Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali
Base Camp Ayanganna (Jose Cheddie photos)
PPP/C Gov’t creates over 20,000 jobs in Region Six
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has successfully created over 20,000 jobs in Region Six since returning to office in 2020, through both direct investments and sound policies, which have significantly enhanced the lives
and livelihoods of residents.
With ongoing developments at Palmyra, even more employment opportunities are anticipated for the people of Berbice.
During a visit to Tain, Corentyne, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday, said that the government has directly generated 10,000 jobs, with another 10,000
— through direct investments, creation of conducive environment for private sector growth since 2020
resulting from its investments across various sectors.
He related that, after the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about employment were prominent during his visit to the region. However, following recent meetings, he observed considerable improvements.
Residents had previously expressed concern about
their future after the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government had shuttered the Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates.
Persons said they had struggled to support their families and send their children to school due to the coalition government's decisions.
Recognising the dire im-
pact of those decisions on the lives of persons in the region, the incumbent PPP/C rehired approximately 2,000 sugar workers, employed around 4,500 part-time workers, and engaged another 3,000 individuals in government programmes such as housing and road construction.
Vice-President Jagdeo highlighted that government investments have led to the creation of an additional 10,000 jobs in the private sector.
“So, we have about 10,000 people who are working only for government in this region and there are another 10,000 who are working in the private sector because of [its] expansion,” he said.
Jagdeo emphasised the government's commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, and gender.
Regarding the Palmyra development, he mentioned that the construction of three hotels is expected to generate 4,000 jobs, with training provided for those positions through the hospitality institute which is also being constructed in Port Mourant, Corentyne.
He also said that the government has received several applications for shopping malls at the site where the new stadium is already being constructed; this could create more employment and investment opportunities.
Additionally, Jagdeo said the expansion of the highway from Crabwood Creek to New Amsterdam is also anticipated to create more jobs for residents. The construction of two state-of-the-art hospitals in the region will also contribute to job creation, he said.
On another note, the Vice-President pointed to the government’s plan for a toll-free, high-rise four-lane bridge across the Berbice River, noting: “There are lots of things that are going to happen in this region to ensure that we keep pushing development.”
Further, stressing that there were many developments underway in the region to foster growth, he assured residents that the oil and gas sector would ultimately reach Berbice, as the government was advancing the second major gas project into Berbice aimed at industrialising the area. This initiative is expected to result in significant job creation.
Jagdeo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the oil sector revenues are utilised wisely over the long term, preventing the pitfalls experienced by countries like Venezuela. He then encouraged residents to stay informed about government projects and not be swayed by naysayers.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has successfully created over 20,000 jobs in Region Six since returning to office in 2020, through both direct investments and sound policies, which have significantly enhanced the lives and livelihoods of residents
Comprehensive design, tender process to commence soon for new GDF headquarters
–– President Ali announces, points to major improvement in professionalism, sense of purpose, commitment to serve within the Defence Force
By Naomi Parris
BOASTING a comprehensive design with modern infrastructure, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will soon initiate tenders for the construction of a new defence headquarters, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, made the revelation on Wednesday during his address at the Commissioning Parade for the Standard Officers Course 55 at GDF’s Georgetown Base Camp Ayanganna.
Dr. Ali keenly pointed out the government’s commitment to national security and development through significant investments in military training and infrastructure.
In 2021, the government invested some $339 million in upgrading military bases and facilities. This was followed by $480 million in 2022 and over $1 billion in 2023 and a staggering $1.8 billion in 2024.
These investments, he reiterated, reflect the government’s commitment to building resilient and robust military infrastructure.
“I’ve directed the Chief of Defence Staff, to initiate the comprehensive design and tender process for the new defence headquarters building, this strategic investment will not only provide our dedicated men and women in uniform with a modern and functional workplace but also serve as a tangible symbol of our unwavering commitment to national security [and] our unwavering dedication to the brave individuals who protect our freedom,” the Head of State said.
“This investment has not been in vain. We have witnessed a remarkable transformation within our military. We have seen a marked increase in professionalism, a heightened sense of purpose and a deep commitment to serving our nation,” he added.
‘STRONG AND CAPA-
BLE
MILITARY’ Meanwhile, in offering congratulatory wishes to the several ranks who received promotions and special awards at yesterday’s ceremony, the Commander-in-Chief pointed out the intricate link between the nation’s development and the
security of all citizens.
He stated that a stable, prosperous nation is a secure nation. Therefore, the government is committed to leveraging its resources, particularly its newfound oil wealth to drive economic growth and improve the lives of citizens.
However, to ensure Guyana remains a flourishing nation, a strong and capable military is essential in prioritising sustainable development, environmental protection and social equity.
“This requires a strong and capable military. A military that is not only prepared
to defend our borders, but also to contribute to the nation building efforts, we recognise the unique challenges that come with being a nation in these volatile, uncertain, complex and ambitious times.”
Dr. Ali, in an awe aspiring charge, further reminded the newly promoted officers to demonstrate the same courage, dedication and professionalism that has been a hallmark of the country’s armed forces.
“You stand on the shoulders of those who came before you. You inherit the legacy of courage, dedication and service. You’re the future of our armed forces. You’re the guidance of our nation’s security. You’re the embodiment of our hopes and aspirations. Your journey has just begun. We’ll face challenges, we’ll encounter obstacles, and you will be tested, but I am confident that you will rise to the occasion, you are trained to rise to the occasion.”
At Wednesday’s Commissioning Parade for the Standard officers Course 55 at GDF’s Georgetown Base Camp Ayanganna, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali urged scores of newly promoted officers from the Joint Services to demonstrate the same courage, dedication and professionalism that has been a hallmark of the country’s armed forces (Jose Cheddie photos)
CARICOM awards innovative regional farmers
THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) celebrated regional agricultural excellence on October 7 during the opening ceremony of the 18th Caribbean Week of Agriculture.
The event, held at The University of the West Indies Open Campus, highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices and recognized outstanding contributions from local farmers.
Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonzalves, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Caesar, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett were among the dignitaries who delivered addresses at the ceremony, setting the tone for a week dedicated to advancing agricultural resilience and innovation in the region.
Dominica’s Kevorn
Vidal was named the CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year, acknowledging his dedication and passion for agriculture. In his acceptance speech, Vidal expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is with immense joy and pride that I stand here before you as the recipient of the 2024 Young Farmer of the Year Award. This is a true manifestation of perseverance and commitment. Coming from generations of a farming family, I’ve always had the desire to toil on the land to produce food, and to see my hard work emerge as a business venture is truly fulfilling.”
Caribbean Broilers Jamaica was awarded the CARICOM Ministers of Agriculture Farmer of the Year, with Alicia Bogues accepting the honor on behalf of the company. She noted that the award signifies the
ning from October 7 to 11, the event features various workshops and seminars covering critical topics, including safeguarding agriculture in a changing climate, climate-smart fishing, and digital agriculture innovations.
Participants will also engage in discussions focused on empowering young people in regional food systems, exploring pathways for women farmers post-Hurricane Beryl, and addressing human resource development within the sector. A Trade Show and Expo, showcasing agri-businesses and promoting knowledge sharing and modern technologies, is another highlight of this five-day event.
capability and commitment of regional com
panies to significantly invest in agriculture and work towards reducing the region’s food import
bill by 25 per cent by 2025.
The theme for this year’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture is “Climate-Smart Agriculture
for a Sustainable Future,” which aligns with the 25 by 2025 Initiative aimed at enhancing regional food security and sustainability. Run-
The Caribbean Week of Agriculture underscores CARICOM’s commitment to fostering agricultural resilience and sustainability in the face of climate challenges while celebrating the significant contributions of farmers across the region.
-
The Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Alicia Bogues, who accepted the Ministers of Agriculture CARICOM Farmer of the Year award on behalf of Caribbean Broilers Jamaica and Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General
South Georgetown residents welcome road upgrades
RESIDENTS
of South Georgetown are expressing their gratitude for the extensive road upgrades in Lodge, Werk-en-Rust, Newburg, Wortmanville, and surrounding communities.
The major upgrades, undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit (SPU), covered over four kilometres of roadway.
Odessa Debarros, speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, said the upgrades have significantly improved accessibility and reduced flooding.
“Before, we had potholes, uneven roads, and the road wasn’t so wide. It is now wide where we can have a smooth
In addition, residents were awarded contracts to carry out drainage and irrigation works in their areas.
flow of traffic in the morning and evening…The work is well accepted by the residents and I want to say thanks to public works,” Debarros said.
Constable Odayson Ashby also highlighted the benefits of the widened roads and improved drainage, adding, “Residents can now enjoy smoother access with the widened roads and better drainage which was [sic] not there before.”
Another resident, Malika Boxhill, praised the improvements in Leopold Street. He said children can now ride their bicycles on smoother paths and play within the community.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, reminded residents of the government’s commitment to infrastructural development across Guyana, citing similar upgrades in Rasville,
East and West Ruimveldt, Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Charlestown, and North-East La Penitence.
He also took the opportunity to address misconceptions about investments in South Georgetown.
“The myth that South Georgetown is being neglected by the PPP/C government is exposed. Everything that needs to be done is not yet done, but certainly we will
get everything that we promised done,” Minister Edghill emphasised.
The minister announced that the section of the road from Princess Street to Main Street will soon be upgraded and will be transformed into a main access road.
Bids for the project are now closed. The minister said the contract will be awarded shortly. (DPI)
Road upgrades in South Georgetown
Bridging the digital divide
THE United Nation’s Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development estimates that some 3.6 billion people remain totally unconnected to the Internet. This means that there are approximately 4.1 billion people online, about 53.6 per cent of the global population.
These are frightening figures considering how heavily dependent many of our daily functions are on internet connectivity. The internet is a major player in the modernisation that many developing countries are striving for. They want modern hospitals, modern schools and methods of
learning and modern facilities that can make everyday life easier.
However, there are many countries that are struggling to provide internet connectivity to citizens that live in rural areas. This is severely hampering growth, development and the provision of a better life for a section of their population. Furthermore, it can be agreed that a lack of internet access creates barriers to economic opportunities and mobility.
In Guyana, the government of the day is working around the clock to improve the internet connectivity situation, focusing on bridging the digital divide between
the hinterland and the coastland.
Guyana, a country with a large landmass that encompasses lots of virgin forest, is still trying to cement its footing in the digital world. The provision of stable, affordable internet connection is on the minds of our leaders and they have promised to take action to ensure sustainability and benefits for generations to come.
While those in mainly coastal areas enjoy internet connectivity, those in the far-flung areas are not so lucky. There are many living in Amerindian villages in the hinterland and remote
parts of the country who are clueless when it comes to internet.
To them, access to a digital device and the internet is a dream. However, the government through its ICT Access and E-Services for HPRC Project is turning that dream into a reality. Targeting some 200 of those communities, Amerindian Village Councils and Community Development Councils under this initiative will receive up to US$40,000 to construct ICT hubs.
It is expected that by the end of November 2024, 141 ICT will be constructed and retrofitted in Amerindian villages. As of now, 111 of
those hubs are operational.
The main beneficiaries of this project will be school children who will be able to access online materials that are necessary for their studies. This also means that they, like those living in coastal communities, can benefit from the learning programmes that the Ministry of Education has rolled out such as the Mathematics intervention initiative and they can also keep abreast with current and world affairs.
Each hub will have 20 licensed computers with Microsoft Office Suite and additional proprietary software will be installed so
that users can benefit from high-speed internet connectivity of 300 megabytes per second.
The investments being made to ensure that those living in the hinterland have access to this crucial digital technology is commendable and ought to be very much appreciated. However, the installation of the necessary infrastructure should be paired with digital literacy to ensure that everyone understands and can take full advantage of this global network that has the ability to change lives and develop communities.
President Ali pledges $500,000 to create impromptu speech, debating awards at St Stanislaus College
PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has pledged $500,000 annually to the Board of Governors of St Stanislaus College to establish a debating and impromptu speech award in honour of the late Lorraine Meratins who was regarded as an exceptional teacher.
The president made the announcement while commissioning the refurbished Physics and Chemistry laboratories and staff room at the secondary institution, on Tuesday.
In his address, President Ali said the creation of the Lorraine Meratins debating and impromptu speech award will stimulate a tradition in impromptu speech, debating, and poetry.
Reflecting on his time as a student at St Stanislaus
College, President Ali spoke of the profound influence that the institution had on his life and how it helped to shape his future endeavours by providing him with a well-rounded educational experience.
He emphasised that this same transformative experience awaits all current and future students given that the school continues to foster essential values of generosity, creativity, initiative, and academic excellence.
According to the head of state, the school’s strength lies in its ability to develop well-rounded, civic-minded individuals with diverse talents and skills.
“We don’t want this institution to focus only on academics. The strength of this institution is in creating
rounded individuals, creating and understanding the talent of everyone who passes through here, building on that talent and giving them the best opportunity to deliver that talent to the population,” he emphasised.
President Ali also spoke of the need to create an ecosystem at the school that will foster innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of new products and technologies that inspire students to go beyond and above their traditional academic pursuits. He also called on the school administrators to take the lead in areas such as environmental studies, climate science, and low-carbon development strategies and find ways to integrate them into the students’ education.
President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the announcement while commissioning the refurbished Physics and Chemistry laboratories and staff room at the secondary institution, on Tuesday
Agricultural sector flourishes with focus on modernisation, inclusivity – Minister Mustapha
— youths, women’s role in Guyana’s agricultural growth being enhanced
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
In a determined push to boost both traditional and non-traditional crops, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has outlined the government’s ambitious goals for the sector. With the end of the year fast approaching, the Ministry is on track to exceed its targets, focusing not only on boosting crop production but also on creating more opportunities for both veteran farmers and a new generation of young and female farmers.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Mustapha emphasized the significant investments made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s administration in agriculture. He highlighted that these investments, which span infrastructure, crop cultivation, and farmer training, are already yielding results, and they aim to strengthen the country's food security.
“We are working aggressively to achieve our agricultural programs for this year. By doing so, we’re not just enhancing food production but securing our country’s
food security for the future,” Minister Mustapha said. He added that by the first quarter of next year, Guyana could become self-sufficient in key crops like black-eye peas and red beans, with hopes to start exporting by mid-2025.
The Agriculture Ministry is also building a state-of-theart tissue culture laboratory, which will provide farmers across the country with
high-quality planting materials. "We’re on track for the lab to be operational by early next year, which will allow us to roll out advanced agricultural materials to support farmers," Minister Mustapha said. This initiative is expected to drive agricultural innovation and boost productivity across the sector.
Inclusive Agriculture
Minister Mustapha shared that the government’s agricultural development initiatives are part of a broader vision to build an ecosystem that includes infrastructure development, increased food production, market linkages, and greater participation from youth and women. "President Ali's goal has always been to leave no one behind," Mustapha explained. "We are making sure that agriculture becomes an inclusive sector where everyone—regardless of age or gender—can contribute and thrive."
Reflecting on progress since 2020, Mustapha noted that one of the key goals has been to get more youth and women involved in agriculture. In 2024, this vision has been realized, with President Ali mandating that 35 percent
of all agricultural projects must include young people and women. “The enthusiasm from young people and women in agriculture is truly encouraging. It motivates us in the ministry and the government to keep expanding opportunities for all Guyanese,” Mustapha added.
Transforming Guyana's Agricultural Landscape
The government’s commitment to the agricultural sector was further underscored in a mid-year report presented by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service. According to the report, $28.9 billion of the $97.6 billion allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture has already been invested in developing the sector during the first half of 2024.
Key initiatives include the construction of 75 new shade houses designed for high-value crops such as bell peppers, lettuce, and broccoli. These shade houses, built in collaboration with the private sector, use hydroponic farming methods and have benefitted 43 farmers so far. Additionally, over 2,000 hectares of land
have been converted for sugar cane cultivation at the Rose Hall, Albion, Blairmont, and Uitvlugt Estates, ensuring that Guyana's sugar industry continues to expand. A sugar dryer budgeted at $60 million is also scheduled for installation by the end of the year to improve sugar quality and production.
The rice industry has seen similar success, with a 19.8 percent increase in production compared to last year.
The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) invested $526.5 million to support rice farmers through technical services, training, and the introduction of new technologies that have lowered operational costs while increasing productivity.
Minister Mustapha also highlighted progress in the coconut industry, where $60.7 million has been invested in the past six months. Approximately 13,000 hybrid seed nuts were imported from Brazil, accelerating the expansion of large-scale coconut farming in the country.
As Guyana continues to ramp up agricultural production and exports, the government remains committed
to positioning the country as the "food basket of the Caribbean." With ongoing investments in large-scale farming, farmer training, and infrastructure improvements, the nation is playing a critical role in CARICOM’s goal of reducing its US$5 billion food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.
"Guyana’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, which generates thousands of jobs and significantly contributes to our GDP," Minister Mustapha stated. "Our agricultural sector is essential for ensuring local food security, but it’s also vital for positioning Guyana as a leading food producer for the region and beyond."
With further plans for growth, including the inclusion of more youth and women in the sector, and enhanced infrastructure to support market linkages, Guyana’s agricultural future looks bright. "As we push towards achieving these ambitious targets, we’re confident that agriculture will remain at the heart of Guyana’s development story," Minister Mustapha concluded.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha
I suspect it could be Moses Nagamootoo and no one else
YESTERDAY
(Wednesday), I wrote on what Nigel Hughes told the gathering at an AFC meeting in New York. I quote him once more: “One of our candidates (AFC) was the reason why the coalition came out of government.”
In my piece, I looked at possible names and after examining the lack of
substantial power of those persons in the APNU+AFC government and in the AFC itself, ruled them out. I speculated on two personalities that Nigel may be referring to – David Patterson and Khemraj Ramjattan.
But it cannot be those two because Nigel would face mountainous embarrassment should he name either of them because one is the current deputy leader of the AFC, Patterson.
Now, you cannot tell the nation that Patterson was the factor for the AFC’s loss of power in 2020 when he is current deputy leader. No one, not even a school child would accept that as logical.
This is so illogical that it need not detail us further. The identical analysis applies to Ramjattan. He sits in the executive and in the real decision making machinery of the AFC called the management committee. Why would he cause the party to be out of power and he is still a key player in the AFC?
Logical deduction leads you to conclude that the subject is Moses Nagamootoo. But it cannot be him since no particular politician in the AFC was a law onto him/herself that undermined the AFC’s role in government.
The AFC power-holders were each guilty in equal measure for the rejection the Guyanese people showed them when the party was in office. I am convinced that Nagamootoo played no decisively distinct role in undermining the AFC’s credibility between 2015 and 2020.
The curiosity that is born after Nigel’s announcement is why pick on Nagamootoo. He is the obvious fall-guy because he is no longer with the AFC and since the AFC is desperate to rebrand then it has to find a marketing strategy.
Before we analyse why that strategy will fail, it should be noted that Nigel will be pressed by the media and at campaign outings to name him. There is no way other AFC leaders will escape similar questioning.
For the AFC to say that a specific big-wig in the AFC contributed to the AFC’s loss of power and refuses to identify who was that person will generate anger among people. In politics you have to answer people’s queries if you are going to win their support.
I return now to the issue as to why beating the Nagamootoo drum will fail. One is that it is too infantile a strategy to pursue. People will see through it. People will be cynical about it. Guyanese will not accept the explanation that Nagamootoo was a spoiler when the AFC was in government.
Guyanese people know their politics and they know that Nagamootoo’s power was weakened by the PNC and the AFC did not react to that original violation of the Cummingsburg Accord. Secondly, in a small population like Guyana, political intrigues cannot remain invisible for a week much less a month. It was obvious to Guyanese wherever they were in 2016 and 2017 that the PNC was running the show and did not assign the necessary power to the AFC.
Why then blame Nagamootoo? He was just as
peripheral in government as all other AFC ministers. But more importantly, between 2015 and 2020, there was no AFC personality in power that emerged as an outspoken Cabinet member and was perceived by the Guyanese people as the maverick that confronted the PNC.
Ironically, if anyone in the AFC hierarchy was outspoken and did not agree with the creeping takeover of the coalition government by the PNC was Nigel himself.
Thirdly, the AFC will hemorrhage supporters if in the coming months it continues with the Nagamootoo factor. People want real answers as to why the AFC lost its way in government and strayed from its moorings. To evade those answers and cite Nagamootoo as the reason why dead meat replaced vibrancy in the AFC, will result in the AFC being laughed at.
Whoever invented the Nagamootoo stratagem lacks depth in political thinking. There is only one marketing strategy the AFC has and will have before the countdown to the national election begins. It has to come clean with the Guyanese people and admit that it got lost in the vortex of power and offer the nation a sincere apology. That may yield dividends but surely not the Nagamootoo comicality. The new leadership of the AFC isn’t new at all and may have already become dead meat.
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.
President to address National Assembly today — expected to unveil more cost-of-living measures
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT
Dr. Irfaan
Ali will, today, address the National Assembly and is expected to unveil a sleuth of measures geared at addressing the rising cost of living, which is being induced primarily by global economic factors.
According to the official Order Paper for the 86th Sitting of the 12th Parliament of Guyana, the legislative body will resume following a recess since August, and after several presentation papers and reports, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, will temporarily suspend the sitting to receive President Ali.
This will be the Head of State’s second time ad -
dressing the National Assembly since assuming office in 2020.
Last month, Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, hinted that the Head of State would further discuss the government’s plans to ad -
dress the rising cost of living in the country.
“I know we have a ton of ideas, and the President will speak at the opening of the Parliament,” Dr. Jagdeo said at a news conference.
In the 2024 National Budget, $7 billion was allocated
to implement measures to cushion the impact of the cost of living.
According to Dr, Jagdeo, those funds have not yet been utlilised.
“The money is still in the budget, not being utilised as yet for specific interventions on cost of living.”
The effects of global economic conditions have significantly impacted different regions, yet the people of Guyana have been shielded from the worst consequences, due to the deliberate policies and programmes implemented by the PPP/C Govern -
ment.
Just last month, President Ali said that despite being challenged by the shocks brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressures from rising transportation costs, and rising costs in the movement of goods and services, the Government of Guyana has remained resilient in its response.
The shocks, he reminded, are not limited to Guyana.
Citing a recent article by a global financial expert, Dr. Ali noted that global inflation spiked in 179 countries, with countries such as the United
States and the United Kingdom recording inflation rates that reached a 40-year high in 2022.
Unlike those countries, Guyana, the President noted, had been “importing” those rising costs.
The Head of State had said: “We are importing that inflation. What we have done as the government, very successfully, is [establish] measures that we put in place to cushion that inflationary costs and rising costs, so that the effect was not transported to the consumer.”
President Dr. Irfaan Ali will today address Guyana’s National Assembly. This will be the Head of State’s second time addressing the National Assembly since assuming office in 2020.
Gov’t invests over US$1.2M in new vocational training centre to empower youths
–– Minister Manickchand commissions
New Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre
MINISTER of Education
Priya Manickchand on Wednesday officially commissioned the newly rehabilitated Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre located on the West Coast of Demerara
This state-of-the-art facility, costing a total of USD 1,214,907.42, is set to benefit approximately 400 students and aims to significantly enhance technical and vocational training in the region.
The comprehensive funding for the centre covers infrastructural development, tools and equipment, as well as ICT resources and furnishing. This milestone is part of the ministry’s ongoing commitment to equipping students with practical skills that align with the demands of a modern job market.
During the commissioning ceremony, Minister Manickchand emphasised the importance of the centre in fulfilling the Ministry of Education’s goals of producing highly skilled students.
“This centre plays a crucial role in the Guyana Government’s vision to create educational opportunities that allow every child to have a bright future in the new Guyana we are building out,” she stated. The minister encouraged students to make the most of the centre’s resources and pursue the skills and training offered to ensure their success in the evolving job market.
The Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre is among several facilities being upgraded under the Guyana Skills Development and
Employability Project (GSDEP), which is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). This initiative aims to refurbish and expand Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) in Regions Three, Four, and Five, as well as Practical Instruction Departments (PIDs) in hinterland secondary schools, thereby strengthening technical vocational education and training (TVET) throughout the country.
The centre offers training in various fields, including electrical work, woodworking, and food and nutrition, with the goal of providing students with the competencies necessary to earn Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certifications. These qualifications will enable students to con-
fidently enter the job market, establish their own economic enterprises, or pursue further post-secondary and tertiary education.
Deputy Chief Education Officer-Technical, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, highlighted the ministry’s dedication to strengthening TVET across the nation. He noted that the government continues to
foster partnerships with key funding agencies, such as the CDB, to ensure quality technical vocational education and training is accessible to all citizens.
To further support the practical and technical training programmes at the centre, the Office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer with Responsibility for Technical
Education donated essential safety gear, including 20 helmets, 20 safety vests, 20 pairs of gloves, and 20 pairs of goggles.
This donation aims to ensure that students have the necessary equipment to work in a secure and protected environment, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand on Wednesday officially commissioned the newly rehabilitated Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre located on the West Coast of Demerara.
Morning Glory Inc re-certified ‘Made in Guyana’ standards programme
MORNING Glory Inc., a cereal manufacturer based in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, has been re-certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under its prestigious “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark programme. This certification allows the company to continue using the GNBS-approved “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark for its flagship rice cereal product.
The re-certification ceremony took place on Wednesday at Morning Glory’s cereal plant in Anna Regina. The certificate was presented by GNBS Technical Officer Orlando Sturge, and was attended by key figures, including GNBS Head of Marketing, Syeid Ibrahim; Morning Glory’s Chief Operating Officer, Indrawattie Natram; Office Manager, Seepersaud Manohar; Quality Officer Lalita Saamsundar; Production Supervisor Mervin Ramkisson and other employees.
During the event, GNBS Technical Officer Orlando Sturge praised the collaboration with Morning Glory Inc and emphasised the significance of the “Made in
Guyana” Standards Mark in enhancing the competitiveness of local manufacturers. “The Standards Mark is a registered trademark designed to promote brand recognition for locally made products, thereby bolstering their reputations both nationally and internationally,” said Sturge. He also expressed the GNBS’ commitment to working with Morning Glory Inc to pursue additional certifications, including the GYS 901 certification, which is benchmarked against the international ISO 9001:2015 standard.
Morning Glory Inc.’s Office Manager, Indrawattie Natram, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to maintaining high quality standards and delivering nutritious cereals to consumers. She proudly acknowledged the company’s achievement in obtaining the “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark for its packaged rice cereal and highlighted their focus on quality, which has made Morning Glory a trusted name in Guyanese households for over five years.
“We are proud of the recognition our products have received. Morning Glo-
ry Inc started operations in 2017, and our journey began with support from the Government of Guyana under an initiative led by then Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, now President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” Natram said. “Since then, we have continuously worked to uphold the highest standards in our production process.”
Morning Glory Inc has also earned the GNBS National Quality Awards for agro-processing in both 2019 and 2021, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to quality.
The GNBS “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark Programme is a voluntary certification available to all local manufacturers who meet the rigorous quality standards set by the GNBS. The programme provides a framework for fostering quality systems within Guyana’s local industries, propelling them to greater visibility on national, regional, and international platforms.
Under the GNBS Act No. 11 of 1984, the Bureau is authorised to issue the “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark to products that meet the programme’s re-
quirements. The certification ensures that these products comply with all applicable standards, enhancing their
The staff at Morning Glory Inc
credibility and marketability.
Morning Glory Inc remains a key player in the agro-processing sector and
continues to contribute to the growth and development of Guyana’s local manufacturing industry.
Guyana on track to produce all livestock feed by 2025
GUYANA
is on track to achieve self-sufficiency in its livestock feed production by 2025.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, revealed this important information, on Monday, during the commissioning of a soil chemical services laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s (NAREI) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
“For the first time, we are producing corn and soya in our country. And next year, we will be self-sufficient in producing all the livestock feed in our
country,” the agriculture minister explained.
Every year, Guyana imports approximately US$40 million in livestock feed.
Minister Mustapha said that this money could be invested in other sectors to further increase the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Self-sufficiency will be achieved by cultivating corn and soya beans successfully. Corn and soya are grown at Tacama, Berbice and over 10,000 acres are already being cultivated.
Corn and soya offer significant nutritional ben-
efits. For example, soya beans produce “oilseed meal” – commonly known as a plant-derived protein supplement – that is used in animal feed to increase digestion and improve growth.
Corn silage – a high-energy and low-protein feed – is used to supplement the diet of growing dairy heifers and lactating cows.
This year’s budget allocated $967.8 million for the production of corn and soya beans. By the end of 2025, it is expected that a total of 30,000 acres will be dedicated to the cultivation of corn and soya.
Four years ago, investment in Guyana’s agriculture sector was around $13.5 billion.
However, since the PPP/C Government took office, that investment has been drastically increased to $77.6 billion.
With this substantial investment and the imple-
mentation of robust systems, Minister Mustapha noted that Guyana has reclaimed its leadership in agriculture within the Caribbean.
“Under the leadership of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, we have not only been put at the forefront of agriculture, but today we
have recognised around the Caribbean a renewed interest in agriculture,” the minister pointed out.
He emphasised that agriculture is one of the country’s most important sectors because it is producing 60 per cent of the food consumed by citizens.
Since 2020, initiatives such as the Black Belly Sheep Programme, brackish water shrimp rearing, and the cultivation of highyield crops like cauliflower and broccoli have been launched in order to diversify and bring product versatility to the sector.
Earlier this week, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reported that the country’s rice yield went from 5.9 tonnes per hectare to 6.75 tonnes per hectare. This is a result of direct government investments. (DPI)
Guyana on track to produce all livestock feed by 2025
Cybersecurity Month: PM calls for collective action against rising cyber threats
IN a poignant address marking Cybersecurity Month, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips emphasized the urgent need to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure, stressing that cybersecurity is integral to national security and economic stability.
Cybercrime is projected to cost the world more than USD 10.5 trillion by 2025, surpassing the combined global trade of all major illegal drugs, according to Forbes Advisor. IBM has also reported that the average cost of a data breach will reach approximately USD 4.88 million in 2024. These alarming statistics highlight the severe financial and reputational repercussions of cyber-attacks on individuals, businesses, and governments alike.
Prime Minister Phillips noted that the consequences of inadequate cybersecurity extend beyond mere financial losses; they threaten national infrastructure stability, compromise personal data privacy, and erode trust in essential digital systems. The World Economic Forum has identified cyber-attacks as one of the top five risks to global stability, underscoring the necessity for all nations to prioritize cybersecurity.
“In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is not merely a technical requirement; it is foundational to our societal and economic frameworks,” said Phillips. “As the global digital landscape expands rapidly, we face both immense opportunities and new
vulnerabilities that demand our urgent attention.”
Guyana is proactively enhancing its cybersecurity measures to combat rising cyber threats. Recognizing cybersecurity as a core element of national strategy, the government has initiated significant actions, including the launch of 43 new public sector policies under the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework in April. This comprehensive strategy aims to secure digital infrastructure, protect citizens, and bolster economic growth. These policies align with the government’s vision to leverage Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for improved access to services, information sharing, and collaboration among government entities.
The framework also emphasizes the importance of strengthening legal structures, fostering national resilience, enhancing public awareness, and equipping citizens with the skills necessary for a secure digital economy.
Looking ahead, the government is set to invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies to bolster threat detection and response capabilities. These initiatives aim to create a safer online environment for all Guyanese.
As Cybersecurity Month approaches, Prime Minister Phillips called on citizens, businesses, and institutions to take cybersecurity seriously.
“Our digital future is bright, but it requires vigilance, awareness, and collaboration. The government cannot
secure cyberspace alone; it is a shared responsibility,” he stated.
He urged the nation to unite in building a safe and resilient digital environment, encouraging a collective effort to make Guyana a model for cybersecurity. “Let this
Cybersecurity Month be a catalyst for lasting change in how we approach our digital security.
The time to act is now—our shared digital future depends on it,” concluded Prime Minister Phillips.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
Fire destroys 15 buildings at Puruni Landing
–– two feared dead
A DEVASTATING
fire
swept through Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River, in Region Seven on Wednesday morning, completely destroying fifteen buildings and leaving two persons feared dead.
The fire, which began around 10:40 hours, consumed several businesses and residential properties, causing widespread damage and losses.
Among the structures lost in the blaze were nine buildings belonging to businesswoman Yvette McDonald of Enmore, East Coast Demerara. Her properties included the well-known establishment “Miners Choice,” which consisted of three hotel buildings, a restaurant, workers’ living quarters, a fuel bond, and a nightclub. Additionally, McDonald stored and sold gasoline and diesel on a wholesale and retail basis.
Four of the buildings were owned by Floyd Elcock, a businessman of Norton Street, Georgetown. His businesses included a grocery store, a hotel, a restaurant, and bulk fuel storage. Otis McKenzie, a businessman from Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo, owned a drug store, while Williams Cozier, a boat captain from Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, lost his residential property in the fire.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire started while a worker at McDonald’s “Miners Choice” was selling fuel. It is believed that fuel spillage ignited, causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the compound and adjacent structures. Several rooms at the hotel were reportedly occupied at the time, and while many were able to escape, authorities fear that
two individuals may have perished in the flames. However, due to the severity of the destruction, this remains unconfirmed as investigators continue to sift through the rubble.
Senior Superintendent Dion Moore, Police Commander for Regional Division #7, along with other law enforcement officials, visited the scene at about 14:30 hours on Wednesday. They were accompanied by Detective Inspector Henry, Crime Scene Technician Hopkinson, and other ranks.
Local residents and public-spirited individuals played a crucial role in preventing further destruction, using a dredge engine from the nearby Puruni River to help contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire destroyed all fifteen buildings before it was brought under control.
In addition to the proper-
The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, and none of the affected buildings were insured
ties lost, the police’s all-terrain vehicle (ATV) used by officers stationed at Puruni Landing was also destroyed in the fire.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, and none of the affected buildings were insured. As investigations
continue, authorities are working to confirm the identities of the possible victims and assess the overall impact of the tragedy.
‘We take protection of the environment seriously’ - says ExxonMobil Guyana President
— reaffirms commitment to environmental protection amid concerns
By Clestine Juan
EXXONMOBIL
Guyana
President, Alistair Routledge has reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to environmental protection, stating, “We take protection of the environment very seriously, and second only to protecting people.”
Routledge’s comments were made on Wednesday during a meeting at the company’s Georgetown headquarters, where he was grilled about the environmental impacts of its oil production activities offshore Guyana.
Routledge explained that, from the very early stages of ExxonMobil’s projects, environmental considerations are built into the process.
“As we go through the environmental authorisation, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) includes studies that focus on technology available to clean water and ensure any water released into the ocean does not have a detrimental effect,” he stated.
These assessments also consider the sensitivity of marine life in the region.
The company has set stringent daily and monthly limits on the amount of oil that can be present in the water, which Routledge described as “tiny, tiny
proportions of oil and water.”
In addition, ExxonMobil conducts comprehensive environmental monitoring.
“Earlier this year, we completed a programme that involved monitoring the seabed, water column, and marine life to ensure we’re not having detrimental effects,” he noted, adding that no negative impacts had been detected.
However, ExxonMobil’s environmental practices have come under scrutiny especially from Melinda Janki, a Guyanese international environmental lawyer.
Janki has criticised the company’s wastewater management and its potential impact on ma-
rine ecosystems.
She argues that the environmental assessments conducted by ExxonMobil are inadequate, lacking the comprehensive data necessary to fully understand the long-term effects on the environment.
Adding to the debate, in June this year, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed an appeal by the late political commentator Ramon Gaskin, who contended that separate environmental permits should have been granted to ExxonMobil’s partners, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Guyana.
There were also a number of other legal challenges brought by a group of persons against ExxonMobil and Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which were thrown out by the courts due to the lack of evidence or the applications ‘cherry picking’ their claims.
Despite these legal and environmental challenges, ExxonMobil maintains that it adheres to high environmental standards.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has also reaffirmed that Guyana’s increasing production from Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels is done with a focus on environmental responsibility and safety.
The ministry’s clarification came in response to accusations that ExxonMobil had exceeded the safe production limits set out in its EIAs.
Looking ahead, ExxonMobil’s proposed 35-well drilling campaign in the Stabroek Block is not expected to have significant adverse effects on Guyana’s fishing industry.
A cumulative impact assessment (CIA) conducted by ERM Guyana Inc. revealed that the country’s current industrial and artisanal fishing activities rarely overlap with oil operations in the block.
The CIA, which included consultations with three of the largest fishing companies, concluded that fishing activities are conducted at depths far shallower than those where oil extraction takes place.
While the project will discharge certain effluent streams into the sea, such as water-based drilling fluids, the CIA report indicates that any adverse effects on marine life are expected to be temporary.
Fish exposed to these dis-
charges may experience elevated metabolic rates or minor skin irritation, but these impacts are predicted to subside once the fish move away from the affected area.
ExxonMobil has commit-
ted to working with local authorities, including the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), to ensure that the fishing industry is informed of offshore activities and navigation requirements.
ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge
Labour Ministry intensifies efforts to eliminate child labour in Agriculture Sector
THE Ministry of Labour has ramped up its efforts to eradicate child labour in Guyana, recently conducting a two-day Sensitization Outreach on Child Labour in the Agricultural Sector at Main Canal and Abary River in Region Five.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign aligned with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 161, which focuses on the protection of workers in the agricultural sector. It also reinforces the government's commitment
to eliminating child labour in all its forms.
The outreach, led by Labour Officer Hardat Malchan, Regional Co-operatives Development Officer, Vikash Boodhoo, and Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Babita Singh, targeted local rice farmers and ranch hands.
The team provided critical information on the Ministry’s functions, labour laws, occupational safety and health (OSH) guidelines, and the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. A
key focus of the engagement was raising awareness on the dangers and illegality of child labour in the agricultural industry.
Participants were also introduced to cooperative and friendly society frameworks, aimed at fostering collaboration and support within the farming community.
The Ministry is encouraging local farmers to join the Abary Farmers Friendly Association to ensure future co-operation and create a safer working environment for all agricultural workers.
This outreach is part of
the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote safe, fair, and equitable working conditions, particularly in the agricultural sector. The campaign addresses child labour, which remains a significant issue in Guyana.
According to a report from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, child labour in Guyana is largely linked to economic disparities between the coastal regions and the hinterland. The report noted that children, particularly those aged 15 and over, are often employed in agricul-
ture, including farming, forestry, and fishing, as well as in family-owned businesses or small enterprises.
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem, leading to a rise in young teens working in sectors such as car wash bays. With schools closed since March 2020, children as young as 14 found themselves involved in street begging and informal jobs.
The Ministry’s initiative is grounded in the principles of the ILO’s Convention No. 161, which sets standards
for employment, working hours, rest periods, and safe working environments. By adhering to these standards, the Ministry aims to protect agricultural workers and ensure that children are safeguarded from exploitation. Through continuous sensitisation and community outreach, the Ministry of Labour remains committed to addressing the root causes of child labour and ensuring that Guyana’s workforce, particularly in agriculture, enjoys safe and decent working conditions.
Staff of the Ministry of Labour as they engage farmers (Ministry of Labour photos)
‘On
By Clestine Juan
THE gas-to-energy pipeline, which is integral to the country’s future energy infrastructure, is now “essentially mechanically complete” and remains on course and on budget for completion by the end of 2024.
This is according to ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge, during a press conference held at the company’s Georgetown headquarters on Wednesday.
Speaking about the progress, Routledge explained that key work was executed during the July-August period, which saw the shutdown of both the Liza Destiny and Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to facilitate the critical tie-in of gas risers to the pipeline.
This enables gas export through the gas-to-energy pipeline to the Wales Development Zone, where the onshore energy facility will be located.
“All the work that we needed to execute on the Liza One and Liza Two FPSOs — that is Liza Destiny and Unity — was completed during the July-August period.
“We had to shut down both of the FPSOs in order to tie in the risers, these gas risers, to enable gas export into the gas-to-energy pipeline. So, we completed the two shutdowns very successfully, on schedule, safely, and the two risers are tied in and connected to the pipeline,” Routledge said.
He further explained that the pipeline has now undergone extensive testing, including hydro-testing and pressure tests. Additionally, nitrogen has been introduced into the pipeline, ensuring its readiness to safely transport natural gas once the remaining project components are completed.
“We have a pipeline that is ready to introduce natural gas. Nitrogen is an inert gas, and it enables us to sit waiting for the rest of the project to be finished. Then, we can safely start the project,” Routledge explained, adding that the section of the project under ExxonMobil’s responsibility, from deep water to onshore at Wales, is expected to be fully completed by year’s end.
In addition to the gas riser tie-ins, Routledge detailed the maintenance work that was undertaken during the FPSO shutdowns. Maintenance tasks on equipment, along with deep bottlenecking work on the Unity FPSO, were completed successfully, allowing both FPSOs to return online.
“The FPSOs came back online, and in fact, have been producing at very steady rates. We’re anticipating that September, as we finalise all the details on the reporting,
course and on budget’
— Exxon says gas pipeline ‘essentially’ completed — after two weeks FPSOs shutdown for connection
will be a record production month,” he shared.
Addressing concerns about production losses due to the 12-day shutdowns on each facility, Routledge clarified that there were no real losses, but rather deferred production.
“What happens in those sorts of instances is the production is deferred. It’s not that we lose the oil; it’s just produced later in the life of the asset,” he said, further noting that the deferred oil would be produced as the production plateau extends in the future.
Routledge pointed out that the temporary shutdowns also led to increased employment, as additional workers were needed to complete the shutdown work.
A temporary floating accommodation vessel, the Dan Swift, was brought alongside each FPSO to house the extra personnel required to execute the tasks.
“Nobody lost any employment or revenue during that time. In fact, we typically employed more people who came on board in order to execute the additional work effort that’s required. So, no losses on that side — actually, more employment,” Routledge said.
This highly anticipated project will see a 200-kilometre pipeline bringing natural gas from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity Floating Production fields onshore.
Upon arrival at this West Coast Demerara facility, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed in Wales.
Upon completion, the gas-to-energy project will have a significant impact on the country’s economy, attracting sustainable investments across various sectors, and creating numerous job opportunities.
The project is slated to be completed by 2025, with Government having paid about
US$400 million - more than half of the project cost.
The aim is to complete the necessary transmission lines and substations by the end of the year, ensuring a seamless distribution network along the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).
By providing a more reliable and cost-effective energy
source, the initiative could drastically reduce the frequency and duration of power outages while also, as part of the energy, cutting the cost of electricity by almost 50 per cent.
Such improvements would not only enhance the quality of life for Guyanese but also foster a more conducive en-
vironment for business and industry growth.
ExxonMobil Guyana, along with partners Hess and CNOOC, through their subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has provided an assurance to the government that a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day
(mmscfd) will be transported via the pipeline by 2024. The pipeline will be able to transport a maximum of 130 million standard cubic feet per day. The project offers the dual benefits of reducing energy costs and meeting the increasing electricity demand in Guyana.
President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge
Region Three road development drives growth for small contractors, communities
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
THE Regional Chairman of Region Three, Sheikh Ayube, has praised President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for fulfilling his infrastructure commitments and creating job opportunities for small contractors and labourers in the region. Ayube expressed satisfaction with the progress being
made during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, emphasising the positive impact on communities such as Parfait Harmony, West Minister, Onderneeming, Lust-enRust, and Cornelia Ida (CI).
During a presidential walkabout in July, President Ali committed to improving roads in these communities, many of which had fallen into disrepair. President Ali also instructed that small contrac-
tors and labourers from the communities be employed for the project, helping to boost local employment. According to Chairman Ayube, "His Excellency has fulfilled his commitments by awarding contracts to at least 80 small contractors to complete internal roads. Communities, like Parfait Harmony, which are densely populated, will soon see an end to the daily struggle of navigating deteriorated roads."
Ayube further explained that the new roadways would not only enhance the aesthetics of the neighbourhoods but also improve the quality of life for residents. "The new roads will reduce transportation costs, save time, and offer better opportunities for families interested in investing in their own vehicles," he said.
In addition to the mainland developments, Ayube reported that nearly all the internal streets on the island of Leguan have been completed, with residents expressing gratitude for the improvements. Plans are also in place to begin road upgrades on the island of Wakenaam shortly.
The Regional Chairman highlighted that these infrastructure projects are part of a broader strategy to develop Guyana while creating opportunities for its citizens. "President Ali believes in the principle that no one should be left behind. Wherever people can thrive, opportunities will be created to improve their lives," Ayube remarked.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, also visited the region on October 7 to review ongoing projects. He announced that nearly 50 kilometers of roadwork would be completed by the end of the year, using both rigid pavement and asphaltic concrete. This work is being undertaken by the Special Projects Unit (SPU) and small contractors as part of the government's
commitment to enhancing infrastructure across Region Three.
Meanwhile, from the private sector perspective, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, reinforced that the involvement of small contractors in these government-led projects is a crucial step in building a self-reliant and thriving business environment in the region.
“The collaboration between the government and local businesses ensures that the benefits of these projects are felt widely. As more roadways are completed, I expect to see even greater growth and opportunities for everyone involved,” Khan concluded.
He continued: “The decision to engage small contractors from the local community has boosted confidence in the government’s development strategy. It’s creating a ripple effect where small businesses feel empowered and more willing to invest, knowing that they are an integral part of the region’s future.”
Khan explained that roads are the arteries of any economy, and, by upgrading infrastructure, President Ali has given Region Three a lifeline for future expansion. “This development is about more than just today’s projects—it’s about setting the stage for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
The ambitious road network upgrade, which involves collaboration among the SPU, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), and other contractors, is expected to transform transportation in the affected areas. The initiative reflects President Ali's broader vision of national development, with a focus on improving the lives of Guyanese through infrastructure improvements and job creation.
Regional Chairman for Region Three, Sheik Ayube R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan
Infrastructural works begin for Hauraruni housing development
AS part of the government's ongoing effort to expand housing projects across Guyana, infrastructural works have commenced at the Hauraruni housing development, located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
The project is being spearheaded by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and marks a key step in the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing and supporting residential expansion.
On Wednesday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited the site to assess the progress. Accompanying him were Deputy Director of Projects, Intecaab Indarjeet, and a team of engineers overseeing the development. The Hauraruni housing scheme spans 150 acres of land provided by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, and it is one of three major housing development sites earmarked along the Soesdyke Highway, with the others being Silica City and Yarrowkabra.
The Minister reported that land clearing and debushing operations have been successfully completed. The first phase of the infrastructural works is set to commence soon, with tenders expected to open by the end of the month.
The government has allocated an estimated $900 million for the initial phase of development.
Minister Croal emphasised that the government was committed to ensuring that the housing scheme offers a variety of housing options. "We are planning
to construct homes tailored for young professionals as well as other models suitable for the location,"
Minister Croal explained. "We are also making provisions for the allocation of residential lots to interested individuals." The aim is to create an inclu-
sive development that will meet the needs of a wide range of Guyanese.
The Hauraruni development is part of a larger vision to cater to settlements along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, including those residents who may need to be re -
located as the highway undergoes further development. The housing projects in this area are expected to spark significant interest from those looking for residential opportunities in a growing, accessible region.
With housing remain-
ing a high priority on the government's agenda, the Hauraruni project is one of several initiatives aimed at meeting the demands for residential development while creating sustainable and modern communities across Guyana.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal
Regional ‘situation room’ to serve as command centre for agriculture
By Naomi Parris
Serving as a command centre for real time monitoring and data collection a ‘situation room’ for agriculture will soon charter a new course for food production in the Caribbean.
This is according to Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who recently disclosed that the Government of Guyana would soon unveil this new innovative platform to serve the entire Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“We are working to build a, a ‘situation room’, which will be a data center, not only for Guyana, but the entire region where we have real time data generated for places in any country, the Caribbean.” Mustapha, who is also the Chair for the Special Ministerial Task Force for Food Production and Food Security in CARICOM said.
CARICOM leaders have
been rallying to reduce the regions massive US$ 6 billion food import bill by 25 per cent within the next year.
This ‘situation room’ is expected to drive targeted investments and help support farmers.
“We are hoping that this ‘situation room’ will help us to have data that will be accurate and which we can also help countries in the Caribbean. So this, these are tremendous development and transformation in the agriculture sector.”
“The ‘situation room’ will serve as a command center for monitoring agricultural activities across CARICOM. It will enable us to anticipate challenges, respond to crisis as they arise, and implement proactive measures to mitigate risk as we look to the future; I am filled with optimism for continued growth, for the continued great growth of Guyana’s agricultural sector,” he added.
The initiative of estab -
lishing a ‘situation room’ was first touted by Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, back in 2023.
Dr. Ali, while addressing the 2023 regional Agriculture Investment Forum and Expo held in Guyana had said
in order for the Caribbean region to attain its regional food security goals, innovation and digitisation will need
to be pivotal factors.
Dr. Ali, during that forum, proposed multiple initiatives to incorporate data and technology into its local food production industry.
“We have recognised that technology gives us the opportunity to connect the farmers directly with extension officers instantaneously. And part of the innovative investment that we will make here is to create a proactive information sharing and response platform.”
With the sector’s growth in mind, he highlighted the importance of undertaking meticulous data analysis to ensure targeted investments are made to adequately support farmers.
“Today, food production and agriculture [are] changing globally. It is no longer guesswork, it is precise science. It is based on analysis of data. It is based on a timely dissemination of information.”
The ‘situation room’ will serve as a command centre for monitoring agricultural activities across CARICOM. It is expected anticipate challenges, respond to crisis as they arise, and implement proactive measures to mitigate risk
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday, October 10, 2024)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 10 dismissals (6 catches/4 stumpings)
(2) 152 for the second wicket (Jason Roy vs Kieron Pollard vs GAW, Providence)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who are the CPL champions 2024?
(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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Troy Benn (109) spurs Commissioners X1 to emphatic win over Trophy Stall
ASSISTANT
Superinten -
dent Troy Benn completely annihilated the Trophy Stall Select bowling attack, propelling the Police Commissioner’s X1 to a lopsided 60-run victory in their feature softball game, played under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown, last Saturday night.
Benn clobbered five fours and 13 huge sixes in 109, before retiring as the Police Commissioner’s X1 reached an imposing 208 for five in their allotted 15 overs. Trophy Stall was left high and dry on 148 for six when their overs expired.
Benn, who batted at number six, received valuable support from Senior Superintendent Shiv Bacchus who struck four fours and a six in an unbeaten 33 and Senior Superintendent Himanth Sawh who made 22 with three fours.
Canadian-based Marcel Arokium was Trophy Stall’s best bowler, bagging two for 14 from two overs while Ramchand Ragbeer took two for 21 in three overs.
When Trophy Stall batted, Richard Latiff blasted one four and five sixes in a quick-fire 37, batting at number three, but once he was bowled by Benn, the rest of the batting folded meekly.
Rickey Singh struck three fours in 19 while Arokium was left undefeated on 16, also with three fours.
Senior Superintendent Bacchus returned to claim two for eight from two overs while Benn had one for 12 from two and Assistant Superintendent Waylon Wallace one for 15 from two.
Both the winning and runner-up teams were recipient of trophies. Several other incentive prizes were also handed out at the presenta-
for
and Most
the best bowler and Colin Boyce for the best fielder.
Among the awardees in the runner-up side were Latiff, best batsman, Arokium, MVP, Ramchand, best
bowler and Anil Beharry for taking the best catch. The trophies were spon-
sored by Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall.
Sunich thanked the members of the Commissioner’s X1 team for participating in the game and expressed a desire that there will be a continuation of such activities while Deputy Commissioner (ag) Ravindradat Budhram promised that Police will host the next encounter. He also apologised for the absence of Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, who he said was otherwise engaged.
The game marked the second such encounter between the two sides with the Commissioner’s X1 also coming out victorious in the first which was played in April in honour of Sunich’s 70th birth anniversary. (Frederick Halley)
Record-breaking Root leads England back into Test
By Stephan Shemilt
JOE Root’s impeccable century on the day he became England’s all-time leading runscorer led the charge back into the first Test against Pakistan in Multan.
Beginning day three on 32, Root needed another 39 to break Sir Alastair Cook’s record. The 33-year-old, in his 147th Test, created a moment of British sporting history, then went on and on to set up the prospect of a remarkable victory.
First Test, Multan (day three of five)
(Scores :Pakistan 556: Masood 151, Salman 104* Shafique 102; Leach 3-160 England 492-3: Root 176*, Brook 141*, Duckett 84)
It was one of the most gruelling of Root’s 35 Test
hundreds. He batted throughout for his 176 not out, taking England to 492-3, only 64 behind.
After Zak Crawley was out for 78 and Ben Duckett recovered from his dislocated thumb to make 84, Harry Brook arrived for his own unbeaten 141, surviving the ball hitting the stumps but not dislodging the bails when he had 75.
Root and Brook have so far shared 243 for the fourth wicket, an all-wicket record for England in Pakistan. Resuming on 96-1, England overall added 396 for the loss of just two wickets on one of their great days in an overseas Test.
Never before has England conceded as many as Pakistan’s 556 and gone on to take a first-innings lead. Now they are primed to do
just that and, in doing so, will give themselves the chance of another stunning win in this country.
"I'm obviously proud but still feel there is plenty more left to do and many more runs left to get," said Root.
"More than anything the way we played as a team is what stands out - we've got ourselves back in a really good position.
England in hunt for sensational win
If Root made this day memorable, there were times when the cricket itself was a tough watch, simply because of how bat utterly dominated ball.
The pitch remains full of runs. It is rated as the fifth-flattest over the opening three days of a Test anywhere in the world since such data was first collected in 2007. England’s
almost unchecked progress and Pakistan’s slow roast puts the home side’s first-innings total into context.
But Tests in this part of the world can accelerate quickly and England has a determination to avoid draws at all costs. The tourists are now in the stronger position and can ponder how best to force victory.
England has been known to be daring with declarations in the past, yet the smarter move would be to get as many runs as possible in this first innings. That would put Pakistan under pressure in the second innings and lessen any potential run-chase when the pitch will be, in theory, at its worst.
Only once have England conceded more than the 556 Pakistan made in the first innings of a match and gone on to win – and that was in 1894. Then again, the last two times
England have been flogged for more than 500, they have been victorious.
The next two days could produce one of their best wins.
There was an inevitability that this would be the day for Root to overhaul Cook’s tally of 12,472. With ideal conditions and in supreme form, Root’s massive appetite for runs would only have been appeased by a huge score.
Root came through an optimistic lbw review off the bowling of Aamer Jamal when he was on 65 then passed Cook with a dreamy straight drive off the same bowler.
Root celebrated with a small wave of the bat, like he knew it was just the beginning, and so it proved, as Root put together an epic. Even in the stifling temperature, Root played all of his trademark nudges and tucks, then scam-
pered between the wickets. There were bouts of cramp, though no signs of stopping. Occasionally, he unfurled picture-perfect cover drives.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed was treated with disdain by all of England’s batters. Root reverse-swept him to go to three figures and at one point even played him left-handed. There was plenty more to come. Same tempo, same solid defence and sound judgement. Against the second new ball and on 168, Root was pinned by a Naseem Shah inswinger and a review just about upheld umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s not-out decision.
More magic moments are in Root’s future, possibly even Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 15,921 Test runs. For now, his sights are set on a double hundred and an England triumph.
tion ceremony. Benn took home the trophies
the best batsman
Valuable
Player (MVP) in the winning team; Bacchus for being
Trophy Stall proprietor, Ramesh Sunich, hands over the winning trophy to Deputy Superintendent Ronald Alli in the presence of other teammates
MVP of the winning team, Assistant Superintendent Troy Benn is awarded for his efforts
Canadian-based Marcel Arokium is presented with his MVP prize
Modern hockey facility on the cards-President Ali
President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a visit at his Alma Mater Saints Stanislaus College on Tuesday, October 8, outlined that a system will be put in place to have the country realise the dream of having a modern hockey facility.
Saint Stanislaus College which boasts the country’s most vibrant youth hockey programme have been pushing for a home for the sport along with the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) for decades.
Dr. Ali says that he has already began discussions on the matter with Chairman of the Board of Governors of Saints Stanislaus College.
“I’ve been discussing with Chris Fernandes to see how our new sports facility can be developed into a
world class facility and we can’t have a world class facility in every area of sport but we know that in that facility we can have our first international standard hockey field.”
The Head of State says it will require a sizable investment but they are committed to working with partners to achieve this objective.
“To do this, we are going to need to raise close to $500,000. USD equivalent to 100 million Guyana dollars, the government is committed to being on board and I’m sure with all of us pushing out shoulders together, we are going to raise this and create a sport infrastructure. We are investing in a facility that will be second to none nationally.”
President Ali says that
all hands must be on deck and there must be a sense of personal pride as they seek to build something together with other stakeholders.
Saints Stanislaus College has been given possession of a plot of land at the Durban Park area which has already been fenced and is earmarked for development of a hockey surface.
Guyana has long found it difficult to compete internationally where the sport is played exclusively on artificial surface which makes it faster and more attractive. Therefore, when our national teams attend regional or international outdoor competition they struggle to quickly acclimatize and have not been able to realise their full success.
Nicaragua and Jamaica Clash for Group B Supremacy in Nations League
MIAMI, Florida, (CMC)
– The 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League (CNL) is heating up with League A teams pushing to secure quarterfinal berths. Group B action takes centre stage on Thursday with a highly anticipated clash between top sides Nicaragua and Jamaica.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica and Guatemala will battle to maintain their positions in the fiercely competitive Group A in Friday’s fixtures.
The top billing will be the first-ever Nations League clash between host Nicaragua and Jamaica at the Estadio Nacional in Managua. Both teams are undefeated, but Jamaica currently leads Group B on goal difference with four points after a road victory against Honduras.
Wimbledon brings in electronic line calling for 2025
LINE judges are to disappear from Wimbledon after 147 years as the All England Club will adopt electronic line calling from 2025.
The technology will be in place for all qualifying and main draw matches and replace the judges who were responsible for calling shots 'out' and 'fault' on a serve.
The Australian Open and US Open adopted electronic line calling in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Wimbledon's hand has been forced by the ATP's decision to adopt Electronic Line Calling Live across the men's tour from 2025, while the women's WTA Tour is moving in the same direction.
Wimbledon's decision means the clay-court French Open is the only major yet to ditch line judges.
The French Open is now the only one of the four Grand Slams to still have line judges
"The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation," the All England Club chief
executive Sally Bolton said.
"Having reviewed the results of the testing undertaken at The Championships this year, we consider the technology to be sufficiently robust and the time is right to take this important step in seeking maximum accuracy in our officiating.
"For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour.
"We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously.
"Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating set-up at the championships for many decades and we recognise their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service."
CWI President congratulates Saint Lucia Kings on Historic CPL Victory
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, has extended warm congratulations to the Saint Lucia Kings for their ground-breaking triumph in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Meanwhile, Suriname will welcome Costa Rica to the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo. It’s the first CNL meeting between the sides, but Costa Rica has a perfect record with a 5-0 record against Suriname in previous encounters.
Suriname is currently third in Group A and hoping to grab another win against a Costa Rica side that sits atop the group with four points. Guyana will square off with Guatemala at the National Track & Field Centre in Leonora in their first-ever CNL matchup. Debutants Guyana will be looking for its first win after securing a point in their previous game, thanks to a brace from Isaiah Jones.
Guatemala is unbeaten
Nicaragua, unbeaten in their last 14 CNL games, has the chance to leapfrog Jamaica and take control of the group.
with four points, and they will be seeking to leapfrog Costa Rica into the top spot of Group A.
In other games, Cuba will take on Trinidad and Tobago at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba. This is the first time the two sides will meet in Nations League action, though Trinidad and Tobago have historically dominated the matchup, with 13 wins compared to Cuba’s six.
Cuba remains unbeaten in this campaign with two consecutive draws while Trinidad and Tobago will be looking for their first victory of the tournament.
French Guiana will host Honduras at the Stade Municipal Dr Edmard Lama in Cayenne, while Guadeloupe and Martinique will face off at Stade Roger Zemi in Le Gosier.
The Kings claimed their maiden CPL title after defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets in a thrilling final at the National Stadium, Providence, Guyana.
Reflecting on the Kings’ victory, President Dr. Shallow praised the team for its outstanding performance throughout the tournament, highlighting its perseverance and skill.
“The Saint Lucia Kings have made history with this remarkable achievement. Their journey to this moment was fuelled by hard work, resilience, and determination. Special credit goes to Aaron Jones and Roston Chase for their pivotal roles in the final, while Faf du Plessis’ leadership was exceptional,” Dr Shallow stated.
“I also want to recognise Head Coach, Daren Sammy, whose strategic guidance and belief in the team were instrumental in this victory.”
President Shallow also took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister
Philip J. Pierre and the people of Saint Lucia, who are currently basking in a wave of national pride.
“This win comes at a momentous time for Saint Lucia, following the recent celebrations for Olympic gold medallist and world’s fastest woman, Julien Alfred.
The entire country has much to celebrate, and Saint Lucia’s sporting success is a source of immense pride not only for them but for the whole Caribbean.”
Dr. Shallow further noted the outstanding contributions of emerging players in the 2024 CPL, emphasising the tournament’s role in showcasing the Caribbean’s rich cricketing talent.
“This edition of the CPL
has been remarkable for the emergence of new stars. Over 50 appearances by emerging players, including Ackeem Auguste of the Saint Lucia Kings, Shaqkere Parris of the Trinbago Knight Riders, and Jewel Andrew of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, demonstrate the bright future of West Indies cricket.
Jewel Andrew’s selection for the West Indies Men’s ODI team for the Sri Lanka tour is a testament to the depth of talent we are nurturing.”
The CWI President reiterated the board’s commitment to its partnership with the CPL, acknowledging its continued importance in advancing the sport across the region.
President Ali interacting with students from his Alma Mater
Daren Sammy, head coach of St.Lucia Kings lifts the CPL T20 trophy after the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final match between Saint Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium, CPL T20
Funeral of National Boxing Coach Terrence Poole set for today
THE local boxing fraternity was plunged into mourning after Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Terrence Anthony Poole passed away last week Wednesday at the age of 60.
Poole a Medal of Service (MS) recipient, resided at 122 Laing Avenue Housing Scheme and was a National and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Boxing Coach after retiring as a Sergeant in the GDF.
Poole died at while being treated at a city hospital after completing his morning jogging and complaining of breathing discomfort.
The former Amateur pugilist was rushed to the hospital where he tragically passed away.
Poole’s funeral is set for today with the viewing at Merriman Funeral Home from 10:20 - 11:20 hours. Then, he will be at his former residence for further viewing from 11:50 - 12:20 hours.
Funeral service and further viewing will be at the National Gymnasium from 13:00 - 15:00 hours, then to the Le Repentir Cemetery for burial.
GCB Super50 Inter-County starts on Sunday at Bourda and Pomona in Essequibo
THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named the respective teams ahead of the upcoming Senior Men’s Super50 InterCounty tournament, which gets underway from October 13 with matches starting at 09:30hrs.
The tournament features three rounds to be be played among Berbice, Demerara, Essequibo and the GCB Select XI.
Each round will feature a double-header with the fourth and final round being reserved for the two finalists.
Demetri Cameron, Javed Karim, Rampersaud Ramnauth and Adrian Sukwah Winston Smith – Manager Julian Moore – Coach
The Demerara side will be missing Matthew Nandu while Sherfane Rutherford is in Sri Lanka on West Indies duties.
Born to Ivy Poole and James Walter Peters on January 16, 1964 Terrence Poole spent most of his life at his Laing Avenue home, where he raised his family.
Poole’s career in boxing lasted four decades serving as a coach, competition coordinator and mentor to many young boxers. News of his death came as a shock to the Guyana boxing fraternity and the Caribbean while President of the GBA and Director of
Poole leaves to mourn his wife, and seven children, as well as numerous accomplished and aspiring boxers who were touched by his remarkable service to boxing and boxing administration both in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Sport Steve Ninvalle disclosed that up to the time of his death, there were plans for Poole to lead a team to the world youth championship in the coming months in Montenegro.
“Terrence Poole had a wealth of knowledge, as it relates to boxing and we will find it ‘very very’ difficult to replace him.”
Poole’s death is a massive blow to local boxing, especially because he provided immediate information of the fistic sport off the top of his head when was called by the media.
RIP Coach (Sean Devers)
Defending champions Demerara will start their title defence against a GCB Select XI at GCC, Bourda, while Berbice and Essequibo will face off at the Pomona ground on the Essequibo Coast in the other first-round game.
Several top players will miss the opening round with all-rounder Keemo Paul being absent from the strong Essequibo side.
Essequibo: Anthony Adams (Captain), Kemol Savory (VC), Keanu Harry, Ronsford Beaton, Quinton Sampson, Ricardo Peters, Ricardo Adams, Kevon Boodie, Kanhaiya Ramkarran, Ronaldo Renee, Joshua Jones, Neiland Cadogan, Garfield Phillips, Thaddeus Lovell, Malcolm Hubbard Standbys - Dexter
George, Jadon Campbell, Kevon Stephens and Shahid Viera
Andy Ramnarine is Manager
Rayon De Costa – Coach
Berbice will be without Shimron Hetmyer while Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd are with the West Indies team in Sri Lanka.
Berbice - Junior Sinclair, Rampertab Ramnauth, Tomani Caesar (Wicketkeeper), Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair (vc), Jonathon Foo, Rajiv Ivan, Zainul Ramsammy, Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Veerasammy Permaul (Captain), Nial Smith, Clinton Pestano and Sylus Tyndall and Joemal La Fleur Standbys- Shamal Angel,
Demerara - Tevin Imlach (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shamar Yearwood, Akshaya Persaud, Raymon Perez, Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, Richie Looknauth, Steven Sankar, Chris Harry, Qumar Torrington, Ashmead Nedd, Sachin Singh, Chetram Balgobin, Devon Lord Standbys - Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Riyad Latiff, Neeran Bani, Chanderpaul Ramraj Coach - Garvin Nedd Manager - Surendra Hiralal
GCB Select XI - Rivaldo Phillips, Navindra Persaud, Carlos Larose, Bernard Bailey, Jeremiah Scott, Brandon Jaikaran, Floy Joseph, Johnathan Van Lange, Ushardeva Balgobin, Aryan Persaud, Johnathan Rampersaud (Captain), Shamar Angel, Golcharran Chulai Gaurav Ramesh, Kwesi Mickle, Javed Karim, Rajendra Ramballi Krsna Singh, Ronaldo Jeffery Puneet Jaigopaul- manager Quasen Nedd - coach
GMMAKA host 2ND annual championship on October 6
THE Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association (GMMAKA) proudly hosted its 2nd annual Epic Clash Martial Arts Championship held on October 6, 2024 at the Guyana National Gymnasium.
The event saw various clubs under the GMMAKA banner, From the West Coast, West Bank, East bank and East Coast showcasing their talents and skills, honed through rigorous training, in a spirited competition.
The tournament featured a range of events such as: traditional Kata, kumite
(Sparring), weapon kata, flag sparring, padded weapon, free form and the final main event which was the Grand Championship.
This prestigious event brought together all firstplace winners from various age groups who participated in traditional Kata, to compete for the ultimate trophy.
Master Lloyd Ramnarine would like to Congratulate all the students and the grand championship winner Mr. Aryan Bahadur, who emerged victorious in the Grand Championship, making him a two-time winner of
Part of the action in the championship
this esteemed title.
He would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the various instructors and official judges who contributed to the success of the event. A special note of gratitude goes to the parents of the participants for their unwavering support of their children’s karate development and his family for their sacrifice and dedication to make this event possible.
On behalf the GMMAKA
we would like to extend special thanks to the Director of National Sports Commission Mr. Steve Ninvalle for grant-
ing us permission to use the facility.
The GMMAKA will be selecting first place winners from the various events to make a team for our 2025 overseas events.
With all that being said if there is anyone interested in joining any of our martial arts dojo. Feel free to contact us on WhatsApp on 698-6727, 689-9288,698-7456,6811701,602-0591 or 684-3557.
Stay tuned for more exciting events from the GMMAKA as we continue to promote martial arts excellence in Guyana.
Terrence Poole was named best coach after the GDF won the Lennox Blackmore local Championships in November last year (Sean Devers photo)
Defending Champions Demerara will be led by national captain Tevin Imlach
GSCL President, Ian John, after winning last year’s title
Dharry moves one step closer to acquiring a world title fight
Stage set for Prime Minister’s softball extravaganza
By Frederick Halley
FRESH off the completion of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament, the eighth edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, bowls off on Friday with the men’s category at various venues around Georgetown.
Preliminary round matches in the women’s division will be played today while the finalists will be known following the completion of these games which will be played on a knockout basis.
According to the organisers, all systems are in place for the staging of the softball extravaganza which culminates at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Sunday.
Some 36 teams, including 12 women teams, will be vying for supremacy with prize monies topping over three million dollars.
A fierce battle is expected to ensue in the Open All Stars category with the star-studded Knight Riders Ariel All Stars aiming to win their fourth consecutive title in as many years.
In what is considered by many as the “Group of Death,” the defending champions are drawn in Group A with two previous winners in Regal All Stars and Speedboat with only two of them having chances of advancing to Saturday’s semi-finals.
In Friday’s opening rounds, scheduled to get underway at 09:00 hrs, Regal All Stars oppose Hyde Park Sports Club and Speedboat take on Knight Riders Ariel All Stars in Group at the Queen’s College ground.
In Group B, CJIA Warriors battle Name Brand at YMCA and Premier Insurance Guyana battle Tourism Guyana at Queen’s College
The afternoon games, which are scheduled to get underway at 13.30 hours, will see Regal All Stars meeting Speedboat and Knight Riders Ariel All Stars and Hyde Park clashing in Group A, both matches set for Queen’s College.
In Group B, CJIA Warriors and Premier Insurance Guyana meet at YMCA and Tourism Guyana and Name Brand come to grips at Queen’s College.
In last year’s final, played under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown, Knight Riders Ariel All Stars put on a clinical display to defeat Regal All Stars by five wickets.
Led by a matured knock of 77 not out from National One-day player, Quentin Sampson and some exceptional fielding, the defending champions only needed 14 overs to reach the required 174 for victory after limiting Regal All Stars to 173 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
As in the past few years, the Over50 Legends category which has been dominated by Regal Legends in and out of Guyana, has also attracted attention once more and will see 10 teams battling for the top prize.
Among the teams vying to topple the defending champions are last year’s runners-up, New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) and GTA Storm coming out of Canada. The latter created quite a stir recently by winning the Canada Cup and also the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) title and are brimming with confidence.
Regal Legends will also be out to redeem themselves after their lacklustre performance in the NYSCL Independence Cup, which saw them being eliminated on the opening day of the tournament.
Regal Masters will also be aiming to defend the Over-40 title which will see six teams vying for superiority, including last year’s finalist, Ariel.
The winners in all three men’s category - Open All Stars, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50, will cart off a hefty first prize of $600,000 each while the runner-up will receive $100,000. The women’s category will see the winners taking home $200,000 and the runner-up $50,000. Players of the final in all four categories will be recipients of trophies while the player of the series in the Open and Masters categories will be recipient of electric scooters.
Apart from the Police Sports Club ground, where the finals will culminate during the day on Sunday, other venues slated to be used include Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Queen’s College, Transport Sports Club and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Elton Dharry sports a record of 28 wins, 15 knockouts, six losses and one no-contest
ALTHOUGH possessing several amateur boxers of international ranking and repute, Guyana’s lone world-ranked professional pugilist, Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry, moved one step closer to acquiring a world title fight as he was ranked #4 in the super-flyweight division by renowned sanctioning entity, the World Boxing Association (WBA).
Dharry, 38, sports a record of 28 wins [15 knockouts], six losses, and one no-contest. In his most recent encounter, Dharry defeated local prize-fighter, Dexter Marques, on local soil via technical knockout in the third round. Dharry is undefeated in his last four bouts.
The Enterprise native fought for the WBA Super Flyweight title in 2019 but suffered a controversial ninthround stoppage defeat to Australian Andrew Maloney in Melbourne. Given his recent elevation, Dharry is expected to challenge once again for a world title.
If a world title fight and eventual victory are realised, the extraordinary feat will solidify his status in the annals of time and place him amongst revered company such as the late Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Brathwaite, Vivian Harris, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil, and Gary St. Clair.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle said, “This is a significant development for Elton Dharry and the nation as a whole. We believe that Dharry, who is a student of the game is now worthy for another crack at a world title."
Flashback: The victorious Knight Riders Ariel All Stars players pose with Prime Minister Mark Phillips and