President, Dr Irfaan Ali (fourth from right) along with Prime Minister, Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips (fourth from left) and government ministers and contractors turned the sod for the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway (Delano Williams photo)
President, Dr Irfaan Ali met with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Group’s Vice President and Chief Supervisor Professor Yu Jing and fellow Vice President Yu Jin, along with a delegation at the Office of the President on Wednesday.
Discussions focused on opportunities in the gas sector and how CNOOC can align its corporate social responsibility with the government’s social agenda. Several key officials from the oil corporation were also a part of the meeting. President Ali was joined by Prime Minister Brigadier (retd) Mark Phillips, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs Marcia Nadir-Sharma (Office of the President photo)
‘APNU+AFC will not kill development in Guyana’
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has called out the opposition A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), accusing them of attempting to stymie the nation’s development, while dismissing their objections to the construction of a new Berbice River Bridge.
The President’s comments came during a discussion with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond on Tuesday, while highlighting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic-led government’s ongoing development initiatives.
HYPOCRISY AND SABOTAGE
President Ali did not hold back in his criticism of the opposition, especially the AFC, labelling their recent objections to the new Berbice River Bridge project as “hypocritical.”
The proposed new Berbice River Bridge, similar to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, is set to improve connectivity between Berbice and Demerara and is expected to facilitate transportation and
– President Ali warns
–– dismisses AFC objections to construction of new Berbice River Bridge –– accuses APNU+AFC of ‘fighting down’ development
trade, supporting regional development.
“Look at the hypocrites that we have in the AFC,” President Ali said, referencing the opposition actions to “fighting down” development, especially in Region Six.
He recounted the closure of sugar estates during the APNU+AFC administration, which led to the loss of nearly 8,000 jobs in Region Six alone.
“They shut down all the sugar estates… most of whom are from Region Six. Outside of that, tens of thousands of people lost their jobs indirectly,” he said.
He condemned the opposition for now questioning the feasibility of the Berbice Bridge project, likening their approach to the past when they “killed” the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), a project that could have halved energy costs in the country.
“And today, these same people, it’s not a feasibility study that they want for the Berbice Bridge. Again, just like they killed the hydro,” he said, highlighting that the opposition has consistently tried to block developmental projects.
The AFHP programme was shelved following the APNU+AFC taking office in 2015; however, the PPP/C administration since entering office in 2020 has sought to breathe new life into the 165MW project, as the party strives to achieve energy security through an en-
ergy mix.
“Today we would have had hydro, clean energy, and the cost of energy would have been half of what it is today. They killed that,” Ali lamented.
President Ali highlighted the PPP/C’s commitment to infrastructural development across all regions, not just in specific areas.
He noted the government’s efforts to improve connectivity and infrastructure in places such as Linden and Kwakwani, mentioning ongoing and future projects such as the Wismar Bridge and the Corentyne River Bridge.
“Any investment we’re doing, the Wismar Bridge, the Berbice Bridge, the Demerara Bridge, we’re looking now at bridging the Kwakwani River,” Ali said, listing various projects aimed at expanding production and improving efficiency.
Also pointed to ongoing and planned investments, such as the Corentyne River Bridge, the gas-to-energy project, and the new industrial zone in Palmyra, as part of his government’s
See page 4
President Dr Ifaan Ali
‘We have a carefully articulated vision and plan for this country’
–– as US$161M contract signed for reconstruction of Soesdyke-Linden
By Shamar Meusa
HIGHLIGHTING that his government has a new, well-thought-out and carefully articulated plan for Guyana, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway serves as a wider menu of investments aimed at the transformation of the country.
The Head of State made these remarks on Wednesday during the signing and sod-turning ceremony for the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
The contract for the project, which has long been in the works, was inked to the tune of US$161 million and will be carried out by a joint venture, Namalco Construction Services Limited, out of Trinidad and Tobago and GuyAmerica Construction Inc. from Guyana.
The reconstruction will be supervised by a Kuwait firm, AlHabshi Engineering Consultants to the tune
of US$1.775 million and is the first project in Guyana to be funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Delivering the feature remarks at the ceremony, President Ali stated that the investment into this reconstruction is part of a wider set that is aimed at the transformation of the country, and the opening up of opportunities along
with the rebuilding and expansion of the economy.
“This highway is integral, not only for the connectivity between Region Four and Region 10, but importantly, it is important because it is one of the main arteries that support the development in the hinterland communities and wider afield,” he said.
Dr Ali said the highway is linked to other key and
critical infrastructures that would expand the productive capacity of the country, while also expanding land availability and opening up new areas for a multifaceted investment portfolio.
Emphasising the importance of the thoroughfare, he indicated that the upgrade will support the transformation of the town of Linden as an important industrial hub that will support the mining community, as well as an important mechanical hub and further, will also open up lands for agriculture, tourism and even housing development all the way to Bartica.
He expressed, “As you can see, this is a careful articulation, a careful plan, a careful vision that is being implemented across the country. This is not guesswork. This is not accidental planning. This is a careful, well-articulated strategy that will put Guyana number one.”
Against this backdrop, he said that by the time his government is finished
Highway –– President Ali says
Guyana’s economy will be the most advanced, most diversified and most integrated one with its urban and regional planning as the best in the hemisphere.
However, placing the focus back on the project for the upgrade, President Ali indicated that when projects are being carried out, contractors are implored to employ persons from the communities in which these projects will be executed.
As a result, he said that with this project, contractors are looking for some 300 persons to be employed in various capacities for the two-year period in which the project will be conducted.
“We want the persons in Linden and on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to maximise this opportunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, providing citizens of the community with specifics on the project, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said that the policy of the government is to ensure that when projects are being
carried out, the contractors meet with the people of the community so that residents of the community will be able to monitor these projects.
While the minister reiterated that this is the first development project funded by the IsDB here, he said that getting to this point can be attributed to the leadership and activism of the President and the Minister of Finance, whom he said worked around the clock to ensure that the project was in place.
Edghill went on to state that the project will see the construction of two roundabouts, one at the Soesdyke-Linden junction and the other at the Millie’s Hideout area, which he said will ensure the smooth transition of traffic going in every direction.
Further to this, he indicated that when the highway is rehabilitated, over 2,900 streetlights will be installed along the entire highway and with
President Dr Irfaan Ali
‘APNU+AFC will not kill development
broader strategy to transform Region Six to build back what was taken away by the APNU+AFC.
The President contrasted the PPP/C’s approach to development with the opposition’s, recalling his own experiences during the APNU+AFC administration.
He recounted how the APNU+AFC when in power, dismissed the need for socioeconomic studies before closing the sugar estates, an action that devastated many communities.
“That was how they viewed 10,000 jobs—as a burden on the state, as a burden on the people,” Ali said, criticising the opposition’s lack of foresight and planning.
VISION FOR A PROSPEROUS GUYANA
The President was adamant that the new Berbice River Bridge would
be completed despite the opposition’s resistance.
He assured the public that the project would bring significant benefits, including increased trade, job creation, and overall economic competitiveness.
“We want prosperity to come to every single home. We want every single family in Guyana to enjoy the beauty of living in Guyana and enjoy the beauty of the improved economic and social conditions of our country,” Ali asserted.
Minister Mustapha backed the President’s sentiments, highlighting the extensive investments being made in agriculture and infrastructure, particularly in hinterland communities.
He noted that over the last four years, more than $4.5 billion had been spent on agricultural projects, transforming the sector and boosting food security.
Mustapha also pointed out that under the APNU+AFC administration, Guyana had lost its leadership position in regional food security, a status that has since been reclaimed under the current government.
“Today, the entire Caribbean is looking to Guyana for that leadership in food security,” Mustapha said, underscoring the government’s achievements.
Meanwhile, Minister Walrond added her voice to the discussion, criticising the APNU+AFC for
its lack of vision and failure to initiate any significant development projects during its tenure.
She argued that the coalition’s strategy has always been to block the PPP/C’s initiatives rather than proposing their own ideas.
“For five years, nothing happened. Guyana became a dead nation,” Walrond stated, highlighting the stagnation that occurred under the previous government.
She also addressed the significant strides made in the tourism sector, noting
that since 2020, visitor arrivals have been consistently increasing, breaking records every year.
This growth, she said, directly results from the government’s strategic efforts to diversify Guyana’s tourism offerings and promote the country as a prime destination.
“People are coming to Guyana, and they’re staying a longer time, and they’re spending their dollars,” Walrond explained, detailing how the development of tourism products and experiences across various regions are benefiting local communities economically.
Against this backdrop, President Ali reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every region in Guyana benefits from the country’s development.
The Head of State stressed that the PPP/C administration is focused on building a prosperous future for all Guyanese, regardless of the opposition’s efforts to undermine their progress.
“We will continue to do so because we want all of Guyana to prosper,” Ali declared, reaffirming
his vision for a united and thriving nation.
He warned the opposition that their attempts to block progress would not succeed.
Instead, the PPP/C government will push forward with its development agenda, ensuring that Guyana continues on its path of growth and prosperity.
Under President Ali, Guyana has prioritised extensive infrastructural development, leveraging oil revenues to enhance public services.
The 2024 budget allocates over $1.1 trillion GYD, with significant investments in roads ($204.1 billion GYD), healthcare ($129.8 billion GYD), and housing ($78 billion GYD) aimed at improving living standards and fostering economic growth.
Key projects include the Linden-Mabura Hill Road and 45 new bridges to boost connectivity and trade.
This focus aims to create jobs, reduce poverty, and position Guyana as a competitive player in the Caribbean market.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond
$600M abattoir completed at Onverwagt, Region Five
THE state-of-the-art
$600 million abattoir at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, has been completed, modernising Guyana’s meat-processing capabilities and bringing them up to international standards.
It is also expected to unlock new markets for Guyana’s beef.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha made these remarks during a recent event.
The transformative project is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The facility will serve as Guyana’s main slaughtering area for cattle, as Region Five is set to become the hub for the cattle sector.
“They had a test the other day and the contractor has to
‘We
do some modifications. And as soon as that is completed, I will do the commissioning shortly,” the agriculture minister stated.
He added that the abattoir will help to enhance incomes for many cattle farmers and generate additional employment opportunities. It will complement efforts made by the government over the last four years to boost meat production and reduce meat importation.
Other initiatives being undertaken in the livestock sector include cultivating corn and soya beans and using artificial insemination (AI) in cattle to improve the country’s breeding stock.
These initiatives aim to help Guyana become self-sufficient and ensure food security, locally and regionally. (DPI)
have a carefully articulated vision ...
all bridges that are expected to be constructed, there will also be pedestrian bridges at the side.
Along the 73km stretch, the Public Works Minister revealed that
lay-by’s will be constructed to prevent accidents that happen with parked vehicles along the highway and added to this, designated rest areas will be put in place along the stretch.
Additionally, the project also caters for the improvement of drainage along the entire highway, which will prevent flooding that has occurred in the past. With this will come im-
provements to the base and surface of the road to cater for the new level of tonnage traversing the highway.
Meanwhile, the minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat
Indar, added that as part of the reconstruction, 10 bridges and five other structures will be built along the alignment.
He noted that the signing of the contract and the turning of the
sod is testimony that the government has been fulfilling promises that have been made and further added that all across Guyana, there are signs of economic development.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali (fourth from right) along with Prime Minister Brigadier Ret’d, Mark Phillips (fourth from left) and ministers of the government and contractors turned the sod for the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway (Delano Williams photos)
President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and other officials touring the abattoir in March
Training and Education
IN recent years, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has become a cornerstone of Guyana’s workforce development strategy, embodying the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s human capital.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton’s recent update on BIT’s success highlights a transformative journey that has significantly impacted thousands of Guyanese.
Since August 2020, BIT has trained 12,472 individuals in diverse fields, thanks to an impressive $1.2 billion investment by the government. This substantial financial commitment reflects a strategic vision to equip the workforce with skills that are crucial for personal and national economic growth.
Minister Hamilton’s visit to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) provided a firsthand look at the ongoing training programmes in electrical installation, cosmetology, commercial cooking, and information technology. The
results are promising: Of the 12,400 trained, 61 per cent are women. This shift represents a significant move towards gender inclusivity in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as electrical installation and welding. Such progress is a testament to BIT’s success in breaking down barriers and providing equitable opportunities.
One of the standout achievements highlighted by Hamilton is the fiber optic technician training programme. Initiated in 2022, this programme has already made a remarkable impact. The first batch of fifteen trainees was quickly absorbed into the telecommunications industry, a clear indication of the programme’s alignment with industry needs. The subsequent training batches, including those for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), underscore BIT’s responsiveness to emerging technological demands. The fact that GPL now employs almost twenty technicians trained by BIT to handle fiber optic in-
stallations and repairs speaks volumes about the programme’s effectiveness.
In addition to these achievements, BIT’s recent collaboration with Coursera to launch an online life skills training programme marks a significant milestone. This initiative, which offers courses in Literacy, Numeracy, Health and Wellness, and Entrepreneurship, aims to provide a well-rounded educational foundation. Minister Hamilton’s emphasis on combining technical skills with theoretical knowledge highlights the importance of a holistic approach to professional development. Over 115 individuals have already registered, showcasing the community’s eagerness to leverage this innovative platform.
The user-friendly Coursera platform, with its features such as downloadable courses and 24-hour live chat, ensures that even those in areas with unreliable internet access can benefit from this programme. This inclusivity extends beyond BIT participants,
reflecting the ministry’s broader commitment to improving employability and personal growth across the country.
The Ministry of Labour’s efforts are not confined to training alone. The Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) plays a crucial role in matching job seekers with employment opportunities, further supporting the overarching goal of economic empowerment.
As Guyana continues to navigate its path to development, the achievements of BIT and the new life skills training programme stand as exemplary models of how targeted investments in education and training can foster a skilled and versatile workforce.
These initiatives not only address current industry needs but also prepare individuals for future challenges, ensuring that Guyana’s workforce remains competitive and resilient in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Peeping Tom’s disingenuous distortion and misinterpretation
Dear Editor,
PLEASE permit me to respond to Peeping Tom’s article, “The President needs to pay more attention to fact-checking,” published in the Kaieteur News on August 25, 2024.
Based on the author’s ramblings, it was evident that he/she paid little attention to the President’s presentation at the NTCC last Monday or disingenuously attempted to distort the President’s message. The simple plain fact is that the statistics presented by the President were taken from various credible sources.
In demonstrating that the Hinterland Regions were systematically marginalised during the 28 years the PNC
ruled Guyana, the President pointed out that in 1992, the residents in the rural interior were faced with absolute and critical poverty, significantly above the national average and the averages for Urban Georgetown, Urban Other, and Rural Coastal communities. This fact is well documented in various reports and academic studies that examined poverty in Guyana, including a report by the World Bank titled ‘Guyana: Strategies for Reducing Poverty Report’,’ and the International Monetary Fund Guyana: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report 2005, as well as studies conducted by well-respected academicians.
In a comprehensive study by John Gafar entitled “Growth, Inequality and Poverty in Selected Caribbean and Latin
American Countries, with Emphasis on Guyana,” it was reported that 78.6 per cent of the population in the rural interior were living below the poverty line, compared with an average of 43.2 per cent for the country, 45.1 per cent for Rural Coastal, 23.1 per cent for Urban other and 28.8 per cent for Urban Georgetown. In the same study, the author reported that over 70 per cent of the rural interior was extremely poor, compared with extreme poverty of 27.7 per cent at the national level. Regardless of the poverty measure used, there is consensus by all the reports and academic studies that the Amerindian population was affected by poverty more than the citizens from urban Georgetown, urban other, and coastal communities. The Peeper may wish to consult this study
and the reports mentioned earlier to prove that the President was misleading his audience at the NTCC.
In his presentation, The President also highlighted the disparities between the hinterland regions and the rest of the country during the early 1990s, with respect to access to various social services, such as education, water, sanitation, housing, electricity, and healthcare. For instance, he revealed the following: The secondary enrollment ratios for the hinterland regions were significantly below the national average of 54.5 per cent in 1991.
In terms of access to safe drinking water, the average for the hinterland
Labour Ministry hosts seminar to improve safety in construction sector
TO combat workplace fatalities, the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department hosted a workshop on Wednesday to promote safety and health in the construction sector. The event aimed to foster a safe working environment across the industry.
The seminar, held at the Regency Suites Hotel in Georgetown, attracted 80 public and private participants. It featured presentations on proper safety and health practices tailored to the construction industry.
The event was organised in response to numerous complaints from workers regarding safety issues
in the sector. There was also a panel discussion, where recommendations were made to enhance workplace safety by implementing robust safety and health practices.
Over the past four years, there have been 27 fatalities in the construction sector, with six recorded in 2020, five in 2021, five in 2022, seven in 2023, and four in 2024.
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, in his remarks, stressed the importance of prioritising safety and health in all workplaces, calling it a national concern.
“…Whether it’s the public or private sector, safety and health is all of
our business…It is a national matter and we have to fix it,” he said.
Minister Hamilton acknowledged the need for
continued efforts to reduce workplace fatalities. He noted the ministry’s progress in this area.
He highlighted that
the construction sector is prone to hazards but added that such risks can be mitigated through proper safety and health measures.
The minister also mentioned that any company that employs more than 19 staff is required to have a health and safety committee.
He expressed confidence that stakeholders would leave the seminar equipped with the necessary tools to uphold safety and health standards at their workplaces.
Gary Hall, Divisional Director of QHSE and Operational Support at Guyana Power Light (GPL) Inc. described the seminar as timely, bringing stakeholders together to address a critical issue.
Hall said, “[It]cannot come at the most opportune time, where our developmental thrust is on an upward trajectory and we are chasing behind a lot of things [like] the infrastructural development and building out our network.”
OSH Consultant, Gweneth King also delivered remarks at the seminar. (DPI)
“I would hope that after we finish here today, you would see the [need] to support what we are doing. And that you would see the need to do everything possible to protect yourself, your coworkers, business owners, and our staff,” he said.
Peeping Tom’s disingenuous ...
regions in 1990 was well below the national average.
In terms of access to improved sanitation, the average for the hinterland regions in 1991 was 8.4 per cent compared with the national average of 31 per cent.
Only 25 per cent of the hinterland communities were heavily reliant on kerosene lamps and self-generated power.
The hinterland regions mainly depended on low-tier health facilities such as Health Posts and Health Centres, and only had 15 health centres in the 1990s.
Based on my review, these statistics are consistent with those in a report published by the International Monetary Fund entitled Guyana: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report 2005 by the International Monetary Fund and reports from the Ministry of Health Statistics Unit. The Peeper may also wish to check these reports and provide the correct statistics if the President had misquoted them. Alternatively, the Peeper is free to offer more credible statistics concerning poverty and living conditions of hinterland communities to show that our Amerindian brothers and sisters were not the most impoverished during the 1990s and are worse off today than the pre-1992 period when Guyana was the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. This would be more beneficial than fanciful anecdotal statements to ridicule the statistics presented by the
President for the Pre-1992 period.
In his speech, the President also shared data on investment by the PPP/C government in the social sector that would have improved the living conditions of hinterland communities in the 1990s. The impact of these interventions is clearly visible. Except for a blind critic or someone who prefers to peep rather than to look at issues with open eyes, any objective citizen, especially those from hinterland communities, would readily agree that their living conditions have improved markedly under the PPP/C between 1992 and 2015. Under the PPP/C government, Amerindians were granted titles to their lands, accessed improved electricity via the Hinterland Electrification Programme, and housing via the Hinterland Housing programme. The investments in the social sector also saw the upgrade and expansion of health and education facilities, resulting in improved educational opportunities and healthcare services for hinterland residents. Our Amerindian brothers and sisters also benefitted from improved sanitation and safe drinking water due to the investments in the water sector. With these investments, it is doubtful that the living conditions of the hinterland citizens would have deteriorated with improved access to educational opportunities, healthcare, water, sanitation, housing, and electricity. In my humble view, therefore, the Peeper’s lu-
dicrous claim that poverty today is higher than in 1991, without providing an iota of supporting statistics, is not only spurious but downright scandalous.
Apart from side-stepping the statistics the President presented for the periods 1992-2015, the Peeper completely ignored the unprecedented investment in the social sector by his government in hinterland villages since 2020. The details of these investments can be found in the annual budgets and estimates from 2020 to the present. The current PPP/C government has also invested in the village economies throughout the hinterland regions. Under the expanded LCDS, for instance, the government has allocated 15 per cent of the US$150 million received from HESS to finance over 800 transformative projects in 2023. This year, the government increased the allocation to 26.5 per cent of the US$87.5 million received in 2024 to support 242 Amerindian villages and new entrants. Again, it is highly improbable that hinterland citizens would be worse off than in the Pre-1992 period when absolute and critical poverty were at the highest in our country.
Indeed, regardless of the poverty measure used, it is impossible that poverty or the living conditions of hinterland communities would have worsened under the PPP/C. Whether we use the international poverty line, which is fixed and not necessarily contingent on a country’s national
income, or a multidimensional poverty measure that captures access to social goods and services, you would easily find that the living conditions of hinterland communities improved remarkably.
The efforts by the PPP/C between 1992-2015 and 2020-present, must be contrasted with the APNU-AFC’s decision to fire 2,000 CSOs, tax the economic sectors that Amerindian communities are dependent on for their livelihood, abandon the Amerindian Land Titling Programme and call them ‘avaricious.’ These facts, much like the statistics presented by the President in his speech, cannot be erased from our history or the memory of our Amerindian brothers and sisters who suffered under the PNC from independence to 1992 and between 2015 and 2020 under the APNU+AFC government.
It is understandable that Peeping Tom, in conducting his peeping activities, is probably squinting too intensely and missing half of the developments unfolding before his squint-closed eyes.
However, the average Amerindian citizen would not deny that their living conditions have improved under the PPP/C based on their own experiences, with or without any statistics to confirm this reality.
Regards, Kevin Persaud
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton speaking at OSH seminar on Wednesday
Applebaum and Ramcharran: A reply, part 1
I HAD the misfortune of being taught International Relations by Western professors steeped in Western bias. Believe me; it is an uncomfortable feeling that is close to being a nightmare. Use your imagination to think what it would be like doing a course in international politics and being taught by a Black South African professor as against a Western social scientist?
I came back from studies abroad and taught a course in International Relations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at UG and, in my course outlines, I omitted all the nonsense, bias, and shameless propaganda I learnt from those professors. I was forcefully pellucid in my teaching that the USSR played the most crucial role than any other nation in the defeat of Nazi Germany, a fact my Western professor poured scorn on. It was appalling to read a Guyanese scholar Dr Bertrand Ramcharran in his criticism on Guyana’s governance in the Stabroek News of Tuesday, August 27, quote from one of the world’s most
irrational ant-communist, pro-Israeli, proUkrainian academic, Anne Applebaum, on what the world is like today.
He accepts the canvas of the world that Applebaum paints, obviously missing the encrustations, indelible stains, and mouldy smell on the canvas. Ramcharran quotes from one of the bibles of anti-communism and anti-Third-worldism titled, “Autocracy Inc.” It is doubtful that the book will ever make the reading list of any lecturer in world politics from a Third World university.
Let’s show you the propaganda in Applebaum’s work which Ramcharran finds appealing, so he quotes her and recommends we read her book. I recommend that as a Guyanese stay far away from anything Applebaum writes and her outputs include support for genocide, once the genocide is committed by counties she admirers.
She lists a number of authoritarian countries that have strongmen, but the ones that did not make the list are the ones the Western governments are close
to, like the Gulf States and Saudia Arabia and Israel (Ms Applebaum is Jewish). Macron in France doesn’t make her list, even though he exhibits more of a strongman mentality than the President of China. China, of course, is on her enumeration.
Ms Applebaum tells us that people live better lives in liberal countries, but she did not do any survey in China, Singapore, the United States etc to ascertain how people feel about their leadership and their countries. So smitten is Ramcharran by the nonsense and hysteria that Applebaum puts in her book that he overenthusiastically quotes her, which is worth reproducing here.
I will quote Ramcharran on how Applebaum see these authoritarian countries’ effort to undermine the UN and when I do so, remember that Ramcharran should know better about who undermines the work of the UN, because at one time he was Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Here is Ramcharran: “The details in this book are staggering of the efforts within this group of countries to overturn the principles and rules of the United Nations charter and universal values of human rights.” Really Dr Ramcharran! You are writing this nonsense when, from last October to the present, the UN has never faced a more crucial moment of imminent disintegration.
I can only conclude that this gentleman has not been following the pressures being borne by the UN over the attitude
by certain countries that side with Israel at the expense of the UN Charter. In fact, most dispassionate International Relations scholars have opined that the Western governments’ frenetic embrace of Israel’s conduct and these countries’ stance have severely weakened the UN, a point that Ms Applebaum would furiously reject.
But wait a minute! Does Dr Ramcharran know that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has given notice that it wants an arrest warrant for Mr. Netanyahu and while that warrant is being studied, Mr Netanyahu was given a standing ovation two weeks ago at a joint session of the House and Senate and met with President Biden?
Dr Ramcharran reminds us that Ms Applebaum believes that liberal countries offer a far greater opportunity for people to live meaningful lives. Are the Palestinians in Gaza living useful lives and can Ramcharran and Applebaum tell us if the bad, terrible autocratic countries are the reason why the Palestinians in Gaza are starving?
I don’t know if Ramcharran ever read a copy of The Jacobin, it is a brilliant left-leaning American magazine that did a brilliant review of Applebaum’s book. In conclusion, there are no staggering details of scholarship in Applebaum’s publication.
It is a compendium of staggering pro-Western propaganda that should not be introduced even to a kindergarten kid. Next – Ramcharran’s fear of autocracy under the PPP.
–– PPP councillor blast PNC/R push for tax cuts for political parties
‘Self-serving and detrimental to the city’s residents’
–– says move will further ‘burden city’s finances’
CITY Councillor of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Alfonso De Armas has criticised a policy made by the Peoples National Congress/ Reform led Georgetown Town Council to implement reduce tax rates for political parties.
Viewing it as ‘self-serving and detrimental’ to the city’s residents, De Armas in an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday evening argued that the policy, which excludes political parties younger than 10 years, is a form of politicking that will further burden the city’s finances.
On Thursday, it was revealed that the PNC/R owes in excess of $6.7 billion in taxes for its headquarters (Congress Place) in Sophia.
De Armas pointed out that the city council has been ‘cash strapped’ to maintain and execute its mandate to
city residents.
“That policy is reprehensible… the PNC politicking should not be some of the expense the residents of Georgetown.”
“They’re putting the party above the needs of the residents of Georgetown. You see how cash strapped they are, they can barely maintain the garbage situation. We need the money
desperately and we’re going to give these guys a break that is reprehensible,” he stressed, while questioning the opposition led municipal body’s use of funds for garbage disposal and resources, suggesting that the money could be better spent on city services.
Despite the policy’s approval by the council, De Armas noted that the PPP/C
councillors would explore legal options to oppose it, emphasising the need to protect the city’s interests.
On Thursday, The PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, pointed out that aside from the taxes owed for the party’s headquarters in Sophia, there are outstanding debts for three other properties owned by the party.
According to Dr. Jagdeo, the party owes $1.2 million, $988,000 and $3.5 million for those properties and the recent policy amendments is to deprive the citizens of Georgetown and the main Town Council of taxes that are due to them.
“This is a political party that is influencing the taxation policy in an entity that it controls to benefit itself. Just imagine if the PPP was in control of the City Council and did that for itself.”
PNCR owes City Council over $6.7B
Dr Jagdeo reveals; says party prioritising self-interest with tax-cut motion passed by its councillors
CONTRARY to its claims of caring for the City of Georgetown and its residents, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has been a major contributor to the financial woes at City Hall, with debts in excess of $6.7 billion.
This was according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP),
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House on Wednesday.
Dr Jagdeo exposed the PNCR’s delinquency while responding to a recent decision by the party’s councillors to reduce tax rates for political parties.
“We dug a bit deeper and it seems as though there is specific reason for this proposal. Congress Place owes $6.7
billion, and a notice was sent to them for this sum of money.
“How do you get rates and taxes up to $6.7 billion? Clearly, they didn’t pay for a long time and the interest accrued, and now they have to pay this huge sum of money,” the PPP General Secretary said.
This is the situation despite the fact that the PNCR, with a majority of seats at City Hall, leads the council and is supposed to be an active participant in the development of Georgetown.
It was also widely reported on many occasions that the PNCR-led City Hall has been cash-strapped for years, struggling, in some cases, to pay staff, honour debts, and execute critical projects, among other things.
Ignoring those challenges and the pervasive issue of tax defaulters, the PNCR councillors went ahead with its tax-cut proposal.
On Monday, during the council’s statutory meeting, a policy document for institutional rates to be given to political parties was laid, which
“The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic councillors, our 11 councillors opposed this amendment. This was not solicited by the PPP/C as the largest party in the country, and the party was shocked that they would bring this proposal and rush it through [the] City Council,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
The PPP General Secretary further pointed out that aside from the taxes owed for the party’s headquarters at Sophia (Congress Place), there are outstanding debts for three other properties owned by the party.
According to Dr Jagdeo, the party owes $1.2 million, $988,000 and $3.5 million for those properties, and the recent policy amendments are to deprive the citizens of Georgetown and the main Town Council of taxes that are due to them.
“This is a political party that is influencing the taxation policy in an entity that it controls to benefit itself. Just imagine if the PPP was in control of the City Council and did that for itself.
“You would have not just seen editorials, but all week long, you would have tonnes of tonnes of articles expressing outrage of this and it goes by quietly,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
PPP/C councillors on Tuesday expressed their strong disapproval regarding the recent decision by the political majority of the council.
The councillors, Alfonso De Armas, Patricia ChaseGreene and Steven Jacobs made this clear during a live broadcast programme recently.
““We totally disagree with it, we think all political parties should pay their rates and
taxes because we’re asking ordinary citizens to do so,” Chase-Greene said.
Chase-Greene, who is a former mayor, added that the council constantly complains about not having money to carry out its basic functions, but is now asking to have political parties not pay their rates and taxes and noted how unfair such a system would be.
Meanwhile, Jacobs, when asked why they would oppose the move when it would bring benefits to their party as well, said that while they are members of the PPP, their mandate is representing the people of Georgetown.
“We hear every day that the APNU-led council calling for more help from the council… but we have a very clear case here that they are trying to make it easier on themselves,” he said.
PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
The PNCR headquarters, also known as Congress Place, located at Sophia was immediately rejected by the PPP councillors.
Region Two youths empowered with tech skills through ‘One Guyana Digital Programme’
By Indrawattie Natram
IN a significant step towards empowering young people and boosting human capacity in Region Two, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, has launched the One Guyana Digital Programme.
This initiative, inaugurated recently at the Anna Regina Secondary School Auditorium, aims to train ambitious Guyanese students as full-stack developers, providing them with the critical skills needed to succeed in
the fast-evolving technology sector.
Minister Parag emphasised that the One Guyana Digital Programme is an extension of the Government of Guyana’s Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship initiatives. Originally planned under the Ministry of the Public Service, where she previously served, the programme is part of the People’s Progressive Party’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s human resources by offering 20,000 online scholarships by 2025.
The programme’s pop -
ularity has already exceeded expectations, with over 28,000 Guyanese currently pursuing online scholarships through GOAL, surpassing the initial target.
“This programme, called the One Guyana Digital Programme, is run by a Canadian company in collaboration with the Canadian Government and the Government of Guyana,” Minister Parag stated. “It is designed to equip you with IT knowledge within a few months, offering a course valued at $10,000 USD, entirely free through GOAL.”
The course spans eight months and guarantees job placement upon completion, preparing graduates to develop platforms that support the business community.
Minister Parag urged the youth to fully take advantage of this valuable opportunity, emphasising that the programme is not just about job preparation, but is also about creating a future workforce equipped with the expertise and resilience needed to thrive in the digital age. This aligns with the government’s broader vision of enhancing human-resource capacity.
Providing further insight into the programme, Phillipe Walker explained that it is an intensive online post-secondary full-stack developer training initiative. The programme is set to empower 1,000 selected participants with comprehensive training from an accredited Canadian university, preparing them for job readiness and placement.
The curriculum covers essential areas such as PHP programming, JavaScript, mobile application development, Python programming, website security, and frontend development. The certificate programme consists of four courses, completed over two consecutive semesters Participants
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag
(eight months), with no prerequisites, allowing students to take them in any order.
Vice Chairman Humace Oodit expressed his satisfaction that youths from Region Two are benefiting from such a transformative programme. He encouraged more individuals to register, highlighting
the initiative as a significant investment in building human capacity.
This programme not only aims to secure employment for its participants, but also to enable them to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s technological and economic future.
Caribbean Heart Institute pioneers ground-breaking cardiology procedure in Guyana
THE Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) has announced a monumental advancement in cardiology with the successful performance of the first-ever Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) procedure in Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean.
This ground-breaking procedure, conducted Wednesday at CHI, located within the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, marks a significant milestone in the Region’s healthcare landscape.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a cutting-edge technology that allows cardiologists to view the interior of blood vessels with unparalleled clarity, unobstructed by blood flow. The technique produces highly detailed images akin to inserting a miniature camera into the vessel, offering high-resolution visuals that are crucial in making precise diagnoses and treatment decisions. This breakthrough enables cardiologists to accurately determine the optimal location for placing stents, small tubes used to keep arteries open.
Additionally, the OCT system incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with deep-learning image analysis, allowing for the selection of the most appropriate
stent size tailored to each patient. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that imaging-guided stenting, as enabled by OCT, yields better outcomes than traditional angiography-based approaches.
Dr Terrence Haynes, an Advanced Interventional Cardiologist and the lead physician on today’s case, emphasised the importance of this development: “OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images with superior clarity. The procedure enhances operational efficiency by enabling more accurate diagnoses and guiding treatments with precision, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing overall cardiology procedures.”
The expert team behind this pioneering procedure included Dr. Mahendra Carpen, Head of Cardiology and Medical Services at the Georgetown Hospital and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at CHI; Cardiac Technician Jason Solomon; Registered Nurses Shinice Moore and Marissa Jeffers; and clinical specialists Ms. Katya Villarreal from Abbott and Ms. Veruschka Sol.
Dr Mahendra Carpen expressed his gratitude for the introduction of OCT technology in Guyana, noting its pro -
found impact on the Cardiology Department, the healthcare sector, the nation, and, most importantly, the patients. He praised the procedure for its safety, reliability, and exceptional accuracy.
Dr Gary Stephens, CEO of CHI, highlighted the institute’s dedication to innovation, stating, “The Caribbean Heart Institute remains committed to providing innovative solutions and elevating the standard of cardiac care. The successful
use of Optical Coherence Tomography marks a new chapter in the institute’s ongoing mission to deliver outstanding cardiology services.”
The introduction of OCT technology at CHI represents a transformative step forward in cardiac care, setting a new standard for the Region and ensuring that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.
who are interested in the programme
26 new secondary schools under construction as Guyana set to celebrate Education Month
EDUCATION Month 2024 is set to be observed from September 1 to October 5 under the theme, “Investing in Education, Bridging Gaps, Creating Opportunities.”
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand recently provided updates on this year’s initiatives during an interview on EdYouFM, highlighting the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and accessible education across Guyana.
Minister Manickchand emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, from nursery through secondary school has access to quality education. The ministry’s goal is not only to provide access, but also to guarantee a high standard of education, lifelong learning opportunities, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation systems.
A significant part of this initiative includes the construction of 26 new secondary schools across the country, adding to the existing 117 secondary schools. Minister Manickchand remarked on the scale of this undertaking, noting, “For all the time we existed, we have a hundred; we’re now building 26, so we’re building one-third of the number of schools. That’s
a huge undertaking, and that’s only secondary.”
In addition to secondary schools, the ministry is also focusing on constructing new primary and nursery schools in underserved areas. Efforts are underway to extend and rehabilitate existing schools to create comfortable and conducive learning environments. This includes repairing ceilings, fences, washrooms, and ensuring proper plumbing and electricity in school facilities.
However, the minister cautioned that these improvements might take some time, urging parents, teachers, and students to remain patient.
“Some of these things will take a little bit longer,” she acknowledged. “I know people are impatient, and they should be. We should all want the best right away, but we are building the most schools we ever built, with the same number of contractors, with the same level of skills.”
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance education, Minister Manickchand emphasised the importance of parental involvement in children’s education. The ministry plans to push for greater parental engagement, highlighting its value in a child’s academic success.
With Education Month
Health Ministry clarifies $31M allocation for District No. 10 Health Centre
THE Ministry of Health has issued a clarification regarding the recent reporting by Kaieteur News, which stated on August 21 that $31 million is being allocated to the No. 10 Health Centre.
Contrary to the headline, the ministry wishes to correct that this sum is designated for the construction of living quarters, not the Health Centre itself.
According to the ministry, the $31 million will be used for building accommodation facilities within the compound of the District No. 10 Health Centre, located in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).
The purpose of this investment is to construct living quarters for medical personnel. This addition aims to minimise commute times, allowing health professionals to respond more swiftly to emergencies and be more readily available for on-call duties.
The total expenditure covers both land preparation and the construction of the accommodation building. The new facility is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of medical services provided to the community, which includes over 1,200 residents in the area. By improving the availability of medical staff, the project is anticipated to contribute to better health outcomes for the local population.
The Ministry of Health emphasises that this initiative is a crucial step towards improving healthcare delivery in the region, ensuring that medical personnel are in close proximity to the community they serve.
approaching, Minister Manickchand reflected on this year’s theme, underscoring the significant investments being made to improve the education system in Guyana.
“We’re investing to bridge gaps, to create opportunities for our people, and so we’re investing in physical infrastructure, teacher resources, learning resources, and better school
environments to bridge the gaps that currently exist,” she explained. “All of that is done so that our people could be most competitive in the world, and so that they could be productive, to create opportunities for them to have the best life that they could possibly have and to thrive here in our beautiful Guyana.”
Looking ahead, the min-
ister expressed her hope for more innovative teaching methods in the new school year, including the use of technology and play-based learning. As Guyana observes Education Month, the government’s substantial investments in education infrastructure and resources aim to pave the way for a brighter future for all students.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha celebrates Region Two’s top academic achievers
By Indrawattie Natram
IN a simple yet momentous ceremony held at the Jaigobin Hotel in Henrietta recently, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) honoured seven exceptional students from Region Two for their outstanding academic achievements.
The event celebrated the hard work, dedication, and excellence of these young scholars, all of whom are students of the Anna Regina
ment to their studies.
Pradesh Kevic Dwarka, a resident of Lot 10 Reliance, Region Two, was lauded for his impressive accomplishment of securing 26 subjects, including 23 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos. Venisha Lall excelled in 29 subjects, earning 18 Grade Ones, eight Grade Twos, and three Grade Threes. Bomeka Singh was also recognised for her outstanding results, achieving 16 Grade Ones and five Grade Twos, while Rudranauth
sitting, obtaining 19 Grade Ones and seven Grade Twos.
Dr. Vindhya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the awardees and their families. She acknowledged the immense efforts and sacrifices made by the students to achieve such remarkable results.
“I believe with your outstanding performance there was a lot of hard work, dedicated hours of study, and
ours that has been on a remarkable trajectory in growth and development, and you have something where you would want to see yourself,” Dr Persaud added.
She also expressed her hope that the students would be driven by a desire to serve their country, highlighting that service is the highest form of “Seva” and begins with the belief that they can make a difference.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of
Secondary School.
The top performers recognised at the event were Adadeze Butters, Pradesh Dwarka, Gevasha Harpaul, Venisha Lall, Rudranauth Sankar, Bomeka Singh, and Randir Toney. Their remarkable performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations were highlighted as a testament to their commit-
Sankar secured 24 subjects, including 23 Grade Ones and one Grade Two.
Adadeze Butters from Onderneeming excelled with 19 subjects, including 14 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos, one Grade Three, and one Grade Four. Seventeen-year-old Gevasha Cyndu Harpaul of Lot 5 Reliance Village achieved a remarkable 27 subjects, with 15 Grade Ones and 12 Grade Twos. Meanwhile, Randir Toney of Queenstown Village completed 26 subjects in one
sacrifices of things you would have liked to do, but you focused on what you wanted to achieve in life,” Dr Persaud remarked.
Dr Persaud encouraged the awardees to continue striving towards their goals and to view themselves as inspirations for other youths in Region Two and across Guyana. She emphasised the importance of their role as future leaders in the development of the country.
“You need to find a space in this incredible country of
plaques to the top performers in recognition of their exceptional achievements. Rudranauth Sankar, one of the awardees, expressed his gratitude to the GHDS for acknowledging the hard work and dedication of himself and his fellow students.
The celebration of these academic achievers reflects the GHDS’s ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting educational excellence within the Guyanese community.
Dr Vindhya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, along with the top performers proudly displaying their awards.
GHDS President Dr Vindhya Persaud interacting with parents of the awardees
US Embassy conducts training with police ranks in Region 10
A TWO-DAY training programme was conducted by two facilitators from the United States Embassy Cross Functional Team (Soc South), Mr. John Tagliavia and Mr. Gabriel Rosas, for police ranks in Regional Division #10.
The training took place at the Mackenzie Recreation Hall in Linden on August 26th and 27th, 2024, from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs daily.
This collaborative effort between the US Embassy and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was spearheaded by Commander of Regional Division #10, Superintendent Guy Nurse, and Deputy
Commander, Deputy Superintendent A. Anthony Austin. The primary goal of the training was to strengthen the relationship between the US and the Guyana Police Force, while fostering positive sentiments towards the US among GPF personnel.
The training covered a range of topics essential for modern policing, including Loud Speaker Operations, Face-to-Face Engagement, Propaganda Analysis, Practical Exercises, and Feedback. Each session was designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of the officers in attendance.
Upon completion of
the programme, all participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment and participation. Commander Nurse expressed his gratitude for the informative and timely training, noting that it would significantly boost policing capabilities in Region #10. He also encouraged the ranks to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to perform their duties more professionally.
More than 30 police officers from Regional Division #10 benefited from this valuable training initiative, which is expected to have a lasting impact on their effectiveness in the field.
GPF, Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation open new Zara Computer Centre in Lethem
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has officially opened a new Zara Computer Centre in Lethem, thanks to a collaborative effort with the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation.
The latest addition to the network of Zara Computer Centres aims to enhance community relations and broaden access to Information Technology across Guyana.
The commissioning ceremony, held recently, marked the launch of this state-ofthe-art facility in Central Rupununi.
The Centre features two computer labs, each equipped to accommodate
32 individuals. This set-up will serve both residents of the region and members of the police force, providing a valuable resource for education and technological engagement.
The Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation played a crucial role in the construction of the Centre, reflecting their commitment to educational development and community support.
The Foundation’s initiative extends beyond the scope of technology, focussing on educational advancement and community programming tailored to the needs of the Rupununi Region.
The ceremony was at -
tended by several notable figures, including Jay Sobhraj, Mrs. Silvia Sobhraj, Nardeo Singh; Magistrate, His Worship Omadatt Chandan; Vice Chairman Bertie Xavier, and Co-ordinator of the GPF’ Zara Computer Centres ASP Gladwin Hanover. Lieutenant Roach and various senior and junior ranks of the GPF also participated in the event, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the project.
This new facility is expected to play a significant role in the region, offering residents and police ranks opportunities to advance their skills and engage with modern technology.
Second from left: Commander Superintendent Guy Nurse with the two facilitators from the United States Embassy Cross Functional Team and ranks who were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment and participation
Guyana Nurses Association celebrates 96 years with annual awards, bursary ceremony
THE Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) marked its 96th year of dedicated service with a distinguished Award and Bursary Ceremony held recently at their hall on Charlotte and Alexander Streets in Georgetown.
The event celebrated the achievements of 13 nurses from across the nation and provided bursary awards to 22 children of association members.
The awards honoured exceptional contributions in various categories: Quality Nursing Care; Gloria Noel, Clinical Leadership; Marva Hawker, Rising Star; Agnes Van West, Patriotic; Rhonda Clarke, Nurse Leader of the Year; Gillian Butts, Infection Prevention and Control; Rhonda Clarke and Gillian Butts
Seated third from left: Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony flanked by nurses from across the nation who were awarded along with children of association members who received bursary awards
In his congratulatory message, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, commended the Guyana Nurses Association for its long-standing service and underscored the importance of documenting the organisation’s history.
“As we look forward to the next four years and your 100th Anniversary, it would be beneficial to have a formal documentation or a book published about this remarkable organisation,” Minister Anthony remarked.
The minister also expressed the Ministry of
Health’s support for the association’s research interests. “If you have a cohort of nurses interested in research, the ministry can assist by providing guidance on research methodology and publication processes,” he offered.
Encouraging the bursary recipients, Dr Anthony urged them to focus on their education and career prospects. “You have a
bright future ahead of you. Make the most of your education, as many opportunities are now available for further training,” he advised.
Looking to the future, Minister Anthony revealed that the ministry will introduce an electronic health record system starting next year.
He assured attendees that the ministry would col-
laborate closely with the nursing association and nurses to facilitate the transition to this new system.
The ceremony was a testament to the enduring commitment of the Guyana Nurses Association to advancing nursing excellence and supporting the next generation of professionals in the field.
‘Digital Intelligence Unlocked’ event set to empower businesses
THE Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) is set to host the “Digital Intelligence Unlocked” event on September 7, 2024 at the Princess Ramada Hotel, East Bank Demerara, aimed at helping businesses think big and smart by leveraging digital tools to maximize their potential.
The event is part of the WE3A (Aspire, Ac -
tivate, Accelerate) Regional Project, designed to address the challenges businesses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and to foster resilience and adaptability in the digital age.
Tashi Browne, Project Co-ordinator of the WE3A Project, highlighted that the initiative was conceived in response to the pandemic’s impact and the need for businesses to thrive in a rapidly
evolving digital environment.
“We needed to really adapt as people, to ensure that we can thrive in the digital world,” Browne said, emphasizing the shift towards digital solutions.
The WE3A project, which has already engaged over 800 women in business, is now extending its reach to a broader audience.
The seminar promises
Hydromet issues heat advisory for September to November 2024
–– potential risks for Health, Agriculture, and Livestock
THE Hydrometeorological Service, Ministry of Agriculture, has issued a forecast predicting above-normal temperatures across Guyana from September to November 2024.
This period, traditionally the warmest time of the year, particularly in September and October, is expected to bring extreme heat and an increased number of heatwave days, with potentially serious implications for public health, agriculture, and livestock.
Health Risks: The forecast warns that the heightened temperatures could significantly impact public health, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. With the likelihood of more frequent heat-wave days, the risk of heat-related illnesses—including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke—will be elevated. The Hydrometeorological Service is urging the public to take precautionary measures, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and ensuring that living and working environments are well ventilated.
Agriculture and Livestock Concerns: The
forecast also highlights potential challenges for farmers, as the September to October period aligns with the driest months in Northern Guyana and
the onset of the long dry season in the South. Reduced water availability and increased stress on crops could lead to lower yields, particularly for water-intensive crops. Livestock will also be vulnerable during this period, with heat stress likely to impact their health, productivity, and overall well-being. Farmers are advised to ensure adequate water supplies, provide shaded areas for animals, and closely monitor livestock for signs of heat stress, such as reduced feed intake, lethargy, and increased breathing rates.
Record Temperatures Observed: The warning comes after a year of consistently high temperatures, with average daytime temperatures across Guyana from January to
to offer valuable insights from industry leaders on the latest trends in digital intelligence. Attendees will have the opportunity
to discover strategies for business growth, explore innovative technologies, and learn how to modernize their operations.
The WE3A project, funded by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Lab, aims to strengthen women-led and women-owned small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) across Central and South Amer-
ica. The project’s name reflects its three core components: Aspire, Activate, and Accelerate, which focus on delivering high-quality business training through innovative digital methods.
The upcoming event promises to be a significant opportunity for businesses to enhance their digital capabilities and drive growth in an increasingly digital world.
July 2024 already exceeding the historical norm of 32°C. Some months this year have even recorded higher temperatures than the same period in 2023, which was itself a record-breaking year. Normally, up to 35 heat wave days are observed during the September to November dry season, but there is now a significant chance that this threshold will be exceeded, posing further risks to public health, agriculture, and livestock.
The Hydrometeorological Service is calling on all stakeholders to prepare for this period of extreme heat by staying informed of weather updates, implementing water-saving strategies, and taking proactive measures to protect health, crops, and livestock. The Service will continue to provide updates to its seasonal outlook as new information becomes available and recommends paying close attention to short-range forecasts and weather analyses from the National Weather Watch Center. For more detailed and location-specific information, the public is encouraged to visit the Hydrometeorological Service’s website at www. hydromet . gov. gy or contact the 24/7 forecasting desk at 261-2284 or 261-2216.
Memorizing the Quran and Excelling in CSEC:
Zainab Mohamed’s remarkable achievement
By Indrawattie Natram
IN a remarkable feat of perseverance and dedication, Zainab Faoud Azeez Mohamed has emerged as the top performer at Al-Madinah Islamic Academy, securing her place as the Best Graduating Student of 2024.
With an impressive tally of 13 subjects at the Carib-
bean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, Zainab’s results— Seven Grade Ones, Five Grade Twos, and One Grade Three—stand as a testament to her hard work and determination, especially in the face of doubt from those who questioned her capabilities.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Zainab’s journey to success began when she moved to
Guyana at the tender age of three, settling in the town of Anna Regina, in Region Two. From a young age, she demonstrated a deep commitment to her education and faith, showing that a balanced approach to both religious and secular studies can create a well-rounded individual.
At just 10 years old, Zainab accomplished what few can claim—she memorized
the entire Quran. This monumental achievement reflects not only her exceptional memory but also her unwavering dedication. Despite the many sleepless nights and the rigorous discipline required, she remained committed to revising the Quran daily. Throughout this journey, her mother was her constant companion, offering the encouragement and support that
Faoud
fueled Zainab’s persistence.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to students around the world, and Zainab was no exception. Transitioning to secondary school during this tumultuous time, she faced the absence of formal teaching due to lockdowns and restrictions, which made academic progress seem even more daunting. Some teachers, recognizing the gaps in her conventional education, advised her to limit the number of subjects she attempted. However, two educators, Miss Nadia Pearce and Sir Afmat Ally, saw beyond these challenges and recognized Zainab’s extraordinary potential. Over eight intensive months, they worked closely with her, providing the guidance and mentorship needed
to bridge the educational gaps. Their belief in her abilities proved to be well-founded as Zainab excelled in her CSEC examinations, defying the odds and exceeding expectations.
Looking ahead, Zainab is determined to continue her pursuit of knowledge -- both religious and academic. She aspires to become an Islamic Scholar, a path that will allow her to deepen her understanding of her faith and make meaningful contributions to her community. Additionally, she plans to pursue an academic career, blending her religious insights with broader scholarly pursuits.
Zainab’s success is not her’s alone; it is a collective triumph that she shares with her family. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her mother, father, grandparents, and brothers, all of whom have played crucial roles in her journey. Their encouragement has been a cornerstone of her achievements, demonstrating the power of a strong support system.
As Zainab continues her journey, she stands as an inspiration to young minds everywhere. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and the unyielding support of family and mentors. She has proven that with dedication, faith, and the right guidance, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Zainab’s journey is just beginning, and her future holds the promise of continued excellence and contribution to both her faith and society.
Police investigate decomposed body found in Tapakuma Trail
POLICE are investigating the discovery of a decomposed body found in an unfinished building on Tapakuma Trail (High Point), Region Two, on Tuesday. The grim discovery was made around 5:20 p.m. when a local woman, driving through the trail, was alerted to a foul odor emanating from the direction of the building. Promptly, she contacted the police, leading to the immediate investigation of the scene.
Investigators have identified the body as that of a male, approximately 50 years old. The remains were found in an advanced state of decomposition. Following standard procedure, the body was photographed and transported to the Suddie Public Hospital. Dr. Ronaldo at the hospital officially pronounced the individual deceased. The body is currently at the Suddie Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
Initial inquiries in the area regarding the identity of the deceased have yielded no useful information. Authorities continue their investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this discovery.
Zainab
Azeez Mohamed
‘You can’t run a gov’t by slogans’ ––
Jagdeo dismantles opposition
‘people-centred’ sloganeering
––highlights contrast
ALTHOUGH the Peopl’es National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) has boasted of having a ‘people- centred’ approach to governance, its past polices have only depicted ‘wishful thinking’ and ‘sloganeers.’[sic]
This is according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who in response to the oppositions critics of the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), on Thursday highlighted the contrast in policies that have been implemented by the two parties.
Last week, several opposition members, attempted to derail this key policy of the PPP/C government to continue forest-conservation efforts, adapt to climate change, earn money from the country’s resources and better the lives of its citizens.
“A key element of the expanded LCDS is focusing on biodiversity, but not just biodiversity, we have expanded it to adaptation,
of PNC/R’s ‘wishful thinking,’ PPP’s ‘innovation, creativity’
and we have expanded to the blue economy. We have expanded it to integrated water management,” Dr. said at his weekly press conference, held at Freedom House.
Back in November 2009, a then President Jagdeo and the former Minister of the Environment and International Development of Norway, Hon. Erik Solheim, had signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) In the agreement, Norway committed to providing Guyana up to US$250M by 2015 to avoid deforestation,
once certain performance indicators are met. This agreement represented the first international commitment of financial support to the LCDS and was the first partnership of its kind between a developed and developing country.
Later, in 2022, the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions announced the issuance of 33.47 million TREES credit to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020.
The Government of Guyana in that same year entered into an agreement with the
Guyana welcomes Grenada’s Prime Minister for official visit
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips welcomed the Prime Minister of Grenada, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell to Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Wednesday
afternoon.
Prime Minister Mitchell, who also serves as the current Chair of CARICOM, arrived with a high-level delegation for an official visit.
During his stay, the visiting Prime Minister is
scheduled to participate in a trade expo and business forum. He will also engage in discussions aimed at fostering closer economic co-operation and exploring mutual opportunities for growth between Guyana and Grenada.
Hess Corporation for the sale of carbon credits for a minimum of US$750 million between 2022 and 2032.
Fifteen per cent of the earnings from the initial disbursements were allocated to Indigenous villages across Guyana, while the remaining 85 per cent was allocated to national priorities, such as climate-mitigation efforts.
“He doesn’t understand the carbon transactions that took place,” Jagdeo said, calling out opposition leader, Aubrey Norton, for his ill-informed critiques.
“When [they are] con -
fronted with a question that demands a sensible answer he moves back to slogans.”
Analysing the opposition’s ‘Green State Strategy,’ a policy which lacked substance, Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that it was an ‘agglomeration of wishful thinking’, pointing out that the previous government had no clear strategy for climate mitigation, preservation of Guyana’s forests and its biodiversity.
In contrast, the PPP/C government’s LCDS outlines a clear objective, setting out a pathway for the country to earn money from its standing forest.
“$600 odd million will go to adaptation that would help our people right across Guyana to better prepare for droughts, floods, etc. It would help our farmers, people who live in communities. You have to active [sic] it, you have to think it through you have to see that it is self-financing that it doesn’t burden the country, which is what we have done through our innovative thinking and
though our creativity.”
He noted that the opposition, despite echoing calls for a ‘people-centred’ development strategy, has rejected efforts being made by the government to improve Guyana’s infrastructure, improve health care and expand education, among other things.
“People when they can’t deal with substance, they sloganeer, people centred doesn’t mean anything if you don’t fix peoples roads, if give them good health care, if you don’t give them proper education, if you don’t find jobs for them, you don’t have children taken cared off, if you don’t invest in security so they can live in homes peacefully.”
Dr. Jagdeo further quizzed: “What does people-centred development mean, you are opposed to everything we do in education, in healthcare, infrastructure, but you’re for people-centred development.”
He noted that the opposition cushions its self with slogans to remain relevant.
Back in 2020, ahead of the Guyana’s General elections the now opposition had promised a ‘good life for all’
Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Wednesday afternoon
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday August 29, 2024)
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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Andre Russell – 16 sixes (JT) (2) Kieron Pollard – 14 catches (BT)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which team was a part of CPL 2023 but will not be in action this season?
IRISH RACING TIPS NAVAN 09:30 hrs Peregrine Falcon 10:10 hrs Keke 10:30 hrs Saratoga Special
Full Schedule and Venue
Speightland beat Kwakwani to capture first edition of Prime Minister’s t20 Softball Championship in Linden
LINDEN team Speghtland stopped home team Kwakwani by 42 runs after amassing 178 for three in their allotted 20 overs as the hosts could only muster 136 for 7 in reply, to cart off honours when the grand final of the Prime Minister Mark Phillips inaugural $1M T20 softball championship was played last Sunday at the Kwakwani ground.
The tournament which started and ended in the Sub- District Two of Region 10 (Upper-Demerara/ Upper-Berbice) is set to be an annual feature and this year it attracted sixteen teams from within the region.
Prime Minister Phillips was there to help with the presentation and remarked to the rapturous applause of the energetic crowd that gathered: “This is some -
thing that has started in Kwakwani and will continue. This is the first edition of the Prime Minister’s Cup for Region 10. which means that every year we will have other editions, and we will start it here at Kwakwani and we will finish it here at Kwakwani.”
HARMANPREET
Kaur
will lead India’s charge for their maiden senior Women’s ICC title at the upcoming T20 World Cup in October.
The Indian Women's team has faced a series of near-misses in ICC events over the past decade.
They were runners-up at both the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2017 and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2020, along with several other knockout-stage appearances, but the coveted trophy has remained just out of reach.
A similar story unfolded for the men's team, who broke their title drought earlier this year when Rohit Sharma led them to victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, ending a decade-long wait since their last triumph at the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
The Women’s team now has the opportunity to double India’s celebration, with Harmanpreet Kaur eager to mirror the recent success of her male counterparts within
Full Schedule and Venue of CPL 2024:
Thurs 29, August 7 pm Antigua & Barbuda Falcons St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
end of August and make it a calendar event and a tourist related event for Kwakwani,” said PM Phillips said as he hinted at the relevance of such a tournament.
Under brilliant sunshine over the two days of the weekend, the Speightland and Kwakwani sides triumphed over their semifinal opponents, Calcuni and Malali on Saturday, to set up the grand final on Sunday.
In Addition to that, the event was planned to be one that will enhance sports tourism in that sub-district region according to the Prime Minister’s representative Orin Wilson.
“So, the planners need to identify if it will start at the end of July and finish at the
Speightland captured $500,000 and the huge Prime Minister Phillips trophy and bragging rights. Kwakwani for that second placed finish collected $300,000 and the runner’s-up trophy, while Calcuni for defeating Malali got $200,000 and a trophy as Malali had to settle for $60,000. (Joe Chapman)
just a few months.
"We have been really inspired by the men's team, the way they won the T20 World Cup this year," Harmanpreet said at an event in Delhi, on the same day India announced their squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
"They worked really hard for this trophy and won some tough matches. We need to learn how they maintained their body language for such matches and how they approached such games. We're on the same road now and getting ready for our (T20) World Cup campaign.
“The team is working really hard and our attempt will be to give our country and fans another opportunity to celebrate this year."
India are placed in Group A of the upcoming tournament alongside Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
With only the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage, India will need to be at their absolute best. Their final group match against Australia is expected to be crucial, while they'll also need to stay alert against Sri Lanka, who recently defeated them in the Women’s Asia Cup Final.
Having come close on multiple occasions, the pressure will be on India to deliver. Harmanpreet emphasised the unique challenges that come with playing a World Cup, highlighting the importance of preparation and
managing expectations.
"The World Cup is a kind of tournament for which all teams prepare differently," Harmanpreet added. "So no team can be taken lightly and similarly no team should be overestimated either.
“Bilateral series have a different kind of pressure and for World Cups there is pressure as well as expectations and hopes of fans. We are working extremely hard to live up to those expectations, we have been holding camps where all players are working hard.
“We have also worked on the mistakes we made the last time. Now we're ready with a positive mindset."
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will commence on October 3, with India starting their campaign the following day, October 9, against New Zealand in Dubai.
They will remain in Dubai to face Pakistan (October 6) and Sri Lanka (October 9), before moving to Sharjah for their final group-stage match against Australia (October 13).
Thurs 29, August 7 pm Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Guyana
Amazon Warriors Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Fri 30 August7 pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Trinbago Knight Riders Warner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Sun 1 September, 10am Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Barbados Royals Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Thurs 5 September, 7 pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Saint Lucia Kings Warner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Sun 1 September 7 pm Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Saint Lucia Kings Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Wed 4 September7, pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Guyana
Amazon Warriors
Warner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Thurs 5 September, 7 pm Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Trinbago Knight Riders Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Tues 3 September, 7 pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Barbados Royals Warner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Fri 6 September 7 pm Saint Lucia Kings Guyana Amazon Warriors Daren
Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia
Sun 8 September, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Warner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Sat 7 September, 7 pm Saint Lucia Kings Trinbago Knight Riders Daren
Friday 20 September, 7 pm Trinbago Knight Riders Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad
Thurs 12 September 7 pm Guyana Amazon Warriors St Kitts & Nevis
Patriots Guyana National Stadium, Providence
Sat 21 September, 10am Saint Lucia Kings Barbados Royals Guyana National Stadium, Providence Wed 18 September, 7 pm Guyana Amazon Warriors Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Guyana National Stadium, Providence
Sun 22 September, 10am Barbados Royals Saint Lucia Kings Guyana National Stadium, Providence Sat 21 September, 7 pm Trinbago Knight Riders St Kitt & Nevis Patriots Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
Sun 22 September, 7 pm Trinbago Knight Riders Saint Lucia Kings Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad Wed 25 September, 7 pm Guyana Amazon Warriors Barbados Royals Guyana National Stadium, Providence
Tues 24 September, 10 am Trinbago Knight Riders Barbados Royals Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad Sat 28 September, 10am Guyana Amazon Warriors Saint Lucia Kings
Prime Minister Mark Phillips (at centre) applauds the winning Speightland team after presenting the players with their trophy
Wimbledon champion Krejcikova out of US Open
Wimbledon champion
Barbora Krejcikova suffered another early exit from the US Open, losing her second-round match in straight sets to Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Krejcikova became a two-time Grand Slam champion in July by adding the Wimbledon title to her triumph at the 2021 French Open.
The 28-year-old reached the quarter-final on her main-draw debut at the US Open in 2021 but has since failed to get past
round two in New York.
Eighth seed Krejcikova saved a set point on her
own serve at 5-2 down and broke world number 122 Ruse at the next opportu-
nity, only to then tamely drop her next service game to lose the first set 6-4.
Krejcikova served for the second set at 5-4 but Ruse, who struck the ball confidently throughout, broke the Czech twice in quick succession to complete a 6-4 7-5 win in one hours and 45 minutes.
Victory for Ruse sent the 26-year-old through to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, at the 10th time of asking, and she sank to the floor in celebration after Krejcikova went long
with a backhand on match point.
She will face 26th seed Paula Badosa of Spain in round three, with Badosa a 6-3 7-5 winner over American Taylor Townsend.
Former US Open finalist Madison Keys was another early winner on day three, defeating Australian teenager Maya Joint 6-4 6-0 in 62 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium, and the 14th seed will face Belgium's Elise Mertens next.
Later, defending champion Coco Gauff takes on Germany's Tatjana Maria
in the opening match of the evening session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, Victoria Azarenka, Daria Kasatkina and Elina Svitolina are among the other seeded players in second-round action on day three.
Harriet Dart, one of two British players through to round two of the women's singles, takes on 19th seed Marta Kostyuk from Ukraine.
Mount Pleasant, Moca secure wins in Concacaf Caribbean Cup
KINGSTON, Jamaica,
(CMC) – Mount Pleasant
FA secured a 2-1 victory over Jamaican club rivals Arnett Gardens FC in the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup on Tuesday at Sabina Park, marking their first win in the tournament.
Mount Pleasant, re -
covering from an opening match defeat, took the lead in the 33rd minute when Jahshaun Anglin headed home a cross from Daniel Green. Despite mounting pressure, Arnett Gardens’ goalkeeper Asher Hutchinson made crucial saves to keep his team in the game, including a spectacular
stop in the 45th minute. Arnett Gardens equalised in the 54th minute with a header from Shai Smith off a Kimani Arbouine cross. However, Mount Pleasant found the winner in the 82nd minute when Kimoni Bailey skillfully manoeuvred inside the box to score.
The victory lifts Mount Pleasant to second place in Group A, trailing only Cavalier FC. They will face Miscellaneous Police FC in Trinidad on September 26. Still seeking their first win, Arnett Gardens will face Police FC on September 19.
Meanwhile, Dominica
Republic side Moca FC edged Trinidadian outfit
AC Port of Spain 3-2 at Estadio Moca 85 in the Dominican Republic. A late penalty from Clifford Thomas in the 91st minute sealed the win, putting Moca atop Group B.
Moca FC will look to continue their unbeaten
start to the campaign when they host Ouanaminthe FC on September 18 in the Dominican Republic.
AC Port of Spain’s next challenge will come against Grenades FC on September 17 in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Results of the second round of matches in the CWI Under-17 50-over Championship here Tuesday.
SCORES
At the National Crick-
et Centre: Match between Jamaica and Guyana ended in a no result.
JAMAICA 152 in 47.1 overs (Odane Binns 33, Vitel Lawes 22, Deshawn James 20, David Dewar 14, Tyriek Bryan 13;
Riyad Latiff 3-15, Jonathan van Lange 3-18, Devon Wharton 2-27, Golcharran Chulai 2-27).
At Inshan Ali Park: Match between Trinidad and Tobago and Leeward Islands ended in a no result.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 92-6 in 23 overs (Ryan Yearwood 18, Brendan Boodoo 17, Darius Batoosingh 14; Micah McKenzie 2-4).
At Gilbert Park:
Match between Barbados and Windward Islands ended in a no result.
WINDWARD ISLANDS 123 in 34.3
overs (Kodi Grant 35, Theo Edward 30, Edmund Morancie 14; Ja -
keem Pollard 3-10, Zachary Carter 3-30, Shaquan Belle 3-38).
BARBADOS 29-1 in eight overs (Joshua Dorne 16 not out).
Zverev continues Slam bid with win over Muller
Alexander Zverev continued his search for a first Grand Slam title with victory over Alexandre Muller to reach the US Open third round.
Germany's Zverev, 27, reached the final in New York in 2020 as well as the French Open final earlier this year.
However, he lost the US Open showpiece to Dominic Thiem from two sets up and led Carlos Alcaraz by two sets to one in Paris before succumbing to the Spaniard.
Zverev said he had doubts he could return to the top level after suffering a serious ankle injury at the French Open in 2022.
The fourth seed has won
54 singles matches this year - more than any other male player on the tour - and added another to his tally with the 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 over France's Muller.
"I had so many doubts, question marks whether I would ever be top 10 or top five in the world [again]," Zverev said.
"What changed is I'm enjoying every single moment on these beautiful courts in front of thousands of fans.
"It was something that was taken away from me two-and-a-half-years ago and I'm extremely glad to be playing at this level.
"Hopefully I can give myself the best chance to win here."
Zverev will face Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry next.
American Frances Tiafoe and ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov were also among the winners on the third day in New York.
Home favourite Tiafoe was leading Alexander Shevchenko 6-4 6-1 1-0 when the Kazakh retired with injury, while Dimitrov brushed aside Australia's Rinky Hijikata 6-1 6-1 7-6 (7-4).
Defending champion Novak Djokovic features in the night session on Arthur Ashe, with Andrey Rublev and Taylor Fritz also in action.
Barbora Krejcikova beat Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final in July
Alexander Zverev reached the French Open final earlier this year
From GCA to ICC Chairman: Jay Shah's Journey
WITH no Independent Woman Director appointed yet, the International Cricket Council (ICC) board currently consists of 16 members. To get elected to the Chair, a candidate is required to secure nine votes, a simple majority.
The election process is preceded by a nomination phase, where each candidate requires a proposer and a seconder. Jay Shah, who was elected as Chairman on Tuesday, received backing from 15 out of the 16 current directors in the nomination stage.
Who is the 16th director is inconsequential, and there was no need for an election. Among those backing him were directors from Australia, England and New Zealand.
Never before has the ICC board been so strongly united in its support for a single director. Over the years, India has exported several leaders to the ICC, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar, and none of them could claim the unanimous and overwhelming backing of the ICC members.
Dalmiya (in 1997) had to rely on the votes of Associate nations and the Asian bloc to fend off challenges from the England-Australia-New Zealand-West Indies group in a vertically split ICC. When Pawar ascended the position in 2010, Australia and New Zealand were pushing for John Howard, the
former Prime Minister of Australia. Srinivasan (2014) managed to win over England and Australia, but many other boards were not fully aligned with him. He was, after all, one of the architects of the highly controversial Big Three arrangement. Manohar (2017), who dismantled the Big Three system, garnered global support, but questions remained about whether he had the full backing of the BCCI at all.
At just 35, Shah becomes the youngest administrator to lead the world governing body
with unanimous support. It is remarkable that in a very short time, he managed to gain so much trust from its members. "Just as he has done for Indian cricket, both men and women, players worldwide will benefit," Sunil Gavaskar wrote in a recent column in Sportstar.
Shah's single most contribution to world cricket to date has been ensuring cricket's entry into the Olympics - a feat that may well be his most lasting legacy.
Historically, the BCCI leaders resisted joining the Olympic
fold, fearing it would compromise their autonomy at the national level, particularly vis-a-vis the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Shah's perspective transcended such concerns, focusing instead on the larger interest of the sport. Without the BCCI's backing, an Olympic berth for cricket would not have been possible, and Shah saw the importance of taking the game to the Olympic Games.
At the BCCI level, few can match his achievements as the secretary. From establishing
a state-of-the-art high-performance centre in Bengaluru to creating a distinct identity for women's cricket and advocating for the primacy of Test cricket, the list of his achievements have been plenty. The best part of his five-year tenure in the BCCI, since taking over as its secretary in 2019, has been that he has consistently placed his priorities in the right areas.
One of Shah's biggest achievements was navigating the challenging Covid period in 2020 and 2021, when much of the world had come to a standstill. But cricket in India did not. He successfully managed several international home series and, most notably, two seasons of the IPL in a strict bio-secure bubble. While his father Amit Shah's position (the Union Home Minster) in the Central Government may have helped, the fact remained that cricket continued to thrive in India, even in the most difficult times. Crucially, he ensured that the 2021 T20 World Cup was held in the UAE, with the BCCI retaining the hosting rights. Last year, he delivered the most successful World Cup ever.
A landmark decision in Shah's tenure was the launch of the Women's Premier League (WPL), ensuring that both the franchises and media rights were not undervalued or undersold.
The league's teams were cumulatively sold for an impressive Rs 4,669 crore, while the media rights added Rs 951 crore,
numbers hitherto unthinkable in women's cricket.
This came on top of the Rs 48,390 crore for the IPL media rights, an eye-popping and jaw-dropping valuation. The value of BCCI's bilateral rights also saw a considerable uplift, with each international game fetching Rs 67.8 crore, bringing the overall four-year value to Rs 5,963 crore. These figures would have made even Lalit Modi proud.
Shah's administrative journey began at the district and state levels in 2009, when he worked with the Central Board of Cricket, Ahmedabad (CBCA), and the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) as an executive. In 2013, he became the joint secretary of the GCA, where he played an instrumental role in raising the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world's largest cricket ground.
Taking over as the BCCI secretary in 2019, Shah also oversaw one of the finest phases in Indian cricket history, marked by success at international level, including the recent T20 World Cup triumph. Notably under his leadership, the BCCI - an organisation known for its factionalism otherwise - remained solidly united. Few cricket administrators in India, perhaps, can boast of such a track record. World cricket is sure to benefit from his drive to bring about improvements. (Cricbuzz)
Shannon Gabriel announces retirement from international cricket after 12-year career
WEST Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a 12year career that saw him become one of the most feared pace bowlers in the Caribbean. Gabriel made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he gained while representing the West Indies on the global stage.
“During the past 12 years I have dedicated myself to playing international cricket for the West Indies,” Gabriel wrote. “Playing this beloved game at the highest level has brought me immense joy, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Today, I am announcing my retirement from international cricket.”
In his heartfelt message, Gabriel thanked God for the blessings he and his family received during his time
playing for the West Indies. He also extended his appreciation to Cricket West Indies administrators, coaches, and staff members for their hard work and support over the years.
“Words cannot adequately convey the appreciation I have for your hard work and support,” he said. “Last but
not least, I am grateful to my teammates and all those who have stood by me and supported me along the way. You have made my journey to the top truly special.”
Although retiring from international cricket, Gabriel plans to continue representing his country, club, and franchise teams around the
world with the same passion he has shown throughout his career.
Gabriel, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, first garnered attention as part of the inaugural batch of players at the West Indies Cricket Board’s high-performance centre in 2010. His early performances drew comparisons
to a young Ian Bishop, and he quickly became a key figure in Trinidad & Tobago’s first-class attack. He won selection for the Champions League T20 in 2011 and claimed a maiden five-wicket haul against Barbados in the semi-final of the regional four-day competition in April 2012.
Gabriel’s Test debut came later that year during the West Indies’ tour of England. He made an immediate impact at Lord’s, taking four wickets, but a back injury cut his tour short. Despite the setback, Gabriel became a regular in the West Indies side, known for his role as a muscular enforcer. Some of his most memorable performances include a six-wicket haul against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2016 and a remarkable 9 for 92 in Bridgetown in 2017, which helped level the series for the West Indies.
Gabriel’s finest hour came in 2018 when he took 13 wickets against Sri Lan-
ka in Gros Islet, though the match ended in a draw. However, his career was also marked by moments of frustration, including an infamous dismissal in Roseau in 2017 when, trying to save the game and the series against Pakistan, he swung wildly at a delivery, handing the match to Pakistan.
Over his 59-Test career, Gabriel took 166 wickets at an average of 32.21 and an economy rate of 3.42. He also played 25 One Day Internationals, claiming 33 wickets. He made his Test debut in May 2012 against England and last represented the West Indies in July 2023 against India.
As Shannon Gabriel steps away from international cricket, his contributions to West Indies cricket will be remembered for his fiery pace, his ability to break partnerships, and his unwavering commitment to the team. (Sportsmax)
Former West Indies pacer Shannon Gabriel
New ICC Chairman Jay Shah was backed by 15 out of 16 directors at the nomination stage
TKR into WCPL final against Royals; Amazon Warriors knocked out
JEMIMAH Rodrigues lifted Trinbago Knight Riders into the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) final after a nerve-jangling four-wicket victory over Barbados Royals at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad.
Chasing 131 for a place in today’s final, Knight Riders were in big trouble at 43-3 before Rodrigues stepped up with an unbeaten 59 off 50 balls.
The Knight Riders needed six runs off the final over, but a calm Rodrigues hit Hayley Matthews for a boundary on the third delivery before a single on the next ball ensured their title dreams remained alive.
In what turned out to be a dress rehearsal for the final, Knight Riders lost three early wickets, but capitalised on sloppy fielding from Royals. Rodrigues received a life on 43 when Djenaba Joseph fumbled at short fine leg.
The Knight Riders’ attack had struggled in the tournament but bowled superbly in the PowerPlay to tear into the Royals’ top-order. Opener Chamari Athapaththu spearheaded a recovery with 70 off 63 to lift Royals to 130-7, but
Barbadian Jacob Bethel called up by England for ODI series against Australia
LONDON, (CMC) – Barbadian all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been named in England’s One Day International for next month’s home series against Australia.
The 20-year-old Bethell, who attended Harrison College and plays for Warwickshire, is among three players who have been handed white-ball call ups for the first time.
Bethell, along with his Warwickshire teammate Dan Mousley, had been tipped for inclusion on the back of their good form in the T20 Blast and Hundred competitions.
He will join fellow Barbadian Jofra Archer, who is also included in the 15-member squad.
Bethell was part of England’s Under-19 team that reached the World Cup final in 2022. He was especially impressive in the quarterfinal against South Africa when he
smashed 88 from 42 balls.
Josh Hull has also received his maiden ODI call-up, Brydon Carse returns after serving a threemonth suspension for betting breaches, while the uncapped John Turner is also included in both squads.
There was no place for veterans Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali or Chris Jordan, all of whom were involved at the T20 World Cup in June, while neither Tom Hartley, who was with the squad in the Caribbean but has yet to be capped in T20Is, nor Rehan Ahmed are included.
Fast bowler Mark Wood also misses out through injury.
it ultimately wasn’t enough.
Royals had already clinched a place in the final after winning their opening three matches. But it was high stakes for Knight Riders, who entered the match sitting behind Guyana Amazon Warriors on net run rate.
Play was slightly delayed due to rain and the Knight Riders were desperate to make the most of the favourable bowling conditions after winning the toss.
Seamer Shikha Pandey enjoyed the perfect start after nicking off Matthews in the first over with a full delivery that moved late.
Qiana Joseph lived dangerously and rode her luck after being dropped by Jess Jonassen at mid-off. But
Joseph’s risky innings soon ended when she bottom edged a wild slash off Shamilia Connell, whose spectacular debut for Knight Riders continued when she clean bowled Aaliyah Alleyne for a duck.
Athapaththu held the innings together but could not getting going as Royals fell into a lull. The frustrations led to Rashada Williams being dismissed by spinner Samara Ramnath in the 12th over as Royals turned to big-hitter Laura Harris for a spark.
But she holed out first ball leaving the burden on Athapaththu, who accelerated late as Royals finished with momentum.
Knight Riders started
their chase disastrously with the early wickets of Harshitha Samarawickrama and captain Deandra Dottin. Jonassen attempted a rally, but she was run out on the last ball of the powerplay.
Rodrigues and Kycia Knight cleverly worked into gaps but struggled to hit boundaries. Knight unleashed only for Naijanni Cumberbatch to take a brilliant catch running in from the boundary.
But Rodrigues hit a boundary in the penultimate over and kept her composure as the Knight Riders celebrated their place in the final with gusto. (CPL)
Austin advances to 400m semi-finals at World Athletics U20 Championship
MIDDLE-distance ace Malachi Austin ran a brilliant 400 metres dash at the World Athletics U20 Championship to take second place in his heat to advance to the semifinals in Lima Peru.
The national 400 metres men’s champion finished with the 8th best time of46.92 seconds, he was edged at the line by heat winner Japan’s Kentaro Shirahata who stopped the clock in 46.45 seconds, a new personal best for him.
Third place went to Trinidad and Tobago’s Jaden Clement with a time of 47.63 seconds.
Austin who boasts a personal best of 46.35 achieved this season will be hoping to convert his semifinal placement into a final showing for Guyana.
400
Meanwhile, Tianna Springer missed out on advancing by 1 hundredth of second in the women’s.
Springer running out of lane 6 came fourth place with a time of 54.49 seconds to be out the top three finishers for
automatic qualifiers.
The time saw Springer finishing as the 25th best athlete in the event with the top 24 moving on, the 24th best finisher having a time of 54.48 seconds.
The heat was won by Italian Elisa Valensin in 53.82 seconds with Slovenian Karolina Zvicajnik second and Australian Ameila Rowe third in 54.10 seconds.
In the other Women’s 400 metres event Narissa McPherson missed out on qualifying for the semifinal of the women’s 400 metres, as she came in sixth place with the top five advancing in a race won by Canadian Dianna Proctor.
She finished in 54.67 to be the 31st athlete with only the top 24 advancing to the semi- finals.
Jemimah Rodrigues (left) and Chamari Athapaththu both made half-centuries (Photos: CPLT20/Getty Images)
Barbadian Jacob Bethell has been named in England’s ODI squad to face Australia in September
