‘Exxon can’t judge their own conflict of interest’ – Dr. Jagdeo Low inflation, stable financial system contributing to Guyana’s ‘investor friendly’ environment
- President Ali tells regional forum, says gov’t is giving attention to every sector
Gov’t
effectively
navigating global supply and demand mismatch
- Dr. Jagdeo says; highlights measures created to cushion high cost-of-living, shortages
More investments needed to close funding gaps to achieve SDGs
- President Ali says; urges more private sector investment, collaboration
Region Two small business owners laud gov’t for
Public servants to receive procurement training to ensure regulations are followed
- Dr. Jagdeo affirms, says those bidding for contracts will be vetted
financial support
President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with a high-level team from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday. The discussions focused on continued collaboration and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Guyana and USAID. The focus was also on how USAID can help Guyana grow and expand its capacity to deal with its current development trajectory’s rapid and expansive growth. The USAID team was led by its Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming, Isobel Coleman, and also featured USAID’s Regional Representative for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Mervyn Farroe; Senior Advisor Rob Berschinski; Special Assistant Jocilyn Estes; and Senior Development Advisor Aaron Spencer. The US Ambassador to Guyana, HE Nicole Theriot, accompanied the delegation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and the Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia Nadir-Sharma, joined the President at the meeting (OP photo)
Hurricane relief supplies from Guyana have been offloaded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (OP photo)
Gov’t effectively navigating global supply and demand mismatch
- Dr. Jagdeo says; highlights measures created to cushion high cost-of-living, shortages
By Trina Williams
EVEN in the glare of global economic phenomena which have left many countries in shock, Guyana’s government has ensured that the country is prudently managed, according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
Every week, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is besieged by critics, who, according to him, are monotonous on one issue, and choose to blatantly ignore what the government is doing to ensure that Guyanese are not feeling the brunt of certain global issues.
However, Dr. Jagdeo, who also serves as the country’s Vice-President, has remained committed to dismantling the narrative being peddled by detractors of development.
On Thursday, during his weekly news conference at Freedom House, the PPP
General Secretary pointed out that there is dedicated focus by the government on keeping Guyana’s exchange rate competitive, and there is assistance to the non-oil sectors to ensure that the economy is diversified.
“Clearly, this principle sometimes gets lost when I read editorials, newspaper articles and when I listen to the Opposition,” he said while noting that this vision is left
drifting in the wind when these detractors make their pronouncements on how the government should approach spending revenue.
Secondly, he said that the government has been managing the economy sustainably for the medium and long-term.
It is within that light that he said that the government has been tackling environmental sustainability,
hence the key focus on climate-proofing the economy.
Added to this, attention has been placed on traditional sectors that will reap long-term benefits such as the expansion of healthcare and education, training citizens and putting in place the economic structure that will attract non-oil investments, which will result in the economy becoming less reliant on oil.
With Guyana’s economy growing at “high” double digits, according to Dr Jagdeo, it is critical that the government finds ways to navigate the complexities that other countries face when it comes to surviving the short-term consequences of the mismatch between the supply and demand of goods and services.
The PPP General Secretary said: “You can’t defy the law of economics, that there is an upward pressure on price movement because
the demand for goods and services far outstrip the supply of it.”
But what exactly is the government doing to address this complex period?
Take for instance, Guyana’s infrastructure “boom” which has increased the demand for sand and stone, which has resulted in the prices going up.
The government has resorted to opening more government-owned sandpits, issuing licenses to conduct aggregate supply, etc
These incentives have resulted in prices becoming stable.
“Our inflation rate is lower than the average inflation rate of most countries in the world and in this hemisphere,” the Vice President said while noting that this achievement is linked to the government’s policies.
He pointed to several other measures that were created in such a manner to
ensure detailed growth and not pull a rabbit out- of- thehat planning.
While opportunists are milking the issue of cost-ofliving, Dr Jagdeo reminded citizens that this topic also includes water and electricity, which have been subsidized under this current government.
This year, he said that the government is putting in subsidy of US$66 -$70 million into the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) to cover fuel costs, because if they do not take this step, the GPL would have to increase electricity costs.
He also noted that water rates have been dropped by 5 per cent since the PPP/C government assumed office.
The PPP General Secretary further stated that over $80 billion of taxes have been taken off.
This has benefitted the daily lives of citizens, Dr Jagdeo emphasised.
PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
Low inflation, stable financial system contributing to Guyana’s ‘investor friendly’ environment
- President Ali tells regional forum, says gov’t is giving attention to every sector
By Naomi Parris
OFFERING exceptional opportunities backed by a dynamic and diverse economy, Guyana is the ideal destination for investors, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reiterated.
The Head of State on Wednesday evening while addressing the mammoth gathering of regional private sector players, investors and other stakeholders at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) here in Georgetown, pitched Guyana’s ‘investor-friendly’ environment as one that is enabling and abounds with opportunities.
“Why invest in Guyana? It’s the fastest-growing economy, ideal location to access global markets, resource-rich, fiscal incentives for investments, multisector investor opportunities, private sector-focused government,” he said.
President Ali keenly pointed out that while the country’s oil-and-gas industry is burgeoning, government has been heavily
focused on investing in its traditional sectors to keep the country competitive.
“Guyana is not hedging its future on oil; we are modernising and investing in all our traditional and new sectors to make these sectors more competitive, and to ensure that these sectors can be successful. If you look at the growth profile of the country, you will see every sector has achieved significant growth over the last two years, and we are ensuring that we build the viability,” he said.
“Guyana is open to investment, and has a very friendly investment environment. Guyana offers very generous and fiscal investment incentives; Guyana has an open foreign currency
market, low inflation, and stable financial system,” he added.
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
In fact, he highlighted that policies are being implemented to promote the ease of doing business, noting the recent launch of the country’s planning and development single-window system, which aims to digitally refine the way business is conducted in Guyana.
“The system was bureaucratic; we had leakages. It was too subjective to human biases. There were too many interferences, and we decided that we are going to work on a single-window approval system,” he said.
The ‘rule-based’ sys -
tem increases efficiency and transparency in the decision-making of applications with a single point of entry.
“If technicians do not give responses within a certain timeframe, your project is deemed approved. It holds people accountable, and that is what we want all the new systems to do; hold people accountable,” President Ali said. “There must be traceability; there must be traceability of everything we do.”
Persons looking to conduct business in Guyana can access the relevant information and agencies at a single point of entry. There, applicants can submit, monitor, and track the progress of their applications.
In an effort to enhance
efficiency and transparency, the process is subjected to specific deadlines to ensure the timely processing of applications.
“We are going to continue on this journey of creating a single-window electronic system through which government business will be conducted,” President Ali said. This, he explained, will further improve the connectivity between citizens, investors and other stakeholders.
OPPORTUNITIES
In Guyana, he stressed, there are a plethora of opportunities for investments. “It is a diversified portfolio,” he boasted before highlighting the country’s energy, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism
and housing sectors.
“We do have challenges that we must confront, but in all of these challenges, we are developing strategies to overcome them.”
The building out of a green economy, agriculture innovation, and digitisation were among the key focuses at the forum which concludes today.
According to Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) Dr. Damie Sinanan, the CIF symbolises a remarkable shift in the region’s collective approach to securing vital investments required for economic development and diversification of Caribbean nations.
Public servants to receive procurement training to ensure regulations are followed
- Dr. Jagdeo affirms, says those bidding for contracts will be vetted
By Trina Williams
THE Government of Guyana, in a move to ensure transparency prevails and corruption is stamped out, intends to train those public servants who are part of the procurement system, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said.
For quite some time, the government has been rolling out measures to enhance the procurement system, and during his weekly news conference on Thursday at the party’s headquarters, Dr. Jagdeo remained firm on this stance, and highlighted the outcome of his recent interactions with the contractors of Region Two
(Pomeroon-Supenaam).
The PPP General Secretary, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice President, said that during his visit to Region Two, the tendering authorities were given a stern warning not to operate outside of the Procurement Act.
The PPP General Secretary then firmly stated that there is no room for departure from the Procurement Act unless “explicit approval” has been given by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
Dr Jadgdeo further stated that too often the government has found departures from the standard bidding documents that are part of
the legislation.
The PPP General Secretary later said: “Sometimes depending on who is the procuring officer who heads the procurement system, they can alter the bidding document, which should be standard.
That should not happen and so they asked for more training because they said there’s a high turnover of staff and therefore a lot of people are doing this because they need better training and so, we are committing to better training of the staff who are doing procurement and to make sure that they have a clear understanding of what our expectations are and how the system should operate. It should be fair.”
He also said that within the various regions, there must be an examination of who owns the companies that are bidding and the tendering authorities must start cleansing the list in order to remove those individuals who are attempting to deceive the system under false pretenses.
The PPP General Secretary then issued a stern warning to contractors once again and outlined the government’s expectations.
He said: “We intend to rigidly enforce the law. We expect good quality work and we intend to blacklist people who do shoddy work.”
Dr Jagdeo recently disclosed that the government
has plans to conduct ‘sting’ operations to clamp down on officers and other personnel who engage in procurement breaches.
Dr. Jagdeo told local journalists that the government has undertaken a review of the procurement system at every level.
“Let me put on notice all of those people who are responsible for procurement in public corporations, statutory bodies, the ministries, the regions, central ministry, everywhere, all the way to the National Tender Board,” the General Secretary said firmly.
If persons are found to be in breach of the law, Dr. Jagdeo affirmed, they will be held accountable.
“Let me make it clear, if we find that those officers are skirting the provisions of the procurement law, then there shall be consequences for them, because too often we hear people come and they complain that in some remote parts of this country, somebody is doing something,” he said.
The government, he also related, will be scrutinising delays in processing contract payments, and dishonest supervisory on projects.
The government, he related, is examining the procurement procedures for compliance, and activities for compliance with the laws.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
More investments needed to close funding gaps to achieve SDGs
By Naomi Parris
BILLIONS in investments
would be required annually for the Caribbean region to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
Stressing the need for the regional private sector to be more proactive, President Ali, during remarks at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre here in Georgetown, Guyana, on Wednesday evening said that while governments are committed to meeting development targets, massive gaps in funding highlight the need for more private-public partnerships.
Providing an analysis of these gaps, Dr. Ali informed those gathered that an annual average of US$373 billion, 0.5 per cent of the regional Gross Development Product
(GDP) is required to address one of the dire sustainable goals: Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
According to President Ali, new infrastructure in the water and sanitation sector will require about US$256 billion. US$90.6 billion is needed to improve access to safely-managed drinking water, while some US$148 billion will be needed to improve access to safely-managed sanitation, and US$16.8 billion for sewerage treatment. Additionally, US$177 billion would be required to maintain existing assets.
“This is the financing gap as it is now. How do we mobilise capital?” President Ali asked.
“What opportunity this brings for the public private partnerships for developing models that can work in the interest of achieving the SDGs but also can be profitable for private sector. We have to deploy private
-
President Ali says; urges more private sector investment, collaboration
capital, and deploy the best model,” he added.
The SDGs are a shared blueprint of an urgent call for action by all countries, developed and developing, to address improving people’s lives, reducing inequality, and spurring economic growth.
ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY
Further, to provide universal access to electricity, and begin decarbonization,
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
the region will require some US$577 billion.
Dr. Ali, in his analysis, noted that of this amount, new infrastructure will require just about US$396 billion, of which US$371 billion is required for generation and transmission.
Meanwhile, he recommends that the remaining US$180 billion go to maintaining existing assets, and replacing assets that are obsolescent.
roads, airports, and public transportation.
US$548.3 billion would be required to build new roads, US$15.2 billion to construct airports, and US$222.4 billion for urban mass transit infrastructure.
The remaining US$427.8 billion, he noted, should be used to maintain and replace road infrastructure.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
To boost residential connectivity, an annual investment of US$293 billion would be required, Dr. Ali noted.
“Right here in Guyana,” he said, “we have a transmission system that is aged; totally incapable of meeting the demands and needs of the country. Our generation capacity is not close to fulfilling the imminent demand that is growing exponentially every single day.”
TRANSPORATION
In addition to this, the region will require an investment of US$976 billion to build out infrastructure for
“When we talk about digitisation,” he said, “when we talk about innovation, when we talk about creating an innovative platform, when we talk about digitising health records, when we talk about creating data centres, this is the reality; this is the gap that confronts us.”
The Head of State reiterated that more public-private collaborations will be needed to not only achieve the sustainable targets, but also to ensure that the region remains competitive.
‘Exxon can’t judge their own conflict of interest’ – Dr. Jagdeo
- says gov’t takes such issues seriously
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has not allowed ExxonMobil to push its head in the sand to avoid the evident conflict of interest between the oil company and Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Nigel Hughes.
On Tuesday, Exxon’s President, Alistair Routledge was questioned by the media regarding Hughes’ dual roles as a political leader and his law firm- Hughes, Fields and Stoby - representing the company.
In response, Routledge said: “We comply with all laws and regulations here and internationally. So, we don’t believe we have any conflict of interest, any issues.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo responded by stating: “They [Exxon] want to judge their own conflict of interest and they can’t do that. Exxon is a conflicted party because they have on their payroll in the country of Guyana, the leader of a political party.”
He also stated: “We take this conflict-of-interest issue very seriously.”
To emphasise how seriously the government takes this matter, the PPP General Secretary, who is also Guyana's Vice President, added that one cabinet minister had ties to the company, but during discussions he was given the option to either break those ties and become a member of the government or not.
The minister chose to sever ties, he said.
Adding to this, Dr Jagdeo called attention to the fact that AFC is able to influence oil and gas policy because it is represented in the National Assembly and has a number of parliamentary seats. Therefore, the AFC leader remains in a precarious position even after stating that he will not have an input in oil and gas matters as party leader.
Hughes had attempted to draw a veil over the reality of his relationship with ExxonMobil; however, a recent judgement handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has proven otherwise.
During his party’s press conference last Friday, Hughes attempted to distance himself from ExxonMobil, stating that it is another attorney-at-law at his law firm, who has “exclusively” represented the oil company.
He said: “Andrew Pollard, S.C., has exclusively managed the client, ExxonMobil.”
However, recently, the CCJ dismissed an appeal filed by Guyanese citizen Ramon Gaskin challenging a local judgement that determined that the Stabroek Block partners did not require separate licences to operate offshore.
And for the added respondents, ExxonMobil, CNOOC and HESS, Pollard S.C., and Hughes appeared.
Dr Jagdeo said: “But he says clearly to the people of this country ‘I don’t handle this portfolio; it’s handled by another person’….and then look at this, eight days before [AFC National Conference] Nigel Hughes is there on a court case with Raymond Gaskin vs Minister of Natural Resources and others.”
SELF-INTEREST OVER COUNTRY
The issue of conflict of interest arose after Hughes, on June 30, 2024, hours after being elected as AFC leader, was quoted by a local news outlet as saying that he would
not break ties from his law firm, which represents ExxonMobil, unless he is elected to the government.
Hughes said: “No, no! This issue really only arises if and when I become President or acquire a position of power, because, then, I’m in a position to influence government policy, they can claim. Right now, I can’t influence government, and, therefore, it’s a theoretical conflict.”
Further, the online outlet reported that when asked what would happen if he had to draft a contract or represent ExxonMobil or any other oil and gas-sector company in a court case that might go against the grain of the welfare and interest of Guyanese who he is representing politically, Hughes’ response was, “You seriously couldn’t be asking me to compromise my client’s integrity because the interest of Guyana is at stake, because I happen to be the leader of a political party; if you hired me in a case against the Government of Guyana, and you’re going to get an advantage to the disadvantage to the citizens, are you saying I should compromise the quality of advice I give to you and the quality of representation I give to you because Guyana is on the other side? That can’t be right. You’re putting any professional in a position where they have to make a biased decision, and they will not be giving their clients the best possible legal service, which they are hired to do.”
CLYDE & CO. REPORT
Dr. Jagdeo has reference the findings of a report by Clyde & Co. International Law Firm, which was commissioned by the former government. Clyde & Co International Law Firm, a company headquartered in London, England, was commissioned to conduct an “independent” report based on an investigation into the circumstances leading to the execution of the Petroleum Agreement June 27, 2016 – the renegotiated ExxonMobil contract.
Dr. Jagdeo had said: “…The report said, ‘On 19 May 2015, we understand EEPGL sent a proposed ‘Escrow Process’ flowchart, setting out the various steps and timeline for the execution of a new petroleum agreement (what would become the 2016 Agreement).
“…so, in the period from May 2015 when Nigel Hughes was still Chairman of the AFC, the negotiations started. Their own report said that Exxon sent this document over in May 2015.”
The report also stated that an ExxonMobil official, Brooke Harris, drafted Guyana negotiating position for the new ExxonMobil deal. It added that the Cabinet Memorandum that was approved to greenlight the renegotiation with ExxonMobil was based on email correspondences and drafts exchanged between the APNU+AFC Coalition and ExxonMobil.
The report, on Page 29, said: “We understand that on 25 May 2016, Mr. (Brooke) Harris provided, by email, a first draft Cabinet Memorandum.” Page 30 added, “We understand that the Cabinet Memorandum was prepared further to the email correspondence and draft versions exchanged between Mrs. Homer and Mr. (Brooke) Harris during the period 20 May to 31 May, 2016.”
The Clyde & Co International Law Firm’s 30-page report was completed on January 30, 2020. GLOBAL WITNESS REPORT
Dr. Jagdeo also called attention
to the 2020 Global Witness Report, which further underscored the conflict of interest involving Hughes.
Referring to Page 15 of the report, he stated that the report read: “Hughes has denied that his relationships with Trotman and Exxon represent a conflict of interest. In July 2019, he told Global Witness that his time as AFC Chairman did not really overlap with Trotman’s time as Minister of Natural Resources. Hughes did resign his post as AFC Chairman near the start of the Stabroek negotiations and was not in this post when Trotman was negotiating with Exxon in June 2016. However, as reported in the Guyanese press, Trotman became a minister in May 2015, eleven months before Hughes relinquished his AFC position in April 2016.”
He added, “Hughes said I was not Exxon’s lawyer when Trotman was Minister, but it wasn’t true. Eleven months after Trotman was Minister that is when he resigned. So, what we had was the General Secretary of AFC (Trotman) negotiating with Exxon and the Chairman of AFC (Nigel Hughes) is Exxon’s lawyer.”
Conflict of interest concerns were initially publicised in February 2020 with the publication of a Global Witness Report titled ‘Signed Away’. The renegotiated deal with ExxonMobil was done “quickly” and “apparently without a competitive bidding process” in 2016, according to the report.
The report made clear that the rushed signing of a re-negotiated deal with ExxonMobil was also due in part to the company’s “seemingly aggressive tactics” that succeeded with the engagement of Trotman.
“Trotman had reason to know that his Stabroek negotiation terms were weak…. Exxon needed a new deal, and it aggressively pursued one. In early April 2016, the company opened negotiations in Texas by confronting two inexperienced Guyanese officials,” the report said.
The renegotiated deal was signed on June 27, 2016.
Further, while the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Trotman was legally responsible for the oil and gas sector in 2016, during which period the ExxonMobil agreement was renegotiated, concerns about the role of his then partner in the AFC, Nigel Hughes, were been spotlighted in a damning report.
The report, on page 14 said: “Trotman was legally responsible for assessing and approving or rejecting Guyana’s oil licences. However, during the 2016 Stabroek negotiations Trotman had a possible conflict of interest. Trotman’s main political partner – Nigel Hughes –had served as one of Exxon’s lawyers on other matters, and Hughes’ firm periodically represents Exxon as a client.”
Notably, when the renegotiated ExxonMobil contract was finally released, on page 4, the address of Hughes’ law office is listed as the registered office – 62 Hadfield and Cross Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown – of the oil company.
Although the report was withdrawn in 2021, Global Witness in a statement said: “We stand by the integrity of the evidence we have presented.”
Global Witness had called for the relationship between Trotman, Hughes, and Exxon to be investigated to determine the existence or extent of any conflict of interest.
Citizens’ participation is paramount
THE Irfaan-Ali led government is serious about constitutional reform and giving every Guyanese citizen the opportunity to participate in this dynamic, fundamentally enriching process.
With all the elements coming together and plans moving full steam ahead, it is being emphasised that politicians ought to take a step back and allow the citizens to make their input.
In what can be acknowledged as a timely reminder and an important piece of advice, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has emphasised that no political party has the right to hijack the process and
determine what changes should be made to Guyana’s Constitution.
He has highlighted the importance of a wide cross-section of representation on the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) and the citizens’ participation, which are both fundamental aspects of democracy and good governance.
From the inception, the PPP/C government has made its approach to constitutional reform crystal clear; it must involve the people and it must be driven by the people.
But as expected, government critics do not approve. They have vented
their disapprovals in the public domain and have failed to acknowledge or support, even a little, the government’s keeping of its word and the efforts that have been made since taking office, to move the process forward.
Recently, in response to the unwarranted criticism, some of which target the CRC whose establishment is a part of the party’s manifesto, Dr. Jagdeo said: “No political party must have the arrogance to think they can determine what should be in the Constitution.
“That is why we said in our manifesto, we will use the same model that
we used in the past, which is five from the opposition, five from the government, and ten from civil society.”
By adopting a model that includes representatives from both political parties and civil society, the CRC ensures that the reform process reflects diverse perspectives and meets the needs of Guyana’s populace.
This model was laid out in the party’s 20202025 Manifesto, keeping in mind that issues concerning constitutional reform, particularly in relation to a national, inclusive governance model, management of elections, fiduciary accountabili -
ty, enhancing rights of Guyanese and ensuring constitutional language is simple, had already been raised and discussed in the public domain.
PPP/C’s approach, as repeatedly articulated by Dr. Jagdeo, emphasises inclusivity and transparency.
Encouraging people to participate in this constitutional reform process will allow for the identification and fixing of vexation and prejudicial issues before major changes are made at the legislative level. This will no doubt have to be fuelled by a robust public awareness campaign.
Decisions made with public participation are
not only seen as more legitimate, but they are less subject to challenge, and are seen as being better decisions for the good of all stakeholders.
Following the appointment of a secretary, the commission’s work will begin. And, when this happens, every citizen should seize the opportunity to contribute to the process. It is not only about letting their voices be heard and having their opinions documented, but it’s also about ensuring that the foundation is laid for us to live prosperous, peaceful lives in a nation that we are proud citizens of.
Nigel Hughes has distorted the facts
Dear Editor,
I READ, with interest, the report of Mr. Nigel Hughes first press conference as leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the July 9, 2024, issue of the "Kaieteur News" and I was disappointed.
My disappointment stemmed from the fact that Mr. Hughes has adopted the same methodology of the former and present PNC and AFC leaders. From the very beginning he has chosen to misrepresent and distort events in our country. Same old PNC politics.
It was reported that he urged the government not to undertake big projects without feasibility studies and used as his example the Skeldon Expansion Project in the Sugar Industry. That is very far from the truth.
That project had a very good plan. It was conceived at a time when the European Union was saying that they
would bring an end to the Sugar Protocol which had guaranteed prices for sugar producing countries if the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions.
The PPP/C government joined with their ACP colleagues to resist the EU plan. At the same time, it began to plan for the eventuality of the EU succeeding to abandon the decades old agreement. The EU eventually did after it had lost a case brought by Australia and Brazil to the World Trade Union (WTO).
The administration was faced with two options, one was to close the industry down, and the other was to take steps to keep it going and save jobs in the industry.
The government chose to take steps to save the industry and jobs. It charged GuySuCo’s Board to come up with a feasible plan for the industry.
The board tapped into the talents it had in the sector and used international experts to craft the plan. Booker/Tate
(BT) was chosen as the international expert and engineer of the projects.
The plan was to transform the sugar industry from being just a producer of raw sugar into a complex with other revenue streams and at the same time to reduce the average cost of producing raw sugar. It envisaged the production of electricity (co-generation); a new distillery and a refinery to process our raw sugar into industrial sugar (white sugar) among other value-added products.
The plan was sound. The problem was with its implementation which Booker Tate, the international expert was contracted to do. Without going into details, it was the board’s view that Booker Tate was responsible for the many problems that developed with that project.
Because of that conviction the board withheld payments to Booker Tate. B.T decided to take the issue to court. GuySuCo crossed
charged Booker Tate and I thought we had a good chance of winning the case and make B.T pay for its poor project management.
Unfortunately, when the government changed in 2015, the PNC and AFC regime decided to release the withheld money to Booker Tate and to withdrew the board's case against B.T from the court. That allowed Booker Tate to walk away with millions.
The PNC/AFC regime then proceeded to close estates and dismissed thousands of workers. That was a blatant racial and political attack on sugar workers whom the PNC/AFC considered to be PPP supporters. From their (PNC/AFC) warped point of view this was aimed at damaging the PPP.
I say this because at the time the PNC/AFC decided to close the estates, the industry was overcoming the problems at Skeldon. This can be confirmed by the production figures of 2014 and 2015
when Skeldon took the lead in sugar production. Moreover, the technical team that the PNC/AFC put together to examine the operation of the industry did not recommend closing estates.
Mr. Hughes must have known all this since the issue was ventilated publicly for many years. As late as April of this year Mr. Vickram Ouditt and I had an exchange on the issue. The debate was not the lack of planning but whether the plan was changed.
In addition to all of the above Mr. Hughes had to be aware since he was Booker Tate’s lawyer in the case against GuySuCo while being chairman of the AFC. Therefore, to make the statement which he was reported to have made was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public for narrow political ends. He is obviously practicing the politics of deception.
In closing let me say that almost all the big projects
that were undertaken by successive PPP/Civic governments were carefully planned and all had feasibility studies done.
The only one that I am aware of where the PPP/C government did not go along with the advice of the experts related to the bauxite operations in Linden. The experts advised that the company be closed but both President Jagan and Jagdeo refused to do so. They both worked to save the industry and workers’ jobs. Their decision did not only save the industry but allowed Linden to remain a viable community.
Mr. Hughes should aim at putting some integrity to the opposition's propaganda instead of going along the old dishonest and racist path.
Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar Former President of Guyana
The AFC will not get seats, the PNC will lose seats
I HAD written it several times before that the AFC will go into the 2025 election with the PNC, hoping to keep its name alive, and hoping to have one or two parliamentary seats. Such a possibility has died for two reasons: One is the PNC would accept the AFC into an election alliance, but there will be absolutely no written agreement on the number of seat allocation. The PNC will not concede seat allocation.
Two: The Nigel Hughes factor. It is doubtful that Mr. Hughes will want to go into the election as APNU+AFC. Under Hughes, there will be no APNU+AFC ticket. I think for all intent and purpose, the formation named the ANPU+AFC is dead. For all intent and purpose, I think the AFC is dead and gone. I cannot count the number of times on these pages that I have written that opinion.
I honestly did not know Nigel Hughes would have officially entered politics. But even if it was rumoured that he will, my thought was that he would have formed his own party. The reality is Mr. Hughes is heading a party with personnel that are highly tainted, and with a party that will be hard to compete with third parties.
It is the same people that promised the Promised Land to Guyanese, then became a PNC surrogate. Does Mr. Hughes think he can wipe out those memories which are still fresh in the collective mind of the nation?
What can Raphael Trotman tell the Guyanese people that will make them vote for him?
The same question can be raised in relation to Cathy Hughes and David Patterson. And although Khemraj Ramjattan is not in the hierarchy, he is in the executive, which is the body
that makes decisions.
In 2025, no one will want to hear his name. This is the man who opened his mouth and said that the decision to close the sugar estates came from the AFC. Can he speak at an AFC campaign meeting without facing the possibility of disruption? Then there is Sherod Duncan. The PPP has the report into his conduct as head of the Chronicle during the APNU+AFC regime, and will make mincemeat out of him the first day of the election campaign.
No one should envy Mr. Hughes, because his task is a Sisyphean one. Then he has to deal with the perennial question of the five months of rigged election. He has to deal with the revolving questions that dogged the AFC while it was in power. If Hughes does not take the lead and answer those questions himself, thereby putting himself into
an accountability mode, the AFC will face disaster. I dealt with some of those extreme curiosities that must be answered in my Wednesday column. But there is one that I left out.
In February 2020, a month before the election, the PNC and the AFC, with lead negotiators David Patterson and Vincent Adams, renegotiated the Cummingsburg Accord and publicly stated that one clause has to remain secret. Can the AFC, under Nigel’s leadership. tell us about that mystery? Nigel was not part of that episode, and may not know about the details. But he has to demand from Adams and Patterson the fine print. If they refuse, then Nigel has to call an emergency meeting to oust them.
The question is: Who will get what seats in 2025? My thinking is the PPP will pull votes from the PNC. The PNC will suffer a substantial decline, but apart
from the PPP, which other parties will receive the votes from the disaffected PNC supporters? I doubt the AFC will get any, but I am willing to concede that the AFC could muster a seat if it is prepared to apologise for its time in office, but, more importantly, denounce the PNC for its mistreatment of the AFC between 2015 and 2020.
The fallout from the PNC is likely to benefit ANUG, and maybe some new dynamic party. There is rumour about Glen Lall forming a party. One hopes that that circus never comes to town. People look at Lall for entertainment, but would not dare entertain the thought of voting for him. Lall is in love with him-
self, but apart from GHK Lall, I doubt Lall will get more than two votes. It may, in fact, be one vote; Lall himself. I think GHK Lall is going to vote for either the PNC or AFC, because, after all, it was those two parties that secured the golden future for GHK Lall, by making him the chairman of the Gold Board. The formation of a third party is going to be a non-starter. After what the AFC did and what Asha Kissoon did. Third parties will be stillborn.
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.
Squatting along Soesdyke-Linden Highway continues to actively engage government’s attention – Minister McCoy
The following is the full statement issued by Minister McCoy:
“I have noted with significant concern the continued problem of persons squatting on privately-owned or State-owned lands along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
“It is imperative to reiterate that individuals who make the personal decision to squat on private or State lands must acknowledge the inherent limitations and challenges of such actions. Squatting is illegal, and therefore squatters cannot reasonably expect the government to provide infrastructure and services in areas that were never formally or officially designated for residential use.
“The decision to unlawfully occupy land comes with known consequences, including insufficient or non-existent basic infrastructure, such as potable water and sanitation facilities, and the stark reality of structures being demolished by landowners.
“Our administration has consistently highlighted the deplorable nature of squatting along the Highway, and has been proactive in addressing these issues through several strategic initiatives, via the Ministry of
Housing and Water, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, and other State agencies.
“Firstly, we have created and continue to develop official housing schemes that provide safe, legal, and well-serviced living conditions for our citizens.
“In other cases, we have undertaken efforts to regularise certain settlements, where feasible, bringing them up to standard with necessary amenities and infrastructure.
“For those squatters residing in particularly hazardous or unsuitable areas, we have initiated relocation programmes to move individuals and families to safer, more suitable locations that have established facilities and services.
“It is profoundly disingenuous for Opposition elements to ingratiate themselves with squatters who occupy privately-owned lands and then seek to shift blame onto the government for the resultant living conditions. Such actions are a transparent attempt to manipulate the vulnerable for political gain, and we categorically reject these baseless accusations.
“This was the case with the recent actions of Ubraj Narine, who, in a calculated and de -
ceitful move, sought to exploit the plight of squatters at Kuru Kururu along the Highway. Mr Narine, in his desperate bid to score political points and resuscitate his waning career, has deliberately misrepresented the situation concerning the residents occupying land privately owned by the estate of Dr. Charles.
“Similarly, at Sarah Johanna, the AFC’s Sherod Duncan sought to exploit a group of squatters who occupied private land acquired by the current landlord in 2019, during the tenure of the APNU+AFC government.
“Despite the squatters’ pre-existing conditions, the APNU+AFC administration did nothing to assist them with relocation, knowing full well that the land was privately acquired.
“It is hypocritical for the Opposition to now criticise our government while they failed to establish a proper housing programme during their tenure to provide adequate housing for Guyanese. Instead of addressing the growing backlog of housing applicants, the APNU+AFC administration was preoccupied with grabbing land for themselves.
“The government remains
resolute in its commitment to addressing the issues of squatting, and ensuring that all citizens have access to dignified living conditions. However, this must be done within the framework
of legality and sustainability. We call on all responsible citizens to engage with the legal processes, and support our efforts to provide safe, sustainable, and legally compliant housing solutions.
“We reaffirm our dedication to resolving the complex issue of squatting in a manner that is fair, lawful, and in the best interest of all Guyanese.”
Region Two small business owners laud gov’t for financial support
By Cindy Parkinson
WITH the aim of strengthening the country's economy through its people, the Guyana government continues to provide financial support to the owners of hundreds of established and emerging small businesses around the nation.
Sharon (only name given) of Abram Zuil, told the Guyana Chronicle recently that she was shocked when she received a call from one of the government offices stating that she was eligible for a cash grant.
According to her, “Even though I had applied for the cash grant to put towards a small snackette that I wanted to open, I did not think that I would get a call now. I know that there are many more persons who probably applied as well, so I didn’t think too much about me getting through; at least not now.
“However, I must say thanks to Dr. Jagdeo and the government for making sure that they are giving back to us, so that we can build a better life for ourselves. We have seen
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to the residents of Essequibo Coast during his twoday outreach. Also pictured are Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh (right), and the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag
throughout Guyana that every region and the people have been given help, and it feels good to know that we are not forgotten.”
Sharon further stated that even though the Vice-President explained that he was “very busy” with his outreach in the region, she appreciated that he still took the time to speak with them on the importance of developing
themselves. Sharon added that the Vice-President also explained that the cash grant initiative is not limited to Region Two.
In closing, Sharon said, “Dr. Jagdeo also said that those who applied and did not receive cash grants during this visit will get theirs at a later date.”
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, a small shop owner from the Annan -
dale community explained that her goal is to expand her small business. Kamo (only name given) also stated that she had always wanted to expand her business, but did not want to take out a bank loan.
According to her, “I always wanted to extend my shop, but I never wanted to go to the bank to get a loan. So, this opportunity came up, and I applied. Thankfully, I got through, and I will do what I intended to do with it. On behalf of the small business owners and the people of Essequibo, we would like to thank the government, especially Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, for coming himself to the Coast.”
Additionally, Chandra Singh, of Anna Regina, explained that her daughter applied through a representative from the area for a cash grant to start up a business in the market. However, Singh said that even though her daughter's
name was not on the list on Wednesday, she is certain that she will get a call soon.
“Even though my daughter’s name was not called, I am not upset about that,” Chandra said, adding: “Everything takes time, and with what this government is doing across this country, I have no reason to believe that it wouldn’t happen.
“Apart from the cash grant that was being shared, I was at the meeting to ask for advice on some personal matters of mine, and I am happy to say that it was resolved. Not every day you get to meet with these officials, but when you do, your matters are looked into right away, and that is something we never had in this country.”
During a recent twoday outreach, Vice-President Jagdeo and government ministers engaged residents of the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon farm-
ers. Dr. Jagdeo revealed during his press conference on Thursday that the farmers in Pomeroon were delighted with the assistance they had received from the government since they took office in 2020.
Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo explained that the aim of the visit was to contribute to the development of the region through various sectors, such as tourism, as well as create job opportunities for the young people in the region. He also asked that the young people of the region capitalise on the GOAL scholarship programmes that are being offered Online to all Guyanese, free of cost.
Dr. Jagdeo also shared that the government’s outreaches and developmental initiatives are not limited to one specific region, as they are committed to serving persons living throughout Guyana.
Section of the crowd consisting of residents of Region Two
AG advocates for revolutionising of Caribbean’s criminal justice systems through restorative justice
By Feona Morrison
HOW can restorative justice transform criminal ju stice systems in the Caribbean? This was the focal point of Attorney-General Anil Nandlall’s address at the recently concluded First Legal Conference on Criminal Justice Reform which was held at the Marriott Hotel.
In his presentation, titled, “The role of restorative justice in the criminal justice system—making the cultural shift”, he emphatically stated that alternative methods of settling disputes are not just a trend, but a necessary evolution in the justice system.
While there are many different forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation and arbitration, Nandlall's research focused on the role that restorative justice techniques play in reducing the burden on courts and providing satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved.
Though new in the Caribbean, he said restorative justice has been around for nearly 50 years, and is widely practised in first world jurisdictions, including, North America and Europe.
He said that the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice has recognised restorative justice as an essential tool for improving criminal justice reform since 2005, and has advised all member states to incorporate it into their legal frameworks.
Nandlall stated that novel concepts such as restorative justice have emerged because the traditional systems of punishment have simply not worked.
“History and experience have taught us that punitive sanctions are not the solution. We have tried protracted custodial sentences; we have tried the death penalty, we have tried the cat o' nine tails, we have tried hard labour, we have tried solitary confinement but what is the result? Has there been a reduction in crime? Were these punitive sanctions a deterrent? The answer is no,” the Attorney-General reasoned.
The unpleasant reality, as he put it, is that crime has not only escalated, but has increased to unprecedented levels, despite the use of
highly punitive sanctions, including the death penalty.
This morbid reality, he noted, demonstrably establishes, beyond doubt, that penal sanctions and the conventional approach to punishment have abysmally failed to achieve the conceptual objective of deterrence.
Additionally, he pointed out that the skyrocketing rate of recidivism further establishes that the penal objectives of rehabilitation and reformation of the offender are more elusive than attainable.
HEALING OVER PUNISHHMENT
Like plea bargaining, Nandlall explained that restorative justice brings the offender and the victim faceto-face in a conciliatory atmosphere at a mediation table, instead of putting them against each other in an adversarial amphitheatre-type setting of a criminal trial court.
By embracing restorative justice, he noted, the criminal justice system can move towards a model that prioritises healing over punishment, ultimately leading to safer and more cohesive communities.
Nandlall said that restorative justice contains three fundamental ingredients: Victim involvement, community involvement, and offender reintegration.
“In the traditional criminal process,” he said, “the State is the victim; not the individual. The offender is sentenced, and the victim hardly has any involvement. On the other hand, under restorative justice, the victim takes centre stage. Property may be restored, compensation paid, dignity restored, a sense of empowerment conferred, relationship with accused repaired, and a feeling that justice has been done is left in the mind of the victim.
“In restorative justice, the community also plays a pivotal role. Invariably, the persons who preside over the engagement between the offender and the victim are drawn from the community - from the religious institutions, from community-based organisations, and even teachers from the schools. The offender is offered an opportunity to express contrition and repair
the relationship not only with the victim but with the community which may have been outraged by his conduct.
“The public shaming aspect associated with the criminal charge, or worse yet, a conviction, under the
WINNING FORMULA
Meanwhile, Attorney-General Nandlall de -
traditional system disappears. The ostracism to which such an offender is normally subjected is removed. Significantly, the root cause of the problem between the victim and the offender is normally identified and addressed with the assistance of the community. In the end, this process makes it more conducive for the offender to be reintegrated into the community.”
clared that restorative justice has finally been formally included into Caribbean legal systems, calling it a long-overdue reform.
He cited Jamaica as the pioneering jurisdiction with
TURN TO PAGE 14
Toshaos, prison officers and probation officers at a recently held restorative justice training session
NPTAB clarifies SN report on Fire Station HQ contract
THE National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has said that Mohamed’s Enterprise had the lowest bid for the construction
of the Guyana Fire Service headquarters. NPTAB made this clarification in response to a Stabroek News’ article, noting that a typographical error at the
level of the board might have been made resulting in the publication of incorrect information.
Below is the full statement issued by NPTAB:
“The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has noted the article titled "Mohamed’s Enterprise bid $210m above engineer’s estimate but still got contract for fire station HQ" dated July 7th, 2024, in the Stabroek News and wishes to provide clarifications:
1.The award of the contract for the Fire station Head Quarters was done for the amount of $614,521,774 which is $34 million below the engineer’s estimate.
2.The Read-out price at the time of the bid opening as announced from the bid page, which shows $858,788,980 in figures, a possible typographic error, reflected in the minutes and stated in the Stabroek News article instead of $614,521,774 which was stated in words.
3.The documents were then given to the three-person independent evaluating team to conduct the evaluation. All bids were checked for administrative compliances and all Bill of quantities were tabulated to avoid any arithmetic errors. At this stage it was discovered that Mohamed’s Enterprise bid was $614,521,774 as correct-
ly stated in their detailed Bill of quantity in their original bid document which was then used in the final evaluation process.
The evaluation team recommended Mohamed’s Enterprise as the lowest evaluated bid, meeting all the criteria and experience required, at the price of $614,521,774. A contract award was done for this amount and a contract was
subsequently entered. The Ministry of Home Affairs last year, included some additional works (outside of the original scope) to the existing contract, taking the amount to $635,527,894, all of which was done in accordance with the procurement regulations.
NPTAB wishes to thank Stabroek News for the opportunity to provide clarity on this matter.”
Region Two RDC honours Top 10 NGSA performers
- boy living with disabilities also recognised
REGION Two’s top ten performers at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) were, on Thursday, honoured by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). The annual award ceremony which was organised by the RDC in collaboration with the Department of Education, was held in the council’s boardroom.
Those honoured are Ro-
shine Deonarine of Huist Diren Primary, Rithanya Narine of Suddie Primary, Belinda Mohan of C.V. Nunes Primary, Devanie Raghoobar of Aurora Primary, Demitri Deonarine of Charity Primary, Shaneka Narine of Fisher Primary, Matthew Mohabir of Abrams Creek Primary, Sareena Allen of Queenstown Primary, Manav Dwarka of Fisher Primary, and Chiran-
jeev Mohamed of Taymouth Manor Primary. Jaden Haripershad of Jacklow Primary, who secured a spot at Anna Regina Secondary with 472.23 marks despite his medical issues, was also honoured. Haripershad who hails from the Pomeroon River, struggles with cerebral palsy, club feet, and esotropia, which has
The Region Two NGSA top performers and Jaden Haripershad, who, despite a number of medical challenges, managed to secure a place at Anna Regina Secondary, were recognised by the regional administration (Indrawattie Natram photo)
Caribbean ripe for investment opportunities in various sectors
- countries must look beyond borders and embrace regional partnerships, Executive Director of Caribbean Export says
By Shamar Meusa
THE Caribbean region is ripe with investment opportunities in various sectors, and as such it was highlighted that nations must look beyond borders and embrace regional partnerships in this regard.
This call was championed by Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), Dr. Damie Sinanan at the opening of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF), which is being held here at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
According to Dr. Sinanan, the CIF symbolises a remarkable shift in the region’s collective approach to securing vital investments required for economic development and diversification of Caribbean nations.
“The Caribbean is ripe for investment opportunities in various sectors, and the forum provides the platform to enable various public and private stakeholders to meet and advance this cause,” the Executive Director said.
To this end, he added that as the region continues to fortify its resilience against external shocks, it is paramount that the pivotal role played by the private sector in transforming lives is not lost sight of.
Dr. Sinanan told the gathering, “No longer can we sustain economic growth by relying solely on our domestic spaces. We must look beyond borders and embrace regional and international partnerships. We must come together as a single Caribbean to bring the
required scale and market size needed to attract a high level of capital investment needed to achieve transformational growth.”
Further to this, he indicated that it cannot be businesses alone, and urged stakeholders to act with alacrity and in unity while embracing the changing environment.
Against this backdrop, the executive director added that the forum continues to provide an invaluable opportunity for Caribbean private and public stakeholders to maximize their potential in developing essential relationships that can revolutionise the region.
With that, he highlighted that the broader plan is to deepen trade relations thus encouraging the flow of economic activity within the Caribbean.
As such, the focus at this year’s CIF remains on three key areas: green economy transition, sustainable agriculture and digitalisation of business.
In relation to the Green Economy transition agenda, Dr. Sinanan stated that the increasing impacts of climate change necessitate an urgent and decisive shift towards greener economies. He added that transitioning to green economies is not just about mitigating risks, but is also about seizing opportunities
“What is not spoken about with this green economy transition is, that there are potential opportunities for growth of the private sector, jobs and investment.
However, we are faced
Region Two...
FROM PAGE 10
caused one eye to deviate inward towards the nose.
Deonarine topped the region with 502.19 marks, securing a place at Queen’s College.
The pupils received trophies, monetary prizes, and bicycles in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.
Region Two Education Officer, Shondelle Hercules, stated that the ceremony which celebrated the pupils' achievements, was also an acknowledgement of the hard work of teachers and parents.
She noted that the region has 38 primary schools and four annexes, with a total of 1,001 pupils taking the examinations this year.
Based on the results, the top-performing schools in Region Two were Abrams Creek Primary and Better Hope Primary, with pass rates of 81.76 per cent and 78.5 per cent, respectively.
Comparing results, Hercules noted that 46 pupils were
with a stark reality that a green transition is going to cost a lot and it requires significant investments,” he posited.
With this in mind, there is an immediate need to mobilise the right partners that can help to support the requisite infrastructure. This, he said is at the core of CIF’s rationale and as such a transition will bolster resilience and create opportunities for many in the region.
Meanwhile, as it relates to the digitalisation of business, he stated that innovation and technology are fundamen -
tal for the integration of the Caribbean’s private sector into the regional and global economies.
At Caribbean Export, Dr. Sinanan said, they see it as their duty to ensure that the private sector is not left behind and can leverage opportunities through innovative applications of technologies.
“It requires significant investment in innovative infrastructure in education, in technology adoption, in entrepreneurship and innovative tech; these can unlock new economic potential and create
digitally empowered societies,” he added.
Conclusively, as he spoke on the push towards sustainable agriculture, the Executive Director added that while the Caribbean is blessed with rich biodiversity, it is challenged by hurricanes, droughts and rising sea levels that pose significant threats to agriculture systems.
Against this backdrop, Dr Sinanan added that this makes the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices more of a necessity than an option.
placed in National Schools in 2023, while 38 were placed in those schools in 2024. Additionally, 306 pupils were placed in ‘List A’ schools in 2024, four per cent more than the 245 in 2023. The ‘List A’ schools in the region are Anna Regina Secondary and Abram Zuil Secondary School.
Further, the region saw a two per cent increase in the Mathematics performance and a 4 per cent increase in English Language. However, there was a 4 per cent decrease recorded for Science and a one percent increase in Social Studies.
Meanwhile, Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, congratulated the pupils and commended the parents for their support.
She emphasised the government's investment in education to provide necessary resources for improved educational delivery. De Silva said she was pleased with the performance of riverain communities and thanked the teachers for their guidance.
Executive Director at the Caribbean Export Development Agency Dr. Damie Sinanan (Office of the President photo)
Region can deliver investment climate that the world takes note of - Go-Invest CEO says at launch of CIF Investment Village
By Shamar Meusa
AS stakeholders from across the region gather in Guyana for the Caribbean Investment
Forum (CIF), Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer Dr. Peter Ramsaroop has said that the region can deliver an investment climate that the world takes note of by working together.
Dr. Ramsaroop made this remark during the launching of the Investment Village, which is a key part of the ongoing CIF that puts businesses around the region on display for possible investment opportunities.
According to the Chief Investment Officer, the event is being held in Guyana at the right time, as the country is currently leading the efforts in investments across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
He noted the creation of opportunities
of partnering with each other and twinning products.
He added, “Working together, we could deliver an investment climate that the world takes note of.”
He indicated that bringing the region together is what the Caribbean Export De-
for businesses, and even countries in the region to partner in various areas.
He gave an example and indicated that a project is in the works for the twinning of a tourism product between Barbados and Guyana, which could see persons spending a few days on the beaches of Barbados and a few days in Guyana’s jungle.
“Let's build this regional investment power to make all of our nations great,” he said.
Against this backdrop, he urged those present to take advantage of the opportunities here, and when they return to their respective countries to pursue the possibility
velopment Agency (Caribbean Export)’s mission is about and the investment village further demonstrates this.
“Our goal is to make something out of it; twin our products, get to the wider market. Let’s think outside of the box,” he said. Meanwhile, Executive Director at the Caribbean Export, Dr. Damie Sinanan said that the investment village is where the action happens as exhibitors will be displaying their products and services to investors.
The village will feature product presentations which will highlight what the Caribbean has to offer in terms of investment.
Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop (left) and Executive Director at the Caribbean Export Development Agency Dr. Damie Sinanan as they cut the ribbon to officially open the investment village on Thursday
One of the booths set up in the investment village (Delano Williams photos)
Minister Edghill shuts down Takatu Bridge ‘sinking’ rumours
By Cindy Parkinson
ENSURING that the public is not misled by baseless rumours surrounding the Takatu Bridge in Region Nine, the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has reassured the public that the structure is not collapsing and that it is safe to use.
Speaking exclusively with the Guyana Chronicle, the minister explained that due to the prolonged inclement weather, it is normal for the structure to show signs of “settlements.”
He used the opportunity to urge commuters to be cautious and vigilant while traversing the area to their respective destinations.
Minister Edghill said, “It was brought to our attention at the Ministry of Public Works that there are rumours circulating that the Takatu Bridge is sinking. However, I'd like to inform the public, particularly those who use the bridge frequently, that the rumour is false. The structural integrity of Takatu Bridge remains intact. The observed settlement is localised to the approaches and is a result of erosion from heavy rainfall.
“That simply means that the bridge is showing signs of settlement due to erosion that was caused by the recent heavy rainfall,” he explained.
As it relates to safety, the Public Works Minister noted that his ministry has been closely monitoring the situation and has concluded that there is no current threat to commuters. However, he recommends that caution be taken when approaching the bridge.
According to Min-
ister Edghill, “commuters are not in immediate danger. The ministry has been constantly monitoring the situation, but when approaching the bridge, we advise using caution.”
Minister Edghill further stated that their objective is to promptly implement corrective measures to tackle erosion and stabilise the affected areas. He said: “We are currently working on an immediate intervention, that is, the ministry has prioritised this issue and will commence remedial works very shortly, so that we can address the erosion situation as well as stabilise the affected areas.”
In order to start the necessary repairs as soon as possible, he also mentioned that contractors have been called in to carrying out work.
In relation to traffic management, the Public Works Minister emphasised that in every project that they have undertaken as a government, the safety of the public and staff has always been the first priority.
With safety being our first priority on any job site, and to protect the public and employees alike, there will be temporary traffic control measures that will be implemented during the corrective work. I am kindly ask-
ing all commuters to heed the instructions of the traffic control staff and adhere to all posted signage. This is in the best interest of you, your safety, and the people around you,” he said.
Finally, Minister Edghill emphasised that their commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of all road users is a top priority for the Ministry of Public Works.
He also explained that they sincerely appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the people who traverse the bridge frequently.
According to the minister, they take pride in ensuring that they preserve and restore the integrity of the Takatu Bridge.
Additionally, Minister Edghill asked persons to desist from spreading untrue reports about these kinds of matters as they can put a great deal of unnecessary stress on people's lives.
Frequent updates on the progress of the remedial work would be provided via official channels of communication.
Anyone with queries or who needs more information should get in touch with the Ministry of Public Works.
The Takutu Bridge connects Lethem in Region Nine, Guyana, with Bonfim, Brazil.
The section that requires some remedial work
A close-up of the section of the bridge that is eroding due to the heavy rainfall
AG advocates...
FROM PAGE 9
its Law Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Restorative Justice) Act of 2016.
He pointed out that research has shown that Jamaica's restorative justice programme has a 90 per cent resolution and settlement rate for cases that are referred.
If this rate of success can be replicated throughout the Caribbean, Nandlall expressed “then we would have found a winning formula.”
In Guyana, significant efforts are underway to prepare for the implementation of restorative justice. Extensive training sessions have been conducted for judges, magistrates, prosecutors, police officers, prison officers, probation officers, and community leaders.
The training also encompasses religious leaders and teachers, with plans to introduce restorative practices within schools. In the hinterland regions, training has been extended to toshaos, the leaders in Amerindian communities.
A Restorative Justice Centre has been established, led by a qualified director, to oversee the application of restorative justice as per the Restorative Justice Act, which was enacted in 2022.
Given Guyana's vast geography and dispersed population, the Attorney-General admitted that implementing restorative justice nationwide presents a substantial challenge.
To address this, he has initiated the integration of Restorative Justice Units within each Probation Department across Guyana, which are under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
These departments maintain a functional relationship with the country's court sys-
tems, particularly the Magistrates’ Courts.
By aligning the services of probation officers and restorative justice officers, Nandlall envisions a synergistic approach where both attend court sessions, facilitating the seamless arrangement of restorative justice engagements.
Nandlall anticipates minimal cultural resistance to this shift, noting the historical presence of restorative justice practices in Guyana's rural communities.
He referenced traditional dispute resolution systems such as the Indo-Guyanese Panchayat system, Afro-Guyanese community elder mediation, and similar practices in Amerindian communities, all of which emphasise community-led conflict resolution.
Drawing on Jamaica’s success as evidence, the Attorney-General is confident that the cultural shift towards restorative justice can be achieved across the Caribbean without significant challenges.
However, he emphasised the need for extensive public education and awareness campaigns to promote the concept and encourage its adoption within the legal system.
He concluded that alternative dispute resolution methods are essential and here to stay, positioning restorative justice as a cornerstone for a more humane and effective criminal justice system in the region.
Notably, in Guyana, restorative justice is only available for a limited number of minor offences.
Consequently, severe crimes like robbery, manslaughter, murder, offences against minors and sexual offences are not covered by restorative justice.
Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, SC
Leaders of hurricane-ravaged islands lobby international community for financial aid
By Naomi Parris
HURRICANE Beryl's devastation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada highlights the urgent need for timely assistance and capital investment in Small Island Developing States.
In a joint press conference facilitated by the United Nations on Thursday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell voiced a collective call, highlighting the importance of funding to address the climate crisis and rebuilding efforts.
Beryl set a record for the first-ever Category 4 storm in June in the Atlantic, making landfall last week on Carriacou, in Grenada, and wrecking nearby islands.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Lucia were among some of the Caribbean States that were affected during Beryl’s passage across the region.
Thousands of people across Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines were left homeless by the storm, which killed at least seven people, and destroyed schools, businesses and crops.
“Together, they constitute Beryl’s Armageddon,” said Prime Minister Gonsalves, who emphasised that “In just a few hours, entire islands were decimated.”
ating his solidarity with affected nations.
REGIONAL SUPPORT
In an immediate response, the Community (CARICOM) has been rounding up support for those nations that have been affected.
Guyana’s President and the current CARICOM Chair, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has since initiated a regional agriculture assessment to determine the damage of the regions agriculture and food production sector.
Quasi Cabinet said earlier this week.
According to President Ali, there have been investments in the sectors — infrastructure, water system, technology, crop variety, farm support, farm to market infrastructure; however, many of the states would have lost these investments.
Collectively, the regional bloc was aiming to slash their import expenditure on food by 25 per cent by 2025.
This vision has since suffered a setback.
President Ali explained that while the ‘quick fix’ will be to get food immediately to the islands that have been severely affected, a major concern will be ensuring that nutritional values are met.
‘COVID’… There were 21 volcanic eruptions; there was Hurricane Elsa, and then now a Category Four hurricane,” Prime Minister Gonsalves added.
The Prime Minister emphasised the devastating impact of recent natural disasters on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighting the need for international assistance to address the country's limited fiscal means.
Gonsalves made a request for substantial international assistance for relief, income support, production support, and rebuilding efforts.
He further urged major emitter countries to take climate change more seriously, and summon the political will to address it urgently.
Ideally, leaders are hoping to muster at least $9 million in assistance from the international community.
“Across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the faces of men, women and children are strained and anxious. They are apprehensive. My country has had four significant disasters or emergencies since 2020
In an effort to assist 43,000 people, the United Nations joined the call for assistance, stating that $5 million of the $9 million sought will go to Grenada, and the remaining amount to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Grenada has recorded devastating damage, and while there is optimism to rebuild, tremendous financial aid is required.
“90 per cent of all buildings in these islands were destroyed: Homes, schools, commercial buildings, shops, airport, food facilities, marinas gas station, hospital health centres, community centres the road infrastructure, the shoreline, the coastline,” Grenada’s Prime Minister said.
The island’s entire economic sectors, he said, has grounded to zero.
Last week, the UN’s Secretary-General reiterated his solidarity with countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, releasing
US$4 million from the organisation’s emergency response fund to kickstart relief efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep dismay at the destruction caused by the hurricane, reiter-
“The initial assessment is heart-wrenching to our farmers, to our government and to the people of these countries. It is heart-wrenching because of the tremendous investment, policy commitment and budget support that was placed in the agriculture sector since 2020,” Dr. Ali, who is also the lead Head of Government with responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in the region’s
On Thursday, a vessel from Guyana arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with relief supplies. Similar support has also been given to Grenada.
In the aftermath, CARICOM States have rallied to secure aid to the nations affected by Hurricane Beryl. On Thursday, supplies from Guyana were offloaded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
GMSA President highlights potential of Gas-to-Energy project to propel glass bottle factory, recycling plant
By Feona Morrison
RAMSAY Ali, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), has emphasised the country's Gas-to-Energy project's revolutionary potential and said that it could serve as a springboard for the establishment of a glass bottle factory and a recycling plant.
Speaking on this week’s episode of the Energy Perspectives Podcast, he stressed the importance of leveraging the Gas-to-Energy project to diversify Guyana’s industrial sector.
"Most definitely," he said, adding that a glass bottle factory can be built after the Gas-to-Energy project starts up. He ex -
plained that the high cost of electricity made it impractical to build such a factory, making references to earlier feasibility studies. Ali provided background information on the operation of a glass bottle factory by stating, “When
you start that plant, you can’t turn it off. It doesn’t make sense to turn it off. It has to keep running. That’s how it works best. That’s the best efficiency you get when you start something like that.”
Guyana Power and Light (GPL), a stateowned company, dominates the country's power market. However, many of Guyana's biggest manufacturers, including Sterling Products Limited and Banks DIH Limited, produce their own electricity in order to have access to cheap and reliable power.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has carried out a feasibility assessment on the viability of building a glass bottle plant in Guyana, according to the
President of the GMSA. He added that the results of the study are back, but he could not release them.
Concerns that a glass bottle producer in Trinidad would not be able to meet the demand in the region, prompted the GMSA to
apply to the IDB for funding for the study. Reports indicated that Ernst and Young Global Limited was engaged by the bank to carry out the research.
“I believe that based on what I know…given the amount of people I have spoken to in the manufac-
waste and promoting a sustainable environment.
He said that years ago, the high cost and unreliability of electricity made the establishment of such a plant impractical since the plant "has to keep running" once it is started.
Guyana has had trouble disposing of waste for a long time, and major stakeholders believe that the country needs a recycling facility to get rid of its rubbish.
He emphasised that the recycling facility and glass bottle factory are two enormous initiatives that have the potential to significantly alter Guyana's course.
turing sector in Guyana, it [the glass bottle factory] is going to get done because there are a number of businesses in Guyana who will get together to build such a factory,” he added.
The GMSA President called for collaborative efforts between the government, the local private sector, and regional companies to realise this vision.
Guyana used to have a glass bottle factory years ago. A considerable demand for glass bottles has been generated by two large beverage companies, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Banks
Together with CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited and Hess Guyana Exploration, its co-venture partners in the 6.6 million acres prolific Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Guyana is working with the Government of Guyana to advance the Gas-to-Energy project. It is anticipated that the project, which would supply associated gas from offshore ExxonMobil Guyana-operated projects (Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2), will increase efficiency, generate new economic growth prospects, and reduce energy costs by up to 50 per cent.
DIH Limited, as well as other manufacturers and agro-processors.
Additionally, Ali outlined a vision where the glass bottle factory could be integrated with a comprehensive solid waste recycling plan. This initiative would involve collecting and processing recyclable materials, thereby reducing
Once commissioned, the project’s pipeline would transport up to 50 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facilities.
It has an estimated total cost of US$1.8 billion and is cost recoverable. The Gas-to-Energy project is expected to be up and running by the first half of 2025 and has a 25-year lifespan.
Example of a solid waste recycling plant (Eggersmann Recycling Technology photo)
Glass bottles
GMSA President, Ramsay Ali
Foreign Secretary meets three-man ITC team
FOREIGN Secretary, Robert Persaud, recently received a three-member team from the International Trade Center (ITC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The team comprised Hernan Manson- Head of Inclusive Agribusiness Systems, Viwanou Gnassounou- Senior Advisor on Investment and Food Systems and Benjamin MorrisonAssociate Programme Officer (Alliance for Action).
The ITC team is currently in Guyana on a scoping mission to assess the inception phase of potential projects to be explored and developed under a European Union funded initiative entitled “Strengthening nutritious and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean through alliances.”
The goals of the initiative seek to align with the EU international partnership priorities, as well as the CARICOM 25×25 initiative being led by Guyana.
The ITC is one of the implementing partners of the projects, and as such, scoping missions are being conducted to assess priorities of private and public sector value chain stakeholders and potential activities that respond to national and CARICOM region needs.
During the meeting the team enlightened the Foreign Secretary about the purpose of its mission and recalled the role of ITC in earlier projects in Guyana related to the production of coconuts and cassava processing.
While the initiative is attributed to the CARICOM region, there would be a more focused approach to ascertain the priorities of
Guyanese companies, including small and medium business enterprises.
To that end, the team would be engaging the relevant stakeholders in Guyana to garner a better understanding of priorities through dialogue and data and statistical analysis. It is anticipated that ten to fifteen companies would be selected once they meet the outlined requirements including a clear indication of how they intend to contribute to the region’s food security efforts and to the improvement of the socio-economic well-being of citizens.
The Foreign Secretary welcomed the initiative which is timely, given Guyana’s role in the national, regional and international efforts in achieving food security.
He informed that the Government of Guyana is adopting an approach which seeks to align national projects with regional perspectives and realities, to ensure better coordination and to avoid duplication of efforts.
In this regard, he urged the team to bear this in mind and to ensure that interventions are tailored to suit specific needs and priorities.
The Foreign Secretary also encouraged the team to consider providing technical assistance to enhance the capacity of agencies to deal with challenges associated with trade barriers that often hinder Guyana’s realisation of its full trade potential.
The Foreign Secretary was accompanied by officers from the Ministry’s Trade Department, including Ambassador Neville Totaram and Paul Kalekyezi. (DPI)
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and members of the three-member International Trade Center (ITC) team
Agriculture remains the ‘cornerstone’ of Guyana’s economy - Dr. Singh
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, recently emphasised that agriculture remains the cornerstone of our economy.
He made that remark during a recent meeting with members of the Region Two business community at Jaigobin Hotel 2. Dr. Singh was at the time accompanying Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on an outreach.
Addressing the business community, Dr. Singh highlighted the government's efforts to address residents' concerns promptly.
He noted the positive feedback from farmers who are benefitting significantly from the government initiatives.
Additionally, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) staff had conducted numerous training programmes and demonstrations to assist farmers.
Meanwhile, Dr. Singh highlighted the government's substantial investments in roads, infrastructure, communication, and social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals across the country.
He noted the significant transformation in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.
remained extremely close to the people who elected us to office,” Dr. Singh stated.
He emphasised the importance of crafting policies responsive to the needs of the Guyanese people and said that listening to the people is a distinguishing characteristic of the party.
Dr. Singh also pointed out the massive potential for tourism in Essequibo and assured the business community that the government will continue to work with the residents of Region Two.
It was stated that the government has also invested in agro-processing
According to Dr. Singh, the evolution of the agriculture sector in the region has seen more individuals engaging in agro-processing and adding value to products.
facilities in the area, while farmers have received chemicals to combat paddy bug infestations and fertilisers to return to the fields.
Dr. Singh added that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has maintained a close relationship with the electorate, both in and out of government.
“Our party has always
“We remain a party and a government firmly committed to ensuring continuous growth wherever you are,” Dr. Singh concluded.
MACORP to provide backup power at International Building Expo - launches promotion
on Thurs-
excited to announce the pivotal role it will play in providing reliable backup power
solutions during the upcoming International Building Expo.
In making the announcement, the company said in a press release that its cutting-edge Caterpillar gensets are in place to ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the event, showcasing its commitment to excellence and innovation.
In conjunction with this prestigious event, MACORP has launched an exclusive Building Expo promotion.
According to the release, from now until August 9, 2024, with any purchase of a Caterpillar genset or equipment, customers become eligible to enter the promotion for a chance to win an all-inclusive trip to the Caterpillar factory in
Brazil, the release said. The promotion is for contractors and contracting companies, mining concession owners, road builders, apartment owners, and retail or commercial services providers.
Joining the promotion is very simple. Every purchase (cash or credit) of any Caterpillar equipment or generator qualifies for an entry into the promotion.
However, purchase must be made on or before August 9, 2024 and eligible participants must be present at the drawing, the release said.
The drawing will take place at the MACORP booth at the International Building Expo on August 11, 2024.
Jordi Pinol, Sales
and Marketing Manager said that the promotion offers a fantastic opportunity for customers to own their own CAT equipment and backup power solution.
“What makes this promotion even better is that we have extended our 320GX and 320 next gen excavators offer just for this period, so customers can enjoy huge savings on these two equipment,” he said, adding, “the 236 Skid steer loader is being offered for an unbeatable price of GYD$11.9M.”
For more information about the promotion and the range of Caterpillar products on sale, persons can visit https://macorpcat.com/ or the company’s Facebook page.
MACORP,
day, said that it was
Dr Ashni Singh interacts with Region Two businessmen
‘The bigger market is out there, think outside of the box’ – Guyanese Gospel musician Samuel Medas
By Telesha Ramnarine
career as a solo artist in 2009, but the happenings of the past few months on his social media platforms have taken him by surprise - a pleasant surprise
that is.
Thrilled to see an increase in followers all around, Medas is now pushing 130,000! And he credits this mainly to social media.
“It kind of skyrocketed over the past few months. I started going viral on social media and of course that translated to sales on iTunes and all of that,” he expressed in an interview with Buzz on Thursday.
“All of this music I have been doing over the years suddenly kicked off for some reason. I think social media has a lot to do with it. I just started chopping up my videos and making them as reels so I can upload them. I didn’t even like Tik Tok but it is really the breathing ground for artist discovery. That’s what shifted everything,” he explained.
The 35-year-old Gospel singer, originally of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, is especially proud of the fact that renowned Ghanaian ‘Stonebwoy’ referenced him in an interview he did with French television recently.
“Stonebwoy, who is to Ghana what ‘Burna Boy’ is to Nigeria; he is really big…he endorsed
me when they asked him who is the big artiste to look out for.”
Medas currently has a new album in the works which should be out by the end of the year. Although he hasn’t chosen a name as yet, he revealed that some of his singles currently out now will be part of it.
In a couple of weeks, he will be releasing more new tunes that will make up the upcoming album. In addition to this the musician is slated to make an appearance in Anguilla with his band Kairo.
LIFE CHANGING
Born and raised in church, singing has always been a part of Medas’ life but it was an accident he had at age 14 that truly moved his life in this direction. Recounting the traumatic event and earlier days of his career, he shared, “A CBR motorbike slammed me into someone’s concrete fence. I was supposed to be dead or incapacitated but I survived and I had a talk with the Lord that night and I said, ‘Obviously you made me survive for some reason so I will do whatever you want me to do with my life.’”
Over the years, Medas said he has seen how God has opened
doors for him telling him in effect, ‘I want you to do music for me. Not wine up music; don’t want you to sing about weed, drugs, guns; I want you to bring hope to these people.”
He believes that success has to do with the Caribbean mindset and more so, the Guyanese mindset.
“There are secular artistes in Guyana who do not see the sense in doing music because I don’t think they apply themselves as students of the business of music,” he expressed.
Medas simply loves making music, and shared that he is not too fussy with things like radio plays. In fact, he has been dominating the music scene outside of Guyana.
“I am getting royalties four times a year. I am always getting bookings because I am always putting myself out there. The bigger market is out there; it’s not just for Guyanese, it’s for the world.”
Some simple advice he offered to fellow musicians:
“Think outside of the box. Music is bigger than Guyana.”
Casting calls open for Miss East Coast
Beauty with A Mission Pageant
By Corissia Gourick
IN 2023, the Miss East Coast Beauty with A Mission Pageant made its mark as a platform not just for beauty but for substance and cultural celebration.
As preparations intensify for 2024, the pageant’s event coordinator Dwight Ward and his team are determined to elevate the event to new heights. This year’s pageant promises to be even more significant, aiming to redefine what it means to be Miss East Coast.
Speaking with this week’s Buzz, Ward shared his vision for this year’s pageant, emphasising a deep-rooted connection to Guyanese heritage.
“Instead of just costumes,” Ward explains, “We want our contestants to showcase more of Guyana, and let the East Coast at large know more about what’s going on in the country about our diverse cultural aspects.”
This shift aims to break down barriers within communities along the East Coast Corridor, bridging villages and showcasing the richness of their traditions through the contestants. Its more than just a beauty pageant, Ward said. “We’re looking for ambassadors, individuals who can represent their villages and make a difference, who embody both beauty and brains.”
Contestants will undergo rigorous training which
will include etiquette, public speaking, literacy, and mental health sessions, preparing them not only for the competition but for future roles as community leaders.
Critical to the pageant’s integrity are its judges, who have been carefully selected for their expertise and impartiality.
“We seek judges who understand the complexities of pageantry and bring unique perspectives and skills to the evaluation process,” notes Ward. Last year’s esteemed panel included renowned figures like Alicia Bess and Joylyn Conway, recognised for their contributions to the pageant community and beyond.
Addressing potential contestants, Ward offers encouragement: “Step out and
come out. This can be an opportunity, a deal breaker for you. You can delve into so much potential you never know you had”, he said while acknowledging the misconceptions surrounding pageantry.
“This pageantry opens doors you may never have imagined yourself being in,” he added.
Ward outlines ambitious plans for the upcoming pageant season.
“We’re going to have open training sessions for delegates,” he said. These he explained further aims to foster collaboration and streamline activities. Recognising the financial challenges of pageantry, Ward disclosed plans for fundraising activities to support contestants and
- Organisers tout massive ‘rebirth’ of franchise
build camaraderie. Addi-
tionally, interactive events like scavenger hunts and team building activities will be held to further
enhance the delegates’ experience and visibility within their respective communities.
SAMUEL Medas may have always experienced success with his music since he started his
Guyanese Gospel musician Samuel Medas
P.F. Chang’s is an experience on its own
BEFORE going to dine at P.F. Chang’s, there’s something you should know, and that is, it is worth it.
With exquisite ambience, good company and great drinks coming at you, coupled with the friendly and welcoming staff, this new restaurant on the block is a must go to.
Located on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, the opening of this new P.F. Chang’s flagship brings with it a unique fusion of great flavours that will light up your taste buds so to speak.
P.F Chang’s offers distinct traditional Asian flavours, and modern twists on classic dishes.
Identifiable by its leading mascot, the P.F. Chang’s horse, this new restaurant is designed like no other to appeal to the senses of all its potential patrons who enter its doors and see it’s incredibly detailed blend of Asian décor.
P.F. Chang’s Guyana offers the best setting for family gatherings, casual lunches, intimate dinners, and, of course special celebrations.
Measuring 7,000 square feet, the building itself features large windows and doors that offer an open-air dining experience, weather permitting. Guests will enjoy two patios, a casual downstairs space and a more private, exclusive upstairs area. It also features two bars and a private dining room for intimate gatherings.
Don’t believe us? Feel free to visit P.F. Chang’s Guyana on Instagram: pfchangsgy to visit their website and check out the menus.
Bonny and Charmaine to host 11th Emancipation Jazz and Soul Concert
- to feature NY-based violinist ‘Maestro Kaiso’
SSIGNAL Productions, led by leading Guyanese musicians Bonny Alves and his wife Charmaine Blackman-Alves, is all set to produce its 11th edition of the Emancipation Jazz and Soul Concert next month.
The show started in 2013 at Umana Yana and was held at various venues; this time though, it will be held right back where it started on Sunday, August 4.
Mr. Alves in an interview with the Buzz said that, after observing the decline of jazz music for a number of years, he wanted to do something to rejuvenate the interest in the polyrhythms and blues.
“At one time, it was very popular,” he reflected, adding, “Side Walk Café did a good job keeping it going for a number of years. But then that died too and I always wanted to resuscitate jazz music.”
He decided, hosting an annual concert was the best way to keep the jazz melodies swinging and the best time would be in celebration of Emancipation where afro-Guyanese artistes would be allowed the stage to share their talents.
It is anticipated that the concert will see about 500 patrons and according to Mr. Alves many are looking forward to this year’s event as there has not been much jazz activity happening in the country.
This year, he said the show will be different in that
will feature a violinist.
“He is very good and a violinist playing jazz music….it would be a treat to come and hear him play.”
The violinist, who is from the USA with Guyanese roots, is Devon Webster, better known by his stage name Maestro Kaiso, a multidisciplinary artiste from Brooklyn, New York. Raised by Guyanese immigrant parents, Devon was actively supported along his musical journey.
At the age of six, he was enrolled in piano lessons after demonstrating a natural aptitude for music and being able to play by ear. Devon would go on to learn the violin and play in his high school orchestra.
It was during this time that he earned a scholarship to take private lessons at the Bloomingdale School of Music in Manhattan. Starting in 2012, during his time at Brooklyn College, Devon would begin taking work performing at private events.
In 2016, wanting to expand as a professional musician and create more opportunities to build his network, Devon began to freelance and perform in the subways around New York City. He continues to do so, having been featured as one of New York’s prominent street performers on the Kelly Clarkson show in 2023. Outside of street performing, Devon still primarily plays at private events and is embarking on a new journey to compose music for video games and film scores.
it
P.F. Chang’s Guyana provides quality service (Photos by Shaniece Bamfield)
Bonny and Charmaine have contributed many years to the Guyanese music industry
Stars to return for first Shrek film for 16 years
SHREK’S long-awaited return has been confirmed, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz all set to return for the lovable green ogre's first film for 16 years.
A plotline for the movie is yet to be revealed, but Myers will play the title character, Diaz will voice Shrek’s wife Princess Fiona and Murphy will return as sidekick Donkey.
Announcing the news, DreamWorks Animation said on
X: "Not too Far, Far Away... Shrek 5 is coming to theatres on July 1 2026 with Mike
‘Jump’ certified gold, continues chart rise
AS expected, Jump by Tyla featuring Gunna and Skillibeng has rebounded on several charts, following its live performance on the recent BET Awards.
Last week, Music Canada, which issues certification for songs and albums in Canada, certified Jump gold for sales and streaming equivalent exceeding 40,000 units.
It accelerates to #6 on the South African Hot 100 Singles chart, while remaining at #3 on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs chart.
Over on Hot R&B/HipHop Airplay, Jump dances to #36, while on Hot R&B Songs it backtracks to #9.
Meanwhile, over on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Jump leaps up #26, and on Rhythmic Top 40 it steps up from #19 to #17.
In Germany, Shenseea’s collaboration Flava, featuring Coi Leray, parachutes down from #20 to #36.
Santa by producer Rvssian, featuring Rauw Alejandro and Ayra Starr, slips from #44 to #43 on Billboard’s Global 200, while on Global 200 Excluding US it falls from #34 to #37.
Over on Latin Rhythm Airplay, Santa peaked at #7, but falls to #9, while on Latin Airplay the song slips from #25 to #33. On Latin Streaming songs it fares better stepping up from #18 to #13. It cruises from #12 to #10 on Hot Latin Songs.
Over on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, Bob Marley and the Wailers continue their reign in the #1 spot with Legend spending 234 non-consecutive weeks in pole position, while Shaggy’s Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection remains at #2.
Dutty Classics Collection by Sean Paul is #3, World on Fire and Set in Stone by Stick Figure are #4 and #5. Greatest Hits by UB40 remains at #6, while Wisdom by Stick Figure and Here Comes the Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze are #7 and #8, respectively.
Burial Ground by Stick Figure rebounds to #9 and Welcome to Jamrock by Damian Marley dips to #10.
Not Taking No by Peter G spends a second week at #1 on the South Florida Reggae chart, with Solid Woman by Morgan Heritage (#22) and See You Tonight by Naomi Cowan and Kabaka Pyramid (#23) as new entries.
The collaboration Ain’t Too Proud to Beg by Hezron and Beenie Man takes over the #1 spot on the Foundation Radio Network (New York) Reggae chart. New entries are Wisemen by Damian Marley at #25, Moving On by Glen Washington at #28, and Generation of Vipers by Sylford Walker at #30. (Jamaica Observer)
Eddie Murphy, and Cameron
The first film was released back in 2001, and won the first Oscar for best animated feature film. It was a huge hit for
DreamWorks, making $487m worldwide at the box office.
Shrek 2 was released in 2004, Shrek The Third came out in 2007, and Shrek Forever After hit cinemas in 2010.
Shrek 5 will in fact be the seventh film in the wider franchise, after Antonio Banderas' character had two spin-off films - Puss In Boots and Puss In Boots: The Last Wish.
It is unknown whether Banderas will be back for Shrek 5.
Murphy hinted in an interview with Collider last month that Donkey could also be getting his own spinoff movie.
He also said work on Shrek 5 started "months ago".
"I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up," he said.
"Shrek is coming out and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie."
(BBC entertainment)
Myers,
Diaz."
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Friday July 12, 2024)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83
Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Garry Sobers-3,214 runs (36 Tests)
(2) Geoff Boycott-2,205 runs (29 Tests)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Who has claimed most Test wickets for the WI against ENG to date?
(2) Who has bagged most Test wickets for ENG against the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
AMERICAN RACING
TIPS
SARATOGA
Race 1 Chanteuse
Race 2 Dillinger
Race 3 Tom Collins
Race 4 Twenty Six Nlack
Race 5 Saffa's Day
Race 6 Classic Time
CANADIAN RACING
TIPS
WOODBINE
Race 1 This Dude A Breeze
Race 2 Absolute Vhairman
Race 3 Tonto
Race 4 Victory March
Race 5 Popweiser
Race 6 Elusive Knight
Race 7 Souped Up
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
FAIRVIEW
08:25 hrs Ellorix
09:00 hrs Cherry Ano
09:35 hrs Zatara Magic
10:10 hrs Rose Of Bayeux
10:45 hrs Gimme's Laddie
ENGLISH RACING
TIPS
ASCOT
09:15 hrs Dteamlocker
09:50 hrs Patsy Snugfit
10:25 hrs Ebt's Guard
11:00 hrs Loughville
11:35 hrs Condor Pasa
12:10 hrs Glenfinnan
CHESTER
13:05 hrs Brighton Boy
13:40 hrs Dukes Of Haather
14:15 hrs Coup De Force
14:50 hrs So Deuce
15:25 hrs Native King
15:55 hrs Berkshire Phantom
NEWMARKET
08:50 hrs Royal Power
09:25 hrs Heavens Gate
10:00 hrs Tides Of War
10:35 hrs Porta Fortuna
11:10 hrs Mount Kilmanjero
11:45 hrs Gisburn
12:30 hrs Cockalorum
IRISH RACING TIPS
DUNDALK
08:25 hrs Alabama
08:57 hrs Notforalongtime
09:32 hrs Takenomics
10:07 hrs Shamsuddin
10:42 hrs Venetian
11:15 hrs Daonethatgotaway 11:50 hrs Psalm
12:25 hrs Dark Oak
England need four to take first test against West Indies
(ESPNCRICINFO) - England need four more wickets to secure an innings win over West Indies inside three days, after James Anderson, Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes shared six wickets on the second evening. The hosts were dominant with the bat, scoring at more than four runs per over across their first innings and then turned the screw with the ball to close in on a 1-0 lead.
Needing to score 250 - more than double their first-innings total - just to make England bat again, West Indies slumped to 37 for 4 inside 19 overs.
Anderson's inswinger knocked back Kraigg Brathwaite's middle stump, Stokes removed Mikyle Louis and Kirk McKenzie during a tenover spell, and Kavem Hodge chopped Atkinson onto his own stumps.
West Indies' batters were far too passive, looking to survive rather than score but ultimately managing neither. Alick Athanaze was a rare exception from No. 4, but he fell for 22 to a textbook Anderson set-up: He was worked over from around the wicket, with some balls shaping in and others
leaving him before edging behind as he attempted to push through the covers.
Joshua da Silva and Jason Holder added 24 for the sixth wicketdamningly, West Indies' third-highest stand of the match - but England struck with the final ball of the day. Stokes laid a short-ball trap with two men out on the hook, and Holder could only fend Atkinson's bumper to Ollie Pope at short leg. England were bowled out at the tea interval on the second afternoon, compiling a substantial first-innings lead with Harry Brook, Joe Root and debutant Jamie Smith joining Zak Crawley and Pope in scoring half-centuries. Other than Jayden Seales, the pick of the attack, West Indies' bowlers were short on red-ball match practice - and it showed.
Root and Brook scored heavily square of the wicket in the first hour, with Brook batting fluently in his first Test innings in almost a year. In his 13th Test, he reached fifty for the 12th time but failed to add to it: he top-edged an attempted hook off Alzarri Joseph straight to da Silva, reinforcing the
belief that he can be susceptible against the short ball.
During his innings of 68, Root went past Allan Border's career aggregate to enter the top ten of all-time Test run-scorers but he fell shortly before lunch. He was the second England batter, after Stokes, to fall victim to an exceptional Gudakesh Motie delivery, raising the question as to why it took Brathwaite so long to bring his left-arm spinner into the attack.
Stokes' first international innings of the season lasted only 11 balls. Motie, who vindicated his selection ahead of Kevin Sinclair, tossed the ball up in his first over of the morning and found sharp turn after landing it on a footmark. It ripped back past the inside edge of Stokes' swish and left him open-mouthed as it knocked his middle stump out of the ground.
In the penultimate over before the interval, Root was left smiling in disbelief after losing his off stump. This time, Motie went wide on the crease and bowled his arm ball with an upright seam. Root shaped to punch into the off side as the delivery
drifted in sharply, but it deviated late off the pitch to beat him on the outside edge.
Smith was the protagonist of the second session, hitting Seales
over the Tavern Stand and onto St John's Wood Road during his maiden Test innings. He shared a sedate partnership of 52 with Chris Woakes but after Woakes and
Atkinson fell in quick succession to the second new ball, Smith found a new gear while batting with the tail, even with the field spread.
Derby winner, Stroke of Luck runs out
...will now miss Sunday’s race
THREE horses booked to leave yesterday (Thursday July 11), from Trinidad's Piarco Airport, to compete in Sunday's eight-race card at Port Mourant, Berbice, will not compete.
Trinidad and Tobago's 2021 Derby Stakes winner, Stroke of Luck trained by John O'Brien, and ridden by Brian Boodramsingh for Raroma Stable are among the trio who
were turned back from the Piarco Airport yesterday morning. This came after a Caribbean Airline mechanical issue.
The other horses booked to travel with chestnut horse Stroke of Luck are Forza Baby, a three-year-old chestnut filly, and Storm Dancer, a three-year-old dark/bay colt.
Two of the three horses are owned by Jumbo
Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee. They are Forza Baby, and Stroke of Luck. The other horse is unraced maiden, Storm Dancer, owned by Fazal Habibulla.
The shipping agent for the horses revealed, "Luck ran out on Stroke of Luck. The horses were scheduled to leave this morning around 7.30 a.m from Piarco Airport, Piarco. The horses were already
on their way to the airport, when I was informed about two hours prior to the cargo plane's arrival, that it has been delayed in Miami. The reason being a mechanical issue, and CAL could not say how soon the plane will depart from Miami. They had the information of the flight's delay close to three horses before I was informed, and never shared the information until the 'last hour' so to speak."
The agent added, "This
is very stressful for the owners, and more so for the horses. They were tranquilised before loaded into the trailer to transport them to the Airport. Then I had to send them back to their stables at Santa Rosa Park, because Caribbean Airlines Limited's (CAL) personnel from the Operations department could not confirm when the flight will depart. It is unfortunate that these horses cannot compete on Sunday.
As this race day was their
GCB 50-overs U-17 inter-County cricket…
preparation race ahead of the Guyana Cup, which will be staged on Sunday, August 11 2024 at Rising Sun Turf Club, Rising Sun Village, West Berbice. It is a Derby winner coming to compete in Guyana."
The agent also advised that four other horses will leave from Trinidad in two week’s time to compete on Guyana Cup day at Rising Sun Turf Club race track, Rising Sun Village, West Berbice.
Ramdehol, Budhoo spur Berbice to 6-wicket win over Demerara
A Man-of the-Match performance from Romario Ramdehol, and an unfinished 94-run fourth-wicket partnership between skipper Afraz Ali Budhoo and Romesh Bharrat spearheaded Berbice to a six-wicket victory over Demerara at Everest.
The out-of-town side won via the DLS method in the opening round of the GCB 50-over U-17 Inter-County cricket tournament yesterday.
In game which had two stoppages for rain, and was eventually reduced to 33 overs, Budhoo hit four fours and five sixes in a 52-ball unbeaten 72, while Bharrat finished on 30 not-out from 37 balls with a couple of boundaries.
Ramdehol contributed 40 from 37 balls in an innings decorated with five fours and a six, while Razam Kobeer made 22, and Adrian Hetmyer, who struggled for fluency, hit a boundary in his 11, as Berbice reached 197-4 from 30.1 overs.
devers photo)
Spinner Arun Gainda had 2-37 for Demerara, who had earlier made 1978 in their allotted 33 overs, after being 66 without loss.
Vickash Wilkinson
continued his fine form from the DCB Inter-Association tournament by stroking a run-a-ball 44 with two fours and two sixes, while Emanuel Lewis was run out for a
compact 49 from 47 balls with four fours and three sixes.
Dhanesh Persaud was not out on 29 from 22 balls with four and two sixes. Parmeshwar Ram made 14, and Jonathan Mentore scored 15, while 35 extras aided the home team’s total.
Ramdehol had 3-21, while Micha Anderson took 2-43 (Sean Devers)
Berbice Skipper Afraz Ali Budhoo and Romesh Bharrat shared in an unfinished 94-run stand at Everest yesterday (Sean
Man-of-the Match Romario Ramdehol goes over the top during 40 for Berbice yesterday (Japheth Savory photo)
THE Guyana Hockey Board is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated Summer Break Junior Tournament, proudly sponsored by Value4U Inc. The tournament is set to take place from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14, 2024, and promises a weekend filled with
thrilling hockey action and outstanding sportsmanship.
The tournament will kick off with an outdoor competition at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) turf.
This segment will feature Under 13 mixed teams and Under 16 girls’ and boys’ teams showcas-
ing the incredible talent of our young athletes. Following this, the tournament will move indoors to the National Gymnasium on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14.
The indoor competition will include Under 13 mixed teams, Under 16 girls and boys’ teams, and Under 21 girls and boys’
Quarterfinals on tonight…
Following a massive turnout for the opening night, which consisted of the round of 16 fixtures, the quarterfinal round in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West/East Bank Demerara Championship will commence tonight at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.
In the first quarterfinal fixture at 20:00 hours, the Pouderoyen Brothers will lock horns with Jetty Gunners, while the second encounter at 21:00 hours will pit ESPN against Team Family. In the third fixture, Showstoppers will lock horns with Westside Ballers from 22:00 hours, while the final fixture
of the evening will witness defending champion Ballerz Empire battling Epic Touch Family at 23:00 hours.
Tournament Coordinator Travis ‘Zoti’ Bess said, “Last Friday night turnout was the biggest so far for a first night in the West/East Bank Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ football tournament, and I’m hoping that more fans come out on this Friday night to support their respective teams/villages in the quarterfinals. So far the quality of some teams has improved from last year. For example, the Pouderoyen Brothers beat Up Like-7 by 5-1 score and will be making their first ap-
pearance in the quarterfinals of the tournament, which can only boost their conference going forward.”
He further said, “My expectation going forward is not only to have a large turnout but to also see top-level football from the teams/village that remains in the tournament. We are looking to have the exhibition games start like 7:30 and will be played for 20 minutes (10 minutes a half).
Then we will go into the quarterfinal matches, which will be played for 20 minutes and a half (40 minutes) per match. If scores are level, we go to extra time of 5 minutes and a half (10 minutes).”
teams.
Adding to the excitement, teams from Trinidad will be competing in the Under 13 mixed and Under 16 girls categories, bringing an international dimension to the event, and fostering regional camaraderie.
"We are incredibly excited to host the Summer
Break Junior Tournament with the generous support of Value4U Inc.," said Dominique Fraser, Technical Delegate for the tournament. "This tournament not only provides a platform for our young athletes to showcase their skills, but also promotes the growth of hockey in the region. We look for-
ward to a weekend of competitive and spirited play."
The Guyana Hockey Board invites all hockey enthusiasts, families, and supporters to come out and enjoy the matches. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available at both venues.
Fixtures: Tomorrow
19:00 hours: Exhibition Game
19:30 hours: Exhibition Game
20:00 hours: Pouderoyen Brothers vs. Jetty Ballers
21:00 hours: ESPN vs. Team Family
22:00 hours: Showstoppers vs. Westside Ballers 23:00 hours: Ballerz Empire vs. Epic Touch Family
Guyana World athletics U20 championship team departs
THE country’s four-member athletics team on Thursday morning departed for Lima, Peru to compete in the South American U20 championship set for July 12-14.
The team is led by manager/coach Kenisha Headley.
The athletes set to hit the blocks for Guyana are Malachi Austin, who will line up in the 400 meters, Tiana Springer will be in the women 400 meters, and Athaleyha Hinckson 100 and 200-meters runner.
The age group championship will see the continent’s best track stars on show, with Guyana’s trio hoping to collect hardware, and earn a chance to represent Guyana at the World Athletics 2024 U20 competition between August
27-31, also in Peru.
The nation’s athletics darling Springer, who has a PB of 52.31 seconds in the 400 meters achieved at this year’s CARFITA Games, is also seeking to set the track ablaze.
She had been in fine form, claiming CARFITA gold in March, winning the U20 national trials, and taking bronze in the World Athletics Continental Tour events, and The Aliann Pompey Invitational, held late June, where she finished in 52.92 seconds.
400 specialist and sprinter Austin, who boasts a personal best of 46.35 run at the CARFITA Games, where he picked up the gold medal, will be aiming to deliver on his immense potential at the event, as he continues to prog-
ress to the senior ranks. Austin is the newly-crowned national 400m champion, after taking the title in 47.70 at the National Track and Field Centre last month.
The pair of Austin and Springer will be joined by 2024 CARFITA 100 gold medalist Hinckson, who has a personal best of 11.39 seconds, set at the National Track and Field Centre last month.
Hinckson also finished as the silver medalist at the CARFITA Games in March, with a time of 23.85 seconds.
The team all made the qualifying standard at the country’s national U20 trails, held in April at the National Track and Field Centre.
Flashback! A scene from the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West/East Bank Demerara Championship
From (left to right) - Malachi Austin, 400m, Tiana Springer 400m Coach /Manager- Kenisha Headley and Athalya Hinckson 100 and 200 meters
$100M allocated to upgrade sporting facilities throughout Region Two
By Indrawattie Natram
VICE- President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has announced a significant investment of $100 million, dedicated to upgrading sporting facilities in Region Two.
This announcement was made during a special youth meeting at Cotton Field Secondary School, where the Vice-President responded to local youths' requests for enhanced sports infrastructure and equipment along the Essequibo Coast and the Pomeroon River.
Dr. Jagdeo said that the funding will be provided by the Government of Guyana with the aim of supporting the development of sports in the region, by ensuring
Ben Stokes was bowled by a beauty from Gudakesh Motie•Jul 11, 2024•Gareth Copley/Getty Images
that youths have access to improved facilities.
Youths from Capoey and Wakapoa emphasised the need for upgraded facilities, sports gear, and chess training.
In response, Dr. Jagdeo assured them that community leaders would submit detailed proposals to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and Community Development Councils (CDCs) for necessary upgrades.
“We are happy for the promptness done by our Vice-President and it was an immediate action to improve our lives in our region,” a youth, Tabita Alves said.
The initiative underscores the government's commitment to foster -
ing youth involvement in sports and community activities.
Existing programmes in the region, such as swimming classes, archery training, and various physical activities, will also be bolstered by this new investment.
Additionally, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports Charles Ramson has recently provided landscaping equipment and sports gear to various clubs, and committed to launching a national inter-village circle-tennis programme in the region.
Youths were very happy to meet with the Vice-President and have one-on-one engagement with many of the concerns attended to.
England need four to take first test against West Indies
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to a youth at the meeting
