Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-07-2024

Significant improvements in Mathematics, Social Studies recorded for NGSA 2024

- 197 pupils secure spot in top one per cent

By Shamar Meusa

MARGINAL increases in grades for the subject areas of Mathematics and Social Studies were recorded this year at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

This was disclosed on Thursday at the Ministry of Education’s NGSA results release ceremony which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

According to Dr Nicole Manning, the Director of Operations at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), who provided an overview of the NGSA results, pleasing for the council was the increase recorded in the percentage of pupils earning 50 per cent or more in Mathematics.

“Pleasing for us is the increase for Mathematics and this is im-

portant not only to Guyana but to CXC because it is something that as a region we struggle with and so it's important to see this 40.36 per cent earning 50 per cent and above,” she said.

While last year’s figures for this area stood at 39.87 per cent of pupils scoring 50 per cent and above, this year’s percentage is the highest recorded over the last five years.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand when asked about this increase stated that while more can be done to increase this percentage even more, any improvement is a good improvement.

“What we have to do in the ministry is work to make sure there is sustained improvement in the teaching-learning process, supported by materials so that we can see movement up that scale,” Manickchand said.

This, she said would include the training and retraining of teachers, the provision of resources like textbooks and other things that teachers might need to have and importantly the supervision of how that happens.

She added, “Teachers stand in front of the classroom and teach their hearts out but I think how we are measuring whether that teaching is effective not only from classroom to classroom but centrally from the ministry is perhaps where we need to strengthen more, so that’s a work in progress.”

However, on another positive note, Dr Manning told the gathering that there was a slight reduction in the percentage of candidates receiving zero for Mathematics.

Meanwhile, the Di-

rector said that some 62.88 per cent of the pupils scored over 50 per cent in Social Studies, which she noted was a whopping increase compared to last year and previous years.

For English, there was an overall increase in the percentage of candidates earning 50 per cent and above and this is also the highest recorded over the last five years at 66.79 per cent.

In the sciences, however, there was a slight reduction in terms of the percentage of candidates earning 50 per

cent and above from 55.11 per cent in 2023 to 54 per cent this year.

On another positive note, Manning said that this was the first year with a Spanish cohort as quite a few candidates sat the exams which were done in Spanish by CXC.

This year, some 15,285 candidates sat the exams and the highest possible total score obtainable was 504.24.

As such, the highest obtainable score by subject stood at 132.77 for Mathematics, 122.63 for English, 122.06 for Social Studies and 126.78 for Science.

As a result, 197 candidates across the country attained scores that placed them in the top one per cent. They all secured a spot at Queen’s College. Additionally, the Education Ministry has provided the cutoff scores for each Sixth Form schools. 495.45 is the cut off mark for Queen’s College, 492.62 is for The Bishops’ High School, 490.49 for St. Stanislaus College, 487.44 for St Rose’s High, 484.5 for St. Joseph’s High and 480.12 for President’s College.

CDC seeking donations for hurricane-ravaged islands

IN the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has issued a call for donations to help the Caribbean community (CARICOM) countries that were devastated by the category 4 storm.

“A special bank account has been activated so persons can make monetary donations towards the countries that were impacted… additionally relief items can be donated through the CDC,” the CDC said on Thursday in a brief public service an-

nouncement.

On Wednesday, the hurricane barreled through Jamaica leaving behind damaged residential homes and infrastructure on the island. Local media reports had indicated that at least two persons were killed in the storm.

Beryl on Monday passed through Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines leaving a path of destruction.

Officials from both islands have reported fatalities and vast devastation in residential areas.

In Barbados, the local fishing industry has been disrupted with over 200 fishing vessels being severely damaged.

Persons desirous of making donations can do so at Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd. using account number 962356519938 which is in the name of the Civil Defence Commission. The swift code is RBGLGYGG.

Persons can also call (592) 772-3122, 226-1114, 226-8815, 225-5847 or 226-1027 for additional information.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

Dr Nicole Manning, Director of Operations, Examination Services at CXC (Delano Williams photos)

PNC failed to show Guyana that it’s ‘trustworthy’ - Dr Jagdeo highlights

By Trina Williams

ALTHOUGH the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) has carried the trademark stamp of being riggers, its recent congress has indeed shown that the party is “untrustworthy,” People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo HAS said.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Thursday, the PPP General Secretary highlighted the ‘jack-inthe-box’ tallying by the PNC/R, which has yet to announce the official results of its central committee members.

Dr Jagdeo while explaining the history of the party, which has been slowly disintegrating on the national stage, said that the PNC/R had the opportunity at its congress to “reinvent” itself, but they failed to do so.

In this regard, it should be noted that the PNC/R Leader Aubrey Norton during the opening ceremony of the party’s 22nd biennial congress, last Friday, regurgitated most of the strategies that it outlines at its weekly press conferences and made the current government the highlight of the long overdue event.

losing welfare, children’s grant; [they] took away the subsidy from pensioners, took away the Joint Services bonus, stop building farm-to-market roads, put taxes on all the productive sectors.

“We were heading back right to where they were in that past.”

Further, the PPP General Secretary stated that with or without oil resources, if the Opposition still had its grips on governance, Guyana would have been riddled with debt, as it was under the PNC/R in the 90s.

PNC/R MISSED THE BUS

one, was designed to achieve a particular outcome.”

Notably, as Dr Jagdeo correctly pointed out that it was persons at the helm of the PNC/R who made the treacherous allegations of irregularities as it related to the party’s congress such as Dawn Hastings-Williams, who resigned as the party’s General Secretary.

red-handed as the number of delegates constantly changed.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party said that its three-day 22nd biennial delegates congress which ended on Sunday, was attended by approximately 1,300 delegates. However, the party had previously said that some 2,000 delegates were expected to be in attendance.

Further, the PPP General Secretary, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice President, said:

“It [PNC/R] is a party that has no track record of achievement and we’ve demonstrated that. After 28 years in government, we went from the Singapore of the Caribbean in 1960s to the second poorest country in the

Although the PNC/R’s plans have constantly been flagged by prominent economists and policy advisors because of its unfeasibility, the Party Leader still fed his party members the repetitive ideas, just with a firmer tone.

western hemisphere, rivalling Haiti.”

He also recalled that Guyanese people were leaving the nation in droves under the PNC/R’S reign, owing to the state of economy.

And while the PNC/R in unison with the Alliance For Change (AFC) managed to attain power in 2015, the PPP General Secretary said that it mirrored the PNC/R’s previous reign.

As he outlined how the former coalition government rode on the backs of Guyanese, Dr Jagdeo said: “We lost jobs in large numbers. We spent quite a bit of money in that period because the taxes went up significantly.

“We collected over $100 billion more in taxes, nearly double our tax stake. We started

While the opportunity presented itself boldly in front of the PNC/R’s eyes, the party missed the bus and is continuing to carry the stigma of being “riggers” to the Guyanese people, Dr Jagdeo outlined.

Despite the General and Regional Elections scheduled to be held next year, the PPP General Secretary said that he thought the PNC/R would have used its internal elections to show Guyanese that it is “trustworthy.”

This was far from reality, he explained.

“So, the congress failed to give the people any assurance that they had a clear economic plan for this country,” Dr Jagdeo said, adding: “Their actions and the confusion surrounding the congress just doesn’t make them look more untrustworthy but even their own people, the contending parties have declared that the entire process of the congress was an untrustworthy one, was a rigged

“If you can’t be trustworthy to your top leadership and have them defend you. How could you come over as being trustworthy to the people of this country?” Dr Jagdeo rhetorically asked while emphasising that the PNCR failed “miserably” on the metric of trustworthiness.

He later stated: “The PNC has this old stigma of stealing elections. Historically, they’re known for doing this, a stigma they can’t shake.”

Dr Jagdeo also asked how that party can govern the nation if its own internal elections erupted in mass chaos.

From the inception, the PNC/R’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 PNC/R as a political party with an increasing membership, the party was caught

According to the party, Norton was returned unopposed as Party Leader; Shurwayne Holder was re-elected as Chairman; Vinceroy Jordan and Elizabeth Williams-Niles were re-elected as Vice Chairpersons, and Elson Low was elected Treasurer of the party.

However, the drawn-out tallying of the votes for the central executive committee has placed the PNC/R under immense scrutiny as many have even stated that the party is mirroring its antics from the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Despite claiming to be a democratic political force, the party has reasoned that its voting count exceeded more than 72 hours on several grounds, such as the holiday on Monday. In a statement on Thursday, the Returning Officer, Vincent Alexander, said: “The count for the central executive committee members required the examination of approximately thirteen hundred ballots, each bearing fifty-nine candidates, in order to determine which fifteen of those fifty-nine candidates obtained the highest number of votes across those ballots.”

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Haiti: UN envoy welcomes democratic progress amidst alarming violence

THE UN envoy for Haiti, on Wednesday, welcomed recent strides towards restoring democracy amid alarming levels of violence, while the country’s interim Prime Minister emphasised that the people “continue to fight for a better future.”

Maria Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Haiti, briefed ambassadors at the Security Council, highlighting the installation of the Transitional Presidential Council in April and the swearing-in of an interim Prime Minister and new government in June as “clear indications of progress.”

Haiti has been embroiled in a complex crisis, marked by years of political instability, rampant gang violence, disease outbreaks and a series of hazards worsened by climate change.

Across the country, about 5.5 million people are estimated to need humanitarian assistance, with almost 600,000 people –over half of them children – internally displaced and in urgent need of support.

PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN

She also commended the efforts of the transitional authorities to increase the participation of women and other minorities in key positions in government, with six of the 18 ministries now headed by women, representing 33 per cent of all ministries.

“Inclusion and diversity are essential to promote a political transition that paves the way for the restoration of State institutions and effectively responds to the needs and expectations of all Haitians,” she said.

Ms. Salvador, who also heads the UN Mission in the

country (BINUH), welcomed the new Prime Minister’s commitment to fight corruption and promoting human rights and justice.

REALIGNING PRIORITIES

She informed Council members that BINUH is realigning its priorities to support a Haitian-led transition, which includes credible, inclusive and participatory elections, aiming for the installation of elected authorities by February 2026 at the latest.

To that end, she proposed the possibility of enhancing the BINUH’s electoral expertise.

Increasing the participation of women and youth is a fundamental pillar of BINUH’s renewed strategy to support the political process, she highlighted, outlining also its focus on promoting human rights across Haitian society.

FIGHT AGAINST GANG VIOLENCE

On the security front, Ms. Salvador reported that the base for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, authorised by Security Council resolution 2699 (2023), has been completed. She added that the first group of Kenyan police officers arrived on June 25 for deployment.

She also welcomed the appointment of a new Director General of the Haitian National Police (HNP), describing it as bringing “new hope to the continuous fight against gang violence.”

That resolution also mandated the MSS mission to establish a human rights oversight mechanism.

As the MSS mission deploys, Ms. Salvador stressed the need to strengthen the human rights area in BINUH to provide

importance of establishing a coordination mechanism among national authorities, the MSS mission, the UN, and other partners in Haiti.

She noted that although the Security Council, in resolution 2692 adopted in 2023, authorised a strengthened police component in BINUH, financial constraints and a hiring freeze impeded progress in scaling up the police and corrections area.

Concluding her briefing, Ms. Salvador reiterated BINUH’s full engagement to work with the Government and stakeholders towards stability, peace and a brighter future for all Haitian men, women, youth and children.

FIGHTING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

the necessary support.

LOOKING AHEAD

Looking ahead, the Special Representative emphasised the

Also at the Security Council, Garry Conille, interim Prime Minister of Haiti, emphasised that his country’s people “continue to fight for a better future”.

Attending under rule 37 of

the Council’s provisional rules of procedure on participation on non-members, Mr. Conille underlined the “urgent need to find a lasting solution to the security problems exacerbated by the activities of criminal gangs.”

He urged effective cooperation between national authorities, the MSS mission and BINUH to help re-establish security and restore democratic institutions, which he described as “strategic for the transition.”

Mr. Conille highlighted that since his appointment as interim Prime Minister, he has held several working sessions with the Transitional Presidential Council, anti-corruption and accountability institutions, law enforcement agencies, the private sector and diaspora associations.

Calling for solidarity to help Haiti emerge from the crises that have plagued it for several decades, he stressed that “every day must be used wisely.” (UN)

A camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince (IOM photo)

Compelling Case

IN the dynamic political landscape of Guyana, the contrasting records of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the opposition APNU+AFC coalition stand out starkly, particularly in the eyes of Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

Speaking candidly to residents of Leonora and neighboring communities, Dr. Singh made a compelling case for the PPP/C's consistent efforts to foster social and economic progress, juxtaposed with what he described as the opposition's pattern of obstructive politics and unfulfilled prom-

ises.

Dr. Singh's critique of the opposition hinges on tangible impacts experienced by ordinary Guyanese during the APNU+AFC administration.

One poignant example he highlighted was the termination of the "Because We Care" cash grant for schoolchildren, a programme reinstated and significantly enhanced under the current government. This grant, coupled with a uniform allowance, directly injects financial support into families, emphasising the PPP/C's commitment to education and social welfare. Such initiatives are not merely

welfare handouts but strategic investments in the nation's future, aimed at ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically.

Moreover, the PPP/C's restoration of the tax-free bonus for the Joint Services exemplifies their recognition and support of the critical roles played by security forces in maintaining national stability. This move not only boosts morale, but also underscores a broader policy approach that values the contributions of all segments of society.

One of the most contentious and impactful issues has been the handling of the sugar

industry. The APNU+AFC government's decision to close several sugar estates, resulting in the loss of over 7,000 jobs, dealt a severe blow to communities dependent on this sector. By contrast, the PPP/C has taken a more measured and resilient approach, acknowledging the industry's challenges while working diligently to address them.

The closure of the Rose Hall Estate, for instance, uprooted thousands of workers, devastating the local economy. The PPP/C's efforts to revive the sugar industry, despite its inherent difficulties, reflect a determination to protect jobs

and sustain a historically vital part of Guyana’s economy.

As Guyana approaches another election cycle, the electorate faces a critical decision. The PPP/C's track record, as articulated by Dr. Singh, is one of facing challenges headon, and striving to implement policies that benefit the broad population.

This stands in sharp contrast to what he portrays as the APNU+AFC's pattern of retracting beneficial programmes and failing to deliver on promises. For voters, this contrast offers a clear metric for evaluating the potential future leadership of the country.

Ultimately, the narrative presented by Dr. Singh is one of resilience and progress under the PPP/C, versus a history of setbacks and unfulfilled promises under the Opposition. As Guyanese head to the polls next year, this historical context and the tangible impacts of each administration’s policies will likely play a pivotal role in shaping their choices. The upcoming elections are not just a referendum on past performance, but a decisive moment for the future direction of Guyana’s development.

AFC Leader, Hughes, unashamedly placing personal interests before country’s well-being

- Dr Jagdeo calls attention to his major conflict-of-interest

THE penchant of newly-elected Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Nigel Hughes, to prioritise his personal interests over the well-being of the Guyanese people has been highlighted yet again.

Hughes is facing heavy scrutiny for his alleged influence in the lopsided oil contract that the former coalition government dealt Guyana.

Having expressed grand political aspirations, the new AFC Leader is being called upon to take responsibility.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice President has called attention to this major conflict of interest; which is the AFC Leader’s law firm Hughes, Fields and Stoby, representing oil company, ExxonMobil Guyana.

Dr Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday highlighted Hughes' recent comments in an article published by another media entity.

In the article, Hughes said: “You seriously couldn’t be asking me to compromise my client’s integrity because the interest of Guyana is at stake because I happen to be the leader of a political party.”

He added: “...if you hired me in a case against the Government of Guyana and you’re going to get an advantage to the disadvantage to the citizens, are you saying I should compromise the quality of advice I give to you and the quality of representation I give to you because Guyana is on the other side? That can’t be right. You’re putting any professional in a position where they have to make a biased decision and they will not be giving their clients the best possible leg.”

Despite having expressed interest in running for presidency, a position of service to the Guyanese people, in the article, he took a firm stance and said he will not cut ties with the oil companies that are clients of his law firm.

It is on this note that Dr Jagdeo urged Guyanese to read Hughes’ concerning statements, which according to him exposes his typical nature.

“Every Guyanese should read it. How obscene it is. I can’t convey that, the feeling of revulsion that I felt. This is someone aspiring to the highest office in the country who has just been elected the leader of a party,” the PPP General Secretary emphasised. Notably, this came as no

surprise, as Dr Jagdeo highlighted that Hughes resigned from the AFC on April 11th, 2016, just a few days before the former administration moved towards concluding negotiations with ExxonMobil Guyana on the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

Citing the Clyde and Company report commissioned by the previous coalition administration, which was presented on January 30th 2020, the PPP General Secretary pointed out some telling information.

As he read what the report disclosed, Dr Jagdeo said: “It says that on the 19th of May, 2015, EEPGL sent a proposed escrow process flowchart setting out various sets and timelines for the execution of a new PSA and that is what would become the 2016 agreement. In the period from May 2015, Nigel Hughes was still chairman of the party, the negotiations started, because Exxon, their own report said, sent this document over, proposing a timeline."

He added: “Hughes lied about this when asked by Global Witness.”

Dr Jagdeo then referenced Global Witness’s report titled ‘Signed Away’, published in February 2020, which was

withdrawn in January 2021. Notably, however, in a statement on the withdrawal, Global Witness stated: “We stand by the integrity of the evidence we have presented.”

Despite Hughes’ attempts to distance himself, Dr Jagdeo said that indeed Hughes was the Chairman of the AFC, the smaller party under the coalition government, and he was representing ExxonMobil Guyana.

The PPP General Secretary firmly stated: “Here is the general secretary [Trotman] of the party, negotiating with Exxon and the Chairman [Hughes] of the party is Exxon’s lawyer. In the PSA and bridging deed, both have listed, as their local offices, his law firm, in both the PSA.”

GLOBAL WITNESS REPORT

In a July 2019 meeting with Global Witness, Hughes was asked whether his firm represented ExxonMobil during the negotiations and he responded that he was not aware of the negotiations because he “personally does not handle that stuff,” the report said.

Further, Global Witness said it wrote Hughes in December 2019 asking what, if

any, role Hughes, Fields & Stoby may have played during the Exxon negotiations and it said he did not respond to this question.

“Global Witness also has asked Hughes whether he had personally worked for Exxon.

In July 2019, he stated that he had been one of Exxon’s lawyers but did not specify what he did for the company.

In December 2019, Hughes was more specific, saying that he was 'not at any material time responsible for advising Exxon' during the 2016 Stabroek negotiations,” the report disclosed.

Global Witness stood by its findings that the relationship between Trotman, Hughes, and ExxonMobil should be investigated to determine the existence or extent of any conflict of interest.

According to the report, Hughes’ official AFC title was “Chairman,” although according to Trotman, Hughes essentially served as his party’s deputy head.

“As the AFC head, Trotman’s political interests were aligned with Hughes – the party’s deputy head. Given that Hughes’ firm has represented Exxon since 2009 (although it is not clear on what matters), and given that Hughes himself has represented Exxon on other matters, a Stabroek deal that

was favourable to the company may have preserved or promoted that lucrative relationship,” Global Witness said.

The report further read that Hughes denied that his relationships with Trotman and Exxon represent a conflict of interest and in July 2019, he told Global Witness that his time as AFC Chairman did not really overlap with Trotman’s time as Minister of Natural Resources.

“Hughes did resign his post as AFC Chairman near the start of the Stabroek negotiations and was not in this post when Trotman was negotiating with Exxon in June 2016. However, as reported in the Guyanese press, Trotman became a minister in May 2015, eleven months before Hughes relinquished his AFC position in April 2016,” Global Witness said.

However, despite his resignation from the AFC’s leadership, Hughes had remained closely knitted with the party and more so, his wife, Cathy Hughes served as a government minister, at the time.

Adding to this, it was said that when asked again in December 2019 whether their relationship represented a conflict of interest; neither Hughes nor Trotman provided a response.

NGSA pupils express gratitude, advise peers to study hard

By Cindy Parkinson

VISIBLY elated by their accomplishments, the top regional and national performers of the National Grade Six (NGSA) examination were honoured by the Ministry of Education at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday.

Securing her status as Guyana's top performer for 2024, Alisha Scheller of Success Elementary School scored 503.34 points and was awarded a place at Queen’s College. Alisha's sister, who accepted tokens on her behalf, explained that the NGSA scholar is currently on vacation and was unable to attend the ceremony.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the top performer for Georgetown and the second-top pupil for the country, Kaiya Daniels of Green Acres Primary School, explained that while she is excited that her dream of going to Queen’s College has come through, she is also grateful for all those who contributed to her success.

According to Kaiya, “I have always wanted to make my family and myself proud. I was in disbelief and shock when I got the news. I didn’t really expect to be in the top 10, because there are a lot of smart children in this generation. I am an only child, and I had to sacrifice a lot of leisure time. I studied for long hours and went to lessons from Monday to Saturday and sometimes even on Sundays.”

While expressing her gratitude to Miss Revon, Miss

Reid, Gifted Academy, and the other “amazing teachers” for believing in her and contributing to her success at the NGSA, Kaiya extended special thanks to her mother for motivating her to always be her best.

“I had some amazing teachers. I want to say thank you to my mother, who motivated me to continue studying and not give up.”

Speaking to her peers who will be sitting the NGSA examination in 2025, Kaiya asked that they stay focused, do not give up, and know that studying is just for a period of time and not forever. “As long as you study hard enough, you will get to your goal,” Kaiya related.

Also expressing her emotions to this publication and to her daughter, Kaiya’s mother said: “I am a single mother, but Kaiya’s father is present in her life. As Kaiya’s mother, I am so elated that my daughter was able to reach this milestone. Like she said, she studied really hard; our dream was never about being in the top 10, it was just to accomplish her goal of going to Queen’s College. She never had a number two school. I am super proud of her for topping Georgetown and second overall. Congratulations to you, Kaiya. I am so proud of you.”

Additionally, Zephon Sobers, the top performer from Mabaruma Primary School in Region One who gained a position at Queen’s College with 495.48 points, told this publication that he was “very proud” of himself after receiv-

ing the news of his achievements.

Zephon said, “I was very proud of myself when I heard the news that I got a place at Queen’s College. My mom and dad were excited, and they were proud of me too. I made sure I studied two hours every day, and I also had extra lessons.

“I want to tell the other children who have to write the exams next year to work hard, read a lot, and focus on their schoolwork.”

Zephon also added that even though he does not live on the coast, he was “determined” to get a school in Georgetown because he wants to “continue to do well in my studies.”

Meanwhile, the NGSA's best short story writer, Skylar Gopal, from Mae’s under-12 Primary, who secured a place at Queens College as well as the number four spot in the country, explained that she was happy that her name was called in the top 10. She also noted that her parents and her teachers played a “great” role in her getting to this level.

According to Skylar’s mother, “I am very proud of Skylar, she worked very hard. I cannot say that I was surprised that she got Queen’s College. She was always a hard worker and did well in school.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, congratulated and acknowledged the 15,285 pupils who sat the NGSA examination on May 2 and 3 his year.

Guyana’s top performer for 2024, the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Alisha Scheller of Success Elementary School

The top performer for Georgetown and the second-top pupil for the country Kaiya Daniels and her mother

The top performer for Region One who was awarded a place at Queen’s College, Zephon Sobers, and his mother at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

The NGSA best short story writer and the number four top performer in the country, Skylar Gopal and her parents (Delano Williams photos)

African Guyanese do not see these people as their leaders

DAVID Hinds shouted out on the Freddie Kissoon Show, last Wednesday, that he speaks for African Guyanese. David visits Guyana in June and July and in December each year. David has never spent four consecutive months in Guyana for the past decades.

But even if he was to live here, would African-Guyanese accept him based on what he says? Let’s go over to the AFC. For four years, Sherod Duncan has been ringing a bell on his show and cussing down the PPP/C government. While doing that, he held the position of General-Secretary for the AFC, while Nigel Hughes resigned since 2017 from the party.

Duncan ran for the leader position so did Hughes. Duncan attacked Hughes by saying that you cannot come around only at congress time; you have to be around and

be participating. In fact, for each day Nigel appeared at the AFC, Duncan appeared 100 days. But look who AFC membership chose to lead the AFC and into the 2025 general election?

From my research, almost 80 per cent of the delegates were African-Guyanese. Black people chose Hughes over the loud-mouthed man that plays a cuss-down record every day. Should it not have been the other way around?

After all, Duncan is in people’s faces every day yet Hughes beat him badly. The victory of Nigel Hughes has tremendous importance for political theory.

What is this importance?

That street politics, bully boy tactics, cuss-down demagoguery are not indications of political popularity and political acceptance. Hinds in his mind, thinks he speaks for African Guy-

anese. But the mind as we know thousands of years before Sigmund Freud was born can deceive you.

The eyes can deceive you too and this is where the optometrist comes in. In an exchange with Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, the forever General-Secretary of the Trade Union Congress, Lincoln Lewis got personal and wrote: “When I look in the mirror, looking back at me is a big man in good shape. And I’d have liked to ask the minister to take a similar look in her mirror and turn to this nation and say why has mother nature been so cruel to her? I guess, the saying “lipstick on a pig; it is still a pig” may be most apt at this time.”

Are these the people that speak for African Guyanese? Do African Guyanese women appreciate their leaders speaking in such insulting

terms about women? Of course, the obvious response by any human to what Lewis wrote is that he should consult his optometrist for the right pair of eye glasses. Lewis like Hinds would insist that he speaks for African Guyanese. But do African Guyanese know about who or what these personalities are? Here is a brief introduction to African politics. Here are the words of Lewis for which he should have been arrested for racial incitement: “Immigration brings with it consequences such as stress on the education and health services, housing overrun, the creation of slums, and our resources exploited by others willing to undersell their labour. We also face a crisis of submerging our culture further. This threat comes from others who do not speak our language and share a common culture... we are facing a pending catastrophe

which we must seek to avoid at all cost.”

Mr. Lewis was charged for the alleged assault of a woman half his size. Mr. Lewis runs an online anti-government news outlet named Village Voice and was taken to court for copyright infringement over Village Voice and lost. Then there is Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye. I wrote about Mr. Ogunseye’s activities in Buxton during the reign of the sadistic gunmen there. What I knew caused him to sue me for libel. I won the case because evidence cannot lie.

Ogunseye is before the courts for incitement and no one turned up at the police station or on the day of his court appearance. Mr. Kidackie Amsterdam is charged with a similar offence and not one African Guyanese was at the station or the court. But Amsterdam, like Ogunseye, Hinds and Lewis would say,

they speak for Black people in this country. Next is Henry Jeffrey. He wrote that in every one of the 10 regions in Guyana in the general election of 2020, there was election tampering from 18 per cent to 55 per cent. That election was held at a time when the President was a former army head; his deputy was a former army intelligence chief; the Minister of Citizenship was a former Police Commissioner; the presidential adviser was a former army chief and Roxanne Myers and Keith Lowenfield were in control. Do Black people listen to these individuals?

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.

Jagdeo says PPP government has already surpassed targets

- blazes Opposition for failed ‘promises’

THE People’s Progressive Party government has already delivered beyond the manifesto promises it made during the campaign period of the 2020 general elections.

This is according to the party’s General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who on Thursday at a press conference blasted the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for failing to deliver on the ‘vital metric’ of politics – fulfilling their promises to the populace, while in office.

“They failed miserably

on the trust, the metric of trustworthiness and this is a vital metric because that is all you have when politicians make promises. That is all you have their trustworthiness, will they do what say they will do,” Jagdeo said.

“And the APNU failed to do that when they were in office, all the things that they listed in their manifesto, it did not complete or do 10 per cent of them,” he added.

In contrast, he noted the PPP government has already delivered on 90 per cent of

their manifesto promises.

“We pride ourselves in this. If you look at our manifesto, our promise to the people of this country, already in the first three years we have fulfilled 90 per cent of the promise. We have gone beyond those promises,” the General Secretary said.

In highlighting some of the government’s achievements, the General Secretary referenced the government’s online scholarship programme, which was launch back in 2021.

“We promised for ex -

ample 20,000 online scholarships. We are already at 28,000 and that’s only through the GOAL programme, leaving out the GROW [GET Ready for Opportunity to Work] and WIIN [ Women’s Investment and Innovation Network] and the BIT [Board of Industrial Training].”

It was recently reported that some 30,000 Guyanese have benefitted over the past three years from free, quality education through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme.

Government has been working assiduously to enhance access to quality

education, ensuring that universal access is achieved countrywide.

The effort has produced notable results, as the government continues to surpass its goal of providing 20,000 scholarships during its tenure.

Through the GOAL programme, some 345 programmes from 19 universities is being offered to citizens.

Of the 30,000 students, 75 per cent are women.

In this year’s budget, a sum of $6 billion was allocated for the GOAL programme to support 6,000 new students and 3,967 continuing students.

In 2024, GOAL will introduce 160 new programmes in general and vocational and bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The programme was launched in 2021 to offer Guyanese an opportunity to advance their education through online and distance learning.

The president also pointed to the UWI School of Medicine that will be constructed in Guyana.

This plan aligns with the government’s vision of crafting a world-class healthcare system, providing advanced training and upskilling opportunities.

Gov’t to secure transport, titles for ECD housing co-ops

THE Ministry of Labour and Attorney General’s Chambers are actively working to ensure members of housing cooperative societies along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor receive their transports or titles for lands they have been occupying for years.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, on Wednesday, said it was an ongoing initiative by the government to empower residents by providing them with ownership documents that can be leveraged to secure loans for housing construction, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

“Many persons were able to own a house lot and build a house by being a member of a cooperative society,” Minister Hamilton underscored.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

In 2023, a total of 62 letters of no objection were sent to the Ministry of Housing and Water for persons to obtain their titles or transports.

Some 40 letters have been submitted to the ministry for 2024.

Residents from Plantation Hope and Bath Settlement in Region Five were among the

A beneficiary with her transport

beneficiaries who received their transports in 2023.

Cooperatives are member-owned and controlled enterprises designed to meet their members’ common economic, social, and cultural needs and goals.

“In Guyana, even though there are many challenges

faced when dealing with cooperative societies, the potential is there. Once properly managed, cooperatives can improve the lives of the masses,” Minister Hamilton explained.

With the provision of lands, several agricultural co-operative societies are engaged in large-scale farming, boosting food production and

employment opportunities in many communities.

Agricultural cooperatives, like the Corentyne Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Society, have played a crucial role in enhancing food production and employment, cultivating about 3,000 acres of rice.

The labour minister pointed out that the Hope-

town Multipurpose Cooperatives Society Limited has diversified into sectors like transportation and rice cultivation.

The ministry’s co-op department continues to provide technical and other support to these groups, ensuring they are following the necessary guidelines and regulations. (DPI)

‘Recycled’ politicians leading AFC - Dr Jagdeo says

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that the Alliance For Change (AFC) has failed to reinvent itself and instead, a group of “recycled” politicians are leading the party.

During a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, the PPP General Secretary highlighted the track records of those senior members of the AFC, who served under the previous coalition administration.

Dr Jagdeo said: “This is a recycled party, a party of recycled politicians. Not a single one of them is new and doesn’t have baggage. It’s a bunch of

corrupt people who have huge overload of issues… they’re yet to answer the people of this country.”

He later stated: “The AFC emerged into politics claiming that it was multiracial, that it was better than the two old political

parties, PPP and PNC, that it had these great lofty ideas for the future of our country, that they brought great intellectual bearing to the task of government, that they were different, that they were different, that they were incorrupt-

ible.

“Their experience in government showed a very different light.”

Dr Jagdeo then highlighted that the political force was riddled with infractions and it was “spineless.”

“In the sectors that they managed in the economy and they were given some substantial sectors, they failed miserably and they moved away from every bit of the principles or every single principle that they outlined to people and made them attractive in the pre-2015 period because people didn’t know them well,” he said.

At its eighth national conference, attorney Nigel Hughes was elected as the party’s leader, defeating his lone opponent, Sherod Duncan.

Dr Jagdeo labelled the party’s conference as very “mediocre.”

Duncan, who last served as General Secretary, was a strong contender for the leadership position having secured 15 nominations as against Hughes’ two.

The party held its internal elections last Saturday at the Revealed World Christian Centre in William Street, Kitty Georgetown. Hughes received 149 votes, while Duncan secured only 62 votes.

Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan, the outgoing AFC leader and party co-founder, chose not to run for any of the party’s top positions and instead will serve on the National Executive Committee.

The AFC has faced several challenges in recent years, including dwindling membership. For example, 285 delegates were said to have attended its Seventh National Conference in 2022, compared

to only 211 at this year’s conference.

The AFC terminated its political coalition with the APNU in 2022. The parties established a coalition to compete in the 2015 elections, which saw them win the government.

The AFC had openly complained about APNU ignoring its smaller coalition members. In December 2018, then-AFC member Charrandass Persaud voted in support of a no-confidence motion tabled by the then opposition PPP, resulting in the fall of the coalition government.

The AFC was created in 2005 by three Members of Parliament (MPs) who left other parties: Raphael Trotman of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Khemraj Ramjattan of the PPP, and the late Sheila Holder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Region Two pupils excel at 2024 NGSA

By Indrawattie Natram

REGION Two has much to celebrate, as many of its pupils have performed well at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The top ten performers have all secured a place at Queen’s College.

Topping the region is Roshine Deonarine of Huist Dieren Primary School with a score of 502.19 marks.

Coming up second is Rithanya Narine of Suddie Primary who secured 499.46 marks. The aspiring civil engineer thanked God and all the teachers who put effort into preparing her for the examination.

C.V Nunes Primary pupil Belinda Mohan came in third with 499.35 marks

When this publication contacted her, Mohan expressed her excitement and praised all the hardworking teachers at her school.

In fourth position is Davanie Raghoobar of Aurora Primary who attained 499.32 marks in the examination. She aspires to become a fashion designer and while speaking to this publication, she used the opportunity to thank the hardworking teachers from Hibernia Nursery and Aurora Primary Schools.

Both of Raghoobar's parents are teachers, and they expressed their excitement over their child's achievement.

Demitri Deonarine of Charity Primary came in fifth with 499.17 marks while Fisher Primary pupil Shaneka Narine’s score of 497.32 placed her in sixth position.

Matthew Mohabir, an aspiring doctor and mathematician, secured the seventh position. The Abram’s Creek Primary School pupil attained 496.57 marks Mohabir comes from a single-parent background and, despite his environment and geographic location, he managed to maintain his studies.

His mother, Marica La-

Cruz, a community health worker, expressed great joy at her son’s achievement.

"I knew my son had the potential to do well. It was always his dream to attend Queen's College, and he wanted to put Abrams Creek Primary on the map," she said.

LaCruz said she gave her son full support. She thanked all the teachers who worked with her child, offering extra studies free of cost.

Mohabir’s achievement is a testament to the Government of Guyana's investment in improving school infrastructure and classrooms through the Ministry of Education.

Rounding off the top ten are Sereena Allen from Queenstown Primary, Manav Dwarka from Fisher Primary, and Chiranjeev Mohamed from Taymouth Manor Primary with scores of 496.44, 496.42 and 495.72 respectively.

This publication also visited Fisher Primary and spoke to Dwarka and Narine who credited their success to late-night studies. They both thanked their teachers who they said worked tirelessly with them.

Narine, an aspiring doctor thanked her sisters and parents Shivo and Poonam Narine, for their support.

Meanwhile, Dwarka said he was happy to have made Fisher Primary School proud. He mentioned that preparing for the examination was not an easy task, but he was determined to make his parents and school proud. He was always motivated by his class and lesson teachers.

Regional Education Officer, Shondelle Hercules, expressed gratitude to the teachers and parents for the children's success. She stated that all the children have made the region proud and highlighted that the Ministry of Education was investing heavily to enhance the schools in the region.

Roshine Deonarine

Rithanya Narine of Suddie Primary

Belinda Mohan of C V Nunes Primary

Davanie Raghoobar of Aurora Primary

Shaneka Narine of Fisher Primary

Matthew Mohabir of Abrams Creek

Manav Dwarka of Fisher Primary

Guyanese entrepreneur announces upcoming construction of state-of-the-art food production & storage facility

- cutting-edge hydroponic systems, solutions for prolonging shelf life of perishable goods to be among features

GUYIMEX International

Inc., a pioneering force in Guyana's food production sector, has announced its upcoming state-of-the-art food production and storage facility.

In a press release, the company said that the initiative aims to revolutionise the landscape of food production and storage in Guyana, utilising advanced technologies and sustainable practices.

"We are ecstatic to embark on this project, which marks a significant milestone in our journey," said Charles Sahadath, CEO of GUYIMEX International Inc.

"Our team has been tirelessly working with our partners and investors to ensure that we are fully equipped to meet the growing demands of Guyana’s market. This facility is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the food production industry."

According to the release, the facility will include cutting-edge hydroponic systems designed to optimise food production and reduce the country's reliance on imported goods.

Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, uses mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent, providing an efficient use of water and nutrients, which ensures faster growth rates and higher yields compared to traditional farming methods.

"By building a hydroponic facility for local consumption and regional distribution, we aim to significantly reduce our imports, which aligns with ‘CARICOM’s 25 by 2025’ initiative championed by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali," Sahadath added, according to the release.

In addition to hydroponics, the facility will feature temperature-controlled environments to maintain the optimal storage conditions for various food products.

This state-of-the-art infrastructure will play a critical role in ensuring food quality

and safety throughout the supply chain. The advanced storage solutions will help minimise food wastage and prolong the shelf life of perishable goods, ensuring that consumers receive fresh and safe products.

The total investment for this ambitious project stands at US$13.2 million for the first phase, with an additional US $28 million allocated for the second phase. These funds will cover land acquisition, construction, operational costs, and product development.

"Our investment reflects our commitment to transforming Guyana's agricultural sector and contributing to food security," said Sahadath.

"We believe the time is right to leverage our resources and expertise to make a lasting impact on the industry," he added.

The facility is also set to create numerous job opportunities for the local community, from skilled agricultural workers to administrative and technical staff. This initiative is expected to boost the local economy and provide sustainable employment options, contributing to the overall development of the region.

GUYIMEX will also be participating in the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum, slated for July 10-12, and invites stakeholders, partners, and the public to join them in celebrating this milestone by visiting their booth.

GUYIMEX looks forward to leading the way in innovative food production and storage solutions, the release added.

An

Charles Sahadath, CEO of GUYIMEX International Inc.

UN mobilises US$4M for Hurricane Beryl response

THE UN Secretary-General has reiterated his solidarity with countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, releasing $4 million from the organisation’s emergency response fund to kickstart relief efforts.

Hurricane Beryl, the strongest hurricane in history to form in June in the Atlantic Ocean, wreaked havoc as it swept through Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica.

Initially a tropical depression, Beryl rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and briefly reached Category 5 status, with winds up to 240 km/h (150 mph).

Now downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, Hur-

ricane Beryl is moving towards Belize and Mexico, continuing to pose a significant threat.

The storm has claimed at least ten lives, injuring many and caused widespread destruction, forcing thousands into shelters.

UN CHIEF ‘DEEPLY DISMAYED’

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep dismay at the destruction caused by the hurricane, reiterating his solidarity with affected nations.

“The Secretary-General, in coordination with the affected nations, is considering launching an appeal to address humanitarian needs arising from the im-

Boy living with disabilities secures place at Anna Regina Secondary

ELEVEN-year-old Jaden Haripershad who has been facing a number of medical challenges since birth, is Jacklow Primary School’s second-best performer at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Haripershad secured 472.23 marks out of a possible 504.24 in the examination, earning himself a spot at the Anna Regina Secondary located on the Essequibo Coast,

Region Two.

His performance exemplifies the meaning of perseverance and is a reflection of his continuous academic excellence. He was the top speller at his school and had managed to maintained high grades.

Haripershad who hails from the Pomeroon River, struggles with cerebral palsy, club feet, and esotropia, which has caused one eye to deviate inward towards the nose.

Despite his medical con-

pact of Hurricane Beryl,” his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement issued late on Wednesday.

The statement added that $4 million will be made available from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

UN TEAMS ON THE GROUND

UN humanitarian officials in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and in Grenada

are working with local officials, assisting with damage assessment and response.

Teams from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are also in Barbados, supporting efforts in the country and the eastern Caribbean, Mr. Dujarric said during a press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York earlier in the day.

Teams are also heading to Belize and Jamaica, he added. (UN)

dition, this young scholar’s unstoppable determination and the unwavering support of the Suddie Public Hospital rehabilitation centre have allowed him to surpass expectations.

After getting his results on Thursday, he expressed his joy at securing the second spot for his school.

He said that despite suffering from esotropia, which causes partial vision, he hasn’t given up. He thanked his teachers, his mother Shelly Stephen, and his father Jeetendra Haripershad for their support.

The lad also mentioned that he aspires to become a lawyer.

“I am happy I perform well and made my parents happy. I am so happy to go on the coastland to study. It’s my dream because I want to be a lawyer,” he told this publication.

Meanwhile, his mother expressed her joy at her son’s progress, saying that he displayed determination throughout the entire preparation period and during the examination.

She admires his zest for learning and says that he always amazes her.

The elated Stephen noted that her son maintained an “A” grade in every class and is always eager to share his success with anyone he meets.

A family stands outside their home damaged by Hurricane Beryl in St. Andrews, Grenada (UNICEF/Sam Ogilvie photo)

Jaden Haripershad of Jacklow Primary

UN chief to leaders of regional bloc: end wars, deal with existential crises

DEEP global divisions and conflicts must end to clear a path to tackling world’s two existential threats: climate change and the negative impacts of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, UN chief António Guterres told the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana on Thursday.

“The central goal of our multilateral system must be peace – a pre-condition for sustainable development and the enjoyment of human rights,” he told Heads of States attending the world’s largest regional

organisation meeting in Kazakhstan’s capital.

António Guterres listed multiple conflicts where ceasefire and lasting peace are needed, from the Middle East to Ukraine and from Sudan to the Sahel, in addition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Myanmar and Haiti.

“We need peace in Afghanistan and an inclusive government that respects human rights and is integrated into the international community. All countries should unite to prevent Afghanistan from ever again becoming a hotbed of

terrorism,” he told the Council of the SCO, the world’s largest regional security body that includes Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

With such wide representation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has the power and the responsibility to push for peace, the chief of the universal organisation insisted.

EXISTENTIAL THREATS

The UN Secretary-General underscored that the meet -

ing in Astana was happening amid raging wars, geopolitical divides, “an epidemic of impunity” and backsliding on sustainable development – a key global goal - causing cynicism and a crisis of trust.

“These global challenges cannot be solved on a country-by-country basis. This is the moment to reaffirm our common commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations at its centre, bound by the principles set out in the UN Charter, international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” the UN chief

said, cautioning that people are losing faith in multilateralism, as they point to broken promises, double standards and growing inequalities.

The UN Secretary-General also highlighted the urgent need for collective action on two looming existential threats: the climate emergency and the unchecked rise of digital technologies, particularly AI.

CLIMATE BREAKING DOWN

UN climate experts have confirmed that although 2023 was the hottest year on record, it could soon be seen as one of the coolest years in a rapidly warming future. The Secretary-General warned that the devastating impacts of our changing climate are already evident in the melting glaciers, deadly floods, storms, droughts, and extreme heat waves that are battering countries worldwide.

"Our climate is breaking down," he said, emphasising the dire consequences for water and food security, development and global stability. The call to action should be clear, he insisted, in a call for ambitious measures to slash greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate justice, with the greatest responsibility falling on the world's biggest emitters.

Outlining solutions to the global climate crisis, Mr. Guterres urged all governments to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by next year, fully aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

These NDCs should include absolute emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035 and outline plans for critical global transitions, with key actions such as ending deforestation, tripling renewable energy capacity and reducing fossil fuel production and consumption by at least 30 per cent by 2030. Additionally, countries must commit to phasing out coal power entirely by 2040, the UN chief said.

FINANCIAL MOBILISATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Highlighting the critical role of finance in support of climate action, the Secretary-General called for a strong financial outcome from COP29, the global climate conference to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. He stressed the need to increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks and attract more private

capital for climate initiatives. Developed countries should also double their financing for climate adaptation and fulfil their commitments, including substantial contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund, the UN chief said.

To support these efforts, the Secretary-General advocated for innovative financial mechanisms, including carbon pricing and taxes on the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies. He called for early adopters to implement solidarity levies on sectors such as shipping, aviation and fossil fuel extraction by COP29.

AI: BALANCING POTENTIAL AND RISK

Turning to AI - the second existential threat facing the planet - the Secretary-General highlighted the transformative potential of the technology in accelerating sustainable development. However, he cautioned that AI is advancing faster than regulatory frameworks can keep up, exacerbating power imbalances, concentrating wealth in the hands of a few, undermining human rights and increasing global tensions.

To address these challenges, the UN chief’s Advisory Body on AI has outlined five priorities: establishing an international scientific panel on AI, initiating regular policy dialogues developing common ethics and standards for AI, ensuring governance of the data used to train AI algorithms and supporting capacity building in developing countries through a global fund. Mr. Guterres also proposed the creation of a compact, dynamic and flexible UN AI Office to oversee these efforts.

SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

The Secretary-General expressed hope that the upcoming Summit of the Future will be a turning point in renewing global unity and addressing the existential threats facing humanity. "I look forward to welcoming you to New York in September," he said, before urging the regional bloc’s leaders to seize this pivotal opportunity for collective action.

The UN Secretary-General attended the SCO top-level meeting in the course of his tour of the Central Asia countries that covers Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to discuss a wide range of issues from peace, non-proliferation to sustainable development.

(UN)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres (UN/Eskinder Debebe photo)

Eight bidders in race to conduct seismic study offshore Guyana - Jagdeo says

EIGHT companies are in the running to conduct a 3D multi-client seismic study offshore Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Dr. Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference at Freedom House on Thursday, told reporters that the government is in the process of prequalifying the bidders. Thereafter, the companies are expected to submit their respective proposals.

Last month, the Ministry of Natural Resources published a request for Expressions of Interest from “reputable and experienced” firms to conduct a 3D multi-client seismic survey.

“So, you know we have gone out for an expression of interest for 3D seismic study. We went out the last auction without any 3D seismic, so we didn’t have much data for the areas. So, when you have less data, people don’t put

in great bids, because they don’t know what is there; they cannot interpret the data,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

The aim of the study is to acquire, process and interpret high-quality 3D seismic data to facilitate exploration and potential development of hydrocar-

bon resources offshore.

Dr. Jagdeo further explained that the study will ensure high-quality seismic data is available for effective evaluation during future bidding and licensing rounds.

Once completed, potential buyers/clients can

access relevant data from the contracted firm.

“We don’t have to pay for it, because it is a very costly exercise, but they [the selected company] can then share the data with us, and they can sell it to the clients,” he said.

Seismic surveys are conducted by creating a shock wave, also known as a seismic wave, on the surface of the ground along a predetermined line, to map subsurface formations and anomalies.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the firm that is eventually contracted will be required to acquire, process and interpret the 3D seismic data, with a view to paving the way for exploration and the development of oil-and-gas resources offshore.

The ministry noted that the firm must be an internationally recognised firm with prior experience successfully completing three similar assignments/ contracts at least 12 years prior to the application submission deadline.

Back in 2023, the government closed its first offshore licensing round with six companies bidding on eight of the 14 blocks offshore.

While the government had affirmed that it would conduct an internal review of its available data to guide a decision on the second round, Dr. Jagdeo on Thursday noted that it is in no rush for a second auction, and will engage with its international advisers on market trends.

Gov’t in no rush for second oil auction

- to engage int’l advisers on global market, Jagdeo says

THE Government of Guyana is in no rush to host a second oil auction, People’s Progressive Party General Secretary and the country’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Dr. Jagdeo, while responding to questions posed by the local media on Thursday, said that the government is still engaging those companies that would have participated in the country’s first oil auction, which concluded at the end of 2023.

The General Secretary was quizzed on when the government will exhaust and abandon the negotiating process with those companies that are unable to secure partners and funding.

“We have time on our side, because it’s not like we are in any rush to go out to the second auction. If there was like a timeline set for the second auction, we had to bring this to a close by a particular time. So,

we are still working with the companies,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.

The government, he noted, is also now in the process of securing a firm to conduct a 3D seismic study of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offshore.

Once completed, this will provide the government and potential buyers with access to high-quality seismic data for effective evaluation during future bidding and licensing rounds.

This is among several initiatives being undertaken by the government to improve the bidding process for oil blocks, and although there have been expressions about the country’s fiscal condition, Guyana, Jagdeo noted, will not make any changes. However, the government is prepared to be more flexible on some of the other positions.

“We don’t share that view that the 10 per cent royalty is unreasonable on a

10 per cent tax, especially in a country now that is not a frontier country any longer; one that is producing 1.3 million barrels a day soon. So, we are getting to be like a fairly mature jurisdiction,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.

Further, he noted that the government will engage with its international advisers on the global market trends ahead of its second auction.

“We will have to talk to our international advisers; they know what is going on in the field of auctions globally,” he said, adding: “The time when we had put our expressions, you had 80 countries at the same time, so we were competing with other counties globally for petroleum money.”

Back in 2023, the government closed its first offshore licensing round with six companies bidding on eight of the 14 blocks offshore.

Of those, six compa-

Oil blocks offshore Guyana

nies were awarded oil blocks, among them a woman-owned Guyanese company, Sispro Inc., which secured two blocks.

There is a minimum of US$10 million for the exploration licence for shallow-water blocks, while in the deep-water blocks, there is a minimum of US$20 million for the exploration licence.

Sispro Inc. was award-

ed oil blocks S3 and D2; TotalEnergies EP Guyana

B.V. in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas

E&P Overseas SDN BHD was awarded S4. Additionally, S5 was awarded to International Group Investment Inc.

Liberty Petroleum Corporation and Cybele Energy Limited got the S7 block, while ExxonMobil

Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited were awarded S8.

The S10 block was awarded to International Group Investment Inc. and Delcorp Incorporated, while Watad Energy and Communications Ltd and Arabian Drilling Company won D1.

An illustration of an offshore seismic survey

Omaiah Hall: Crafting a new path in music and business

By Corissia Gourick

IN the competitive world of music, standing out requires more than just talent. It demands relentless dedication, creativity and a clear vision, and for 22-year-old Omaiah Hall, her sight is set on dominating Guyana’s creative scene.

Having recently released new music, Omaiah, who is predominately known as a powerhouse performer on the local Calypso and Soca monarch stages has been exploring her talents not only as a songstress but a vibrant

performer and entrepreneur.

Speaking with this week’s Buzz in a candid interview, she shared that her career is marked by collaboration and learning from others.

Reflecting on her creative process, she emphasises the importance of teamwork and diverse influences.

“My process isn’t just me alone…It’s me and a whole host of people bringing Omaiah to the forefront,” the singer/song writer said.

Embracing the synergy of collective creativity, Omaiah disclosed that she has been perfecting her craft

working alongside Trinidadian writer, Jason Shaft.

Collaboration like these she said has seen her pushing the boundaries of her own artistry while embracing different sounds and cultures. “It changed how I see music…I’m constantly thinking about how to make my content better, whether I’m at work, in the gym, or in the studio.”

While there is much going on musically, the artiste has been testing the waters in business, creating a path to being a multifaceted performer and entrepreneur.

She recently secured a position as a brand ambassa-

dor for one of the country’s largest Telecommunications Network - Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Co Ltd (GTT).

“Getting into the business aspect tells me that people are seeing me, people are hearing me.” “It’s a very big achievement,” she added.

With her burgeoning music career, Omaiah maintains a balanced perspective, while pursuing tertiary studies, alongside her musical pursuits and a nine to five job she cherishes.

“Music is jealous,” she quipped while acknowledg ing the challenges of balancing passion with practicality.

“When it comes to my craft, I’m not in a box. I hope people have fun and learn something from my music.”

Omaiah’s dreams are as expansive as her music. From envisioning herself on stage at major international venues like BET (Black Entertainment Television) to aiming for prestigious awards like the Grammy and

Caribbean Music Award, her aspirations are bold and clear “Once I achieve hosting

my first concert, I know that anything else I want would be possible,” she declared confidently.

Omaiah Hall

‘Canvas chronicles’

FOR Ashley St Aubyn, art is a passion, an outlet for expressing oneself.

The talented 24-year-old young woman, through great efforts, decided that she will host her first solo art exhibition – ‘Canvas Chronicles’.

Slated for July 27th and 28th, at the Umana Yana, on High Street, Georgetown, the exhibition will feature traditional and other forms of art to appeal to a vast audience.

This includes dance, poetry, steelpan, fashion as well as art displays by locally known and unknown artists.

According to the hostess, “The reason I started Canvas Chronicles is to showcase more of the arts. There is not a lot of art exhibitions going on; it seems like they might be going on but not a lot of huge exhibitions are going on; so, the purpose for this event is to bring light to more hidden artists,”

She stated that there will be over 20 artists in attendance and the funds raised at the event will contribute

towards hosting free art workshops for children and other persons interested in learning the arts.

Although there is not a fixed date and location for the workshop, St Aubyn mentioned that it will target children aged 13 and older. Experts will be leading the workshop teaching various methods of art.

Tickets for Canvas Chronicles are being sold at the Brazo’s Giftshop (Movietowne), The Wine Vault (Marriott Hotel), or persons can download the Potsalt events app and make purchases for their tickets online. Tickets cost $5,000 and can also be paid on the day of the event.

Notably, tickets are inclusive of a cocktail, wine, finger foods and of course, the entrance into the events.

Canvas Chronicles is being sponsored by Banks DIH, Zoon, and The Wine Vault, just to name a few.

Aubyn to host first art exhibition

Ashley St Aubyn

Travis Kelce reveals his No. 1 rule on stage with Taylor Swift: ‘Do not drop the baby’

TRAVIS Kelce has opened up about his surprise cameo during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stop in London.

The Chiefs player, who has been dating Swift for nearly a year, talked about how the moment came together on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast.

Kelce said it was initially his idea to join the show at Wembley Stadium, recalling that he told Swift it would be “funny” if he “rolled out on one of the bikes” that dancers typically ride on stage during the 1989 portion of the show.

Kelce said Swift laughed, but then asked him, “Would you seriously be up for doing something like that?”

“I was just like, ‘What? I would love to do that. Are you kidding me? I’ve seen the show enough — might as well put me to work here,’”

he recalled. “And sure enough, she found the perfect part of the show for me to come in.”

Kelce surprised the crowd in London last week when he appeared on stage in a tuxedo and top hat carrying Swift onstage in “The Tortured Poets Department” era of the show.

It happened on the third night of the London stops, after the brothers attended Swift’s first two shows there.

“There was no bike in case I ran into somebody else or hit one of the dancers or anything,” Kelce said. “It was the safest option.”

Kelce said his silly dance on stage was inspired by one Jim Carey does in the movie “Dumb and Dumber.”

“I always wanted to pull out this move, but I never knew like when I should pull it out where it made sense,” he said.

“That’s one of my favourite moves of all time!”

All said, Kelce called it an “honour” being on the stage with Swift and her dancers.

“It was an absolute blast,” he shared. “It was such a fun, playful part of the show and it was like the perfect time for me to go up there, just be a man and have some fun, not only with [Swift]… but the crowd and really try and get everybody excited for the rest of the show. It was awesome.”

“I didn’t disappoint Taylor, so that’s all that really matters,” he added, saying his only rule was “do not drop the baby.”

“The golden rule was ‘Do not drop Taylor. Get her to the couch safe,’” Kelce said.

His brother and co-host, Jason Kelce laughed, adding: “No fumbles.” (CNN)

Taylor Swift is joined on stage by Travis Kelce, right, during The Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium on June 23 in London. Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images

SHAH Rukh Khan is super proud of Team India and shared a special message for them on Twitter.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has shared a heartfelt post after watching Team India celebrate their World Cup win in Mumbai with a parade. India’s cricket team won the T20 World Cup final match against South Africa, on Saturday, in Barbados.

Shah Rukh wrote in his tweet, “Seeing the boys so happy and emotional fills my heart with pride…. As Indians this is such an amazing moment - to see our boys take us to such great heights!!! Love u all my Team India… and now dance away all night long. Boys in Blue take away all the blues! Big Congratulations to the @BCCI, @JayShah and the entire support staff that has worked tirelessly behind the scenes so that our boys could soar!!” (Hindustan Times)

Shah Rukh Khan shares emotional note for Team India after World Cup win:

‘Fills my heart with pride’

Shah Rukh Khan is proud of team India.(AFP)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday July 05, 2024)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY

LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Lord’s, 1928

(2) Percy Chapman & Karl Nunes

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first Englishman to hit a Test century against the West Indies?

(2) Who is the first WI to crack a Test hundred against England?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

FAIRVIEW

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09:55 hrs Joy And Peace 10:30 hrs Fateful Day

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SANDOWN

08:55 hrs Marsh Benham

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10:05 hrs Equilateral

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DONCASTER

09:05 hrs Beylerbeyl

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12:00 hrs Alseeyerthere

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HAYDOCK

13:08 hrs Sheen Falls Time

13:43 hrs Miss Alpilles

14:18 hrs Jewel Of London

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15:25 hrs Coppull Hall Fame

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IRISH RACING TIPS

BELLEWSTOWN

11:05 hrs Church Mountain

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AMERICAN RACING TIPS

BELMONT Race 1 My First Love Race 2 Dancing Liana Race 3 Kuramata Race 4 What's Up Bro Race 5 A Lister Race 6 Miss C Banket Race 7 Mistical Curlin

Orlando All Stars prevail after rain spoils NYSCL Open final

AFTER two days of brilliant sunshine and the successful staging of the Legends and Masters finals, a torrential downpour on the final afternoon halted the Open All Stars final last Sunday at Baisley Park, Queens, New York, bringing an end to the 19th edition of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup.

When the skies suddenly “opened”, NYSCL All Stars

were 90 for five in 13 overs, replying to the challenging 184 for eight made by defending champions Orlando All Stars in their allotted 20 overs.

Several attempts to restart the game proved futile, forcing the organisers to declare Orlando All Stars the 2024 champions based on run rate.

Orlando’s charge was led by Sewchand Budhu, who slammed five fours and a six in a top score of 44, while

Vejay Surujpaul contributed 26 (two fours and two sixes) and former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman Zamal Khan 20. R. Seepersaud took two for 36.

The winners took home US$4000 and the winning Eagle, while the runners-up received a trophy. Players from both sides were also the recipients of medals.

Eight teams participated in the Open All Stars category.

West Indies endure shaky start to second innings

(CMC) - West Indies endured a shaky start to their second innings after they got a foretaste of what to expect in their three-Test series against hosts England when former Under-19 international William Luxton led strong batting from the First-Class Counties Select XI with an enterprising, unbeaten hundred in their tour match on Thursday.

The Caribbean side were 57 for two in their second innings at the close on the second day of the three-day match at the Kent

County Cricket Ground with Mikyle Louis, opening the batting, not out on 28 and left-hander Alick Athanaze not out on nought.

The visitors lost opener Zachary McCaskie caught at point off pacer John Turner for two in the third over, playing a square drive, and left-hander Kirk McKenzie entertained briefly with four boundaries in 17 in a second wicket stand of 37 with Louis before off-spinner Bertie Foreman got him caught at long-on mistiming a lofted drive.

This followed the bowlers on the Caribbean side

having limited success against the opposition batting, and Luxton, batting at five, hit 112 not out to anchor the Select XI to 373 for four declared to gain a first innings lead of 34.

With the delayed arrival from Guyana of fast bowler Shamar Joseph, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite used 10 bowlers, including leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie, whose departure from Georgetown had also been delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, and development player Isai Thorne.

The victorious Orlando Open All Stars players celebrate their win

LABA president promises more basketball tournaments

PRESIDENT of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Mrs. Dawn McCammon-Barker has promised several more competitions will be played following the successful completion of its second tournament.

McCammon-Barker’s executive took office in February this year.

In a release last Saturday McCammon Barker said “This new Executive Body was established with an objective to create numerous opportunities for the game of basketball to be played at all levels; and as often as possible and today marks the

completion of our second tournament in a matter of months, the first being our U17 Inter Secondary Schools Tournament which was won by Mackenzie High School.”

Five clubs, namely, the Victory Valley Royals, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Block 22 Flames, Retrieve Raiders and Central Mackenzie Kings have been affiliated to the LABA and contested the just concluded Nigel Hinds/ LABA Senior Championship. That tournament was won by the Royals.

After taking office the president said thanked the clubs for staying at it and not giving

up on the sport though it was dormant for a few years in our community.

“I promised you that basketball would be back and it’s back to stay for a very long time with your support. There is a U23 tournament scheduled for August and many more exciting tournaments for the latter half of the year,” affirmed the LABA boss.

She added, “I take this opportunity to congratulate the champions of the Nigel Hinds sponsored Linden Amateur Basketball Association Senior Men’s League- Heartland to Imhotep the Victory Valley Royals for a job well done. This team has

over and over again proven why they are the number one basketball team in Guyana by remaining unbeaten over the course of this tournament and showcasing true skill in basketball. Your determination, skill, and relentless efforts have paid off. This epic achievement puts you in a league of your own, leaving us in awe of your talent as over and over again you continue to come out on top. We know that your success has inspired countless others, and we couldn’t be prouder of your remarkable success. Well done!”

Saying “no man is an island,” the top basketball official

wasted no time in thanking all who played an important role in ensuring the tournament was played despite the challenges, among them being Mr. Nigel Hinds, “who continues to contribute to the LABA over and over again without hesitation and generously, ensuring that our Senior League would be one of envy that will be talked about for many years [as well as] Mr. James Brush and Gary Stephens who are residing abroad.”

She also thanked Linden businessmen Troy Easton and Aubrey Major, LABA 2nd Vice President Ms. Shauna Chester whose support played a pivotal

part in the successful completion of this tournament, Tyreese Arthur, NKossi Daniels, Patrick Clarke, Dennis Niles Jr. who unhesitatingly agreed for us to use the Amelia’s Ward Hard Court, the few referees we have here in Linden such as Abdul Hamid Kevin Joseph for giving of their services when needed.

“My gratitude is also extended to the Guyana Basketball Federation for their support throughout this tournament. To all who showed up, sent their love and gave words of encouragement, I’m forever grateful,” said McCammon-Barker.

CF Malta Supreme chess Grand Prix 4 competition…

Greenidge picks up major win in race for Olympiad spot

CANDIDATE Master Ronuel Greenidge improved his chances of securing a place at the upcoming Chess Olympiad later this year.

Greenidge secured an unbeaten run to win the Chess Grand Prix 4, which was staged on Sunday on Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

Greenidge scored five wins and three draws to comfortably secure the first-place trophy and cash reward.

Greenidge is sixth on the list on 114 points, with the top five players set to represent Guyana along with five females at the Chess Olympics. The top male contenders are Candidate Master Taffin Khan, who has the runaway lead on 282 points after a series of competitions. Khan is followed by Keron Sandiford on 188, Fide Master Anthony Drayton on 150 points, and Loris Nathoo on 149 points, and fifth-placed Sachin

Pitamber on 125 points.

Over the weekend in the eight-round contest, Loris Nathoo was Second Place with junior Sachin Pitamber third place.

Top female Aditi Joshi outperformed her counterparts, and was awarded the Best Female Prize.

Joshi is second on the qualification list with 168 points behind Jessica Callender on 186 points.

Third is Sasha Shariff on

124, with Ciel Clements with 104 points for fourth, and Treskole Archibald in fifth with 96. The Chess Grand Prix Series of tournaments was introduced by the Guyana Chess Federation to give players intense competition to earn points and gain qualification in preparation for the World Chess Olympiad. The 2024 Olympiad is set for September 10-23 in Budapest, Hungary.

Van Lange (125), Apple (55) powers GT to 201-run win over Upper Demerara

By Sean Devers

A blistering 145-run fourth wicket stand between National U-19 selectee Jonathon Van Lange and National U-15 player Shamar Apple powered Georgetown to a crushing 204-run victory over Upper Demerara as the DCB 50-over U-17 Inter Association tournament continued yesterday at Everest.

In game scheduled to commence at 8:30 AM, eventually started two and half hours late mainly due to late arrival of the team from Linden causing the game to be reduced to 35 overs.

GT rattled up 286-5 with Van Lange scoring an unbeaten 125 with four fours and 14 sixes from 68 balls. He shared in century partnership with Apple whose 55 lasted 44 balls and was decorated with two fours and three sixes.

Dishan Ashby had 2-90 from seven overs while Mervin Ford bagged 2-35 from seven for Upper Demerara who were bowled out for 82 in 29 overs

Julian Craig top scored with 24 as pacer Shane Prince had 2-12 and spinner Dave Mohabir took 2-10.

The home team won the toss and strengthened by inclusion of Van Lange and fellow National U-19 selectee Riyad Latif, opted to on track for cricket and slow outfield due to early morning showers.

In scorching heat and a strong breeze blowing from

the Atlantic Ocean, handful of spectators, which Guyana one cricket fan Norman ‘the Juice man’ Welsh, Shawn Thomson began like a house on fire.

The right-hander hammered Rohit Ramnauth, who bowled three no-balls, for two sixes and four in the first over which cost 23 runs.

However, a cautious approach from Danvir Seegobin and a couple of steady overs

from Ashby saw the run rate dip before Ashby Thompson was dismissed (Ashby) for 23 from 24 balls to leave the city side on 55-1 in the eight over.

Emmanuel Lewis was dropped by keeper Russel Anderson off consecutive deliveries before he finally got off the mark but his partner, Seegobin (16) was not as lucky as he departed with the score at 66, caught of the bowling of Marvin Ford.

Jaden Dowlin, the son of former West Indies batter Travis Dowlin joined forces with Lewis after Seegobin departed and pair took the score to 90 as Lewis cover-drove Ford for four.

Dowlin got off the mark with a boundary before Vikash Asaram removed Dowlin (9) in the 16th over which brought Van Lange, a member of the National U-19 team which could not depart for Regional U-19 tournament in St Vincent due Hurricane Beryl, to the middle.

The burly 17-year-old who also represents Guyana in Table Tennis, batted out six dot balls to before Lewis departed off the

bowling of Ford, caught for 21 at 105-4.

This brought Apple, who impressed with his attacking style in the Regional U-15 tournament in Antigua, to the crease.

He slug-swept Asaram for six.

It did not take long for Van Lange to commence a brutal onslaught on the hapless bowlers; hitting Anek Haimnarine for two sixes and a four before launching into Ashby and dumping him for six.

After the 100 came up in 19th over the 150 was posted in the 27th as Van Lange hit his fourth six to reach his 50 while another six off Ashby brought up the 200 in the 31st over.

Apple, a pugnacious 15-year-old left-hander joined in the carnage; depositing Ashby for six in an over which cost 15.

Van Lange raced to his second U-17 ton as he clobbered three sixes and a four in another Ashby over which leaked 32 runs.

Van Lange hit Ashram for six and reached his century with

a four in an over with conceded 21 runs. Van Lange’s 100 took him 58 balls and included three fours and 10 sixes.

Apple soon got to his fifty from 39 balls with two fours and three sixes as the massacre at Everest continued.

Ashby finally got the better of Apple, removing him at 2505 before Van Lange added three more boundaries to his tally which included two humongous sixes; 50 runs were scored in the last 2.3 overs

When Upper Demerara began their reply, they slipped to 21-4 before Julian Craig who hooked Lewis for four and pulled him for six to take 14 from the over, was taken at midoff looking to go over the top against Prince at 51-6

Nobody else reached double figures as two run outs from direct hits did not help their cause. Today Upper Demerara oppose West Demerara at the MMZ ground on West Coast of Demerara while tomorrow GT face unbeaten East Coast at Everest

Candidate Master Ronuel Greenidge collecting the winning purse from GCF Arbiter John Lee

Jonathan Van Lange (left) and Shamar Apple (55) added 145 for the fourth wicket at Everest yesterday

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara Zone kicks off tomorrow

FOLLOWING the staging of the qualifying tournament, the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Championship will kick off tomorrow at the Pouderoyen Tarmac at 19:00hrs.

The event, which will utilise an elimination format, will last for the duration of four playing nights. The other playing dates are July 12th, 19th, and 26th.

The 16 qualified teams are: Defending champion Ballerz Empire, Showstoppers, Jetty Ballers, Up-Like 7, West Side Ballers, Bagotstown Warriors, ESPN, Family, Goal Getters, Boom Bang, No Mercy, Pouderoyen Brothers, Sunshine Ballers, Cayenne Massive, Street Ballers, and Epic Touch.

The opening encounter at 19:00hrs will pit Up

Like 7 against Pouderoyen Brothers, while the Bagotstown Warriors will oppose Epic Touch Family at 19:30hrs, and West Side Ballers will engage Boom Bang at 20:00hrs. The fourth fixture will then witness Team Family battling the Street Ballers at

20:30hrs, with Jetty Gunners locking horns with No Mercy at 21:00hrs, and ESPN engaging Cayenne Massive at 21:30hrs.

In the final two fixtures, Pouderoyen Showstoppers will lock horns with Goal Getters at 22:00hrs, and defending champion Bal -

lerz Empire will face off against Sunshine Ballers at 22:30hrs.

Travis Bess, coordinator of the tournament, during a pre-match comment said, “From the first year it has been played in the West Side area, it has been received with a warm wel -

come, and the fans always look forward to it every year. Unfortunately, we had the COVID-19 pandemic, which set us back a few years, but since the run last year, the tournament has evolved, with Ballerz Empire becoming the first championship outside the West Demerara region. The expectation is a large turnout; anything else would be an understatement. We are looking to see which team can dethrone the Ballerz Empire, and whether they will become a two-time champion. Outside of Georgetown, this is the premier zone for the event.”

QUALIFIED TEAMS

(1)Ballerz Empire

(2)Showstoppers

(3)Jetty Ballers

(4)Up Like 7 (5)West Side Ballers

(6)Bagotstown Warriors (7)ESPN (8)Family

(9)Goal Getters

(10)Boom Bang

(11)No Mercy

(12)Pouderoyen Brothers

(13)Sunshine Ballers

(14)Cayenne Massive

(15)Street Ballers

(16)Epic Touch

FIXTURES - FRIDAY

19:00hrs: Up Like 7 vs. Pouderoyen Brothers

19:30hrs: Bagotstown Warriors vs. Epic Touch Family

20:00hrs: Westside Ballers vs. Boom Bang

20:30hrs: Team Family vs. Street Ballers

21:00hrs: Jetty Gunners vs. No Mercy

21:30hrs: ESPN vs. Cayenne Massive

22:00hrs: Pouderoyen Showstoppers vs. Goal Getters

22:30hrs: Ballerz Empire vs. Sunshine Ballers

Forty-Six girls GFF/Blue water tournament identified for U15 Camp

SIXTY players, forty-six of which came from the recently concluded Guyana Football Federation-Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls' National Secondary School Championship, have been shortlisted to vie for positions on Guyana’s squad for the upcoming Concacaf Girls' U15 Championship Qualifiers.

The regional under-15 Championship is set to take place from August 5 – 11 in Trinidad, Curacao and Aruba. Guyana will be hosted in Aruba. Forty-six players have been selected for the evaluation camp from Georgetown, Berbice, Linden, West Demerara and the hinterland, along with fourteen players from the Diaspora.

The evaluation session began on July 2 and will continue until July 5. Youth footballers from the outlying regions will join the evaluation sessions on July 10th.

On June 30, St Ignatius Secondary claimed the inaugural Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls' National Secondary School Championship, with Waramuri Primary Top finishing second and Santa Rosa Secondary in third place.

The final eighteen-member squad of players, and 5 support staff, will be announced in due course.

Guyana will play three matches in the group stage, starting with Anguilla on August 5 followed by St Vincent and the

Grenadines on August 6, and the British Virgin Islands on August 8, there will be a 4th game and possible 5th based on results.

GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph highlighted that a key component of the Blue Water Shipping tournament was identifying talent for the junior national team programme, adding that they have scouted a very talented group of players to prepare for the upcoming championships and beyond.

“We are happy that the Blue Water U15 Girls tournament was timed and executed so well. It was a fantastic platform for talent identification, and I believe we made great use of it. This group of players we scouted appears to be the most talented

Port Mourant CARICOM horse race meet…

Part of the evaluation sessions

we’ve seen at this age group, and we are super excited to prepare them for the upcoming CONCA-

CAF championships.

We will see the true dept of this pool when the interior

based players join up in a couple of days. It will be interesting to see how they perform when the cream meets the cream. It all augers well for our National Team.” Bryan Joseph stated President of the Women Football Association (WFA) Andrea Johnson is confident in the talent selected from the Blue Water Shipping girls' league.

Over the next two weeks, we will assess these top players based on their game knowledge, fitness, and technical skills. I am confident that we will assemble a team that will proudly represent Guyana at the regional competition.

The Guyanese team will arrive in Aruba on August 2.

Easy Time, Spankhurst, Stolen Money and Bossalina among top horses confirmed

SOME of Guyana’s top horses will be on show at the Port Mourant Turf Club horse race meet on Sunday, July 14. Guyana’s champion horse Spankhurst, arch-rival Stolen Money, and the boss lady, Bossalina are among the high-profile horses confirmed. According to organisers, Guyana Cup defending champion, Easy Time may also com-

plete a star-studded roster for the Port Mourant Turf Club CARICOM race meet.

The July 14 race will be the final competitive race before the highly anticipated Guyana Cup on August 11 at Rising Sun, which is organised by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee.

All eyes will be on the feature event, as fans will have in-

sights about how the horses will fare at this year’s Guyana Cup.

The provisional programme set out for the Port Mourant race meet has eight races on the cards, and close to G$10M in cash and prizes will be up grabs.

The feature race will be open to all horses running at an approximate distance of 1350 metres, where the top horse will bag G$1.5M.

The three-year-old Guyana and West Indies- bred horses will run at 1350 metres, and the top horse will be rewarded G$500,000. Horses in the H & Lower will run at 1500 metres, and the top horse will be awarded G$400,000. Other races on the cards include the E Class non earner last start & F and lower, the two-year-old Guyana-bred, the J & lower, the L Open, and the J/K/L maiden. All races will be run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority Rules, and races are subject to change. Horses would need to show proof of vaccination at time of entry. The organisers are

A scene from the 2023 edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Championship at the Pouderoyen Tarmac

Arjoon and Verwey clinch Mixed Doubles gold at Junior CASA

AVERY Arjoon and Nicholas Verwey continued their golden run at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships, securing the Mixed Doubles title in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

The Guyanese duo defeated Barbadians Sarrayah Yearwood and Dominic Wilson in straight sets (11-9, 11-6) to add another gold medal to their haul.

Michael Alphonso Jr. and Mohryan Baksh narrowly missed out on Boys' Doubles gold, falling to Barbados in a close encounter (4-11, 11-9, 11-

9). Despite a valiant comeback in the second set, the Barbadians managed to snatch victory in the third.

Guyana currently sits in second place with 12 points heading into the crucial team championships scheduled from Thursday to Saturday. Barbados holds the top spot with 14 points.

With nine individual medals already secured, the Guyana Squash Association hopes for a repeat performance in the team segment and aims to reclaim the overall championship title from Barbados.

Easy Time, Spankhurst, Stolen

Money and Bossalina among top horses confirmed

Bossalina will return to competitive racing

Avery Arjoon (right) and Nicholas Verwey

Alzarri Joseph tosses the ball to Jayden Seales•Jul

2024•George Halfhide/Cricket West Indies