Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24-06-2024

The Kingston Seawall is the perfect place to display one’s biking skills on a Sunday

(Shaniece Bamfield photo)

Continuous education is the cornerstone of Guyana’s development – PM Phillips

PRIME Minister

Brigadier (Ret'd)

Mark Phillips on Saturday underscored the vital role of continuous education in Guyana's development, during his address at The Guyana Learning Institute (GLI)'s 23rd graduation ceremony.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised the importance of professional development and lifelong learning, and that professional development is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth.

"In a world that is constantly evolving, continuous learning is essential. It equips you with the tools to adapt,

Over 100 students graduated in various disciplines, including supervisory management, psychology, sociology, social work, and occupational safety and health.

innovate, and thrive, regardless of your current circumstances,” he said, according to a post on his official Facebook page.

He also highlighted the vital importance of skilled human resources in Guyana's growing economy, pointing to the significant increase in demand for qualified professionals across various fields.

“Education is the foundation upon which

we build a brighter future for ourselves and our country,” he said.

Continuous learning, he added, is imperative for the growth of the country and is a cornerstone for Guyana’s development according to the government.

Prime Minister Phillips also highlighted other educational initiatives, including those at the University of Guyana and at the Guyana Online Academy

of Learning (GOAL), which the government is supporting to enhance opportunities for Guyanese.

The PM concluded by encouraging graduates to continue their journey of learning and self-improvement.

"Continue seeking knowledge, embracing opportunities, and challenging yourself to reach new heights.

Your dedication to personal and profession -

al growth will benefit you and contribute to the betterment of our nation as a whole," he said.

Since its establishment in 2016, over 1,500 persons have benefitted from the GLI’s programmes, with participants coming from public and private sectors, as well as those seeking to enhance their skills for employment opportunities.

Scenes from The Guyana Learning Institute’s 23rd graduation ceremony (OPM photos)

Guyana to cut cost of aquaculture by 50 per cent

–– as country ramps up corn, soya bean production; over 10,000 acres now under cultivation - President Ali

By Naomi Parris

BY the first quarter of 2025, Guyana is expected to cut its import expenditure on aquaculture feed by 50 per cent, as the country ramps up its local production of corn and soya bean to meet not only its local market demands, but also the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM).

From 125 acres in 2021, we now have over 10,000 acres under cultivation with a combination of corn and soya. By the end of 2025, we aim to have 25,000 acres cultivated twice annually,” the Head of State said.

This, he said will lead the country towards food security, thereby allowing the local manufacturing of livestock and aquaculture feed locally and reducing the cost significantly.

The owners of Guyana Stock Feed Ltd., Royal Chicken, Edun Farms, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and Bounty Farm Ltd., along with the Brazilian-owned N F Agriculture, have partnered to produce soya bean and corn for both the local and regional markets.

This is according President Dr. Irfaan Ali who, during a recent press conference, told reporters that the increased production of the legumes will see the country improving its competitiveness while creating great opportunities.

In the year 2021, a collaboration was formed between six local companies and a regional firm

During a recent exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, revealed that there has been an increased interest in the cultivation of corn and soya bean, with several other partners

soya in cultivation this year and hopefully we can [have] 25,000 next year and if we can, we will do that two times a year. Definitely, we will be self-sufficient also in our local demand, and if we can do it two times a year, we can be a net exporter to CARICOM countries,” Mustapha said.

“We have another company that have invested here, they will be cultivating this year a number of acres in corn and soya. We have in Region Nine another company [which] started to do corn and soya

for the cultivation of corn and soya

there,” he added.

According to Mustapha, the country’s aim is to produce 25,000 acres twice annually and this will save the country approximately $US 50 million.

“I think CARICOM, with Guyana’s input, is in line to reduce the food import bill by 25 per cent.”

Over the last three years, the government has spent more than $1.4 billion to develop the infrastructure within the Tacama area to meet the region’s production and cultivation goals.

By 2025, Guyana is expected to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of all livestock feed, resulting in a decreased reliance

on imports. This progress is evident as 10,000 acres of corn and soya bean were cultivated in 2023. In this year’s fiscal package, the government has set aside the sum of $967.8 million to further boost the capacity of the Tacama Savannah corn and soya bean facility.

Works had recently been completed on the Tacama access road, alongside the successful implementation of the drying and storage facilities.

According to Minister Mustapha, works on several other major infrastructure are soon to be started as the government looks to boost its production capacity.

“The corn and soya project is progressing well.

to embark on a significant project aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in corn and soya bean production in Guyana.

coming on board.

“…so we have seen expansion, we are hoping to achieve approximately 12,000 acres of corn and

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Back in January, some 3,000 more acres of land was being prepared

bean

IDB to help structure PPP projects to sustainably manage subnational environmental assets in the Brazilian Amazon

THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) earlier this month announced a technical cooperation agreement with the Brazilian Forest Service (SFB) and the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) to support the structuring of public-private partnership (PPP) projects to sustainably manage subnational environmental assets in the Brazilian Amazon.

The non-reimbursable technical cooperation of $1 million is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), through the IDB’s Amazonia Forever programme. The cooperation will focus on helping structure subnational PPP projects for forest conservation and the recovery of degraded areas, including profiling, pre-feasibility, and feasibility studies, as well as the drafting and structuring of bidding documents and contracts.

“This technical cooperation will continue the close collaboration between the three entities, leveraging lessons learned in structuring projects to

restore and maintain key areas such as the Bom Futuro National Forest,” highlighted Renato Rosenberg, director of concessions and monitoring at SFB.

Gastón Astesiano, head of the IDB’s PPP Single Window, said: “The 2023 legal change in the Brazilian public forest management for sustainable production law allows payment of environmental services in forest concessions. This represents a unique opportunity to encourage private sector participation in forest restoration projects.”

This forest concession model could generate investments of up to R$60 billion (approximately $12 billion) in the coming years, developing a new production chain for the care and regeneration

of degraded areas in the country.

This project’s subnational focus will allow for the recovery of vegetation in degraded areas of the Amazon, improved soil management, and sustainable and innovative forestry practices. Additionally, it aims to promote the bio-businesses and environmental services aligned with the IDB’s Amazonia Forever programme, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive development in the region.

“The IDB Group dedicates teams, resources, and efforts to the structuring of concessions for the management of environmental assets in Latin America and the Caribbean, supporting projects that seek to reduce deforestation, promote forest restoration, and improve

the living conditions of local communities. We are convinced that public-private partnerships are a powerful tool to enable sustainable environmental management and bring direct benefits to communities,” said Morgan Doyle, IDB representative in Brazil.

The announcement was made at the event “Forest Concessions in Brazil: Building Synergies for the Conservation of the Amazon,” in Manaus, in parallel to the 2024 Sustainability Week, organised by IDB Invest, the private-sector arm of the IDB Group. This is considered the most significant sustainability event for the private sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. (IDB)

Strong earthquake near Venezuela’s coast rocks southern Caribbean

SEVERAL islands in the southern Caribbean were rattled by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake which struck east-northeast of Venezuela’s coast in the Caribbean Sea just before midnight on Saturday.

The UWI Seismic Re-

search Centre (UWI SRC) said it occurred around 11:58 pm (local time) at a depth of 46 km. According to the Automatic Earthquake Location from UWI SRC, the quake struck: Carúpano, Venezuela, 97 km, ENE; Port of

Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 97 km, WNW, and San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, 119 km, NW.

Social media users reported the tremor being felt in Trinidad and Tobago, northeastern Guyana, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), in its preliminary report, had the earthquake as 6.0 magnitude, 29 km northeast of Yaguaraparo, Venezuela. It said the earthquake, which occurred at 11:58 pm, had a depth of 87.4 km. (Loop News)

A clear energy future

IN light of Guyana’s unprecedented economic development, the country’s electricity demand is skyrocketing.

The government is commendably taking proactive steps to meet this demand, highlighted by the recent integration of power from a power supply ship with the national grid.

This achievement has temporarily placed Guyana ahead of its electricity needs, with a generation capacity of 192 megawatts surpassing the current peak demand of 178 megawatts. However, this is only a temporary fix in the face of rapid and sustained growth.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration recognises the urgency of the situation. With expected peak demand projected to hit 232 megawatts by the end of the year, it is clear that the nation cannot rest on its laurels. The government’s ambitious energy strategies are

laudable, especially the gas-to-energy project at Wales. This project promises to significantly lower electricity costs and integrate natural gas into the energy mix, thus setting the stage for a more sustainable energy future.

The gas-to-energy initiative, involving a $1 billion pipeline project spearheaded by ExxonMobil’s local affiliate and a $759 million power plant construction contract with LINDSAYCA and CH4 Group, underscores the government’s commitment to diversifying energy sources. This project is a critical component of the PPP/C government’s strategy to lower energy costs by at least 50% through a mix of gas, solar, wind, and ‘hydro’ power.

Despite these promising developments, the government must remain vigilant and forward-thinking. As President Ali has pointed out, the rapid economic

growth will inevitably lead to even higher energy demands, especially as efforts to reduce electricity costs succeed, and more citizens and businesses connect to the grid. This underscores the necessity of not only expanding current projects but also exploring new ones.

To complement the ongoing gas-to-energy project, the government is wisely evaluating the feasibility of a second major gas initiative. This additional capacity will be crucial in sustaining the momentum of Guyana’s development. However, infrastructure alone is not enough. There must be a concerted effort to educate the public on energy efficiency to prevent waste as costs come down. Public education campaigns are essential to instill a culture of energy conservation, ensuring that resources are used effectively and sustainably.

The path forward for Guyana’s ener-

gy future is clear: A balanced approach that includes robust infrastructure projects, diversified energy sources, and public education on energy efficiency. While the government’s current initiatives are promising, continuous innovation and adaptation will be necessary to keep pace with the nation’s rapid growth.

Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its development, and how it manages its energy resources will be a key determinant of its future success.

In this light, the PPP/C government must continue its efforts with unwavering dedication, ensuring that every Guyanese benefits from the nation’s economic prosperity.

The stakes are high, but with strategic planning and public cooperation, Guyana can achieve a sustainable and prosperous energy future.

Understanding the AML/CFT framework, enforcement of the US sanctions

Dear Editor,

LET me establish at the outset that I am no legal expert, but I have a working knowledge and experience with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism law and regulations in Guyana.

This was during over 10 years of working experience in the banking sector, including at the Bank of Guyana, where I participated in the drafting of AML/CFT and other financial sector regulations. During that time, I was exposed to a series of AML/CFT trainings.

More recently, I was part of a multi-stakeholder panel, which included experts from the United Nations, to conduct a country review for one of the Latin American countries on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. This is the vantage point from within which the hereunder viewpoint is framed.

Last week, members of the media questioned the President, His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, as to on what basis was the cambio licence revoked from the Mohamed’s Enterprise, which followed almost immediately after the Office of Foreign

Assets Control (OFAC) of the US department of Treasury had announced the imposition of sanctions on that entity. To this end, sections of the media et.al, propagated the view, albeit implicitly, that the government should not have moved so swiftly to revoke the cambio and other licences held by that entity, since the US authorities have not yet released the requisite information to the government to conduct its own investigation.

Be that as it may, it is important to note that crimes involving AML/CFT—and actions imposed thereof are not restricted to only the domestic laws and domestic investigation. This is in keeping with the United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention, thus adopted in the domestic and international AML/CFT legal framework.

Within this respect, Part VI of Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering ad Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (2009) (hereinafter referred to “AML/CFT Act”), deals with “International Cooperation (see sections 76 – 78 of the AML/CFT Act), which is in conformity with Articles 43-50 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Notably, Section 78 of the AML/CFT Act establishes that—

(1) “A document purporting to be issued by or on behalf of the Government of a country or territory and purporting to state the terms of a corresponding law in force in that country or territory shall be admitted in evidence, in proceedings under this Act, on its production by the prosecution without further proof, and such document shall be conclusive evidence that-

(a) it is issued by or on behalf of the government of that country or territory;

(b) the terms of such law are as stated in the document;

(c) any facts stated in the document to constitute an offence under such law do constitute such offence.

(2) “Corresponding law”,

(a) in relation to proceedings relating to drug trafficking has the meaning given in section 2 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control)Act 1988 and;

(b) in any other case, means a law which corresponds with a provision of Guyana law which creates a relevant offence.

Furthermore, within the AML/CFT legal framework, the failure by the local authorities to enforce the US sanctions domestically, would have exposed the domestic financial

sector to very serious threats—that could potentially cripple the financial sector and by extension the economy. For example, the domestic banks have correspondent banking relationships with a number of US banks. As such, if the Bank of Guyana had failed to act on those sanctions, the local banks would have been at risk of losing their correspondent banking relationships. This, in turn, would have effectively cut off the economy from the international payment system, which means that importers would not have been able to pay for imported goods from abroad, and exporters would not have been able to receive payments for their exports. Therefore, the Bank of Guyana acted within its powers towards immediately moving to revoke the cambio licence, inter alia, invoking due process pursuant to the AML/CFT Act and the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act 1989. More importantly, the effect of the sanctions, by way of enforcement domestically, is absolutely necessary in order to safeguard the domestic financial system.

Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

An introduction to the dignified and legal ‘democrats’ of Guyana

I MADE a note of it several times and I am doing so again – a political analyst in Guyana can never wake up in the morning and compose the analysis he had in mind days before. As soon as you get up and peruse the social media landscape and scan the newspapers, you immediately postpone your intended piece because exigency stares you in the face – you see something that you must write on right away.

My piece for today was to be an examination of class solidarity by Nigel Westmaas and Percy Hintzen with the Mulatto/Creole class from where they originated by looking at some extraordinarily comical and repellant opinions from these two gentlemen. Westmaas is of the opinion that Martin Carter is Guyana’s most profound thinker and Hintzen thinks Red Thread is the group whose activism can help save Guyana.

But today I shifted the

topic because of what I read in the so-called independent private media; that a group of civil society organisations have come out against government’s attitude to the teachers’ strike. I quote: “Several civil society groups have called on the Government to adopt a more dignified and legally defensible approach to resolving future industrial disputes.”

So, who are these groups that are supposed to belong to civil society?

One is the Guyana Workers’ Union headed by Mr. Norris Witter. He has been at the helm for more than 20 years. On the Freddie Kissoon Show, Mr. Witter, when asked about the five months of attempted rigging of the March 2020 elections, told viewers he did not and does not know anything about that. For five months the country was facing the devastation of social stability and this man, in 2023, said he knew nothing about that. So much for a dignified

and legally defensible approach to holding free and fair election.

Next in is the Guyana Trade Union Congress headed by Mr. Lincoln Lewis. He has been at the helm for over 32 years and is in his early eighties. Here is what Mr. Lewis said on July 28, 2020 when the conspiratorial rigging of the election was in full swing: “Mr. President, it behoves (sic) you to cancel these elections. You have the power, you have the right to so do… Mr. President, for the good of Guyana, her laws and people, cancel these elections.”

So, Mr. Lewis writes about “dignified and legally defensible approach. But he wanted, in July 2020, the most undignified and illegal intervention by the president to cancel a national election for which the president has no such constitutional power; not to mention the president would have been the beneficiary of a rigged poll because he was the

Man allegedly stabs wife to death at Best Village

POLICE are investigating the alleged murder of Anuradha Khatoon, called 'Mama', a 34-yearold fruits vendor of Best Village, West Coast Demerara, which occurred at about 23:30 hours on

presidential candidate for his party.

Here are Mr. Lewis’ words on Minister Priya Manickchand made on June 3, 2024: “When I look in the mirror, looking back at me is a big man in good shape. And I’d have liked to ask the minister to take a similar look in her mirror and turn to this nation and say why has mother nature been so cruel to her? She sets no good example. I guess, the saying ‘lipstick on a pig; it is still a pig’ may be most apt at this time.” Talking about the dignified approach - is this outburst such an example? Can a person who insults a woman using an undignified approach be part of

civil society?

Before moving off from Mr. Lewis, some questions need to be asked. Which mirror he was looking into? Does Mr. Lewis know that the mirror can lie? Also, when you look in the mirror what the mirror shows, you will not accept because you believe what is inside your mind. The mirror only reflects reality while your mind deceives you. I would humbly suggest that Lewis buy a modern mirror from a modern furniture store.

Another group that penned the statement is the Guyana Human Rights Association. Talking about legality, can this civil society entity tell us about its

legal periodic elections to elect its office-bearers?

Signing the statement also is Transparency International - Guyana. It was missing in action from March to July 2020 when the transparency of the general election was assaulted in the most brutal way to produce an undignified, illegal opaque result. Guess who is on the list of signatures? Red Thread. This is a body that wants the teen alleged to have murdered 20 humans to be charged with arson instead and wants Guyana to get out of oil production. I see red when Red Thread insults my country.

“Enquiries disclosed that the now-deceased woman and the suspect had shared a common-law relationship for the past five (5) years, and they live in a one-storey

Saturday.

According to a police report, the woman was allegedly murdered by her reputed husband, a 30-year-old fisherman, at their Lot 1 Best Village home.

the woman told him that he had to 'ease on the alcohol drinking'. The suspect became angry, and they ended up in a heated argument. As a result, the suspect armed himself with a knife and dealt Anuradha Khatoon one stab to her throat.

“The woman fell to the floor in the living room, and the suspect made good his escape. An alarm was raised by the woman's 12-year-old son ('step son' of the suspect), who was awoken after he heard his mother screaming. The woman was then rushed to the nearby West Demerara Regional Hospital by family members, where she was pronounced dead on arrival,” the police said.

The scene was searched and one kitchen knife was found on the floor. A stab wound was seen to the woman's throat area.

“On 2024-06-22, at about 23:30 hours, the suspect returned home under the influence of alcohol, and

The body is at Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The suspect is yet to be arrested.

Anuradha Khatoon

Canada supports Guyana in border controversy with Venezuela

Canadian High Commissioner says, notes trade between two countries totalled over CA$300M in 2023

CANADIAN High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman, has said that Canada stands with Guyana in relation to the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela and indicated that his country calls for the respect of international law.

The High Commissioner made these remarks late last week, during a reception hosted at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in observance of the 157th anniversary of Canada’s confederation.

“Canada has always been a close friend to Guyana and we will continue to strengthen the relationship to achieve your economic and social development goals,” he said.

Against this backdrop, the high commissioner indicated that the Canadian Government was concerned with the tensions between Guyana and Venezuela and reiterated that they stand with the Guyanese people and the government.

He said: “We stand with the government and we call for respect

Berman, during his brief remarks, indicated that Canada was doing its best to work side by side with Guyana as the relationship between the two countries has deep historic links.

of international law.”

Meanwhile, Berman told the gathering that the two countries not only share a multilateral relationship on the global and regional stage but also are bilateral trade partners.

To this end, he highlighted that, in 2023, bilateral trade figures reached almost $350 million and added that while those numbers showed an opportunity

for further growth, they were being driven by the shared commitment to economic development.

Further to this, the high commissioner remarked that these are currently unprecedented times for Guyana as the country’s economic growth and transformation are unmatched.

Berman expressed that it was a privilege to witness the transformation and take part in the moment he described as

historical.

During the reception, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to enriching bilateral relations with Canada.

He too indicated that the long-standing relationship between the two nations is deeply rooted in a foundation evident in the diaspora connection and the shared history.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman (second from left), his wife Allison Berman (left), Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (second from right) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd (right), share a light moment at the reception (OPM photo) of the rule

‘We are working tirelessly to improve service and care delivery’ ––

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Robbie Rambarran has said that the staff at the institution have been working tirelessly to improve service and care delivery.

Rambarran made these remarks during a press conference last week, where he spoke about the ongoing work to deliver better services to the people of the country.

While making remarks, he indicated that the hospital has one of the fastest “doorto- doctor” times in the region. This indicates the time that it takes for patients to enter the door to see a doctor at the facility.

However, he noted that on a daily basis at the hospital, there are many cases where persons come but their case is not classified as an emergency.

“There are many cases that come to the hospital and are not urgent and obviously the waiting time will be a bit longer than those who are urgent and require immediate care,” he said.

Rambarran added that many people do not like that, and believe that it should be on a first-come, first-serve basis. He pointed out that this is not the way an emergency room operates.

He added that there is an

influx of patients on a daily basis as many persons bypass all other hospitals and health institutions, ending up at the GPHC.

As such, Rambarran said that this overwhelms the hospital’s emergency room, as they service about 200 patients per day. With this, he added that there is an 18-bed capacity and if those beds are all occupied, there are recliners in the department where patients are also treated.

“If those are all occupied, it will surely slow up the processing of patients coming into the emergency room… This is what the reality is, we have over a million encounters a year,” he added.

Further to this, he indicated that many persons have seen the improvement

GPHC CEO says

in service and care delivery at the country’s main referral hospital. He emphasised that the staff and administration are working tirelessly to ensure that these improvements continue.

GPHC CEO Robbie Rambarran (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

Guyana’s border security, surveillance system being strengthened with regional, international help

–– officials on ‘high alert’ for illegal firearms, drugs at key border and port

JOINT operations among several key regional partners have recently led to the seizure of US$3 million worth of cocaine and US$2.1 million in marijuana in the region, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

During a press conference on Thursday at State House, President Ali disclosed that Guyana has ongoing collaborations with CARICOM IMPACS, the Brazilian Federal Police, the Columbian task force, and the Regional Security System (RSS) and several other major partners. This has led to the significant drug seizures, arrests and disruptions of major drug trafficking networks.

“We have seen significant increase of seizure of cocaine; that is the street value of more than US$3 million. We had a 11.2 per

cent increase in the seizure of marijuana, and that is the street value of about US$2.1 million,” Dr. Ali said.

Meanwhile, with the support of additional partners from the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Guyana is strengthening its border security and surveillance system.

“[The] CANU [Customs Anti Narcotic Unit] has strengthened its operation at key border and port points through enhanced collaboration with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL), and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to combat drug trafficking, and also looking at the increased flights and destina-

tions that we have to ensure that our surveillance system and our border control system captures all of that,” Dr. Ali explained.

Further, he disclosed that the government will be on high alert for other recreational drugs and illegal firearms.

“One of the interesting things that we are looking at, though, is the other types of drugs that are being imported in the country. A lot of it through barrels and the barrel trade, and we’re working now with our US partners on strengthening systems that will disallow the shipment of arms; the shipment of drugs from those ports in those country,” he said.

Recently, CANU disclosed that significant strides have been made in combating illegal narcotics.

During the 2023 peri -

od, the Unit recorded five international seizures, a testament to the strategic measures being implemented at the various ports of entry countrywide.

In 2023 also, the Unit cleared approximately 1363.28 kilogrammes of narcotics, consisting of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and

points, President Ali says

hashish totalling $461.5 million. Cannabis was the most confiscated drug, accounting for 94 per cent of the total narcotics seized for the year, with approximately 73 separate seizures amounting to 1,287.88 kilogrammes.

There were 18 seizures of cocaine amounting to

75.17 kilogrammes, three seizures of ecstasy totalling 0.124 kilogrammes, and one seizure of hashish to the tune of 0.102 kilogrammes.

The cannabis that was confiscated had an estimated value of $386.3 million, whereas the cocaine’s value reached $475.1 million.

Record levels of displacement amid global conflict, natural disasters

THERE are twice as many internally displaced people today as there were ten years ago - the largest numbers ever recorded, said Special Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement, Robert Piper, on Friday.

Mr. Piper said that the current global figure of 76 million represented those who have “lost their homes, livelihoods, their communities and in some cases, their legal identities, because of wars, disasters like earthquakes and floods, and other weather-related disasters.”

Internally displaced people (IDPs), unlike refugees, have not crossed international borders.

While some return home relatively quickly, tens of millions get trapped in long-term displacement of five to ten years or longer.

WAR AND DISASTER

This protracted displacement is typically the result of conflicts and war.

Meanwhile, millions more are displaced due to natural disasters as floods, storms, earthquakes, and wildfires ravage countries around the world.

The most recent figures gathered by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) revealed that 68.3 million people remained internally displaced due to conflict and violence. An estimated 9.1 million people were displaced within Sudan, the largest internally displaced population ever reported.

This was followed by Syria (7.2 million), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (6.7 million).

In war-torn Gaza, more than eight in 10 people have been displaced, amounting to 1.9 million civilians. Haiti has also experienced record levels of displacement, with 600,000 people forced to leave their homes,

double from last year. Meanwhile, civil strife in Myanmar has left the vast majority of the three million IDPs there without proper shelter, and without access to food and water, according to independent UN expert, Paula Betancur.

RIGHTS ABUSES DRIVE DISPLACEMENT

Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, Ms. Betancur also cited a lack of accountability for human rights abuses as a key driver of displacement, while calling for the Human Rights Council’s Member States to acknowledge the “individual stories of loss, resilience and hope” behind the record numbers of displaced.

LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS NEEDED

Mineral inventory to soon come on stream

–– as gov’t begins evaluating firms to conduct on-the-ground surveys, digitise existing data, Natural Resources Minister says

THE Government of Guyana will soon begin the process of conducting onthe-ground surveys, and digitising existing data to establish a mineral inventory, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat has said.

During a recent interview with local reporters on the sidelines of an event, Minister Bharrat disclosed that the ministry is currently in the evaluation phase of selecting a company to begin the process of examining the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)’s existing data.

“There is a lot of data that is available at the GGMC, but it’s in the raw form. We will first start digitising the information and processing it, and this project, which will be a multi-year project, will lead to the physical survey being done in the mining districts of the country,” Minister Bharrat explained.

According to the minister, it has been decades since the country has updated its mineral inventory. As such,

on-the-ground surveys will also be conducted to make the relevant updates.

“This hasn’t been done in a very long time; I think maybe over 40 years now since we have done a mineral inventory to identify minerals, the type of mineral, the quantity of minerals in specific areas. So, the mineral maps that exist now are maps that would have been drawn up from data that was acquired maybe 40 years ago,” Minister Bharrat said, adding:

“The technology and the equipment available today are much better than the ones that were available 40 years ago.”

Budget 2024 has allocated some $400 million to commence the mineral inventory process in the country’s mining districts to facilitate strategic mining and added benefits for medium and small-scale miners.

“It’s not only about gold mining, but we are looking at bauxite deposits, manganese deposits. We are also looking at the critical mineral, which

While the UN’s humanitarian teams helped as many as 50 million IDPs last year, Mr. Piper has called for more to be done to create sustainable solutions.

The Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement aims to break this long-term displacement pattern and create durable solutions, to better prevent new displacement crises from emerging and to ensure those facing displacement receive effective protec -

tion and assistance.

The Agenda set out 31 concrete commitments, and 22 different UN agencies have signed up for it.

Mr. Piper also appealed to Member States to create an intergovernmental forum to address the issue in a more cross-sectional way, rather than relying too heavily on the work of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). (UN)

is very important in regards to the transition of renewable energy. So those are some of the kinds of things that we will be adding to the mineral inventory,” the subject minister said.

Mineral mapping is a low-impact mining technique that refers to the process of identifying and mapping the distribution of minerals in a given area or region.

It involves the use of various techniques and technologies to detect and analyse the presence and abundance of different minerals within the earth’s surface or subsurface.

This process will assist in identifying areas that hold mineralisation potential, to avoid aimless deforestation by miners.

This first phase will focus on the main mining districts, such as the Mazaruni, Puruni, and the North-West District.

Additionally, the project is expected to reduce the cost of prospecting or exploration for small and medium-scale miners.

Special Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement, Robert Piper

Rockstone gets water tanks, cleaning supplies as part of flood relief efforts

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources on Saturday delivered a number of water tanks to residents of Rockstone, Region Ten.

This intervention follows the recent above-normal rainfall experienced in a number of communities in the region.

According to the CDC, this mission came on the heels of the government’s commitment to ensuring that those persons and families

impacted by current floods and persistent rainfall receive the support they need in their situation.

Public Information Officer of the CDC Patrice Wishart stated that some 50 water tanks are to be delivered in total to the residents.

According to him, the area is being monitored constantly, and residents who have been significantly impacted have temporarily relocated to the homes of relatives.

Additionally, some 100

cleaning hampers were also delivered to the community.

The CDC has continued to support persons affected by floods in several regions across Guyana. This includes the delivery of a quantity of cleaning supplies to Region Three, and five villages in Region Nine, to aid in their flood relief efforts.

Furthermore, 250 cleaning hampers were delivered to the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) as part of relief efforts.

From left are: CDC Public Information Officer (PIO) Patrice Wishart; Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources Vishal Ambedkar; Toshao of Rockstone Dino Williams; and CDC Training Officer Leslyn Garraway at Rockstone on Saturday (CDC photos)

Orealla/Siparuta gets new water ambulance

RESIDENTS of Orealla and Siparuta on the Corentyne River, Region Six, have received a new water ambulance which replaces the one that was destroyed by fire in March.

The 14.5-million-dollar water ambulance was handed over by Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony on Saturday at Skeldon, Region Six.

“It is a major investment that we are making because we understand the needs that you have moving from Orealla/Siparuta to come out here to Skeldon, and we want to facilitate this,” he told residents and regional health officials gathered for the handing-over ceremony.

After the previous ambulance was destroyed by

fire, the ministry worked on procuring a new water ambulance to benefit the communities.

“What we have to do is learn from these mistakes to make sure that whatever safety procedures that we are putting in place, that we make sure that we adhere to them, so that we don’t have any future mishaps,” Minister Anthony stated.

Minister Anthony also outlined the work that government has done in the community to upgrade the facilities and provide

quality healthcare for residents there.

He noted the provision of an all-terrain vehicle and several medical missions to the communities.

He also noted that the communities will also benefit from the eye test and spectacle voucher programme, and the cervical cancer screening programme which were recently launched.

The minister noted that because of the distance, efforts will be made to take the programme to those communities to

avoid persons having to travel to benefit.

“As we work to improve health across the country, we don’t want any place to be left out and that is why we are working to make sure that everything that is needed that we are working to provide it,” Minister Anthony stated.

This water ambulance will help transport critical patients from the remote communities to the Skeldon Regional Hospital. (DPI)

The new water ambulance that will serve the residents of Orealla and Siparuta

Adventure pump station to be commissioned soon

THE pump station at Adventure Village along the Corentyne coast, Region Six, is set to be commissioned soon to strengthen the region’s drainage infrastructure and improve agricultural productivity.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, made the announcement during an inspection of

the completed works on the approximately $500 million pump station on Saturday.

“I am very happy that this pump station has been completed…From now on, if there is any heavy rainfall and excessive water in Black Bush Polder,

other pump stations that are between about 70 to 90 per cent completed. And very shortly, we will complete those,” the agriculture minister added.

this pump would [be able] to drain the area,” Minister Mustapha said.

The pumping plant will also support all the major outfalls in areas including Eversham, and Number 43 Villages.

The government has earmarked over $1.5 billion to construct drainage systems and high-level sluices in the East Berbice-Corentyne region.

Work has commenced on the high-level sluices for the Hope-like canals at No. 51 and 52 villages, to benefit hundreds of farmers and residents.

Additionally, works on the flood embankments from Number 66 Village to Canje have commenced. A flood embankment is traditionally an earthen wall used to shore up floodwaters.

“We have a number of

He noted that mechanisms are in place to ensure that these projects are completed within the stipulated time.

“There are a number of contractors who are delinquent. We have already started liquidated damages on those contracts. I am hoping that those contracts can be completed shortly, so we can commission those pump stations,” Minister Mustapha explained.

He further stated that the contract, which was terminated for the Black Bush Polder-Frontline pump station, has been re-awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Meanwhile, the contract for the pump station at A-Line in Region Three, which was also terminated, will be re-tendered shortly. (DPI)

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and team inspected the pump station at Adventure village

Part of the pump station at Adventure village, Corentyne, Berbice

Three found dead in bus on Mabura Trail

- engine was on, windows locked - police

DETECTIVES in Regional Division #10 are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of three persons who were found inside a minibus (BAC 7350) along the Mabura Trail at 28 Miles, on Sunday around 09:40hrs.

Those confirmed dead are the driver of the minibus, Leon Achee, and Refa Bovell of Linden. The other deceased individual has not yet been identified, the police said.

The scene was visited by Commander of Regional Division #10, Superintendent Guy Nurse, along with a party of police officers.

“Upon inspection, the minibus appeared to be stuck in a deep pothole with the rear of the vehicle submerged. The vehicle’s engine was on and all windows were locked. It is suspected that the victims had slept in the bus the entire night,” the police said.

The bodies of the deceased were examined for marks of violence but none were seen on the exposed parts of their bodies.

Further, the police said that no foul play is suspected and further investigations are ongoing.

Leon Achee Refa Bovell

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday June 24, 2024)

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(2) What was the highest partnership (in terms of runs) in the preliminary round?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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England trash USA to book semi-final spot

(ESPNCRICINFO)

- ENGLAND have booked their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding 10-wicket win over USA in their final Super Eight match. Using just 9.4 overs to chase down 116, thanks to Jos Buttler's 83 not out from 38 deliveries, the defending champions have boosted their net run rate (NRR) to 1.992 for good measure.

Jos Buttler and Phil Salt put on 117 to get the job done themselves•Jun 23, 2024•Getty Images ICC World T20

Such a dominant win was set up by Chris Jordan, who became the first England player to take a men's T20I hat-trick. Jordan, brought back into the XI for Mark Wood, took four wickets from his final five deliveries - joining Ireland's Curtis Campher as the only other bowler to achieve that feat at a T20 World Cupas the USA collapsed from 115 for 5 to 115 all out.

The co-hosts had started well enough in Bridgetown, reaching 48 for 2 in their first six overs. But Adil Rashid continued a stellar campaign with a miserly 2 for 13 from his four overs. Aaron Jones, one of the USA's stronger players of spin, and top-scorer Nitish Kumar were bowled by Rashid, who equalled Stuart Broad's tally of 30 dismissals in T20 World Cups. Both Rashid and Livingstone ensured only 25 runs were scored in the six overs after the powerplay.

The target of 116 needed to be chased down in 18.4 overs to ensure England's NRR would go ahead of South Africa's and ensure they had a firm grasp on second-place in the group. Buttler, however, was aiming higher.

After a quiet start, Buttler raced to 44 from 26 deliveries at the end of the powerplay - in which England scored 60which included cracking a solar panel with the first of two consecutive sixes off Saurabh Netravalkar. He saved his most brutal assault for Harmeet Singh's second over - the ninth - getting the strike for the second ball and striking five sixes. The first took him to his first half-century of the tournament, from 32 deliveries. An over later, Buttler's late cut took England over the line with 62 balls to spare.

It means England

will finish top of the group if West Indies beat South Africa in Group 2's final fixture by a margin fewer than 52 runs. A South Africa win, taking them to six points, will see England finish second.

Jordan gets his moment

Chris Jordan did not expect to be at this World Cup. A back injury to Jamie Overton handed him what is probably one last shot on the biggest stage. Today in Barbados, he seized it with both hands with that hat-trick and overall figures of 4 for 10 that took him to 105 T20I wickets.

The crescendo of the hat-trick was dripping with emotion. Jordan is not exactly the biggest celebrator, but who could begrudge him this moment? The Bajan-born cricketer grew up watching plenty of cricket at the Kensington Oval before making the move to the UK on a schol-

arship to Dulwich College. The locals in the stadium cheered him as one of their own.

Jordan was actually at home in Barbados when he heard of his call-up to the provisional squad at the end of April. Later that day, he was training in the nets with Jofra Archer, who initially put the session live on Instagram before taking it down.

Having started in the XI for the washout against Scotland and loss to Australia - both

in Bridgetown - Jordan returned for the final Group B match against Namibia before sitting back on the bench for the start of the Super Eights.

Even after this display, he may find himself sidelined once more if Buttler opts for Mark Wood's extra pace, depending on England's opponents and semi-final venue. Either way, Jordan's place in history has been secured.

KFC Elite league

Santos’ Simmons scores hat-trick

SANTOS Football Club

recorded an improved performance in this weekend’s round of the KFC Elite League when it disposed of Ann’s Grove United 6-nil.

Ryan Dowding got them off the mark 9 minutes into the game before the ever-improving Ian Daniels doubled the advantage midway through the first half.

That 2-0 scoreline held to the end of the first half and after the resumption, Andrew Simmons came off the bench and brought an explosiveness to the Santos offence.

He would first hit the back of the net in the 66th, exactly 6 minutes after substitution onto the field and already had a brace by the 71st as Santos extended its lead 4-nil.

Shem James finally found the back of the net for Santos’ fifth goal with Simmons returning to score his third and the team’s sixth after ducking Anns Grove’s defence.

Meanwhile the night’s opener saw Guyana Police Force FC holding onto their third place in the league tables with a 5-1 drubbing of Buxton United.

Neron Barrow started hot with goals in the 10th and 18th minutes of play as they quickly established their dominance of possession to put Buxton in defensive mode.

Buxton did well to stave off further damage to their poor record in the second half of season 6 but when they let up, Police FC again pounced with Chai Williams 74th and

Junior 84th finding success to make it 4-nil.

Barrow was not done as he scored his third in the 88th minute to seal the contest and move Police’s record to 9 wins in 12 outings with 1 loss and 2 draws.

Buxton’s Tyreek Cummins was able to give them a consolation goal 2 minutes into injury time.

Guyana Defence Force leads the points table with 10 wins in 11 games with 1 draw on 31 points with Slingerz FC second boasting 9 wins in 11 with 2 draws.

The KFC sponsored league will see each team playing 18 games for a 2-million-dollar purse while 1.2M will go to second place, and $800,000 to third place.

Guyanese shine at Aliann Pompey Invitational

THE Aliann Pompey Invitational concluded Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora, offering a glimpse of regional talent despite the absence of Olympic qualification breakthroughs.

While no athlete achieved the coveted Olympic standard, several Guyanese athletes impressed on home soil.

Deshana Skeete secured a dominant victory in the women's 200m, clocking an impressive 23.644 seconds.

Michelle Lee Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago and Milagros Duran of Dominica followed closely behind, finishing second and third respectively.

Similarly, Aliyah Abrams secured the top spot in the women's 400m race, cross-

ing the finish line in 52.005 seconds.

Her fellow Guyanese athletes, Kenisha Phillips and Tianna Springer, completed the podium, finishing a close second and third.

Guyanese success continued in the field events, with Leslain Baird claiming gold in the men's javelin throw (73.79m) and Analissa Redmond conquering the

women's long jump (6.05m).

Emmanuel Archibald also triumphed in the men's long jump, leaping a distance of 7.67m.

There were international triumphs as well.

Nadale Buntin of St. Kitts and Nevis dominated the men's 200m with a time of 20.862 seconds, while Reuben Walters of Trinidad and Tobago secured gold

in the men's 100m hurdles (13.658 seconds).

Michelle Lee Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago reigned supreme in the women's 100m sprint, clocking 11.493 seconds.

The event also witnessed a thrilling men's 100m A Class final.

Amoah Joseph of Ghana emerged victorious in 10.35 seconds, narrowly

edging out Guyanese favourite Emmanuel Archibald (10.37 seconds). Lidio Feliz of Dominica secured the top spot in the men's 400m, while Trinidad and Tobago clinched victory in the men's 4x100m relay.

Despite the lack of Olympic qualifiers, the Aliann Pompey Invitational saw a weekend of spirited competition.

Adamantium Holdings Inc. makes donation to cricketer

THE Adamantium Holdings Inc., located at Charity, Essequibo, on Friday last, handed over cricket accessories to female cricketer, Tremaine Marks.

Marks has been selected to represent Guyana in the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship.

The cricket accessories were handed over to the young aspiring female cricketer by the Operations Manager of Adamantium Holdings, Haiman Beharry, at a short ceremony held at the Teneze Ferme Sports Club Ground, Lower Pomeroon River.

Beharry congratulated

Marks on her recent selection to the National female cricket team and wished her well

He said that her achievement should be a role model for other young upcoming aspiring female cricketers

Among the gear handed over were a bat, a pair of batting pads, boots, batting gloves and several other essential cricketing items.

Marks is the first indigenous female cricketer from the Pomeroon to have been selected to represent the National team.

She is from Grant Teneze Ferme, Lower Pomeroon River, and also plays for the Teneze Ferme Female Cricket Club.

The right arm off spinner

said she was very elated to have been selected to represent her country, and once she is named in the final 11, she will aspire to do well, not only for her country but also the people of the Pomeroon.

Asked how she felt after receiving the news, she said, “I was very surprised when I got the good news that I was one of the six being selected from Region Two”.

She also took the opportunity to thank prominent Pomeroon businessman and cricket enthusiast, Alfro Alphonso.

The team is expected to depart Guyana for Trinidad & Tobago on June 30, with the Championship starting on July 2, and con-

cluding on July 14, 2024.

Jermain

Santos’ Ian Saniels Going aerial to win possession

Police FC scorers: From left to right, Neron Barrow, Chai willaims & Jermaine Junior

Rugby Americas North 15s loss to Trinidad… ‘Squandering

chances

came back to bite us’ – Angus

By Sean Devers

A LARGE gathering of home fans watched Trinidad and Tobago beat Guyana 26-3 in the return leg of their Rugby Americas North 15s Championship in soggy conditions last Saturday at the GDF ground, Camp Ayanganna.

The ‘Green Machine’ returned to action after a fourand-a-half-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and registered a sensational 24-23 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain on April 28, 2024.

This was Guyana’s first match since they lost 19-5 at home to Guadeloupe in the RAN Men’s Championship, 2019

“The team hadn't played international 15s rugby since

2019 and the win in Trinidad was very important, as it was our welcome back to international 15s,” said Guyana Rugby Captain Jamal Angus.

“The main difference last Saturday and when we played in Trinidad was that we played tighter and we put away the opportunities we got,” explained Angus in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, yesterday.

According to the 30-yearold Angus, the conditions weren't too difficult at the GDF ground.

“We were in the ascendancy for almost the entirety of the first half, but we were just unable to capitalise on the advantages we gained. Like in any sport, squandering chances came back to bite us. The team and coaching staff has [sic] to go back to the drawing

board. We are going to try to keep this squad together as the guys are young and talented and will improve greatly with more experience,” Angus disclosed.

“I'd like to thank the supporters that came out on Saturday to cheer us on. I asked for a green wall of support and I got it. I'm just disappointed that we weren't able to give Guyana the win. We are going to take the lessons from the defeat and work to become stronger and better,” the national Skipper promised.

The team conducts its practice sessions at the National Park, which is not an ideal venue.

Angus who grew up in South Ruimveldt spoke of the importance of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) having its own ground.

“Owning our own ground is so important to the improvement of the sport, as it would allow us to garner funds with entry fees for games, etc.

“Once the ground is properly done and has good drainage, that would also allow the team to train well even in the inclement weather; it's difficult to compete at the highest level while not being able to train in proper facilities” Angus lamented.

“We would have to invest in more coaches and youth development officers. Investments would also be needed for summer camps to introduce children to the game, especially in areas outside of Georgetown. The U-19 programme has brought youths out of schools, but I don't think we've been able to get back

into the schools as heavily as we were prior to covid, Angus continued.

Jamal is the son of former left-arm spinner Jerry Angus, who captained Guyana in cricket at both senior levels before migrating to England.

“Initially I was interested in cricket, but I never played it more than for recreation [I]wasn't in a club setup or anything, but when I tried out rugby, I guess things just fell into place without issue or hassle,” concluded Angus.

MCYS congratulates Petterson-Griffith on world-record performance

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport and the National Sports Commission would like to extend congratulations to local powerlifter Carlos Petterson-Griffith for his historic achievement in setting a new squat world record in the 93 kg category at the World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania.

Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle led the chorus of praise for Petterson-Griffith from the two sporting authorities, which are at the forefront of local development.

Petterson-Griffith, who finished 5th overall in a field of 34 competitors, etched his name in the annals of world history by setting a new benchmark for the squat with a mammoth

337.5 kg (744.06 lbs), besting the previous mark of 337 kg held by American Gavin Adin.

With his remarkable feat, which led to a gold medal acquisition in the section, Pet-

terson-Griffith, who is known as the 'Showstopper', became the first Guyanese to achieve a

world record in any discipline. Overall, Petterson-Griffith tallied a combined 860 kg (1895.975 lbs) after also bench-pressing 177.5 kg and deadlifting 345 kg.

Petterson-Griffith’s unprecedented success is indicative of what can be achieved if the investment, which is the largest in the history of the nation, mirrors the existing talent in synchronisation with the requisite structure and policies.

His achievement has placed Guyana firmly on the map of the sporting world, especially in a discipline that is traditionally dominated by North Americans and Europeans, which makes his accomplishment even more outstanding, and serves as evidence of the strides that are being made towards achieving a world-class sports culture.

Peterson-Griffith has not only left an imprint on the world, but his achievement will serve as an example and inspiration for all Guyanese.

In a similar vein, Dominic Tyrell should also be commended for his impressive performance in securing a bronze medal and a sixth-place overall placement on his debut in the 83 kg category.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport and the National Sports Commission would once again like to congratulate Petterson-Griffith on his remarkable achievement, and state that we remain committed to the development and improvement of the sporting ecosystem. His triumph will serve to further invigorate and empower the aforesaid objective.

ExxonMobil U14 Schools Football Championship

GIRLS champion Waramuri and President’s College produced imperious performances to clinch semi-final spots in the 2024 ExxonMobil U14 Boys and Girls Schools Football tournament at the Ministry of Education ground.

On Saturday, under clear blue skies, hinterland side Waramuri Primary Top girls side continued their impressive trek with a seven-nil axing of Charity Secondary.

Brentia Marks was again

at the forefront of Waramuri’s offence as she scored the opener in the fourth minute of play.

Erika Harris then took over the clash, scoring four goals in a stretch with strikes in the 11th, 17th, 23rd and 31st minutes as they closed the gate on Charity.

Shenesa Thomas got in on the act in the 32nd minute before Marks came back to record a brace in the 37th.

Bartica Secondary also eclipsed Marian Academy 7-1 in another awesome display

Ashley Walton put Marian ahead in the 2nd minute of play, but they failed to score another goal in the encounter.

Instead, Bartica’s Nerismar Williams and Kelys Williams both claimed hat-tricks, with Vilerky Simon scoring the other goal in the one-sided match-up.

Santa Rosa Secondary edged Tucville Secondary 3-nil with Maria Atkinson scoring a double and Veronica Chatta accounting for the other goals.

President’s College cap -

tured the largest margin of victory for the day with an 8-nil stoppage of New Amsterdam Secondary.

President’s College had five goal scorers and were led by Nadinie Xavier with a triple and Kimore Edwards who delivered a double.

Reyanna Gounga 14th, Teshana Abrams 28th and Jessica Henry 36th were the other goal scorers.

In the men’s category, Chase’s Academic Founda -

tion emerged victorious when they clashed with rivals Wismar-Christianburg Secondary.

Chase would walk away with a 3-nil victory, compliments of goals from Mark Glasgow 13th, Jashan Haynes 28th and Akeel Young 33rd.

Dolphin Secondary also got the better of Westminster Secondary by the same margin, 3-0.

Tyler Abrams opened Dolphin’s account in the 5th minute before a double from Christian

Sam completed the

also

were the men responsible for south’s victory.

Bartica Secondary then drew with Leonora Secondary in regulation time. Leonora Secondary would advance after penalties were taken, with them winning 4-1 against Bartica Secondary

The Guyana rugby captain led his team to a 24-23 win last April in Trinidad

win. South Ruimveldt Secondary

kept their winning streak intact with a 2-0 win over Bushlot Secondary. Aaron Archer and Devonte Game

Powerlifter Carlos Petterson-Griffith on the top step of the podium

Action between Trinidad and Guyana at the Guyana Defence Force Ground on Saturday (Japheth Savory photo)

Deshana Skeete Aliyah Abrams