––US official lauds country’s ‘equitable and thoughtful’ sustainable development
A Pastry and Cake Making class is currently ongoing at the Westminster Secondary School as part of the Ministry of Education’s National Summer Camp. According to the ministry, these activities are aimed at offering a comprehensive experience that nurtures intellectual growth and personal development within a supportive environment. The initiative emphasises the ministry’s dedication to helping students to gain essential skills, while also cultivating their diverse interests and talents (Ministry of Education photo)
Bendorff to Maripa Access Road project contractor fired –– as gov’t cracks down on inefficiency, thoughtlessness –– Minister Edghill vows swift action on delayed road construction
Moruca Sub-District now accessing high-speed internet connection ––PM Phillips says gov’t remains committed to bridging gap between coastland, hinterland
‘Police must help, not extort people’ –– Minister Benn says; calls for improved quality of policing, financial accountability
Belize opens High Commission in Guyana in effort to expand diplomatic network
Moruca Sub-District now accessing high-speed Internet connection
— PM Phillips says gov’t remains committed to bridging gap between coastland, hinterland
CONNECTIVITY has now been made easier for residents of the Moruca Sub-District in Region One as a high-speed Internet
service has been officially commissioned in the area by the National Data Management Authority (NMDA).
This new service utilises low-earth orbiting satellite platforms that produce highspeed Internet connection. It aims to bridge the digital
divide in the hinterland, remote, and rural communities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the new Internet service at the Kamwatta Primary School on Tuesday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips emphasised the need to improve the overall connectivity in the region.
“We are in Phase One of the roll-out period, and our intention is to connect 53 communities in this region during this phase, and that is expected to be done within the month of July. We are currently at 33 communities,” he disclosed.
After the 20 more communities are connected, the second phase will commence in the other villages.
In the Moruca Sub-District alone, 23 facilities have already been connected to the high-speed Internet. These facilities include Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hubs, schools, and health centres among other important organisations.
The prime minister explained that the PPP/C gov-
ernment remains committed to bringing development to all residents, and bridging the development gap between the coastland, and the hinterland.
“We will connect every Guyanese to the future. So, every community will be connected digitally. You will do better, in terms of education, health, agriculture, and those other crucial areas that are being developed,” the prime minister asserted.
He encouraged beneficiaries of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships to take advantage of the efficient service. Other students and teachers will also be able to conduct research, assignments, and projects in a much timelier manner.
The Ministry of Health’s Telemedicine Programme will also benefit tremendously from this service.
The prime minister also commissioned the Kamwatta ICT Hub in the region. The hub will complement the new high-speed service.
Additionally, the General Manager of NDMA Christopher Deen stated that soon,
training would be conducted to equip the residents with proper Internet etiquette.
“We intend to conduct a programme [which] will see you train on how to have proper Internet hygiene, [and] proper cyber hygiene. Not every message or advertisement which you see is intended for your own well-being…You need to be very careful with how you utilise this service,” the general manager explained.
Meanwhile, the Project Manager of the ICT Access and E-services for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities Programme, Ronald Harsawack noted that in Kamwatta alone, there are three free highspeed Internet connectivity.
“In government, we recognised that infrastructure is very important to these communities. But we also believe in building human resource capacities, because that goes hand-inhand with the infrastructural work that we have been doing to close the digital divide,” Harsawack stated. (DPI)
Prime Minister Phillips at the commissioning of the Kamwatta ICT Hub, in Region One
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips speaking during the commissioning of the highspeed Internet service at Kamwatta Primary School
Guyana, US eager to explore new innovations, strengthen ties
––US official lauds country’s ‘equitable and thoughtful’ sustainable development efforts
By Naomi Parris
BUILDING on the already established shared values and partnerships, officials from the United States of America and Guyana on Tuesday convened a strategic dialogue to advance bilateral ties and mutual development.
relations,” he added.
In fact, Persaud noted that there has been ‘heightened interaction’ between Guyana and the United States at all levels, referencing the visits of Secretaries of State, members of Congress, and other senior US government functionaries as recent as last week here in Guyana.
and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Dan Erikson told Guyanese officials that the US has taken note of Guyana’s efforts to develop an “equitable and thoughtful” sustainable development strategy.
“While this dialogue provides an opportunity to take stock of ongoing initiatives in these areas, we are eager to explore ways in which we can better consolidate our collaboration, coordina -
“We know that your government is working to ensure an equitable and thoughtful path towards inclusive and sustainable development and safeguarding Guyana’s sovereign wealth through your Natural Resource Fund.
“The United States stands ready to support
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, while engaging US officials, highlighted the shared values and goals between the two countries, including democracy, security, and sustainable development.
“This dialogue seeks to build on the friendship and the partnership that exist between our two countries under the bilateral, regional and international cooperation frameworks,” Persaud said.
The foreign secretary further stressed the importance of collaboration in various areas, such as energy, climate change, food security, and economic cooperation.
“United States has long been a valued ally. Our shared commitment to democracy, security and sustainable development forms the foundation of strong bilateral
tion and cooperation in the future,” the foreign secretary said.
Persaud posited that continued deliberations could pave the way for innovative solutions, and strengthen ties between our two governments.
“Recognising the interconnectedness of our world today, it behooves us to all approach this dialogue with a spirit of openness, understanding and mutual respect, determined to fully explore the partnership between our governments as well as working towards the betterment for our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President
you in that effort,” Erikson said.
The US, he reiterated, supports Guyana’s inclusive and sustainable development, territorial integrity, and efforts to expand civilian defense institutions.
He further acknowledged Guyana’s efforts, and expressed the willingness to support through training and modernisation.
COMMERCIAL TIES
Recently, US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot highlighted the robust bilateral relationship and thriving commercial ties between Guyana and the United
States.
Ambassador Theriot had emphasised the strengthened relationship between the two nations, noting that over 100 US companies are currently operating in Guyana.
“Our commercial ties are deeper than ever. Just a few years ago, we created a few hundred million US dollars’ worth of goods, but last year we surpassed 4.6 billion USD. We now have over 100 US companies in Guyana, and that number
is growing every single day,” she stated during a recent engagement.
Ambassador Theriot also highlighted the significant contributions of US businesses to Guyana’s economic growth, which sustain the employment of thousands of locals through trade missions, seminars and interactions between the private sectors.
She expressed hope for a better future for Guyana and all Guyanese, facilitated by these economic activities. The ambassador had pointed out that US business ventures in Guyana span various sectors. “Energy is, of course, the key economic driver, but we see activities in the areas of healthcare and education, agriculture, and new US technologies are being adopted by Guyanese firms and the government to make them more efficient and competitive,” Theriot said.
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud
Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs Dan Erikson and other members of his delegation
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud and US officials discussed shared values and goals between the two countries, including democracy, security, and sustainable development during a meeting on Tuesday (DPI photos)
STEMGuyana launches ground-breaking AI tutor to revolutionise high-quality education delivery
STEMGUYANA has unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence tutor, set to transform the educational landscape for Grades 1 to 10 across Guyana.
According to a press release, this AI tutor is embedded as an advanced feature within the IDBLab-sponsored software, enhancing the Learning Pod after-school tutoring programme initially developed to mitigate educational disruptions caused by the ‘COVID’ pandemic.
“The newly upgraded AI tutor is designed to align with the Ministry of Education’s curriculum for K –12th Grade learners. It offers innovative features such as reading lessons aloud, integrating tutorial videos, and providing real-time feedback to student questions, along with an embedded quiz-correction feature. The AI upgrade further enhances learning by offering corrections and detailed explanations at a grade-appropriate level, facilitating a truly customised educational experience,” the release said.
STEMGuyana's Director, Karen Abrams emphasised the transformative potential of the AI tutor, stating, "Our goal is to scale high-quality tutoring identified across all of our programs for children and parents, many of whom are struggling with literacy
challenges. This AI tutor is a technological advancement, and a source of hope. It aims to extend the capabilities of excellent teachers by providing consistent, high-quality educational support, enabling students to learn at their own pace, anytime, anywhere."
PILOT TESTING AND PROGRAMME ROLL OUT
Before its official rollout, the AI tutor will undergo rig-
testing phase scheduled for the summer of 2024, STEMGuyana will extend access to the AI tutor across all Learning Pods and STEM clubs nationwide, making this cutting-edge educational tool available to every student, regardless of geographical location.
According to Karen Abrams, “It will be like any student, anywhere having access to a highly trained, top quality personal teacher. It is truly a ground-breaking device.”
STEMGuyana is a leading organisation committed to enhancing STEM education across Guyana, particularly focusing on
underserved communities.
Through partnerships with organisations like the IDBLab and innovative technology solutions, STEMGuyana seeks to empower
the next generation of leaders and thinkers who will drive forward the nation’s development, the release said.
orous testing with six groups of learners to assess its impact on student engagement, and academic outcomes, the release said, adding that this testing phase is crucial for fine-tuning the system to ensure it meets the diverse needs of Guyanese learners.
The effectiveness of the Learning Pod AI tutoring assistant is also the subject of a University of Florida Ed-Tech dissertation.
Following a successful
Very soon, learners throughout Guyana will be able to access STEMGuyana’s AI tutor
APNU+AFC gov’t had visionless approach to Agriculture, missed many opportunities Efficiency and Transparency
SENIOR public servants must be held accountable to the citizens of Guyana in the way they manage the affairs of government departments and agencies and also in the conduct of their professional lives.
This point was emphasised by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, during her remarks at a recent roundtable discussion on ethical behaviour within the Public Service.
The roundtable was held under the theme, ‘Promoting integrity and effectiveness in public bodies and authorities responsible for preventing corruption.’
The minister could not have been more candid when she urged those in positions of authority in the Public Ser-
vice to conduct themselves in the discharge of their duties with integrity and professionalism within the framework of the applicable Public Service rules and regulations.
The roundtable is being held at a time when the government is stepping up on training and capacity-building in the Public Service to ensure higher levels of efficiency in the Public Service.
The importance of an efficient Public Service cannot be overemphasised, especially at this time of accelerated economic growth and development. The efficient delivery of social services is a critical component of the governance process. As the economy grows, the expectations of the Guyanese people of enhanced delivery of social goods and
services also grow.
Of no less importance is the question of integrity. According to Minister Teixeira, the government is working on amending the Integrity Commission law to ensure that individuals submit their statutory declarations as required and within the specified timeframe.
The roundtable aims of identifying mechanisms to prevent the abuse of public funds and institutional strengthening are commendable. As pointed out by Minister Teixeira, ‘we have to now reached [sic] a point where as a government, as a Public Service, we are holding ourselves to high standards.’
This is what good governance is all about.
According to President, Dr Mo -
hamed Irfaan Ali, the government is working to strengthen institutions to put an end to corrupt practices in public offices. In this regard, systems, institutional arrangements, guidelines and procedures to ensure there is accountability are being implemented.
‘I can assure you of working to strengthen our institutional capacity to improve the system of governance, making government more open and transparent, creating avenues for greater public involvement in the governance process and opening up myself to questions the public might have on the work of government.’
These are indeed the hallmarks of good governance for which the PPP/C administration must be commended.
Dear Editor,
FROM 2015 to 2020, Guyana had a unique opportunity to revolutionise its agricultural sector and uplift its people.
Unfortunately, the opposition, during these years, failed to capitalise on this potential, demonstrating a lack of vision that hindered progress, and left many opportunities unexplored.
During this period, the global demand for agricultural products was on the rise, with increasing opportunities for exports in emerging markets. Guyana, blessed with vast arable land and favourable climatic conditions, was well-positioned to become a leading
agricultural powerhouse. However, the opposition’s lack of strategic planning and forward-thinking policies meant that these advantages were not effectively leveraged.
Despite the clear potential for growth, the opposition neglected to implement comprehensive agricultural policies that could have modernised farming techniques and boosted productivity. Investment in critical infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and transportation networks, was insufficient. This neglect resulted in significant post-harvest losses and inefficiencies that could have been mitigated with proper planning and investment. Moreover, the opposition failed to
support smallholder farmers adequately. These farmers, who form the backbone of Guyana’s agricultural sector, were left without the necessary resources and training to improve their yields and adopt sustainable practices. By not prioritising education and technological advancement in agriculture, the opposition missed an opportunity to empower these farmers and enhance their livelihoods.
In contrast, other countries in the region made significant strides in agricultural innovation during the same period, further highlighting the missed opportunities in Guyana. The opposition’s inability to recognise and act upon these opportunities reflects a visionless
approach that has had lasting negative impacts on the country’s agricultural sector and its people.
In conclusion, the opposition of Guyana from 2015 to 2020 had the potential to bring about transformative changes in agriculture. However, their lack of vision and strategic planning resulted in missed opportunities that could have significantly benefitted the nation. It is crucial for future leaders to learn from these mistakes and prioritise visionary policies that can unlock Guyana’s agricultural potential and improve the lives of its citizens.
Sincerely, Fawaz Harry
PPP/C not scared of their political opponents; ExxonMobil prefers a weak government
Dear Editor, PERSONS affiliated with the political opposition, Opposition-aligned critics of the government, and commentators alike, have been trying their best to sell a concocted narrative that Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is “running scared” of the AFC leader, Nigel Hughes. That is by far wishful thinking.
Truth be told, no politician of Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s caliber especially, is scared of their political opponents. As for Nigel Hughes, the presidential hopeful, not even the weakest politician is scared of him, much less the valiant Bharrat Jagdeo. It is the inherent nature of politicians, inter alia, their gamesmanship of politics, to proverbially defeat their opponents on all fronts. And it is strategic to do so early.
Over the last threeand-a-half years, the PPP/C Government was consistently accused of being in the pockets of ExxonMobil Guyana (EMGL). But now, it is a blessing in disguise for the PPP/C Government in terms of what is unfolding as regards to the “incestuous relationship” between the Alliance for Change (AFC) leader, Mr. Nigel Hughes and EMGL, in the light of the revelations made by Vice-President Jagdeo and this author over the last two weeks.
So, all those who have been accusing the PPP/C and chiefly Vice-President Jagdeo of being a “sell out” to ExxonMobil—should apologize because there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The evidence that exists is such that, it
is the APNU+AFC Government that was compromised in their dealings with EMGL, particularly the AFC faction.
Moreso, as it would appear, EMGL is meddling in Guyana’s domestic politics in contravention of US laws prohibiting the firm from doing so, in favour of the embattled AFC leader— who is presently receiving substantial financial benefits from EMGL.
Guyanese would now appreciate that the PPP/C, unlike its main opponent, the APNU+AFC, has taken multiple strong positions that were initially unfavourable to the oil companies, but materially favourable to the country. Each of these additional benefits were not achieved easily; they were all tirelessly fought for.
These include the following:
LOCAL CONTENT LEGISLATION
The APNU+AFC Government had no intentions of implementing a local content legislation. Prior to demitting office in 2020 after they lost the general and regional elections, they had presented three draft local content policies. These policies were prepared by a consultant who was hired by ExxonMobil. Worse, the third (final) draft policy was not a local content policy; it was more of a foreign policy because it had only catered for the upstream sector.
Guyanese firms do not have the knowledge, technology, capacity, experience, and capability to operate in the upstream sector, thus rendering the policy irrelevant and unsuitable towards enabling the true spirit of local
content—that is, to maximise in country value.
Fortunately, the PPP/C Government quickly moved to legislation through which the country is now benefiting from an additional US$1 billion annually in local spend from cost-oil, where nearly 2,000 Guyanese firms are benefitting, and over 6,000 Guyanese employed in the sector. Notably, the local content spending is subject to increase relative to the size and pace with which the sector is expanding.
GAS-TO-ENERGY PROJECT
The Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project was another challenge, which EMGL had opposed initially. EMGL sought to lobby the government through third parties against the GtE, but the PPP/C Government prevailed. This is another transformative project, funded partially from cost-oil, that will deliver an estimated US$1 billion in direct and indirect benefits to the people of Guyana annually.
The APNU+AFC Government had no intentions of implementing this project. In fact, the AFC leader himself has already sought to discredit the project by insinuating that the project is not feasible, that there is no feasibility study, when in fact, the feasibility studies associated with that project are available on the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) website.
The AFC leader’s position, however, is not one that is surprising. It is consistent with EMGL’s original position with regards to that project.
Further to note, a
group of so-called “environmentalists” has mounted a legal challenge in the local court against the project, seeking to block the project from going forward. Interestingly, one of the lead persons, namely Elizabeth-Dean Hughes is linked to the AFC. She is also believed to be is a relative of the AFC leader, Nigel Hughes.
THE GREATER GUYANA INITIATIVE (GGI)
The US$100 million Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) funded by ExxonMobil and Hess as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, has a peculiar background story to it, which the public should be made aware of given the developing circumstances.
The GGI was originally intended to be a national development and competitiveness strategy for Guyana, funded by the oil companies, developed by a team led by Michael Porter, a Harvard University professor.
The PPP/C Government was rightfully opposed to that, by stating unequivocally that we do not need foreigners to craft our national development plan, especially one that is funded by the oil companies.
Instead, the PPP/C Government completely redesigned the project. In other words, the PPP/C Government dictated what they would like to achieve from this initiative, by setting the terms and conditions, the parameters, and objectives of the project, which has since been repackaged and rebranded as the GGI.
Commendation to the PPP/C Government in that regard, because that is precisely how the oil companies, in their own sophisticated maneuverings, assume control of small countries with weak governments. This was averted in the case of Guyana, compliments of the PPP/C government’s strong and competent leadership.
OTHER ISSUES
The PPP/C Government currently has two major disputes with EMGL: (i) the US$214 million audit discrepancy that is the subject of arbitration, and (ii) the US$12 billion inflated invoice that is currently in Court. Had it been the APNU+AFC Government, these matters would have been settled in favour of EMGL and against the Government of Guyana, and by extension the people of Guyana.
CONCLUSION
As exhibited herein, it is without a doubt that if the APNU+AFC was still in government,
there would have been no local content legislation and no gas-to-energy project. The PPP/C Government is neither weak nor compromised. More importantly, the PPP/C Government has demonstrated that it has what it takes to stand up to the powerful oil companies to fight for what is in the best interest of the people of Guyana. It was not an easy task thus far.
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
J.C. Bhagwandin has been providing insights and analyses on economic and finance issues and public policy for the past 5+ years. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author. He is the holder of a master’s degree in banking & finance.
Two vicious moments designed to derail a national election
I WOULD say 16 months before a national election is a time when people begin to talk about such an event. Our national poll is scheduled for November, but election talk has begun. As we climb to November
2025, there is the need to keep alive memories of the conspiracies that almost smothered the democratic culture in the last election cycle.
Two vicious manifestations of illegal behaviour were designed to give the APNU+AFC
incumbents a colossal advantage, and if they were not confronted, politically and in the courts, I would not have been writing this piece.
Both of the stratagems that are discussed below were illegal and unconstitutional. Put yourself
in the place of PPP leaders who were over 60 at the time of the March 2020 elections. All those over 60 had witnessed the denial of successive PPP victories from 1968 onwards.
I was a PPP polling agent at the Saint Thomas Moore RC School in the 1968 election. I was asked to leave at the close of the poll. I refused and was put out of the building. In fact, I was roughly escorted out of the school compound. Those PPP leaders that saw the travesty of 1968 had to see it 52 years after.
As we move on to 2025, we must write about those two illegalities, and how Guyana’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), saved this country from extinction.
The first illegality was the assertion by President Granger that the Carter-Price GECOM formula, as incorporated in the Constitution, empowered him to submit a list of candidates for the GECOM chairmanship to the Opposition Leader. This was one of the most barefaced political acts in the history of this country.
The Constitution’s language was forcefully pellucid. The Opposition submits a list of names, and the sitting president can reject or accept. This is referred to as the Carter-Price formula. Mr. Granger turned the Carter mechanism in the opposite direction. He said he could also propose a list of names to the Opposition Leader, and he cited the ruling of the CCJ to
support him.
The CCJ merely suggested that the Opposition Leader and the President should meet to discuss eligible candidates. The CCJ said absolutely nothing about the authority of the President to offer a list of names. That would have been contrary to the very ruling of the CCJ when it struck down President Granger’s arbitrary selection of Justice Patterson as GECOM’s chair, citing the constitutional article that assigns authority to the Opposition Leader to submit a list of candidates. When it became clear to the PPP that Guyana would not have an election because President Granger was not going to accept any person from even a hundred names from the Opposition Leader, the PPP accepted a nomination from President Granger. It must be noted, for the recording of history, that the Carter methodology, as enshrined in the Constitution and conformed to by every President since 1992, was not adhered to by the incumbent government in the March 2020 election.
The second stratagem was the foolish and shameless adumbration by the incumbent APNU+AFC Government that 34 was the majority of 65. How did this come about? By some weird, psychic contortion, the adherents of the 34 argument divided 65 persons into 32-anda-half persons and then round off the half-person.
The repugnant opportunism in that approach was two-fold.
First, you can round off a mark or a percentage, but you cannot round off people. There is no half parliamentarian.
The only half person I can recall was my mother’s insistence that after selling her coal (in those days people cooked with coalpots) and returning home very late in the night, she saw a half-person walking down D’Urban Street, and she ran, screaming. My mom told us that story even though we were grownup kids who didn’t believe in the supernatural.
The second dimension in the conspiracy to get 34 as a majority to stick was to apply the method of division into halves. You cannot arrive at a majority of 20 or 30 or 40. But the method of using halves is irrelevant, because 65 is an odd number.
It remains a mystery today why the proponents of the 34-majority magic arrogated to themselves the right to divide 65. There was no need for a division, because 65 is an odd number, and with an odd number, a majority figure is easy to arrive at; easier than kissing the palm of your hand. You could have seen on the faces of the CCJ judges that they found the acceptance of 34 as a majority of 65 as being a rib-tickling joke.
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.
Over $400 million invested in community grounds in Region Six
OVER $400 million has been expended for crucial upgrades to date in community grounds in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh made the disclosure following a series of community meetings over the weekend. He reminded that this undertaken is the fulfillment of a promise made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during previous engagements in the region.
“We had undertaken, in the second half of last year, to spend $400 million on upgrading community grounds in Region Six. To date, we have executed, in total, works and equipment valued at $478 million,” he said.
According to the minister, this amount funds the first phase. This phase includes landfilling, fencing, construction, repairs to sanitary facilities and
regular ground maintenance.
A total of 122 grounds were earmarked for rehabilitation.
During his outreach, the minister visited over 16 communities. He listened to the concerns of the residents.
Twenty tractor-drawn slashers and five tractor-lawnmowers were also handed over to the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
This equipment is expected to bolster maintenance efforts on the community grounds.
“This is not the end. We want every single ground to be upgraded to a point where it is a good quality ground, and the community can make use of it. That is our objective and we will continue to do that work in the weeks and months ahead,” the senior government official assured.
He explained that the government is currently identifying the second phase of interventions for these grounds.
The minister emphasised that the future is bright for Region Six, as several mega projects are underway to boost economic prospects and enhance everyday life.
Projects such as the construction of the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute at Port Mourant, the Palmyra Stadium, and the expansion of the Corentyne Highway are just several examples of the transformation underway in the region, set to propel Region 6 to become a major hub of economic activity.
“We are doing the big transformative things that will modernise the region, but we’re also making the local village-level investments that matter to people’s day-to-day lives because that is of equal importance,” Dr. Singh underlined.
The finance minister reminded each community that the government stands ready to listen and address their concerns, in its dedication to improving the lives of all Guyanese. (DPI)
Scenes from Minister Singh’s outreach to Region Six over the weekend
Global call to equip youth with skills for a peaceful and sustainable future
THE UN Secretary-General has underscored the need to empower young people globally with the skills they need to shape a more peaceful, sustainable future for all.
In a message for Monday’s World Youth Skills Day, António Guterres pointed out that the world’s young people are already working to build safer and stron-
ger communities, even though almost a quarter are not in education, employment or training.
“They can make an even bigger difference for our shared future with training for the burgeoning green and digital economies, education to help break the cycle of hate speech and misinformation, tools to enhance mediation and dialogue, and so much more,” he declared.
The UN chief also highlighted the link between countries spending on education, school completion rates, and levels of peace enjoyed by their people.
“Today, and every day, let us work to transform education. And let us ensure that youth have what they need to build skills for shaping a more peaceful, sustain-
able future for all.”
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY
The UN General Assembly in 2014 declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. Since then, World Youth Skills Day events have provided a platform for dialogue between young people, technical and vocational education and training institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policy makers and development partners.
2024 COMMEMORATION
In commemorations this year, the UN Edu-
cational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Youth Office, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka will convene a panel discussion featuring young experts, partners and government representatives.
The event will review practices and interventions to advance skills development, highlight youth’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping address violence and harassment, and foster social and emotional learning into education and training systems. (UN)
Two engineering students at a training centre in Zambia (file photo)
Bendorff to Maripa Access Road project contractor fired
–– as gov’t cracks down on inefficiency, thoughtlessness
–– Minister Edghill vows swift action on delayed road construction works
By Cindy Parkinson
THE government of Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to rapidly advance the nation’s infrastructural development.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has declared that significant delays caused by incompetent and inconsiderate contractors will no longer be tolerated.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill revealed that he conducted a site visit to the Bendorff to Maripa Access Road project on the East Bank of Essequibo on Tuesday morning to assess the progress of work by JP General Construction Services.
“The project started in August 2023 and was scheduled for completion in February 2024. However, due to
the incompetence and inefficiency of the contractor, we had to terminate his contract.
He hasn’t demonstrated that he can get the work done, and he has put the people who need to use that road in a more difficult position than when there was no road,”
Minister Edghill stated.
Minister Edghill emphasised that the government had been more than reasonable with the contractor, whose contract was initially set to expire in February.
Despite the government’s willingness to extend the deadline and the contractor receiving poor performance letters and liquidated damages, the progress remained unsatisfactory.
PROJECT STATUS AND FINANCIAL
OVERVIEW
The Bendorff to Maripa Access Road project, also known as Lot 51, involved a contract sum of G$55,966,900 with JP General Construction.
The contract was signed on June 5, 2023, with a commencement order issued on August 2, 2023. The original completion date was set for February 2, 2024, which was later updated to March 12, 2024. Liquidated damages were scheduled to start on March 12, 2024, and end on June 20, 2024. An advance payment of G$16,790,070 was made, with the value of works to date standing at G$16,619,121.
To date, the contractor has completed 915 metres in white (requiring recompacting) and 450 metres in white sand/sand clay (needing com-
paction and testing) out of the original scope to construct 1,000 metres of flexible pavement. However, only 30 per cent of the work has been completed. Poor performance was noted on September 15, 2023, December 5, 2023 and January 5, 2024. While the government is
pleased that Guyanese are benefiting from opportunities to secure contracts, Minister Edghill made it clear that the government would not “sit back” and allow anyone to exploit the system or the government’s generosity. He explained that despite repeated warnings, the contractor
continued to work without urgency or consideration.
“Even though this contractor’s contract time had passed, we granted his request for an extension of time; we have gone to liquidated damages; he has also
The Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, engages residents of Bendorff to discuss the Maripa Access Road project on the East Bank of Essequibo.
Guyana’s investment landscape poised for modernisation
–– says Chief Investment Officer Dr. Peter Ramsaroop
CHIEF Investment Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, has said that the government of Guyana is modernising all known industries and pointed to the country as the perfect place to make investments.
Dr Ramsaroop shared this information during a presen-
tation at the recently concluded Caribbean Investment Forum, focusing on Guyana’s investment landscape for the years 2030 and beyond.
During his address on the third day of the forum, he emphasised that the country is a highly favourable investment destination and high -
lighted the authorities’ strong commitment to democracy, accountability, and transparency. He further mentioned that investors have the opportunity to collaborate with local partners on various projects.
Regarding the focus on national development, he
further noted that Guyana will serve as a construction hub for the next two decades or longer, as various regions undergo modernisation efforts. This observation was highlighted by investors from around the globe.
Dr Ramsaroop stated that Guyana has experienced a significant growth rate in the past two years, surpassing 30 percent last year. The projection for this year also anticipates a growth rate exceeding 30 percent.
This growth, he said, is not just about the oil and gas sector, “But it is not just about oil, Guyana is much more than oil, the fact [is] that our non-oil industry grew at over 11 per cent in 2023 [and] that tells you where our president is putting the money… he’s putting the money back in Guyana, we are modernising all our known industries.”
The Chief Investment Officer further stated that although Guyana possesses oil and gas resources, the nation’s budget emphasises the expansion of agriculture, infrastructure, and social development.
According to his assertion, there are currently ongoing projects to construct numerous world-class hospitals, distribute over 20,000 scholarships for a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, and develop 50,000 homes and housing lots for the country’s residents.
“Our President is very focused on ensuring that every single Guyanese around this country benefits from our newfound wealth,” he said.
Dr Ramsaroop added, “In every single region in our country we are ensuring that development happens and that’s why you hear the term One Guyana.”
With that, the Chief Investment Officer indicated that if one is to look at the plans when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic came into office, just over 90 per cent of the commitments made have been followed through with.
He expressed that the drive for growth and development will endure, resulting in a transformative shift in industries during the next term in office.
In the meantime, he advised investors to consider exploring investment opportunities in Guyana, as well as studying the potential for expansion in the Caribbean region.
He emphasised that the success of Guyana is intertwined with the success of the entire region.
In view of this, he strongly encouraged countries to collaborate and seize numerous opportunities as a regional entity.
“Sometimes in the Caribbean, we like to call ourselves small states but if we look at putting ourselves together, we’re not a small state, we can have quite a bit of investment opportunities.”
Bendorff to Maripa Access Road project ...
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received poor performance letters; and this is what it has come to,” Edghill said.
Addressing the future of the project, Minister Edghill assured that there is no shortage of contractors in Guyana. The Ministry of Public Works will engage a competent and reliable contractor to complete the job swiftly and efficiently.
“We at the ministry will use a process and engage a competent contractor to complete the job in a swift and timely manner,” he noted.
Minister Edghill also expressed understanding and sympathy for the residents who rely on the road, especially during the rainy season.
He acknowledged their frustration with the project’s delays and asked for their continued patience as the government works to assign a new contractor to finish the job.
MATERIAL STORAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL
In a recent interview, Minister Edghill also addressed concerns about the improper storage of building ma-
terials and waste along highways and community road corridors.
He emphasised that this practice contributes to road damage and creates traffic hazards.
“While we are happy to see the developments happening in our communities, we are still not pleased with the way some people are storing their construction materials and disposing of their waste,” he said.
The minister called on government contractors working on highways and using heavy-duty machinery to consider the safety and well-being of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. He stressed the importance of proper storage of materials and safe operation of machinery to avoid hindering motorists or pedestrians.
“Our contractors should ensure that their construction materials are stored properly and that their machinery operates in a manner that does not hinder motorists or pedestrians.
Ensure that your signs are up, and drivers are directed properly,” Minister Edghill advised.
Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop
‘Police must help, not extort people’
HOME Affairs Minister
Robeson Benn on Tuesday called for a significant enhancement in the quality of policing, emphasising the need for improved standards and accountability.
He made this call for action while addressing the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) 185th Anniversary
–– Minister Benn says; calls for improved quality of policing, financial accountability
stop! It must stop!” stated Benn.
Furthermore, the home affairs minister disclosed that although there have been notable advancements in the realm of law enforcement, the primary challenges facing the police force at the moment relate to procurement and financial accounting.
Symposium held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
Minister Benn’s appeal comes amidst growing concerns over alleged police corruption and the public’s demand for greater integrity within law enforcement agencies.
“The standards and the things we want for ourselves at a personal level are those which we must accord to the people who pay our taxes[sic]. We need to pull ourselves up in relation to how we view ourselves and our people,” he said, addressing the assembly consisting primarily of senior law enforcement officers.
“It is not good enough to be looking beautiful in uniform. The most telling thing about yourself is how you speak, how you relate to people. Whether you disrespect people—
that speaks volumes about you. I want the disrespect to people to stop at police stations. Police must speak properly and politely. Police must help people. Police must not extort people. Police must not wait for things to build up and get worst and then intervene only to find people in a situation where they have to pay money, where they have to pay bribes.
This must stop,” Minister Benn added.
He reasoned that if police ranks decide to take bribes, it is not only a discredit to them but to the entire police force.
Further, he drew attention to the importance of senior ranks conducting themselves in an appropriate manner and how their attire can lead to negative conclusions.
“… police commanders and others who find themselves in authority must not think that after arriving at the job they need to award and reward themselves and to walk around with plenty gold and diamonds around their neck and fingers. If they have that, it means they are men who can be bought. I can buy you because that’s what you like and you flaunt it. It must
Minister Benn said: “If we can’t account for the monies in the procurement process and monies goes [sic] out in ways in which it should not be, then there is a problem… I have to account for it at the Parliament and other places. We have a Procurement Commission, we have an Auditor General, we have an Accountant General, we have an Integrity Commission and other places and persons. All of them will have to fall in line in relation to cleaning up and tidying up this problem.
“If monies go to places they should not go that means there is massive collusion and corruption. That’s the only explanation for it. And if people think they can hide and carry monies wherever, and that we wouldn’t find out… you don’t need a doctorate to find out.”
Minister Benn made
it clear that there will be evaluations, investigations, and audits of the finances of the police force and allied organisations in view of the current events.
He compared the situation to cancer and expressed his hope that neither surgery nor chemotherapy would be required.
“And we hope that it
ain’t reach stage three or four,” Benn stated, expressing his desire for new, accountable policing
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken at the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) 185th Anniversary Symposium
‘Police must help not ...
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as well as improved, and honest work to be done.
He shared his vision for transforming the police force into a more competent, professional, and community-oriented organisation.
In closing, the minister of home affairs urged the police force to address the problem of corruption and collusion.
He emphasised that “we need to root it out,” citing the force’s mission of service and protection.
Scenes from the police symposium held on Tuesday at Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown (GPF photos)
Hurricane Beryl spurs CARICOM call for increased private sector investment in agriculture
By Shamar Meusa
SECREYARY-General
of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Carla Barnett has said that in the wake of the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl, investments by the region’s private sector in sustainable agriculture are crucial now more than ever.
Dr. Barnett was at the time speaking at the recently concluded Caribbean Investment Forum, where she said that the region’s vision of reducing the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 being led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali prioritises investment through increased local production and enhanced intraregional trade.
Consequently, she em-
phasised the significant strides the region has made in successfully implementing this initiative, with notable advancements in policy development, investment attraction, and risk reduction in the agriculture sector.
Several member states are now producing crops, even as partnerships have been established with farmers, the private sector and civil society.
However, Dr. Barnett said, “Private sector investment in sustainable agriculture is now crucial to bolster advantages and address challenges, especially since [Hurricane] Beryl has now caused significant setbacks.”
The passage of the hurricane devastated several islands, and caused extensive
damage to others, causing a significant impact on several sectors.
an inflexion point where scarce capital has to be diverted from economic development towards supporting recovery and rebuilding from the effects of the hurricane.
Against this backdrop, she added that the region is prioritising investments that are climate-resilient which integrate improved farming techniques to address the region’s vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, droughts and rising sea levels.
“To date, our interventions in the region’s food and nutrition security have been targeted and deliberate,” Dr. Barnett said.
With this, the Secretary-General said that CARICOM is again at
In terms of mitigating risks in the agriculture sector, she revealed the identification of a regional agro-insurance product. Efforts are currently being
made to secure specialized capital funds for investment opportunities in various areas such as transport, logistics, digitization, and research.
With the support of the CARICOM private sector organisation, she added that they have pinpointed possible investment opportunities amounting to some US$1.2 billion covering agri-food value-chain opportunities to produce cereals and staples, vegetables, fruits and nuts among other items.
“Active partnerships with the private sector and investments in these and other areas will generate new industries, and support food and nutrition security for current and future generations,” Dr. Barnett added.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett (Caribbean Export photo)
Data being used to address women’s reproductive needs, high maternal mortality rates, gender inequality – UNFPA
WHILE noting that it remains committed to ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning and gender-based violence and harmful practices, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said the data it has gathered has revealed “some uncomfortable truths”.
Among these are the worsening healthcare inequality and high maternal mortality rates in several Caribbean countries. The organisation said that new data tools can help it understand hidden problems and create tailored solutions.
The following is the full statement issued on behalf of the UNFPA:
“Over the past 30 years, significant advancements have been made in sexual
and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This progress was inspired by the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which underscored the critical links between reproductive health, human rights, and sustainable development.
The ICPD was a groundbreaking 1994 meeting in Cairo, where 179 governments adopted a revolutionary Programme of Action, emphasising the need to prioritise women’s reproductive health and rights in both national and global development initiatives It also highlighted the role of healthcare systems in promoting human rights and progress. The use of quality data and analysis has facilitated many advancements such as increased access to
reproductive care for women, reductions in maternal mortality, and improvements in gender equality. With more comprehensive and precise information at our fingertips, we have been able to plan and monitor more effectively, allowing societies to measure and achieve goals related to health and the fulfillment of rights and choices.
However, better data has also revealed some uncomfortable truths. Despite the ICPD and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prioritising people, their dignity, and their SRHR, the most vulnerable communities are still being left behind. The UNFPA’s State of the World Population 2024 report shows that healthcare inequality is worsening, both within and
between countries. Although maternal mortality has decreased by 34 per cent, progress in preventing avoidable maternal deaths has stalled since 2016. Maternal mortality rates in the Caribbean region are significantly higher than in developed regions, with most ranging from 21 to 156.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. Several English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries have maternal mortality ratio estimates above the SDG target of 70. While countries such as Antigua & Barbuda (21) have made significant strides in reducing the MMR, countries such as Jamaica (156.7), Belize (130), and Guyana (112), continue to report high MMR figures.
Adolescent birth rate (ABR), is another indica -
tor that further shows the levels of inequality in the Caribbean. National data has revealed that only The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago have met the SDG target of having an ABR below 40. Further examination of the data reveals even more inequalities, especially among certain social and ethnic groups.
The UNFPA State of the World Population (SWOP) Report 2024 shows that the most marginalised women often benefit the least from healthcare improvements.
In the Caribbean, this issue is made worse by challenges such as climate change, as we have seen with the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl; demographic shifts, particularly population aging; urbanisation, and inequalities.
This complex situation makes reliable and inclusive population data even more crucial. We need this data to understand and meet the needs of those left behind and to build more resilient communities that can better withstand natural disasters and emergencies.
To fully capture people’s experiences, we need to collect data that includes gender, ethnicity, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, immigration status, and other important factors.
New data tools can help us understand hidden problems and create tailored solutions. However, it is essential to use these tools carefully to avoid bias, stigma, and unnecessary risk.
World Population Day 2024 (July 11) was an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in gathering and analysing data, but it’s also a time to ask some tough questions. Are we really focusing on the right issues? Is our data collection
inclusive and respectful of everyone’s privacy and safety? Who are we still leaving out? This year marks the 30th anniversary of the ICPD, making it a perfect time for decision-makers to revisit how we can utilise data to improve our health and social systems. We need systems that empower people, respect diversity, protect human dignity, and help everyone achieve their rights and bodily autonomy.
Ensuring that our data collection is safe and inclusive, allows us to be confident that everyone counts and is counted. To maximize these benefits, the UN recommends a significant funding boost: a 50 per cent increase in domestic funding for data and statistics by 2030, and a rise in official development assistance for data to at least 0.7 per cent. This investment will help us build resilient systems and societies, creating a future where everyone can enjoy peace, prosperity, and the full realisation of their rights and choices.
As we continue to build on the advancements since the inception of ICPD, UNFPA remains committed to achieving our three transformative results to end preventable maternal deaths, end unmet need for family planning and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
The theme of this year’s World Population Day, “Empowering People, Developing Nations,” reinforces our dedication to prioritising women’s health and rights as essential components of global progress.
Relevant, gender-inclusive data is crucial in driving this mission forward, enabling us to create informed, effective policies that truly empower individuals and foster sustainable development.”
Adler Bynoe, the UNFPA Liaison Officer for Guyana
Tourism sector records productive, historic first half of 2024 – GTA
THE tourism sector has recorded a productive and historic period in the first half of the year, boasting more licensed tourism businesses, operators and guides, among other accomplishments.
The agency’s accomplishments were outlined by Director Kamrul Baksh while giving a half-year sector review.
According to the publication, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and its tourism stakeholders “worked on several extensive, collaborative projects, programmes and initiatives to achieve significant strides in promoting and developing Guyana’s tourism product”.
For this period, 36 properties were officially entered into the GTA’s ICC T20 Bed & Breakfast Property database, after being officially inspected by the GTA to receive their conditional approval.
“As of June, the GTA recorded 82 licensed businesses and tourist guides, including 16 tourism accommodation establishments, 11 interior lodges and resorts, 18 tourist guides, and 37 tour operators,” the publication stated.
At the end of June, the GTA had trained 1267 persons in priority areas. These include tour guiding, digital marketing, food, preparation, and customer relations among other areas.
This training contained theoretical and practical aspects, ensuring that the participants could exercise any of the content administered.
Through its work with communities and the private sector, seven new tourism experiences were launched between January and May 2024. These include a new
Bartica
Paddle Boarding Experience, an Inclusive Bicycle Tour, Demerara Sunset ‘A Journey through Pottery’ Experience by Toka Village, and the Explore Lethem Day Tour.
Since 2020, the GTA has launched over 50 new tourism experiences, a remarkable achievement for Guyana’s tourism sector.
The GTA also conducted outreaches and assessments in various regions.
“This body of work enables the implementation of the Community-Led and Owned Tourism Framework (CLOT) and engagements required for building collaboration towards circuit development for South Rupununi, Discover Essequibo (Regions 2,3 & 7), Region 8, and 10,” the publication stated.
Visitor arrivals also increased by 14.6 per cent in May 2024 compared to May 2023, with 28,327 visitors, while visitor arrivals from January to May increased by 12.8% compared to the same period in 2023, totalling 141,078.
Additionally, Guyana also received several awards including the PATWA Travel Awards for “Destination of the Year—Ecological Tourism (South America), Minister Oneidge Walrond was also a recipient of the PATWA Travel Awards for “Tourism Minister of the Year (South America).
The Guyana Tourism Authority secured Silver Place at the 4th Edition of WTM Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards under “Best Initiatives for Indigenous Tourism and/or Traditional Communities.”
Destination Guyana was also nominated for “Green Destination of the Year” at the Caribbean Green Awards 2024 and other awards. (DPI)
Launching of the Paddle Boarding Experience with Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours Ride Along Tour,
Ambassador Singh presents Letters of Credence to Belgium’s Chief of Protocol
Sasenarine Singh, Guyana’s newly appointed Ambassador to Belgium, on Tuesday presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Mr Hubert Roisin, Chief of Protocol of the Federal Public Service - Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium. The presentation marks the initiation of the process of Ambassador Singh becoming fully accredited as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, with the final presentation to His Majesty King Philippe, set for September this year (Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP and business development are crucial elements in the agriculture sector, and to ensure local farmers, agro-processors and budding agriculturists are fully equipped with the tools needed to thrive, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) held a capacity-building session on Tuesday.
Engaging stakeholders, GSA’s Chief Executive Officer Gavin Ramnarain emphasised the importance of fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and creating opportunities in production.
Agriculture, he noted, is a very ‘profitable business’, however, youths in the sector will need extra push and guidance to pursue agriculture as a business.
Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Blair, an adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted that adapting to change in agriculture and rural development is crucial for economic
growth in Guyana.
Dr. Blair further emphasised the importance of the ‘cross-fertilization’ of ideas and practical learning.
The government, he noted, has been investing heavily in agriculture, diversifying and building the resilience of the sector to better support farmers.
He stressed the value of vision and boldness in empowering farmers, entrepreneurs and students.
Additionally, he noted that sessions like these would see stakeholders adapting to changing environments, enabling them to thrive in a globalised environment.
“I believe sessions such as this will allow you to get the tools to learn to innovate; adapt,” Dr. Blair said.
“It’s a good thing when all of you can come together and exchange ideas; it creates an environment [for] creativeness, innovation and adaptability,” he added.
Students from the GSA were engaged in interactive discussions during Tuesday’s session
Dr. Richard Blair, an adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture engaged several stakeholders on Tuesday during a capacity building session, highlighting the importance of agri-businesses
Belize opens High Commission in Guyana in effort to expand diplomatic network
THE Belize Government said that the decision to set up a High Commission in Guyana is part of its efforts to expand its diplomatic network by establishing diplomatic relations with countries and open diplomatic representations aimed at bringing development, prosperity, and assistance to its citizens living abroad.
The Belize flag was hoisted at the chancellery of the High Commission of Belize in Guyana on June 24 and the government said that the ceremony was overseen by Gale Miller Garnett, High Commis -
sioner of Belize to the sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
It said he was accompanied by Captain Marion Hernandez, Second Lieutenant Ashley Lashawn Williams, and Lance Corporal Felecia Cal – Belize Defence Force soldiers undertaking studies in Guyana.
“The Government of Belize continues to expand its diplomatic network by establishing diplomatic relations with countries and by opening diplomatic representations aimed at bringing development, prosperity, and assistance to its citizens abroad.
“The establishment of
this new diplomatic mission in Guyana is a concrete manifestation of Belize’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with Guyana, and its intention to bolster its presence in South America,” the John Briceno Government added.
The High Commission of Belize in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is located at Lot 5 Lamaha Gardens, at the corner of Bel Air Avenue and Garnett Street, Georgetown, Guyana, and can be reached via email at hcbelize@mfa.gov.bz or telephone number: +592 503 1116. (CMC)
The recently opened Belize High Commission in Guyana
SASOD Guyana celebrates 21 years with symposium, book launch
THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD)
Guyana marked its 21st anniversary with a research symposium that brought together scholars, activists, and policymakers to discuss the state of LGBTQ rights and experiences in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
Held at the Herdmanston Lodge on Tuesday, the event also served as the launch pad for a new book chronicling the lives of LGBTQ individuals in the region.
Dr Nikoli Attai, a Trinidadian author, presented his book “Defiant Bodies,” which explores the real-life experiences of LGBTQ persons in the
Caribbean.
Dr Attai highlighted the significant role Guyana played in his research, noting that the time he spent in the country greatly enriched his work.
President of SASOD, activist and one of the many faces of LGBTQ rights in Guyana, Joel Simpson, explained that the event sought to spark
discussions between speakers and those present.
Moreover, he stated, “As some may know that SASOD’s actual anniversary was June 7th, not July 16th. But because we were in the last lap of pride, we did not to have an activity to mark or commemorate our 21st anniversary. So, we wanted to launch this book and this symposium because our work is a big part of it.”
Among the notable speakers was Preity Kumar, a Guyanese scholar and activist with a Ph.D. in Gender, Feminist, and Women’s Studies from York University.
Kumar’s virtual presentation delved into the historical context of LGBTQ issues in the Caribbean. She emphasised the lasting impact of colonial history on contem-
Dr. Nikoli Attai, author of “Defiant Bodies” delivering remarks at the book launch
porary attitudes towards the LGBTQ community.
“Historically, as we all know, the Caribbean has been shaped by centuries of colonial expansion, transatlantic slavery and economic dependency, creating a complex background that means contemporary issues of gender and sexuality unfold. The influence of global capitalism has only intensified these dynamics, perpetuating cycles of economic marginalisation and disparity. Yet queer Caribbean bodies often labour to resist these projects, both in their embodiment and through their defiance,” she said.
The symposium also addressed the political aspects of LGBTQ rights in Guyana.
Member of Parliament, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, contributed to the discussion, highlighting the role of the judiciary in recent legal changes.
“The cross-dressing law came into being not because there was political will on our part. It was a result of our apex court which touched on constitutional rights. So, my question is, what measures
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SASOD Guyana celebrates 21 years with symposium ...
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should we adopt so that we can create a culture so that there is political will on our part so that a lot of laws can be decriminalised? It may start with a culture shift, but we have to start with awareness,” she said in her remarks.
Meanwhile, Dr Nastassia Rambarran, a Guyanese Public Health Consultant and Physician based in Barbados, provided insights into the growth of LGBTQ organisations in Guyana.
Her research revealed a significant expansion in the number of organisations serving the LGBTQ community.
Also joining virtually, she shared that, “There has been expansion of queer organisations through the timeline of 2001 to 2022. From 2001 to 2010, there were already seven more organisations catering to LGBTQ persons in Guyana.”
Dr Rambarran also outlined the trajectory of queer activism in the country and
stated, “I formulated that the trajectory of queer activism, which of course had occurred for decades and maybe even centuries outside of formal organisations.
“Then from 2010s, the arc has been one of diversification, amplification, and increasing visibility,” she added.
The symposium provided a platform for open discussions on these issues, encouraging dialogue between different stakeholders in the LGBTQ rights movement.
From left to right: President of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson, Author Nikoli Attai, Member of Parliament Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Jermine Grant and Ubraj Narine, the former Mayor of Georgetown at the symposium
SKELETAL remains believed to be those of Feroze Khan, a 49-year-old fisherman, were on Monday discovered on his Lot 21 Danielstown, Region Two property.
The discovery was made by his brother, Shameer Khan, who is also a fisherman.
Shameer told this publication that his brother, a habitual drinker, suffered from seizures. Feroze lived alone in a two-storey concrete house. Shameer said he last saw him alive on June 21, around 13:00 hrs riding a bicycle on Back Street, Danielstown. The next day, Shameer went out to sea and returned to shore on Monday.
After realising that he wasn’t seeing his brother, he decided to go to his house to check on him. The man recalled that when he arrived around 17:30 hrs, he was greeted by an obnoxious scent. Shortly after, he discovered skeletal remains in the yard and has since identified a faded blue pair of pants and a light purple jersey as his brother’s. Several bones, including the skull, were found scattered, and were carefully placed in a body bag. The remains are at the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Skeletal remains suspected to be those of fisherman found at Danielstown Herstelling man jailed for four years, fined $15M over cocaine in car
Persaud, a 33-year-old resident of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined GY$15,783,000 after being found guilty of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
The sentencing took place Tuesday at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court, and was presided over by Magistrate Sunil Scarce.
Persaud, also known as ‘Jason’, faced the charges stemming from an incident on July 6, 2023, when he was intercepted by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) in the Young Professionals Housing Scheme.
During the operation, CANU ranks searched Persaud’s vehicle, motor car PVV 4385, and discovered 10.522 kilogrammes (approximately 23 pounds) of cocaine hidden inside.
Persaud was immediately taken into custody following the discovery.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Persaud maintained his innocence, but the prosecution presented compelling evidence leading to his conviction.
The cocaine has an estimated street value of GY$10.6 million.
PARMANAND
UN, EU humanitarians appeal for more support for Haiti
THE multifaceted humanitarian catastrophe in Haiti requires urgent international attention, three senior aid officials from the United Nations and the European Union have said, wrapping up a four-day visit to the Caribbean country, where they saw, first-hand, how ongoing gang violence has upended people’s lives.
“What Haitians want the most is peace; that will allow them to return to school, to farm their fields, to access basic services such as going to a hospital,” Edem Wosornu, Operations and Advocacy Director with the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA), said in a joint statement issued on Monday.
Ms. Wosornu visited Haiti alongside Lucia Elmi, Director for Emergency Operations at the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Andrea Koulaimah, Director for Latin American and the Caribbean for the European Civil
A mother in Léogâne, Haiti, holds her child in a makeshift site for recently displaced people (UNICEF/Maxime Le Lijour photo)
Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
MORE KENYAN OFFICERS ARRIVE
As clashes continue in Haiti, more than 578,000 people are displaced, and nearly five million, roughly half the population, are facing acute hunger, with 1.6 million at risk of starvation.
Last October, the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to assist the beleaguered national police force in quelling the gang violence.
Kenya offered to lead the non-UN mission, and international media report that another 200 of its police officers have arrived in Haiti, joining some 400 already there.
The violence has crippled Haiti’s agricultural sector, a key source of income for families, and disrupted education and healthcare.
More than 900 schools have been closed since January, while in the capital, Port-au-Prince, nearly 40 per cent of all in-patient health facilities are out of service.
IMPACT ON FAMILIES
Furthermore, families who used to be economically independent have now lost income, thus affecting their access to food and healthcare.
Most that have been displaced do not know if their children will be able to return to school.
The humanitarian delegation held meetings with senior Haitian officials, including new Prime Minister Gary Conille, as well as authorities in the cities of Les Cayes and Gonaives.
They stressed that the international community must continue to support Haiti’s Government in providing life-saving aid and development assistance.
“Millions of families are yearning for an end to this relentless violence.
It is critical to step up protection services for women and children, who are bearing the brunt of this crisis, and fast-track humanitarian assistance for those in need,” Ms. Elmi said.
SHORTFALL IN AID
Back in February, the UN and partners launched a $674 million Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti, but
at the midpoint of the year, it is less than a quarter funded.
The cost of inaction would be too high if response is not scaled up now, the statement warned, noting that international and local humanitarian partners have managed to find solutions to both access and assist Haitians throughout the country, despite the challenging security situation.
While underlining the vital importance of humanitarian aid, the statement also stressed that Haiti’s challenges “are grounded in years of under-investment in basic social ser-
vices, and that humanitarian aid is a temporary fix that can’t solve the country’s deep-rooted, structural problems.”
The humanitarian response must be anchored into sustainability and serve as a “steppingstone to durable, sustainable recovery actions,” said Ms. Koulaimah.
“We call on the international community not to miss this unique momentum and to step up their efforts and mobilise resources to address the pressing humanitarian and development needs.” (UN)
Travel agent remanded on illegal gun, ‘ammo’ charges
YING Xin Su, a 30-year-old travel agent, has been charged and remanded to prison after facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition without licence.
It is alleged that on July 9, 2024, she had a 9mm Glock pistol and 14 9mm rounds of ammunition in her possession, when she was not the holder of a firearm licence.
Ying Xin Su denied the charges when she appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts. Bail was refused, and she was remanded.
The accused has to return to court on July 22, 2024.
The charges against Ying Xin Su came several days after she was arrested, along with two male Chinese nationals at a city hotel. Their arrest was as a result of an inter-agency intelli-
gence-led operation that involved gold smuggling and other illegal activities.
The July 9, 2024 operation was a coordinated effort by various intelligence agencies, which led to the seizure of G$39 million and an unlicensed 9mm pistol with 15 matching rounds of ammunition.
Police said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the
REMANDED: Ying Xin Su
WANTED: Zhenjian Fang
The firearm and cash that were seized during a July 9 inter-agency operation which led to the arrest of Ying Xin Su and two male Chinese nationals (GPF photos)
Prospect man remanded for Venezuelan woman’s murder
FORTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Haslyn Hodge of Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Tuesday remanded to prison for the alleged murder of a Venezuelan woman.
He was hauled before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, charged with the murder of Evelyn Alves, the 23-year-old mother of three, who was found dead earlier this month with a gunshot wound in the back of her head. Hodge was not required to plead to the indictable charge.
The murder accused was remanded to prison and will return to court on August 2, 2024.
Police headquarters said that the woman was killed on the road leading to the New Diamond Development Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on July 7, 2024.
Murdered: Evelyn Alves
Investigations revealed that workers from a construction company were in two vehicles going to refuel the company’s excavator, which is being used to construct a bridge in the New Diamond Developing Housing Scheme, when they saw the lifeless body of a female lying on the road.
The woman’s body was clad in a white jersey with a female photograph on the front, black jeans, and a pair of black pumps. A tattoo of a butterfly was seen on her right arm.
Her head was in a pool of blood. Detectives processed the scene, and a 9mm spent shell was found about 10 feet away from the woman’s head; a cellphone was found next to the body. The body was examined, and what appeared to be a gunshot wound was seen at the back of her head.
Travel agent remanded on ...
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individuals are part of a transnational criminal organisation involved in gold smuggling and other illegal activities.
The seized funds and firearm are believed to be connected to these illicit operations.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for a fourth Chinese national following the recent dismantling of the transnational criminal network. This person is wanted for questioning in relation to money laundering and related serious offences.
He has been identified as Zhenjian Fang, a 44-yearold Chinese national, whose last known address is Lot 47, New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the GPF, on 225-3084, 225-3079, or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.
As investigations continue, the authorities are working diligently to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and its activities within and beyond Guyana’s borders.
Port Mourant Turf Club track stood out despite inclement weather
…Guyana Cup preparations moving apace
The Port Mourant Turf Club CARICOM horse race meet was hailed a success on Sunday last. Despite heavy rainfall during the May-June season, and hours before the start of the race, the track stood firm.
Fans turned out in high numbers and were treated to a spectacular show with high-quality horse racing action. Credit was given to the KP Jagdeo Racing Stables, who worked overtime to maintain a solid track.
According to an official
from the Jagdeo Racing Stables, work on the Port Mourant track commenced since in December 2023.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the patrons for coming out despite the rain. We have been doing a lot of work on the track from since late last year. We are reaping the success now. They were a lot of rainfall during the May-June season, and we had a lot of rain on the eve of the race.
A lot of people was uncertain whether they would be races, but the track held up
good. That was because of the preparation.”
“Guyana Cup is the pinnacle of horse racing in Guyana. Everyone always turn out, and I would like to thank the fans in advance. Without fans, we cannot have racing, and I want to thank them in advance for supporting Guyana Cup,” the official stated.
Easy Time won at the most recent race, and the champion horse will be aiming to defend his Guyana Cup title on August 11 at Rising Sun Turf Club. The 16th
running of the Guyana Cup is organised by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing and more than 40 million Guyana dollars in cash being paid out, and the top horse for the feature race will be rewarded a whopping sum of $11,625,000.
Last year’s Guyana Cup saw a total purse of $24 million across all races, while the top horse in the feature event won $10 million.
According to organisers, the 2024 Guyana Cup will certainly be the biggest, and
the day will be packed with side attractions. The first-ever fun park is set to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club, where kids will witness a parading bar on spot, and multiple stages will be set up across the venue.
Ten races are listed on the provisional programme, and entries will open from July 27 and close on August 3. No late entries will be accepted at this year’s Guyana Cup.
With this year’s Guyana Cup purse being the biggest in the Caribbean, horses from
various countries will be compelled to travel to Guyana and battle for supremacy.
In addition to the feature event, which will run at approximately 1800 metres, other races on the provisional card include: the 1600-metre derby, 1000-metre Sprint Classic, the 1000-metre two-yearold, 1000-metre F1 class, the 1600-metre H1 class, the 1400-metre J & Lower, 1400-metre K Class, 1400-metre L Class and 1400-metre non-earners.
Southgate resigns after England’s Euro loss
(BBC) - England manager Gareth Southgate has resigned two days after defeat by Spain in the 2024 European Championship final.
The Three Lions lost 2-1 in Berlin on Sundaytheir second consecutive Euros final defeat, having been beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley three years ago.
Southgate, 53, managed his country for 102 games in eight years in charge. His contract was set to expire later this year.
"As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England," said Southgate.
"It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
"But it's time for change, and for a new chapter."
Football Association
chief executive Mark Bullingham said the process to appoint Southgate's successor has started and "we aim to have our new manager confirmed as
soon as possible".
He added the FA "have an interim solution in place if it is needed" and will not comment further on the process until a new boss is appointed.
England's next match is against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on 7 September.
BBC sports editor Dan Roan said FA sources suggested they were "very unlikely to restrict the selection process to just English managers".
England won nine knockout games in major tournaments under Gareth Southgate, including two penalty shootout victories
Under-21 boss Lee Carsley could be a candidate for an interim solution.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter, and ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are among the early favourites. There is also some speculation around ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
Yadav set to be India T20 captain for Sri Lanka tour
(ESPNCRICINFO) -
SURYAKUMAR Yadav is set to be appointed India's new T20I captain ahead of Hardik Pandya, the incumbent vice-captain of the side, for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Suryakumar takes over from Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is, along with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, after leading India to T20 World Cup glory in the Caribbean last month.
Though Hardik was Rohit's deputy at the T20 World Cup and is a more
and
Mumbai Indians in the IPL - it is understood fitness concerns and workload management may have tipped the scales against him.
Hardik had suffered an ankle injury during the 50over World Cup at home last October-November and was out of action until the start of IPL 2024, when he returned to lead Mumbai. He returned for national duty only at the T20 World Cup. In fact, Hardik has featured in just 46 of the 79 T20Is India have played since the start of 2022.
Suryakumar, meanwhile, has previously captained Mumbai in the domestic circuit. More recently, he led India to a 4-1 series win over Australia in the T20I series last November, followed by a 1-1 series scoreline in South Africa. Suryakumar is also among the first names in a first-choice India XI in the format.
The T20Is in Sri Lanka will be India's first assignment under new coach Gautam Gambhir, who takes over from Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup. It's also seen as the
first step towards building for the next T20 World Cup which India is set to co-host in 2026.
A young Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, just returned from Zimbabwe earlier in the week after completing a 4-1 T20I series win. The squad included just three players from the side that won the World Cup. It is understood that the selectors will meet on Wednesday to finalise the touring party. Along with three T20Is, the tour will feature three ODIs.
experienced captain - he has led India in three ODIs
16 T20Is, apart from leading Gujarat Titans and
Massy WCPL Squads confirmed for 2024
The full squads for the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League have been confirmed following completion of the draft. The three teams will play from 21 to 29 August at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
The reigning champions, the Barbados Royals, have drafted two players who were with their squad in 2023, wicket-keeper Rashada Williams and exciting batter Trishan Hold-
er. They welcome Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Fraser and Djenaba Joseph who were all with the Guyana Amazon Warriors last year. They have also drafted local all-rounder Naijanni Cumberbatch.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors have a very strong Guyanese core after drafting former West Indies under 19s captain Ashmini Munisar, Sheneta Grimmond, Realeanna Grimmond, Kaysia Schultz and Nyia Latchmann.
They also welcome Jamaican seam bowler Kate Wilmott.
The Trinbago Knight Riders have drafted three players who were part of their squad in 2023, with Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed and Shunelle Sawh all back for this year’s WCPL. The newcomers for 2024 will be Jannillea Glasgow and Chedean Nation who were with the Royals in 2023.
Da Silva says West Indies will make amends in second test
CMC – WICKETKEEPER-batsman, Joshua Da Silva said the West Indies batsmen had learnt their lessons and he was optimistic they could be far more successful against England in the second Richards-Botham Trophy
Series Test, starting on Thursday.
Da Silva said he was confident the frank discussions of the Caribbean side following the horror show that ended in an innings and 114 runs defeat inside three days in the first Test
at Lord’s will bear fruit at Trent Bridge.
The visitors failed to cope with the England pacers, and they were bundled out for 121 in the first innings, with only three players scoring more than 20 runs, and things hardly
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Wednesday July 17, 2024) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Mikyle Louis
(2) Gus Atkinson & Jamie Smith Today’s Quiz:
(1) What was the result of the first Test of the current WI/ENG series?
(2) Who was declared Man of the Match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
improved in the second innings when they were bowled out for 136.
“All of us are pretty disappointed after the first Test, so we’ve put that behind us, we’ve had our discussions, and we are looking forward to the second Test,” Da Silva told reporters during a news conference on Tuesday.
“We are putting in the work. We are doing everything we can, rebuilding and going hard forward into the next Test.”
Da Silva said West Indies were not going to dwell on what happened in the first Test, but they were going to look for ways to be more successful in the second Test.
“It’s disappointing, but it’s Test cricket,” he said. “At the end of the day, it happens. It has happened to the best teams in the world,
England, Australia, and India, so it’s just about how are we going to bounce back that is going to be most important.
“Obviously, the batting did not stick their hands up, and a few of us can stick our hands up and say we got a couple soft dismissals. Moving into this next Test, I think that will be the key – along with getting 20 wickets, we need to put enough runs on the board for the bowlers to bowl at.”
He added: “It might not look like it, but we’ve taken a few positives [from the first Test]. A lot of guys got starts, and they just didn’t carry on. We talked about soaking up more pressure and how we are going to deal with those situations if we are put in them again.
Not losing wickets in clusters.
Da Silva, like his captain Kraigg Brathwaite and head coach Andre Coley before him, urged the team to draw on their experience of going 1-0 down on the Tour of Australia in January and making a stunning recovery to win the second Test at Brisbane by eight runs.
“It’s something we can look at,” he said. “We came back, and we won the [second] Test and if we can replicate that, all of us will be really happy.
“It’s not going to be easy. Again, we need to do the right things, bat for long periods of time and take wickets.”
“It’s about reminding ourselves of the process and trusting that process because all of us have a different way of going about it. It’s just about trusting our own game and making sure we get the job done.”
District 10 dethrones District 9 as ExxonMobil kayaking champs
By Joe Chapman
Inaugural champions District 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) by amassing 76 points won the third edition of the annual ExxonMobil Inter District Kayaking Championship last Saturday at Watooka Guest House in Linden. In the process, they upended the defending champions District 9, (Upper Takatu /Upper
Essequibo), who finished second with 64 points.
It was a day of excitement following the championship being declared open by Prime Minister Mark Phillips.
The Prime Minister said, “Let me thank Dr [Deon] Anderson [Proprietor of host group Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours] for conceptualising this whole competition. I want to thank the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism for
supporting this activity, and the fact that this is the third year, it is now a calendar activity, and we look forward to coming to Linden for this kayaking competition."
He also thanked the previous title sponsor SLB who has remained on board, as well as new title sponsors ExxonMobil.
Dr. Anderson in brief remarks said, “Welcome to our third annual ExxonMobil Inter District inter district kayaking
competition. It is definitely an honour and a pleasure to see all of these faces ready to put forward the best and high level of competition here today. You have been doing quite well today over the previous years and I know we have quite some interesting competition ready for us today.”
To defeat District 9 who had dethroned them last year, District 10 grabbed five gold medals and three silver medals,
KFC Elite League…
failing to take the podium in all but one event.
District 9 accumulated 64 points with one gold medal, four silvers and two bronze medals in the process, edging out District 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni) which won two gold, one silver and five bronze medals in the nine-district competition.
The championships saw nine events were staged.
District 1 (Barima Waini) took fourth spot with 45 points
after winning one gold and one silver medal; District 2 (Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon) taking fifth place with 38 points with two bronze medals. District 8 (Potaro Siparuni) finished in sixth position on 22 points ahead of District 5 (West Coast Berbice) next on 21 points, District 6 (New Amsterdam Canje) with 12 points and District 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) on 11 points.
Beckford registers six as Slingerz Maul Buxton United
SLINGERZ produced an imperious display on Monday evening to cement their place in the number 2 spot of the ongoing KFC Elite League being played at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre at Providence.
Slingerz, which had some forgettable performance in the second half of season 6 was led by their new Jamaican recruit Kemar Beckford who put on a scoring exhibition to achieve an 11-nil victory over bottom ranked Buxton United.
Marcus Tudor was the first to the back of the net, six minutes after the opening whistle but Buxton, who were quickly on the back foot would put in a solid defensive display to stave off the early onslaught.
However, that was short lived as Beckford kicked off his onslaught from the 33rd minute and it opened the floodgates.
He had two more before the 43rd minute which pushed the West Demerara side to a 3-nil lead.
Tudor was also in a no-nonsense mood as he scored his second in injury time of the first half as they went into the break with a massive 5-nil lead.
After the resumption Curtez Kellman got onto the score sheet to make it 6-nil as the
Beckford about to score one of his 6 goals after outfoxing Buxton Custodian
demolition exercise continued for the West Coast Slingerz. Tudor’s 61st minute strike saw him finishing with a triple with Beckford recording another pair of goals in the 64th and 76th minutes.
Deon Alfred made it 10nil in the 85th with Beckford completing his rousing scoring night with his 6th success in
the 90th minute to keep Buxton United at the bottom of the table after their 15th loss in 16 outings.
Meanwhile, The Guyana Defence Force after their impressive 7-nil victory last week against Buxton United had an average night by their standards with a 2-nil victory over Guyana Police Force.
The wins however extended their lead at the top of the heap, as it was their 13th win in 14 clashes with their lone draw against second place Slingerz.
The Police side, despite the scoreline was no match for the soldiers as Obumchi Benjamin in the 20th and Delroy Fraser in the 84th scored on opposites sides of the break to guide GDF
to the victory.
The latest standing sees the boys in blue keeping their place in third with 9 wins in 13 games behind leaders GDF and second placed Slingerz.
Fourth is Santos with 8 wins, with Western tigers in fifth place with 7 wins.
Den Amstel, Fruta Conquerors, Moneddelust, Ann’s
Grove and Buxton United complete the 10-team table in that order.
The league resumes on Saturday with a double header. Monedderlust will meet Western Tigers and Slingerz play Ann’s Grove United with the games set to commence from 18:30 hours.
Banks DIH returns as official beverage sponsor for Kares One Guyana T10
Beverage giants Banks DIH Limited have reaffirmed their commitment to the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast by returning as the tournament's official sponsor.
GT Beer will again be the official beer, while Rainforest Water will keep players and fans hydrated. Banks DIH has also hinted at giveaways featuring other products from
their extensive range. Colin King, Water Beverages Manager at Banks DIH, expressed the company's excitement about partnering with the tournament again. "We believe in supporting these initiatives," King said. "Last year's event was electric, and we're hopeful this year will be even bigger."
King also expressed his desire to see the tournament
grow into a regional event, providing a platform for players to showcase their talent and potentially earn spots on national teams.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Blast promises to be a thrilling spectacle with a knockout format and a lucrative prize pool.
The tournament will commence on August 3.
Those who win will return
to DCC and PSC the next day for the round of 16.
Matches on both days are scheduled for 09:00 hours, 11:00 hours, 13:00 hours and 15:00 hours.
The eight remaining teams will battle at the Enmore Community Centre on August 11 for a spot in the semi-finals and final, which will be held on August 25 at the National Stadium.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Blast boasts a larger prize pool this year, with the winner taking home a cool G$1.5 million.
The runner-up will receive G$500,000, while the losing semifinalists will each walk away with G$250,000.
Kares Engineering, Banks DIH, Star Rentals, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Montra Restaurant and
Ministry of Housing and Water, Premier
Regal Stationary
Longue,
Insurance,
& Computer Centre, ENet, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., Trophy Stall, Demerara Mutual Insurance, Massy Distribution, RS53 Restobar & Lounge, Jacobs Jewellery & Pawn Shop, and First Change Builders Inc. are the other sponsors on board thus far.
Slingerz scorers (left to Right) Marcus Tudor, Kemar Beckford, Deon Alfred and Curtez Kellman
Da Silva says West Indies
speaks
Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images
Port Mourant Turf Club track stood firm despite heavy rainfall
