Due to the negligence of the opposition-controlled Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the government will
at Bourda Market. During an impromptu walkabout by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday morning, vendors complained
the
of
in the area, leading to instances of robberies and other malpractices (Office of the President photos)
President Ali: Gov’t committed to Internet connectivity across the hinterland –– investments in the
$76M in contracts signed for Pomeroon-Supenaam development projects
GPL employees certified as fibre-optic technicians, boosting internal capacity
–– as President Ali makes interventions to support vendors
Improved security, infrastructure for city market
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, along with the central government, has taken steps to address a number of concerns raised by vendors and consumers.
During the early hours of Wednesday morning, the
“I want the police to come here later today for a comprehensive security outreach. We are considering setting up a major outpost to support the market and connect the cameras to screens,” President Ali announced in an effort to respond to the immediate concerns of the vendors.
structures.
“The City Council is not fulfilling its responsibilities. They are collecting money but failing to provide security and manage waste effectively. We will address these issues ourselves,” the President stressed.
Adding: “The City Coun-
Head of State made a visit to Bourda Market, where he interacted with numerous vendors. The vendors expressed their concerns about security and raised issues regarding the City Council’s failure to properly monitor the area.
Vendors expressed their frustration with being targeted by motorcycle bandits and criticised the security forces for their inadequate response to reported incidents.
He explained that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will establish an outpost at the market that will be linked to nearby surveillance cameras for continuous monitoring.
President Ali expressed his dissatisfaction with the City Council’s performance and accused them of failing to fulfill their duties and responsibilities, such as garbage management, security, and the maintenance of city
cil is not doing anything… They are collecting money from the people in the market; they’re supposed to have a constabulary out there.”
Meanwhile, to improve the infrastructure of the city market, the President committed that the central government will spearhead significant upgrades to the market. These improvements will include constructing a new tarmac and a large shed
to house the stalls.
Accompanying the President were the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud and City Councillors from the governing Peoples Progressive Party/C (PPP/C) Government.
ence, PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, had told reporters that the mishap was a result of the “failure of the city council” and, in fact, central government has been undertaking several responsibilities of the council.
“Every single thing that should be done in the city
We have undertaken all the beautification of the city, the sidewalks, the boardwalks, and everything else. It’s being done by the government.”
President Ali had also recently visited the Stabroek Market.
Back in April, a section of that market’s roof had collapsed which resulted in minor injuries to several persons.
The Stabroek Market has experienced multiple roof collapses over the years, posing a threat to the lives and limbs of vendors and customers.
During a news confer-
by law are part of their [city council] mandate…the central government has to take over,” he said.
Aside from this, the government has been conducting citywide outreaches, visiting several communities in the capital city.
“We’re spending hundreds of millions of dollars on all the recreational facilities in the city, 34 of them being done… with lights, etc.
Dr. Jagdeo noted that the government has committed to improving the city’s infrastructure that has been left in neglect by the last government-led Mayor and City Council.
“We’ve spent $15 million to take the dump site out of the city, where we are now doing the drainage. In the city, we are clearing drains. We are putting additional pumping capacity in the city. What does the city do? If we’re doing drainage, grounds, beautification, etc., they’re literally doing very little,” he lamented.
GECOM says safeguards in place to prevent ‘skullduggery’ on Elections Day
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, responding to recent demands from the Alliance For Change (AFC) for updates to the electoral system.
The AFC had voiced dissatisfaction with the current electoral system, particularly concerning the voters’ list, and called for the adoption of biometric and electronic voting.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, GECOM reaffirmed its dedication to adhering to Guyana’s legal
framework.
Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chairperson of GECOM, said that the Commission “cannot and will not act outside of the extant statutory provisions pertaining to the conduct of National Registration, Local Government Elections, and General and Regional Elections.”
Singh pointed out that implementing biometric systems requires legislative changes.
Biometrics are defined as unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and retina scans that could be used for automated rec-
ognition.
“Until such is enabled, GECOM cannot proceed with implementing such a feature,” she stated.
To this end, GECOM has completed a feasibility study on the introduction of digital fingerprint capture and biometric voter identification, and the results are currently under review by Commission members.
Addressing concerns about the accuracy of the voters’ list, GECOM referenced a ruling by Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire, which clarified that the removal of names from the Nation-
al Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) must follow existing legal provisions.
This decision has not been appealed.
GECOM said that it routinely updates the NRRDB based on reports of deceased persons from the General Register Office and through periodic Claims and Objections Exercises.
The Commission has also requested regular updates from the Chief Medical Officer and the Commissioner of Police to further sanitise the database.
GECOM assured the public that multiple safe -
guards are in place to prevent forms of “skullduggery” on Elections Day.
These include “the presence of political party agents at each polling station, accurate identification of the voter, the use of indelible ink, the presence of security personnel from the Guyana Police Force, and the conduct of an intensive voter education campaign.”
GECOM also said that Election Day staff receive thorough training, ballots are counted at polling places in the presence of party representatives, and both local and international observers monitor the
counting processes. To address concerns about impersonation, GECOM said that its Chief Election Officer, Vishnu Persaud, has proposed installing cameras in polling stations to record activities without compromising ballot secrecy.
This proposal is currently being considered by the Commission.
As such, GECOM reiterated its commitment to delivering “free, fair, transparent and credible elections” and called on all stakeholders to support its efforts within the constitutional framework.
voting and
President Ali, on Wednesday, outlined a number of interventions to improve the security and infrastructure at Bourda Market, following an engagement with vendors (Photo credit: DPI)
Gov’t spearheads youth empowerment, skills training in Region Two
–– provides training to strengthen country’s procurement process, engages with Region’s private sector
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh led an outreach to Region Two on Wednesday to promote and encourage full participation in a number of educational and training opportunities the government has planned for youths.
The outreach had to do with the government’s agenda of enhancing human capital development through education and skills training across the country. It also followed a visit to the Region by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who, on behalf of the administration, promised to directly facilitate the utilisation of the education and skills training opportunities being offered by the government.
The whole purpose of the exercise was to sensitise youths to the numerous training programmes and
scholarships, and even sign up on-the-spot for those being offered by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), and the Ministries of Health, Public Service, Agriculture, and Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
The event was held at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, where, ably supported by Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, Dr. Singh used the opportunity while addressing youths in attendance to highlight the rapid economic growth that the country is currently achieving, and indicated that this growth translates into opportunities in all sectors of interest for all Guyanese irrespective of where they live.
In particular, the Minister pointed out that with the new emerging economy, the country needs more professionals and technicians
in every sector, including doctors, nurses, engineers, welders, construction workers, heavy-duty equipment operators.
He further alluded to the
fact that in Budget 2024, reference was made to the unprecedented level of entrepreneurial and employment opportunities that are being generated as a result of Guy-
ana’s rapid economic growth.
Minister Singh further pointed to the wide array of academic scholarships being offered by GOAL, as well as the various skills training programmes conducted by BIT, and he urged the youths to make full use of these opportunities.
It can be recalled that His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has repeatedly said that Guyanese are living in an era which requires boldness as a country and as individuals to explore ways in which we can better what is already being done as well as engage in new economic activities.
Dr. Singh also met and engaged with a broad cross-section of the private sector, and listened to their concerns. During discussions, he highlighted the various development initiatives in the Region, and encouraged them to continue to invest and expand their operations in Region Two and beyond.
Minister Walrond, who also addressed the private sector, elaborated on the government’s plans to promote Region Two as a major centre for tourism, and she engaged several stakeholders of the sector.
Importantly, as the government continues to strengthen the country’s pro-
curement process, and ensure good governance, accountability and transparency in relation to the procurement, awarding and implementation of projects throughout the country, officials of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) today conducted a training exercise with a number of regional procurement entities.
Persons at the forum were sensitised to the legal bidding and procurement procedures in terms of Government contracts so that tendering authorities conduct the process in the correct manner and are in full compliance with the Procurement Act and its Regulations.
Vice-President Jagdeo, during a recent visit to the Region, had said: “There is no room for departure of that Act unless they get the explicit approval of the NPTAB and the Ministry of Finance. Too often we have found departures from the standard bidding document that are part of our legislation, and because there are so many procuring entities around the country, hundreds of them at different levels, they can alter the bidding documents which should be standard. That should not happen.”
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh speaking to attendees on enhancing human capital development through education and skills training across the country
R3PSInc lauds President Ali for steering CARICOM towards greater resilience
AT the recent 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. George’s, Grenada, regional leaders, including the Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister for International Development, convened to address pressing issues related to natural disaster resilience and financing strategies.
Outgoing Chair of CARICOM and President of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali, played a pivotal role in the discussions, which were highlighted during a media briefing late Tuesday, July 30.
President Ali emphasised the critical need for sustainable housing de -
velopment to bolster resilience against natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Highlighting the severe impact of Hurricane Beryl, which resulted in over US$150 million in losses to the agriculture sector, he stressed the importance of rapid and robust international support.
“We talked with him [Minister Hussen] about how Canada might accelerate programmes and initiatives for the region and deploy help in a shorter timeframe following [Hurricane] Beryl, with a focus on housing, digitalisation, upskilling, and investments in the transformation of our economies. We asked for a strong emphasis on resilience and
sustainability, including the rebuilding of our housing stock,” President Ali stated.
Halim Khan, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) has since praised President Ali’s leadership and vision.
“President Ali has demonstrated exceptional dedication as a true stateman to the development and resilience of the hemisphere. His focus on sustainable development, economic transformation, and regional security is commendable. Under his leadership, we have seen significant progress in addressing some of the most critical challenges facing CARICOM member
states, and his tenure will go down as a historic period within CARICOM,” Khan said.
Khan further emphasised the importance of President Ali’s advocacy for fair access to affordable financing to combat climate change, stating,
“President Ali’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that SIDS and low-lying coastal states receive the support they need to mitigate the impacts of climate change is crucial. His efforts are not only helping to secure a sustainable future for the CARICOM region but also setting a precedent for global climate justice,” the R3PSInc Head noted.
Khan underscored
that as CARICOM continues to navigate the complexities of regional and international challenges, the leadership and initiatives spearheaded by President Ali remain instrumental in driving forward the collective goals of resilience, security, and sustainable development for the member states.
R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan
Precision Farming
IN a groundbreaking move, the Government of Guyana, in collaboration with international partners, is setting the stage for a revolution in its rice sector.
The recently held ‘Enhancing Precision Farming Practices in Rice Production for Guyana’s Small Farmers Using Drone Technology Programme’ marks a significant milestone. This initiative not only signifies an infusion of advanced technology into agriculture but also underscores Guyana’s commitment to transforming its rice production landscape.
The introduction of drone technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into Guyana’s rice farming practices is nothing short of revolutionary. The initiative, which initially targeted Regions Two, Three, Six, and later, Region Five, is a testament to how technology can bridge gaps in traditional farming methods.
With an investment of approximately US$165,000 from the FAO-China SouthSouth Co-operation project, this programme is poised to enhance agricultural productivity through precision farming techniques.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Musta-
pha highlighted the transformative power of this technology in his feature address.
The notable increase in rice yield -- from 5.9 tons per hectare in 2019 to 6.6 tons per hectare in the first crop of 2024 -- demonstrates the programme’s tangible impact. This advancement is not merely a statistical improvement but a signal of the profound benefits that modern technology can bring to traditional agriculture.
The integration of drones and GIS technology into rice farming represents a leap forward in both productivity and efficiency. Drones offer a bird’s-eye view of crops, providing invaluable insights into plant health, land preparation, and overall field management. GIS technology further enhances this by allowing precise documentation and analysis of agricultural data, facilitating more informed decision-making. This dual approach ensures that farmers are not just equipped with new tools but are also empowered to utilize these tools effectively.
FAO’s Country Representative in Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith, emphasised the rapid progress and significant benefits of the project. The quick implementation and sub-
stantial results underscore the effectiveness of integrating technology into agriculture.
With advanced crop management drones and high-spec laptops now at their disposal, farmers are better positioned to optimize their operations and increase yields. The free availability of these services to farmers further amplifies the project’s impact, ensuring that even small-scale producers can reap the benefits of technological advancements.
The support from the People’s Republic of China, as highlighted by Rui Huang, the Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese embassy in Guyana, is also crucial. The partnership exemplifies the role of international co-operation in advancing sustainable farming practices. By showcasing the potential of precision farming, this project contributes to Guyana’s broader goal of reducing food imports by 25% by 2025 under the CARICOM Food System Agenda.
Moreover, the use of GIS technology is pivotal in addressing flood risks; a significant concern for rice cultivation in Guyana. The ability to document and analyze critical data will aid in estimating losses and improving flood-risk management.
This proactive approach not only enhances crop productivity but also contributes to broader environmental and economic sustainability.
The success of the pilot programme is a promising indicator of the future of rice farming in Guyana. By leveraging technology, the country is not just improving its agricultural practices but also setting a precedent for other nations to follow. The comprehensive approach—combining drone technology, GIS, and extensive training— creates a robust framework for ongoing innovation and growth in the rice sector.
Guyana’s foray into precision farming through the use of drones and GIS technology is a model of how modern tools can transform traditional industries. As the country continues to expand and refine this initiative, it will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for agricultural productivity and sustainability.
This project not only represents a leap forward for Guyana’s rice industry but also highlights the boundless potential of technology to drive agricultural innovation on a global scale.
Supporters of PNC/AFC/APNU are recognising the benefits achievable under President Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ vision
Dear Editor,
PRIOR to the 2011 elections, when the coalition attained a majority in Parliament, the country had seen significant progress, reaching the status of a middle-income country.
This was a remarkable shift from the bankrupt and heavily indebted economy inherited by the PPP/C government from the PNC, which had mismanaged the country for 28 years through rigged elections.
With their one-seat parliamentary majority in 2011, the coalition aggressively cut budgetary allocations across nearly every governmental department,
presented by PPP/C Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.
These cuts hindered the ongoing social and economic development initiated by the previous Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo-led PPP/C administration, pushing the country towards bankruptcy and recession.
Their refusal to pass the AML/CFT Bill without amendments for greater parliamentary oversight led to economic sanctions by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), severely impacting the private sector. This strategy of coercion through violence, destruction, and attacks on civilians has long been used to force PPP administrations into unfavorable concessions.
Today, the influx of oil revenues has fueled the coalition’s greed. They hid a signing bonus in a private bank account, claimed as a gift, and accepted lavish perks from oil companies, compromising the nation’s right to fair revenue from the oil and gas sector.
Their race-baiting political tactics threaten to drive the country back to the brink of civil unrest—a path the PPP has consistently avoided, favoring peaceful conflict resolution.
Under successive PPP/C administrations, including the current one led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Guyana has seen growth in advances and loans to the
private sector, attracting foreign direct investment and boosting local investor confidence.
This progress is attributed to “prudent fiscal management, sound macro-economic policies and planning, institutional strengthening, coupled with deeper social cohesion and political stability,” leading to sustained development.
As the country continues on its path to progress and prosperity, even supporters of PNC/AFC/APNU are recognising the benefits achievable under President Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ vision.
Regards, Erin Northe
Guyana, Guyanese have much to celebrate under President Ali, the PPP/C after just four years in office
Dear Editor,
AS we mark four years of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, it is an ideal moment to reflect on the remarkable progress our country has made since the tumultuous 2020 General and Regional Elections.
A good starting point is the challenges Dr Ali and the PPP/C faced during those elections and the eventual triumph of democracy, which marked a crucial period in our nation’s democratic history.
The People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change coalition’s numerous attempts to manipulate the election results, though naked and ugly, were thwarted by the steadfastness of the PPP/C. Under the leadership of Dr. Irfaan Ali and then General Secretary, now Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, democracy prevailed.
The APNU-AFC’s actions, including attempts to falsify vote counts and illegal declarations of the election results, threatened the very foundation of our democracy. The international community, the PPP/C, and dozens of countries and leaders’ unwavering efforts to highlight these irregularities led to increased scrutiny and pressure. The relentless efforts and vigilance of the PPP/C and the international community safeguarded the democratic rights of Guyanese citizens, culminating in Dr Irfaan Ali being sworn in as President on August 2, 2020. The support from the international community and CARICOM during the five-month electoral impasse, including the recount process, was pivotal in preserving our democracy.
The list of achievements of President Ali’s government is exhaustive and would require significant space in the newspapers to detail fully. I will, therefore, attempt to highlight some of those achievements. Upon assuming office, President Ali’s administration skillfully and successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which gripped the world. His government’s success in responding to major floods that nearly crippled agriculture is also noteworthy from the onset of his presidency. Under his leadership, the sector has turned around with massive crop diversification, the infusion of technology, and increased youth involvement in hydroponics and shade house technologies. His ambitious “25 by 2025” policy aims to reduce the Caribbean’s food import bill, showcasing his commitment to regional food security.
The PPP/C’s successful program to sell carbon credits, which has already yielded hundreds of millions of US dollars in revenue and preserved our standing forest under the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030), has gained significant global traction and commendation. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Under President Ali, Guyana has witnessed a remarkable transformation in various sectors. The government has increased salaries for public servants, pensions, and public assistance while implementing policies to alleviate poverty and generate wealth. The infrastructure landscape has been transformed with the construction of hundreds of kilometres of new four-lane highways on the East Coast, East Bank, and West Coast of Demerara, the long-awaited new Demerara River crossing, and thousands of community roads. The massive housing program has already seen the distribution of over 30,000 house lots and houses in the low, middle, and high-income brackets, as well as young professional homes. President Ali’s promise of housing for 50,000 families by 2025 is well on target.
The prudent management of the oil and gas sector, despite the lopsided contract signed by the APNU-AFC while in power, has been commendable. The close to 30,000 Guyanese benefitting from the GOAL Scholarship program, with thousands already graduating, is a testament to the government’s commitment to education. The President’s promise of 20,000 scholarships in five years has already been exceeded by close to 10,000.
The PPP/C Government’s massive investment in education includes new schools, making university education free by 2025, the write-off of thousands of student loans, the reinstatement and increase of the “Because We Care” cash grant for school-aged children, the expansion of the national school feeding program, the uniform grant, smart classrooms, and internet connectivity in many schools, including the hinterland. The health sector has also seen substantial investments to improve the quality of primary healthcare, modernise the sector with new technology, and finance specialised care. This includes government-financed chemotherapy, the construction of several specialised regional hospitals, and a dedicated children’s and maternity hospital.
President Ali has worked tirelessly to rebuild Guyana’s global image after the horrors of the attempts to rig the 2020 elections. His leadership has garnered many accolades and awards, attracting hundreds of investors who have confidence in the management of our economy. The “One Guyana” vision has been instrumental in unifying the nation, promoting inclusivity and national cohesion.
The government has created tens of thousands of new jobs through policies that expand the private sector in construction, services, agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and other sectors. Thousands of Guyanese, many of them youths, are becoming entrepreneurs and receiving business support, including financing. The prudent management of the economy and the creation of wealth for Guyanese, such as the increase in mortgage lending and the reduction of mortgage interest rates, have led to increased home ownership and
wealth creation. These are but a few of the many achievements of this government.
As we continue on this path of progress, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in protecting our democratic values and work collectively towards a prosperous and unified Guyana.
I hail President Ali and his PPP/C Government for breathing new life into the hope and confidence of citizens after five years of disastrous governance under the APNU+AFC, which left our country in ruins in every sector. Mr President, I congratulate you and your cabinet of Ministers for a job
well done; continue to lead with distinction, as there are exciting times ahead for our new and modern Guyana under your and the PPP/C leadership.
I urge all Guyanese to ignore the noises from elements who are enemies to progress and who want to divide our country using race and get on the express train of development being driven by President Ali and ably assisted by his Cabinet.
Sincerely,
Edward Layne
The Attorney-General confronts autocratic journalism
IN my piece yesterday (Wednesday) I offered part one of my analysis of a letter the AG had published in Sunday’s Stabroek News (SN) in which the AG pontificated on the politicised journalism of SN.
Part one looked at the editorial note attached to the AG’s letter. Today I am going to look at the contents of the AG’s submission and delve in the autocratic journalism contained in SN’s editorial attachment.
The AG questioned the convenient way in which SN treated his difference with High Court judge, Justice, Gino Persaud. I quote the AG: “I am aware of two commentators who recently wrote letters for publication in the Letters Column of Stabroek News, critical of Justice Gino Persaud’s pronouncements.
“These letters were never published by Stabroek News. Yet, I have seen at least one letter published by Stabroek News in support of Justice Persaud. I have issued a public statement comprising of over 1,200 words trying to explain for the reading public the legal issues that were before the Court. I am again unsurprised that in its elongated Editorial, the Editor generously quotes from the Judge but mentions not a word of my response.”
Now here is SN’s direct response to the AG’s accusation. I ask readers to note both the banal and the dangerous which I will expand on after the quote: “As it relates to letters about the decision by Justice Persaud that were not published, as Leader of the Bar, the Attorney General would be aware that attempts to scandalize or bring the court into disrepute will not be
tolerated.”
But readers, and the Guyanese people by extension, do not know what “attempts to scandalize means.”
It is easy to shut out the views of someone by interpreting their points as scandalous. And in my long experience in journalism, I know that the role of the editor is to delete unsavoury words and substitute more palatable ones but never to shut out people’s views.
I did a stint both as the letters editor of Kaieteur News (KN) and the Catholic Standard so I know what functions an editor performs, one of which is never to shut out views the editor does not agree with. You have to take time and remove libellous and unpleasant adjectives, one reason being that a letter-writer is not trained, editors are, so their function is to sanitise what is submitted to them.
It is clear from the AG’s letter that SN established a preference for the judge’s remarks against the AG and comes up with the banal and the dangerous. The banal meaning that you close the case by saying the comments on the person was scandalous. The dangerous is seen in the direction of autocratic journalism in which a media house decides how people must express themselves. In this case, the SN has a definitive position on the use and meaning of words.
Here now is a pyrotechnical example of autocratic journalism, I return once more to the banal and the dangerous. I quote SN once more: “Mr Randy Persaud was told by this newspaper that ad hominen attacks on civil society organisations would not be
tolerated.” This is the second time SN uses the words, “would/will not be tolerated.”
The banal is that it is a jejune excuse for not allowing criticism of persons and organisations that SN feels should not be put under the search light. The dangerous element is that autocratic journalism has now embraced censorship. It is an accusation I have long used against both KN and SN. But wait there is more examples of autocratic journalism to come.
First let’s quote the AG once more; “Stabroek News runs a blog online which preponderates with commentaries critical of the PPP/C and the PPP/C Administration. This blog publishes the most toxic and unwarranted criticisms of our Government and its officials by anonymous bloggers. I know of dozens of persons who made innumerable attempts to get their views published on this blog in response to this daily tirade of baseless and malicious attacks but were never able to get past the
Editor’s guillotine.”
Here for the third time is an example of the banal and dangerous. I quote SN’s response to the AG’s accusation: “The reported difficulties in posting comments to the Stabroek News website could only mean that the prospective commenters have run afoul of the rules governing commenting.”
The banal is the perennial, stupid excuse for rejecting comments the editor is not politically pleased with. The dangerous thing is that the public does not know about these rules by the newspaper. I close by asking the Government of Guyana, do they have a set of rules where the media’s scandalisation of an elected government should not be tolerated. I hope so.
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.
$76M in contracts signed for Pomeroon-Supenaam development projects
THREE major capital projects for the Pomeroon-Supenaam region were signed on Tuesday.
The projects include the rehabilitation of Oscar Joseph District Hospital Charity, which was awarded to J. Hussain’s Construction and Supplies at a cost of $27,399,545.
The second project is for the upgrading of Barber Man Street, Henrietta, awarded to Vision X Construction & Supplies at a cost of $23,330,040.
This work will upgrade the current 11-foot-wide road to a modern asphaltic concrete road approximately 14 feet wide.
The construction of Tapakuma Lake Nursery School was awarded to Triple P Construction and General Supplies at a cost of $25,377,804. This new school will
benefit the pupils living within Tapakuma Village.
The new building is designed to accommodate 12 classrooms, a sanitary block, kitchen, headmaster’s office, and a sick bay.
The contracts were signed in the presence of the Regional Executive Officer, Susanah Saywack, Regional Engineer, Kawan Suchit and other staff of the regional administration. Regional Executive Officer, Susanah Saywack, reminded contractors in the region that the timely completion of projects was important. Saywack said that the region will be supervising the projects.
She added that all the projects will help in the further development of the region.
President Ali: Gov’t committed to Internet connectivity across hinterland
By Naomi Parris
IN order to enhance connectivity in the hinterland regions, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that investments were being made in state-of-theart technology.
“We are now taking access to the internet and connectivity to the hinterland at a pace never seen before,” the Head of State said on Monday, shortly after administering the Oath of Office to the new Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and several commissioners.
“This is because we have been investing in the latest technology available, because we believe that people, all the people of our country have a fundamental right to the same access, giving them the same opportunity and allowing them the same prospects in life.”
Acknowledging the gap in access to regulatory bod-
–– investment in the latest technology to improve service being done
ies like PUC, President Ali stressed the need for government to take robust action in bridging gaps, particularly in the hinterland communities.
“We believe, as a government we need to do more to ensure that all our citizens are acquainted with the different commissions, and are acquainted with
their rights, so that they can equally benefit from and take part in and be a part of these commissions,” he said.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, recently underscored the government’s dedication to comprehensive development in Guyana’s hinterland regions, emphasising significant investments and infrastructural improvements.
“We are bringing development to all your communities. Every community in the Upper Mazaruni will be developed, not only in sport, but in every other aspect of development,” the PM declared.
Over the past four years, the government has invested in hinterland communities by boosting Indigenous leadership with the
National Toshaos Council Secretariat, and expanding land rights through a broader titling programme.
During a visit to the Upper Mazaruni at the weekend, the Prime Minister reminded his audience that the government is working to provide Internet connectivity to all hinterland areas before the end of the year.
This transformation, he stressed, was significant to bridging the digital divide across the country.
He also assured the people of the Upper Mazaruni region of continued development across all sectors.
HIGH-SPEED INTERNET
Prime Minister Phillips also spoke to the expansion of the
ground-breaking Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) devices initiative to Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and the entire Hinterland, highlighting the on-going rollout of high-speed Internet services across Guyana.
Phase One has successfully connected Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), while Phase Two is set to commence in August, beginning with Region Seven, and progressively extending throughout the Hinterland.
The Prime Minister, who travelled to the region for the 25th Annual Upper Mazaruni District Games at the Tunnel Tigers Sports Ground in Kamarang/Warawatta, also highlighted the ruling administration’s commitment to sport development and the Upper Mazaruni District Games.
Region Three authorities have enhanced record-keeping systems following audit concerns
–– Region Three REO says
GIVEN the irregularities and discrepancies discovered in regional administrations during the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) time in government, regional authorities have implemented measures to prevent their recurrence.
This was disclosed by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Devanand Ramdatt, who, along with members of the regional administration, were before the Parliamentary Public Affairs Committee as they examined the Auditor General’s report for 2019.
As concerns were raised in relation to
missing documentation to show whether drugs and medical supplies to the tune of over $290 million were ever received by the region, Ramdatt said that systems are now in place to prevent things like this from happening.
“Immediately having assumed the position as REO as accounting officer for Regional Democratic Council Three, having examined the audit queries of 2019 I have requested from our RHO (Regional Health Officer) not only our RHO but all the other programmes that let us work to minimise those queries that exist moving forward,” he said. He went on to add that
moving forward, what they are doing now is to have constant checks done and, upon the previous recommendations of the PAC, have soft copies maintained not only for the health department but for all other programme heads.
“[The] recommendation from this committee to have soft copies being maintained not only for health because it is not only in my opinion that we need to keep records for drugs and medical supplies but in all the programmes to have soft copies being maintained,” Ramdatt told the committee.
Further to this, Regional Health Officer, Dr Erica Forte reiterated that there has been a major
push for the digitisation of information and as such this process is currently underway.
Giving additional de-
tails, she indicated that they are in the process of inputting data from 2023 Combined Issued and Received Vouchers
(CRIVs) and this is being done by extracting the information from the documents and added to Microsoft Excel formats.
‘We’re ready to spread our wings’ in Tourism development
AS a budding tourism destination that has tremendous potential for growth, regional authorities are sure that the tourism capacity of Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) will improve tremendously once given the right amount of attention and resources.
“It is a fledging econ-
omy and we anticipate that that will go further,” Regional Chairman since 2020, Kenneth Williams, told Guyana Chronicle in context of the Emancipation celebration that was successfully pulled off in Bartica recently.
According to him, Region Seven consists not only of the popular and
well-loved Bartica, but it takes in the Middle and Upper Mazaruni areas, which are mostly occupied by the indigenous people.
“We are entering the budget season and we anticipate that the councillors and I will go to the various communities, elicit information and have robust discussions with the toshaos
–– says Region Seven Chairman,
Kenneth Williams
A number of new projects are to be completed in Bartica about what they wish to see in the various communities,” Williams shared.
The intention is to go out and “spread our wings” and gather information that can be taken back to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) where priority areas will be established.
“So that process will begin very soon and we anticipate that the government will understand that what we are
requesting is coming directly from the horse’s mouth, the people themselves,” Williams said.
A number of schools will be completed and
Bartica residents are also anticipating a new hospital that is being done by the Indian Government, in collaboration with the Guyana Government.
Garden of Eden accident claims minibus driver’s life
POLICE are currently investigating a tragic accident that occurred at approximately 4:30 hours on Wednesday, resulting in the death of minibus driver Keith Caesar.
The accident took place on the Garden of Eden public road and involved three vehicles.
The vehicles involved in the collision were: A minibus (plate number BAE 7146) driven by Keith Caesar, a 35-year-old resident of North East La Penitence, Georgetown; a motorcar (plate number PVV 4095) driven by Keyon King, a 35-year-old resident of Hyde Park, Timehri; a hire car (plate number HD 606) owned and driven by Vishnu Basdeo, a 30-year-old resident of Martyrs Ville, East Coast Demerara.
According to initial inquiries, the motorcar PVV 4095 was traveling south along the eastern lane of the Garden of Eden public road, with the hire car HD 606 following behind in the same direction. The hire car driver reported observing the driver of PVV 4095 suddenly swerve westward, colliding with the minibus, which was traveling north at high speed in the western lane.
The force of the collision caused the minibus to topple several times, while the motorcar spun out and collided with the hire car. Emergency services, including an ambulance and fire service, along with two teams of Emergency Medical Technicians, responded swiftly to the scene.
Keith Caesar, the minibus driver, was examined and transported to the Diamond Diagnostic Center for treatment but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Keyon King, the driver of PVV 4095, was also examined and admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital in critical condition.
The hire car driver, Vishnu Basdeo, was arrested and taken to the Grove Police Station, where he is currently in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
A glimpse of beautiful Bartica
Region Three REO seeks legal advice concerning persons
living in gov’t quarters rent-free
IN reference to individuals residing in government quarters without paying rent within the region, Devanand Ramdatt, the Regional Executive Officer for Region Three, has disclosed that the regional authorities have sought the assistance of the Attorney General’s chambers to establish a course of action.
Ramdatt disclosed this as he and members of the regional administration appeared before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier this week.
As the committee examined the Auditor General’s report of 2019 for the region, government member of the committee, Dharamkumar Seeraj brought attention to a specific item which stated that the regional administration failed to provide the relevant records to determine whether the occupants of 43 of the 59 occupied buildings were entitled to rent free quarters or the reason for their non-pay-
ment of rent.
To this end, Seeraj asked if those 43 persons listed as delinquent had paid their rent or if they had not been abiding by the regulations and what measures were taken to address the deficiency.
Ramdatt then reported to the committee that those officers did not pay and added that he had moved to seek legal advice last month.
“I have engaged the
attention of the attorney-general, seeking legal guidance on this matter. All the relevant documentation we have regarding the occupants of these quarters was provided to the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Attorney General,” he said.
In addition, concerns were raised regarding the eligibility of all occupants for this service.
In light of this, the committee members were
informed that only a little over half of the occupants were eligible.
However, shifting the issue, members of the opposition side of the committee then questioned the eligibility and went on to ask whether the quarters were in a “condition” to be rented and if maintenance or repair works were done to the quarters.
Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira said that the issue is being confused.
She said, “We are confusing the issue now with the fact that whether the quarters are appropriate or not, functioning or not, in good condition or not. That is not the issue. You are now throwing smoke into the mirrors.
The issue is once someone is entitled to rented government quarters and they happen to be in the category you don’t have to pay a fee, they could reject it if the conditions are bad and therefore would have to be dealt with.”
THE International Building Expo 2024 is set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), from August 8-11.
The event is anticipated to draw large crowds daily, prompting the Guyana Police Force to implement specific traffic arrangements to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure the safety of attendees.
Traffic Measures and Parking Arrangements: No Road Closures: There will be no road closures during the event, ensuring that all routes remain open for general traffic.
VIP and Exhibitor Access: All VIPs, Ministry of Housing staff, and exhibitors will enter through Gate 3 via the Greenfield Access Road Entrance.
General Parking: General parking will be available along the road shoulder of Red Road and Greenfield Access Road, east of the 3rd Stadium Entrance.
Restricted Parking Areas: No parking is allowed on the eastern and western road shoulders of the Providence Public Road between Red Road and Greenfield Road. No parking along the northern and southern road shoulders of Greenfield Access Road between Providence Public Road (Masjid) and the Stadium’s 3rd entrance.
Pedestrian Access: Patrons on foot can access the event venue through Gates 1 and 3.
Safety and Compliance: The Traffic Department urges motorists and pedestrians to utilise alternate routes to reach or pass the National Stadium. They also emphasise the importance of following road safety rules, including the use of helmets and seat belts. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to comply with police directions, be considerate of other road users, and proceed with caution to ensure everyone’s safety.
These measures are designed to facilitate a smooth and safe experience for all attendees of the International Building Expo 2024.
Region Three REO, Devanand Ramdatt
GRDB surpasses half-year production target for 2024
THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has already surpassed its half-year production target for 2024, thanks to the steadfast implementation of additional strategies and programmes by the Ministry of Agriculture.
This was revealed by Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the closing ceremony of the drone technology programme at Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday.
During the first quarter of this year, the GRDB reported a production of over 360,000 metric tonnes of rice. Minister Mustapha highlighted that for the first half of the year, the GRDB achieved a production of 362,030 metric tonnes, surpassing their initial target. The overall target for 2024 is approximately 710,000 metric tonnes.
“Production has also increased incrementally during the years 2022 and
2023,” Minister Mustapha stated. In 2022, 610,000 metric tonnes of rice were produced, while 653,710 metric tonnes were produced in 2023. The minister noted that the rice industry generated significant revenue, bringing in US$ 212 million in 2023 and nearly US$ 127 million already in 2024.
The GRDB is now targeting 750,000 metric tonnes by 2025. With the progressive increase in rice production, the minister is confident that this target will be met. Between 2020 and the first crop of 2024, rice yield has increased from 5.9 tonnes per hectare to approximately 6.6 tonnes per hectare. This means that a farmer who harvested 38 bags of rice per acre in 2020 is now harvesting 41 bags per acre in 2024.
“This came about because of the investment that the government has
been making in the agriculture sector, especially in the rice industry,” Minister Mustapha emphasised.
Over the last four years, farmers have benefitted from the release of almost nine high-yielding rice varieties for commercial production, which have significantly boosted rice productivity and sustainability. The latest variety, biofortified rice, was launched last year during the Agri Investment Forum and Expo in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). This high-yielding rice attracts preferential prices within the market.
The ongoing advancements and investments in the rice industry highlight the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring the sector’s sustainability and profitability for the future.
Rice being harvested
GPS boosts training to strengthen prison officers, inmate skills
THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is making significant strides in enhancing the capabilities of its personnel and inmates through a substantial investment in training and development.
With $6.5 billion allocated for the Prison Service this year, the focus is on improving both the professional and personal growth of more than 400 prison officers.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliott, emphasised the crucial role that Prison Officers play in maintaining the safety, security, and supervision of inmates. He highlighted their position as the first line of defence within the prison estates and stressed the importance of remaining disciplined and adaptable in their roles.
The ranks of the GPS officers who participated in training programmes
In the first half of 2024 alone, 271 Prison Officers have undergone training, with an additional 250 expected to complete their courses in the coming months. The training includes nearly 50 courses, such as Prison Management, Human Rights, and Supervisory Management. This extensive programme aims to equip officers with the
knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties effectively while upholding the rights of inmates.
Kevin Pilgrim, Acting Deputy Director of Prisons and Head of the Staff Training Department, underscored the integral nature of this
training. He noted that it addresses growing staff shortages and ensures adherence to human rights standards, while also contributing to rehabilitation efforts. “This investment is crucial for both improving the efficiency of our staff and supporting our
rehabilitation goals,” Pilgrim said.
The GPS continues to prioritise in-service training as a means to enhance the professional capacity of its personnel throughout their careers. The agency also reports that 354 inmates have
completed training in technical and vocational skills in the first half of 2024. These programmes are designed to aid in the smooth re-integration of inmates into society by equipping them with practical skills for employment upon release.
In 2023, the GPS invested $111.9 million in training 1,520 inmates and 348 officers. For 2024, the budget has been increased to $140.2 million, with a target to train 1,600 inmates. This increase reflects the commitment to support rehabilitation and facilitate social transformation as inmates transition out of the prison system.
The investment in human capital remains a cornerstone of the Guyana Prison Service’s strategy to enhance operational effectiveness and contribute to the broader goals of rehabilitation and social re-integration.
‘Use opportunities to accelerate village development’ – Min Sukhai tells Moruca leaders
AMERINDIAN leaders in the Moruca sub-district, Region One, were encouraged to capitalise on the many opportunities provided by the government to accelerate the development of their villages.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, made the appeal as she addressed the meeting of Regional Toshaos/CDC Chair-
persons in Santa Rosa, on Monday.
The regional conference is hosted annually by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
The government continues to invest millions of dollars in health, education, and infrastructure while creating economic prospects for Amerindian villages.
Each year, $1.6 billion
in Presidential Grants (PGs) is disbursed to various Amerindian villages in Region One to fund projects in tourism, social, and infrastructural sectors which could improve their livelihoods.
In the Moruca sub-district, villages receive a collective $225 million to support economic expansion.
Additionally, hinterland regions will also see signif-
icant transformation, with investments to improve the social and infrastructural landscape of the villages.
“We should be focusing on using these opportunities to advance development for our people,” Minister Sukhai underscored.
She emphasised the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in delivering services to the people, urging leaders to take responsibility and work towards improvement.
“You have a role to play for your people. You cannot shortchange them, you cannot try to place blame on some other institution for your shortcomings. We have shortcomings at the ministry, and at the village council, and we have to work to increase the level of efficiency,” she stated.
She also referred to the meeting’s team, “Good Governance, Leadership, Accountability and Transparency – Pathways to Prosperity” and stressed the leaders’ role in adhering to those norms.
The leaders were advised to adhere to the FPIC (free, prior, and informed consent) principles, as Minister Sukhai stressed the importance of consultation and engagement with the people who elected them.
“We expect that the Village Council should pursue consultation, engagement, discussion, and conversation with the people who elected them,” she underscored as she reaffirmed the gov-
ernment’s commitment to FPIC.
Meanwhile, the conference provides Amerindian leaders with opportunities to raise their concerns at the regional level before the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) which will be held later this month.
The conference was also attended by Permanent Secretary (PS), Ryan Toolsiram, and the Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley. (DPI)
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai delivers remarks at the conference
Toshaos of the Moruca sub-district convened for the Regional Toshaos Conference (RTC) hosted by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)
Fifteen GPL employees certified as fibre-optic technicians, boosting internal capacity
FIFTEEN Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. employees are now certified fibre optic technicians, enhancing the company’s internal capacity and reducing the need for external contractors.
Eight graduates are from the System Control and Operation Department, two from the Information Technology Department, one from the Human Resources Department, and four from the Transmissions and Distribution Department.
The programme started on March 19 and saw an overall investment of $3.9 million.
It was executed through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Labour-Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and GPL.
During the graduation ceremony at the Sophia Training Centre on Wednesday, top performer, Navin Deonarayan promised to apply the knowledge with confidence to execute fibre optic works and provide the necessary guidance to his workmates.
cant…You fit into a strategic vision…Every year, the Board of Industrial Training looks for new sectors and professions. I am glad that you are attaching yourself to a profession for the future,” he underlined.
Meanwhile, Minister Hamilton said the graduates have the responsibility to apply their knowledge to advance the entity’s capability now that they are certified.
Nearly 12,000 persons have been trained in technical areas by BIT over the last four years.
“This will benefit GPL greatly…We are building a smart grid and in that smart grid, communication is one of the key ingredients. Fibre optic communication, more so, is one of the most secure means of communication…Having the knowledge to deal with fibre optic is tremendously important,”
Control and Operations Manager, Deonarayan pointed out.
To his fellow graduates, Deonarayan stressed, “Let us give back to the company in a way that they have decided that we are fit to receive this training. Let them see the benefits of their investment.”
GPL’s System
GPL’s Senior Automa-
tion Engineer, Sunil Goriah described the journey as a great achievement for the company.
“When it comes to troubleshooting or having issues with our fibre optic work, we usually have to get persons out of the company. Now, this will better prepare the company to be able to overlook contrac-
tors and ensure that we are having quality work,” he explained.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton stated that the government is keen on upskilling the country’s human capital to fill the labour gap, as it continues to undergo rapid economic growth.
“This is so signifi -
Meanwhile, GPL’s Human Resource Development Manager, Anthony Johnson, highlighted that the company’s capability has been strengthened, allowing GPL to accrue savings pertaining to the repairs and maintenance of the fibre optic cable.
“It will reduce downtime, and response time to repairing the damage since a core of 15 members of staff from various departments will quickly respond to the affected cable,” he highlighted.
(seated from left) Co-owner and Manager of Rehoboth Workforce Development Centre, Sherissa Phillips; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Support Services at GPL, Renford Homer; Human Resource Development Manager at GPL, Anthony Johnson and some of the graduates of the Fibre Optic Installer and Technician Training programme
Moraikobai launches new farmers association amid labour outreach
RESIDENTS of Moraikobai in Region Five celebrated the launch of a new Benevolent Friendly Society, the Moraikobai Farmers Association, on Tuesday.
The launch took place during a two-day sensitisation outreach focused on child labour in the agricultural and logging sectors, organised by the Ministry of Labour.
The outreach, held at the Village Benab, provided an opportunity for Ministry of Labour officers to engage with the local community and educate them about the services offered by the Ministry. The establishment of the Moraikobai Farmers Association aims to support and address the needs of the agricultural community through close collaboration with the village council.
The event included a general meeting where the association was officially established, and a new Committee of Management was elected. This initiative is expected to bolster the agricultural sector in Moraikobai by fostering a co-operative approach among local farmers.
During the outreach, discussions were held with workers from the agricultural and logging sectors, as well as cash crop farmers.
Topics covered included Guyana’s labour laws, the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, employment opportunities through the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), and skills training opportunities offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and Cooperative and Friendly Societies.
Minister of Labour, Jo-
seph Hamilton, emphasised the importance of co-operative societies in enhancing the standard of living for Guyanese. He highlighted ongoing efforts to increase awareness and utilisation of these societies, noting their role in improving various sectors, including agriculture, land, housing, utility services, consumer needs, credit unions, and fisheries.
Minister Hamilton has previously stated that co-operatives are crucial for uplifting communities and improving livelihoods, and his ministry is committed to supporting their establishment and growth across the country.
The launch of the Moraikobai Farmers Association marks a significant step in this direction, providing a structured platform for farmers to collaborate and thrive.
GTT to unveil revolutionary smart home experience at Building Expo
THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) is set to make a significant impact at the Building Expo 2024, which kicks off today at the Guyana National Stadium.
As a proud sponsor and participant, GTT is gearing up to offer attendees an immersive smart home experience that promises to revolutionise connectivity and operations for homeowners, potential homeowners, and small business owners.
At the heart of GTT’s exhibit is the Brava Home Office, designed to highlight the company’s cutting-edge Wi-Fi and cloud solutions. The Brava Home Office demonstrates two core Brava pillars: Brava Connect and Brava Synergy. Brava Connect ensures seamless Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the home or office, while Brava Synergy offers advanced cloud solutions, enabling efficient business management from anywhere. Visitors can witness firsthand how an optimised home office setup integrates various devices without any lag or interruptions.
GTT’s smart home exhibit, created in collabora-
tion with Courts Guyana, will feature the latest in smart home technology.
The display will showcase GTT’s top-tier fibre internet, demonstrating the Brava Home Office solution within a fully operational smart home environment.
This partnership aims to highlight the seamless integration of smart home equipment with GTT’s robust internet services.
EXCLUSIVE EXPO OFFER
Building Expo attendees can take advantage of an exclusive promotion: those who register for GTT Fibre at the event will receive a 10 per cent discount on their bill for one year, along with a free backup battery.
This offer underscores GTT’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable connectivity solutions.
GTT’s exhibit will feature a range of smart devices, all powered by their reliable fibre internet.
The smart home setup will include: Smart Cameras, Smart Lights, Smart Refrigerators, and Smart TVs.
Attendees are encouraged to visit the GTT Smart Home exhibit to experience
the efficiency and convenience of a fully connected home. GTT, known for being the largest, fastest, and most reliable network in Guyana, aims to demonstrate how their services can
enhance everyday living.
As GTT prepares for the Building Expo 2024, their focus remains on showcasing innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern homeowners and businesses.
The Brava Home Office and smart home exhibit are set to be highlights of the event, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of smart living.
Residents of Moraikobai in Region Five during the outreach
Works underway to address Bartica power woes
IN an effort to restore a stable electricity supply to Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has undertaken urgent repair works.
The township has been grappling with prolonged blackouts over the past few days after three power generation engines went down unexpectedly.
This has led to significant disruptions in daily life for residents, with many businesses forced to reduce operations and households struggling to cope with the intermittent power supply.
When contacted on Tuesday, the head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, gave assurances that engineers were work-
ing nonstop to expedite the repair process.
The Bartica Power Plant, which serves as the primary electricity source for the town and its surrounding areas, was severely impacted when three of its four engines experienced simultaneous failures.
Two of them are required to meet the demand, while two serve as a standby unit. “One [of the engines] had a coupling issue and that created the problem and brought down the other engines because of the surge in demand,” Nandlall explained.
As a result of that, only one engine had been operational in conjunction with the solar farm.
The unavailability of
the three critical units has resulted in a reduced generation capacity at the Bartica Power Plant, prompting the need for scheduled service interruption in the township.
Nandlall noted that soon the electrical supply would return to normal. In order to stabilise the situation, he stated that a 1.5-megawatt caterpillar engine had been installed and that a 1.1-megawatt Cummings engine would be installed soon.
As the repair efforts continue, the GPL has called on residents and businesses to remain patient, emphasising that restoring stable electricity to Bartica is the company’s top priority.
“We want to assure you that our dedicated
Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall team is working tirelessly to expedite the required repairs and return to normalcy by Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Your understanding and patience are greatly appreciated,” the power company said in a statement.
Assistive technology donation enhances lives of visually impaired in Guyana
THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), in collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has made a significant contribution to the visually impaired community.
Recently, various assistive and mobility aids were donated to approximately one hundred individuals who are blind or visually impaired across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.
The donation included signature guides, liquid level indicators, talking watches, magnifying sheets, handheld magnifiers, braille slates and stylus, adhesive tactile markers, and more. These essential items were distributed to beneficiaries identified through GCOPD’s Orientation and Mobility
Participating in the distribution
(O&M) programme.
Participating in the distribution were Mr. Kory Sellers and Mrs. Diane Sellers, humanitarian missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, along with Mr. Ganesh Singh, Programme Manager at GCOPD, Ms. Rosemarie Ramitt, Programme Officer at GCOPD, and other members of the church and GCOPD.
Mr. Sheldon Deputron, a beneficiary from Region 2, highlighted the impact of the donation, stating, “I can now sign my name independently using the signature guide.” Mr. Edwin Daniels, another beneficiary from Region 3, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I don’t have to ask anyone to tell me the time; I can now get the time with my talking watch.”
Mr. Ganesh Singh noted that additional items would be distributed to beneficiaries of GCOPD’s O&M programme in the coming weeks by the training officers.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. and Mrs. Sellers said, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is honoured to be a partner with GCOPD in supporting those who are disadvantaged by blindness or vision impairments. We know that with proper assistance and skills training, these individuals can also become productive members of society. This is our aim and goal as a church, to help others learn to help themselves.”
This humanitarian project aims to ensure that visually impaired individuals have access to necessary assistive and mobility aids. Additionally, young persons with disabilities in educational institutions will benefit from tablet computers equipped with assistive applications. Both groups of recipients will receive training to effectively use these aids and tablets.
The ultimate goal of this project is to empower individuals with disabilities to live independent and productive lives through the use of technology.
Gov’t reaffirms commitment to ‘One Guyana’ with focus on education, training
–Minister Singh emphasises equality, economic growth for Essequibo
By Indrawattie Natram
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President, with Responsibilities for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, told Essequibians that educational opportunities will be available to them, irrespective of geographic locations.
He was speaking to a mammoth audience, on Wednesday, at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium, during a day-long outreach.
At the outreach, several training opportunities were available through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Labour, and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
Present at the outreach were Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj.
The outreach was a follow-up to Vice President Dr. Bharat Jagdeo’s visit, where many young people expressed interest in tourism training and the GOAL scholarship.
This event also provided opportunities for tourism training and business support through the Small Business Bureau.
Dr. Singh said that the current government is committed to ensuring that economic, job, and entrepreneurial opportunities are available in abundance, irrespective of where people live.
He said that President Dr. Irfaan Ali was promoting a ‘One Guyana’ that offers prosperity and upliftment, and that prosperity is not confined to any region but rather dispersed to all administrative regions.
He added that the government was aiming to improve the lives of all Guyanese. Dr. Singh said that he was impressed with the gathering, which was a testament to the fact that people were
eager for training and capacity-building opportunities.
“Today’s engagement is a direct follow-up to a recent visit led by Vice President Bharat Jagdeo to this region three weeks ago. One of the key messages that VP Jagdeo brought is that there is an appetite for training in the region,” Dr. Singh said.
He noted that there were a number of messages from the current government led by President Ali. One of those messages was for a ‘One Guyana’.
He said that ‘One Guyana’ refers to the oneness of the country. “When we speak of oneness, there is also a geographic dimension, that is to say, no matter where you live, you are part of this ‘One Guyana’, and this People’s Progressive Party led by President Ali would like you to contribute fully towards the same,” Dr. Singh said.
Dr. Singh encouraged continuous learning and emphasised the GOAL programme’s unique opportunity to pursue higher education from home while maintaining employment and regional ties.
He underscored the government’s commitment to promoting education and skills upgrading as essential for Guyana’s economic transformation.
Meanwhile, hundreds of residents in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region eagerly applied for the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships during an outreach event at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium.
Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, said that the current government has a place for everyone and there were many opportunities available through the Guyana School of Agriculture.
He mentioned that many youths were being trained in the agricultural field. He also said that youths play an integral role in society and the government was providing free scholarships for youths
to study right at their homes.
Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce
Oneidge Walrond, said that many opportunities were available to young people in the region.
She highlighted that there was a robust government
effort rolling out several ICT programmes. She noted that many indigenous persons were being trained across the country and that the current government has a vision to empower young people.
She emphasised that tourism was a priority sector for
the government, which was focused on investing in training for the people.
Cassandea Singh, a participant, shared her appreciation: “I am very happy for this opportunity.
I wanted to apply a long time ago but did not know
how to do it. I am happy that I completed the process and anticipate that email.”
Another applicant said she was having a difficult time applying for the small business grant and was afforded the opportunity to do so during the outreach.
USA beat Brazil to reach basketball semi-finals
THE United States continued their campaign for a fifth straight Olympic gold medal with a 122-87 victory over Brazil in their men’s quarter-final.
The victory for the serial
winners never looked in doubt, as they took a 63-38 lead at half-time.
Brazil briefly pushed back after the break, outscoring their opponents by four points in the third quarter.
But a team rammed with NBA talent added 28 points to Brazil’s 16 in the last 10 minutes to secure a semi-final against Serbia today.
The Serbs set-up the fixture with an overtime victory against Australia in their quarter-final.
With the scores level at 9292 at the end of the fourth quar-
ter, Serbia outscored the Tokyo bronze medallist 13-8 in the first overtime session to take the win. Tokyo silver medallist, France, will play Germany in the other semi-final after they defeated Canada 82-73. Germany, which has never won an Olympic basketball medal, beat Greece 76-63 in their quarter-final.
Team USA features 12 NBA All-Stars, four NBA MVPs and six NBA champions, who have 11 Olympic appearances and 10 gold medals combined.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, August 08, 2024)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Josh Da Silva (six catches) (2) Jamie Smith (14 catches)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Where and when did the WI and South Africa contest a Test match for the first time? (2) Who were the captains involved?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
TIPS
AFRICA
TIPS
hrs Apache Son
hrs Risky Business
Wellalage five-for sends India crashing to 2-0 defeat
AVISHKA Fernando struck 96 - the highest individual score this series - and Dunith Wellalage picked up a five-for as Sri Lanka secured a first ODI bilateral series win against India in 27 years, with a dominant 110-run win in the third and final ODI in Colombo.
For India, it was a culmination of their travails against spin over the past week, losing nine wickets to spinners for the third game straight - the 27 in total their most over a three-match series.
(Scores: Sri Lanka 248 for 7 (Avishka 96, Mendis 59, Parag 3-54) beat India 138 (Rohit 35, Wellalage 5-27) by 110 runs)
Wellalage was chief destroyer this time out with figures of 5 for 27, but at various times across the series it’s been Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, or even Charith Asalanka. But at no point - aside from during Rohit Sharma’s now expected top-order romps - have India looked like they would be able to
consistently contend.
But this time, even Rohit’s impact was relegated to a mere cameo - 35 off 20 - as Wellalage had him caught behind trying to sweep before he could make any significant dents into Sri Lanka’s total.
Aside from him, only Virat Kohli, Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar20, 15, 30 - got into double digits, and of those only Washington’s innings had sought to put any sort of pressure back on the Lankan bowler.
India’s struggles placed an even higher premium on Avishka’s 96 off 102 earlier in the day, which had set Sri Lanka up so well that not even a collapse that saw them lose 28 runs for five wickets could derail their innings to any significant end.
Over the course of his innings, he was part of Sri Lanka’s most profitable partnerships - 89 and 82 for the first and second wickets respectively - but his innings was not a case of Sri Lanka playing spin
… Avishka Fernando’s 96 took Sri Lanka to 248, paving the way for their first bilateral ODI series win against India in 27 years
considerably better than the opposition, rather finding a way to maximise the opportunities afforded by the seamers.
In this case, while Shivam Dube went for just nine runs off his four overs, Mohammed Siraj was struck for his joint worst figures in ODIs - 78 for 1 off nine.
And of that 78, Avishka was responsible for 36 of them, at a strike rate of 200.
This though was more Siraj erring in his line and length , than anything Avishka himself might have done to put him off. But on tricky surfaces such as those dished up at Khettarama, these are the margins that must be capitalised on.
Anything short was invariably put away, while Siraj was also guilty of bowling too straight to him; of the 36 runs he conceded
to Avishka, 32 were square or behind square on the onside.
But while Siraj was having a mare, Parag was having a debut to remember. He grabbed the key wicket of Avishka, getting a leg break to slide on into his front pad, before getting another to grip, straighten and skid to trap Charith Asalanka on the crease.
His best delivery though was reserved for danger man Wellalage, who was done in by one that dipped and turned, pitching middle and spinning past the outside edge to knock back off stump.
His economy rate of six an over meanwhile was impacted by some late strikes, but the rest of the spinners - Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington - proved miserly as ever, picking up a wicket apiece and none going for more than Axar’s 4.10 per over.
Parag and his spin cohorts however had to be patient for their rewards, as Sri Lanka strung together two strong stands at the
top of the order. Alongside Avishka, Pathum Nissanka (45) and Kusal Mendis (59) made important contributions, but like in the first two games, Sri Lanka’s middle order succumbed swiftly and suddenly. From 171 for 1 they spluttered to 199 for 6. From midway through the 36th over when they lost Avishka, up until midway through the 48th - 72 deliveries to be precise - not a single boundary was scored, scrounging just 49 runs in the period. And from targetting a score in the region of 280, they were now struggling to reach 250.
Fortunately for them, Mendis - one of Sri Lanka’s better players of spin - was around at the death, and he was able to strike some powerful blows to help push the total towards 240, a score that seemed competitive but perhaps underwhelming considering the start provided by Avishka and co., but one that proved plenty in the end.(ESPN Cricinfo)
Zheng, 11, becomes China’s youngest Olympian
AN 11-year-old who was born on the penultimate day of the London 2012 Olympics has become China’s youngest Olympian.
Zheng Haohao was among the competitors in the women’s skateboarding park in Paris, which also featured Team GB teenager, Sky Brown.
Zheng scored a best of 63.19 to finish 18th in the preliminary round - missing out on a final that was won by Australia’s Arisa Trew, 14.
Having only taken up skateboarding at the age of seven, she leaves France as one of the youngest Olympians of all time.
And she has further reason to celebrate this week - she turns 12 on Sunday.
The kids are all right
Olympic skateboarding has featured a largely youthful field at both of its Games so far.
All three medallists in Paris were teenagers, with Brown, 16, and Japan’s Kokona Hiraki, 15, repeating their podium finishes from the last Games.
Brazil’s Dora Varella was the veteran of the event at 23, but skateboarding is not exclusively for the young, with 51-year-old Andy Macdonald
set to compete for Team GB in the men’s event.
Macdonald has won eight gold medals at the X Games - all before Zheng was born.
But Macdonald has nothing on the oldest athlete at the Paris Games, with Juan Antonio Jimenez of Spain competing in the equestrian at the age of 65.
Zheng, meanwhile, will go down in the history books alongside the likes of Dimitrios Loundras, who took team bronze in gymnastics in 1896 at the age of 10 and remains the youngest confirmed Olympic athlete.
His record may have been surpassed by a boy, thought to be seven or eight, who coxed a Dutch boat in Paris in 1900, but his identity remains unknown.
Marjorie Gesting of the United States is the youngest female gold medallist in the history of the summer Games, winning 3m springboard diving gold at the age of 13 in 1936.
Zheng may not have surpassed her, but a gold in Los Angeles in four years’ time would be an excellent 16th birthday present.
Dunith Wellalage finished with career-best figures of 5.1-0-27-5
Alfred grabs second Olympic medal, Pinnock leaps to long jump silver
PARIS, (CMC) – Julien Alfred’s fairytale Olympic debut continued when she produced a gutsy run to grab silver in the women’s 200 metres at the Stade de Paris on Tuesday evening.
The 23-year-old St Lucian would have been hoping to complete the sprint double, having won the 100 metres on Saturday, but a sterling run by favourite Gabrielle Thomas from the United States saw her claim the gold medal in a time of 21.83 seconds.
Alfred, who was in fifth position coming off the turn, powered through in the last 70 metres to finish second in 22.08, with USA’s Brittany Brown’s 22.20 good enough for bronze.
It marked a historical debut for Alfred, who won her country’s first ever medals at the Olympics.
“Words can’t begin to express how happy I feel right now. I’m glad that it’s over because it was a long five
days for me. I’m happy for my country and for my coach. The amount of work that he put into me and the amount of time for me to be here at this level [were tremendous],” Alfred, the World Indoor 60 metre champion told SportsMax in an interview after the race.
“I’m happy about it, no complaints. I’m grateful that God got me through it and that my coach got me here
to come out with two medals. We have two medals, one gold, one silver, and we couldn’t ask for more.”
There was more success for the Caribbean as Jamaican Wayne Pinnock leapt 8.36 metres to also take silver in the men’s long jump. Pinnock achieved the distance in his second attempt and actually led the competition for a brief moment
before being overtaken by defending Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou, who won his second successive gold medal with a distance measured at 8.48 metres.
Italy’s teenager Mattia Furlani took the bronze with his effort of 8.34 metres.
“Honestly, I wanted to go further. It’s just the mindset, you have to stay focused. When it comes to pressure,
Sri Lanka call up Ratnayake, Tharaka for England Tests; Nissanka also back
… Jeffrey Vandersay, who played his lone Test back in June 2022, has also been included
SRI Lanka have named uncapped rightarm seamer Milan Rathnayake and fast-bowling allrounder Nisala Tharaka in an 18-member squad for the threematch Test series against England later this month.
The squad also marks the return of Pathum Nissanka in the longest format. Nissanka made his Test debut in March 2021 but has not played a Test match since the middle of 2022, having since been displaced by Nishan Madushka at the top of the order.
Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who played his lone Test back in June 2022 against Australia, has also been brought back after an impressive showing in the second ODI against India where he picked a career-best 6 for 33.
This is a first call-up for 33-year-old Tharaka, a veteran of 107 first-class games in which he has picked up 257 wickets and scored 2358 runs with a highest score of 107. His most recent performance of significance was for Sri Lanka ‘A’ against Afghanistan A in May when he took six wickets for 42 runs in the second innings. Rathnayake, 28, had been selected in Sri Lanka’s Test squad earlier, most recently for a one-off Test against Afghanistan but is yet to get a game. He has played 39 first-class matches and picked 79 wickets
Pathum Nissanka hasn’t played a Test since the middle of 2022 • (BCCI photo)
and also scored 633 runs with a highest score of 59. Rathnayake has been a consistent performer in the Sri Lanka A sid Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the side with Kusal Mendis as his deputy. Sri Lanka have gone with a pace-heavy squad which includes Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Tharaka and Ratnayake as the fast
bowlers. Angelo Mathews, who has had occasional success with his seam bowling in England, is also in the squad.
Vandersay, Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya are the main spin options. Ramesh and Jayasuriya have been Sri Lanka’s primary Test spinners over the past 18 months.
Although many of the players named in this squad are currently involved in the ODI series against India, six Test specialists flew on Saturday to England to begin training. Vishwa also played three County Championship matches for Yorkshire as part of his own preparation.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and England gets underway on August 21 in Manchester before the teams travel to Lord’s for the second Test on August 29. They will finish with the third Test at The Oval on September 6.
when someone puts a big jump out there, you just have to stay focused. I was trying to push too early. I was getting too excited. But it goes like that sometimes,” Pinnock said.
“I was hurt a couple of months ago. I never lost hope. I always stayed positive. I’m not going to lie, it was a tough journey coming back. But as I said, I never lost hope, I prayed about it
and I’m an Olympic silver medallist right now.”
Earlier in the evening, Grenada’s Kirani James produced a season’s best time of 43.78 on his way to winning Heat 2 of the men’s 400 metres to earn himself a place in the final.
The 31-year-old James, a former Olympic champion, was pushed to the line by Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga, who placed second in 43.81 and also advanced.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards is also through to the final after finishing second in Heat 1 in 44.33.
Jamaica’s Jevaughn Powell did not advance after he was fourth in Heat 3 in 44.91.
Rushell Clayton of Jamaica booked her spot in the women’s 400 metres hurdles finals by comfortably winning Heat 1 in 53 seconds.
She will be joined by teammate Shiann Salmon, who advanced despite finishing third in Heat 3 in 53.13 seconds.
Cuban Wrestler Lopez makes history with fifth gold medal
After the gold-medal performance, Cuban wrestler Mijain Lopez left his shoes in the arena to signal his retirement (Composite: BBC)
Lopez, who turns 42 in two weeks, defeated Chile’s Yasmani Acosta to take the record outright. He previously held the title jointly with fourtime successive winners Carl Lewis (athletics/long jump), Michael Phelps (swimming/200m medley), Katie Ledecky (swimming/800m freestyle), Al Oerter (athletics/discus), Paul Elvstrom (sailing) and Kaori Icho (wrestling). Having come out of retirement after a three-year absence from the mat, Lopez beat world champion Amin Mirzazadeh in the quarter-finals before beating the
He
The
just
of
CUBAN wrestler Mijain Lopez became the first athlete to win five consecutive individual Olympic gold medals in the same event with victory in the 130kg Greco-Roman category.
Cuba-born Acosta.
has lost
one
his 23 contests at the Olympics, in the quarter-finals of the 2004 Athens Games.
United States’ Amit Elor won gold in the women’s freestyle 68kg event, beating Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan. (BBC Sport)
Julien Alfred won St Lucia’s second ever Olympic medal by copping silver in the 200 metres.
Wayne Pinnock of Jamaica claimed silver in the long jump at the Paris Olympics
Rain allows only 15 overs on opening day between West Indies and South Africa
TRINIDAD’S temperamental weather claimed the bulk of the opening day between South Africa and the West Indies, where only 15 overs of play was possible.
Play was called off five minutes into the scheduled tea time and will resume half an hour early on the second day after 75 overs were lost on the first.
With an extra batter in their XI, South Africa opted to bat first after winning the toss and hoped to bed in on a surface their captain Temba Bavuma said he “did not see a blade of grass on.” A bare, lifeless surface demanded good discipline from West Indies and the experienced Kemar Roach did not disappoint.
Given three slips and a gully, his first ball angled into Aiden Markram and beat him on the back foot, which was exactly where Roach wanted him. In Roach’s next over, Markram stayed back and tried to cover-punch but, with no bounce on offer, looked fortunate to get the ball over gully for South Africa’s first boundary. Roach continued to deliver a testing opening spell, after which he had figures of 5-3-6-0.
At the other end, Tony de Zorzi looked more comfortable playing the ball off the front foot against Jayden Seales and timed well enough down the ground to get a
three. Seales’ pace was in the mid-130kph range and he offered little threat in the first three overs, which saw Kraigg Braithwaite turn to Gudakesh Motie in the eighth over.
And de Zorzi could not have asked for anything better. His eyes lit up when Motie flighted his fourth ball, and he went down on one knee to swipe it over midwicket. He repeated the shot two balls later and Motie was only kept on for another over, and de Zorzi hit him for four in that one, before Braithwaite went to Jason Holder.
Now remember Markram had been camping back in the crease against Roach?
That’s where he was for
Holder’s first delivery, which seamed in through the batpad gap and took out off stump to dismiss him for 9. Markram’s last three first-innings scores in Test cricket have been in single figures, which could be something he will want to address as the season moves on.
His dismissal brought South Africa’s new No. 3 Tristan Stubbs to the middle. He was off the mark when he tucked Holder to square leg and faced four more balls before the rain began, at 11.10am local time.
An early lunch was taken 40 minutes later as showers came and went intermittently. Two hours later, images of covers decorated with puddles and ominously grey
skies were beamed around the world but the clean-up began.
A 2pm inspection could not take place as the rain returned just as the umpires were about to begin their rounds and 45 minutes later the day was deemed unsalvageable.
The outcome will be particularly disappointing for South Africa, who have not played Test cricket with a first-choice side since January, and have a lean red-ball schedule. After this Test, they have only seven matches left in this World Test Championship cycle and all their series in the 2023-2025 period have been limited to two Tests.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Australian Craig ‘sorry’ after Paris cocaine arrest
AUSTRALIA hockey player
Tom Craig has apologised after being released from custody in Paris following his arrest for allegedly buying cocaine.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said an individual was arrested on Tuesday night for buying cocaine in the ninth arrondissement.
Craig was released with a warning and did not receive a fine.
“I’d firstly like to apologise for what has occurred in the last 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake. I take full responsibility for my actions,” Craig said as he left police offices.
Tom Craig was part of the Australia team that won silver at Tokyo 2020.
“My actions are my own and in no way reflect the values of my family, my team-mates, my friends, my sport, and the Australian
I’ve
es for Australia.
Before his release, the prosecutor’s office said: “Police officers who witnessed a cocaine transaction at the foot of a building in the 9th arrondissement (of Paris), on the night of August 6th to 7th, apprehended the seller, born in December 2006, and the buyer, born in September 1995 in Australia and who is said to be a member of the Australian field hockey team.
“Given the quantities of drugs seized from the seller, the investigation has been entrusted to the anti-narcotics police.”
Australia’s men’s and women’s hockey teams were both knocked out at the quarter-final stage at Paris 2024. (BBC Sport).
Ranjan
Madugalle first match referee to officiate 400 ODIs
… Gets to the landmark in the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Khettarama
RANJAN Madugalle has become the first match referee to officiate 400 ODIs, with his taking charge of the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Khettarama.
Madugalle has been a match referee since 1993 and in that time has also officiated more than 200 Tests, also a record. He had, in addition, served as the ICC’s chief match referee until that position was removed.
Simon Taufel, former elite-panel umpire and the former umpires’ performance and training manager for the ICC, paid tribute to Madugalle.
“Ranjan’s longevity is remarkable,” Taufel said. “He was there at the beginning of my international umpiring career and the end. He has served Sri
Lanka, the ICC and game of cricket with distinction and integrity. This milestone highlights his commitment and dedication to the sport he loves.”
Madugalle, in a statement put out by the ICC, said getting to this landmark was “dreamlike”. “It has been a great honour and privilege to have officiated in international cricket for so many years and it’s almost dreamlike to be reaching this milestone.
“I was pleased when I got the opportunity to be associated with the game after my time as a cricketer but never thought that it would stretch to over three decades!
“During this period, I have had the chance to officiate all over the world and in several World Cups, relishing every moment.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ICC, Sri Lanka Cricket and my colleagues with whom I have worked over the years for their support and friendship, as well as my family and friends, without whose support it would not have been possible to have come this far.”
Before turning his attention towards officiating games, Madugalle had played 21 Tests and 63 ODIs for Sri Lanka as a batter .(ESPN Cricinfo)
Ranjan Madugalle has officiated over 200 Tests as well • (AFP/Getty Images)
Olympic team.
embarrassed you all. I’m truly sorry.”
Craig, 28, won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games and has made more than 100 appearanc-
Jason Holder’s first ball castled Aiden Markram•(AFP/Getty Images)
THE 2024 Guyana Cup will be an event of great difference. While the quality of horse racing will be a spectacle, the day’s event at Rising Sun Turf Club on Suday August 11 will be a family-oriented event.
The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee decided to have a fun park, where kids and the entire family will have access to great fun while enjoying the races.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle was delighted with this
‘Take a page out of the Guyana Cup organisers book’ – Director of Sport
tells other sport organisers
imitative where the Guyana Cup organisers have made the 16 th running of this prestigious event a family affair.
The Director of Sport also gave an update on the horse racing legislation while speaking at last Sunday’s Guyana Cup press conference and drawing.
“The government of Guyana is moving a pace with the legislation, since it will make it easier for horses. This speaks of order, and it is important that the organisers are making this event a family friendly environment and other sports organisation should take a page out of the Guyana Cup organisers,” the Director of Sport said.
Furthermore, the Director of Sport, who was a former sport journalist, highlighted the growth of the sport. He reminisced on his days while covering the sport of kings at various racetracks around Guyana, including Rising Sun, Alness, Bush Lot and Port Mourant.
Meanwhile, Dr Dwight Waldron, Chief Executive Officer
Lyles sets up shot at Olympic sprint double in 200m
AMERICAN Noah Lyles has the chance to become the first man since Usain Bolt to complete an Olympic sprint double after qualifying for the 200m final at Paris 2024. Lyles won 100m gold by five-thousandths of a second from Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in a dramatic photo finish on Sunday.
The 27-year-old, winner of three golds at last year’s World Championships, finished second in his 200m semi-final in 20.08 seconds to Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo.
World 100m silver and 200m bronze medallist Tebogo set the fastest time of the round at Stade de France on Wednesday evening, clocking 19.96secs.
The Olympic men’s 200m final takes place today at 19:30 BST.
Kenneth Bednarek, of the United States, also set a faster time than Lyles, in 20.00, while compatriot Erriyon Knighton, who upgraded to world 200m silver last year, also safely progressed.
But Canada’s Andre de Grasse will not defend his title in the final after finishing third in his race (20.41).
The Olympic 200m bronze winner three years ago, Lyles claimed world 100m, 200m and 4x100m gold in Budapest
last year.
Following that achievement, when he became the first man since Bolt in 2015 to complete a 100m and 200m world double, he claimed he could look to add the 4x400m relay title to that treble haul in Paris.
Jamaican sprint legend Bolt completed individual sprint doubles at three successive Olympic Games among his eight titles, adding relay gold in 2012 and 2016.
Only nine men have achieved that double in the history of the Games.
Lyles became the first American to win an Olympic 100m title for 20 years, since Justin Gatlin in 2004, with his narrow triumph.
A three-time reigning world 200m champion, he will line up as favourite as he looks to further assert himself as the dominant male sprinter of the current generation
Elsewhere during Wednesday’s evening session, Great Britain’s Amber Anning reached the final of the women’s 400m.
Olympic debutant Anning, 23, finished second in her semi-final in a personal best of 49.47.
However, team-mates Laviai Nielsen (50.69) and Victoria
of Guyana Livestock and Development Authority shared that significant progress has been made on horse passports in Guyana.
“Good progress on horse passports for horses to travel to the Americas. Guyana will be able to move horses once legislation is implemented,” Waldron said.
Ten races are listed will be on the 2024 Guyana Cup program and over G$ 40 million in cash and prizes will be up for grabs.
With this year’s Guyana Cup purse being the biggest in the Caribbean, horses from various countries will be traveling to Guyana and battle for supremacy.
Rising Sun Turf Club will be transformed into an electrifying atmosphere for the entire family, where kids will be treated to a fun park and fans will be thrilled to great vibes when the DJ competition takes center stage after the race.
Race time is 12:00 hours local time at Rising Sun.
Ohuruogu (51.14) missed out.
Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke was among the other qualifiers for that final, which takes place on Friday at 19:00.
Team GB’s Alastair Chalmers exited the men’s 400m hurdles after suffering a fall in his semi-final.
Norway’s world record holder Karsten Warholm qualified fastest for the final in 47.67.
Tade Ojora was unable to reach the men’s 110m hurdles final, finishing seventh in his heat.
American three-time world champion Grant Holloway recorded the fastest time in 12.98 as he seeks to upgrade his Tokyo silver.(BBC Sport)
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle addressing the horse racing fraternity at the Guyana Cup Press Conference and drawing
USA’s Noah Lyles qualifies for men’s 200m final behind Botswana’s Tebogo.
