Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-09-2024

Limited capital spending by APNU+AFC contributed to collapse of social sectors between 2015-2019

–– PPP/C administration’s expenditure in line with IDB recommendations, President

By Shamar Meusa

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday evening highlighted that while members of the opposition APNU+AFC have quite a lot to say in relation to the government’s expenditure currently, it was their limited spending that contributed to a collapse of social sectors during their 20152020 tenure.

The Head of State made these remarks during a live statement, where he addressed the comparisons being made between his administration’s expenditure and the former’s.

According to President Ali, the spending on capital projects by the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government is aligned with the party’s 2020

Manifesto promises, through which the people of Guyana elected them.

These promises, he noted, were aimed at delivering firstclass social services such as improving access to healthcare, quality education and water and sanitation across the country.

“This is where the investment is going; to reduce the infrastructure gap. That is what we have to do to reduce the infrastructure gap; that is what helps to bring equity between regions. Without investment in physical infrastructure, it would not be possible to improve the country’s international competitiveness,” Dr. Ali said.

Noting that this is why moves were made to get rid of the barriers to private sector development and economic growth and expansion,

he said that according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the deficient transportation network stifles economic opportunity in every sector.

“And what did we do to address this; to address the infrastructure gap? The

IDB; not the Government of Guyana. The IDB estimated that we will have to invest between US$9.4 billion to US$23.8 billion by 2030 to upgrade the transportation network, expand the energy grid; that is exactly what we are doing,” President Ali said.

The IDB further estimates that these investments should go towards improving water and sanitation facilities, and the telecommunications sector.

This, he said, is “exactly where the PPP/Civic expenditure profile is and what we are targeting”.

On the contrary, the Head of State highlighted that the APNU+AFC’s expenditure profile and the nature of spending during their term in office is what is termed non-productive expenditure.

“Expenditure basically

that constituted a bloat in the government system, that constituted what we term the enjoyment of government by the APNU+AFC elite,” he iterated.

Giving an example of this expenditure profile, President Ali said that if one is to look at what was promised and what was delivered to the people under the last administration, it was vastly different compared to the PPP/C. He reminded the nation that just a few months after assuming office in 2015, the then administration secretly gifted their ministers and other officials a 50 per cent increase in salary.

He added that there was limited capital spending between 2015 and when APNU+AFC was booted from office which led to crises in various sectors.

Ali says

“During their period in government, the limited capital spending contributed to a collapse of the social sectors,” he said while adding that a massive infrastructure deficit haunted the country for years as there was no investments in this area which included the road networks, housing and other critical sectors.

The President further pointed out that during those five years under APNU+AFC rule, the recurrent expenditure outstripped capital expenditure and was in some cases was five times higher.

This profile, he reiterated could not have contributed to improvements in competitiveness, healthcare, housing, education or even catered for major transformative infrastructure during that period.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

150 new education facilities being constructed, conceptualised

— President Ali announces, shares government’s plans to set new standards to improve education delivery countrywide

By Naomi Parris

AS the government works on setting a new standard for the delivery of education, close to 150 new facilities are being constructed and conceptualised, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has said.

The Head of State made this revelation on Friday last, while commissioning a brandnew primary school at Zeelugt in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

“We have close to 150 new education facilities under construction or at project conceptualisation,” the President said while addressing parents, teachers and children.

He further disclosed that a substantial amount of funding has been made available to the Ministry of Education to conduct works on several schools across the country, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is maintained in these facilities.

“As I speak to you now, we have made a commitment and made the resources available to the Ministry of Education to have every school in our country that needs to be repainted, repainted. Every washroom facility that needs to be fixed, fixed. Every roof that needs to be fixed, fixed. Every drainage system, the guttering system that needs to be fixed, fixed.”

Meanwhile, resources will be expended to

ensure that every single school is outfitted with a multi-purpose tarmac to support activities in that school.

“Not only are we building new schools, we are setting new and improved minimum standards for your children, our teachers and parents. It is also important for us to understand how we are investing in our teachers, how we are investing in the totality of the system to support this expansion in education,” he said.

Concurrently, the President pointed out that the government is making equal investments in the country’s educators.

“It is also important for us to understand how we are investing in our teachers, how we are investing in the totality of the system to support this expansion in education.”

Pointing to the increases made to teachers’ salaries and incentives, he noted, “This is going to continue to get better…

ceive that training. And when we came into government, that stipend was below $10,000. Today, that stipend is almost $100,000 -- more than 900 per cent increase in a stipend.”

He stated that the government’s policy is not just to get more teachers into the profession, but to ensure that all are trained educators.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand noted that more than 3,000 teach-

have comfortable spaces to thrive.

“These investments are consciously made so that you could be better people, so that your children can have a better life than you, a life of plenty, a life where there's no struggle,” the education minister said.

Last month an agreement for a pay hike for the country’s educators was solidified between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU).

to which the President said if there are higher increases announced for the Public Service, teachers will get the difference between what is in the agreement and that higher number.

Additionally, the multi-year agreement covers increases in allowances for specific categories of teachers, including those who have completed higher levels of academic qualification.

look at the rate of increase…look at the totality of the package and the rate of increase the teachers are receiving.

“We are one of the only countries where we train our teachers free of cost. But more importantly, our teachers get a stipend while they re-

ers have been trained countrywide.

She reiterated that the ministry is making significant investments to improve classrooms, the infrastructure at schools and surrounding areas, ensuring that both children and educators

In 2024, teachers will receive a 10 per cent increase, in 2025 they will see an eight per cent increase, and in 2026 they will see a nine per cent increase.

These increases in these years are subject to an adjustable clause

At the end of 2023, President Ali had revealed new adjustments to teachers’ salaries, and interventions that will accumulate to a total of $1.9 billion in additional disposable income for the country’s educators.

One of the classrooms in the newly commissioned Zeelugt Primary School (Yohan Savory photos)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

‘We

have tightened up the system’

— Dr Jagdeo says, highlights efforts made to eliminate corrupt practices in procurement process

THE Government of Guyana has made significant strides to root out corrupt practices in the procurement process, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

During a news conference held last Thursday, Dr Jagdeo highlighted the difference in how contracts for projects were being awarded under the previous A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

“We have had ministers who were giving contracts to themselves in their ministries, several contracts running into millions of dollars

that are linked to public officials.

“We made it clear to them. While they hold those positions that they cannot bid in their own name. However, we can't take away the right to work from their family too once it has nothing to do with their ministry. We made that clear.

to their own companies…that was the situation then. If you look today, despite all the talk about procurement problems under the PPP, it's transparently done,” the Vice-President said.

He noted too that some senior officials of the now opposition party had bypassed the procurement laws.

“People bid for projects. Now they may not be happy with the evaluation process, but they have a means that is in the Act to protest.”

According to him, the process is now being transparently done, with citizens having access to information issued by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

He noted too that the government has also flagged companies

“We recently embarked on a countrywide discussion on this matter. The Minister of Finance and I, we were in Essequibo, Berbice, and in Region Five, in different areas talking to contractors and the regional authorities and laying the rules out that there must be full compliance with the Procurement Act,” he said, before pointing out that training was also conducted in these areas.

Dr Jagdeo had told local journalists that the government has undertaken a review of the procurement system at every level.

The government, he related, is examining the procurement procedures for compliance, and activities for compliance with the laws.

If persons are found to be in breach of the law, Dr Jagdeo affirmed, they will be held accountable.

The government, he also related, will be scrutinising delays in processing contract payments, and dishonest supervision of projects.

Back in May, Dr Jagdeo had revealed plans to conduct ‘sting’ operations to clamp down on officers and other personnel who engage in procurement breaches.

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

‘We

are proud of what you have achieved in your adopted homeland’

–– Finance Minister tells thousands of Guyanese at Caribbean Day celebration in New York

Deputy Chair Philip Fields and other elected officials.

Addressing attendees at the event, Dr. Singh explained that the time when Guyanese travelled abroad and never returned to Guyana is long gone.

“In today’s modern

AS Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsible for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh wrapped up his four-day visit to the United States of America (USA) on Saturday, he met thousands of Guyanese in the Diaspora during the Caribbean Day celebration in Schenectady, New York.

During the event, Dr. Singh delivered greetings to the event’s attendees from President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government. While there, he also met and interacted with several legislators and elected representatives for the area, including Congressman Paul Tonko, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Majority Leader John Mootooveren,

world, we have seen how our Guyanese brothers and sisters have travelled to every corner of the world, and to the United States of America, and especially New York and cities like Schenectady and elsewhere. Those of us in Guyana and in particular this People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, of which I am a member, are incredibly proud to see how our Guyanese brothers and sisters have distin -

guished themselves all across the USA, and all across the world,” the Senior Minister told the Diaspora.

He added that the government is proud to see many of those who migrated elected to City Councils, to State assemblies and other elected

veloped in their new homes, and no matter how successfully they do in their new homes, their love for Guyana remains strong,” Dr. Singh added.

The Senior Minister assured the Diaspora that the government has been

of you have established very strong roots where you now live, but as Guyana does well, we want to see you visiting that home more often, and returning to Guyana, because no matter how strong roots you have established elsewhere, Guyana will still al-

challenges of protecting the country’s democracy, and he thanked all the Guyanese Americans who got their Congressman, Senators, Mayors and Councillors to speak out, and to defend their country’s democracy.

The Caribbean Day

and legislative positions in their adopted countries.

“It fills us with pride to see our Guyanese brothers and sisters establish businesses and grow their businesses. It fills us with pride to see our Guyanese brothers and sisters improve their own well-being, build their own prosperity, and, most importantly, it fills us with pride and love to see that no matter what new connections they have de-

continuing aggressively to transform Guyana, noting that many who would have already visited would have witnessed this transformation for themselves.

“You have seen how the face of our country is being transformed.

You have seen the new opportunities that are being created; you have seen how the faces of your villages are being changed and being improved. We know that many

ways be your home, too.” Dr. Singh assured the Diaspora.

The Senior Minister explained to the Diaspora that despite the long and difficult journey that the government has had, especially in 2020, the current administration was able to confront the

event saw thousands of Guyanese and others from the Caribbean showcasing their culture through dance and song and other displays, while Guyanese performers included Terry Gajraj and Adrian Dutchin. (MoF)

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsiblity for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh engaged thousands of Guyanese at the Caribbean Day celebration in New York

A Societal Necessity

THE recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination results revealed a troubling decline in mathematics performance across the region, with only 36 per cent of students passing their exams.

This marks a significant drop from previous years and underscores a broader educational crisis that demands urgent attention from Caribbean leaders.

Guyana’s President, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, has rightly called for a collective response from CARICOM nations, emphasising that this issue

transcends national borders.

The alarming statistics not only reflect the inadequacies within individual education systems, but also signal a systemic failure that could have dire implications for the region’s future.

As Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados prepares to address this crisis at the upcoming CARICOM summit, it is essential for all member states to engage in meaningful dialogue and action.

Investments in teacher training and infrastructure, as highlighted by

President Ali, are crucial steps toward reversing this trend.

However, these measures must be part of a comprehensive reform strategy that includes revising curricula, enhancing teaching methodologies, and providing adequate resources for students.

The time for complacency has passed.

The Government of Guyana has already started taking corrective steps to address the problem. An assessment of the issue will soon commence, while significant investments are being made

to enhance and construct educational facilities, and train teachers and equip them to do their jobs.

On a broader level, the Caribbean must also prioritise education reform to ensure that future generations are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Addressing the mathematics crisis is not just an educational imperative; it is a societal necessity that will shape the region’s economic and social fabric for years to come.

Consumer Price Index cannot be credibly discredited unless there is an alternate index

Dear Editor,

IN his letter published in the Stabroek News edition of September 8, 2024, with the caption “Given questionable credibility of inflation data, it is important to know weight of each of the nine groups in consumer basket”, Dr. Ramesh Gampat continues to question the credibility of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

It is important to establish at the outset that, unlike GHK Lall, Dr. Gampat is not a “wishy washy” economist. He is technically sound and know his onions. He has far more pedigree than I possess, and he commands respect in his field. As such, I do not wish to get into a debate with Dr. Gampat but would just like to make two comments: one is a clarification and the other is a substantive commentary on the subject.

First, Dr. Gampat was defensive of GHK Lall, whom I had responded to on the subject of the CPI. I argued that GHK committed an error. Incidentally, at the time of writing, GHK published another letter in the Stabroek News edition of September 8, 2024, where he reinforced that error, that Dr. Gampat sees no issue with. To this end, GHK’s letter suggests that there is no separate index to measure changes in food prices. Nonetheless, this is

not the case.

In my original letter it was illustrated that the six-months inflation (Jan-June, 2024) was 1.6 per cent and the twelve-months inflation (June 2023-June 2024), was four per cent (admittedly, the language used in my original letter did not make this point clearly).

Further, I explained that the CPI is made up of several sub-categories, and if one wants to look at food prices separately, the sub-category for food prices showed that the six-month inflation was three per cent and the twelve-month inflation for this category was eight per cent. In both instances, the food price sub-category was higher than the other sub-categories and the aggregate CPI (all items).

Additionally, I had also explained why the other sub-categories did not record any significant changes, which was due to direct and indirect policy interventions by the government. Notably, Dr. Rampat did not dispute or refute this aspect of my argument.

The other substantive commentary I wish to make is that, for someone of Dr. Gampat’s caliber, in his quest to discredit the CPI or question the credibility of the CPI, he could only credibly do so on the basis of an alternate CPI that he has constructed. Therefore, is there an alternate CPI devel-

oped by Dr. Gampat? Does he collect, update, and maintain a time series of data from the local market? If so, I humbly and respectfully request of him to please publish his alternate CPI, assuming that this is the basis upon which he is questioning the credibility of the current CPI developed, updated, and maintained by the Guyana Bureau of Statistics.

The main point that I was trying to explain for the average reader, however, is that the CPI is an index. It is not a simple arithmetic comparison of price changes for commodities as Dr. Gampat has correctly highlighted. And this is precisely what the likes of GHK and others have been doing, a simple arithmetic comparison, with just a few items. There is no established statistical methodology employed as with the CPI.

Accordingly, the methodology by which the CPI is calculated is much more complex than a simple arithmetic comparison, which can be summarized as follows (for simplicity):

(i) Prices for different types of goods (that make up the basket of goods used in the CPI) each month. The prices collected are reviewed to ensure that they refer to the same quality and quantity of items observed in the previous month.

(ii) The average price for each item is calculated. This means that prices for the items are collected from various sources.

(iii) A price relative is computed by taking the ratio of the current month’s average price and the base month’s average price.

(iv) Since the CPI for each item is calculated using equally weighted geometric mean, the weight of the items in the base period is required.

(v) Once the item indexes are calculated the higher-level indexes for categories are compiled. The index for the subgroup is then calculated by dividing the total weighted price relative by the total weight of the subgroup then multiplying the result by 100.

(vi) Price indices are computed for each subgroup in all categories in the same manner. These index numbers are then linked together to obtain an aggregate index for each of the sections. This movement or average change in price is identified as the “All Items CPI” and provides a measure of the rate of inflation/ deflation.

Henceforth, it is reiterated that in order for Dr. Rampat or anyone else to credibly discredit the current CPI, they can only do so on the basis of an alternate CPI that they would have developed.

Yours sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

Gov’t is well within its right to defend its track record

Dear Editor,

THE assertion by the Kaieteur News, in the September 6, 2024 Peeping Tom publication, that ‘If the PPP/C’s performance truly stood on its own merits, there would be no need to constantly invoke the spectre of the APNU+AFC Coalition’, fails to appreciate the full picture of governance in Guyana.

Understanding the historical context, addressing the selective nature of media coverage, and recognising the importance of comparing administrations are all crucial for a comprehensive analysis of Guyana’s progress under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) leadership.

Firstly, it is impossible to evaluate the performance of any government without understanding the historical context within which it operates. Guyana’s socio-economic and political realities have evolved substantially over the past few decades, and this evolution has been shaped by the leadership of successive PPP/C administrations. Guyana’s trajectory, from economic instability and underdevelopment to its present phase of unprecedented growth, must be evaluated in light of the policies that enabled this transformation.

Under PPP/C leadership, particularly in the current administration led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, there has been substantial development across sectors. The government’s proactive approach to diversifying the economy, strengthening infrastructure, and investing in social programmes such as housing, education, and healthcare must be viewed as part of a broader national vision.

The transformation of Guyana from a struggling post-colonial nation to an emerging energy superpower and regional leader in economic growth cannot be ignored when evaluating the PPP/C’s governance.

Historical context allows us to appreciate just how far the country has come, from the days when Guyana was hamstrung by economic stagnation and mismanagement. Under successive PPP/C governments, not only has Guyana secured a more stable political environment,

but it has also attracted international investment and initiated projects that promise long-term benefits for the country.

Further, it is misleading to suggest that the PPP/C government invokes the APNU+AFC Coalition merely as a distraction. Instead, it is important to refer to where the country was prior to the PPP/C’s return to power in 2020, particularly after the five-year period of APNU+AFC rule from 2015 to 2020.

This comparison is essential to understand both the challenges inherited by the current government and the progress it has made in its tenure thus far. The APNU+AFC government presided over a period marked by economic decline, political instability, and deteriorating social services.

The abrupt halt in development initiatives, coupled with inefficient management of the emerging oil and gas sector, placed Guyana on a dangerous path during the Coalition’s time in office. Referring to this period is not an evasion of the PPP/C’s own track record; rather, it highlights the continuity of progress under the PPP/C versus the stagnation and regression experienced during the Coalition’s rule.

Moreover, much of the public discourse surrounding the performance of the PPP/C administration has been shaped by selective reporting from sections of the media. This has contributed to an unbalanced portrayal of the current government’s achievements and challenges.

A critical examination of media coverage reveals that many of the promises made by the PPP/C in its 2020-2025 manifesto have been sidelined or outright ignored by certain media outlets. These promises include, but are not limited to, significant infrastructural development projects, improvements in public services, and initiatives to reduce poverty and enhance social welfare. For instance, the government’s emphasis on providing affordable housing, improving healthcare delivery, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing the agricultural and manufacturing sectors has not received the widespread attention it deserves.

Some sections of the local media often choose to focus disproportionately on perceived shortcomings while failing to give adequate coverage to the positive developments occurring across the country.

Additionally, media bias becomes even more evident when comparing the treatment of the APNU+AFC Coalition and the PPP/C government.

During the APNU+AFC’s tenure, many egregious acts went underreported or were inadequately scrutinized by sections of the press. Corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, and social unrest were not given the same prominence in the media as similar issues have been under the current administration. This selective reporting creates a skewed public perception, whereby the PPP/C is unfairly criticized for missteps while the Coalition’s failures are downplayed or ignored.

As the PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, rightly said recently, had some of the actions committed by the APNU+AFC administration been carried out by the PPP/C government, media coverage would likely have been far more severe and widespread. This unbalanced discourse not only undermines the public’s trust in the media but also skews the broader political discourse in Guyana, making it seem as though the current government’s performance is far worse than it actually is. In this context, the PPP/C is justified in pointing out the double standards and biases that exist within certain sections of the media, as these distortions prevent the public from forming an informed opinion about the country’s governance.

Editor, the suggestion that the PPP/C government relies on referencing the APNU+AFC Coalition to obscure its own performance misrepresents the reality of governance in Guyana is misguided.

The PPP/C’s track record speaks for itself, and the government is well within its rights to defend it while continuing to work toward the betterment of all Guyanese.

Sincerely,

Brian Azore

There is nothing innovative about what Dr Ramcharran wrote

I WANT to make it clear from the beginning of this commentary here that I do not doubt the huge amount of qualifications Mr Vishnu Bisram says he has. My contest with Mr Bisram lies in the unfair comparisons in the practice of democracy he makes with Guyana and other countries. His conclusions about Guyana are always disingenuous, misleading and extremely biased, and I would like to stress the adverb “extremely.”

In my last Saturday offering, I confronted Bisram over his fallacious comparisons in which Guyana comes out badly, but in fact is far more democratic than the countries Bisram puts on a pedestal. Today I look at more deceptions of Mr. Bisram and reject as a complete fiction an action he has attributed to supporters of the PPP.

Mr Bisram’s curriculum vitae is emblazoned on the front page with his photo -

graph in the online newspaper, “Indo-Caribbean” for March 25, 2021. He is listed as having the following degrees – two BAs, six Masters and six doctorates. His doctorates are in History, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Education Administration and International Relations. I do not believe there is any living human in today’s world who has so many doctorates. So, with this educational background, the world will expect Mr Bisram to be a thoughtful, expansive and competent analyst.

But Mr Bisram is incredibly arid in his latest viewpoint on Guyana. Before I expose Mr Bisram’s foolish embrace of Dr Ramcharran’s adumbration of Guyana’s direction into autocratic government, I am accusing Bisram of lying on the supporters of the ruling party. Here is what Bisram wrote and I am forcefully saying this is not factual:

“Many, including supporters of the government, offer praise for his courage to raise the issue of shades of autocracy.” This is an appalling insult to the supporters of the government.

I know of no endorser of the ruling party who thought Dr Ramcharran wrote anything useful and in fact was denounced by government sympathisers, including this columnist, for writing what they consider (including me) a propagandistic hatchet job. I referred to him in one of my columns as a political hitman.

It is my job to read at least most of the things written about Guyana’s political economy and sociology and I haven’t seen any PPP supporter who labelled Dr Ramcharran as courageous for accusing the government of a creeping autocracy. Mr Bisram should provide the evidence or stop writing.

Mr Bisram described a so-called analysis of creeping autocracy as “Dr Ramcharran’s innovative thesis.” This is shocking mediocrity in the political views of Bisram. Dr Ramcharran notes that the Guyana government is attacking NGOs and judges and these things point to a creeping autocracy.

What is innovative about such a perception? There is nothing superb or attractive about that. It is rather a jejune and poor understanding of the politics of Guyana. Dr Ramcharran pinpoints two reactions of the Government of Guyana: one is the responses

of the Ali government to the false things NGOs incessantly sp’sout and the government’s reaction to certain pronouncements of the judiciary.

In last Saturday’s piece on Bisram, I asked which world is he living in. The Biden administration has angrily reacted against many decisions of the Supreme Court during the past year. In one case involving immigration in which the court ruled in favour of the state of Texas, the government of the US said the decision was a violation of the American constitution.

In the UK, when the court ruled that Brexit could only be implemented by a decision of Parliament, many government ministers were in sharp disagreement with the courts and some harsh words were said about the court’s decision. Why is a country moving in the direction of autocracy because the government

openly disagrees with certain judicial decisions?

It is for this reason I wrote above that the world expects better scholarship from a man who has six doctorates. How can any scholar with six masters and six doctorates interpret what Dr Ramcharran wrote as innovative? Bisram must describe the innovative contents of Dr Ramcharran’s misplaced perception.

One final quote from Bisram. He noted that “Dr Ramcharran’s thesis is an attempt for Guyanese to better understand government and governance and place it in a certain perspective.” What thesis is Bisram talking about? Is he referring to the nonsense Dr Ramcharran wrote as something Guyanese need to read to better understand governance and government. Guyanese do not need Ramcharran and Bisram who have lived outside of Guyana respectively for more than 50 years to lecture us on governance. But one could go further and ask both gentlemen – what do you know about Guyana when you haven’t lived here for more than half a century?

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.

BIT launches Electrical Installation Programme with 25 participants

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is currently facilitating an Electrical Installation Programme which was launched for 25 participants last week. This is being done in collaboration with Generation Next.

Generation Next is a community development association based in Guyana, and is committed to

nurturing social responsibility, fostering entrepreneurship, and empowering youth with essential skills to drive positive change and sustainable development in their communities.

Through this partnership, BIT will provide trainees from D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Albouystown, and other communities in South George-

town with both theoretical and practical training in electrical installation during the four-month programme.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Richard Maughn, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Nateica Garraway, and Technical Officer with responsibility for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Rowenda De Jonge,

and Technical Officers with responsibilities for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Rohan Bishop and Jason Clarke represented BIT at the launch.

They were welcomed by Administrator of Generation Next Martin Massiah, the Executive Pastor of Wortmanville First Assembly of God Church Dr. Wilbert Lee, Former

Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcel Hutson, and Elder Hermonica Massiah.

More than 12,000 individuals have participated in various Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) programmes over the past four years, with 7,582 females and 4,890 males successfully completing training offered by BIT.

Pedal cyclist, 30, killed in accident

According to a release, the accident involving a motor car with registration number PAC 1898 owned

THE police in Regional Division Four ‘A’ are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on September 7, 2024, around 23:20hrs on Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.

by Dolores Benjamin and driven by Shaquille Benjamin, a 27-year-old both of Lot 254 Section ‘C’ Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, and 30-year-old pedal cy-

Two girls drown during birthday celebration

BIRTHDAY celebrations at the Enchanter Creek on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway came to an abrupt halt on Sunday following the drowning of two cousins, ages 10 and 11.

Police disclosed in a press release that at approximately 15:30hrs Akira La Rose, 10 years old, of Lot 95 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara and Joylyn Jack, age 11 years old, of Lot 1726 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, reportedly died by drowning.

Enquiries revealed that Allison Klass, the 53-yearold grandmother of the two deceased, left home with other family members, including Oswald Jack, father of Joylyn Jack, to celebrate Akira’s 10th birthday at Enchanter Creek.

“It is alleged that the two girls were playing in the water and were later discovered missing. An alarm was raised, a search party was formed and the two girls were found unresponsive in the water. They were escort-

ed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre by the police and civilians.

Upon arrival, they were examined by a doctor who pronounced them dead. Their bodies were also examined by the police, but no marks of violence were found,” the release said.

The police said that the bodies will be transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for a post-mortem.

An investigation is in progress

Machine operator dies in freak accident

AN investigation into an incident which resulted in the death of a 49-yearold machine operator is underway.

The police have identified the deceased as Joseph Hollingsworth of Lot 1177

Section ‘B’ Pattenson, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

Enquiries disclosed that the incident occurred on September 07, 2024 at around 09:30hrs at Coghlan Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, where the deceased was with Travis Pierpont, a businessman

of Onderneeming, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

According to the police, Pierpont hired Hollingsworth to transport an excavator from Coghlan Dam, West Bank Demerara, to his residence using a motor truck with registration number GAE 4266 which he (Pierpont) owned. The excavator was loaded onto the truck; however, as Hollingsworth was about to drive off, he realised that the truck could not hold the weight of the excavator.

In the process of offloading the machinery from the truck, the excavator fell into a drain pinning Hollingsworth there.

The man was subsequently taken out of the drain by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

The body of the deceased was transported to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, and is awaiting a post-mortem.

clist Marlon Fraser.

It was disclosed that the driver of the motor car was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane of Delhi Street, while the pedal cyclist was proceeding in the said direction on the eastern edge of the road.

It is alleged that the pedal cyclist made an attempt to cross Delhi Street from

east to west and in so doing, ended up in the path of the motor car. The driver claimed he took evasion action, however, the front left portion of the motor car collided with the pedal cyclist. As a result, the cyclist fell onto the road surface and received injuries about his body.

The police and emergen-

cy medical services were subsequently summoned, and the pedal cyclist was pronounced dead by a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The body was later escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and is awaiting a post-mortem as investigations continue.

BIT’s

CEO

Richard Maughn

Education Minister hands over boats to Region One communities

— fulfils promise to improve students transportation

MINISTER of Education

Priya Manickchand recently handed over two boats to the communities of Arukamai and Hobadaia in Region One.

These boats, each equipped with a 15-horsepower engine, will serve as essential transportation for learners travelling to and from school, enhancing access to education for children in these remote areas.

The handing over of the boats fulfils a commitment made during a previous out-

reach to the region by His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, aimed at improving the education infrastructure and resources in hinterland communities. The boats were generously donated by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, was also present, along with Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, the Toshao of Arukamai, and trainee teachers from Hobadaia.

The attendees expressed their gratitude for the continued government support and reaffirmed their commitment to improving education and community services in Region One.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance education infrastructure across Guyana, ensuring that every child, regardless of their geographic location, has access to the necessary resources for learning and development. (MoE)

The Region One communities of Arukamai and Hobadaia are the recipients of boats which will be used to transport learners to and from school

Mocha is once again a very productive area – Minister Mustapha

— farmers, youth, single parents to benefit from black belly sheep, plantain suckers, ‘bed and drain’ programmes — 40 cusec pumps to be installed to assist with D&I

FARMERS from Mocha and other surrounding communities on the East Bank of Demerara are set to benefit from additional inputs to further develop their agricultural activities.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a ministerial meeting on Wednesday.

Minister Mustapha, along with several other Cabinet Ministers, visited the community to follow up on commitments made by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a meeting earlier in the week.

While engaging farmers

and residents during a community walkabout, Minister Mustapha said that the government has been working assiduously to improve agriculture in Mocha, a press release said.

It added that he also said that the ministry has several ongoing programmes to boost production in the cultivation areas.

“This is one of the areas receiving a fair share of assistance from the Ministry and the government and we will continue to work with you to develop the agriculture sector here. Since our first visit, farmers have benefitted

from better breeds of swine, black giant birds, and improvements to the drainage and irrigation systems in their farms.

“Currently, two excavators are working in the area to clear internal drains. To date, 27 internal drains have been cleared, and that programme will continue. We are also working with farmers to execute a bed-and- drain programme. In the first phase, approximately 35 farmers will benefit from land clearing and infrastructural work to lift their beds and clear drains in the cultivation area. So far, about twenty-seven

farmers have already benefitted from that programme,” he was quoted as saying.

Minister Mustapha also said that the commitment made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to have a drainage pump permanently installed in Mocha will be fulfilled soon.

“When the President came here, he said a pump will be installed permanently in this community. We have procured that pump, and within a month, it will arrive, and we’ll install it.

We’ll also continue to upgrade a number of canals in this area. We’ll work with the residents so that they can

benefit from those contracts. That way they can earn for their families and also ensure the work is done satisfactorily because they will be the beneficiaries,” Minister Mustapha added.

According to the release, he also said that a tractor pump and other inputs such as planting materials and livestock would be given to farmers.

“In conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government, approximately 100 tractor pumps were procured to assist farmers with drainage.

Within a week, one will

be given to the farmers from Mocha. We will also continue to work with farmers to develop the Black Belly Sheep, and Black Giant Bird programmes. Youths and single mothers will also benefit from these programmes. So, you see we are working and making the resources available to the people of this country because we want to be food secure,” he added. Minister Mustapha also disclosed that by the end of next week, approximately 500 plantain and banana suckers will be distributed to farmers in the area, the release said.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha engaging Mocha farmers and residents during a community walkabout (Ministry of Agriculture photos)

$198M Orealla Secondary School to be completed in six months

IN a significant development for the education landscape of Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, officially turned the sod on Saturday to commence the construction of the new Orealla Secondary School.

Located at Orealla, a riverain village along the Berbice River, this project represents a major investment in the local education infrastructure, with a total project value of G$198,866,010, a press release from the ministry said.

The new Orealla Secondary School will feature six modern classrooms, four specialised laboratories, and a well-equipped library, aimed at providing a high-quality learning environment for approximately 180 students.

According to the release, the facility will serve the education needs of students from both Orealla and the nearby Siparuta area, addressing a critical gap in educational resources.

Awarded through a competitive bidding process in accordance with the Public

Procurement Act on the World Wide Web, the project has been entrusted to 4S Security & Building Enterprise, under the supervision of CEMCO Incorporated.

The initial mobilisation amount for the project is G$59,659,803.

Construction began on September 2, 2024, with an anticipated completion within six months.

Minister Manickchand highlighted the government's ongoing commitment to advancing education opportunities and infrastructure across Guyana.

According to the release, she emphasised that the new school is part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality of education and provide students with the necessary resources for academic excellence.

The new Orealla Secondary School is poised to make a substantial impact on the local community, ensuring that students in this riverain village and the surrounding areas benefit from improved education facilities, the release added.

The new $198M Orealla Secondary School is expected to be completed in six months. A simple sod-turning exercise was held on Saturday

Massive growth, development driving up property values across Guyana — Minister Indar says

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, on Friday said that the massive growth and development taking place across Guyana and investments in infrastructure have led to increased property prices in areas that many persons would have never thought of.

Indar made this pronouncement while delivering the feature address at the Connect Real Estate Mega Summit hosted by Keller Williams Guyana at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

During his address, the minister emphasised the role of infrastructural development and growing industries in reshaping the current real estate market.

However, he said that to get ahead of this, the government enacted the Real Estate Act in 2023, which was a crucial step in regularising the sector.

The Act’s main aim was to protect real estate agents, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their efforts in facilitating property transactions, among other things.

“So, when a country is moving at the pace of Guyana, the laws of the country need to be updated to deal with the new realities,” he said. He underscored that the new

Act mandates payment for agents who help buyers and sellers complete transactions, thus formalising the sector and adding greater transparency.

Speaking on the broader economic growth seen, Minister Indar highlighted Guyana's impressive GDP growth, which has been the highest globally in recent years.

“There is no oth -

er country in the world that can boast economic growth as high as Guyana," he said. This surge, he explained, reflects the collective output of all sectors, but is heavily influenced by the oil and gas industry, which has acted as a catalyst for development across other industries.

Giving an example, he indicated that this sector has reshaped the country’s real estate landscape along the Demerara River.

“If you had to find an inch of property there, well, good luck to you,” Minister Indar posited, noting that prime riverfront properties have become exceedingly scarce.

This scarcity, along with infrastructural projects such as shore bases and roads, has led to a rise in property values and areas that were once undeveloped are now in high demand, with infrastructure dramatically improving the quality of and

desirability for these areas. Additionally, he indicated that the demand for housing is also growing rapidly as new developments attract more workers and businesses.

Further, he encouraged those in the real estate sector to familiarise themselves with the Real Estate Act, ensuring that they are well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities being created by the country’s rapid development.

A section of the gathering at the Connect Real Estate Mega Summit hosted by Keller Williams Guyana

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (Yohan Savory photos)

Cathy Hughes admits signing cheques, approving payments to her company at her ministry

FORMER AP -

NU+AFC Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes has admitted that she had signed cheques for her company, and approved invoices sent to her ministry by the company.

Despite attempting to dance around the facts in the past, Hughes found herself unable to divert from reality while she was responding to questions in the High Court on Friday, September 6, 2024, during the libel case she brought against Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo over a "low life" comment.

Hughes, who is a senior member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), faced a plethora of criticisms for her actions as Minister of

Public Telecommunications; however, she could not sue anyone, because there was substantial evidence to prove her actions. Specifically, she

was asked why she didn't sue Dr. Jagdeo for his comments on the issue regarding her company, to which she responded by saying she knew he possessed documents to substantiate his claims.

Hughes, in 2019, had denied the awarding of contracts to her company.

She went as far as to say: “…I was completely unaware of the award of any contract to Video Mega Productions."

Hughes had claimed that she was informed that the contract was for the production of three 60-second television Public Service An-

nouncements (PSAs)to the value of $832,200.

However, with the provision of supporting documents, this figure was later proved to be untrue, and a severe underestimation.

It was widely reported that Video Mega Productions Limited, secured contracts totalling over $6 million.

Hughes' actions were seen as a clear conflict of interest, since she held a position of influence.

Her husband, Nigel Hughes, who is the Leader of the AFC, was also criticised recently for an apparent case of conflict of interest.

Dr. Jagdeo drew

parallels between the actions of the renowned couple, noting that Nigel leads the AFC and represents ExxonMobil.

He stated, too, that the AFC Leader's recent assertions about separating his business interests from his political role were reminiscent of Cathy Hughes' past justifications, which he deemed deceptive.

He emphasised that such conflicts are not only unethical but also detrimental to national interests, accusing the AFC of prioritising personal gain over public service.

Cathy Hughes

‘Advance modernisation that puts the people first’

–– Chinese President tells China-Africa Co-operation Summit

–– more funding; some one million jobs for African countries; zero-tariff treatment for LDCs among

By Trina Williams in Beijing, China

CHINA has intensified its efforts to promote global modernisation and has promised to lend a helping hand to Africa in several areas such as creating at least one million jobs, Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced.

Citizens are one of the main drivers of development and President Xi has recognised that modernisation should be pursued through a people-centred vision.

“We should jointly advance modernisation that puts the people first,” was the call made by China’s President at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation, which was hosted from September 4-6

well-balanced material and spiritual advancement is a lofty objective of modernisation.

Furthermore, he called for modernisation that is eco-friendly and said that green development is a hallmark of this in the new era.

On that note, he proposed 10 partnership actions for modernisation, which will not only bring forth economic vitality for Africa, but also improve people’s livelihoods.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

In a bid to promote the partnership action for trade prosperity, President Xi said that China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider.

He announced: “We have decided to give

During his keynote address, President Xi highlighted how collaboration between China and Africa can bring forth a new chapter, mirrored by a bright future for all.

As the Chinese President firmly affirmed that “modernisation is an inalienable right of all countries,” he emphasised how modernisation should be approached in order to drive a prosperous, shared future for mankind.

First, he made the call for just and equitable modernisation and said that countries must act in the light of national realities and not general rules.

He also said that modernisation which is “open and win-win,” should be pursued.

“Mutually beneficial co-operation is the sunny road to the betterment of long-term and fundamental interests of all countries. China is ready to deepen co-operation with Africa in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment, promote exemplary, high-quality Belt and Road co-operation projects, and build together a model for the delivery of the Global Development Initiative,” President Xi said.

Adding to this, he said modernisation featuring diversity and inclusiveness should also be jointly advanced as, according to him,

all LDCs (least developed countries) having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step. It will help turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity.”

He said that China will expand market access for African agricultural produce, deepen cooperation with Africa in e-commerce and other areas, and launch a “China-Africa quality enhancement programme.”

“We are prepared to enter into framework agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional guarantees for trade and investment between the two sides,” the Chinese President added.

More so, President XI had announced that China will provide Africa with RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance, build about 6,670 hectares of standardised agricultural demonstration areas in Africa, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance, among other initiatives, that will enable Africa to

commitments made

retain added value, and create at least one million jobs.

EMULATING THE VISION

But, how could Guyana and the wider Caribbean Region emulate the vision laid out during this summit?

During President Xi’s 10 partnership actions, he outlined massive plans within the agriculture and energy sectors.

Today, the world is facing devastating effects owing to climate change and arguably, it is one of the most serious issues since the challenges surrounding it are being deeply

discussed on the international stage.

The major ramifications caused by climate change are not only impacting food production, but also the eco-system and security, etc.

However, the transformation that Guyana has undergone has resulted in the country making a quantum leap in food, climate and energy security.

Guyana, especially on the international stage, has placed special emphasis on these three critical areas and highlighted its initiatives that are being advanced to address

See page 16

in Beijing, China.

‘Advance modernisation...

the issues surrounding them.

In this major plan, Guyana has not left out its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) brother and sister member states as the country’s accelerated development is providing a beacon of hope for the entire community.

In the Caribbean, more focus has been placed on the agricultural sector, as it is now recognised as the backbone of many economies.

Vision ‘25 by 2025’ is an example of the region’s strong commitment to addressing food insecurity.

Notably, CARICOM had outlined several initiatives over the past years to reduce its mammoth US$6 billion food-import bill.

The aim is to slash this expenditure by 25 per cent by

the year 2025.

Aside from this, the Guyana government has rolled out a series of incentives to foster growth within the agricultural sector. Take for example the construction of farm-to-market roads and removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and water.

Added to this, earlier this year, Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali said that by the first quarter of 2025, Guyana is anticipated to reduce its import expenditure on aquaculture feed by 50 per cent.

Also, in a bid to not only meet its local demand but also CARICOM’s, Guyana has ramped up its local production of corn and soya bean.

On the side of climate security, Guyana has made a

name for itself on the international and regional stage, as the country stands out as a leader in environmental stewardship.

In 2009, Guyana became the first developing nation to introduce the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The strategy delineated a vision for the promotion of fair and sustainable development, while simultaneously safeguarding the nation’s forests, which constitute approximately 85 per cent of its total land area.

Aside from this pioneering initiative, senior Guyanese government officials have used their platform to advocate for sustainable development, especially as climate change continues to send global shock waves, rocking, particularly, fragile states.

In March, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, had asserted that Guyana needs to keep up with the global shift towards a greater usage of renewable energy sources.

Guyana, at that time, had 200 electric vehicles (EVs) with six charging stations, and he anticipated that figure would rise to over 1,000 by 2025.

However, aside from the advocacy, the Guyana Government has cemented this green-energy vision by making all imports of electric vehicles tax-free and duty free.

There is also a 50 per cent annual write-down allowance for businesses investing in environmentally friendly vehicles.

Furthermore, with the global demand for energy increasing, there has been a pressing concern surrounding energy security.

Whether it is because of economic expansion or population growth, governments across the globe have been seeking energy resources to meet the growing needs.

As it relates to energy security, Guyana has been picking up momentum within this vital area.

Take for example Guyana’s gas-to-energy project. This involves the development and utilisation of natural-gas resources for domestic power generation, as well as other industrial and commercial uses.

The project is part of Guyana’s efforts to tap into its significant offshore natural gas reserves and maximise the benefits for the country and its people.

It is expected to provide a reliable and cost-effective source of energy for Guyana, reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuels and contributing to economic growth.

The energy project also has the potential to create new jobs and opportunities for the people of Guyana, particularly in the energy sector. Additionally, the use of natural gas for power generation is expected to help reduce Guyana’s carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Overall, the gas-to-energy project has the potential to bring significant benefits to the country and its people, helping to drive economic growth, improve energy security, and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Guyana.

Also, earlier this year, the government signed a US $8.6 million contract for the establishment of a national control centre, which is a key component of the project. Power China Caribbean has been awarded the contract, and the completion of the centre is anticipated within 384 days.

RCGC promotes inclusivity among children through its annual literacy project

IN celebration of International Literacy Day (ILD), the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) through its International Service Committee, hosted the 10th edition of its annual Literacy Project, R.E.A.D, (Read Everyday And Discover) under the theme, ‘Pages of Potential.’

Speaking briefly, President of the RCGC, Monique Williams, told the gathering that the Rotaract Club is proud to continue this annual tradition.

The project caters specifically to children living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in keeping with Rotary International’s goal of promoting inclusion. RCGC collaborated with three key organisations for this project: Sameir! Uniquely Me, the David Rose Autism Unit, and The Gifted Hands Learning Centre. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Guyana Limited sponsored the project this year.

It caters to a preliminary number of 85 children between ages two to 17 and was executed in the form of a workshop. The children were able to participate in interactive sessions planned by the RCGC, including games, story time and a colouring session.

Director of RCGC, Terriesa Smith, underscored the importance of reading and writing. She said: “Literacy is not only a fundamental pillar of

education, but it is also a gateway to personal development and growth. With the ability to read and write, we are able to access knowledge and information, thus broadening our horizons and increasing the opportunities available to us.”

She highlighted that last year, RCGC collaborated with migrant and Venezuelan children, and in previous years they catered to children living with hearing and visual disabilities.

This time, Smith pointed out that they wanted to do something different, and decided to cater to a group that is often shunned and overlooked.

“Autism affects millions of children worldwide, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth. We at RCGC recognise this, and we want to show that despite their neuro-divergent traits, autistic children have just as much to offer the world as their neuro-typical counterparts. Through this initiative, we hope to foster understanding, acceptance and awareness on autism within our communities. We want to ensure that children with ASD are given the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she added.

It was mentioned that through this initiative, RCGC aims to make reading an accessible and enjoyable experience for every child, regardless of their challenges.

Meanwhile, ana -

lyst at CNOOC, Tanza McAlmont, represented the company at the celebration on Sunday. In her remarks, Tanza said that over the past seven years CNOOC has been operating in Guyana, the company has sponsored a number of projects in the field of education.

These, she noted, ranged from financing scholarships for local and overseas studies, to facilitating educational programmes, refurbishing schools, donating supplies and equipment, and organising sports events.

She related that CNOOC is pleased to sponsor this project to promote multilingual education and literacy for mutual understanding and peace.

Tanza said: “We trust that this project would help to foster a love for reading and writing, for developing critical literacy skills, and for promoting peace-building among students.”

The Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation for youths between the ages of 18-35 years, with a mandate to provide services to the community through volunteering initiatives. RCGC aims to foster leadership, responsible citizenship, high ethical standards in business, and ultimately a better lifestyle for youths in Guyana.

The team from The Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central with children living with ASD

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday, September 09, 2024)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle-430 runs (Tallawahs)

(2) Chris Gayle-105 (Tallawahs vs Red Steel, Kingston) Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who claimed the most wickets in CPL 2015?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single game in CPL 2015?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

West Side won’t be the best side at President’s Cup, says racing stable

AS the excitement builds for the upcoming President’s Cup on September 22, 2024 at Rising Sun, the racing stable is determined to make a significant mark in the sport of kings.

Fresh off the most prestigious race in Guyana, finishing second in the Guyana Cup to the impressive Brazilian-bred Olympic Kremlin from Slingers Racing Stable, and is on the accelerator to elevate their status in horse racing.

Owner Jermaine Sripal emphasises his competitive spirit, stating: “When entering into any business or sport, I have to come out on top, and get there as fast as possible.”

He acknowledges his

personal friendship with Javed, the owner of the Guyana Cup winner from Slingers Racing Stable, but remains confident that the President’s Cup will see the crown snatched from Slingers stable and returned to Berbice; not Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), but directly to New

Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

In a bold move to secure victory, Racing Stable has imported two topclass Grade One Brazilian horses, Mapa Do Brasil and Companheiro Lea, to compete alongside their established runners.

This strategic move

aims to increase their chances significantly in both the President’s Cup and the Sprint on the Day’s card.

Among the lineup from J Stable is the crowd favourite and Horse of the Year 2023, Spankhurst, making a highly-anticipated return to the track.

Joining him is stable mate, Nova Sol, who also showcased his talent with a commendable second place in the Guyana Cup.

The combination of local owners and international imports sets the track for an exciting day of racing at the Rising Sun Turf Club, home of the

Guyana Cup.

Notably, Mapa Do Brasil and Olympic Kremlin share a very competitive history, having raced together in Brazil on multiple occasions. Earlier this year, before Guyana Cup winner Olympic Kremlin was imported to Guyana, Mapa Do Brasil emerged victorious in their last start together. This connection adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming race day, sparking curiosity about how these horses will perform in the new environment.

With a strategic mix of experience and fresh talent, J’s Racing Stable is not just aiming for a strong showing; they are gunning for the top.

Sri Lanka charge towards fourth-innings target after seamers fight back

—

Vishwa

Fernando and Lahiru Kumara combine as England rolled inside

IN a match as changeable as the weather in south London, Sri Lanka took control of the third and final Test against England on the third day at The Oval.

After an abject performance on the opening day when their bowlers failed to capitalise in prime conditions upon winning the toss, Sri Lanka had to watch Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett shine through the overhead gloom.

(Scores)Sri Lanka 263 (Dhananjaya 69, Kamindu 64, Nissanka 64) and 94 for 1 (Nissanka 53*) need 125 more runs to beat England 325 and 156 (Smith 67, Kumara 4-21, Vishwa 3-40)

Then, two incisive passages of swing bowlingon a dark second day, then under bright skies on the third - had the tourists back in contention, but not before Jamie Smith had bludgeoned England out of dire trouble. Still, by the time bad light stopped play just before quarter to seven on Sunday evening, the match was Sri Lanka's to lose.

But it is the detail around those key moments that tell the story of where this Test sits heading into the final day.

Apart from Pope and Duckett, no England batter

passed 20 in their first innings, as they were bowled out for an unremarkable 325.

Despite Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka all passing fifty, no one pressed onto a big score that would have taken Sri Lanka past England, who led by 62runs on first innings. Then a struggling Dan Lawrence looked like top-scoring for England's second innings with his series-best 35 before Smith's brutal 67 off 50 balls made them the only home batters to pass 12 on the third day as Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando, with his devastat-

ing inswingers, kept them in check.

And so, when bad light brought another early close, Sri Lanka were 94 for 1 and needing 125 more for a consolation win. Chris Woakes' superb return catch removed Dimuth Karunaratne for just 8, but that was the only wicket to fall in Sri Lanka's free-scoring fourth innings.

Nissanka reached his second half-century of the match from just 42 balls by crunching a Josh Hull delivery to the rope wide of mid-off just before the light intervened, leaving him unbeaten on 53 with Kusal Mendis 30 not

Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Vishwa, were making the ball move in what were by far the brightest conditions of the match so far, despite a couple of short interruptions for what amounted to sun-showers.

But then Smith pummelled 52 runs off the last 19 balls he faced, helping himself to 20 runs off one Milan Rathnayake over to lead England's second-innings recovery from 82 for 7 to 140 for 8.

By the time Olly Stone fell to give Kumara his fourth wicket and Asitha Fernan -

do had Shoaib Bashir also caught behind by Nishan Madushka - standing in for the injured Dinesh Chandimal, England had stretched their advantage to 218.

Two early strikes had given Sri Lanka hope during a morning session extended because of bad weather over the first two days as Duckett and Pope fell cheaply.

Lawrence smashed Asitha for six over long-off and, two balls later, carved deftly through point for four. But, having bettered his previous series best by one run, he was brought undone by a Kumara delivery that moved away late and kissed the edge of the bat before landing in Chandimal's gloves.

Vishwa entered the attack in the 15th over and he struck third ball with a superb inswinging yorker that hit Joe Root on the boot directly in front.

Harry Brook had come under fire for his petulant reaction to Sri Lanka's successful bid to frustrate him by bowling outside off stump in the first innings. This time, he succumbed to another late inswinger which nailed the front pad with pin-point accuracy on leg stump in Vishwa's next over.

34 overs

Kumara had Woakes caught behind for a six-ball duck but then Chandimal had to be helped off the field after diving stop a wayward Kumara delivery down the leg side to Gus Atkinson, hurting his lower back in the process. Atkinson was trapped lbw by Rathnayake, having faced 14 balls for his 1 before Smith got stuck in.

Earlier, Hull and Stone had preserved England's advantage after Sri Lanka resumed for the day on 211 for 5, trailing by 114. Hull made amends for dropping Dhananjaya on the second evening when he had the Sri Lanka skipper caught for 69 with his 11th ball of the day, an attempted pull looping off the top edge to deep backward square.

That sparked a procession of five wickets for 52 runs in 13.3 overs, Hull, Stone and Woakes sharing four of the five wickets to fall with Atkinson off the field nursing a thigh problem from which he recovered sufficiently to bowl in the fourth innings. (ESPN cricinfo)

Companheiro Lea

Mapa Do Brasil

Guyana’s chess team off to the Olympiad

THE Guyana Chess Federation on Sunday sent a team of 10 of the best male and female chess tacticians locally to match skills with the world’s best in the sport of chess in the 45th Chess Olympiad being held in Budapest, Hungary.

The Guyanese will play mind games with chess strategists from about 190 countries from September 10 to 23 in world-championship-type tournament.

The Guyana men’s team will be led by Captain Ronuel Greenidge, and include the likes of national champion Candidate Master Taffin Khan, FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, along with veteran Loris Nathoo and young players Sachin Pitamber and Keron Sandiford.

The ladies’ team is made up of National Champion Jessica Callender, former national champions Sasha Shariff, Ciel Clement, Aditi Joshi and Treskolé Archibald.

They will be coached by Grandmaster Georg Mohr, of Slovenia.

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Chess Federation Anand Raghunauth said that great efforts were made by the Federation to provide enough competitive games for the preparation of the team to be ready for the Olympiad.

He noted that “The Network and partnerships formed is growing, and the future of chess is in the right direction; we are at a better place today than in any recent period, in terms of providing opportunities for beginners and continuing players.”

At the simple ceremony to unveil the team, the GCF also awarded National Champions in the Open and Women’s categories.

Women’s Champion Jessica Callender reclaimed her title earlier this year, while Taffin Khan went unbeaten to defend his title.

England V Sri Lanka…

Collingswood: 'One hell of a Test to win'

ENGLAND have the "belief" they can beat Sri Lanka, but Paul Collingwood admitted it will be "one hell of a Test match to win" from the position the hosts are in.

Sri Lanka closed Day Three of the final Test on 941, needing 125 more runs to reach their target of 219 and earn a famous win.

At 2-0 up, England have already secured the series, yet have been below their best at The Oval. On Sunday, they were bowled out for 156 in their second innings in 34 overs, their shortest Test innings for more than three years.

"This team is capable of doing some special things," said assistant coach Collingwood. "We have to have that belief we can turn things around.

"Hopefully we can get on a roll; it's an exciting opportunity."

England are on a run of five successive Test wins, and are looking for their first 100% home summer in 20 years.

— but England 'believes' it can pull it off

However, they have been wasteful on numerous occasions at The Oval. From 261-3 in their first innings, the home side were bowled out for 325.

At the beginning on the third day, England were able to take the last five Sri Lanka wickets for 52 runs to earn a first-innings lead of 62. Instead of batting the tourists out of the game,

England found themselves 82-7, and needed a blistering 67 from wicketkeeper Jamie Smith to set a competitive target. Still, Sri Lanka made a rapid start to the chase, and will start the fourth day as favourites.

"We're going to need a special day, if we’re going to win this match," added former England all-rounder Collingwood. "There will be

belief in the dressing room; it will be one hell of a Test match to win from this position.

We always look at the opportunity, rather than the failures. When you have that optimism, it's amazing what can translate on to the cricket field. We have been in some deep holes at times but have found ways of getting out of them because of the talent in

the dressing room."

England’s success this summer has come after they pledged to "refine" the Bazball style adopted when coach Brendon McCullum took charge.

But some of their batting and field placings at The Oval has attracted criticism. England’s all-time leading run-scorer Alastair Cook said his former team have been complacent, while ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan warned them not to "take the mickey out of Test cricket".

Collingwood, who played 68 Tests for England, is a former team-mate of both Cook and Vaughan.

"I haven't seen any of the criticism, but we all know it will be out there," he said. "If you don't perform, you will get criticised. That’s fine.

That England still have a chance is mainly down to 24-year-old Smith, who thrilled his home crowd with some stunning shots. At one point, the Surrey man took 52 runs from 18 deliveries.

And Collingwood compared the wicketkeeper to Adam Gilchrist, the legendary Australian with the ability to destroy attacks from number seven. Collingwood was part of the England side that was hammered by Gilchrist's 57-ball century in Perth in 2006, the fastest ever in an Ashes Test.

"It's exciting when he comes in," said Collingwood of Smith. "He's certainly an entertainer.

"You go back to the days of when Gilchrist would come in for Australia. It sucks the life out of you as the opposition when someone has the ability to do something like that. In his short Test career, he has shown some great skills."(BBC Sport)

"We're not always going to get it right and today was one of those days we didn't get it right. The guys is thWe want to make sure we can have a clean sweep and the lads are very proud about playing for England. We've not felt there has been an complacency coming into this match."

England needs nine wickets to win the third Test and earn a summer clean sweep

National Champion Taffin Khan receiving his Trophy from GCF head Anand Raghunauth

All-rounder Moeen Ali retires from England duty

ENGLAND all-rounder

Moeen Ali has retired from international cricket, saying "the time is right" to move on.

Moeen played all three formats for England after making his international debut in 2014.

The 37-year-old was part of the white-ball squads that won the 50-over World Cup on home soil in 2019, and the T20 World Cup in 2022.

He first retired from Test cricket in 2021, but came out of retirement two years later for the home Ashes series against Australia, which England ultimately drew.

Off-spinner Moeen played 68 Tests, 138 one-day internationals and 92 Twenty20s for England.

The vice-captain in the white-ball team, he also led England in one one-day international and 12 T20s.

He missed out on selection for England's upcoming white-ball series against Australia.

Announcing his decision in an interview with Nasser Hussain, external in the Daily Mail, Moeen said it was "time for the next generation" in English cricket. "I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know in reality I won't,"

Moeen said.

"Even retiring, I don't feel it's because I'm not good enough; I still feel I can play. "But I get how things are, and the team needs to evolve into another cycle. It's about being real to myself."

A stylish left-handed batter, Moeen scored five Test and three ODI centuries.

He also took 204 Test wickets, along with 111 in

ODIs and 51 in T20 cricket for England.

His final international appearance was against India in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in June, which England lost by 68 runs.

"Tests were by far the best format," Moeen added, in an interview with Test Match Special.

"It's something that as a young player, I felt it was the most important, it was the more proper form of cricket.

"White-ball was more fun, I almost saw is as time to wind down and relax from red-ball cricket, especially when you would play right after."

Elegant, tough and a big spinner of the ball - what they said

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook, speaking on Test Match Special: "When I look back at ‘Mo’,

he is probably the most selfless player to play for England in terms of he would do anything the team required.

"He batted from one to eight, I think he also batted at nine in one game. He opened the batting in Abu Dhabi, which allowed Adil Rashid to play, he came back in and batted at three in those Ashes under Brendon McCullum as well.

"He would do anything the team required, probably to the hindrance of his batting - you'll remember, when he was picked, he was picked as a batsman who bowled a bit of part-time spin, because we didn't have any other spinners, and we thought he was the best option because he spun it really hard, and we thought four seamers and him as an option was the way to go.

"Mo was a lot tougher

than people gave him credit for. Because he was such an elegant stroke player, people didn't really appreciate that in tough moments he was a clutch cricketer as well."

Ex-England spinner Phil Tufnell: "Moeen was a silkysmooth batter, and a destructive batter as well. That cover drive, how many times have we seen that? Not really a lot of foot movement, and then just absolute timing.

"Fantastic batsman and he seemed a reluctant spinner, didn't he? But then once he got into it and realised he could really affect the game I think he really started working on it and as Cooky said, he really spun the ball hard. He was one of those guys where you could throw him the ball in the fourth innings and he could do a job - more than a job – beautifully.

Falcons win Warner Park thriller against Patriots

ANTIGUA and Barbuda Falcons pulled off a stunning two-wicket victory over St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots with just two balls to spare in a tense match at the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

After winning the toss and inserting the opposition, the Falcons restricted the Patriots to 153-8 off their 20 overs. Mohammad Amir picked up three wickets for the Falcons and Mikyle Louis starring with the bat for the Patriots.

Louis’ lusty order lower order hitting ensured thirty-three runs were scored off the last

few overs as he cruised to 63 runs off just 36 balls, including seven sixes. A target of 153 was a success of sorts for the home side after they were earlier reeling at 60-4 in the ninth over.

In response, the Falcons seemed to be hauling in the target without too many alarms, Brandon King and Justin Greaves striking their way to 55 before King fell in the fifth over- trapped in front of the stumps by the pace of Anrich Nortje. From then on, the plain sailing was over, as the Falcons lost regular wickets, and the match remained too close to call.

Wanindu Hasaranga was the main architect of the damage with the ball for the visitors, the Sri Lankan all-rounder’s leg-breaks and assorted varieties posing a constant threat.

Justin Greaves, Sam

Billings, the dangerous Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer were all pocketed by Hasaranga in a devastating period of top-quality spin bowling.

At 110-7 when Billings departed the scene, it looked as if the Falcons’

wings had been clipped and that the duel was going the way of the Patriot Roshon Primus and Imad Wasim combined effectively to hit the gaps in the field and take every single run on offer in order to eke their way closer to the target. With three overs to go the Falcons required 22 runs to win with three wickets in hand.

Dominic Drakes was summoned into the attack and bowled a frugal over that was hit for just six runs to leave the equation as 15 runs needed from 12 balls. Primus was then caught off backward point off Nortje as the pendulum swung towards Patriots in

the penultimate over. With 11 runs needed from the final over, Fabian Allen stole the game at the last for the Falcons, smiting consecutive Drakes short balls for six and four into the leg side and scampering the single needed for victory with two balls remaining.

Imad Wasim was named Player-of-theMatch for his 17 not out and 2-24 with the ball as the victory took the Falcons to third in the table and left the Patriots bottom of the table after suffering their fifth defeat on the bounce. (CPL)

Rutherford withdraws from CPL 2024 for personal reasons

SHERFANE Rutherford’s unavailability has added to St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ woes in CPL 2024. Midway through their last home game of the season against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, a CPL release stated that Rutherford had withdrawn from the rest of the tournament for personal reasons.

A replacement for Rutherford will be announced in due course.

Rutherford, 26, had played just four games for

Drakes, who is predominantly a bowling all-rounder, batting at No.7 against Falcons on Sunday. They are currently rooted to the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table with a solitary win in six matches.

Though Sri Lanka wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga bagged four wickets for Patriots, they failed to defend 153 on a tacky surface on Sunday. Since winning CPL 2021 at home, Patriots have lost 11 completed games on the bounce at Basseterre.

“I must say thanks, but

we disappointed them [the St Kitts and Nevis crowd],” Patriots’ captain Andre Fletcher said after the game. “It’s hard, and I would like to apologise as the leader as well, saying sorry for not giving them a win on home soil. But all is not lost; we still have four more games left. We still have to go out ther,e play the cricket and play hard. And we will try to win the next four.”

Patriots allrounder Kyle Mayers is also an injury doubt after he left the field

following a two-over spell with the ball, with the broadcasters suggesting that he had sustained a hamstring injury. South Africa batter Rilee Rossouw, however, returned to action for Patriots after having recovered from a calf injury. Prior to the start of the season, Patriots had lost Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza to injury and were depleted by the unavailability of Hasaranga and Tabraiz Shamsi at different points.

Moeen Ali made his England Test debut in 2014

Patriots this season, scoring 35 runs at a strike rate of

194.44. In Rutherford’s absence, Patriots had Dominic

Sherfane Rutherford played just four games for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2024

Brandon King made a quickfire 29 for Falcons

Rampant Amazon Warriors floor St. Lucia Kings to go Top of the Table

GUYANA Amazon Warriors, defending champions of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), put in a swaggering performance to claim three wins in three games to sit at the head of the standings after 10 games of this year’s tournament.

Their opponents, St. Lucia Kings, suffered their first loss of the 2024 tournament on what for them was a chastening night at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet. A thumping six-wicket win with 10 overs to spare was a real statement of intent from the Warriors.

Imran Tahir won the toss and elected to insert the Kings. The defending champions put in another impressive performance with the ball, Tahir claiming 3-29, and Player-of-the-Match

Gudakesh Motie taking 3-16 as the Kings failed to recover from a PowerPlay that saw them reduced to 43-4.

Some lower-order striking from Matthew Forde managed to haul the Kings to three figures exactly, but the Warriors made extremely short work of the target.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz lit up the St. Lucia sky with sixes as he struck 47 runs off just 19 balls that included not a single four, but saw seven sixes clear the ropes.

Gurbaz eventually fell with just nine more runs needed for victory, pinned lbw by Noor Ahmad while attempting a reverse-sweep that would have brought him a rapid fifty.

Noor also bowled Tim Robinson, but not before the War-

riors’ debutant opener had got the chase off to a breezy start with 33 off 20 deliveries, including a deliciously driven lofted six down the ground. A fired up Alzarri Joseph had Azam Khan caught at short third, and was thrilled with the wicket.

Joseph then greeted Shimron Hetmyer with a stare and another short delivery, but Hetmyer launched the next ball high and long over mid-on for six and then scampered the winning runs off the next over to have the decisive final say.

It was a day to forget for the Kings, but one to savour for the Warriors. Barbados Royals are the only other side that remain unbeaten in this year’s competition. (CPL)

Sabalenka holds off Pegula to win first US Open title

Sabalenka won her first US Open title as she put the disappointment of last year’s final behind her to hold off home hope Jessica Pegula.

Sabalenka was seen smashing her racquet on the floor of the locker room after losing the Flushing Meadows showpiece to Coco Gauff in 2023.

However, 12 months on, the Belarusian second seed earned redemption in New York, dropping to the floor in celebration after clinching a thrilling 7-5 7-5 win over Pegula.

It is a third Grand Slam singles trophy for Sabalenka after she successfully defended her Australian Open title in January.

It also continues her dominance on hard courts, with the win over Pegula extending Sabalenka’s unbeaten run on the surface at major tournaments to 14 matches.

“I’m speechless right now. It’s always been a dream of mine and finally I got this beautiful trophy,” Sabalenka said.

The 26-year-old ran up to her player’s box to celebrate the

victory, hugging her team and jokingly slapping the head of her strength and conditioning coach Jason Stacy, who had a replica of Sabalenka’s tiger tattoo printed on the area.

“If you’re really working hard sacrificing everything for your dream, you’re going to get it one day,” she added.

“I’m just super proud of myself. I never say that but I’m super proud of myself.

“I’m super proud of my team that no matter what, we were able to go through it and get all those beautiful trophies.”

For sixth seed Pegula, the wait for a first major title goes on.

Playing in a first Grand Slam singles final, the 30-yearold was buoyed by a partisan crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium and made a late surge to halt Sabalenka.

But Sabalenka fought back from a 5-3 second-set deficit before wrapping up victory in one hour and 53 minutes to claim 2,000 ranking points and $3.6m (£3.04m) in prize money.

BACK ON TRACK

After losing to Gauff in last year’s final, a tearful Sabalenka admitted she had struggled to deal with the crowd, later saying the noise was so loud it “blocked my ears”.

The atmosphere was no different this time around, with Pegula receiving the majority of the support from the packed 23,000-seater stadium.

There were times when Sabalenka looked like the occasion

would again get the better of her as she hit 34 unforced errors and five double faults.

Once the type of player who failed to keep her emotions in check, she has taken active steps to strengthen her mentality, including working with a psychologist, to become one of the most consistent competitors on the WTA Tour.

With injuries disrupting her season - she struggled with a stomach problem at the French Open before a shoulder issue

ruled her out of Wimbledon - Sabalenka has got back on track with successive titles after beating Pegula in the final of last month’s Cincinnati Open.

“I wish she would have at least let me get one set. We had a tough match in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and she’s one of the best in the world,” Pegula said.

“She’s super powerful and isn’t going to give you anything, she can take the racquet out of your hand.”

Sabalenka’s victory in New York sees her become the first player to win both hard-court Slams in the same year since Angelique Kerber in 2016.

Sabalenka holds her nerve to see out win

Sabalenka and Pegula arrived at Flushing Meadows as the two most in-form players, with each having won a WTA 1,000 tournament last month.

Pegula appeared to be brimming with confidence as she started aggressively and surprised Sabalenka by striking the first blow early in the opening set.

But Sabalenka broke back immediately before powering her way through the next three games. The two-time Australian Open winner faltered, however, when trying to serve out the set and Pegula put a finger to her ear, demanding more noise from an already-raucous crowd, as she refound her rhythm to level the opener at 5-5.

The pair grew frustrated as the first set came to a crescendo, with both hitting their racquets angrily off the floor before Sabalenka - after missing four set points - closed it out at the fifth time of asking.

Keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s final, which she lost after winning the opening set, Sabalenka steamrolled through the first three games of the second set.

But roared on by her home crowd, Pegula battled her way back, breaking twice to take a 5-3 lead before the big-hitting Sabalenka slammed on the brakes. (BBC Sport)

Gudakesh Motie of Guyana Amazon Warriors collects his Man-of-the-Match award after the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between St Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Saturday night at Gros Islet, Saint Lucia (Photo by Ashley Allen –CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

ARYNA

Aryna Sabalenka has won three of the four Grand Slam singles finals she has played in