not on the list because they were employed as part-time workers.

On August 3, several residents took to the streets,

Some aggrieved residents recently met with Mustapha, during which they raised their concerns regarding the sitting Chairman of the NDC.

Among other things, residents claim that the Chairman’s influence is resulting in only friends and families of himself and others on the council benefit from Government initiatives.

Mustapha has assured residents that their concerns would be addressed, and that some of the allega-

should have received the cash grant. Remember, 10day workers are making that money in five months, because they are receiving $40,000. That is the instruction, because these things have to be spread out; not one set of people must get it. I will ask for the list, and we will verify it. Somebody said that four persons from one house got the cash grant; we will deal with it.”

Mustapha has said he would personally go through the list with those who received the Black Giant

UNC celebrates LGE 7-7 results, Kamla: We won popular vote

As calls mount for removal of the Whim/Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Region Six Parliamentary Representative, Zulfikar Mustapha, has promised that an investigation would be launched into the concerns of the constituents.

The residents have claimed that they were promised small business cash grants but their names were not on the list. They say that those who have benefitted from the Government’s assistance to the venerable in the community did not receive Black Giant chickens when the Agriculture Ministry distributed them, but friends of village offi-

calling for the removal of this NDC Chairman.

tions would be investigated.

“No 10-day worker

chickens from his Ministry.

“People also received chicken. I want to see that list, because it falls under my Ministry. I will deal with it, and I want to assure you that those persons who deserve to receive the chickens will receive their chickens. I will ensure that happens.”

However, he said that in relation to the NDC Chairman, a process had been adopted, during which there were consultations in the community and persons were recommended to become councillors; and after the council was installed, Councillors selected whom they wanted to be Chairman.

The NDC Chairman was sworn in on July 19, after having served on the council for several years.

THE Opposition UNC was upbeat on Monday night after it appeared the local government elections ended in another 7-7 tie.

In the 2019 elections, both parties won seven of the 14 local government corporations.

The results were repeated on Monday.

The UNC retained the Sangre Grande Regional Chaguanas Borough, Penal/ Debe Regional, Siparia Borough, Princes Town Regional, Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional, Rio Claro/ Mayaro Regional Corporations.

The PNM retained the San Fernando City, Port of Spain City, Diego Martin Borough, Tunapuna/Piarco Regional, Point Fortin Borough, Arima Borough and San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporations.

The UNC made inroads in some districts in Arima, Diego Martin and Tunapuna/Piarco, considered PNM strongholds, reportedly losing by margins of hundreds of votes or less.

The night began slowly for UNC supporters waiting at party headquarters in Chaguanas for results to come in.

As preliminary results came in, the enthusiasm of supporters increased.

The atmosphere re-

mained upbeat when it became clear the elections were tied.

Approximately 1,078,651 people were eligible to vote in the elections.

Some of these - 13,284are special electors.

They could not vote on Monday. Special voting started on August 7 and ended at 3 pm on Sunday.

In a video from her Siparia constituency office in Penal, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar updated UNC supporters on the party's early victories in Chaguanas, Princes Town and Sangre Grande.

Later at the party's headquarters in Chaguanas, Persad-Bissessar congratulated all UNC candidates.

Persad-Bissessar promised, "We will work harder to bring home the next (general) election."

She was pleased that in the corporations retained by the UNC, the party either increased the number of districts it held or made inroads in other places.

"PNM have lost votes in all parts of Trinidad. At the end of the day, we would have won the popular vote."

She hinted that the UNC would consider challenging results in some of the 141 local government districts where the results were close. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

PAHO donates $2.5M in...

Surveillance system

Meanwhile, Minister Anthony highlighted the work the Ministry has been doing to improve health surveillance systems countrywide to provide programmes that meet the needs of different communities.

“A lot of our surveillance system is built around capturing infectious diseases and there’s an obligation for the staff when they discover the reportable ones, to send that to Georgetown so we can consolidate them and report it,” Anthony said.

“Having a system just

to report when you have a particular outbreak is not what we’re looking for. We want a system that can help us in our planning, in doing health better in the community,” Anthony said.

He stated that apart from looking at infectious diseases and working on its elimination, the Ministry is also looking to assess the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases within various communities.

“By going out into the community and doing surveillance in the community, we are moving from passively collecting information to actively collect-

FROM PAGE 17

ing information,” Anthony said. “[We’ll be] using that information to plan what services we should offer… to match the needs of communities,” Anthony said.

Dr Anthony further expressed his intention to scale up this community surveillance across the regions to ensure health services more appropriately address community needs.

Among those present at the equipment handover ceremony on Monday were Regional Health Officer, Dr Vishyala Shamra; Regional Chairman, David Armogan; and International PAHO Consultant, Dr Khyati Aroskar.

Offices of the Whim/ Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council

Region Six Parliamentary Representative, Zulfikar Mustapha

UNC Political Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar greeting supporters as she arrived at the party's headquarters in Chaguanas on Monday night

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Pay attention to how you present yourself to the world. Go the extra mile and dress for success. Socialize, interact with people heading in a direction that interests you and expand your knowledge.

(March 21-April 19)

Take a breather, give yourself time to think and map out your plans. Preparation will make the difference when it comes to reaching your goal. Do something that makes stand out.

(April 20-May 20)

Home is where the heart is and where you will accomplish the most. Don’t let an outsider talk you into something that can lead to trouble or hurt your reputation or position.

(May 21-June 20)

Develop a plan you are passionate about and dedicate your time to launching it and reaching out to individuals most likely to help you. Listen to what others say and fine-tune your methods.

(June 21-July 22)

Follow your heart, not temptation. Consider what others want from you and what’s best for you. Don’t feel obligated to please everyone before you please yourself. Look inward.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Pay attention, recognize prospects and implement positive change. Don’t fear taking a different path. You will hold everyone’s attention and make a mark if you give your all.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Get in line and do your part. Your hands-on help will mean more than a financial contribution. It’s time to get your hands dirty and make a difference. Connect with other do-gooders.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Put jealousy and possessiveness aside and consider taking the high road. How you treat others will reflect who you are and what you have to offer. Offer others hope.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

How you project your thoughts, attributes and willingness to help others will lay the groundwork for what’s to come. Don’t take on someone else’s fight when you have other things to do.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Look for alternative ways to make your money work for you. Reducing your overhead will fund something meaningful to you. Make a promise to yourself or to someone you love.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Stop and reassess your thoughts, relationships and lifestyle. Consider if there is something you can do to lighten your load. Live life your way, maintain high standards and get moving.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Dedicate your time to something meaningful. Take the initiative, pass your thoughts along and seek out those who can contribute to your progress. Opportunities begin with you.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

PICKLES

SOLUTION

Eureka Giddings, Pope Emanuel, Shanella London victorious at recent LGC tournament

Pope Emanuel London, Eureka Giddings and Shanella London were the ones to watch last Saturday as the Lusignan Golf Club staged its recent tournament. The trio were in sync, and made excellent use of the conditions on the course.

The format of the threeman team tournament, dubbed “The Weakest Link”, was Medal play over 18 holes, and the intention was to have a team of three players, one from each flight, with the combined net scores being totalled and divided by three to get the net score of the team.

The results of the tournament were as follows:

First position

Shanella London – HC 9,

Gross 84, Net 75

Eureka Giddings – HC 27, Gross 98, Net 71

Pope Emanuel London –HC 17, Gross 104, Net 87

Average combined net score: 77.7

Second position Maurice Solomon – HC 21,

Gross 94, Net 73

Maurice Deo – HC 26, Gross 100, Net 74

William Walker – HC 10, Gross 100, Net 90

Average combined net score: 79.0

Third position

Monnae Arjune – HC 10, Gross 89, Net 79

John Joseph – HC 15, Gross 99, Net 89

Hilbert Shields – HC 20, Gross 95, Net 75

Average combined net score: 79.3

Longest Drive – Miguel Yunes

Nearest to the pin –Troy Cadogan

Speaking on behalf of his

The winners’ row

team, Pope Emanuel London said, “The tournament, in my view, was a resounding success, even though the attendance could have been better. But the participants were satisfied, especially with the prizes that were up for grabs, even though it was a club tour-

nament. Our win was a pleasant surprise, because I knew that, as a team, we didn’t play our best game.”

The Lusignan Golf Club will now turn attention to the highly-anticipated Sankar’s Auto Works tournament, set for this Saturday.

Senior Men’s Football Leagues 2023… Action continues in Georgetown, West Dem, East Dem; wins for Uitvlugt, Pouderoyen on the West Side

Crane Rovers and Belle West were on the receiving end of a beating on Sunday at the Tuschen Community Centre ground when the Senior Men's League of the West Demerara FA continued.

In the first game of the double-header, Uitvlugt Warriors made light work of the Rovers, winning 3-0. On target for the winners were Keshawn Andrews(31'), Travis Fraser (39') and Casper Evans (60'). This was the 2nd win for the Warriors, who remain 1 of 3 perfect teams after 2 rounds of matches.

In the 2nd match, Dwayne St. Kitts scored penalties in the 20th and 26th minutes to pilot Pouderoyen to a 2nd win from as many games. Paul Singh pulled one back for Belle West in the 11th minute, while Leroy Semple made it 3-1 in the 80th minute.

Beacons and Pele win in

City

Former city and national champions, Beacons FC and Pele FC, registered easy victories on Sunday when the Senior Men's League of the Georgetown FA returned to the GFC ground.

In the 1st game of the triple-header, Camptown FC were a no-show for the 3rd successive game, and Riddim Squad earned 3 points without kicking a ball.

In another effortless display, Beacons notched up a 5th win from as many games to tighten the stranglehold at the top of the 9-team 2nd- tier League. Against Black Pearl FC, Shamar Fraser netted in the 35th minute, and Antwande Abrams in the 57th, to secure a 2-0 win and maintain the perfect run of Beacons.

The feature match was special for the in-form Orlando Lovell, whose treble(3', 27' and 31') paved the way for Pele's

4-nil humiliation of the youthful homeside GFC. It was the 5th conversion in 2 games for the 21-year-old Lovell, while Daniel Gibson scored the other goal in the 63rd minute as Pele moved to 10 points from 5 games in 3rd place, one point and one place below 2nd placed Riddim Squad.

Guyana's 2nd tier Senior Men's League played by teams of the nine Regional Associations

Inaugural “One Guyana” Basketball tourney…

Opening day wins for Black Mambas, Eagles, Team Ravens

Black Mambas, Eagles

and Team Ravens have each secured a win on Saturday 12th, August 2023 -the opening day of the inaugural “One Guyana” Basketball tournament being played at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. They managed to showcase their shooting skills before jubilant supporters.

The Black Mambas started their campaign on a high against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), leading their opponents in the first quarter. In the second quarter, many shots were directed at the baskets, but Black Mambas prevailed to extend their lead to 36- 22. The soldiers kept their composure, and showed the Mambas their class in the

third quarter by minimising the Mambas’ lead to a mere four points - the scorecard reading 42-46 in favour of the Mambas. Nevertheless, the Mambas went on to secure the win in the final quarter by increasing their lead to 50-72.

Samuel Thompson of Black Mambas dominated play to register 16 points, and Brandon Bento and Jonathon Pooran each scored 12 points to gain the win.

Kevin Richards of the GDF score 10 points, while Rondel Edwards and Jason Khan each scored 8 points, but those were not enough to enable the army to invade the victory party.

Team Ravens controlled the first quarter of the game against Guardians, securing a lead of seven points with the score on 16-9.

As powerhouses, Ravens increased their lead in the second quarter to 32-19, and dominated the third quarter by 52 points to 31, before the scorecard ultimately read 74–40 in their favour.

Team Ravens prevailed in this contest because of their ball-handling and shooting skills, with Dominic Vincente dominating the field to score 21 points, while Shamae Huntley contributed 15 and Tyrone Hamid and Jude Corlette each scored 10 points.

The Eagles showcased their shooting skills to go 20-3 in the first quarter of their game, and dominated action in the second quarter to extend their lead to 35-24, before eventually winning the game with the score at 66-52.

have all been mainly funded by the Guyana Football Federation's M-FAP (Membersfinancial Assistant Programme).

Herstelling Raiders replace Timehri Panthers at the top Herstelling Raiders have taken the lead of the 9-team Senior Men's League of the East Bank FA after the 5th round of matches. The unbeaten Raiders registered their 4th win in the 2nd game of the triple-header, played at Timehri Red Ground last Sunday, as Diamond United went under 1-3, their 2nd loss after 4 games.

Levi Wilson scored the opener in the 4th minute, and

Ray Green man made it 2-0 in the 27th minute. Ixias Da Silva then pulled one back for Diamond in the 32nd minute. Raheem Angus sealed the victory 5 minutes into the 2nd period.

The 3 points lifted Raiders to the top of the points table with 13 points, while Diamond remained in 4th place on 6 points.

The other unbeaten side, Timehri Panthers, could only muster a 2-2 tie against Soesdyke Falcons in the feature game. Jonathon Bailey (7') and Shawn Steele (22') steered the Panthers to a comfortable lead, that lasted until the dying moments of the game. Two late conversions: by Marvin Wilson in the 83rd and Shakeem Billison 2 minutes into injury time, secured a vital point for the Falcons.

The allocation of a mere point has dropped Panthers to 2nd place, on 11 points after 5

games, while Falcons retained 3rd position on 7 points from 4 matches.

The opening game on Sunday resulted in a 2nd win after 4 games for Circuit Ville, who outlasted Samatta PointKaneville 4-2.

Tyequan Robinson broke the deadlock in the opening minute for a Samatta lead, but Ronaldo Nunes levelled the score in the 8th minute, and eight minutes later, Alex James gave Circuit Ville the 2-1 advantage.

In the 34th minute, Daquan Bovell made it 2-all. Schumar Schultz restored the lead for Circuit Ville in the 73rd minute, and 3 minutes from the end, Desmond Chester made it 4-2. The 3 points pushed Circuit Ville to 6 points and 6th place, while Samatta remained on 4 points and slipped to 7th position.

A victorious Pope Emanuel London, Eureka Giddings and Shanella London standing alongside LGC Secretary Chet Bowling

The Uitvlugt goal scorers

Fifth edition of Lower Mazaruni District Games gets underway

The sports of Archery, Cricket, Football, Swimming, and Volleyball will be keenly contested in the Lower Mazaruni area of Region Seven this week, as the 5th annual Lower Mazaruni District Games commence.

The Games were officially opened last Saturday at the Bartica Community Centre Ground with Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai reminding that there is no limit to Indigenous talent in sport.

“The hinterland is not at all limited! There’s not at all, any shortage of talent as it relates to athletes in terms of sprinting, swimming, football, cricket, you name it, they’re there,” Sukhai proudly shared with the athletes and stakeholders gathered.

Speaking about Government’s involvement in sport, Minister Sukhai said, “And one of the amazing things is that since the advent of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, our young athletes were provided with an opportunity and a platform from which they could display, they could show, they could highlight

and exhibit, their talent in terms of the athletic environment.”

With the District Games being a qualifying event for next month’s highly-anticipated Heritage Games, the Minister implored the athletes to compete fiercely, as the Heritage Games are an opportunity to put the country on notice.

“This is the time when the hinterland shines. There is no other event in our country that brings together all the hinterland communities

and townships to show the Coastal people that we exist, that we have talent, and that we can challenge any form of sports when we get the chance and the opportunity to do so,” Sukhai highlighted. She added, “And your opportunity will be at the Heritage Sports!”

Sports teams from the villages of Agatash, Batavia, Dagg Point, Itaballi, Kartabo, Karrau and Mora Camp, among other places, will be competing at the District Games.

Guyana fields strong junior team for CAREBACO tournament

Adozen junior Guyanese badminton players are expected to heat up the Badminton courts in Trinidad and Tobago as they compete in the CAREBACO Junior Badminton Tournament this week. The competition is scheduled to run from August 17 to 20, 2023.

The members of the Guyana Badminton Association are hoping to bring home medals for their country.

The twelve junior players will be coached by national players Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes, who have been working assiduously with the team over the past few weeks. The team will be accompanied by GBA President Mrs. Emelia Ramdhani and by Ms. Martina Bacchus-Felix.

The CAREVACO team will depart for the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago today, Wednesday August 16, 2023.

The team comprises the following athletes and the category they will be competing in.

Gianna Ramnarine -

Under-13 & Under- 15 (singles & doubles)

Gabrielle Felix -

Under-15 (singles & doubles)

Avinash Ramnarine -

Under-15 & Under-17 (singles, doubles & mixed doubles)

Naveah Eastman -

Under- 17 (singles, doubles & mixed doubles)

Joanathan DebidinUnder-17 (singles & doubles)

Gabriel FelixUnder-17 (singles, doubles & mixed doubles)

Nikolas PollardUnder-17 (singles, doubles & mixed doubles)

Frank Waddell - Under-19 (singles & doubles)

Raah RussellUnder-19 (singles & doubles)

Haresh PersaudUnder-19 (singles & doubles)

Jonathan RobinsonUnder-19 (singles & doubles)

Skilled Labourers (Road Construction). Ages 20 and over and Diesel Mechanic. Call # 6130855.

Genevieve BookramUnder-17 (singles, doubles & mixed doubles)

Following the junior tournament, the Trinidad & Tobago International Tournament (senior) will be held from August 22-26, 2023, and Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani will be competing in the men’s singles, women’s singles, mixed doubles and women’s doubles (where Priyanna will team up with a regional colleague in the fraternity from Barbados).

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai (C) surrounded by stakeholders during the opening of the Lower Mazaruni District Games (DPI Photo)

The CAREBACO junior team and coaches

RBL CPL 2023…

Guyana Amazon Warriors name Tahir captain, Shepherd VC

The Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise on Tuesday announced the appointment of Imran Tahir as captain of the team, and Romario Shepherd as vice-captain thereof, for the upcoming Republic Bank Limited Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 season. The duo

is known for his electrifying leg-spin and exuberant celebrations, will take on the role of captain for the first time in his illustrious career.

Tahir's extensive knowledge of the game and his ability to inspire and rally his teammates make him a natural choice to lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors. His aggressive approach, combined with his passion for the sport, is set to invigorate the team and contribute to their pursuit of CPL glory.

ic partnership is expected to elevate the Warriors' performance on the field.

Tahir, the seasoned South African cricketer who

"I am incredibly grateful and excited to lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the upcoming Republic Bank CPL season," Tahir commented. "I believe in the talent and potential of this team, and together with Romario and our fantastic squad, we aim to deliver an exceptional performance on the field while representing the passionate cricket fans of Guyana.”

Romario Shepherd, a longstanding member of the Guyana Amazon Warriors family, joins Tahir in a lead-

Massy WCPL 2023…

ership role. Shepherd's allround abilities as a fast bowl- er and aggressive lower-order batsman have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising talents in the region.

As vice-captain, Shepherd will play a crucial role in supporting Tahir's captaincy and contributing his insights to the team's strategic decisions.

"It's a privilege to be named vice-captain of the

Courtney Walsh appointed GAW Women’s Head Coach

Legendary West Indian pacer Courtney Walsh has been revealed at the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women’s Head Coach for the upcoming Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2023 season.

This exciting development marks a new chapter for the team as they gear up to conquer the competition under the expert guidance of one of the sport's most esteemed figures.

Walsh's illustrious cricket career, characterized by his unerring accuracy, intimidating pace, and exceptional leadership skills, makes him a perfect fit for the role of Head Coach. Having represented the West Indies cricket team with distinction for over a decade, Walsh's wealth of experience and cricketing intelligence is sure to elevate the performance of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women's Team.

Walsh’s coaching prowess has been outlined through his time working with both male and female teams around the world, most recently serving as Head Coach for the West Indies Women’s team and Oval Invincibles.

"I am truly honoured to take on the role of Head Coach for the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women's Team," expressed Courtney Walsh. "I am excited to work with this talented group of players and contribute to their growth and success. It's

a privilege to be a part of the WCPL once again, and I am confident that, together, we can achieve great things."

Walsh's appointment is a testament to the commitment of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women's Team to fostering excellence and nurturing local talent. His proven track record in mentoring and developing players aligns perfectly with the team's mission to create a nurturing and competitive environment for aspiring cricketers.

The Warriors franchise management have said, “We are excited to have Walsh joining the Warriors family. He brings a wealth of experience and professionalism, and a passion that is in line with the core values and principles we, as a franchise, are adamant about.”

Walsh will reunite with former West Indies Women’s

Guyana Amazon Warriors," the Guyanese noted, while add- ing, "I look forward to working closely with Imran and the entire squad to achieve our collective goals and bring pride to our fans."

The Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise management has expressed confidence in the leadership of the duo and their ability to guide the

team to success.

"We are delighted to have Imran Tahir as our captain and Romario Shepherd as our vice-captain for the Republic Bank CPL 2023. Their experience, skills, and commitment to the game align perfectly with our aspirations, and we are eager to witness their impact on and off the field.”

CPL bowls off on August 16, but heads to Guyana on September 12, with Warriors facing Jamaica Tallawahs on

September 13; Saint Lucia Kings on September 14; Trinbago Knight Riders on September 16, and Barbados Royals on September 17. The playoffs will begin with the first eliminator on September 19, followed by Qualifier 1 on September 20 and Qualifier 2 on September 22. The final is set for September 24. All matches in Guyana will be played at the National Stadium at Providence, EBD.

GAW appoints Leon Johnson as new Manager

and determination, and I look forward to leading the team to success in the upcoming CPL season."

captain Stafanie Taylor and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle, as well as other bright prospects from the Caribbean.

The WCPL 2023 promises to be an exhilarating season for cricket enthusiasts, and with Courtney Walsh at the helm, the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women's Team is poised to make a resounding impact.

The tournament begins on August 31 with Warriors going up against Barbados Royals Women in their opening match. Warriors will then face Royals on September 3 in Barbados. They will then head over to Trinidad and Tobago for their clash against Trinbago Knight Riders Women on September 5 and 9, for a chance to book their place in the final on September 10 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Leon Johnson has been named as the new Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, a missive from the camp indicated on Tuesday.

Johnson brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for cricket to his new role, promising to lead the team with a unique and vibrant approach.

Johnson, a former Test player and Guyana Amazon Warriors batsman, has also captained the Guyana national team to six Regional First-Class titles, five of which were consecutive.

Johnson is widely respected for his leadership skills, cricket acumen, and dedication to the sport. As a seasoned cricketer with a remarkable career, Johnson's insights and strategic vision are expected to contribute significantly to the success of the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

"We are delighted to

welcome Leon Johnson as the Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors," the franchise man agement not ed. "His proven lead ership abil ities, ex tensive knowledge of the game, and strong ties to the cricketing commu nity make him the perfect fit for this role. We believe his appoint ment will invigorate the team and drive us towards championship glory."

Johnson expressed his enthusiasm about his new role by stating, "I am honoured and excited to take on the responsibility of managing the Guyana Amazon Warriors. It's a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and support staff. My goal is to foster a culture of excellence, teamwork,

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean Premier League, and with the addition of Johnson as Manager, the franchise aims to build on its legacy and capture its first title. CPL bowls off on August 16, but heads (September 17).

The playoffs will begin with the first eliminator on September 19, followed by the Qualifier 1 on September 20 and Qualifier 2 on September 22. The final is set for September 24. All matches in Guyana will be played at the National Stadium, Providence.

Imran Tahir will lead the GAW on the field

Leon Johnson

The duo of Courtney Walsh and Stafanie Taylor will be reunited as Walsh coaches the GAW Women’s Team, of which Taylor is a part

Walsh is Women’s Head Coach

RBL CPL 2023 bowls off today in St Lucia

By Brandon Corlette in St luCia

The biggest party in sport, the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, will bowl off today, Wednesday August 16, at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia. Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs will face home team St Lucia Kings in the tournament’s opener, while the Guyana Amazon Warriors will play the Kings on Saturday August 19 at the same venue.

On the eve of the tournament, captain of the St Lucia Kings, Faf du Plessis, was full of confidence in the team’s ability.

“We are feeling really good. The full squad is available. We will have a practice on the eve. Everybody is fit, and we want to make sure all the bodies are strong and are ready to go. Some new faces, some local guys, are coming through, and I am excited to see what they can do. The best thing to do is start your campaign on a high, and we love playing at home in front of fans; so, I am excited,” Faf said.

According to CPL CEO Pete Russell, it is always great to have a warm welcome in St Lucia.

“It is great to be back. We always have a good welcome here. So I think we are excited for the tournament, and all the teams are well matched. We

can’t wait to see all the fans out there,” the CPL CEO said.

First ball of the opening match bowls off at 19:00h Eastern Caribbean Time.

Barbados Royals squad (CPL 2023): Rovman Powell (C), Laurie Evans, Alick Athanaze,

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad (CPL 2023): Imran Tahir (capt), Romario Shepherd (VC), Shimron Hetmyer Kevlon Anderson, Azam Khan, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope, Mohammad Haris, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Saim Ayub, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Odean Smith, Ronsford Beaton, Gudakesh Motie, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Matthew Nandu.

Rahkeem Cornwall, Donavan Ferreira, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Roelof van der Merwe, Akeem Jordan, Joshua Bishop, Obed McCoy, Qais Ahmed, Ramon Simmonds, Maheesh Theekshana, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Kevin Wickham.

Jamaica Tallawahs squad (CPL 2023): Brandon King (C), Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarh Brooks, Alex Hales, Amir Jangoo, Kirk McKenzie, Steven Taylor, Fabian Allen, Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Raymon Reifer, Shamar Springer, Nicholson Gordon, Joshua James, Mohammad Amir, Naveen-ulhaq, Hayden Walsh. St Kitts & Nevis Patriots squad (CPL 2023): Ambati Rayudu, Joshua Da Silva, Andre Fletcher, Jyd Goolie, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch,

Dewald Brevis, Dominic Drakes, Johann Layne, George Linde, Yannic Cariah, Sheldon Cottrell, Izharulhaq Naveed, Kofi James, Ashmead Nedd,

Oshane Thomas.

Saint Lucia Kings squad (CPL 2023): Johnson Charles, Faf du Plessis, Leonardo Julien, Kimani Melius, Sean Williams,

Roston Chase, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Sikandar Raza, McKenny Clarke, Matthew Forde, Peter Hatzglou, Alzarri Joseph, Jair McAllister, Jeavor Royal, Chris Sole. Trinbago Knight Riders squad (CPL 2023): Mark Deyal, Martin Guptill, Nicholas Pooran, Rilee Rossouw, Chadwick Walton, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Kadeem Alleyne, Jaden Carmichael, Terrance Hinds, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmed Lakanwal, Matheesha Pathirana, Jayden Seales.

Justin Clairmonte, Sales Manager of Jeffrey and Jeffrey Ltd, sole agents for Guardian Group; Kings Head Coach Daren Sammy, Kings captain Faf du Plessis, and CPL CEO Pete Russell at the prematch press conference (Brandon Corlette photo)