Guyana taking scientific approach to agriculture
President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday held discussions with a group from Bechtel Corporation, an American company that specialises in engineering, procurement, construction, and project management. The Bechtel delegation was accompanied by US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. President Ali was joined by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs Marcia Nadir-Sharma (Office of the President photo)
PAC hears: Procurement regulations breached in Region One under APNU+AFC tenure
THE Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, on Monday, heard that there were breaches in the country’s procurement regulations by the regional administration for Region One in 2019 during the APNU+AFC’s tenure in office.
This came to light as the committee examined the Auditor General’s reports for 2019, which indicated that sections of the Procurement Act were breached as the Regional Democratic Council used the three-quote method of procurement for ten contracts totalling $60.567 million.
The report noted that according to regulations made under the country’s procurement act, “The threshold foreseen
in Section 27 (1) of the act for use of the request for quotations method for procurement shall be $3,000,000.”
With that, it was stated that the purchases to the tune of $60.5 million should have been publicly advertised and adjudicated by the regional tender board as the value exceeded the limit of $3 million.
Against this backdrop, government member of the committee and Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill asked the regional officials about the minutes of the regional tender board to ascertain the reason this breach occurred.
In response, the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Sewchand stated that since assuming the post earlier this year and prior to coming before the PAC,
he checked for the relevant documents and was not able to retrieve same.
Moreover, he emphasised that he has implemented strategies to ensure the adoption of the most effective procurement method for the provision of goods and services since assuming office.
With that, Edghill asked, “Now if the threequote method was being used, there’s a limit, could you say why or have you been advised because you weren’t the REO at the time? I’m sure knowing you’re coming here you would have asked some questions to see if you could get answers here, could you say why this occurred and what were these projects for? So let us hear the emergency na-
ture of them why we break the rules.”
Sewchand noted that his efforts to contact the previous REO to inquire about the procurement proved futile.
However, as a result, the committee asked the assistance of the auditor general’s office and whether during the audit process they were able to find the contracts for the projects.
The representative present at the PAC while
noting that they were not in possession of the contracts, said that the $60.5 million catered for the procurement of generators, purchase of medical equipment and electrical hardware among other things.
Edghill said, “So it is a clear case where most of these purchases were part of the region’s capital budget at the time of the appropriation act [and] these were included in the region’s budget for acqui-
sition. So why didn’t we advertise and follow the process.”
With that, he noted that as highlighted in the audit report, this also happened in 2018 in four instances and as such indicated that this appeared to be a systemic problem.
As such, the REO was asked to seek the assistance of members of the tender board in 2019 and the assistance of the former REO and return to the PAC in a few weeks.
Members of the Region One Regional Administration before the PAC on Monday.
Guyana taking scientific approach to agriculture
–– more youths, women, single parents being involved
–– President Ali says
By Naomi Parris
IN Guyana, there is a need for a more scientific approach to agriculture to improve food security and economic growth, and, according to the country’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, engaging young people and women in the industry can help achieve this goal.
“We’ll be working on a number of programmes to increase yield, increase productivity, diversify our cropping system, expand our production bases, introduce new forms of crops,” the Head of State said during a recent engagement with graduates of the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture.
These initiatives, he explained, are all aimed at improving the sector’s competitiveness, increasing yield and expanding market share, whilst at the same time reducing imports.
Dr. Ali is the lead Head of Government with responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in the region’s Quasi Cabinet.
Caribbean leaders are hoping to reduce the region’s food import $US6 billion expenditure by 25 per cent by 2025 and Guyana has been leading in this effort.
“This is important. We have to look at crops that allow us to reduce that im-
port. You also have a lot of foreign direct investment in agriculture now. So, whilst we’re doing this, we also have a major investment in grains, corn, soya, expansion of rice, black eye [and] red beans.”
Back in 2022, President Ali launched the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP).
More than 100 young graduates of the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture are engaged in shadehouse farming, growing crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and romaine and iceberg lettuce.
Initially, about 25 shadehouses were to be established for the cultivation of three high-value crops. However, the success of the programme prompted the government to invest further in the initiative.
By the end of 2022, 120 shadehouses were constructed to support the production. The administration aims to engage a further 100 new young ‘agri’ entrepreneurs and increase production of the crops by 50 per cent.
MORE YOUTHS, WOMEN
The AIEP project President Ali said is now being expanded with the introduction of farmsteads and expansion of poultry production.
“We want to lift you at
a higher level,” he said, adding: “Under [this] programme we want to build agro-businesses, we don’t only want you to
get a job, we want you to eventually own your own businesses that take you beyond an employee and gives you the opportunity
at owning your business and being a part of this big growth of agriculture.”
The Head of State further disclosed that some
100 acres of land have been dedicated to scientific farming at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Mon Repos, East Coast of Demerara, which many young people have been participating in experiments to produce crops.
Already onion experiments have been conducted, while crops are being produced at shade houses to meet the demands of regional markets.
“These are all opportunities for you… do not limit yourself when thinking that you should be behind the desk.
You can be a major supplier [and a] major business owner,” President Ali said.
Gov’t withdraws US$1.5M from NRF
THE Government of Guyana has withdrawn a further US$ 1.5 million from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) following parliamentary approval.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Finance, those funds constitute the third transfer for 2024 to the Consolidated Fund.
The ministry noted that Pursuant to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act 2021, as amended by the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Act 2024, Parliamentary approval was granted for US$1,586,150,331 (equivalent to G$329,885,563,088) to be withdrawn from the NRF in 2024.
“The Government of Guyana has made its third transfer for 2024, totalling US$300 million (equivalent to G$62.394 billion) from the NRF on July 22, 2024, to the Consolidated Fund. This transfer brings the accumulated withdrawals to date in 2024 to US$850 million (equivalent to G$176.782 billion) within the total of US$1.586 billion (equivalent to G$329.9 billion) approved to be withdrawn in 2024,” the release further stated.
Back in January, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, in a move emblematic of its commitment to transparent and accountable governance,
tabled the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the National Assembly. This Bill, consistent with promises outlined in Budget 2024, saw updated withdrawal rules and debt ceilings reflecting the government’s dynamic approach to economic management.
Last year alone, over 350,000 Guyanese benefitted from almost $70 billion in oil revenues, and 1,500 oiland-gas companies benefitted significantly from the Local Content Act (LCA).
During a recent press conference at the Office of the President, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said that $70 billion out of the
budgetted $200 billion in oil revenues was spent on public servants, children, pensioners, those receiving public assistance, and parttime workers.
Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that it was over 200,000 children, 74,000 pensioners, and 54,000 public servants who benefitted from those funds. Also, roughly 15,000 persons benefitted from the part-time jobs.
He expounded on a number of initiatives that the government has been pursuing, noting that thousands of Guyanese are briskly pursuing a rapid developmental path in all avenues.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
‘Blatant Corruption’ - Nandlall calls for SOCU probe into APNU+AFC’s financial ‘crimes’
–– amid more corruption
ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC., has urged the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to investigate a string of alarming financial crimes during the tenure of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government.
This call follows the recent disclosure of significant financial irregularities across multiple Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), suggesting a pattern of mismanagement and possible corruption.
The most flagrant case pertains to Region One, with an astonishing $134 million that cannot be accounted for. Nandlall disclosed that cheques were
written without proper documentation, giving rise to grave concerns regarding the proper management of public funds.
The situation is compounded by similar findings in Region Five, where millions are also reported missing under mysterious circumstances.
The Attorney-General highlighted that these discrepancies are not isolated incidents but part of a broader issue that necessitates a thorough investigation.
“These blatant and flagrant corruption,” he stated on Tuesday during his online programme, ‘Issues in the News.’
Nandlall made it clear that the files related to these irregularities would be handed over to SOCU,
revelations at PAC
the body tasked with investigating complex financial crimes in Guyana.
“These files will have to go to the SOCU [for] these are financial crimes. They’re going to be investigated. These are not going to be left on the public record like this,” Nandlall added.
Further scrutiny revealed that Region Seven is also embroiled in financial controversy, with $2.3 million in overpayments made to contractors.
This, according to Nandlall, is indicative of potential fraud or gross negligence, further underscoring the need for comprehensive audits and investigations.
He expressed concerns over what appears to be a concerted effort to expedite the proceedings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is tasked with examining these financial irregularities.
Nandlall pointed out that the rush to move
through the PAC’s reviews of previous years, particularly those under the APNU+AFC administration, might be an attempt to avoid public scrutiny of these issues.
“We will get to 2020 at the appropriate time, but we have to deal with the years, year after year that how the scrutiny must be done, that is the purpose of the PAC. But they want to rush through the years that they were in government.
“We will not rush it through. The members of that committee will take their time so that we can unearth all these financial irregularities and frauds that took place and acts of blatant and flagrant corruption,” Nandlall asserted.
The PAC’s investigations are bolstered by detailed reports from the Auditor General, which have laid bare a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement.
In Region One, an au-
dit revealed that 1,194 cheques totalling $791.1 million were found in a sub-treasury safe instead of being returned to the Consolidated Fund, as required by law. This highlighted issue is clear violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA).
This discovery is part of a broader audit of 1,216 cheques worth $802.813 million printed on behalf of the Regional Administration as of December 31, 2019.
Such discrepancies suggest a significant lapse in financial oversight and raise concerns about the management of public funds during that period.
Adding to the financial controversies, the 2019 Auditor General’s report for Region Five exposed a major fuel scandal, where fuel was purchased for 26 vehicles that were not even registered in the region’s inventory or the Guyana Revenue Authority’s system.
This anomaly raises suspicions of fraudulent activities, possibly involving fake vehicle registrations or unauthorised fuel consumption.
The report also detailed discrepancies in the procurement of medical supplies, with 31 payment vouchers for drugs amounting to $3.8 million showing bill dates before the requisition dates, further evidencing potential financial malpractice.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
Police seize 26 firearms in major intelligence-led operation
IN a meticulously executed intelligence-led operation early Wednesday morning, law enforcement authorities uncovered a significant arsenal of firearms and ammunition.
The operation, conducted around 05:30 hrs, led to the seizure of 26 handguns and high-powered rifles, as well as a large quantity of ammunition. Six individuals were taken into custody and are currently assisting with the investigation.
The operation was spearheaded by a Superintendent, targeting Lot 25 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, the residence of 47-yearold clothes vendor Eon Fagundes.
Upon arrival, officers observed Fagundes exiting a wooden house on the property with a side bag. A subsequent search of the bag revealed a Sig Sauer rifle with a magazine containing fourteen 9mm rounds, a Polimore-80 9mm pistol with a magazine holding eight 9mm rounds, a Spring Field Armory 45 pistol with four
magazines, and a Bravo gun holster. Fagundes admitted he did not possess a firearm licence and was promptly arrested and informed of his offences. Further investigation at the residence yielded no additional items of interest. However, attention shifted to a black Nissan Juke (Registration number PVV 6472) parked across from Fagundes’ house. Claiming the vehicle belonged to his daughter and his child’s mother, Fagundes provided the keys for a search, leading to the discovery of the following firearms and ammunition stored in a suitcase, a gulf bag, and a haversack: One
AM 15 rifle with two magazines containing 61 .223 rounds; Two Ruger-57 9mm pistols with a magazine containing 40 rounds; One FN-45 pistol with two magazines containing 38 .45 rounds; One Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol with a magazine; One Beretta 9mm pistol with a magazine; One Springfield Hellcat 9mm pistol with a magazine; One Canik 9mm pistol with a magazine; One Glock 43 pistol with a magazine; Five Glock 19 pistols with nine magazines and 21 rounds; Seven Glock 40 pistols with ten magazines and 18 rounds; Two Glock 17 9mm pistols with two magazines; One Glock 9mm pistol with a magazine and one Glock 45 pistol with a magazine.
Additionally, the search yielded:75 12-gauge cartridges, 456 .223 rounds, 484 9mm rounds, 83 5.7-28 rounds, 13 10mm rounds, 315 7.62-39 rounds and 15 magazines.
Eon Fagundes was again informed of the offences and cautioned. The following individuals
present at the residence during the operation were also arrested for questioning: Carol Fagundes, 66, mother of Eon; Devena Persaud, 22, unemployed niece of Eon; Theresa Fagundes, 49, unemployed sister of Eon; Tessa Persaud, 48, unemployed sister of Eon, and Clement Thornton, 48, handyman.
The Guyana Police Force noted that all seized firearms, ammunition, and magazines were transported to their Ballistic Section for examination, fuming, marking, sealing, and lodging. The motor vehicle was also secured as investigation remains ongoing.
In March 2021, Ricardo Fagundes, known as “Paper Shorts,” was fatally shot in an execution-style manner outside a well-known night spot on Main Street in Georgetown.
According to reports, the individual was socializing with a group of acquaintances at the bar.
However, upon receiving a phone call, he left the establishment to answer it. Shortly thereafter, multiple gunshots were audible.
–– six in custody assisting with investigations
The seized firearms and ammunition
Eon Fagundes
Ending the Humanitarian Crisis
THE ongoing hostilities in Gaza have resulted in the devastating loss of nearly 40,000 lives, with women and children being the primary victims, creating a dire humanitarian crisis that demands urgent action from the international community.
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, delivered a powerful and urgent plea at a recent Security Council debate, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Her address is a clarion call for decisive action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and secure a stable future for the region.
Rodrigues-Birkett’s address underscored the Security Council’s responsibility
to act decisively to end the violence that has devastated countless Palestinian lives. She eloquently described Gaza’s situation as a “multilayered catastrophe” characterized by oppression, indignity, and deprivation. This stark portrayal of the humanitarian crisis reflects the grim reality on the ground, where life has become synonymous with constant bombardment, starvation, and inadequate access to essential services.
The ambassador’s condemnation of Israel’s actions, labelling the conflict as a “barbaric war,” highlights the severe human rights violations and the blatant disregard for international law. The ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid, despite nominal openings at crossing points like
Kerem Shalom/Karam Abu Salem, further exacerbate the crisis. These restrictions violate Security Council decisions and undermine the principles of international humanitarian law.
Rodrigues-Birkett’s call for international solidarity and action is timely and necessary. The resolution, adopted five weeks ago, which had raised hopes for peace, has been rendered ineffective by the continuing violence. The ambassador’s demand for the international community to remember and uphold its obligations under international law is a crucial reminder of the need for global co-operation to end the suffering in Gaza.
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, marked by indiscriminate bombardment, a breakdown of law
and order, and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, demands an urgent and comprehensive response.
Rodrigues-Birkett’s emphasis on the need for increased humanitarian assistance, particularly high-nutrition food aid, highlights the critical need to address food insecurity in the region.
Ensuring the safety of United Nations and humanitarian personnel, establishing effective deconfliction and notification mechanisms, and mitigating tensions in the occupied West Bank are imperative measures for fostering a secure and stable future. The reaffirmation by Rodrigues-Birkett of the two-state solution as the sole feasible choice for achieving enduring peace highlights the imperative of a comprehensive
and equitable resolution to the conflict.
Guyana’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict is commendable. The nation’s efforts to raise over $110 million for relief efforts and its continued advocacy for justice and equity reflect a strong commitment to ending what Rodrigues-Birkett aptly described as “perhaps the longest ongoing injustice against a people.”
The international community must heed this call to action. The suffering in Gaza cannot continue to be met with silence or inaction. It is imperative that the global community unites to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians, and prioritize humanitarian relief. The pursuit of peace and justice
for the Palestinian people is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary step toward regional stability and global security.
The words of Rodrigues-Birkett resonate beyond the walls of the United Nations, calling on the world to stand together in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The time for action is now. The international community must rise to the occasion, uphold its responsibilities, and work tirelessly to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza. Only through collective action and unwavering commitment to justice can we hope to secure a peaceful and stable future for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Law libraries conference focuses on capacity-building, innovation
THE 38th Caribbean Association of Law Libraries (CARALL) Conference convened Wednesday morning in Guyana after 36 years, focusing on issues that lead to innovation, capacity-building, collaboration and research to serve the modern legal environment excellently.
Recognising research as a main tenet of the legal profession, the conference brings together information professionals and delegates from courts, government ministries, parliaments, academic institutions, law firms, and libraries across the Region.
The opening ceremony which was held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, saw the attendance of several prominent officials, including Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, among others.
Senior Legal Adviser
at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Chevy Devonish, delivered the feature address, noting that legal research equips professionals with the skills needed to use legal tools in a manner that shapes society. Legal research is not solely for attorneys, but for lawmakers, business owners, law-enforcement officers, and everyone engaged in any activity governed by law.
The senior legal adviser said it is important that libraries access and lever-
age technology and digital resources to allow a vast array of resources to be more accessible.
“I do think that governments need to play a bigger role in providing law libraries [and] the resources they need to contribute to this very important work. But I think that libraries can also engage in other activities, such as collaborating with other libraries and other jurisdictions to see how they can work on arrangements, or perhaps provide resources that another library may
offer, a law that another library does not have,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Cummings-Edwards echoed those sentiments, emphasising the need for continuous improvement of legal research, while acknowledging the rich contributions of librarians in this important field.
She stressed that innovation and building capacity will equal service-excellence and even though technology is being embraced, librarians will still need to
play a critical role.
“Take advantage of the technology. AI will not replace you. Search engines and tools will just help to make the research faster and simpler. Innovation is the driving force behind the advancement of our research capabilities and by leveraging technology, we can streamline our processes enhance our analytical capabilities, and provide comprehensive and timely information to support all disciplines, not only the law but all deci-
sion-making,” Chancellor Cummings-Edwards underscored.
DPP, Ali-Hack; President of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), Kamal Ramkarran; CARALL’s President, Myrna Douglas; President of the Guyana Women Lawyers Association, Denise Hodge and President of the Organisation of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations and University of Guyana’s Librarian, Gwyneth George, also delivered remarks.
Formed in 1984, CARALL was instigated by the Council of Legal Education in 1982, in the quest to achieve greater co-operation among Caribbean law libraries and enhance legal research services and information resource sharing across the Region. The conference will further drive this mandate and build capacity among librarians to support this highly specialised area of the Caribbean society.
(DPI)
Senior Legal Adviser at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Chevy Devonish
Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards
Region Two implements comprehensive measures to combat dengue outbreak GDF advances personnel recovery skills in expert exchange
IN response to a surge in dengue cases, Region Two has intensified efforts to protect residents from this infectious disease, characterised by high fevers, headaches, rashes, and body pain.
Senior Environmental Health Officer and Coordinator of Vector Control Activities in Region Two, Shaleena Jaigobind, highlighted the region's comprehensive strategy, including continuous fogging, abate distribution, residual spraying, and educational campaigns.
Jaigobind stressed the critical role of environmental cleanliness in controlling the spread of dengue. She urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and avoid clogged trenches and overgrown areas. "We have our officers visiting various villages to educate residents on maintaining clean surroundings and encouraging them to dispose of unused receptacles," she said.
The region has launched extensive cleanup campaigns in various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and continues fogging operations from Queenstown and Good Hope to Aurora, and from Mainstay to Lima Sands. Outreach efforts have also extended to various Amerindian communities.
Senior Medical Registrar and Infectious Disease Specialist at the Georgetown
Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Shazeema Shaw explained that dengue is a flu-like illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. She emphasised the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites around homes, noting that a person can be infected with dengue up to four times. "No mosquito means no dengue, and residents need to act
now to eradicate breeding sites," she advised. Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, headaches, eye pains, muscle pains, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and generalised fatigue, with a rash often appearing within a few days.
(Indrawattie Natram)
AS part of its ongoing efforts to enhance human resource capabilities, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in collaboration with SOUTHERN COMMAND (SOUTHCOM), is conducting a Personnel Recovery Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) from July 23, 2024, to July 25, 2024.
The three-day SMEE will bring together person-
nel from various agencies involved in personnel recovery, including the GDF, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and the Maritime Administration (MARAD). The exchange will focus on developing the skills and knowledge of personnel at the supervisory level.
This initiative underscores the GDF’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities and fostering stronger bilateral relations with its military partners. By engaging in such collaborative efforts, the GDF aims to ensure a high standard of readiness and efficiency in personnel recovery operations.
Vector Control Activities being done in Region Two to eradicate breeding sites
The three-day SMEE will bring together personnel from various agencies involved in personnel recovery
Ministers are politicians who must defend themselves
LAST week I wrote that I know of no country where ruling politicians are not involved in confronting their critics. It is commonsense that they do so because when elections come around, voters will judge what type of people they are. I know of no country where politicians at their press conferences or on meet-the-people tours do not respond to
media reports that are crassly unfair and condemnations from organisations that are not factual.
This is quite normal in the world therefore, it is stupid for the Stabroek News (SN) to keep chastising Cabinet Ministers for their response to civil society actors and privately owned newspapers who are hostile to the government. I find it irritat-
ing that you can read in the editorials of SN the paper’s vexations with the government responses to civil society groups that sprout some of the most appalling nonsense you may not find in another country.
The TUC General Secretary, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, demanded that the State drop the charges against a teenager accused of setting a dormitory of fire in which 20 persons lost their lives. The group Red Thread, among others, wants the state to substitute a charge of arson and not the 20 murder charges. Where in the world you would find such asininity from national organisations? And why is the government out of order to respond to such atrocious thinking? Why must the government not speak to the population about the unfair things its detractors say about it?
The anonymous columnist, Peeping Tom, has tried to outdo the SN’s absurdities. Writing recently, the writer concluded that the weekly press conferences by the General-Secretary of the ruling party, Bharrat Jagdeo, are relentless efforts to criticise government critics and the press.
Peeping Tom wants the Guyana Press Association to intervene. A number of issues arise here. But first, let’s quote the columnist: “The GPA must take a definitive stance on whether the weekly PPP press conferences constitute an abuse of press freedom. The GPA should also consider the broader implications of these events on the media. Allowing the media to be conscripted into what amounts to weekly tantrums and platforms for political attacks on rivals does not serve the interests of the public or the principles of journalism.”
So much of this is unadulterated mediocrity. Let’s look at the issues. First, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) is one of Guyana’s most disgraceful organisations and an embarrassment to journalism. Its election for office bearers was riddled with conspiracies. Secondly, who clothes the GPA with the moral authority to pronounce on what press freedom is? The GPA is the last entity in this country that should talk about press freedom.
Thirdly, this anonymous writer refers to the press conferences as characterised
by political attacks on rivals. What is wrong when government ministers at press conferences confront rival politicians and anti-government critics? What is politically and morally wrong with such an approach?
It is a worldwide feature, and it has a commonsensical basis–citizens should hear what the government has to say in its defence. One wonders if Peeping Tom and his boss (yes, “his”, Peeping Tom is a male and there is only one Peeping Tom), Glen Lall at Kaieteur News, ever observe press conferences of foreign governments. Fourthly, the peeper says the political attacks at the PPP press conferences do not serve the interests of the public. How interesting! An anonymous columnist, shamelessly hiding under his mother’s dress for decades now, decides what the public interest is. Fifthly, this same man who hides under his mother’s dress interprets the PPP’s weekly press conference as not serving the principles of journalism.
The reply to this fifth point should be hilarious. Is an anonymous columnist who for decades now has been attacking people in the most insulting way serving the principles of journalism? Surely the answer is no. Of course, the Guyana Government does not do in Guyana what Edward Snowden accused the United States of doing. If it did, then Peeping Tom would have been exposed a long, long time ago and Glen Lall might have had to take his place.
Sixthly, the Peeper takes umbrage at the PPP’s weekly press conference because his paper, the Kaieteur News attends the weekly events not to disseminate news to the people of Guyana but to crusade against the government. And what shape this crusade takes? The newspaper disregards the most elementary rules of journalism by asking the very questions that were advanced the week before and were answered.
I now ask the peeper to name the newspaper in Guyana he thinks practises professional journalism.
There are newspapers in this country that are more like opposition parties than mainstream media.
Stepfather remanded for attempted murder of toddler in viral abuse case
SHAWN Davidson, the man captured in viral videos brutally beating and burning his one-year-old stepson, was, on Wednesday, remanded to prison for attempted murder.
Davidson, a 24-year-old construction worker of North East Squatting Area, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
He was not required to enter a plea.
The charges allege that, on July 17, 2024, at North East Squatting, Davidson unlawfully and maliciously injured the child with intent to murder him.
The videos circulating on social media depict the harrowing abuse, showing Davidson burning the child and beating him with a stick, resulting in the child vomiting blood.
Additionally, Davidson faced an armed robbery charge, which he denied.
It is alleged that, on January 19, 2024, at Laing Avenue, while in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Ayesha Benn of items including a gold and diamond chain valued at $120,000, a 5-pennyweight chain worth $70,000, four gold rings valued at $200,000, and $200,000 in cash—a total of $577,000.
During the robbery, Davidson reportedly held Benn’s three-year-old child at gunpoint.
Police Prosecutor Quincy Lacon strongly opposed bail, highlighting the severity of
the offenses and the involvement of children in both incidents.
The prosecutor informed the court that the young victim of the abuse is currently hospitalised in critical condi-
tion, nursing a fractured leg.
Given the serious nature and gravity of the charges, Magistrate McGusty ordered Davidson to be remanded until August 14, 2024.
REMANDED: Shawn Davidson (Shanice Bamfield photo)
Minister Rodrigues: Avoid bribery, use Ministry’s services for guaranteed land ownership
–– warns against scammers
By Cindy Parkinson
IN light of ongoing concerns about illegal practices related to land acquisition, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Guyanese citizen can legally obtain their own home.
Despite a persistent trend of some individuals resorting to illegal methods, Minister Rodrigues assured the public that the government was working tirelessly to facilitate legitimate house lot allocations.
Speaking exclusively with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Rodrigues highlighted the Ministry of Housing and Water’s (MoH&W) continuous efforts to combat fraud and streamline the process for acquiring house lots. The minister acknowledged the ongoing issue of scammers who exploit the system by collecting money under false pretenses from unsuspecting members of the public.
Minister Rodrigues pointed out that government officials are well aware of these fraudulent activities and have implemented secure systems to protect citizens. She noted a prevailing culture where some people feel compelled to pay bribes to obtain services, a practice the ministry is striving to eliminate.
“Every opportunity that we get to speak with the public, we urge them to conduct and transact all of their businesses through the Ministry of Housing, the Central Housing and Planning Authority on Brickdam, or at the Ministry’s regional offices, where we have our regional officers,” Minister Rodrigues advised.
To enhance transparency and efficiency, the ministry has automated many of its processes. Recently, the single window application system was introduced, allowing individuals to apply for construction permits and other services online. Payments can be made via MMG or at the Housing Ministry, enabling applicants to avoid direct interaction and potential exploitation.
Addressing concerns about delays, Minister Rodrigues explained that the ministry was currently processing applications from 2019 and earlier. She urged the public to be patient and assured them that the goal is to allocate house lots to every eligible Guyanese.
“People are still coming into our head office or going on social media and saying that some people would have
gotten through with their house lots before them even though they applied before. I understand that in some cases, for one reason or another, that may be the case; however, I want to assure the public that we are addressing all applications from 2019 and prior,” Minister Rodrigues said.
To mitigate these concerns, an electronic platform has been launched, allowing applicants to submit their information without direct interaction. This platform ensures that all qualifying applications are automatically processed and considered for allocation.
Minister Rodrigues also disclosed that out of the 600 individuals who have visited the platform since its debut, those who met the requirements have been selected for house lot allocations at Building Expo 2024.
In her concluding remarks, Minister Rodrigues urged Guyanese to exercise caution and avoid engaging with individuals claiming to be connected to the Ministry of Housing. The government has made significant efforts to eliminate corruption by streamlining procedures and implementing technology, reducing the need for direct interaction in financial matters.
Minister Rodrigues appealed to anyone considering bribery to acquire land to refrain from such actions, emphasising that legitimate transactions through the ministry were the only way to ensure guaranteed land ownership after payment.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues.
Empowering Change: Caribbean women lead climate, gender justice initiatives
THE second annual convening of the Caribbean Feminist Climate Justice (CFCJ) Movement successfully concluded earlier this month in St. Kitts and Nevis, bringing together 22 organisations from 10 Caribbean countries including Guyana - all committed to advancing climate and gender justice in the region - which are beneficiaries of funding from USAID and Global Fund for Women.
Over the past two decades, the number of climate-related disasters has nearly doubled, disproportionately affecting women
and girls. They face heightened vulnerability during crises, experiencing more severe immediate impacts and greater challenges in recovery due to entrenched gender inequalities such as gender-based violence, forced migration and increased care responsibilities.
The CFCJ Movement is dedicated to reversing this trend through a bold, inclusive approach that addresses both climate change and gender disparities.
Led by the CFCJ’s Advisory Committee together with the Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL- St. Kitts
and Nevis Chapter) as an anchor partner, the convening served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning on topics such as climate reparations and movement building. Participants discussed innovative approaches for flexible funding systems and reaffirmed their commitment to the feminist climate justice movement in the Caribbean.
During the Opening Session, Honourable Senator Isalean Phillip, Minister with responsibility for Social Development & Gender Affairs; Youth Empowerment Ageing & in St. Kitts and Nevis, con-
gratulated the movement for the progress made over the last year by providing funding to beneficiary organisations that support urgent work in climate action and justice.
The convening underscored the urgent need for comprehensive societal efforts to disrupt systemic inequalities evident in the personal stories of the participants and effectively address the escalating climate crisis.
UN Women’s 2023 framework for action on Feminist Climate Justice was a central point of reference, advocating for strong partnerships, increased investments, and
accountability.
In the Caribbean, women and girls are at the forefront of climate action. They have been instrumental in raising awareness of the impacts of climate change, lobbying for ambitious strategies by regional governments, and supporting coalitions that influenced changes in global policies seen at COP. Despite their significant contributions, Caribbean women-led organisations remain largely underfunded and under-resourced in climate action initiatives and are often underrepresented in leadership roles.
This growing cohort of Caribbean feminist groups is ensuring women’s leadership in climate action. The movement is working on a feminist approach to climate justice that aims to address the root causes of inequality, provide funding and promote the rights of women, girls, and all historically marginalised people such as people living with disabilities and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The Caribbean Feminist Climate Justice Movement continues to advocate for a region where gender equality is integral to climate resilience and justice.
Guyanese media delegation visiting China
A GUYANESE media delegation has embarked on a tour of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to witness and experience the country’s ancient civilisation and modernisation since its founding 75 years ago.
The group of eight journalists is being led by Editor of the National Communications Network (NCN), Mr. Samuel Sukhnandan, and the Editor at the Times Media Group, Ms. Tusika Martin. They are joined by other senior journalists and media workers: Marcelle Thomas (Stabroek News), Vishani Ragobeer & Yusuf Ali (News Room), Davina Bagot and Renay Sambach (Kaieteur News), and Vahnu Manikchand (Guyana Times).
The tour, at the invitation of the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) and the Chinese Embassy
in
They will spend a few days there
Visits will include the Shangdong Provincial Museum, the CIMC Raffles, and Lovol Weichai, among others. The team will also have an opportunity to visit other villages in the province, such as Weifang and Anshanghu.
Mr. Wang said China and Guyana share years of mutual friendship and cooperation in many areas, and he is positive that that friendship will continue to grow and blossom for the benefit of both countries and its people.
The delegation is also expected to travel to Shanghai, a forerunner of China’s reform and opening-up and a hallmark of Chinese-style modernisation. There they will meet with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a political advisory body in the PRC, to get an understanding of how the Party led its peo-
ple in revolutionary times. They will also get to tour Beijing, the country’s national capital, which houses the most important governmental and political institutions of the country and embodies the ancient spirit of Chinese history and modern vitality. They will attend China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry regular press conference and engage in discussions with the Department of Latin America and Caribbean Affairs at the same ministry.
The Guyanese media delegation will have the opportunity to exchange views, explore future opportunities for cooperation, and establish a comprehensive view of China. The tour is also intended to allow the journalists to see a true and dynamic China with their own eyes.
Guyana, commenced on July 20 and will conclude on August 1. The delegation arrived in
Bejing on Sunday and met with the Vice President of the CPDA, Mr. Wang Donghua. They then departed Beijing for Shangdong Province.
and will engage with the local media—Shangdong Radio and Television and Dazhong Daily.
Representatives from the CFCJ Movement Advisory Committee, Support Staff, Global Fund for Women, USAID, CIWiL – St. Kitts & Nevis Chapter and Africa Movement Lead. CFCJ Photos/ Chameleon Media
Representatives from the CFCJ Movement Advisory Committee, Support Staff, Global Fund for Women, USAID, CIWiL – St. Kitts & Nevis Chapter and Africa Movement Lead with attendees from 22 organisations championing climate justice and gender equality in the Caribbean. CFCJ Photos/Chameleon Media
China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) Vice President, Mr. Wang Donghua, with members of the Guyanese media delegation in Beijing
New climate-smart agriculture initiative to benefit 2,500 farmers across eight Caribbean nations
By Faith Greene
THE national inception workshop for the "Gender-responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems in the Caribbean" project was held on Wednesday, marking the commencement of a transformative initiative spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Canada.
The event, hosted at Regency Suites Hotel, Georgetown by the FAO's Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean, highlighted the collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana to implement this innovative project locally.
With a significant funding allocation of CAD $10 million, this four-year project aims to foster the adoption of climate-smart technologies within viable agricultural value chains across eight Caribbean nations: Belize, Grenada, Dominica, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Guyana.
The initiative is set to directly benefit up to 2,500 individuals, engaging over 30 farmer organisations, including those led by women and youth, during its implementation period. Despite focusing on eight countries, the project promises to deliver broad regional advantages to all Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States.
Key elements of the project include address-
ing climate change impacts, enhancing the participation of youth and women in value chains, and building capacities among all value chain actors—ranging from seed suppliers to final consumers. This approach aims to increase market access and improve livelihoods across the region.
Priority will be given to the needs of youth, women, and producer organisations, ensuring equitable access to capacity-building and training activities. Additionally, the project will develop knowledge products to facilitate learning and introduce Climate Smart tools and technologies to boost efficiencies in production and agro-processing.
Following the workshop, the next steps include drafting a project inception report, an annual work plan and budget, as well as project reports, annual implementation reviews, technical reports, and a terminal report.
The workshop saw the participation of several key figures, including FAO representative, Dr. Gillian Smith; Director of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, Natasha Deonarine, and Deputy Director and Head of Co-operation at the High Commission of Canada in Guyana, Adam Loyer. Their involvement underscores the collaborative effort and commitment towards advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in the Caribbean.
From left: FAO representative, Dr. Gillian Smith; Deputy Director and Head of Co-operation at the High Commission of Canada in Guyana, Adam Loyer, and Director of Planning at Ministry of Agriculture, Natasha Deonarine (Japheth Savory photo)
Continental Agencies Ltd introduces India’s Parle products to Guyana market
CONTINENTAL Agencies
Ltd on Tuesday launched its inaugural shipment of Parle Products from India to the Guyana market.
The launch was held at the company’s Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown head office. It was noted that the Parle products out of India is a renowned brand comprising a diverse range of products including cookies, crackers rolls and confectionery.
According to the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mohan Harnanan, this inaugural shipment marks a momentous occasion for the company. It was also noted that the importation of the suite of products has been in the making for quite some time.
Meanwhile, First Secretary at the High Commission of India to Guyana, Mukesh Kaushik ,during his remarks highlighted that these products are now in Guyana as a testament to the strength and
experience of the company.
However, while speaking of the High Commission’s role in forming connections between businesses in India and Guyana, Kaushik said that those interested in conducting business between the two countries should approach the High Commission.
With this first shipment,
Kaushik noted that this begins a growing relationship and noted that the possibility exists for the possible setting up of a Parle products factory here.
Parle products established in 1929 in Mumbai, India, has grown to become the leading manufacturer of biscuits and confectionery in India.
Some of the line-up of Parle products as part of the inaugural shipment to Guyana (Japheth Savory photos)
First Secretary at the High Commission of India to Guyana, Mukesh Kaushik
Global T20 Canada set to bowl off today …Pakistani trio denied No-Objection Certificates
THE fourth edition of Global T20 Canada bowls off today, bringing the best T20 action featuring the top international cricket talents, along with local heroes to Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
In the opening fixture, slated for 16:00hrs (Can), Toronto Nationals will battle with Vancouver Knights. The other teams in contention are Montreal Tigers, Surrey Jaguars, Bangla Tigers Mississauaga, and Brampton Wolves.
According to a release from the organisers, “The GT20 has established itself as a marquee event on the Canadian and global cricket calendar, featuring star-studded franchises, and providing a massive platform to showcase the growth of cricket in Canada. This year's tournament takes on even greater significance, as Canada's national team made their
historic debut at the ICC T20 World Cup.”
Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd, who were part of the Cognisant Major League Cricket tournament, which climaxes on Sunday in the USA, are among a galaxy of stars slated to grace the tournament.
Among the others are recently retired Australian opener David Warner, and all-rounder Marcos Stoinis,
West Indians Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. Guyanese-born Canadian players Dilon Heyliger and Jeremy Gordon, who recently represented Canada at the ICC T20 World Cup, will also feature in the tournament.
Pakistani stars Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, who were also slated to participate, have been refused No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). In a statement, the
PCB said it had decided against issuing these NOCs "after consulting with the three players and the selection committee".
The decision comes shortly after the PCB also refused Naseem Shah's NOC to play the Hundred last week. Naseem had been signed by Birmingham Phoenix in a deal that would have seen him earn GBP 125,000.
Speaking on the occasion, GT20 CEO Joy Bhat-
tacharjya said, "The GT20 Canada has been a huge catalyst for the development of cricket in Canada. With top international stars and the best domestic talent rubbing shoulders, there is a huge impact both on the quality of Canadian domestic cricket and the profile of the game in this country. We are delighted to be a part of this amazing journey.”
A nationwide player draft was held in June to determine
the lineups of the six citybased franchises for the 2024 season. All matches will be broadcast live on national TV and streamed worldwide, ensuring the GT20's impact extends across the Canadian cricket diaspora.
“With Canada making its T20 World Cup debut this year, there is tremendous momentum around cricket in our country right now,” said the President of Cricket Canada, Amjad Bajwa. “The GT20 plays a vital role in this growth journey, helping to inspire the next generation of Canadian cricketers,” he added.
The GT20 captured the imagination of fans across Canada in its first three seasons, thanks to a powerful mix of high-octane cricket, world-class talent, and packed crowds creating an unmistakable carnival atmosphere. (Frederick Halley).
Gobin, Yusuf star as GTA Storm continues winning ways
THREE games in and opener Uniss Yusuf is still to be dismissed on his Toronto sojourn with GTA Storm Over50 team.
Already with unbeaten scores of 94 and 102, Yusuf lived a charm life last Saturday when the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) 2024 tournament continued at the Ashtonbee Reservoir in brilliant sunshine.
At the end of the allotted 20 overs, the con-
sistent opener was still there on 89 not out, as the defending champions piled up a huge 260 for two.
Yusuf, however, had to share the spotlight with skipper and former Guyana Under-19 player, Troy Gobin, who
followed up his 94 from the previous week with a flambouyant 102 before retiring.
Opponents Remax All Stars huffed and puffed their way to 87 for five when their 20 overs expired, going down by a huge margin of 163 runs.
The victory marked the third consecutive for GTA Storm, who earlier lost to Ramblers Rampage, their only defeat of the 2024 season.
Gobin, who clob -
bered five fours and 11 sixes, shared an opening stand of 180 in 12 overs with Yusuf, whose knock was decorated with two fours and nine sixes.
After the former Malteenoes player, who is fondly referred to as “Mr. Cricket” among his team members, opted to retire, there was no respite for the hapless Remax All Stars bowlers, as Ian “Russian” Baldeo joined in the assault, adding a further
66 in seven overs with Yusuf before he departed for 49, spiced with two fours and five sixes. In reply, Remax All Stars struggled throughout with Darmo Gangadin (19), Rupert Takhurdin (18 not out), and Shiv Misir (13) managing double figures. There was one wicket, each, for Gavin Glasgow, Jerry Brittania, Orlando Deonarine, Nirad Lall, and Rudy Bhopaul.
Uefa sanctions seven nations for racist chants
EUROPEAN governing body Uefa has sanctioned seven of the 24 competing countries at Euro 2024 because of racist or discriminatory behaviour by their fans.
The Serbian, Croatian, Romanian, Slovenian, Austrian, Hungarian and Albanian Football Associations have all been sanctioned. The punishments range from a 50,000
euros (£41,970) fine and a ban from selling tickets to its next Uefa away match (a Nations League game in Portugal on September 5) for Croatia, to a 20,000 euros (£16,790) fine and
a ban on selling tickets to its next Uefa away match - suspended for two years - for Austria. In total, 17 games were identified as being affected, including three involving Slove-
nia, Romania, Croatia and Serbia.
The move comes a day after Uefa charged Spain players Rodri and Alvaro Morata for violating "basic rules of conduct" in
the aftermath of their final victory over England when they sang offensive songs about Gibraltar, whose FA lodged a formal complaint.(BBC Sport)
David Warner
Sherfane Rutherford
Uniss Yusuf and Troy Gobin
Motie ready to return to West Indies Test line-up after illness
BIRMINGHAM, England, (CMC) – Leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie said he was over his illness and was focused on helping West Indies get over the finish line against hosts England in the third and final Test of the current Richards-Botham Trophy series, starting tomorrow at Edgbaston.
The 29-year-old Guyanese withdrew on the morning of the first day of the second Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham when he woke up feeling ill, and he was replaced by compatriot, off-spinner Kevin Sinclair. for the match, which the Caribbean side lost by 241 runs inside four days to trail 2-0 in the series.
Motie said he was feeling way better thanks to modern medicine, including a well-known brand of cough drops, and he was disappointed he could not take his place in the side after a notable performance in the first Test at Lord’s that West Indies also lost by an innings and 114 runs inside three days.
“I was just playing my role in the team to give the fast bowlers a break and get wickets – and I did exactly that,” he said about
his bowling in the first Test, when he also picked up the scalps of England master batsman Joe Root and captain, Ben Stokes.
“I really enjoyed that,” he said about dismissing Root and Stokes. “I think so far in my career they are the two biggest wickets to my name.
“We all know how good they are. I put in a lot of work heading into the Test match, and I was happy with the success that I have so far.”
Motie has taken 24 wickets at 20.83 apiece in the six Tests that he has played and has offered Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite an option for control when run-scoring gets out of hand – as it did during the second Test –and he is likely to play in the coming match.
“I am really looking forward to this Test,” he said. “I know we have already lost the series, but there are a lot of reason [sic] that I am looking forward to this Test.
“There is still the World Test Championship we have to think about. We could gain points and see how far we can move up the table.”
He said: “I put in a lot of work after the Twenty20 World Cup heading into the first Test, and it is good that the ball is still coming out of my hand well.
“Right now, we are looking at it one game at a time. We have this next game [at Edgbaston] and that is my focus, so we will try to go out there, and give it our best shot.”
Windies Under-19 Championshp
West Indies Men’s Under-19 Super50 Championship – second round
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, , (CMC) – RESULTS from the second round of matches in the West Indies Men’s Under-19 Super50 Championship on Wednesday in St Vincent.
At Arnos Vale Sports Complex: Barbados beat Trinidad & Tobago by three wickets.
T&T 161 all out off 47.3 overs (Andrew Rambarran 69, Joshua Davis 26; Saurav Worrell 4-23). BARBADOS 162
for seven off 43.2 overs (Joshua Morris 45, Nathan Sealy 41; Aneal Rooplal 3-24). At Park Hill: Guyana beat Leeward Islands by 122 runs.
GUYANA 249 for eight off 50 overs (Jonathan van Lange 77, Rampertab Ramnauth 41, Mavendra Dindyal 39, Riyad Latiff 23; Matthew Miller 3-46, Curdel Cooke 2-25).
LEEWARDS 127 all out off 29 overs (T’yanick Honore 56, Devanand
Singh 20; Mavendra Dindyal 4-1-24-7, Jonathan van Lange 2-19). At Cumberland: Jamaica beat Windward Islands by three wickets. WINDWARD ISLANDS 96 all out off 28.2 overs (Theo Edward 27, Steven Abraham Jr 22; Tamarie Redwood 8-2-185, Deshawn James 2-24, Michael Clarke 2-32).
JAMAICA 98 for seven off 20.3 overs (Lee John 2-10)
West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie
First fooball match of the Olympics — Morocco beat Argentina in game marred by crowd trouble
CROWD trouble forced the first football match of the Olympics to be suspended for nearly two hours amid chaotic and worrying scenes, with the game eventually completed in an empty stadium.
Morocco had been 2-0 ahead against Argentina, who pulled a goal back and were pushing for an equaliser. Cristian Medina then appeared to have made it 2-2 in the 16th of what had been 15 scheduled minutes of injury time at the end of the second half.
After the resulting crowd trouble, play finally resumed after a lengthy delay with no fans present, and with VAR having ruled out Argentina's equaliser, Morocco secured a controversial 2-1 victory.
Here's how the chaos and confusion unfolded...
· Immediately after Medina looked to have made it 2-2, a number of cups and bottles were then thrown at the celebrating Argentina side before what appeared to be a flare landed near the players and coaching staff.
· A number of fans in
Morocco colours also ran on to the pitch, with some being escorted off the pitch by stewards.
· Riot police moved to the side of the pitch and the referee immediately took the players off the pitch.
· The fans inside the stadium in Saint Etienne were told to leave the ground and a message on a big screen said: "Your session has been suspended please make your way
to the nearest exit."
· It was unclear whether the match had been classed as finished, but it was then revealed the final three minutes would be played in an empty stadium with no fans present.
· Before the match could be played to a finish, it was announced that Argentina's potential equaliser had actually been ruled out by a video assistant referee decision
that showed a player was offside before Medina scored.
The players had gone off the pitch at 16:05 BST, and they then came back to warm up at 17:45 before the match could resume at 18:00.
Immediately the referee checked to see if the 'equaliser' should stand via a pitchside monitor and, as expected, the 'goal' was disallowed.
Play resumed just after
18:00 for the last three minutes, and with neither side scoring further, Morocco won the match 2-1.
Both Morocco goals were scored by Soufiane Rahimi, one just before half-time and then a penalty early in the second half as they looked to begin their 2024 gold-medal bid with a win.
Argentina pulled a goal back through Giuliano Simeone, the son of Atletico Madrid manag -
er and former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone.
But, after all the drama, it was Morocco who took the three points.
Argentina won the men's Olympic football tournament in 2004 and 2008 and ex-Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, who was a part of the winning squad for the second of those successes, is managing the team in 2024.
Mascherano's side will now need to get positive results against Iraq on Saturday and Ukraine on Tuesday to have a chance of finishing in the top two in the group and advancing to the quarter-finals.
A statement from the tournament organisers said: "The football match between Argentina and Morocco at the Saint-Etienne Stadium was suspended due to a pitch invasion by a small number of spectators.
"The match then restarted and was able to conclude safely. Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions."(BBC Sport)
Funeral of former National U-19 cricketer — Anthony
FORMER national U-19 batter, Mark Anthony Rigby, who succumbed to a stroke on July 11, after celebrating his 63rd birth anniversary on March 14 will be buried tomorrow. His funeral service will take place at Sandy’s Funeral Parlour from 14:00hrs -15:00hrs. Viewing of the body will start from 13:00hrs Following the service, Rigby’s body will be interred at the Le Repentir cemetery.
A wake is planned for tonight at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary, from 19:00hrs. Rigby represented Police in threeday First Division cricket until
Rigby set for tomorrow
the late 1990s.
Rigby, an elegant righthander represented Guyana in the 1979 and the 1980 BAT Regional Youth Series.
One of Guyana’s matches in the 1980 tournament was played at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden.
It was during that youth tournament when ‘Riggers’ first met ‘Gus’ Logie who was representing Trinidad and Tobago. Similar in stature and style the pair became close friends and Rigby got the nick name ‘Gus’ Logie.
Rigby turned out at the first division level for Mackenzie
Sports Club where he played with the late Basil Butcher. Rigby then joined the Guyana Police Force and remained there for the rest of his first division career for police, scoring the last of his centuries against GYO in 1995 at Eve Leary.
Rigby represented Demerara against Berbice in the 1987 One- Day Inter-County final at Albion.
Rigby last played cricket in March 2016 at Bourda when a benefit game was organised for former Guyana Opener, Paul Persaud who returned home for the first time in 15 years. (Sean Devers)
A number of bottles and cups were thrown at the celebrating players after Argentina's second goal, which was later disallowed
Flashback: In 2016 at Bourda: Anthony Rigby (Centre) is flanked by Sean Devers and Paul Persaud (left) and Peter Persaud and Gavin Nedd who all represented Guyana at Cricket
Team Guyana performs well at the 34th Pan- American Youth chess championship
THE eight-member team of junior chess players will return home soon after representing Guyana at the recently concluded Pan-Am Youth Championship. The team performed exceptionally well overall, accumulating a total of 25.5 points.
The event, organised by the US Chess Federation, the Confederation of Chess for Americas, and Rosen Shingle Creek, was hosted in Orlando, Florida, from July 15th to July 20th, 2024. Three hundred and sixty-eight junior chess players from twenty-eight chess federations participated in the nine-round tournament in the Open and Girls’ categories.
The Guyana team represented both divisions of the Under 16, Under 14, Under 12, and 10 categories of the six-day event.
The Guyana delegation consisted of Kyle Couchman, Maliha Rajkumar, Sachin Pitamber, Aditi Joshi, Jeremy Cole, Kataleya Sam, Vir Na-
rine, and Saura Ruplal.
The accumulative points were gained by Joshi with 4.5, Couchman and Sam with 4, Pitamber with 3.5, and Rajkumar, Cole, and Ru-
plal gaining 2.5 points each. Nine-year-old Narine ended on 2 points.
Earlier in the first round, Couchman defeated his 2200-rated opponent Amer-
ican Nathan Yan in the U16 category after Yan missed a critical move. Couchman also won against Jamaican Zuberi Edwards in round four and drew four of his games with
rated players.
Fourteen-year-old Aditi Joshi, playing in the U14 Girls category, scored three wins and three draws, one of her draws being against Mexican Andrea Sanchez, the third ranked player in the category.
Joshi’s best performances were also defeating USA’s Tanya Prabhu and drawing with Brazilian Mariana Yassuda. Joshi says her experience at the Pan American Youth Chess Championship was insightful and exposed her to a higher level of competition, more seasoned opponents and a wide learning experience.
With 36 medals for the taking, Team USA took first place, capturing 25 medals, including 11 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze, while Team Costa Rica won 1 gold and Team Ecuador won 2 silver medals.
Team Canada won 1 silver and two bronze medals.
The Guyana Chess Fed-
eration is pleased with the team's effort shown by the players who displayed their analytical skills, competitiveness, and strategy over the chess board. The time spent over a chess board shows the dedication and love of chess from these young players, some of whom challenged their opponents in three to four-hourlong games.
The experience and knowledge gained by the players in this tournament will strengthen their confidence in future competitions, both locally and internationally. FIDE ratings are also up for grabs for some of these players as they would have won against other FIDE-rated players.
The GCF wishes to thank the parents for making the trip possible and the head of the Guyana delegation, Mrs. Archana Joshi, for her guidance and leadership. (Guyana Chess Federation release).
ICC confirms review into conduct of T20 World Cup 2024
THE ICC has confirmed that a review into the conduct of T20 World Cup 2024 will be carried out after the global body set up a panel with three of its board directors – Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo and Imran Khawaja – to oversee the review and submit findings later in the year.
ESPNcricinfo had reported earlier that there was scrutiny on the extent of expenditure on the US leg of the tournament and the organisation of the Caribbean leg. The decision to appoint a review panel was taken at the ICC annual con-
ference in Colombo from July 19 to 22, which was attended by all 108 members. The
three-man panel will engage an independent consultancy to carry out the review, before
reporting back to the board.
The ICC also approved the expansion of the Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams in 2030. Eight teams had taken part in the inaugural tournament in 2009 and that number rose to 10 in 2016. Ten teams will also take part in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October. The 2026 edition will have 12 participating teams, for which the cut-off date for qualification is October 31, 2024, before the expansion to 16 in 2030.
For the next Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, the ICC said the allocation of
the eight regional qualifying spots would be as follows: two teams each from Africa and Europe, one from the Americas, and three from Asia and East Asia Pacific (EAP) combined. Previously, Asia had two spots and EAP one.
The ICC also announced that USA Cricket and Cricket Chile have been “formally put on notice” because both organisations are not compliant with ICC membership criteria. They have 12 months to make rectifications.
“Neither member is considered to have in place a fit-for-purpose, detailed gov-
ernance and administrative structure and systems,” the ICC said in a release. “The ICC Americas office will work with Cricket Chile to support them in remedying their non-compliance. The board agreed that a normalisation committee comprising of [sic] board and management representatives will be set up to oversee and monitor USA Cricket’s compliance roadmap and the ICC board will reserve its right to suspend or expel the member for continued non-compliance.”
(ESPNcricinfo)
Team Guyana accumulated 25.5 points
The delivery of the 2024 T20 World Cup didn't go according to plan • (ICC/Getty Images)