Guyana Times -Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Court finds businessman Andrew Morgan guilty of narco-trafficking

– to be sentenced on July 14

Fifty-three-year-old

Michael Andrew Morgan was on Tuesday found guilty of trafficking $3.5M in cocaine by Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce, before whom the matter was tried at the Diamond-Grove Magistrate’s Court.

Sentencing has been deferred to July 14, pending a probation report.

On June 29, 2022, Morgan, of Ixora Avenue,

Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was remanded to prison after being charged in connection with the discovery of 3.278 kilograms of cocaine at his home earlier that month. At his second appearance before the court in August of that year, he was again refused bail and further remanded to prison.

As such, defence attorney Glen Hanoman had petitioned the High Court for bail, arguing that the request was based on “unreasonable delay” and the prosecution seeking an adjournment on the basis that the analyst’s report was not yet completed, when in fact it was.

Hanoman had also advanced that CANU has evidential problems, including establishing a nexus between the illegal drug and his client.

However, Attorney-atLaw Thalia Thompson, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, had objected to bail being granted on the basis that no special reasons were advanced or shown that warranted the granting of bail. She had also argued that the matters raised by Hanoman are contentious issues of fact suitable for trial, and not a bail hearing. She had also contended that there has been no delay, but an argument of presumed delay in the future.

Following the arguments, Justice Gino Persaud had ruled that the evidential issues were not relevant factors to be taken into consideration for the granting of bail. He therefore agreed with the arguments put for-

ward by the CANU prosecutor, that no special reasons were put forward for bail to be considered, and as such, dismissed the application.

It was reported that on the day in question, CANU officers, acting on intelligence, conducted a narcotics operation at Ixora Avenue, Eccles, EBD that resulted in the discovery of a quantity of cocaine, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, one .32 Taurus firearm, along with one magazine and 25 matching rounds of .32 ammunition. Morgan was accordingly arrested and escorted to CANU headquarters with the firearm, ammunition, and cocaine.

Andrew Morgan and his brother Peter Morgan have been under the CANU radar for more than two decades. Notably, Peter Morgan was deported from the US back in 2015, after serving his time in prison on trafficking in narcotics charges. He was arrested for conspiring to import, possess and distribute five kilograms of cocaine between December 2001 and August 2003 in the United States.

The cocaine, gun and ammunition found at Morgan’s house in July 2022

Convicted drug trafficker Andrew Morgan

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, July 5 – 04:15h – 05:45h and Thursday, July

6 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, July 5 – 05:30h

–07:00h and Thursday, June

6 – 06:20h – 07:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

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

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 18:20h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 11:50h reaching a minimum height of 0.47 metre.

100 roads for rehabilitation along EBD corridor – Min Edghill

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill on Tuesday visited a number of communities along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to inspect several completed, ongoing and earmarked road projects.

These projects are being implemented under the Public Works Ministry’s miscellaneous road programme.

“I’m interacting with the communities, seeing what is taking place so we will know directly the kind of intervention that needs to be made and the urgency of those interventions, but more importantly, I am getting the opportunity to see the beneficiaries so the impact of the investment can also be measured,” Edghill said.

During this inspection, the Minister visited Rahaman’s Park, Eccles, Mocha/Diamond, Garden of Eden, Barnwell in Mocha Arcadia and Coverden.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

“Over a period of time, residents would have written [their road concerns] to the President, some would’ve written to the Vice President and some would've written directly to me. And then, we would’ve sent out our engineers to check and see what's going on in these communities, the state of the roads – some that have been damaged because of developments that are taking place – and we're getting ready to programme for about 100 roads on EBD,” Edghill said.

Minister Edghill noted that the Ministry’s massive work agenda for this year is already underway and every

region of the country will be touched, with no one to be left out of the national infrastructural development plan.

Last year, the Ministry signed over $5 billion in contracts to construct roads and bridges in the hinterland and along the coastland.

For EBD, two bridges were projected to be constructed within the Diamond/ Grove area to create an alternate route for commuters, with one bridge to link Grove and Jimbo Bridge Road and the other to link Grove and Craig.

During his East Bank visit on Tuesday, Minister Edghill noted that works on these bridges are progressing smoothly. “The contracts that were signed for the Diamond/Grove are bridges for the upgrade of the road that will serve as a bypass to allow traffic to flow when work is going on the East Bank corridor,” Edghill said.

“This corridor is set for major upgrades. Those bridg-

es and roads are underway. Some of them are under construction as we are creating a bypass so when you come through from Diamond, you will come out all the way to Busby Dam,” Edghill said.

Meanwhile, in May, a $117 million loan programme between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana was launched to develop the 24 km of roadway encountered upon exiting the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

This project aims to advance Guyana’s safe, efficient, and climate-resilient road and associated infrastructure and to improve road service quality and utility service along the East Bank corridor.

Minister Edghill further noted that the Ministry is at the procurement stage of this project and is in the process of engaging the contractor. This road upgrade is a notable one given its connec-

tivity to Guyana’s major airport, the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, and the future development of Silica City.

Meanwhile, work on the multimillion-dollar East Coast Demerara to East Bank Demerara bypass road continues to progress as the highly anticipated four-lane highway forms part of the Government’s plan to provide alternative routes to persons entering and leaving Georgetown.

On Saturday, the Public Works Minister carried out similar inspections along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor.

...says construction of 3 major connecting bridges underway

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill inspects roads along East Bank of Demerara

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Intimatepartner violence

On Sunday, July 2, 48-year-old Bibi Naseefa Baksh was kicked and beaten to death by her partner, who then asked her 12-year-old daughter to help her mother into bed after the brutal attack. Bibi eventually died in bed.

It is no secret that women worldwide, including those in Guyana, continue to face unacceptable levels of violence in various forms. The World Health Organization has estimated that nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner. The COVID-19 pandemic had further contributed to increasing the risk of violence, particularly domestic violence, against women.

Locally, a report from the University of Guyana showed that the “incidence of domestic violence by an intimate or previously intimate partner in Guyana increased from 74.8% in 2011 to 89% in 2017”, with “more than 80% of the victims being female.” Many of those “intimate partners” are mothers, and this offers a clue as to what is really going on.

The males inflicting that horrendous level of violence on persons supposed to be their “better halves” had to have been socialised in homes where such behaviour was normalised. A report from the year before claimed, “Half of all women who experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Guyana never sought help. Victims, community members and stakeholders attributed this to lack of knowledge of available help, perceptions of being blamed or stigmatised by their situation becoming known throughout the community, and inadequate support structures to ensure victim safety after reporting violence to the Police.”

The LAPOP poll explained that indifference when it showed that 62% of Guyanese feel that intimate partner violence is a “private matter”. In Guyanese parlance, a “man and wife thing”.

While it is routinely touted that “the family” is the building block of society, in Guyana, at least 30% of “families” are headed by mothers, without fathers to complete the normative “nuclear” family. As such, Edith Clarke’s 1957 study of the phenomenon in Jamaica, her classic “My mother who fathered me”, has recently been expanded and reissued because it remains relevant in the entire Caribbean.

The university poll cited also explains why this may be so: “Socialisation matters more than the circumstances in predicting the normalisation of intimate partner violence.” But it also suggests a way to reduce the despicable behaviour: “Education has the largest predicted effect on attitudes towards IPV: more educated individuals are 24 percentage points less likely to normalise IPV (i.e., more likely to see it as a matter that merits the public attention).”

For starters, the curricula of our educational institutions from nursery to university should have explicit modules that socialise our next generation to view any form of domestic violence, including IPV, as reprehensible, and not to be tolerated. There must also be a sensitisation of the wider society through a programme of public education through billboards, messages on social and mainstream media etc. against IPV.

Every year, between 25 November and 10 December - 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – Guyana joins the WHO and other partners to raise awareness about the global need to prevent and respond to violence against women, and provide support to survivors.

However, not many women admit to being victims of violence. The Human Services Minister had, some time ago, said: “Domestic violence remains a taboo, shuttered behind closed doors and only emerging as bloody faces, bruised limbs, broken spirits and dead bodies. Fear of societal judgement, insecurities about children and finances, family pressure and manipulation keep this a hushed conversation, or results in an overwhelming silence”.

As pointed out by the Human Services and Social Security Minister, “Violence against women is a heinous crime and a pervasive breach of human rights. Yet it continues to be one of the longest, hardest challenges to the world, and involves psyches, attitudes, poverty, cultures, emotional manipulation, substance abuse, and lack of education”.

We echo the call by the Minister that better can and must be done. Everyone must work in every home, school, office, community in every part of our country to expose violence against women where it exists; support the women; work with the perpetrators; create safe spaces; educate persons, and share solutions.

Secretary Blinken’s impending visit and the role of small States

Dear Editor,

Quite some time ago the noted American international politics scholar, Kenneth Waltz, averred that “Denmark does not matter”. Waltz, of course, was not interested in belittling the little European nation. Rather, his position was that in the world of international politics, as distinct from international relations, only power counts. Waltz and other scholars, such as John Mearsheimer at the University of Chicago, belong to the neorealist school of thought.

These thinkers hold the view that it is distribution of capabilities in the international system that matters most of all in how states define their interests, and how they relate to each other. While the neorealists share a common ancestry with classical realists going all the back to Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War), they differ from writers like Hans Morgenthau or even Henry Kissinger who give considerable weight to internal factors, such as the nature of the political system, or the quality of democracy. For the neorealists, internal considerations may be important, but what is primary, is the structure of the international system.

Note that realists, including the structural neorealists, have further differences. Waltz, for instance is a defensive realist, who believes that the strategy of Great Powers, such as the United States, should be focused on avoiding imperial overreach.

This comes down to adopting a military posture, strategic thinking, and diplomatic conduct that is principally aimed at defending the status quo. In contradistinction to defensive neo-realism, offensive neorealism insists that Great Powers are obliged to strive for hegemony. Accordingly, while the former seeks to avoid wars and conflict, the latter believes that the drive for hegemony is not only rational, but imperative.

Let us compare realism and neorealism on the one hand to liberalism and neoliberal institutionalism, on the other. Whereas the realists and neorealists believe that human affairs are driven by fear and self-interest, and that national interest by and as power, liberals think that conflict and war are the result of poorly designed institutions. For classical liberals, a Great Power like the US, should focus on promoting the democratic peace. Neoliberal institutionalism is a variant of classical liberalism but accepts many parts of realism, and especially the state as the principal actor. It holds that foreign policy of Great Powers, and specifically the United States, should be to build “international regimes” in different issue areas (trade, international finance, climate change governance) to reduce the cost of international transactions, and maintain global stability. Note that neoliberal institutionalists do NOT necessarily support neoliberalism. While the former accepts free market enterprise as the central articulating principle of

economic activities, it does not necessarily support supply side economics or monetarism.

Now, we all know that theory both helps explain real life phenomena and influences actors’ behavior. This point is relevant to Guyana and especially as a small state that will soon receive the Secretary of States of the Unites States, Antony J. Blinken. Considering what I have outlined above, I can say that Secretary Blinken may be best described as someone who believes in preserving American global position in the current structure of world order. Put differently, he believes that the US is the ‘apex power’ (my construction). He also believes that this could be done best by using constructive tools of diplomacy, but if pushed, the United States should employ its structural power to change the behavior of actors and institutions in the international system.

By all accounts, Blinken is a pragmatic liberal, in many ways much like President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, Prime Minister Phillips, Foreign Minister Todd, and Secretary of State Robert Persaud. The practice of diplomacy by Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch also places her in the category of constructive pragmatism.

While Guyana is clearly a small state lacking extensive material power, it does have qualities and new resources to enable it to play a decisive leadership role in the Caribbean, and perhaps beyond. There is already ev-

idence of our leadership with the election to a non-Permanent seat on the Security Council of the UN. President Ali has also been a powerful and influential voice on food security in the Latin America and the Caribbean. Further still, our new hydrocarbon assets, combined with our well-established LCDS model built around our tropical rain forest will embellish our ability to win new friends and allies, and strengthen relations with partner states, including the United States with whom we have had historically strong ties.

Secretary Blinken is no doubt already aware of these developments, and of our capacity for regional leadership. The opposition in Guyana, and especially the APNUAFC should know that Mr. Blinken does not suffer those with a penchant (and history) of rigging votes and stealing elections. The opposition press that routinely prevents fair commentary through biased management of their Letter Sections should know that Mr. Blinken was a newspaper contributor since his undergraduate days at Harvard. Further, I doubt that the Secretary of State would have any understanding for Kaieteur News columnist GHK Lall’s labelling of Alistar Routledge (of Exxon) a Field Marshal, knowing fully and well that the construction conjures up diabolical images of militarization. Mr. Blinken is the stepson of a Holocaust survivor who was an adviser to John F. Kennedy.

CONTINUED ON

Bolivian President Luis Arce, Paraguayan President-elect Santiago Pena, Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou and Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips pose for a family photo during the summit of leaders of the Mercosur group, in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, July 4, 2023 (Esteban Collazo/Argentine Presidency/Handout via Reuters)

Nigel Dharamlall resigns as Minister, MP amid rape allegations

Embattled rape accused Nigel Dharamlall has tendered his resignation as Local Government and Regional Development Minister and Member of Parliament (MP). This was confirmed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is presently in Trinidad and Tobago attending the 45th session of the Heads of Government meeting of Caricom and the 50th anniversary of Caricom celebrations.

“I want to address you in relation to the allegation that was made against Minister Nigel Dharamlall .From the inception, I advised the population that I would allow the system to work. I would

never and the Government would never intervene in the system. We’ve allowed an independent investigation; the Minister proceeded on leave to ensure that an independent investigation was conducted,” the President stated in a release to the press.

He noted that the Police have completed their investigation and also all the other agencies, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“You’ve seen the statement from the DPP in which she has advised that she will not proceed on any charges against the Minister based on all that is before her. However, Minister

Dharamlall has advised that he will tender his resignation as the interest of the Government is important to him and he will not want anyone to bring the Government into disrepute,” President Ali said.

The Head of State further added that Dharamlall has also advised that these allegations have affected him personally and as such, he has offered to resign as Minister and as a Member of Parliament.

“I’ve, therefore, accepted his resignation as a Cabinet Member and a Member of Parliament. Nigel

Dharamlall has committed to me that he will continue to support and be a member of the People’s Progressive Party and also be supportive of the Government.”

The President has reminded that “as I said before, we have allowed the system to work. We have not intervened; from day one, we said we must trust the system.”

“Now that we have received the advice of the DPP, the Minister has asked to resign as Member of Cabinet and Member of Parliament and I’ve accepted that resignation,” the President reiterated.

Guyana’s overall economic future has changed drastically

Dear Editor, The perspective on Guyana’s overall economic future has changed drastically since the advent of the President Irfaan Ali-led Government.

The Coalition Government was bereft of ideas of managing the country, and demonstrated a proclivity to corruption, leading to a situation where Guyana’s economy was rapidly spiralling downward. The approach of the coalition Government for generating income for public coffers by increasing the taxation regime to unbearable and unsustainable levels was counter-productive to social development, especially with their penchant for borrowing unsustainably and spending on projects that

lack national importance. Guyana: 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; IMF report stated, inter alia:

“Despite slower-than-expected economic growth, fiscal revenue increased owing to improvements in tax administration and higher mining royalties.”

“Improvements in tax administration” did not take into consideration the ensuing social impacts on the overall economy as a result of reduced spending power and increase in prices, because businesses could only remain viable by offsetting their increased taxation burdens by increasing costs for goods and services to consumers.

Guyana’s learned Attorney

General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Anil Nandlall, often alludes to some of the many violations by the coalition Government that infracted the Constitution of Guyana and the prerequisites of international democratic norms and conventions, and he especially emphasises on the situation as it related to the corrupt practices of the coalition Government. One of the numerous infractions of our Constitution was made by then President Granger himself when it came to choosing a chairman for GECOM, with Granger rejecting three lists submitted by then Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo -as required by law -- on nebulous, contentious grounds, and unilaterally choosing

someone with open loyalties to the PNC, which precluded impartial resonances within GECOM deliberations and decisions. Mr. Nandlall was of the view that, “…the smallest child in this country can read and understand what Article 161 (2) of the Constitution says and what it means.” He further argued, “…simple words that we know from since nursery school, like O-R - or, and what it means, which have thrown this country into chaos….”

It is being openly touted that Guyana is the only country projected to record double-digit growth from this year on. The World Bank concludes that Guyana “is set to record real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 25.2 per

Secretary Blinken’s impending...

In terms of the theories outlined above, Antony J. Blinken clearly falls on the liberal side of things. He is keen on promoting democratic peace, and on strengthening intetrnational institutions that promote trade, investments, good governance, and human rights. If I may say so, Mr. Blinken is to the ‘left’ of President Biden on some of the geopolitical and human rights issues. Way back in the 1980s when Mr. Biden was deep in the Cold War mindset, a young Antony J. Blinken severely criticized US policy in Central America, South Africa, and even in Israel. Mr. Blinken was born to Jewish parents.

That said, and as noted by Jesús A. Rodríguez (Politico 01/11/2021) Blinken’s diplomacy is best characterized as “…a sober and moderate form of liberal interventionism.” More specifically, he takes seriously “…the importance of U.S. engagement in the world—especially harmonizing relations with adversaries and holding strongmen accountable—while also decrying more overt and ag-

gressive forms of American imperialism.” (Ibid). When Christian Phalange militiamen massacred hundreds of Palestinians at Sabra and Shatila (Beirut) in 1982, the then undergraduate student at Harvard wrote in the Crimson that “Israel is not, has never been, nor will ever be the irreproachable, perfectly moral state some of its supporters would like to see” ((https://www.politico.com/ news/magazine/2021/01/11/ tony-blinken-secretary-stateharvard-crimson-college-writing-new-republic-columnsworld-view-456699). He reportedly cried when he saw the killing of a young activist by the regime of Salvadorian dictator Roberto d’Aubuisson.

These points are important for Guyanese to ponder as we await the Secretary of State. His visit is in many ways a stamp of approval for the current stewardship of the PPP/C administration. It may also (though only inadvertently so) be seen as a thumbs-down for writers like GHK Lall who have spent so much time excoriating American Ambassador

Lynch, and Exxon executives, with special abuse for Mr. Routledge. These are unforgivable breaches of protocol and Secretary Blinken’s presence here may go some way in saying – Stop it!

In the context of WWI and WWII Kenneth Waltz

FROM PAGE 4

may have been correct that “Denmark does not matter.” In the current conjuncture, however, Guyana even as a small state, does matter. Welcome Secretary Blinken.

Sincerely, Dr

Randolph Persaud

cent this year, 21.2 per cent next year and 28.2 per cent in 2025.”

The Guyana Chronicle, in its April 22, 2023 edition, reported, “The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in its latest report, projected 37.2 per cent economic growth for this year. This is the case while other regions are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and recording low economic growth.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had reported, too, that Guyana is on course to record economic growth of 37.2 per cent by the end of this year.

“The IMF, in its latest publication, ‘the World Economic Outlook: A rocky

recovery’, reported that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth could be even higher next year, reaching 45.3 per cent.

“Recently, the World Bank projected that this year is going to be “substantially bleaker” for Latin American and the Caribbean region than it was last year, but Guyana is yet again expected to stand out among its counterparts with economic growth projected to hover above 20 per cent over the next three years.” Through prudent and brilliant fiscal management, Guyana is once again becoming “the only shining star of the Caribbean.”

Yours truly, Brian Azore

President Dr Irfaan Ali Nigel Dharamlall

Comparing and ordering decimals

When you compare whole numbers, you look at place value. To compare decimals, you will look at place value. Line up your decimals so that the decimal points are in a column. Then begin by looking at the column to the immediate right of the decimal point, the tenths place. As you arrange your numbers, work toward the right.

Example:

Place these decimals in order from least to greatest: .61, 0.21, .09, .22, .90, .091

Remember

When comparing numbers with decimals, always look at the whole numbers first. If two whole numbers are the same, then compare to the right of the decimal point.

Exercises:

Place these decimals in order from least to greatest:

BY SIR WALTER RALEIGH

If Cynthia be a queen, a princess, and supreme, Keep these among the rest, or say it was a dream, For those that like, expound, and those that loathe express Meanings according as their minds are moved more or less; For writing what thou art, or showing what thou were, Adds to the one disdain, to the other but despair, Thy mind of neither needs, in both seeing it exceeds.

WORD SEARCH

Better transport system needed to slash food import bill – incoming Caricom Chair

…urges revival of single domestic space, easier travel between Member States

Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, the incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), has echoed the urgings of President Dr Irfaan Ali that an effective transportation system must be seen as priority for slashing the regional food import bill.

The opening ceremony of Caricom’s Heads of Government meeting saw Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis handing over the regional chairmanship to his Dominican counterpart, Skerrit.

In his address, Skerrit spoke of the regional agricultural agenda and the importance of tackling all the hindrances to achieving the ‘25 by 2025’ target - hindrances such as non-tariff barriers, which hamper trade between countries.

“As we set ourselves new targets to ensure that we thrive in this ever-changing global environment, there are unfinished tasks that we must complete. The issues of free movement, non-tariff barriers to trade, reliable and affordable transportation are all fundamental to a truly integrated Caricom.”

“We must address our

minds and collective will to resolve some key issues. We have the opportunity on this historic occasion, and as we deliberate over the next few days, to take some decisions that can be truly transformative for our people, and which will shape the future of our community for the next 50 years,” Skerrit said.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has been vocal in advocating for a stronger regional transportation system to boost trade. Skerrit echoed these sentiments in his address. While Skerrit acknowledged that ear-

ly indications show the agriculture sector rising to meet the challenge, he added that a robust transportation system remains critical to slashing the regional food bill.

“Another of our processes which must be addressed, is that of regional travel. We are all very aware of the challenges of making air and sea transportation more efficient and affordable; but I dare say, it is for these insistent challenges, that our Region looks most to this Caricom Community for solutions. The movement of people

and goods are the backbone of a successful integration arrangement.”

“We have done all the studies, and the statistics point us to the favourable outcome of an effective transportation system. I accept that this is a challenge that requires investments which may not see an immediate return. It requires confidence, that the provision of such a service will boost commercial opportunities and encourage more intra-regional travel. Our drive to reduce our food import bill by 25 per cent

by 2025 depends in large measure on intra-regional transportation,” Skerrit also said.

The PM urged the revitalisation of the Single Domestic Space and concerted measures to make travel between member states as seamless as possible. According to him, the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), is already tried and tested and noted that the system “makes a nonsense of the continued use of ED forms.”

“My distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is time to make intra-regional travel a joy rather than a hassle. Sixteen years ago, we showed considerable commitment and political will to allow our people to move freely through 10 Member States. It worked then; it can work now,” Skerrit said.

Last month, President Ali had called for solutions in the regional transport and logistics sector. He had explained that in order to transform the Caribbean into a regional food hub, there must be a better network for the movement of goods.

As far back as in 2021, while addressing a Regional Sub-Committee on the Caricom

Single Market and Economy (CSME), President Ali had informed them that the Lead Head on Transport has been engaged with a view to developing specific recommendations to incentivise private sector interest and partnership in transport and logistics, in order to better serve the agri-food systems’ agenda.

He had explained that the Ministerial Taskforce had recognised transport and logistics as integral to the effective implementation of the Caricom agri-food systems agenda. According to him, there were options being explored.

It was also announced last year, during a joint press conference between President Ali and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, that the possibility of establishing a ferry between the two territories, to strengthen collaboration in several areas, specifically agriculture, was being explored.

Meanwhile, it was disclosed recently that Caricom is mulling the implementation of a fast ferry to boost intra-regional trade. The regional bloc also has its eyes set on a maritime policy. (G3)

The group picture of Caricom Heads of State

Firearm, ammunition found in abandoned rice bag

Police in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are currently looking for a man who abandoned a rice bag containing an illegal firearm and one round of matching ammunition.

The incident reportedly took place on Monday while several Police officers were conducting a mobile patrol at Lime Tree Backdam, Cuyuni River.

During their patrol, the officers noticed a man clutching a Karibee rice bag, with a metal object protruding from it. As they attempted to approach the man, he prompt-

ly dropped the bag and bolted into a clump of bushes.

Despite giving chase, the officers were unable to apprehend him. Subsequently, the Police retrieved the bag and upon inspection, a single-barrel shotgun and a 12-gauge cartridge were found.

As the investigation continues, Police said they are actively searching for the individual involved in the encounter.

This discovery comes just weeks after a 23-year-old man was found with a 12-guage shotgun and matching ammunition at Morawa Backdam.

Tightening…

…US relations

After schmoozing with the Caricom HoGs (Heads of Government, thank you!!) in the land of calypso and pan, Secretary of State Blinken’s gonna touch down in our dear mudland tomorrow. As we all know, the occasion was Caricom’s 50th Anniversary – since the foundational Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on July 4th 1973 right there in T&T!! Your Eyewitness doesn’t think it was a coincidence that July 4 was chosen. The Caribbean leaders obviously knew this was the date the Yanks declared independence from the Brits, who’d ruled all of us around that time. Well…not us and T&T, we came two decades later – but you get the idea!! Caricom was gonna also set us free!!

Anyhow, time has moved on – and a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. In 1973, we were in the heat of the Cold War. After selling us out on American paranoia about Jagan and the PPP, Burnham was dancing between the raindrops to show other former colonies –dubbed the Third World – that he was “progressive”. As his “progressive” domestic policies progressively drove us deeper into poverty and societal decay, our great migration to the US and Canada was building up a head of steam!! The US tolerated his election rigging because of the PPP bogeyman.

But here we are in 2023, and we’re seeing our SECOND American Secretary of State in three years!! This one barely staying home to wolf down his country’s traditional BBQ’d fare before flying down to our Caribbean – and NOT for our sun, sand and surf!! Our oil is greasing his path – but we shouldn’t forget that we’re also strategically of consequence, since, serendipitously, we’re also next door to the largest oil reserves on planet Earth!! That’s right, baby!! It’s not just our 13 billion barrels of the stuff that makes the world go round!

Well, it’s quite obvious that our Government has learnt its lesson well with a new Cold War brewing - between the US and China this time. With a visit to China coming up at the end of the month, President Ali sent a strong message on July 3 to President Biden: “As we continue to engage at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels on national and international issues of mutual interest and concern, my government remains committed to deepening cooperation with the US as our most strategic and valued partner.”

That’s right!! No hemming and hawing, like Cheddi did back in 1961: the US is “our most strategic and valued partner.” And you can bet your bottom dollar that, tomorrow, all the stops will be pulled out for Secretary Blinken!! Let’s never forget Sparta’s advice to the Melians: The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must!!

…Child protection controls

Maybe it’ll be locking the stable door after this horse has bolted, but as our experience with child sexual abuse has shown the world over, horses will continue to bolt, unless we tighten our systems. And, to our credit, we evidently did institute systems to deal with this sickening scourge.

Your Eyewitness feels that the penalty for convicted pedophiles ought to be mandatory castration – chemical or physical. Let the convict have his pick.

Then there’s the law that allows the victim of the alleged crime to request that charges not be pursued. The bottom line is that if a law’s been broken –statutory rape by a pedophile – then the system must prove innocence or guilt, and the perpetrator must be punished or freed based on evidence. The statements already given should be allowed to be presented, and the jury can decide on their probity or otherwise!!

Then, finally, there’s the vexed matter of state agencies investigating state officials. Shouldn’t there be an ombudsman to deal with complaints about their performance??

…alternatives to hegemonies

The BRICS grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is meeting this August, and Ethiopia has just applied to join them. They’re in line behind Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and Iran!! And counting!!

The gun that was found by Police in Lime Tree Backdam

GECOM records 34.9% voter turnout at LGE 2023

– only 188,800 of 540,000 eligible voters cast ballots

The local population’s participation in the Local Government Elections (LGE) continues to dwindle with each successive year. This year registered a further dip in the numbers when compared to when LGE was last held in 2018.

According to data released by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), less than 50 per cent of registered voters participated in the Local Government Elections this year. Specifically, 540,056 persons were eligible to vote but only 188,856, or 34.97 per cent actually turned out to cast their ballots.

The lowest turnout was seen in places like Good Success/Caledonia, where just 1818 of 8713 eligible voters voted. In the capital city, there were 122,892 registered voters but only 34,527 voted, representing 28.1 per cent.

In New Amsterdam,

there are 14,594 eligible voters but only 5495 voted, representing 37.65 per cent. In Linden, 28,675 residents were on the voters list but only 10,623 turned up at the polls, representing 37.05 per cent.

In Mahdia, there was a 42.5 per cent voter turnout, just 668 persons voted from a voter list of 1569.

Meanwhile, of the 8357 persons registered, only 3423 voted in Bartica, a 40.96 per cent turn out.

At the last Local Government Elections held on November 12, 2018, GECOM had reported just four days later on November 16 that there was a voter turnout of just 36 per cent of the elector -

ate. The data at the time indicated that out of 572,531 persons registered to vote, only 208,534 actually went out to cast their ballots. This 36 per cent in 2018 is compared to a 47 per cent voter turnout when LGE was held in 2016.

Both main political parties have spoken frankly on the expected low turnout. In his public comments on it, Vice President and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo had explained that the misconceptions of some persons regarding the importance of LGE could be a factor.

The low voter turnout at this year’s LGE is not limited to the civilian population. At a press conference on June 9 of this year, Deputy Chief Election Officer Aneal Giddings had reported that a 47 per cent turnout was recorded after the Disciplined Services

voted.

Registered voters under the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were 2684; whereby 1361 votes were cast or 50.71 per cent. For Guyana Police Force (GPF), some 5979 ranks were registered to vote, with 2717 votes cast, representing a 45.44 per cent turnout. With regard to the Guyana Prison Service, registered voters accounted for 430 officers with 239 votes cast or 55.58 per cent.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C has secured a landslide victory at the 2023 LGE, sweeping the majority of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) across the country. There were 13 LAAs in which no voting was done because the PPP/C was unchallenged by any party.

Results showed that the governing PPP/C won 62 of the LAAs outright and tied with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in four areas. However, since the PPP/C received the ma-

jority of votes cast, it is expected to assume the chairmanship.

Specifically, the PPP made major inroads in areas such as Georgetown (Region Four), Linden (Region 10), Mahdia (Region Eight) and New Amsterdam (Region Six) –by either increasing their votes or their seats on the councils.

The June 12 local government polls were monitored by some 227 observers from 11 observer groups including diplomatic missions in Guyana. A few days ago, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud had pointed out that most of the declarations of results were made statutorily and publicly, before midnight, on June 12.

He had also said that the declaration of the results for LGE 2023 from all 80 Local Authority Areas across the country was made within 36 hours of the close of the poll.

Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to visit Guyana on Friday

– to meet with top officials, scout investment opportunities

Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maninder Sidhu, who is currently in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government meeting, will travel to Guyana this week for a series of bilateral engagements.

The 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom is currently underway in Port-of-Spain. While there, he will meet with Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Amery Browne and Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds, to discuss furthering trade and investment and regional security.

In addition, Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu will attend a round-table networking event to learn about the opportunities and challenges for Canadian businesses in Trinidad and Tobago. When he arrives in Guyana, his visit will be a multi-faceted one.

“During his visit to Guyana, Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu will meet with Hugh Todd, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to strengthen the two countries’ collaboration on shared priorities, including energy transition and food security,” a statement said.

“The Parliamentary Secretary will also get a better understanding of Guyana’s economic situation and its opportunities for Canadian companies by meeting key political and

commercial stakeholders,” the statement further said.

It was further explained that Secretary Sidhu will have the chance to visit local projects that support migrants and early childhood development in Indigenous communities and that are funded by the Caribbean Regional Development Programme and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Canada and Guyana enjoy a close relationship built on more than 50 years of deep people-to-people ties, important trading connections, a long-standing collaboration aimed at advancing inclusive economic development and security partnership.

Guyana is one of Canada’s largest merchandise trading partners in Caricom. In 2022, the value of the bilateral merchandise trade totalled $294.1 million, with imports valued at $241.4 million and exports valued at $52.7 million.

Back in April 2022, when Canada’s Minister of International Trade,

Export Promotion, Small Business & Economic Development, Mary Ng visited Guyana, a number of steps were taken in strengthening the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Canada and Guyana were established

During that time, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to facilitate the transfer of Canadian technology and expertise to Guyana as the country invests in the infrastructure, information and communication technologies, aerospace, clean tech, and security sectors.

The MoU further established a framework under which the two countries can strengthen their economic and commercial relations that will see more Canadians doing business in Guyana and Guyanese businesses investing in Canada.

It was only in 2020 that the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, a

non-partisan institution promoting and facilitating investment and trade between Guyana and Canada,

and Guyana and other countries, was launched. Canada has long-standing ties with Caricom and

its members on a wide range of issues, including trade, security and defence, and governance.

Canadian Parliamentary Secretary Maninder Sidhu

A trickle of voters at the Providence Primary School during LGE 2023

Devindra Kissoon re-elected as AmCham President

The American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham) has announced the successful re-election of its President and Board of Directors during the organisation’s 5th Annual General Meeting held last Friday, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Since its establishment, the purpose of the Chamber has been to provide a network and support structure for US enterprises doing business in Guyana.

AmCham Guyana’s main success has revolved around creating a platform for its members to collabo-

rate, and explore potential partnerships. This has been facilitated through business network-

ing events, seminars, and workshops allowing USbased entities to connect with the local private and

public sectors.

Devindra Kissoon, who has been instrumental in driving this recent growth and development, was unanimously re-elected as the President of AmCham Guyana, for a second term.

The re-elected members of the Executive Committee include Iman Cummings, Shyam Nokta, and Eduardo Reple, who will serve as Vice Presidents, while Fitzroy McLeod has been re-elected to the position of Treasurer of the Chamber.

The re-election of the President and Board of Directors reflects the continued trust and confidence placed in the leadership of AmCham Guyana.

The re-elected Board of Directors set to serve from 2023-2025, represents a diverse blend of American and Guyanese business entities from all major industry sectors within the country.

These members include Adam Rahaman of InVentive Capital Logistics, Alex Mistri of HESS Guyana Exploration Ltd, Dallas Thomas of Praetorian Executive Protection Services, Earl Carribon of SOL Guyana Inc, Eduardo Reple of

Re-elected: Devindra Kissoon

Guyana Marriott Hotel, Eshwar Thakurdin of GTT, Fitzroy McLeod of National Milling Company of Guyana Inc, German Ernesto Consuegra Jaluba of Machinery Corporation of Guyana Inc, Iman Khan of Cummings Corum Restaurant Group Inc, Jon Charles Rhodes of Baker Hughes Guyana Inc, Melissa Varswyk of Georgetown American University, Navindra Thakur of Massy Distribution Guyana Inc, Paul James of Fix-It Hardware Black and Decker Inc, Phillip Rietema of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana, Rosh Khan of

Social Rank Media, Shyam Nokta of Environmental Management Consultants, Vahman Jurai of Halliburton Guyana Inc, and Valeri Khan of Queens Atlantic Investment Inc.

During the 5th Annual General Meeting, members of AmCham Guyana were provided with an overview of the organisation’s accomplishments over the past five years and its plans for future membership growth and service expansion. The meeting also served as a platform for members to engage in discussions, share ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities.

Dharamlall rape allegation…

DPP advises Police not to charge Minister after victim withdraws complaint

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Tuesday advised that there is no legal provision for the Police to proceed with a rape accusation filed against Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall by a 16-year-old girl.

The victim had, on Friday last, 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.

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

The release added that the file was returned to the DPP Chambers on Tuesday, based on advice for further investigations to be conducted. After mere hours, the file was returned to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum with the necessary advice.

The DPP, in her advice, stated that the victim’s decision to withdraw the complaint was not influenced by anyone, and that same was

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack

done in her best interest.

“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 related.

Exactly one week ago, the DPP had advised the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct further investigations into the allegation of rape against the Minister. Since the file was sent to the DPP on the first occasion, several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the Opposition had staged protests at her office for some form of urgency to

be placed on this particular matter. However, the DPP’s Chambers had responded that the file was being given due legal attention, while making it clear that constitutional functions are discharged in an impartial manner.

“This Police file in question is only one of thousands of Police files that the DPP’s Office receives from all stations in all 10 administrative regions of Guyana for legal attention. Files for persons in custody are given priority. The DPP’s Office will continue to carry out its constitutional functions in an impartial manner,” the DPP Office had said in its statement.

But ever since Friday, when the news broke that the teen did not want to proceed with the matter, the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) joined other organisations in calling for an independent investigation, since it believes the new development resulted from improper investigation and systemic emotional abuse by the authorities.

“Over the course of the investigation, we have noted reports of the denial of counsel to the child, and the Police treating her more like a suspect rather than a victim of

matter

a serious crime. The APA is also concerned about the role played by the Welfare Officers of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) in this whole investigation. It is clear, from the press reports, that the child’s interests were not adequately represented by those entrusted to protect her,” the Association noted.

As such, it has demanded an investigation into the conditions under which this child was being kept, and the Police’s conduct of the investigation. The APA has said it is dismayed at this conclusion, and awaits the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In the interim, the APA has also called on the Child Care and Protection Agency to provide answers to several questions, including whether Standard Operating

Procedures were employed in addressing the allegations.

In addition, the APA wants to know if the Guyana Police Force had followed standard operating procedures (SOPs) in dealing with allegations against the Minister, and whether or not there was any confrontation between the child and the accused.

In another missive to the press, it stated that “Since the allegations were made public, we have been appalled by reports of Police intimidation of the child’s family; of an attempt being made to bribe the family of the complainant; of the child being denied legal counsel; of the lack of impartial support for the child once she was placed in custody of the State; of the child being taken to the crime scene while Dharamlall was on the premises; and of the back-and-forth

of the case file between the Police and the DPP.”

Further, a group of leaders in several Indigenous communities penned “We are fearful that these allegations will not be fully investigated, and that the Indigenous child will be left to bear the trauma of not only the alleged vicious assault on her body, but also that of the brutal handling of this case by Guyana’s criminal justice system.

TURN TO PAGE 14

Nigel Dharamlall

– says no legal provision for Police to proceed with

15 teams to contest “Hackathon” 2023 for $1.5M in prizes

The Office of the Prime Minister’s Innovation Challenge “Hackathon” has returned this year with greater momentum, whereby 15 teams of tech-savvy youths will be contesting for the top prizes worth $1.5 million.

This year’s edition of the Innovation Challenge was organised through collaboration with SBM Offshore Guyana. The coding event will span three consecutive days, commencing on Friday.

Director of the Industry and Innovation Unit at OPM, Shahrukh Hussain noted during the launch on Tuesday that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has the potential to enable transformation in society and economy. The driving factor behind this initiative is to promote innovation.

Recognising that there are many youths with brilliant ideas, he stated that it is difficult to transform such into a viable income stream. Hussain indicat -

ed that it also provides an opportunity to identify talented individuals in this field.

“There are a lot of young people out there with great ideas but it has been challenging for them to convert those ideas into income generating operations. At the Innovation Challenge or Hackathon, it is the perfect avenue for them to tap into their creativity and creating new and sustainable solutions in the form of a workable software,” Hussain outlined.

Last year, five successful ideas were put into development – for each of which software was respectively created. These included applications for virtual tourism, environmental conservation, tracking deforestation using artificial intelligence, drainage and irrigation management and natural resources asset management.

He added, “We’re are hoping to have 15 workable software that can be used in some aspect in Guyana for its new digital transformation age that is approaching us…This event will help us to identify talented individuals especially youths who have the potential to be a success story in Guyana and this is why

to ICT and to put several measures in place to make sure that ICT becomes an integral part of our development in all levels…This approach is really about how do we bridge the digital divide and bring our citizenry on par with what is taking place in other parts of the world.”

In some ways, we are not exactly where we need to be as a country. But the will and the determination to move up and be at the levels that become the most admirable are being made by Government and the investments are being made by Government,” the Minister expressed.

Local content

According to Local Content Officer at SBM

were continuously pushing for private sector involvement. We want the young, talented Guyanese to be identified not only by the public sector but by the private sector.”

Meanwhile, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy underscored that connectivity and ICT development has been a major focus of his Administration. This included strides for improved infrastructure to improve connectivity, e-ID cards and the new ticketing system via cameras on new roadways among others.

“We did commit to Guyanese, to pay attention

Offshore Garri Fraser, innovation and local content is integral in the company’s operations – a goal that is being heavily propelled.

“Added to this is the opportunity to hone and nurture Guyanese skills in the technical areas, an aspect that SBM Offshore Guyana is committed to.

Local Content for SBM is very important and this is one of several initiatives that our company is utilising to provide Guyanese with the skills and knowledge that is needed in the oil and gas industry today,” Fraser highlighted.

The top three prizes are pegged at a combined value of $1.5 million.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy with several participants of the Innovation Challenge and other stakeholders Innovation Unit at OPM, Director Shahrukh Hussain giving an overview of the event

Guyana signs onto IDB’s "Amazonia Forever" project

Guyana is one of seven countries of the newly launched Amazonia Forever programme by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) - a holistic umbrella initiative that aims to scale up financing, share strategic knowledge for decision-makers, and enhance regional coordination to accelerate the sustainable, inclusive and resilient development of the region.

This announcement was made after a meeting between the IDB’s governors for Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname where a joint statement in support of the new programme was signed. According to a statement from the IDB, this was previously discussed during the Bank’s Annual Meeting in Panama.

Amazonia Forever will address the priority areas of local people; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the bioeconomy; infrastructure; sustainable cities; and connectivity. It will focus on promoting the inclusion of women, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants and local communities; climate and forest conservation; and strengthening institutional capacities and the rule of law.

According to IDB President, Ilan Goldfajn, “We must look carefully at all aspects of the Amazon region, with people and nature at the centre of our approach. There are multiple initiatives in support of the Amazon. And the IDB is the ideal conduit for donors and partners to coordinate efforts for the region. Increasing our collaboration and ambition is critical to maximising impact.”

“We are honoured to have the support of our governors, and we are ready to broaden our current work.

Amazonia Forever is an umbrella programme that welcomes all partners committed to the sustainable development of the Amazon region,” he added.

The programme will have a three-prong approach: platform to map financial resources; project preparation facility and a network of ministers of finance and planning.

The platform to map all existing financial resources dedicated to the

Minibus driver, conductor nabbed with ganja at Charity

Amazon from Amazon countries and other donors will be a tool which will facilitate new financing and help guide policy and investment decisions, the IDB noted.

“Amazonia Forever also seeks to create a project preparation facility to develop investment plans for Amazon territories and significantly scale up the IDB's $1 billion project pipeline already identified for the region in 2023. It also aims to enable and support initiatives led by other institutions, networks and alliances that can benefit from the IDB’s financial instruments, knowledge and regional mandate.”

The IDB governors also established a network of ministers of financing and planning and a technical group, that will oversee

Amazonia Forever’s progress and results on economic and financial matters, including scaling up financing, joint taxonomies and innovative financing instruments. These efforts aim to contribute to the Amazon countries’ resolutions at the Amazon Summit, to be held in Brazil in August.

The Amazon region is critical to ecosystems worldwide, providing 40 per cent of Latin America's

fresh water and regulating nutrient and hydrological cycles for the South American continent. Given the growing scientific consensus that the Amazon Basin is reaching an ecological “tipping point,” authorities have warned that there is an urgent need to act boldly by implementing a new development model.

The IDB has been working in the Amazon region since its creation in 1959, investing in sustainable

development and sustainable agriculture, education, urban development, social inclusion, and fiscal management, among other areas. Currently, the Bank maintains a multisectoral technical team in each Amazon country and has an Amazon Coordination Unit within its Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector, which is responsible for coordinating Amazonia Forever. (G12)

Aminibus driver and his conductor found themselves in hot water on Monday evening after a quantity of marijuana was found in their possession.

According to the Police, around 16:00h, officers on mobile patrol duties received information and intercepted a minibus bearing registration number BVV 9881 along the Charity Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Upon searching the vehicle, a black plastic bag con-

taining 512.5 grams of marijuana was found under the conductor's seat.

The driver, a 27-yearold from Charity Housing Scheme, who is also the owner of the minibus, and the conductor, a 30-year-old from Lima Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, were immediately informed of the offence and cautioned.

They were arrested and taken to the Charity Police Station where they remain in custody pending charges.

The ganja that was found by Police at Charity, Essequibo

DPP advises Police not...

Like many Indigenous women, girls, and boys within Guyana, her body was, and is, vulnerable to racial abuse and sexualising; which we cannot ignore, as it places her at risk, in the first place.”

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali had assured that he would respect the outcome of the investigation, and indicated that the fate of Dharamlall as a Government Minister would be determined at the appropriate time.

“As President, I have no choice but to stand behind the decisions of the institutions. The institutions are independent of the Executive. It’s not a matter of standing behind, it is a matter of respecting whatever outcome is there,” the Head of State told media

operatives.

“I am very strong on people’s rights and women and children; there is no compromise with that. I made it very clear from the inception that there is a procedure that has to be followed, and we have to trust our system. That system has commenced the investigation. I am not involved with that. The Minister proceeded on leave to allow that system to work. When the system completes its work, then subsequent decisions will be made,” President Ali added.

Minister Dharamlall is currently on administrative leave, following the allegation of rape which first surfaced on social media two weeks ago. The allegations

FROM PAGE 11

attracted the attention of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), who launched investigations into the matter.

The Police Force had confirmed that an investigation was launched; and, in fact, the sitting Minister had presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his lawyer, where he was arrested and placed on $1,000,000 bail as Police probed the matter.

The Minister had retained the services of Hughes, Fields & Stoby, which is Nigel Hughes’s law firm, to represent him in this matter. All the allegations have been denied, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes has indicated.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Guyana must take the bull by the horns and lead Caricom’s integration

For more than 80 years now, cricket has been our region’s flagship for integration. Even as the West Indian Federation failed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, cricket carried the flag of integration with distinction. It is ironic, therefore, that at a time when Caricom is poised for even more effective political and economic integration, cricket is failing us. Our disgraceful exit from the qualifying tournament for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India is a result of our cricketing administrators moving away from the integrated approach cricket had benefitted from for more than seven decades. Cricketing governance, for several years now, has been more insular than integrational.

Our flagship for integration long before political integration was born in the Caribbean now needs help to return to the days when cricket was the north star for Caribbean integration. Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, last week bemoaned the poor performance of the West Indies. Heads of states have a responsibility to rescue cricket. Guyana has an opportunity to take the lead. In a sense, it is our responsibility, because, for decades now, Guyanese cricketers have not had a fair chance because of the insular behaviour of administrators. The days when we stood by our best performers no longer exist. We urge President Ali to use his chance, when he takes over in January 2024 as the Chair of Caricom, to place cricket as one of the priorities of his six-month term. Cricket is not just a sport for us, it is a development issue. Caricom leaders would be abrogating their responsibilities if they continue to just express disappointment.

This week, many have asked whether we should merely observe or celebrate Caricom’s 50TH anniversary. The unequivocal answer is that there are many good reasons for us to celebrate. Not many persons back in 1973 thought that Carifta/Caricom would have survived for 50 years. But Caricom still has the opportunity to shine as an example of multi-country integration and cooperation. Caricom’s 50th is a momentous occasion, reason enough for the UN SecretaryGeneral, the US Secretary of State, and the Prime Minister of South Korea to attend the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting. For certain, the journey has been bumpy, but the vision for integration remains strong and healthy.

Naysayers in each of the member states will cite the many failures. The naysayers will scream that the number one reason for not celebrating the 50th anniversary is the abject failure of free movement in the member states. European citizens can travel freely without restrictions, with no visas required, between countries in Europe. The EU is, of course, the global best practice for multi-country integration. Caricom has harboured this ambition for decades now, and yet free movement of our citizens remains a distant possibility. Guyana allows citizens from Caricom to travel almost without visas. We still require visas from Haiti. Guyana must end the Caricom hypocrisy. The time has come for Guyana to take the bull by the horns and lead by example. We should unilaterally declare visa-free travel for Caricom citizens.

The number two failure is the snail-pace integration of the Region’s final court – the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Guyana is the first country to have adopted the CCJ as its final court. Guyana abolished dependency on the Privy Council. It is not just ironic that most Caricom countries deliberately prefer the Privy Council to the CCJ; it is obscene and hypocritical. For Trinidad and Tobago, where the CCJ is headquartered, and Jamaica to stubbornly depend on the Privy Council is patently a mockery of our struggles to be independent sovereign countries. While only a minority of Caricom countries presently utilize the CCJ as their final court, the jurists that constitute the CCJ have shown that they are second to none in the world. They have made our region proud. Guyana must be insistent that the CCJ must, sooner rather than later, be the final arbiter for legal matters for all Caricom countries. It will be a seal of our independence. Our President must make the call at every Heads-of-State meeting, and our AG should ensure that, at every Caricom meeting for AGs, this is a recurring theme.

While we have a minuscule chance to have a Caricom-wide currency, Caricom’s trade freedom appears to be even more a minuscule possibility. Guyana has a fishy problem – our sea catch is more than we can consume, and we need a market. Caricom imports expensive fish from North America, but refuses to look inwards to support its own. Guyana cannot export honey to Trinidad and Tobago. Our vegetables cannot find a place in supermarkets in Caricom. The reasons are flimsy, and are nothing short of non-tariff barriers. CROSQ, the regional regulatory authority, has not been able to establish common food standards to stop the ravages of tobacco, sugar, salt, and fats.

The naysayers will insist this column has provided fodder to support their argument that we must observe, and not celebrate, Caricom’s 50th anniversary. While acknowledging Caricom’s roadblocks along this five-decade journey, the successes have been many. CARPHA is a shining example of public health integration. We got together on more than one occasion to ensure the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and the Director of PAHO are Caribbean nationals. Hopefully, one day soon we will get together to ensure that the next Secretary General of the UN is a Caribbean national. PM Mia Mottley and VP Bharrat Jagdeo are prime candidates. We hope that President Ali will have the opportunity to make the nomination of one of these persons to be the next UN Secretary General.

Missing boat captain was allegedly murdered, several arrested

The results of a post-mortem examination on the body of missing boat captain Carl Subratie have led Police to arrest several persons as they probe the possibility that the man was murdered.

The body of Subratie, 61, of Palmer’s Point, Lower Mazaruni River, was discovered below Marshall’s Falls in the Lower Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), on June 29. Subratie had been missing since June 17.

An autopsy conducted on the body showed that he died from multiple injuries and not by drowning.

As such, Police have widened their investigations. This publication was reliably informed that several persons have been taken into custody in relation to the man’s death.

On June 17, Subratie had left his residence to transport a group of passengers to an interior location.

According to Sameena Subratie, the man’s daughter, her father had lived alone and worked as a boat captain for the past 27 years, primarily operating in various interior locations.

The family grew concerned on Father’s Day, the day after Subratie left home, when attempts to contact him on his mobile phone were unsuccessful. Despite

continuous calls being made until Monday morning, there was no response, prompting Sameena to reach out to her uncles to inform them of the situation.

Subsequently, the boat captain’s brothers visited the location where he had dropped off the passengers and were informed that he had indeed completed the task and had left the area to return home. Upon the brothers’ return home, they reported the matter to the Police. After several days of searching, the body was discovered.

The Police report not-

ed that the body was found face-down in the river and exhibited several bruises and lacerations. The report also indicated that the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

The body was subsequently taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where, after examination, a doctor officially pronounced the man dead. The man’s daughter subsequently expressed unease about her father’s death, stating that although her father’s body was found, his boat remains unaccounted for, which she found suspicious.

Contrary to the Police report, she also claimed that her father’s body was not significantly decomposed and displayed what appeared to be chop wounds.

Speaking with Guyana Times under the condition of anonymity, a family member expressed concerns regarding the case, unsure if they will ever get closure.

“We knew that this was a murder because his boat was not found, and he was not decomposed like someone who would be in the water for 13 days. Also, we were told by the doctor who did the post-mortem that the multiple injuries on his body look like he was tortured for days…”

“Also, he [the doctor] said that he only died about three to four days before we found his body, which means that nine days before he was found, he was alive and maybe held hostage where he might have been tortured. We know about five persons were arrested, but maybe more could be involved. We are angry about this,” the relative expressed.

As such, the family is calling on those in higher authority to work assiduously to uncover the mystery behind the man’s disappearance, and subsequently, his death. (La’Wanda

McAllister)

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Dead: Boat captain Carl Subratie

China praises Guyana for food security leadership within Caricom

– as Pres Ali makes agricultural presentation during Heads of Govt meeting

President Dr Irfaan

Ali on Monday held discussions with China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying, during which the President assured the diplomat that China remains a long-term strategic partner, and Guyana came in for high praise on its leadership in food security.

The discussions were held on the sidelines of the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) 45th Regular Heads of Government meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

According to a statement from the Office of the President, during the talks, the Chinese official congratulated President Ali on Guyana's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Last month, the news emerged that Guyana was voted in as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2024-2025. The UNSC is one of six main organs established by the United Nations Charter. The council is given primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Also discussed during their meeting was the dy-

during discussions with China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs,

namic lead role Guyana has taken on, when it comes to spearheading the country and Region's food security drive. This is even as Guyana currently chairs the Caricom Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security, through Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. As such, Guyana has been spearheading efforts to slash Caricom’s US$5 billion food importation bill.

“She also lauded Guyana's climate mitigation efforts. President Ali said China remains a long-term strategic partner of Guyana and is active in the development thrust of the country. The Head of State is expected to make an official State Visit to China at the

end of July,” the Office of the President said.

Presentation

Meanwhile, President Ali as the Lead Head of Government for agriculture in Caricom, on Tuesday made a presentation at the plenary session of the 45th Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in Port of Spain.

The presentation was themed, “Advancing the Caricom Agri-Food System Agenda – Prioritising Regional Food and Nutrition Security”. Also provided was an update on the progress made towards regional food security.

Among the accomplishments is the cultivation of

1284 acres of corn which was cultivated for the 1st crop and 1000 acres of soya bean, which were all planted in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, Guyana constructed 25 shade houses during the first quarter and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was developed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), with the two countries agreeing to work with each other in eradicating trade non-tariff barriers, as well as in the areas of infrastructure development and transportation.

The signed copies of the MoU were exchanged at State House between Foreign Ministers Hugh Todd and Dr Amery Browne of T&T, while President Dr Irfaan Ali and Trinidadian Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley bore witness to the occasion.

Among the resolutions contained in the MoU, is for the two parties to work assiduously on the removal of barriers to the trade of agricultural products throughout the Region. This includes phytosanitary standards.

According to the MoU,

“the Parties agree to work with each other in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture and food security, security, energy, and infrastructure, and other areas as may be determined, with the aim of developing a strategic cooperation partner for the mutual benefit of their respective countries and the wider Caribbean Community.”

It went on to state that non-tariff barriers and “other impediments to the flow of goods and services between them”, as well as promoting cooperation in the areas of sports, culture, tourism and education, will be pursued under the MoU.

It was also announced that a high-level bilateral commission would be established to overlook the implementation of the agreement. The commission will include high-level members of the Government and private sector. (G-3)

Georgetown Toastmasters’ Club welcomes new executives

The Georgetown Toastmasters Club – emerging from the largest public speaking body in the world, Toastmasters International – has installed their new executive for the 2023-2024 term.

Serving on this executive team will be President Dulce Thomas, Vice President Education Tamica Noel, Vice President Membership Kerisha Beete, Vice President Public Relations Milton Grannum, Secretary Erika Farley, Treasurer Juel Isaacs, and Sergeantat-Arms Daniel Collymore.

Toastmasters International dates back to 1924 when it was created by Ralph C Smedley, Education Director of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Santa Ana, California, United States (US), to give young men a chance to become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders.

Since its inception, it has grown to over 280,000 members within over 14,000 clubs from 144 countries across the world, further advancing with the inclusion of women serving in the organ-

isation.

The Georgetown Toastmasters Club, claimed to be the mother club of all other toastmasters’ clubs in Guyana, was founded by Derek Adamson, who had been a member of a toastmasters’ club in Quebec during his five-year sojourn in Canada.

The first official meeting was held on March 18, 1959 at Woodbine Hotel, Georgetown, and on June 26, 1959, the club received its charter from Toastmasters International.

The club has the mandate to help members work on self-development, leader-

ship capacity, and developing better thinking, listening, and speaking skills.

Members benefit from the Pathways programme, an interactive and flexible education programme which serves as a theoretical guide in strengthening their communication and leadership skills.

They are further supported by a mentor who is assigned to every toastmaster to help garner the skills they are seeking to develop or unveil. The opportunity to practice comes during every meeting either by prepared speeches or impromptu speaking.

Toastmaster President Dulce Thomas, Immediate Past President Bernard Wilburg, Vice President (Public Relations) Milton Grannum, Vice President (Education) Tamica Noel, Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Collymoore, Vice President (Membership) Kerisha Beete, Treasurer Juel Isaacs and Secretary Erika Farley

Immediate Past President Bernard Wilburg handing over the Baton to current President Dulce Thomas

President Dr Irfaan Ali and team

Hua Chunying (right)

Guyana’s EITI suspension lifted after submitting report

Five months after Guyana was suspended for failing to submit a report that dealt with transparency in the extractive sector before the deadline, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board lifted Guyana’s suspension from the organisation.

The EITI Board had temporarily suspended Guyana on February 1, 2023, for failing to publish its 2020 report on transparency and accountability in the local extractive industry by the December 31, 2022 deadline.

But at the time, it was noted that in accordance with the EITI Standard, it was agreed that the suspension would be lifted if the EITI Board is satisfied that the outstanding report was published within six months of the deadline.

The Secretariat has since confirmed that Guyana published its 2020 EITI Report

on June 30, 2023. As such, the condition for lifting the suspension has been met. In a statement on this development on Tuesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the Government remains confident that all systems will remain in place to ensure that Guyana is not placed in a similar position in the future.

“The Government of Guyana is pleased that the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board lifted a temporary suspension on Guyana, which it had put in place on February 1, 2023, due to the country’s inability to publish its 2020 EITI Report.”

“Guyana published the report on June 30 within

five months of the six-month deadline. The Government remains confident that all systems will remain in place to ensure that Guyana is not placed in a similar position in the future,” the Government said in its statement.

In February, after it was revealed that Guyana was given an extension for the final submission of the report, President Ali had said that he will ensure that this time around the report is submitted in advance of the new May 2023 deadline.

He had also revealed that there may have been deliberate attempts to sabotage the submission of the report, at the level of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) of the EITI,

6th “Epic Savannah Drive” attracts 500 participants

The sixth “Epic Savannah Drive” was a success with more than 500 participants this year benefiting from the ultimate off-road experience in the Hilly Sand and Clay Region of Guyana.

The activity saw more than 40 off-road vehicles taking to the savannah aback of the LindenSoesdyke Highway.

From the wee hours of Sunday, July 2, off-roaders assembled their vehicles at Savannah Drive Headquarters in Yarrowkabra, to get registered and test their vehicles on the obstacle course there.

Dane Clementson, a regular participant of Savannah Drive, said, “You know people who like off-roading, venture out in our own community. We are all Guyanese, and 95.5 per cent of us have never been into the savannahs. It’s not the first time for me, but it gives people the opportunity to explore the little savannahs that we have just a few miles out of Georgetown, and I think it’s going to keep growing year

Some of the action on Sunday

after year.”

“It’s a nice outdoor sport you know, because this is the sixth one,” said Edward Luke King, another participant.

He noted that the group planned to register 12 Land Rovers for the next drive which will be held at a date still to be announced.

“We came up with the Land Rover today; there are three Land Rovers. We just came to have fun and enjoy the off-roading,” he said. There was emergency medical support provided by New Vision Labs Inc, a sponsor of the event. They were also on hand to pro-

which delayed approval of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the consultant hired to complete the report.

The EITI is an international body that requires implementing countries to publish comprehensive reports which include the full disclosure of Government revenues from the extractive sector, as well as the disclosure of all material payments made to the Government by companies operating in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Guyana’s first report was submitted to the International Secretariat on April 25, 2019. Membership in the EITI means that Guyana will have to adhere to the 12 principles of the EITI standards voluntarily.

These 12 principles include encouraging corporate social responsibility, sharing of information, revealing ben-

eficial ownership, and promoting revenue transparency. Failure to do so could be met by suspension from the EITI. Guyana’s next validation commences on April 1, 2024.

The EITI had previously allocated Guyana a score of 52 for implementing the 2019 standard, commending Guyana for the strides taken to make information available and consult with stakeholders, while also providing recommendations to further strengthen the system.

Guyana’s score of 52 included a score of 42 on “outcomes and impact”, 60 on “stakeholder engagement” and 53.5 per cent when it comes to transparency. According to EITI, Guyana did manage to establish a functioning platform for multi-stakeholder discussions.

Back in 2021, a 12-mem-

ber MSG was appointed. Those appointees included Exxon and Repsol reps Jesus Bronchalo and Ryan Ramjit, as well as Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) representative Andron Alphonso and Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) representative Rafeek Khan.

The Government’s four appointees were Sonya Roopnauth, Hema Khan, Vanelda Harris, and Michael Munroe. The appointees from civil society included Nicholas Fredericks, Larry Carryl, and Gomin Camacho.

Outspoken activist Vanda Radzik, who has brought court cases against projects ranging from the gas-to-energy project to a radioactive storage facility in Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was another civil society appointee. (G-3)

Police seeking public’s help to identify body found in Sophia trench

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the body of a man that was found in a trench in the vicinity of B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

According to information provided on Tuesday, the male is of East Indian descent. He was discovered on June 30, 2023, at about 10:00h, lying in a trench located at the intersection of Dennis Street and B Field Sophia, Greater

Georgetown.

The body was clad in a black and white striped jersey and long khaki pants.

His head was wrapped with surgical bandage.

The Police, in its initial reports, recounted that Emergency Medical Technicians were deployed to the scene after they were alerted of the body. Additionally, they managed to obtain CCTV footage from the area. A post-mortem examination was expected to be conducted.

Since then, several persons have been questioned in connection with the man’s death. (G12)

vide emergency medical services if the need arose. However, the day was without incident.

Meanwhile, Shane D’Andrade, owner of Savannah Drive Guyana and Coordinator of the Epic Savannah Drive, dubbed the event a success.

“Everything went pretty well. It had a very good turnout. The weather was very fair to us. The savannah was just perfect with a little water, a little sand, a little mud, and everything was just perfect,” he said.

He expressed that the drive provides an opportunity for persons to explore the savannahs and also bring economic benefit to the communities that participants venture into during the drive.

D’Andrade noted that because of the demand, participation had to be limited. However, there are several drives promoted throughout the year that provide the opportunity for persons to have the off-roading experience.

He said Guyana has a lot to offer that makes it a great tourism destination.

Freak storm destroys several houses in Reg 5

Sections of Guyana, on Monday evening, experienced windstorms that resulted in several houses in Region Five villages being devastated and occupants having to contend with major losses.

At Trafalgar popularly called Number 28 Village in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), residents say there was a rainstorm powered by lightning and thunder on Monday night. Several houses lost parts of their roofs. One building was blown off of its posts and there are reports of damage to crops.

Some residents reported that livestock died when their pens were blown down.

At around 23:00h, residents of the village say, the power went off. Many did not realise the damages until daylight.

Fiona Messiah, a teacher who lives with her seven-

month-old baby, said she was forced to run to safety.

“A little bit after 8 o’clock, the rain came down very heavy with lightning and thunder and I got scared, so we decided to come out of the house. I did not know that all of this would have happened. So, we just came out of the house and I went over to my aunt’s house and spent the night,” she explained.

On Tuesday morning the

22-year-old teacher discovered that the roof and sections of the wall of her newly constructed home were on the ground. She estimated her losses to be in excess of $1 million.

“When I came outside and saw this I was very shocked and traumatised to see that something that I built as recently – I put all my efforts into. When I saw the roof, I was saying that maybe the

Harris Paints gives “Fresh Start” training for prison inmates

Thirteen inmates were trained on Harris Troweltex Textured Finish application at Lusignan Prison’s Vocational Training School as Harris Paints Guyana collaborated with the Guyana Prison Service and Str8edge Superior Painting to develop finishing skills in the construction industry.

This training programme took place under the Home Affairs Ministry’s “Fresh Start” initiative which aims to reduce recidivism, provide skills to improve inmates’ future employment prospects, and help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.

Participating alongside the inmates were three officers and Prison Trading Instructor Norvan Amsterdam.

This training included technical information, notes on preparation and handson practice applying the finish with a float and trowel to create its unique texture.

As the stone-render style textured finish continues to grow in popularity in Guyana for both interior and exterior finishes, Harris Paints’ Retail Services Manager Nigel Dodson noted that the sales of Harris’ Troweltex have increased significantly thus leading to a need for more skilled applicators.

“There is a bit more to it than traditional painting but, from a construction perspective it has several benefits: it is mainly used as a one coat system so is relatively quick to apply; it can easily cover imperfections in the underlying wall surface; it has a very sophisticated aesthetic and adds to the overall strength of the building,” Dodson said.

Harris Paints, which has

been a major supplier of paints in Guyana for over 30 years, also makes an elastomeric version of this finish specially designed to coat concrete panel construction that allows for slight movements of the building without cracking.

Dodson thanked Harris Paints trainers Garfield Manasseh and Mohamed Rahim, the Harris trainers, and Str8edge Superior Painting’s texture finish application expert Vinroy Johnson for their participation in leading the event.

He noted that it was a great pleasure to be able to contribute to this construc-

men that did my roof did not do a good job but when I came closer and checked, the concrete walls were down. It means that when they bolt the wood into the concrete for the roof, the storm came and lift everything up and throws the roof off.”

The contents of the house were also damaged. “I have my fridge, I have my chair set, I have my wardrobe with our clothes and everything...”

Up to Tuesday afternoon, power had not been restored for her to see if electrical appliances were still in working order.

Meanwhile, as several families experienced a sleepless night as the rain poured into their homes, another resident, Lakeisha Bristol, said she was in bed when two zinc sheets from the room she was in were ripped off. The family of seven was eventually forced to converge in one room until the storm was over.

“All I hear was ‘blah dam’ and the rain started coming in and when I raised my head, I noticed that two zinc sheets from the roof come off and I came outside. The breeze starts pushing open all of the doors. In the other room, two other zinc sheets blow off. We had to come downstairs and stay in the

back room because the water started to drop from upstairs by it was coming into the bedroom upstairs.”

One of the worst affected residents was Ayeshea Daniels-Kippins, who was not at home at the time. The woman said she was on her way home amid the heavy rains when she saw the power go out and took a detour and went to her mother’s home, where she spent the night.

“Like 11 o’clock last night, I was walking down the street when the lights go off. It was very stormy with lightning and thunder. The rain was very heavy and every car alarm went off as tight and you were hearing the zinc rattling but I did not know

what was going on. I did not know that there was a storm – I thought it was just normal lightning and thunder. It was really dark,” she said pointing out that there was no electrical power to the community.

“When I came down this morning saw my house on the ground and with everything inside.”

Daniels-Kippins, who lives with her two grandchildren, said she was advised not to go close to the building for her own safety but this will affect her getting her personal belongings and those of her grandchildren.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) along with Regional Authorities are accessing the situation.

USAID-funded Youth ALLIES programme offers virtual leadership training for 1st time

Selected Guyanese youth interested in building their leadership skills and learning about democracy and the Government will soon benefit from virtual training sessions under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Youth ALLIES programme.

Last year, USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC) collaborated with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Guyana team to launch the Youth Advocacy, Linkages, Leadership in Elections and Society (Youth ALLIES) Programme.

tive approach to reducing recidivism and strengthening communities.

Since its launch last year, the “Fresh Start” initiative has amassed significant achievements, with the Prison Service previously reporting a drop in recidivism rates in the country from 13 per cent in 2021 to 10 per cent in 2022.

Over the year, a number of inmates have engaged in various training exercises and received tools and equipment to earn a sustainable income in fields including tailoring, carpentry, landscaping, and cosmetology.

This programme aims to empower young people across the country with the skills and knowledge they need to strengthen their participation in problem-solving at the community level and increase their participation in political life.

Thus far, there have been about ten training sessions held across Guyana on different aspects of leadership and civic education, allowing participants to learn about teamwork, public speaking, self-confidence, citizen rights and responsibilities, problem-solving, personal action planning, and Government.

Come July, Guyanese youths have yet another opportunity to partake in these sessions, this time virtually, thereby catering for those unable to join in person. This six-week programme, open to persons between the ages of 18 and 29, will see participants meeting once a week for three hours on Zoom. This interactive programme will take the form of group work, games, presentations, trivia and personal reflections.

IFES Guyana Country Director Meredith Applegate noted that these sessions will be facilitated by a diverse group of non-partisan youth leaders in Guyana who have been trained to hold engaging and educational sessions.

“Youth in Guyana have such great ideas, potential, and passion for their communities. We hope that training like this allows young people the opportunity to build skills that will make them better able to accomplish their plans, be role models, and be positive in-

fluences for their communities,” Applegate said.

As trained Youth ALLIES, participants will then be given the opportunity to apply for funding through a Community Action Initiative to tackle specific issues within their communities.

While the deadline for applications for these upcoming sessions closed on Friday, Applegate explained that IFES Guyana remains interested in youths who want to partake in future training and for those who reach out, the organisation keeps a list to notify them of the next available opportunity.

The Youth ALLIES programme had most recently engaged youths ahead of the Local Government Elections (LGE) in a voter education programme.

In anticipation of the elections held on June 12, the voter education programme engaged young Guyanese for three months in educational games, mock ballot exercises and raffle draws.

Inmates being trained in Harris’ Troweltex Textured Finish application

The house Ayeshea Daniels-Kippins once lived in with her grandchildren

Sections of teacher Fiona Messiah’s house without a roof

Around The World OIL NEWS

Rash of mass shootings kills 10 in US ahead of July 4 holiday

Oil prices rise 2% as market weighs supply cuts against economic outlook

Oil prices climbed 2% on Tuesday as markets weighed August supply cuts by top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia against a weak global economic outlook.

Saudi Arabia on Monday said it would extend its voluntary output cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) to August while Russia and Algeria volunteered to lower their August output and export levels by 500,000 bpd and 20,000 bpd, respectively.

If fully implemented, that would bring a combined reduction of 5.36 million bpd from August 2022 - possibly even more because several countries in the OPEC+ producer group are unable to fulfil their output quotas, said PVM analyst Tamas Varga.

The total cuts now stand at more than 5 million bpd, or 5% of global oil output.

On Tuesday, Brent crude futures settled up US$1.60 at US$76.25 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude was trading US$1.44 higher at US$71.23.

“Clearly, the Saudis are taking proactive and pre-emptive steps to stabilise the price of crude oil as well as see gains to reach US$80 a barrel to sustain their domestic budgets,” said Andrew Lipow, president of Houston-based Lipow Oil Associates.

Even so, the market will wait to verify Russia’s announced cuts, and concerns continue that high interest rates will weigh on global demand, Lipow said.

Oil benchmarks settled about 1% down in the previous session, as a gloomy macroeconomic outlook served to erase early gains.

US markets were closed on Tuesday for the Independence Day holiday.

Little has changed in oil dynamics despite Monday’s announcements, said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam. “Only a significant break above US$77 will suggest something has changed, otherwise range-bound trade could well continue.”

Business surveys have shown a slump in global factory activity because of sluggish demand in China and Europe, and US manufacturing also fell further in June to levels last registered in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This broader uncertainty is likely to overshadow OPEC+ efforts to tighten supply, some analysts said.

Even before the latest cut announcements, International Energy Agency (IEA) data suggested the oil market was set to show a supply deficit of roughly 2 million bpd in the third and fourth quarters, Commerzbank analysts said.

Oil prices did not jump significantly on the news, largely because of demand concerns over China’s sluggish economic recovery after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Meanwhile, interest rates in the US and Europe are expected to rise further to address persistently high inflation, the analysts said. (Reuters)

World registers hottest day ever recorded on July 3

Monday, July 3, was the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to data from the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction.

The average global temperature reached 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 Fahrenheit), surpassing the August 2016 record of 16.92C (62.46F) as heatwaves sizzled around the world.

The southern US has been suffering under an intense heat dome in recent weeks. In China, an enduring heatwave continued, with temperatures above 35C (95F). North Africa has seen temperatures near 50C (122F).

And even Antarctica, currently in its winter, registered anomalously high temperatures. Ukraine’s Vernadsky Research Base in the white continent’s Argentine Islands

Mass shootings in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Fort Worth, Texas, claimed the lives of 10 people ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, officials said, a grim reminder of the decades-long failure to curb gun-fuelled violence in the United States.

In Fort Worth, three people were killed and eight wounded in a mass shooting following a local festival, police said on Tuesday.

In a separate mass shooting incident in Philadelphia on Monday evening, five people were killed and two were injured when a suspect in a bullet-proof vest opened fire on apparent strangers, according to local Police. A toddler and a teenager were among the wounded.

The Monday night shoot-

ings came a day after two people were shot dead and 28 others injured, about half of them children, in a hail of gunfire at an outdoor neighbourhood block party in Baltimore.

US President Joe Biden condemned the violence and renewed his calls to tighten America’s lax gun laws.

“Our nation has once again endured a wave of tragic and senseless shootings,” the President said in a statement released on Tuesday. Biden called on Republican lawmakers “to come to the table on meaningful, commonsense reforms.”

Republicans in Congress have generally blocked attempts to significantly reform gun safety laws and oppose Biden’s push to reinstate a ban on assault weap-

ons.

The motives in all three recent shootings were not immediately clear.

There have been over 340 mass shootings so far in 2023 in the country, ac-

cording to data collected by the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine reports "particularly fruitful" few days in counteroffensive

AUkrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces has been “particularly fruitful” in the past few days and Ukraine’s troops are fulfilling their main tasks, a senior security official said on Tuesday.

The comments by Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, were Kyiv’s latest positive assessment of the month-old counterattack although Moscow has not acknowledged Ukraine’s gains.

Russia, which began its full-scale invasion in February 2022, still holds swathes of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine but Ukrainian President

Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday his troops had made progress after a “difficult” week.

Valeriy Shershen, spokesperson for the Tavria, or southern, military command, said Ukrainian troops had advanced by up to two km (1.2 miles) in the Berdiansk direction of southern Ukraine, despite fierce Russian resistance.

On Monday, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said fighting had surged around the eastern city of Bakhmut, captured by Russian forces in May. She said the Ukrainian military had taken back 37.4 square kilometres (14.4 square miles) of territory overall in heavy fighting in the past week.

Military spokesperson Andriy Kovalev said on Tuesday Ukraine was continuing to put pressure on Russian forces north and south of Bakhmut, and had enjoyed “partial success” in heavy combat.

He said the Ukrainian military was managing to hold back an attempted advance by Russian forces in the Lyman, Avdiivka and Marinka directions in eastern Ukraine. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Taliban order Afghanistan’s hair and beauty salons to shut

recently broke its July temperature record with 8.7C (47.6F).

“This is not a milestone we should be celebrating,” said climate scientist Friederike Otto of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment at Britain’s Imperial College London.

“It’s a death sentence for people and ecosystems.”

Scientists said climate change, combined with an emerging El Nino pattern, were to blame.

“Unfortunately, it promises to only be the first in a series of new records set this year as increasing emissions of [carbon dioxide] and greenhouse gases coupled with a growing El Nino event push temperatures to new highs,” said Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, in a statement. (Reuters)

The Taliban have ordered hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan to shut in the latest restriction faced by women.

A Vice and Virtue Ministry spokesman told the BBC businesses had one month to comply, starting from July 2 when they were first informed of the move.

Women’s freedoms have steadily shrunk since the Taliban seized power in 2021.

They have barred teenage girls and women from classrooms, gyms and parks, and most recently even banned them from working for the United Nations.

The Taliban have also decreed that women should

Beauty salons in Afghanistan have one month to shut shop

be dressed in a way that only reveals their eyes, and must be accompanied by a male relative if they are travelling more than 72km (48 miles).

The restrictions have continued despite interna-

tional condemnation and protests by women as well as activists speaking up on their behalf.

Shutting beauty salons was part of a wide range of measure imposed by the Taliban when they

were last in power between 1996 and 2001. But they reopened in the years after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Reacting to the new closure, an Afghan woman speaking anonymously told the BBC: “The Taliban are taking away the most basic human rights from Afghan women.

“They are violating women’s rights. By this decision, they are now depriving women from serving another women. When I heard the news, I was completely shocked.

“It seems the Taliban do not have any political plan other than focusing on women’s bodies. They are trying to eliminate women at every level of public life.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Police Officers work at the scene as investigations are ongoing the day after a mass shooting in the Kingsessing section of southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, July 4, 2023

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Do something you enjoy. Take care of your health or physical needs. Refuse to let anyone play games with you or challenge you to a debate or no-win situation. Get things done!

(March 21-April 19)

What others do will show you who they are and what they want. An unexpected change will leave you in a vulnerable position. Don’t get involved in events or activities you can’t afford.

(April 20-May 20)

isten, evaluate and fact-check before you make a move. Show some discipline; it will help you avoid ending up in a vulnerable position. Spend time taking care of yourself.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Impulsive spending won’t solve your problems. Do your best to simplify your life and stick to people who offer encouragement and common sense. Experience is an excellent teacher. Don’t make the same mistake twice.

Simplify your life. Channel your energy into personal growth, increasing your savings and maximizing how you can use your skills to reflect trends. It’s up to you to make a big impression.

Communication, education and quality people will be crucial. Don’t shy away from someone different from you; together, you can contribute to each other’s success. Mix business with pleasure.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Offer a cause a helping hand rather than a cash donation. Take a unique approach to work and money and how you invest your time, and you’ll discover how you can come out ahead.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Listen, communicate and sort through any differences you have with a friend, relative or colleague. Take better care of your reputation and health. Overindulgence will take its toll on your bank account and your body.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Save for what you want instead of going into debt. Peace of mind will impact your health and reputation. Be good to yourself and channel your energy into personal gain.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Discuss your thoughts and intentions before pulling out your credit card. Get input from loved ones before taking a potential risk. Don’t let your emotions override your discipline.

Be observant and outsmart whoever tries to exploit you. A snap decision will lead to regret. Don’t buy into the hype; instead, focus on personal growth. Nurture meaningful relationships.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Keep your money and possessions safe. Investigate something interesting, and you’ll discover how to use your attributes to gain ground. Learn all you can and believe in yourself.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Beaten in their own backyard…

Scotland send Zimbabwe packing

For the second time in two Qualifiers, Zimbabwe have fallen short at the final hurdle; and as a result, they won't be at the 2023 World Cup. They needed to win one of their last two matches, just as in 2018, and they failed to do so, just as in 2018.

It's a fascinating quirk of sport that hindsight can completely colour the view of an event. When Scotland were being strangled by Zimbabwe's bowlers throughout their innings, barely managing to keep their run rate at above four an over, it looked like Zimbabwe had by far the better of the proceedings.

When Scotland somehow clawed together a total of 234, courtesy of a burst of 54 runs in the last five overs, it looked like they had got up to a fighting total, but not one that would realistically trouble an in-form Zimbabwe batting line-up littered with experience - especially in front of a home crowd that has been electric all tournament.

But when Chris Sole's express pace sent Joylord Gumbie, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams packing inside the first seven oversthe first caught behind, the other two clean bowled - that innings-long strangle began to take on a different sheen, one of steely resolve instead. And when all was said and done, it was Zimbabwe that blinked first, falling 31 runs short, as Scotland knocked them out in dramatic fashion.

If ever there was a team victory, this was it. Before Sole's heroics, there were no less than six batters pitching

in for 20 runs at least, on a sticky surface in Bulawayo, of which Michael Leask was the pick of the bunch with a 34-ball 48. Of the six batters who passed 20, Leask aside, only Brandon McMullen (34 off 34) and Mark Watt (21 off 15) scored at even a 70-plus strike rate. But they ensured that Scotland ticked off the most important box on surfaces like this: they batted through their 50 overs.

Then, with the ball, every one of the six bowlers used picked up at least one wicket, driving home the team ethos. Together they weathered a Ryan Burlled counterattack which included fifth- and sixth-wicket stands of 54 and 73, with Sikandar Raza and Wesley Madhevere - both partnerships ticking along at nearly a run a ball. The required rate throughout all this was just a touch above four. The pressure was on the Scottish bowlers, but they never lost

hope, knowing that a wicket would change the game's complexion. And so it proved.

In an innings filled with wickets falling to good balls, Raza holing out at long-off would go down as an unforced error. It was at this moment that Scotland may have begun to believe. But then Madhevere - a player who hadn't played an innings of note all tournament - strung together the game's biggest partnership with Burl, as the pair found the odd boundary and milked the ones and twos.

Enter Mark Watt, who had earlier stitched together 21 from 34, and he got one to grip and turn, trapping Madhevere in front to grab his only wicket of the game.

This left Burl with just the tail for company. Burl soldiered on to a career best 83 off 84, but it wasn’t enough. With 38 needed off the last 11.3 overs, and with only two wickets remaining, he mistimed a slog-sweep

9 to represent Guyana at World Scout Jamboree in South Korea

The Scout Association of Guyana will be represented at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, South Korea, by a contingent of nine (9) Scouts and one (1) leader.

The theme for this year’s Jamboree is “Draw Your Dream”, and up to 50,000 participants are set to attend and be encour aged to bring dreams to re ality.

World Scout Jamborees are held every 4 years, and scouts from all over the world gather in a country to meet, socialise, and work on

many activities that would

to midwicket, having dispatched the previous two deliveries for four and six. In a game with so much on the line, such heartbreaks were inevitable.

None more so than for Williams, the standout player of the tournament, with 600 runs at an average of exactly 100. He received a corker from Sole. This was a moment tailor-made for Williams, but in life there are things you cannot quite account for - a 149kph thunderbolt nipping back in at your off leg being one of them.

On the flipside of heartbreak is euphoria. Scotland had now beaten three Full Member teams in this tournament. Had they lost today, they would not have had the chance to play ODIs for another year at the least. They've topped League Two

on the way to these qualifiers, beaten sides more vaunted than them, and now have to go once more on Thursday against Netherlands. If they do what they need to do, they'll have a whole lot more cricket to gear up for. (ESPN cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

SCOTLAND (50 ovs maximum)

Christopher McBride b Chatara 28

Matthew Cross †b Williams 38

Brandon McMullen c Muzarabani b Williams 34

George Munsey b Ngarava 31

Richie Berrington (c)

c Kaia b Williams 7

Tomas Mackintosh run out

(Muzarabani) 13

Michael Leask c Madhevere b Chatara 48

Chris Greaves run out (Madhevere/†Gumbie) 1

Mark Watt not out 21

Safyaan Sharif not out 5

Extras (b 1, lb 3, w 4) 8

TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 4.68) 234/8

Did not bat:

Chris Sole Fall of wickets: 1-56

(Christopher McBride, 16.1 ov), 2-102

(Matthew Cross, 25.1 ov), 3-105

(Brandon McMullen, 27.1 ov), 4-118

(Richie Berrington, 31.3 ov), 5-151

(Tomas Mackintosh, 39.3 ov), 6-168

(George Munsey, 42.3 ov), 7-170

(Chris Greaves, 43.1 ov), 8-216

(Michael Leask, 48.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Richard Ngarava 9-0-42-1

Blessing Muzarabani 9-0-49-0

Tendai Chatara 7-0-46-2

Wellington Masakadza 5-0-18-0

Ramdhani siblings advance to quarterfinals in mixed doubles at CAC Games

Also attending the jamboree will be Mrs. Zaida Joaquin, who will not be part of the contingent, but was appointed as a Deputy Sub Camp Leader, where she will be part of a team overlooking 10,000 campers.

Ramdhani siblings in action

Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani advanced to the Round of 16 and competed against Miguel Quirama and Juliana Giraldo of Columbia for a spot in the quarterfinals.

It was a thrilling three-setter match where the Ramdhanis lost 13-21 to Columbia in the first game but came back and in an intense second game and won 22-20, they then took the match when they won the third game at 21-

17. This placed them in the Round of 8 (Quarterfinals).

Another match played on Tuesday was Men’s Singles Narayan Ramdhani lost to the No. 1 seed in the round of 16. However, Priyanna Ramdhani won her match in the Round of 32 against Costa Rica and lost in the Round of 16 in a three-setter match to Guatemala.

A total of four matches were played on Tuesday10 games at 21 points each game. The games contin -

Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

1. Bonicka GordonContingent Leader

2. Akeelah McAlmont

3. Christopher Garcia

4. Dietra Fields

5. Kareem Rollox

6. Malachi Jones-Alleyne

7. Neville McDonald

8. Randle Austin

9. Robert Henry 10. Zionara Lawrence

Scotland pacer Chris Sole destroyed Zimbabwe

ue today as the Ramdhanis take on Jamaica in the Mixed Doubles Quarterfinals.

BCB/Roy Baijnauth Memorial Inter-Primary

School

tournament for Upper Corentyne schools…

Massiah Primary School emerge champions

- Foster urges cricketers to focus on education

Primary failed to do so. The draw for the day saw Skeldon

Primary playing Massiah

Primary, and Yakusari

Primary of Black Bush Polder drawing the bye to the finals.

In the semifinals, Massiah Primary defeated Skeldon Primary by eight wickets. Batting first, Skeldon were restricted to 35 for 9 off their allotted 12 over, as Adrias Mohamed top scored with 12. Bowling for Massiah Primary, Rayon Reece took 4 wickets for four runs from his two overs.

Massiah Primary, in reply, raced to 36 for two from five overs, as Marvin Chapelle and Rayon Reece both ended on ten runs.

In the final, which was witnessed by a large crowd of parents and supporters of both teams, Massiah, batting first, reached 89 for 5 from their allotted 15 overs.

his three overs for Yakusari Primary. In reply, the Yakusari team reached 45 all out from ten overs, as only

Omar Rahubar and Zabir Rosan reached double figures, with 12 and ten respectively.

Bowling for the champions, Rayon Reece took 2 for 12; Marvin Chapelle took 2 for 8, and Zakariyya Khan took 2 for 6 in an impressive bowling effort.

Marvin Chapelle was named Man of the Finals, and received a medal and a special prize. Each of the finalists received a voucher to uplift educational stationery from Office Express in Corriveton, while the BCB, with support from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, donated exercise books and other items to the schools.

two terms, before he was succeeded by Malcom Peters. Foster hailed the late BCB President as a faithful servant of Berbice cricket, and a role model to many. The BCB President in a direct appeal to the primary school students, urged them to make an educational background the number one objective in their lives. Education, he told the attentive students, is th e most important asset they can get, and he pleaded with them to focus on their studies.

“Not everyone would go on to be a successful cricketer, and, as such, it was important to do well in school,” Foster said.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)) last Monday successfully completed another cricket tournament as it forges ahead with it 2023 schedule

to host cricket at all levels. The board, despite the weather, was able to host the finals of the BCB/ Roy Baijnauth Memorial Tournament for prima-

ry schools in the Upper Corentyne area at the Number 48 ground. Three schools turned up for the semifinals and grand finals, but Number 56

Captain Marvin Chapelle top scared with an impressive 41, which included three boundaries. He received support from Keshan Narain, who scored 12 runs, and Aryan Singh who scored ten.

Ridwan Elmudeen took two wickets for 13 runs from

BCB President Hilbert Foster was present for the finals, and expressed gratitude to the Baijnauth family for their sponsorship of the tournament in memory of the late Roy Baijnauth, a former Mayor of Corriverton.

Baijnauth had also served as President of the Berbice Cricket Board for

Mahdia crowned champions of tapeball cricket league

Mahdia emerged champions of the Durban Park Tapeball Premier League on Monday at Durban Park, after defeating the Rams by 34 runs.

Mahdia performed excellently in batting, with Ershaad Ali recording 53 runs from 17 balls, with 7 sixes; followed by Neelon Cadogan with 41 runs from 15 balls, with five sixes.

Rams managed to restrict Mahdia to 124-4, with Akeem Vieira performing exceptionally in scoring 34 runs from 13 balls, with five sixes. But that was not enough to carry his team over the finish line, as wickets tumbled from the bowling of Rydon Austin,

Ershaad Ali, and Ricardo Adams.

Mahdia’s cruised their way to the final with sensational hitting of the ball against the Gunners, winning by 10 runs.

Team Mahdia was excellent with the bat, scoring 43 runs from 18 balls, with four 6s; followed by strikes from the back end, with Alex Rodriguez striking the ball at all sides of the field for 20 runs from six balls with three sixes.

Gunners managed to restrict Mahdia to 101 runs for three, with Karmachhan Persaud and Kerron Bailey each taking, respectively.

The Guyana Under-19 male and female teams suffered defeats on the opening day of the Cricket West Indies Regional Under-19 tournaments.

Guyana Under-19 female team suffered a six-wicket defeat against Windward Islands in a rain-affected game in Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana, batting first, posted 40-2 in their alloted 13 overs. Tilleya

Madramootoo made 12. Janniellea

Glasgow had 1-9 in three overs.

In reply, Windward Islands reached 41-4 in 11.2 overs. Glasgow made an unbeaten 18. Cyanna

Retemiah had 2-11 in three overs.

Guyana Women will play Barbados on Thursday July 6.

Meanwhile, Jamaica dominated Guyana Under-19 male team in St Vincent with an eight-wicket win. Guyana batting first posted 78 all out in 23.4 overs. Rampertab Ramnauth (16) and Shamar Yearwood (13) were the only Guyanese to reach double figures. Maurice Clarke had 3-13.

In reply, Jamaica raced to 78-2 in 14.5 overs. Jordan Jackson top-scored with an unbaeten 28. Isai Thorne had 1-30 while Jermey Sandia had 1-24 in a losing effort. Guyana U-19 male team will be in action against Leeward Islands on Thursday.

Foster also pledged that the BCB under his leadership would continue to invest heavily in youth development, especially at the school level. Massiah Primary would now advance to the overall Berbice Finals, where they would play the winners of the West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje and Lower Corentyne zones. Latchmansingh Primary School of West Berbice has also advanced.

Man of the Finals Marvin Chapelle receiving his prize

Damian Vantull performed extremely well for the Gunners, scoring 44

runs from 16 balls, with five 6s, but that was not enough to carry his team over the

line, with Madia's wicket-taking ability causing Ershaad Ali and Raydon Ali

to each take one wicket respectively, as Gunners were restricted the to 71 for 2.

Champions Mahdia with supporters

Guyana Under-19 girls lost to Windward Islands

Imlach among 8 First-Class players named for India pre-series match in Barbados

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the list of players selected to participate in the warm-up match with the Indian team ahead of the upcoming Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Series.

The visitors will have a training camp in Barbados, and will play a two-day match on 5 and 6 July at Kensington Oval. They will then travel to Dominica for the first Test at Windsor Park, starting on July 12.

The eight WI players all have first-class experience. They are: allrounders Roshon Primus and Kevin Wickham; batsmen

Zachary McCaskie and Rashawn Worrell; wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach; off-spinner Chaim Holder and fast bowlers Jair McAllister and McKenny Clarke. Meanwhile, off-spinner Bryan Charles has been added to the West Indies

pre-series Test training camp at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, which forms part of the team’s preparations.

The Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test series will be the first fixture for both West Indies and India in the new 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test will be played at Windsor Park in Dominica from 12-16 July, followed by the historic second Test on 20-24 July at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. This would be the 100th Test match between West Indies and India.

Tickets are available online in advance from the Windies Tickets Service, presented by Mastercard,

at tickets.windiescricket. com . Fans who purchase online will benefit from a 20% discount compared to the venue box office prices, with tickets ranging from the most premium seats with the best and shaded views in each stadium through to affordable Standard seats or Mounds/ Grounds entry. (CWI)

TEST MATCH SCHEDULE:

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Matches (start at 10am local time/9am Jamaica time)

12-16 July: 1st Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Match, Windsor Park, Dominica 20-24 July: 2nd Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test Match, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Regal survive Blizzards’ threat to take another Independence Cup

Defending champions Regal Legends held their composure to stave off a spirited run chase from Toronto Blizzards and win the over-50 category of the New York Softball Cricket League’s international softball tournament last weekend.

The Guyanese outfit posted 217 for 6 from their quota of 20 overs, but had to work hard in the exciting final to restrict the Blizzards to 208 for 4. Vijay Seonarine with an even 100 and Sunil Dhaniram with 26 set up the chase nicely with an opening stand of 99 in 12 overs, but the supporting cast could not pull off the heist.

At the halfway stage of the chase, the Canadian side were 88 without loss, still requiring 130 runs. They were behind the required run rate, but with all wickets in hand, including two set batters, they were confident of an upset. However, like true cham-

pions, Regal Legends defended the boundaries and made smart blowing changes to

Emmanuel Archibald secures gold at CAC Games

Emmanuel Archibald won the men's 100m event at the Central American and Caribbean(CAC) Games in El Salvador on Monday evening.

He won the race in 10.24 seconds and achieved Guyana’s eighth medal at the CAC Games since the country started competing at that event in 1959.

Archibald had to 'dip' at the line to prevail over Jose Gonzalez of the Dominican Republic and Rikkoi Brathwaite of the British Virgin Islands, who both crossed the line in 10.26s, although Gonzalez was given second after officials had reviewed the photo finish.

Archibald, the country’s 100m, 200m, and long jump

national champion, who also competed at the Tokyo Olympics, can now add the CAC Gold Medal to his collection of international accolades.

This is his first international gold medal and his third medal since representing Guyana, although he already owns a South American Championship 100m silver and a South American Championship 4x100m bronze.

Gold medalist for Guyana at CAC Games, Emmanuel Archibald

build scoreboard pressure on the Blizzards.

Left arm spinner Laurie Singh (1/29) got the break through when he sent back Dhaniram in the 12th over.

Desmond Chumley didn’t last long after that, also holding out at long on for a 5-ball duck off Player of the Match Ramesh Narine Deonarine (2/34), who also sent back Brijmohan Harihar for 1.

Throy Kippins then snapped up the threatening Seonarine, leaving Ramo Malone and Jaimini Singh to get 41 in two overs. Kippins (1/45) then conceded 10 runs in the 19th over, leaving Khamraj Sumair (0/53) to defend 31 against Malone, on 36 not out (17b; 3x4s; 3x6s) and Jaimini Singh, on 17 not out (9b; 4x4s; 1x6).

The 9-run victory was

set by the powerful Regal Legends batting line-up led by Ramesh Narine’s 36ball knock of 82 (5x4s;7x6s)

36b. Deonarine and opener Mohendra Arjune (17) consolidated to put on 79 runs for the 2nd wicket after in-form opener Unis Yusuf was sent back for a golden duck. After Arjune was dismissed in the 9th over, Ramesh and another in-form batter, Rudolph Baker, went to the mid-innings break with the score on 86 for 2.

Thomas, before he was bowled by Malone (2/29) for 58 (30b; 2x4s; 7x6s), while Thomas, after a slow start, ended unbeaten on 29 (3x6s; 1 x4) when the innings ended.

Sumair’s savage knock helped Regal Legends to score 131 in the last 10 overs to take the Mahendra Hardyal-led side to their third Independence Cup title in a row and their overall title count in major tournaments to 16.

Hardyal,

fireworks on the hot day at Baisley Park in Queens, New York. Sumair joined Deonarine in the middle and smoked the ball to all parts of the ground, much to the enjoyment of the crowd of mainly Regal supporters. The pair put on 68 from 29 balls for the fourth wicket, before Fazil Rasool (2/45) bowled the left-handed Deonarine for the innings top score.

Then entered Eric ‘Mr. T’ Thomas. Sumair continued his pugnacious innings to put on 44 runs from 20 balls with

elated with the overall team effort, and said after playing unbeaten in the tournament that winning is a habit of the Regal Legends.

In the other categories of the 3-day tournament, which began on Friday, New York Softball Cricket League AllStars won the Open title while their Masters side took the over-40s trophy.

Regal Masters ended as runners-up, after failing to defend 143 against the NYSCL Masters in the low scoring but exciting final.

Guyana wicketkeeper-batter Tevin Imlach

Hat-trick champions Regal Legends with the NYSCL symbol of supremacy in Queens

Ramesh Narine Deonarine on the go at Baisley Park