President Ali and the wife of the late Brigadier Gary Beaton, Dr. Jennifer Westford, unveil a plaque
Residents of Itabac, satellite communities to benefit from black tanks, zinc sheets, improved roads
- President
Ali
announces during Region Eight visit
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a meeting on Thursday with residents of Itabac and satellite communities in Region Eight, revealed several key initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in the region.
He announced that every household in the communities would receive a black tank and fifteen zinc sheets. These provisions are designed to enhance the residents' access to water.
The black tanks will help store water more efficiently, addressing water scarcity issues, especially during the dry season.
The zinc sheets will assist in repairing or upgrading roofs, improving shelter durability and comfort and also assist in the collection of rain water.
Additionally, the President shared that machines (grader/ bulldozer) would be assigned to the area to improve the road infrastructure. This will significantly enhance transportation,
making it easier for residents to travel in and out of the communities. Collectively, these measures will greatly benefit the residents of the small communities, improving their quality of life and creating better opportunities for development.
According to President Ali, each of the 69 households will receive the items announced.
“We are humbled by your support and we are humbly before you,” he said before adding
that he is aware that the weather can have an effect on the residents given the dry season.
“So, I’ve said to Minister Pauline that you have 69 households that I want to send 69 black tanks for you guys. So, each household can have a black tank but I not only want to send 69 black tanks, I want to ensure that each of you can convert a piece of your roof into zinc sheets so that you can harness
the rain water, so I’m going to send 15 zinc sheets for each family. Each household would get the black tank and fifteen zinc sheets.”
In terms of the maintenance of the road, President Ali stated, “within two weeks the REO said the bulldozer and grader will come into this area to grade and maintain your road.”
Outside of this, President Ali said that the issue of having the air strip being converted to concrete was raised with him and works will be carried out.
“So, I’m going to say to the REO now and the region, we want to use the labour from your community, we want to work with you and build a number of things, three bridges…”
The President then added that his government will work with the community and finance the works with the labour coming directly from the villages so as to develop another stream of revenue for residents.
Meanwhile, the Guyanese head of state was also asked about the construction of a nursery school. He subsequently asked the engineer at the location to develop a plan and estimate for him so as to have the project carried out.
The residents thanked President Ali, stressing that they are elated to have the machines carry out the works.
He noted that the authorities will ensure the items are distributed and works are com-
pleted before the end of the year. “Thank you very much for your support and we will support PPP/Civic”, one resident expressed.
President Irfaan Ali also made some interventions on the spot for issues raised at the location.
In one instance, residents highlighted that a school constructed by the previous administration is already in need of repairs. In response, he assured them that repair works will commence immediately. The communities will also receive sport and musical equipment for the youths to be able to develop their skills, President Ali told the residents.
President Ali during his visit to Itabac, Region Eight announced several initiatives which will benefit residents and those living in satellite communities (OP photos)
Eteringbang airstrip commissioned
- named in honour of fallen hero, Brigadier Gary Beaton
By Naomi Parris
HONOURING the late Brigadier Gary Beaton, the newly rehabilitated $688 million Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven was on Thursday unveiled.
Officially named the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome, this stateof-the-art facility is designed to withstand all weather conditions and
pride that we celebrate this commissioning today. We would have loved for Gary to be here physically, but his legacy lives on. The good book tells us that our works endure, and it is the work we do, the contributions we make, and the sacrifices we offer that keep us alive.”
The Head of State further highlighted that the new airstrip will
Over the years, the laterite-built airstrip experienced significant safety issues.
The project site, which was located close to the Guyana-Venezuela border, presented soldiers and engineers with a variety of hurdles, including robberies and trouble locating supplies.
Now 2,100 feet of the runway have been upgraded, greatly in -
ensure 24-hour accessibility.
Beaton was among five service men who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash last year. Prior to his tragic passing, he worked as one of the key engineers on the project.
Paying tribute to the longstanding serviceman, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his address reminded of the dedication and commitment of the men and women who serve in the Guyana Defence Force.
“It is with great
unlock vast economic prospects for Eteringbang and its surrounding communities.
“For years, this facility held back the community economically and in terms of infrastructure, simply because access was limited. Now, things will change.”
He added: “This facility will lead to many other developments in the community.”
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) invested $214.5 million in the project to upgrade the airfield to concrete pavement in September 2022.
creasing both safety and operational capability.
The scope of works included leveling and compacting the existing airstrip, establishing a cement-stabilised base, casting concrete slabs, and ensuring adequate drainage and lighting.
“With this upgrade, we are expecting an economic explosion in the region,” Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan said during his remarks.
Recounting the many challenges the GDF had faced during
the construction phase, Khan dubbed the project’s completed a ‘proud’ moment for the army.’
The completion of the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome marks not just the end of a challenging construction but the awakening of new opportunities.
Despite the challenges the project was completed in 28 months, utilising 700 concrete slabs and 28,000 sacks of cement. The effort involved 240 personnel, accumulating 70,000
man-hours. Key equipment included nine concrete mixers and various vehicles. The project's success was attributed to effective project management, daily communication, and the dedication of personnel like Brigadier Beaton.
Aside from the economic spin-offs, the airstrip will create a critical transportation link between Guyana and Venezuela, capable of accommodating all local aircraft, except the Beechcraft.
President Dr. Ali joins other officials at the opening and dedication ceremony for the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome at Eteringbang
The newly rehabilitated $688 million Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome. The airstrip which took 28 months to be completed was named after Brigadier Beaton who was one of five servicemen killed in a horrific helicopter crash almost a year ago (Office of the President photos)
President Ali embraces a child at Eteringbang where he had gone to commission an airstrip which was named after the late Brigadier Beaton
Gov’t aims to cut 300,000 cash grant cheques by year-end
By Shaniya Harding
THE government has intensified its cash grant registration and distribution efforts, with the Ministry of Finance aiming to cut an estimated 300,000 cheques by the end of 2024.
Pensioners and public servants remain the priority groups as registration progresses at a rate of approximately 10,000 persons per day.
Speaking at his weekly press conference, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, provided an update on the initiative, highlighting that the government is commitment to ensuring the payouts are completed on a new schedule set by a robust technical team.
He emphasised that various ministries are working tirelessly to
meet the ambitious target of 300,000 Guyanese by the end of December 2024.
“We have already explained that it will take us about five months to complete the task. The President said we are trying to hurry it up to get at least the public servants and the pensioners completed before the end of the year. We may be able to do that and get a number of people who were registered,” Dr. Jagdeo stated.
To ensure these targets are met, the registration and cheque-cutting processes are being overseen by highly skilled technical staff working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Jagdeo noted that the team is on track to meet its goal of registering 300,000 Guyanese and cutting over 20,000
- some 10,000 Guyanese being registered daily
cheques daily by yearend.
Sharing this ambitious goal, he said: “This is done by a technical staff, and they said we can get about 300,000 persons registered before the end of the year. We can get those cheques cut. They told me they can cut around twenty-something thousand cheques per day,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.
To accommodate the scale of this operation, entirely new systems have been established within the Ministry of
Finance.
According to Dr. Jagdeo, these systems were designed specifically for the cash grant initiative to avoid delays that would have been caused by the regular government accounting system.
“In the Ministry of Finance, they have built a system to do that separately, outside of the regular system. Because if we used the same system that processes government accounts, it would take a long time,” he said.
Despite the challeng-
es, projections for the year-end remain impressive. Dr. Jagdeo assured that the technical staff are operating under strict guidelines, and a total of 300,000 Guyanese are expected to have cheques in hand by December 31.
Dr. Jagdeo said: “We estimated from what they told us that they can do about 10,000 people per day, and therefore it will be about 300,000 people, along with the people they have already done. Therefore, they would cut the cheques for those 300,000 persons, and that is what they have anticipated will happen,” he added.
While acknowledging the sheer scale of the initiative, Dr. Jagdeo emphasised its long-term benefits. The database being developed during this process will serve as a foundation for future grants, streamlining distributions and reducing administrative delays.
“Once we get this database in place, we anticipate that in the fu-
ture, there will be similar grants. It will become easier because we already have a database where we can easily cut cheques to the people because they are real, and they exist. In the future, it will be easier,” he added.
Dr. Jagdeo also reassured citizens that all Guyanese over the age of 18 would benefit from this and other initiatives implemented by the People’s Progressive Party.
The cash grant distribution programme has been described as a massive undertaking and on Thursday Dr. Jagdeo reaffirmed that the administration is working at full capacity to ensure the cheques reach the hands of pensioners, public servants, and other registrants as quickly as possible.
The success of this initiative, he suggested will not only provide immediate financial relief but will also set the stage for more efficient public service delivery in the years to come.
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at his most recent press conference (Delano Williams Photo)
Jagdeo commends GECOM for ‘schooling the opposition’ on election laws
GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has once again called out the opposition for their ‘falsehoods and noise’ in an ongoing campaign to undermine the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for refusing to act constitutionally.
At a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo criticised the opposition for continuously making baseless claims and allegations in an effort to discredit the election process ahead of the upcoming elections.
Dr. Jagdeo further pointed out that, despite the opposition's repeated
calls for GECOM to take unconstitutional and illegal actions, the commission has remained steadfast in its commitment to follow the law, something he said was commendable.
He commended the organisation for what he referred to as “schooling” the opposition by consistently pointing out the legal framework and constitutional mandates that govern their actions, contrary to what they are being urged to do by the opposition.
“Every single week they urge GECOM to do things that are unconstitutional and illegal. Every single week they make it
sound as though GECOM is not doing this because they have a sinister motive,” Jagdeo said.
He further added that, “They even go to the extent of criticising officers of GECOM in a very personal way, and without a shred of evidence. But, somehow in their minds, they believe if they create a deluge of falsehoods and noise, it will enhance their electoral fortunes,” he said.
He emphasised that GECOM cannot act based on the whims and fancies of political parties, and must adhere to the Constitution and the laws of Guyana concerning elec-
Dr. Jagdeo has praised the Guyana Elections Commission for standing up to the opposition
tions. “Someone needs to school these people as GECOM has been doing and I must commend GECOM for this. They've been pointing out the laws governing their actions,” the general secretary stated.
Looking at the past election, Dr Jagdeo stated that, the PPP does not need
to rig this election, and the claims made by the opposition are all in an attempt to delay an election they know they cannot win.
“They are aware, maybe painfully so of their impending defeat at the polls,” he said adding that,
“The PPP does not have to rig this election to win it.
We won it when we were
in opposition, when they controlled the army and the government,” he said.
The PPP General Secretary also cautioned the public to remain vigilant against the opposition's false narratives, urging informed citizens not to fall victim to the misleading claims they continue to peddle.
Additional funds for second phase of $100k cash grant distribution to be included in Budget 2025
- Dr. Jadgeo says
WITH the Government of Guyana and its technical cash grant task force currently focusing on pensioners and public servants, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that in early 2025, the next phase of distribution will be rolled out to target the rest of the country’s adult population.
At his weekly press conference on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo provided further details about the distribution process.
On Wednesday, Parliament approved a sum of $30.5 billion which represents a portion of what government requires for the initiative.
Dr. Jagdeo explained that when the budget is
presented next year, the additional funds will be included to cover the remaining citizens who qualify for the cash grant.
He told the media that the next national budget is expected to be presented in February 2025 and will outline the government’s fiscal plans and initiatives.
Dr Jagdeo explained that the government cannot allocate the remaining portion of the funds until the 2025 budget is passed, but is working tirelessly to ensure as many Guyanese as possible receive their cheques by the end of December.
“We cannot appropriate the balance of the money until we have a budget. So, the budget will come out in about February of next year.
Hopefully, it will pass by February of next year and then we can seek to appropriate the balance.” he said.
Dr. Jagdeo revealed that the government anticipates that an additional $30 billion will be distributed to eligible adults in the country. With an estimated 600,000 adults, the government will include the additional sum in the 2025 budget.
“We anticipate it will be another $30 billion because we think there are about 600,000 adults in the country or just over that. We will appropriate the rest of the sum in that period,” he noted.
Regarding the distribution timeline, Dr. Jagdeo assured the public that cheques for those who have already been processed would be delivered in Decem-
ber.
The government is prioritising public servants and pensioners, with the goal of distributing cheques to these groups before the year’s end.
Further, the General Secretary said that every effort is being made to ensure that there are not hurdles in the registration process which will continue up to when the budget is passed.
He admitted that although not all Guyanese will receive their cash grants for Christmas as was hoped, everyone will get theirs in due time.
Moreover, Budget 2025 is slated to be more comprehensive than the previous ones, tackling a wide range of areas.
The General Secretary highlighted the
government's commitment to fulfilling its financial promises, with a clear plan for the cash grant disbursements which form part of the ongoing efforts to improve the livelihoods of Guyanese citizens. (Shaniya Harding)
A Burning Issue
IN recent weeks, Guyana has been grappling with a disturbing trend of maliciously set fires that have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak in their wake.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has rightfully issued a stern warning against these heinous acts, but it's clear that more needs to be done to address this burning issue that threatens the very fabric of our communities.
The recent fire in Number 64 Village, Corentyne,
Berbice, which claimed the lives of a mother and her four children, stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of arson.
This wasn't just a fire; it was a deliberate act of violence that robbed a family of their future and left a community in mourning.
The fact that this tragedy was confirmed to be the result of arson by Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham should shake us all to our core.
While the loss of life is the most tragic outcome, the impact of these maliciously set fires extends far beyond the immediate victims. Homes and businesses are reduced to ashes, leaving families displaced and livelihoods destroyed. Our brave firefighters are forced to risk their lives unnecessarily, and resources are stretched thin, potentially leaving other emergencies unattended.
It's time for Guyana to take a hard stance against
arson. The GFS's warning is a step in the right direction, but words alone are not enough.
We need a multipronged approach that includes harsher penalties. The legal system must send a clear message that arson will not be tolerated. Maximum sentences should be pursued for those convicted of this crime.
Law enforcement and fire services should be equipped with the latest forensic tools to quickly iden-
tify and apprehend arsonists.
Also, neighbourhoods must band together, creating watch programs and reporting suspicious activities promptly.
Schools and community centres should implement fire safety programmes that highlight the dangers and consequences of arson.
The fight against arson is not just the responsibility of the GFS or law enforcement. It's a battle that requires the involvement of every Guyanese citizen. We
must foster a culture where the safety of our communities is paramount, and where the act of setting a malicious fire is seen as an attack on all of us.
As we move forward, let us remember the faces of those we've lost to these senseless acts. Let their memory fuel our determination to end this scourge on our society. Guyana deserves better, and it's up to all of us to ensure that the flames of arson are extinguished once and for all.
Misleading letter by another ghost writer
Dear Editor,
I REFER to a letter by ‘Anthony Francis,’ a ghost writer, captioned: ‘GuySuCo appears to be on track to produce 15,000 tonnes sugar less than in 2023 with an estimated loss of $500 million.’
Firstly, this caption is misleading since the ‘loss’ is an estimated loss in revenue based on canes, which is estimated to be taken forward to 2025 at an estimated TC/TS of 12.
The writer should have done a calculation to edify those who will be unable to comprehend how the ‘loss’ was arrived at. For instance, he assumed that 180,000 tonnes will go forward to 2025 and the loss in sugar will be 3,750 tonnes at approximately $133,333.00 per tonne, which will translate into $500 million loss in revenue.
This is all hypothetical. I recall Mark Twain who said that there are, ‘Lies, damned lies and statistics.’ This highlights the use of statistics to boost weak arguments. The second crop is still incomplete and 2025 is still far ahead, but assumptions by the letter writer ran amok. It is not an easy task to resuscitate an industry which has been
intentionally guillotined and wrecked in more than one way by the previous government and the letter writer is cognisant of this fact.
Yet in the dark days of the coalition he was dumb, deaf and mentally challenged and heard nothing from his ‘friends’ in the sugar industry. There are still some challenges which need to be overcome. This is no secret and the policy makers acknowledged this on many occasions but have been working arduously to resolve these. The President, the Vice-president and the Minister have been working tirelessly to ensure GuySuCo is once again viable and the industry is moving in the right direction, but the naysayers struck at every opportunity to kill the industry.
In addition, the socioeconomic progress made at Rose Hall and other communities affected by the coalition’s destruction bears testimony to the progressive trajectory of this government. Those who have eyes let them see and let those who have ears listen. One has to live in these communities to understand and empathise with the untold pain and suffering
these dismissed workers had to endure. The genesis of this massive dismissal of sugar workers is the genesis of the labour problem faced by the corporation and the reason why targets cannot be met. It is no secret that canes cannot be harvested as planned because of poor labour turnout and labour shortage.
Let the writer request his ‘friends’ to submit these figures. Despite the labour challenges Rose Hall’s production has improved significantly. This estate was rehabilitated using porters and cleaners who were trained on the job. This is a monumental achievement. To reiterate the Minister: GuySuCo is more than a profit-and-loss statement.
Secondly, the writer is being ‘told’ a lot of things which can be categorised as hearsay and lacks merit. I am sure that with so many things peddled to him it would have been easy for him to have access to the Strategic Plan for GuySuCo for the period 2021-2026. This plan was submitted by each estate to the board after quite a few editions, but I guess his ignorance of this was for a more ulterior motive and an attempt not to disclose his identity and that of the real
culprit. People who are confident of what they are writing should not seek to hide their identity, this is a cowardly and despicable act.
Thirdly, the letter writer seemed hell-bent on using ad hominem attacks and baseless allegations against Minister Zulfikar, Chairman Ramraj and Director Panday. For instance, he claimed that the ‘policy makers’ and the Minister showed ‘indifference’ to ‘the plight of 8,000 persons’ working in GuySuCo. Did he mean during the coalition’s tenure? I challenge him to prove this rubbish. This Minister and the government fought ‘tooth and nail’ in Parliament for the betterment, improvement and the very survival of the sugar industry and its workers, but the writer is intentionally oblivious to this, he probably needs to be told by his ‘friends’ in the industry. If it were not for this government, the entire industry would have been closed years ago. The Minister’s zeal, zest and determination are unparalleled and lauded across the industry and the country as a whole.
Every worker has his personal number and can call him at any time. This is no secret. The
writer needs to unequivocally apologise to the Minister. This Minister never lost touch with sugar. His intimate relationship with GuySuCo goes back to his youthful days. He lives and breathes sugar and no one knows sugar more than him.
Fourthly, the writer claimed that, ‘no one is listening to the Estate Managers who are the real experts with the real experience to fix these problems. Again, each estate is involved in formulating detailed plans for each activity in the field and factory and these are presented to the board for approval and the Management Committee and the progress tracked daily.
This is another claim which must be labelled as not only false, but mischievous as well.
The writer should have given some evidence as to why the chairman should take ‘full responsibility’ for whatever he claimed went wrong. The chairman and other directors on several occasions would visit the estates personally and encourage both staff and workers to state their problems so it is mind-boggling to determine the chairman’s culpability.
Furthermore, the writer
seemed fixated on Mr Panday, the Agriculture Director and there seems to be some personal rancour and animosity here. Mr Panday has a wealth of experience and is making significant contributions to the industry. Each and every estate manager knows that he only acts after consultation with the estate and justifications are submitted. He does not operate in a vacuum. Maybe he is seen as a threat to the laissez-faire manner in which some people love to operate.
In conclusion, the writer needs to do more in-depth investigation as to the real challenges facing GuySuCo, be it climate change, poor labour turnout, the need to hasten the mechanisation process, etcetera. On a lighter note, he should have recommended ‘squib’ selling to the 7,000 workers who were unconscionably thrown into the breadline. The industry will be viable again and 2025 will bring it closer to that achievement. Sugar will survive and thrive under this government. Our ancestors’ sacrifice will not go in vain.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
The revealing words of the Finance Minister about commercial banks
LAST Tuesday, the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, exhorted the commercial banks to adhere to the requirements of the Central Bank in the opening of small accounts by persons who are not high earners. This exhortation was made not by an ordinary person or even a person with a certain amount of state authority. It was authored by one of the most important citizens in Guyana – the Finance Minister – whose portfolio covers the financial houses of Guyana.
I now relate to readers my understanding of how state power is exercised in any country in the world. I have built a home in Turkeyen after moving out of Wortmanville in south Georgetown. One day the contractor called to ask me to come down because a City Council officer had held up construction.
The officer said to me that the building must be ten feet away from the fence. It was not. The contractor had made a mistake. What is the point? Laws, legal requirements and state edicts have to be accepted and citizens are compelled to observe them because of oversight by state authorities.
The Bank of Guyana’s (BoG) regulations, if there are
such regulations, must be adhered to by commercial banks. Anyone who lives in Guyana and had to make an arrangement with any, and I mean any commercial bank, would tell you, these banks are a law unto themselves. The Central Bank has to exercise oversight and I am afraid after more than ten years of complaining to the Governor, Dr. Gobin Ganga, I don’t see that oversight.
Dr. Ganga will admit that I have complained to him over a period of 10 years about the unmitigated unreasonableness of commercial banks. I have email exchanges with him that I have kept since then. Dr. Ganga is someone I know at a personal level but he knows about how I feel about the mistreatment of working-class people by the banks and the silence of BoG.
Let us quote the Finance Minister. I remind you that this is one of the most powerful state official speaking. “It would appear to me that this simplified guideline is not well-known… Guyanese should not experience long waiting times to open accounts in Guyana in contrast to other countries because they are all working with the same Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Financing Terror-
ism (AMLCFT) regime.”
This is one of the current mysteries in Guyana that all Guyanese, even those without hurtful experience in dealing with the banks, know about. All countries have to subscribe to the international anti-money laundering law. Then, why does it take “a million years” to open an account and why you have to produce “a million documents” and answer “a million questions” only in Guyana?
A Trinidadian man created a hullaballoo in one of the banks. He kept shouting at the attendants that Trinidad was the first CARICOM country to implement the money-laundering law yet Trinidadians do not face the hassles that Guyanese have to face. He was mad and had to be calmed down. I witnessed that outburst.
Let’s quote the Finance Minister again: “Sometimes those simplified guidelines do not always “trickle down” to the staff at the banks’ counters.” So where does that leave the required training of staff? It means the banks are either incompetent, do not care, or do not do staff training.” Staff training is commonsense in the world today.
All big institutions carry out frequent staff training. I was
Misleading reporting on cash grant distribution
Dear Editor,
I WATCHED the Thursday, November 28 press conference hosted by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo as I do every week. So, when I saw a news article making the rounds on social media, I couldn’t help but write this missive to educate my Guyanese people. The article in question is titled “VP Jagdeo confirms not everyone will get cash grant before Christmas,” and though it provides some context, the headline is deliberately negative and fails to reflect the full scope of the Vice President’s explanation.
All the way down, in the fourth-to-last paragraph of the article, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is quoted as saying: “We cannot appropriate the balance of the money until you have a budget. So, the budget will hopefully be passed by February of next year and then we can seek to appropriate the balance of the money. We anticipate that it will be about
another $30B because we think about 600,000 adults in the country or just over that but we will appropriate the rest of the sum in that period.”
This is an important recognition that funds cannot be spent without parliamentary approval—a clear demonstration of adherence to proper governance and fiscal responsibility. In my view the Vice President is underscoring the fact that, while the government has made strides in distributing the first portion of cash grants, the remainder cannot be done without parliamentary approval. This procedural clarity should be acknowledged as a mark of good governance rather than framed negatively.
However, the headline appears crafted to provoke criticism and dissatisfaction, ignoring the government’s demonstrated commitment to following parliamentary protocols.
Yes, the statement confirms that not all recipients
in a popular fast-food restaurant, and I had to wait because the training session went over the stipulated time. I was in one of the famous supermarkets and I asked to speak to the supervisor. They told me he is in a training session. So, the banks do not train their staff? The attendants have to be acquainted with the banks’ regulations. How else can they serve the public?
Here is a graphic example where staff are trained to understand what they must do. No policeman would arrest a tenant
if the landlord goes to the station and complains about rent owing. The policeman at the desk would immediately tell him that the police cannot arrest the tenant and that he must sue the tenant. The officer at the desk knows that such a complaint is not within the police’s jurisdiction.
If the bank attendant does not know the regulations, then the bank has to hold training sessions.
The final quote above from the Finance Minister should open our eyes as to how the
banks operate in this country.
The ignorance on the part of the banks of what the stipulations of the money-laundering law are is creating nightmares for working-class Guyanese. This cruelty has to come to an end.
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.
will receive their grants before Christmas, but it also clarifies why. The process is bound by the principles of parliamentary approval, not by any lack of intent or effort on the part of the government.
It is disappointing to see such a misleading headline, which detracts from the Vice President’s clear and transparent communication. While constructive criticism of governance is always welcome, it must be rooted in fair reporting that informs rather than inflames.
I urge media houses to approach such issues with greater responsibility, ensuring that headlines reflect the facts of the matter rather than seeking to sensationalise them.
The citizens of this country deserve balanced reporting that encourages informed discussions rather than mistrust.
Sincerely, Brian
Azore
Shop Smart, Stay Safe:
NDMA’s guide to secure online shopping this holiday season
THE holiday season brings a surge in online shopping as people hunt for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas deals. This rush doesn’t go unnoticed by hackers; online breaching attempts spike around these dates, with phishing scams and fraud schemes sharply increasing.
According to Forbes,
October and November tend to be the most productive months for fraudsters which means that a significant number of holiday shoppers have encountered online fraud attempts during the season.
The Authority is sharing tips to help consumers stay safe while shopping online this holiday season.
Online Safety re -
mains a top priority, especially as the risk of data breaches and financial fraud rises. By following a few essential guidelines, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of online deals without compromising their personal and financial security.
One of the first safety measures NDMA recommends is to shop only on secure web -
sites.
Consumers should look for sites that display “https” in the URL and have a padlock symbol in the address bar, both of which indicate a secure connection. Sticking to reputable, well-known retailers is a wise choice, as lesser-known or unfamiliar websites may be set up solely to harvest personal information. Fake websites and spoofed URLs are common traps used by scammers, and NDMA emphasises that shoppers should remain cautious when encountering unfamiliar sites or unusually steep discounts.
Public Wi-Fi is another common convenience that shoppers should avoid when making online purchases. Since public networks are often unsecured, users are a prime target for hackers who can intercept sensitive data like credit card numbers and passwords.
NDMA advises consumers to wait until they’re on a private, secure network at home before entering personal information.
For those who do need to shop on the go, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a safer alternative as it encrypts internet traffic, making it harder for malicious actors to access.
The Authority also highlights the importance of enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on online shopping accounts. Many major retailers and financial institutions offer this added
security feature, which requires a second form of verification, typically a code sent to your phone, before granting account access. Given that cybercrime tactics evolve continuously, adding this layer of protection is particularly effective.
Phishing scams are one of the most prevalent threats during the holiday shopping season, with fake emails and texts offering exclusive discounts or mimicking popular brands. Shoppers should be wary of these messages, particularly those that include links or attachments, as they’re often designed to steal personal information or install malware.
NDMA recommends scrutinising any promotional emails, especially those with urgent calls to action, and verifying any website URLs directly rather than clicking on links.
Monitoring bank sta tements and credit reports regularly is also an effective way to catch unauthorised transactions quickly. Many financial institutions offer instant alerts, allowing users to receive notifications whenever a purchase is made.
NDM A encourages shoppers to enable these alerts for extra vigilance during high-spending periods. Early detection of fraud can be instrumental in minimizing losses, as reporting suspicious activity immediately often allows for the cancellation of transactions before they settle.
The lure of “too good to be true” deals
is particularly strong during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but such offers can often lead consumers into scams. Hackers commonly create fake sites to mimic legitimate retailers, drawing in shoppers with extreme discounts on popular products.
To avoid falling for these schemes, NDMA recommends checking prices across reputable sites to gauge whether a deal is realistic. Comparing product prices on well-known websites can help identify dubious offers, as legitimate deals generally have limits on discounts.
These guidelines underscore the importance of remaining vigilant and informed, particularly as the holiday shopping season brings unique online deals and risks.
By following these safety practices, consumers can protect themselves from the growing number of internet threats.
In a time when online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, taking simple precautions can make all the difference in ensuring a safe, secure, and enjoyable holiday season. Visit our website (https://ndma.gov. gy/ or https://www. getsafeonline.gy/) for invaluable resources to help you stay safe during this season. One especially helpful tool is the “Check a Website” feature on the Get Safe Online site, which lets users check if a website is legitimate before making any transactions.
‘Jungle on the outside, luxury on the inside’
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
RORAIMA Airways’ Director of Aviation and Chief Pilot Gerald Gouveia Jr., credits the company's willingness to invest in a state-of-the-art, twin-engine aircraft the likes of the Tecnam P2012 to the robust performance of Guyana's economy and the government's unwavering faith in the local aviation sector.
With a tagline that reads, in part, “jungle on the outside, luxury on the inside”, Gouveia rates the Tecnam P2012, which is internationally certified for medical evacuations and use as an air ambulance, as being ideal for the kind of services they have in mind to offer, and a boon for Roraima Airways as well.
And it’s all thanks to President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government for creating an environment in which investors like himself are motivated to invest in the aviation industry, the young aviator said.
Gouveia not only expressed his satisfaction with
- Roraima Airways bullish about making ‘medevacing’ an unforgettable experience
the government's efforts at enhancing the quality of the country’s airstrips, but also the planned installation of automatic weather reporting systems nationwide, which is expected to be operational "very shortly".
He also noted the government’s collaboration with the private sector in an effort to reduce costs for travellers.
According to Gouveia, “Guyana’s economy is doing fantastic; it is on a trajectory that is not only historic, but it is the first of its kind in the world. I don't think that many other countries have seen this level of growth in such a short period of time.
“Aside from the economy growing at a rate that is very investor-friendly and boosts investors' confidence, if the government didn’t listen to and invest in the aviation sector, I would not have felt comfortable investing millions of US dollars into this aircraft, and putting it into an adverse environment. We finally have a government that is listening to the aviation industry, and working with the aviation industry to improve
cost-effectiveness and, most importantly, safety.”
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES
While explaining that he was able to fly the new aircraft from Canada across the United States, and to the Bahamas without any challenges, Gouveia said that he is quite capable of providing chartered flights to or from any part of the Caribbean and northern Brazil to Guyana with ease, and with the highest level of service, security, and comfort to its customers.
Gouveia also emphasised that due to the aircraft’s advanced technology and features, such as is two-engine capabilities, they will be able to offer their services in the day or night, which is the first for Guyana.
Considering the various operations that are currently happening in Guyana, such as the oil-and-gas company, Gouveia said that the new aircraft will enable them to offer emergency operations as well as cargo operations around-the-clock.
Furthermore, he explained that with this new
GECOM slams David Hinds’ disinformation
- says only High Court has ‘exclusive jurisdiction’ to determine whether an election is lawfully conducted
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Thursday emphasised that only the High Court has jurisdiction to determine whether an election is lawfully conducted
The Commission, on Thursday, made this fact pellucid in the wake of disinformation peddled by Dr. David Hinds of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) during his Politics 101 talk show on November 25. During the programme, it was claimed that the GECOM Chairman ‘cover up of fraud.’
In a press release, the commission said it was again before forced to challenge disinformation coming from prominent political stakeholders and activists using various platforms.
“During the programme, while referencing allegations of voter impersonation that surfaced during the National Recount exercise in 2020, Dr. Hinds specifically accused the Chairman of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh of ‘declaring an election with knowledge of the potential breach of the law’ and voting against an internal review of the 2020 General and Regional Elections.
“In this regard, while GECOM has continually and categorically clarified that, in accordance with the Constitution, the Commission does not have the authority to validate any elections, there is a relentless effort by a few individuals with malicious intentions who continue to repeat such a false narrative,” the release said.
It added that consequently, as the agency responsible for the conduct of elections in Guyana, it is mandatory for GECOM to ensure that the public is always accurately guided insofar as statutory provisions are concerned. It is, therefore, against this backdrop that the Commission takes the opportunity, once again, to dispel the disinformation being spewed in the public.
In this regard, it was pointed out that Article 163 (1) (b) (i) of the Constitution, which is the supreme law, provides that “the High Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question either generally or in any particular place, an election has been lawfully conducted or the result thereof has been, or may have been, affected by any unlawful act or omission.”
“It is of crucial importance to
investment, they will be able to up the level of medical evacuation and air ambulance flights in the country.
“Roraima has a very proud history of providing these services to the people of Guyana during the day and the night. Due to the risk of operating in the jungle without proper weather reporting and adverse weather conditions, we had actually restricted the night flying at the company,” Gouveia said, adding:
“With this aircraft and the added technology and safety standards, as well as the work that the government is doing to improve the quality of the airstrips across Guyana, we are looking to restart our night medevac service.
“I can safely say, as the director of aviation, I am in a position where I will be more comfortable dispatching night medevac flights.”
Additionally, Gouveia told the Guyana Chronicle that the Tecnam P2012 is among the latest designed
short-take-off-and landing aircraft globally. He also stated that this latest designed aircraft in its class features modern design elements, including soundproofing, a state-of-the-art autopilot system, and advanced weather radar, among many other contemporary features.
RORAIMA AIRWAYS GOING FORWARD
Finally, Gouveia shared that while they are incredibly pleased to be the first operator of the new aircraft in the Region, in the Southern Caribbean, and in South America, they are grateful and recognise that Technam is committed, and will continue to work with them and
the Civil Aviation to develop a product that will suit Guyana and the Guyanese people He also said that this is the first of several aircraft that they will be investing in, so that they can not only expand their fleet, but also develop a service and a platform that will bring a level of comfort and security for all.
“We are expanding the VIP passenger experience, expanding the chartered operations, as well as the cargo and medevac flights, and offering a higher level of safety and luxury, even in the jungle,” Gouveia emphasised.
note that, notwithstanding GECOM had received copies of documents associated with the alleged voter impersonation, the Commission could not have investigated this issue since, according to Article 163 (1) (b) of the Constitution, the only method by which such a matter could have been ventilated is specifically stipulated as by way of an election petition,” the electoral body emphasised.
It said that in view of the foregoing Article of the Constitution, “there is absolutely no way that GECOM should be accused of ‘cover up of fraud’ as is the case in point.”
It added, “Accordingly, the GECOM encourages all stakeholders to ensure that they conduct thorough legal research before publishing false information in the public, since this type of misinformation and disinformation carry potential to cause mistrust and lack of confidence in the Commission and harm to its Officials.”
Roraima Airways Director of Aviation and Chief Pilot Gerald Gouveia Jr standing in front of the newly-acquired Tecnam P2012 aircraft
Judge says Cathy Hughes’ public life will be scrutinised in defamation case against Jagdeo
- court asked to consider her ministerial actions, election controversy, APNU+AFC’s stance after no-confidence motion
IN the ongoing defamation trial between Alliance for Change (AFC) executive member, Catherine "Cathy" Hughes and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, presiding judge Priscilla Chandra-Hanif emphasised that the claimant’s public image and character will be thoroughly examined.
On Thursday, the judge outlined a structured two-stage approach to evaluating the evidence, including a detailed "forensic audit" of Hughes' reputation as a public political figure.
In her statement of claim, she is seeking over $50 million in damages from Dr. Jagdeo for remarks he made during a press conference on November 23, 2023, where he referred to her as a "lowlife." Dr. Jagdeo, who serves as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), typically holds press conferences every Thursday to address various issues.
Hughes has admitted that Dr. Jagdeo’s “lowlife” description of her was related to two issues: her accusation that he
had granted a “channel” in the Atlantic Ocean to Venezuela to resolve the border controversy and allegations that her company, Videomega, had received millions of dollars in contracts while she served as a minister in the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) from 2015-2020. The trial continued on Thursday at the Demerara High Court, with Jagdeo beginning his defence by presenting
Before Singh's testimony, however, the judge addressed several procedural matters, including objections raised by Hughes’s attorney, her husband, Nigel Hughes, to portions of Singh’s affidavit and outlined her approach to assessing the evidence.
The judge explained that she will first examine whether the term “low life,” allegedly used by Jagdeo to describe Mrs
Hughes, qualifies as defamatory in the context.
This analysis involves determining if the phrase, in its ordinary meaning or in the context it was used, could harm Mrs Hughes’ reputation by subjecting her to ridicule or contempt or diminishing her standing in the eyes of reasonable members of society. If the court finds that it was indeed defamatory, Justice Chandra-Hanif questioned how it would quantify the damages associated.
At this stage, she said the court will conduct a public forensic audit of the reputation of Mrs Hughes, who she described as “public political figure”.
In assessing damage to the claimant’s reputation, she said the court will determine what was the standard society held her at when the words were spoken, and in that determination, the court will assess the veracity and accuracy of her reputation and the statements.
NOT AN ORDINARY DEFAMATION CASE
According to the judge, this is not an ordinary defamation case, noting that it carries its own legal facts which the court must assess. The judge noted that, unfortunately for the claimant, the matter carries political implications and necessitates an understanding of her public image.
The judge clarified that Singh is permitted to present his opinion in court, including his opinion about the claimant. However, she clarified that such statements are considered observations or personal opinions and do not constitute factual evidence. The court will independently determine what qualifies as proven facts in the case, according to Justice Chandra-Hanif.
She explained that Singh is free to tell the court, for example, that things said by the claimant were false. She added the court still has to assess Singh’s credibility and weigh it against the claimant's credibility.
porting documentation.
Mrs Hughes also conceded that her accusation about Jagdeo granting a "channel" to Venezuela to resolve the border controversy was false, and clarified that Jagdeo had no role in the 1989 border issue, which was initially raised under the Burnham presidency.
2020 ELECTION CONTROVERSY
The court is also being asked to consider Mrs Hughes' response regarding her party’s Statements of Poll (SoPs) from the 2020 elections.
The judge emphasised that “the court alone” determines credibility and truth based on evidence.
The judge stated that all matters in the public domain could legitimately be considered when assessing the character of a public political figure.
According to Justice Chandra-Hanif, the claimant, considering who is her attorney, should have been aware that entering the trial would involve a thorough examination of her character to determine whether defamation occurred and, if so, the extent of the damage caused.
The judge explained that the risk is understood, stating that once someone enters the trial, they cannot expect certain matters to be excluded from consideration.
NO CONFIDENCE MOTION
In assessing Mrs. Hughes' reputation, Jagdeo’s attorney, Sanjeev Datadin, has asked the court to consider the APNU+AFC government's refusal to step down after a successful no-confidence motion was passed against it in 2018, maintaining that 33 was not the majority of the 65-member National Assembly.
As one of those government’s minister, Datadin said Mrs Hughes supported this position. He argued that her actions aligned with the collective stance of the then government.
MINISTERIAL ACTIONS, FALSE ACCUSATIONS
During cross-examination, Mrs Hughes admitted to approving millions of dollars in contracts for her company, Videomega, while serving as minister, though she avoided stating whether it was inappropriate for a minister to award contracts to their own company.
She acknowledged that Dr. Jagdeo's assertions about the contracts were partially true, but explained that she did not pursue legal action against him because she knew he had sup-
When questioned by Datadin, she clarified that while she saw Statements of Recount (SoR), she had not seen all the SoPs and could not definitively say if her party had won the elections.
Mrs Hughes stated that she relied on GECOM’s official statements, expressing distrust in some SoPs due to past manipulations.
She acknowledged being aware of the controversy surrounding the elections and the PPP's claim of victory based on their published SoPs.
She explained that the "controversy" referred to concerns about the integrity of the election process and the subsequent recount, which led to a protracted legal process before the PPP was declared the winner. Datadin referred to APNU+AFC minister Dominic Gaskin's decision to distance himself from the APNU+AFC attempts to stall the declaration of the election results, which resulted in a victory for the PPP.
Datadin then contrasted this with Mrs. Hughes' choice not to distance herself, indicating that while she had the option to take similar actions, she chose not to.
Once again, he argued that her actions were in line with the collective stance of the government at the time. The court is also being asked by the vice president to consider Hughes' response when questioned by Datadin about being called a "lowlife” by anyone else.
When questioned about a Facebook post shared by her husband, featuring a photograph of her and others with the caption, "When I grow up, I want to be a lowlife or marry one," Mrs Hughes acknowledged that it was likely referring to her but suggested that Datadin direct the question to her husband for clarification
The trial is scheduled to resume on December 19, 2024, with Singh continuing his testimony.
evidence from witness Robin Singh.
Attorney Nigel Hughes alongside his wife, Catherine, at the High Court in Georgetown on Thursday
Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif
Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin
New bill promises easier access to loans for small businesses in Guyana
By Clestine Juan
IN keeping with government’s commitment to revolutionising how credit is accessed in Guyana, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, on Wednesday presented the Security Interests in Movable Property Bill 2024 in the National Assembly.
This legislation introduces a framework to enable individuals and businesses to leverage movable assets— such as machinery, vehicles, inventory, accounts receivable, and intellectual property—as collateral for loans.
The bill is a response to longstanding concerns about the challenges Guyanese face in obtaining credit due to limited access to traditional forms of collateral, such as real estate.
For small businesses and startups, which often lack the financial heft to own fixed
assets, this legislation could be a game changer.
WHAT THE BILL PROPOSES?
At its core, the bill establishes a modern, streamlined system to secure and enforce loans against movable property. It introduces a national registry to record security interests, ensuring transparency and reducing risks for creditors. This digital database will allow banks and lenders to quickly verify if a movable asset has already been pledged as collateral.
The bill also provides a uniform legal framework for creating, registering, and enforcing security interests. It simplifies the process for both lenders and borrowers, making credit more accessible while mitigating potential disputes over ownership or claims on assets.
The ripple effects of this legislation could be significant. Easier access to credit
can stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic diversification.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—the backbone of Guyana’s economy—stand to benefit the most. Entrepreneurs will be able to invest in equipment, expand operations, and improve productivity without the burden of securing immovable assets.
This comes at a crucial time for Guyana, as the nation seeks to channel its oil wealth into long-term sustainable development. By encouraging local business growth, the bill aligns with the government’s broader agenda to create an inclusive and diversified economy.
Despite its promise, the bill has sparked debates. Some critics have raised concerns about potential risks to borrowers, such as repossession in cases of default. Others worry about the system's implementation and whether
Man sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter in wife’s tragic killing
NICHOLAS Shawn Williams, also known as "Dhall Back," was on Wednesday sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter in the death of his reputed wife, 28-year-old Clarabel Johnson, after initially facing a charge of capital murder.
The custodial punishment was handed down by Justice Jo Ann Barlow of the Demerara High Court.
The sentence originally started at 18 years, but three years were deducted for mitigating factors, lowering it to 15 years. An additional reduction of one-third (five years) was made for his early guilty plea, bringing the sentence to 10 years.
Furthermore, his time spent in custody since around October 9, 2020, will be subtracted from the 10-year sentence.
The guilty plea to the lesser charge was accepted earlier this month. However, the judge deferred his sentencing to allow time for the preparation of probation and prison conduct reports, as well as victim impact statements.
The judge also considered a statement of aggravating factors presented by the prosecution, as well as a statement of mitigating factors from the defence.
Clarabel Johnson
Williams, 49, was represented by attorney Kiswana Jefford, while the prosecution team included state attorneys-at-law Praneta Seeraj, Mikel Puran, and Rbina Christmas.
The tragic incident occurred on October 6, 2020, in Albouystown, Georgetown, where Williams allegedly confronted Johnson near her home on Cooper Street.
According to police reports, Williams attacked Johnson, delivering a powerful chop to the back of her right knee, severing a major artery and causing se-
lenders will be willing to accept movable assets as sufficient security.
However, the bill will have robust safeguards in place to safe guard the public. The registry system is set to minimize fraudulent claims and disputes, while public awareness campaigns will educate borrowers on their rights and obligations under the new framework.
The concept of movable property as collateral is not new. Similar systems have been successfully implemented in countries like Jamaica, Kenya, and Canada, leading to increased credit flow and economic growth. Guyana’s adoption of this framework positions it as a forward-thinking nation, ready to embrace innovative financial tools.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The bill will now proceed to its second reading, where it
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond
will be debated by members of the National Assembly.
If deemed necessary, it could be referred to a Select Committee for detailed review before the final reading and vote. Once approved, the bill requires presidential assent to become law.
When enacted, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce plans to roll out the registry and begin stakeholder consultations to ensure a smooth transition.
For small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, this legislation could mark the beginning of a new era—one where their ideas and assets, no matter how modest, have the power to unlock their full potential.
The People’s Progressive Party Civic-led government has been actively enhanc -
ing access to loans for small businesses through several initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
This includes a loan agreement worth $100 million with the Small Business Development Finance Trust (SBDF).
Last year it was reported that the SBDF disbursed over 6,800 loans valued at approximately $4.5 billion since its inception, demonstrating its commitment to supporting micro and small enterprises.
In the 2024 budget, $450 million was allocated for the replenishment of the Small Business Development Fund and $331 million was allocated for the Small Business Bureau. The disbursement of 100 loans and 1,362 grants is the target for 2024.
vere blood loss.
Bystanders quickly rushed Johnson to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but she died from her injuries during treatment. After fleeing the scene, Williams was later apprehended on James Street, Albouystown.
Johnson, a mother of three, had been separated from Williams, due to allegations of abuse. After their separation, she had been living with her parents, while Williams operated a bicycle repair shop in the same community.
95% of Region Six’s work programme completed
DAVID Armogan, the Regional Chairman of Region Six, has confirmed that an impressive 95 per cent of the region's work programme has been successfully completed.
This achievement is a significant milestone, as it reflects the substantial progress made in enhancing the livelihoods of residents across the district.
Armogan in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday stated, “Well we have completed most of our works from a regional standpoint, from the regional budget we have actually completed about 95 per cent of our regional budget.”
The results are expected to have a lasting positive impact, further contributing to the well-being and development of the region’s population.
The completion of the work programme also demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and addressing the needs of the various communities.
The Regional Chairman further added that presently several ministries and government agencies are continuing works in the region as well. “They are presently doing a lot of works in the region, in terms of roads, over 400 roadways are being built, streets are being built, concrete streets, right across the region, over 200 in Black Bush Polder alone.”
He added, “Yesterday I was in Black Bush Polder and works seems to be progressing in the polders.”
Furthermore, he noted that works are being completed on some secondary schools in the Corentyne area by the Ministry of Education.
While, in terms of health, he said that a number of diagnostic services have been added to the region’s healthcare system by the Ministry of Health.
He said that in addition to HbA1c test which shows how your diabetes is performing over a three months period, the PSA test which is a prostate test has been introduced.
“That (PSA test) is something new that has just come on stream and
so persons who want to test their prostate and so can go to New Amsterdam Hospital”, he explained.
Additionally, he revealed that efforts are underway to “set up back the CT Scan” at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.
He noted, “I know the tender went out for the setting up back of the CT machine.”
Armogan stressed that “things are improving. Generally, we are doing works in terms of providing electricity to some of the unserved areas especially some of the areas that were considered
squatting areas but have now been regularised by the Ministry of Housing. Those areas are going to be added to the electricity grid and so very shortly those persons will be provided with electricity.”
Turning to agriculture within the region, Armogan pointed out that the new rice crop recently commenced and six pumps are in operation in the Black Bush Polder area.
Armogan who heads the Regional Agriculture Committee, stated that he visited the Corentyne area this week and “over 50 per cent of the farmers have sown paddy for the crop and another 50 per cent have to sow, so by next week we will try to regularise, once the water level raises in the canals.”
However, he stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture continues to work in collaboration with the region and farmers to ensure the necessary works are being done in a timely manner.
Man sentenced to 11 years for attempted murder of co-worker
RYAN Lowe, a 39-yearold man, has been sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison for attempting to murder his co-worker, Leroy Cummings, in a violent attack at an Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) landfill site in 2016.
The sentence was delivered by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court on Monday after Lowe pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to commit murder.
Cummings had previously entered a guilty plea to the charge. However, the judge postponed sentencing to allow for the preparation of a probation report, along with a victim impact statement.
Also, the judge reviewed aggravating factors submitted by the prosecution and mitigating factors presented by
the defence.
The incident occurred on November 23, 2016, at the Haags Bosch landfill site, where Lowe and Cummings were working.
Reports indicate that
Cummings was asleep on the job when Lowe, who had been drinking nearby, approached him and launched a violent assault.
When Cummings awoke, Lowe accused him of stealing personal items. The situation escalated quickly, with Lowe stabbing Cummings multiple times with a knife, causing life-threatening injuries. One of the wounds was so severe that it led to the amputation of Cummings's arm. After the attack, Lowe fled the scene and managed to evade capture for nearly three years. He was eventually arrested in late 2019 and charged with attempted murder.
In delivering his sentencing remarks, Justice Kissoon highlighted the seriousness of Lowe's actions and the profound physical and emotional impact they had on the victim, Cummings.
Ryan Lowe
David Armogan, Regional Chairman of Region Six
World Bank report points to opportunities to strengthen climate resilience in the Eastern Caribbean
WHILE climate change impacts pose increasing risk to the long-term growth of Eastern Caribbean states, there are opportunities for these countries to achieve their development goals and increase resilience by responding to these challenges, says the World Bank Group’s Country Climate and Development Report for Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, released on Wednesday in conjunction with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Commission (OECS).
The report underscores the impact of climate change on existing development challenges.
Saint Lucia stands to lose 34 per cent of its sandy beaches due to sea level rise by 2100, with up to 57 per cent of hotel revenue affected in the same time frame, it says. All countries covered by the report will see 22 more days per year with temperatures above 30° C by 2100.
The Country Climate and Development Report also estimates investment needs given the countries’ fiscal situations and growth goals, and recommends key actions at
both the country and regional level to safeguard development goals from climate impacts.
“These four countries can strengthen resilience, reduce economic vulnerabilities, and support the achievement of climate commitments by combining investments in resilience with complementary actions to improve the efficiency in the way every dollar is used. Investing in nature-based solutions and moving away from fossil fuels can help strengthen resilience,” says Benoit Bosquet World Bank Regional Director for Planet.
“Energy, transport, and waste are the largest contributors to emissions in these countries and supporting a transition to low carbon in these sectors can help build resilience to climate impacts”
Importantly, the report recommends a set of investments to achieve a “resilient core” which would allow countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals while limiting infrastructure damage and service interruptions in the event of impact. Since these investments come with high financing costs, the report considers the implications
of two potential pathways for investment.
Remarking on the report, the Honourable Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy said, “It is a blueprint for addressing vulnerabilities and charting a path to sustainable growth. If we leverage this report, it can transform our countries. This is not optional for Grenada; it is essential.”
This Country Climate Development Report provides a tool to make headway on climate and development objectives by putting a number on needs
and pointing to challenges to finance such needs.
“We recognise the value of the tool. It is important in tightening the nexus between climate and development,” said Director General of the OECS Commission, Dr. Didacus Jules, while advocating for the report to be expanded to additional countries.
The Country Climate and Development Report is a call for action, but also a call for the government, private sector, and the international community to work together. (WB)
Major projects to be undertaken as House approves $1.9B for water sector
SUPPLEMENTARY
provisions amounting to $1.9 billion have been approved for the Ministry of Housing and Water, laying the groundwork for key projects to expand treated water coverage on the coastland.
One of the major projects include constructing 14 small water treatment plants that will serve communities in Regions Four, Five and Six, amounting to over $240 million.
This was highlighted by subject minister Collin Croal, as he defended the supplementary sums in the Committee of Supply during the 89th sitting of the National Assembly, on Wednesday evening.
According to the minister, this will allow residents of Agricola, La Bonne Intention, Lusignan, Perseverance, Calcutta, Crabwood Creek, Chesney, and other communities in Regions Five and Six, to enjoy safe and quality water.
“That’s just one activity. Another activity includes the drilling of potable wells in Mon Repos, which is $161 million.
Another activity includes the drilling of another potable well in Parika and Onderneeming; these are to go directly to the treatment plants being constructed there,” the housing minister further elaborated.
Residents of Mara on the Berbice River, Region
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal during the National Assembly
Six will also receive a potable well, indicating a commitment being fulfilled by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Meanwhile, Five Miles in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) will soon access quality
water, with an additional $458 million in financial resources approved.
“You have a system in central Bartica but it cannot cover the expanded areas,” the minister said, noting that new housing schemes are being developed.
These projects are part of a broader strategy to increase access and quality, with additional projects to be undertaken with the $1.9 billion supplementary provisions.
Meanwhile, Minister Croal strongly rebutted
the opposition’s contention that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is underperforming.
He emphasised that contrary to what is being said, the government inherited a company on the brink of bankruptcy.
“We inherited a GWI that was indebted. We inherited a GWI that was not fixing leaks,” he reminded, highlightingthe progress achieved by the government within a short timeframe.
The government is aggressively working to-
wards enhancing treated water coverage, by undertaking several initiatives to achieve the 90 per cent goals. These include the construction of seven new major water treatment plants, 15 small plants, and the upgrading of 12 treatment plants nationwide. To complement this, a number of wells are being drilled, while transmissions are being upgraded to accommodate the increase in demand.
(DPI)
National Assembly approves $84.5B in supplementary funding
- as Senior Finance Minister successfully pilots Financial Papers 3 and 4 to advance key government initiatives
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh successfully piloted Financial Papers Numbers 3 and 4 for 2024 through the National Assembly when the House approved $84.5 billion in supplementary funding which will allow for the advancement of key government initiatives.
The approval in the wee hours of Thursday followed meticulous debate in the House as government and opposition members traded queries and responses in relation to each provision. Among the key initiatives provided for were government’s $100,000 cash grant to persons 18 years and older and the transformational gas-to-energy project.
In Financial Paper Number 3, government sought approval for Supplementary Estimates (Current) totalling $456.9 million in advances made from the Contingency Fund, for the period 2024-11-07 to 2024-1122 which were primarily related to security services for the Ministry of Education and Regions One and Six.
Additionally, in Financial Paper Number 4, the Government sought the House’s support for Current and Capital Estimates totalling $84.1 billion for the period ending 202412-31.
To begin the rollout of the highly anticipated $100,000 cash grant initiative, which was announced by President Irfaan Ali in October, the National Assembly approved $30.5 billion so that resources would be provided for the initiative.
Dr. Singh, during a recent interview with the media said that the government is focused on ensuring that this economic prosperity reaches all Guyanese citizens.
While providing de -
tails on the distribution process, he outlined that it will be done in two steps. Step 1 involves a registration process where a registration schedule for each area will be provided to guide persons to their registration centre along with the dates for registration. Persons are advised to visit their respective registration centre with a valid National Identification Card or Passport. Step 2 will involve verification of the registration to ensure there are no duplications along the way. This initiative, when completed, will place $60 billion in the hands of citizens across the country. Meanwhile, an amount of $25.3 billion was approved under the Office of the Prime Minister to advance government’s transformational gas-to-energy project which, when it comes on stream, is expected to result in a reduction of electricity costs by 50 per cent countrywide. This project not only promises to significantly reduce energy costs but also to meet the growing demand for electricity in Guyana. In line with government’s 2020 Manifesto promise of delivering 50,000 house lots over the term, approval was also granted for $8.4 billion under the Ministry of Housing and Water to continue the administration’s transformational and expansive housing schemes initiative, as well as its coastal water supply programme. Government is already well on its way
to achieving this promise, with over 40,000 house lots expected to be distributed by the end of 2024.
Further, under the agriculture sector, $5.5 billion was approved for the
National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to support the advancement of D&I works throughout the country and $4.5 billion was approved under the Minis-
try of Health to advance construction of the six regional hospitals at Lima, De Kendren, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village, as well as to initiate works on regional hospitals at Lethem, Moruca and Kato. This was in addition to the approval by the House of $3.6 billion for the provision of drugs and medical supplies.
The National Assembly also approved $1.2 billion under the Ministry of Education to support the operations of the University of Guyana for which tuition fees will be abolished in January 2025 as announced by His Excellency in October. (MoF)
‘We’re not putting all our eggs in one basket’
-
Jagdeo says, outlines strategic approach for monetising
THE Government of Guyana is making strides in its efforts to monetise the country’s natural gas resources, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has said.
During a Thursday news conference, he underscored the importance of diversifying financial streams for the people of Guyana.
"We made it clear to the public that we wanted to monetise the gas. Exxon was initially reluctant, arguing that the associated gas was needed for re-injection to maintain well quality," Dr. Jagdeo stated. However, he went on to highlight that the government believes sufficient gas exists to support a project that could
bring economic benefits to the country.
As global attention increasingly focuses on natural gas as a key transitional fuel, Jagdeo said the government had taken decisive action by initiating a Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP aimed to identify a partner with the technical expertise to collaborate with both the government and Exxon in a tripartite arrangement to explore the feasibility of a gas monetization project.
Following the issuance of the public tender, Fulcrum, a relatively new player in the industry, emerged as the leading bidder after receiving high marks from technical evaluators.
According to Dr. Jag -
deo, Fulcrum’s proposal stood out due to its claim of having access to substantial financing and established partnerships with large companies, making it a viable contender for the project.
"It’s not unusual to involve a startup in gas ventures. In the U.S., many fracking projects that grew to prominence began as startups. Fulcrum’s technical and financial capabilities will be tested as discussions progress," Dr. Jagdeo said, reassuring the public that while the company is relatively new, it has the potential to deliver.
The potential applications of Guyana’s gas resources are wide-ranging, with possibilities including a floating liquefied natural gas
Guyana’s gas
(LNG) platform for export, the development of onshore industries like fertiliser production, or generating power for export to neighbouring Brazil. However, Jagdeo was quick to stress that the feasibility of these options would depend heavily on the availability of gas and the economic viability of the project.
At this early stage, Dr. Jagdeo remains cautiously optimistic but also realistic about the challenges ahead. "We’re not worried at this stage. The project is still being defined, and it’s possible it could be deemed unfeasible," he said. In such an event, the government is open to exploring alternative options, including discussions with Suriname about a
potential joint project leveraging the gas fields located near the border.
"We’re not putting all our eggs in one basket," Jagdeo added, emphasising the government’s strategic approach to ensuring that Guyana’s resources are used in the best possible way for
US Exim Bank Board approves funding for Guyana’s
THE Board of the United States’ Export-Import (EXIM) Bank has approved a just over US$500 million loan for Guyana’s flagship gas-to-energy project at Wales, West Bank Demerara, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
Dr. Jagdeo at his weekly news conference at the PPP’s Freedom House, Georgetown headquarters told reporters that following this approval, Guyana’s application will be sent to the US Congress for a mandatory 30-day notification period. He explained that thereafter, “it will be returned to the board of the Exim-Bank
for final approval. So, that is where we stand at this point in time.”
Initially, the government
sought $US646 million to accelerate works on the flagship project but will likely only receive up to $500
the benefit of its people.
As Guyana continues to develop its oil and gas sector, the outcome of this gas monetisation project will be watched closely, with the potential to shape the country’s economic future for decades to come.
Gas-to-Energy Project
million.
He stated that this cash will only cover US exports.
He stated that some of the funds will be used to support US exports, while the remaining would go towards retroactive payments for the 300-megawatt electricity facility and natural gas liquids plants.
Already Guyana has committed to advancing the project, allocating $400 million from its own budget.
This highly-anticipated project will see a 200-kilometre pipeline bringing gas from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity Floating Production fields onshore.
Upon arrival at this West
Coast Demerara facility, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed in Wales.
Upon completion, the gas-to-energy project will have significant impact on the country’s economy, attracting sustainable investments across various sectors, and creating numerous job opportunities.
The government has partnered with ExxonMobil to develop the necessary infrastructure and facilities to transport and process the gas for power generation and other applications.
Prison, Fire Service slated for a major overhaul
- as Ministry of Home Affairs commits to improving living and working conditions for staff
THE Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday signed some G$1.1 billion worth of contracts to execute critical projects aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and operational efficiency of the many agencies under its purview.
Topping the list of the 11 contracts that were signed that day is the Mazaruni Prison, with works amounting to close to G$600M or thereabouts.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Mr. Andre Ally, besides emphasising the
government’s unwavering commitment to upgrading the various facilities of the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service, also underscored the importance of timely project completion and strict adherence to safety protocols, since worker welfare is top priority.
He also stressed the need for projects to meet the ministry’s standards for high-quality infrastructure and sustainable development.
Ally said that the proposed projects are all part of the ministry’s broader mission to modernise infrastructure and foster a safer,
more efficient environment for public services. The investments, he said, signal a significant step forward in ensuring better facilities for both workers and citizens.
In closing, he said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to development and improving the conditions under which our workforce operates. Contractors must deliver on time, meet quality standards, and prioritise safety to ensure the successful completion of these initiatives.” (Indrawattie Natram)
PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
When in Deep-South Rupununi
- immerse yourself in the adventure: Take in the highs, as well as the lows
By Naomi Parris
I’VE been fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore the many wonders of Guyana’s flora as well as its fauna, whether it’s trekking through the forested paths of the Mazaruni (Region Seven) or flying over the mines of the scenic Potaro (Region Eight).
But no journey has ever topped the drive from Georgetown to the Rupununi (Region Nine), arguably one of the most thrilling experiences one can ever hope to have, and get to bask in all the beauty that is Guyana.
I recently undertook the journey, venturing further into the deep south of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where vast savannahs stretch languorously in the distance, and the skies play peeka-boo between the mountains.
But before I delve further into the scenery, I must take you on the ride proper.
There are two ways of getting to the Deep South Rupununi: You can either fly over
in the mining town of Linden, which serves as a gateway of sorts to the hinterland regions of Guyana.
This is where the journey gets exciting!
Navigating through blankets of mist along the trail is just a teaser as to what lies ahead.
The drive is roughly about 12-16 hours long to get to the region, but these hours tend to pass by quickly as one navigates the terrain of the rustic Mabura Trail, especially if you’re taking the journey at night.
The sight of the towering trees that border the trail, is always a moment to savor, and if you’re lucky like me, trees are not the only things you’ll see. Often spotted sprinting across the trail are baby foxes, running from the sound of the vehicles.
MORAI MORAI: THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!
The journey gets even more interesting after finally arriving in Lethem, the region’s central town. Then it’s on to Katoonarib, where one
tions of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.
It’s the most authentic and edifying experience, as we were enraptured by customs that have been preserved for decades.
Over an open flame, we joined Diana, the cook at Morai Morai, who guided us through the intricacies of making cassava bread. Of course, we had to sample a taste!
The freshly-made staple was paired with Tuma Pot, a unique stew/broth made from either fish or deer, or just about any meat-kind one can get their hands on.
This is freshly brewed with a melee of spices and homegrown ingredients sourced from Nicholas’ nearby farm.
And to balance the equation, we drank some fresh fruit juice.
After lunch, we joined George, Nicholas’ cousin who demonstrated how to make a traditional bow and arrow.
Many of us looked on as he intricately carved the archery piece. While some of my col-
the savannahs, or choose the more daring route and go by vehicle.
And if you’re a lover of adventure like me, overland travel will leave you with a thrilling experience, and if you decide to plan a trip, grab a friend and tell them to bring a friend along.
After driving along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, you’ll find yourself smack-dab
can find the Morai Morai Ranch.
At Morai Morai, my colleagues and I were greeted warmly by Nicholas Cyril, the owner of the ranch, who shared little anecdotes about his homestead that he is now in the process of establishing as an experiential tourist attraction
This unique experience immerses you into the tradi-
leagues opted to test it out, I opted to stay on the sidelines, and watch on.
I was able to sneak a little one-on-one chat with George, who shared his adventures of trekking through the forests of the North Rupununi and scouring the savannahs of the South to source materials.
FROM SUNSET TO SUNRISE: WELCOME TO WICHABAI RANCH
The sweetest Capybara was among my hosts during my stay at Wichabai Ranch
Just as I was soaking up the essence of Morai Morai, it was time to leave for the next adventure to Wichabai Ranch.
There, a thrilling escapade awaited.
We hiked up a mountain, which gave us a clear view of how truly breathtaking South Rupununi is.
Erin, the owner of Wichabai Ranch.
Referencing her background in geology, she transported us to a time beyond the Tectonic Plates.
We concluded the day feeding the capybaras and unwinding under the dimly-lit skies.
The sunrise unfolded like a masterpiece, painting the sky in hues of gold, pink, and lavender. As the first light touched the horizon, the world seemed to pause in awe.
The cool morning air carried the earthy scent of grass, and the promise of a new ad-
an open flame,
My eyes scanned across the sunset-drenched vista, drinking in every little detail of the plains. As the sun tucked away behind the mountain ranges, we were carefully guided by
But that wasn’t the only highlight of our stay at Wichabai, as the next morning, we awoke to the hues of the sunrise that penetrated the open cabins and tents.
venturous day.
Our time at Wichabai Ranch came to end after a quick trek through the habitats of some of the South Rupununi’s giants.
A view of the sunset from atop a hill at Wichabai
Over
we joined Diana, the cook at Morai Morai, who guided us through the intricacies of making the ever-popular cassava bread (Delano Willams photos)
‘Mash’ 2025 to be bigger, bolder —
as calendar of
UNDER the theme, “Expressing our Culture and Creativity as One Guyana”, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport has officially launched Mashramani (Mash) 2025.
Mash 2025 will be celebrated on February 23, 2025 and already has several key events on its calendar.
This year’s calendar will see the Calypso Monarch competition slated for February 14, 2025 in Moruca, Region One; the Soca Monarch on February 15, 2025 in Linden, Region Ten; and the Dancehall Monarch on February 16, 2025, in Georgetown, at the Kitty Seawall.
Additionally, the Chutney Monarch will be held on February 22, 2025 at
events unveiled an explosion of cultural celebrations
the Classic Hotel Parking Lot in Region Six, along with the annual Flag Raising Ceremony, also on February 22, 2025 at Public Buildings (Parliament Building) in Georgetown.
These are just a few of the events on the calendar released by the Ministry, with more events to follow such as the Children’s Mash competition which is held across the country.
At a press briefing held earlier this week, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, said that Mash 2025 is set to be bigger than it has ever been with more excitement for all.
The Minister told reporters that for the first time the ministry has commenced preparations with designers for the float parade and funding has been secured. Such will allow designers to go into different Ministries with their proposals.
“There are lots of people who are looking forward to that information both in Guyana and outside of Guyana, and we want to release this now so that they can start preparing, including booking
their flights too,”
The Director announced that the deadline for submission of music for these competitions is December 31, 2024, with no extensions. The link to submit these songs will be found on the Ministry’s Facebook page from December 02, 2024.
He encouraged all persons who are a part of the performing arts, who are singers, or are interested in either calypso, soca or chutney music to enter the competitions, and release their music.
Meanwhile, Director of National Events, Andrew Tyndall who was also present at the launch mentioned that several pop-up concerts are in the lineup for Mash 2025. This he said, is an effort to provide persons who participate in the song competitions with an opportunity to put their music out there for the public to hear, and to interact with communities.
Mashramani 2024
US-based Guyanese singer unveils new ‘Heart vs Mind’ single
JEVAUGHN Park, known as ‘JP’, is sending waves across the local music scene with his latest single, ‘Heart vs Mind’.
The United States-based Guyanese was placed in the spotlight Turbulent Media 592, following the release of his new tune which samples Breathe by Russ.
Speaking with this week’s Buzz, Park shared that his new single was birthed after a visit to the Alicia Keyes Exhibition in the Brooklyn Museum where an art piece captured his attention.
Paying keen attention to the details of the artwork, Javaughn’s creativity sparked.
“So right away, it clicked; it inspired me to start writing Heart vs Mind. So I wrote it from like the girl’s perspective, but I also write it from the male perspective as well,” Jevaughn explained.
“So like, that's why you could hear my song. I started off the song saying like,
damn, she's perfect, but wait, that's on the surface. And my second voice is like, damn,
he's perfect, but wait, that's on the surface. So it's like, it's basically looking into,
looking into people, not from the physical appearance, but, you know, peeking into their mentality as well.”
Before migrating, Jevaughn grew up in Skeldon Region Six and attended the Skeldon Primary School, then the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School.
He pursued his post-secondary education at the GuySuCo Training Centre- Port Mourant (GTC-PM) where he trained as an apprentice.
He then later pursued a career in the arts, with the support of his family and, according to him, it was the collective love for music that has enhanced his creativity.
“Everywhere you turn, there’s somebody playing something. It could be a regular Saturday night, my father plays his songs or a regular Sunday morning, my mother would play like, gos-
pel songs. Even if I go by my grandmother, she’d be playing all these,” he expressed.
Although his music is in the hip-hop genre, Park related that it didn’t start that way, “I was that little kid in the neighbourhood trying to like, clash everybody when it comes to dancehall music. But it was so common that I had to think of a way to be different.” With practice, JP continued to improve in his writing skills, becoming the artiste that he is today.
While his music career is fairly new, JP has several songs out including, No Tailor, Tape Money Flow 3, Maneuver(ooshnack), and Perceptions with many more to come. Persons can support and find his music on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music @TheRealJP. He is also available on TikTok @ aceofclubs592
Planned Vybz Kartel performance during Trinidad Carnival faces backlash
Promoter, entertainer accused of disrespecting T&T culture
A PROMOTER in Trinidad & Tobago has sought to clarify details of a Carnival Friday concert featuring Vybz Kartel after an earlier announcement of the event, featuring the Jamaican dancehall superstar during the country’s annual cultural festivities, sparked immediate backlash in the twin-island republic.
Critics of the concert accused the promoters and Kartel of disrespecting Trinidadian culture on a day traditionally dedicated to spotlighting the top soca artistes.
In one video making the rounds on social media, a T&T actor/comedian addresses Kartel directly, telling the ‘Worl Boss’ to “Put some respect on our Carnival season”.
“Vybz Kartel, now everybody respects you because of your legendary history, but you see what you’re doing
there, planning to have your own concert on ‘Fantastic Friday’, the Friday before Carnival, I don’t think too much people is going to agree with that,” the entertainer popularly known as Starks said. “So, please, before things get hectic, go back to the drawing board, because if it is one thing about Trinidadians, you see when it comes to our Carnival season, we don’t want to hear nothing else.”
In a statement, promoters One Caribbean Music Festival sought to clear the air, noting that the event “features a stellar cast of superstar performers from across the region representing 80 per cent soca and 20 per cent other genres of musical performances.
“The One Caribbean Music organisation consists of a group of individuals with a
deep love for all Caribbean music. We are following the long tradition of well-loved events that have invited performers from all over the world to participate in the greatest show on earth,” the organisers said.
Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, was freed from a
murder charge earlier this year after spending nearly 13 years in prison.
In 2014, Kartel, fellow entertainer Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were convicted of the September 2011 murder of associate Clive “Lizard” Williams.
The accused appealed the case up to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council, where the murder convictions were overturned on the grounds of juror misconduct and the case remitted back to the Jamaica Court of Appeal to decide whether there should be a retrial.
On July 31 of this year the Jamaica Court of Appeal ruled against a retrial and the men were freed of the charges.
Kartel will perform for the first time since his release from prison on New Year’s Eve in Kingston.
US-based Guyanese hip-hop artiste, Jevaughn Park
Hawks register first Super Over win of GSL
The second match of the Global Super League (GSL) saw a thrilling encounter between Hampshire Hawks and Rangpur Riders in Providence, Guyana. Both sides finished their 20 overs on132 runs apiece and had to be split by the tournament’s first Super Over. The Hawks eventually prospered with one ball to spare, a Liam Dawson smear for six seeing them snatch the points at the last.
Hawks captain Chris Wood took it upon himself to bowl the all-important six balls for the English side, Khushdil Shah opened the shoulders to deposit him down the ground for six but was also run out, off the final delivery attempting a third run. The Riders posting 12-1 off their Super Over to leave the Hawks needing 13 to take the spoils.
In response, James Fuller pinged Zak Chappell’s first
ball for six over the leg side before the bowler struck back with a slower short ball that Fuller could only club straight up in the air for the bowler to take a simple return catch. With the pressure ramped up and the crowd and both dugouts watching on nervously, Hampshire stalwart Dawson stepped up to seal the win.
Earlier, Wood won the toss and chose to bat first. Shan Masood was the
star with the bat in hand for Hampshire as he scored 56 off 41 balls to see that a competitive total of 132 was posted. Masood’s knock was the first half century of the competition and he played shots all around the ground, bringing up his fifty with an audacious reverse hit. The innings would see him scoop the Player-of-theMatch award at the end of the evening.
Masood eventually de -
parted the scene in the final over of Hampshire’s innings, one of five wickers to fall to muscular seamer Chappell. Chappell had an impressive night, bustling in and extracting to some zip out of the Providence surface, picking up both Tom Prest and Joe Weatherley in the fourth over of the match and then cleaning up the Hampshire batting card in the 19th with the removal of Danny Briggs and Sonny Baker in the con-
secutive deliveries to snuff out the innings.
His impressive figures 5-23 marked a career best but it was a cruel end to the match for him as his batters couldn’t get the job done, failing to get over the line with only 13 runs needed and 18 deliveries in which to get them. The tied score meaning that Chappell was called up to bowl one last over, with fateful consequences.
Rockstone Street-ball Classic set for this evening
THE inaugural edition of the Rockstone Streetball Classic will commence this evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Bank Demerara.
In the opening match at 19:00 hours, Team Family of Mocha will match skills with Bagotstown Warriors, while the second match will pit Agricola against Ballerz Empire at 19:50 hours.
In the third contest, the Pouderoyen Brothers will face off against the West
Side Ballers at 20:40 hours.
The final match of the night will pit Showstoppers against Jetty Gunners at 21:30 hours.
The winners of the aforementioned matches will advance to the semifinal round, which will be staged on December 6th at the same venue.
The event, which will utilise an elimination format, features eight teams batting for over $400,000 in cash and prizes.
The winner of the event
will pocket $200,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $100,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively.
Esan Griffith, Coordinator of the Championship, said, “The excitement for this inaugural championship is palpable because the players and fans have shown their commitment and passion in making this a reality. They have implored us in the past to continue staging events of
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Friday November 29, 2024)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Kemar Roach-48 wickets (12 Tests) (2) Shakib-ul-Hasan-47 wickets (13 Tests)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What is the highest score made by a WI batsman in a Test against BANG to date?
(2) What is the highest score made by a BANG batsman in a Test against the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
this nature, which led to the birth of this championship. West Demerara is a major street-ball community, and we are excited about the potential that this tournament has. All systems are in place for an exciting and safe night. The players and fans are ready to represent their teams, and all that is left to do is sound the opening whistle.”
He further said, “We once again thank the sponsors, Guyana Brewery under the Rockstone brand,
a product that has become ingrained in the community, for showing trust in staging this event, which has the capacity to become a national success. This is simply the beginning of bigger and better things from this product.”
Complete Tournament Fixtures
Quarterfinal round –Friday, November 29th (1): Team Family vs. Bagotstown Warriors (2): Agricola vs.
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
AQUEDUCT
Race 1 Munden
Race 2 Lady Laoban
Race 3 Papa Paulie
Race 4 Prince Of Truth
Race 5 Central Casting
Race 6 Accidental Bid
Race 7 Giant Mischief
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
FAIRVIEW
08:30 hrs Suchalife
09:05 hrs Heart Stealer
09:40 hrs Sharpova
10:15 hrs Eyjafjallajokull
10:50 hrs Golden Pavilion
IRISH RACING TIPS
Dundalk
09:43 hrs One Horse Town 10:18 hrs Nikki Swango 10:53 hrs Knockmore Prince
11:25 hrs Miss Abby Jools
11:55 hrs Daamberdiplomat
12:25 hrs Say It So 12:55 hrs Inthesmallhours 13:25 hrs Glyde Ranger
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
NEWBURY
08:15 hrs Regent's Scroll
08:46 hrs Kalif Du Berlais
09:20 hrs Ambiente Amigo
Semifinal
– Friday, December 6th (5): Winner of 1 vs. Winner of 2 (6): Winner of 3 vs. Winner of 4
3rd Place (7): Loser of 5 vs Loser of 6
Final (8): Winner of 5 vs. Winner of 6
09:55 hrs The Jukebox Man
10:30 hrs Galop De Chasse 11:05 hrs Strong Leader 11:40 hrs Chantry House
DONCASTET
08:25 hrs Adaay Forever 08:55 hrs Wicked Thoughts 09:30 hrs Joupy Collonges
10:05 hrs Mole Court
10:40 hrs No Risk With Lou 11:25 hrs Hiero Sport
MUSSELBURGH
08:38 hrs Wise Eagle
09:10 hrs You Some Girl
09:45 hrs Hapy La Vie
10:20 hrs All The Glory 10:55 hrs Dream Jet
11:30 hrs Swingingonthesteel
Ballerz Empire (3): Pouderoyen Brothers vs. Westside Ballers (4): Jetty Ballers vs. Showstoppers
Round
A Record Chance inc. to boost Guyana's athletic talent
A Record Chance Inc. is set to host its second sprint camp on November 30th at Thirst Park. The camp aims to enhance the skills and performance of Guyana's top junior athletes.
This initiative is designed to refine athletic skills and provide a comprehensive understanding of
how to maximise individual talents both on and off the field.
With over 120 athletes already signed up, the camp will bring together a diverse young talent eager to learn and grow. Approximately 30 experienced coaches will also participate, contributing to a
robust coaches’ programme to elevate the region’s training standard.
Over 120 athletes will participate in the camp, featuring a rigorous training regimen under the guidance of experienced coaches. The camp will also include a coaches' programme led by world-renowned NCAA
The initiative aims to improve athletic performance and foster a love for sport within the community. By providing a platform for young athletes to learn from experienced coaches and compete against their peers, A Record Chance hopes to inspire the next generation
of Guyanese sporting stars.
Carlwyn Collins, the Marketing Manager of A Record Chance Inc., emphasised the importance of this camp in boosting athletes’ value. He noted that scouts have been reaching out to assess local talent, indicating a growing interest in Guyana’s athletes from abroad.
National indoor record holder Arinze Chance, the founder of A Record Chance Inc., highlighted that while the organisation’s primary focus is on track and field, plans are underway to expand its reach to other athletic disciplines by 2026.
St. Theresa’s Primary triumph in Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ National Finals
REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited in collaboration with Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) successfully completed another year of the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Programme in Guyana.
The national festival finals were hosted at Queen’s College Grounds featuring the primary school county champions from Berice, Demerara and Berbice.
The round-robin format featuring five overs per side saw St. Theresa’s Primary (Berbice Champions), Sparta Primary (Essequibo Champions) and Lenora Primary (Demerara Champions) battled for victory in a safe and player-centred environment designed around the principles of fun, inclusion and equality. These elements resonated even more on finals day as it coincided with the commemoration of Universal Children’s Day. St.
Theresa’s Primary emerged as the champion school in Guyana for 2024, playing unbeaten at the national finals.
Participants fostered the values of teamwork, mental focus, tactical awareness and physical development whilst
demonstrating high-level cricketing skills in the rudiments of the game: batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping.
Among the attendees at the final event were Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd Managing Director, Mr. Stephen
Grell, Director of Sport Mr. Steve Ninvalle, Education Officer 1 Mr. Saeed Zameen, Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board and CWI Director Mr. Ronald Willams and CWI Project Officer Mr. Brendon Ramlal.
Mr. Stephen Grell, Man-
aging Director Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd stated: “This tournament has been an extraordinary showcase of youthful energy and sporting potential. From all reports, the fast paced, fun and engaging format of the game have captivated not just the players, but also parents, teachers and coaches.
“In the Caribbean and especially in Guyana, cricket is more than just a sport it’s a passion that runs deep in our veins. Republic Bank is proud to support this initiative which goes beyond just simply playing a game. Our goal is to nurture talents, spark interest and develop the necessary skills that could transform these young players into future cricket legends.”
Mr. Steve Ninvalle Director of Sport in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport expressed congratulations to everyone who participated in the competition
as they’re no losers since everyone gained some experience from the Five For Fun Tournament.
He lauded Republic Bank for their investment in sport and fulfilling their corporate social responsibility and indicated that this is the result when public and private sectors join hands. He also mentioned the government’s focus on enhancing over 400 grounds across the country thereby providing the facilities for such activities. Mr. Ninvalle also commented that he’s enthused that so many females are participating and it’s important for everything we do now to have gender balance.
The Republic Bank 'Five for Fun' programme forms part of Republic Bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference Programme’ and continues to strengthen the base of CWI's developmental pathway and it’s 'Future Stars' programme."
GBI supports Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup
GUYANA Beverages Inc (GBI) in an effort to contribute to the development of women’s football has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) as a sponsor of the Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup, and end of year tournament slated to kick off on Saturday, November 30 at the Parade Ground.
Through this collaboration, GBI will provide its popular Fruta juice and Oasis water brands to fuel players and fans alike, ensuring they
stay hydrated throughout the tournament.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Guyana Football Federation for such an important event in the local sports calendar,” said Mr. Samuel Arjoon, GBI’s General Manager. “Football is a sport that continues to thrive in Guyana, and we’re proud to support the Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup, which promotes women’s participation in the game. At Guyana Beverages, we understand the importance of
hydration, and we’re excited to provide the players, coaches, and fans with our trusted Fruta and Oasis drinks during the tournament.”
The Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup is an exciting competition that showcases the talent of female footballers across Guyana. With kick-off games beginning on November 30, 2024, the event promises to be a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the growing popularity of women’s football in the country. The tour-
nament is expected to draw large crowds and will be a significant step forward in the development of women’s football in Guyana.
Guyana Beverages Inc. was keen to note that it remains committed to supporting sports, health, and wellness initiatives that positively impact communities across the country. As a long-time partner in promoting healthy hydration, the company’s sponsorship of the tournament further reinforces its commitment to supporting
athleticism and the well-being of Guyanese people.
Commenting on the partnership, President of the GFF, Mr. Wayne Forde, noted “We are deeply grateful to Guyana Beverages Inc. for their investment in women’s football. Supporting female athletes is not just about fostering talent—it’s about addressing the historic underinvestment in women’s sports and recognising the immense value they bring to the game and our communities.”
He referred to the part-
nership as a testament to the transformative power of investing in underserved athletes, and noted the Federation’s excitement to work with Guyana Beverages Inc. to inspire young girls and strengthen the future of women’s football in Guyana. As the excitement builds for the tournament, fans and players alike can look forward to an action-packed series of matches, made even better by the refreshing taste and health benefits of Fruta and Oasis drinks.
coach Karim Abdel-Wahab.
Mr. Stephen Grell hands over the winning trophy
ON Sunday, defending champions of the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Guyana Secondary School Football League, Chase Academic Foundation will face their final hurdle on the path to a successful title defense when they meet Dolphin Secondary.
Both teams, which are on 18 points each after five rounds of action will do battle at the Ministry of Education Ground with the defending champions holding a slim lead by virtue of a superior goal difference.
Organisers, the Petra Organisation on Wednesday at the Bank’s Waterloo Corporate office held a faceoff between the two captains set to
RBL Guyana
Secondary Schools League…
One Guyana National Futsal Championship Chase Academy and Dolphin clash for top honours
duel it out for the league title.
Director of Petra Troy Mendonca said that league tournaments, like this one, are a key developmental pillar for the growth of the game at the youth levels.
“As part of our mandate and philosophy we will always fight to have a league among the best schools especially at the U-18 level because we believe the league itself contributed to the development of the player, the sport and for us to reach to this point where we have the final game that will decide the winner of this tournament it speaks volumes for the level of competition that we had in this tournament.”
Republic Bank represen-
tative Onika Austin said the company is always eager to support youths in the area of sports.
“Helping us to continue
…Bakewell is first corporate entity on board
Bakery giants, Bakewell, is the first corporate entity to throw its support behind the One Guyana National Futsal Championship which is set to kick off on Tuesday December 3, at the National Gymnasium.
Organised by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation MS, this inaugural format signals the return of year-end football which was organised using the 11 a-side version of the game by the National Award winning entity, for decades.
And, for all of those year’s Bakewell was on board lending valuable support, and it’s on this foundation that Assistant General Manager of Bakewell, Mr. Shannan Ganga said, his company had no hesitation whatsoever, in partnering with the K&S Organisation.
“It’s well documented
that Bakewell has been a consistent partner with this organisation over the many years of year end football and by extension, supporting sports in Guyana. As a company, we are elated to see the return of this year end spectacle even though it’s the futsal version of the game.”
Ganga further noted that the competition will afford hundreds of players the opportunity from around Guyana to showcase their skills before thousands of fans over the period the tournament would be played.
Co-Directors of the K&S Organisation, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey Major were both elated to be back in the organisers seat for something they have built a lasting legacy in terms of top class promoting and organising.
Muhammad said that they are very grateful to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for playing a huge role in the rebirth of the year end spectacle.
“And to Bakewell, what can we say, it’s a partnership that has never been ended and now we are back together again to do what we both love, seeing football played at this time of the year. We want to thank the Management and Staff of Bakewell for their support and assure you all that this inaugural championship, would be spectacular for all.”
A total of 64 teams would be battling from next Tuesday in the straight knockout competition with every team set to walk away with cash. The championship is powered by the Government of Guyana.
in our thrust of youth empowerment and sport is very important and Republic Bank has always been a part of developing our communities,
making it better and sport is one such way that we can do that, so we are looking forward to an exciting set of matches on Sunday and may the best team win.”
Dolphin coach Ranole Bourne says that his players have been working hard and will be ready come matchday, adding, “They have been putting the work and it’s only left for them come on Sunday to execute all we would have done through the training session……We are in it to win it and to do our utmost and the utmost is to get that W(win) and come out victorious in the tournament.”
While Chase Academy representative Oronde Chase said, “On Sunday, the spec-
tators and the opposing team should expect a grueling and hard match, it will be a match with excitement and goals scored.”
Chase and Dolphin have already qualified as the top two team to compete in the KFC goodwill international series in December.
The 2024 champion is set to collect $300,000 for their school towards a project along with a trophy and medals, while the runners-up walk away with $200,000 for their school.
Third-place get $150,000 along with a trophy and medals.
Individual awards will go toward highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper.
GMRSC Announces December 19 AGM
THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has announced a December 19 date for its Annual General Meeting and election of office bearers.
According to an official document posted, the club is also expected to present its annual financial report in keeping with its constitution as well as outline its high points during the 2024 season.
Plans for the sport in 2025 as well as the development of several sectors of motorsport are also expected.
(From left) RBL Rep Onika Austin, Chase’s captain Bryan Wharton, Dolphin Captain Brian Brower and Petra Director Troy Mendonca
A Record Chance Inc. to boost Guyana's athletic talent
From left: Carlwyn Collins (Marketing Manager), Dr. Gabriel Khan (Managing Director) and Arinze Chance (Founder) of A Record Chance at a media engagement on Thursday at Herdmanston Lodge
Bakewell
Assistant General Manager, Mr. Shannan Ganga, hands over sponsorship cheque to Mr. Kashif Muhammad with Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Maor, at right