— GS Jagdeo confirms crime wave CoI to be announced soon — calls out Opposition’s ‘race-baiting’
Over US$100M expended on new Demerara River Bridge to date
— smoothly advancing the river crossing to almost 70 per cent completion
New era of leaders being created under PPP/C Stable, sufficient energy supply must be maintained $261M pump station commissioned at Cozier
— youth membership continues to grow rapidly while PNCR, AFC recycle fossils, Dr. Jagdeo says — over 6,000 youths engaged during recent conferences, engagements
political persecution, victimisation’
— Dr. Jagdeo says; rejects efforts by politically-motivated persons to discredit PPP/C
— PM Phillips, Minister Indar tell power sector stakeholders — as part of efforts to improve drainage for over 5,000 acres of farmlands
Of the US$260 million earmarked to construct the new Demerara River Bridge, over US$100 million has been spent to date
On Thursday, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) hosted the first of many events on the Cricket Carnival calendar called, ‘Welcome Vibes’, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority. Together, they welcomed scores of passengers into Guyana with sweet sounds of the steelpan, carnival models, and distribution of tokens (Delano Williams photo)
Over US$100M expended on new Demerara River Bridge to date
— smoothly advancing the river crossing to almost 70 per cent completion
OF the US$260 million earmarked to construct the new Demerara River Bridge, some US$150 million has been spent to date, smoothly advancing the river crossing to almost 70 per cent completion.
The project is being executed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited and supervised by Italian firm, Politecnica.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill on Thursday inspected the ongoing construction on the eastern side of the bridge, where he underscored the many positive impacts it will have on commuters.
“It must never be lost in terms of our focus. This new Demerara Bridge is a signature of the transformative project, because of the benefits that it will bring to thousands of people, and every day we are seeing that
it will become a reality,” the minister stated.
Substantial work has already been done on the temporary working platforms, along with the placement of drilled shafts, pile caps, piers, and tower legs, among other crucial constructions.
The bridge was built with a 300-metre width safety pas-
sageway instead of 100 metres, to minimise any possible collision. The foundation structure has also been built with certain materials that are strong enough to facilitate impacts.
Minister Edghill explained that technical engineers of the contracting company have since travelled
to China to test other components and materials that are needed to advance the project. The last shipment of these materials is expected to be in the country by October.
Additionally, in the contract, the company has to do 50 metres of road on both the eastern and western sides of
the bridge.
“They have already created 50 metres of road…We can tell you that we are at an advanced procurement stage on the road. It is already at the place of signing the contract,” the minister revealed.
He further added that there are also connector roads
that have been built to facilitate the flow of traffic on the Heroes Highway and the East Bank of Demerara.
Meanwhile, Minister Edghill made it clear that there is no issue between the government and property holders within the Peter’s Hall area, as reported by some media entities.
“All of the land that is required to pass through [the] Peter’s Hall area is already vested in the state…We had to deal with about 50 property holders. We negotiated with the property holders at the level of the Ministry of Housing and the level of the Ministry of Public Works. We have settled most of them,” the minister explained.
He added that the government has ensured a fair market value with the residents. (DPI)
Of the US$260 million earmarked to construct the new Demerara River Bridge, some US$150 million has been spent to date, smoothly advancing the river crossing to almost 70 per cent completion
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill inspects works at the eastern end of the new Demerara River Bridge
‘The truth will be revealed’
— GS Jagdeo confirms crime wave CoI to be announced soon — calls out Opposition’s ‘race-baiting’
A LONG-AWAITED Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Guyana’s early 2000s crime wave is set to be announced soon, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he confirmed that President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will soon announce the establishment of the CoI, which is expected to investigate claims of extrajudicial killings and other crimes during the turbulent period.
Dr. Jagdeo’s comments come in response to statements made by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) during International Day of Democracy celebrations on September 15, 2024. The opposition parties had expressed concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings of hundreds of young Guyanese men of African descent, linking the incidents to the previous PPP/C government. However, Jagdeo criticised these claims as hypocritical and filled with race-baiting rhetoric.
He highlighted that the government is moving forward with the CoI to address the truth behind these allegations, which have resurfaced in recent years with claims of up to 2,000 killings.
“They continue to perpetuate the lies; it is an old racist thing,” Jagdeo said at Freedom House, Georgetown, adding that the Terms of Reference for the inquiry are being finalised.
HYPOCRISY
Dr. Jagdeo also criticised the Opposition for its contradictory stance on extrajudicial killings, recalling their support for criminals during the crime wave following the infamous 2002 Camp Street jailbreak. He accused the PNCR and AFC of
labelling criminals as “freedom fighters” during that period, which saw an unprecedented rise in armed robberies, murders, and police-targetted killings.
He said, “I spoke with some elements of law enforcement from the US who met with me when I was president, and they said to me, ‘You’re not dealing with a situation of criminality here; you’re dealing with an insurgency there.’ Because, the PNC/APNU/AFC operatives at that time (it was some of the individuals who are part of the AFC now were part of the PNC at that time) were going on the ground, talking with the criminals, supplying them with stuff; also telling people in the villages that every time our law enforcement agencies went in there, that they must come out in front of the police and the soldiers.
“In that period, we had weapons lost. As president, I had to deal with Winston Felix as Commissioner of Police and Collins as head of the Army, both of whom, on leaving service, joined the PNC and became members of the leadership of that Party… That is what I had to deal with; a Commissioner of Police and head of the Army that might have been sabotaging me, a President.”
Dr. Jagdeo also referenced former President David Grang-
er’s 2018 promise to launch a CoI into the crime wave, which was never fulfilled. Granger had pledged to investigate the “troubled period” from 2002 to 2009, which his administration claimed saw 1,431 murders. Despite this commitment, the CoI never materialised.
The PPP General Secretary questioned why Granger, known for launching several other commissions of inquiry, failed to initiate this particular probe. Jagdeo suggested that Granger was likely dissuaded from pursuing the inquiry because it would have exposed the PNCR’s involvement in the crime wave.
He said, “Granger had promised to have a Commission of Inquiry into the killings at that time; the ‘Troubled Period. In fact, it was a period when the PNC and AFC supported a group of bandits who escaped from the prison and wreaked havoc on the citizens of this country, until they were either arrested or killed by the security forces. They were upfront supporting these people – politically, on television, calling them freedom fighters; calling people who were killing babies and everyone else freedom fighters… And they have the audacity to talk about extra-judicial killings now.
“…why do you think Granger never launched the Com -
mission of Inquiry? Granger was notorious for launching Commissions of Inquiry. He did about eight of them, and spent nearly $500 million…and he promised this one (into the crime wave) before the election. Why do you think he didn’t do this one? He was dissuaded, I think, from doing it, because he knew what would’ve showed up, and the culpable party would have been the PNC/APNU.”
CLAIMS DISMANTLED
Dr. Jagdeo also referenced a 2019 investigative report by the Stabroek News, which debunked the opposition’s claims of indiscriminate killings during the crime wave.
In November 2019, the 32page findings of an investigative report by the independently–run Stabroek News, exposed the falsehoods being peddled by the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition about the crime wave, and dismantled the notion that young Afro-Guyanese men were killed indiscriminately.
The PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition had claimed that some 400 young Afro-Guyanese men had died as a result of extra-judicial killings during the crime wave.
However, the Stabroek News’ investigative report pointed out that some 420 persons
were killed between February 2002 and September 2006, 151 murdered by bandits, 30 security officers were killed, and 239 were killed during confrontations with the police and in unexplained circumstances. It added that the drug trade was a major part of the period in question.
After the report was published, comments along this line had subsided but have since returned and are now greatly exaggerated, with the claim being almost 2,000 young Afro-Guyanese died under the former PPP/C government.
UN HUMAN RIGHTS RECOMMENDATION
The decision to move forward with the CoI is also in line with a recommendation from the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC). In its March 2024 review of Guyana’s report on the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the HRC urged the government to prioritise the investigation of alleged extrajudicial killings during the 2002–2006 crime wave.
Dr. Jagdeo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting the CoI, stating, “We will get to the bottom of this,” and emphasising the need for the truth to come to light. (DPI)
New era of leaders being created under PPP/C
— youth membership continues to grow rapidly while PNCR, AFC recycle fossils, Dr. Jagdeo says — over 6,000 youths engaged during recent conferences, engagements
THE Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), the youth arm of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), has attracted thousands of youths over the past weeks, resulting in a surge of new members.
This was according to the PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during his weekly press conference, on Thursday.
The General Secretary said that just over 6,000 youths from across the country were engaged during a series of camps and conferences.
“I think this is an enormous number of young people; I do not think that there is a youth organisations that has those numbers anywhere in our country,” Dr. Jagdeo told reporters during a press conference at the party’s Freedom House headquarters.
He believes that the influx is reflective of the party’s multiethnic and democratic history.
“If you look at the images coming out of these youth conferences, you will see the true nature of the People’s Progressive Party and the youth movement that we are
forming; it’s a multi-ethnic gathering of young people,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
Contrasting the party’s broad-based membership with those of its contenders, he related that the PPP/C has an accomplished background in not only engaging youths, but also creating
opportunities for personal development.
This unique appeal, he said, is what attracted the “unmatched” numbers at the recent engagements.
“The reason we attract the young people is because we are a party that has a long history of fighting for free-
dom in this country. From independence to the return of democracy to Guyana, and then fighting off again the PNC’s, AFC’s attempt to steal the 2020 elections.
“We have a long track record of accomplishments moving Guyana forward; we have a track record of giving young people opportunities, at various levels, even at the highest levels in the country; at the ministerial level; at the presidential level,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding:
“I grew up in the PYO, the youth arm of the party, and by my 20s, I was minister, and by 35, President. Irfaan Ali was a member of the youth arm of the party; he became a minister in his 20s, and by age 40 he became the President of the country.”
The PYO, he said, is “an incubator for leadership,” pointing to the organisation’s
mandate of promoting social consciousness and empathy.
“They get a grounding there; they learn empathy with people. They learn about struggles, and that’s the message we have been speaking about at these youth camps. That it is not just personal development; we push our people to grow personally,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
The party, he affirmed, will continue to engage youth’s countrywide, as it looks to grow and create a new era of leaders, as opposed to its contenders who “recycle fossils.”
“The rebuilding of our youth movement is crucial part for the continuity of our party, for the growth of our party and placing it in secure hands …I’m pleased that the party is growing among young people,” the General Secretary said.
PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo engaging youths at a most recent PYO conference
Opposition lacks creativity to advance solutions to deal with Guyanese concerns
THE hypocrisy of the PNC/APNU/AFC was called out by General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday, as he underscored their lack of creativity in advancing innovative solutions in response to the concerns and challenges of Guyanese.
Dr. Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference at Freedom House, on Robb Street, Georgetown, pointed out that the Opposition was opposed to the National Pathway Workers Programme, but has since said that, if elected in 2025, workers under the programme will receive a $10,000 increase.
The National Pathway Workers Programme (the part-time jobs initiative) was launched in several regions by Vice-President Jagdeo, and has been a significant boost to employment opportunities in several regions.
The innovative programme allows individuals to work for 10 days per month and earn a commendable sum of $40,000.
Dr. Jagdeo said, “(Opposition Leader Aubrey) Norton was opposed to it; the PNC
was opposed to it. The AFC was opposed to the part-time workers, the 15,000 workers, and they were saying we don’t need this in the system.
Now they are saying, we will pay you a bit more; we will keep you and pay you a bit more. But they lack creativity.”
The National Pathway Workers Programme has garnered widespread recognition for the numerous benefits it brings to both individuals and
the overall economy.
“Our opponents will never want to take the conversation to serious issues, because they know that they have no
track record or no policy. I see the policy they talk about; they put out some little bits of paper to say they will do better than the PPP. You can’t believe anything!” he declared.
In Budget 2023, a whopping $10 billion was allocated to expand the part-time jobs initiative.
Expanded to the hinterland, another $10 billion was allocated to boost the National Pathway Workers Programme in 2024. Although implemented by the Office of the Vice-President, the initiative falls under the local government ministry. It provides unemployed Guyanese the opportunity to work for 10 days a month and earn a salary of $40,000. The programme was launched in 2022, targetting persons on the coastland, and is intended to lend support to families who are experiencing challenges due to the increased cost of living caused by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and the Russian-Ukraine war. (DPI)
Residents in coastal, riverain communities urged to take precautions amid spring tides period
Ministry of Public Works: “THE Ministry of Public Works would like to advise the general public to take all
necessary precautions during the spring tides period from September 15, 2024 to September 22, 2024.
“Due to the above-normal predicted tidal levels that will be experienced, particular coastal and riverain communities will be susceptible to water intrusion and flooding from overtopping of sea and river-defence structures.
“Moderate levels of overtopping may be experienced along vulnerable sections of public roads in close proximity to major riverbanks and open shorelines, as well as at sluice structures and outfall channels.
“All persons residing along the banks of major rivers and low-lying coastal areas are advised to take necessary precautions against possible flooding. Precautions should also be taken by all mariners, including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. The use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised.
“The highest tides are expected on the following dates with the indicated predicted
water levels:
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 3:54am at a height of 3.31 metres CD, and at 4:10pm at a height of 3.32 metres CD
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 4:40am at a height of 3.31 metres CD, and at 4:48pm at a height of 3.36 metres CD
Friday, September 20, 2024 at 5:27am at a height of 3.23 metres CD, and at 5:24pm at a height of 3.30 metres CD
“The Ministry of Public Works has intensified its monitoring and flood-prevention activities in preparation for possible occurrences of flooding due to overtopping or structural compromise of sea and river defences.
“Contact can be made with the Sea and River Defence Department on the following telephone numbers to report concerns related to flood hazards that require an emergency response.
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to citizens at the launch of the part-time job initiative
‘No political persecution, victimisation’
— Dr. Jagdeo says; rejects efforts by politically motivated persons to discredit PPP/C
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday rubbished allegations of political victimisation made by well-known social media personality and political commentator, Melissa Atwell, better known as “Melly Mel”.
Atwell, earlier this week, claimed political victimisation at the hands of the Guyana Police Force, when ranks conducting an operation searched her Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home. Some 27 grams of
cannabis was reportedly uncovered in an alleyway near her residence.
Dr. Jagdeo said that while Atwell reserves the right to be critical of the government, the PPP/C will not be discredited by figures who have politically-motivated agendas.
He asserted that pursuing individuals for their political views is not a characteristic of the PPP/C government. He emphasised the administration’s tolerance since assuming office.
“That is APNU’s old tactics; you don’t find
that under the PPP. We don’t engage in that sort of thing; we have been very tolerant,” he said, adding:
“The people who wouldn’t say a word under APNU+AFC because of fear, they can speak freely. And so, we defend ourselves, but you’re not going to find this government trying to intimidate their oppo-
Guyana continues to play crucial role in
nents.”
Dr. Jagdeo characterised the allegations as baseless, stating that the circumstances surrounding the event do not suggest a government-orchestrated plot.
“I am sure that there was no plot by the government or anybody in the government to plant marijuana on this social media influencer. Because, although she may be critical of us, she has a right as a Guyanese citizen. We defend people’s rights all the time,” the General Secretary underscored.
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that the government is more focused on tangible outcomes for citizens, rather than being distracted by allegations being peddled by individuals and political activists with targetted agendas.
“Our work speaks for itself,” he said, pointing to the government’s efforts to improve the delivery of healthcare, education, and implementing policies to care for the country’s elderly, among many other things.
region’s ‘digital future’
— participates in discussion to advance the vision of a ‘single ICT space’
THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat on Tuesday, in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), held consultations with public and private sector agencies on the “CARICOM Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector Gap Analysis”.
Hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), these sessions are a critical step in realising CARICOM's vision for a Single ICT Space, an initiative that aims to revolutionise the region's digital economy and support the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
These consultation sessions focus on key areas such as ICT policy, legal and regulatory frameworks, broadband infrastructure/connectivity, and competitiveness in the ICT sector, advanced ICT skills, and innovation & entrepreneurship.
CARICOM Deputy Programme Manager for Information and Communication Technology for Development Jennifer Britton stressed the timeliness of the project, noting that it gives the region an opportunity to assess its digital maturity, and respond to the challenges and opportunities of the post-COVID-19 world.
Representatives from NDMA were present, alongside technical experts from various government and pri-
vate sector agencies. The NDMA, as the focal point for Guyana with respect to this project, has been instrumental in coordinating the country's involvement in this initiative, ensuring that Guyana plays a key role in the region's digital future.
“The continued support and collaboration by the representatives from government agencies and the private sector are crucial in advancing this cause. As such, special thanks are extended to the government agencies, banks, insurance companies, and local telecommunications providers that participated,” CARICOM said.
Their concerns and feedback will help to guide not only local but also regional ICT policy.
The journey towards the Single ICT Space began in 2017, when the CARICOM Heads of Government approved a comprehensive Roadmap, Work Plan, and Budget to create a harmonised digital environment across the Caribbean.
This roadmap outlined key goals for establishing a seamless ICT-enabled space to foster economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural integration.
At the core of the roadmap is the need to address existing disparities in the region's digital infrastructure and capabilities.
In 2019, CARICOM identified a major priority for this initiative: Conducting a thorough ICT Sector Gap Analysis to assess the current
state of ICT across member states. Funded by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), the gap analysis aims to audit the ICT landscape and pinpoint the areas that need urgent development.
This will enable CARICOM to streamline its efforts, and create a unified framework for ICT policy, infrastructure, and services across the region. As the consultations continue across the region, the findings from the gap analysis will inform the devel -
opment of the CARICOM Regional Digital Agenda and Cooperation Framework, both of which are expected to guide the region’s ICT development for the next five years.
The consultancy is set to conclude by December 2024, with the final recommendations expected to bring CARICOM closer to achieving its vision of a fully integrated, ICT-enabled, borderless Caribbean community.
PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
Push towards solar energy
FACED with a rising increase in electricity demand and costs, many countries are seeking alternative sources of energy that are less expensive, greener, healthier and more sustainable.
Adding to this pressing issue is the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of global energy consumption and the irreversible harm they cause to the environment and the world’s population when in use.
Led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Guyana recognises that it is uniquely positioned to utilise sustainable and re-
newable energy alternatives that can benefit its citizens and the world at the same time.
With great visionaries at the forefront, Guyana continues its laudable efforts to further contribute to the worldwide fight against climate change, and in so doing, solar energy has become a regular topic of conversation.
Within the last few years, Guyanese seem to have gravitated towards this, particularly when it comes to external lighting on their homes. Many persons prefer the option of solar-powered flood lights to illuminate their yards. This is a good choice,
as not only is it cleaner energy, but they don’t have to be saddled with an increase in their electricity bills.
Simultaneously, more homeowners and business owners are utilising solar technology. Solar panels and solar-powered water heaters are becoming noticeable on the roofs of more and more buildings.
Persons are also using solar-powered fans, lanterns and cameras.
On the government’s end, more is being done to give remote villages access to electricity through this means. This is actually the most suitable option for such
areas, given their location and the absence of supporting infrastructure.
Thousands of residents in communities such as De Veldt, Gateroy, and Fort Nassau in Region Ten, Kwebanna, Waramuri, Para and Huradiah in Region One, and along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway have benefitted from the government’s solar power programme.
To propel efforts and push towards sustainable, economically-friendly energy solutions, the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic programme (GUYSOL) is being fully utilised, and is on target to complete the
construction of solar farms at Linden, on the Essequibo Coast, and Berbice, which, in total, will have a generation capacity of 33MW. When completed, thousands of households are guaranteed a good supply of affordable, clean energy.
In line with the thinking of other countries that are successfully using solar energy, the abovementioned project aims to eliminate CO2 emissions with the development of solar PV generation plants, which would lower the cost of electricity generation while supporting the country’s transition towards renewable energy-based gen-
eration.
Recently, it was revealed by President Ali that the country’s solar energy installation has grown to 173 per cent since 2020, setting the stage for the achievement of the ambitious energy-transition goals.
The significant steps that have been made towards sustainable energy development in Guyana are commendable, and no effort should be spared to encourage more citizens to come onboard. In fact, the benefits are enormous, and should be used to guide our line of thinking, going forward.
Nine Guyanese awarded scholarships to pursue Medical Studies in Cuba
NINE Guyanese students were awarded scholarships to pursue medical studies in Cuba, symbolising the strong partnership between Guyana and Cuba in promoting healthcare and education.
In a ceremony held on Thursday at the Cuban Embassy on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Cuban Ambassador Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis addressed the gathering and emphasised the significance of the collaboration between the two nations.
He described the students as an "army of white coats" set to join over 37,000 international students who have benefitted from Cuba’s medical training programmes.
He highlighted that 1,152 Guyanese doctors have already been trained in Cuba over the past 50 years, noting that Cuba has long viewed medicine as a noble profession.
“It is my hope that the students write extraordinary pages in the development of people and country, and long live the relations between Guyana and Cuba,” said Ambassador Soberón Luis.
Also present at the ceremony was Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public
Service Dr. Ashni Singh, who shared his reflections on the longstanding relationship between Guyana and Cuba. He recalled a pivotal meeting 20 years ago between then President Bharrat Jagdeo and Cuban leader Fidel Castro, which led to the establishment of the Ophthalmology Hospital in
Berbice, and the promise of increased Cuban medical support in Guyana.
Dr. Singh commended the students for their achievement, underscoring the importance of their selection. "You are not accidental scholarship awardees," he said, urging them to take their roles seriously, and
serve Guyana’s healthcare system upon their return. He reminded them of the vital role Cuban doctors have played globally, and encouraged them to be gracious guests and ambassadors of Guyana while in Cuba.
The nine scholarship recipients are: Joel Barnwell, Uvindra Seepersaud, Abigail
Lancaster,
and Carlos Mahase. Two students will pursue postgraduate medical training for three years, while the remaining seven will undergo a seven-year undergraduate medical programme.
The ceremony was attended by students, their families, and members of the Guyana-Cuba Solidarity Friendship Society, reflecting the deep and enduring relationship between the two countries.
Also at the event was President of the Cuban Solidarity Movement with Guyana (GCSM) Halim Khan, who, in an invited comment, noted that “Cuba’s generosity in sharing its medical expertise with Guyana has left a profound impact on our healthcare system. The Cuban doctors are true ambassadors of goodwill, and we are honored to continue this strong and vital partnership.”
Further, he explained that the two nations have always been united by a common cause—improving the lives of people. “The Cuban medical brigade has also been instrumental in that mission, and their presence here in Guyana has not only saved lives but also strengthened
the ties of friendship that exist between us,” Khan said.
“We commend Cuba for its unwavering commitment to Guyana's healthcare system. The Cuban doctors who have served in our communities have done more than just provide medical care— they have built lasting relationships with the people, reinforcing the deep bond between our two nations,” he added.
The GCSM President extended a heartfelt congratulations to the scholarship awardees who have been given this extraordinary opportunity to study medicine in Cuba. “You have been chosen not only for your academic achievements but for the potential you hold to make a real difference in our healthcare system,” he said, adding: “This scholarship is more than just an academic pursuit; it's a commitment to serve your fellow Guyanese upon your return. We are confident that you will carry the values of compassion, dedication, and service exemplified by the Cuban medical brigade, and we look forward to seeing you contribute to the future of healthcare in Guyana.”
McCollin, Dawn Lee NgA-Fook, Francilanie Singh, Junnella Sampson, Shanice
Moriba Moore,
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh (centre) stands next to Cuban Ambassador Jorge Franciso Soberon Luis, with GCSM President Halim Khan (behind Minister Singh) with the nine scholarship awardees on Thursday at the Cuban Embassy, High Street Kingston, Georgetown (Michel Outridge photo)
Guyana, Qatar sign MoU to strengthen biodiversity conversation, management
THE Government of Guyana, through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), has formalised an agreement with the State of Qatar, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation on biodiversity conservation and technical capacity building between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary and PAC’s Chairman Robert Persaud, along with Commissioner Jason Fraser signed the agreement with Acting Charge d’Affaires in the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Guyana, Mohammed Ebrahim Al Rumai.
The simple yet significant ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on
South Road, Georgetown, on Wednesday.
In brief remarks, Foreign Secretary Persaud underscored that the agreement is the first of its kind, as it will expand the relationship between the two countries, particularly in the preservation of Guyana’s biodiversity.
Capacity will be built in the areas of conservation, ecological monitoring, and research to help better manage Guyana’s green spaces.
Additionally, with several facilities under the PAC’s management, the Foreign Secretary noted that the agreement will lead to improvements in these spaces, enhancing the overall experience for individuals who visit them.
Meanwhile, Commissioner
Fraser highlighted that this initiative is intended to leverage the expertise and practices of the State of Qatar, to improve the management of Guyana’s protected areas.
“It’s good to learn from other places how they manage their ‘green’ spaces, and how we can improve on the management of our spaces,” he emphasised.
Established under the Protect Areas Act of 2011, the PAC is mandated to create, manage, maintain, promote and expand the protected areas system of Guyana.
The Commission maintains the Botanical Gardens, National Park, Shell Beach, Kanuku Mountains, Konashen and Iwokrama, among other protected areas. (DPI)
Guyana, Belgium to advance diplomatic, economic relations
— as Ambassador Singh presents Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Philippe
ON September 19, 2024, Ambassador Sasenarine Singh presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Philippe, King of the Belgians, formally accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the Kingdom of Belgium.
The official ceremony was held at the Castle of Laeken in Brussels. Following the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Singh was honoured with a private audience with His Majesty, The King, at His Majesty's invitation.
During this meeting, Ambassador Singh conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to His Majesty.
The Ambassador expressed his dedication to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of Guyana and Belgium, emphasising his commitment to enhancing trade, social, and political relations between the two nations.
Ambassador Singh also congratulated His Majesty on Belgium’s success at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and expressed a desire to deepen cooperation in the areas of sports and culture. Furthermore, Ambassador Singh affirmed his intention to work closely with
the Kingdom of Belgium to promote a shared vision for a prosperous and secure future.
In addition, Ambassador Singh delivered a message from President Ali, reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to the green and digital transition, the promotion of the rule of law, and an expanded partnership with Europe.
In response, His Majesty King Philippe reciprocated the warm greetings to President Ali and the people of Guyana. Their discussions covered a range of bilateral and geopolitical issues of mutual interest, reflecting the strong and cooperative
relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Singh is the 10th Guyanese Ambassador appointed to the Kingdom of Belgium since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971. He brings with him extensive experience from both the public and private sectors, having worked in various countries.
Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Singh served as Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation.
He is a Chartered Accountant and Project Manager by profession, hold-
ing a Master’s Degree in Finance from Lancaster University in the United
Kingdom, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of Guyana, and several professional certifications.
Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the PAC Robert Persaud, along with Commissioner Jason Fraser signed the agreement with Acting Charge d’Affaires in the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Mohammed Ebrahim Al Rumai on Wednesday
Ambassador Sasenarine Singh presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Philippe, King of the Belgians on Thursday
The Cathy Hughes Scandal
I SIMPLY don’t care what people say and think of me. I feel mentally comfortable in old age that I have been successful in having my only child heed that important lesson of life. You bother with the negative and nasty things people say about you and you are heading straight to the madhouse. People are what they are. The sooner you understand that golden rule of human existence, the better off you will be as a person.
I don’t care how people view what I am about to write below about AFC bigwig Cathy Hughes. Mrs Hughes is not of acceptable political material and I offer here my reason for disliking Mrs Hughes. You can call me stupid or ignorant or pompous or narcissistic for the reason I will now cite. I don’t care how you describe me and you can be assured I won’t sue. No one can tell an -
other person that they cannot express their dislike for another person. I do not like Mrs Hughes and I am being honest now by giving my reason. A friend of mine arrived in Guyana to spend three days at the Georgetown Club which sits right next to Colgrain House where Mrs Hughes’ ministry was. My friend wanted to swim at the Colgrain Pool for two mornings before he left. I contacted the pool management and they told me I have to get permission from Mrs Hughes’ ministry, because my friend is not a member of the pool so security may be an issue. I knew Mrs Hughes and I know she would trust me with whoever I am bringing to the pool. I called her. She sent back a text telling me she was busy and will get back to me. I reminded her the next day. She made contact 10 days after. By then my friend was long gone. At the height of my ca-
reer as a Kaieteur News columnist when I was critical of the PPP government, I made contact with the secretary of four PPP presidents.
I was invited the same day to their office. Dr Jagan saw me at his official residence. I went to him to ask that I do my UG sabbatical with the government. I saw Mr President Hinds at his office to secure something for a friend. I met President Jagdeo in his office to request a change in my UG duty-free car. I met President Ramotar in his office to request a house lot.
I was not surprised when then AFC executive and government
employee in the APNU+AFC government, Trevor Williams, publicly said that Mrs Hughes refused to give him the cell number of then minister Volda Lawrence. Mr Williams is a dark-skinned African Guyanese who is from the upper working class stratum. In doing a column (Friday, August 9, 2024) of how she reacted to Mr Williams, I stated that her attitude was driven by class and colour.
Now Mrs Hughes is embroiled in a scandal which, if she does not remove herself from the functionalism of the AFC, she will destroy the AFC’s chances of even getting 100 votes, much less more. In fact, the scandal may have already destroyed whatever is left of the credibility of the AFC.
In a libel writ brought by Mrs Hughes against Vice-President Jagdeo, embarrassing deportment of Mrs Hughes has been revealed. I cannot discuss an ongoing court case except for material in the trial that is in the public domain. First, all over the world, politicians have been held to a level of tolerance above all other categories of humans. It is an established fact in the past and in the world that politicians as a requirement for being in politics must have thicker skins that their fellow humans.
It is beyond comprehension that in the arena of battle, a politician would sue for being called a “low-life.” That word and millions of other words similar to it are known to be thrown about in the coliseum of
politics in all countries of the world. Surely, if called a thief, a molester, a politician would need protection from evil persons who intend to destroy their career, but not words like “lowlife.”
As the trial continues, a scandal has now engulfed Mrs Hughes. It was brought up and confirmed in court that her company was given work by her ministry when she was the subject minister. Mrs Hughes admitted in court that she has no evidence to corroborate her assertion that M. Jagdeo offered a sea route to Venezuela as a solution to the border dispute. If there is more to come, then Mrs Hughes is going to become a footnote in politics if she isn’t that already.
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.
— after fire guts two structures at Lamaha Squatting Area; arson suspected
SOME 12 persons are now homeless after a fire destroyed two structures at the Lamaha Squatting Area, in ‘B’ Field Sophia, on Wednesday.
According to information from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), firefighting units responded to reports of a fire around 03:05 hrs.
The team included water tenders #95, #105, and #118, as well as water carrier #18, carrying a total of 6,813 liters of water
and 18 firefighters. The fire originated in a single-storey wooden structure, which was completely destroyed, leaving three individuals homeless. The fire is suspected to have been maliciously set by unknown persons, and investigations are ongoing.
“Two nearby buildings were also [affected] due to radiated heat from the initial fire, displacing an additional nine individuals. Approximately 60
undocumented motorcycles were also destroyed as a result of the blaze,” the GFS said.
Firefighters utilised one jet from WT#105’s tank supply, and another from WT#118’s, working alongside LP#A7, which drew water from an open source to bring the fire under control.
Fire prevention officials are actively investigating the matter, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward, the GFS said.
Some 12 persons are now homeless after a fire destroyed two structures at the Lamaha Squatting Area, in ‘B’ Field Sophia, on Wednesday
Stable, sufficient energy supply must be maintained
— PM Phillips, Minister Indar tell power sector stakeholders
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the nation's power sector at his Office on Camp Street.
According to information from the Prime Minister’s official Facebook page, discussions focused on strategic planning for energy, and addressed the critical issues of ensuring adequate and
reliable power supply to the nation across immediate, medium, and long-term horizons.
Comprehensive briefings were provided, covering various aspects of power generation and distribution.
Prime Minister Phillips, who holds responsibility for the Energy Sector, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar issued directives to
the assembled power sector entities, emphasising the imperative of maintaining a stable and sufficient energy supply for the Guyanese populace.
Senior representatives from critical power generation and distribution entities, including Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI), Hinterland Electrification Company Inc.
(HECCI) and Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) attended the meeting. Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister Mr. Alfred King; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma; acting CEO of GPL Mr. Kesh Nandlall, and technical representatives of the respective agencies.
Region Two receives three excavators
— Minister Mustapha says over $4B invested to boost agriculture
By Indrawattie Natram
AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday handed over two mini excavators to the Region Two administration and a long-boom excavator to Bethany, an Amerindian community.
Speaking at a ceremony held in the Drainage and Irrigation compound in Anna Regina, Minister Mustapha emphasised that the addition of these three pieces of equipment brings the total number of equipment in the region to 20.
He noted that from 2020 to 2024, the region received 11 new machines, reflecting the government's ongoing commitment to investing in the agricultural sector.
"We recognise Region Two as an agriculture-based area, and we are making the necessary investments. This crop season, millers are purchasing paddy at no less than $4,000 per bag, which didn’t happen by chance; the government played a crucial role," the minister said.
He further emphasised that whenever the People's Progressive Party/Civic
(PPP/C) is in government, the agricultural sector flourishes.
For the first time in history, the Essequibo Coast is cultivating 36,000 acres of rice in a season.
With the expanded acreage, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) expects to surpass 700,000 tons in rice production.
Additionally, Minister Mustapha noted that farmers in the region have received fertiliser twice within the past four years, demonstrating the government's recognition of agriculture's vital role.
A total of $4 billion has been invested in Region Two to strengthen the agricultural sector.
“The equipment we are handing over, procured by NDIA, will be used in housing areas to improve drainage for residents,” he stated.
Further, he said that a work programme will be developed for the use of the machines in various communities, and the equipment will be made available to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the Anna Regina Town Council to enhance the drainage network.
Meanwhile, Madanlall Ramraj, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture emphasised the significant financial investment made to boost agriculture in Region Two.
Ramraj noted that the residents' requests for machinery were heard during community meetings, and efforts were made to meet those needs.
He pledged to continue working with the region to improve all sectors.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva expressed gratitude to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for the equipment, acknowledging the region's need for such resources.
She noted that the equipment would greatly improve the livelihoods of residents and later highlighted the government's focus on expanding farmlands under the Ministry of Agriculture.
With many cash-crop farmers now in production, she emphasised the region's appreciation for the continued investment.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the nation's power sector at his Office on Camp Street
11 persons benefit from GYSBI scholarships to pursue technical programmes
SOME 11 students, ten from Region Three and one from Region Nine, are the latest beneficiaries of the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) Technical Scholarship Programme.
According to a press release, the 2024 cohort includes Daniel Bisnauth from Canal No. 2 Polder, Daniel Henry from Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine, and Leanna Woolford from Zeelugt, all of whom will pursue Building and Civil Engineering at the Georgetown Technical Institute.
Joining them are Jkwon Alfred of De Kinderen, Astel Ramlall of La Grange, and Denzel Fraser of Goed Intent, each studying Electrical Installation; Tristan Petty of Hague Village, who is pursuing Mechanical Engineering; and Tristan Prince from Patentia, focusing on Architectural Drawing.
Additionally, Akeia Squires of Crane will study Chemistry, and Feiaaz Ramjag of Belle West Village, Canal No. 2, is specialising in Computer Science at the same institution. Aroon Maniram from Parika Village is enrolled at the Leonora Technical Institute, where he will pursue Welding and Fabrication.
This year's scholarships focused on students from the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara region, as part of GYSBI's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. This emphasis reflects the company's ongoing involvement in the Gas-to-Energy project in Wales, West Bank Demerara, where it has been executing critical works over the past year. As part of its work, GYSBI is responsible for Earth, Soil Remediation, and Surcharge activities at the project site.
In keeping with its commitment to give back to the communities in the region, GYSBI expanded the scholarship programme. Initially, 10 scholarships were offered,
but the company was inspired to award an additional scholarship to Daniel Henry, an indigenous student from Region Nine, after he shared the financial challenges he faced in pursuing his education at the Georgetown Technical Institute.
In a simple ceremony held at GYSBI, General Manager, Robert Albiez, extended congratulations to the awardees, who were chosen out of 50 applicants. He noted that the programme has now become something to be proud of.
“I have been with Guyana Shore Base almost seven years and in almost all my time here, this is the thing that I am most proud of, that we have put in place. I would like to congratulate [you] young men and women for your accomplishment... it is the things that you do now, the work, the time, and the effort and energy that you put into the things that you are doing today that will determine where you are in 10,15, 20 years, so keep that in mind. I think you are all well on the path,” he encouraged.
Deputy General Manager, Rabin Chandarpal, also shared brief remarks in which he urged the students to grab the opportunity that has been presented to them and utilise it to its fullest.
“You are not always going to be the brightest, you are not always going to be the most talented, but you certainly can strive to be the hardest working and that is a huge advantage that you will have going forward in life. When you come here to GYSBI, through this scholarship, you have already proven to yourself and to us that you are capable of doing great things but don’t get complacent. Welcome to the GYSBI family, you are now a treasured part of it and once you are here, you will be safe, and you will be taken care of. You will also bring a fresh and different perspective to the way we do things here,”
ically targeting students from his region. Now a successful recipient, Daniel expressed that the scholarship will significantly ease the financial burden on 11 families, including his own.
“I would like to thank
Chandarpal noted.
The programme is designed to offer internships to successful applicants during their semester breaks so that they can gain valuable handson training and knowledge transfer. At the end of their studies, they can also benefit from the opportunity to be fully employed within the company.
Matthew Seepersaud, a 2023 graduate of the GYSBI Scholarship Programme, recently completed his studies in Electrical Installation at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute. During his seven-week internship at GYSBI, his outstanding performance earned him a full-time position in the company's Maintenance Department. Meanwhile, the other nine awardees from last year's cohort have returned to school to continue their studies.
In addressing the new group of scholarship recipients, Matthew shared his personal journey, encouraging them to give their best effort, as his experience has proven to be both rewarding and transformative.
“I was placed in the Maintenance Department, specifically Electrical Maintenance. [When I came on, I was introduced to everyone and taken around and] I stood in amazement of the scale of the warehouses and buildings and the diversity of the people working [at GYSBI]. I thought to myself four years ago in High School I wouldn’t have even dreamed of being here but there I was. I was an introvert, but this experience contributed to my personal development by improving my self-esteem, confidence and communication skills,” Seepersaud shared.
Daniel Bisnauth first applied for the GYSBI scholarship in 2023 but was not selected. Undeterred, he reapplied after learning that this year's programme was specif-
GYSBI for providing us with this prestigious scholarship and providing us with this life changing opportunity. This scholarship is not just a financial relief but an incredible investment in our future; it empowers us to focus on our studies and personal growth... We are also deeply grateful for the chance to gain firsthand experience through internships and practical learning [which will prepare us for the world of work],” Bisnauth said.
Some 11 students, ten from Region Three and one from Region Nine, are the latest beneficiaries of the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) Technical Scholarship Programme
$261M pump station commissioned at Cozier
— as part of efforts to improve drainage for over 5, 000 acres of
drawattie Natram
A $261 million pump station was officially commissioned at Cozier in Region Two on Thursday morning, and according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapa, it will bring much-needed relief to the more than 80 farmers
who occupy over 5,000 acres of land.
The project which was funded by the Government of Guyana and executed by contractor Adamantium Holdings, is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture to modernise and improve the country’s agricultural infrastructure, especially in the rural regions.
The commissioning of the pump station marks a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing drainage issues that have plagued the area.
Minister of Agriculture
Zulfikar Mustapha during his remarks at a simple commissioning ceremony, emphasised the transformation that the agricultural sector has undergone since
farmlands
was insufficient, leaving the community vulnerable to flooding and unable to fully engage in agricultural activities.
Farmers had been severely affected by the lack of proper drainage, often unable to cultivate their lands due to waterlogged fields. With the installation of the new pump station, these challenges are expected to be mitigated, allowing farmers to resume full-scale cultivation and contribute to the region's agricultural output.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva welcomed the new infrastructure, noting that it was a much-needed investment for the Cozier area.
2020, largely due to the government’s continuous investments.
He said that the improvements to the drainage and irrigation systems have already led to increased crop yields, with farmers now harvesting nearly 40 bags of rice per acre.
He said for the first time, Essequibo’s rice farmers have planted 36,000 acres of rice, thereby surpassing the target.
Minister Mustapha noted that when the government initially heard the pleas from residents and farmers of Cozier, it committed to rehabilitating the area’s drainage system.
With the new pump station in place, the government has fulfilled that promise and have ensured that cash-crop farmers in the region can now cultivate their lands with fewer concerns about waterlogging and inadequate drainage.
In his remarks, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to continuing investments in the agricultural sector, aiming to make it more resilient to climate change and competitive on the international stage.
In addition to the Cozier pump station, two more pump stations are currently under construction at Andrew's and Charity, which will further enhance the region's drainage capabilities.
Focusing on the Pomeroon community, Minister Mustapha noted that for the first time, the area now has access to four excavators and two pontoons to assist with the ongoing drainage
work.
This is part of a larger effort to improve the drainage network throughout the country, which is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Guyana, under the current administration, is also leading the Caribbean in food production, a point of pride for the government.
The Ministry of Agriculture is also working on a hydroponics facility at Cotton Field, where over 26 varieties of leafy vegetables will be cultivated. This is part of the modernisation of the sector, which includes the construction of over 600 shade houses across the country.
Lionel Wordsworth, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), provided technical details about the Cozier project.
He explained that the contract was awarded in March 2022, and the project was completed by the end of August 2024.
The pump station replaces the two wooden sluice doors that had deteriorated and were no longer capable of withstanding the saltwater in the area. These doors have been replaced with stainless steel ones, which are far more durable.
The new pump itself has the capacity to push 100 cubic feet of water per minute, ensuring that the area is sufficiently drained to support both residential and agricultural needs. Previously, the old infrastructure
She acknowledged the hardships that farmers in the region had faced because of poor drainage and expressed optimism that the new pump station, along with other drainage projects such as the bed-and-drain projects in the Pomeroon, would significantly improve agricultural productivity.
Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, who has responsibility for Region Two, also spoke at the event, praising the project as a tremendous success.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to transform rural areas and improve the livelihoods of residents. Ramraj recalled that in the past, the Cozier community had been largely unable to carry out farming activities due to persistent flooding and other environmental challenges. With the installation of the new pump station, the government has not only fulfilled its commitment, but has also laid the foundation for sustainable development in the region.
The commissioning of the Cozier pump station is a key achievement for Region Two, as it will bring immediate relief to dozens of farmers. It also symbolises the government’s broader vision for transforming Guyana’s agricultural sector, making it more modern, resilient, and capable of leading the Caribbean in food production.
Story and photos by In -
The new pump station at Cozier
Following the commissioning ceremony, Minister Mustapha and other officials toured the newly constructed pump station which will ensure farmlands in the Cozier area are properly drained, thereby preventing waterlogging and other drainage issues
UG, Massy sign agreement to enhance student development, innovation
THE University of Guyana (UG) and Massy (Guyana) Ltd., on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing UG students with increased opportunities for career development, practical experience, and research innovation.
The signing, which took place at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at UG’s Turkeyen Campus, was formalised by Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohammed Martin and Massy (Guyana) Ltd. Chairman, Mr. Navindra Thakur.
This five-year MoU is designed to foster collaboration between the two organisations, enhancing the academic and professional pathways available to UG students. Through this partnership, UG students will benefit from scholarships, internships, and the Massy Management Trainee Programme, which will provide invaluable real-world experience and training.
Additionally, the agreement will support the development of a talent pipeline, allowing students to transition
into the workforce with essential skills.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohammed Martin, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership and encouraged Massy representatives to invest in students, even from the secondary school level.
“The labour market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies offering better packages to attract and retain talent. I’ve been advocating for local companies to focus on younger talent, such as CXC students. By engaging high-performing schools and
sponsoring students to attend university, businesses can invest in training the next generation while addressing their own staffing needs. Beyond the job market, we must also focus on lifting people up by providing opportunities where they are often overlooked,”
the VC said.
Mr. Navindra Thakur, Chairman of Massy (Guyana) Ltd., highlighted the mutual benefits of the MoU, noting, "We are pleased to formalise this partnership with the University of Guyana. We believe in investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators. This partnership with the University of Guyana is a natural extension of our commitment to fostering talent development and creating opportunities.
“A lot of the persons who have completed the Graduate Trainee Programme are from UG, so it makes sense to strengthen this relationship. We look forward to continued support from UG, ensuring that the talent and skills we need continue to flow into Massy."
Also present at the signing session was Dr. Melissa Ifill, UG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. She expressed her pleasure with the collaboration, highlighting that Massy is a significant player in the Guyanese market, making this agreement an important step
forward for both institutions. Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Prof. Emanuel F. Cummings, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership between Massy and the University of Guyana. He noted that it presents an opportunity for past graduates of the Massy Graduate Trainee Programme to serve as mentors for new trainees.
Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation, (SEBI) Professor Leyland Lucas, also shared his enthusiasm, highlighting that students who participate in the programme will return to the classroom with valuable practical knowledge, enhancing both their academic and professional development. Other key areas of collaboration under the MoU include professional development programmes, guest lectures delivered by Massy executives, and community engagement initiatives designed to enhance relationships between UG, Massy, and local communities.
Paperless, fully automated airport processes for Guyana by year-end
By Naomi Parris
FULLY automated and paperless processes will be implemented at Guyana’s airports by the end of this year, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
Dr. Jagdeo, at his weekly news conference on Thursday, highlighted that the government is moving closer to implementing its digitization strategy, which will see the streamlining of its airport processes to be more efficient and enhance security.
“We have a project that will make our airport paperless. We are hoping that by the end of
the year this will happen; that we have an automated border management system that will pre-screen people that would allow us to know long before they have arrived in the country, who they are and their background. And this would allow us to have these automated gates,” he said.
The new upgrade, Dr. Jagdeo said, will allow for pre-screening of passengers, and the use of automated gates, where travellers can simply swipe their identification documents for expedited entry.
He, however, noted that this system would also easily flag discrepancies.
The General Secretary
pointed out that upon entry and screening, all necessary information will be recorded by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
“When you enter into the country, immediately that record goes to a government central database that will be able to track you if you come in on a shortterm visa. So, if you overstay, you get flagged; if you come in on a particular visa, you can’t get a work permit,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
“We can know who is coming into our country; we can keep our people secure, and that we can flag undesirables before they come home,” he added.
These initiatives, Dr. Jagdeo underscored, would allow cit-
izens to have a greater level of comfort and security.
Simultaneously, the government is working to roll out its electronic- Identification Cards (E-ID); however, these documents, he noted, will not entirely replace the ID cards that have been historically issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
“We decided not to touch the GECOM ID, because you would hear APNU say we want to control the issuance of that ID; GECOM can continue the issuance of its ID, but this [E-] ID will have some of the strongest security features in the world; it will have modern chip,” Dr.
Jagdeo said.
He further explained: “Guyanese will have a different colour ID than foreigners, but everyone would be required to have one of these IDs, because, without the ID, you would not be able to open a bank account or access some government services.”
According to Dr. Jagdeo, this new system will be crucial as the country continues to grow; it will allow for the authorities to track illegal immigrants.
This level of biometrics, he pointed out, will also unlock massive opportunities, and a wider access to essential banking services.
“With strong biometrics,
this would allow a strong range of financial products offered by the banking system… now that would require high level security and, therefore, greater access around the country through things like online banking, and electronic transfer of money,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
Once this comes on stream, Guyanese living in the hinterland and riverine regions of the country will also be able to access banking functions without having to leave their homes.
“This will make a huge difference, because it’s not just the ID, but what happens with that level of biometrics,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
Gov’t invites qualified firms to submit proposals for second phase of Gas-to-Energy Project
THE Government of Guyana has invited qualified firms to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Phase II of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Project.
According to the RFP, the government invited qualified firms to design, finance and operate the second phase of the project on the basis of a 20-to-25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
This phase, the document says, is based on the government securing from Exxon Mobil Guyana Limited addi-
tional gas to fill the pipeline to Wales.
Phase One amounts to some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MMCFD), which is 40 per cent of the pipeline’s capacity, while Phase Two is projected at 75 MMCFD, being 60 per cent of the pipeline’s capacity.
Further, the project includes the design construction and operation of a 250 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant to deliver 2,100 gigawatt hours (GHW) of electricity per annum, and sold to the Guyana
Power and Light Inc via a power purchase agreement.
excess, ‘lean gas’, estimated at 30 MMCFD for the utilisation in downstream industries.
According to the RFP, Phase Two will be located on no more than 100 acres of land, immediately adjacent to the existing 300 MW integrated facility.
one of the GTE,” the invitation states.
Meanwhile, the government has noted that only firms with experience in engineering procurement and construction and financing of comparable facilities will be evaluated.
It also caters for the design, construction and operation of a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility to produce at approximately 6,000 barrels per day of NGL products like propane, butane and C5+gasolene, utilising 75 MMCFD of ‘rich gas’.
Additionally, it caters for the transfer to the Government of Guyana, at no cost,
“The project will be 100 per cent financed by the private sector, under a project finance structure, which will design and construct the integrated facilities, to a standard and specification that meets and or exceeds that of phase
Responses to the RFP should be submitted by November 14, 2024 by 14:00 hrs, and must be submitted in the tender box and addressed to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.
From right, seated: Assistant Vice President - Corporate Management Systems, Massy Distribution and Massy Stores - Christpen Bobb-Semple; UG’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Dr. Melissa Ifill; UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin; Chairman, Massy Guyana - Navindra Thakur; Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Engagement, Prof. Emanuel Cummings; Dean of SEBI, Professor Leyland Lucas. From Right standing: Assistant Vice President - Commercial, Massy Gas Products - Hekima Paul; HR Manager, Massy Stores - Sharon Rodrigues-Alguram; Quality Manager, Massy Distribution - Tiffany Andrade; and Head of IT & Business Solutions, Massy Guyana - Sherry Ann Khan
Man accused of domestic violence shot during scuffle with police
A 32-year-old construction worker of Little Diamond Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, Jermaine Haynes, is now nursing a wound to the leg after he was shot during a scuffle with police, who were responding to reports of alleged domestic violence.
According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the police who were involved in the incident, were dispatched in response to a report of assault by the man’s 33-year-old wife of the
aforementioned address.
Relative to the report, which was forwarded to Regional
Division 4’B’ Operations Room, two police constables armed with 9mm pistols, were dispatched to the area.
“Upon arrival in the area, contact was made with the 33-year-old woman who was at the time seeking refuge from her husband at a neighbour’s residence. She related to the ranks that the suspect dealt her a slap, broke a table in the house, and threatened to kill her, which
caused her to run out of the house,” the police said.
The two ranks, according to the GPF, subsequently went over to the victim’s residence, where the enraged suspect, Haynes, exited the house and attacked the ranks.
“A scuffle ensued, and the suspect, in the process, held on to the firearm of one of the ranks and managed to disarm him. On see -
ing this, the other rank drew his service pistol and discharged two rounds at the suspect, hitting him on the lower right leg,” the police said.
The suspect was subdued, arrested, and escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he received medical attention under police guard. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
‘Kaya!’: a celebratory cultural exchange between Guyana and Suriname
— workshops, dance production to be held
By Faith Greene
UNIQUE Arts Entertainment will be executing Kaya! - a three-day Caribbean culture exchange between Guyana and Suriname. The exchange began on Thursday and ends on Saturday.
Kaya means home in Africa, and over the past nine years, Unique Arts has been telling stories about African dance, African history and collaborating with dance
companies in Guyana, across the Caribbean and, most importantly, in Suriname.
Kelton Jennings, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Arts recently told the Buzz that this year, his group visited Suriname to celebrate Suriname’s emancipation, which was held on July 1, 2024.
Simultaneously he said, “We celebrated 15 years of Unique Arts, of dance and music. This has been in existence from 2009 to the 1st
of July, 2024. We decided to do an exchange. This is the third year we are doing it, but this is bigger, where we took over 50 persons from Guyana to Suriname and we did a production and workshops, which is Kaya.”
Jennings pointed out that there were 100 persons involved in Kaya between Su-
riname and Guyana.
On Wednesday, approximately 60 persons came from Suriname to participate in the Guyana leg.
“We are doing it in schools as a theatre arts programme for young dancers because the persons that are coming from Suriname, they are young, talented people
that are from a school for young talent. They just major in the arts. They will be coming over to celebrate and to do a production that I choreographed.
“And some of the pieces they are doing on their own, which is a cultural piece from
Kelton Jennings, Unique Arts CEO
Unique Arts CEO Kelton Jennings (sitting, third from right) with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and some of his dancers following a performance
Unique Arts Entertainment has performed in Guyana, the Caribbean and Suriname. The company focuses on dancing and drumming
Guyana-born ‘Pahjo’ creates music with ‘Problem Child’ — hopes
to push new song during Trinidad Carnival, Mashramani
2025
By Faith Greene
SOCA music is a blend of African and East Indian rhythms that developed into a popular musical style in Trinidad in 1970 and, since then, it has evolved tremendously.
While Soca was born in Trinidad, many countries around the Caribbean (including Guyana) have adopted the fast pace sound, helping to promote it worldwide.
Pahjo, a Guyanese musician who resides in the United Kingdom, is currently promoting his song, ‘Identity’ featuring popular Soca artiste ‘Problem Child’.
Pahjo whose given name is Patrick Joseph was born in Georgetown Guyana; however, at the age of 19, he moved to England where his career in music began.
In an exclusive interview with the Buzz, he stated that he drew inspiration for the lyrics of his new single from a programme on transgenders and their identity. The song
their country, but mostly everything that relates to Kaya, I choreographed and costumed. They are coming to present it here at St. Rose’s and at Queen's College on the 20th, which is this Friday (today),” Jennings highlighted.
Jennings explained that the St. Rose’s High School and Queen’s College are the only two schools in this programme, because of the short period of time that the Suriname group will be in Guyana.
He stated that these schools were selected because they are schools that do theatre arts.
“These are schools that I was involved with at some period of time through Mashramani competitions and I am attached to Queen's College right now. I teach at the afternoon club…the dance club at Queen's College so I selected Queen's College and St. Rose's due to the fact that we don't have much time when they get here. Just three days, two shows and two workshops,” he explained.
celebrates unity, revelry and self-expression and invites partygoers to embrace their true identities and let loose in the spirit of carnival.
Pahjo said it has been an amazing journey. “This song …we released it first on BBC Extra in the UK. So, I had the privilege of being in the same room with Farmer Nappy, Nyla Blackman, Problem Child, when we took over the BBC for Notting Hill Carnival and we released it there.”
He remarked that the song has “grown its own legs” over the past two weeks.
It was mentioned that they have already hit just about 45,000 streams on Spotify. This response, he pointed out has been fantastic.
With a few media houses in Trinidad already promoting the song, Pahjo and his team began their search for media houses in Guyana to do the same.
“We’ll be pushing this song right through. I would
According to Jennings, the 60-member cast comprises mostly children. The workshops will be open to the public; however, the production is just for the two abovementioned schools. He remarked that next year, they will try to do it bigger and better. “We will
have them in the country for a week. We can visit different regions to execute this production,” Jennings expressed. Things got underway on Thursday night with a workshop for drummers at the Queen’s College auditorium. This was opened to members of the public.
Today, there will be a Caribbean culture exchange dance production from 10:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs at the St. Rose’s High School, and then from 14:00hrs to 15:00hrs at the Queen’s College auditorium. This production is closed to the public at both schools. On Saturday, there will
love to know that it gets its fair amount of play in Guyana over the CPL Cricket Carnival because I'm not able to make it down this year,” he said.
The hope is to push ‘Identity’ into Trinidad during Carnival and in Guyana during Mashramani 2025. The song is backed and led by CARICOM Music’s Executive Producer, Gareth Sinnerine.
Pahjo has a catalog of more than 30 Soca tracks over the past five years. His first single is called ‘Ah Mas’, which was produced by a longtime school friend, and popular local music producer Joel Browne- Joey2Kool Productions.
It was this single that catapulted his music career and where it was realised that he had a natural gift with the pen. Since then, Pahjo has written for many artistes.
In 2023, he won the Best Male Soca Artiste Award at the Demroc Music Awards.
He has an aim to become
a strong force in the Soca fraternity and assist in developing the Guyanese Soca music industry.
Pahjo expressed, “I will always work with Guyanese if they're willing to work. I'm willing to put in the work, but I just need to know that people are serious and respect my time and my craft too. I've been stung by a few, I'm not calling names, who have a very entitled way whereby they expect that everything will be given to them, whereby for me is like, well, it needs to be earned.”
Pahjo has worked with local artistes such as Omaiah Hall, Nekeita, OKC, Carlvin Burnette, among many others.
To stream the new song and other music from Pahjo, Soca fans can search for Pahjo Music on any musical streaming platform. Additionally, he can be found on Instagram: Pahjo Music Official, and Facebook: Pahjo Music.
be a dance workshop from 10:00hrs to 14:00 hrs at the Queen’s College auditorium and members of the public are invited to attend.
Anyone who wants to learn more about the exchange programme or make a contribution in any form, can contact Jennings on 619-6195.
Pahjo during one of his performances
Mas Mani Carnival Band set to shine at Cricket Carnival 2024
AS Cricket Carnival 2024 heats up, Social Events Guyana is set to make a major impact by adding cultural significance and grandeur to the celebration.
Social Events Guyana is an entertainment company powered by LeZo and is renowned for curating premium events throughout the year.
This year, they have proudly joined the Cricket Carnival calendar with two exciting events: Day Break and Soca Supper—both promising to captivate true carnival lovers.
The highly anticipated Day Break—a breakfast party at Scotty's Smoke House begins at 23:00 hrs on September 28. This event caters to all carnival enthusiasts who know how to keep the vibe alive well into the morning.
On September 30, Soca Supper will take over the same venue, offering a much-needed washdown after a weekend filled with action-packed Carnival activities.
These events, like everything hosted by Social Events Guyana, are sure to bring people together for an unparalleled celebration of music, culture, and unity.
However, the pinnacle of Social Events' contribution to Cricket Carnival is undoubtedly their vibrant
participation in the road parade with the Mas Mani ALL-INCLUSIVE Carnival Band. Set to take over the road with a double-decker truck, a dynamic lineup of DJs including The Hypeman Patrick, and performances from the 2024 Soca Monarch, Carlvin Burnett, Barbados Road March King, JusJay, and many more attractions.
The Mas Mani Carnival Band promises to be one of the most outstanding spectacles of the parade. Their 'Mas Mani Carnival Band', with its striking black and gold costumes, designed by the esteemed Guyanese designer, Randy Madray, speaks to the richness of Guyana's heritage. The colours black and gold were deliberately chosen to symbolise the wealth of our
nation—both in its natural resources and cultural vibrance. The craftsmanship reflects Guyanese excellence, showcasing the high-caliber creativity that comes from local talent.
Revelers will not only be donning works of art but will also represent the cultural heartbeat of Guyana on the road.
Co-Founder of Social Events, Enzo Matthews, said: “The whole reason Lionel Luther and I started Social Events was to encourage people to disconnect to reconnect. Life isn’t just about work; you’re going to die and leave the money behind. We want people to take a break, come out, take a lil’ jam, have some fun, and then head back to work refreshed.
Carnival is the perfect
time for that, it’s about celebrating life, our culture, and the moments that bring us together. That’s the spirit we’re bringing with Mas Mani and all our events during Cricket Carnival this year.”
The name Mas Mani holds deep meaning. “It is a fusion of two powerful celebrations, Caribbean Carnival and Guyana’s own Mashramani. ‘Mas’ draws from the grand tradition of Caribbean Masquerade, where music, dance, and colourful costumes come together to symbolise freedom and ex-
pression. ‘Mani’ is inspired by Mashramani, a celebration of Guyana becoming a Republic, which represents the celebration that follows hard work. Together, Mas Mani symbolises unity, pride, and the blending of Caribbean and Guyanese cultural traditions,” he explained.
Further alluding that as Cricket Carnival continues to grow, partnerships like his help ensure that the festival remains an authentic celebration of our heritage, bringing together people from all walks of life.
“The inclusion of Social Events Guyana in Cricket Carnival is a testament to the importance of stakeholders stepping up to contribute to national celebrations that showcase the best of Guyanese culture.”
For more information on Social Events Guyana’s participation in Cricket Carnival 2024 and to register for the Mas Mani Carnival Band, visit their official social media pages or contact +592-629-8145 (Social Events Guyana)
Shaggy, Konshens team up with Costi for hit in Romania
IN 2014 Shaggy teamed up with Romanian producer and singer, Costi, for the track Habibi (I Need Your Love). The song, which also featured Lebanese-Australian singer, Faydee and Congolese-Swedish singer, Mohombi, peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Habibi (I Need Your Love) did well outside of the United States, making the top 10 in Belgium, Netherlands and Poland and peaking at #36 in the UK and #74 in Canada.
The song was certified gold in the United States, Spain and Canada, while earning a silver certification in the United Kingdom.
And now, 10 years later, Shaggy and Costi are hoping to recapture similar success with their latest single, Pretty Woman, which also features dancehall artiste, Konshens and Boy Spyce.
Pretty Woman debuts at #35 on the KISS FM Top 40 chart in Romania. It is the first single from Costi’s latest album, Constantin 1.0.
Released in May, the album was produced by Silviu Dimitriu.
Still on Shaggy, he continues to make his mark on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection, which has been on the chart for 285 non-consecutive weeks. The set, which peaked at #2, is now down to #3. Released in August 2008,
Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection has been certified gold in the United Kingdom. It peaked at #22 on the UK Albums chart, and rose to #30 in Austria,
#50 in Belgium and #81 in Switzerland.
Still on the Billboard Reggae Albums table, Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Legends logs 244 non-consecu-
tive weeks in pole position, while Sean Paul’s Dutty Classics Collection remains at #2.
Standing firm are World on Fire by Stick Figure is #4, Greatest Hits by UB40 is #5, while Set in Stone and
Wisdom by Stick Figure are #6 and #7.
Welcome to Jamrock by Damian Marley inches up to #8, while Here Comes the Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze re-enters at #9.
Endless Summer by The Elovaters remains at #10.
In the meantime, Shenseea and Tina, aka Hood Celebrity, continue to make moves on the Billboard airplay charts.
On Rhythmic Top 40 Airplay, Work Me Out by Shenseea remains at #38; however, the song fares better on Mainstream R&B/HipHop Airplay with a bump up from #37 to #34. Roses by Tina (Hood Celebrityy) steps up from #38 to #33.
Roses blooms on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, debuting at #45.
Santa by Rvssian, featuring Rauw Alejandro and Aya Starr, loses steam on Billboard’s Latin charts.
On Hot Latin Airplay, the song slips from #12 to #13, while over on Latin Airplay it backtracks from #10 to #11. Santa remains at #6 on Latin Rhythm Airplay. (Jamaica Observer)
Shaggy
Konshens
Mas Mani Carnival Band costumes
Ben Whishaw makes promise to Paddington fans over Aunt Lucy
FANS will find out what happened to Aunt Lucy in the next Paddington film, according to Ben Whishaw, who stars as the voice of the marmalade-loving bear.
The third film in the franchise, Paddington in Peru, will be out later this year.
It follows Paddington's return to the South American country to find his beloved Aunt Lucy, voiced by Imelda Staunton.
Asked whether he could promise viewers would find out what really happened to Lucy, Whishaw said: "Yes."
"You will find out," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
But when asked if he could reveal Lucy's fate, he responded: "No, I absolutely cannot tell you."
The first two films were based in London, after Paddington fled Peru - where he grew up - because of his home being destroyed by an earthquake.
In the trailer for the new film, which was released in June, we see Paddington leave London to return.
However, when Paddington reaches the Home for Retired Bears where Aunt Lucy is meant to be staying, she's not there.
Olivia Colman, an addition to the cast, who is known to young audiences for her role as Mrs Scrubitt in Wonka, stars as a guitar-playing nun who works at the home.
She tells Paddington and company that Aunt Lucy is "on some sort of quest".
He then embarks on a mission to find her, with the help of a boat captain, voiced by another newcomer, Antonio Banderas, who was the voice of Puss in Boots.
"I think it's a really beautiful film and I'm really excited for people to see it," Whishaw said. "It's gorgeous."
Hugh Bonneville, Dame Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin also return in the new film.
But Sally Hawkins has handed the role of Mrs Brown to Emily Mortimer.
Whishaw starred as Q in the James Bond films and appeared in the TV adaptation of This is Going to Hurt
The actor, 43, is now appearing in a new West End production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.
He has credited the play with encouraging him to drop out of university more than two decades ago and study acting instead.
He will star opposite Lucian Msamati, who has previously appeared in Game of Thrones and Gangs of London.
The production, directed by James MacDonald, is running at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London.
Paddington in Peru hits UK and Irish cinemas on November 8 (BBC)
Ben Whishaw is famous for being the voice of Paddington
Ashwin hits first Test ton in three years to lift India to a dominant position
RAVICHANDRAN Ashwin
hit a brilliant counterattacking hundred to take India to a strong position at stumps on day one of the Chennai Test.
Three years since his last Test hundred, which also came at the very same venue, Ravichandran Ashwin cracked his sixth Test hundred to lift India from the gloom on day one of the first Test against Bangladesh.
With the century, Ashwin equalled MS Dhoni's career tally of six Test centuries, achieving the same in two innings lesser than the legendary former captain.
Batting at No.8, Ashwin now has four Test centuries, the most for anyone after Daniel Vettori, who has five.
Ashwin also now has 20 scores of fifty or more in Tests, three more than Sir Richard Hadlee, while recording the same number of five-wicket hauls as him in the format (36 five-wicket hauls), underlining his status
as one of the format's greatest all-rounders.
Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh had India on their haunches after a terrific opening spell from Hasan Mahmud, who accounted for Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli early on. Mahmud also sent back Rishabh Pant to snare his fourth before India lost a couple more quick wickets. At 144/6, the onus was on the all-rounder duo of Ravindra
Jadeja and Ashwin to save India and they did so in spectacular fashion.
Ranked No.1 and No.2 in the ICC Men's Test all-rounder rankings, Jadeja and Ashwin stitched together an unbeaten 195-run stand to take India to stumps with the score reading 339/6.
This is now the highest partnership for the seventh wicket or lower on day one of a Test match. If the duo add five more runs on day two to
wicket or lower for India in men's Tests.
Ashwin's last Test hundred came at the same venue against England in 2021. Like in this Test, Ashwin then saved India from a tricky situation in the second innings.
Walking in at 86/5, Ashwin made 106 to help India to a fighting total.
In seven innings at this venue in Tests, Ashwin now has two hundreds and another fifty-plus score.
the partnership, they will be just the eighth pair to record a 200-run stand for the seventh
With good bounce and carry, India struggled early on against the new ball on the track, but Ashwin stated that he liked batting on the pitch.
"On a surface like this, it's better to go hard like Rishabh [Pant] does," Ashwin told Ravi Shastri at the end of the day's play. "It's an old-school Chennai surface with bounce and carry. When there is width, you can give it a tonk. Jadeja was of real help, there was a point where I was sweating and tiring but Jaddu helped me through that phase. He's been solid and one of our best batters in the last few years. He told me we don't have to convert twos into threes, which helped me immensely." (ICC Media)
Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates after scoring his sixth Test century
South American Women’s and Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championships
Sarah Sanmoogan powers to four bronze medals as Guyana opens on a high
GUYANA got off to a satisfying start at the South American Women’s and Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday when the lone female athlete on the team, Sarah Sanmoogan lifted her way to four bronze medals.
The third-year University of Guyana student, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, who competed in the Female Junior 69kg Category, was in classes until the start of the weigh-in Wednesday, 13:00hrs Argentina time, 12:00hrs Guyana time, but still mustered the mental fortitude to compete against her peers, her performance being good enough to earn her podium positions in all the lifts and
overall.
She had a best squat of 150.0 kg, benchpressed 82.5 with her best deadlift being 160.0. Her overall Total was 392.5kg the same as the silver medalist, Sophia Cabrera of Peru who finished ahead of Sanmoogan by a lighter bodyweight. Cabrera managed a best squat of 145.0, and benchpressed 85.0. The gold medalist was Chile’s Antonia Madrid whose Total of 422.5kg was as a result of similar medal lifts of 160.0 in the squat, 87.5 in the benchpress, and 180.0 in the deadlift.
Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF)
President, Franklin Wilson, congratulated Sanmoogan and Coach Kerma Singh for a brave performance against
nations that have been performing well in the sport but Guyana has always held its own and competed well, he noted.
“On behalf of the executive committee and members of the GAPLF, I extend warmest congratulations to you Sarah. We are proud of you for keeping the Golden Arrowhead aloft in some challenging circumstances. You did it again and we know that there are bigger stages for you to conquer in the years ahead.”
Sanmoogan also took the opportunity to comment on her performance: “As disappointed as I am in a third-place finish, I am proud of my performance all things considered, with an up-anddown training year thus far. I am not one to make excuses,
but taking UG classes and working while training to compete with the best internationally is not an easy ask, but I am committed to it. I am happy to have made it here again and look forward to smoother sailings and higher highs.”
Guyana will next be on the platform tomorrow when Kheon Evans (Men’s Open 83kg) and 79- yearold Naranjan Singh (83kg Masters 4) based in the USA compete.
A total of 132 Female athletes from Sub-Juniors to Masters and 171 Males in similar categories are competing from Guyana, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Suriname, Columbia, Uruguay, and the host nation, Argentina.
Head's 154 not out helps Australia thrash England
TRAVIS Head scored a stunning unbeaten 154 as Australia claimed a convincing seven-wicket win over England in the first oneday international at Trent Bridge
After England had collapsed from 213-2 to 315 all out, Head's magnificent innings helped Australia to
knock off the runs with 36 balls to spare.
The 30-year-old opener put on an unbroken 148 with Marnus Labuschagne as he made the top ODI score by an Australia batter in England, to take the tourists to their highest successful ODI chase in England.
A comprehensive victory
extends the world champions' winning streak in ODIs to 13 as they took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
England were in a good position to put that unbeaten run under threat thanks to a fine knock of 95 from opener Ben Duckett and Will Jacks' third ODI half-century, but crumbled late in the innings.
Part-time spinner Labuschagne had Duckett caught and bowled just shy of his hundred then removed Harry Brook, captaining England for the first time, in his next over to start the host’s slide.
Labuschagne and Adam Zampa, in his 100th ODI, took three wickets apiece as Australia bowled only spin for the
last 18 overs of the innings and England's innings unravelled.
Jacob Bethell gave another glimpse of his talent with a handy 35 to take the home side beyond 300 but they finished a long way short of what they would have wanted on a famously high-scoring ground.
Head had a moment of luck when he was dropped by
England will attempt to level the series in the second game at Headingley tomorrow. (BBC Sport)
GBA confirms weigh-in process for U-16 Boxing Championship
GUYANA Boxing Association (GBA) Technical Director Terrence Poole has confirmed that the official weigh-in process for the Vergenoegen leg of the U-16 Boxing Championship will occur today for Georgetown teams at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym, and tomorrow for the remaining participants at the West Demerara facility.
The acquisition of the new boxing ring, which was facilitated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, will allow the entity to decentralise their existing U-16 programme, with Vergenoegen set to make its debut tomorrow.
The event, which is hosted twice per month, will occur at 17:00hrs at the community’s rice mill tarmac with the utilisation of the older ring.
The major gyms that
have confirmed their participation are the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, Pace and Power, Pocket Rocket, Rose Hall Jammers, New Amsterdam Academy, Bailey, and Forgotten Youth Foundation. The annual initiative has formed the backbone of GBA’s nursery programme, and with the attainment of the new ring, will allow the Association to utilise the older equipment to be trans-
ported to the various venues, going forward.
Linden is slated to host the initiative two weeks after Vergenoegen. Similarly, Berbice is scheduled to take centre stage following the conclusion of the Linden date.
According to Poole, “Tomorrow [today], the Georgetown-based teams will be conducting their weigh-in at the Andrew ‘Six Head’
Lewis gym. The teams from outside of Georgetown will conduct their weigh-in at the Vergenoegen gym on Saturday before the event commences in the evening. The official fixtures will be finalised after the weigh-in process.”
He further said, “We anticipate 18 fights being staged on the night; everything is being put in place. The logistics and the systems are being finalised for Saturday [tomorrow]. We are very excited for this event, because it’s the first time we will be conducting this tournament outside of Georgetown.”
Meanwhile, GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “These initiatives, ventures, and mechanisms are what are required for the advancement of the discipline, and, more importantly, vital to the
unearthing of talents. Local boxing can only develop and improve at an exponential rate in such a manner.”
He added: “While we understand the importance of establishing a central role and hub for the discipline, a geographical reality associated with Georgetown, given its proximity and status as
the capital city, we believe that decentralisation is essential for the continued growth and development of boxing. That is our national approach and policy to ensure that we maintain our status as the leading light in the Caribbean. This is unquestionably development.”
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
Today’s Quiz:
How many games were scheduled during CPL 2017?
Who was declared CPL champion 2017?
Answers in tomorrow’s
Sarah Sanmoogan displays her bronze medals
Brydon Carse on six, albeit it would have been a stunning one-handed catch, but never looked back as he powered his way to a fantastic sixth ODI ton and Australia cruised to victory.
GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole, MS
Dubois slams table & refuses to engage with rival, Joshua
DANIEL Dubois slammed the table in mild frustration and refused to engage with Anthony Joshua as the two British heavyweights met in an understated news conference in London.
The pair will clash in front of a reported postwar British record crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Stadium tomorrow.
Dubois won the interim IBF title in June, and was elevated to world champion status when Oleksandr Usyk vacated.
"I need to retain this world title," he said. "It's a great thing to have, but I need to legitimise myself by winning this fight."
He added: "I'm on the rise; I've got the momentum on my side. No more words; just fighting, punches. I'm ready to fight and destroy. Destroy."
The 27-year-old appeared eager for the news conference to end, while the conversational Joshua, 34, remained
focused and respectful towards his opponent. When discussions turned to a sparring session several years ago, where Dubois supposedly rocked Joshua, the champion said: "It was sparring; now we're fighting. This is different."
Dubois added: "Move on!" before banging on the
wooden table.
The news conference was held at the grandeur Guildhall, a Grade One listed building dating back to the 15th Century.
Olympic gold medallist Joshua has the opportunity to join legends Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and Vitali Klitschko
as a three-time champion. He was asked about the confrontation in June when he felt disrespected by Dubois, and threatened to throw a chair across the champion's face.
"You should never let anyone take an inch, because they'll end up taking a mile," replied Joshua. "You know
Surrey close in on title with win over Durham
SURREY is closing in on a third successive County Championship title after cruising to a 10-wicket win over Durham with a day to spare at The Oval.
Durham, who began the third day trailing by 152, never recovered after losing two wickets in the first over to Dan Worrall.
Worrall and Sam Curran, in only his second Championship appearance of the season, each took four wickets as Durham were dismissed for 177 in their second innings with only Emilio Gay (48) offering prolonged resistance.
That left Surrey needing just 25 to complete their eighth win of the campaign and skipper Rory Burns and Dom Sibley knocked off the target in five overs.
It was their sixth victory at The Oval this season with
only Somerset, who drew in April, denying them a clean sweep on home turf.
Surrey picked up 23 points which took them onto 221, 31 clear of Somerset with their match at Old Trafford still in the balance.
Surrey face Essex at Chelmsford in the final round with Somerset hosting Hampshire.
The tempo was set in the first over when Worrall made a double breakthrough, Dan Hogg losing his leg stump and Ben McKinney beaten by a fine delivery.
Durham had lost three wickets in first half hour when Jordan Clark bowled Alex Lees.
David Bedingham only got half-forward to Curran's
sixth ball and was lbw while Ollie Robinson was also beaten by late in-swing and lost his off stump to leave Durham's innings in disarray at 74-6.
Gay, making his Durham debut before his permanent move from Northamptonshire this winter, shaped up well and added 46 with Bas de Leede either side of lunch to give Durham hope.
But Worrall returned at the pavilion end to remove Gay before another Curran in-swinger accounted for De Leede. Tom Lawes produced a fine delivery to force James Minto to edge to keeper Ben Foakes.
Curran finished things off with another booming in-swinger that was way too good for Chemar Holder before Surrey cruised to their tiny target.(BBC Sport)
what I mean, Dan?"
But Dubois, vacantly, replied: "Sorry?"
The Londoner did, though, speak to address rumours surrounding his trainer, Don Charles, who has not yet been seen in fight week.
"As long as he's in my corner on fight night, I'm alright," added Dubois. "Everything is good."
Joshua lost his belts to Usyk in 2021, and was defeated by the Ukrainian in
the rematch the following year. He has since worked his way back to the mandatory challenger position with four dominant wins.
Joshua, who will headline a British stadium for a sixth time, said he has been looking at some of his past fights in the country as motivation.
"It's good to be back," he added. "I'm ready to rumble, and remind everyone what I'm capable of.”
Cricket Australia bans Dulip Samaraweera
DULIP Samaraweera, the former Sri Lankan cricketer, has been banned from holding any position in Cricket Australia (CA) or a State or Territory Association (including any W/BBL Team) for 20 years after he was found to have committed a serious breach of the Code of Conduct, Cricket Australia stated on Thursday.
The Conduct Commission found that Samaraweera engaged in inappropriate behaviour that breached section 2.23 of CA's Code of Conduct. The allegations of inappropriate conduct took place while Samaraweera was employed by Cricket Victoria (CV) as the head coach, a position he resigned from in May this year after serving for only two weeks.
Cricket Victoria CEO, Nick Cummins, had said at the time of Samaraweera's resignation, "During the recruitment process Dulip had expressed a desire to make a specific coaching appointment in his support team. That appointment was unable to be facilitated due to internal policies we have in place. Following further conversations, Dulip decided he would prefer not to remain in the role."
In a release on Thursday, Cricket Australia further stated, "The CA Integrity Department investigates complaints brought to it under Integrity Codes and Policies which also apply to State & Territory Associations. The Conduct Commission hears matters referred to it by CA Integrity. CA and CV are committed to providing a safe environment for all players and employees and the welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount."
Samaraweera had played seven Tests and five T20Is in an international career spanning 1993 to 1995. (Cricbuzz)
Dulip Samaraweera (left) resigned as Cricket Victoria head coach in May this year after just two weeks of service
Surrey has won eight of its 13 County Championship matches this season
Joshua and Dubois pose for photos after Guildhall news conference
Russell’s Fireworks and David’s Steady Hand Lead TKR to thrilling win over Warriors
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC)
– IN a pulsating contest at Queen’s Park Oval, Andre Russell’s explosive 36 not out from 15 balls, paired with a calm unbeaten 31 off 24 from Tim David, powered the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to a thrilling five-wicket win over Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 19th match of Caribbean Premier League here on Wednesday night.
The victory marks a triumphant start to TKR’s home leg of the competition.
Chasing a competitive target of 149 on a challenging surface, TKR stumbled to 89-5 and needed 60 runs from the final 30 balls to secure the victory.
With their backs against the wall, Russell, making his comeback from injury, joined David at the crease. While David struggled to find a rhythm, Russell wasted no time, unleashing
a barrage of boundaries.
Player of the match Russell was given a lifeline on nought when he was put down by Junior Sinclair at deep backward square leg.
The Jamaican then took full advantage of the opportunity, dismantling Nathan Sowter’s over with three massive sixes to bring TKR back into the chase.
Despite some crafty bowling from the Warriors, including an impressive penultimate over by Dwaine Pretorius, TKR needed 12 off the final over.
David, who struggled with timing throughout his innings, found his range when it mattered most, smashing back-to-back sixes off the first two balls of the final over to seal the win for TKR with four deliveries to spare.
Earlier, the Warriors also struggled after a promising start, crumbling from 32-2 to 76-7, as
TKR’s spin trio wreaked havoc. Tim Robinson’s 34 off 28 gave the Warriors a platform, but Waqar Salamkheil (2-19), Sunil Narine (2-24) and Akeal Hosein (1-20) engineered a collapse, leaving the Warriors reeling.
A stunning rescue effort from Romario Shepherd 51 not out off 24 balls and Pretorius 21 not out off 25, lifted their side to a respectable 148-7 in their 20 overs.
Dwayne Bravo, who picked up one wicket for 41 runs in possibly his last CPL game at the Oval, said the victory was emotional.
“It is very emotional for me. The boys gave me a hard time for crying today, but I appreciate the love and respect these guys show. I have had good memories over the years and playing here in front of the fans is what we all look forward to.”
No hard feelings with Sir Viv …Brian Lara launches autobiography
BATTING legend Brian Lara has maintained a “very good” relationship with Sir Vivian Richards, who, along with Carl Hooper, had some issues with what he wrote in reference to them in his book titled Lara: The England Chronicles.
Lara held a local launch for the book, which is the first in what could be a series of titles chronicling his international career, at his home on Lady Chancellor Hill on Tuesday, attended by close friends and family members, as well as the T&T Under-17 team, who all received autographed copies.
Asked about the reactions of Richards and Hooper to what was contained in an excerpt from the book which appeared on ESPN Cricinfo during the West Indies tour of England earlier this year, Lara said: “These comments were made, nothing official came to me.
of the team, Viv Richards was chairman of selectors and he was a coach at some point in time, so I think our relationship is a very good one,” Lara added.
During the formal part of Tueday’s function, Lara also paid tribute to Richards, calling him “the greatest batsman I have ever seen. Maybe one-two with Sachin Tendulkar.”
come out with the Australian version,” he said, teasing the small gathering.
Pressed on what could be his next publication, Lara said: “I planned to cover my entire career and I played against African countries, Asian countries and England.
quiet in a little bit of shock, but I was a very happy individual, having represented the West Indies for 17 years.”
In terms of his relationship with Richards, Lara holds his former skipper in high regard.
“My relationship with Viv Richards is very good. I actually read the chapter out and he was quite happy with it. We were in
“I respect everyone’s views and, I suppose, they in turn respect my views as well. Corrections were made and I think it was part of the book that was not very significant so, deleting that part was not an issue.”
England at the same time and we were travelling to play golf and he enjoyed it,” Lara revealed.
“So, my relationship with Viv Richards over the years has been one of great respect. Growing up, I watched him play and then being a part of his team, and obviously when I was in charge
He continued: “I’ll just read a small part in the book: ‘Those two years with Viv Richards were the most important period of my career. Our paths on the field crossed all too rarely. Just those 20 runs in some One-Day game before a Test match and now just like that he’s done. With Viv going, so went a little of the power and beauty of West Indies cricket...that is how great a man I think he was.”
The “Prince of Port of Spain” also revealed that he had finished another manuscript on his playing days against fierce rivals Australia. “Just to mention, I’ve already written about my time against Australia. But let’s enjoy this and then we’ll
“As I said, England was a very special period. Every time I played against them or in England playing county cricket, it was just an amazing experience. Australia, we all have to agree were the ones that toppled us off the top and they were my fiercest competitors,” Lara explained. “Playing against the late Shane Warne or Glen McGrath, Mark and Steve Waugh, it was a tremendous battle. So that in itself I believe is going to be a wonderful read,” he suggested.
He also said he felt privileged to have represented the West Indies for 17 years. Reflecting on the end of his career, Lara said: “It was 1990 I made my debut and 17 years later at Kensington Oval, I stood there,
In terms of why he chose England as a starting point, Lara said: “The history between West Indies and England is so great. There is just so much to talk about. It goes beyond boundaries as well. It is not just Caribbean and it is not just England. We all know the history.
“When we got cricket status from the Imperial Cricket Board of England in 1928, we had plantation owners captaining the West Indies. We strived as Caribbean [people] to be included in the West Indies team and it took some time, but its history was tremendous,” Lara recalled.
“In 1950 was our first Test series victory against England. Growing up watching the series between West Indies and England was actually the greatest thing to ever see. I believe this history needs to be told on its own,” he added.
(Trinidad Express)
INSPIRATION TO GENERATION Z: West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara presents copies of his book, Lara: The England Chronicles to Fatima College students, Liam Golding (Upper Six head prefect), left, and Johann Fournillier (Form Two), both of whom were invited to read excerpts, during the local launch at Lara’s home on Lady Chancellor Hill. —Photo: JERMAINE CRUICKSHANK (Trinidad Express)
Tim David (right) and Andre Russell of TKR celebrate victory during the Men's 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between TKR and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Queen's Park Oval (Photo by Ashley Allen - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
