Guyana Times -Wednesday, July 19, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 19 – 04:15h

05:45h and Thursday, July

– 04:15h – 05:45h.

€45B in investments to come to Region as EU-CELAC Summit ends …Pres Ali holds talks with European Commission President, Dutch PM

Wednesday, July 19 – 05:15h – 06:45h and Thursday, July

– 05:30h – 07:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:43h reaching a maximum height of 2.41 metres.

Low Tide: 11:18h and 23:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.7 metre and 0.8 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

By Jarryl Bryan

The European UnionCommunity of Latin American and Caribbean States’ (EUCELAC) Summit has ended with participating countries agreeing not only on an almost unified declaration, but €45 billion

in European investments that will come to the Region.

An update on the tangible results of the two-day summit in Brussels, Belgium, was given by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During a press conference on Tuesday, von der Leyen revealed that €45 billion in investments, encompassing hundreds of projects, have been agreed on for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

“We had good deliverables. And I want to focus on the part of deliverables for our people and for our businesses. On the first day we launched the Global Gateway Investment Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean.”

“We will bring over €45 billion of high-quality European investments to Latin America and the

Caribbean. More than 135 projects are already in the pipelines. So, it’s a very good start,” she explained. The European official made it clear that these projects must be accompanied by the highest environmental and social standards, as well as transparency. It will also include sharing technology and knowledge, while training local workforces for “the jobs of the future”. According to her, work must now be done to formalise these projects, which she noted range from clean hydrogen to mRNA vaccines.

“We want to share technology and knowledge. And the training of local workforces for the jobs of the future is one of the core elements. For us, it is important in these investments that the local communities benefit from the added value produced there. This is also in our interest, because we want reliable and trustworthy suppliers.”

“Now, of course, together we have to shape the investment agenda. And we have to decide which sectors, which value chains to prioritise. And then we have to implement and deliver. The

range of projects is very wide. It goes from clean hydrogen to critical raw materials. From data cable networks to mRNA vaccines. Important also is that Global Gateways is not just about how much we are investing, but about how we are investing,” von der Leyen explained.

EU President Dr Irfaan Ali, meanwhile, held bilateral discussions with von der Leyen, largely focused on cooperation on forests. Their discussions follow Guyana’s recent signing of a roadmap with the European Union for the implementation of its forest partnership. Guyana currently has a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT)

Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) in place.

Through the Voluntary Partnership Agreement, Guyana will have to improve market access to EU businesses, as well as modernise its forestry sector, create jobs, promote sustainable development, and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Under the VPA, Guyana commits to developing a timber legality assurance system to assess that timber products – for all stages of the supply chain – have been produced in accordance with national legislation. When this system is operational, Guyana can issue verified legal timber products with FLEGT licenses.

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his meeting with Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte

President Ali alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

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Reduction of maternal deaths

Areport by a global coalition that includes UNICEF and WHO had stated that nearly 30 million babies are born too soon, too small, or become sick every year and need specialized care to survive. The report, ‘Survive and Thrive: Transforming care for every small and sick newborn’, found that among the newborn babies most at risk of death and disability are those with complications from prematurity, brain injury during childbirth, severe bacterial infection or jaundice, and those with congenital conditions.

UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Omar Abdi, at the launch of the report, had said that when it comes to babies and their mothers, the right care at the right time in the right place can make all the difference; yet millions of small and sick babies and women are dying every year because they simply do not receive the quality care that is their right and our collective responsibility.

According to the report, for every mother and baby, a healthy start from pregnancy through childbirth and the first months after birth is essential. Without specialized treatment, many at-risk newborns won’t survive their first month of life. In 2017, some 2.5 million newborns died, mostly from preventable causes. Almost twothirds of babies who die were born prematurely. And even if they survive, these babies face chronic diseases or developmental delays. In addition, an estimated 1 million small and sick newborns survive with a long-term disability.

The health experts have made it clear that, with nurturing care, these babies can live without major complications. The report shows that by 2030, in 81 countries, the lives of 2.9 million women, stillborns and newborns can be saved with smarter strategies. For example, if the same health team cares for both mother and baby through labour, birth and beyond, they can identify problems early on.

In addition, according to the report, almost 68 per cent of newborn deaths could be averted by 2030 with simple fixes such as exclusive breastfeeding; skin-toskin contact between the mother or father and the baby; medicines and essential equipment; and access to clean, well-equipped health facilities staffed by skilled health workers. Other measures, like resuscitating a baby who cannot breathe properly, giving the mother an injection to prevent bleeding, or delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord, could also save millions.

The report notes that the world will not achieve the global target to achieve health for all unless it transforms care for every newborn. Without rapid progress, some countries will not meet this target for another 11 decades.

In Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali last week said that with massive investment in the public health care sector, the lowest child mortality rate recorded in Guyana’s is one of the many improvements in the sector.

Revealing statistics, the Head of State said that child mortality rate is now 13 per 1,000 births when compared to 19 per 1,000 births in 2020. Significantly, Guyana’s maternal mortality has moved from 170 per 10,000 deliveries in 2017 to 96 per 10,000 deliveries in 2023.

To reduce the number of newborn deaths, the report has made a number of recommendations which would be useful to Guyana and other countries. These include: Providing round-the-clock inpatient care for newborns seven days a week; training nurses to provide handson care working in partnership with families; harnessing the power of parents and families by teaching them how to become expert caregivers and care for their babies: which can reduce stress, help babies gain weight, and allow their brains to develop properly. Providing good quality of care should be a part of country policies, and a lifelong investment for those who are born small or sick; and allocating the necessary resources, as an additional investment of US$ 0.20 cents per person can save 2 of every 3 newborns in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.

DR RICHARD AMENYAH

The pathway to end AIDS in the Caribbean is clear, but it requires political leadership, investment in evidence-informed initiatives to bridge the gaps within and among communities living with and most affected by HIV and removing discriminatory laws and policies.

The Caribbean region has an estimated 330,000 people living with HIV, of which 83 per cent know their status and 68 per cent are on treatment. However, 57 per cent of people living with HIV are virally suppressed and thus have a reduced risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners. The region therefore still has over 100,000 people still waiting to be put on treatment.

It is important to note that like regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, men living with HIV in the Caribbean are still significantly less likely than women living with HIV to be on treatment. Since 2010, antiretroviral therapy coverage has increased from 19 per cent to 63 per cent among men, and from 21 per cent to 74 per cent among women by the end of 2022.

Sadly, while several countries have eliminated motherto-child transmission of HIV, children are lagging in treatment across the region as only 39 per cent of the 11,000 children living with HIV are on treatment.

In 2022, treatment coverage among males across the region ranged from as low as 38 per cent in Suriname to a high of 81 per cent in The Bahamas, whereas among females, treatment ranged from a low of 49 per cent in Belize to

a high of 83 per cent in Haiti. Obviously, more work is needed to improve access to treatment among men and children in the region.

The just released 2023 UNAIDS Global AIDS Report highlights that countries with strong political leadership invest in scaling up evidence-based HIV prevention and treatment; tackle the inequalities holding back progress; engage and enable communities and civil society organisations in their vital watchdog role in the response; and make available domestic resources which are sufficient and sustainable.

UNAIDS believes these are key components of what is required to end AIDS as a public health threat and thereby advance progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The progress to end AIDS in the Caribbean needs to be sustained. By the end of 2022, there was 15 per cent reduction in new HIV infections since 2010 (18 per cent among males and 13 per cent among females).

It is worthy to note, however, that there was an observed nominal increase in new HIV infections in the Caribbean from 14,000 in 2021 to 16,000 in 2022. AIDS deaths declined by 53 per cent between 2010 and 2022.

These epidemiological shifts vary across different countries in the region and continuous efforts are needed to sustain downwards the incidence and mortality trends.

Commendably, many countries in the region are integrating communicable and non-communicable diseases to deliver HIV services at the primary healthcare level. All these pathways show that Caribbean countries have a

clear path to sustainably end AIDS in the region.

Jamaica, for example, is piloting social contracting and public-private initiatives as part of a multi-sectoral HIV response involving civil society organisations and the private health sector to deliver high quality HIV-related services.

The catastrophic effect of the covid19 pandemic, the debt crisis and the ongoing climate crisis have further weakened socio-economic development and resilience in the Caribbean sub-region.

Even though most of the Caribbean countries are classified as middle- or upper middle-income countries, they are highly indebted due to lack of access to concessional loans which help make it difficult to fully invest in health to achieve universal health coverage from domestic resources.

Notwithstanding the difficulties, Caribbean governments should be applauded for their full commitment and support for the 2021 Political Declaration on AIDS to end the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

To ensure long-term sustainability, most governments across the region fully cover the HIV treatment programmes in their countries. Some countries, however, receive international funding from The Global Fund and the President Emergency Response for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) to scale up their HIV responses.

Ending AIDS is a political and economic choice, and most Governments in the Caribbean are making the effort to put the health and well-being of their people first. That is why we are seeing declines in new infections and

AIDS mortalities.

However, there should be no room for complacency as stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV and key populations is still rampant in our schools, workplace, health facilities, communities and even within the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.

These negative attitudes and behaviours have the potential of pushing people further underground with a consequence of uncontrolled spread of HIV, and late presentation with advanced HIV disease and premature deaths.

No one should die of AIDSrelated illnesses in this era because treatment works, it saves lives. So many people should not be uninitiated in care. Governments must ask themselves what the sociocultural and policy and legislative barriers are that keep men and children across the region away from HIV prevention and treatment services.

Caribbean governments should continue to put their people and communities first and keep investing in HIV and health programmes to increase life expectancy, build and protect their human capital for turbo-charging the SDGs.

There will be obstacles, but with political leadership and investment in the AIDS response to sustain and scale up what works and removing harmful laws and policies, and through partnership and global solidarity, the Caribbean will be on the right path to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. (T&T Newsday)

(Dr Richard Amenyah is a medical doctor from Ghana and public health specialist. He is the director for the UNAIDS multi-country office in the Caribbean.)

Legendary Guyanese and West Indies cricketer Carl Hooper visited Deputy Commissioner 'Operations' (ag.) Ravindradat Budhram at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters Complex, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Budhram has been at the helm of the Guyana Police Force's cricket team for several years (GPF photo)

The pathway to end AIDS in the Caribbean is clear, but...men, children being left behind

Motorcyclist dies after crashing into light pole

Security guard

Immanuel Lamazon of Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara tragically lost his life after he crashed his motorcycle into a light pole along the Wales Public Road, WBD on Monday at about 21:00h.

Police report that the 22-year-old Lamazon had been riding his motorcycle at a fast rate of speed, and it caused him to lose control of the motorcycle, which then collided with a light pole before landing into a nearby trench.

Reports are that residents of the area rushed to Lamazon’s assistance, and, with the help of the Police, he was transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Following the news of his passing, numerous individuals expressed their sad-

ness on social media platforms.

The Police have assured the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding

€45B in investments to...

Netherlands

Meanwhile, President Ali also met with Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the summit, where they discussed trade relations, regional cooperation, infrastructure and climate action, and water management.

Other developments during the summit include an almost unanimously agreed 41-point declaration that includes a commitment to hold EU-CELAC summits every two years. The last

time the EU-CELAC summit was held was in 2015, also in Brussels.

It was also agreed to strengthen and advance trade between the EU and CELAC. In particular, the EU seemed to heed the calls to advance the free trade agreement with the Southern Common Market, commonly known as MERCOSUR.

“We will continue to further strengthen and develop trade and investment relations between the EU and CELAC countries and re-

gions. We stress the importance of full implementation of Association and Trade Agreements between the EU and CELAC partners.”

“We call for the ratification of agreements signed and currently applied. We welcome ongoing processes towards the signature of the modernised agreement between the EU and Chile and the EU and Mexico in the coming months. We take note of ongoing work between the EU and Mercosur,” the declaration further said.

the accident will be conducted. They have also urged all motorists to prioritise road safety, and exercise caution while on the roadways. (G9)

Dead: Immanuel Lamazon

Page Foundation

Exponents

An exponent tells how many times a number should be multiplied by itself. An exponent is usually written as a small number next to, and slightly above a number that is larger in size. The larger number is called the base of an exponent. Each exponent represents a “power”. You have already learnt about the powers of 10. 103 is 10 to the 3rd power. Any number can be a base. 24 is 2 to the 4th power. 35 is 3 to the 5th power.

BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

WORD SEARCH

Nandranie Coonjah to replace Nigel Dharamlall in Parliament

Former Regional Vice Chairperson for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Nandranie Coonjah will replace Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall as a parliamentarian and is likely to be sworn in as early as the next sitting of the National Assembly this week.

Earlier this month, Dharamlall resigned as both a Minister and Member of Parliament (MP). While the Minister within his Ministry, Anand Persaud, has been

Driver pinned to death after vehicle topples

An accident along the Ituni trail in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has claimed the life of a man who became pinned beneath a vehicle.

31-year-old Rodwell Peters died in the accident that reportedly occurred at about 16:00h on Monday, but Police spent over 10 hours attempting to retrieve his body from the accident site. It was not until about 02:30h on Tuesday that Peters’s body was successfully recovered.

Peters had been operating an articulated vehicle (a vehicle that consists of two or more separate frames connected by suitable couplings) at the time of the accident, and was accompanied by a porter, Damian Fraser, who has sustained injuries.

According to the Police, the vehicle GAD 6596 was descending a hill on the Ituni trail, but because of the excessive speed at which it approached a bend, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it overturned, trapping Peters underneath.

Fraser was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he received medical

attention and was admitted as a patient.

After lengthy and arduous efforts, Peters’s body was eventually retrieved

from beneath the vehicle, and was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. (G9)

carrying out his ministerial functions, Coonjah has been identified as his parliamentary replacement.

This publication has been able to confirm that Coonjah, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Region Two candidate and a longstanding Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission, was selected after the party wrote to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to extract her name from the geographic list of candidates.

GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud then wrote to the National Assembly on Tuesday, informing them that Coonjah, who has also served as acting Regional Chairperson, was selected.

In a brief interview with this publication, Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Issacs related that Coonjah can be sworn in as early as the next time the National Assembly meets - that is, Thursday, at the 65th sitting of the 12th Parliament.

It was announced on July 4, 2023, that Dharamlall had resigned, following allegations of rape that were levelled against him. Subsequently, however, the complainant declined to pursue the matter. The victim had given a “no further action statement” to investigators in the presence of one of her parents and a representative of the

Child Care and Protection Agency.

This had led to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali Hack, SC, advising the Police not to proceed with the case. The DPP, in her advice, stated that the victim’s decision to withdraw the complaint was not influenced by anyone, and that same was done in her best interest.

Based on this new development, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had revealed that, “the Director of Public Prosecutions concluded that, in the absence of the victim’s complaint, there is no legal provision for the Police to proceed with the matter.”

“The DPP also proffered her advice based on the fact that the virtual complainant’s statement was taken by a forensic interviewer in the presence of a parent, a Child Care officer, and a Police officer;

and that such statement was free and voluntary,” the GPF had also related in their statement.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has since said that Dharamlall’s future in the PPP will be determined at the party’s congress. Asked about the possibility of Dharamlall being hired by the Government for any other positions, the Head of State had said during a recent press conference that this was something he has not considered nor has it been requested by the former Minister.

“In the course of natural justice, the system that supports natural justice must be allowed to work and that is what the President did. Whether the Minister who is a citizen will have any (further) work in Government is not something I have considered nor has he requested, at this moment,” the President had said. (G3)

The vehicle that Rodwell Peters was driving when it toppled (NCN Linden photo)

Former Region Two Vice Chair, Nandranie Coonjah

Former Local Govt and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall

Guyana’s agri agenda aligned to achieve zero hunger – Mustapha tells IICA

The Government has aligned Guyana’s National Development Pathway to focus on priority areas such as food security, climate change, and agriculture financing as it works towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Two: Zero Hunger.

Agriculture Minister

Zulfikar Mustapha voiced this position on Tuesday during a meeting with the Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Manuel Otero, and other Agriculture Ministers from across the Region.

The hybrid meeting took place in Costa Rica and was hosted by the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA) to explore cooperation opportunities, discuss the visions and perspectives for the sector, as well as determine how IICA can assist with achieving the goals set for the sector by Member States in the Caribbean Region.

Minister Mustapha virtually spoke about Guyana’s role in Caricom as it relates to guiding the regional food and nutrition security agenda; and how these efforts tie into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); particularly SDG Two.

“The agriculture and food systems sector in Guyana is being repositioned and transformed into an expanded, diversified, modernised, resilient and competitive sector.

As we work to achieve the SDGs, particularly SDG

2 – Zero Hunger, Guyana has aligned our National Development Pathway to focus on priority areas such as food security, climate change, and agriculture financing…

As the Region implements the Caricom Agri-Food Systems Agenda, Guyana has commit-

ted to playing an integral role in fulfilling the goal of reducing Caricom's food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. As we are aware, the Region has a high food import bill which is estimated at approximately US$6 billion per annum,” he noted.

Mustapha also said that a targeted approach is necessary when addressing food and nutrition security, which he explained involves the integration of the health, and education sectors along with technology, and climate change mitigation.

“We cannot speak about food and nutrition as if it exists as a standalone in the policy formulation of the different Caribbean countries. There must be a targeted approach to food security that involves the integration of the health, education, and technology sectors, along with climate change mitigation, so that food security can better enable national and regional prosperity. We cannot confront food security and nutritional security without simultaneously confronting climate change, confronting our education system, and health system and confronting sustainable development. To this end, we need the support of our international partners like IICA as we understand and seek to implement initiatives that address the linkages between food production and food security,” he explained.

The Minister also said the Government has been taking the necessary steps to advance food and nutrition security in the Caribbean. This, he added, is being done through increases in budgetary allocation and collaborations with the private sector to establish the necessary infrastructure to support these efforts.

TURN TO PAGE 11

…PNC riggings

t’s said that the past is never dead…it’s not even past!!

And this was proven a couple of days ago with the 50th commemoration of the murders of the Ballot Box Martyrs back on July 18, 1973. Some Golden Jubilee!! But necessary since, only three years ago, there could’ve been even more persons killed when the PNC again tried to rig the General Elections. If it weren’t for the presence of the ABCE Ambassadors, more extreme measures would’ve certainly been taken than the spreadsheets and soiled bedsheets deployed to fudge the count!! The Police Commander at the Reg 4 GECOM Centre had already been ordered to stand down!!

In 1968 – as was shown by a British Granada documentary – the elections were rigged through “cocking” the overseas votes. Even British horses voted!! In 1973, the very creative Burnham tried something new. They decided to have the votes of the entire country counted at Army HQ at Camp Ayanganna in GT. Getting wind of this, unarmed PPP party agents at No 63 Village insisted on accompanying the ballot boxes when the army descended to pick them up. Two were shot and killed –Bholanath and Jagan.

David Granger – then a Major - wrote the army and PNC’s take of the matter in his book “New Road”. He gloated that the “soldiers had performed SPLENDIDLY in the face of provocation”!! Imagine that!! He used the standard – the soldiers were just following orders – to justify the army’s action – but never asked WHY orders to take the ballot boxes to Camp Ayanganna were issued in the first place!! But then, that’s why Burnham had formed an army in his own image - after firing the man the British had picked – Major Sattaur.

Armed forces operate on the principle of “unity of command” within a rigid hierarchy. Meaning, when the fella above you yells, “Jump!!”, the most you dare ask is “How high?”!! This orientation has been ground into the army types like Granger for decades, and has become second nature. But, in Guyana, this anti-democratic reflex has been augmented by the perspective of the man who “moulded” our Disciplined Forces after he became leader in 1964 – Forbes Burnham.

Burnham didn’t beat around the bush…he declared openly - recorded in the GDF’s magazine, Purple Beret –that he didn’t expect any “abstract loyalty” from the army, but a personal one wherein they swore fealty to him at PNC Congresses!! So, when those soldiers killed the Ballot Box Martyrs, they did so because they were indoctrinated with the principle of PNC uber alles – including Guyana!! It doesn’t get more anti-democratic than that, does it?

And guess who was in charge of inculcating this antidemocratic perspective to the army? Yep - David Granger!! The past is present!!

…it’s a multipolar world

Even as the tensions ratchet up between Russia and the US over in the Ukraine theatre in a Hot War…and a new Cold War gets more and more brittle between China and the US, we can’t ignore the tensions between India and China!! Especially now we’re getting our 15 minutes of fame because of EXXON finding 11 billion barrels of sweet crude oil off our shores!! The point is, this world’s a whole new one – a developing multipolar world emerging out of the unipolar world after the USSR imploded in 1989!!! China and India have been going at each other ever since they fought a short border war in 1962. It’s been on and off, with the latest “off” in 2020 when over 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed in hand-tohand fighting during a border clash that forced both sides to fortify positions and deploy large numbers of troops and equipment. So wha’d we do??

There’s no neutrality with minnows like us.

…the price of “potential”

CGX are the pioneers to explore for oil beneath the Atlantic. So why aren’t they rolling in dough?? The US$1.5M daily rental for rigs their Chairman mentioned gives a hint!! Potential ain’t worth squat without capital!!

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Tradewinds 2023

Soldiers enhance fast-roping skills, gain experience with US Black Hawk helicopter

“…our country is hurricane built and every year we have to go through search and rescue missions and I think that skill is one that is paramount to us being able to execute our duties…a little bit more efficiently,” she said.

In a display of skill and cooperation, soldiers from various nations participating in Exercise Tradewinds 2023 in Guyana have undergone comprehensive training in the art of fast-roping, while also gaining invaluable experience working with the US Army Black Hawk helicopter.

With over 1500 soldiers hailing from more than 21 countries, this multinational military exercise aims to enhance airborne military operations, forge strong regional partnerships, and strengthen the participants' capacity to respond effectively to regional crises and

and feet, enabling soldiers to swiftly and efficiently reach areas where helicopters can-

Another participating soldier, Woman Marine Kameisha Brown from The Bahamas Defence Force, described her first experience with fast-roping as initially nerve-wracking but ultimately exciting.

“This is truly an amazing experience to know that

Black Hawk can swiftly evacuate casualties, significantly reducing the time taken for transportation to hospitals compared to conventional road methods. Kittleson's insights highlight the importance of integrating advanced technology and resources to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of military operations.

“The way we are going to use this in rescuing, we will have a medic on board the aircraft…if there is a casualty in any of the training exercises or at any point of this exercise that we need to evacuate to the hospital, we

will land, our medex will get out and assist in evaluating the casualty on the ground,” Kittleson explained.

“Once we get them on the aircraft, it takes us roughly 20 to 30 minutes to fly from any of the landing areas or training sites to get that casualty back to the hospital… it’s about six hours on the road to get anywhere,” he said.

Exercise Tradewinds 2023, with its focus on fostering partnerships, promoting human rights, and enhancing training capacities, plays a vital role in strengthening regional secu-

rity and crisis response capabilities.

The soldiers' rigorous training in fast-roping techniques and their firsthand experience with the US Army Black Hawk helicopter underscore the commitment and dedication of the participating nations to work together in addressing common challenges.

Through skill sharing and collaboration, Tradewinds 2023 serves as a testament to the collective efforts of nations striving to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and the Region as a whole. (G9)

I am one of a few who get to experience these types of environments and training,” she expressed.

Although not a commonly employed technique in her home country, Brown emphasised the value of acquiring this skill and the opportunity to share experiences with soldiers from different nations.

security threats.

Taking place across various locations in Guyana from July 15 to 28, Tradewinds 2023 serves as a prominent platform for fostering collaboration and promoting human rights within the military realm.

During the exercise, the soldiers, particularly those attached to the Special Force Unit, showcased their proficiency in fast-roping techniques. The art of fast-roping involves descending structures and helicopters using nothing but hands

not safely land.

By mastering this technique, the soldiers will enhance their ability to execute search and rescue missions, especially crucial for countries like Saint Lucia, prone to hurricane-related emergencies.

Constable Rubinia Joseph, a member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, expressed her gratitude for the training, highlighting its vital role in her career and the efficiency of executing duties in her hurricane-prone nation.

In addition to the intensive fast-roping training, the soldiers were given a unique opportunity to familiarise themselves with the US Army Black Hawk helicopter, renowned for its pivotal role in tactical operations.

This versatile aircraft has the capability to transport up to 11 troops and 5000 tonnes at a time, providing essential logistical support to military forces.

Travis Kittleson, a member of the US Army, explained that the Black Hawk would not only assist the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) during the exercise but also serve as a crucial asset for medical evacuation.

With a medic on board,

Travis Kittleson, a member of the US Army

An officer during the fast-roping exercise

Constable Rubinia Joseph, a member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

Coast Guard Kameisha Brown the

Guyana’s agri agenda...

“Recognising the importance of implementing initiatives that address food and nutrition security, the Government of Guyana has increased the budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector by a 150 per cent increase, moving from $13.3 billion in 2019 to $33.2 billion in 2023. We are also working with the private sector so that we can create a state-of-the-art regional food hub in Guyana. It is necessary that we do everything within our capacities to

ensure we take the necessary steps to advance food and security in the Caribbean.”

Guyana has embarked on several initiatives to bridge the production gap which include the diversification from traditional industries, the development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties; and the introduction of improved genetics in livestock. There have also been several agriculture input support programmes for farmers, such

FROM PAGE 8

as fertiliser, and seeds distribution exercises. Investments have also been made to upgrade infrastructure to support the agriculture sector such as drainage and irrigation structures, farm-to-market access roads, laboratories, and processing facilities.

The Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA) is the highest governing body of IICA, consisting of thirty-four Member States, fourteen of which are in the Caribbean Region.

Deadly Mahdia fire…

Engagement on $5M to families done in “very open way” – AG to critics

…says families signed agreements for Govt’s financial support

Attorney General and Legal Affairs

Minister Anil

Nandlall has said that families of the children who perished and/or were injured in the deadly Mahdia dormitory fire have signed agreements with the Government for continued financial support.

Providing an update on the engagements with the families, he shared that their requests varied, and as such, Cabinet decided to offer monetary support to the families of those who passed, the severely injured, and persons who suffered minor injuries.

The Attorney General was accompanied by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, in meeting with the families.

President Dr Irfaan Ali also mandated that two lawyers in private practice represent the families and elucidate on the nature of the exercise.

“The engagement was

commodation in the city, funeral costs, as well as replacing the items lost in the fire.

The AG clarified that this sum being given to the families is not compensation. Rather, it is an expression of continued financial support. He explained, “We met with each family and made it clear to them that this is not a compensation. Government really can’t -- and it would be insensitive to think that the Government can -- compensate for the tremendous loss, pain, and anguish that

would be taken to assist the families, but this is still being deliberated at the level of Cabinet. A commission of inquiry will also be launched soon into the tragic fire on May 22, which claimed the lives of 20 children – 19 girls from the dormitory and a 5-year-old boy.

“This is one installment of assistance, and I hope it is viewed that way. The Commission of Inquiry will inquire into the events and will elucidate for us more information, which can put us in a better position as a society, while at the same time, hopefully, make some crucial causative findings,” he explained.

He also invalidated comments that the financial aid would meddle with the Inquiry. The CoI would have its Terms of Reference, which, when drafted, would take into account all matters which it is obliged to address.

Nandlall opined, “How can it? This is the

tance that it started to offer when the tragedy started. There is a pledge by the Government to continue to offer different forms of support in the near future. This has nothing to do with a commission of inquiry.”

The Ali-led administration has undertaken the responsibility of supporting the families, having found that they are in need of tremendous assistance. It has been reported that the families of those children who perished will receive $5 million coming out of this engagement. (G12)

done in a very open way, with all the explanations being offered. All the relatives and families were engaged individually, and all were allowed to ask any questions that they wish. That is how 20 agreements so far have been executed,” Nandlall disclosed during a broadcast interview.

The agreements were put in writing because the sums of money are coming out of the public treasury, the AG outlined. Putting it in writing also allows for transparency at the state level.

“Whenever there is an expenditure of public funds, there is a legal duty of those who are dealing with those public funds to ensure that there is a level of accountability and transparency that meets acceptable standards. It is my duty to ensure that those requirements are met,” the AG explained.

From the time of the fire to this present time, Government has covered all expenses: air fares, ac-

those people endured. One can’t begin to think that one can put money on the lives of those who perished and those who were injured.”

He also refuted claims that the exercise is being done in secrecy. Because this process is still ongoing, it has been posited that the details would be publicized in due time. The Legal Affairs Minister zeroed in, “The reason why this exercise has not yet been made public is because not a single cent has been paid, and the exercise is ongoing. Obviously, this is not money that was budgeted for. These are monies that will have to be disclosed to the National Assembly and at other public fora where the law requires it, and it will be done. But the exercise is ongoing. I don’t know what basis persons have come to the conclusion that it is being done in a hush manner.”

Commission of Inquiry

This aid is part of a menu of measures which

Government voluntarily continuing to offer assis-

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Sherana Daniels was the 20th Mahdia fire victim

Qualified administrators needed to run new hospitals – Health Minister

Several hospitals are currently in the pipeline as Guyana advances in healthcare delivery, and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has acknowledged the need for qualified administrators to run these facilities smoothly. Through collaboration with York University, the Health Ministry had launched a customised programme for hospital administrators. A second batch of the course will soon be undertaken.

“We want hospital administrators because we need people to understand how to administrate these institutions that we’re

building. Let’s find people with the relevant skill set that are trainable and we can put them on this programme. We’re also working with York [University] to do a Physician Leadership Programme. This is a programme that we want to put in the various hospitals because some physicians don’t necessarily know how to administrate,” Dr Anthony outlined on Monday. A few weeks ago, 25 executive heads of hospitals and health centres across the country were awarded their Masters Certificate in Hospital Leadership following a nine-month course facilitated by the Health Ministry and Canada-

based Schulich ExecEd, an extension of the Schulich School of Business at York University.

This programme was customised for Guyana’s hospital administrators and was aimed at providing them with the necessary interpersonal skills and hands-on business tools to improve management, leadership, and service delivery skills at all levels.

Government is in the process of building six new regional hospitals at Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); De Kinderen in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Bath Settlement in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); Number 75 Village in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); and Diamond and Enmore in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). It is part of a US$180 million project.

A 256-bed maternal and child health hospital with the capability to do paediatric cardiac surgeries and other specialty services will be constructed to Ogle, pegged at $12.4 billion.

Hinterland regions will soon benefit from new stateof-the-art hospitals, financed through the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), for which a US$97 million loan was secured by the Guyana Government in December 2022.

They will be locat-

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

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

Hospitals outside of Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Mahdia, Paramakatoi, Annai, and Kwakwani are scheduled for major upgrades between 2024 and 2026 while oxygen plants

are being established in all hinterland hospitals.

The Bartica Regional Hospital will also be reconstructed, with works slated to begin before year-end and completed in 2025. Plans are also underway to reconstruct the West Demerara Regional Hospital and upgrade the hospitals at Suddie, Port Mourant, Mahaicony, and Mibicuri. Upgrades have already been done to the hospitals at Paramakatoi, Mabaruma, Leonora, Diamond, and Lethem, transforming them into SMART facilities.

Ultrasound Technicians

A major challenge for the health sector has been the human resource capacity in ultrasound, prompting the Ministry to kickstart a new one-year course where technicians will be trained from each region across Guyana.

“While we have spent a lot of money buying the ultrasound equipment, most of that is being managed by physicians. Physicians’ time can be deployed more productively in many other things and they can look at the more complicated cases. Later in the year, we are going to roll out a programme to train ultrasound technicians,” the Minister divulged.

This programme will be offered in a hybrid setting with a mixture of virtual and practical learning. (G12)

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

School children must learn about the Ballot Box Martyrs and Michael Forde

Last Sunday, July 16, 2023, was the 50th anniversary of the Ballot Box Martyrs.

A few hundred persons, led by the Minister of Agriculture, who happens also to be the Executive Secretary of the PPP, gathered at the #66 Cemetery, where the graves of Bholanath Permanand and Jagan Ramessar are located, to remember and honour them for giving their lives for freedom and democracy. Fifty years ago, these two young men were brutally gunned down by GFD soldiers. All they wanted, like the majority of their Guyanese sisters and brothers, was for their votes to be counted. Their struggles and their sacrifices were part of the heroic Guyanese struggle to ensure every vote is counted in our elections. Every year, on July 16, PPP members and leaders gather in pilgrimage to honour these heroes, because we know that what they gave their lives for is something we must constantly protect. Between March 3 and August 2 2020, we were reminded in a cruel way that those who will deny our votes are still trying to do so.

On Monday, July 17, the PPP continued its traditional observance at the Le Repentir Cemetery to honour the life and sacrifice of Michael Forde, a young man who on July 17, 1964 was killed at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown with a bomb that someone placed in the bookshop, intended to destroy Freedom House. At the time, Janet Jagan and other leaders of the PPP were in Freedom House. Had Michael Forde not grabbed the bomb and run out of the building, Freedom House would have been collateral damage, because the intent was to murder Janet Jagan and other leaders. Michael Forde sacrificed his life for a woman who later became the President of Guyana. There are others - too many, unfortunately - to be listed here whose lives were lost to terrorism in our country, terrorism intended to deprive us of our freedom and to ensure democracy is dead in Guyana.

The Ballot Box Martyrs, Michael Forde, and others sacrificed their lives because Guyanese believe in the notion that development is not possible without freedom and democracy. Between 1964 and 1992, the 28-year period in which Guyana was under a dictatorship, Guyana went from the #1 economy in the Caribbean to being the poorest country in the Southern Hemisphere. By 1992, Guyana was a highly indebted poor country (HIPC). Its debt was more than 700% of its GDP. The World Bank and expert economists around the world say that when a country’s debt exceeds 60% of its economy, that country is on the road to bankruptcy. In effect, by 1992, Guyana was a bankrupt country. The per capita income in 1992 was less than it was in 1964. Life expectancy had declined also, and threatened to fall under 60 again by 1992. The physical infrastructure was totally dilapidated. The deleterious impact of autocracy as practised by Forbes Burnham and his PNC party destroyed Guyana, such that, by 1990, 2500 children under 5 years old died every year. It is why we honour the lives of the Ballot Box Martyrs and the life of Michael Forde, because they helped dent the armour of autocracy in Guyana, resulting in freedom which Guyana eventually won in October 1992.

This past week, the World Bank reclassified Guyana as a highincome developing country. The journey between 1992 and today has seen Guyana on a trajectory that has reduced poverty, increased per capita income, and is developing a physical infrastructure that already is beginning to look like a high-income country. Guyana’s life expectancy has increased to 70, the mortality of children under 5 years old has dropped to under 200, from 2500 per year. Presently, the new high-span Demerara River Bridge is under construction. Soon a new Corentyne River Bridge will link Guyana and Suriname. By 2025, the road to Brazil will be completed, and Guyana and Brazil will be completely linked. Presently, twelve new, modern hospitals are under construction. New schools are being constructed across Guyana. Thousands of Guyanese now are doctors, lawyers, engineers, with thousands with Masters and PhD degrees.

Guyana has never been as respected internationally as we are today. This is because, as a free country, Guyana has now achieved the distinction of being the world’s fastest-growing economy. Guyana is the country leading Caricom and the global struggle for food security. Our country is also playing a lead role in fighting climate change. Our LCDS is a model for countries transitioning to low carbon development models. Leaders from big countries are today eager to visit Guyana, and countries and organizations are always seeking our leaders to attend meetings.

Right now, in the UN, Guyana is playing a lead role in the global development programme for universal health care, as world leaders try to find a way to stop the scourge of chronic diseases and the emergence of new pandemics.

None of this would have been possible if Guyana was not a free country, if Guyana was not a strong democracy. But our freedom and democracy were not given to us on a platter. Lives were lost, blood and sweat, disappointments and despair are mixed into the soil we traverse every day. Jagan Ramessar and Bholanath Permanand and Michele Forde were among the lives sacrificed. For this reason, every child in school should learn about the Ballot Box Martyrs and Michael Forde and others.

Over 100 Reg 2 residents benefit from Govt’s eye-care programme

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud addressing residents during an eye-care outreach

In keeping with the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s goal of improving the vision of citizens unable to access assistive aid, Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Monday led a team to Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to treat residents under that Ministry’s eye-care programme.

Accompanied by Region

2 Chair Vilma Da Silva, The Human Services team went to St. Monica, an Indigenous settlement some 40 miles down the Pomeroon River from Charity, where they provided more than 70 residents with tested lenses free of cost.

Residents were also informed of the various services the Ministry offers, including the services of the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Survivors’ Advocate programme, pension and public assistance, and the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN).

This team also delivered more than 50 tested spectacles to children and pensioners within the Lima Sands community; and residents were given the opportunity to voice their concerns on a one-onone basis to the Minister, who provided them with the necessary information to move forward.

Dr Persaud highlighted that, over the last two years, just under 3000 persons have benefitted from the services of the Difficult Circumstances Unit (DCU), which provides medical and social assistance to persons who are living in poverty, or are victims of domestic violence, or are pensioners.

Last November, through the DCU and Miracle Vision Care, some 64 residents between eight and 90 years old, who are residents of Kwakwani, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice) received spectacles for the first time at

A Region Two resident receiving a free pair of spectacles no cost to themselves. The Unit also provided wheelchairs, crutches, walking canes and hampers to persons living with disabilities in that area.

ing its Snap-On Spectacles Initiative -- a simple innovation through which persons could get their eyes tested and receive appropriate spectacles within minutes.

Improving eye care within remote communities remains a key issue within the Government, and the Health Ministry is also continuing its Community Ophthalmology Programme which it started last year. In addition to conducting more screening assessments by sending out mobile teams in areas where ophthalmologists are not available, the Ministry is continu -

Last month, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony revealed that more than 5000 persons have thus far benefited from this programme.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

More gold found in Region 7 mines

…as Omai drilling shows increasing promise

Canadian gold company Omai Gold Mines Corporation will be moving to update its mineral resource estimate for its Wenot project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), followed by a decision on its preliminary economic assessment, in the second half of 2023.

This announcement was made by Omai President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elaine Cunningham, in a recent statement from the company that also announced additional drill results from Omai.

“Assays have been received for five additional holes, including four exploration holes and one hole at Wenot exploring the down dip extension of the central

part of the known deposit as well as additional shallower, northern flanking gold zones. To date in 2023, eleven holes have been completed totalling 3,570 metres ("m") and drilling continues,” the statement said.

According to the statement, results from one of the holes confirm that Wenot gold-bearing structures continue to at least 100 metres below the current resource model being used. According to Omai, this supports growing evidence that the gold grades at Wenot only increase with the depth.

Hole 23ODD-064 confirms the continuity of the Wenot gold-bearing structures to at least 100m below the current resource model in this central part

of the deposit with an impressive intersection of 5.18 g/t Au over 20.2 m, including 12.7 g/t Au over 7.9 m. This intersection, according to Cunningham, reinforces growing evidence that the gold grades at Wenot increase with depth.

“Similar to our excellent drill results from a couple of weeks ago, these new results again confirm the significant expansion potential for the Wenot deposit, to depth as well as along the flanks. In the first half of the year, we pursued some of the nearby exploration targets and we remain confident that there are additional gold deposits on this well-endowed Omai gold property.”

Notwithstanding the

positive drill results, however, Cunningham elaborated that the company will be focusing its attention and budget on a few immediate targets, leading up to its preliminary economic assessment.

“Given the large NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate established late last year, we believe our drill budget is best focused on: 1) testing some of the undrilled gaps within the Wenot deposit model, 2) expanding the western "starter pit" area, and 3) providing evidence of the blue-sky potential for the Wenot deposit at depth.”

“Results to date are already expected to positively impact the resources as we move forward to an updated mineral resource estimate to be followed by a decision on a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") later this year,” the CEO said.

A few weeks ago, Omai had announced that for the first half of 2023, they had found extensive gold in their Wenot drill site. The announcement was made by the company in a statement, in which they revealed that a total of 3569 metres have been completed in 11 holes in 2023. In hole 23ODD-063, visible gold was seen in 37 locations along 299 metres of core.

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

are available at the Wenot deposit.

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

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

In January 2022, Omai Gold Mines had announced the discovery of significant gold values during initial trenching and drilling

on the Broccoli Hill target at its Region Seven holdings. The company had disclosed that trenching exposed a quartz-rich shear zone with samples assaying 29.3 g/t Au, 7.8 g/t Au, 5.0 g/t Au and 2.2 g/t Au along a 40-metre strike.

Additionally, the first round of drilling on Broccoli Hill, totalling 690 metres, intersected gold mineralisation with four of the six holes returning assays greater than 1 g/t Au and as high as 4.04 g/t Au over 0.9 m and 0.91 g/t over 6.8 m. Omai Gold Mines, which returned to the Wenot and Fennell pits in 2020 after leaving Guyana in 2015, had announced in December 2020 that it would be pressing forward with a 5000-metre drilling programme. (G3)

Omai’s Region Seven holdings

“Berbice on the rise” – Housing Minister

…as Hampshire residents receive agreements of sale

The Housing and Water Ministry, through its Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), on Monday processed Agreements of Sale for the 72 remaining low-income homes allocated to residents of Hampshire, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Last June, the Ministry had handed over keys to 28 of the 100 homes in the Hampshire Housing Scheme to their respective families; and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal had expressed the Ministry’s intention to complete the transactions for all 100 homes, and increase occupancy as the construction

ed Monday’s exercise at the premises of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC).

Each allocated home measures 600 square feet(20ft by 30ft) and in-

for

house lots

be left behind,” Croal said.

The next phase of development for Palmyra will focus on the construction of homes for young professionals, commercial lots, and a regional airstrip.

struction sector this year.

Construction of the initial 100 homes in Hampshire had already given direct employment to over 400 persons.

of an additional 50 homes is in the works.

Croal, alongside CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sherwyn Greaves and Regional Chairman David Armogan, facilitat-

cludes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and sanitary facilities.

In addition to receiving their Agreements of Sale, allottees also had the opportunity to meet with their

respective banks to discuss payment and mortgage arrangements.

In May, Croal had announced plans to construct 50 more homes in Hampshire, each costing $7 million, with the buildings expected to have a different design directed towards middle-income earners. This is in contrast with the low-income houses the Ministry has been constructing for $5.5 million each.

With the region seeing significant transformation, the Minister announced further plans to transform Palmyra into a city, with locations already identified for the construction of hospital and mall facilities.

“Berbice is on the rise. Growth will happen here at such a rapid pace that if you don’t get on board, you will

In a $10 billion investment, the Government had earlier this year indicated plans to construct 700 homes at Palmyra, divided between young professionals, moderate income and low-income earners. This adds to the Ministry’s extensive agenda to construct 1200 homes and open up some 6000 jobs in the con-

Further, the Minister revealed that, by 2025, the entire coastland is expected to have access to treated water. Construction of seven treatment plants are in progress, with plans to tender another 12 soon.

While a massive well has been drilled at Chesney, construction has already commenced on the Port Mourant treatment plant, with it currently meeting the 30 per cent completion mark.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal during the Agreement of Sale exercise at Hampshire Hampshire house-lot allottees

Recently constructed homes at Hampshire

More upgrades for CJIA, $612M contract to be awarded

Acontract totalling

$612 million is expected to be awarded for more upgrades to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The Public Works Ministry recently invited sealed bids for the replacement of the asphaltic concrete pavement with rigid pavement for the international apron at the CJIA, Timehri.

Contacted for more information on this project, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill explained that the initiative will entail the replacement of the existing asphaltic pavement at the international apron – which is the aircraft parking positions from 1-4, with 375mm thick rigid pavement with a “broom finish”.

A broom finish is a wellknown technique for making concrete slip resistant. It is created by running a broom over the surface of freshly

trowelled concrete to create a textured finish.

The existing pavement, according to Edghill, is riddled with rust, cracks and oil spills, which are “problematic to clean, thus resulting in further deterioration of the pavement”.

The project is expected to be done in phases, with area one which is within parking positions 1-4 with a length of 245 metres and area two, which is along the taxiway with a length of 184 metres.

Edghill emphasised that this project, once completed, will bring tremendous benefits to the CJIA.

“Currently, repairs to the parking positions render the parking positions inoperable. Repairs to the asphaltic concrete pavement would see the closure of parking positions for weeks to months depending on the type of repairs. Additionally, oil spills which occur on a daily basis are challenging

to clean. These oil spills over time lead to the ravelling of pavement which can be hazardous, costly and time-consuming to repair,” he noted.

“A rigid pavement allows for continuous operations/ usage of the parking positions. This is of most importance during peak seasons as the number of flights is increased along with delays of flights are prone. With the rigid pavement, all six parking positions can be utilised at any given time. Additionally, oil spills will be better managed relating to cleaning and will not lead to deterioration of the pavement.”

The duration of the project is 18 months from the date of commencement.

CJIA has previously gone through extensive upgrades, although it got off to a rocky start under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

After assuming office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had inspected the works that were ongoing by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) at CJIA, which showed a deviation from the terms agreed upon in the initial fixed-price US$138 million contract.

In light of this, the Public

Works Ministry entered into a new agreement with the company for the further expansion of the CJIA as well as the completion of existing works. The agreement was pegged at US$9 million and it stated that China Harbour would solely bear the costs for the new works to be executed. Those works have since been completed and two additional airbridg-

es were installed last year. In May of this year, however, President Dr Irfaan Ali said when one considers Guyana’s growth trajectory, the importance of doing further upgrades to the CJIA becomes increasingly obvious.

Specifically, he had said the model for a second terminal building for CJIA must be considered. (G11)

Boats transporting wedding passengers collide

Ariver mishap in the early hours of Monday morning left two individuals injured and sparked an investigation by Police.

The incident occurred around 02:00h in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as two boats carrying passengers returning from a wedding celebration collided near Batavia village.

Reports indicate that

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Top Chef 10:00 Grand Designs 11:00 Paternity Court 11:30 Divorce Court

12:00 Movie - Lilo & Stitch (2002)

13:30 Wheel of Fortune

14:00 Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir S2 E20

14:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars S6 E5

15:00 Indian Soaps

16:00 Big Time Rush S2 E8

16:30 Zeke & Luther S2 E17

17:00 The Young & The Restless

18:00 CNN

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 Stand-up Comedy

21:00 Manifest S3 E10

22:00 You S4 E10

23:00 The Office S3 E20

23:30 Grace & Frankie S7 E4

00:00 Sign off

each boat was occupied by four individuals. The first vessel, a canoe, was occupied by Victorine Miguel, Clifton Adams, Tyndall Miguel, and Aaron Miguelall residents of Batavia village.

Meanwhile, boat number two, powered by a formidable 75-HP Yamaha outboard engine, was captained by Junior Gaddett, also known as “Bird”, accompanied by passengers Edeena Smith, Ishmael

Smith, and Temera Smithall of Batavia village.

Police said while in the river, the captain was unable to see, and in an attempt to signal boat number two, Aaron, a passenger on the first boat, resorted to using the light from a cell phone.

Unfortunately, the signal went unnoticed, resulting in a collision between the two vessels. The force of impact flung all of the occupants of the canoe into

the water.

However, Police said Gaddett rescued the individuals from the water but two individuals were injured.

Miguel suffered injuries to her forehead, while Adams dislocated his elbow. Both injured individuals were transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital where they were treated and admitted as patients.

Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Truck driver, porters nabbed with ganja

Atruck driver and his two porters were busted with a quantity of drugs during a Police search along the Potaro Road heading to Puruni Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police said a routine check was conducted at Sherima Police Station at about 08:30h on Tuesday morning on motor lorry GWW 8651.

According to Police, the 47-yearold truck driver of Soesdyke-Linden Highway, along with the porters, a 22-year-old and 39-year-old, both hailing from Kuru Kuru, SoesdykeLinden Highway, denied knowledge of the drugs.

Reports are that an initial search of the driver, the two porters, and their belongings, did not reveal any illicit items but further scrutiny of the truck's tray led to the drug bust. A white plastic container was found, containing two large trans -

parent parcels suspected to contain cannabis leaves, seeds, and stems. After making the discovery the three men denied any knowledge of the drugs and informed Police that the truck belonged to a resident of Kuru Kuru, who had hired them on Monday to transport the vehicle to Puruni Landing.

According to the men, they picked up the truck at 03:00h on Tuesday, and made their way to Sherima Police Station, the same location where the narcotics were discovered.

The suspects were then escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where the seized drugs were weighed in their presence, amounting to 702 grams. They were nonetheless arrested and remain in Police custody pending investigation. (G9)

The marijuana that was found by Police

Around The World OIL NEWS

Russia strikes Ukraine grain port after exiting export deal

Oil prices up on expected economic support in China, weaker US output

Oil prices climbed more than 1% on Tuesday after China said it will act to support economic growth in the world's biggest oil importer and on expectations the US Federal Reserve will stop raising interest rates soon and a forecast decline in US output.

Brent futures rose US$1.13, or 1.4%, to settle at US$79.63 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose US$1.60, or 2.2%, to settle at US$75.75.

That cut Brent's premium over WTI to its lowest since late May. The smaller premium makes it less likely energy firms will spend money to send ships to the US to pick up crude cargoes for export.

In the US, several pieces of economic news over the past week or so, including a report Tuesday showing retail sales rose by less than expected in June, have boosted expectations the Fed will stop hiking rates after a widely expected 25 basis-point increase at its July 25-26 meeting.

"With the manufacturing sector languishing and inflation showing encouraging signs of slowing, the widely-anticipated July Federal Reserve interest rate hike may be the last," analysts at bank ING said in a note.

Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs and can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand.

After posting sluggish gross domestic product data earlier in the week, China's top economic planner pledged it would roll out policies to "restore and expand" consumption without delay.

Energy traders expect "the oil market will remain tight as Russian shipments drop and as China prepares to provide more support to households," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA.

The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva, however, told financial leaders of the Group of 20 nations that medium-term growth prospects remain weak.

On the supply side, US shale oil production will likely decline in August for the first time since December, projections from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed.

Looking ahead, the oil market is waiting for US oil inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute (API), an industry group, on Tuesday and the EIA on Wednesday.

Analysts in a Reuters poll forecast a 2.4-million-barrel draw from US crude stocks during the week ended July 14.

If correct, that would be the fourth crude stock decline in five weeks, and compares with a decrease of 0.4 million barrels in the same week last year and a five-year (2018-2022) average increase of 1.9 million barrels.

"Crude’s price action shows a bullish market outlook on crude oil stockpiles and inventories numbers ... traders are keen to observe the impact of the hot temperatures felt in recent weeks on crude supply," analysts at energy consulting firm Gelber and Associates said in a note.

Heat waves intensified across southern and eastern Europe, Asia, and much of the US as the World Meteorological Organisation warned of an increased risk of deaths due to the extreme weather. (Reuters)

Brazil's central bank prepares public consultation on cryptocurrency regulation

Brazil's central bank announced on Tuesday its plans to launch a public consultation regarding the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the second half of this year.

In a statement, the central bank emphasized its intention to gather suggestions and feedback from experts and the public before implementing the final rules, highlighting that companies already operating in the market will have a minimum of six months to comply with the legislation.

Specific measures will be taken to limit the risks associated with decen -

Russia struck Ukrainian ports on Tuesday, a day after pulling out of a UNbacked deal to let Kyiv export grain, and Moscow claimed gains on the ground in an area where Ukrainian officials said Russian forces were going back on the offensive.

Russia said it hit fuel storage in Odesa and a plant making seaborne drones there, as part of "mass revenge strikes" in retaliation for attacks by Ukraine that knocked out its road bridge to the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

Shortly after the bridge was hit on Monday, Moscow withdrew from a year-old UN-brokered grain export

deal, a move the United Nations said risked creating hunger around the world.

Falling debris and blast waves damaged several homes and unspecified port infrastructure in one of Ukraine's main ports, Odesa, according to Ukraine's southern operational military command. Local authorities in Mykolaiv, another port, described a serious fire there.

The Russian attacks on ports provide "further proof that the country-terrorist wants to endanger the lives of 400 million people in various countries that depend on Ukrainian food exports", said Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential staff.

Ukraine's air force said six Kalibr missiles and 31 out of 36 drones were shot down. Moscow, for its part, said it had foiled a Ukrainian drone strike on Crimea, with no major damage on the ground, and re-

opened a single lane of road traffic on the Crimea bridge. Six weeks since Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in the east and south, Russia is mounting a ground offensive of its own in the northeast. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Typhoon Talim lashes China as extreme weather grips Asia

Typhoon Talim has lashed south-eastern China and displaced 230,000, as large swathes of Asia reel from torrential rain and extreme heat.

It disrupted flights and shut fishing villages and coastal tourist spots, but weakened on its way to Vietnam.

In Japan, some 60 people fell ill with heatstroke, while parts of China are seeing record-high temperatures.

Over in South Korea, the death toll from days of torrential rain and landslides rose to 41.

Talim whipped Guangdong province with winds of nearly 140km/h (87mph) Monday night, before making landfall in neighbouring Guangxi on Tuesday.

Trees fell on moving vehicles, a whale washed ashore and a freezer full of ice cream floated off in floods as the storm barrelled through Guangdong.

Firefighters rescued passengers trapped in their cars by fallen tree branches as they cleared roads of debris and assisted other motorists to safety, state media reported.

Heavy rains cause landslides in Colombia, killing at least 12

At least 12 people are dead and about 20 missing in the aftermath of landslides caused by heavy rain in central Colombia, authorities say.

The landslides struck late on Monday in the rural municipality of Quetame, southeast of the capital Bogotá in the province of Cundinamarca.

Local authorities called back some 2700 fishing vessels and ordered more than 8200 fish-farming workers to be evacuated as storm surges lashed the coast, Xinhua said.

The typhoon hit two days after a remote town in the north-western province of Xinjiang saw China's highest temperature on record at 52.2C (126F).

In Japan, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea temporarily halted some outdoor events and shows on Monday due to the blistering heat.

Japanese authorities

have also issued heatstroke warnings in 32 out of the country's 47 prefectures, as temperatures in many places rose to nearly 40C.

In South Korea, rescuers on Tuesday pulled the last body out of a flooded tunnel in the central mountainous region of Cheongju.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has said he will "completely overhaul" the country's approach to extreme weather, as such events will become "more commonplace". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Panama’s ex-President sentenced to 10 years for money laundering

Camilo Parrado also said, adding that some households had lost “two, three, even four family members”.

tralised governance systems and to prevent investors from being exposed to these assets without appropriate levels of disclosure, said the central bank.

The Government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delegated the authority to regulate cryptocurrency services to the independent central bank from June 20.

Despite this status, the central bank stressed the need for coordinated action among various regulators, such as the revenue service and the country's Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM).

(Reuters)

Nicolás García Bustos, the governor of the province, posted a Twitter video on Tuesday saying that the death toll had risen to 14, with six more people transferred to healthcare centres for injuries.

Civil defence operational director Ricardo Coronado, meanwhile, offered the Reuters news agency a slightly lower estimate: “So far we have recovered 12 bodies, with two children among the fatalities.”

The governor added that he had declared a public emergency with the province’s special administrative unit for disaster management “to dispose of resources in an immediate manner” to address the devastation.

“Relief agencies with drones are resuming the search,” Quetame Mayor

Several homes were destroyed, and a major trade route was clogged with mud. Debris, piled high throughout the area, has complicated search efforts: Videos have shown the mud and wreckage strewn around Quetame. Firefighters have evacuated dozens of people.

Civil defence director Jorge Diaz said the mudslide had covered a section of road that connects Bogota to the southeast of the country, one of the country’s primary transportation routes. The blockage occurred at a toll post about 60km (37 miles) from the capital.

President Gustavo Petro offered his “condolences to the families of the victims” in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

Colombia’s rainy season, which typically stretches from June until November, claims numerous victims each year. During the rainy season in 2022, about 300 people were killed due to flooding. (Al Jazeera)

Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering, a development that could impact next year’s general election.

The 71-year-old, considered a frontrunner for the presidency in the 2024 race, was also handed a US$19M fine at Tuesday’s sentencing.

The case against him centred on the purchase of a media company that prosecutors said was bought with funds funnelled from State contracts through a series of front companies.

“When politics enters through the door, justice goes out the window,” Martinelli said in a Twitter post on July 13, denouncing the case.

Martinelli has characterised the trial as a form of political persecution, and his lawyer said that he will appeal the sentence.

The case is known in Panama as “New Business”, the name of the alleged front company.

It collected approximately US$43M from firms that re-

ceived lucrative Government contracts, and those funds were then used to buy a media conglomerate with control of several national papers, according to prosecutors.

Last month, Martinelli became the first official candidate to run in Panama’s 2024 elections, after being selected to represent Realizando Metas, a party he founded two years ago. He previously led Panama from 2009 to 2014.

Martinelli has been barred from leaving Panama due to the legal proceedings, and two of his sons previously served prison sentences in the United States for their involvement in money laundering schemes. They also face trial in Panama.

The elder Martinelli was himself extradited from the US in 2018, when he was accused of using public funds to spy on journalists and political rivals. A Panamanian court cleared him in 2021 after finding insufficient evidence. Martinelli and his sons are banned from entering the US. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A part of a Russian cruise missile, Kalibr, is seen inside a building damaged during Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine July 18, 2023

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Mix work and play, and you'll shine. Your entertaining personality will attract help and increase your profile. Speak from the heart; someone you want to know better will listen.

(March 21-April 19)

Simplify your life instead of taking on too much. It's better to do one thing meticulously than to spread yourself too thin. Don't let sensitive issues force you in an unwise direction.

(April 20-May 20)

Don't let anger get in the way when action is required. Focus on what's important, and don't let what others say or do interfere with your progress. Use your imagination.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Travel and educational pursuits will pay off. Communication based on truth, respect and helping others will open doors to new opportunities. Look for unique investments.

Don't expect too much from others. Gauge your time carefully to ensure you can finish what you start. Interference or last-minute changes will force you to think fast. Be ready for anything.

Put your energy and enthusiasm where they count. What you experience and learn will help get you moving in a positive direction. Set goals and march forward.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Rethink your plans. Reach out to see who's available to help before you begin. Having a foolproof plan will put your mind at ease and encourage others to join your team. Romance is favored.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Observe before you act. Use intuitive guidance to help map out your best option. Dedicate time and effort to ensuring your success. Choose a positive course of action over revenge.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be resourceful and verify information instead of relying on hearsay from someone who tends to embellish data. Put together a self-improvement plan. Romance is in the stars.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Leave behind what isn't working for you. Lower your overhead and tidy up loose ends to ease stress. Altering how you handle money or deal with shared expenses will get you back on track.

The wrong people, places and projects will attract you. Don't let spontaneity take the reins. Change your investment plan and rethink how you manage and make your money.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Attend an event involving innovative investment strategies and money management, and you'll find out how to grow your income. Getting a glimpse of the possibilities will encourage you to embrace change.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

CASA Junior Championships 2023…

Guyana on course to retain overall title

win over Bermuda’s Somers Stevenson. Josie Thong of Trinidad and Tobago took bronze with a 11-6, 11-3, 11-2 triumph over Guyana’s Emily Fung-A-Fat.

In the under-17 final, Barbadian Eboni Atherley was comfortable in victory over Jamaica’s Sanjana Nallapati, scoring 11-7, 11-4, 11-4 to wrap up victory in 25

minutes.

Another Jamaican, Mehar Trehan, took bronze as she, too, brushed aside her opponent Safirah Sumner of Guyana, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5 in under 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, the under-19 crown also went to Barbados, courtesy of Sumairaa Suleman, who rallied to beat Guyana’s Kirsten

Gomes 11-8, 11-9, 11-6, after losing the first set 6-11 in a final that lasted just over half an hour.

It was an all-Jamaica battle for the bronze, with Savannah Thomson coming up trumps over Katherine Risden in an entertaining 49-minute five-set contest that ended 12-14, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11. (Sportsmax)

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford signs new contract until 2028

England forward Marcus Rashford has signed a new deal to stay at Manchester United until 2028. That deal is worth £325,000 a week.

Guyana is on course to retain the overall title at the ongoing Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships, having already secured a number of individual medals, which speaks volumes of the current vein of form of the Guyanese team heading into the Team and Doubles segments of the tournament in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Guyanese team, which last year got hands on the overall championship for the first time since 2015 – after surrendering the 2017 and 2019 editions to Barbados –are now hunting a 14th overall lien on the crown. They once enjoyed a streak of 12-consecutive wins, which was ended by the Barbadians, but if their form is anything to go by thus far, they are on the verge of starting another streak.

Guyana have so far secured individual gold medals through Nicholas Verwey in the boys’ under-19 championship; Louis Da Silva in the boys’ under-17 championship; and Avery Arjoon in the girls’ under-15 championship.

Kaylee Lowe, in the girls’ under-13; Mohryan Baksh, in the boys’ under-17; and Kirsten Gomes, in the girls’ under-19 categories have all secured silver medals; while Ethan Bulkan, in the boys’ under-11; Justin Ten Pow, in the boys’ under-13; and Michael Alphonso, in the boys’ under-19 categories have each added a bronze medal to the country’s tally.

The individual finals got

under way with Bermuda’s Mason Smith and Benjamin Sherratt snaring gold and silver in the boys’ under-11 category, following contrasting victories of Savante Padmore and Ethan Bulkan of the host nation. Mason bettered Padmore in three sets: 11-3, 11-0, 11-3, while Sherratt required four sets to get past Bulkan.

After losing the first set 11-8, Sherratt recovered to win the next three 11-9, 11-3 and 11-5 in a match that lasted 28 minutes. Smith and Sherratt then each required 23 minutes to settle business among themselves, with the former winning 1614, 11-8, 11-7.

The boys’ under-13 category was topped by Barbadian Ben Shepherd, who stamped his class in an 18-minute contest against US Virgin Islands’ Ethan Mohamed. He posted comfortable 11-1, 11-5 and 11-3 wins, while Ten Pow registered 11-5, 11-6, 11-8 against Levi Jack in the third-place encounter.

The host nation was not to be outdone in the boys’ under-15 category, which was won by Jayden George, who scored a three-set win over Bermuda’s Owen Rosorea 11-5, 11-3, 11-1. Daniel Sealy of Barbados won the thirdplace contest 11-4, 11-2, 11-8 over Charlie Makin of Bermuda.

After enduring two highly competitive semi-final contests against Vincentian Jaydon Williams and Andrew Cox of Bermuda, Da Silva and Baksh battled in a pulsating boys’ under-17 final. Da Silva won the almost

hour-long four-set showpiece 17-15, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7.

Prior to that, he defeated Williams in five sets 6-11, 11-13, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7 in a 54-minute-long match, while Baksh was comfortable 1513, 11-4, 11-5 victor over Cox in less than half an hour.

Verwey was also comfortable in victory in the boys’ under-19 gold medal match in which he bettered Barbadian Alex Stewart in straight sets 12-10, 11-1, 116.

Alphonso, who lost his semi-final contest to Stewart, bounced back to defeat British Virgin Islands’ Jace Jervis, who had earlier succumbed to Verwey in the third-place match. Alphonso won the five-set encounter 12-10, 11-7, 11-7, after losing the first two sets 13-15, 8-11.

On the girls’ side of action, Trinidad and Tobago’s Gia Ghuran won the under-11 gold medal following a 14-minute 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 win over Delilah Grace Pease of British Virgin Island, while Bermuda’s Taylor Kyme defeated Barbadian Peyton Marshall-Brancker 11-1, 11-2, 11-9 in the bronze medal match.

Lenna Hamati of Barbados copped the girls’ under-13 top medal in a fourset match with Lowe, which ended 11-7, 11-7, 10-12, 11-2. Bermuda’s McKenna Kyme won the bronze with an 11-8, 11-5, 12-10 win over Guyana’s Tiana Gomes, who fought hard and won the second and third sets 11-2, 11-5.

Arjoon took only 16 minutes to crown herself queen in the under-15 category with straight sets: 11-7, 11-5, 11-6

The 25-year-old had been in talks with United for a considerable period, with his previous contract due to expire in 2024.

The striker enjoyed a resurgence under new manager Erik ten Hag last season, scoring 30 goals in 56 games.

Since his debut in 2016 against Midtjylland, Rashford has hit 123 goals in 359 games for his boyhood club.

Rashford said: “I joined Manchester United as a seven-year-old boy with a dream. That same passion, pride, and determination to succeed still drives me every time I have the honour of wearing the shirt. I’ve already had some amazing experiences at this incredible club, but there is still a lot more to achieve, and I remain relentlessly determined to win more trophies in the years ahead.”

to have dismissed more lucrative offers from within the Premier League and abroad in order to stay at Old Trafford, committing through to 30 June 2028 and backing Ten Hag to deliver more success. He said: “I can assure you that I will give everything to help the team reach the level we are capable of, and I can feel the same determination around the dressing room. I couldn’t be more excited for the future under this manager.”

Rashford was one of three England players to suffer racist abuse after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy. He had shoulder sur-

Rashford’s form last season turned following the World Cup, and he scored 10 goals in as many Premier League games after the restart.

He helped Manchester United qualify for the Champions League, and scored a goal in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle United.

Red Devils football director John Murtough said Rashford has “epitomised what it takes to succeed as a Manchester United player”.

“He is a brilliant talent, but also humble, dedicated and driven,” Murtough said. “As he enters his prime years,

Rashford has spent eight seasons as a Manchester United first-team player

gery in August 2021, saying he must “listen to his body”, before struggling for form and scoring only five times during a campaign that saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer succeeded by interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

He was subsequently left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad in June 2022 for four Nations League matches.

Rashford is believed

we know there is still so much more to come from him, and we can see the hunger that Marcus feels to achieve the highest levels of success here at Manchester United.

“Working with Erik ten Hag and his coaches is the perfect environment for Marcus to continue to develop into one of the best attacking players in the world.”

(BBC Sport)

Marcus

Guyana's Avery Arjoon (right) sharing a photo opportunity with Bermuda’s Somers Stevenson after their battle in the girls' under-15 final at the CASA Junior Championships in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday

Gavin Lewis is GTA “One Guyana” Open Men’s Champion

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

After storming to his third Men’s Singles title with a 6/1, 5/7, 6/1 win over Phillip Squires in this tournament on Monday, Gavin Lewis said: “This tournament was really special for me, not only because it’s my first Men’s title since winning GBTI in 2019, but also because it was the first time I invited my family and a few friends to watch me play. After the pandemic, I went through some difficult times, but I always had the support of my family, friends, and Roraima clubmates. I won this tournament for us.”

Prior to the championship match, Lewis had conceded only 10 games in 8

sets, and seemed poised to maintain that dominance through his title-winning run when he led Squires 6/1, 5/2 in the championship match. However, Lewis failed to close out the match in straight sets after suffering from muscles cramps, and Squires built some momentum, and with the help of his supporters, won five straight games to take the second set over an ailing Lewis.

Momentum shifted from player to player in the opening two games of the decisive set, with Squires attempting to capitalise on his opponent’s injury and both players trading breaks of serves to level the match at one-all. Lewis, who was in pain, showed great grit and shot accuracy to sprint to a 3-1 lead before play was suspended due to some lighting issues.

Lewis and Squires returned to the court on Monday afternoon to compete for the chance to be the first player to lift the GTA “One Guyana” Open Men’s Singles Trophy.

Cricket Academy set for year-end completion – Ramson Jr

Serving at 3-1, Lewis lost the first two points after Squires exhibited his versatility and shot-making abilities. Lewis didn’t seem perturbed, and continued to advance, winning 13 of the last 15 points of the championship match.

“It was really tough out there physically and mentally. I was one game way from bringing it home before the muscle cramps got the better of me. I was in lots of pain, I could’ve barely walked, let alone run,” the Men’s Champ said. “I even thought about giving up, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t

thinking about the money during the match; I was thinking about having my family, friends and clubmates out there supporting me.

“My four-year-old niece is a swimmer, and I wanted to show her that champions don’t make excuses, and champions never give up. Champions find a way to win; and that’s what I did,” Lewis declared.

Lewis is projected to retain the Men’s #1 ranking.

At the National Racquet Centre yesterday, the inaugural GTA “One Guyana” Open came to a success-

ful conclusion. Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, and executive members of the GTA presented the prizes to the winners and finalists during the closing ceremony. The awardees of the GTA “One Guyana” Open 2023 are as follows:

Men’s Open Champion: Gavin Lewis

Runner-up: Phillip Squires

Ladies’ Open Champion: Afruica Gentle

Runner-up: Paula Kalekyezi

2nd Schools Inter-District Kayaking Competition…

District Nine secures title with outstanding display of skills

Men’s 35 Champion: Phillip Squires

Runner-up: Aubrey Younge

Men’s 45 Champion: Aubrey Younge

Runner-up: Sunil Bianchini

45 years, from the hours of 9 am – 3 pm, 6 days per week. Days and hours are negotiable. Kindly contact 592-673-5300.

The Cricket Academy which will be located at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara is slated for completion before year-end.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, made this announcement on Monday while providing the keynote address at the Malteenoes Cricket Academy’s opening ceremony, held at the Malteenoes Sports Club in Georgetown.

“I am building, at the National Stadium, an elite academy for cricket. I expect this to be completed before the year is completed. Obviously, over time, you would want to make further improvements, but we have never had a cricket academy facility in this country or one that is sustained throughout the entire region,” the Sport Minister stated.

He added that investment in the facility is nec-

essary to revive the nation’s cricket potential, as the academy would allow players to train throughout the year, instead of six months due to inclement weather.

“This design that I have decided to put into the National Stadium is a novel design. It isn’t anywhere else in the world…but it suits our weather conditions,” he said.

Minister Ramson confidently highlighted that when the facility is completed, it would produce hundreds of elite players, and support their development.

The facility would feature six cricket pitches constructed with clay, and transparent roofs would be constructed over the pitches to ensure net sessions can be held all year round.

The Minister noted that players would sport both country and West Indies colours to display the country’s values, pride, and legacy.

The District #9 Kayaking Team

District 9 (Rupununi) overcame the heat and surf to win the second Schools Inter-District Kayaking Competition held in Linden, Region 10, on Sunday.

District 9 accumulated 53 points to edge District 2 (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) with 42 points, while inaugural Champions District

10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) copped third spot with 39 points. District 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) disappointingly copped fourth place with 36 points, while District 1 (North West) registered 32 points.

District 9 captured the first prize of $200,000 cash, while District 2 took home the second-place cash prize

of $150,000 and District 10 had to settle for the $100,000 third prize.

This tournament was coordinated by Elite Kayaking & Nature Tours, and was sponsored by SLB, Banks DIH, Guyana Tourism Authority, ENet, Ministry of Education at 21 Brickdam, and Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

Gavin Lewis receiving his trophy from Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle

Emotional Kevin Sinclair delighted with maiden Test call

By Brandon Corlette

After a few months of successful play in white-ball cricket and first-class cricket, the 23-year-old Kevin Sinclair has earned a maiden call to the West Indies team for the second Test match against India, to be played in Trinidad.

Sinclair, who arrived in Trinidad on Tuesday morning for the Test match which starts on Thursday July 20, has been very emotional about the call. He noted that staying disciplined would be key to his success, if he is given opportunity to play.

“Like I always said, my hard work is paying off and it is paying off in my performance as well, so I want to continue in that vein of form. This is a special moment for me, but also for my grandfather. I am very emotional about him being alive and able to sit back and watch his grandson play Test cricket, or even being listed in a Test team. That was always his dream, and he always tells me I have

the ability to play at the highest level,” Sinclair said.

He added: “Him being alive here and getting this good news I just feel emo tional for him, because he has worked with me over the years, even quitting his job for training me in the backyards at home. It is very emotional.”

Overall, Sinclair has so far played 18 first-class matches, and has taken 54 wickets, including three five-wick et hauls at an average of 23.98 each. In batting, he has scored 756 runs at an average of 29, and has six half-centuries to his name.

“I feel really good. I have not had the best of seasons for the first two seasons that I played for Guyana, but this season I did really well. Being called up to the Test team is the highest level, so I want to grab this opportunity and put my best foot for ward,” he said.

“Nothing different, to be honest. I played four-day cricket, and I understand what is required in four-day cricket; so, it is for me to ap

ply the basic, bringing the batsman forward, challeng closed. The upcom

Barbados, T&T stroll, but Windwards win nail-biter

Tarrique Edward (5-42) completed five-wicket hauls.

Barbados endured little difficulty after converting their overnight 29 for one into 154 for four declared, with opener Zion Brathwaite top-scoring with a swift unbeaten 51 from 61 balls, including five fours and a six.

He was supported by two cameos, Joshua Dorne lashing a 35-ball 41 with half-dozen fours and a six, and Joshua Morris punching 37 from 25 balls with two fours and three sixes.

be historic – marking the

100th

Test Match be-

tween West Indies and India since the two teams first met at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi in 1948. Play starts daily at 10am (9am Jamaica/7:30pm India).

FULL SQUAD: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican.

Travelling Reserves: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan

LGC pleased with golfers’ performances at Tobago Open

some of the LGC members, after experiencing the Tobago Open, are excited to explore more regional and extra regional tournaments,” Hackett posited.

Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have registered convincing wins in the matches they have played, but the Windward Islands team needed a nail-biter to register a victory on the final day of the opening round of the Rising Stars Under-19 three-day championships.

Barbados thrashed Guyana by 80 runs at Park Hill, and T&T produced a decent run chase to get the better of Jamaica by five wickets at Sion Hill.

However, Windward Islands failed to have things all their way at Arnos Vale, and squeaked home by a wicket over Leeward Islands.

Set 145 for victory, Windwards were seen over

the line by the last-wicket pair of Shawnil Edward (three not out) and Kirtney Franklyn, who finished unbeaten on nought, but held an end for four deliveries.

Noelle Leo led the run chase with an attacking 45 from 57 balls, lashing one four and three sixes to follow up opener Stephan Pascal’s 35 off 65 deliveries with four fours and a six.

Off-spinner Onaje Amory, already with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, threatened to pull Leewards back into the contest with three for 35, before the Windward tailenders stood firm.

Set 272 for victory, Guyana folded for 191, undermined by leg-spinner Isaiah Folkes, who claimed four for 66, and left-arm spinner Nathan Sealy, who finished with three for 46. Only Zeynul Ramsammy, at number six, offered any resistance, belting 76 from 116 deliveries with nine fours and a six.

Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, left themselves with a modest target of 107 for victory, and were guided there by Rajeev Ramnath’s top score of 35 not out off 59 balls.

Left-arm spinner Nick Ramlal had earlier finished with six for 18 for match figures of eight for 28; as Jamaica, resuming from their overnight 31 for three, were bundled out for 145.

The LGC Vice President further noted that from the slope of the course in Tobago, he knew it would prove to be more difficult than the Lusignan Golf Course. However, he is proud that the challenging course did not deter the golfers.

Hackett also shared that LGC ‘Ambassador for the Tour’, Pope London, made some significant breakthrough with the Trinidad & Tobago Golf Association and the Barbados Golf Association, having invited them to the GTT Guyana Open slated for October 29, 2023.

Earlier, Leewards were dismissed for 111, after resuming the morning on 85 for six.

Kirt Murray (5-35) and

Opener Adrian Weir carried the fight for the Jamaicans with a bold 63 off 105 deliveries, including two fours and five sixes, while Steven Wedderburn supported with 38. (CMC)

When the curtains came down on the Tobago Open golf tournament over the weekend at the Plantation Magdalena Golf Course in Tobago, the Guyanese contingent was able to walk away with valuable experience. According to Lusignan Golf Club Vice President Brian Hackett, the club is extremely proud of the Guyanese players, especially Eureka Giddings, who emerged victorious in the Ladies category.

“The executives of LGC first would want to thank all the golfers from Guyana, for showing great sportsmanship and initiative in taking a bold step to participate for the first time in the Tobago Open. I am particularly proud of the Lusignan Golf Club representatives, namely: Pope London, Shanella London, Hardeo Ganpat; Eureka Giddings, who emerged as the ladies’ champion, and Rakesh Harry, who made LGC proud.

“I am happy to say that

Further, Hackett divulged that the club is expecting closer cooperation with both associations, and exchange visits in the coming months, which he deemed as significant for the development of the sport in Guyana and the Caribbean.

The results for the LGC contingent at the Tobago Open were as follows:

Ladies – 1st Eureka Giddings, 4th Shanella London

Men: First Flight: Rakesh Harry (11th)

Second Flight: Panko 'Steel' Ramsundar (14th); Pope Emanuel London (20th)

Third Flight: Hardeo 'Curry' Ganpat (7th)

Kevin Sinclair bowling

Sinclair batting during the ‘A’ team tour

Tobago Open 2023 Ladies Champion, Eureka Giddings