Gov’t modernising grid in order to transform Guyana’s landscape ––Dr. Jagdeo says Electoral fraud trial delayed after magistrate ‘unwell’
Second main tower ‘pile cap’ completed for new Demerara River Bridge
AS the government continues to make remarkable strides towards enhancing Guyana's infrastructure, the second main tower “pile cap” of the US$260 million Demerara River Bridge has been successfully completed.
This “breakthrough achievement” was announced by China Railway Construction Corporation in a post on 'X,' formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday.
“Breakthrough Achievement: the second main tower ‘pile cap’ of the New Demerara River Bridge is completed!
“As Guyana's largest transportation infrastructure [sic] project, the new bridge will significantly reduce travel time and increase vessel traffic once completed,” the Construction Corporation said in its post. This project, the largest transportation infrastructur-
al endeavour in Guyana, is poised to transform travel and vessel traffic in the region.
The ambitious project, valued at US$260 million, is being brought to life by a dedicated workforce of 650 individuals, including 120 Guyanese and 85 Venezuelan migrants.
These workers are tirelessly striving to complete the 2.8-kilometre-long bridge in record time.
The New Demerara River Bridge is designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights, with a designated speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour, significantly improving upon the current Demerara Harbour Bridge, which limits vehicles to 32 kilometres per hour.
Residents and motorists on the East Bank, West Bank, and West Coast of Demerara will benefit from uninterrupted connectivity, as the new bridge eliminates the
need for retraction, unlike its predecessor.
The new structure, built six metres above the water, will allow all vessels to pass beneath without hindrance.
This first-of-its-kind bridge in South America is expected to serve Guyanese for at least a century.
China Railway Construc-
tion (International) Limited is spearheading the construction, with oversight by the Italian company Politecnica.
The monitoring team, comprising approximately 22 local and international experts, ensures the project meets the highest standards.
The hybrid bridge featuring a cable-stay high span,
will be 2.65 kilometres long with two carriageways and four lanes.
It will replace the existing bridge, which has exceeded its projected lifespan of 40 years.
Reflecting the Cacique Crown of Honour (C.C.H.), the second-highest award in the Order of Service of Guy-
ana, the bridge’s design is a source of national pride.
Constructed to the standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the bridge will connect Region Three with the capital city.
The bridge’s main cable-stay section measures approximately 570 metres in length, while the approach spans 2.4 kilometres.
The main tower, standing at 110 metres with a clearance of six metres, will also feature lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, promoting eco-friendly transportation options.
Upon completion, the New Demerara River Bridge promises to drastically reduce travel time and enhance accessibility between regions, marking a new era in Guyana’s infrastructural development.
The design for the new Demerara River Crossing
Strengthening of ‘Utilities Commission’ imminent
— gov’t to examine existing gaps to ensure better service for all Guyanese — President Ali says as new PUC Chairman, Public Service Appellate Tribunal members appointed
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, emphasised the importance of strengthening the regulations of public utilities in Guyana, citing the need for fair and reliable services for all citizens.
The Head of State made those remarks shortly after administering the Oath of Office to the new Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul and members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal: Justice Beasraj Singh Roy, Hydar Ally and Abiola Wong-Inniss at the Office of the President.
“The work of the Public Utilities Commission is of paramount importance to both consumers and businesses. Public utilities provide essential service such as electricity, water and telecommunications. These services form the backbone of daily life and economic activity,” the President said, adding:
“The regulation of these utilities is crucial in ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected, and that essential services provided to our citizens and businesses are reliable, affordable at the highest quality.”
The government, he highlighted, has been “relentless” in building and maintaining infrastructure that will bring reliable services.
“We're looking to reduce the cost of electricity, and we're looking to make supply of electricity more reliable, efficient and stable. We're doing this at a time and across the globe, many countries are faced with difficulties providing such service,” he said, while highlighting that the regulatory body will play a crucial role by enhancing the quality and reliability of essential services.
The President said: “These services directly impact the efficiency and growth of businesses. The quality of public utilities
can act as either incentive or disincentive for attracting investment, improve utility services, ensure that businesses can operate with few disruptions, reduce operational costs, tap into new opportunities and acquire competitive edges.”
Acknowledging the
gap in access to regulatory bodies like the PUC, President Ali stressed the need for government to take robust action in bridging gaps, particularly in the hinterland communities.
“We believe, as a government we need to do more to ensure that all our citizens are acquainted
with the different commissions, and are acquainted with their rights, so that they can equally benefit from and take part in and be a part of these commissions,” he said.
He further stressed that quality and affordable utility service have a profound impact on the lives of con-
Dr. Ali related that the government is prepared to support efforts to strengthen the country's regulatory framework in relation to the PUC, so as to allow the body to better discharge its mandate in a more modernised economy.
“We are already discussing how we can strengthen the PUC,” President Ali said.
He added: “Every community will have a chance to be connected. And this is because we have been investing in the latest technology available, because we believe that people, all the people of our country, have a fundamental right to the same access, giving them the same opportunity and allowing them the same prospects in life.”
Effective regulation, Dr. Ali said, will ensure that utility services are provided reliably and at the reasonable cost, benefitting consumers and economy as a whole.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to consumer protection and investor interest, while emphasising the need for robust regulation to balance these competing interests.
The role of the PUC is enhancing, with services to both citizens and businesses becoming increasingly crucial.
sumers by ensuring that essential needs are satisfied. He said that having access to essentials such as electricity and clean water are paramount and fundamental for daily living.
He further highlighted that telecommunications is no longer a luxury, but a necessity of life.
Dr. Ali said: “This enhanced role also endows [PUC] with greater market power and influence, which must be carefully managed to avoid potential misuse. Balancing this market power in public interest requires robust regulation to ensure that utilities operate fairly and in a manner that serves the needs of all stakeholders. The PUC is entrusted to the task of ensuring that these entities do not exploit their market.”
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, administered the Oath of Office to the members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal: Justice Beasraj Singh Roy, Hydar Ally and Abiola Wong- Inniss at Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown (Office of the President Photo)
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, administered the Oath of Office to new Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina flees; army says interim government to be formed
BANGLADESH Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday after hundreds of people were killed in a crackdown on demonstrations that began as protests against job quotas and swelled into a movement demanding her ouster.
Jubilant crowds stormed unopposed into the opulent grounds of the presidential residence, carrying out looted furniture and TVs. One man balanced a red velvet, giltedged chair on his head. An-
other held an armful of vases.
Elsewhere in Dhaka, protesters climbed atop a statue of Hasina’s father, state founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and began chiselling away at the head with an axe.
The flight into exile ended a 15-year second stint in power for Hasina, who has ruled for 20 of the last 30 years as leader of the political movement inherited from her father, assassinated with most of his family in a 1975 coup.
Hasina had left the country for her own safety at the insistence of her family, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy told the BBC World Service.
Hasina was “so disappointed that after all her hard work, for a minority to rise up against her”, Joy said. She would not attempt to mount a political comeback, he said.
Earlier, army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced Hasina’s resignation in a televised address to the nation and said an interim government would be formed.
He said he had held talks with leaders of major political parties - excluding Hasina’s long-ruling Awami League - and would soon meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin to discuss the way ahead.
“The country is going through a revolutionary period,” said Zaman, 58, who had taken over as army chief only on June 23.
“I promise you all, we will bring justice to all the murders and injustice. We request you to have faith in the army of the country,” he said. “Please don’t go back to the path of violence and please return to non-violent and peaceful ways.”
The military spokesper-
son’s office said that a curfew would be in force from midnight on Monday until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, after which all schools, factories, colleges and universities would be open.
Hasina’s government had imposed an indefinite curfew from Sunday evening and a three-day general holiday from Monday.
ARRIVES IN INDIA
Hasina, 76, landed at a military airfield Hindon near Delhi, two Indian government officials told Reuters, adding that India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met her there. They did not elaborate on her stay or plans.
There was also no official comment from India, which has strong cultural and trade links with Bangladesh, on the events in Dhaka.
Hasina would leave Hindon for London at 1930 GMT, Indian broadcaster Times Now reported, citing sources. Reuters could not immediately verify the information.
Bangladesh has been engulfed by violence since student protests last month against the quotas, which reserve some government jobs for families of veterans of the country’s 1971 war of independence from Pakistan, seen as favouring allies of Hasina’s party.
The protests escalated into a campaign demanding the overthrow of Hasina, and were met by a violent crackdown in which about 250 people have been killed and thousands injured.
The country, once one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, has been plagued lately by slow eco-
sition party.
“Together, let’s rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected,” he posted on X.
The United States urged the interim government formation process to be democratic and inclusive and encouraged all parties to refrain from further violence and restore peace as quickly as possible.
Sabrina Karim, associate professor of government at Cornell University who specialises in the study of political violence, said the interim government should ensure there is rule of law during the democratic transition, no revenge killing and destruction.
nomic growth, inflation and unemployment.
Hasina’s son Joy defended her record: “She has turned Bangladesh around. When she took over power it was considered a failing state. It was a poor country. Until today it was considered one of the rising tigers of Asia.”
She had won a fourth straight term only in January this year in an election boycotted by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of her nemesis Begum Khaleda Zia.
Zia, 78, who has twice been prime minister, has been in jail since she was convicted in a graft case in February 2018. Her health has been deteriorating and she was moved to a hospital in 2019.
President Shahabuddin had ordered the release of Zia, French news agency AFP reported. But a BNP spokesman told Reuters she was in hospital for treatment and “will clear all charges legally and come out soon.”
US STRESSES INCLUSIVE
INTERIM GOV’T
Hasina had ruled since winning a decades-long power struggle with Zia in 2009. The two women each inherited political movements from slain rulers - in Hasina’s case, from her father Mujib; in Zia’s case, from her husband Ziaur Rahman, who took power after Mujib’s death and was himself assassinated in 1981.
“Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people,” said Tarique Rahman, the exiled eldest son of the two Zias who now serves as acting chairman of the oppo-
“There is perhaps some optimism for a democratic transition even if the military is involved in the process,” Karim said, adding that Dhaka was one of the top troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and could not risk its reputation.
Student activists had called for a march to the capital Dhaka on Monday in defiance of a nationwide curfew to press Hasina to resign after clashes across the country on Sunday killed nearly 100 people.
On Monday, at least 56 people were killed in violence across the country, AFP reported. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Sunday’s death toll, which included at least 13 policemen, was the highest for a single day from any protests in Bangladesh’s recent history, surpassing the 67 deaths reported on July 19 when students took to the streets against the quotas.
Last month, at least 150 people were killed and thousands injured in violence touched off by student groups protesting against the job quotas.
Over the weekend, there were attacks, vandalism and arson targeting government buildings, offices of Hasina’s Awami League party, police stations and houses of public representatives.
Garment factories in the country, which supply apparel to some of world’s top brands, were closed indefinitely.
Critics of Hasina, along with human rights groups, have accused her government of using excessive force against protesters, a charge she and her ministers deny. Hasina had said that “those who are carrying out violence are not students but terrorists who are out to destabilise the nation”. (Reuters)
People celebrate the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 5, 2024 (REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain)
Gov’t supports Summer Learning Programme at Victoria Village
THE government is providing financial support to assist 104 children between Enmore and Ann’s Grove along the East Coast corridor, participating in the Summer Learning Programme, enabling them to enjoy their graduation ceremony on August 9.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs and Information, Kwame McCoy visited the Victoria Primary School, where the summer lesson for children aged four to 11 is being held on Monday.
The programme was conceptualised by overseas based-Guyanese Tutor, Tessa Webb-Lewis.
The four-week initiative aims to boost the children’s skills in Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Arts and Crafts.
Minister McCoy reminded that the government is investing in the education sector to ensure every child has access to quality education.
“I will give a donation of $200,000 for your graduation ceremony in the next few days. We want the children to have fun and a memorable time,” Minister McCoy said.
Investments like these, the minister added, will enable the nation’s children to lead meaningful and productive lives and contribute to Guyana’s growth.
“We are looking at you as our future leaders. We are investing in you. The time that Mrs Webb-Lewis, teachers, and volunteers are putting into you is for your good outcome. They are making sure that you have a good education…
Once you have a good education, you will make good contribution to the continued development of our country,” he underlined.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Webb-Lewis noted that although the programme focused on several subject areas, special attention was given to Mathematics since it poses a challenge for many.
“I have always been passionate about Mathematics and learning…I always wanted to give
back to Guyana. This programme is an initiative where I wanted to come back and assist with the development of learning, particularly Mathematics,” the programme director explained.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Webb-Lewis provided tutoring Mathematics virtually to 50-plus pupils from Victoria Primary, Paradise Primary, and Swami Purnananda Primary Schools preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
In 2023, the programme was also conducted virtually which saw some 50 children benefitting.
She pointed out that the summer programme will focus on the integration of technology in education in 2025.
The programme director plans to expand it to other parts of the country
where parents, teachers, and secondary-aged students can volunteer to develop the children’s skill sets.
Brimming with happiness, she noted that the government’s donation would help to provide all the necessary supplies for the children to have a great graduation ceremony. (DPI)
Defending Democracy in Guyana
IN the annals of Guyanese history, the year 2020 stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of democracy.
The protracted political crisis that gripped the nation following the March 2 General and Regional Elections was not merely a domestic affair but a dramatic episode that reverberated internationally.
Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C., in his recent reflections, underscores a crucial lesson from that tumultuous period: Guyana must never revisit the democratic transgressions of the past.
The 2020 elections were marred by an extended gridlock, as the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition appeared to undermine the electorate’s will. For months, the nation watched as an attempted subversion of democracy unfolded.
Over 100 governments globally condemned the coalition’s actions, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) further laid bare the coalition’s efforts to manipulate election outcomes, an effort that threatened
to derail Guyana’s democratic trajectory.
This episode starkly contrasts with the transformative progress witnessed under the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration. Nandlall’s commentary brings into sharp focus how critical democracy is to national stability and progress.
He reflects on the historical context, recalling how 28 years of PNCR governance, marked by electoral fraud and economic mismanagement, plunged Guyana into bankruptcy. The legacy of rigged elections under former President Forbes Burnham’s regime is a poignant reminder of democracy’s importance.
The Attorney-General draws a compelling comparison with Venezuela, where the erosion of democratic norms has precipitated a humanitarian crisis. The plight of over 10 million Venezuelan refugees serves as a stark warning of what can ensue when democratic institutions are compromised.
Guyana’s relative stability and booming investment climate stand in contrast to Venezuela’s turmoil, underscoring the vital role
of democratic integrity in fostering national prosperity.
However, as Guyana moves forward, it remains imperative to heed the lessons of 2020. The post-election period exposed severe strains on the nation’s democratic framework.
The APNU+AFC’s delay tactics and legal maneuvers attempted to obscure the clear electoral mandate given to the PPP/C, resulting in a five-month ordeal for voters who had expected a swift resolution. The eventual national recount confirmed the PPP/C’s victory, but not before significant damage was inflicted on public trust and the democratic process.
The recent internal elections within the PNCR have done little to restore confidence in the party’s commitment to democratic principles. Allegations of irregularities and lack of transparency have clouded the party’s legitimacy, reinforcing concerns about its capacity to uphold democratic norms. The shifting number of delegates and internal discord only further tarnish its image.
Nandlall’s insistence on remembering
the 2020 imbroglio is not merely about historical reflection; it is a call to action. Guyana must remain vigilant and committed to preserving its democratic institutions. The current administration, while transformative, must also work to strengthen and protect democratic processes to ensure that such a crisis never recurs.
In a globalised world, where international scrutiny and sanctions can significantly impact a nation’s fortunes, it is clear that democracy is not just a political ideal but a practical necessity.
Guyana’s recent progress is a testament to the resilience and democratic spirit of its people, who have made it clear that they will not accept undemocratic rule. This collective resolve should be cherished and fortified to secure a future where democracy continues to thrive and drive national advancement.
As Guyana charts its path forward, let the lessons of 2020 serve as a continual reminder: democracy is not just a value to be proclaimed but a practice to be diligently preserved and defended.
Let us internalise the lessons of 2020, remain vigilant against threats to our democracy
Dear Editor,
AS we commemorate four years of President Irfaan Ali’s administration, it is imperative to reflect on the precarious brink of dictatorship that our nation narrowly skirted.
The conduct of the APNU+AFC coalition during this period represents a disquieting chapter in our country’s history, clearly indicating their continued readiness to subvert democratic processes to attain power at any cost.
The March 2020 elections ought to have been a reflection of our commitment to democratic ideals, allowing our people to elect their representatives and set a course for the future. Unfortunately, what transpired was a blatant attempt by the APNU+AFC to grasp power through deceit and voter disenfranchisement. While the SoPs pointed unequivocally to a victory for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), the response from the APNU+AFC was troubling and fundamentally undemocratic.
Drawing comparisons with contemporary dictatorships, we observe striking parallels with Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro’s regime has perfected the manipulation of electoral processes.
Maduro’s recent efforts to consolidate authority through fraudulent elections and suppression of opposition, closely resemble the actions of the APNU+AFC in 2020. In Venezuela, elections have been reduced to a mere façade employed by Maduro to perpetuate power despite widespread opposition and international censure.
Maduro’s tactics encompass manipulating vote tabulations, disenfranchising voters, and utilising state resources to solidify his rule. Similarly, the APNU+AFC’s endeavours to alter the vote count in Region Four and refusal to concede underscore their readiness to undermine the electoral process. While the protracted recount (in the middle of a pandemic, no less) ultimately affirmed the PPP/C’s triumph, it also underscored the persistent threat of authoritarianism.
Despite explicit evidence of their trans-
gressions (after all, the entire saga was livestreamed on social media), the APNU+AFC has adamantly refused to acknowledge their misdeeds. Apart from Dominic Gaskin, no figure from the political opposition has admitted or expressed remorse for their party’s actions.
Instead, they have propagated a baseless narrative suggesting that the current government was installed illegitimately by the United States, aided by Russian hackers. This preposterous conspiracy theory only diminishes trust in the PNC/AFC leadership.
The notion that the United States orchestrated the installation of the current government is not only unsubstantiated, but also inherently absurd. It serves as a convenient scapegoat, diverting attention from the APNU+AFC’s overt attempts to subvert democracy. Accusing others of illegitimacy, while refusing to accept the people’s resolute verdict is akin to blaming the referee for losing a game after having been caught cheating.
In light of this, I wish to pose a direct question to Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes: will you finally acknowledge that your politi-
cal factions engaged in a malevolent conspiracy to deprive the Guyanese people of their constitutionally enshrined democratic voice?
I won’t hold my breath, as the PNC has a long and well-documented history of election-rigging and voter disenfranchisement, which no PNC leader has ever admitted to or apologised for.
Finally, as we reflect, let us also commemorate the resilience of our democratic institutions and the unwavering resolve of our Guyanese people. Let us internalise the lessons of 2020 and remain vigilant against attempts to undermine our democracy.
Our fight to uphold a free society continues, and our responsibility as a people is to ensure that the events of 2020 (and 1968, 1973, 1980, 1985) never happen again.
Venezuela is a stark reminder of the perils we must safeguard against, emphasising the significance of sustained vigilance and dedication to democracy.
Yours sincerely, Alfonso De Armas
Burnham died August 6: Five books on the dictator
IN academic language, there is only one book on Forbes Burnham -Linden Lewis’ Forbes Burnham: The Life and Times of the Comrade Leader.
This is a plausibly written biography of Burnham. Published this year, the book is a well-laid-out portrait of Burnham, but in my review (Guyana Chronicle, Tuesday, March, 5, 2024), I pointed out that Professor Lewis did not give full attention to the psychological aspects of Burnham’s life.
I don’t believe Professor Lewis accepted that you can find some of the keys to Burnham’s demonic exercise of power through Freudian analysis. Also, I thought Dr Lewis was too soft on Burnham’s incredible excesses which are graphically outlined in Father Andrew Morrison’s great work - Justice: The Struggle for Democracy in Guyana, 1952-1992.
Father’s compilation is compulsory reading to understand the mind of Burnham, although in writing his book, Father paid no attention to the shape of Burnham’s mind. But Burnham’s mind is on display in the volume based on the meticulous details of Father in describing Burnham’s chauvinistic abuse of people and power.
It would be bad academic analysis to compare Dr Lewis’ biography with Father’s seminal historical work. They use different methodologies in describing Burnham’s descent into authoritarianism. Dr Lewis’ work is based on a scholarly analysis of Burnham’s handling of power. Father eschewed analysis and simply offered de -
scriptions of events with Burnham in the middle of things. If you are looking for scholarly assessment of Burnham go to Lewis. If you want to see how cruel Burnham was, then go to Father’s work.
Tyrone Ferguson has written an insightful work on Burnham’s reign. Titled “To Survive Sensibly or Court Heroic Death: Management of Guyana’s Political Economy, 1965 -1985,” this is not a publication that specifically looks at the man Burnham and his politics.
What Ferguson set out to do was to look at the politics, economics and sociology of Guyana during that period. But his details provide vital knowledge of how permanent power became a cancer in Guyana.
The difference between Lewis and Ferguson is that the latter tried to avoid putting Burnham at the centre of his research, while this was the intention of Lewis. This explains their difference in their perspectives on Rodney’s assassination.
Ferguson becomes weird in suggesting that it was out of character for Burnham to want to plan the murder of an opposition activist and concluded that Rodney was killed by over-zealous apparatchiks (my word) to protect Burnham (pages 295-297). Lewis on the other hand, holds to the mainstream account that does not exonerate Burnham in the complicity to assassinate Rodney.
I think Professor Lewis’ research on Burnham did not include an examination of an obscure autobiography written by a man who belonged to an era long gone. It would have been useful for Dr Lewis to have consulted
this book. The fact that the author was unknown at the time of the publication of his autobiography contributed to the obscurity of the book.
Oscar Ramjeet became an important legal state official under President Forbes Burnham whom he knew profoundly, since he was a law clerk in Burnham’s office long before Burnham became Prime Minister. Titled, “From Errand Boy to Solicitor-General: The Memoirs of Oscar Ramjeet,” this publication has a useful chapter on Burnham.
When you read Father Morrison’s portrayal of Burnham alongside Ramjeet’s autobiography, then the destructive legacy of Forbes Burnham’s permanent power stares you in the face.
In a chapter on Burnham’s liquor and food list on his foreign travels, Father describes the foreign food and liquor Burnham would indulge himself in
at a time when Burnham had banned a wide range of imports including the very stuff he had on the plane when he travelled, and always the accompanying contingent would be large.
Ramjeet describes the weirdness of Burnham that gives you goose bumps as you read his chapter. He said Burnham would summon him and top officials at the Office of the President late at night to discuss policies (this was in the early 80s).
The confabulations
would go into the uncivilised hours (my choice of words) and after they left nothing of what Burnham summoned them for was ever discussed. Ramjeet said the discussions would centre on small talks about personal issues in Burnham’s life.
Finally, there is Halim Majeed’s book, “Forbes Burnham: National Reconciliation and National Unity, 1984-1985.”
Majeed writes positively about Burnham’s nationalism, but Majeed was perhaps unaware that in telling the story of Burn-
ham’s need to have a joint government with the PPP, he was also showing the “onemanism” in Burnham’s approach to politics. Burnham and Burnham alone dictated what he wanted from the unity talks.
Not the PNC but he, Burnham.
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.
Electoral fraud trial delayed after magistrate ‘unwell’
THE highly anticipated ongoing electoral fraud trial has been adjourned to Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 09:30hrs, because of an unforeseen circumstance involving the presiding magistrate.
The trial, which was scheduled to enter day four on Monday, August 5, 2024, faced a delay as a result of Senior Magistrate Leron Daly falling ill, necessitating the postponement.
The defendants are People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) activist Carol Smith-Joseph, former Health Minister under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government Volda Lawrence; former Chief Election Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO, Roxanne Myers; Mingo, and GECOM staffers Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. They are collectively facing 19 conspiracy charges related to alleged electoral fraud.
All the defendants have been admitted to cash bail.
It is alleged that between March 2, 2020 and
August 2, 2020, Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo, while in Georgetown, conspired with the other six defendants and others to defraud the electorate of Guyana by declaring a false account of the votes cast at the highly contentious elections.
The trial began on July 29, 2024, and is anticipated to last for six weeks. At the most recent hearing on July 31, 2024, Special Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, voiced strong objections to what he described as the “exclusion” of pertinent evidence deemed inadmissible by the magistrate.
Ramdhani highlighted a significant issue: the omission of evidence provided by key witnesses, in-
cluding Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag and election observer from the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Rosalinda Rasul, who is the Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.
They are the only witnesses who have so far provided testimony.
The issue arose when Parag’s testimony implicated an agent of the APNU+AFC, an individual who was not charged. This led to the court ruling the testimony inadmissible, a decision Ramdhani argued could have far-reaching consequences. Another focal point of Ramdhani’s concerns was the accuracy of the court records.
He noted that while the trial proceedings are being recorded, there are discrepancies between the recordings and the notes taken by Magistrate Daly.
As such, the King’s Counsel cited over 40 instances where he believed vital evidence had been omitted from the magistrate’s official notes.
He, therefore, requested permission to review the recordings to pinpoint these omissions, under-
scoring the importance of a complete and accurate record for the trial’s integrity.
Magistrate Daly responded by clarifying that not all evidence presented in court is admissible, and thus not all testimony is included in her notes. She has provided the prosecution with the opportunity to review the recordings and her notes of evidence.
One of the defence attorneys, Eusi Anderson, however, raised objections to the prosecution’s submissions and questioned the impartiality of the prosecutor Ramdhani. Anderson has made multiple requests, including for the original Statements of Poll (SoPs) and additional security measures for the nine defendants to ensure that they are not followed or intimidated.
He has also sought permission from the court to pay a visit to the site of the former GECOM Command Centre at Ashmin’s Building on High and Hadfield streets, Georgetown, claiming that these steps are vital for a fair trial. However, Ramdhani countered that these motions appeared to be attempts to prolong the trial
and possibly gain media attention.
The APNU+AFC coalition received 171,825 votes, while the PPP/C received 166,343 votes, according to former CEO Lowenfield’s election report.
However, it was evident from the official findings of the recount process, which was supervised by GECOM and a high-level Caribbean Community (CARICOM) team that the coalition had received 217,920 votes, while the PPP/C had received 233,336 votes, which was enough for the PPP/C to win.
In order to help the APNU+AFC caretaker administration stay in power, Mingo and the other defendants allegedly inflated the results in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the largest voting region in Guyana, as the recount process also revealed.
In August 2021, GECOM made the decision to sack Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo.
Following the filing of charges against the defendants in late 2020, there have been multiple delays in the start of the trial, primarily due to requests from the defence.
Top row, from left: Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left: Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph
Roxanne Myers
Senior Magistrate Leron Daly
Gov’t in legal battle with CLICO Investment Bank
IN an attempt to recoup US$34,069,057, the Attorney General of Guyana and CLICO Life and General Insurance Company (South America) Limited (the claimants), which is presently in liquidation, have launched a lawsuit naming CLICO Investment Bank (CIB) Limited, which is likewise subject to compulsory liquidation, as the defendant.
The financial turbulence that has beset the CLICO Group for years has garnered attention once again as a result of
CIB. They are asking the court to substitute CIB as the defendant in place of CL Financial Limited and to permit the execution of a money judgment against CIB’s assets in Guyana.
said the Government of Guyana was compelled to intervene, paying approximately GY$5.6 billion to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to prevent its failure due to the losses incurred from the collapse of the CLICO Group.
The government is now seeking to recoup these funds from CIB.
The claimants also accused the CIB of breaching its fiduciary duties, acting dishonestly, and participating in the unlawful and improper transfer of funds. They asserted that CIB, along with its parent company and other subsidiaries, operated as a single, integrated economic unit, disregarding their separate corporate identities to the detriment of creditors and policy -
–– seeking to recover US$34M
the matter being taken before the High Court in Georgetown.
The lawsuit said that the roots of the legal dispute go back to the financial collapse of the CLICO Group, a complex web of companies that operated throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean, ultimately controlled by CL Financial Limited and its principal, Lawrence Duprey.
It stated that the collapse, which started around 2007, caused large financial losses throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean, especially in Guyana, where CLICO Life and General Insurance Company suffered greatly. The claimants are asking the court for a number of declarations and orders, including the enforcement of a 2019 decision against CL Financial Limited, that they are now attempting to apply to
Among the most significant claims is the allegation that CIB, a subsidiary of CL Financial Ltd., was involved in transferring over US$34 million to CLICO Bahamas Ltd., a sum that was irrecoverable following the collapse of the group.
The claimants argued that this transfer was made with the knowledge that it would cause financial harm to CLICO Life and General Insurance Company and its policyholders in Guyana. The claimants further alleged that CIB and its parent company engaged in a series of fraudulent activities, including insider loan fraud, and participated in a pyramid scheme. They claimed that CIB borrowed extensively from other companies within the group, including CL Financial Limited, with no intention of repaying these debts, and granted loans on favourable terms that contributed to the financial collapse of the entire group.
According to the claimants, the financial crisis within the CLICO Group had far-reaching consequences for Guyana. For instance, they
holders.
According to the statement of claim, the collapse of the CLICO Group was exacerbated by corporate mismanagement, financial impropriety, and the concealment of the true financial state of the group from regulators and governments. The claimants submitted that the corporate structure was a facade, designed to obscure the group’s financial realities and to evade legal obligations. The Attorney General of Guyana and CLICO Life and General Insurance Company are seeking various remedies, including an order that they are entitled to trace the sum of US$34,069,057 together with interest thereon into the monies being held by the Registrar of Deeds in
Guyana and has an equitable title thereto, and that the said sums are being held in trust for them.
According to the claimants, CIB was party to certain debentures with two companies incorporated in Guyana, namely, Bosai Mineral Group Guyana Inc. and Bosai Mineral Guyana Services Inc.
They said that monies due to the defendant under the said debentures amount to approximately US$20M and are currently being held by the Registrar of Deeds to the credit of them. According to the lawsuit, the defendant and other members of the CLICO Group are stopped from recovering the sum held by the Registrar of Deeds. The request by CIB to start the process
of accessing US$20 million that was placed in escrow was denied by Justice Navindra Singh of the Demerara High Court last month.
In addition, the judge prohibited the company from bringing similar cases in the Guyana High Court without the court’s permission.
The claimants are further seeking several declarations and orders, including for equitable contribution, damages for fraud and conspiracy, restitution, and any further orders the court deems just.
They are also requesting that the court declare CIB liable to account for all assets acquired or derived from them and to indemnify them for the losses suffered.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC
CL Financial Limited principal, Lawrence Duprey
Gov’t modernising grid in order to transform Guyana’s landscape
–– Dr Jagdeo says
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said that an important aspect of the ongoing transformation of Guyana is the modernisation of the local power grid.
In a bid to ensure this vision is soon realised, the government has been actively pursuing initiatives such as the gas-to-energy project in order to give Guyanese cheaper and reliable electricity.
the mistake of increasing their recurrent budget, and this results in prices falling and states being stuck with high costs and welfare loss.
Dr Jagdeo, during a press conference last Thursday, highlighted the advancements while responding to a question regarding the evolution of the capital budget. He first said that a lot of oil-producing countries make
This is something which Guyana will avoid, Dr Jagdeo said, as the PPP has studied this over the years and will not make the same mistakes.
The PPP General Secretary also said that as major projects such as the new Demerara River Bridge come on stream, it will come off
of the budget and also contribute to the enhancement of citizens’ lives.
Dr Jagdeo said: “And so these are big items that we are carrying now that will come off of our budget in the future. That will give us a bit more room to focus more on welfare and people’s benefits and other things. But right now we need them. We need stable, cheap power, so we are making the investments now.”
He later said: “Once the big projects come off...You can do all sorts of things, you know, in a modern grid... but you can’t modernise this country without modernising the grid.”
The government is making significant advancements towards the realisation of a more cost-effective and dependable electricity infrastructure in Guyana as last Tuesday, during a simple ceremony, the government signed a US$8.6 million contract for the establishment
of a national control centre, which is a key component of the project.
Power China Caribbean was awarded the contract, and the completion of the centre is anticipated within 384 days.
The agreement was officially signed at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), with Chief Representative Dan Shen signing on behalf of Power China Caribbean, and OPM’s Permanent Secretary Alfred King signing on behalf of the government.
Kesh Nandlall, who holds the position of Head of the Executive Management Committee at Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), observed the signing.
The equipment for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management Systems/Generation Management System (SCADA/EMS/GMS) will be housed in the facility once it is finished.
Together with CNOOC
and Hess, its co-venture partners on the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil is working with the Government of Guyana to advance the gas-to-energy project.
The gas-to-energy project will see a 200-km, 12inch diameter pipeline channelling natural gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to a power plant Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will be built in Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
That pipeline will be landing on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) shore and continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL and power-plant facilities.
It has an estimated total cost of US$1.8 billion and is cost recoverable. The power plant and NGL facilities will be funded by the government.
In December 2022, the government and US-based integrated energy solutions group – LINDSAYCA – in partnership with a local firm – CH4 Group – signed a US$759 million contract for construction of the facilities.
The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity is a key component of the government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and hydropower.
As major groundwork continues for the project, it is expected to be up and running by the first half of 2025 and has a 25-year lifespan.
PPP General Secretary and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
Strict enforcement measures to be implemented soon to keep city clean
IN view of the government’s focus on maintaining a clean and healthy environment, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, underscored that strict enforcement measures will soon be implemented to curb the improper disposal of garbage around the capital city.
Minister Indar addressed several business support organisations’ representatives at the Private Sector Commission headquarters last Friday.
Businesses have been found to be one of the most culpable sections of society in the removal of waste materials.
“This is not [just] normal garbage, this is industrial garbage. This is garbage that is construction waste,” the minister pointed out.
Minister Indar who is also the Chairman of the National Enhancement Committee (NEC), said it has come to his attention that these commercial operations are indiscriminately disposing of
their garbage by paying vagrants to get rid of the garbage in improper and unhealthy ways.
Minister Indar disclosed that the NEC is obtaining video and photographic evidence of those people breaking the law, stating that this will kick-start a vigorous campaign to charge those who continue to flout the anti-littering regulations.
“I have video and pictures in my phone of them coming out and dumping their garbage in the
streets…We’re going to go on a campaign where the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] now will get involved, and the police and everybody else to make sure that we charge people and we deal with them condignly,” the NEC chair asserted.
On August 17, the NEC in collaboration with the
private sector and other voluntary organisations will be executing its 9 th National Cleanup Exercise.
Several areas will be targeted including the Seawall, the Stabroek Market area, Dennis Street, Linden, Mabaruma, and New Amsterdam.
Also in attendance
at the meeting were Georgetown Mayor and City Councillors Don Singh and Steven Jacobs, representatives of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), and President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Hutson. (DPI)
Norton, Duncan fail to submit assets to Integrity Commission
–– despite preaching transparency
DESPITE the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton constantly preaching that he has nothing to hide, he has been listed among those persons who have failed to submit their declarations to the Integrity Commission in 2023.
Opposition Parliamentarian Sherod Duncan was also flagged for failing to submit his declarations to the commission.
Norton, as People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader, has used the party’s press conference to be vocal about transparency and accountability; however, this latest revelation is just one of many manifestations that show otherwise.
The PNCR has constantly found itself mired in allegations of corruption. For example, according to former PNCR Treasurer, Faaiz Murs-
aline, in a previous interview with this publication, from the time he assumed the position of elected treasurer, he was made to sign blank cheques without supporting documents.
In November 2022, he signed as many as 20 blank cheques. Additionally, the PNCR’s internal elections were also submerged in allegations of financial unaccountability and electoral irregularities.
From the inception, the PNCR’s own members objected to the congress as there were numerous allegations of irregularities that placed a dark cloud over the party. And even as time progressed and the party geared up for its opening ceremony on June 28, those who challenged the leadership “suspended” their campaigns because of the lack of trans-
parency, among other allegations of infractions.
What was even more shocking was that despite painting the PNCR as a political party with an increasing membership, the party was caught red-handed as the number of delegates constantly changed.
In a gazetted notice issued by the Integrity Commission, Norton, Duncan and APNU+AFC parliamentarian Dineshwar Jaiprashad, are among 179 others who were named as “specified persons” who failed to comply with the requirement to submit their declarations for the period of June 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
The notice highlights that the continued failure to file now constitutes an offence under Section 22 of the Commission’s Act No. 1997. If found guilty, the offenders
may face a fine of $25,000 and a prison term ranging from six months to one year.
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharat Jagdeo, last year, expressed his concern over the opposition MPs’ failure to submit declarations to the Integrity Commission.
During a press conference, Dr Jagdeo emphasised that, that was the highest number of delinquencies in the past five years.
In comparison, he pointed out that during the previous three years under the former APNU+AFC government no declarations were submitted at all.
“We are not here to defend any public officer who does not submit their returns
to the Integrity Commission. That is a law of our country, and we fully support the publication of all the names of the people who are in default,” Dr Jagdeo said.
On February 21, 2021, the previous board of the Integrity Commission reached the end of its term.
Subsequently, a new board consisting of Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas, Mohamed Ispahani Haniff, Hardesh Tewari, and Wayne Bowman, with Chandra Gajraj serving as the Chair of the Commission, was formed in May 2022.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Office of the President, located on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown, and was officiated by Principal Magistrate,
Judy Latchman.
The Integrity Commission recently issued a warning to public officers who have not submitted their 2022 declarations.
“As of February 2023, the commission has sent out notices to several specified public officers for failure to file their declarations. The next step is that defaulters will have their names published in the local press and the Official Gazette. If declarations are still not received, the final step would be to seek prosecution of the defaulters,” the commission said in a statement.
Last December, the commission extended the submission deadline for declarations by persons in public life.
Middle East: UN rights chief warns against wider war, appeals for urgent de-escalation
THE UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Monday for an urgent de-escalation in the Middle East as tensions mount in the wake of recent deadly attacks linked to the war in Gaza, which is about to enter its 10th month.
“I am deeply worried about the rising risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East and plead with all parties, along with those States with influence, to act urgently to de-escalate what has become a very precarious situation,” Volker Türk said in a statement.
He stressed that “human rights -- first and foremost the protection of civilians -- must be the top priority.”
Mr. Türk noted that over the past 10 months, civilians -- mostly women and children -- have endured unbearable pain and suffering as the result of bombs and guns.
“Everything, and I mean everything, must be done to avoid [sic] this situation spiralling further into an abyss that will only have even more terrible consequences for civilians,” he said.
The human rights chief is the latest UN official to
join Secretary-General António Guterres in calling for de-escalation as tensions continue to rise following the spate of attacks.
In late July, 12 civilians, mainly children and
teenagers, were killed after a rocket struck a football field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Days later, a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon’s
capital, Beirut, followed by the killing of a Hamas political chief in Tehran, Iran.
Last Friday, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland said he had “engaged in crit -
ical discussions with the relevant parties and member states in the region, including Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar, in support of regional de-escalation.” (UN News)
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in March, 2024
Finance Secretary recommends forensic audit into $269M in drugs unaccounted for in Region Three under APNU+AFC
–– following revelation of missing documents that prevent reconciliation effort
MEMBERS of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Finance Secretary, on Monday requested a forensic audit into the unaccounted for $269 million worth of drugs in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) under the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).
This request was made during the 65th meeting of the committee as it examined the findings of the Auditor General’s report of 2019 for Region Three.
When asked whether the copies of the CRIVs that are supposed to be held in the region were there, the REO said: “Totally absent, we have made dedicated efforts to check on that, none was received. Further, through our Finance Secretary, we have sought the input from the MMU (Materials Management Unit); unfortunately, only a few was [sic] received from the MMU.”
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Officer, Dr Erica Forte said that when in contact with the MMU only CRIVs amounting to
During this examination of the report, it was stated that an amount of $429.7 million was budgeted for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies, and included in that amount was a sum of $299.356 million that was transferred by way of an interdepartmental warrant to the Ministry of Public Health to procure drugs and medical supplies on behalf of the region.
Against this backdrop, government member of the committee, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, said, “It says here that the head of budget agency explained that the region wrote the MoPH requesting the listing of drugs sent to the region, along with the cost so that a reconciliation can be done. Was that done?”
The Regional Executive Officer (REO), in response, said that several efforts were made for this reconciliation to be done and while the Ministry of Health was engaged on no less than three occasions, this was not done, as a result of absent documentation.
Mahadeo further highlighted that the report notes that a similar situation occurred in 2018 as well.
Mahadeo questioned, “So we don’t know whether the $299.3 million that was supposedly spent in the region, whether that amount of drugs and medical supplies were received by the region?”
The REO said that a costing was provided as reflected in the audit report; however, the Combined Issued and Received Vouchers (CRIVs) could not have been located.
some $30.9 million were found when the reconciliation was done.
“So, $269 million could not be accounted for, not by the region, not by the MMU, it cannot be accounted for?” Dr Mahadeo questioned.
Further, Finance Secretary, Sukrishnalall Pasha making his contribution to the meetings, confirmed that the information provided by the RHO is correct.
Pasha said: “The information provided by the RHO is correct based on what I was told two weeks ago. So, the struggle that we have right now, the source document to do the reconciliation they’re not available and in the absence of source documents, I would humbly request that a forensic audit be done… without the relevant document [you cannot] perform any reconciliation.”
This suggestion, he indicated, is one that he informed the regional administration he would make to the PAC, as he reiterated to the chair of the committee that without the source document, it is impossible to do the reconciliation.
However, following questions about other means to be able to find this information and account for the sum, Minister of Public Works and government member of the committee, Juan Edghill also called for this forensic audit to be conducted to have this issue resolved.
The committee further laid the suggestion over to the Auditor General’s office for their consideration.
Members of Region Three’s Regional Administration before the PAC, on Monday
Healthy diets remain unaffordable for a third of the world’s population
–– SOFI 2024 report highlights a cost-hunger trap plaguing some regions
MORE than a third of the world’s population could not afford a healthy diet in 2022, and some regions have yet to fully to recover from the harms wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an innovative data set published in the 2024 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, the flagship hunger report issued last week by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and four sister United Nations agencies.
While food prices increased through -
cantly – a global average of six percent in 2020 and 11 percent in 2021 – but the impact was diluted where income growth was also robust and where food as a share of household budgets was lowest, as in higher-income countries with greater fiscal capacities.
“The uneven progress in the economic access to healthy diets cast a shadow of achieving Zero Hunger in the world, six years away from the 2030 deadline,” the SOFI report says.
“There is the need to accelerate the
out 2022, pushing up the average cost of a healthy diet, this was largely offset by economic recovery and the ensuing positive income effects. As a result, some 35.4 percent of the global population, equal to 2.826 billion people, were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022. That compares to 36.4 percent and 2.823 billion in 2019. However, this recovery to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 was achieved in an uneven manner across regions.
“In 2022, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet dropped below pre-pandemic levels in the group of upper-middleand high-income countries. In contrast, low-income countries had the highest levels since 2017,” the first year for which FAO has published estimates, said Maximo Torero, Chief Economist of FAO.
The finding highlights “a major structural problem of our agri-food systems,” said David Laborde, Director of FAO’s Agri-food Economics and Policy Division.
He noted this part of the SOFI 2024 report revealed significant variation across and within regions that in turn point to where national and international attention should be prioritized.
KEY FINDINGS
The share of people in Africa unable to afford healthy diets was 64.8 percent.
In Asia, the figure is 35.1 percent; in Latin America and the Caribbean, 27.7 percent; in Oceania 20.1 percent; and in Northern America and Europe, 4.8 percent.
In low-income and lower-middle-income countries, the number of people unable to afford healthy diets grew from 2019 to 2022, an outcome that reflects how post-pandemic economic recoveries were unevenly shared and how more advanced economies were better placed to cope with supply-chain shocks and worldwide inflationary pressure on food commodity prices.
The SOFI 2024 report details the methodology used to calculate the affordability of a healthy diets, defined as comprising diversity, adequacy, moderation and balance.
The main takeaway is that the prices, in purchasing power parity (PPP), rose signifi-
transformation of our agri-food systems to strengthen their resilience to the major drivers and address inequalities to ensure that healthy diets are affordable for and available to all.
But there is also a need to assure people that can access and consume healthy diets,” said Torero.
MAPPING THE DETAILS
The global average cost of a healthy diet rose to 3.96 PPP dollars – a measure that compares purchasing power parity across economies - in 2022.
Subregional variations were considerable, ranging from a high of 5.34 PPP dollars in Eastern Asia to a low of 2.96 PPP dollars in Northern America. For Africa, the average price was 3.74 PPP dollars; for Asia 4.20 PPP dollars; for Latin America and the Caribbean 4.56 PPP dollars; for Oceania 3.46 PPP dollars and for Northern America and Europe 3.75 PPP dollars, with a sizable difference between Southern Europe, at 4.15 PPP dollars and Western Europe at 3.01 PPP dollars.
The 1.677 billion people living in lower-middle-income countries cannot afford a heathy diet, and the same holds for 503 million people living in low-income countries. Combined, these account for 77 percent of people unable to afford healthy diets.
People who cannot afford the least-cost healthy diet in their countries are likely facing at least some degree of food and nutritional insecurity and thus face the risk of swelling the ranks of the hungry as measured in SOFI’s traditional measures of chronic hunger as well as chronic conditions such as stunting and wasting.
The FAO’s ongoing foray into gauging and tracking the cost of affordable diets offers an early warning indicator of sorts.
As the alarm is greatest where countries’ fiscal capacities are weakest, and where the cost burden perpetuate itself by dragging down economic growth, the data in SOFI 2024 highlight the need for greater and more innovative investments in agri-food systems, the topic of the second section of the flagship report. (FAO)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday August 06, 2024)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Kaveem Hodge-120 (Nottingham) (2) Joe Root-122 (Nottingham)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI bowler had the best innings figures in the recent Test series versus ENG?
(2) Which ENG bowler had the best innings figures? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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15-year-old batter benefits from ‘Project Cricket Gear’
DELOUNCE Fredericks, a 15-year-old batsman from Tucber Park CC is the latest young cricketer to benefit from “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana, the joint initiative between Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.
The Berbice Educational Institute student reached out to this initiative through veteran journalist Frederick Halley. Young Fredericks was the recipient of one pair of batting pads, one cricket bat and one pair of cricket shoes.
The presentation was done by Surindradat Beharry who represented the project. Beharry told the youngster to work hard on his game, remain disciplined and focus on his studies as well. Fredericks expressed his gratitude to the donors and was excited to receive the gear. The
project will continue to support young people and is happy to be associated with the development of cricket especially through youths.
Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $460,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 27 pairs of cricket shoes, 30 pairs of batting pads, 35 cricket bats, 30 pairs of batting gloves, 25 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 12 cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one fibre-glass bat, 13 boxes of white cricket balls, three boxes of red balls and 28 footballs.
In addition to the above, gear worth more than $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket-keeper/ batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and
not available at the time.
To date, 80 young players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 33 bats, three boxes, six helmets, 31 pairs of cricket shoes, 20 pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat grip, 33 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and three pairs of wicket-keeping gloves.
Several others also benefitted indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each; Cold Fusion Cricket Club 13 coloured uniforms while RHCCCC received four and a half boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one
pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves, a set of stumps and bails.
Other beneficiaries include the Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls), male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, Number 65 Young Titans with 30 t-shirts, youths of Just Try Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club and Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each). Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
GFF unveils new kits for Elite League teams
ON Saturday evening last, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) proudly handed over new club kits to the teams competing in the KFC Elite League.
The Elite League currently features ten (10) competitive teams: the Guyana Defence Force FC, Slingerz FC, Guyana Police Force
FC, Santos FC, Western Tigers FC, Den Amstel FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Ann’s Grove United FC, Monedderlust FC, and Buxton United FC. Each team eagerly received their new kits, symbolizing their readiness to vie for the championship. GFF President, Wayne
Bahamas’ McCoy, Dom
WANYA McCoy of the Bahamas and Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic were the only two Caribbean athletes to secure automatic qualification to the semifinals of the men’s 200m at the Paris Olympics at the Stade de France on Monday.
McCoy, running out of lane nine, produced an excellent last 50m to finish second in heat two in 20.35 behind Uganda’s Tarsis Orogot who won in a com-
Forde, who presented the kits at the event, highlighted the significant role of the federation’s Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) in making this possible. “The M-FAP programme has allowed the GFF to provide tailored support to our members. These kits are part of the
Elite League Clubs M-FAP entitlement in-line with the regulations,” he said.
He further added, “We look forward to seeing the brands of our loyal and generous sponsors being proudly displayed to the fans at home and to the thousands who are viewing the League via the FIFA+ platform weekly.”
The new kits signify the league's growing prestige and the commitment of the GFF to elevating football in Guyana.
The KFC Elite League comprises GFF clubs that play at the highest level of football in the country, ensuring that fans witness the best in local football talent and competition. As the teams champion ahead in their football endeavours, the new kits will enhance the teams' professional appearance and confidence. The GFF thanks our generous sponsors and look forward to their continued support.
Rep’s Ogando through to semis of men’s 200m
fortable 20.32.
Brazil’s Renan Correa ran 20.41 to secure the third automatic spot relegating Jamaica’s Andrew Hudson, who ran 20.53 for fourth, to Tuesday’s repechage round.
Ogando was the third fastest qualifier to the semis after running 20.04 to finish second in heat four behind American Kenny Bednarek who’s winning time of 19.96 was the fastest in the heats. Germany’s Joshua Hartmann took the third
automatic spot in that race with 20.30.
Jamaica’s Bryan Levell and Bahamian Ian Kerr will both have to come back to tomorrow’s repechage round if they are to make it to the semifinals after fourth and fifth place finishes in their respective heats. Levell ran 20.47 to finish fourth in heat six behind 100m champion Noah Lyles (20.19), defending Olympic champion Andre De Grasse (20.30) and Japan’s Towa
Uzawa (20.33). Kerr ran 20.53 for fifth in heat five won by American Erriyon Knighton in 19.99. Zimbabwe’s Tapiwanashe Makarawu ran 20.07 for second while South Africa’s Shaun Maswanganyi ran 20.20 for third. Medal contenders Letsile Tebogo of Botswana (20.10) and Joseph Fahnbulleh of Liberia (20.20) both advanced as heat winners.(Sportsmax).
Delounce Fredericks, left, receives his gear from Surindradat Beharry
Wanya McCoy (left) and Alexander Ogando (right) were the only two Caribbean men to achieve automatic qualification to the semifinals of the 200m in Paris
Former England batter Thorpe dies aged 55
FORMER England and Surrey batter, Graham Thorpe, has died, at age 55, it has been announced.
Thorpe played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, as well as 82 one-day internationals.
A stylish left-handed batter, he scored 6,744 Test runs for England, including 16 centuries, at an average of 44.66.
Current England captain, Ben Stokes, was among those to pay tribute to Thorpe, along with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Surrey, while Michael Vaughan said his former team-mate was a "legend" who had "gone far too young".
"There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death," the ECB said in a statement.
"More than one of England's finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world.
"His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a
13-year international career brought so much happiness to his team-mates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike.
"Later, as a coach, he guided the best England men's talent to some incredible victories across all
formats of the game.
"The cricket world is in mourning today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.
"We will always re -
member Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport."
Thorpe spent his entire first-class playing career at Surrey, whom he represented from 1988 to 2005.
Surrey’s chair, Oli Slipper, said Thorpe "is one of the great sons" of the county and "there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again".
Surrey chief executive, Steve Elworthy, added: "He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans."
Thorpe scored an unbeaten 114 in the second innings of his Test debut against Australia in 1993 and had a Test best of 200 not out, made against New Zealand in 2002.
He began coaching in Australia after retir -
ing from playing in 2005, working with New South Wales before joining the England set-up from 2010 to 2022.
Thorpe was appointed head coach of Afghanistan in March 2022, but he was admitted to hospital with a serious illness before he could join the team.
BBC cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew, said Thorpe was a "mainstay of England's middle order throughout the 1990s" and called him "a gritty and unfussy left-hander".
Agnew added that, after it had been announced that Thorpe had been admitted to hospital in 2022 in a serious condition, "no details were given and there have been no public updates until today.
The cause of Thorpe's death has not been announced.(BBC Sport)
CWI set to challenge court ruling against vice-president Bassarath
ANTIGUA, (CMC)
– Cricket West Indies (CWI) has made clear its intention to appeal a ruling by the High Court of Guyana regarding the appointment of its vice-president, Azim Bassarath.
On Monday morning, the High Court of Guyana ruled in favour of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), which had challenged the election of Bassarath.
Bassarath was elected
as CWI vice-president at the 24th Annual General Meeting in Antigua on March 25, 2023, where he ran unopposed. He gained six votes with two voting against, while four abstained.
However, a case was brought against Cricket West Indies Inc., Bassarath, and Gregory Nicholls, the Returning Officer, all of whom were named as respondents in the action.
Through counsel, the
respondents contended that the Court was without jurisdiction to hear the matter and that disputes of this nature should be resolved through arbitration.
On the contrary, the Court decided it had jurisdiction and granted the orders sought by the GCB.
In a press release issued today, CWI said it would appeal the decision.
“The respondents respectfully differ with the Court’s ruling. Consequently, CWI has instruct-
ed its legal team to immediately file an appeal and will await the decision of the appellate Court,” it stated.
Prior to the elections last year, the GCB nominated Bassarath but subsequently withdrew its nomination in writing before the elections were held, but after the nomination period had closed.
At the elections, the GCB’s representatives restated the Board’s withdrawal of the nomination
and objected to CWI’s decision to proceed with the election of Bassarath even though the nomination was withdrawn.
`The GCB said the decision to withdraw its nomination of Bassarath was taken after the Guyana Board received certain information just prior to the CWI elections, that included serious allegations of misconduct at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.
Biles ends Paris Olympics with floor silver after falling off beam
SIMONE Biles capped her trip to the 2024 Olympic Games with a silver medal in Monday's floor final, having earlier missed out on the podium in the balance-beam event.
Rebeca Andrade edged out the Team USA star to win her first gold of the Paris Games, having earlier claimed silver in the allaround and vault events and helped Brazil take bronze in the team event.
Biles' compatriot Jordan
Chiles took bronze following a successful appeal to her score, bumping Romania's Ana Barbosu down to fourth.
Biles had earlier finished outside the medal places for the first time at the 2024 Games in the beam event, a fall costing her as Italy's Alice d'Amato took gold.
Having earlier won gold in the team, all-around and vault events, Biles placed fifth after falling off the beam at the end of Monday's final.
Biles appeared to express
frustration with the crowd after her routine, holding her finger to her ear to question why most of those present had been silent.
Biles' overall medal haul at the Games now stands at 11 – seven gold, two silver and two bronze.
Larisa Latynina, who won 18 medals for the Soviet Union, is the most successful female gymnast in Olympic history.(Sportsmax)
Graham Thorpe scored 16 centuries in 100 Tests for England (BBC Sport)
CWI vice-president Azim Bassarath
Simone Biles’ overall medal haul at the Paris Games now stands at 11
'She's a queen' - Biles bows to Andrade in iconic medal moment
US superstar Simone Biles said it was "just the right thing to do" after she and team-mate Jordan Chiles bowed down to Olympic gold medallist Rebeca Andrade after the floor final in Paris. Biles had been hoping to win a fourth gold at these Games, but a couple of mistakes meant she had to settle for silver behind the Brazilian.
However, the 27-yearold, who is the world's most
decorated gymnast, was far from disappointed and instead joined Chiles in showing admiration to Andrade in one of the iconic images of these Games.
The trio also made history as the first all-black podium in men or women's gymnastics at the Olympics.
"Rebeca's so amazing, she's a queen," said Biles.
"She's such an excitement to watch and then all the fans in the crowd were always cheer-
Rutherford, Narine, Mayers stutter in Global T20
TORONTO, (CMC) –West Indians Sherfane Rutherford, Kyle Mayers and Sunil Narine all had subpar performances as their respective teams slumped to losses in the Global T20 Canada here Sunday.
Turning out for the Montreal Tigers, Rutherford made 22 from 18 balls, as his side was skittled out for 109 by the Vancouver Knights after being sent in to bat first.
Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir was the main destroyer, taking 3-18 from his four overs, while Dwaine Pretorius, Harsh Taker and Sandeep Lamichhane supported with two wickets each.
Reeza Hendricks then hit the topscore of 39 to lead
the Knights to 113-5 to secure victory by five wickets with eight balls to spare.
Both Mayers and Narine had disappointing outings for the Surrey Jaguars, which went down by six wickets to the Brampton Wolves.
Mayers made just 18 runs batting at the top of the order, while Narine scored a solitary run, as the Jaguars were bowled out for 124.
Beau Webster took 3-16 and Thomas Draca 3-30 to help lead the rout.
The Wolves then eased to 128-4 off 15.1 overs, led by an unbeaten 46 from George Munsey and Nick Hobson, who scored 31 not out.
Narine took one wicket but was belted for 34 runs from his 3.1 overs.
ing for her, so it was just the right thing to do.
"It was an all-black podium so that was super-exciting for us, but then Jordan was like 'should we bow to her?' and I was like 'absolutely'."
Andrade, who lost out on the all-around title to Biles last week, appreciated the show of respect, saying: "It was very cute of them.
"They are the world's best athletes and what they did means a lot to me. We're always rooting for each other, the final is very difficult for everyone."
Biles now has 11 Olympic medals after winning team, all-around and vault golds in Paris to go with her floor silver, while she was fifth in the beam final.
(BBC Sport)
Jamaul John reigns supreme in Reagan
Rodrigues memorial road race
JAMUAL John dominated on the country’s road ways on Sunday last to finish first place when Ricks &Sari Agro Industries hosted the Reagan Rodrigues memorial 46-mile cycle road race on the West Coast of Demerara.
The 20th edition of the cycle road race pedalled off from Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, to Ruby, East Bank Essequibo and returned to Schoonord for the finish.
Briton John led for part of the race but it was Jamual John that emerged victorious in a battle for the finish.
Third place went to Curtis Dey with Christopher Griffith coming in fourth place followed by Aaron Newton and Alex Newton which rounded out the top six finishers.
The Juniors Category was claimed by Alex Newton who outrode rivals Alexander Leung and Jaime Kennedy.
In the veterans category, Alex Mendes had a strong finish for first place ahead of Paul Choo-Wee-Nam and Segun Hubbard.
The Over 50 Masters division saw Mark Spencer emerging ahead of the pack with Ian Jackson and Talim Sawh completing the podium finishes.
Mountain Bike category was won by Talim Sawh who beat off heated competition from Keon Thomas and Julio
In the ladies Category, Abigail Jeffrey was supreme to take the win in front of
The
and
and
prizes were
Melville.
Devenand Bissoon
Mark St. Clair.
sprint
shared with Paul ChooWee-Nam picking up three with two for Kwame Ridley
one each for Aaron Newton, Briton John and Alex Mendes.
Reagan Rodrigues Memorial Road Race winners and officials
Rebeca Andrade's gold was her first of the Paris Olympics
Sunil Narine failed with both bat and ball for the Surrey Jaguars
Easy Time gets outside 12-gate newcomer gets one gate
DEFENDING CHAMPION, Easy Time, will leave from the outside 12-gate in Sunday’s 1,600-metre Bank DIH-sponsored Guyana Cup which will be run off, at Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC), Rising Sun, West Berbice on Sunday August 11, 2024.
His newly imported USA-bred, stablemate, Stat, will leave from the inside one-gate in the prestigious event which carries a record purse of US$53, 819.500.
The Master Z-owned six-year-old Kentucky-bred Easy Time, a son of Not Time/Rushing Falls will be partnered by regular Colin Ross for trainer Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr.
The 32-year-old Mohamed could become the first trainer since the first running of this event in 2007 to record the first hat-trick in this marquee event.
Mohamed asked about the inside and outside post positions draw one-gate for newcomer Stat, and 12-gate for Easy Time said, “I saw the jockey, (Colin Ross) had a different look. Stat got a good draw. He has the speed. It is a very competitive race, as the horses entered in this race, are Stakes or Graded placed. This year’s running is the most competitive Guyana Cup ever run off. I wish every owner of horses entered in the race the best of luck”.
Young Jayden Jagdeo, whose dad, Therbhuwan, won the inaugural event with Ice Follies in 2007 asked about his dad’s two runners, Loyal Company (gate 3) and Oy Vey (10) said, “They are exercising good so far. They have settled in well. The competition is good. The defending champion, Easy Time, will be the horse I think, but I am confident
about our horses.”
No trainer has ever recorded a hat-trick of wins in this event. Senior trainers, Colin Elcock scored back-toback successes, but never the hat-trick. Similarly, veteran trainer, Fazal Habibulla’s horses won on three occasions, but never the hat-trick. Therbhuwan Jagdeo, who holds the unbreakable record as recorded the first win in 2007 with TNT-bred Ice Follies.
Dennis Deeroop stated, “The draw is not bad. I prefer the outside, because if you miss you get closed, as it is a full gate of 12. The competition is a lot of newly imported very good horses. I still believe the horses that are here, and have acclimatised, are the ones [to watch].
I think Easy Time is the horse, and recently won at Port Mourant and as I said the horses that settled in, like
Bossalina. The track conditions are different for them (the imported horses). Apart from the weather the horses are okay.
Deleep Esreepersaud owner/trainer of Bossalina, the queen of Mahaica Creek sharing his candid opinion on the draw, and the competition said, “The competition is going to be very tight. The draw gate two is fine. I do not see any threat. It will be a gate to wire win.
The 2024 Guyana Cup will start at 12:00h local time at Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice. This year’s event will be the biggest in the history, with over 40 million dollars in cash and prizes. The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee will also attract more families at the event with a kids fun park, and the biggest DJ competition will take centre stage.
Julien Alfred of St Lucia
the fastest time on
way to qualifying for the 200 metres final
PARIS, CMC – Julien Alfred’s dream Olympic debut continued as she stormed into the final of the women’s 200 metres in convincing fashion at the Stade de Paris here Monday evening.
Fresh from her historic gold medal winning run in the 100 metres on Saturday, the St Lucian clocked the day’s fastest time en route to winning her semifinal heat.
Alfred clocked 21.98 seconds to cross the line first in Heat 1, with Nigeria’s Favour Ofili, who clocked a season’s best time of 22.05 to place second, also through to today’s’ final.
Meanwhile, Wanya McCoy of the Bahamas and Dominica’s Alexander Ogando were the only two men from the region to advance to the semifinals of the men’s 200 metres.
McCoy was second in Heat 2 in 20.35, while Ogando was also second best in Heat 4 in a time of 20.04, with both gaining automatic qualification.
Jamaica’s Andrew Hudson was fourth in Heat 2 in 20.53 seconds, and his compatriot Bryan Levell, who placed fourth in Heat 6 in 20.47, will try to advance through the repechage round.
The USA’s Noah Lyles, the 100m champion, won Heat 6 in 20.19 seconds to easily advance.
Members of the head table; from left Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr, Promoter and trainer; Mortimer George, Special Events Manager at Banks DIH; Steve Ninvalle, Director of Sport; Dr Dwight Waldron, CEO of Guyana Livestock and Development Authority and Glen Mohammed Steward
clocked
her