‘Hope
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday interacted with pupils of the Green Acres School during their inter-house athletics at the Guyana Defence Force’s Sports Club Ground, at Camp Ayanganna
Country’s first ‘airport hotel’ to be completed by March
over 200 persons to be directly employed
PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday inspected ongoing works on Courtyard by Marriott Hotels International, which is being constructed at Timehri.
The proposed East Bank Demerara hotel is just one minute away from the entrance of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
When completed, it will serve as Guyana’s first major “airport hotel”, accommodating airline crew, staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other travellers.
President Ali expressed satisfaction with the scope of work.
The six-storey edifice is being constructed on 2.5 acres of land that was leased from the government, and will feature 150 rooms, including five executive suites.
Cardinal Investments Inc is the company executing the project.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Roy Bassoo disclosed that works are expected to be completed by March 2025. This new completion date will allow for the execution of additional works.
Project Manager Jonathan Mohal told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the added works include the installation of solar panels, so as to help supply heated water to the hotel.
“The conventional way is that we would use electricity to supply heated water to the hotel, but this is a ‘green’ initiative. By doing this, it increases the energy-saving capacity at the hotel, and promotes a ‘green’ environment,” he explained.
This ‘greening’ of the hotel aligns with the government’s push towards cleaner, renewable energy sources, and
See page 11
‘Hope has been restored to our people with new meaning, purpose’
–– President Ali says; urges persons to reflect on the teachings of Diwali as they celebrate the Festival of Lights
AS the nation prepares to usher in the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that in the same way the occasion represents good conquering evil, so, too, does the simple act of cultivating a spirit of hope.
He made the foregoing observation on Monday evening during the government’s Diwali cultural celebration, at
the West Demerara village of Leonora, where he noted that what the government wants for its people is for them to have hope and dreams for a better life.
“What we want in our country, as a government and as a people, is that our people must hope. You see, you can’t have goodness if you can’t hope for something better,” he said.
Dr. Ali explained that when a society becomes hopeless, and when hopelessness takes over the landscape, that is the foundation on which darkness will evolve and prevail over everything else.
Against this backdrop, the Head of State noted that the government, over the last four years, has not only restored hope, but brought meaning to that hope in its people.
He said: “Today, Guyanese don’t need to hope for and dream of a better education; you have it at your doorstep.
You don’t need the hope and dream for a house lot or treated water; we’re investing in it for you. You don’t hope and dream for democracy, because we believe in democracy.”
Dr. Ali highlighted that if
one wants to determine how alive a society is, one can measure it by the vibrancy of the culture, and the way in which the culture is preserved.
This culture is part of the spirituality that embodies Diwali, and as such, the spirituality of the event goes beyond a place or an environment, he said.
This spirituality of which he speaks, Dr. Ali said, is the
individual upliftment that must lend itself to community upliftment, and further to the upliftment of all humanity. Hence, he said, this is the reason these events are important, because it is the embodiment of the spirituality that is celebrated, further encouraging the younger generations to learn about the greater meaning of these occasions.
that just as the occasion represents good conquering evil, so, too, does having hope
Bold, ambitious targets for human transformation being achieved rapidly
–– President Ali emphasises, points
HIGHLIGHTING that development is multifaceted, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has set bold and ambitious targets to bring social and economic empowerment to Guyanese.
The Head of State was at the time addressing residents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) at the sod-turning ceremony for two major projects.
Dr. Ali pointed to the tremendous development taking place in the country, and said it could be easy for one to be attracted to the physical transformation
through buildings, roads and other infrastructure.
However, he indicated that the most beautiful and transformative aspect of Guyana’s development over the last four years has been the transformation of people’s lives.
This aspect of the transformation, he said, entails the building of a support system for young people, especially a future that is linked to the economic development and expansion of the country.
“We launched a human transformation project throughout this country; in that human transformation project, we set ourselves some bold and ambitious
targets,” the president said.
Some of these targets include aiming to have 100 per cent trained teachers in the education system, and going beyond that to ensure that those that have been trained will also become trained graduates.
He also noted that the wants to ensure there is adequate training for nurses, community health workers, pharmacists and ‘lab’ technicians in every corner of the country.
On a broader level of human development, there was the launch of the GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) scholarship programme, and the move to make the University of
Guyana, as well as all government technical and vocational facilities free of cost to all Guyanese.
Standing amongst a group of mostly young people, President Ali noted, “These are young people from your region; a sample of young people from your region who, three or four years ago would have never thought that right in this region, they would have had the opportunity to become nurses, nursing technicians, and trained teachers in this region.”
He added: “This is social empowerment; this is economic empowerment!”
Against this backdrop, President Ali noted that this
is the power of a policy that goes far beyond the delivery of a singular product.
However, he iterated to the young people that they are growing up in an era where they should understand that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is about creating and giving opportunities that have not existed before to build stronger, viable and sustainable communities.
“But when one speaks about, Oh, can we eat road? Can we eat a building? It shows their understanding of what development is, how narrow-sighted they are. Not only does the physical infrastructure change your mindset and your cul-
ture and the way you treat the environment, it adds value to your property…” Dr. Ali said.
The Head of State further related that development is multifaceted, and as such, the government can stand behind the power of faces that can tell the story of what has been achieved.
President Ali added,
“The reality of the country we live in today is one that is different. We have to understand the development paradigm; we have to look beyond the superficial nature of those commentators who would see everything wrong, but don’t have a clue as to what it takes to fix it.”
Ushering in the Hindu Festival of Lights: President Dr. Irfaan Ali said Monday
Global decarbonisation efforts falling short –– VP Jagdeo warns
… highlights Guyana’s ambitious efforts to reduce emissions by 50 per cent through gas-to-energy project, solar energy, hydropower initiatives and water-management investments
By Feona Morrison
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has issued a strong call for the world to accelerate its efforts at cutting carbon emissions, warning that current decarbonisation measures are unlikely to stave off the worst impacts of climate change.
Speaking at an event last week Friday, Dr Jagdeo reiterated that vulnerable nations continue to be disproportionately affected by climate change.
The Caribbean is the most exposed region to climate-related natural disasters.
Highlighting Guyana’s strides in sustainability, Dr Jagdeo emphasised the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which aims to protect Guyana’s vast rainforests while simultaneously driving economic growth. Through the LCDS, Guyana has been able to preserve significant carbon sinks, which play a crucial role in global climate
regulation.
However, Dr Jagdeo warned that initiatives such as the LCDS could only achieve their full impact if backed by global-decarbonisation efforts. He explained that the government is prioritising energy transition, and the gas-to-energy project, combined with solar energy initiatives, will reduce emissions by 40 percent. This reduction is particularly impactful as the country currently relies heavily on bunker and diesel fuel for most of its power generation.
“And over the course of the next maybe five years, you’re going to have in excess of 100 megawatts of solar power. And then the hydropower will be able to triple our output of energy and yet cut our emissions by possibly 50 per cent. So, the energy transition is already being implemented,” Dr Jagdeo said. He emphasised that despite Guyana’s efforts to reduce emissions, global progress on decarbonising the economy by the critical target
of 2050 remains insufficient. Essentially, this means that international negotiations are falling short of achieving the necessary commitments to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century, which puts both the environment and vulnerable nations at greater risk.
“Not enough is being done to decarbonise the global economy by a particular threshold date, which is 2050. I’m not very hopeful that much more would be done,” stressed Dr Jagdeo, who has been a long-standing advocate for environmental sustainability.
Dr Jagdeo highlighted that even if Guyana success-
fully reduces its emissions, the country still faces the challenge of addressing the existing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
“So, we have to adapt. Our biggest vulnerability is water management from the sea and from the backlands. We don’t have, like hurricanes, et cetera…those adverse weather events. So, we are investing a massive sum of money now to manage water.”
Highlighting the country’s progress in water management, he stated, “Sixty new kokers [are] being rehabilitated; 90 new pump -
ing stations with 39 pumps installed. That has tripled our capacity to take pump water from the coastal areas.
Forty mobile pumps, several ‘Hope-like’ canals to manage water from the backlands directly into the Atlantic Ocean. That’s ongoing.”
Guyana is dedicated to safeguarding its forests and other resources, but the government has often emphasised that in order to spearhead conservation efforts, it requires financial and technical support. Guyana has had many obstacles to overcome in the fight to protect its forests, including illicit mining and logging.
The Guyana government has put regulations in place that are aimed at forest conservation. Initially unveiled in 2009, the LCDS serves as a fundamental component of these endeavours.
The plan promotes economic growth while placing a strong emphasis on the sustainable utilisation of Guyana’s natural resources. Its objectives are to preserve the forest, lower carbon emissions, and make money with programmes such as carbon trading.
Guyana and Norway signed a landmark deal in 2009, wherein the Kingdom of Norway committed US$250 million to help Guyana with its forest conser-
vation. One of the earliest collaborations of its sort, this one established a standard for rewarding developing nations for their environmental stewardship. In 2019, Norway released G$9.1 billion to the World Bank-run Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), thereby completing its final payment under a landmark forest-protection deal. Guyana committed to upholding low rates of deforestation and putting mechanisms in place to protect the forest under the terms of this agreement. Numerous sustainable development projects around the nation have benefitted from the cash received.
In 2022, the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) issued the world’s first trees credit, enabling Guyana to enter into an historic agreement with Hess Corporation, whereby the oil giants opted to purchase about one-third of all Guyana’s credits.
In 2023, the country received its first payment of US$75 million (or G$15.6 billion) from the sale of carbon credits.
Some 15 per cent of this was allocated to community/village-led programmes for indigenous peoples, while the remaining 85 per cent was allocated for adaptation measures outlined in the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.
Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Guyana, India strengthen bilateral ties
–– with expanding cultural, economic, and educational partnerships
THE diplomatic relations between Guyana and India, established in 1965, have evolved into a multifaceted partnership based on shared values, cultural exchange, and strategic collaboration.
This close connection, which began with the establishment of the Commission of India, was further solidified with the founding of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Georgetown in 1972, one of the oldest Indian cultural institutions abroad.
Through its offerings in classical dance, yoga, music, and a range of outreach programmes, the
Centre plays an active role in bridging the cultural heritage between the two nations.
The relationship between Guyana and India reached a significant milestone in 1974 when both countries signed a Cultural Agreement which came into effect in 1977. This agreement paved the way for ongoing cultural exchange programmes, starting with the first Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) signed in 1993 during the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s visit to India. Today, the CEP remains a cornerstone of the diplomatic bond, highlighting mutual
respect and shared cultural values.
Recently, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, attended a Diwali Mela celebration organised by the Indian High Commission and the Cultural Centre, alongside Surabhi, an Indian cultural group. Reflecting on the robust ties, Minister Anthony remarked, “Today between our two countries, we are seeing it’s not only about cultural ties, but we have economic and other ties as well. And I think if we look at what has been happening over the last couple of years, we have seen our relationship grow in strength. And ev-
ery year we are seeing this relationship blossoming and getting even better.”
Dr. Amit Telang, the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, spoke at the event, emphasising the shared cultural heritage
between the two countries, which celebrates both Diwali and Phagwah. He added, “With this Festival of Light, may the warm and friendly relations between our two countries, India and Guyana, continue to blossom, flourish, and reach new heights in our bilateral relations.”
In addition to cultural ties, the partnership has expanded into economic and developmental cooperation. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, facilitated by the Indian government, has provided training opportunities for over 700 Guyanese nationals in fields such as Information Technology, Telecom, Renewable Energy, and Finance. In recent years, the number of ITEC slots has increased, with 75 slots allotted for 20222023, up from previous years, and additional scholarships granted through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Two Indian universities, Indira Gandhi National
Open University (IGNOU) and Jain “Deemed To Be” University, Bangalore, have been chosen to partner with the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, enabling thousands of Guyanese students to access higher education through online scholarships.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, met with India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi. This meeting highlighted both nations’ commitment to strengthening ties, focusing on energy, cybersecurity, and disaster management. The discussions underscored a comprehensive approach to bilateral engagement, with further collaboration in economic development, energy, and security.
As Guyana and India continue to reinforce their diplomatic relationship, both countries remain committed to fostering mutual growth, cultural enrichment, and strategic co-operation.
Alternative Reality
THERE is a tendency among the political opposition to play down the economic and social progress made by the current PPP/C administration.
And while one cannot reasonably expect the political opposition to sing the praises of the ruling party, if only for opportunistic reasons, it is an entirely different matter when lies, half-truths and distortions are utilised to create an alternative truth that has no bearing on objective reality.
For the political opposition, there is hardly anything done by the current administration, however meritorious, that is considered praiseworthy. Not even the one-off cash grant of $100,000 to all Guyanese over the age of 18 is spared the wrath of the PNC. All manner of negative commentaries are being made, ranging from the bizarre to the ridiculous.
Unable to find fault with the measures being implemented by the PPP/C administration to enhance the spending
power of every Guyanese, the APNU is sheepishly seeking to take credit for the cash grant. Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan under the Granger administration, even went to ridiculous proportions to change his own narrative and sought to take credit for the initiative.
There is a basic level of decency and integrity that individuals are expected to uphold both in their private and public lives. Taking credit for an idea that does not belong to you is at best intellectually dishonest and at worst an act of hypocrisy.
The records will show that the former finance minister not only opposed the idea of the cash grant during his tenure as finance minister, but was also exclusionary in terms of grants payable to significant segments of the population who may or may not receive other forms of cash assistance in previous years.
This hypocrisy by former Minister Winston Jordan has not escaped the
attention of PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who chided the opposition for attempting to take credit for the government’s initiative of a one-time cash grant for all eligible Guyanese.
As noted by Dr Jagdeo, this measure will inject billions of dollars into the pockets of Guyanese, thereby fulfilling yet another commitment made in the PPP/C’s manifesto.
Unlike some who are critical of the grant as unsustainable and proverbially giving someone a fish rather than teaching them to fish, this one-off cash grant has to be seen in the context of a multiplicity of other cross-cutting measures taken by the PPP/C government to increase disposable income along with a range of training opportunities now available to the population to become skilled professionals and in the process enhance their earning capacity.
Thousands of Guyanese can now access higher education through the GOAL programme at no financial cost to recipients. University education has
now been declared by President Ali as free at the University of Guyana from next year.
These are profoundly significant developments that are unmatched in many countries, including those from the developed world.
The political opposition has now found itself in a difficult situation, especially as general and regional elections draw nearer and nearer. And, as pointed out by the PPP General Secretary, the writing is on the wall. The PNC/ APNU/AFC is becoming increasingly aware that they are heading for defeat in the upcoming polls.
Getting power by other means, as it attempted to do in the March 2020 General and Regional Elections is out of the question. It must come to terms with the reality of the will of the people in free and fair elections as the only basis of governance.
Hiding under the fig leaf of an alternative reality will not be in its best interest.
The infamous Ram and McRae survey
Dear Editor,
RAM and McRae conducted a “survey” that purports to represent the views of “all Guyanese” in respect of the renegotiation of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. The total number of respondents, according to the report, was 139.
There is an estimated (conservatively) 1.8 million Guyanese residing at home and abroad (including second- and third-generation Guyanese residing out of Guyana). Yet, the survey respondents, which represented 0.008 per cent of the Guyanese population residing home and abroad, is being sold egregiously by a small group of “the usual suspects”, as a representation of the views of all Guyanese. When the survey was conducted, I had the opportunity to review the survey questions. Not only were the questions biased, but also such that they were framed in a manner to yield a certain type of result.
For example, we do not know who the 139 respondents are, whether they represent a wide cross section of the Guyanese society: professionals, the private sector, civil society, etc., or whether the respondents were extracted from Ram and McCrae’s clienteles’ database. The lack of transparency in this regard leaves much to be desired.
A proper, unbiased and objective survey of this nature ought to have covered two important elements that were completely omitted: (i) the implications of what was proposed by the survey were not addressed for the benefit of the respondents to consider, which may have altered their responses and (ii), the initiatives, policies and other ways in which the government sought to maximize the in-country value from the 2016 Agreement. In particular, if the respondents knew of the implications, the survey result may have been very different.
Moreover, the survey “glorifiers” who have
disingenuously sold the survey results as a representation of the vast majority of Guyanese, when all they do is to project their opinions from their “armchairs”, is a disservice to Guyanese, because none of them have gone into the fields and engaged with the people directly in the manner the government does across the country.
And none of them have that benefit of direct feedback from practically the entire population as the government would have, through public outreaches and engagement with the people across the country.
That having been established, let’s examine the implications of the “renegotiation,” especially since Guyana’s neighbour to the west, Venezuela, is an excellent case example.
The Contractor, ExxonMobil Guyana (EMGL) has already signalled on multiple occasions publicly that it is not interested in renegotiating the 2016 Agreement. Pursuant to the Petroleum Agreement (2016), both parties (Government and Contractor) would have to agree to renegotiation.
Should the government impose renegotiated fiscal terms without the consent of the contractor, ExxonMobil and their Co-Ventures, this would result in arbitration as in the case of Venezuela versus ExxonMobil.
Any move to arbitration in that circumstance, would halt production and the sector altogether, and the arbitration can take as long as 10 years to settle, as in the case of Venezuela versus ExxonMobil.
In the case of Venezuela, ExxonMobil and their co-venture partner sought in excess of US$40 billion in compensation but was awarded a total of US$10 billion through the arbitration process that lasted for 10 years.
From the time the arbitration process was initiated by ExxonMobil in 2007 against Venezuela, Venezuela’s GDP fell from US$315 billion (2008) to US$102 billion by 2018, a loss of US$213 billion or 68 per cent in 11 years. This culminated into one
of the worst humanitarian, social and economic, political and geopolitical crises in history, of a South American country. It has been marked by hyperinflation, escalating starvation, disease, increasing crime and mortality rates, resulting in massive emigration.
Returning to the case of Guyana, there were two unprecedented events that weakened the incumbent government’s position, even if it wanted to renegotiate the Stabroek Block’s Petroleum Agreement. The government would have been in a stronger position if by the time it assumed office following the general and regional elections, EMGL had not moved to production, and a Final Investment Decision (FID) was not yet made.
Recall that after the successful passage of the “No-Confidence Motion” (NCM) in December 2018, the general and regional elections were constitutionally due three months thereafter; but was not held until March 2020, then the election result was declared five months later in August 2020. Consequently, almost one and a half years later, there was a change in government following the NCM in December 2018 and the general elections in March 2020.
Cognisant of these ramifications, EMGL intentionally, aggressively transitioned into production in record time by December 2019 from commercial discovery in May 2015. By EMGL’s own admission, the timeline by which they moved from discovery to first oil in less than five years, was a record achievement across the global industry.
Historically, it took about 10 years to develop projects from commercial discovery to production following an investment decision. Therefore, considering that the FID for the Stabroek Block was based on the 2016 Agreement and the fact that EMGL had already started production, renegotiation was thus made difficult in these circumstances.
Nevertheless, the government managed to achieve the following, aimed at maximising the in-country value:
As soon as the government assumed office in August 2020, it moved swiftly to implement Local Content Legislation which is now generating an estimated GY$200 billion annually from cost-oil to procure goods and services from Guyanese suppliers and provision of employment opportunities for Guyanese.
Work began on the implementation of the gas-to-energy project which would translate to another GY$200 billion in direct and indirect benefits for the economy.
A new-model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) was developed with significantly improved fiscal conditions that will result in the government’s take increasing from 28 per cent to 40 per cent. The new fiscal terms include the introduction of a 10 per cent corporate tax, 10 per cent royalty up from two per cent, cost recovery ceiling down to 65 per cent from 75 per cent, and profit oil remains at 50 per cent. This new PSA will apply to all future production agreements.
A new, modern Petroleum Activities legislation was developed (already enacted into law), repealing the outdated Petroleum law.
More importantly to note is that apart from the Stabroek Block, which the only block that had moved to production before the government is assumed office in 2020, there are nine other active Petroleum Prospecting/Exploration Licences.
Accordingly, as new commercial discoveries are made, the new PSA/fiscal terms shall apply to those.
In other words, the government has effectively renegotiated nine other contracts that were based on the old fiscal terms because those have not moved to production as yet unlike the Stabroek Block.
Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin
Facts get brutalised with unimaginative interpretation
I DO not think I will ever stop repeating on this page the point that it is important to counter the egregious, irrational and unscholarly outpourings against democracy in Guyana that come from people who think that what they are publishing is sound and informative.
Dr. Bertrand Ramcharan does not stop. As a critic of the Guyana Government, he puts out commentaries that cannot sur-
vive meticulous academic examination. He would reject any advice offered by me since I am one of his detractors, but I would suggest he gives himself a period of abstention before he writes again because he is looking bad. Here is the latest offering of the gentleman that simply goes in a direction that makes no sense in the study of governmental behaviour. Dr. Ramcharan rejects the thesis that
a person cannot postulate the existence of unintended autocracy because autocratic behaviour by governments is designed action.
He finds solace in an analogy that simply is outrageous and in order not to hurt his feelings, I will stick with the use of “outrageous” and avoid any insulting adjectives though I feel harsh words should be used in rejecting his analogy. He submits that a driver kills someone and though the death was not intended, the effect is that death occurred.
Thus he goes on to say that autocracy may not be intended, but the result is the same as in the driving situation. This is a jejune comparison with the governmental practice of autocratic power. This is a poor analogy that explains absolutely nothing and achieves nothing in the understanding of how state power is exercised in this country.
Autocratic power is the use of authority outside of moral, constitutional and legal guidelines by the state to achieve a certain objective in which the power holder feels that the action will either make his/ her grip on power more secure or the opposite of the coin is that the targeted action weakens a detractor of the government.
Autocratic exercise of state power is never episodic but is a policy direction. In other words, the action against an opposition politician or a media house cannot symbolise the descent into autocratic governance if it is an isolated case.
The most one can say was that the step was not the right thing to do, but an academic cannot use a single act of a government to dismiss that government as an autocratic regime.
Then there is the role of interpretation. What happens when context comes in? Is it possible that the politician or the journalist was at fault? One does not have to go far but to look right here in Guyana where we have opposition politicians and media houses that have crossed the line.
An opposition politician, Tacuma Ogunseye, was charged. I cannot comment on the case because it is before the courts, but it would be downright propagandising to say that the charge against him is a
sign of autocratic government in the making.
Dr. Ramcharan yelled out in a letter in the Stabroek News last Saturday that facts speak for themselves. But he failed to add that he is taking “facts” for convenience sake and putting his own interpretation on them, and what is even more unacceptable is that he gets his “facts” from a private newspaper that is hostile to the government rather than from researchers and scholars.
One of his “facts” is that there is no consultation with the opposition. But where is context? In a matter of Guyana’s sovereignty being threatened by Venezuela, the Opposition Leader refused to accept an invitation to join a governmental delegation to meet with the Venezuelan President.
The Opposition Leader refused to shake the hand of the President on two occasions and it is rumoured that the Opposition Leader side-lined a key figure in the PNC’s leadership for in fact shaking the President’s hand.
This is where context comes in and this is where Ramcharan’s interpretation becomes questionable. Context has to be used in interpreting human action. Furthermore, it is unwise for a scholar to categorise a government as being autocratic using as his source, an entity that has anti-government agenda.
Why is the Stabroek News his only source? What about the editorials in Guyana Times? What about academics who write columns in the newspapers like Leonard Craig and Nazim Baksh? These are highly educated men in the social sciences. Does Mr. Ramcharan give them any credit for their analyses? Or is it that since they write along the lines of appreciating the positive things the President is doing their analyses are flawed but the anti-government editorials in the Stabroek News are more instructive? Dr. Ramcharan is entitled to his opinions but his opinions are hardly enlightening.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Norton says ‘data don’t lie’ but challenges World Bank, global institutions’ statistics
–– relies on trusted ‘advisers’ in PNCR camp, ‘real-world’ approach
DESPITE inflation being a worldwide challenge, which is exacerbated by different factors, Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, rather than relying on data from credible international institutions, said the party is using what he describes as a “real world” approach.
For months, the Opposition has claimed that Guyana is facing a cost-of-living “crisis”, a perspective critics say disregards the government’s initiatives to mitigate the impact of global economic conditions on the local economy.
During a press conference on Friday, Norton faced questions on the data underpinning his claims, and appears set on defying global economic consensus.
Asked to elaborate, the Opposition Leader initially cited sources like the World Bank, and mentioned the involvement of his economists.
However, when pressed about his team’s credibility, and the positive metrics shared by international agencies, Norton response was that while the World Bank and other institutions are credible, their data “does not reflect reality”.
In his own words: “The World Bank is a credible institution; has its own tools, but the most credible institution to determine what is happening in Guyana is the people of Guyana, and the people on the ground; data don’t lie…”
While Norton and the PNCR have not provided clear sources for their inflation measurements, contrasting approaches by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government underscore an active and transparent economic management strategy aimed at alleviating rising costs.
Despite the PNCR’s stance, data from credible sources offer a different view.
The country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at end of the first half of 2024 was 49.7 per cent, while nonoil was a significant 12.6 per cent.
The World Bank and other reputable international institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) have all reported that Guyana’s economic prospects continue to far exceed regional counterparts.
Just February, Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, Kenji Okamura praised the nation’s economic strides, while highlighting the need for balanced development and macroeconomic stability.
Okamura was on a high-level two-day visit to Guyana, where he examined
several ongoing projects to get a first-hand view of the nationwide transformative growth taking place under the PPP/C Government.
“Notwithstanding the recent economic boom, Guyana still faces significant human and infrastructural development needs. I strongly support the authorities’ efforts to improve economic welfare through public investment, while avoiding the non-trivial risk of economic overheating,” Okamura had said.
The government’s expansionary fiscal policy, balanced by monetary policy, is deemed appropriate by the IMF, considering the nation’s developmental necessities.
This approach, coupled with measures introduced in 2022 and 2023, has contributed to a decline in the inflation rate, as noted in ECLAC’s Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2023 report.
Overall, Guyana’s economic landscape is set to experience continued expansion, with growth averaging 20 per cent expected annually from 2024 to 2028.
The IMF projects that the economy will double by 2028, with sustained non-oil GDP growth at 5.5 per cent as the government continues addressing developmental needs
The World Bank’s latest Macro Economic Outlook report highlights Guyana’s exceptional economic trajectory, including a 33.8% GDP surge in 2023, fuelled by the country’s burgeoning oil sector.
The report underscores how these revenues are financing substantial public investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, aimed at distributing economic benefits broadly across the nation.
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, in a previous briefing, highlighted the PPP/C’s multipronged plan to address issues like inflation head-on, focusing on key sectors impacting daily life.
“We’ve said in five areas; five of the critical areas where global inflation has been raging, that we have managed to intervene through direct government policies, and kept the prices down, or reduced them,” Dr. Jagdeo stated.
This approach, according to him, highlights proactive measures in areas such as food production, energy, and essential services to reduce the impact of imported inflation on Guyanese families.
As part of this effort, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has introduced a series of cost-of-living relief measures, including a one-off $100,000 cash grant for all Guyanese over the age of 18, an allocation of $10 billion to support NIS contributors, and a deduction of $10,000 per child from taxable income to ease parents’ finan-
cial strain.
In the energy sector, the government is targetting a 50% reduction in electricity costs by 2025, projecting consumer savings exceeding $50 billion.
Additionally, the government’s agenda includes targetted support for farmers with increased access to farmlands, distribution of free planting materials and fertilisers, and the establishment of farmers’ markets to ensure affordable
access to fresh produce.
These agricultural initiatives have seen a significant uptick in local crop production, thereby providing both income for farmers and stable prices for consumers.
The PPP/C’s track record of direct intervention stands in stark contrast to the Opposition’s vague references to inflation data and ‘shadow’ economists.
While Norton maintains that his team includes quali-
fied economists, he has yet to provide the public with transparent information about the expertise backing the PNCR’s economic assessments.
Meanwhile, Norton’s stance continues to face scrutiny, particularly as the PPP/C government has implemented clear policies aimed at stabilising prices for everyday commodities, and safeguarding the purchasing power of Guyanese citizens.
PNCR Leader, Aubrey Norton
Ambassador Ramsammy lauds CEDAW, Vatican’s gender parity decisions
WOMEN’S rights have made landmark advancements following two pivotal international events advocating for gender parity and representation in leadership, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, announced in an address recently.
Dr. Ramsammy spoke on the recent call by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW) for a 50:50 gender representation in decision-making globally, and the Vatican’s historic acknowledgment of women’s leadership roles within the Catholic Church. At the close of CEDAW’s 89th session in Geneva, Switzerland, the UN body issued General Recommendation 40 (GR40), marking a shift from the Beijing Declaration’s 30 per cent equity goal toward full gender par-
ity across governance and economic systems. GR40 now calls for “equal and inclusive representation” of women in all spheres, from local governance to international forums, reinforcing CEDAW’s mandate for countries to eliminate gender discrimination. As Dr. Ramsammy observed, this change marks “a paradigm shift” that strengthens legal standards and global commitments toward equality.
“This new directive advances women’s representation beyond symbolic benchmarks, calling for actual parity in public, private, and digital spheres,” Ramsammy noted, emphasizing the recommendation’s significance as countries gear up for the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, a critical milestone in the global women’s rights movement. He highlighted that, in international peace
and security contexts, where women’s involvement has historically been minimal, this directive could reshape inclusive decision-making processes.
Ramsammy also praised the Vatican’s decision at the 2024 Papal Summit in Rome to allow women in certain leadership roles within the Church. While a “courageous step,” he said, the decision does not yet extend to permitting women to
Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
serve as priests, maintaining a stance he described as “timid but promising” in a centuries-old tradition of male-only clergy. However, he noted the significance of including 60 women among the 368 voting delegates, a marked departure from previous summits.
“Even as the Catholic Church upholds certain conservative views, this decision represents a breakthrough in a long-standing hierarchy. It offers hope for continued progress,” Ramsammy stated. He called on the Church to “fully recognize women’s equal right to serve at all levels,” encouraging it to join the broader global movement for gender equity.
Guyana, he noted, has been at the forefront of these efforts, with constitutional amendments ensuring that at least 33 per cent of parliamentary candidates are women, contributing to a current Parliament with 40 per cent female representation. This progress has positioned Guyana ahead of regional averages and is reflected in the nation’s ranking on the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index, where it currently ranks 35th globally with a score of 76.5 per cent.
Looking forward, Ramsammy underscored President Irfaan Ali’s recent commitment to ensuring that women own at least 30 per cent of agricultural businesses in Guyana, positioning the country as a global leader in both the agricultural sector and women’s empowerment.
Dr. Ramsammy concluded by expressing hope that Guyana would champion GR40 in its upcoming constitutional reforms, paving the way for an inclusive future.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ensuring women’s access to agricultural land and resources, stating, “Guyana’s track record proves that equity in all decision-making levels is not only possible but vital to sustainable development.”
Country’s first ‘airport hotel’ to be...
offers greater efficiency.
The hotel’s water-storage capacity has been expanded to approximately 20,000 gallons.
“Additionally, we would have had some issues with transporting, in terms of bringing the longlead items from China. You can’t really control the shipping routes, and the delays when it comes to weather and things like that. So, that also played a major role in terms of affecting the progress,” the project manager added.
Back in 2021, the government signed a US$20 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cardinal Investments Inc to design and build the hotel. Funds are also sourced, in part, through syndicated financing led by Republic Bank.
Construction is being led by Bassoo Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, with support from Chinese construction and engineering firm, Qing Jian Group Company [CNQC].
“Marriott starts like six months before the opening date, so they are here with us getting the team together to manage the hotel,” Mohal said.
The government is constructing a state-ofthe-art Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute at Port Mourant, on the Corentyne, to meet the growing demands of the sector.
The facility will provide hands-on training in a diverse range of areas within the services sector, so as to prepare persons for careers in hotels and restaurants, among other related industries.
During the tour, President Ali was accompanied by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, and other senior officials. (DPI)
When operational, the hotel is expected to create employment for more than 200 persons, and already, Marriott International is facilitating hospitality training
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday inspected ongoing works on the Courtyard by Marriott Hotels International, which is being constructed at Timehri
From page 2
Adelphi family homeless after fire destroys home
AN Adelphi family in East Canje Berbice is now grappling with heartbreak and uncertainty after a fire ravaged their flat wooden home, on Sunday evening.
The tragedy left them homeless and overwhelmed, as they contemplate their next steps.
Rookmanie Nowrang, 41, resided at Adelphi New Scheme, East Canje Berbice home with her husband, Shaheed Abdul Jahoor, 57, who is employed at GuySuCo, and her two children ages 12 years and nine years.
According to Nowrang, on the day of the incident, her husband assisted her with cooking and chores while she visited a tailor to have a school pants stitched for her son.
However, she said, her husband who works at the estate in the evenings and with a contractor during the day, left for work on Sunday afternoon after which she, along with her children, proceeded to visit her mother who resides a short distance away.
Nowrang related:
“Around 5 (pm), I come
and take lil food and take it by my mother because when my husband gone to work we does go there and sleep and then when I go back I heard my neighbours hollering that fire deh at my house.”
The emotional woman recalled that it was around 18:00 hrs when she was informed and she eventually rushed home.
‘Chico’ inspired generations of entrepreneurs with his advocacy
–– PSC says
The following is the full text of a statement from the Private Sector Commission:
“THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) extends its deepest condolences to the Beharry family and the entire Beharry Group of Companies on the passing of Mr. Rabindranauth ‘Chico’ Beharry, a visionary entrepreneur, esteemed business leader, and cherished figure in the Guyanese business landscape.
Mr. Beharry passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and service to his community and country.
Mr. Beharry’s leadership within the Beharry Group has exemplified excellence, integrity, and resilience for decades.
His guidance helped
shape the Beharry Group into a diversified powerhouse within Guyana and across the Caribbean, spanning industries from banking and insurance to food manufacturing and automotive services.
His unwavering commitment to quality, and his pioneering spirit in busi -
The remains of the fire-ravaged house
She recalled: “And when me come, me see the fire burning everything we have… everything gone, we had almost everything, we nah have current, we does use generator, and everything burn down.”
The family remains puzzled as to what could have caused the fire, as Nowrang said that they
were informed that the fire started at the back of the house.
She further said that around three months ago they had discovered that their house was broken into and completely ransacked.
Contemplating their next move, Nowrang said that she is currently staying by her mother; how-
ever, it is a small building and unable to house everyone.
“Them a nuff a them a ready and we get my two pickney them,” Nowrang said.
The family is seeking the public’s assistance in rebuilding and can be contacted on telephone number 604-2933.
ness, earned him admiration across the private sector.
Mr. Beharry’s contributions to the Private Sector Commission, where the Beharry Group has been a longstanding and valued member, have been pivotal in advancing Guyana’s economic landscape.
His advocacy for local business development and community upliftment has inspired generations of entrepreneurs.
The PSC joins the nation in honouring ‘Chico’ Beharry’s legacy. His impact on the private sector will be felt for years to come, as will his influence on those who had the privilege of working with and learning from him.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all at the Beharry Group during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in peace.”
The late Rabindranauth ‘Chico’ Beharry
Rookmanie Nowrang Shaheed Abdul Jahoor
at Adelphi
Samsung execs visit STARR Computer, highlight benefits of authentic devices for Guyana
FOLLOWING a recent visit to STARR Computer and its Samsung Experience Center by Mr. HS Su, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics, LA Region and a team of other executives, Mike Mohan, President of STARR Computer, emphasized the need to have the placement of a Samsung Solution terminal to assist customers in verifying that their handset purchased in Guyana is legitimately authorized for the Latin American Region, meeting the local carrier’s specification, and full Manufacturer’s warranty.
The evidence indicates that a notable proportion of unauthorized handsets, including counterfeit ones, are infiltrating the Guyana market and are in widespread circulation. Authentic Samsung smartphones are accompanied by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty starting from the date of purchase, inclusive of complimentary Samsung warranty and regular software updates. Furthermore, this feature promotes device authentication and enhances compatibility with local
mobile networks. To tackle these issues, STARR Computer encourages customers to visit the Samsung Experience Center for phone status updates. This straightforward procedure assists in determining the accurate Regional Code GTO and TPA integrated within their phone.
Thus, in order to ensure peace of mind, it is advisable to acquire your Samsung smartphone from an authorized reseller in Guyana.
STARR Computer, a Samsung partner in Guyana for more than ten years, consistently provides customers with the opportunity to experience Samsung’s latest flagship devices firsthand. This encompasses the newest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24 Plus, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Flip, alongside Samsung Smart Watches, Tablets, and other gadgets.
Additional topics covered involve the establishment of a new Samsung Video Wall Experience Center on the second floor, catering to the expanding markets of Hotels, Health Care, Hospitality, and other sectors.
The discussion also
included Smart Things that focus on connecting Electronics and Appliances to enhance Smart Home systems.
Mike Mohan, President of STARR Computer (second from right) listens to Mr HS JO, President and CEO for Samsung Electronics for Latin America and the Caribbean in the company of Mr Chester Kim, President of Samsung Electronics for Maimi and Caribbean, flanked by other executives
Ambassador Rodrigues calls for amplified role of women in peace processes
IN a compelling address to the UN Security Council on October 24, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, emphasised the urgent need for women’s inclusion in global peace-building processes, especially in the light of escalating violence and human rights abuses affecting women in conflict zones.
At the Security Council opened the debate on Women, Peace, and Security, themed “Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment,” Rodrigues-Birkett joined international leaders, including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed and UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, in recognising the underrepresentation of women in peace processes nearly 25 years after the adoption of Resolution 1325.
Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
“Despite the understanding that when women are part of peace processes, outcomes improve, the transformative potential of women’s leadership in peace remains largely unrealised,” stated Rodrigues-Birkett. She highlighted alarming statistics from the Secretary-General’s report showing the growing toll on women in conflict zones, where, in 2023 alone, the number of women killed in armed conflicts has doubled, cases of conflict-related sexual violence have risen by 50 per cent and the impact of conflict on girls has surged by 35 per cent.
Rodrigues-Birkett pointed to devastating conditions in countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, and Gaza, where women are enduring extreme violence and severe restrictions.
“In Gaza, despite forced displacement and unsafe shelter conditions, women are organising and participating in decision-making through UNRWA-established committees,” she noted. These grassroots efforts, she added, are a testament to women’s resilience, but underscore the need for global support and protection.
The ambassador called for substantial actions to mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, urging that these milestones be used to provide tangible resources, political backing, and active roles for women in peace initiatives. “Peace will never be sustainable without the participation of half of those who should benefit from it—women,” she emphasised, urging that women from conflict-affected nations such as Afghanistan and Sudan be integral to peace negotiations and diplomatic initiatives.
Rodrigues-Birkett further called for targetted political measures to advance women’s roles in peace and security, including implementing quotas, parity requirements, and legislation to protect women from violence and harassment, both offline and online. “Women must not be seen only as victims, but also as active participants and decision-makers in building peace,” she stated, emphasising that inclusive participation is crucial for sustainable peace.
Citing Colombia’s efforts, where women now make up 50 per cent of the government’s negotiators in peace negotiations, she urged nations to adopt best practices that ensure equal and meaningful participation for women in peace-building.
Rodrigues-Birkett concluded with a call to action for the international community to strengthen its commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, advocating for a global shift that honours women’s essential role in achieving sustainable peace and security.
Fagundes granted bail over high-profile gun, ammo bust
EON Fagundes, a 46-year-old clothes vendor from Kitty, Georgetown, known as “Nose”, has been granted $650,000 bail in connection with a significant firearm discovery.
Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts approved the bail on Monday after Fagundes’ Attorney, Siand Dhurjon, renewed the bail application.
Fagundes was initially brought before the court on July 29, 2024, where he was remanded to prison by Magistrate Clive Nurse after pleading not guilty to the charges. He is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and firearm components.
Since then, he has appeared before Magistrate Azore on several occasions.
During previous bail hearings, the prosecution consistently opposed Fagundes’ release, citing the serious nature of the charges and what they described as overwhelming evidence against him.
In response, Dhurjon had highlighted several medical issues affecting Fagundes and argued that the evidence presented would not meet the minimum legal threshold required for conviction.
The defence attorney also pointed out that despite Fagundes being in custody for three months, the trial had yet to begin due to the prosecution’s failure to disclose essential documents and materials. After an appeal from Dhurjon, Magistrate Azore granted bail, setting the conditions at $350,000 for firearm possession, $150,000 for possession of ammunition, and $150,000 for firearm
Eon Fagundes
components. His total bail stands at $650,000. Fagundes’s trial is fixed for February 2025.
Reports indicated that at around 05:30hrs on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, police ranks conducted an intelligence-led operation at Fagundes’s Lot 25 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown home.
The operation led to the discovery of a significant arsenal of firearms and ammunition, including 26 handguns and high-powered rifles, as well as a large quantity of ammunition. Eon is the brother of Ricardo Fagundes, known as “Paper Shorts”, who was fatally shot in March 2021 in an execution-style manner outside a wellknown night spot on Main Street, Georgetown.
The seized firearm and ammunition
CONCACAF announces fixtures for Nations League play-in
MIAMI, Florida, (CMC)
– THE winless Guyana Jaguars will face off against the unbeaten Barbados Tridents next month for a spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The highly anticipated contest is among four matches recently announced by CONCACAF as part of its
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
BANGOR
P8:50 hrs Milan A C
09:20 hrs Gamesters
Guy
09:50 hrs Could Be Trouble
10:22 hrs Ultra Beat
10:57 hrs Iron D'ex
11:32 hrs Libor Lad
12:07 hrs Douglas Hyde
CHEPSTOW
09:00 hrs The New Lion
09:30 hrs Quebecois
10:00 hrs Ventara
10:35 hrs Magical
Escape
11:10 hrs Do Your Job
11:45 hrs Siam Park
12:20 hrs The Final Word
NEWCASTLE
12:00 hrs Ayr Poet
12:30 hrs Always Eternal
13:00 hrs Mini Mac
Nations League play-in.
The play-in fixtures are contested by the two bottom teams from each group of League A (teams ranked fifth and sixth) and the top four teams from League C (three group winners and the best team among the group runners-up).
After home-and-away
13:30 hrs Jez Bomb 14:00 hrs Barnaby 14:30 hrs My Cloud 15:00 hrs Golden Duke 15:30 hrs Tickets 16:00 hrs Quercus
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
MAHONING VALLEY
Race 1 Cleveland Power
Race 2 Sugar Loves It
Race 3 Mason A P
Race 4 Aujara
Race 5 Midnight Voyage
Race 6 Gatha's Song
Race 7 The Miracle Kiut
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SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
DURBANVILLE
08:35 hrs Gripen
09:10 hrs Jet To The Sun
09:45 hrs Tres Chic
10:20 hrs Xplicit Content
10:55 hrs Wordly
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, October 29, 2024)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Brian Lara-1,122 runs (25 matches)
(2) Sanath Jayasuriya-922 runs (30 matches)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI bowler has claimed most ODI wickets against SL to date?
(2) Which SL bowler has taken most ODI wickets against the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
play, the aggregate score winner in each matchup will advance to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup prelims.
Barbados, who played unbeaten in League C to gain promotion back to League B, will play the Jaguars, who have been demoted to League B after finishing last in their League A group, in the first leg on November 15 at the
The
vember 19.
In the other fixtures, Cuba will play St Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe take on Cayman Islands, while French Guiana will do battle with Belize.
Kirsten resigns as Pakistan's white-ball coach
GARY Kirsten has resigned as Pakistan's limited-overs coach after six months in the role and Test coach, Jason Gillespie, will be in charge for the whiteball tour of Australia which starts next week.
The former South Africa batter, 56, was appointed on a two-year contract in April at the same time as Gillespie took over the Test side.
Kirsten is reported by ESPNCricinfo, external to have had a strained relationship
Gary Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa
with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over selection issues.
Gillespie said before last week's third Test between Pakistan and England that he no longer had a say on selection and described his own role as a "match day strategist".
The PCB reconstituted its selection committee after a heavy defeat by England in the first Test.
Kirsten has previously coached India - guiding them to a 50-over World Cup win
World Test Championship - State of...
Pakistan have won backto-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.
While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings. to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle
on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Eighth - Bangladesh30.56% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (home, one Test), West Indies (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 47.92%
The recent loss to South Africa at home put pay to Bangladesh's chances of reaching next year's final, with just three Tests remaining for the Asian side this cycle.
They could still win those three matches to finish with a percentage of 47.92, but this
Manchester United sacks...
table, having drawn their three opening fixtures.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the club as Ten Hag's assistant last summer, has been named as interim manager.
The club said Van Nistelrooy would be in charge "while a permanent head coach is recruited".
Ten Hag was informed of
(From page 22)
won't be enough to feature in a first World Test Championship final.
Ninth - West Indies18.52% of possible points
Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two matches), Pakistan (away, two matches)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it's been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand
(From back page)
the decision by chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth during a face-to-face meeting at the club's Carrington training ground on Monday morning.
Club sources have stressed this was a difficult decision but a unanimous one.
"Thanks for everything, boss," United captain Bruno
Fernandes wrote on Instagram. "I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together. I wish you all the best in the future."
The club triggered a oneyear extension in Ten Hag's contract following May's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City but just over three months later he has been dis-
in 2011 - and his native South Africa as well stints with various T20 franchises including in the Indian Premier League. Pakistan face Australia in three one-day internationals - starting on November 4 in Melbourne - before three T20 internationals.
The PCB has put former Australia bowler Gillespie in charge for those white-ball matches following Pakistan's 2-1 Test series win against England. (BBC Sport)
against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite's men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heavily, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh at the end of November, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign. (ICC Media)
missed.
United has its second-lowest Premier League points tally after nine games, with 11 points (they had 10 at this stage in the 2019-20 campaign).
The club is now seeking its sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. (BBC Sport)
Wildey Astro Turf.
Jaguars will return home for the second leg at the National Track & Field facility in Leonara on No
The Barbados Tridents played unbeaten in League C of the CONCACAF Nations League
Bartica and Chase Academy take impressive opening day wins
Bartica Secondary and Chase Academy got their Republic Bank Schools U18 Football League campaign off to a flyer with two awesome wins on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground.
In the opener East Ruimveldt got things off against Bartica Secondary School in the opener.
Bartica’s Billy Smith was the first to the back of the net, with a superb strike in the 8 th minute before East’s Josiah Norton found the equaliser a minute later.
Bartica’s Smith was not done as he returned to record two more goals to end with a hat-trick with the other goals coming in the 24 th and 35 th minutes.
Reizer Reid 50 th and Ezekiel Baldeo in the 60 th minutes came to the fore thereafter as they capped off a fine performance to collect a 5-1 victory.
Next, President’s College went up against former league Chase Academy, it was a one sided affair as Chase Academy scored almost at will to dominate the contest for the 4-nil victory.
Isaiah Ifill got the ball rolling 12 minutes after the opening whistle followed up shortly by Shaquan David who double the advantage in the 20 th minute.
Jaden Tasher would make it 3-nil in the 25 th before Neeiaz Baksh completed the win after driving the final nail in the coffin in the 36 th minute for the 4-0 win.
Waramuri also grabbed a 2-1 victory over South Ruimveldt when they locked horns at the Car -
ifesta Avenue ground.
South took the early advantage off a strike from Tyrese Pemberton in the 19 th minute.
Waramuri were slow to adjust to the pitch but when they acclimatize to the speed put in a thumping performance for the win.
Rondell Peters and Erwin Booker scored in the 26 and 39 minutes for a come from behind victory.
The action continues next Sunday with three more league fixtures.
GCF gears up to host... (From back page)
pher Griffith are the reserves.
On Saturday, November 2, the Women’s Elite 85km Road Race will pedal off on the Mandela/ Eccles/ Heroes Highway at 9 a.m., while the Men’s Individual Time Trials will commence at the same circuit two hours later. The following day, the Men’s Individual 155km Road Race will commence from the Linden Highway along the East Bank Corridor to the Heroes Highway Circuit and will be followed by the Women’s Individual Time Trials on the Mandela/ Eccles/ Heroes Highway Circuit.
World Test ChampionshipState of Play ahead of 2025 final
WE take a look at what lies ahead for all Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Things are tight at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with just 15 percent separating the top five teams.
India and Australia remain in the top two spots on the standings and a repeat of the memorable 2023 final at The Oval remains a distinct possibility.
But the likes of Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa remain in contention of claiming a coveted top two spot on the standings and earning a place at next year's one-off Test at Lord's.
World Test Championship Standings
First - India - 62.82% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (home, one Test), Australia (away, five Tests)
Best possible finish: 74.56%
The two-time World Test Championship runners up were looking pretty for a place at next year's final, but consecutive slip-ups at home against New Zealand has left the door open for opposition sides.
While Rohit Sharma's team still maintains a narrow lead at the top of the standings, another loss in the third Test against the Black Caps will see them travel to Australia next month needing to win at least four of their matches Down Under to ensure qualification.
Regardless of what happens in Mumbai against New Zealand, the five-match series against Australia at the end of the year will be pivotal for India and their chances of reaching a third straight World Test Championship final.
Second - Australia62.50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 76.32%
trip to Asia.
But first things first for Australia, who have a poor recent record at home against India and will be keen to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade.
Third - Sri Lanka55.56% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, Two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.23%
A head-turning victory over England in the third Test in England means Sri Lanka could still make a push for a World Test Championship Final berth with three more wins from their remaining four Tests.
Their task will be difficult, with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November and a further twomatch series at home against reigning champions Australia in 2025.
If Sri Lanka can pinch one victory in South Africa, it could lead to a grandstand finish on home soil with the top two spots potentially still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.
Fourth - New Zealand50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (away, one Test), England (home, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 64.29%
47.62% of possible points
Remaining series: Bangladesh (away, one Test), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
A first win in the sub-continent for more than 10 years has given South Africa hope of reaching next year's World Test Championship final, but they will likely need to replicate that success in the second Test against Bangladesh and then win three of their four contests on home soil at the end of the year.
The two-match home series against Sri Lanka at the end of November will be the crucial one for the Proteas, as a series-sweep there will boost their own chances of reaching the final and put an end to any hopes the island nation had of reaching the title decider.
South Africa are a genuine threat to the top teams on the standings given they have four more matches at home, but getting that second consectivie triumph in Bangladesh is also going to be pivotal for their prospects.
Sixth - England - 40.79% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 48.86%
General Secretary of the GCF, Lt. Col. Mark Sinclair indicated that his Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is working extremely hard to bring success to this event, since it was the first time Guyana would be hosting the championships.
Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia are on track for a second consecutive appearance in the final, but Pat Cummins' side will likely still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend the title they won in 2023.
The one advantage that Australia have over India is they have two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with Rohit Sharma's side and stay in contention for a place in the final ahead of that
Winning a first-ever series in India has given New Zealand some hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title, but they still have plenty of work to do if they are to finish in the top two places on the standings.
The Black Caps will likely need to win all four of their remaining Tests to make it through to the final, meaning they will have to complete series sweeps over India (they have already won two Tests on the trot there) and England at home if they are to do so.
It's not impossible, but will be tough going for the Kiwis.
Fifth - South Africa -
Consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen England drop out of contention for a spot at next year's final, with Ben Stokes' side with just three more Tests remaining this cycle.
They travel to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Seventh - Pakistan33.33% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 52.38%
(Turn to page 21)
Republic bank Guyana schools U18 football league
Chase Academy goal scorers: From left Isaiah Ifill, Jaden Tasher, Neeiaz Baksh and Shaquan David
Waramuri Secondary goal Scorers from Left: Rondel Peters and Erwin Booker
Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins
India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma
Guyana lands silver at Dutch Open 2024
THE Guyana Taekwondo Association(GTA) is thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement by Ms. Ceili Peterson, who secured a Silver Medal in the 51st Dutch Open Taekwondo Championships 2024.
The prestigious event took place in Eindhoven, Netherlands, from October 19 to 20, and Ms. Peterson showcased her skill and determination in the senior female category, competing in the -49 kg women’s division.
Competing against some of the best talents from around the globe, Ms. Peterson displayed exceptional technique and tenacity, earning her place in the finals.
Ms. Ceili Peterson, who secured a silver medal in the 51st
The atmosphere was electric as she fought through the rounds, thrilling spectators with her dynamic kicks and
strategic moves.
Reflecting on her achievement, Ms. Peterson expressed profound gratitude towards her family, her coach, and the Guyana Taekwondo Association for their unwavering support throughout her journey. “I am so happy with my results”, she said and added, “This experience has been incredible, and I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement and guidance from those around me”.
The Silver Medal is a testament to Ms. Peterson’s hard work and dedication, and it serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Guyana. The Guyana Taekwondo Association is proud of her accomplishment and looks forward to seeing her continue to excel on the interna-
tional stage.
As the taekwondo community celebrates this significant milestone, Ms. Peterson’s performance at the Dutch Open reaffirms the potential of Guyanese athletes in the sport. The association is optimistic about future competitions and the possibility of more athletes following in her footsteps.
Ms. Peterson’s results are as follows:
MATCH 110: Guyana vs Denmark
Ceili Peterson vs Kariline Helwigh Kamper
Round 1. Win 14-1
Round 2. Win 12-0
Results: Guyana won by 12 points gap.
MATCH 124: Guyana vs Poland
Ceili Peterson vs Nikola Krajewska
Round 1. Win 8-3
Round 2. Win 3-2
Results: Guyana won.
Semi-Finals:
MATCH 132 Guyana vs Great Britain
Ceili Peterson vs Phoenix Goodman
Round 1. Win 5-5 (superiority)
Round 2. Win 13-5
Results: Guyana won.
Finals:
Match 240 Guyana vs Germany
Ceili Peterson vs Supharada Kisskalt
Round 1. Loss 9-1
Round 2. Loss 12-6
Result: Guyana won the Silver Medal
The Guyana Taekwondo Association invites all inter-
ested individuals to discover the art of Taekwondo at classes held every Monday and Wednesday at the Guyana Teachers’ Union Hall on Woolford Avenue. Sessions run from 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM, providing a fantastic opportunity for beginners and experienced practitioners to enhance their skills.
Taekwondo, known for its emphasis on discipline, self-defence, and physical fitness, offers participants a chance to improve their mental and physical well-being while learning valuable techniques.
Whether you’re looking to get fit, build confidence, or compete at a higher level, these classes cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels.
Project ‘Cricket Gear’ provides more cricket balls for schools in Central Corentyne
AS support continues to pour in, JC Chandisingh and Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary Schools were the latest to benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”, an initiative between Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.
The two schools were the recipients of two boxes of red cricket balls, compliments of Kaieteur Cricket Club of Kitchener, Canada.
Representatives from both schools expressed thanks to the sponsors and the initiative. This project is thankful for the continued support provided by our friends. Special thanks to coordinator Derek Kallicharran, former Guyana and West Indies cricketer. The aim of the initiative is to
keep as many young people as possible off the streets and get them actively involve in sports, cricket in particular.
Total cricket related items received/purchased so far:
$460,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps and bails, two trophies, 27 pairs of cricket shoes, 33 pairs of batting pads, 35 cricket bats, one floppy hat, 32 pairs of batting gloves, 25 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 12 cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one fiber glass bat, 13 boxes of white cricket balls, nine boxes of red balls and 28 footballs.
To date, 86 young players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from cash, seven gear bags, two
trophies, four arm guards, 33 bats, three boxes, six helmets, 31 pairs of cricket shoes, 20 pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat grip, 34 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and three pairs of wicket-keeping gloves. In
Smith elected to lead Old Fort Hockey Club
Mikhail Smith has been elected to serve as President of the Old Fort Hockey Club following the staging of the entity’s Annual General Meeting, which was held on Sunday, at the National Gymnasium.
Smith will have as his deputy Vice-President Dwight Sullivan; SecretaryKayla Duncan; TreasurerChris Low Koan; Assistant/ Secretary Treasurer- Keziah Johnson.
The Committee members are Kalifa Hicks, Mark Fraser, Sonia Gordon and Jason DeSantos.
Dominic Alleyne was named the club’s captain.
Among the members present were Nkosi Saul, Mark Fraser, Warren Williams, Jonathan Roberts, John Abrahams, Donnel Alleyne, Dominic Alleyne, Yonnick Norton, Chris Low Loan, Sonia Gordon, Dwight Sullivan, Dexter Wyles, Ja-
son DeSantos, Karl Moore, Marc Waldron, Kayla Duncan, Mikhail Smith, Kezia Johnson, Kalifa Hicks, Valerie Fernandes, Ivor Thompson, Jhaner Carpio, Jimmy Carpio, Johnny Carpio and Stefan King.
The new executive will serve for two years and, come August 2025, it will be celebrating 50 years of its existence and several activities are being planned to commemorate the occasion.
addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree
Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club 13 coloured uniforms while RH-
CCCC received six boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping gloves, two sets of stumps and bails.
Other beneficiaries are the Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem, youth
coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls), male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans with 30 T-Shirts, youths of Just Try Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each), Kendall’s Union Cricket Club with two boxes of red balls, Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh Secondary Schools with twelve red balls each. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Dutch Open Taekwondo Championships 2024
The respective schools collect their donation of balls
Newly elected President, Mikhail Smith (sitting centre) flanked by members of the executive
Eight teams, one trophy: The CG United Super50 Cup bowls off today
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is excited to announce the start of the highly anticipated CG United Super50 Cup 2024, which begins in Trinidad from Tuesday, 29 October to Saturday, 23 November.
This premier List A regional tournament is an essential platform for showcasing the region's best cricket talent and a vital part of our preparation for future international competitions, including the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, highlighted the tournament within the context of a bustling period for West Indies cricket: “We are in an exciting and busy period for West Indies cricket, with
our Maroon Warriors just reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup and our senior men fresh off their tour of Sri Lanka and gearing up to battle rival - England. The CG United Super50 Cup allows our players to showcase their talents at a crucial time. As we prepare for the Bangladesh tour, performances here could be a springboard for many players looking to represent the region. This tournament is an integral part of our development plans as we build towards the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup.”
He continued: “We are maintaining the bonus points system, as it aligns for our Key Performance Indicators for our ODI performances, and we look forward to seeing how
Manchester United sacks manager Ten Hag
MANCHESTER United has sacked manager Erik ten Hag, following the club's poor start to the season.
Ten Hag's final game was Sunday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham that left the club 14th in the Premier League with just three wins from their opening nine matches.
United are also 21st of 36 teams in the Europa League
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the players equip themselves for this level of competition.”
Rupert Hunter, CWI’s new Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the significance of the event and CG United’s support:
The CG United Super50 Cup continues to be a cornerstone in the development of West Indies cricket, providing our players with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on a competitive stage. We are incredibly grateful to CG United for their dedicated support, which has helped strengthen our vision for the future of cricket in the region.
For the second consecutive year, teams will also be competing for increased prize money, with the winners set to receive US$100,000
while the runners-up will take home US$50,000. Both semi-finalists will be rewarded US$25,000 each.
In addition to the thrilling onfield action, fans will be able to watch matches live on ESPN Caribbean for games held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA). Matches from the Queen’s Park Oval (QPO) and the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground at the University of the West Indies Sport and Physical Education Centre (UWI SPEC) will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel.
Tickets are available for all matches at both Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Fans can purchase a 10-match package at a discounted rate of US$20/
TT$150, while individual day tickets are priced at TT$20/US$3. Semi-final tickets cost US$8/TT$50, with final tickets at US$15/TT$100. Tickets are available online at www. tickets.windiescricket.com.
The eight teams competing in this year’s CG United Super50 Cup are: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force (defending champions) Barbados Pride Combined Campuses and Colleges Guyana Harpy Eagles Jamaica Scorpions Leeward Islands Hurricanes West Indies Academy Windward Islands Volcanoes
GCF gears up to host Elite/U-23 Cycling Championships for first time
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) will for the first time in its history host the Elite/Under-23 Caribbean Cycling Championships, as well as the annual Congress of the Caribbean Cycling Union next month.
The Championships, which will run from November 1 to 4, will see over 20 Caribbean Cycling Union (CCU)
member countries participate in the Elite male and female categories, alongside some of the region’s most promising U23 cyclists.
Participants from Anguilla, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Suriname, will take part in four challeng-
ing and hotly contested events.
Guyana will be led by National Road Champion Briton John and supported by Jamaul John, Curtis Dey, Segun Hubbard, the experienced Marlon Williams and Kwame Ridley, while Aaron Newton will represent the U23 category and veteran Denise Jeffery will participate in the female category.
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Guyana will be led by its National Road Champion Briton John
Ten Hag’s final game was Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham