President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday hosted an Emancipation Dinner and Cultural Extravaganza on the lawns of State House (Office of the President photos)
Over 100 states condemned APNU+AFC’s attempts to rig 2020 General and Regional Elections
- Attorney-General says; stresses that Guyana must never endure these circumstances again
By Trina Williams
ALTHOUGH Guyana is now on a more transformative path, the imbroglio which the nation experienced at the hands of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) during 2020 must never be forgotten or repeated, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C. has said.
Nandlall, in a recent interview, reflected on how the country was in a gridlock for months after votes were cast on March 2, 2020, as the APNU+AFC and its affiliates attempted to undermine the will of the
people.
He said over 100 governments from around the world had condemned those attempts, and the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections further exposed the blatant actions of the coalition.
Owing to the situation during that period, the Attorney-General emphasised that democracy is the lifeblood of a nation and its impact could either make or break a country.
For instance, in the 28 years of control by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), a senior
party of the APNU, Guyana was plunged into a state of bankruptcy, Nandlall said. It has been widely reported that Former President and PNCR Leader Forbes Burnham, in coalition with the small opposition United Force, snatched political power from the PPP in the 1964 elections and the PNCR remained in office through rigged elections until 1992.
As he continued to explain how the lack of democracy negatively affected Guyana, the Minister of Legal Affairs stressed:
“We must never endure that again.”
Under the governance of the PPP/C, Guyana’s transformation has been unparalleled, and this reality cannot be dismissed by even the most major critic.
However, an analysis of what is going on in Venezuela depicts what happens when democracy is trampled upon, the Attorney-General pointed out.
He said: “Even before this election, over 10 million refugees have fled Venezuela and are begging a livelihood across the globe.
Look at what is going on in Venezuela, a lack of free and fair elections.”
Nandlall related that the attempts to manipulate the results of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, at the time, was spelling trouble for Guyana, as both international and regional bodies were gearing up to treat the nation in a particular manner.
“This is a global village that we live in. There is no one country that can survive international sanctions,” Nandlall related, while pointing out that Guyana’s booming investment climate would not have been as it is today if democracy was not allowed to prevail.
He later said: “We would not have had peace and stability in the country because the Guyanese population had made it clear that they are not going to live under undemocratic rule...They said that openly...”
However, despite all of these events unfolding
and the Opposition facing a tremendous loss of trust from the Guyanese people, their recent internal party elections have not changed the minds of the citizens, Nandlall said.
From the inception, the PNCR’s own members objected to the congress as there were numerous allegations of irregularities that placed a dark cloud over the party.
And even as time progressed and the party geared up for its opening ceremony on June 28, those who challenged the leadership “suspended” their campaigns because of the lack of transparency, among other allegations of infractions.
What was even more shocking is that despite painting the PNCR as a political party with an increasing membership, the party was caught red-handed as the number of delegates constantly changed.
The people, in 2020, went to the polls and peacefully gave a mandate to the PPP/C to govern.
Guyanese, after casting their votes, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.
During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society.
It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the PPP/C received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes.
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.
Increased credit to ‘agri’ sector results in massive production boost
By Naomi Parris
OWING to strategic policies, credit to Guyana’s agriculture sector has seen a whopping increase from $12. 2 billion in 2019 to $21.9 billion by 2023, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
“That is confidence in the policy; that is people responding to the policy. That is the policy working in the interest of the people increasing production,” Dr. Ali said during a recent broadcast address.
He further noted that the implementation of several polices shielded citizens from the full brunt of global economic conditions, and ensured that food production remained stable.
And that despite being challenged by the shocks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressures from rising transportation costs and rising costs in the movement of goods and services, the Government of Guyana has remained resilient in its response, implementing a number of measures.
These included : Reversing drainage and irrigation charges
Investing in shade houses
Removal of cooperate tax on loans for farmers These measures, he said, saw massive increases in the production of rice, meat and other crops.
“You can remember that DNI charges increase on the last government by 220%. Irrigation fees, land rental fees increased by 600%, we reversed all of that. We reversed the 600% increase and the 220% increase that led to savings to the farmers that led to more capital avail-
able for production,” Dr. Ali further explained.
“Outside of that, we invested heavily in shade house construction, bringing young people into the production process, supporting women to invest in agriculture,” President Ali added.
According to statistics provided by the President, production of rice increased to 653,706 tonnes from 550,000 tonnes in 2021.
Crop production saw an increase from 735,000 tonnes in 2021 to 891,000 tonnes by 2023.
Meat production saw an increase by 46% from 42,740 tonnes in 2020 to 62,536 tonnes by 2023.
Meanwhile, the output for the fishery increased by 61% from 19,993 tonnes in 2020 to 32,234 tonnes by 2023.
Shrimp production increased by 22% from 13,543 tonnes in 2020 to 16,580 tonnes in 2023.
“These are a net effect;
the impact of the policies that were brought in place,” the President said.
Dr. Ali pointed out that Guyana has seen a lower food inflation percentage when compared to other countries in the region, and this, he highlighted, was not by accident.
“This was by a deliberate set of measures, implemented by the Government of Guyana to boost production, support the poultry sector, the support to farmers, fertiliser, etc. The expansion of production, the investment in infrastructure to increase production, the building out of a robust agriculture programme,” the President said.
And, while highlighting the effects of the previous coalition government’s imposed burdensome taxes and reduced disposable income, President Ali reiterated that the government’s deliberate policies and programmes are aimed at boosting production,
–– President Ali says
supporting farmers, and cushioning the effects of inflation on the population.
In the European Union, food price inflation increased from the last quarter of 2021 to reach 3.5 per cent in January and 7.5 per cent in May 2022.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, food price inflation surged steadily from January 2022 to 81.6
per cent by September 2023.
Food price inflation in the United States increased to 10.9 per cent in July 2022, the highest since 1980.
In 2023, Guyana’s food inflation rate was 3.8 per cent, 7.8 per cent in Jamaica and 81.67 per cent in the Latin American region.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
Venezuelans march over contested election, number of detained rises
THOUSANDS of Venezuelans marched across the South American country on Saturday over its contested election, as President Nicolas Maduro told supporters some 2,000 people had been arrested during protests against the results.
Venezuela's electoral authority, blasted by critics as favouring the ruling socialists, proclaimed Maduro the winner in last Sunday's vote, saying on Monday he obtained 51per cent compared to 46 per cent for opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez. The authority reaffirmed a similar margin on Friday.
The published election result sparked widespread allegations of fraud and protests. Subsequently security forces cracked down on protests which Maduro's government labelled part of an attempted USbacked coup.
"This time there will be no forgiveness," Maduro told supporters at a rally in Caracas, where he said some 2,000 people had been detained in connection to "crimes" during the protests. He pledged "maximum punishment."
Maduro's supporters said they were defending democracy.
"Today we are here heeding the call of our president … to defend democracy," Alfredo Valera, president of Venezuela's Fontur union, who took part in a pro-government caravan in Caracas, told state television.
Elsewhere, opposition supporters marched to demand justice, buoyed by the presence of leader Maria Corina Machado, who emerged from hiding on Saturday to join her demonstrations on the streets of Caracas.
"Just as it took us a long time to achieve elec-
toral victory, now comes a stage that we take day by day, but we have never been as strong as today, never," Machado told supporters in Caracas.
Supporters were happy to see Machado in the streets after the leader said in a Thursday op-ed for the Wall Street Journal that she was in hiding and feared for her life.
In addition to Caracas, demonstrations took place in cities including Valencia, Maracaibo and San Cristobal.
"I don't deny it's a little scary to see security forces pass by," said vendor Maria Luzardo, 46, in San Cristobal. "If (Machado) is brave enough to be on the streets despite the threats, so are we. Venezuela is calling us."
So far, at least 20 people have been killed in post-election protests, according to advocacy groups, including USbased Human Rights Watch. Some 1,200 others have been arrested in connection with the demonstrations, according to the government.
During the week, some Venezuelans have appeared outside police stations seeking news of their detained family members.
The Organization of American States urged peace in Venezuela ahead of the planned demonstrations.
"Today we urge that there not be one more
political prisoner, nor one more tortured person, nor one more disappeared person, nor one more murdered person," said the OAS, which this week called the election results unreliable.
Nations including the US and Argentina have already recognised Gonzalez as the election's
winner, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday citing "overwhelming evidence." Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Uruguay also concluded on Friday that Gonzalez received the most votes. Others, including Russia, China and Cuba, have congratulated Maduro. (Reuters)
Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, addresses supporters during a march amid the disputed presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela August 3, 2024 (REUTERS/Fausto Torrealba)
All hinterland areas could get Internet connectivity by year’s end
–– Prime Minister Phillips says; emphasises government’s commitment to bridging digital divide
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has underscored the government’s dedication to comprehensive development in Guyana’s hinterland regions, emphasising significant investments and infrastructural improvements.
During a visit to the
receives over $1 billion annually, including $100 million for the higher education of 800 hinterland students, while cultural preservations are being supported with $147 million in 2024 to maintain Amerindian traditions and heritage.
The Prime Minister
Mazaruni District Games at the Tunnel Tigers Sports Ground in Kamarang/Warawatta, also highlighted the ruling administration’s commitment to sport development and the Upper Mazaruni District Games.
While commending the organisers for their sustained efforts over the past
Upper Mazaruni on Sunday, the Prime Minister reminded his audience that the government is working to provide Internet connectivity to all hinterland areas before the end of the year.
This transformation, he stressed, is significant to bridging the digital divide across the country.
He also assured the people of the Upper Mazaruni region of continued development across all sectors.
“We are bringing development to all your communities. Every community in the Upper Mazaruni will be developed, not only in sport, but in every other aspect of development,” the PM declared.
Over the past four years, the government has invested in hinterland communities by boosting Indigenous leadership with the National Toshaos Council Secretariat, and expanding land rights through a broader titling programme.
Job creation has also been enhanced with the reinstated Community Service Officers (CSO) programme and Presidential Grants. Youth development
noted that “From 2020 to now, we have spent over $70 billion on all aspect of hinterland development. We have more to spend from 2024 and 2025; five years of development that will encompass all of Guyana, both the coastline and the hinterland.”
HIGH-SPEED INTERNET
Prime Minister Phillips also spoke to the expansion of the ground-breaking Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) devices initiative to Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and the entire Hinterland, highlighting the on-going rollout of high-speed Internet services across Guyana. Phase One has successfully connected Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), while Phase Two is set to commence in August, beginning with Region Seven, and progressively extending throughout the Hinterland.
The Prime Minister, who travelled to the region for the 25th Annual Upper
turing underground wiring, the construction of new stands, and rehabilitation works on the ground.
“We have spent some $21 million in bringing the ground to this standard to host these games. That is how serious we are about sport in Guyana,” the prime minister said.
port these district games for the next 25 years,” he said.
The Government of Guyana, through the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the Honourable Pauline Sukhai, and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson, also
presented a GOLDLINK diesel-engine generator to the Toshao of Kako Village, which was facilitated through the Minister of Amerindian Affairs.
The single-phase unit, boasting 27.5 kVA (22 kW) of power at 235V and 60 Hz, is valued at approximately $4 million.
25 years, the Prime Minister also emphasised the government’s dedication to improving the sport facility in the area.
He said that in 2022, President Dr. Irfaan Ali committed to developing the ground to regulation size, and thus far, a significant amount of money has been spent on the development of the Kamarang Ground (The Tunnel Tigers Sports Ground), with the installation of lights, fea-
Additionally, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs donated $1.5 million for the overall support of the games, while the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport contributed $1.7 million in trophies and other support.
Prime Minister Phillips pledged the government’s long-term support for the district games.
“You have a long-life commitment from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government to sup-
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips underscored the Government’s dedication to comprehensive development in Guyana’s hinterland regions, emphasising significant investments and infrastructural improvements
Tangible Achievements
AS the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government celebrates four years back in office, it is an opportune moment to evaluate the administration's performance.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his recent address marking the anniversary, outlined the government's achievements, navigated challenges, and underscored future ambitions.
One of the most notable accomplishments highlighted by PM Phillips is the government's focus on infrastructural and social development. The PPP/C's commitment to improving education, healthcare, and ICT infrastructure has been tangible.
The expansion of ICT hubs across hinterland communities, alongside the distribution of solar systems, demonstrates a commendable effort to bridge the digital divide and provide equita -
ble access to education and healthcare. Initiatives like the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and telemedicine services are significant steps toward enhancing quality of life, particularly in remote areas.
The government's achievements in the energy sector also deserve mention.
The upcoming gas-to-energy project promises to halve electricity costs, which could provide significant economic relief to households and businesses.
Coupled with the Guyana Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which emphasises solar power and sustainability, these measures signal a progressive approach toward both economic and environmental goals.
The PPP/C’s approach to local content and employment generation is another area where the administration has made strides.
By prioritising Guyanese nationals and businesses in the petroleum sector, and facilitating the creation of nearly 60,000 jobs, the government is aligning its policies with the need to ensure that Guyana’s newfound oil wealth benefits its citizens directly.
The increase in cash grants for schoolchildren and the reinstitution of programmes like ‘Because We Care’ further reflect a commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary Guyanese.
However, while the achievements are substantial, they do not overshadow the challenges faced by the PPP/C administration. The aftermath of the 2021 floods tested the government's crisis management capabilities.
The ability to implement effective relief measures amidst such a natural disaster speaks to the resilience
of the administration, but it also highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the country to climate-related events.
Moreover, despite the progress in energy and ICT sectors, there is an acknowledgment that more work is needed to provide a stable and reliable power supply.
As Guyana's development accelerates, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with demand is crucial. The government’s readiness to invest in the gas-to-energy project and offset rising fuel costs is a positive step, but it will be important to monitor how these plans translate into long-term benefits for consumers.
The Prime Minister's insistence on the inclusive nature of the PPP/C’s development strategies is noteworthy. The 'One Guyana' slogan is framed as an effort to ensure that all communities, regardless of political
or ethnic affiliations, benefit from government policies.
This inclusive approach is crucial in a diverse society like Guyana, where historical and ethnic tensions can complicate governance.
The emphasis on community involvement in developmental projects, such as using local contractors for roadwork and engaging community groups for infrastructure maintenance, reflects a participatory approach to governance. This not only fosters local capacity but also ensures that development is more attuned to the specific needs of different regions.
Looking ahead, the PPP/C government must navigate the complexities of rapid development while maintaining transparency and addressing emerging issues.
As Guyana continues on its trajectory of growth, it will be essential for the administration to manage the balance
between economic expansion and sustainable development.
The commitment to reducing the nation's carbon footprint and investing in renewable energy is commendable, yet it must be coupled with robust measures to address environmental and social impacts.
The PPP/C’s four-year review presents a promising picture. While the administration has made significant strides in infrastructure, social services, and economic development, ongoing challenges and the need for continued vigilance in governance remain. As Guyana moves forward, the government's ability to adapt and address emerging needs will be critical in shaping a prosperous and equitable future for all Guyanese.
Request for supplementary funding in conformance with the financial law
Dear Editor, THE Leader of the Opposition (LO) and at least one other critical commentator of the Government, expressed concerns about the government's request for supplementary funding through the National Assembly.
Mainly, the LO contends that in 2023 for instance, “the government came to the National Assembly five times for extra money totally $116 billion, nearly 15 per cent more than its initial budgeted sum. The LO surmised that “the more the PPP/C Government spends, the more money is lost through poor planning, mismanagement, and corruption.”
This article seeks to address this issue in terms of the legitimacy of “supplementary appropriation”,
in contrast to the former, APNU+AFC Government’s approach to supplementary spending.
In the case, the former government, during their tenure in 2015-2020, departed from the legal provisions pursuant to the country’s principal financial law—that is, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (2003) (hereinafter the “FMAA”), as demonstrated hereunder.
First and foremost, considering that the national budget is presented at the beginning of the fiscal year, the need for supplementary funding throughout the fiscal year, as the programmes in the budget are implemented, is not an unusual practice whether it is in public finance, corporate finance, or personal finance. There will always be
plausible variances in budgeted costs versus actual costs, especially in relation to capital budgeting. These variances would arise due to a number of unavoidable factors, such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, exogenous and endogenous
factors, unforeseen events etc.
Thus, it does not necessarily mean that there is poor planning on the part of the government. It is with this basic principle in mind that the drafters of the FMAA had ensured
that a number of provisions were embedded within the FMAA, thereby adequately providing for these eventualities. It therefore follows that the most important concern from the tax-payers vantage point, is whether the supplementary appro -
priation (s) being sought is/ are in conformity with the FMAA.
To this end, Section 22 (1) of the FMAA establishes the “Authority to vary annual appropriations”, where Section 22 (1) (c)
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Request for supplementary funding in conformance with the...
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establishes that “the amount of an appropriation for any programme may not be varied under this section by more than ten percent of the total amount appropriated for that programme in the applicable appropriation Act.”
Notwithstanding Section 22 (1) (c) of the FMAA as noted above, Section 24 (1) establishes that “any variation of an appropriation, other than those variations referred to in Section 22, shall be authorised by a supplementary appropriation Act prior to the incurring of the expenditure thereunder.”
This means that if the Minister requires any variation of an appropriation exceeding the 10 per cent threshold pursuant to Section 22 (1) (c) of the FMAA, then such approval ought to be sought prior to the expenditure thereunder, in accordance with Section 24 (1) of the FMAA.
Further to note, Section 24 (5) of the FMAA states that “the Minister shall not, in any fiscal year, introduce more than five supplementary appropriation Bills under this section, except in circumstances of grave national emergency, where the Minister may introduce a Bill, intituled an emergency appropriation Bill, to meet the situation.”
Additionally, Section 23 (1) of the FMAA establishes that “the Minister shall present to the National Assembly any appropriation amendment Bill referred to in subsection 22 (2) no later than the end of the eleventh month of the current fiscal year.
The sum in question being sought through Financial Papers Numbers 1 and 2 in the National Assembly by the Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, amounts to just over $40 billion, representing 3.5 per cent of the $1.146 trillion budget 2024 that was approved earlier in the year. Conversely, the same cannot be attributed to the incumbent’s predecessors as illustrated in the table. During the period 20152019 period, the former Minister of Finance presented a total of eight supplementary appropriation Bills, all of which were
approved by the house.
On the face of it, this gives the impression that the former government did a great job in terms of managing the national budget in a way that minimises the need for too many supplementary funding. Be that as it may, an in-depth analysis into this matter has overwhelmingly disproven this notion.
In existence, there is compelling and otherwise, indisputable evidence suggesting that the former Minister of Finance deliberately violated the FMAA, by circumventing the legally established procedures for the approval of supplementary spending through the National Assembly.
In doing so, the former Finance Minister effectively engineered a false perception that he was practicing tight budgetary controls. Unfortunately, this was not the case by any measure of one’s imagination.
Towards that end, during the period 20152020, the former govern-
ment unlawfully withdrew from the government’s deposit accounts held at the Bank of Guyana, a cumulative sum totally $149.4 billion in contravention of the FMAA.
In this respect, Section 60 (1) of the FMA Act states that…” the Minister may approve the use of advances in the form of an overdraft on an official bank account to meet cash shortfalls during the execution of the annual budget”.
In other words, the FMAA provides for the deposit accounts to be overdrawn. However, Section (2) of the FMAA Act states that…” the minister shall repay in full all advances in the form of an overdraft on an official bank account on or before the end of the fiscal year during which that overdraft was drawn.”
Yet, the overdraft balances referenced herein, were never cleared for the entire five years period (2015-2020) by the former Minister of Finance; not until the incumbent Government, in May 2021,
made the necessary provisions to regularise those overdrafts in conformance with the FMAA.
It is worthwhile to note that under the incumbent Administration, the government’s deposit accounts held at the Bank of Guyana have since reverted to their historically surplus balances, as opposed to the illegally racked up overdraft balances by their predecessors.
As shown in the table, the deposit accounts closed
2021 with a surplus balance of $46 billion, which rose to $94.4 billion (105 per cent) at the end of 2023.
Most evidently and importantly, the supplementary appropriation Bills presented to the National Assembly on July 31, 2024, by the subject Minister seeking approval of some $40 billion, are in compliance with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (2003). It should be noted, too, that the lawful procedures thereof have
also been properly adhered to in consonance with the FMAA.
This is in stark contrast to the incumbent’s predecessors who, during the period 2015-2020, deliberately violated the FMAA in respect of supplementary expenditures totaling a whopping $149 billion that were not subjected to parliamentary approval and scrutiny.
Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin
Please tell me what the oil curse is
MELINDA Janki in a eulogy of recently departed activist, Ramon Gaskin, said he, “looked at the oil curse in the face and spat at it.” I live in Guyana, and unlike Janki who has Brit-
ish papers and Gaskin that had Canadian papers, I know what has been going on in Guyana in the days
when Janki went to the UK and Gaskin went to Canada.
I would like to think I am a fairly educated man and I will now say at the expense of being described as an incompetent academic, I don’t know what is meant by the oil curse.
I would be happy for someone to describe what the discovery of oil does for a nation and why an industry that has an export market like hundreds of other industries becomes useless to a country that it becomes a curse.
More than 100 years, the Rupununi Development Corporation established the world’s largest cattle ranch, Dadanawa, taking in 1,700 square miles. That length and width take in all the small islands of the Caribbean plus Singapore. In my studies of Guyanese history I never heard that the export of cattle from Guyana became a curse.
In 1887, British Guiana (BG) exported almost 12,000 ounces of gold and since that time, Guyana has had a successful gold export industry. I have never read where politicians and academics refer to the curse of the gold industry. British Guiana became an exporter of rice and a huge exporter of sugar since the 19th century onwards and no one referred to those export industries as a curse.
Guyana thrived on the success of the sugar industry where any and everything in Guyana was bound up with “King Sugar.” The sugar industry benefitted the British Empire immensely but it played a significant and prodigious role in securing Guyana from being close to the social chasm. In all my reading on Guyana’s political economy and
sociology, I never came across the term “the sugar curse.”
There was a relentless demand for Guyana’s bauxite that, in 1943, production expanded tremendously from 476,000 tonnes to 1,902,000 tonnes. During the Second World War, Guyana bauxite was used in almost 70 per cent of aircraft manufacturing in the West.
After the war, Guyana’s economy rested on sugar and bauxite. From the 1940s onward Guyana’s GDP and GNP were higher than Malaysia and Singapore. No one in those days right up to Independence referred to the rice curse, the gold curse, the bauxite curse, the sugar curse. What then is this oil curse that Ramon Gaskin spat on as described by Janki?
I cannot answer that, but I believe the term is a Eurocentric one that is part of the long historical narrative of the West to insult the non-White world best described in Edward Said’s brilliant anti-colonial book, “Orientalism.”
Gaskin in his entire life claimed he was a Leninist but he lived his entire life without any Leninist input. Testimony to that is his spitting on a vital industry, the oil industry, which, according to Professor Clive Thomas, will contribute expansively to the reduction of poverty in this land.
So the oil curse goes like this. The Third World has discovered this money-spinning industry that will destroy the countries that have it because its strangulating tentacles will corrupt and destroy society and government. That is how the West sees the oil industry in the Third World. But here is where Gaskin was ignorant of the meaning
of Leninism. The West invented the term “the oil curse” because through the incredible earnings of the oil industry, the Global South could compete with the West.
Former President, Donald Ramotar told me he was convinced that the anti- laundering regime was imposed on the Global South by the West to serve the interests of the West. Just take one example. It is a billion times easier to do a bank transaction in any Western country than in Third World countries whose economies are aligned to the West.
Nazim Baksh, who worked for 30 years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as an investigative journalist and now attached to DPI in Guyana wrote last week in his Chronicle column of the hassles he endured to open a simple bank account in Guyana.
I cannot repeat here what Baksh told me of his nightmare, but as he spoke, I remember what President Ramotar told me about the imposition of the anti-money laundering Act.
People like the 42 names that signed a November 13, 2022 letter in the Stabroek News demanded an immediate cessation of oil production, Melinda Janki and Ramon Gaskin that spat on the oil industry, were are incapable of understanding how the global economy works. But it is our job to keep writing hoping they will learn.
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.
40 houses being constructed at Five Miles
THE government is currently constructing 40 turn-key houses at Five Miles Housing Scheme, Phase II, in Region Seven, which are expected to be completed by the end of September. This was according to
The government is currently constructing 40 turn-key houses at Five Miles Housing Scheme, Phase II, in Region Seven, which are expected to be completed by the end of September
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The government’s turnkey housing initiative is being accelerated to provide affordable housing solutions to Guyanese across the country; and Bartica, Minister Croal indicated, is no exception.
“The 40 houses are 15 per cent complete and by the end of September, we expect them to be completed. These are three bedrooms, flat houses. [construction] would move very quickly. We have invested in that area
about $495 million for the houses,” Minister Croal said. He continued, “The process [turn-key initiative] is whereby persons are able to prequalify [for the houses] and [will] be able to pay for them through the bank.”
Apart from the construction of these houses, the ministry has also allocated house lots to some 150 allottees.
This 99-acre housing scheme yields over 300 serviced lots.
It is located in proximity to the Bartica Airstrip and will feature residential and commercial lots, a community service centre and recreational spaces.
The government is subsidising the housing scheme, thereby ensuring that the allottees have access to the necessary amenities. As such, over $1 billion is being expended on infrastructure works such as drainage and road networks.
“The infrastructure work is about 80 per complete,” Minister Croal added.
The housing scheme will be connected directly to the Bartica/Potaro Road and the incoming Aruwai-Teperu Road, thereby enhancing road access and other opportunities for residents, miners and commuters. (DPI)
Kamala Harris interviewing top vice-presidential contenders
VICE-President Kamala
Harris is interviewing potential contenders to be her running mate on Sunday, ahead of a battleground tour next week.
Among those travelling to Washington, DC, to meet Ms. Harris are Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Mark Kelly and Governor Tim Walz.
The choices for the Democratic vice-president has been narrowed to a group of five, according to CBS, the BBC’s US partner.
starts on 19 August in Chicago.
A decision is required before the Democratic National Convention, which
It is unclear whether other potential candidates, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear or Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, were scheduled to meet with Ms Harris.
Harris officially became the Democratic presidential nominee on Friday in a vote of party delegates.
Once Ms. Harris’s running mate is announced, the two are expected to tour the battleground states.
Mr. Shapiro has seen high approval ratings since he was elected in 2022, and could help Ms. Harris capture Pennsylvania, a must-win state in the race for the White House.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot and NASA astronaut, has become a leading voices on gun safety, and his strong border stance and occasional criticisms of the Biden administration could help appeal to independent and conservative voters.
Mr. Walz, who served 12 years in Congress before becoming governor of Minnesota in 2019, gained national attention for his strategy, calling Donald Trump and JD Vance “weird”.
On Friday, President Joe Biden said he had spoken to Ms. Harris about her search for a running mate. Asked what qualities she should look for in a vice-presidential candidate, he said: “I’ll let her work that out.”
Potential partners to join Ms. Harris on the Democratic ticket for November’s election face an exhaustive vetting process, having to answer up to 200 questions before being seriously considered.
Delegates do not vote on the vice-presidential pick.
The United Automobile Workers, a major US union representing more than 400,000 people, said its preferred vice-presidential pick was Mr. Beshear, who “stood with us on the picket
line and has been there for workers”.
Speaking to CBS’ Face the Nation, UAW President Shawn Fain added that Mr. Walz was also “100% behind labour”, but he criticised Mr Shapiro’s support of private school vouchers in Pennsylvania, a Republican-backed proposal to send $100m to families for private school tuition and school supplies.
While she holds those meetings, CBS News, BBC’s US partner, suggests Ms. Harris holds a slight edge over her Republican rival Donald Trump, leading by one point nationally.
Across battleground states, the poll indicates that the pair are neck-andneck. Trump still enjoys a small lead in a few states - Wisconsin, Georgia and North Carolina - but the race has tightened significantly since Mr. Biden bowed out and Ms. Harris became the Democratic nominee.
The poll suggests that the vice-president has energised the Democratic base, with young, black and female voters noting their renewed enthusiasm for the presidential election.
Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign is still beset by comments he made at a convention for US-based black journalists in which he questioned Ms Harris’ racial identity Trump said of Ms. Harris: “I didn’t know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black, and
now she wants to be known as black. So, I don’t know. Is she Indian? Or is she black?”
Ms. Harris’ mother was born in India and her father is from Jamaica. She has always identified as both Indian American and black.
Multiple Trump allies appeared on US politics shows on Sunday in an attempt to shift attention from what he said.
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a longtime Trump backer, said he would advise the former president to focus on the Biden-Harris administration’s policy decision, and not the vice-president’s heritage.
“Every day we’re talking about her heritage and not her terrible, dangerous liberal record throughout her entire political life; it’s a good day for her and a bad day for us,” Mr. Graham told Fox News Sunday.
Earlier in the day, Senator Laphonza Butler, a Democrat who represents Ms. Harris’ home state of California, called the comments about the vice-president’s race “despicable” and “an insult” during an appearance on CNN.
“This is a woman who was born in Oakland, California, who has declared and lived proudly all of her identities her entire life, embracing the totality of who she is,” she said.
“This is the only card he (Trump)’s got to play, and so he’s playing it. He’s desperate.” (BBC)
US Vice-President Kamala Harris
No. 10 Downing Street to hold
‘Cobra meeting’ today ––
THERE will be an emergency response meeting in Downing Street today after more than 150 people were arrested following violent disorder in UK towns and cities over the weekend.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, and promised those involved in the unrest would face “the full force of the law”.
Police responded to violent scenes in Tamworth, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Hull and Weymouth, among other parts of the UK.
The prime minister vowed to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice” as he addressed the nation on Sunday.
Today’s meeting of the emergency committee, known as Cobra, is intended to provide the government with an update on the violence over the week-
Office offered mosques greater protection as part of a new process, under which it said “rapid security” deployment can be requested in order to allow a return to worship as fast as possible.
The Cobra meeting will come after a sixth day of escalating violence following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport last Monday.
Since Saturday, more than 150 arrests have been made.
In Rotherham, at least ten police officers were injured, with one left unconscious after anti-immigration demonstrators threw planks of wood at officers, and sprayed them with fire extinguishers, South Yorkshire police said.
Some members of the group smashed windows to gain access to the Holiday Inn Express, and a large bin was set alight
The officer knocked unconscious suffered a head injury,
Rioters in an anti-immigration protest in Rotherham on Sunday
end, and the response in the coming days.
It will involve relevant ministers and police representatives.
Sources suggested this should be seen in the context of meetings that have already taken place, such as one between the prime minister and police chiefs last Thursday, and a meeting of senior ministers on Saturday.
During the prime minister’s televised address on Sunday, he warned those involved that they will “regret” taking part.
“People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet we’ve seen Muslim communities targetted, attacks on mosques,” the prime minister said.
“Other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric, so no, I won’t shy away from calling it what it is: Far-right thuggery.”
In a statement, the Home
Officers said there had been a “small number of low-level incidents”, with one man arrested for a public-order offence
And in Bolton, anti-immigration protestors were confronted by a group of up to 300 masked people shouting “ Allahu Akbar ”, or “ God is greatest”
Greater Manchester Police issued a Section 60AA order in
the town which requires people to “remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance”.
The violence follows similar scenes of unrest in Southport, Belfast, Hartlepool, Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Sunderland and elsewhere earlier in the week.
Sir Keir indicated the response to the violence could
after weekend of escalating violence
mirror elements of how the 2011 riots were handled, at which time he was director of public prosecutions.
“We do have standing arrangements for law enforcement, which means that we can get arrests... and convictions done very quickly,” he said, adding:
“I myself was part of that in 2011, when I was director
of public prosecutions, and I’m determined we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible.”
Ministers have suggested that courts could sit 24 hours to fast-track prosecutions, as they did in 2011, while police forces have measures in place to draft in extra officers to tackle potential unrest. (BBC)
the Force said, adding that at least two others had suspected broken bones.
Hotel employees and residents, some of whom are asylum seekers, were “terrified”, but no injuries were reported, police said.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the scenes “utterly appalling” and said police have government backing to take “the strongest action”.
At a second hotel in Tamworth, Staffordshire, officers said they had to deal with “violent acts of thuggery” on Sunday evening.
One officer was injured at the site as people threw missiles, smashed windows, and started fires, Staffordshire Police said.
Meanwhile, a group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars , and hurled objects at officers
In Dorset, 600 people from opposing sides gathered on the seafront in Weymouth.
Over $130M in unremitted deductions paid to NIS
- as gov’t clamps down on security firms
OVER $130 million in deductions have been paid to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), as the government continues to investigate security firms that have failed to remit those funds.
People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, last week revealed this at a news conference.
“I can say to the people in Region Two and Region Three, all of the thousands of people who were security guards in those two regions, maybe combined, nearly 1,700 who have not had their NIS paid for three years, that they are now fully paid,” Dr Jagdeo said.
According to the General Secretary, over $130 million was paid by two security companies to the NIS.
He further highlighted that inspections will continue, and if companies fail to meet their obligations, they will face dire consequences.
“Now, there are some other companies that we are targeting… and I made it clear [that] if they don’t pay all of the outstanding NIS, they are going to lose government contracts and also they are going to be handed over to the police,”
Dr Jagdeo said.
He added: “We are not skimping on this effort to tackle all of these things.”
Dr Jagdeo told reporters that several citizens employed by various security companies across the country have complained that payments are being deducted from their salaries; however, their employers are not remitting these to NIS.
This was among several major concerns raised
during a recent government outreach, he disclosed.
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, had recently issued a strong warning to employers, reminding them that it is a criminal offence to withhold NIS contributions from employees without remitting them.
Following a recent ruling by the local courts, the Attorney-General reminded business entities that while employers are allowed to make NIS deductions from their employees’ salaries, a failure to pay over those funds to the NIS constitutes a criminal offence.
Nandlall had raised this issue while addressing circulating reports regarding an appeal filed by the NIS against a High Court decision.
In that decision, High
Court Judge Damone Younge ordered the NIS to pay a pension to Sharif Zainul, a former employee of Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL).
Nandlall explained that the appeal was not initiated by the Attorney General’s Chambers but by the NIS itself, shedding light on critical aspects of the case.
Following a recent ruling by the local courts, the Attorney-General reminded that while employers are allowed to make NIS deductions from their employees’ salaries, a failure to pay over those funds to the NIS constitutes a criminal offence.
Nandlall had raised this issue while addressing circulating reports regarding an appeal filed by NIS against a High Court decision.
In that decision, High Court Judge, Damone Younge, ordered the NIS to pay a pension to Sharif Zainul, a former employee of Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL).
Nandlall said that the
appeal was not initiated by the Attorney General’s Chambers but by the NIS itself, shedding light on critical aspects of the case.
As such, the Attorney-General warned that deducting NIS payments from employees but failing to remit those payments to the NIS constitutes a criminal offence under the law.
NIS extends social insurance coverage on a compulsory basis to all persons between the ages of 16 and 60 years who are engaged in insurable employment.
According to the NIS’ website, both the employer and employee pay contri-
butions into the scheme based on a “payroll system.”
The total contributiosn for employed contributors is 14 per cent of the actual wage/salary paid to the employee.
This is derived from a 5.6 per cent deduction from the employee’s pay, and the remaining 8.4 per cent paid by the employer on behalf of the employee.
The actual wage/salary is, at present, subjected to a ceiling of $280,000.00 per month or $64,615.00 per week for national insurance purposes.
Lodge man wounded in shooting incident
POLICE are investigating a shooting incident which occurred around 21:15hrs at Lot 47 Norton Street, Lodge, on Saturday.
The victim was identified as a 70-year-old electrician, Raymond Knipe, who resides at the address at reference.
The police said that, according to the victim, he was parking his motor bus BNN 9253 in his yard when he observed a male dressed in all-over black with a hoodie over his head walk into the yard
behind him, point a gun at him and begin to squeeze the trigger, but the gun did not fire.
The victim claimed that he began to run to the back of his house, and the suspect gave chase behind him. As the victim attempted to open the grille door to his apartment, the suspect discharged several rounds in his direction, hitting him and causing him to receive injuries.
The suspect then exited the yard, entered a car bearing registration number PAB 8252, drove
off in an eastern direction heading to Mandela Avenue, and made good his escape.
The victim was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to a city hospital, where he was admitted. He is in a stable condition nursing two gunshot wounds.
The scene was processed, and investigators recovered three 9mm spent shells. Efforts to locate the suspect and the car have been unsuccessful.
Massive investments transforming local communities, services
THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has been making massive efforts to revitalise and enhance local neighbourhoods by investing in infrastructure, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable development.
ing consists of three offices, two waiting areas, a boardroom, three washroom areas, and a storage room.
NDCs collect rates and taxes from the established revenue base. These resources are retained by the council and used to support residents.
The community of Canal Bank in Region One also received an engine and boat totalling $3.5 million, enabling students within the area to attend school more regularly and punctually.
ty to work for 10 days a month and earn a salary of $40,000.
Local government organs also got $1 billion in subventions in January 2024 to implement and fund various projects in various areas.
tary Landfill Site received some $572.6 million for its upgrading and completion of a semi-aerobic cell to allow for increased capacity.
set aside this year. Additionally, rehabilitation works on the Corriverton Market commenced in March this year, costing some $43 million.
A $44.1 million farm-
Matthews Ridge also saw the construction of a $31.8 million bridge. This has spurred economic
From this, more machines were procured to aid in the cleanliness of the
From August 2, 2023, billions of dollars have been injected into Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), and Municipalities, massively improving services being offered to residents.
Residents of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, are now enjoying efficient services from the $14.2 million NDC office commissioned last September.
The two-storey build-
to-market road was opened in Arukamai in the Mabaruma Sub-district, Region One, slashing travel time to less than one hour for persons residing there.
Today, the 10-kilometre gravel surface road network is offering significant relief to students, farmers transporting produce, and loggers alike.
The thoroughfare connects Arukamai to villages including Wauna, Kamwatta, and White Water to Kumaka market.
development, improved connectivity, and fostered business cooperation in nearby villages like Baramita, Black Banana, and Tassiwini.
Another $10 billion was allocated to boost the National Pathway Workers Programme in 2024.
Although implemented by the Office of the Vice President in 2022, the initiative falls under the local government ministry. It provides unemployed Guyanese the opportuni -
villages, while small rehabilitation projects on roads and recreational facilities were completed.
ADDRESSING
SOLID WASTE
An additional $2.6 billion was allocated to solid waste management in 2024. Of this amount, $1.3 billion was exhausted on infrastructural and environmental development of landfill sites and the implementation of cleanup programmes.
The Haags Bosch Sani-
A total of $92 million was also spent purchasing new waste management equipment such as tyre shredder, water, and air quality testing tools, and stationary compactor bins.
Other dumpsites that will be upgraded include Leguan, Mabaruma, Santa Rosa, Wakenaam, and Yupakari.
UPGRADING MUNICIPAL MARKETS
Several major markets were upgraded to better the aesthetic and enhance vending and shopping experiences for both vendors and customers.
Work is progressing on the major rehabilitation of the Charity Market in Region Two, following a $286 million contract signed last November between the local government ministry and Builders Hardware and General Supplies.
A section of the market was destroyed by fire earlier last year, leaving several vendors without stalls.
The new section, expected to be completed sometime this year, will feature a steel-framed structure spanning an impressive 152 feet by 164 feet, providing a conducive environment for vendors with improved space and accessibility.
Like the Charity Market, construction works at Hydronie, Leonora, Parika, and Mon Repos Markets will also be completed, with $1.2 million
Rehabilitation works are also slated for the Kumaka, and Suddie Markets.
PROVIDING SAFE SPACES
Another hallmark of the government is ensuring safe and family-oriented communities are formed through the establishment of green spaces such as parks and other recreational facilities.
Five thousand residents within the Mabaruma Settlement are now benefitting from a $3.5 million community centre commissioned there.
Caracas in West Canje Berbice also has a 6.4 million recreational designated for various leisure and outdoor activities.
The facility is a collaboration between the government, through the Region al Democratic Council (RDC), and the Government of China.
SUPPORTING EDUCATION
A new education office valued at $25.7 million was opened in Oronoque, Port Kaituma, serving as a central hub to bolster the delivery of quality education within the Matarkai sub-district.
The facility accommodates two education officers, two schools’ welfare officers, staff from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), and other support staff of the Department of Education. (DPI)
Friendship pensioner benefits from new home through MoM
ANOTHER 77-yearold pensioner, Sumintra Harripersaud, a resident of Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) has been gifted with a new, elevated flat through the Men on Mission (MoM) programme.
The brand-new home was formally handed over on Saturday by the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Public Affairs and Information, Kwame McCoy.
The pensioner has been living in Friendship for the past 16 years and has gone through many traumatic experiences. Following the death of her husband, who was a cane cutter, and the disappearance of both her sons, she was forced to fend for herself.
Following a request by her niece, the MoM programme assessed her previous standard of living and determined her eligibility for the programme’s housing programme.
During the handing-over ceremony, Harripersaud spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI) and mentioned that her previous home was dilapidated and on the verge of collapsing.
Thanks to MoM, she is now the proud owner of a brand-new flat.
“I [am] glad that I get a [new] home and thank you to the government… god bless them,” she expressed.
Expounding on the MoM initiative, Minister McCoy said it was founded with a primary focus on men’s roles in society and their contributions to
national development.
“And we have been taking on the initiative of constructing homes for people in vulnerable situations and difficult circumstances and it is part of the approach of the government, the approach to prosperity, the approach to wealth creation, the approach to development,” he underscored.
He further emphasised that this demonstrates the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s commitment to ensuring equitable development.
Minister McCoy also underlined the significance of homeownership, stating that it is a highly sought-after aspect of our society, and the government is working to ensure homeownership at every level.
Also present at the handing over ceremony were MoM Member, Roger Rogers and MoM’s Coordinator, Lt. Col Bhageshwar Murli among other officials.
The government has allocated $500 million to the Men on Mission initiative in its national fiscal plan to support vulnerable Guyanese across the country. In 2023, approximately 50 homes were built for vulnerable individuals.
Already, scores of single mothers and the elderly have received homes in 2024, through the MoM organisation.
Founded by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the organisation aims to tackle toxic masculinity and create a positive environment and safe space for men, promot-
ing integrity, productivity, accountability and character-building.
(DPI)
FAO Food Price Index broadly unchanged in July
- declining quotations for major cereals offset increases in those for vegetable oils, meat and sugar
THE benchmark for world food commodity prices was broadly unchanged in July for the second month in a row, as increases in interna-
tional quotations of vegetable oils, meat products and sugar offset an ongoing decrease in those for cereals, the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations reported Friday.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international
prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 120.8 points in July, marginally below its revised 121.0 figure for June. The index is now 3.1 per cent lower than its corresponding value one year earlier.
The FAO Cereal Price Index declined by 3.8 per cent from June as the global export prices of all major cereals decreased for the second consecutive month.
Wheat quotations dipped on increasing seasonal availability from ongoing winter harvests in the northern hemisphere and generally favourable conditions in Canada and the United States of America supporting expectations for large spring wheat harvests later in the year. Maize export prices
also declined as harvests in Argentina and Brazil progressed ahead of last year’s pace and crop conditions in the United States remained robust.
The FAO All-Rice Price Index declined by 2.4 per cent from June amid generally quiet trading activities for both Indica and Japonica varieties.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index, by contrast, rose 2.4 per cent from June to reach a one-and-a-half-year high. Global quotations for palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils all rose, lifted by robust demand for soy oil from the biofuel sector and deteriorating crop prospects for sunflower and rapeseed oils in several major producing countries.
The FAO Meat Price Index increased by 1.2 per cent in July amid robust import demand for ovine, bovine and poultry meat, even as pig meat prices declined marginally due to an oversupply situation in Western Europe.
The FAO Sugar Price Index increased by 0.7 per cent from June as lower-than-expected production in Brazil outweighed the impact of improved monsoon rainfall in India and conducive weather conditions in Thailand.
The FAO Dairy Price Index was unchanged in July, as decreases in the quotations for milk powders offset increases in those for butter and cheese. (FAO)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83
Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Jayden Seales-13 wickets
(2) Gus Atkinson-22 wickets Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI made the highest individual score in the recent Test series against ENG?
(2) Which English batsman had the highest individual score? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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Fraser-Pryce says goodbye to iconic Olympic career with an expression of gratitude after shock semi-final withdrawal
IN an unexpected turn of events at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, withdrew from the 100m semi-finals on Saturday, ending her bid for a record-extending fifth Olympic medal in the event.
The news broke minutes before the highly anticipated race, which included medal favourites, Julien Alfred, the eventual gold medal winner and World Champion Sha'Carri Richardson, who won silver. While unconfirmed reports suggest Fraser-Pryce sustained an injury during her warm-up, the exact details remain unclear.
The 37-year-old Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 100m from the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games, has had an illustrious career marked by consistency and excellence. She is the only woman in history to win medals in the 100m at four consecutive Olympic Games, a testament to her enduring talent and determination.
In what was set to be her
final Olympic 100m appearance, Fraser-Pryce's withdrawal was a significant blow to her fans and supporters worldwide. However, in a heartfelt statement, she expressed her deep gratitude to those who have supported her throughout her remarkable career.
"It is difficult for me to find the words to even describe the depth of my disappointment. I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me. I am truly Blessed to have had the steadfast support of my fans since my Olympic debut in 2008,” she said.
“The support of my fans, my country, and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me over the course of my career. With every step, with every win, you all have been there for me. My Faith has always affirmed me to trust my journey. Thank you for continuing to be with me today and every day."
Fraser-Pryce's statement reflects her profound appreciation for the support she has received from her fans, her country, and
the global athletics community. Her career, marked by numerous accolades and groundbreaking achievements, has inspired countless individuals and cemented her legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
In addition to her two Olympic gold medals, Fraser-Pryce's illustrious career includes five 100m World Championship titles and a 200m title, as well as a silver medal in the 200m at the London 2012 Olympics and a 200m silver at the World Championships in Oregon in 2022. Her accomplishments on the world stage have solidified her status as a true icon in the sport of track and field.
As the athletics world comes to terms with the end of Fraser-Pryce's Olympic career, her words serve as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability inherent in sports. Her journey, characterized by resilience and faith, continues to inspire, and her legacy will undoubtedly endure, regardless of the outcome of a single race.
While her quest for a fifth Olympic 100m medal
Crawley out of Sri Lanka Tests with broken finger
ENGLAND opener Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka starting this month because of a fractured finger.
The 26-year-old damaged the little finger on his right hand attempting to take a catch at second slip in the victory over West Indies at Edgbaston last week, which sealed a 3-0 series clean sweep.
Surrey's Dan Lawrence will open alongside Ben Duckett in Crawley's absence.
Essex's Jordan Cox has been called up to the Test squad for the first time.
The 23-year-old has scored 763 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 69.36 in 12 County Championship matches this season.
He was an unused member of England's white-ball squad on the 2022 tour of Pakistan.
"I've been thinking about the white-ball side of it, I haven't really thought about the red ball," said Cox to Sky Sports.
"There's so many good players out there and I thought 'I'm not going to be in that yet, or ever'. So to get that call was pretty awesome."
Nottinghamshire fast bowler Olly Stone, who has played three Tests amid several absences through injury, returns to the squad for the first time since June 2021.
He replaces uncapped seam bowler and Notts team-mate
Zak Crawley averages 32.23 from 47 Tests
Dillon Pennington, who sustained a hamstring injury playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
The first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford starts on 21 August, followed by matches at Lord's and the Kia Oval.
England begin a three-Test tour of Pakistan on 7 October.
Crawley is pushing to be fit for that tour but Pennington is likely to be out for the rest of the season.
Cox is a candidate to be England's reserve wicketkeeper behind Jamie Smith for the tours of Pakistan and New Zealand this winter.
Crawley was unable to bat in the second innings at Edgbaston. Opening in his place, captain Ben Stokes hit a 24-ball fifty - England's fastest in Test history.
Lawrence has been the re-
may have ended prematurely, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's impact on the sport and her indomitable spirit remains as powerful as ever.(Sportsmax)
serve batter in the England squad for more than a year and was in line to replace Duckett for the second Test against West Indies, when the left-hander was on standby to be at the birth of his daughter.
Lawrence played the most recent of his 11 Tests in 2022, before Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took charge of the England team.
Since the beginning of last summer's Ashes, only England team-mate Joe Root and India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have scored more Test runs than Crawley.
England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Shelly AnnFraser-Pryce is two-time Olympic gold medallist
Undefeated Slingerz beat Santos 2-0
Monedderlust FC upset Fruta Conquerors to move out of relegation zone
SLINGERZ had to work hard for their narrow victory over Santos, as the latter pushed them hard in the 90 minutes contest on Saturday evening at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence in the KFC Elite League.
Santos boasting a new look side after the latest transfer window, is desperately trying to get a top three finish in the league with a few matches to go.
It was the West Coast side’s Slingerz Jamaican recruit Kemar Beckford that guided their opening goal into the net in the 25th minute, which they held onto for most of the encounter.
Several attempts from both teams would follow for the remainder of the first half and deep into the second half before Slingerz Sheldon Holder’s 90th minute strike doubled Slingerz advantage and secured their 2-nil victory.
The win sees Slingerz go to 13 wins and three draws from 16 clashes in second place in the standing behind defending champions Guyana Defence Force with 13 wins and a draw in 14 games.
Police FC are third with
11 wins and a draw in 15 games with 3 losses.
While Santos sunk to their 7th loss with 9 wins in 16 games this season to be fourth in the standings.
Meanwhile, the night’s opener saw Tucville based Fruta Conquerors’ suffered their heaviest defeat in a 5-1 battering at the hands of low-
ly ranked Monedderlust FC. Fruta’s Shomar Koulen put his team ahead in the 14th minute of play as they sought to dominate early, however Monedderlust battled hard.
The Berbice team showed tenacity and determination and it quickly paid off as Tyrone Delph found the equal-
iser in the 26th minute.
Monedderlust’s Atlyn Brown performance would give his team an unassailable lead as he recorded a double thereafter with goals in the 30th minute then again after the resumption in the 46th to make it 3-1.
Second half goals would flow off the cleats of Jaden
GBA’s School Boys & Girls U-16 Boxing Championships
Caribbean U-16 Championships set for Guyana from Aug 16-18
By Sean Devers
THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) held its final School Boys and Girls U-16 Boxing Championships at the Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Boxing Gym in Albouystown last Saturday.
The tournament was the last opportunity for many of the young Pugilists to stake a claim for selection on the Guyana Team selected for the Caribbean Schools Boys and Girls U-16 Championships which will be held here from August 16-18 Ryan Rogers who copped the ‘Best Boxer’ Trophy recently in St Lucia, captured the ‘Best Boxer’ Trophy at last Saturday’s card.
Fighting in the School Boys category, Rogers from the Forgotten Youths Foundation (FYF) demonstrated his superior boxing skills against Lennox Lawrence in a dominant performance which resulted in the Referee stopping the contest in the third round.
Vergenoegen (VBG)and Pace and Power (PPBG) Boxing Gyms with four points each, were declared joint champion Gyms while Andrew Lewis (ALBG) and Forgotten Youths Foundation (FYF) Boxing Gyms shared runners-up award for champion Gym with two points each.
Clifton Moore (VBG) and Clifton Barker (PPBG) were awarded the Best
Coaches while the ‘Best Referee/Judge award when to Richard Braithwaite.
Results: SCHOOLBOYS:
Aaron Fileen (VBG) defeated Kevin Klass (PPBG) PTS.
Akeem Quintin (PPBG) defeated Junior Madray (ALBG) PTS.
Isiah Asby (ALBG) defeated Deshawn Willery (PPBG) ABD RD2.
Rayon France (VBG) defeated Kenroy Klass (PPBG) PTS.
Ezekiel Bancroft (ALBG) defeated Jemuel Jones (VBG) PTS.
Ryan Roger (FYF) defeated Lennox Lawrence (ALBG) RSC RD3. Khumba Alexander
(PPBG) defeated Anthony Stephen (VBG) ABD RD1. Juniors
Keyon Britton (VBG) defeated Joshua Lewis (PPBG) ABD RD1.
Simion Hamer (PPBG) defeated Ronaldo Hunt (ALBG) PTS.
Anthonio Stephen (VBG) defeated Goodwyn Crandon (PPBG) ABD RD2
YOUTHS.
Andrew Dowridge (PPBG) defeated Mitchel Hinds (VBG) RSC RD1.
Terron Wintz (NABA) defeated Andrew De Weever (ALBG)
Skakquain James (FYF) defeated Chaka Stephen (POL)
Thomin in the 67th minute and Terique Benn in the 88th minute of play as Monedderlust completed their most impressive display in season 6 of the KFC Elite league to walk away with a 5-1 victory.
The win was Monedderlust fourth of their campaign with 3 draws and 10 losses and put them into 8th po -
sition just above relegation zone.
The 18 games 10 team league sees Ann’s Grove and Buxton united in relegation zone.
The top team is set to walk away with 2 million dollars when the league concludes with 1.2 million for second place.
Slingerz FC goal scorers (from left) Kemar Beckford and Sheldon Holder
Monedderlust Fc winning squad
Best boxer Ryan Rogers
Djokovic beats Alcaraz to win long-awaited Olympic gold
NOVAK Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in thrilling fashion to secure a long-awaited Olympic title and complete the career 'Golden Slam'.
Djokovic, who has won a men's record 24 majors and swept up every title there is in tennis, finally clinched Olympic gold at his fifth Games.
The Serb, 37, put in his best performance of the year to beat French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in front of a packed crowd in Paris.
He sealed the title with a forehand winner, then turned towards his box - arms outstretched in disbelief - before throwing his racquet to the floor after a draining match which lasted just under three hours.
After hugging Spain's Alcaraz, Djokovic immediately burst into tears and fell to his knees in the middle of the court.
He then unfurled a Serbian flag and clambered into the stands to celebrate with his family and support team.
Djokovic is just the fifth player to win the 'Golden Slam' in singles - all four majors and the Olympic title - after Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.
"Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped
that it would," said Djokovic.
"Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport.
"It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had."
Alcaraz, 21, was also in tears after the match, but will leave with a silver medal on his Olympic debut.
Italy's Lorenzo Musetti is the singles bronze medalist, having beaten Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada on Friday. This moment will mean as much to Djokovic, if not more, than all the Grand Slams, Masters 1,000 titles and ATP tournaments he has won.
He left this same court at Roland Garros two months ago needing knee surgery, which put his Olympic dream at risk, and his reaction after Sunday's win showed what it meant.
His family watched on from the stands, bearing Serbian flags, with daughter Tara carrying a sign that said, "Dad is the best".
Djokovic has spoken about seeing the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport, and the emotions of representing his country have affected him in his past four Games.
He won singles bronze in Beijing in 2008, finished fourth at London 2012, suffered an emotional early loss in Rio in 2016 and lost the bronze-medal match in Tokyo three years ago.
However, Djokovic did not
Victor creates history by winning bronze in decathlon
PARIS, (CMC) – Grenadian Lindon Victor continued the impressive performances of Caribbean athletes at the Paris Olympics by copping bronze in the decathlon on Saturday.
Victor followed up his third place finish at last year’s World Championships in Budapest by accumulating 8711 points, to finish behind Germany’s Leo Neugebauer (8748) and eventual winner Markus Rooth of Norway, who finished on 8796 points.
He is just the second athlete – behind Kirani James – to win a medal for Grenada at the Olympics.
His outstanding achievement was recognised by Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, who described Victor as “one of the greatest athletes in the world.”
“The Government of Grenada congratulates Mr Lindon Victor, OBE, on his amazing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Government expresses its deepest gratitude to Mr Vic-
tor for his continued stellar representation of our nation on the world stage,” a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office stated.
“Once again, Lindon Victor has shown that he is one of the greatest athletes in the world by copping bronze in the decathlon, giving Grenada its first medal at the Paris Olympics.
“His determination and perseverance embody the Grenadian spirit and its testimony to his dedication and persistent pursuit of excellence,” it added.
Mitchell said Lindon
drop a set in Paris and was focused from the outset, determined to get his hands on the one prize that had eluded him for so long.
The final match itself was a test of his determination - he was on the back foot in the first set but did not give in, saving all eight break points he faced and taking advantage as Alcaraz faltered in both tie-breaks.
Asked if he had 'completed' tennis, Djokovic said: "Yes it’s complete because I completed all the achievements with this gold medal, but no because I love this sport. I don’t play only to win the tournaments.
“I don’t know about the future, I really want to be in the present moment to celebrate. It was a long journey, many, many years of dreaming to be holding the gold medal. So now
it’s about happiness, joy and celebration.
It was played in a superb spirit, with both players often left laughing at the quality of the other's shot-making.
The crowd was equally split between Spanish fans, decked in flags, and Serbia supporters carrying signs with "Nole"Djokovic's nickname - written on.
An electric atmosphere added to the tension - Alcaraz looked the more nervous and had to save a break point in his opening game, but he pushed Djokovic to the limit with his mix of touch and power.
However, Djokovic simply would not give in. He played some of his best tennis when down break point and, after taking the first set, was full of confidence.
There was the occasional gesture towards his support box - who responded by telling him to keep his head up and stay positive - but on the whole, Djokovic was as dialed in as he has been all year. It has been a difficult season for Djokovic. He lost in the Australian Open semi-finals to Italy's Jannik Sinner, had an indifferent hard-court swing, needed knee surgery after injuring himself at Roland Garros and was completely outplayed in his first final of the season at Wimbledon.
However, that will only make this victory that much sweeter for a man who shows no sign of stopping - and has not ruled out competing at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
(BBC Sport)
American Faulkner stuns favourites in women’s road race
KRISTEN Faulkner became the first American winner of the Olympic women's road race in 40 years with a late solo attack in Paris.
A disbelieving Faulkner crossed the line 58 seconds ahead of 2012 champion Marianne Vos of the Netherlands, who edged out Belgian world champion Lotte Kopecky for silver in a photo finish.
Not since Connie Carpenter at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, the year the women's road race was added to the Olympic programme, has an American triumphed in the event.
Pfeiffer Georgi in fifth was the highest-placed Brit, with London silver medalist Lizzie Deignan - at her fourth Olympics - and Anna Henderson 12th and 13th respectively.
started at Trocadero before heading out of the city towards the Chevreuse Valley - got off to a muted start, with Burkina Faso's Awa Bamogo and then Slovakia's Nora Jencusova the early movers at the front.
was an “inspiration” to other athletes, as he had risen above several challenges in his bid to become one of the world’s best.
“His continued representation is a source of great pride and inspiration to all our people and reminds us that dreams can become a reality when we work hard to achieve them,” the press release further stated.
“Indeed, we salute a young man who has overcome many challenges and who has defied the odds in becoming one of the best in the world.”
With little more than 3km to go of the 158km route, US champion Faulkner and Kopecky trailed Vos and Hungarian Blanka Vas, but as they caught the leading duo, Faulkner launched her attack.
Vos, Vas and Kopecky did not have the energy to chase, and without looking back, 31-year-old Faulkner pushed all the way to the Trocadero finish line, the Eiffel Tower the backdrop to her greatest moment.
"This is a dream come true," she said. "I'm still looking at that finish line sign wondering how my name got there."
The race - which also
Jencusova built a healthy lead of more than three minutes, but chasers were on her tail around the 100km-to-go mark.
The race continued to prove unpredictable but in the first key moment, with about 50km remaining, the bunch was split in a crash that downed American Chloe Dygert, with all three Britons part of the group that broke away.
On the three laps of the cobbled Butte Montmartre climb, the British trio all made attacks of their own, but were quickly reeled back in.
British champion Georgi was best placed with 10km left, part of the group chasing down Vos and Vas, but slipped behind on the final climb.
"I'm actually a bit gutted. I felt really good all day and I was hoping something special could happen, but my legs just said no and I couldn't follow," she told BBC Sport.
"Fifth is nice, but in that situation, you start thinking 'what if?'"
Henderson, who won time trial silver last Saturday, said: "I wish I could have done more for Pfeiffer, I had one speed today.
"I think I was still stuck in last week."
Faulkner was a late addition to the US road race team, replacing Taylor Knibb who chose to focus on the time trial and triathlon. She finished both in 19th.
Faulkner will also race on the track at these Olympics, competing in the team pursuit for which qualifying starts on Tuesday.
Belgium's Remco Evenepoel won the men's road race on Saturday, adding to his time trial gold won on the first day of the Games.
(BBC Sport)
Lindon Victor grabbed bronze for Grenada in the decathlon at the Paris Olympics
Kristen Faulkner turned professional in 2020 and previously worked in finance
Emotional Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Olympic Gold Medal
Lyles wins sensational 100m gold by 0.005 seconds
AMERICAN Noah Lyles won the Olympic men's 100m title by five-thousandths of a second from Jamaica's Kishane Thompson in a dramatic photo finish at Paris 2024.
Showman Lyles overhauled his rivals in the second half of the race to triumph by the finest of margins in a personal best 9.79 seconds.
That was the same time as Olympic debutant Thompson, who led for most of the race, but Lyles produced a spectacular finish to successfully begin his bid for a potential four golds at these Games.
The United States' former world champion Fred Kerley took bronze in 9.81, edging out South Africa's Akani Simbine for the podium.
After a lengthy wait behind the start line to a backdrop of dramatic music in a frenzied atmosphere at Stade de France, all eight finalists finished within 0.12 seconds
of Lyles in a remarkable race. Such was the standard of the final - which Great Britain's Zharnel Hughes and
Louie Hinchliffe failed to reach - Italy's reigning champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs was run out of the medals and
another Jamaican rising star, Oblique Seville, finished last in 9.91.
In the end it was Lyles,
an athlete who thrives on the sport's grandest stages and who won three golds at last year's World Championships, who sprinted away in celebration once the official result appeared on the big screen.
The 27-year-old repeatedly rang the victory bell by the side of the track after establishing himself at the pinnacle of the sport, before he targets further success in the 200m and relay events.
Lyles continues to deliver on big ambitions
Lyles has remained outspoken and unflinching in his belief that he has the on-track ability and off-track aura to replace Usain Bolt as the new superstar of men's athletics.
The American has talked the talk but he continues to back it up when it matters most.
Lyles last year became the first man since Bolt in 2015 to win a 100m and 200m world double, before completing a golden treble in the 4x100m relay. Lyles claimed in the buildup to the Paris Games that he will look to add the 4x400m to that haul in the French capital, and he hinted at his form when running a 100m personal best at the London Diamond League last month. But repeating such success on these stages, under intense pressure - much of it self-imposed - is another thing entirely.
He has now become the first American to win an Olympic 100m title for 20 years, since Justin Gatlin in 2004, to assert himself as the dominant male sprinter of the current generation A three-time reigning world 200m champion, he will now look to maintain his grip on the sport's major titles in that event, which starts on Monday. (BBC Sport)
Julien Alfred’s historic 100m victory at Paris Olympics sparks joy across St Lucia
IN moment of unprecedented triumph for St Lucia, Julien Alfred captured the island's first-ever Olympic medal with a stunning victory in the women's 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Racing in driving rain, Alfred clocked a sensational 10.72 seconds, setting a new national record and defeating world champion Sha'Carri Richardson and her American teammate Melissa Jefferson.
The jubilation was palpable across St Lucia as citizens gathered at multiple watch parties to witness the historic achievement.
To ensure widespread access to this historic moment, the government organised the parties for the expectant citizenry to cheer their heroine on.
“What happened is that
we set up four locations because we really wanted people to have it at their convenience. The population of Castries has dwindled over the years as people have moved to the outskirts so we had a watch party in Soufrière, in my constituency of Gros Islet, we had in Ciceron, which is her home community, we had a watch party there as well.
So, we really had it spread throughout St Lucia and in the South we had it at the View Fort Square,” said Sports Minister, Kenson Casimir, who also articulated the collective elation of the nation in the wake of Alfred's landmark win.
"We are ecstatic! We are beyond description right now in terms of what was just achieved as a people," Casi-
mir exclaimed. “Winning an Olympic medal whether it be gold, silver or bronze, a lot of the time the rhetoric is that Julien Alfred won or that sort of thing, the conversation now begins to circle around St Lucia winning a gold medal and this is why there was always a siren call for Corporate St Lucia and other individuals to get involved.
“First National Bank in St Lucia did an awesome job in sponsoring Julien and other athletes and our island championships on the weekend so we have seen the fruits of all what was put in place for our athletes to really thrive.”
Casimir also highlighted his personal pride as the first sports minister under whose tenure St Lucia has won an Olympic gold. "As the first sports minister to bring home
a gold for St Lucia, I am absolutely elated."
Reflecting on Alfred's previous accomplishments, including her World Indoor 60m title in Glasgow in
March, Casimir hinted at an even grander celebration to come. "Absolutely! It is going to be out of this world; colossal. We've always believed that Julien
was special, and she deserves all the credit for her hard work, both mentally and physically. We are really just excited to see what’s next for her.(Sportsmax).
Noah Lyles wins 100M final in photo finish at Paris Olympics
St Lucia’s Julien Alfred reacts after winning the women’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday