Disaster preparedness must be integrated into policies, development strategies across industries
- Prime Minister Phillips tells Caribbean stakeholders; champions inclusion of youth in this mission
Land clearing, preparatory work underway for Yarrowkabra Homestead Project
Guyana to soon produce all vaccines for livestock
- through public-private partnership that could boost regional animal healthcare, Minister Mustapha says
Restart
of electoral fraud trial delayed
- as Acting Chief Magistrate to address issues regarding ‘fresh start’
US$1.5B Oko West Project to broaden opportunities for Guyanese
- integration of women, Guyanese abroad could add to project’s successful impact on local economy, officials say
Guyana to soon produce all vaccines for livestock
— through public-private partnership that could boost regional animal healthcare, Minister Mustapha says
AS a solution to create a more sustainable pathway for animal healthcare, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has said that Guyana will commence the production of vaccines for all livestock through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
“In 2023, we purchased $29 million worth of vaccines to support our farmers. Now, we will build a facility in Guyana to produce all the vaccines needed for Guyana and the CARICOM region via a public-private partnership,” Minister Mustapha said in a virtual address at the recent Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference for Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
He also said collaboration with international organisations has helped with strengthening Guyana’s disease surveillance and response capacity.
“…Our partnership with international organisations has strengthened our capacity for disease surveillance and response, enabling us to quickly address emerging threats to livestock health. By fostering strong partnerships and leveraging our collective strengths, we can address the shared challenges facing the livestock sector and build a future that benefits our farmers, our communities, and our environment,” Mustapha said.
Guyana’s livestock industry is not only a crucial part of the economy, supporting rural livelihoods
and contributing significantly to food security, but also a vital component of cultural heritage and community well-being, the Agriculture Minister said.
He emphasised, however, that, like many other countries in the region, the nation faces numerous challenges in the livestock sector. In order to address those challenges, the government has been implementing a range of initiatives aimed at sustainably transforming the sector.
“Guyana faces numerous challenges in the livestock sector, including the impact of climate change and market volatility. These challenges require robust and forward-thinking policy initiatives, which we have begun implementing through a range of initiatives aimed at transforming our livestock sector
sustainably…,” Mustapha said.
Over the past four years, the Government of Guyana has moved towards establishing policies to facilitate sustainable livestock practices through the implementation of frameworks to support responsible land use and minimise environmental impact.
In addition to supporting farmers to sustainably transform the sector, the government is also developing guidelines to balance livestock production with environmental sustainability, in alignment with our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Mustapha emphasised.
He added: “Moving forward, our aim is to develop guidelines that balance livestock production with environmental sustainability, in align -
ment with our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Through collaboration with regional and international partners, we seek to shape policies that will foster sustainable practices and contribute to broader climate and sustainability goals.
“So far, the government has provided support for farmers and stakeholders by facilitating low to minimal fees for drainage and irrigation services as well as land rentals; offered budgetary support for the adequate provision and maintenance of critical infrastructure such as drainage and irrigation systems, and farm-to-market roads; agricultural machinery are VAT free; and spearheaded initiatives to reduce the cost of production by making fertilisers, agrochemicals, pesticides and other key inputs used in the poultry industry
VAT free.”
The Guyana government, however, believes that a regional approach to sustainable livestock transformation is essential.
This message was emphasised during the twoday conference held in Punta del Este, Uruguay on November 5 and 6, as a follow-up to recommendations made during FAO’s Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation which was held in Rome, Italy in September 2023.
The main objective of the conference was to provide a neutral space for countries and stakeholders to share successful experiences, actions and initiatives that contribute to the sustainable transformation of livestock farming in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, while virtually addressing the Regional Conference for Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean
Disaster preparedness must be integrated into policies, development strategies across industries
— Prime Minister Phillips tells Caribbean stakeholders; champions inclusion of youth in this mission
PRIME
Minister Brig -
adier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has implored Caribbean leaders to treat resilience as a priority across all sectors.
He emphasised that disaster preparedness must be integrated into policies and development strategies across industries, from education and healthcare to agriculture and tourism.
“We must engage our communities, particularly our youth, in this mission; they are active participants in securing our future. We must, therefore, empower our young people to engage in disaster preparedness to foster a generation that values and understands resilience; a generation that will be well prepared to lead,” the Prime Minister said during his remarks at the 14th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday.
He emphasised the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience across the Caribbean, underscoring the importance of disaster management initiatives, and reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to a comprehensive and sustainable approach to disaster preparedness.
managing both natural and human-induced hazards in Guyana.
Addressing regional partnerships and collaborative efforts, he expressed gratitude to CDEMA for its role in supporting Guyana and other Caribbean nations through coordinated disaster responses and technical assistance.
"CDEMA has played a crucial role in supporting Guyana and other Caribbean nations in building resilient communities through coordinated responses, shared expertise, and technical assistance. These collaborations are a strong demonstration of the strength of a united Caribbean working towards a safer future," the Prime Minister said.
In Guyana’s case, he highlighted the importance of the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, and noted that enhancements are currently being made to Guyana’s Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He said that improvements to the systems are 70 per cent complete.
disaster management framework,” according to Prime Minister Phillips.
He said, “Community-Based Disaster Management remains a cornerstone of our strategy, helping to empower our people and prepare them for swift response in times of need. We are also fostering a culture of preparedness that engages individuals in safeguarding their futures through the Caribbean Resilience Framework and the Community Risk Assessment Tool (CCRIT).”
The Prime Minister also underscored Guyana’s commitment to environmental protection and emphasised the importance of a robust regulatory framework.
In this regard, he highlighted some of the steps that Guyana has taken to safeguard the environment, including the establishment of the Petroleum Commission of Guyana, the implementation of a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, and the drafting of an Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Cooperation, and Responsibility Bill for 2024.
“The La Niña-induced floods of 2021 and the El Niño-driven wildfires of 2023-2024 are not isolated; they are a clarion call to all of us in the Caribbean,” he said, underscoring the necessity of Guyana's climate disaster management strategy.
The Prime Minister relat-
In emphasising the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness, PM Phillips highlighted the impact of climate change on the Caribbean, pointing out Guyana's first-hand experiences with severe weather events as highlighted in the report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the unequivocal warming of the global climate system.
ed that while it is impossible to prevent disasters from occurring, deliberate steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of disasters, and ensure that communities and countries are prepared and resilient in the face of adversity.
In light of these realities, the Prime Minister said: “Guyana has, therefore, made significant strides in adopting a comprehensive disas-
ter management approach aligned with the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and CDEMA's Regional Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy 2014-2024.”
The Prime Minister noted, too, that Guyana’s Disaster Risk Management Bill, which is currently under review, aims to establish a solid legal framework for
Additionally, Guyana has embarked on the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR) Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, which aims to equip every community with the resources to anticipate and respond to natural threats.
“Our vision is to ensure that even in the face of disaster, every Guyanese citizen is equipped to respond and recover; community-based strategies are equally vital to the
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about continued regional cooperation and resilience-building efforts.
Phillips said: "The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable…May we actively and willingly mobilise our collective expertise, resources, and determination to create a region that stands resilient in the face of adversity.”
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has implored Caribbean leaders to treat resilience as a priority across all sectors
Trump's return to power fuelled by Hispanic, working-class voter support
DONALD Trump reshaped the U.S. electorate once again this year, piling up support among Hispanic voters, young people, and Americans without college degrees -- and winning more votes in nearly all of the country as he reclaimed the presidency.
Following the Republican's populist campaign, in which he promised to shield workers from global economic competition and offered a wide range of tax-cut proposals, Trump's increasing strength among working-class voters and nonwhite Americans helped grow his share of the vote almost everywhere.
The starkest increase may have been the 14-percentage-point swing in Trump's share of Hispanic voters, according to an exit poll conducted by Edison Research. Some 46 per cent of self-identified Hispanic voters picked Trump, up from 32 per cent in the 2020 election when Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden.
Hispanics have largely favoured Democrats for decades, but Trump's share this year was the highest for a Republican presidential candidate in exit polls going back to the 1970s, and just higher than the 44 per cent share won by Republican George W. Bush in 2004, according to data compiled by the American Enterprise Institute, a
conservative think tank.
In counties where more than 20 per cent of voting-age Americans were Hispanic, Trump's margin over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris improved by 13 points relative to his 2020 performance against Biden.
"Young Hispanics do not have the same muscle memory as their grandparents who voted for Democrats for 50 years," said Giancarlo Sopo, a Republican media strategist who worked on Hispanic outreach for Trump's 2020 campaign.
This time, Trump won 55 per cent of Hispanic men, 19 points more than the 36 per cent share he won four years earlier, while he garnered support from 38 per cent of Hispanic women, up eight points from 2020.
Trump has made opposition to immigration a cornerstone of his political career, pledging to conduct mass deportations of people living in the U.S. illegally. Many Hispanic voters supported Trump's hardline positions, according to the Edison Research exit poll.
About a quarter of Hispanic respondents said most immigrants in the country without documentation should be deported to the countries they came from, compared with 40 per cent of voters overall in the poll.
ECONOMIC CONCERNS
Hispanic Americans skew more working-class than the country's white majority, with larger shares of Hispanics lacking college degrees, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Hispanics also tend to be younger than average in America, which means many have had less time to build wealth and have also been more exposed to the economic troubles of recent years, including high inflation and soaring interest rates for mortgages. Trump won 43 per cent of voters age 18 to 29seven points more than in 2020.
About two-thirds of voters considered the U.S. economy in poor shape, compared with about half of 2020 voters. Some 46 per cent said their family's financial situation was worse than four years ago, compared with 20 per cent who said the same in 2020.
"Republicans have consistently beat Democrats on connecting with voters on the economy," said Clarissa Martinez De Castro, vice president of the nonpartisan UnidosUS
In the battleground state of Arizona, a state Biden won in 2020, Mexican-born Arturo Laguna became an American citizen earlier this year and cast his first U.S. presidential ballot for Trump, citing the Republican's conservatism and his embrace of restrictions on abortion access.
"The three biggest things of importance are family values, being pro-life and religion," said Laguna, a 28-year-old corporate manager. "I don't feel like Kamala represents those values."
Across the country, in places where almost all votes were counted - roughly 2,200 counties nationwide - Trump's margin was five points higher than it was in 2020.
This broad increase - a rise of the Republican tide - in part owed to Trump's gains among voters without college degrees, a massive class of voters that spans racial and ethnic categories and made up just over half of the electorate on Tuesday.
Some 56 per cent of voters without degrees picked Trump,
their vote, with his share down one point from 2020, according to the Edison Research exit poll.
Among people without college degrees and who are not white, however, Trump's share of the vote increased by eight points.
While Trump gained ground in vote tallies across most of the country, some of his biggest advances were in and around big cities, areas that have been critical for past Democratic victories.
Trump flipped Nassau County - just east of New York City on Long Island - winning about 52 per cent of the vote there.
up six points from the Republican's share in the 2020 exit poll. Harris won 55 per cent of voters who have degrees, unchanged from Biden's share in 2020, when affluent suburbs helped power the Democrat's victory.
Trump's gains build on major shifts in the electorate since his triumph in the 2016 presidential election, when he outperformed past Republicans by far among working-class white voters. He largely maintained his dominance with the group this year, winning 66 per cent of
And in the 25 big urban counties where nearly all the votes had been tallied by Wednesday morning, Harris won 60 per cent of the vote, down about five percentage points from Biden’s performance in 2020 and the lowest share for a Democrat in those counties since at least 2012.
Harris won 53 per cent of the women's vote, while Trump won 55 per cent of the vote by men, with Trump performing slightly better with both groups compared with 2020. (Reuters)
Latino Vote Initiative.
Then-Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during a roundtable discussion with Latino community leaders in Doral, Florida (REUTERS/Marco Bello/ File Photo)
Restart of electoral fraud trial delayed
— as Acting Chief Magistrate to address issues regarding ‘fresh start’
THE long-delayed election fraud matters have resumed with a fresh set of “preliminary issues” to be resolved by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The trial is now being handled by Magistrate Mc Gusty, who has taken over from her predecessor Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, who had been on medical leave since September 2024.
The trial, which involves several high-profile defendants accused of conspiring to rig the results of the 2020 national elections, is set to resume with a fresh set of legal issues to resolve.
At a case-management conference (CMC) on Wednesday, Nigel Hughes, one of the defence attorneys raised an issue on the legal principle of de novo, or a fresh start. He argued that the case should proceed without being bound by previous decisions made by Magistrate Daly.
This includes a significant decision from her tenure, which had ruled that some of the other related charges should be heard indictably rather than summarily, as well as the defendants’ not guilty pleas in summary proceedings (the matters that are currently under consideration by the court).
For indictable matters, the court conducts a preliminary inquiry or committal proceeding to assess the merits of the charges. After hearing and evaluating the evidence presented, the magistrate may commit the accused to stand trial in the High Court if there is sufficient evidence. If the evidence is deemed insufficient, the accused will be discharged.
While the defence team advocated a fresh start, the prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, emphasised that the proceedings have already been set in motion and should continue in accordance
with prior decisions made by the former magistrate. Ramdhani further contended that Magistrate Daly’s previous ruling on the trial’s format should stand, especially since it was made after careful consideration of the facts and legal framework. Ramdhani explained that sometimes a decision is made by the Chief Magistrate to have a case tried summarily, which means it is handled in a quicker, more simplified manner.
He added that in such cases, a plea of not guilty is often tendered (submitted) before the case is transferred to another magistrate. Once the case is with the new magistrate, Ramdhani stated that there is usually no need to take a new plea, as the original plea remains valid.
He agreed with Hughes to some extent, acknowledging that for certain preliminary matters, the case may need to be restarted when it is handed over to a different magistrate, but otherwise, the case continues based on prior proceedings. Ramdhani suggested that this is a standard practice in the court system.
“I would urge this court that this has been the practice and
should be recognised to be so,” the King’s Counsel submitted.
However, Hughes countered that while this may be a common practice driven by expediency, it should not override the law. He emphasised that the law should take precedence over established practices or procedural norms.
Hughes stated: “There is a practice driven purely by expediency. When people come to court…the [magistrate would ask them] Yuh want this matter tried in the High Court or in the Magistrates’ Courts? Invariably, the defendant, represented or unrepresented, would say get it done here [magistrates’ courts] for many reasons…the penalty is less and pure expedition.
“The issue here is not one of law. The issue here is one of law that we are raising as a matter of law and therefore I don’t believe practice will trump what the legal position is.”
Ramdhani highlighted that if convicted in the magistrates' courts, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of three years in prison for each charge.
Magistrate Mc Gusty will hear oral arguments on the issue of a “fresh start” on December
9, 2024 at 10:00hrs, after which a date will be set for the commencement of the trial. In the meantime, the parties have until this month’s end to file their submissions.
Importantly, the acting chief magistrate, along with defence and prosecution lawyers, have urged the media and public officials to avoid misrepresenting the proceedings in court.
The magistrate disclosed that the judiciary has provided assistance to expedite the matter, specifically through providing her with a judicial research assistant.
“So, we may be able to move on as quickly as possible,” Mc Gusty noted.
The defendants in this case include former District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former health minister under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government Volda Lawrence; PNC/R activist Carol Smith-Joseph; former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Elections
Officer Roxanne Myers; and GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.
Collectively, they face 19 conspiracy charges related to alleged electoral fraud. All defendants have denied the charges and are currently out on bail.
Apart from Hughes, the defence team comprises attorneys Ronald Daniels, Eusi Anderson, and Darren Wade.
The prosecuting team also includes attorney Latchmie Rahamat, and several state counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
According to the state’s case, the accused allegedly conspired to defraud the electorate by submitting an inflated vote count for Region Four, Guyana’s largest voting district, in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition, thereby undermining Guyana’s democratic process.
The prosecution has built its case on a substantial volume of evidence, including flash drives containing Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs), 72 witness statements, and numerous offi-
cial documents. Among the witnesses are high-profile individuals such as Local Government Minister Sonia Parag; Head of the Diaspora Unit, Rosalinda Rasul; Forensic Investigator, Rawle Nedd, and former Region Four Police Commander, Edgar Thomas.
The reportedly altered elections results, announced by Lowenfield, indicated an APNU+AFC win with 171,825 votes against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) 166,343.
However, a subsequent recount, overseen by a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) team and GECOM, reversed the outcome, revealing a PPP/C victory by over 15,000 votes. The recount clearly demonstrated that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes, while the coalition received 217,920. GECOM made the decision to dismiss Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo in August 2021, after the allegations of fraud came to light. Many welcomed this decision. The police filed charges against the defendants in late 2020.
Groundbreaking digital platform to transform local mental health support
THE International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), backed by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and in collaboration with Nomansland Creative, has announced the official launch of the Guyana Mental Health Portal, a groundbreaking digital platform poised to transform mental health support across Guyana.
According to a press release, developed as part of the SPAR (Safeguarding the Human Dignity & Rights of Population At-Risk for Ill-Mental Health in Vulnerable Communities across Guyana) project, this portal provides critical, culturally-sensitive mental health resources to individuals and communities across the country, addressing one of Guyana’s most pressing
health challenges.
Following a successful pretest phase that generated significant user engagement, the portal is now fully operational, offering Guyanese citizens vital tools for mental well-being, crisis prevention, and intervention.
The IDRF’s mental health portal aims to drive meaningful change by providing accessible, community-centered support. The portal is available for immediate access at https://idrfmentalhealthguyana.com.
IDRF's Country Manager for Guyana, Shameena Haniff emphasised the significance of this platform, noting: “The launch of the Guyana Mental Health Portal marks an important step toward addressing mental health issues in a culturally relevant way. By incorporating
familiar imagery, language, and resources that resonate with the Guyanese community, we’re ensuring that this platform is not only accessible but deeply rooted in our shared experiences. “This portal has the potential to empower communities with the tools they need to support one another and foster resilience in the face of mental health challenges.”
The development of the
portal was a highly collaborative process, involving consultations with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, the Office of the President, and local community leaders.
This collective input ensured the platform is not only user-friendly, but also culturally resonant, integrating familiar Guyanese imagery and a supportive colour palette that fos-
ters positivity and hope.
The Guyana Mental Health Portal includes a range of impactful features:
Suicide Prevention Training for Gatekeepers: A comprehensive, five-module course tailored for community leaders, health workers, educators, and others in frontline roles. This training empowers participants with essential skills to recognize and respond effectively to signs of suicidal behaviour.
Expanded Training for Educators: New modules will soon be available, designed to support educators in managing their own mental health and fostering a supportive environment for students, addressing a critical area of mental health awareness in schools.
Extensive Resource Library:
A collection of videos, publications, and research materials that promote mental health awareness and education across communities.
This virtual platform builds on the success of IDRF’s in-person Suicide Prevention Training for Gatekeepers programme, which has already reached over 800 participants across Guyana’s 10 regions.
With more than 190 government employees from the Ministries of Education, Natural Resources, and Human Services and Social Security already registered on the portal, IDRF anticipates that this initiative will empower even more individuals to make a positive impact in their communities.
— portal developed by IDRF provides critical, culturally-sensitive resources to individuals, communities across Guyana
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
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty
Guyana’s Anti-Corruption Framework
THE recent workshop on combatting corruption, led by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, has brought to the forefront the critical need for a unified approach in tackling corruption in Guyana.
While the government has made significant strides in fortifying the nation's anti-corruption framework, it is clear that more needs to be done to create a truly transparent and accountable system. Guyana's progress in strengthening its anti-corruption efforts is commendable. The ratification of international
conventions, the establishment of a national coordinating committee and the implementation of the Integrity Commission Act are all positive steps.
The government's commitment to these initiatives has been recognised by international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has praised Guyana's efforts to enhance its governance framework.
However, the fight against corruption is far from over. Minister Teixeira's candid acknowledgment of existing weaknesses in the system
is admirable. Her call for swifter investigations and prosecutions also highlights a critical gap in the current framework.
The delay in bringing corrupt individuals to justice not only undermines public confidence, but also fails to serve as an effective deterrent.
The private sector's role in this battle cannot be overstated. There have been comments, particularly from private sector stakeholders, that the current legal framework for corruption is complex and challenging to navigate.
This complexity can inadvertently create
loopholes that corrupt entities might exploit.
It is imperative that the private sector not only adopts rigorous internal controls, but also actively collaborates with government agencies to simplify and strengthen anti-corruption measures.
Minister Teixeira's emphasis on the societal impact of corruption is particularly poignant. Every dollar lost to corruption is a dollar taken away from essential public services. This perspective underscores the urgent need for a whole-of-society approach to combatting corruption.
The "eyes and ears" concept proposed by Minister Teixeira, which encourages citizens to be vigilant and report corrupt activities, is an innovative strategy that could significantly bolster anti-corruption efforts.
However, for such a strategy to be effective, there must be robust protections for whistleblowers and a responsive system that acts on credible reports. Without these safeguards, the public's willingness to participate in anti-corruption efforts may be limited.
The government's openness to scrutiny and willingness to acknowl-
edge areas for improvement is commendable. However, streamlining the legal process for corruption cases, enhancing investigative capabilities and fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors are crucial next steps.
The fight against corruption is not just a government responsibility; it requires the active participation of every Guyanese citizen. Only through collective action can Guyana hope to create a truly transparent, accountable and corruption-free society that benefits all its citizens.
Killing the goose that lays the golden eggs could have horrible repercussions
Dear Editor,
THE opposition and its backers, having failed to ignite the corruption mantra have now embarked on a new obsession and this time it is called ‘Referendum mania.’
It all began when Mr Christopher Ram, a Chartered Accountant, published a survey in which he concluded that 94 per cent of Guyanese wants a renegotiation of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) after just interviewing a paltry 135 respondents who are supposedly a representative sample of the population.
This call for a referendum was then amplified by the WPA and the AFC. It is ironic that the APNU and the AFC negotiated and accepted that PSA in 2016, and are now using ‘renegotiation’ as a weapon against the PPP/C
government. It must be noted that this ‘survey’ came about a month after the PNCR/APNU unveiled a plan to ask ExxonMobil to make changes to the 2016 PSA after embarking on a ‘top-to-bottom’ review of the same (Mr Norton and Mr Hughes guilefully avoided the term ‘renegotiation’ -one spoke about a ‘review’ and the next about ‘plan’ only Mr Ramjattan, the former AFC leader, had called for a ‘renegotiation’).
Therefore, the APNU and the AFC are now accepting the fact that this review was not done when that PSA was signed, which is untrue. They deliberately placed the country in an untenable and indefensible situation as can be discerned in Article 32.1 and 32.2, and Mr Norton, Mr Hughes and Mr Ramjattan are fully cognisant of the sanctity of contract, so this entire ‘renegotiation’
scenario is just a political ploy to make the PPP/C look bad and uncaring in the eyes of the Guyanese people.
Of all people Mr Christopher Ram as a reputable Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law should not only conduct such a survey, but should educate the masses with regard to the dire truth about such renegotiation, so too should Mr Glenn Lall of Kaieteur News. Let’s look at some of these disastrous consequences outlined below.
It is interesting to note that the coalition accepted the Stability Clause in Article 32.1 which states, ‘Except as may be expressly provided herein, the government shall not amend, modify, rescind, terminate, declare invalid or unenforceable, require renovation of, compel replacement or substitution, or otherwise seek to avoid, alter, or limit this agreement
without the prior written consent for [sic] the contractor.’
This was again recapitulated in Article 31.2 (Miscellaneous) of the agreement, which provides that amendments to the contract can only be done with the contractor’s consent.
Why ask this government to renegotiate when the coalition did the contractual agreement? How can Mr Trotman deceive Guyanese by saying that he can assist in ‘renegotiation’? Is he now doing a Rip Van Winkle?
The Guyanese people should understand that forcing ExxonMobil to renegotiate could only have dire consequences for the country. Exxon’s position on renegotiation was made quite clear on several occasions-there will be no renegotiation.
The PPP/C never deceives the people and both the President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the Vice President, Dr
Jagdeo made it clear that even though the PSA is lopsided, the PSA itself makes renegotiation impossible--the sanctity of contract is inviolable.
They additionally made it clear that all future contracts will rectify the defects of the 2016 PSA and these were implemented.
There are heavy costs (estimated at US$55 billion) to bear should ExxonMobil be forced to halt its operations, a cost which this country can ill-afford. In addition, the current socio-economic trajectory will take a downturn for the worst, since both capital and revenue expenditures will be severely affected.
Our annual budget will once again be hovering around $300 billion -- this means more taxes, lower wages and salaries, little or no major infrastructural works, stymieing the growth
of all the sectors, increasing cost of living and erosion of the standard of living, no free university, no new schools, no new hospitals and the list is unending.
Killing the goose that lays the golden eggs has its horrible repercussions. Moreover, chasing away Exxon will chase away all future investors from Guyana and this is what the opposition wants, they do not mind going back to the dark days of PNC dictatorship rule. The PNC and the AFC are more interested in power rather that socio-economic development, they manifested this repeatedly, but they should openly state their position on the renegotiation and do not seek to confuse and deceive Guyanese.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
Kamala Harris: Maybe she knew nothing about politics
MY wife and I were having a snack at Demico last Sunday morning on Main Street when this gentleman, without a sense of the situation, won’t go away. He wanted my take on my choice in the US presidential election. The last person to ask for my opinion was Chris Ram who spoke to me on the day of voting.
My answer to all them was I had no choice. I believe at a deep philosophical level, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the same. In any two similar parties, there are shades of differences. But in their essence, those two parties are the same. I lived in Canada while studying there and it is only when you live in the developed West then you see that Third World politics and Western politics are completely different.
It is when you live in those counties, as a post-colonial human, then you see they are all the same and different from us in the Global South. The post-colonial governments in 2024 denounced Israel. Not one government in the West denounced Israel. The difference in culture and philosophy between us and them were graphic and stark.
Ms. Harris lost the election because of a huge misunderstanding of the politics of her own country. Ms. Harris lost the election in a fateful moment during an interview on a talk-show programme named “The View.” When asked what she would have done differently from President Biden she intoned:
“There is not a thing that comes to mind.” Her history-making moment died right there and then.
This was the opposite with Barack Obama when he ran for the first time. Obama distanced himself from Hil-
When you are left-wing in the Third World you tend to go with Labour over the Conservatives in the UK, with the Liberals over the Conservatives in Canada, with the Democrats over the Republicans in the USA and with socialist or liberal parties over the conservatives in Europe.
ary Clinton and denounced her support for the Iraq war. Did Ms. Harris pay attention to the polls on Biden presidency? The polls over the past two years showed that he had a very low rating and was not a popular president. The attitude of Biden was a crucial factor in Ms. Harris’s defeat even though Trump is pro-Israel. In situations like these, the role of conscience comes in.
Conscience is supposed to guide civilisation, and it does, and that is why the world still exists. Your conscience does not allow you to choose one person over the
other even though there are areas of difference between them when the person you prefer has taken an unsavory position on a sacred value. You expect the politician you embrace to be different.
Ms. Harris was trounced in Michigan where there is a large Arab-American population that would never vote for Trump, but did not vote for Harris because of her stance on Gaza. The American establishment went for Israel during the past year but the American population did not.
The largest outbreak of student anger in the US after the Vietnam War was over Israeli cruelties and geno -
cide in Gaza. If Ms. Harris was an astute politician, she would have known that she was playing with trouble over the youth vote. It is too early to assess demographic dimensions in the voting but it would appear that Ms. Harris did not get the young White voters.
What happened in the election was that Trump secured his base, Ms. Harris’ base had eroded. The analysts noted that the reason why Harris told the “The View” that she would not have done anything differently from Biden was because she did not want to appear ungrateful to Biden who made her the
Vice-President. It could be that she was not forceful on Gaza because she did not want to appear to be at difference with Biden and the same ungrateful factor might have been at play. But Biden presidency is at its end; she was facing a history-making moment of being the first woman president and a non-white person at that.
But there is another factor in the loss of Harris. Was she the right person? Two years ago, former UG lecturer, Dr. Mark Kirton, told me that Ms. Harris should not be the presidential nominee because she was just “not there”. I felt the same. Maybe she thought she could do a Barack Obama on the American people. But that era was long gone and Obama star has faded so badly that it has become invisible. To be continued
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.
Mr Dookhoo should share his thoughts on corporate procurement fraud
Dear Editor,
I HAVE taken note of the comments reportedly made by Mr Ramesh Dookhoo in connection with what he perceives to be a need for better anti-corruption legislation.
I found Mr Dookhoo’s comments particularly interesting and ironic, given his long-standing role as an executive of Banks DIH Ltd, one of Guyana’s largest publicly owned companies, and given the fact that he is himself a former head of internal audit in that company.
Given his concerns about corruption and anti-corruption legislation, and his experience in the private sector and in Banks DIH in particular, I would be very interested in knowing Mr. Dookhoo’s perspectives on internal corporate corruption and corporate procurement practices that might be designed to defraud public companies and their shareholders.
Specifically, I would be very interested in hearing Mr Dookhoo’s views on a public company procuring goods and services from overseas companies that were especially established for this purpose by senior executives of the procuring company and their relatives.
Oftentimes, these purchases are made at vastly inflated prices, resulting in a blatant fraud being committed on the shareholders of the procuring company, with the aim of enriching the executives who would have established the companies making the supplies from overseas.
Given Mr Dookhoo’s vast experience in the private sector and at Banks DIH, it would be useful to know what his views are on this practice, and what remedy and punishment he believes should be inflicted on the perpetrators of such blatant instances of corporate procurement fraud.
Yours sincerely, Concerned Banks DIH shareholder
Creativity being stimulated with enhanced visual arts education
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
THE Ministry of Education’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has continued to stimulate creativity and broaden the scope of visual arts education throughout Guyana with various programmes.
This was highlighted by Visual Arts Education Officer, Lori-Ann Jacobs who said this agenda is an extension of the theme, “Breaking Boundaries,” which was adopted for the annual TVET Unit-National Visual Arts Exhibition and Fair 2024 at the Castellani House in Georgetown.
Recognising the successes achieved thus far for 2024, Jacobs said: “Today, we stand united, recognising the hard work, talent, and dedication that has brought us to this remarkable moment. The Ministry of Education TVET Unit, led by Ms. Marcia Patty Andrews, has been the fourth
brated with awards.
front of improving educational standards in all schools, and we have made significant strides this year.”
She also related that the TVET Unit is devoted to training, equipping schools, revising curricula, and closely monitoring and supervising curriculum implementation to ensure that it adheres to and
exceeds the TVET standards.
While admitting that there is still much to be accomplished, Jacobs said that they are pleased to showcase the fruits of their efforts, especially in the visual arts.
The Visual Arts Education Officer also said that the exhibition shows a wide range of creative expressions and
skills, reflecting their commitment to comprehensive visual arts education.
According to Jacobs, the exhibition comprised arts from grade one students, leathercraft, ceramics, and textile designs from teachers. Along with the teachers, Jacobs also shared that 17 persons from the University of Guyana as well as Grade 11 students are also displaying their work at the exhibition.
With a national CSEC pass rate of 84 per cent in visual arts, Jacobs said that this year alone, over 65 per cent of Guyana’s students received grades one and two in the subject area. She also added that they had 15 exceptional students who received grade one profiles that will be cele-
As a testament to the hard work and dedication of teachers and students, Jacobs related that they would recognise 22 schools that have achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.
Special recognition was given to Region Nine for being the most outstanding performing region of 2024, with Annai Secondary School for achieving the highest entry of 24 students, of which 23 gained grades one to three.
Jacobs also noted that The Bishops’ High School achieved the highest number of grade ones, with four students excelling at the level.
“This year's visual arts fair promises a unique interactive experience, and we are thrilled to have the support of key partners such as the Guyana Women Art Association, EDUFM, the learning
channel, the University of Guyana, Cyril Potter College of Education, [and others],” Jacobs said.
Additionally, the Senior Education Officer, Mark Roberts, commended the visual arts' influence on the educational system, noting that, without a doubt, the subject has had a profound influence on both teachers and students alike.
He also emphasised that it is impossible to overestimate the importance of the visual arts in TVET, which according to him fosters creativity, improves problem-solving abilities, and stimulate innovation.
The annual TVET Unit-National Visual Arts Exhibition and Fair 2024 is scheduled to take place at the Castellani House in Georgetown from November 6 to 16.
The Education Officer, Lori Ann Jacobs, during her presentation at the MOE TVET Unit Exhibition and Fair
Parika Market 85 per cent completed
The Parika Market on the East Bank of Essequibo, Region Three is nearing completion, with approximately 85 per cent of the construction now finished.
Regional Chairman of Region Three, Inshan Ayube
During a recent visit by the Department of Public
External works, such as casting and painting, have been completed, and the contractor is currently focusing on the final touches inside the building.
Information (DPI), Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube explained that the contractor is working towards fully completing the market soon.
“It is a steel structure and consists of two stories. All the stalls have already been
erected. The upstairs will be completed soon as well. The compound is already asphalted and everything else is in place such as the washrooms and so on,” the chairman told DPI.
When completed, prior-
ity will be given to vendors who had previously operated in the market before it was destroyed by fire in February 2023.
Stalls that are completed in the Parika Market
The market will house around 110 stalls.
Notably, the new market will be equipped with essential firefighting systems to ensure safety and prevent future incidents.
“We are also engaging to have a fire hydrant either in the compound itself or within the vicinity of the market so that we can have an easy flow of water, when necessary. Overall, we will have all the preventative measures that are needed,” the regional chairman assured.
Sections of the upper flat of the market that have been erected
The vision for the market is to create a high-end space where quality products are sold, Ayube said.
“We have standard stalls
in the market so no one would be disadvantaged. But what we have to decide is what will be sold in the market and then we will put the vendors accordingly,” he stated.
Guided by the local government minister, plans for a food court on the upper floor of the market are also in the works.
An inside view of one of the stalls
The current roadside vending, which stretches parallel to the market site and opposite the Parika Police Station, will be relocated to alleviate traffic congestion.
Ayube further stated, “We have a big compound inside the market area so we will have accommodation for vendors who have vehicles.”
The construction is being overseen by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Regional Democratic Council.
Regional Chairman of Region Three, Inshan Ayube
US$1.5B Oko West Project to broaden opportunities for Guyanese
- integration of women, Guyanese abroad could add to project’s successful impact on local economy, officials say
THE new US$1.5 billion Oko West Project in Region Seven will broaden opportunities for Guyanese, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn has said.
This multi-faceted development, which is expected to come on stream by 2027, is set to transform the landscape of Guyana’s mining sector, offering hundreds of job opportunities, especially for women.
The Oko West Project is a new gold discovery in northwest Guyana. It is located south of the historical “Oko” gold district, some 95 kilometres west of Georgetown.
The Oko West Project comprises a prospecting licence with an area of approximately 44 square kilometres, 100 per cent held by G Mining Ventures’ Guyanese subsidiary.
At an education forum on the Oko West Project hosted by GMIN Ventures Guyana on Wednesday at Pegasus Corporate Suites, Benn highlighted that the country is currently experiencing its most pivotal phase of development, with new opportunities emerging from the oil and gas sector; this will be supplemented by the Oko West Project.
“This new development at Oko West will broaden the opportunities for people,” he emphasised.
Benn also highlighted the government's commitment to revitalising and developing the natural resource sector, specifically mining. He pointed out that there was a time when the sector was in decline.
“We [the PPP/C] have kept our promise in relation to re-energising and developing the natural
resource sector in relation to mining. There was a time when it was being shut down. There was a time when the bauxite operations were practically dead…Even the small mining…were shut down. We have come back and we are keeping our promises to the people,” he said.
With the mining sector back on the rise, especially now with the Oko West Project, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton related it is important for inclusivity within this ambitious initiative, particularly the need to employ more women in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as engineering, construction, and energy.
“We have to determine what role women will play in national development. The last census indicated that the majority gender was women at 51 per cent. There is a census now and my prediction is that, that number will go up. So, we cannot talk about development if we are keeping more than half of the population out of the discussion of specific training in technical areas…,” Hamilton said.
Benn had emphasised too that skilled professionals in the diaspora could return home and contribute to the country's rapidly developing economy.
He emphasised the government’s push for Guyanese talent abroad to lend their expertise to national projects such as Oko West.
Benn reflected on the example of Omai, a gold-mining operation in Guyana, which once employed nearly 94 per cent of its workforce from among Guyanese nationals.
Many of these workers, having gained significant technical expertise, are now working abroad in key roles across the globe.
Benn specifically mentioned countries such as neighbouring Suriname, French Guiana, Papua New Guinea, and even countries in Africa, where former Omai employees are contributing to important, technically challenging projects.
“I wish that we could get many of them back. We want them back to help us have development—to teach and to coach and to bring up the new generation of young Guyanese who have to be multiskilled, resourceful, willing to go out into the countryside, into the wild, into the forests to develop their country for themselves,” Minister Benn said.
Bjorn Juene, General Manager of G Mining Ventures, highlighted that the Oko West Project will generate at least 1,500 jobs, with a strong emphasis on local employment and capacity building. Juene stressed that the initiative will contribute to Guyana’s broader development goals.
As part of this commitment, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to provide local workers with training opportunities at the BIT centre in Bartica, Region Seven.
Further, through a scholarship agreement with the University of Guyana (UG), several geology students have received educational support and will continue to benefit from this partnership.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton
General Manager of GMIN Ventures, Bjorn Juene
Regularisation of land to begin for 200 Amelia’s Ward families
THE regularisation process for land at Block 42, Amelia’s Ward in Linden will soon begin, providing approximately 200 families with secure land ownership and better living conditions.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, made this announcement during an outreach to the Region 10 housing area on Wednesday.
Although a survey plan was conducted previously, Minister Rodrigues explained that the ministry’s survey unit will develop a new plan to ensure all homes in the area are included.
The regularisation process will involve the possible need for some residents to adjust their boundaries or relocate.
When completed, the process will move forward with the issuance of land titles, which will enable residents to access loans from financial insti-
The regularisation process for land at Block 42, Amelia’s Ward in Linden, will soon begin, providing approximately 200 families with secure land ownership and better living conditions
tutions for home expansion or business ventures.
“I want the regularisation process to be completed for the sake of your families and children. This is an important day for Block 42…I want to congratulate all of you on this monumental day,”
Minister Rodrigues said. The minister also urged the community to co-operate with the ministry and reminded them to be vigilant against potential squatters, reaffirming the government’s firm stance on the issue.
Plans for the develop-
ment of Block 42 include the construction of essential infrastructure such as roads, recreational spaces, a nursery school, and a health centre.
Meanwhile, the government is committed to acquiring additional land to provide more housing
opportunities in Linden.
Region 10 currently has about 4,000 house lot applications. Minister Rodrigues announced that 1,600 house lots will be allocated within two weeks at Fitz Hope and Wismar.
Present at the meet-
ing were the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves; Regional Executive Officer, Dwight John and the Prime Minister’s Representative for Region 10, Dereck Wilson. (DPI)
‘Sustainable agriculture’ training to empower persons living with disabilities
PERSONS living with disabilities (PWDs) now have access to specialised ‘sustainable agriculture’ training through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s ‘Learning Lab.’
This pilot initiative, which is in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), aims to empower this vulnerable group.
The programme offers training across several key areas of sustainable farming, including soil preparation, kitchen gardening, nursery production, and crop management.
The curriculum caters to different types of disabilities, enabling personalised instruction that considers each participant’s needs.
According to the min-
istry, the initiative aims to widen opportunities and foster greater independence for persons with disabilities.
and watermelons in their kitchen gardens.
Persons living with disabilities (PWDs) now have access to specialised ‘sustainable agriculture’ training
Head of the Learning Lab, Mahendra Budhram said the programme pro-
vides persons with the opportunity to develop skills that can lead to self-sufficiency, particularly through agriculture. Participants responded positively, embracing the chance to grow flowers,
In addition to agriculture, the Learning Lab has trained over 100 persons with disabilities in various fields in 2024, in -
cluding basic computing, adult literacy, numeracy, video editing, and social media marketing.
With classes limited to 15 to 18 participants, the small-group setting ensures personalised atten-
tion and a more effective learning experience.
The ministry has also introduced a new training course, ‘Interacting with Persons with Disabilities,’ which focuses on communication skills and inclusive practices.
Developed with the support of the Canadian Development Agency, Catalyste+, the programme aims to improve interactions with people living with disabilities. These programmes align with the government’s commitment to create equal opportunities and supportive environments for PWDs.
For individuals with disabilities interested in learning a new skill, the ministry encourages them to reach out. Persons can call 592-2593710 or email pwdlearninglab@mhsss.gov.gy for more information. (DPI)
peppers, corn, sugar cane,
Midwives to improve clinical skills with crucial training
- as part of ongoing efforts to further reduce maternal, infant mortality and ensure safer pregnancies
THE Ministry of Health’s Division of Health Sciences Education, in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, officially launched the first Midwives Guyana Project recently, introducing a programme that aims to elevate clinical training standards for midwifery and medex students across the nation.
The initiative, titled “Enhancing the Clinical Skills of Front-Line Health Workers,”
was unveiled at the Ministry’s Boardroom on Brickdam, marking a pivotal step towards advancing midwifery education and healthcare delivery.
Deputy Director of Health Sciences Education, Chandroutie Persaud, highlighted the project's significance in improving healthcare outcomes for women of childbearing age and their newborns. “We know that skilled midwives are
essential for reducing maternal and infant mortality, ensuring safe pregnancies, and fostering the holistic well-being of mothers and babies. This initiative is not just about training; it’s about investing in the health and future of communities across Guyana,” Persaud emphasised, underscoring the programme's broad impact.
The project, designed to transform midwifery training in Guyana, will empower
front-line health workers with enhanced clinical skills and improved competencies in maternal care. The overarching goal is to build a robust network of welltrained midwives, critical in reducing maternal and infant mortality and ensuring safer pregnancies.
Speaking on behalf of the Canadian High Commission, Political Counsellor, Mr. Daniel Boo, expressed the Canadian Government’s
support, noting that the Midwives Guyana Project aligns with national efforts to improve healthcare services and bolster support for community health workers.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including Dr. Ronald Lett, Founder of the Canadian Network for International Surgery; Dr. Bovell, Executive Member of the Canadian Network for International Surgery; Bhagpattie Ramnarine, Deputy
Chief Nursing Officer; Dr. Nicola Nero, Nursing Officer at Health Sciences Education; and practising midwives from both private and public health sectors.
With this initiative, the Ministry of Health, alongside Canadian partners, envisions a strengthened healthcare system where midwives play a pivotal role in ensuring healthier futures for families throughout Guyana.
The Ministry of Health’s Division of Health Sciences Education, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, recently launched the Midwives Guyana Project to improve training standards for midwifery and medex students nationwide
THIS graduation season at the University of Guyana has a special cohort of students whose stories inspire resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.
Among them are the first in their families to earn a university degree—a testament not only to their personal dedication but to the unwavering support from their families and communities.
These graduates are creating new paths, shaping futures, and breaking down generational barriers, driven by the dream of a brighter tomorrow.
Areana Jainandan: Defying the Odds to Educate Future Generations
siblings and community.
For Areana Jainandan, 24, earning a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) represents both personal achievement and family pride. A teacher at Vreed-en-Hoop Primary, Areana’s journey was marked by late nights, countless assignments, and moments of self-doubt. Reflecting on her time at UG, she shares, “There were moments when the number of assignments and deadlines felt overwhelming, and I considered quitting. However, I’m glad I didn’t. I’ve reached the finish line and am now a graduate teacher.”
teachers’ training college, and then directly to UG without a break, Areana has always chased her educational dreams. She attributes her resilience to her family, especially her mother, who instilled in her the value of hard work and education despite limited financial resources.
Looking ahead, Areana is committed to advancing her career, aiming to set an example for her younger sister and future generations.
His story is one of overcoming financial constraints, including initially lacking a laptop and relying on family support to get through university. “When I started university, I was unemployed... my eldest sibling sent a computer, which helped me a lot,” he recalls. Akeem has taken on
Akeem Stoby: Paving a Legacy of Achievement
From high school to
Akeem Stoby, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, is paving the way for his younger
various leadership roles, including treasurer of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) and faculty representative, experiences that helped him grow. As he eyes a future as a Chartered Accountant, Akeem’s mission is clear: “I want to be that person
that when a little child looks up at me, he/she will say, ‘I want to be like Akeem.’”
O’statia Simon: A Voice for Her Village and Heritage
O’statia Simon, 20, hailing from St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri, is the first in her family to earn a degree, with a BSc in Public Management. Recently crowned Miss Region #4 Indigenous Heritage Queen, O’statia’s journey was not without hardship. The distance from her family and village was often challenging, but she stayed the course. “I’d call home crying, longing to return to my village,” she says, “but I never backed down. My biggest lesson was trusting the process.”
O’statia attributes her success to her parents, whose sacrifices shaped her drive. Now, she is determined to give back to her community, standing as a symbol of hope and resilience. “If you have a dream, it was placed there for a reason. Take control of it,” she encourages.
Alliah Simon: Championing Conservation and Indigenous Advocacy
Alliah Simon, a proud Lokono hiaro from Pakuri Village, is set to graduate with a Bachelor degree in Biology. Driven by a
passion for conservation and advocacy, Alliah’s impact has extended beyond academics. As President of the University of Guyana Biology Club and co-founder of the Indigenous Students Society, she has worked tirelessly to build a supportive space for Indigenous students and to preserve Indigenous knowledge. Inspired by her mother’s sacrifices, Alliah has blazed a trail for her siblings, two of whom are now first-year students at UG. With plans to pursue further studies in conservation, Alliah is committed to championing environmental preservation and empowering others. “The legacy I want to leave is one of empowerment—especially for women, Indigenous women, and those from marginalised backgrounds,” she says.
Aaliyah Baker: Persevering through Setbacks to Inspire Future STEM Leaders
Aaliyah Baker’s journey to a Bachelor degree in Chemistry is one of grit and determination. As the first in her family to achieve a university education, Aaliyah hopes to break down barriers for her younger cousins, brother, and sister. “I am
blazing the path for my cousins, my brother and sister. It kind of feels like pressure, but it means the world to me,” she says. Despite academic setbacks and the challenges of adjusting to university life, Aaliyah’s drive to succeed has remained steadfast. She credits her family’s support, particularly her mother, who works two jobs, as her motivation. With dreams of a Master Degree in Biochemistry and a career in the oil and gas industry, Aaliyah also aspires to mentor young students in STEM. Her advice? “Delay is never denial. Keep pushing forward. Make yourself proud, and never give up.”
These graduates stand as pillars of hope and achievement, proving that with determination and a strong support system, dreams can indeed become reality. As UG prepares for its graduation ceremonies from November 7-9 at Turkeyen and on November 16 at Berbice, the public is invited to join in celebrating the success of these inspiring students. Ceremonies will be livestreamed on the University’s Facebook page and UG Broadcasting Service.
Areana Jainandan will be graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
Akeen Stoby will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
O’statia Simon will be graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Public Management
Alliah Simon will be graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Biology
Aaliyah Baker will be graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry
Education Ministry advances efforts to stimulate culture of learning, reading
— with new library at Hampton Court Primary School
WITHthe addition of a new library at the Hampton Court Primary School, the Ministry of Education is looking to further stimulate a culture of learning and reading, while also reinforcing the importance of transforming lives and communities.
According to a press release from the ministry, the library is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance educational resources and infrastructure throughout Guyana.
Launched by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, the library is significant, as it provides students and the wider community with a dedicated space for reading, learning, and intellectual development.
The facility boasts an average of 460 books, offering a diverse collection to support educational growth.
“The launch ceremony marked a milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve literacy and access to educational materials,” the Education Ministry said.
Minister Manickchand underscored the importance of libraries in supporting both the academic and personal growth of students.
The new space will serve as a hub for educational activities, enabling students to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. By providing access to books, computers, and other learning resources, the Hampton Court Library is expected to play a critical role in helping students achieve their full potential.
With the addition of a new library at the Hampton Court Primary School, the Ministry of Education is looking to further stimulate a culture of learning and reading, while also reinforcing the importance of transforming lives and communities
Ponting doubles down on bold Border-Gavaskar prediction
ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has doubled down on his prediction that Australia will dominate the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against India and nominated the players he expects to finish as the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker across the five Tests.
Ponting predicted a 3-1 triumph to his former side when quizzed on the series result in August and the former Australia captain still feels comfortable with his decision after watching India's recent series defeat to New Zealand and the loss of key pacer Mohammed Shami to injury for the upcoming tour.
Speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the most recent episode of The ICC Review, Ponting said the ab-
sence of Shami from India's squad would make it more difficult for the tourists to claim the 20 wickets required to win a Test match Down Under.
“Probably more so now (than before),” Ponting said about Australia’s chances against India.
“(Mohammed) Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group.
“Back then (in August) there was still some conjecture whether Shami would be fit or not.
“I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge. I think they'll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they've got.”
Although the Aussie legend admitted that India might sneak in a win at some point
in the five-match Test series, Ponting stuck by his overall series prediction.
“I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches," Ponting predicted.
"But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they're a very hard team to beat at home. So, I'll stick with the 3-1.”
Moving on to the players we could see in the upcoming series in Australia, Ponting was uncertain about who the top-scorer could be, identifying two potential candidates for the top of the list.
“Leading run scorer, I'm going to go - Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant,” Ponting said.
He felt that the likely move of Steve Smith from the top of the order back to
No.4 increases his chances of doing well in the Test series. Smith’s brief stint as opener in Tests hadn’t been quite successful and ahead of the series against India, it was all but confirmed that the Aussie lynchpin would move back down the order.
“I think Smith, the fact
that he's moved back down from opener to No.4 probably makes it feel like he's got more of a point to prove… that maybe he shouldn't have gone up to open in the first place and that No.4 is his spot and where he should have probably been the whole time and where he probably finished his career now,” Ponting stated, while also not neglecting the possibility of Pant pushing Smith at the top of that list.
“And with Rishabh back in the side and probably coming into bat in the middle order when the ball has probably lost a bit of its shine and a bit of its hardness and the form that he's in, I'll go for him as one of the leading run scorers as well.”
Among the bowlers, Ponting backed experienced seamer Josh Hazlewood to
top the wickets chart.
While Ponting mentions all three players in Australia’s strong pace attack, he felt that neither Mitchell Starc nor Pat Cummins might play all five Tests, unlike Hazlewood.
“I think Hazlewood out of the Australian quicks, is right at the moment, is probably at the peak of his powers more than the other guys. So, I'll go with him for the leading wicket-taker," Ponting said.
The first Test between India and Australia begins on November 22. The crucial ICC World Test Championship series is set to be decisive in identifying the potential finalists of the WTC cycle with Australia and India currently at the top of the table. (ICC Media)
CANOCs president criticises ANOC leadership, calls for reform in Olympic representation
KEITH Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOCs), delivered a stinging critique of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOCs) in a statement released on Tuesday, November 5. Joseph suggested that ANOCs has lost its way and is no longer equipped to lead in today’s dynamic global sports environment.
Joseph's comments follow last week's ANOCs’ General Assembly in Cascais, Portugal, where he said many attendees left with a sense of frustration and disillusionment over ANOCs’ purpose and direction. Reflecting on ANOCs’ original mission, Joseph noted, “ANOC was created as a forum for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to address shared issues and make recommendations for mutual development. Yet, the current structure, dominated by IOC members, has turned these assemblies into a plat-
CANOCs President Keith Joseph
form where the IOC seems to be speaking primarily to itself.”
A primary concern raised by Joseph was the lack of NOCs representation in selecting representatives for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He highlighted the disparity between athletes who generate the Olympic Games' profits, and the limited voice of the NOCs in crucial decision-making processes, asserting that athletes deserve prize money as fair
compensation.
Joseph put forth a resolution on behalf of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC), which reportedly gained traction, with ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg indicating support from the IOC President. Joseph expressed optimism that ANOC will take meaningful
steps to address the issues raised.
The statement also underscored CANOC’s growing stature within the international sports community. CANOC was acknowledged during the assembly by a Deloitte representative, who lauded CANOCs’ Sustainability Action Plan 2025–2030. The assembly also facilitated dis-
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
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cussions to broaden the sports programme for the Caribbean Games, further strengthening CANOCs’ role in advancing Caribbean sports.
Joseph concluded his statement by reinforcing
CANOCs’ commitment to the Caribbean, emphasising the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and building a legacy future generations can be proud of. (Sportsmax)
Former Australia Captain Ricky Ponting
Australia reveal new captain for white-ball fixtures against Pakistan
RISING star, Josh Inglis, has beaten out a hot field and won the race to be Australia's stand-in captain during their upcoming T20I series at home against Pakistan.
The in-form wicket-keeper-batter won the nod ahead of experienced white-ball campaigners Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis and will even skipper the side during the final match of the threegame ODI series against Pakistan as Australia's Test stars prioritise their preparations for the upcoming series with India.
Inglis played a crucial role in Australia's successful ICC Men's Cricket World Cup campaign in India last year and the recent retirement of veteran keeper Matthew Wade means the 29-year-old is first choice behind the stumps in both white-ball formats.
"Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field," selection chair, George Bailey, said on Wednesday.
"He has led Australia A previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role.
"Josh will receive great
Pakistan by two wickets at the MCG, with the series now switching to Adelaide (November 8) and Perth (November 10) for the final two contests.
The three-game T20I series will then be held between 14-18 November in Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart.
Jamaica’s Llori Sharpe makes history with gold at Caribbean Cycling Championships
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC)-LLORI Sharpe became the first Jamaican woman to clinch gold in the Elite Women’s Road Race at the 2024 Caribbean Cycling Championships, which culminated over the weekend in Georgetown, Guyana.
Riding strategically, she conserved her energy until the final kilometre, where she launched a decisive attack to break away from the leading pack and claim victory ahead of Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold who took silver, and Guadeloupe’s Berenice Paul who earned bronze.
fortunes. Competing in the Under-23 category, Damine Douglas encountered a flat tyre during the arduous 155 km race, which impacted his performance and led him to a 12th-place finish.
support from the likes of Matt Short and Adam Zampa, along with senior players including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis."
The promotion of Inglis allows Test skipper Pat Cummins and fellow red-ball stars Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to sit out the final match of the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan, with pacers Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett drafted into the squad alongside keeper-batter Josh Phillipe and another quick, Lance Morris.
Australia claimed the opening match of the threegame ODI series against
Australia ODI squad: Pat Cummins (c - first two matches), Josh Inglis, (cthird match), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett (third match only), Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (second match only), Spencer Johnson (third match only), Marnus Labuschagne (first two matches only), Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe (third match only), Matthew Short, Steve Smith (first two matches only), Mitchell Starc (first two matches only), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia T20I squad: Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. (ICC Media)
Regal holds memorial service for late softball stalwart Eric Thomas
A LITTLE over one year since the passing of one of Guyana’s most outstanding softball players, Eric Thomas, the Regal fraternity held a fitting memorial service to commemorate the occasion.
Presided over by Reverend Dil Mohamed of the Emmanuel Tabernacle Assemblies of God Church, the solemn service was held at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) pavilion on Tuesday afternoon.
The late Thomas, who died on November 23 last year, following a prolonged battle due to a motor vehicle accident, was a prominent player of Regal Legends Over-50 team. His heroics as a batsman were highlighted by both Regal’s owner, Ma-
late Eric Thomas
hendra “Anil” Hardyal and Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) President, Ian John.
Both recalled Thomas’ sterling contributions to the Regal Over-50 side and the obvious decline since his sudden demise.
Reverend Mohamed urged the members to draw strength from the passing of
Thomas and to rise above any eventualities. He assured them that he’s confident that Regal teams will rise again.
A permanent fixture on the team in and out of Guyana, the burly left-hander and efficient wicket-keeper gained the sobriquet “Big Guy” because of his stature.
Thomas last represented Regal Over-50 at the 2023 New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup during the annual tournament, held over the Independence weekend in July.
Thomas will also be remembered for hitting six sixes in an over in the 2022 South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) final versus Toronto Blizzards, played in Fort Lauderdale.
The two-day event, which featured a strong Jamaican squad under the guidance of Coach Carlton Simmonds, saw Sharpe attaining the feat on day two following the historic result in the 67km Elite Women’s Road Race.
The resilient Sharpe almost took home more silverware as she finished 30 seconds shy of the bronze medal in the 18 km time trial.
While Sharpe celebrated her groundbreaking win, her teammates faced mixed
Andrew Ramsay finished 24th in the Elite Men’s race, while Obrian Madourie was unable to complete the course.
Cory Williams of Belize emerged as champion, with Jesus Cespedes from the Dominican Republic taking silver and Guyana’s John Briton securing bronze.
Scorpions and Harpy Eagles secure Super 50 Cup wins
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, ( CMC )–THE Jamaica Scorpions clinched their second win in the Regional Super 50 Cup, edging out the Windward Islands Volcanoes by 19 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method at Queen’s Park Oval here Tuesday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Scorpions reached 155-4 in 31 overs before rain halted play. Kirk Mckenzie was once again the stand-out batter, scoring an unbeaten 59 from 75 balls with five fours and two sixes.
Skipper John Campbell contributed a brisk 41 off 49 balls. Darel Cyrus was the pick of the bowlers for the Volcanoes, bagging 2-21 from 5.1 overs.
Set a revised target of 205 from 30 overs, the Volcanoes were bowled out for 186 in 29.3 overs. Captain Sunil Ambris led the charge with a valiant 59, while Shamar Springer and Kavem Hodge scored 37 and 36, respectively.
Marquino Mindley spearheaded Jamaica’s bowling attack, grabbing 4-33 from six overs. Tamarie Redwood and Odean Smith also chipped in with figures of 2-31.
Over at Tarouba, the Guyana Harpy Eagles registered their first victory, defeating the Leeward Islands Hurricanes by eight wickets under the DLS method at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Asked to take the first strike in a match reduced to 41 overs, the Hurricanes
were restricted to 139 all out in 34.2 overs. Captain Rakheem Cornwall top-scored with 36, while Jeremiah Louis contributed 34. Notably, Justin Greaves, who had been in prolific form with three centuries in previous games, made just 27 runs. Man of the Match Veerasammy Permaul took 3-24 from nine overs, supported by Ashmead Nedd and Nial Smith, who claimed 2-19 and 2-42, respectively. Guyana comfortably chased down the target, reaching 141-2 in just 27.5 overs. Captain Tevin Imlach anchored the innings with an unbeaten 69 off 76 balls, marking his third fifty of the tournament, while Matthew Nandu scored a solid 50 off 74 balls.
Josh Inglis wins the race to be Australia’s stand-in T20 captain
Guyana Harpy Eagles celebrate a wicket against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at BLCA (Photo CWI Media)
The
Butts betting on Green Machine’s speed for rugby 7’s return
ON the 22nd November, eighteen of the region’s best Rugby outfits will converge in Arima in Trinidad and Tobago at the Larry Gomes Stadium for three days to decide the next Rugby Americas North 7’s Champion.
Former national Guyana and West Indies player turned coach, Claudius Butts, said that speed has always been their strong point and they intend to exploit it this time around.
‘Over the years we have been producing some of the fastest players in the region, so that is one area we are going to be concentrating on as well, speed and actually defending under pressure in
those critical moments, those two are our main strengths’
Butts says that the 7’s format is the surest way for Guyana to begin reclaiming their place at the pinnacle of the regional game.
‘For Guyana to get back on top of the regional rugby, the 7’s tournament, we have set up a 7’s training programme for the last several months; we had some of the under-19 boys, coming through this programme, getting the understanding of the technical and physical aspect of the 7’s game’
Butts says they continue to scout overseas Guyanese talent to help boost their programme and complement their local talent.
‘The current overseas players we have as part of the programme are Vallon Adams, Tyreese Prescott, Matthew Talbert and Geoffrey
Polleydore; those are the four players that is going to be part of this 7’s tournament’
This year’s tournament will see teams divided into tier 1 and 2 brackets with the Champions from the Tier 1 qualifying for the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025.
The top two teams, excluding Canada which is pre-qualified from Tier 1 will qualify their side for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games’ 7’s competition.
While the Men’s Tier 2 Winner will be promoted into Tier 1 in 2025 in a promotion-relegation format.
This year also sees the return of the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominican
Republic, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Guyana in Teir 1 will battle the likes of Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, México and host Trinidad & Tobago.
While in tier 2 are Curaçao, Dominican Republic, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Last year’s USA Men and Canada Women booked their tickets to Paris as tournament champions.
Vice-president’s softball tournament bowls off today with women’s category
By Frederick Halley
SOME 30 teams, including 12 in the women’s category, will vie for supremacy when the second edition of the Vice-president’s softball extravaganza bowls off today at several venues across Georgetown.
The tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc, in collaboration with Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, will see the women going into action today while the men will take the field on Friday. The tournament climaxes at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, on Sunday.
According to the organisers, the tournament will see participation from most of the top softball teams throughout Guyana, with the men competing in the three usual categories – Legends Over-50, Masters Over-40 and Open All Stars.}
Of much significance is the upping of the prize monies which will see the winners in all three men’s categories receiving $500, 000, an increase of $200, 000 from last year, while the runners-up will take home $200, 000, an increase of $150, 000 from last year’s $50, 000.
Not to be outdone, the victorious women’s team will
waltz away with $300, 000 and the runners-up $100, 000.
In addition, all the winners, runners-up and players of the finals in each category are guaranteed trophies, compliments of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall fame. Trophy Stall-branded balls will also be used in the men’s categories, while the women will be using the Supreme balls.
The Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in all three men’s categories will ride away with motorcycles (fuel) while the MVP for the women’s division will collect an electrical motorcycle, compliments of Regal Stationery & Computer Centre.
Six teams are slated to participate in the Legends Over-50 – Regal Legends, recent Prime Minister Cup winners Jai Hind, Aash Décor Legends, Rockaway Legends, Essequibo Legends and Parika Defenders.
The Over-40 Masters category features defending champions Regal Masters, winners of the 2024 Prime Minister’s tournament Ariel Masters, Fisherman Masters and Avengers Masters.
The eight teams in contention in the Open All Stars are defending champions Regal All Stars, 2024 Prime Minister’s Cup champions Speedboat All Stars, Belvedere Youths, Hifi All Stars, Name
Brand All Stars, Ariel Guyana Knight Riders, Sussex All Stars and Tourism Guyana.
Last year saw Regal teams making a clean sweep of all the categories. Playing unbeaten in the Over-50 category, Regal Legends made light work of Aash Décor in a lopsided final, winning by the huge margin of 121 runs.
Uniss Yusuf led the way with a pugnacious 133 as Regal Legends reached a formidable 243 for three in their allotted 20 overs. Opponents Aash Décor struggled to 121 for four when their 20 overs expired.
The formidable and unbeaten Regal Legends thus ended the 2023 season in a blaze of glory, winning the Orlando Legends tournament for the first time, the inaugu-
ral Speaker’s Cup, the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Legends Cup, the Prime Minister’s Cup and the Vice-president’s tournament. Regal Masters also followed up their triumph in the Prime Minister’s Cup, once again outduelling their fiercest rivals, Ariel Masters by a 29run margin.
Patrick Rooplall, who slammed a majestic 184 earlier in the tournament, was again the chief destroyer with a fine 71 in the final.
In the Open category, a heroic performance from Hyde Park’s Johnatan Fernandes, who struck a boundary-studded 59 wasn’t enough to earn his team victory over Regal All Stars. Batting first, Hyde Park could only muster 108 for eight in 20 overs.
Regal All Stars reached the required target in 10.3 overs with Fazal Rafiek leading the way with 38.
Of much significant however, Regal teams haven’t won a major tournament in and out of Guyana since. The Over-50 Legends reached the recent final of the Prime Minister’s tournament where they bowed out to Berbice’s Jai Hind while the Over-40s lost to New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) in the final of the NYSCL 2024 Independence Cup, played in the “Big Apple.” All three teams will therefore be aiming to re-enter winners row this time around.
The Masters Over-40 category also promises much fireworks despite only having four teams. The teams will
contest a preliminary round with each playing the other and the top two qualifying for Sunday’s final.
Several top names, including Richard Latif and Chien Gittens from Ariel Masters, Patrick Rooplall and Lennox “Assassin” Marks from Regal Masters and Dubraj Singh of Fisherman Masters will be on show.
The dominant Ariel Guyana Knight Riders, who won the Open category in the Prime Minister’s T20 tournament for three consecutive years, suffered a rare setback when they went down to Speedboat in this year’s final.
Co-sponsor Ariel Persaud is however confident that his charges are capable of bouncing back to win the category come Sunday afternoon.
According to Persaud, “the team is in high spirits and is eager to claim its first title in the Vice-president tournament. We will not take any team for granted. We will play like true warriors.”
Persaud showered praise on Regal’s Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal for keeping softball cricket alive in Guyana, who he said is doing an excellent job.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, also received kudos for his role in the development of sports overall.
Rugby Americas North 7’s tournament
Flash back to Claudius Butts, a Green Machine Player
Butts at the National Park preparing the National Team
Flashback: The victorious Regal Legends players pose with Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo following their victory in last year’s final.
Some of the players who will participate along with organisers at the launch on Wednesday
National Futsal Championship attracts 64 teams
THE National Futsal Championship is set to be an exciting and highly competitive event, organised by the Kashif & Shangai Organisation with the support of the Government of Guyana.
Scheduled to kick off on November 19, 2024, and concluding on January 1, 2025, this tournament will take place at the recently refurbished Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, which is expected to provide an excellent venue for both players and fans alike.
With 64 teams from across the nation participating, the tournament is designed to be an annual fixture on Guyana’s sports calendar, bringing together a diverse range of football talent.
The organisers have made it clear that this championship will not only highlight the competitive spirit of futsal in Guyana, but also serve as a platform to showcase some of the best footballers in the country. The straight knockout format promises to deliver thrilling matches as teams battle for supremacy.
The competition will be particularly enticing due to the substantial prize money on offer.
The first-place team will walk away
with a remarkable $1.5 million, while the second-place team will receive $1 million.
The third and fourth places are also incentivised with prizes of $500,000 and $200,000, respectively.
Additionally, there will be various cash prizes awarded to outstanding players throughout the tournament, ensuring that individual performances are recognised and celebrated. Notably, the top 16 teams will be outfitted with uniforms, enhancing the overall professionalism and presentation of the event.
In an effort to make the tournament accessible to a wider audience, matches will be streamed from the quarter-finals onward, allowing fans who cannot attend in person to follow the action live.
This initiative is expected to increase viewership and engagement, further promoting futsal and football in Guyana.
Kashif Muhammad, Co-Director of the organising team and chairman of the National Sports Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament.
He emphasised that the event will feature the best players in the country, bringing together top talent and fostering a sense of community and
competition. Muhammad stated, “This championship truly brings together all of the top players in the country. It’s an opportunity for them to shine and for fans to witness high-quality futsal.”
Muhammad mentioned the possibility of adjusting the tournament dates in light of the Golden Jaguars' match against Barbados scheduled for the same day as the tournament's opening.
This consideration highlights the organisers' commitment to allowing fans to support the national team, further reflecting the intertwined nature of sports culture in Guyana.
Moreover, Muhammad assured stakeholders that there is “no conflict of interest” regarding the National Sports Commission’s involvement, clarifying that the NSC is not directly involved in the organization of this tournament.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, excitement is building among players, teams, and fans.
The National Futsal Championship promises to be a landmark event in Guyana's sporting landscape, celebrating the rich talent within the nation and fostering a love for futsal that will resonate for years to come.
Guyana Amazon Warriors announce squad for Global Super League
THE Guyana Amazon Warriors have unveiled their squad for the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, set to take place from November 26th to December 7th.
South African duo, Imran Tahir and Dwaine Pretorious, along with English all-rounder, Moeen Ali, will lead the team's international charge. They will be joined by local stars Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul, as well as West Indies captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase.
The absence of Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Joseph is due to their commitments with the Bangladesh tour of the West Indies.
The Global Super League, hosted at the Guyana National Stadium, will feature five teams competing for a US$1 million prize pool. This exciting new tournament promises to bring world-class cricket action to Guyana.
The full Guyana Amazon Warriors squad is as follows: Imran Tahir, Moeen Ali, Shai Hope, Dwaine Pretorius, Hassan Khan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Kevlon Anderson, Keemo Paul, Mark Deyal, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamar Springer.
ONLINE TICKET SALES FOR GLOBAL SUPER LEAGUE COMMENCES TODAY
ONLINE ticket sales for the Global Super League will commence on November 7 from 09:00h. Online tickets can be purchased from: https://gslt20.com/
Furthermore, the organisers indicated that the Box Office will soon be open for in-person purchases.
The Global Super League will take place at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Five teams will compete in 11 matches from November 26 to December 7, 2024, for a US$1 million prize fund.
The five teams for the 2024 tournament will be Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders and Victoria.
