ON Tuesday afternoon, the middle door of a koker at Canal Number One in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) failed, because of immense pressure from seasonal high tides.
However, swift mobilisation of the resources by authorities averted any major catastrophic events.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali led from the front, leading a team from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Guyana Police Force.
“The middle door of the koker at Canal Number One has failed under the high tide. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority is mobilising equipment and materials to install stop logs. Preparations are also being made to install a new door,” the
Head of State said in a brief statement to his official Facebook Page.
During an inspection at the koker site, Dr Ali revealed that a stainless steel door will replace the wooden structure that once held back the tides.
Earlier this year, it was reported by this newspaper that the government will expend some $26 billion to construct massive canals across the country.
The country’s Vice
President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed that the Hope-like canals will be built in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
In Region Three, it is expected that the drainage and irrigation structure will target some 28,000 acres of land; in Region Five, 214,000 acres,
while in Region Six, 188,000 acres of land will see better water management.
Aside from this, Dr Jagdeo also disclosed that $47 million would be expended to facilitate rehabilitation works at over 60 sluices across the country.
Simultaneously, the government is also building out the capacity of pumping stations.
Ideally, the government intends to rehabilitate 60 kokers across the country, procure 40 mobile pumps, and build 19 pump stations, with 39 major pumps already installed across the country.
“[It’s] a massive plan to ensure that we are climate resilient, and that we also improve drainage and irrigation for our farmers, which could lead to a massive output of agriculture products for our country,” Jadgeo had said.
By Shamar Meusa
AS Guyana continues its growth and transformation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the government wants this transformation to position the country as one of the most innovative and diversified economies, but this requires solidifying existing diplomatic partnerships and establishing new ones.
The Head of State made those remarks during a reception in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The President said that China has played a role in the transformation currently taking place across Guyana, and added that the Asian nation and Guyana’s relationship has grown from strength to strength.
Dr. Ali related that if one looks at Guyana’s portfolio of investment and financing, one would see the broadening of relationships and partnerships spanning every corner of the world.
“We understand that the pace of development and the pace of growth requires us solidifying existing partnerships; but as we solidify existing relationships, we believe that we must work hard to win and bring new friends with us,” said President Dr. Ali.
The President further related that just as China has been working over the decades to
expand its diplomatic and economic reach, so too must Guyana expand its reach.
He mentioned: “We must expand our reach so that we can support this growth that is taking place and so that our footprint - our global footprint can be in every corner.”
With this, the Head of State told the gathering that these partnerships and relationships are not only diplomatic but are economic at governance levels and that of social services including intellectual.
He said that many times focus is not placed on intellectual partnerships and this is a critical part of economic transformation
involving knowledge sharing and training of human resource potential among other things. This is a role that China is playing in this transformation.
Against this backdrop, President Ali indicated that the establishment of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of transformation and progress.
He noted that the country has achieved remarkable progress and its unwavering support for the developing world must be recognised.
“The cooperation between our nations
has led our engagement in significant ways, whether it’s trade, investment, health, education, technology - these are areas that are critical as we build a strong resilient future for our country.” President Ali said.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan acknowledged the visible transformation taking place across the country, and indicated that they have seen the government working around the clock to promote national development.
“China fully understands Guyana’s desire to seize the opportunity to develop itself, and always stands ready to be a steadfast partner in Guyana’s development,” the Ambassador said.
Haiyan went on to add that China will never forget that Guyana is the first English-speaking Caribbean country to forge diplomatic ties with China, and over the past 52 years, China-Guyana relations have deepened steadily and withstood the test of time.
The Ambassador noted that the two countries have continued to deepen mutual political trust and diplomatic relations over the years.
She pointed to a historical visit made by President Ali to China last year which saw a joint statement being released providing strong guidance for China and Guyana to build an even closer community with a shared future.
SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are seeing massive spin-off benefits from the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket tournament and concurrent carnival in Guyana.
The CPL, which is one of the Caribbean’s largest sports and entertainment
events, began in August with several matches being played across the region. The final lap of the tournament is being held at the National Stadium at Providence.
Joining thousands of patrons at the stadium on Tuesday evening to observe the first eliminator game of the season, Presi-
dent, Dr Irfaan Ali in brief comments to the media highlighted that the tournament is more than just a game of cricket.
He said: “It’s not only about in the stadium… [CPL] brought so much additional spending in the economy, the small businesses benefitted.”
Dr. Ali noted that there has been exponential growth for small busi -
nesses; is a direct result of the government’s vision to promote sport tourism in Guyana.
In March of 2022, President Ali broke the exciting news that not only will Guyana be hosting the CPL final from 2022 to 2024, but that the celebrations will also be held in tandem with a massive carnival-like event to mark the occasion.
This carnival aimed to celebrate the best that Guyana has to offer the region and the rest of the world.
“That is what I’m concerned about, how the small and medium-sized enterprises are a part of these ideas and visions and how they benefit and that is very critical for us,” Dr Ali said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in an invited comment with this newspaper, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Komal Singh, highlighted too that the CPL has brought about significant economic benefits to the country’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“The SMEs, the small businesses have benefitted significantly from CPL and this is directly as a
result of the large amount of tourists and visitors visiting during the CPL season. And I think from a sustainability stand point, it creates a whole host of opportunity [sic] for companies to prepare themselves to capitalise on all the opportunities that CPL brought,” Singh said.
While Singh expressed his support for his home country’s team, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, he applauded all the regional players of this year’s tournament.
He said: “From a private sector standpoint we applaud all the teams that are playing; we are very excited for them to be here and also for them to see opportunities. The presence of international teams, allows Guyana to be seen by millions of people around the world and that by itself is a marketing.”
At Tuesday’s game, the Barbados Royals advanced to Qualifier 2 when they won their encounter against Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by nine wickets on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in their CPL eliminator match.
JOSEPH Jackman, a 35-year-old landscaper from Stevedore Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was arrested on September 28, 2024, by officers from the East La Penitence Police Station’s Criminal Investigations Department.
involving Rundell Dowding.
Jackman faces charges of ‘Attempt to Commit Murder’ under section 103(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, related to an incident
On October 1, 2024, Jackman appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at Georgetown Magistrates’ Court #5, where the charge was formally read.
He was not required to enter a plea to the indictable offence.
TEVIN Bacchus, a 26-yearold fisherman from North Sophia, Georgetown, was arrested by a Police patrol unit on October 1, 2024, after being found in possession of 31.1 grams of suspected cocaine.
The arrest took place
around 22:10 hours when a mobile patrol unit, led by a Sergeant, observed Bacchus acting suspiciously on the western parapet of the highway in Bel Air, Georgetown. Upon investigation, the Sergeant, in the presence of other ranks on patrol, conducted a search of Bacchus and discovered a transparent plastic bag containing a cream-coloured substance suspected to be cocaine in his left pants pocket.
Bacchus was immediately arrested and escorted to the Alberttown Police Station. The suspected narcotics were weighed and confirmed to be 31.1 grams. Bacchus was informed of the offence and is currently in police custody pending charges.
The authorities continue to crack down on illegal drug activity as part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the capital.
PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has stressed the need for collective action by world leaders to ensure a peaceful, natural and beautiful world.
This call was made during his address, at the Marriot Hotel, to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
This call could not have come at a more crucial moment when there is heightened global tension following the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The most recent development is the firing of ballistic missiles by Iran in the heartland of Israel following a number of high profile assassinations carried out by the Israeli military.
Among those killed were the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, both of whom were close allies of the Iranian government. The risk of the war engulfing
the entire Middle East has never been higher.
As noted by President Ali in his remarks, we are living in a complex global environment defined more by competition rather than cohesion, conflict more than peace. The way forward, he said, is for leaders to make a choice that will allow for future generations to inherit a peaceful and beautiful world. The current trajectory, if continued, would condemn future generations to a world that is broken and destroyed.
Guyana, according to President Ali, has made a choice that is rooted in principles and values which in essence will allow for the inheritance of an earth ‘that is better today than it was yesterday.’
Make no mistake about it. Money siphoned off for military purposes is in
effect a net withdrawal of valuable resources from human development. The true cost of military spending is not the actual money spent but what economists refer to as the sacrificed alternative. It is the schools and hospitals that could have been built instead of military hardware and other weapons of mass destruction.
The fact is, as pointed out by President Ali, there are no winners in an environment of wars and conflict.
One only has to look at what is going on in places like Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan to see the suffering and debilitating effects that wars and conflicts have on people, in particular women and children.
This is why Guyana’s principled positions on fundamental issues such as respect for international law, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and
democracy as the basis of governance have resonated with people and societies all across the world. These are universal values which are at the centre of all civilized nations.
Despite its limitations in terms of geographic and population size, Guyana is making a significant contribution at the regional and international levels. Its election to the United Nations Security Council is one such indicator.
It is no exaggeration to state that Guyana is now, at it were, punching above its weight, thanks to the proactive role of the country on major issues such as climate change, food and energy security among others.
President Ali and the PPP/C administration must be commended for putting Guyana on the international spotlight.
Dear Editor,
IT was Kofi Anan, former UN Secretary-General who said some time ago that “The only barrier to human development is ignorance, and this is not insurmountable”.
I was fortunate to have been invited by Oxford University to listen to a public statement by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Blavatnik School of Government on Friday, September 27, 2024, on the topic “Guyana in Transformation – The Theory of Change and Priorities”.
His Excellency also launched a book on Food Security Strategy captioned “Achieving Global Food Security – The Caribbean Experience and Beyond”.
I listen to a conversation in a room full of more than 160 Oxford University Graduate Studies aspirants from more than 60 countries (including a Guyanese student who lives in the USA). What I experienced, was a very interactive session between the students, the former President of Colombia, Mr. Ivan Duque (“distinguished fellow” at the influential US Based Woodrow Wilson Centre), Professor Karthik Ramanna (formerly from Harvard University but now at the Oxford University within the Blavatnik School of Government) and finally our own President Ali, who need no introduction.
I witnessed some intense outpouring
of thoughts from, in my opinion, some extremely talented students. The real discussion started when former President Duque drew the “Resource vs Capability Strategy Matrix” on the board.
This information was useful in triggering the more than 20 “bunker-busting” piercing questions from the students. Any normal intellectual/politician would have struggled in that room, but His Excellency rose to the challenge quite competently and admirably.
I have not seen or heard anyone in current-day Guyana speak as fluently and on point as Dr. Ali on the subject matter of Guyana and its human developmental trajectory, as I witnessed in that Oxford University classroom.
This debate should be shown to every secondary and tertiary school student as essential training, since it is a clear outline of the national developmental policy framework for the new Guyana and it is exciting.
It would, therefore, be remiss of me not to share some of what I heard at Oxford University and hopefully, the local press will pick up on this recording, and ask His Excellency some more questions on this intellectual outpouring from him, since it can clarify for many, where we are doing strategically as a nation.
Most of the piercing questions from the students were directed at the oil that was dis-
covered in Guyana, the terms of the contract, the associated revenue, the climate change implication of this new oil discovery, the geopolitical concerns that are associated with this oil, the need to economically diversify away from the oil industry, etc.
His Excellency started his statement by highlighting that what was heard was information about the oil in Guyana and its implication but that is not Guyana. He then started the discussion on Guyana and its human development story that includes the oil.
That was the trigger that kicked off one of the best policy statements I have ever heard on Guyana, if not the best. This extremely excellent presentation started by defining Guyana globally for what it is – a biodiversity mecca, which is one of only seven “carbon sink” countries that have already met the net zero emissions.
In Guyana’s case, it has 86 per cent of its land mass under forest (similar to the size of England), contributing positively to the world. This resource can store some 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon and sequester 153 million tonnes of carbon annually.
He then made a compelling case for our development profile which is being driven by the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which he outlined in detail, quite proficiently to the listeners; and not skipping a beat.
He then spoke about Guyana’s ambition (which is important to the EU agenda) of developing the nation’s desire to start trading our carbon credits on the global market while informing the audience of the two carbon credit projects that provided some US$1 billion to Guyana which is being used to improve the lives of the people with a guarantee to the Hinterland people of 15 per cent of all earned carbon credit resources.
I sat there and watched these brilliant minds, all very quiet and listening intently for two hours as he continued on the question of why Guyana can and must continue to harvest the oil resources. But the idea that made the most sense to me, as explained by His Excellency, was why it is morally and economically sound to pump the oil and sell carbon credit to anyone, including Hess.
His Excellency highlighted that the world today has lost, over the last 50 years, more than 50 per cent of its biodiversity.
He clarified for the students, that while His Government is committed to keeping the Guyanese forest, generally intact, with a harvest rate that complies with all the global regulations, such a commitment comes at a heavy price to our national development if not monetised and paid for by those who destroyed 50 per cent of the
Dear Editor,
ON September 25, 2024, the main opposition political party (APNU) released a 20-point “plan”, or what appears to be their proposed policy for the oil and gas sector.
This release came at a time when the party was under intense pressure to do so from the incumbent administration (the PPP/C Government) and sections of the mainstream media.
Arguably, having reviewed the proposals, it is the most comprehensive mediocre plan or policy agenda coming from a political party with decades of experience. In particular, thirteen (13) (65 per cent) out of the 20 listed items, the APNU undertakes to “review and conduct feasibility studies”. A commitment to review is not a plan nor a policy. It is mediocrity and indolence at best.
How could one debate a policy based on an undertaking to conduct “reviews”? Those reviews ought to have already been done, and the party should have already had their “studied” policy agenda and strategic plans for the sector and the country. This is what a serious and competent political opponent ought to have done. Instead, the Guyanese people were presented with a futile list of promises―subject to reviews.
This article addresses the remaining 35 per cent of the APNU’s proposal in a more detailed manner.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
At point number three (3), the APNU proposes to “eradicate corruption and unethical conduct by Government and
contractor officials, we will institute an independent Inspector General’s (IG) Office with a 24/7 anonymous hotline to involve the public in reporting any knowledge or appearance of corruption.
The IG office will be adequately resourced and vested with the authority to conduct independent investigations and, where necessary, recommend prosecutions.”
This proposal suggests that the APNU will deliberately bypass existing State institutions established pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of Guyana, to vest and/ or transfer such functions and powers to a single, handpicked individual. This is a recipe to deepen corruption rather than eradicating corruption.
Matters of corruption ought to be directed to the Guyana Police Force. It is worthwhile to note that under the APNU+AFC tenure in Government during the period 2015-2020, the Auditor General Reports uncovered a plethora of financial and procurement irregularities, misappropriation and mismanagement of public funds, none of which were adequately addressed by the APNU+AFC Government.
Accordingly, the appropriate institutions to investigate corruption, whether there are procurement irregularities and violations of the Procurement Act, other issues of fiscal mismanagement, misappropriation, or other forms of corruption, are the Auditor General’s Office, the Public Procurement Commission, the Financial Intelligence Unit, the law enforcement agencies. And ultimately, issues relating to and concerning corruption ought to be channeled through a Court of Law to be determined, as opposed to an “Inspector
General”.
Proposal numbers four and five in respect of the environment, the Environmental Protection Act and the Petroleum Activities Act adequately provide for the protection of the environment and / or where applicable, minimise as much as possible any negative environmental impacts. In addition, there is a separate piece of legislation in the pipeline that will be exclusively tailored for “oil spills”, should there be any such occurrence.
Proposal numbers seven and eight speaks to “equitable distribution of the oil resources and building of capacity in the education sector, and national skills audit”.
This proposal lacks specificity and fails to address what the APNU proposes to do differently in this regard. Notably, the incumbent government is already implementing a comprehensive national plan for the education sector. This include, (i) free tertiary education by 2025; (ii) targeting over 20,000 scholarships for Guyanese students; (iii) debt write off of student loans for past and current students; (iv) introduction of new academic programs; (v) investing in the physical infrastructure to have more institutions across the country, technical and vocational training included; (vi) removal of corporate tax from the private education sector aimed at attracting more private investment in the education sector; (vii) a national labour market study has already been initiated to determine the skills and labour needs of the market, by the Ministry of Labour with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In fact, an updated study has already been completed of which the report is publicly available.
With respect to the APNU’s proposal
on local content, during their tenure in government in the 2015-2020 period, the party failed to demonstrate their serious commitment to real local content. To this end, prior to demitting office in 2020, the APNU+AFC Government produced three draft local content policies, all of which lacked tangible commitment to local content.
The final draft policy that the APNU+AFC produced was the worst of three, because it stated at the outset that it is not a policy designed to target the midstream and downstream sectors and build out the in-country value chain; rather, it was strictly for the upstream sector.
This means that Guyanese firms would not have been able to participate in the sector because Guyanese firms and individuals do not have the capital, knowledge, resources, technology and experience to participate in the upstream sector. Further, the APNU+AFC never intended to move to a local content legislation, which was necessary to mandate compliance from the oil companies.
With all the above in mind, the APNU failed to present a well thought out and studied policy position on the oil and gas sector considering its shaky track record, while the party was in government.
As such, it is this author’s considered view that the APNU fell short in presenting a serious and compelling case that it will indeed govern in the best interest of the people. Moreover, the lack of clarity and specificity in the party’s policies and strategies leave much to be desired.
Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin
biodiversity system over the last 50 years.
As he stated, in this equation, what was earned from these forests for the Guyanese people to date was just US$1 billion, which is not enough to realise the economic ambition of the Guyanese people.
So, he asked the question – where do we find the resources to fulfill the dream and ambition of the Guyanese people if our carbon sink capabilities are not being monetised and rewarded by those who have destroyed the biodiversity system over the last 50 years?
The case was made; that Guyana must assess its national need, decide what is best for its people, and find the resources to fund the mitigation and adaptation program to combat the climate change challenge.
His Excellency made it clear; no one is coming with a multibillion-dollar grant to say “thank you Guyana for keeping your forest intact”. Everything that Guyana buys from the world, it has to pay for at market rates and those activities require hard cash.
His Excellency stated that with the approved oil production operations functioning at its maximum rate, the oil and gas industry will be utilising less than 20 per cent of the carbon being stored in the forest, which still makes Guyana a carbon sink post facto.
I rest my case; my work in the European Union has just become even more interesting.
Yours sincerely, Sasenarine Singh Ambassador, Co-operative Republic of Guyana
AN attack on Guyana was launched by Gary Griffith on September 2, when the former Commissioner of Police of Trinidad & Tobago and now purported leader of something called the National Transformation Alliance, wrote to the CPL organisers and demanded that the finals of that cricket competition be returned to the twin island republic.
Griffith’s letter contains numerous inaccuracies, innuendo and outright nonsensical claims, and given that this letter is being surreptitiously circulated by his organisation members, it is incumbent that a comprehensive reply is delivered.
Griffith first implies that the power outage that occurred was not coincidental; this is a claim that is obviously balderdash, and even one seeking political relevance should know better than to stake credibility on such nonsense.
It is Griffith’s second assertion about security measures that warrant the most careful examination; a fight on a grass mound among spectators is indeed unfortunate but thankfully rare.
I fail to see how this constitutes grounds for moving the finals from Guyana. I attended the finals of CPL in Trinidad and my vehicle was broken into despite it being parked in an official car park.
My car was trashed inside and the deck ripped out, and I didn’t see this as a cause to call for T&T to be removed as a possible CPL finals venue.
Crime skyrocketed during Griffith’s brief tenure as COP, and he was fired ignominiously from that position.
His outlandish statements and behaviour brought the office of the commissioner into the realm of ‘pappyshow’ and comedy; enough to say Trinidad is the serious crime capital of the English speaking Caribbean.
Thirdly, Griffith speaks of logistical difficulties in Guyana as opposed to
mystical excellence in Trinidad. I am unsure of what exactly he references as I can recall a team bus taking four hours to make its way from the hotel to the stadium despite police escort.
Finally, even a clueless politician should know that the CPL finals are awarded via an open bidding process; it is not a ‘right’ of any territory but is awarded based on competition and competency.
Guyana and Guyanese have done themselves proud with their enthusiastic support of both the home team and other franchises from the inception of CPL, and easily win the award for biggest fans of cricket in the region.
Griffith’s letter is much like Griffith the COP, bluff and bluster disguised as patriotism and intellect; it fools no one and certainly does his ‘transformation’ party no favours.
Yours sincerely, Robin Singh
WHY did the UK pull out of the European Union (EU)? A Labour Government or a coalition government between Labour and Lib-Dem would not have exited the EU.
The Conservative Party took the UK out of the EU because the current generation of the Conservative Party leadership is the ideological inheritors of Thatcherism. We will return to that point below.
Mrs. Thatcher did not like Germany because she feared its hegemonic racism and messianic quest to dominate Europe. In his memoir, “Kill The Messenger”, the long serving press secretary of Mrs. Thatcher, Bernard Ingham, wrote that she disliked Germany and was insanely hostile to German unification. If Mrs. Thatcher did not appreciate Germany why did the UK under her leadership stay so long in the EU with Germany and in NATO with Germany?
Because there was a country that Mrs. Thatcher hated more than Germany. What
happened then under Mrs. Thatcher was that she used Germany in a brilliant high-stake game of realpolitik. Mrs. Thatcher co-existed with Germany because Germany was pivotal to Europe’s policing of Russia.
The thinking was not just based on realpolitik but also commonsense. For Thatcher, Russia was a bigger threat than Germany, so why not encourage Germany to be the essential plank against Russia.
Western Europe has a deep, ideological and racist hatred for Russia. It is ideological in the sense that France, Germany and the UK did not want, in the past, and do not in the future, a huge power in Europe like Russia that they cannot control.
All three countries believe Russia is a threat to their respective domination of Europe. The logic is simple. Russia is the largest country in the world whose population is 144 million compared to the UK, 67 million; Germany’s 84 million and France 67 million,
and has the largest armed forces in Europe.
We return now to Brexit. The Conservative leadership that took the UK out of the EU was the post-Thatcher generation that shared her outlook on Germany. The elites in the Conservative Party resented an EU with Germany being the dominant force. For this reason, the UK got special dispensations as an EU member and never thought of joining the Schengen visa programme and adopting the Euro currency.
Each enlargement of the EU brought further British alienation from the EU because the larger the bloc the greater the power of Germany. One day the denouncement occurred – Brexit. Mrs. Thatcher’s vision prevailed and the UK left the EU. The UK now feels that it is on par with Germany and not a subordinate to Germany in the European Union.
Within the European family of nations there are subliminal or Freudian distrust and dislike particularly between the French, British and German. But it will never spill over in open hostilities and when it does, the United States moves in as the arbiter. We come now to the racial question in Europe. The English are Anglo-Saxons, the Germans are Germanic and the French are the descendants of the Gauls.
The racial feelings among ancient European nations have never been openly expressed to cause uneasiness among European countries because the common enemy of Russia provides European nations with the silicone to glue them together. In no other country this silicone was more effective than the UK under Thatcher. Despite her Freudian dislike for Germany, Mrs. Thatcher never did anything
to upset Anglo-German relations.
The issue between Europe and Germany is not only ideological but racial. The Russians are Slavic people and throughout Western European history, there has been a disdain for the Slavs.
The elite group within the European nation, including Scandinavia, the Dutch, the Swiss and Italy see the Slavs as an inferior European tribe. I am not sure if the Irish and the Scot think this way.
As a reaction to hundreds of years of racial alienation, the Russians have become an introverted set of people. They fear that the world does not recognise them as an equal European nation and this explains why even under the USSR, the country was never a dominant world player. The break-up of the USSR presented Western Europe with the final opportunity to achieve the demise of Russia.
There were two opportunities. First, Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia, after the USSR, was prepared to take Russia into the orbit of the West and accept a subordinate role in world affairs. Secondly, the enlargement of NATO to include all the former countries of the Warsaw Pact was intended to encircle and weaken Russia. At that time, the spy chief of USSR was Vladimir Putin.
What he knows about the mistreatment of Russia after the fall of the USSR and the intention of the West in the Ukraine war have left him in permanent anger.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
HALIM Khan, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), has praised President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s passionate and timely address at the recent United Nations’ Summit of the Future, calling it a crucial step toward addressing the most pressing global challenges.
Khan highlighted the President’s commitment to tackling climate change, food insecurity, and energy needs as essential for securing a sustainable future.
Speaking on President Ali’s call for immediate ac-
tion on climate finance, Khan expressed admiration for the President’s leadership on the global stage, especially regarding Guyana’s efforts in preserving its vast forests and contributing to climate solutions.
“President Ali’s advocacy for a global market-based carbon-credit system shows the world that Guyana is not only an oil-producing nation, but is also a responsible steward of the environment,” Khan noted, emphasising the importance of the $750 million carbon-credit deal Guyana secured with Hess
Corporation.
Khan echoed the President’s urgency on climate finance, pointing to Guyana’s efforts to maintain 80 per cent of its forests, which store approximately 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. He stated, “This is an example of how small countries can lead by example, and it’s time for the international community to support this with real climate-finance solutions.”
In addition to climate issues, Khan lauded President Ali’s focus on food security, particularly the urgent need for global financing to cre-
–– through partnerships with Surinamese companies, SGCC says
THE Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has announced that it supports the Final Investment Decision (FID) announced by TotalEnergies, APA Corporation, and Staatsolie for the development of the GranMorgu project in Block 58.
According to a press release, this landmark $10 billion investment marks a pivotal moment in Suriname’s economic and energy landscape, bringing immense opportunities for growth and development in both Suriname and the broader region.
The FID is set to provide new economic opportunities through job creation, local capacity-building, and enhanced energy collaboration across borders.
It is expected to generate significant benefits for the local economy, with an increase in job opportunities and investments that will strengthen the private sectors of both Suriname and Guyana.
Surinamese and Guyanese businesses will benefit from partnerships in logistics, well services, and the operations of the FPSO and subsea systems.
For Guyana, this development complements our own burgeoning oil sector,
fostering opportunities for cross-border investment, shared infrastructure development, and expertise.
The collaboration between Guyana and Suriname in energy and trade is set to unlock significant benefits for both nations, enhancing regional connectivity and positioning both countries as leaders in the global energy market.
Ambassador Liselle Blankendal of Suriname to Guyana, at a Media Event for the International Business Conference (IBC), celebrated the announcement of the Final Investment Decision (FID) as a historic moment for Suriname.
“With an investment of more than ten billion US dollars, the largest ever that Suriname has had, the country is getting a historic new beginning.
ate a more resilient food system. Khan remarked, “Guyana has already begun to demonstrate how we can achieve food security, not just for ourselves but for the Caribbean and beyond. The President’s leadership is vital in transforming global food systems.”
Khan also praised the government’s efforts in ensuring equitable access to technology, an area where he believes Region Three can greatly benefit from. “Ensuring that our region, along with others, has the necessary tools to modernise and embrace new technology is vital for economic growth and reducing inequalities,” he said.
The business leader expressed optimism about Guyana’s role in global partnerships, as highlighted by
President Ali’s meetings with key international figures, including WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. According to Khan, these partnerships will only strengthen Guyana’s position as a leader in climate, food, and energy solutions.
Khan concluded by commending President Ali’s long-term vision for poverty reduction, which he sees as a driving force behind Region Three’s rapid development.
“The President’s call for a more inclusive world aligns with our goals here in Region Three. No one should be left behind, and I believe we are on the right path to achieving sustainable development for all,” he said.
Halim Khan’s support underscores the private sector’s confidence in Guy-
ana’s leadership on the global stage and its ability to address key challenges that will impact future generations.
This is great news and will contribute significantly to Suriname’s economic growth and boost local employment and investments,” The Ambassador emphasized that this investment will deepen economic ties and create lasting opportunities between the two nations.
As both countries work together, they will seize the vast opportunities this collaboration brings, contributing to job creation and fostering a robust entrepreneurial environment.
The SGCC looks forward to continued collaboration with the governments of Suriname and Guyana to ensure that this project serves as a cornerstone for sustainable development and long-term prosperity in the region, by facilitating cross-border trade and investment.
THE Ministry of Education (MoE) on Wednesday officially opened a new sixth-form block at the West Demerara Secondary School in Region Three, marking a significant milestone for the region’s education system.
The new two-storey facility, valued at $27 million, can now accommodate up to 150 students and is equipped with five classrooms dedicated to Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination
(CAPE) students. During the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand highlighted a remarkable increase in the number of students sitting for the CAPE exams in Region Three. In 2020, no students in the region took the CAPE exams, but today, 33 students are doing so—demonstrating a growing interest in advanced education within the region.
Minister Manickchand also announced ambitious
plans for further education development in Region Three. This includes the construction of a new secondary school at Vreed-enHoop, aimed at reducing the need for students to travel long distances for schooling. “In about two years’ time, we’re going to have all the secondary schools remade right here in Region Three, to the point where children won’t need to travel far to get to a secondary school,” the minister stated.
Additionally, the min-
ister shared plans to enhance the West Demerara Secondary School campus with a pool and a multipurpose basketball court, further supporting the holistic development of students.
The Ministry of Education is committed to building an inclusive and adaptive education system across Guyana, thereby ensuring that that every child, from nursery to secondary school, has access to high-quality education. Through investments in infrastructure and an emphasis on lifelong learning, the ministry aims to prepare students for successful careers in an evolving global landscape.
This latest development underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to guarantee not only access to education, but also the provision of high standards and rigorous monitoring to ensure excellence at all levels.
New Amsterdam Councillor says suspension stemmed from her continuous advocacy for transparency, accountability from APNU-led council
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor on the New Amsterdam Town Council, Carol Trim-Bagot is contemplating legal advice following a matter which saw the Mayor of the APNU-led council, Wainwright McIntosh, suspending her from the council.
According to the Councillor, the APNU side of the council claimed the basis of disorderly behaviour for moving their motion to have her suspended from the council.
“The Mayor used [Chapter] 28:01 and the law that he quoted does not apply for a suspension because if you are going to suspend, it has to be happening at that time, on the floor at that time. But apparently, this was concocted behind the scenes thinking
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Trim-Bagot said that she is concerned that this move by the APNU-led council is one that is aimed at silencing her for being one of the councillors who continuously calls for transparency and accountability in relation to managing the town’s affairs.
that I would adhere to the motion when it was moved as a form of intimidation from them,” she said.
Trim-Bagot argued that there was definitely no misbehaviour, and added that from her understanding of the Municipal and District Councils Act commonly referred to as 28:01, it has to be sent in writing and then taken to the floor for the motion to be ratified.
She explained that while this occurred some days ago, she was not written to prior to that motion being moved and still has not
PPP/C Councillor on the New Amsterdam Town Council, Carol Trim-Bagot received anything in writing in relation to conduct at the level of the council.
“What it tells me is whomever he used to move that motion, they did not probably think that we would have familiarised ourselves with the law,” she said.
Trim-Bagot firmly believes that this is a ploy by the APNU side of the council to silence her, as she has constantly questioned the accounting of funds disbursed or spent by the Mayor and Town Council.
She claimed that because PPP/C councillors do no sit on the finance committee, decisions are made at committee levels but not brought to the floor of the statutory meetings.
“Why don’t you bring these things to the floor; you make the decision and keep it to yourself and then they bring the minutes a day or two before the meeting. So we are not able to peruse the entire minutes to be able to be guarded in terms of some of the issues we
would like to rebut,” Trim-Bagot said.
This has been the way that the council has been led for quite some time, according to the Councillor.
Against this backdrop, she added that they remain concerned about the financial accountability and transparency of the council.
Further, Trim-Bagot added that the move is one that continues along the lines of the APNU’s bullyism tactics against the PPP/C councillors.
However, having not received anything in writing in relation to the suspension, TrimBagot told the Guyana Chronicle that she will soon seek legal advice on the matter and call on the Local Government Commission to intervene.
THE village of Tuseneng in Region Eight is about to experience a significant transformation from an investment of more than $13 million in a number of community projects.
The projects, commissioned on Tuesday, include a pavilion, benab, and a craft centre. They will be funded through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a Presidential Grant initiative with contributions from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Toshao Inez Felix said the projects will enhance the living standards of local residents and strengthen community cohesion. And for that reason, the Toshao said that he and his community were grateful for the assistance.
The $3.6 million benab will provide a space for residents and village elders to meet much more frequently. This in turn will enable them to implement programmes
and policies that will transform his village for the better of all its residents. The benab will also serve as a hub for cultural events and activities.
Toshao Felix noted that the $5 million craft centre will help villagers to pass on their skills to the younger generation while embracing their rich and creative indigenous heritage.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, encouraged village leaders to continue pursuing projects that benefit the community, particularly its youth.
“I am very pleased at how Tuseneng is advancing its infrastructure. Tuseneng has been advancing although it is not a very large village, but an active one,” she said.
Minster Sukhai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting hinterland villages in their development efforts, noting that “the Amerindians and
the government are the biggest partners. Everywhere we go to meet the people, we see the transformation taking place.”
She also urged the village elders to continue preserving and handing down their culture and traditions, ensuring their language and heritage survives.
Since the return of the PPP/C government in 2020, Amerindian communities have made significant strides in becoming self-sufficient.
Villages have improved their infrastructure, enhanced access to transportation and launched income-generating initiatives such as guesthouses, livestock rearing, and honey production.
The government has also initiated a policy that ensures these villages benefit equally from the revenues generated by the country’s resources, particularly the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) fund. (DPI)
STUDENTS and teachers of the Mahaica Primary School, East Coast Demerara, recently benefitted from an informative lecture on road safety and personal well-being.
The session, conducted by Sergeant Persaud, Woman Constable Inniss, and Liaison Officer Ms. Zabeeda Osman from the Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed to promote safer practices among children in their daily routines. The team was also joined by Mr. Osman, a member of the Road Safety Council for Regional Police Division 4C.
The lecture covered several critical topics, including the “Kerb Drill” for safe crossing, the use of pedestrian crossings, avoiding play on roadways, and ensuring that pedal cycles are equipped with essential safety features like brakes, bells, and lights.
The session aimed at promoting safer practices among children in their daily routines
Students were also encouraged to wear bright clothing during dark hours for visibility. The officers emphasized the importance of education, the dangers of traveling in overloaded vehicles, and reiterated key road safety themes.
A total of 113 students and 13 teachers attended the session which was highly interactive. Students engaged with the team, asking numerous questions, all of which were addressed with practical advice.
The initiative highlights the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force to educate the youths on road safety and foster safer communities.
By Cindy ParkinsonChowbay
Guyana’s energy
mix continues to be expanded and diversified, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Kesh Nandlall, has said that the introduction of more solar power to the system would further reduce fuel consumption and costs.
Nandlall, in an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, said: “Right now through
— Nandlall says; points to ongoing efforts to ensure stable supply is maintained ahead of holiday season
and tendered out for 60 megawatts of electricity, which would take company over to 2025, when the Gas-to-Energy project is expected to come on stream.
our Guyana Guysol programme, [agreement that is signed with Norway], we have 33 megawatts of solar energy that is going to be added to the DBIS [Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System] and Linden.”
While the 33 megawatts of electricity are set to be distributed in Linden, Essequibo, and Berbice, the acting CEO said that full activation will take some time.
Nandlall shared the breakdown of the 33 megawatts of electricity, noting 10 megawatts will be added to Berbice, eight megawatts to Essequibo, and 15 megawatts to Linden.
This will supplement ongoing efforts to satisfy the growing demand of electricity, driven by Guyana’s economic boom.
Nandlall related that they have advertised
Specifically regarding the upcoming holiday season, the acting CEO said that great efforts are underway to ensure that Guyanese have a joyful and safe time with their families, with little to no power disruptions.
Recognising that persons would be using more electricity during the Christmas season, Nandlall pleaded with persons to ensure that they do so in a safe and responsible manner so as to avoid the overloading of circuits, which can lead to electrical fires, power outages, and even fatalities.
According to him:
“Our aim is to have more generations in place so that we can meet the need for any additional increase in demand.”
Last month, Prime
Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who holds responsibility for the energy sector, presided over a high-level discussion with important players in the country’s power sector, where he discussed the vital concerns of guaranteeing the country's adequate and consistent power supply throughout short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes in his talks on strategic planning for energy.
The Prime Minister also gave thorough briefings where he provided in-depth discussions on all facets of electricity regarding production and delivery.
Prime Minister Phillips, along with the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, emphasised the need to keep the Guyanese people's energy supply steady and adequate in orders given to the gathered power sector organisations.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives from Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI), Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECCI), and Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), among other major power producing and distribution institutions.
Also in attendance were Alfred King, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister; Dr. Mahender Sharma, CEO of the GEA and technical personnel from each agency.
Employers and employees in the Upper Demerara-Berbice region recently benefited from a one-day Inspection and Sensitization Outreach conducted by the Ministry of Labour.
The outreach, aimed at raising awareness about Guyana’s Labour Laws, sought to ensure that businesses in the region comply with regulations while promoting safe and fair workplace practices.
A team from the Ministry, including Ms. Denise Duncan, Ms. Latoya John,
The motorcar which was involved in the crash
A 60-year-old woman, Salima Heeralal, has died from injuries sustained in a serious accident on Sunday, September 29, 2024, on the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.
The accident occurred at around 6:00 hrs. and involved two vehicles: motorcar #PAE 672, driven by 21-year-old Marshall Allicock of Earls Court, LBI, and motorcar #PAH 5148, owned by Trans Guyana Airways Limited and driven by 58-year-old Prakash Heeralal of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.
Salima Heeralal was a passenger in PAH 5148 at the
time of the accident. According to police reports, Allicock, who was driving south on the LBI access road, failed to stop at the intersection and collided with the right-side centre of PAH 5148, which was proceeding west along the southern driving lane of the embankment.
The impact caused Heeralal's vehicle to swerve and crash into a bridge on the southern side of the road. Public-spirited citizens rushed to the scene and assisted in rescuing Prakash and Salima from the wreckage.
Both persons were trans-
Ms. Sonja Adonis, and Mr. Daniel D’Andrade, led the initiative, visiting key business areas in Wismar, McKenzie, and Amelia’s Ward. Their efforts were focused on educating both employers and employees on a wide range of topics, including overtime payments, termination of employment and severance pay, record-keeping requirements, the national
minimum wage, probation periods, and leave entitlements.
The outreach also addressed critical issues such as child labour prevention and introduced participants to the Ministry’s "Labour Advice" Mobile Application, a tool designed to offer instant access to labour-related information and advice.
This initiative is part of
the Ministry of Labour’s ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance with labour laws while protecting workers' rights and supporting businesses in maintaining fair labour practices. By offering valuable education and resources, the Ministry aims to foster a safer, more equitable working environment across the country.
ported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were admitted for treatment.
Allicock, who was also injured, was taken to a private city hospital by a family member and admitted for observation.
Heeralal succumbed to her injuries on Monday, September 30, around 2:40 hrs while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Prakash Heeralal has since been discharged, while Allicock remains hospitalised. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
THE Sol Group (Sol) has announced that it has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil to become ExxonMobil's licensee for the use of the Mobil™ brand in its network of service stations in Guyana, effective October 1, 2024.
According to information from Sol, as part of this strategic operation, Sol’s retail network comprised of 11 service stations will offer high-quality Mobil™ fuels as they gradually rebrand to the Mobil™ brand.
While Mobil™ lubricants are already available in Guyana through Sol’s distributorship, for the first time, drivers will have ac-
cess to Mobil™ Synergy Fuel Technology fuels, including Mobil Synergy Extra™ and Mobil Synergy Supreme+™.
ExxonMobil’s advanced formula protects engines by helping to clean and maintain the inlet valves and injectors while providing better gas mileage and better performance.
With the introduction of Mobil™ fuels to the Sol Guyana market, Mark Goede, Vice President of Commercial Business Lines and South America Operations of The Sol Group explained that the decision to enter into an agreement with ExxonMobil was high-
ly strategic in nature and reflected the commitment to offer premium fuels through a modern, innovative network of service stations to its customers in Guyana.
He added that ExxonMobil is a globally recognized company known for its advanced technology, innovation, and product quality and that there is great anticipation and excitement surrounding our new Mobil™ branded fuels.
He noted that Mobil Synergy Supreme+™ fuel has more cleaning power than Mobil Synergy Extra™ fuel and will offer “Better Mileage and Better Performance”. It is expected to
meet the needs of our valued drivers in Guyana.
Earl Carribon, General Manager of Sol Guyana Inc. said that the introduction of the Mobil™ fuel brand represents innovative and new technology for Sol’s valued retailers and customers.
Carribon expressed the enthusiasm for the upcoming changes, he said “We, at Sol Guyana, are excited about this opportunity to continue delivering our focus, passion, and expertise, hand in hand with our retailers to position Mobil fuel as the lead-
ing brand in Guyana. Our operational standards, safety, robust marketing strategy, and experienced team combined with high-quality Mobil™ fuels represent a winning business formula for the company and a huge win for customers in the market. We are confident and optimistic about this opportunity for Sol Guyana, our local partners and customers”.
Mobil, Mobil Fuel Technology Synergy, Mobil Synergy Extra, Mobil Synergy Supreme+ and the Mobil Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries and used under license.
RESIDENTS of the Charity Extension Scheme and David James area in Region Two will soon have access to electricity as part of the government's on-going development initiatives.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, announced that during a sod-turning ceremony for a solar farm at Onderneeming, marking a significant milestone in Guyana's renewable energy push.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the electrification of the Charity/Ursara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) will be completed by Christmas, ensuring that residents are connected to the national grid.
He acknowledged requests for continued expansion of the electrification programme in the Charity area and praised regional officials for advocating on
behalf of the community.
These developments coincide with the establishment of solar farms in Onderneeming and Charity, which are expected to collectively generate 8 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar energy, supported by 12 MWp of battery storage. The Onderneeming site will contribute 5 MWp of solar capacity, backed by 7.5 MWp of battery storage, while the Charity site will provide 3 MWp of solar power with 4.5 MWp of battery storage.
These projects are part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), a government-led initiative designed to diversify the nation’s energy mix by incorporating large-scale solar farms. This is a key element in Guyana’s strategy to achieve sustainable and resilient energy systems.
Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that, as housing schemes along the coast expand, and more people settle in Region Two, the demand for electricity will arise, attracting increased investments. The government remains committed to fulfilling its promise to deliver electricity to those in need, particularly in the rapidly developing Charity area.
Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, expressed satisfaction with the government's efforts, highlighting that the electrification project would significantly improve the lives of residents. With the expected completion by Christmas, residents are eager for the process to begin, looking forward to a brighter and more connected future.
By Indrawattie Natram
THE Region Two Tourism Association hosted a vibrant mini exposition at the Anna Regina Independence Park last Friday, celebrating the rich culture of Guyana's Indigenous people.
The event featured a diverse array of food, beverages, art, craft, music, and dance, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Indigenous traditions and heritage.
The day’s festivities concluded with a bigscreen viewing of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket match, followed by a live performance from the Castro Brothers, a dynamic band hailing from Region Seven, whose Indigenous songs energised the crowd.
Joel Fredericks, a member of the Region Two Tourism Association and the event's coordinator, explained that the expo was timed to coincide with World Tourism Day, celebrated globally under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” He noted that the event also aligned with Guyana’s Amerindian Heritage Month, further emphasising the country’s commitment to recognising and preserving Indigenous culture.
Fredericks highlighted that the event attracted numerous visitors to the region, providing a welcome boost to local
tourism. "This is the first time the Essequibo Tourism Association has hosted an event of this kind, and it gave agro-processors, artisans, and vendors the chance to showcase and sell their products," he said.
Families gathered to enjoy the lively atmosphere, socialising while browsing locally made jewellery, handmade dishes, and other
crafts. Vendors were given tables and spaces to sell their items, adding to the sense of community and celebration.
The mini exposition successfully blended culture, entertainment, and commerce, offering a platform for local talent and businesses while promoting the region's growing tourism sector.
Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has announced the successful resumption of production at several of its facilities following a fire at its power station on September 27, 2024. The fire, which originated from a generator in the power station, caused extensive damage but was swiftly contained, thanks to the combined efforts of DDL’s firefighting team and the Guyana Fire Service.
As of Wednesday, DDL confirmed that its TOPCO plant, responsible for pro -
ducing Topco fruit juices and Savannah milk products, is fully operational. The Wines and Spirits plant is operating at partial capacity, while the non-alcoholic beverage plant is expected to be back in full production by the weekend. DDL is also working to re-
start its distillery as soon as possible.
According to initial investigations, the fire started in one of the seven generators housed in the power station. This specific generator had recently undergone scheduled maintenance by the
equipment supplier. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the entire power station and affecting all generators and the building itself. The power station previously supplied all the energy required to operate DDL’s complex.
Despite the fire’s rapid spread, emergency services were able to limit the damage to the power station. The fire did not affect any other parts of the facility, including the key production areas. DDL emphasized that no jobs were lost due to the fire, and the swift resumption of operations has ensured the continued employment of all staff.
The quick return to full production at the TOPCO plant also prevented any disruptions in the purchase of products from local fruit farmers, ensuring that the supply chain remains intact. DDL is actively working with its resellers across the
70-year-old
country to minimize losses caused by temporary stock shortages.
DDL’s management team expressed gratitude to the Guyana Fire Service, which played a critical role in containing the fire, and the Guyana Police Force for providing security during the operation. They also thanked Guyana Power and Light for promptly restoring electricity to the site.
Most importantly, there were no reported injuries to DDL staff or firefighters during the firefighting efforts, thanks to adherence to best practices throughout the operation.
The company has assured its customers and stakeholders that it is committed to minimizing any disruptions and is focused on fully restoring production as soon as possible.
IMRAN Alli, also known as 'Buddy', a 70-year-old pensioner who resided at Lot 24 Novar, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, lost his life on Monday, September 30, 2024 after he was reportedly attacked by a swarm of bees while clearing some bushes on a plot of land opposite his home.
According to information received from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Alli and his worker Dale Husher, a 43-yearold labourer, were clearing the bushes at approximately 11:00 hrs. on Monday last, when the men reportedly came into contact with a bee nest.
Zeana Alli, his 63-year-old housewife, reported that her husband, Alli, was clearing the land opposite their residence when she heard the worker who was with him shouting for help.
She then rushed to her verandah and witnessed Husher fleeing from her husband, who was lying on the ground covered by a swarm of bees. An alarm was raised, and residents attempted to rescue Alli, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Husher recounted that while he and Alli were clearing the bushes, a swarm of bees flew towards them and began to sting both men. In a panic, he ran for safety, leaving his employer on the ground as he was unable to assist him.
Alli was later taken to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. The body is at the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination.
FIVE-TIME 100m world champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, is set to continue her illustrious track career for yet another season, despite facing significant injury challenges throughout 2024.
However, the sprinting legend will reportedly do so under new guidance. Sportsmax.TV understands that Fraser-Pryce will be leaving Reynaldo Walcott, the coach she helped establish at Elite Performance Track Club.
Fraser-Pryce, who has been hampered by a persistent knee injury over the past few seasons, made the decision to move on after a reportedly frosty relation -
ship developed between her and Walcott during the 2024 season. Calls and a Whatsapp message to Coach Walcott went unanswered.
Though her next coaching destination remains unclear, Sportsmax understands that the two-time Olympic 100m gold medalist has moved to put together a team to guide her through the upcoming season.
The name of Andre Wellington has surfaced as the person who will be among Fraser-Pryce’s new coaching outfit. Wellington has coached World U20 100m silver medalist Bouwahghie Nkrumie at Kingston
BABAR Azam has announced that he will no longer captain Pakistan’s white ball teams, stepping down as skipper of both the T20 and One-Day International sides.
The 29-year-old multi-format star had resumed his Pakistan captaincy for the shorter format teams in March of this year, but endured a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign and has subsequently also failed to rediscover his form in the Test format for Pakistan.
Faced with the challenge of overcoming the leanest spell of his previously exceptional career with the bat, Babar says he has taken the
decision to step away from the captaincy in order to focus on getting his batting form back on track.
“I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month,” Babar said in a statement released on his social media channels.
“It's been an honour to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus on my playing role.
“Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it's added a significant workload. I want to prioritise my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my
family, which brings me joy.
“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.
“I'm grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me. I'm proud of what we've achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player.
“Thank you for your love and support.”
The 29-year-old is part of Pakistan’s test squad for the upcoming World Test Championship series against England, which starts on October 7 in Multan. (ICC Media)
College (KC). He was a member of the Racers Track Club between 2011 and 2012.
Fraser-Pryce had been a founding member of Elite Performance Track Club, partnering with Walcott in early 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, the 37-year-old sprint queen achieved remarkable success, notably lowering her personal best from 10.70 to 10.60 seconds. In 2022, she became the first woman to run sub-10.7 seconds on seven occasions in a single season and secured her fifth 100m world title in Eugene,
Oregon.
However, since that stellar 2022 season, injuries have taken their toll on the Jamaican icon. In 2023, at the World Championships in Budapest, Fraser-Pryce finished third in the 100m, a notable drop from her dominant form the previous year. Her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was further curtailed, as she withdrew from the semi-finals for reasons that remain undisclosed.
Fraser-Pryce’s decision to continue competing, despite these setbacks, underscores her determination to finish her career on her own terms.
As the first Jamaican woman to win an Olympic 100m title in Beijing 2008, she has remained a dominant force in global athletics for over a decade. Now, with a fresh team in her corner, the sprinting icon is focused on overcoming the injuries that have plagued her and making yet another remarkable run in 2025.
The news, if confirmed, followed a recent development where Olympic 110m bronze medalist, Rasheed Broadbell, has also left Elite Performance for the MVP Track Club. (Sportsmax)
TROPHY Stall, like it did in previous years, is once again playing a huge part in the staging of the eighth edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 softball tournament, which bowls off on Friday, October 11 at various venues around Georgetown and the East Coast.
The Ramesh Sunich-owned entity will be sponsoring several of the major trophies, including the winning ones in all four categories – Ladies, Legends Over-50, Masters Over-40 and All Stars Open.
In addition, Trophy Stall will also provide the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophies in all the divisions and the Supreme balls for the ladies who will spring into action next Thursday, October 10. Twelve teams, including defending champions 4R Lioness will be vying for supremacy. Unlike the men, who will be playing the usual 20 overs, the ladies will compete in 15 overs.
According to Ramesh, and his brother Roger, who is visiting from Canada and who also runs a similar business there, they are pleased to be associated with the staging of the softball extravaganza, and have pledged to continue the sponsorship in the coming years.
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Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. President, Ian John, thanked both brothers for their support, and assured
them that their contribution to the grassroot sport hasn’t gone unnoticed. The simple presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Trophy Stall Bourda Market entity.
199 to win, the Warriors used their 16th different opening pair in the last two seasons and lost Keemo Paul (14) when he departed at 22 in the 4th over.
Shai Hope and Gurbaz took the Warriors to 50 from 44 balls before Gurbaz (24) fell to David Wiese at 51-2.
At the halfway stage, the
Warriors were 71-2. Hope hit two sixes and a four in his 27 before he fell to Chase at 73-3 and when Pretorius (2) was bowled by the tournament’s leading wicket-taker Noor Ahmad for his 19th scalp. Ali joined Hetmyer who dumped Chase for a couple of sixes and two more off
(From back page)
Ahmad to give the crowd something to shout about. But with the score on 106-4 in the 13th over and with Hetmyer on 37 from 17 balls, a heavy shower sent the players scurrying off the field at 21:55 hours with the Warriors 16 runs from where they needed to be and play never resumed.
ICONIC names from world cricket will be calling the games during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Prominent names attached to women’s cricket including World Cup-winners Mel Jones, Lisa Sthalekar, Stacy Ann King, and Lydia Greenway along with former international stars Anjum Chopra and Katey Martin, as well as ex-India women’s head coach WV Raman will be a part of the team.
England’s Greenway, who featured in the inaugural T20I and the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup Final, was excited at the prospect of a historical event.
“We’re seeing elite athletes at the peak of their powers, and with the increased prize pool, it’s clear the game is being given the platform and respect it deserves," she said.
“The skills on display are going to be breathtaking, and I think we’ll witness some truly unforgettable moments
that will push the boundaries of what’s possible in women’s cricket. I can’t wait to call the action from the commentary box and be a part of this amazing tournament.”
Adding to the star power on display, former India and Pakistan skippers Mithali Raj and Sana Mir will also be part of the setup.
Also in the mix will be leading voices of world cricket including Natalie Germanos, Ian Bishop, Kass Naidoo, Nasser Hussain,
Alison Mitchell, Carlos Brathwaite and Mpumelelo Mbangwa.
West Indies’ Ian Bishop, an iconic fixture in the commentary box for several years, was looking forward to another exhilarating women’s event.
“Women’s cricket has been very close to my heart for quite some time. It is exciting to behold how much the game has evolved – the women cricketers continue to exhibit ever-increasing ingenuity, athleticism, power and finesse," Bishop said.
The important task of handling the build-up shows would go to Kass and Laura McGoldrick.
Live coverage for all matches will be produced by ICC TV, ensuring that the global audience can enjoy every moment of cricketing action.
In addition to the live match coverage, ICC TV will produce a 30-minute pre-game build-up.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, , (CMC) – FORMER West Indies captain, Sir Richie Richardson, was lauded for his contribution to West Indies cricket during the recent launch of the biography, “Richie Richardson: The Man and the Legacy.”
The biography, written by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI Mona Campus, Professor Densil Williams, celebrates the life and remarkable cricket career of Sir Richie and offers a detailed account of his influential career, highlighting his
(Thursday, October 3, 2024)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD
83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) 92 for the second wicket (Justin Greaves/ Sam Billings vs Royals in Barbados)
(2) 199 for the second wicket (Kyle Mayers/Evin Lewis vs Kings in St. Kitts)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which two teams contested the Eliminator game in CPL 2024?
(2) Which two teams contested Qualifier 1?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
P&P INSURANCE Brokers has once again thrown its support to the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) and the ongoing Prime Minister’s Softball Tournament, set to bowl off on Friday, October 11.
For a sixth year, P&P Brokers has joined forces with the League as a corporate sponsor Executive Director, Vikash Panday, on Tuesday, handed over the cheque to GSCL President, Ian John, at P&P Insurance Brokers entity, situated on Lamaha Street, North Georgetown headquarters.
Panday, in brief comments, alluded to the fact that the three-day extravaganza is attracting teams both from Guyana and the Diaspora. He wished all the teams much success in the tournament,
P&P Insurance Brokers has been, for a long time,
fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, sponsoring all types of sporting events.
Panday also pledged that P&P Insurance Brokers will continue to fulfill this as he deems it very important.
LEG-SPINNER Jafer Chohan has earned his first England call-up for the white-ball tour of the West Indies, while Jos Buttler returns as captain.
calm and dignified leadership both on and off the field.
At the official launch held at Casa Palmadita in Fitches Creek, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, praised both Sir Richie for his immense contributions to West Indies cricket and Professor Williams for his academic excellence and literary accomplishment in capturing Sir Richie’s legacy.
During the proceedings, Sir Rodney also received a copy of the book from Professor Williams.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was the Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, along with other distinguished guests.
The event marked a celebration of two outstanding Caribbean figures: Sir Richie, whose cricketing career inspired millions, and Professor Williams, whose scholarship immortalises that legacy for future generations.
Chohan, 22, has taken 22 wickets in 23 T20 Blast matches for Yorkshire, including 17 in 10 games in 2024, and is the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) to be named in an England squad.
Buttler has been out since August with a calf injury, with Harry Brook and Phil Salt leading the one-day international and T20 sides in his absence against Australia in September.
It will be his first series in charge following a review of England's set-up after June's T20 World Cup, which saw head coach Matthew Mott step down.
The first of three ODIs against the West Indies takes place on 31 October in Antigua, and is followed by five T20s.
The same squad has been named for both series, with Hampshire fast bowler John Turner and Warwickshire
all-rounder Dan Mousley the other uncapped players alongside Chohan.
A further two players, who are yet to be named, will join the tour from the England Test squad, who finish their tour of Pakistan on 28 October.
England drew the T20 series against Australia but lost the ODI series 3-2, as they continue to rebuild after the departure of Mott, the retirement of all-rounder Moeen Ali and the absence of experienced players including
The England
Jos
Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner. (BBC Sport)
PROVIDENCE, Guyana, (CMC) – The Guyana Power and Light Company Inc (GPL) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport have distanced themselves from the embarrassing power outage which significantly affected the Caribbean Premier League playoff contest between the Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals on Monday night.
Faulty floodlights resulted in the match being delayed by over two hours with the Royals eventually winning by nine wickets after their innings was reduced to five overs.
Following the power outage at the National Stadium, the GPL made it clear that the Stadium is powered by independent generating sets and that GPL’s technicians were only on standby to assist with any issue.
In a late-night joint statement, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the GPL explained that three of the six floodlights at the National Stadium lost power during the cricket match.
According to the statement, all CPL matches at the Providence Stadium are powered from independent generating sets located in the National Stadium and not by the GPL grid.
GPL said it has been on standby at all matches to render technical assistance to the Stadium at all times.
It was explained that when the floodlights went down, the GPL technical team on standby immediately began rendering assistance and restored power to two of three floodlights on the same circuit.
The joint statement said the Stadium’s technical staff and GPL worked assiduously
to restore power to the third floodlight which had a technical fault with the underground cable feeding power to that floodlight.
A substitute cable was installed to have the floodlight operational and that was achieved just before 11 p.m.
The Sport Ministry and GPL have now promised that additional technical assessment will be done immediately after the game to avoid any reoccurrence.
There were two similar incidents involving the same floodlights at the Providence Stadium recently.
One of those incidents took place during the finals of a T10 tournament and the other incident took place during a practice session of the Amazon Warriors cricket team.
Earlier this week, the Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited, (MACORP)
announced its role in powering the Guyana National Stadium for the CPL playoffs and final games.
In a statement issued prior to Monday’s match, MACORP said its “CAT XQC M1600 Module cutting-edge power solution is fuelling energy both on and off the
field, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and powerful performance.
“With its powerful capabilities and adaptable features, the XQC1600 guarantees reliable power for the stadium, helping to maintain the electrifying atmosphere of the CPL – famously
known as “the biggest party in sports.”
Among some of its features included sound-attenuated design, dual frequency capability, grid synchronisation, an impressive power capacity, ample fuel supply, and customizable circuit protection.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – FOR the first time in its history, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has awarded multi-year contracts to several of its top men’s and women’s players for the next two years.
This historical achievement comes on the back of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024 between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).
Fifteen senior men’s players have been contracted, with six of those players being offered multi-year contracts based on their performances during the 20232024 evaluation period.
Meanwhile, of the 15 senior women’s players contracted, three were awarded multi-year contracts.
The contract period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, for players on a one-year contract, while for the multi-
year awarded players, their contracts are from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026.
Interestingly, neither top T20 player, Nicholas Pooran, nor former West Indies captain, Jason Holder, is among the contracted players.
The men who have been awarded multi-year contracts are Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie and Jayden Seales.
The other male players who have been awarded one-year contracts are Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd and Rovman Powell.
Chase and Hodge, who made his Test debut this year against Australia receive their first ever international contracts.
Hodge played a pivotal role in the regional team’s first Test win in Australia
in 28 years in Brisbane and then followed that up with a maiden Test century against England at Trent Bridge.
He was also the leading scorer in the series for the West Indies.
Chase was also rewarded after scoring 241 runs from eight innings, at an average of 60.25 with the bat for the year in T20 internationals at a strike rate of 141.76.
He also bagged 12 wickets in the format with an economy rate of 6.43.
The all-rounder also averaged 32.85 with the bat in eight One-Day Internationals during the last 12 months.
Additionally, Tagenerine Chanderpaul will take up a franchise retainer contract with the Guyana Harpy Eagles for the upcoming year, whilst Kemar Roach is in discussions regarding a new dual playing and mentorship/ coaching role as he begins to plan and consider the next stage of his cricket career. Among the women, West
All-rounder Roston Chase has received his first international contract from CWI
Indies captain Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle, have also been awarded multiyear contracts.
comer to the list, has been awarded an international contract for the first-time following her improved performances, including being the leading wicket taker in the CG United Super50 tournament.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe said the contracts showed the organisation’s commitment to cricketers in the region.
“CWI has committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue with players and being practical about the realities of the modern game.
“The players have responded in kind and the acceptance of multi-year contracts is an indication of clarity, confidence, and commitment on both sides,” Bascombe said.
Munisar, the only new -
One-year contracts have been granted to Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, and Rashada Williams.
“I’d like to congratulate the entire contracted cohort on their performances in the last assessment period and I look forward to them building on those in the next one.”
By Sean Devers
THE St Lucia Kings, led by a century-opening stand, moved into Sunday’s final of the Republic Bank CPL when they beat defending Champions Guyana Amazon Warriors by 15 runs on the DLS system last night in Qualifier 1 at the Providence Stadium.
The Warriors still have a chance of reaching the final when they face Barbados Royals tomorrow from 19:00 hours in Qualifier 2.
Johnson Charles’ rumbustious 45ball 79 included eight fours and five sixes while Skipper Faf du Plessis made 57 from 36 balls with five fours and three sixes.
Kings posting a challenging total and they did not disappoint as boundaries rained at Providence under a clear night sky.
Charles dumped Pretorius a four, a six and a four in the second over which cost 15 runs. Charles blasted Pretorius a six and du Plessis clobbered for another before hammering Romario Shepherd for three consecutive boundaries as the Kings galloped 50 from 25 balls.
Charles celebrated the landmark by dancing into Pretorius lofting for an effortless six before edging him to the third- man boundary. Du Plessis deposited Tahir for a humongous six before Charles reached his 42nd fifty from 20 balls with six fours and three sixes as the runs flowed on a fast outfield
out loss as another capacity crowd were rooted to their seats, their faces grim.
Charles was caught at long-on as Moin Ali made the breakthrough in his first to leave the score 124-1 in the 12th over to bring the crowd to life.
Roston Chase joined the 40-yearold South African du Plisses who reached his half-century when he hit Joseph for six.
His 76th T20 fifty came from 34 balls with four fours and two sixes and he celebrated with another boundary off Joseph.
But with the total on 156 in the 15th over, Rahmanullah Gurbaz ran in from long-on and dived full length forward to pull off a stupendous catch as Joseph removed du Plessis for 58.
Player-of-the match Johnson Charles hammered a pugnacious 79 as he passed 400 runs at Providence last night for the Kings
The pair added 124 in 11.4 overs to lead the Kings to 198-5 in 20 overs. Pacer Dwaine Pretorius (2-51) and Moeen Ali (2-24) were the most successful bowlers for the Warriors who reached 106-4 in 13 overs.
When the Kings began their innings, du Plessis and Charles, with over 300 runs this season, were the key to the
PRESIDENT of the Guyana BoxingAssociation(GBA) Steve Ninvalle yesterday paid tribute to late Technical Director Terrence Poole, M.S., who passed away suddenly yesterday morning at the age of 60.
According to Ninivalle, Mr Poole’s immeasurable contributions to boxing span four decades as an athlete and subsequently a coach; his presence will surely be missed in the local and regional boxing fraternity.
The GBA is grateful for Mr Poole’s unwavering support and dedication to our sport.
We extend sincerest commiserations to his wife, family, friends , and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
Poole, a key figure in boxing development in Guyana, did his usual morning run on Wednesday and complained of feeling unwell upon his return.
He was immediately rushed to hospital after having difficulty breathing.
Ninvalle said the sudden passing of Poole is a massive blow not just to boxing in Guyana, the Caribbean and beyond, but for sport in general.
St Lucian Charles joined Nichols Pooran (504) and Quinton de Kock (438) with over 400 runs before disdainfully flicking Shamar Joseph for six in his first over to post the 100 partnership in 8.5 overs
Charles swept Motie for four and lifted him for six and after 10 overs the Kings were looking royal at 115 with-
Tim Seifert (18) fell to Ali at 178-3 and the noise level of the screaming fans reached a crescendo.
Pretorius dismissed Chase (18) and Matthew Forde for a duck as the Kings lost two wickets at 190 and the Warriors did well to limit the score to less than 200 after the rollicking start.
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AT 20:58[hrs] on Tuesday, 1 October, during the Eliminator match between the Barbados Royals and the Trinbago Knight Riders, there was a loss of power to all three floodlight towers on the eastern side of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, causing an interruption in play.
At the time of the interruption, 19.1 overs of the Knight Riders innings had been completed. Within half an hour, two of the three towers were functioning. In the opinion of the on-field field umpires, Deighton Butler and Nigel Duguid, the lighting level made it unsafe for play to continue.
Nevertheless, given the importance of the game, both teams were offered the opportunity to continue playing in the reduced lighting. While the Barbados Royals were willing to continue, the Trinbago Knight Riders, as was their right, did not want to carry on playing in conditions which the umpires had decided were unsafe.
Eventually, power was restored to the third floodlight tower at 22:51[hrs] and, after making an allowance for enough time for the lamps to achieve maximum brightness, the match officials made the decision to re-start the game at 23:01[hrs], ensuring that a result could be achieved on the field of play.
The ICC approved DLS calculator, which is utilised at the innings break of every CPL game, and which is the universally accepted method used to determine revised targets in an interrupted game was applied, and a target of 60 from the five overs was generated.
Ninvalle said Poole’s passing leaves a gaping void in boxing in Guyana and the Caribbean, as his commitment, dedication and drive to propel the fistic sport was unmatched.
The Director of Sport pointed out that planning was well underway for Poole to accompany local boxers for an upcoming overseas engagement.
Initially, a cut-off time of 22:52[hrs] for the start of a minimum five-over innings, which is required to constitute a game, was communicated to broadcast. This was subsequently revised to 23:01[hrs] to account for the time allowed for the interval between innings which had not been initially included.
Reon King, CWI senior Match Referee who was in charge of the Playing Control Team on the night, said: “The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League playing conditions allow for one hour extra time to be added to a game before overs are lost, and a failure of floodlights is treated in exactly the way as an interruption for rain. The priority for the match officials team is always for the safety of players, but they also work to try and see if the outcome of a game, one way or another, can be achieved on the field of play. This was the focus applied during the Eliminator match.”