Guyana Times -Wednesday, August 30, 2023.pdf

DPP advises Bartica murder accused be released on $1M bail

– family calls for justice

The 34-year-old businessman from Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) who was arrested for hammering a customer, Mark Braithwaite, to death on Wednesday last was released on $1 million cash bail.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), this was in keeping with the advice received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack.

“…the suspect was released on $1,000,000 cash bail on Saturday based on advice received from the DPP, while further investigations are ongoing,” Police spokesperson Mark Ramotar revealed on Tuesday.

It was reported that 40-year-old Braithwaite of Four Miles Housing Scheme was killed at a gaming shop located at Second Avenue, Bartica, after Raymond Roopnarine armed himself with a hammer and dealt him several blows to his head.

The incident occurred about 19:45h on August 23, at Blast Gaming Centre, which is owned and operated by the suspect’s 63-year-old father.

On the day in question, the man’s son was left in charge of the gaming centre while the victim, a regular customer, was playing at one of the slot machines.

Police had related that the two had a misunderstanding over alcohol spilling on the countertop, and during the argument, the suspect scolded Braithwaite.

Police added that Braithwaite then armed himself with several glass bottles that were nearby and began hurling them at the suspect, who was in the bar behind the counter.

The suspect armed himself with a hammer and went behind Braithwaite, who had made his way to the front of the gaming centre, where he dealt him blows to his head and face.

Braithwaite fell to the ground and remained motionless. He was taken to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

The body was examined, and blunt wounds were observed to the right jaw area, above the right eye, and to the forehead.

However, Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade, who is representing the family of the dead man, stated in a release that Braithwaite had an altercation with Roopnarine’s father on the day in question.

Roopnarine later learnt of the altercation and approached Braithwaite during which he struck Braithwaite to the head with a hammer, thus causing him to fall to the ground, and instead of stopping, the suspect continued to bludgeon him to death.

“The Police arrested Roopnarine, but he was released on bail after only 72 hours. This is highly unusual in an allegation of murder. In these circumstances, the Police will usually approach the court for an extension of time for the accused to remain

Enmore mechanic brutally beaten during wedding house brawl

Thirty-sevenyear-old Chetam

in custody,” Wade stated in a release issued on behalf of the dead man’s mother, Clare Cheeks.

The Attorney believes that the suspect is receiving preferential treatment because of his father’s political affiliation.

“The Pathologist who performed the post-mortem examination on Braithwaite’s body explained to his mother that he died from multiple blunt-force injuries to the head/multiple blunt force trauma to the head,” the release added.

Further, according to Cheeks, the Pathologist explained to her that her son’s skull was broken up as a result of the assault.

“We are also demanding that the Police conduct a fair and impartial investigation into Braithwaite’s death. We believe that Roopnarine should be charged with murder, and we will not rest until justice is served.”

Tomby, a mechanic of Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Saturday evening brutally beaten while attending a wedding at Foulis, ECD.

Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 23:45h, Tomby was in the company of his friends at the wedding house and they were imbibing.

However, an argument broke out between Tomby and another attendee, whose name was not released to the media.

The argument reportedly escalated into a physical scuffle during which Tomby reportedly picked up a glass bottle and struck the other man to his shoulder, thus causing him to receive injuries.

Nevertheless, upon seeing this, a friend of the injured man retaliated by attacking Tomby with a glass bottle, dealing him

several blows to his head and face. The assailant then fled the scene. The Police were contacted and both injured men were taken to seek medical attention. Tomby sustained severe injuries to his face. He was reportedly treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, the suspect was later arrested and is assisting with the investigations.

Dead: Mark Braithwaite

Victim’s mother, Clare Cheeks

Suspect: Raymond Roopnarine

Injured: Chetam Tomby

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, Aug 30 – 04:00h –05:30h and 13:00h – 14:00h and

Thursday, Aug 31 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Aug 30 – 16:00h – 17:30h and Thursday, Aug 31 – 16:40h – 18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine and thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 16:20h reaching a maximum height of 2.69 metres.

Low Tide: 09:52h and 22:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.47 metre and 0.5 metre.

Guyana pushing for US$70 per tonne carbon credit price on world market – Pres Ali

…former British PM says Guyana’s forest credentials a “rare commodity”

Guyana remains a staunch advocate for a better price for carbon credits on the world market, with President Dr Irfaan Ali revealing that the aim remains to push for a US$70 per tonne carbon credit price.

President Ali was at the time participating in a discussion at the University of Guyana, with visiting former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. In response to a question about balancing development with protection of rainforests, President Ali noted that there currently exists a severe financing gap.

He pointed out that the Region requires $2.3 trillion to achieve the essential Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Guyana, according to President Ali, faces further complications when the underwhelming prices for carbon credits on

million for 30 per cent of its forest within a ten-year period. In Guyana’s agreement, a rate of US$15 per tonne of carbon was secured and so far, 15 per cent ($4.7 bil-

LOTTERY NUMBERS

the world market is considered.

“We are blessed with a lot of natural resources. But if you have a country with a standing forest and there’s no market for the standing forest. The people of that country still have to eat. The people of that country still have to [focus on] development,” President Ali said.

“So, what is very critical, as all the studies would have shown, for us to achieve the transition we want with energy, and for us to achieve the shift in development focus, the carbon price must be US$70 per tonne. It is not even US$7. And that is why the market is so important. We have to fix that fundamentally.”

According to the President, the Region as a whole must collaborate in order to fix this fundamental pricing issue. Until this is done, he noted, the question of achieving a balance in developing and protecting the resources will remain prominent.

“Unless we’re able to fix the fundamentals, this question and this balance would continue to confront us. How is it we can get the world to agree that the price for carbon credits, based on what we want to achieve, net zero, must be US$70? Are we willing to make that bold and important decision?”

Last year, Guyana signed a contract with Hess Corporation which will see the nation earning US$750

lion) is allocated towards Amerindian development.

Enormous potential

When it comes to Guyana’s rainforest, former PM Blair noted the enormous potential it held to learn from and promote education. Further, he made it

clear that Guyana has proven its credibility on the world stage in the climate change fight through its forest conservation efforts… something he called a “rare commodity.”

“I think you’re in a very strong leadership position on this because you are one of the very few countries in the world that actually preserved their rainforests. The President will be able to come to [the upcoming global climate change talks] and speak from a position of credibility. Frankly in the climate debate, that’s quite a rare commodity,” the former PM said.

The upcoming climate change talks in question are a reference to the United Nations Climate Change Conference/ Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC also known as COP 28, which is being held from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

(UAE).

According to Blair, the credibility Guyana has through its piloting of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will come in handy at the event and may even lead the further development of the strategy.

“We have to create a mechanism whereby the supposed contrast of ‘do you develop or protect the environment?’ is eliminated. And that’s where this LCDS is important because it has worked for you over the years but it can be developed over the next few years if you get the right propulsion from the COP28 to something very, very big,” Blair said.

In addition to its rich biodiversity and ecosystem, Guyana’s total forest cover of some 18.4 million hectares stores more than 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon and removes some 154 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. (G3)

From left: UG Vice Chancellor Paloma Mohamed Martin, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Dr Irfaan Ali, as they share a stage during an in-depth discussion

Guyana’s forests cover more than 18 million hectares

Editor: Tusika Martin

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App & crime reporting

Earlier this year, the Home Affairs Ministry announced that an app is being developed to report crimes occurring in the public transport sector, and this is most welcoming. This app would allow passengers to record incidents on public transportation, allowing for immediate access by law enforcement to act swiftly.

It is apt that the announcement was made at the Guyana National Road Safety Stakeholders Forum 2023.

According to the information released, the app would allow passengers to record incidents using their phone’s camera and microphone, and provide a brief description of the situation/ offence being committed. This would then allow the Traffic Department to monitor incidents in real-time, and respond immediately.

On more than one occasion, this newspaper had called out public transport operators for unacceptable attitudes, which has been a sore point over the years. This behaviour has worsened despite pleas from the public. Sadly, it’s not just one area of concern, but wide ranging within the service they provide, and to other road users.

Much has been said about the loud and lewd music which all, including schoolchildren, are forced to endure on a daily basis. There is no respite, and any objection by commuters is met with disdain, disrespect, and wanton abuse in many cases. It appears that there is no consideration by these uncaring operators that they depend on the commuters for their livelihood.

In a country that is slowly becoming more service-oriented, those who buy are given due importance, as competitiveness increases. Maybe the time for competitiveness in public transportation, which many believe has passed, is now. The provision of this service is bread and butter for the operators and many owners; however, safety for road users and the provision of a better service cannot be continually disregarded.

In an age when the wheel is no longer invented, lessons can be leant from some Caribbean countries that have the service regularised. Templates can be borrowed from countries that have both private and Government-operated services. The power of choice not just empowers, in this case commuters, but brings competition that generally redounds in better services.

Of course, there is the argument of preference for some for what is currently provided by the minibus operators. The bottom line is that they do not speak for everyone. Those who have been shamed for speaking up against loud and profanity-laced music crave a service or system that would bring them much-needed relief. Same for the elderly, same for those with illnesses, and same for those who are harassed and pressured, sometimes physically, into a minibus.

Some commuters, based on knowledge, tend to choose the minibus they wish to travel in, so as to reduce the likelihood of being exposed to the blaring music, and to some extent, avoid being subjected to indiscriminate driving. But sometimes circumstance may not allow for this, given urgencies, weather, and other related factors. There is also the scenario of the appearance of a “peaceful” minibus before the journey commences, but afterwards the music booms, trapping commuters. While some would disembark, others may not, for good reasons.

In fairness to operators, some are trying to provide a proper service, have shown respect to commuters, and abide by traffic laws. They would have, over time, highlighted challenges faced, including those from touts. While one expectation would be for them to be more vociferous and to advocate for change from within, it appears that the odds are stacked against them. From peer pressure and pressure to meet their daily targets, to influential owners of some minibuses, it is made difficult for change from within.

Running red lights, speeding, not returning change, some drinking while driving, cutting dangerously into the path of other drivers, demanding with their hands out that they must pass or get in front, carrying way in excess of the number of passengers legally allowed, and using roads that are not authorised as per their road service are some of the indiscretions commuters and other road users are forced to endure by some minibus operators.

Regularisation must be driven by the dire need to raise the standard of service and safety.

Road carnage is an epidemic concern in Guyana

Dear Editor,

The young and restless love the fast and furious lane in order to satiate a Saturday night fever, saturated with booze, drugs and music, and to satisfy a growing pain as the world turns around (upside down?). As if there is no tomorrow, they have fun galore and ride the wind of excitement into the night of darkness while being woefully wild. Of course, not all simulate close to this similarity, as some sensible ones settle for safer, simpler and soothing selective. Likewise, the combination may not incorporate all those imbibing, intoxicating, or interfering ingredients. “Hanging out” has trended as a norm in this modern-day society, and the passion for “can’t wait for the week-end to come”, or for the “week to be over”, fashions a week-end chore of partying as a must to be included on the laundry list. Is this out of necessity, or is it a habit, or is it a developed custom which has not strangely but strongly conjectured as a tradition, inculcating as a convenient culture? Those who have succumbed to life’s finite moment will not be able to participate in this questionnaire.

Whatever happened to the designated driver as a default mechanism? Why is it so costly to hire a cab? Does the flashy car serve to boost an ego? Ever heard the saying “Speed thrills but kills?” Remember the old adage, “Don’t mix alcohol with gasoline”? Doesn’t anyone lis-

ten anymore to the song “Tell Laura/Johnny, I love her/ him”? Do we joyfully ride with the five Cs in the driver’s seat, or woefully locked in the trunk – care, caution, consideration, courtesy and common sense? Does “prevention better than cure” serve any meaningful purpose? Do we choose to become a mature driver overnight, or to toil by experience and exposure over a long journey with old man time? Was the now motionless weekend driver distracted by someone or something suddenly crossing in front of the car, or was his attention taken away by someone or something inside the moving vehicle? Was speeding the determining factor for a demise, or the overpowering state of drunkenness? Was losing control a conclusive element due to carelessness and recklessness? Was poor judgement a result of inexperience or inability to apply the proper application? Was there a tyre blowout, mechanical failure, a road hurdle, or simply a human error? Was there loud music (noise?) playing? We can drive down the highway to nowhere and perform a post-mortem to investigate, examine, or probe the reasons to find the cause of the accident (?), but that will not bring back the lost lives. In Guyana, we say, “Easy lesson good fu dunce.” But what about the sensible ones? Isn’t there a lesson to be learned from all the acci-

dents which have occurred in Guyana? The Police cannot be here, there, and everywhere 24x7. Will the speed bumps serve as a deterrent? Will the stop-and-search exercises be effective? Will the speed guns be persuasive in discouraging speeding? Will the CCTVs be the answer? Will higher fines or jail sentences for the guilty ones serve any meaningful purpose? Will temporary or permanent suspension of the driver’s licence add to the misery or contribute to less accidents?

How about raising the age limit? Is this feasible? Is there a need to revamp the training and education programme for new drivers? Any encouragement on the death penalty?

A revisit to holding bartenders accountable for responsible drinking and driving seems to be in order. Was this line of duty ever pursued? Many are questioning the efficient and effective functioning of the Traffic Department. How sincere and dedicated are all the officers in totality? “Write or left” still seems to be the provoking, proverbial, and profitable pretense to prevent the prosecution of prime “perpetrators”. New recruits out of training school are praying for traffic duties. Who has the stamina to stamp out this stigma? The dedicated and devoted officers on the right side of the road are paying a heavy price for those on the left side.

Body cameras on all the traffic officers? Rotating officers perpetually to different areas may be feasible. Setting up decoys is too suggestive? How about Police patrol cars constantly traversing the roads, especially during rush hours, to control the flow of traffic? Seems as if too many speed bumps are both annoying and distasteful. The usage of good old traffic lights seems to be outdated. Are traffic cops standing in the middle of the road more practical and useful than regulated, functioning traffic lights?

Road carnage is an epidemic concern in Guyana. Patience is no longer virtuous. Due care and attention are not applied. President Dr. Irfaan Ali is much aggrieved. He suggested many remedies because, “drinking and driving, speeding need to be thoroughly addressed.”

“There is a need for a public awareness program in dealing with this (road accidents),” he said while calling for more visuals, marking, and launching a massive road safety campaign.

The reopening of schools will see more children using the road, and heavier traffic snarls. Saving lives is a national concern, and each person is a stakeholder with invaluable input. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Be safe Guyana, and “Respect the Road.”

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

A member of the Brahma Kumaris Yoga Centre is seen tying the symbolic rakhi on the right wrist of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips to usher in the Hindu ceremony of Raksha Bandhan, which will be observed today

Govt requires a clear road map to successfully implement AI

Dear Editor,

It is heartening that President Ali is embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), and wants to position Guyana to be “competitive and sustainable” (Guyana Chronicle, August 28, 2023).

AI has been in the public domain for many years, but it is only over the last year that interest in it has grown exponentially. While media focus has been on the challenges AI presents to privacy and security, the real challenge for countries such as Guyana is how to be at the forefront of integrating AI to leapfrog social and economic development.

The President should be commended for stating his Government’s intention (Guyana Chronicle, August 28, 2023), perhaps as a first step “to create the legislative environment to manage AI and digitisation.”

Powerful countries with large economies are jostling for top tier in market share of AI. The hope is that these countries would soon reach a consensus on contentious issues such as privacy, security, bias, and the limits of AI upending human intelligence. Other countries

are expected to adopt with or without modifications the governing rules in this consensus.

To be a leading country and gather the momentum to be competitive, the PPP/C Government must move swiftly with a well-crafted AI policy (roadmap) beyond legislation. Such a policy should be adaptive, clear and comprehensive, and align with the Government’s priorities.

The focus on implementing AI should be in sectors of social life and economic development that would bring immediate benefits and set the stage for further integration of AI into all facets of life. Sectors such as public service, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, inclusive of housing, are the leading candidates for AI integration and implementation.

Successful implementation will demonstrate to the public the transformative power of AI. Government services in Guyana remain substandard and frustrating. Early effective enactment of AI in Government services can exemplify AI’s power to provide readily accessible and efficient pub -

Unprecedented road carnage

Dear Editor,

From the outset, please allow me to extend heartfelt commiserations to the bereaved families who continue to suffer due to road carnage.

Guyana's road fatalities continue to rank among the highest in the region and the world. We continue to see a complete disregard for the law and for human lives. We continue to witness the wanton abuse of basic decency on our roadways. The laws are not being enforced due to weak institutions and the culture of corruption. Errant drivers refuse to adhere to the traffic rules.

It is evident there is need for robust intervention, which must come from the highest level of the state.

The President must declare road safety as a high national priority, and Cabinet members must be given instruction to consider this in the execution of their mandates.

Added to this measure, the Government must consider:

* Immediate data col -

lic service to Guyanese and others.

Successful implementation of AI requires significant investment in relevant education and training in a robust digital infrastructure that includes highspeed internet, data management, and cloud computing.

President Ali had stated that “the Government is taking steps to ensure that the country is not left behind

and…that the Government recently signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates which will see some 150,000 children in school being trained in coding.”

Coding is one area that would be impacted by AI. Current versions of AI chatbots can generate codes to solve complex problems faster and more efficiently than humans. However, it cannot deal effectively with

subtleties and specific experiences. Consequently, human coders with unique AI programming skills would be required for special cases. Unless the coding is relevant to interacting with AI, and in general machine learning and large data management, current training in “canned coding” is inutile.

Like many transformational technologies before it, AI is receiving mixed

public reactions which vary from fear to joy. The workforce, from professionals to manual labour, will be impacted by AI. Governments must engage the public for trust and acceptance, and quickly demonstrate the virtues of AI for 21st century living.

Sincerely,

Dr Muniram Budhu Professor Emeritus

Heirs of Indian indentureship founder apologise

Dear Editor, I commend the descendants or progeny of the founder (John Gladstone, a Scottish and father of the late British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone) of Indian indentured slavery (girmit servitude) in Guyana for tendering an apology for their great grandfather’s involvement in slavery and indentureship in then British Guiana. The apology took place at a public function last Friday August 25 at the University of Guyana. The apology and an event related to it was organised by Dr Paloma Mohamed, Vice Chancellor of UG, Slave Reparations Commission Chair (Guyana branch) Eric Phillips, and others.

John Gladstone owned slaves and plantations in Guyana and in other Caribbean territories.

indentureship or slavery. The plantation owners and the British Government and people benefited from the slave trade and indentureship. France and Holland also benefited from indentureship. Denmark experimented with indentureship but discontinued it after one ship load of indentured laborers. Indentureship in the British territories ended on January 1, 1921 after an act of British Parliament. The indentured Indians were not compensated for the unilateral abrogation of their contracts by the British Government or plantation owners. The Indians were forced to work on the plantation as labourers.

arations for indentureship and the native Indigenous people who were decimated. Then President of Guyana Donald Ramotar and then Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago did not bring up the issue of reparations for indentureship or the native people. Subsequently, they endorse reparations for indentureship and for the indigent but a decade later no Commission on Reparations

for Indentureship has been established.

During his remarks, Charles Gladstone announced that his family would create a fund for various unnamed projects in the country as part of a “meaningful and long-term relationship between our family and the people of Guyana.”

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

lection and research on the cause of crashes. This should be a collaborative effort between the MoHA and the Bureau of Statistics; once the data is in, it should be used to guide all policies on the issue.

* The Ministry of Home Affairs should implement a slow-moving traffic day all across the country.

* The Ministry of Home Affairs should craft a strategy to deal with the carnage that is based on five (5) pillars: road safety management, safe roads and mobility, safe vehicles, safe road use, and post-crash response.

* The Government should consider high investments in technologies to implement the laws geared towards road safety.

* Increase road safety education programmes, and review the system of licensing drivers.

Sincerely,

Geeta ChandanEdmond

He introduced Indian indentureship labour (girmitya) to Guiana in 1838 after a successful experiment in Mauritius in 1834. Indentureship, a version of slavery, was introduced by France in 1828 in Reunion Island. It was very profitable for French Plantation owners in Reunion where indentureship existed side by side with slavery including slaves from India and Africa. From Reunion, Indians were taken to several other colonial possessions.

In the Caribbean, John Gladstone received more than 100,000 pounds in compensation for hundreds of Guyanese slaves that were freed in 1834. Portuguese indentured laborers from Madeira Island replaced slave labour but they were not found to be suitable for the kind of work need to grow sugar cane. Two sail ships, the Whitby and Hesperus, that the Gladstone family owned, transported the first batch of indentured Indian laborers (girmityas) to arrive in Guiana on May 5, 1838 – in Berbice and Vreeden-Hoop in West Demerara. Subsequently, Indian indentureship was introduced in Trinidad in May 1845 and Suriname in June 1873. Several other Caribbean colonies also engaged in Indian

At UG on August 25 afternoon, Charles Gladstone, a great grandson and one of six family members that visited Guyana to tender the apology for slavery and indentureship, read from a prepared formal apology on behalf of the extended family of John Gladstone.

The prepared text apologised for the sins of John Gladstone, calling slavery a crime against humanity with lasting negative impacts.

Charles Gladstone read: “It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestors’ involvement in this crime and with heartfelt sincerity, we apologize to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana. In doing so, we acknowledge slavery’s continuing impact on the daily lives of many. In writing this heartfelt apology, we also acknowledge Sir John Gladstone’s role in bringing indentured laborers to Guyana, and apologize for the clear and manifold injustices of this.”

Eric Phillips received the apology on behalf of slaves. Curiously, no Indian was invited to receive an apology on behalf of the indentured victims.

Guyana President Irfaan Ali on Thursday August 24 on the eve of the apology demanded reparations for slavery. He did not mention indentureship. A commission on Reparations for Slavery was established by Caricom in 2013 without same for rep-

Foundation

Stem-and-Leaf Plots

BY ROBERT FROST

Materials:

12-ounce drinking glass

8 oz of 7-Up or Sprite

12 candy conversation hearts

Instructions:

Fill drinking glass with the soda

Drop all the conversation hearts into the soda

Observe the hearts dance up and down in the soda

How it works:

The carbon dioxide picks the candy hearts up and throws them to the top of the glass. When they reach the top, the bubbles burst and the candy work their way down again.

Extra experiments: Try doing several glasses, but in each glass have only one colour of

conversation hearts inside. Does one colour of conversation heart do better than others? If so, why could that be?

Try using several different types of soda (for example, Dr Pepper, Pepsi, Coke, etc). Which soda works the best?

Try using diet soda versus regular soda. Which soda works the best? (sciencefun.org)

The land was ours before we were the land’s. She was our land more than a hundred years Before we were her people. She was ours In Massachusetts, in Virginia, But we were England’s, still colonials, Possessing what we still were unpossessed by, Possessed by what we now no more possessed. Something we were withholding made us weak Until we found out that it was ourselves We were withholding from our land of living, And forthwith found salvation in surrender. Such as we were we gave ourselves outright (The deed of gift was many deeds of war)

To the land vaguely realizing westward, But still unstoried, artless, unenhanced, Such as she was, such as she would become.

WORD SEARCH

Former UK PM lauds Guyana’s economic progress, management of oil resources

…says Guyana pulled itself out

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is visiting Guyana and taking part in the launch of the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre, has lauded the way Guyana has been managing its oil successes, contributing to the country becoming one of the world’s most exciting destinations.

The former United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister held a discussion with President Dr Irfaan Ali in the University of Guyana (UG) George Walcott Lecture Theatre on Tuesday morning. During the initial discussion, Blair traced Guyana’s transformation from the 1990s, when it had to restructure its economy.

“What brings me here is a very simple thing. Which is that this country has come through some very difficult times, like the 1990s. Very tough economic situation. A country that was very poor at the time. Had to stabilise itself.”

“In 2009 came out with a remarkable initiative. The Low Carbon Development Strategy. And then in one of these strange, twists of faith, is expected now to become a major oil and gas producer,” Blair further said.

According to Blair, the

of “very

tough economic situation”

duction, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

This increased the balance of its Natural Resource Fund to well over US$1.4 billion by the end of March 2023. The NRF also ended the month of July with a balance of $387.6 billion (US$1.85 billion).

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has been approaching the management of the oil and gas sector in a careful manner. He was optimistic that Guyana will learn from the various examples of countries who have developed their oil and gas industries. “I think Guyana, because of the enormous opportunities and consequent challenge, and the way the Government is approaching it, which is very careful and deliberate and learning the challenges of other countries that have been through these types of processes and how they avoid the errors and embrace the successes, I think Guyana is

going to be one of the most exciting places on the planet,” Blair further said.

The former British PM met with President Dr Irfaan Ali during the latter’s visit to the United Kingdom earlier this year for King Charles III’s coronation. During his visit to Guyana, Blair is also expected to visit a number of infrastructural projects.

Driven mainly by its burgeoning oil and gas sector, Guyana is once again leading the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region with the fastest growth rate. In fact, with a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 25.2 per cent this year, it’s the fast-

est growing economy in the world.

Guyana is, in 2023, expected to earn a total of US$1.6 billion in profit oil and royalties combined, buoyed by the start-up of ExxonMobil’s third development in the Stabroek Block –the Payara development – before the end of the year.

Based on the gazetted inflows of money for the first quarter, the Natural Resource Fund received US$377.1 million in oil and gas payments. This included a payment of US$157.6 million made in January for two profit oil lifts that occurred last year from the Liza Unity and Liza Destiny floating pro-

The Government has been careful in its management of these oil funds. In January of this year, the Bank of Guyana signed an agreement to officially hand over control of the NRF to the Board of Directors appointed by the President. According to Section 5 (6) (d) of the Act, the Board is required to enter into an operational agreement with the Bank, so that management of the fund can change hands. This agreement was signed two days after the reading of the 2023 budget.

The NRF Board consists of five members, while the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) is comprised of nine members, and the Investment Committee, seven members. When it comes to the NRF Board, it is Chaired by retired Major General Joe Singh.

Other members of the Board are Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn

Rodrigues-Birkett; Private Sector Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarian Dunstan Barrow; and former Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Compton Bourne.

While safeguards exist, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has already signalled the Government’s intention of further strengthening the management capabilities of NRF, even with the improvements that have already been made to the fund’s management by the PPP/C. This is particularly important as the monies received from oil and gas continues to grow each year. (G3)

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

The gathering at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) at the University of Guyana on Tuesday for the inauguration of the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre

Tenders can only hold set amount of water when responding to fire – Fire Chief

The Fire Service has dispelled claims which suggest that tenders often respond to fire with insufficient water in their tanks.

In a recent interview with Fire Chief Gregory Wickham, he explained that fire trucks are not solely reliant on the water in their tanks and often seek alternative sources to combat blazes effectively.

“It is a myth. Each fire tender that goes out there has a capacity of water in it and the only time you will see a fire tender or fire truck as you would call it going to a fire scene and then going to an open source of water, whether that be a canal or a hydrant, is because the first observation is that the water

in the tank will be unable to extinguish that magnitude of the blaze,” he said.

“So, we will have to move to get copious amounts of water. That is the reason why the fire trucks would divert rather than go straight to the fire scene.”

In fact, he explained that firefighters are trained to

quickly assess the situation at the fire scene and make strategic decisions.

“One of these tenders, apart from many other pieces of equipment and human resources that are on them, they have a tank with only 250 gallons of water. We have a pump that is attached to that tender, that pumps at 250 PSI per minute. Therefore, it will not take much time for that tank supply of water to be exhausted,” he said.

According to Wickham, since his time in office, no fire truck has ever turned up on a fire scene without water. Moreover, the Fire Chief is encouraging members of the public to familiarise them-

selves with their local fire stations.

“The stations, are always open for inspections from members of the public, and so I want to invite members of the public at any time… stop by any fire station and ask them to check the tenders, and the firefighters will allow you to check,” he said.

Just recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali issued a call for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to partner with other relevant agencies to develop cluster maps so that when firefighters turn up at scenes, they can expeditiously identify, for example, water sources in any given area, based on the information contained in the map.

Parika men slapped with marijuana possession charges

Two labourers were on Monday slapped with possession of narcotics charges when they appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s

Court.

Kwame Silas, a 46-yearold of Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE), was arrested by ranks of Leonora

Police Station on Saturday after he had 49 grams of cannabis in his possession. He appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ali-

…Fifth columnists??

Back during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s – which was a prelude to WWII – a nationalist General marching towards Madrid with four columns of troops boasted that supporters of their cause inside the city formed a “fifth column”. And ever since, the term stuck to identify the enemy within - in any war. When recently Warner Group’s Prigozin marched towards Moscow threatening Putin, he was hoping fifth columnists in Moscow would’ve turned against the Generals he’d accused of betraying Mother Russia!!

Now, fifth columnists have always been around –especially in politics, which is correctly dubbed “another form of war”! Remember Trotman and the erstwhile executives of the AFC, who turned against Ramjattan and Nagamootoo when the PNC of Granger asserted their supremacy over the coalition?? Well, President Ali – and interestingly, Norton, the LOO – have both signalled that we oughta be careful we don’t allow Venezuelan Fifth Columnists to enter our country disguised as “refugees”.

Venezuela declared war against us back in the 1960s when they claimed two-thirds of our territory. They actually invaded us and seized our half of Ankoko island in the Cuyuni River after independence in 1966!! So, when our schoolchildren dutifully intone that “Guyana is 83,000 square miles”, let’s remember that three square miles have been occupied by Venezuela since 1966!! Venezuela have never given up on their claim to Essequibo, and your Eyewitness fears that even if the controversy they created is resolved by the World Court in our favour, they’ll just continue to defy international law.

Charged: Andy Sam

And if they can show that there are thousands of residents in Guyana now willing to support them about Essequibo being theirs, their case will be made infinitely easier. And believe your humble Eyewitness, every one of those Venies who’ve crossed our borders has been indoctrinated since birth into believing that Essequibo is really theirs. This has become an article of faith for them. And while they may have a gripe against the Maduro Government for the present travails that made 7 million of them refugees, they’ll by and large still remain faithful to the Venezuelan creed. They wuz robbed by the British back in 1899, and they must get back the Essequibo!!

Charged: Kwame Silas

Seepaul where he pleaded not guilty and was placed on $150,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to October 23.

On the other hand, Andy Sam, a 21-year-old labourer of Parika Old Road, EBE, also appeared before Magistrate Ali-Seepaul. He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that he had 53 grams of cannabis in his possession.

He was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined $30,000.

So, what do we do with those refugees pouring across our borders? Well, we can’t very well block them, since we’ve signed onto the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. What we should do is cultivate our own Fifth Columnists among the refugees, who can inform our authorities of their “tendencies”. This should be fairly easy to do, since there are thousands of Guyanese among them who’ve fled Venezuela to return home.

These Guyanese should be rewarded if they work on convincing Venezuelans to “think Guyanese”, and also to identify recalcitrants!!

…realpolitik

In politics, one’s gotta be careful about making very precise predictions. Even for no other reason than that in the real world we can NEVER know all the variables when human beings are concerned!! With say, colliding atoms, we may, but not with colliding humans, as the war in Ukraine’s showing!! With all his experience, Pres Biden boasted of driving Russian President Vladimir Putin from power, destroying Russia’s capacity to make war, and halving the size of the Russian economy after the latter invaded Ukraine!!

Now everyone concedes your Eyewitness was rightthis ain’t gonna happen. Not because your Eyewitness likes Putin or anything – that has absolutely nothing with it!! Very brutally, some of Biden’s advisors badly miscalculated the strength of Ukraine’s defenders and the weakness of Russia’s capacities! So, what’ll happen now? Well…what happens in ANY war when one side concedes that they ain’t gonna win – they negotiate. So, we’ll be back to what was offered at the beginning.

Russia’s gonna demand strategic depth!! And get it! …populism?

The WPA wants to give away the grandaddy of handouts - $1 million annually to every Guyanese family!! So, what happens when the oil runs out in 20 or 30 years and we have no infrastructure or jobs? Suck salt??

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham

National Toshaos Conference Govt will fight off attempts to block development in Amerindian communities – VP Jagdeo

This Government’s plan for prosperity encompasses prioritisation of the decentralisation of essential services and resources.

As the access to worldclass healthcare remains a priority, the VP noted that US$60 million has been set aside for the construction of four major diagnostic centres with teleconferencing capabilities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, equipped with modern medi-

cal equipment.

Importantly, the necessary infrastructural projects are being facilitated to ensure the ease of travel in these communities. The 2023 budget allocated $5.6 billion for hinterland roads.

On the education side, $4 billion is being expended to build schools in the hinterland, so that students are adequately accommodated to receive quality education.

Job creation also re-

mains a priority, as Jagdeo pointed out that another 1000 part-time workers have been hired in Region Nine, adding to the over 4500 workers currently employed in various hinterland communities.

“The development of these communities is important to us. Every time we make a promise, we have every intention of fulfilling it,” the Vice President reiterated.

Guyana’s Indigenous people are set to benefit tremendously from investments in every sector, and any attempts to stifle or hinder these advancements will be sternly resisted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government.

communities.

“This was money coming to help our people, but they wrote a letter to Norway, to try to block the funds.

“They also misrepresented that in the villages, you had not made any plan. In my report of the 242 villages, 238 have already submit-

while also empowering communities.

“We believe there is a pathway to development that could bypass the polluting pathway used by the developed world, which has done immeasurable harm to the environment, and has led to climate change with

This assurance was given by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who addressed day two of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday.

The VP clarified a number of misrepresentations peddled by the Opposition in its whisper campaign, especially the callous attempts to derail the forest carbon payments allocated to these communities.

The Amerindian People’s Association (APA) had issued a statement accusing the Government of violating the tenets of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) when engaging Amerindian communities, citing the consultation process for the sale of the carbon credits.

However, the Vice President reminded that it was following consultations between the Government and stakeholders that it was agreed that 15 per cent of all proceeds from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits would go to Amerindian

ted their plans. It is a whole range of misrepresentation,” he told the leaders.

Dr Jagdeo said unlike the previous Administration, this Government is working in accordance with a comprehensive approach to fostering development in Amerindian communities, while simultaneously implementing sustainable, clean energy initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“We will continue to fight to make sure that this and even more funds come to the Amerindian communities, and it will be significantly more because this can go up if we manage to get all our forest carbons sold at the same rate. We will fight off, vigorously, any attempts to block this, because it is for our people, and for their development,” the VP reaffirmed.

This is evidenced by the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which serves as a blueprint for creating environmental sustainability and energy security,

dire consequences to communities, such as heat waves, and unusual rainfall. We believed there was another way to ensure the prosperity of our people, but not go down that same road.”

Additionally, a key aspect of this commitment to empowering Guyana’s first people is the preservation and protection of their rights. From the establishment of the NTC to the review of the 2006 Amerindian Act to the constitutional reform to include the Indigenous People’s Commission, the Government remains dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous communities have greater representation.

He pointed out the blatant assault on Amerindian rights that characterised the tenure of the previous Government, citing the almost 2000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) who were left unemployed under the Administration, as well as the stagnant progress of the Amerindian Land Titling project during that time.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing Amerindian leaders

Amerindian leaders at the ACCC on Tuesday

Catfish ban

US, Guyanese authorities still in dialogue to get agreement "across finish line" – Ambassador

The United States and its Guyanese counterparts are currently in dialogue to put an end to the catfish ban which was imposed since 2017 under the former APNU/AFC Administration.

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch appeared on the Jumpstart radio programme with Gordon Moseley on Tuesday morning, where she zeroed in on the gains made during her tenure.

Between the visits of two Secretaries of State, that is, Mike Pompeo in September 2020 and Anthony Blinken earlier this year, Lynch shared that nothing fell through the cracks. This includes the catfish ban, which is still under review.

The US Embassy has

put the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) under the Department of Agriculture and the Guyanese counterpart into dialogue to get the paperwork across the finish line, the diplomat outlined.

“Whatever was discussed during Secretary Pompeo’s time, we did build on those. Some are still in process, like the catfish agreement.

That is still under review with the US Department of Agriculture, specifically the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)…So, nothing fell through the cracks. We are very proud of that.”

Ambassador Lynch added, “But these things take some time.”

It was reported earlier this year that Guyana was awaiting a response from the US Government, having followed various stipulated requirements to lift the exportation ban on catfish.

During his visit in September 2020, former US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo had committed his Government to reviewing the ban on catfish which was imposed early 2017 under the David Grangerled Administration. The wild-caught catfish has

Improving security key to attracting investors – US Ambassador

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana, SarahAnn Lynch has pointed to the need for Guyana to make improvements on the security front, in order to attract more investors into one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Speaking during Tuesday morning’s Jumpstart programme with Gordon Moseley, she disclosed, “It’s important for Guyana to improve its security in order to attract more investors here. Investors really want safety, security, predictability. We are working closely to improve that capacity and professionalisation of the Forces but give them tools that they can use to do that work on the ground.”

Ambassador Lynch outlined that the goal of deepening relations between both countries when she entered office has been realised through various partnerships to foster enhanced security and good governance.

“I think with the great work of my team, I have been able to do that. We have really worked in three key areas: governance, prosperity and security cooperation. I think we have done quite a bit. On the governance side, we have been able to strengthen important institutions like the Guyana Revenue Authority.”

On the prosperity side, Lynch noted that they have brought a plethora of US businesses here, where some were able to explore

and invest. Now, over 100 US-based companies have established presence here and are working with local firms.

Asked whether the US would intervene directly to instruct investors on which businesses they should partner, she disclosed, “What we do is give them broad information and allow them to do their cost-benefit analysis on who should be a local partner. But we do encourage all US businesses to exercise due-diligence, do their homework, and come to Guyana with a plan.”

Lynch added that US businesses bring the ‘best’ to the local market but also acknowledged that with Guyana’s position now, many choices are there to choose from.

“We know it’s competitive out there…I think it’s by a large, been very successful,” she expressed.

Security

Meanwhile, both countries have deepened their security cooperation to address corruption, traffick-

been in great demand in the Guyanese diaspora.

“We’ll work with you. We’ll put it through the US regulatory process and the WTO (World Trade Organisation) review process, and I’m confident we can get a good outcome,” Secretary Pompeo was quoted during his visit.

According to the regulations, Guyana must be able to catch catfish and transport it to a processing plant while it is alive. This is in contradiction to what is being practised here, whereby the fish is

caught, disembowelled and the carcass is iced until it reaches the shore.

Exporters of catfish were required to provide documentation to verify that their inspection system was equivalent to US standards. The failure to do this resulted in the United States imposing a ban on catfish imports from Guyana and other non-compliant countries.

Guyana is also required to have inspectors on plants along with documentation of sanitation and the Hazard Analysis

Canal No 2 deadly crash

and Critical Control Point (HACCP) process. It also needs to provide information on how adulterated catfish products are managed.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had lamented that the local fishing industry has severely been affected by the ban hence it was a priority of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration to address this issue. He had noted that the $1.8 billion industry had ‘suffered’ a lot. (G12)

ing and financial crimes through training of ranks across the Guyana Police Force, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the DPP Office.

Commenting on the advisories issued by the State Department, warning persons of the crime rate among other things in Guyana, she claimed that it is a global effort to ensure safety.

“The are not issued just for Guyana by any means. Back in Washington, they analyse situations on the ground in every country and the goal is to give US citizens a heads-up if they need to watch themselves in any particular setting.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is still functional and Guyana has requested assistance for additional support to get a handle, as it is considered one of the transit countries for narcotics.

“I know aerial interdictions, marine interdiction is important to Guyana so having a full DEA unit is terrific,” the diplomat added. (G12)

Following the tragic death of 17-year-old Daveanand Singh, his mother, Mavis Singh, expressed that her family is in a “dark” place, unable to fully come to terms with fatal accident.

“This is a dark moment. We never expected this. As a mother, I can’t express myself,” Singh said. “It’s hard. It’s a hit. Everybody is saddened by this situation…we never expected it, but that’s life,” Singh said.

“For being a mother, to do certain stuff for her child is not that easy,” Singh said, noting that her son’s funeral was held on Tuesday.

Davenand Singh was among the four teenagers who died in the horrific accident at Canal No Two, West Bank Demerara (WBD), early Sunday morning.

Singh, who had been driving the motor car, was transporting 19-year-old Daniel Terbeni, 18-yearold Divyanie Narine and 19-year-old Amiesha Yasoda Jaikaran, when

he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a parked truck and then into a concrete fence along the Resource Public Road, Canal No Two, Polder, WBD.

One resident, Bhagwandin Roopnarine, had stated that he was awakened by the loud impact and rushed out of his house.

“About three cars been done stop already… the car parked up to the wall, me see one man lay down on the ground… we tried to get out the car so we can get out the other man but it was really hard…two of them deh left at the back seat but they couldn’t help themselves… We finally get out the other man and by then we start make arrangements to tek them hospital… we lift one of them and put he in the trunk and one ah de gal in front but the other two de done dead,” Roopnarine said.

According to Singh’s mother, the four teenagers were on their way to cross the Demerara Harbour

Bridge after leaving a wedding house in the area.

The four teens all died from multiple injuries, according to the separate port-mortem examinations done by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.

As Roopnarine noted, two of the occupants were reportedly pronounced dead at the scene, while Singh and another occupant were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in unconscious states, before succumbing to their injuries while receiving medical attention.

Reports indicated that the accident occurred at about 01:30h on Sunday morning, with Singh allegedly losing control of the vehicle as a result of speeding.

Training to be a barber, Singh leaves behind his elder brother and younger sister.

“He was a very easy-going person, a jovial person. He loved cars, he loved music. He was just a jolly child,” Singh said. (G13)

Outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

The US Embassy in Kingston, Georgetown

“This is a dark moment”

– mother of teen driver

Housewife, barber nabbed with ganja during separate Police operations

Police have arrested two people following the discovery of a quantity of ganja during separate operation at Vergenoegen, on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE), and Bella Dam, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

In the first instance, Police acting on information went to Vergenoegen, EBE,

where contact was made with Marusia Persaud, a 44-year-old housewife who at the time was seen disposing of a bulky plastic bag over her fence.

As such, ranks retrieved the bag, and upon inspection, several small parcels containing cannabis were found. Persaud was told of the offence committed, cau-

tioned, arrested, and taken into Police custody.

The cannabis was weighed and amounted to 22 grams. The woman remains in custody and is slated to be charged soon.

However, on Monday, Police arrested 27-year-old Ricardo Ramsaroop, a barber of Bella Dam, WBD, after he was found to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis.

The operation was ex-

ecuted by members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Police Headquarters and other ranks of the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.

Police stated that on the day in question, Ramsaroop was seen sitting on a fence with a black bag in his hand. Upon noticing the approaching officers, he reportedly attempted to discard the bag and evade the officers.

116 talented women celebrated as entrepreneur training concludes

A pursuit ensued and he was apprehended. Upon examination of the bag, a quantity of cannabis was found. He was taken to his home where a search was conducted in his bedroom during which another quantity of ganja was unearthed.

Both bags, along with Ramsaroop, were taken to the Leonora Police Station where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 96 grams and 326.3 grams, respectively. He remains in custody pending charges.

New CJIA commercial centre to enhance travel experience – CEO

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is currently undergoing construction to facilitate a state-of-the-art commercial centre designed to further enhance the travel experience of passengers.

This is part of the Government’s comprehensive approach to transforming the airport in alignment with the country’s recently elevated stature. Works on the modern commercial centre are 50 per cent completed, with a March 2024 deadline.

Chief Executive Officer of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir on Tuesday related that the upgrade is in line with providing passengers with a first-class experience.

Additionally, the CEO noted that the upgrade will create new avenues for major investment.

The third cohort of participants of the WE3A Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs in Value Chains Initiative recently graduated, contributing to the 116 businesswomen who sought training to advance their company’s potential.

Implemented locally by the Women’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Guyana (WCCIG), the WE3A initiative aims to provide women who own small- and medium-sized businesses in Central and South America with the tools and skills to develop their companies.

The programme is funded by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WeFi) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB Lab), in collaboration with the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University in the United States (US).

WCCIG President, Rowena Elliot extended congratulations to the graduating cohort and expanded on their growth potential.

“We celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the talented women entrepreneurs who have com-

pleted the WE3A initiative. To date, 116 women have graduated from the journey since project launch in August 2022. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit inspire us all," Elliot said.

"This graduation underscores the pivotal role that empowered women play in shaping the economic landscape of Guyana and beyond. The success of the WE3A initiative highlights the potential that lies within our women-led small- and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs), and we are excited to witness the lasting impact they will create,” Elliot added.

The WE3A initiative’s core components of Aspire, Activate and Accelerate form the basis for which participants gain valuable training materials and resources to enhance their entrepreneurial acumen.

Using Thunderbird’s Dreambuilder programme, a free online training and certification programme, participants are encouraged to foster a dynamic learning environment and build a network that spans borders and industries.

A study published in April by the WE3A initia-

tive found that at 91 per cent, Guyana has the largest number of formally registered women-owned businesses, compared to the other participating countries of Guatemala,

aging all women entrepreneurs and businesswomen to register to partake in the free programme.

“The initiative's commitment to fostering growth, resilience, and collaboration

“Passengers usually dwell at the airport for long periods of time and so they look forward to these concessions and services, which are available at the airport, as part of their airport experience. It is a custom that is currently experienced at airports worldwide and forms part of the passenger expectation.

Meanwhile, the Government has added an extended boarding corridor with two additional boarding bridges along with an extended runway, which has significantly enhanced the airport’s capability to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Boeing 777, the Dreamliner, AirBus, and other trans-Atlantic aircraft.

The security systems have seen tremendous improvements when compared to previous years.

Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador and Costa Rica.

Despite this, the study confirmed that there is room for improvement in access to capital funding for business projects, access to training and education on business management, and access to business infrastructure for companies in the country.

As the WE3A moves to build the capacity of these businesses, the initiative is seeking new applicants for the next 12 months, encour-

among women entrepreneurs serves as a testament to the power of collective action. The accomplishments of these graduates resonate beyond the confines of their individual businesses, contributing to the socioeconomic progress of the nation,” a WE3A initiative statement read.

Persons interested in applying or learning more about the programme can visit https://we3a.org/ or email projects@wcciguyana.com.

“The duty-free shops, restaurants/bars, kids' play area and other amenities are what contribute to an enjoyable and convenient way to spend time at the airport for the passengers. We believe that by offering passengers an expanded and convenient location to shop, dine, and relax during and before their flights, we can create a more positive and memorable airport experience. This is in line with our commitment to providing a world-class service to our passengers,” the CEO explained.

The facility will house 15 concessions including currency exchange facilities, a restaurant and bar, food concessions, duty-free shops, kids’ play area, and ATMs. It will also include business, VIP, and executive lounges, as well as a presidential suite and a state-of-the-art conference room.

In addition, the Government is working to digitise the entire immigration processing system by introducing biometric kiosks and electronic gates. This project has commenced and is expected to be completed in early 2024.

Also, passenger numbers have increased exponentially for 2023 with more than 405,000 passengers, which is 14 per cent higher than 2022. As such, Ghir added, “We anticipate that our passenger numbers will continue to grow further with the hosting of Cricket Carnival in September.”

The modernisation of CJIA is a major investment in the future of Guyana as it is a critical transportation hub for the country, and the improvements will make it a more efficient airport operation for passengers and visitors.

The ganja that was found at Ramsaroop’s residence

The ganja that was found in Persaud’s possession

Ricardo Ramsaroop

Arrested: Marusia Persaud

Participants during the first graduation event which was hosted on April 28, 2023, at Marriott Hotel

A participant at the third graduation event receiving her Certificate of Completion from IDB Representative Lorena Solorzano Salazar

CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir

UNDP, AG discuss collaborative areas for important reforms

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall on Monday discussed several areas of collaboration for reforms, during a courtesy call from Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Gerardo Noto.

Nandlall expressed appreciation to the UNDP for the cooperation they have extended to Guyana, noting that the UNDP has been one of the country’s “foremost developmental partners” in the areas of law and order, democracy, public health, and social services, among other important national endeavours.

Both sides also discussed a number of platforms upon which the UNDP and the Attorney General Chambers and Legal Affairs Ministry will collaborate in the near future, including important reforms in the legal sector.

During their discussions and upon request, the Attorney General briefed the Resident Representative on electoral reform and con-

stitutional reform.

He highlighted a slew of legislative amendments enacted thus far pertaining to electoral reform, noting however that the process is an ongoing exercise. He reminded that constitutional reform is a manifesto promise of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and the Constitutional Reform Commission will soon be constituted.

This body, he said, is governed by the Constitutional Reform Commission Act

2022, and will be a broadbased independent organisation that will consist not only of politicians but civil society, and the work of the Commission will be driven by public consultations.

A committee comprising of the Legal Affairs Ministry, Home Affairs Ministry, a representative from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and a representative of the Judiciary will collaborate with the UNDP on these crucial re-

forms. Noto thanked the Attorney General for the meeting, and pledged the UNDP’s continued support in various areas of national importance.

This engagement comes just about two months after a UNDP delegation discussed with the AG, potential programming opportunities aimed at extending support to the criminal justice system, specifically strengthening institutional capacity to effectively reduce the backlog

of criminal cases.

Since assuming office in 2020, the PPP Government has passed new laws and amended existing ones in an effort to keep pace with the growth of the country’s jurisprudence.

Nandlall has continuously assured that such works will continue, because Guyana is a sovereign country and must tailor its legal system to meet the idiosyncrasies and peculiarities of society.

Recognising that Government has been churning out legislation since it entered office, he had shared that such modern laws would create the necessary balance in the delivery of justice.

Constitutional reform was promised in the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic manifesto in 2020, where it was further outlined that consultation with the populace and important stakeholders; and a broad-based Constitutional Reform Commission would drive the process.

The way was paved for

the establishment of the Constitutional Reform Commission and the commencement of the reform process following the passage of the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill in the National Assembly last November. Back in August of 2022, the Government presented the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill 2022 in the National Assembly. That Bill seeks the establishment of a 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission to review the country’s supreme laws.

According to the provisions of the Bill, the commission will review the Constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Guyanese people. It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider, and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the Constitution, and report its recommendations to the Standing Committee for transmission to the National Assembly.

(G12)

UN training on combating arms, ammo trafficking to boost Guyana’s security capacity

ments – the Western Balkans

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control Roadmap and the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap to seek to collectively curb gun crime in the Region.

Meanwhile, last week, Guyanese law enforcement and military officials were among the 29 within the Caribbean represented at the 2nd Regional Armoury Management Course, delivered by UNLIREC in collaboration with Trinidad and

Tobago’s Government.

This course aimed to further equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent loss, theft and diversion associated with arms management.

Guyana has seen a rise in illegal firearm usage over time, with the GPF reporting the seizure of 68 firearms from January to July 2023, thereby representing a 13.3 per cent increase in overall confiscation of such weapons. (G13)

Guyanese stakeholders, associated with the control of weapons and ammunition, on Monday commenced a course on Combating Trafficking in Arms and Ammunition (CTAM) at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Georgetown.

Conducted in collaboration between the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and Guyana’s Government, this three-day course aims to build the capacity of states to tackle transnational crime and support the implementation of international arms control commitments.

This course engages officials of various public institutions responsible for the control of weapons and ammunition at different stages, including the control and reg-

ulation of legal trade, and the combat and prevention of illicit trafficking in all aspects.

According to a statement by the Home Affairs Ministry, the CTAM course includes an overview of illicit trafficking in firearms and ammunition in Latin America and the Caribbean, raises awareness of existing mechanisms for international cooperation and information exchange in cases of the illegal trafficking of firearms, strengthens the capacities of the authorities to control and regulate different types of international transfers of arms and ammunition, and enhances coordination, communication, and cooperation between different sectors and actors with responsibilities on these issues to optimise their individual and collective efforts to tackle illicit trafficking.

In attendance at the CTAM course’s opening on

Monday were Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, UNLIREC Director Soledad Urruela, Political Counsellor Canadian High Commission, Caroline Mireault, and UNLIREC Senior Policy Advisor, Jason Francis.

UNLIREC has been working to help build Guyana’s capacity to address firearms trafficking for several years now.

In 2021, the Home Affairs Ministry launched a new unit to clamp down on the trafficking of firearms and ammunition through a National Action Plan for the Firearms Roadmap.

During this time, UNLIREC and the United Nations Development Programme’s South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNDP SEESAC) also implemented two docu-

CJIA installing independent water supply line

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is currently in the process of installing a redundant water supply line to improve the water infrastructure of the terminal building.

This new line will provide treated water to the terminal and will serve as a backup to Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) water treatment system.

According to a statement from the CJIA on Sunday, GWI encountered challenges while connecting the independent water line to the terminal, resulting in a blowout of the main connecting valve.

Consequently, the terminal experienced a temporary disruption in water supply for several hours.

GWI’s contractors and engineers worked diligently to rectify the situation and

successfully restored the water supply to the terminal later that evening. GWI anticipates completing the installation of the additional water supply system within one week.

“This system will not only benefit the airport but also enhance the service provided by GWI to the residents residing in close proximity to the airport environment,” CJIA said.

(L-R) AG Anil Nandlall, UNDP Resident Representative Gerardo Noto, and State Solicitor Prithima Kissoon

The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) training on combating arms and ammunition trafficking

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

The water supply line being installed

Over 30 drivers arrested, charged for DUI in Reg 3

Recent weeks have seen a surge in efforts by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Regional Division Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to crack down on driving under the influence (DUI) cases.

A total of thirty-three (33) drivers have been arrested and subsequently brought before the court on charges related to DUI. These arrests were made during intensive Police Traffic operations con-

Street, Essequibo Coast, was arrested on August 11 for his involvement in an incident on Leonora Public Road. Driving motor car PMM 3787, Boodram's BAC levels were recorded at 50% and 55%. His court appearance is scheduled for August 22 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Anil Bhagwandeen, a 36-yearold resident of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, was apprehended on Leonora Public Road on August 13. He was driving motor

at the Wales Magistrate’s Court. Devon Roberts, a 25-yearold from West Minister Phase 2, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was arrested on August 13 on Vreed-en-Hoop Public Road. Operating motor car PYY 2719, Roberts refused to take the breathalyser test. His court date is set for August 21 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.

Boyie Persaud, a 47-yearold from Vergenoegen, East

were measured at 50% and 47%. His court appearance is scheduled for August 22 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Ravindran Lallchand, a 36-year-old from Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on August 14 on Barnwell Public Road. Driving motor car PRR 293, Lallchand's BAC levels were recorded at 50% and 53%. He is due in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 22.

Trivenil Lall, a 36-year-old

Public Road. Driving motor car PAC 7116, Persaud's BAC levels were measured at 47% and 50%. His court date is set for August 22 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Keshram Persaud, a 46-year-old from Second Street Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, was arrested on August 16 on Leonora Public Road. Driving motor car PSS 5340, Persaud's BAC levels were measured at 122% and 125%. He is due to appear in the

ducted across Region Three between August 11 and August 26, 2023.

The drivers arrested were apprehended for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, posing significant dangers to themselves and others on the road.

Details of the arrests include:

car PAC 2546 with BAC levels of 100% and 90%. Bhagwandeen is set to appear before the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 18.

Stephen Vandeyar, a 25-yearold from First Street Windsor Forrest, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on August 12 on Windsor Forrest Public Road. Driving motor lorry GAC 5251,

Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 14 on Barnwell Public Road. Driving a motor lorry, GKK 9104, Persaud's BAC levels were measured at 73% and 78%. He is due to appear in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 22.

Anil Doobay, a 35-year-old from De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, who was arrested on

from Salem, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 14 on Parika Public Road. Driving motor car PSS 1253, Lall's BAC levels were measured at 83% and 90%. His court date is set for August 22 at the Leonora’s Magistrate’s Court.

Martin Biswah, a 28-yearold from Maria’s Pleasure,

Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 24.

Avinash Harrynarine, a 58-year-old from San Souci, Wakenaam Island, Essequibo River, was arrested on August 19 on Ruby Public Road. Driving motor car PMM 3630, Harrynarine's BAC levels were recorded at 81%. His court date is set for August

Suraj Kumar, a 40-year-old resident of Good Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, was apprehended on August 11 on La Parfaite Harmonie Public Road. He was driving a motor car HD 1575 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 104%. Kumar is scheduled to appear in the Wales Magistrate’s Court on August 17.

Rohan Boodram, aged 39 and hailing from Paradise Back

Vandeyar's BAC was measured at 86% and 83%. He is due in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 18.

Maxie Narine, a 31-year-old resident of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was arrested on August 12 on Good Fortuin Public Road. Operating a motor lorry GLL 4707, Narine's BAC levels were recorded at 74% and 73%. His court date is set for August 17

August 14 on Barnwell Public Road. Operating motor car PRR 1870, Doobay's BAC levels were recorded at 47% and 49%. His court date is set for August 22 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Latchman Ramroop, a 47-year-old from Ruby, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 14 on Barnwell Public Road. Operating motor car PAB 3871, Ramroop's BAC levels

Wakenaam, Essequibo River, was arrested on August 14 on Den Amstel Public Road. Operating motor lorry GAC 1530, Biswah's BAC levels were recorded at 73% and 79%. He is due to appear in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 22.

Takeram Persaud, a 32-yearold from First Field Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, was arrested on August 16 on Leonora

31 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Sudesh Ramdeen, a 32-yearold from Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 20 on Leonora Public Road. Driving motor car PZZ 5251, Ramdeen's BAC levels were measured at 43%. His court date is set for August 31 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Anandram Latchman Anil Bhagwandeen Anil Doobay

Arjune Ajmal Avinash Harrynarine

Boyie Persaud

Hemchand Deonarine

Chandra Chintan

Derrick Calvan

Devon Roberts

Dilip Kumar

Keshram Peraaud

Kumar Narine

Latchman Ramroop Mark Gill

Over 30 drivers arrested, charged for DUI...

Hemchand Deonarine, a 27-year-old from Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 20 on Leonora Public Road. Driving motor car PAE 5757, Deonarine's BAC levels were recorded at 83%. His court date is set for August 31 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

due to appear in the Vreed-En-Hoop Magistrate’s Court on August 28.

Arjune Ajmal, a 31-year-old from Area G, De Willem, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on August 20 on Cornelia Ida Public Road. Driving motor car PSS 7285, Ajmal's BAC levels were measured at 98%. His court date is

Access Road. Driving motor car PNN 2703, Kumar's BAC levels were measured at 108%. He is due to appear in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 31.

Tiran Balram, a 63-year-old from Public Road, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on August 20 on Cornelia

in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 31.

Derrick Calvan, a 53-year-old from Endeavour, Leguan, Essequibo Island, was arrested on August 24 on Parika Public Road. Driving vehicle GRR 3977, Calvan's BAC levels were measured at 74%. His court date is set for September 5.

ed on August 26 on the Ruimzeight Public Road. His court date is set for August 29 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.

Shyamesh Gopaul, a resident of Coverden, East Bank Demerara, was arrested on August 20 on the Leonora Public Road. Driving vehicle PMM 4794, Gopaul's BAC lev-

Mohammed Latif, a 38-year-old from Belle West, Canal No 2, was arrested on August 20 on Canal No 1 Public Road. Driving motor car PAB 9713, Latif's BAC levels were recorded at 46%. His court date is set for August 31 at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

Moses Tilakdhary Deonarine, a 49-year-old from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 20 on Harlem Public Road. Driving motor car PHH 1474, Deonarine's BAC levels were recorded at 69%. His court date is set for August 28 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.

Thakoor Nandalall, a 33-yearold from Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara, was arrested on August 20 on La Grange Public Road. Driving motor car PTT 5825, Nandalall's BAC levels were recorded at 49%. His court date is set for August 24 at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

Chandra Chintan, a 29-yearold from Studley Park, Canal No 1, West Bank Demerara, was arrested on August 21 on Vreed-enHoop Public Road. Driving motor car PLL 9933, Chintan's BAC levels were measured at 107%. He is

set for August 31 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Mark Gill, a 21-year-old from Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 20 on Barnwell Public Road. His

Ida. Driving motor car PEE 954, Balram's BAC levels were measured at 39%. He is due to appear in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 31.

Tulsie, a 56-year-old from

Samuel Kathanan, a 49-year-old from Pet Shop, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 24. Driving vehicle PLL 9249, Kathanan's BAC levels were measured at 61%. He is due to appear in

els were measured at 73% and 71%. His court date is set for September

1.

Chaitram Harold, a resident of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on August 20 on the Stewartville Public Road. Driving vehicle PMM 3210, Harold's BAC levels were measured at 84%. His court date is set for September

1.

Vissoon Dialpersaud, was arrested on August 20 at Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. Driving vehicle CM 2209, Dialpersaud's BAC levels were measured at 91% and 88%. His court date is set for September

1.

Rueben Durga, a resident of Block 8 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 20 on the Leonora Public. Driving vehicle PAE 485, Durga's BAC levels were measured at 82%. His court date is set for September 1.

BAC levels were measured at 66%. He is due to appear in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 31.

Dilip Kumar, a 43-year-old from Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 20 on Parika

Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested on August 22 on Tuschen Access Road. Riding a motorcycle with registration CK 7798, Tulsie's BAC levels were measured at 102%. He is due to appear

the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on September 5.

Anandram Latchman, a 28-year-old from West Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (overseas-based Guyanese), was arrest-

These arrests, according to the Police Force, underscore the significant dangers associated with driving under the influence and highlight the steadfast commitment of the Police Force to maintaining road safety.

Martin Biswah

Maxie Narine

Mohamed Latiff

Moses Tilakdhary Quintin Fowler

Ravindra Lallchand

Rueben Durga

Samuel Kathanan

Shyamesh Gopaul Stephen Vandeyar

Sudesh Ramdeen Suraj Kumar

Takeram Persaud

Thakoor Nandalall Trivenil Lall

Chaitram Harold Vijay Singh

Vissoon Dialpersaud

Guyana’s 1st rainforest research centre to enhance education, biodiversity conservation efforts

The Sophia Point

Rainforest Research

Centre situated at the confluence of the Essequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers aims to serve as a hub of research, education and training for stakeholders seeking to fight against climate change.

The centre is co-founded by United Kingdom (UK) parliamentarian David Lammy—who is of Guyanese heritage—and his wife, Nicola Green.

During the inauguration ceremony at the University of Guyana, Lammy on Tuesday explained how this solar-powered, environmentally conscious centre will work to protect and better understand Guyana’s rainforests.

“The centre will make the environment more accessible, providing a platform for students, academics and researchers to study this over-

looked and undervalued country – a location metropolis with potential for terrestrial, freshwater and marine research but also a site to facilitate education beyond the biological sciences, to engage with local and Indigenous communities, music and arts and to tie into the existing vibrant and committed community of conservationists in Guyana, amplifying efforts already underway,” Lammy said.

He noted that Sophia Point will add to the forest research and conservation efforts already being done through the Iwokrama Research Centre and further facilitated by other key organisations.

“As the Government has rightly recognised in their Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, capacity must be built to deliver a sustainable future

for Guyana’s rainforest and Sophia Point hopes to achieve that through collaboration, not competition,” Lammy said.

This, he added, can be done by working with the likes of the Protective Areas Commission, the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, the South Rupununi Conservation Society, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the surrounding Amerindian communities.

At its heart, Lammy noted, Sophia Point is about building Guyana’s capacity to tackle forest conservation.

“If you look around the globe, at comparable countries, you can see what the standard is. Costa Rica, a country four times smaller than Guyana, has 44 research centres. Panama, a country three times smaller than Guyana, has 12 interconnected sites just run

PNC’s desperate attempts to sow discord between President and VP are pathetic

Without a doubt, the global respect for Guyana has never been greater. The interest to invest in our country has never been greater than at the present moment. While OIL & GAS have been a boon, much of the respect and the interest to invest have been generated by a foreign policy that excites the world.

by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute alone,” Lammy said.

Once completed, the new facility will include a multi-purpose lecture theatre and lab space, internet access, basic lab equipment, and basic accommodation for up to 24 persons with free-standing washroom facilities, a kitchen and a dining space.

An expanded pontoon and jetty will facilitate the arrival of larger boats and operate as a site for sampling and water quality assessments while a canopy access platform aims to support canopy level and meteorological measurements.

As of July, the first phase of construction on the site of the research centre commenced, whereby the site was marked out and logistics for housing the 20 workers at Sophia Point for the next six months were initiated.

60 local farmers benefit from FAOled capacity-building training

In a continued effort to empower Farmers’ Organisations (FOs) to effectively participate in sustainable food value chains, some 60 farmers from eight FOs in six regions across Guyana engaged in a training session under the FOs for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (FO4ACP) programme.

This FO4ACP programme, progressing under the partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and PROCASUR, aims to increase the incomes and improve the livelihoods, food security and safety of small farmers in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries by strengthening regional, national and local FOs.

From August 7 to 14, the 60 Guyanese farmers learnt to build functional and operational capacities to improve the quality of services they provide.

The participating FOs were: the Central Mahaicony Perth Village Farmers’ Association and West Berbice Sheep and Goat Farmers’ Association in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Pomeroon Beekeepers Association and Pomeroon Export Producers

Association in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Gibraltar/Fyrish Farmers’ Association in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Mocha Arcadia Multipurpose Agriculture Cooperative in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); Medicine from Trees in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Blue Flame Women's Group in Region One (Barima-Waini).

This exercise is a continuation from last May when the facilitating team visited these FOs following a National Learning Route under the theme "Come up in the Value Chain."

During those visits, each organisation was tasked with

developing a short-term innovation plan that will enable them to increase their associative and entrepreneurial capacities.

To support the implementation of these innovative plans, FAO and PROCASUR convened a nine-day technical mission to connect the innovation plans with a medium-term organisational development plan that will receive technical and financial support from the FO4ACP programme.

These development plans, which have been individually tailored based on each organisation's unique circumstance, geography, and needs, focus on a number of areas, includ-

ing business development, marketing, good governance practices, and production enhancements.

The FO4ACP project is funded by the European Commission through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Supported by the FO4ACP programme, two farmers last year had the opportunity to attend the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) meeting held in Santiago, Chile.

Meanwhile, in addition to FO4ACP, Guyana is also participating in another FAO-led programme called FISH4ACP that focuses on making fisheries and aquaculture value chains more productive and sustainable.

Under a 10-year development strategy for the healthy future of Guyana’s seabob shrimp value chain, which was endorsed by Guyanese operators in May 2022, the FAO’s FISH4ACP Project has completed an assessment report in which it highlighted, among other things, ways of promoting artisanal or traditional fisheries and strengthening the role of women. (G13)

President Irfaan Ali has pursued a non-aligned foreign policy that is not driven by Cold War ideological warfare. He and his government have been engaging world leaders and countries to become involved in the transformation of a country that was not so long ago a HIPC country, which has now rapidly become a high-income developing country. What was once unrealistic utopian talk about Guyana one day gaining developed country status is now something that could become a reality in our lifetime. Naturally, this blazing pace of transformation has attracted interest from countries and investors.

CARICOM countries want a part of the action. Other Caribbean countries, such as the Dominican Republic, and South American countries like Brazil, also want a part of the action. The President of the Dominican Republic brought a trade mission to Guyana. President Ali took a trade mission on a return visit to the DR. The two presidents signed an MOU to guide future development, including establishing an oil refinery. The DR wants to invest in a DR-owned oil refinery. The two presidents agreed that Guyanese entities, Government and Private Sector, would want to invest with a 49% share. The agreement is clear –a Working Group (WG) will be established to develop the proposal for an oil refinery in “Guyanese territory”. There is no ambiguity in the MOU. It is unequivocal – the proposal is to establish an oil refinery in Guyana with 51% investment from the DR. The Guyanese President made certain that the refinery will be in Guyana, using Guyanese-produced oil, and that the Guyanese Private Sector can participate.

The Vice President, in one of his press conferences, stated that the oil refinery that will be established through the DR Government will be located in Guyana. It will not be a refinery located in the DR and importing Guyanese crude oil. This is consistent with the announcement early last year that multiple oil refineries will be established in Region 6, and several international private ventures have expressed interest. The DR wants to, and on President Ali’s visit to the DR, the two presidents created a mechanism to make the DR-catalyzed refinery in Guyana a reality.

Instead of lauding the development because it creates jobs, makes available cheaper gasoline etc., the PNC have decided to be obstructionists. They have created a diaspora support group Facebook page to spew lies and fabrication in a propaganda offensive. The Facebook page has been posting lies after lies. One of the lies is that the VP has “overturned” the MOU signed by the presidents of Guyana and the DR. Specifically, they stated that the VP said the refinery must be in Guyana, even when President Ali signed an MOU to have the refinery in the DR. This is a blatant lie. It’s a fabrication that they are trying to sell to the diaspora and to Guyanese at home. It is an absolute, reprehensible lie.

The Government of Guyana announced, through President Ali and VP Jagdeo specifically, that Guyana is establishing multiple refineries, starting with at least one refinery in Region 6. Region 6 – East BerbiceCorentyne – is located in Guyana, not in the DR. The MOU states specifically, unequivocally, that the WG will present proposals for “building an oil refinery in Guyanese territory, with a refining capacity of at least 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day”. Where does it say that the two presidents spoke about building the oil refinery in the DR? It is in black and white, no room for misunderstanding. Yet the PNC propaganda machine shamelessly fabricated a story with the sole intention of sowing discord.

The unity in the Cabinet is worrying to the Opposition. More specifically worrying them is the special, positive working relationship between the President, the VP and the Prime Minister. In just over three years of the PPP Government, President Ali and VP Bharrat Jagdeo have worked as a team, working in unison, with no discord in ideas and in action.

The PPP have always been a collective. They debate issues and actions, and once a decision is taken, the PPP executes as a team. When President Ali left Guyana with his team, citizens could have been assured that the Government executives, including the President and the VP, would have discussed and agreed on what the outcome of the DR visit would have been.

It is wicked and mischievous for the PNC propaganda machine to sow discord between the two leading authoritative figures in Government. But the PNC are so clueless that they rely totally on mischief, lies and fabrication as a strategy to gain relevance. They are unable to take on the Government in a fight for ideas. They now have joined a bandwagon to discourage investments in Guyana, to request a renegotiation of the EXXON PSA they signed, and to disown the extension they gave to EXXON before Exxon is obligated to give back 20% of its concessions. Even as they are caught red-handed with lies such as the ones they pushed: that President Ali signed the EXXON extension, when in fact David Granger signed it in July 2020, one month before President Ali was sworn in, they shamelessly persist with the lies.

The people of Guyana see daily that President Ali and VP Jagdeo are working together as an unstoppable force in the transformation of Guyana, literally by the minute. Guyana is blessed to have two visionaries working as one for ONE GUYANA.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

United Kingdom parliamentarian David Lammy Final design of Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre (Taken from Sophia Point website)

Representatives from Gibraltar/Fyrish Farmers’ Association with key stakeholders and FAO/PROCASUR facilitators

OIL NEWS

Oil steady as possible rate hikes stoke demand worry, storm could hit supply

Oil prices rallied more than a dollar a barrel on Tuesday as the greenback slid, while investors debated the potential impact to energy supply and demand from Hurricane Idalia set to hit Florida this week.

Brent crude futures rose by US$1.07, or 1.3%, to settle at US$85.49 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures settled at US$81.86 a barrel, up US$1.06, or 1.3%.

The US dollar index dropped on Tuesday after data showed that US job openings, a measure of labour demand, fell in July. Softness in the labor market could encourage the Federal Reserve to slow down interest rate hikes, experts said.

A softer greenback makes dollar-denominated oil less expensive for investors holding other currencies, boosting demand.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Idalia was forecast to reach Category 3 strength - classified as a major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph (179 kph) - before slamming ashore Florida's Gulf Coast in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The storm will likely impact fuel distribution systems and hit fuel consumption in the affected regions just ahead of the Labor Day federal holiday on Sept 4, said Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger.

The weather system is not expected to hit major oil producing platforms in the US Gulf of Mexico. However, oil major Chevron Corp evacuated some staff from three platforms in the region.

Production was continuing at Chevron-operated Gulf of Mexico oil and gas facilities.

While Idalia does not pose a major supply risk, it does point to a rising risk of potential future outages in the Gulf of Mexico in what is expected to be a busy hurricane season, Yawger noted.

Expectations of a steep decline in US crude oil stockpiles have also benefited oil prices, UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

US crude oil inventories are expected to have dropped by 3.3 million barrels in the latest week, according to an extended Reuters poll on Tuesday.

Adding to supply concerns US oil rig count, an early indicator of future production, declined in August for the ninth month in a row, energy services firm Baker Hughes reported on Friday.

"Even with the potential for some demand destruction (from hurricane Idalia), the coming crude oil supply squeeze is becoming more painfully obvious," said Price Futures Group analyst Phil Flynn. (Reuters)

Around The World

US announces US$250M in new military aid for Ukraine

The United States on Tuesday announced a new package of military assistance to support Ukraine that includes additional air defence and artillery munitions, mine clearing equipment and medical vehicles.

The latest package includes additional mine clearing equipment, missiles for air defence, ammunition for artillery and HIMAR (High Mobility Artillery Rocket) systems, and over three million rounds of small-arms ammunition, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

"The United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes," Blinken said.

The equipment is funded through money previously

Air

approved by Congress.

More than US$43 billion in US military aid has been provided to Ukraine since Russia's invasion began in February 2022.

President Joe Biden earlier this month asked Congress to approve an additional US$24 billion in assistance.

Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have backed Ukraine aid, but some far-right Republicans - especially those allied with former President Donald Trump - want to pare back assistance.

Ukrainian troops began a counteroffensive in the east and south in early June but have made slow progress through Russian minefields and trenches blocking their southern push. (Reuters)

pollution now a

major

Greece blaze is "largest wildfire ever recorded in EU"

In a world first, scientists say an 8cm (3in) worm has been found alive in the brain of an Australian woman.

The "string-like structure" was pulled from the patient's damaged frontal lobe during surgery in Canberra last year.

"It was definitely not what we were expecting. Everyone was shocked," said operating surgeon Dr Hari Priya Bandi.

The woman, 64, had for months suffered symptoms like stomach pain, a cough and night sweats, which evolved into forgetfulness and depression.

She was admitted to hospital in late January 2021, and a scan later revealed "an atypical lesion within the right frontal lobe of the brain".

But the cause of her condition was only revealed by Dr Bandi's knife during a biopsy in June 2022.

The red parasite could

have been alive in her brain for up to two months, doctors said.

The woman, who lived near a lake area in south-eastern New South Wales state, is recovering well.

Her case is believed to be the first instance of a larvae invasion and development in the human brain, researchers said in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal which reported the case.

The neurosurgeon who found the worm said she had only begun to touch the brain

Aforest blaze in Greece is “the largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU” and the bloc is mobilising nearly half its firefighting air wing to tackle it, a European Commission spokesman said.

data,” the service said.

Greece’s fire service told the AFP news agency that the blaze was “still out of control” in the northeast region’s Dadia National Park, a major sanctuary for birds of prey.

risk

to life expectancy in South Asia – study

Rising air pollution can cut life expectancy by more than five years per person in South Asia, one of the world's most polluted regions, according to a report published on Tuesday which flagged the growing burden of hazardous air on health.

The region, which includes the world's most polluted countries of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, accounts for

more than half of the total life years lost globally to pollution, the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) said in its latest Air Quality Life Index.

Rapid industrialisation and population growth have contributed to declining air quality in South Asia, where particulate pollution levels are currently more than 50% higher than at the start of the century and now overshadow dangers posed by larger health threats.

People in Bangladesh, the world's most polluted country, stands to lose 6.8 years of life on average per person, compared to 3.6 months in the United States, according to the study, which uses satellite data to calculate the impact of an increase in airborne fine particles on life expectancy.

Eleven aeroplanes and one helicopter from the EU fleet have been sent to help Greece counter the fire north of Alexandroupoli city, along with 407 firefighters, spokesman Balazs Ujvari said on Tuesday.

The EU’s civil protection service said the fire had burned more than 810 square kilometres (310 square miles) of land – an area bigger than New York City.

“This wildfire is the largest in the EU since 2000, when the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) began recording

Since it started on August 19, the blaze has killed 20, at least 18 of them migrants and refugees whose bodies were found in a region that is often used as an entry point from neighbouring Turkey.

Authorities feared more bodies would be found when the flames were put out, as Evros is a popular crossing into the EU for thousands of migrants and refugees each year.

Greece has been ravaged by numerous fires this summer which the government attributes to climate change.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UK air traffic failure set to disrupt flights for days

part that had shown up strangely in the scans when she felt it.

Researchers warn the case highlights the increased danger of diseases and infections being passed from animals to people.

Scientists say the woman most likely caught the roundworm after collecting a type of native grass, Warrigal greens, beside a lake near where she lived. The area is also inhabited by carpet pythons. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India is responsible for about 59% of the world's increase in pollution since 2013, the report said, as hazardous air threatens to shorten lives further in some of the country's more polluted regions. In the densely populated New Delhi, the world's most polluted mega-city, the average life span is down by more than 10 years.

Reducing global levels of lung-damaging airborne particles, known as PM 2.5, to levels recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) could raise average life expectancy by 2.3 years, or a combined 17.8 billion life years, the report said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The British Government was working with airlines on Tuesday to help ensure passengers stranded in airports across Europe can get home after an air traffic control glitch caused widespread disruption to flights that is expected to last for days.

More than 1500 flights were cancelled on Mondaya public holiday in parts of Britain, and one of the busiest travel days as the school holidays draw to closewhen air traffic controllers were forced to switch to manual systems due to a technical problem.

That left thousands of passengers stuck at airports in Europe and further afield.

"We were stuck in the airport for about seven or eight hours yesterday. We were left high and dry," said Maria Ball, a holidaymaker from Liverpool, in northwest England. She said she ended up at Paris' Charles De Gaulle airport, having finally found

a flight to Edinburgh, and was then facing a four-hour journey in a hire car to get home when she lands.

Martin Rolfe, CEO of Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS), apologised for the technical failure on Tuesday, and said initial investigations into the problem show it relates to some of the flight data it received.

"Our systems, both primary and the back-ups, responded by suspending automatic processing to ensure that no incorrect safety-related information could be presented to an air traffic controller or impact the rest of the air traffic system," Rolfe said in a statement.

Mark Harper, the transport secretary, warned it would take days to resolve the issues, even though the fault was fixed after a few hours on Monday. The cancellations hit airline schedules, meaning planes and crews were out of place.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Live worm found in Australian woman's brain in world first

Burned trees are seen during wildfires near the village of Kirkis, near Alexandroupolis town, in the northeastern Evros region

A brain scan and the "happily moving" worm in a specimen jar

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Dig deep, and don't move until you have exhausted all the possibilities. Follow the rules, handle your responsibilities and stand behind your word. A straightforward approach will pay off.

(March 21-April 19)

Network, get out with friends or sign up for something rejuvenating. Self-care and mixing business with pleasure will pay off. An unexpected change at home will cause trepidation.

(April 20-May 20)

Move forward with caution. Be wary of manipulative individuals trying to take advantage of you. A physical outlet will ease stress and help you make better decisions.

(May 21-June 20)

Let your mind wander, and you'll come up with a great idea. Share your thoughts with someone who can help you. Working in conjunction with others will be entertaining and helpful.

(June 21-July 22)

Take nothing for granted. Do what others expect you to do and get what you want in writing. Offer only what's possible and be clear regarding alternatives you may want to implement.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Refuse to let emotions stand between you and what you want to achieve. Take pride in what you do, and don't stop until you are satisfied with the results. Consistency will be crucial.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Adjustments that make your life easier will pay off. Fine-tune your schedule to accommodate the activities, people and things that bring you joy. Take control of your life.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Participate and make a difference. Going above and beyond the call of duty at home or work will result in recognition. Fine-tune your life. Don't just sit back and observe; do something!

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

At the first sign of confusion or danger, back away and rethink your strategy. Protect your reputation. Pay attention to how you present yourself and what you hope to accomplish.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Set your sights on what's meaningful to you, and you'll discover a unique way to make a difference. Pay attention to investments, cost increases and money management.

Pay attention to how you present yourself to others. Don't feel obligated to give in to an overbearing person. Be precise regarding what you want. You have more power than you realize.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Stop stressing out and start talking. A heart-to-heart discussion will resolve troubling issues. An honest assessment regarding shared expenses will help redistribute responsibilities.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

PEANUTS

PICKLES

SUDOKU

RBL Nationwide U23 Inter-Club Super50 tournament…

Albion, Blairmont to clash in Berbice zone final

Djokovic back to World #1 after US Open win

Novak Djokovic will replace young rival Carlos Alcaraz as the men's world number one after a routine win on his US Open return.

Serbia's Djokovic, who lost the Wimbledon final to Alcaraz, won 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 against France's Alexandre Muller in Monday's night session in New York.

The 36-year-old Djokovic, who was not allowed to play in the United States last year because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19, has returned, knowing another title would be a record-equalling 24th major.

Matching Australian Margaret Court's all-time tally is Djokovic's target, and he made a statement start by breezing past 84th-ranked Muller.

The Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCC) and the Blairmont Cricket Club (Blazers) have each booked their place in the Final of the Berbice leg of the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Nationwide Under-23 Inter-Club Super50 Tournament with comfortable victories in their respective semi-final matches.

In their semi-final match, ACCC defeated Skeldon Estate Community Centre by five wickets. Skeldon were bowled out for 54 runs made in 16.1 overs, in which with Sarwan Chitnarine led the way with 28 runs. Bowling for Albion, Afraz Budhoo bagged magical figures of 6 for 6 off 5 overs.

In reply, Albion finished on 58-5, with P. Setel

scoring 12 not out and J. Otter scoring 11*. Bowling for Skeldon, O. Boyce returned figures of 4 for 7.

Albion won by 5 wickets, with 29.2 overs remaining.

The Blairmont “Blazers” beat West Berbice Achievers by 10 wickets in their semi- final match. West Berbice Achievers were bowled out for 89 in 25.5 overs, with S. Ramsay scoring 15, O. Miller scoring 14, and J. Samuels scoring 12* as the main scorers. National players Nigel Deodat (521) and Seon Glasgow (330), along with Hemchan Ragbeer (2-4), were the chief destroyers.

The Blazers, in reply, raced to 90-0 from 11.4 overs. They were led by Farouk Subhan (59*) and Suraj Bissiondyial (16*).

Inter-Ministries/ Government agencies domino competition set for September 8th

The Government Office Assistants Promotion Committee (GOAPC) is set to host a “Gold Old Day Carnival Style” domino competition catering for Ministries and Government agencies. Proceedings would commence on Friday 8th September and end on Saturday 9th September 2023.

Teams would be in action on Friday at the Ministry of Agriculture Canteen on Regent Road, Bourda from 4:30pm (16:30h), and the action would continue on Saturday 9th from 11:00am (11hrs).

The winning team would pocket $80,000, while the runner-up team would receive $60,000 and the thirdplaced team would be awarded $30,000. Besides the cash prize, each of the mentioned teams would receive a trophy.

Event coordinator is James “Uprising” Lewis, who can be contacted on tele#688–0073 for more info on the event.

With Monday 4th September set for registration, Lewis is urging teams to register early, and not wait until competition day to do so, as no late entry would be accepted.

Lusignan beat Better Hope by 202 runs

After Anil Singh (51) and Chanderpaul Ramraj (59) led the charge, Lusignan piled on 269-9 in 45 overs, despite a spirited performance from Josh Behari, who grabbed 5-57 for Better Hope.

In response, Better Hope were bowled out for 67 in 23 overs, with Brandon Jordan (17) and Moin Persaud (15) being the top scorers. Ramraj returned to bag 3-14, even as Neeran Bani emerged as the leading bowler for Lusignan with 4-14.

"I started tremendously well. We started quite late, but nevertheless, I was excited to go out on the court; it has been a couple of years," said Djokovic, who will spend a record-extending 390th week at the top of the ATP rankings.

"In the second and third sets, I dropped the level of my serve and I had to work for the points a bit more. Nevertheless, I played great, and I liked the level," he said.

Having not started until 23:00 local time, the threetime US Open champion

showed he did not want to hang around, and dropped only eight points in a 23-minute opening set. A smiling Muller raised both arms in celebration when he finally got on the scoreboard for 2-1 in the second set, but the 26-year-old could not stop Djokovic from moving further ahead. Muller offered more resistance in the third set, before Djokovic won the final four games to wrap up victory in one hour and 34 minutes.

Djokovic, who won the Australian Open and French Open earlier this year, is aiming for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows, and will play Spain's Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the second round. He will return to world number one after the tournament.

Top seed Alcaraz, 20, won his first major at the US Open in Djokovic's absence

last year, and starts the defence of his crown against Germany's Dominik Koepfer on Tuesday.

Alcaraz and Djokovic are the joint favourites for the men's singles title, having developed a fascinating rivalry over the past 12 months. It was bubbling at the start of the season, but without both present at key tournaments, there was little chance for the pair to go toe-to-toe on the court.

Now the match-up has been ignited over the past few months following three compelling contests in the French Open semi-finals, the Wimbledon showpiece, and this month's Cincinnati final. Alcaraz and Djokovic cannot meet at the US Open until the final, as a result of being the top two seeds. (BBC Sport)

BCB launches

$1M

Zamal Hussain Trust Fund for Youth Cricketers

…Region 6 Vice Chairman hails Foster’s outstanding leadership

With a long list of activities and achievements to its credit, the Berbice Cricket Board is widely considered as the most active and progressive cricket board in the Caribbean. Under the presidency of Hilbert Foster, the BCB has hosted hundreds of developmental projects and programmes in its ongoing effort to lift the standard of the game, especially among the youths.

Last Sunday, August 27, the BCB launched another programme that would benefit youths across Regions 5 and 6. Foster and Region 6 Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain met in a special meeting after the presentation ceremony of the BCB/Minister Zulfikar Mustapha Under-15 Final at the Port Mourant Cricket Ground. In that short meeting, an agreement was reached for the establishment of the Zamal Hussain

Berbice Cricket Trust Fund. Under that fund, the Vice Chairman would raise $1M towards assisting twenty-four (24) youths in the county with much-needed cricket gear. Each of the 24 players would receive a pair of batting pads, batting gloves and a bat.

Foster announced that the players would be selected from all five zones in the county – West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Berbice River, Lower/ Central Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The BCB President stated that the players would be selected by a special committee headed by Junior Selection Chairman Balram Samaroo. They would be selected based on potential, talent, personal discipline, and commitment to the game.

Foster expressed gratitude to Vice-Chairman Hussain for his support of

the game. He noted that the main objective of the BCB/ Zamal Hussain Trust Fund would be to assist less fortunate but promising players to fulfill their talents on the cricket field.

The BCB, over the last 6 years, has produced eleven (11) players for the West Indies at all levels, and the objective now is to produce another ten in the next five years: 2024 to 2028. Among the players who have played for the West Indies during the period 2018 to 2023 are Romario Shepherd, Isai Thorne, Rampertab Ramnauth, Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Kelvin Anderson, Shabiki Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond and Ashmini Munisar.

Foster also disclosed that the BCB would soon be hosting another edition of the Shimron/Nirvanie Hetmyer Trust Fund, which would be another boost for

clubs in the county.

Region Six Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, a popular politician in the county, has said he is very impressed with the administration of the BCB under the leadership of Hilbert Foster. He said the work of the BCB President is simply outstanding, and that every single day he reads or sees of development in Berbice Cricket in the newspapers or on televised news.

Berbice Cricket, he said, is in safe hands, and he is therefore pleased to play a part in making sure that the legacies of Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher continue in the future.

Hussain also spoke about Government’s efforts to improve over 100 sports grounds in Region 6. He pledged to support in any way possible in the future, and urged the administration of the BCB to continue their outstanding work.

Farouk Subhan

Neeran Bani

Chanderpaul Ramraj

Djokovic won in the first round of a major for a men's record 67th consecutive match

World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting C/ships…

Tyrell set to compete today, Hunter tomorrow

Confident of acquitting themselves exceptionally well, two Guyanese strength and conditioning athletes, Dominic Tyrell and Romeo Hunter, are set to exhibit their prowess at the 2023 edition of the World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships, which are taking place in Romania.

The 23-year-old Tyrell, in his final year at this level, will be going all out to make an indelible impression on the world when he takes the platform from 10:00hrs

Guyana Time, 17:00hrs

Romania Time today.

It has been a long time coming for Tyrell, the reigning Guyana Junior 74kg champion and a member of the One Barbell Gym in T&T, where he resides. He

is intent on making himself and Guyana proud in Romania.

A taciturn but fierce competitor, this ‘junior’ strongman, who holds all the 74kg records (squat, bench press, deadlift, total) is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in French with Upper Second-Class Honours.

Tyrell, who would be taking on 19 other athletes from countries including Canada, Spain, India, France, Italy, Singapore, Hungary, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain, Philippines, Kuwait, and Turkey, has said he is positive of making his family and nation proud, and has expressed gratitude to all who have assisted him in reaching this level, including his father, mother, and

brother Delroy, who just returned to the USA to continue his studies while also focusing on his swimming career.

And 16-year-old Romeo Hunter, who is making his debut at this level, with quite a few more years in

Senior Men’s Football League… FA Football action

continues across country

-Ithaca upstage Cup holders Paradise 3-1 in Berbice League

Defending champions

Paradise Invaders were outclassed by newcomers Ithaca FC in the Berbice Football Association's Senior Men's League when they met last Sunday at the Rosignol Community Centre ground.

The victory was only the 2nd for Ithaca FC in the 8-team League competition, wherein they have lost 4 games, while the Cup holders have suffered their first defeat in five games.

The mastermind behind the biggest upset of this season's 2nd tier competition is 16-year-old Jaheim Elgin, who delivered a memorable hat-trick. Elgin netted in the 15th and 30th minutes, before Compton Cudjoe pulled one back for Invaders in injury time of the first half.

The Berbice High School student completed his treble in the 70th minute, to lift Ithaca to 6 points as they retain 7th place, while Invaders were left on 10 points and in 3rd position.

Elated, Ithaca Coach Royston 'El Chapo' Solomon, in an invited comment, expressed joy at the win and said the game plan was "to absorb all the pressure and use quick counter attacks, and it worked to instructions perfectly".

"Having watched Paradise play, we realised the only way to conquer their usual intensity was to absorb all the pressures they would apply, and then use quick counter attacks. I must compliment the team for sticking to the game plan and executing perfectly. I think they took us for granted as well, and did not play with much intensity in the first half, and we made use of our opportunities. Our team is very young and mostly under 23 players, but Jaheim Elgin

is a very special talent and an intelligent player", an overjoyed "El Chapo" stated. Meanwhile, the other scheduled match was not played, as the team in the proverbial basement, Fyrish FC, failed to show up, conceding a walkover to NA United.

Double stalemate in Essequibo League

On a match day when no team proved superior, both games ended in identical scoreline when the Senior Men's League (SML) of the Essequibo Coast-Pomeroon FA continued last Saturday at the Anna Regina Multilateral School ground.

The top two contenders for title honors, Queenstown United and Mainstay Gold Stars, left scoring for late in a closely contested affair. Randy DeJong broke the deadlock in the 78th minute for a Mainstay lead, and Mario Walcott equalised four minutes from the end to ensure Queenstown hold on to the top of the table.

With the point gained, they move to 13 points from five games, while 2nd placed Mainstay inched to 11 points from 5 games as well.

In the other match-up, Henrietta United and Charity Extreme also ended 1-1, with Makhaya Thomas netting in the 10th minute for Charity and Aldran Austin replying for Henrietta in the 60th min-

the pocket, will be seeking to hit the platform with a bang tomorrow when he takes center stage from 11:30hrs Guyana Time, 18:30hrs Romania Time.

Although carrying such a tender age, Hunter, a member of Unity Gym, has

already racked up a name for himself in powerlifting and bodybuilding. Having been introduced to the sport four years ago, he has already competed for the past three years, and young Hunter has been high in praise of his father Oudit Seenarain, who is also his Coach.

Currently ranked 9th in the world in the 83kg class, Hunter is the current holder of 18 National records in the Open and Under-18 (SubJunior) divisions. His aim is to be in the top three overall at these championships, while seeking a gold medal in the squat as well as gold in the bench press, with a possible world record.

His task would be made more challenging as he has on his path to glory 20 other lifters, hailing from Finland, Italy, USA, New Zealand,

Great Britain, Slovakia, India, Czechia, Ireland, Canada, Turkiye, Thailand, South Africa, and Japan. Accompanying the athletes in Romania is IPF Category 11 Referee Franklyn Brisport-Luke, who has been very active as a Referee. Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation, Franklin Wilson, on behalf of his executive, members, and fans of the sport, has extended the nation’s best wishes to the team in Romania, and has assured them that the nation is fully behind them as they fly the Golden Arrowhead aloft. Fans interested in following the action can do so via the International Powerlifting Federation YouTube channel.

BCB/Minister Mustapha Under- 15 Tournament… Baksh spins Albion to Championship honours over Port Mourant

ute.

Each side was awarded one point, which lifted Henrietta to 10 points and Charity to 8 points, as they remain in 3rd and 4th positions respectively. It was the 6th and final match for Charity while it was the 5th for Henrietta.

Soesdyke thump Circuit

Ville in East Bank League

A postponement and a walkover resulted in a solitary game out of a scheduled three being played over the weekend, when the East Bank FA Senior Men's League (SML) continued at the Timehri Red Ground.

A triple-double of goals inspired Soesdyke Falcons to a lopsided 6-1 win over Circuit Ville FC. On target for the Falcons were: Terrence Glasgow (2' and 65'), Tyrone Khan (28' and 55'), and Alvin Adams (50' and 80'). For the losers, Schumar Schultz netted in the 12th minute.

Meanwhile a no-show by Samatta Point'/Kaneville gifted Diamond United 3 points.

All nine of the Regional Associations of the Guyana Football Federation have been supported through funding by the Federation's designed Members-Financial Assistance Programme to stage their Senior Men's League, Guyana's 2nd tier football league.

The Berbice Cricket Board last Saturday hosted the long-awaited finals of the Zulfikar Mustapha Under-15 tournament, which commenced in late 2020 but was delayed for a number of reasons.

However, under the leadership of its President Hilbert Foster, the BCB was determined to successfully complete this tournament.

In very humid conditions and in front of a sizeable crowd, Port Mourant won the toss and elected to bat first. They received a solid opening partnership of 60 runs in 14 overs from Naven Boodwah and Devendra Samaroo.

Samaroo first was dismissed for 17, caught off the bowling of Feaz Baksh, then 33 runs later, Port Mourant were blown away for a meagre score, as their nine remaining wickets fell quickly. Baksh was the main destroyer with six wickets for thirteen runs from ten overs, while Chmesh Sewnauth had figures of 10-317-3.

The Port Mourant team returned the following batting figures: Navin Boodwah: 33, Vishal Williams: 07, Asgharath Nabbie: 00, Parmanand Kushlay: 01, Vikesh Roopnarine: 05, Richard Sewmangal: 00, Nitendra Panachee: 02, Aryan Dasrat: 06 and Bhesham Etwaru: not out on 01.

Needing 94 runs from their allotted 50 overs, Albion were given a solid opening stand of 36 in nine overs by Farhan Balle and Chamesh Sewnauh, before Balle was run out for 9.

National Under-13 batsman Nathaniel Ramsammy was then stumped for 05 off the bowling of Nitendra Parchae when the score was at 41 for 2. Sewnauth was trapped LBW by D. Sammaroo with the score at 69 for 3, but levelheaded batting by Devin Lalbehari, who scored 27 not out with two sweetly timed boundaries, and Man of the Finals Feaz Baksh, who produced eight not out, led Albion to a crushing seven-wicket victory which allowed them to retain the Minister Zulfikar Mustapha Berbice Under-15 title.

Bowling for the runners-up, Devendra Samaroo and Nitendra Parachee each took a wicket, for 14 and 10 runs respectively.

BCB President Hilbert Foster has said the board was happy to play off the finals after a long delay due to reasons including the COVID pandemic.

He hailed the support his administration is receiving from the general public, spoke of Minister Mustapha’s phenomenal support of the game in his home county, and disclosed that apart from his sponsorship of the Under-15

tournament, the Minster is also a sponsor of a University of Guyana education scholarship for an under-19 player.

Chairman of the BCB Competition Committee, Leslie Soloman, hailed the finals as another successful day for the board, noted that over one hundred tournaments have been successfully completed since early 2018, and said many more are ongoing, including historic Under-11 and Under-13 inter-club tournaments.

Region 6 Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, who represented Minister Mustapha at this engagement, congratulated Albion on a well-deserved victory and encouraged the Port Mourant players to keep themselves focused.

Hussain was full of praise for the administration of Berbice Cricket, and special mention was made of Foster, whom he described as a hardworking and dedicated cricket administrator.

The popular politician Hussain said that every time he reads the daily newspapers or watch local television, he always sees massive development taking place in Berbice Cricket.

On behalf of the Minister, Hussain encouraged the players to remain disciplined, be dedicated to the game, and he urged them to obtain an educational background.

Romeo Hunter Dominic Tyrell

Ithaca FC

The winning Albion Cricket Club

Munisar eager to capitalise on GAW Women’s stint

Guyana and West Indies Under-19

Captain Ashmini Munisar is one of the two youngest players on the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women’s Team. She has been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime as she gears up to participate in the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2023.

The 19-year-old Munisar recently made her West Indies International debut back in June, when she led the West Indies in the 2023 U19 T20 World Cup, and is looking to add to the experience she has since gained. In an exclusive chat with Guyana Times Sport, Munisar shared just how excited she is to represent the local franchise.

“I’m very much excite to be a part of this. We know last year there was a tournament, and this year I got the opportunity to be a part of the team, and I’m really looking forward to it; and we have quite a good team,” the teenager shared.

Asked about what she hopes to bring to the table, Munisar revealed intentions of capitalising on the golden opportunity. Munisar related to this publication, “It’s just about making use of my opportunity, and with

that I’ll be looking forward to just working on things that the team needs me to work on and building on those areas.

“It’s just about making use of your opportunities, and definitely I would want to do good, but it all depends on the day. Going forward, just trying my best,” she added.

With big regional and international names set to compete in the tournament, Munisar is hoping to learn as much as she can.

She explained, “Being around cricketers and legends like Stafanie, and amongst the others, I think my main objective is to learn as much as I can from them, both on and off the field. We know the success that they had, and

Golden Jags’ Matthew Briggs calls time on international career

I’m just trying to learn as much as I can and ask as much questions, trying to know as much. The only way I can do that is being around them.”

Meanwhile, Munisar will not be the only one in the GAW camp eager to play alongside their teammates. GAW Women’s Captain Stafanie Taylor shared that she is looking forward to seeing Munisar and her other teenage charge, Djenaba Jospeh, in action.

“Given the recent Under-19 World Cup, we actually seen some promising players. I have a few of the U19s myself, Djenaba and the Captain Ashmini. I’m actually looking forward to seeing her out there bowling, she recently made her debut. Both of them actually made their debut for West Indies,” the experienced Taylor highlighted.

Taylor added, “So, it’s really nice to have them on board, and I’m actually looking forward to seeing them out on the field and playing alongside them.”

The GAW Women will open their Massy WCPL Campaign on Thursday, August 31, against the home team Barbados Royals Women at the Kensington Oval from 15:00hrs. (Jemima Holmes)

Golden Jaguars defender Matthew Briggs has moved to hang up his football boots, announcing his retirement on Tuesday morning.

Briggs began his stint with the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team back in March 2015 during an encounter with Grenada, and has since acquired more than 15 caps with the Golden Jaguars and one goal to his name.

In an announcement via social media on Tuesday, Briggs wrote, “The 13th of May 2007 until now! I could write a book but I'll keep this one short and sweet.

The time has come for me to hang up my boots. It's something that has been in the back of my mind for some time now. I've struggled with a certain injury for many years now and is one that can't get better.

“I was told a couple years ago when I was playing in Denmark that I should think about retiring, but I wasn't ready to stop playing yet, so I came back to England and continued to play non-league, and have continued to do that for a couple of years.

“Unfortunately, the time has come now where my body is telling me to

Guyana outclass competition at CASA Senior C/ships

The unwavering commitment to task, team spirit, and the desire to stand out were the unifying threads linking Guyana's tale of overachievement at the just-concluded Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championships at the North Sound Courts in the Cayman Islands. Simply put, the Guyanese left nothing to chance, and now they are revelling in the fact that they not only retained the overall championship, but have a host of other accolades that sweetened the deal in what was a clear demonstration of the gulf in class – certainly on this occasion – between them and their regional counterparts.

Along with the overall title, Guyana also clinched the men’s and women’s team events, as well as the men’s and women’s vets’ titles. Further, Guyana finished tops in the women’s doubles, thanks to Ashely

Khalil and Ashley de Groot, and in the men’s and women’s over-40 contest, courtesy of Jeranzo Bell and Nicolette Fernandes respectively.

"After a week of intense competition, we are incredibly proud that the blood, sweat and tears that went into putting Guyana back on that top podium once more proved worthwhile," Guyana Squash said in a social media post.

"Our successes become more meaningful when we have a massive community backing us every step of the way. Thanks to our

coach Ramon [Chan-A-Sue] and the family and friends of Guyana Squash for your endless support. Also, our sponsors without whom, none of this would be possible. Your contributions towards our team success would never go unrecognized," the post added.

In key team final matches, Guyana defeated hosts Cayman Islands 3-2 on their way to the men’s title, while their female counterparts had a comefrom-behind 3-1 win over Barbados for the women’s honours.

The Guyanese had

earlier captured the women’s doubles gold through Khalil and de Groot, who bettered the host pair of Jade Pitcarin and Marlene West, but Fernandes and Khalil had to settle for silver and bronze in the women’s singles, behind Barbadian Margot Prow.

Another Barbadian, Khamal Cumberbatch, topped the men's singles event ahead of home boy Cameron Stafford, with another home player, Julian Jervis, edging Guyana's Alex Arjoon for bronze.

Stafford and Jervis later teamed up to stop Cumberbatch and Shaw Simpson in the men’s doubles final. Jamaica's Bruce Burrowes and Julian Morris took bronze.

Jamaica's duo of Tahjia Lumley and Jessica Davies topped the mixed doubles contest, leaving Guyana's Jason-Ray Khalil and Fernandes to settle for silver. The Bajan pair of Darien Benn and Jada Smith-Padmore claimed bronze. (Sportsmax)

stop playing.

Although it's a hard one having to stop playing at 32, it's a choice I've taken time to make, and I'm at peace with.

“I'm lucky enough to say I've played at the highest level and captained my country at senior level.

I've had one hell of a career. I've had many highs and many lows, and I've learned a lot from them, and it's shaped me into who I am and what I do today. Now, I am able to put my full focus into my job @fulhamfc and mentoring the next generation of future stars and any avenues and opportunities that come my way.

“I want to say thank you to my family and friends who have supported me my whole career. Thank you to my agent and friend @twelvefcg for looking after me and doing right by me. Thank you to all fans that have followed my career or been a supporter of mine, and thank you to all the clubs, coaching, and background staff, and all the team mates I've had over the years.”

Back in 2021, Briggs enjoyed a stint as captain of Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Team, during their campaign at the CONCACAF, 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar) Qualifiers.

British athletes, staff left stranded in Budapest after World Championships

Approximately 40 British athletes and staff have been stranded in Budapest following the World Championships, due to the travel disruptions in the UK.

The group of both athletes and staff members from UK Athletics (UKA) were forced to return to their hotel after the flight havoc which has impacted thousands of passengers since Monday.

UK airspace has been hit with a network-wide failure for air traffic control sys-

tems, which caused disruption and hundreds of flights to be delayed or cancelled.

Some athletes are now travelling from Budapest directly to Zurich for the Diamond League meeting on Thursday, while the UKA is working to get other athletes back home, but do not yet know when they will return.

Great Britain were returning from Hungary after a successful World Championships in which they won 10 medals – the joint highest in their history. (Sportsmax)

Ashmini Munisar is excited to join the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women’s Team

Matthew Briggs in action for the Golden Jaguars

Guyana’s Senior Squash team