Bandits nabbed minutes after robbing man $600K gold chain in Linden
Teen biker killed
Six Brazilians arrested after crashing into utility pole
Amatuk, Potaro River for illegal mining at arrives in Israel
DavidMartinspasseson
Oil spill reported off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast
AFC Govt. will enact laws to release key oil and gas documents
-Patterson
Put our own meters on Exxon’s oil pumps!
Leon Benjamin
Oil spill reported off Venezuela's Caribbean coast
Oil slick is seen in the ocean and covering the rocks on a beach near the Venezuelan V state oil company PDVSA's El Palito refinery, in Boca de Aroa, Venezuela August 16, 2024. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Hernandez Purchase Licensing Rights
Reuters - An oil spill, which appearedtooriginatefromVenezuela's ElPalitorefineryseveraldaysago,has contaminated a bay off the country's north-central coast in the Caribbean Sea, five sources told Reuters on Saturday Biologist Eduardo Klein posted satellite images on X that he said showedanoilslickofabout225square kilometers (87 square miles) in the
Golfe Triste and completely covering Morrocoy National Park, known for beaches lined with palm trees and mangroves. There was no immediate comment from the state-owned company PetroleosdeVenezuelaPDVSAorthe oilministry.TheElPalitorefinery,with acapacitytoprocess146,000barrelsof crude oil per day, is Venezuela's smallest oil refining complex and
located in the Puerto Cabello municipalityonthecoastofthecentral state of Carabobo. "The spill came from El Palito. This morning some beachesinBocadeAroawokeupwith alotofhydrocarbonsontheshoreand it affected some boats, some artisanal fishing boats," one of the sources told Reuters.
Another source said he saw three largeoilslicksthatwashedashore.
Teen biker killed after crashing into utility pole
A19-year-old man was killed on Saturday after he crashed an XR-Honda Motorcycle into a utility pole at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara.
The accident reportedly tookplacearound21:00hrs.
DeadisLeonBenjaminof 1313 Bare Root, East Coast Demerara and injured is his pillionrider
ReportsareBenjaminand his pillion rider were heading south along the ECD Public Road when the bike clipped the mirror of a Honda Vezel while overtaking the vehicle. Hethenlostcontrolofthebike and slammed into a utility pole.
The impact flung Benjaminandthepillionrider on the roadway while the Vezelreportedlyspedaway
The ambulance service was summoned and when it arrived at the scene, the medical professionals on board pronounced Benjamin dead.
The pillion rider was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he remains admitted and receiving treatment Kaieteur News understands that both Benjamin and the pillion rider sustained head injuries.
Dead: Leon Benjamin
US$520 million spent by Govt. on Gas-to-Energy project since 2022
...citizens, Parliament
yet to see key documents for country's most expensive investment
The Government ofGuyana(GoG) has invested a whopping US$520M on the controversial Wales Gas-toEnergyproject,since2022.
This information was provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources upon request by Kaieteur News.
According to the ministry, the government spent $24.813B in 2022 followed by $43.3B in 2023. This year, government in the National Budget has set aside another $40B of local funding for the project.This
m e a n s a t o t a l o f
$108,113,000,000 or
US$520M (using Bank of Guyana's exchange rate of 208) from the National Treasury has been budgeted todatefortheproject.
The GoG had applied to the United States Export Import(US-EXIM)Bankfor
a US$646M loan to support the construction of the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant and the 300-megawatt gasfiredpowerplant,butthe financing has not yet been approved.
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeohadmadeitclearthat the project would not be delayed by lack of funding from the US Bank He explained in October last year,“Ifthereisneedfor,we can have bridge financing until that (loan) comes on stream and from what I gather, the loan can fund retroactive expenditure so if you have bridge financing then you can go back and clear it easily once the loan comesonstream.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat during his mid-year press conference last week indicated that the project is
advancing. He noted, “Our application at the US EXIM Bank,Ithinkwewouldhave fulfilled almost all the requirements necessary and they have I think this month or next month the next quarter
ing or something that our matter would go there so we are hoping that, from all indications that will be successful.”
In addition to the two plants to be financed by government while the loan app
pending, there is also an additional price tag attached tothelandacquisitionbythe state for the pipeline and t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution costs of the electricity ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block is financing the pipeline aspect of the
project, pegged at US$1B. While the project has the potentialtosupplythenation withacleaner,morereliable source of power, it has been subjected to criticisms, given its astronomical price tag, backed by no feasibility study
Government has also been reluctant to release agreements signed with Exxonfortheproject.Itwas reportedthatsince2022,the government signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with the Stabroek Co-ventures, ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC, that outlines the principlesandconditionsfor the commercial and technical arrangements of thedeal.
Several attempts made by the Opposition in the NationalAssemblytoaccess the agreements and key documents relative to the
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
country's single largest infrastructure project have beenunsuccessful.
In December 2022, Minister Bharrat told Parliament that the agreements could not be made public yet He explained at that time, “Thereareotheragreements on supply, buyer's a g r e e m e n t , f i e l d development, licensing conditions, onshore works, and land matters that are currently being drafted. The respective agreements and
policy documents will be presentedtothisHonourable House when they have been agreed upon and executed. All agreements are being done in a timely manner to meet the Final Investment Decision which will allow for the project to be completedbyourcommitted deadline of December 2024.”
F o l l o w i n g t h a t commitment however, the publicalmosttwoyearslater isstillawaitingthereleaseof thoseagreements.
GGDMA pushes back against criticisms
of
low declaration, damage to
Amid growing concerns over low gold declaration here despite massive concession to the sector, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Sunday sought to justify the largesse saying it welcomes the continued commitment to the sectorgivenbytheGovernmentof Guyana.
The statement comes weeks after the Guyana Human Rights Associationinascathingstatement denouncedwhatitdescribedasthe extensive incentives granted to the gold-mining sector by the Governmentparticularlyinlightof environmental and human toll of the industry The GHRA's statementwasinresponsetoapress release by the Ministry of Natural Resources, which highlighted the massiveincentivesthatwereputin place for the mining industry The ministry's statement dated July 31 outlined the various perks, concessions, and privileges extendedtothegold-miningsector, such as tax reductions, duty-free concessions, and simplified licensingarrangements.
HowevertheGGDMAtakinga swipe at head of the GHRA, Mike McCormack said it: “…does not recognise“one-man”organisations or lobbyists with questionable motives and sources of funding from biased international interests
thatseektotake“bread”outofthe mouths of Guyanese thereby depriving the nation of socioeconomicadvancement.”
The GGDMA added: “These ideologuesseektovilifyGuyanese miners as they do the bidding of certain forces who would much prefertoseeournationstay“green” and poor rather than maximize the benefits of our natural mineral wealth. The GGDMA is a prominingGuyaneseorganisationand our membership embodies the independent entrepreneurial spirit of Guyana. Over the years, miners have moved from battel to excavatorstocrusherplantsandwe will continue to fight for the advancement of the mining industry in spite of certain antiminingdetractorswhoserelevance isinextricablylinkedtocontinually maligning Guyana's extractive sector.”
The body noted that recent positive statements by the Vice President and the Minister of Natural Resources regarding the critical importance of the mining sector to Guyana's current and future development is well receivedbyminers.
In its statement, the GGDMA said the sector feels buoyed by the support and understanding demonstrated in relation to the contributions and struggles facing
thesector TheGGDMAsaidithas alwaysmaintainedthatminingisa major contributor to Guyana, noting that the Guyana gold and diamond mining industry employs tensofthousandsofGuyaneseand is also the generator of billions of dollars in disposable and discretionaryincomethatenergizes businessesinallothersectorsofthe country “Over the years, the GGDMA has advocated for improvements in environmental stewardship and the sector has made several significant strides in this area as a consequence of partnering with recognized environmental organisations such as Conservation International and theWorldWildlifeFundonvarious projects in the past. The GGDMA remains a non-political organisation that will continue to lobbyfortheinterestsandbenefits of miners and the industry, we are ready to work with any credible agency to advance the interest of miningandminersinGuyana.”
The GGDMA said that it continues to encourage its membership to declare their production accurately, to only sell their production to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed buyers, collect their receipts and regularly request statements from the GuyanaGoldBoardofallroyalties and taxes paid to ensure that your
environment
declarations are reflected accurately “The Association also wishes to reiterate the recent advisorytomineoperatorstodesist from paying staff and suppliers in gold as this practice is not in line with the law This year has been a slow one thus far for the sector, however the GGDMA remains hopeful that miners will accelerate production and make significant stridesfortheremainderof2024to close the production gap and achieve the nationally set targets,” thestatementadded.
Meanwhile, the GHRA in its statement had labeled the government's support to the industry as inconsistent and detrimental to the country's welfare.“…expansionofavailable mining properties in conflicted areas such as Marudi Mountains and removal of protective regulationsareexhaustivelylisted. Road-building in interior regions has become mining-driven rather than influenced by community or environmental considerations,” it wasstated.
The organisation stated that
l Protection Act of 1996 mandates
Environmental Permits (EP) for every mining operation, the Guyana Geology & Mines
Commission(GGMC)hasfailedto enforce these requirements for years, allowing extensive mining activitiestoproceedunchecked.To this, the statement draws attention totheGuyanaExtractiveIndustries Transparency Initiative (GY-EITI) annual reports, which document thesefailures.
“MostofGuyana'sprizedlarge rivers have been reduced to health and safety hazards by gold mining,” GHRA said as it points out the severe degradation of Guyana'sriversduetogoldmining. It was stated too that river banks andtheactualcourseofrivershave been altered by illegal hydraulic miningandbyfailurestoapplythe several GGMC Codes of Practice to the waste in mine tailings now spilling polluted sediment into the creeks and rivers. Notably, GHRA statedthatnoefforthasbeenmade to apply penalties for these transgressions despite the River NavigationAct (cap. 50:01, 1998) andtheStateLandsAct1903/1972 (Section22)states,“Everyonewho willfullycausesanyimpedimentto the free use or navigation of any river or navigable creek, shall be liable to a fine of ninety-seven thousand five hundred dollars, unlesshehaspreviouslyobtained permission under thisAct or the Forests Act to cause the impediment.”
ThePPP/CGovernmentledbyDr IrfaanAliisfailingin almosteveryaspectofitsheavyresponsibilitiestowatchout for what is right and safe for all Guyanese. Instead of the leadersinthePPP/CGovernmentmanifestingthenecessary strength, courage, and wisdom, so that the interests of Guyanesearesupreme,thereisthisshamelessrollingover underExxonMobil’sboots,andlettingthecompanytrample uponGuyana.
ItiswithoutquestionthateveryGuyaneseshouldbeliving inafestiveholidaymoodeveryday Thereisanabundanceof naturalgifts,ofwhichthewholeworlddesiresapiece Thefirst pieceandafairpieceshouldbetheportionofeveryGuyanese Guyanese used to have hospitality in their hearts when they didn’t have as much as a nation. Back then, it was a combination of individual natural goodwill, plus a quiet dignity Yet,herewearetoday,talkingaboutthehavesand have nots, in Guyana of all places. This is a society that shouldn’t have any have nots, not in this era of Guyana’s existence. There is simply too much for any citizen to be withoutinacountryasrichlyblessedashere.
Therearecopiousquantitiesofavarietyofresources,and because of that, there are great expectations that stir in every Guyaneseheart Thosemustnotbedashed,thoughtheyhavebeen seriouslydilutedtothispoint Atricklehereandatricklethereis helpful,whichisnothingbutinsulting Ourwealththattakesmany formsisasourceofenvy,andinthiseveryGuyanesemustbethe fullest participant When leaders are genuinely about all the people, then the rich birthright of Guyanese when fully deliveredisrealized NotbyjustahandfulofGuyaneseinarich andtightcircleatthetop,butthestrugglingvillagers,thedistant originalinhabitants,andallthosewhoareyettoexperiencethe fullimpactofcitizenshipinanoilrichcountry Therecannever be a more powerful instance of economics at work, than whenthereisnotasingleGuyanesewhodoesnotneed. We makethispoint:everyGuyaneseshouldbecelebratingtheextra confidenceofhavingsurplusinhand Thefirstagendaitemis food, which should not be a thought that is dreaded, in any family The economics of the nation is on such a soaring trajectory that the rest of the world is awed The economics statisticsforGuyanaaresuchthattheexpertsoutdothemselves togushhowgoodGuyanaisdoing Thisisdespitethepittance thatitcollectsforitsnaturalresources Inacountrythatmakes alltheheadlinesforGrossDomesticProduct(GDP),andone whichisnowdescribedasahigh-income,thatshouldtranslate tosomethingwithenduringmeaningforGuyanese.
IfthepoorGuyaneseonthecoastsandtheremoteinterior areascannotputenoughfoodinfrontoftheirfamiliesduringthe regularweeksoftheyearthatisanationalembarrassment If foodisaproblem,thenitdoesnotrequiremuchtoappreciate howclothesforthechildrenandmedicineforailmentsfeature Guyana is enjoying the best economic times it has ever known,butalmosthalf(somebelievemorethanhalf)ofthe populationistorturedbyshortage. Forsure,countlessitems are present in the shops and market stalls, but ordinary Guyanesecannotaccessmostofthem. Thesimplereasonis thattheycannotaffordtodoso,duetolackofbuyingpower In other words, they don’t have enough money in their hands. Thisismorethaneconomics,itisasickness,andthis isrealityfortherichestpeopleintheworld.
Tomakemattersevenmoreunacceptableandpainful,poor Guyanesewatchthosewhoareclosetothepeopleinpowerand noticehowtheyarehavingagreattime. Moneyisflowinglike fountainsintotheirpockets,andnoneoftheirwants(notneeds) go unsatisfied. They are living and reveling, while the small Guyanese are groaning. The people from the outside are dealingunfairlywithGuyana,andthenthelocalsontophere continuetheparalysisbysqueezingandshortchangingtheir fellowcitizenswithnexttonothingastheirdividendsfrom what is theirs. This is the unequal and unsatisfactory state that must come to a stop. Guyanese should be celebrating what it is to be rich, not dreaming of what could be. This 2024mustbeamake-or-breakyearwithoneobjective:each Guyanese gets to know what it is to live those lavish economicnumberscompiledbytheexperts.
Don’t forget the role the private sector played
DearEditor
I commend Vishnu Bisramforhavingreminded us of what he described as “the drama behind the 2020 electionsresult“inaletterto Stabroek News last Thursday(15thAugust).
‘In his letter, he makes the point that “there were several untold events and unsung heroes behind those happenings” and he proceeds to name some of them, including the several court cases and the intervention in one way or another of the Diplomatic Community, US, UK, EU and Canada, in particular and most especially former US Ambassador to Guyana, SarahAnnLynch,inthepart they played in preventing former President David Granger from being sworn into Office, on the basis of fraudulentelectionsresults. We should also never forget and specifically rememberandrecognisethe huge role that the Private Sector Commission played in ultimately ensuring against the David Granger government being returned to Government on a rigged election result. Prior to the Elections,thePrivateSector Commission, under the Chairmanship of Captain Gerry Gouveia had established within its
offices, a Command Centre, managed by retired Brigadier General Norman McLean, a former PSC Chairman, with the specific purpose of observing and monitoring the 2020 Elections.
The Private Sector Commission had also met the Chairperson of the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission and had been accredited full Observer Status for the forthcoming General and Regional Elections. On election day and the days that followed, the Commission had accredited Observers strategically placed around the country and in Polling Places where the count was beingcompiled.Iwasoneof those accredited observers. We know that in every district except district 4, at the end of election day, the counthadbeentabulatedand posted and Statements of Poll were in the possession of all of the contesting politicalparties.
I was the accredited observerforthePSCinplace at the District 4 GECOM Building at Ashmins where thefirstattemptwasmadeto present a tabulation of numbers which did not accord with the Statements of Poll from the District 4 Polling Places which had
already been published and in the possession of the contesting political parties and the various election Observer Missions from the DiplomaticCommunity
I personally witnessed the obviously blatant attempttocheattheresults.
I returned immediately to the Private Sector Commission, reported what I had witnessed to Captain Gouveia and we decided to immediately call a Press Conference on the matter I reportedwhatIhadseen.
It was, therefore, the Private Sector Commission at that press conference which first disclosed to the public that an attempt to falsify the election results. Atthetime,Iwasastonished at what I had witnessed and at the Press Conference. I said “I have to say this, that in all my life and career, in and out of politics in this country, I have never seen such a barefaced, ugly and deliberate attempt to rig an election.” The next day on the 14th March 2020, the Kaieteur News reported what I had said at the Press Conference as “a deliberate attempttoriganelection”.
I was convinced then, and events have proved me to be accurate, that the APNU/AFC Coalition had already in their possession
the Statements of Poll of all ten election Districts and already knew the results of the election, knew that they had lost to the PPP/C and were now attempting to reverse the results. It is now history that after a long and painfulseriesofCourtcases, high level foreign diplomatic intervention including Caricom, and the continuingpersistenceofthe P r i v a t e S e c t o r Commission’s, Observer Mission, a decision was madetorecounttheelection results establishing that the People’s Progressive Party Civic had won the election andthatIrfaanAliwassworn inasPresidentonthe2ndof August2020.
Ihad,duringthisperiod, decided to write a series of lettersandmakeanumberof broadcast commentaries exposing the degree of the conspiracywhichwastaking place within GECOM by its officials. Ultimately, we all know, it required the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, to makethecastingvoteforthe majority in favour of the elections recount being accepted by GECOM with all of the APNU/AFC appointed GECOM membersvotingagainst. Tohiscredit,President (Continuedonpage06)
DEAREDITOR, I write to condole the passingofDr BalwantSingh (of Camp Street, not the hospital) who died a few days ago. I first met Dr Singh in the mid-1980s when I would spend time in Guyana during college breaks and school closures (as an educator) while New York based There were countless interactions, occasionallyathishomebut most of the time at fast food restaurantsorabar,atthesea wall, going for afternoon drives, and at times at the home of friends including thatofDr VishnuBandhu.It was a joy conversing with Balwant, who was very intellectual but who could alsorelatetotheground,the bottom half of society He was most sociable with me, but in general those who knewhimbetterthanmesaid
hewasnotverysociableand largely kept to himself at home after closure of his clinic early afternoon Whenever I phoned him, he waswillingtotalkandtogo out when invited. At times, upon learning I was in Guyana, he would call to go foranoutingforachitchat.
Though a medical doctor, Balwant was very analytical of social and politicalissues.Hewasvery knowledgeable of socioeconomic and political issues.Healsoknewalotof history of contemporary (going back to the 1950s) socio-politico and cultural eventsincludingtheconflict betweenBurnhamandJagan andtheirsocialengagements and tiffs between Janet and Cheddi. He seemed to know the business or personal life of many people, not surprising since he was a
medical doctor who thousands visited and told their life happenings or about others. He earned the respect of clients or patients who included political, military and police personnel from the highest positions, those supportive of PPP and PNC. He was held in high regards by leading politicians. And as such,hehadmemoryfileson them, dark secrets of their activities and lifestyle, their rendezvous which he revealed to me. It was an educational experience interacting and engaging Balwant (Black Balwant as hewascalledbymany)over threedecades.Hewasscarce over the last few years in spite of repeated efforts to engagehim;wastoldhewas not keeping well. Friends of hisinNY,Trinidad,andeven inGuyanawouldoftenquery
about him and visits to his clinicfounditclosed. Dr Balwant Singh studied medicine at a premier medical college in Bangalore where he spent several uninterrupted years away from Guyana. He was among the earliest Indian Guyanese from newly independent Guyana to studymedicineinIndia.Few Guyanese gained admission to medical school in Bangalore which had strict entrance requirements and foreigners were rarely allotted a seat. In many encounters, he related his experience as a student in Bangalore, especially the scarcity of obtaining money from Guyana to purchase basic needs. The sight of a postmanalwaysexcitedhim especially at the beginning ofthemonthashehoped
(Continuedonpage06)
Leonora is not the only livid and lonely loser, limping along lamentable lines
DEAREDITOR,
The infringement on the rightofsocietytolivesafely, securely and peacefully has tarnishedtheimageofaonce respected village and is creating an unprecedented upheaval,uncharacteristicof the laws of Local Government, flouting the Ministry of Home Affairs, flaunting the Ministry of LegalAffairs, breaching the advocacy of the Ministry of H u m a n S e r v i c e s , encumberingontheMinistry of Health, challenging the L a b o u r M i n i s t e r, confronting the Ministry of Housing and affronting the Environmental Protection Agency
In fact, holistically, it broaches on the breath of a nation that boasts bravely that,nooneisabovethelaw
An insatiable appetite to satisfy a dissatisfied customer with a distasteful meal is being enforced on a vulnerable community.
Stripped naked of decency, therespectformoraldignity is washed to the wayside in fullviewoftheupholdersof subjectivereformersandlaw enforcers who are also enablerstothisincursionand adding to its shriving prevalence.
The simple tool of proactiveness to protect and provide, is conveniently abdicated in order to facilitate compromising accommodation Teachers, religious advisers, community developers, social workers and upholders of the requisite legal institutions have absconded from their basic duties, failing society and
thus, assisting to fuel an inferno. Innocent victims, with their backs against the wall, are on the verge of climaxing the pivotal point of frustration and being strongly influenced to grasp the law firmly in their own hands. They are tempted to seek refuge in protection in defense of survival but also, a t t h e s a i d t i m e , encountering exposed danger at the cost of risking theirlives.
Who cares for the concern of the welfare of peoplewithoutavoice,who are daily pressured by the offendersandtheirsustained affiliates being amused bystanders,privatelyridiculing the aggrieved party and laughingbehindtheirbacks?
Imagineabar,thesizeof a double-decker 50 x 100 feet, accommodating over the number of patrons stipulated as per the fire regulations, with only one main entrance and exit for customers, allowed to complete construction without an approved building permission for extensive extension, located inthemiddleofaresidential area and right in front the eyes and nose of all official
authorities? How do the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and the Fire Department address this issue?
Thisbuildingencroaches on the street stipulated reservation and traffic is snarled and stifled when in operation which is, 4PM to beyond 4AM the following morning, Wednesday to Sunday
With cars, buses, vans and motorcycles vying for parking space on both sides of the narrow street, other users find it almost impossible to traverse to their destination Drivers barefacedly park in front of driveways and side street entrances, creating further bottle neck. What would happen if an ambulance or firetruckhastoansweracall in the street? Is the Ministry of Home Affairs influenced topayattention?
Criminal elements have infestedtheoncequietstreet. D
. Customers could be seen sharing joints and leaving needles and caps behind. Fights, brawls and other verbal and physical confrontations take place
often. Customers resort to brandishing weapons and parading the street in search of their attackers. Drivers can be seen drunk and with beers in their hands while getting in their vehicles to drive. How can the police fail to be cognizant of such dangeroussituations?
Ladies of the night unfailingly work the night shift along with suspected under-age girls and boys. A once clean community has been desecrated with prostitutionandmoralityhas plunderandplummetedtoan all-timelow
The rape of honor and dignityhastransgressedtoa pervading obscenity Drunk patronsareseenengagingin intimate promiscuity in the public domain. Men and womencanbeseenexposing their private parts while urinatinginthestreetandon residents’properties.
The stench of urine and vomitattractstheinfestation offliesandinsectsandforms a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The street is littered with bottles, cans and cups. These items are leftbehindandmanyatimes broken and also tossed on residents’ properties. How
annoyedaretheMinistryfor Human Services, the Ministry of Health and the sanitationdepartment?
Lack of decor by the proprietor of the bar and the patronsplaysecondfiddleto the invasion of noise nuisance.
Noise emanating from thepremisesofthebar,adds injury to insult as it is compounded by the noise in the street aflame from loud and lewd laughter, screams, foul language, shrieks, bawling and shouting Drivers and motorcyclists are engaged in playing loud music, tooting their horns andscreechingtheirtiresfor funandtodeliberatelyannoy residents, all hours of the night and morning Car alarmsgoingoffisaregular feature and vehicles racing down the crowded street forms part of the recklessness. Is the EPA influenced in using this groundasatestinggroundat 4AM?
Lackofsleepandproper nightrestisofnoconcernto those guilty of this debacle. Students are affected with their studies, babies and childrenarekeptawakewith their parents, the sick and
invalid cry for a moment to rest, seniors are transfixed with fervor and those who have to go to work next morning are adamant with fatigue and unable to function. How interested is the Ministry of Labour in this alarmingand dangerous situation?
Without exaggeration, the young, sick, weak and vulnerable are tormented and have to seek medical attention for depression and toavoidmentalcollapse,one family quit the area in order to protect their children while one person who was also frustrated and scared, diedfromaheartattack.
Theluxuryofenjoyinga peacefulwalkonthestreetin the afternoon or evening as an exercise, or just standing at the street corner, is no longeraprivilege.
The street has been invaded by patrons of the bar, cars and foreign elementswhichposeasafety and security risk. The Ministry of Legal Affairs’ attentionisdrawn.
To compound the issue, two food stands have now joined the all-night picnic, addingtothetraffichazard, (Continuedonpage06)
David Martins passes on
Le g e n d a r y
Guyanese singer, David Martins died Sunday afternoon after aperiodofillness.Hiswife, Annette Arjoon in a Facebook post said:” Eternally grateful to have shared fifteen years of unconditional love, support and especially shared passions for everything
Guyanese with my soulmate.” Known for his many hit songs including “Not a blade a grass” which
resonated across the Caribbean,thesinger’swork was however not limited to English and Caribbean –style genres but is also r o o t e d i n L a t i n Culture something inherentlyintertwinedinhis lineage. Guyanese on social media last night celebrated hislife’sworkandexpressed condolences to his wife and otherrelatives.
In a statement, President Irfaan Ali said he is deeply
saddened to learn of the passingof“atrueCaribbean icon, Dave Martins, whose music was the heartbeat of our region.” Ali said as the leader of the Tradewinds band, Dave captured the essence of the Caribbean spirit and its identity, blending upbeat rhythms with biting satire that spoke toourheartsandminds.The President said his music not only invited “us to laugh at ourselves but also encouraged us to stand tall and be proud of our Guyanese and Caribbean heritage.”
The Guyanese leader said“NotaBladeofGrass,” his timeless anthem, stands as a powerful statement to our nation’s collective resistance against threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity “In our moments of challenges, it wasDave’smusicthatlifted our spirits, reminding us of the strength and resilience
we hold as a people and our duty never to surrender an inchofourterritory.”
Ali said Dave Martin was more than just a musician; he was a true Caribbean person whose influence extended beyond borders,touchingthelivesof countless individuals across the region “His loss is deeply felt, not only in Guyana but throughout the entire Caribbean and in our diaspora.
Dr. Balwant Singh made a Significant...
Frompage04
David Granger at the time had said, “whatever declaration is made by the Chairman of the Elections Commission would be regarded as legitimate by the CoalitionGovernment.”
But, earlier officials of the coalition had publicly pronounced that the Recount is illegal.
Again, when asked about this, David Granger emphatically declared: “As President of Guyana and Leader of the Government, it is my policy that any declaration coming from the Chairman of GECOM will be accepted by the GovernmentofGuyana”.Sosaidsodone.
Sincerely KitNascimento
Leonora is not the only livid and lonely...
Frompage05
private exposure, urination, the environmental pollution with discarded food boxes and bones and the noise menace.Whoischeckingon thisabomination?
No one respects the law, even those upholding the law Even the police can be seen as emissaries of adversities advancing this appallingattitude.
The anomaly of a norm pervading with pervasive passion, cannot be underestimated or underrated but is underlined byawaronpeace,attackon civilityandtheerosionofthe
rightsofresidentsbeggingto live a peaceful life in a community
With so many agencies involved in this ground breaking example, it is worthy to note that, this matter was explicitly documented in detail and with all required proofs and evidences and signatures from the neighborhood
TheNDC,thePoliceand theCPGhavefallenshortof expectation and would appearasiftheyarewaryof being identified with i n s u b o r d i n a t i o n
Unanswered calls by the
police from residents during the night are no illusion. April toAugust has been no excursion for enjoyment but an incursion in frivolity Would the 43 recently trained police officers in noise management from Region3makeadifference?
Leonora is an excellent starting point to test their skills and knowledge in practical application, education and execution
Leonora is not a lonely and livid lousy loser, limping alongthislamentablelinein thecountry
Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall
Whenever his music plays, no matter where you are, it stirs a deep sense of pride in being a Caribbean person. The rhythms and
melodies carry the essence of our shared heritage, reminding us of who we are and where we come from,” thePresidentsaid.
He said Dave Martins’ music connects us to our roots and fills us with a profound love for our Caribbeanidentity
“I am confident that while he has passed on, his music will live on. Guyana andtheCaribbeanareindeed poorer for his passing, but we are infinitely richer for having had the privilege of experiencing his art, his passion, and his deep love for our country and the culture of the Caribbean. Dave Martins will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever resonate in the rhythms of our Caribbean identity
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Annette and to his family, friends and massive followingoffans.”
Dr. Balwant Singh made a Significant...
Frompage04 there was a letter for him withfunds.
Like all of us who were foreign students in different parts of the world, unless youwereamongaprivileged few,studentlifewasdifficult asforeignexchangewasnot readily available to pay tuitionorforotherexpenses while at an institution overseas. Balwant said he received support from Indianfriendsandtemplesin the area where he lived at a hostel; bhojan at religious events were always accessible He recounted many funny experiences going to mandirs or engaging worshippers and the community where he lived. Dr Balwant was very qualified as a doctor and went into private practice duringadifficultera.
Hemustbecommended for providing medical service at a time (1980s) whentherewerefewdoctors around and medicine was very scarce at the height of the dictatorship; I occasionally took medicine tohim,providingitgratisfor patients. Hewassupportive of nurses and doctors who came from India to practice in Guyana He was a grounded doctor, meaning down to earth and people oriented. He did not turn away anyone. He treated patients, many of whom were extremely poor from thesurroundingareaaswell asfromfaroffruralareas.
Atatimeofshortagesof
medicine, when difficult to practice the trade, he made himself available to people who otherwise would have beenlostthroughthecracks. He treated many victims of kickdowndoorbanditryand those knifed in choke and rob. He related how he performed hundreds of abortions to rid unwanted pregnancies arising out of national service in the interior Hesaidthepatients attributedthepregnanciesto rape; to save families from shame of unwed daughters giving birth to mixed race children, he performed abortions.Healsoidentified another Georgetown based doctor who he said performed thousands of abortions of females who were forced into national service. Healsorevealedhe treated dozens of political activistswhowerebeatenby thugs and by police at the dungeonatEveLeary
He talked about how political activists or those suspected of being antigovernmentwouldbeputin a dungeon which would be flooded with water with floating defecations and urine. He also talked about how some prisoners revealed to him that their heads were immersed in toiletbowlwithdefecations.
Political prisoners or dissidents were shackled to otherprisonersandroutinely beatenwithrubberhoses,as Ravi Dev related when he was taken into custody for championingdemocracy
Though himself not a political activist and althoughhewasnottargeted by the dictatorship, he was very supportive of and provided encouragement to those who opposed the regime.
Hespokeofhisfondness of reading commentaries from Freddie Kissoon (thoughnotpost2020),Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, myself, and others Baytoram,Ravi,andVassan Ramracha recounted experiencesengaginghim. Balwantrevoltedagainst corruption pre-2015 and supportedAFC.Hehadfaith in Nagamootoo and Ramjattan to transform the country
But he turned against themandthecoalitionwhen itmis-governedandengaged in racist practices He returned to supporting PPP in 2020. Balwant was a marksman, a great shot at animalsatafardistancethat I witnessed at outings. He also spoke proudly of his cultural upbringing and ethnic background, attending Indian religious events and weddings, a few withme.Hewasalsoseenat
a independence and Republic Days. Dr Balwant will be remembered for making a significant contribution in the field of medicine in private practice and for his intellect.
Yourstruly, VishnuBisram
David Martins
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
Part III: Jagdeo playing a cat and mouse game with oil
“Massive return” on equity for Exxon, was finally prized out of Jagdeo…
Why did this take so long?
What was he doing? Buying time for Exxon?
Was this cat-and-mouse game in Guyana's interest?
When he knew all along what was involved!
The oil leader keeps Guyanese in the dark!
Jagdeo makes himself look less than smart!
“Massive” is Exxon's return, he now says…
What does that mean? How much is “massive?”
AFC Govt. will enact laws to release key oil and gas documents - Patterson
...to release policy on oil and gas soon
TheAlliance For Change (AFC)willsoonbereleasing the party's policy on oil and gas, a carefully crafted document to ensure prudent managementofthesector Chairman of the party, David Patterson recently revealedthatthefirstofabout 18 policies seek to ensure there is transparency and sharing of information with the public. “We have 18 different policy statements and every week we will announceone.Thefirstoneis o n t r a n s p a r e n c y, accountability and access to information,” the former Minister of Public Infrastructure disclosed during an interview with Kaieteur News, on the sidelines of a Parliamentary Sitting.
Patterson added, “There will be time limits and it wouldbeinscribedinlaw,so under an Alliance For Change government, no reporter has to ask for these information - they will be made public…so no longer can any politician say that information cannot be made availabletothepublic.”
He highlighted that the Field Development Plans (FDPs) for the oil projects havenotbeenreleasedforthe public to hold government and the operator of the S t a b r o e k B l o c k , ExxonMobil Guyana, to account on the exploitation oftheiroilresources. Additionally, the former Minister noted that the agreements for the Gas-toEnergy project are still to be
laidintheNationalAssembly
documents, according to Patterson, contain key information that ought to be sharedwithcitizens.
K
N
w
understands that the AFC's Oil and Gas policy will also feature the party's stance on ring-fencingandwastewater disposal, among several others.
Patterson who was occupied with Parliamentary dutiesbrieflycommittedthat the first policy should be releasedonFriday Ring-fencing in the petroleum industry is a financial term which means that each oil project should pay for itself. In Guyana's
GTU President condemns public attacks on McDonald
President of the Guyana Teachers' Union, Dr Mark Lyte has condemned attacks directed at the General Secretary of the union, CorettaMcDonald.
Lyte's comments come days after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo sought to blame McDonald for the union's rejection of the government'stenpercentpay increasetoteachers.
“I want to mention that the Guyana Teachers' Union does not support the sentiments shared in the general public by publicspirited citizens, politicians, businesscommunity,relating tothegeneralsecretaryofthe Guyana Teacher's Union. I believe the general secretary of the Guyana Teachers' Union has been with the unionforseveraldecadesand brings with her vast experience in relation to unionmatters,”Lytesaidona Facebook live programme lastSaturday He explained that while heisawarethatinanygroup, therearegoingtobedifferent views and perceptions, but the union has committed itselftoresolvingthoseinthe most amicable way within the walls of the union's framework. “So I feel the need to be
on record condemning all attacks on the general secretary of the Guyana Teachers' Union which were made public and also condemn any attacks on any member whether you be an executive member or a rank and file member within your branch…”
He added: “we have all been out there, I am hearing persons saying they have beenouttherefor74daysand somehavedifferentcounts.I have been out there for the durationofthiswholematter Ihavebeenoutthereleading the struggle since February andwearenowinAugustso theofficercorpshasbeenon the forefront pushing the administration to arrive at a package that will be beneficial to our members
case, politicians have not ring-fenced the projects in the Stabroek Block. In this manner, the revenue generated by the three projects that are currently producingoilareusedtopay for other projects which are nowbeingdeveloped.
The lack of ring-fencing thereforeshortenstheprofits available to be shared with Guyana.Eachmonth,Exxon is allowed to deduct a whopping 75% of Guyana's oil towards cost The remaining 25% is split with the country as profits, with the country receiving an additional 2% as royaltypaideveryquarter Guyana has often been urged by international experts to ring-fence the projectstoensurethecountry enjoytheearlybenefitsfrom thesector
The AFC previously voiced its support for the StabroekBlockprojectstobe ring-fenced, however its key Opposition partner, the People's National Congress Reform(PNC/R)remainson the fence when it comes to a decisiononthesubject.
Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton had said while there may be benefits to ring-fencing, his party would still need to assess
each project individually to determine whether it would gothatroute.
The two parties which previously collated and won the 2015 elections officially announced a split in January 2023, following varied positions on a number of issues.
The two sides however agreed to remain cordial and engaged to tackle “PPP corruption”.
Govt. touts greater access to info from public agencies with Open Data Bill
Guyana is on the path to having a lawwhichcaters for greater access to information by citizens with thetablingoftheOpenData Bill.
The Bill which had its firstreadinginParliamenton August 9 last, is expected to provide for the use and administrationofpublicdata in order to facilitate transparency, effective governance and innovation.
and I know that there are several contentious matters that we would like to see sorted.”Jagdeowentasfaras saying that the teachers' pay increase proposal negotiated between the Ministry of Education and the GTU was sabotaged by McDonald and otherpersonswithapolitical interest in industrial strike days before it was finalised. Jagdeo speaking at his weekly news conference last Thursday said that statements circulated by Lyte, confirmed that the Union'sGeneralCouncilhad agreed to the Government's three-year proposal. He said somewhere along the line, McDonald sought to sabotage the joint effort by publicly condemning and thenrejectingtheproposal.
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e explanatory memorandum of the Bill signed by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, Clause three of the Open DataBillprovidesfortheAct tobeapplicabletoallpublic authorities/agenciessuchas a minister or ministries, public boards, divisions and commissions.
The same clause however, notes that the Act exempts the President, the commission of inquiry issued by the President, information obtained or created in the course of an investigationexaminationor audit conducted by or under the authority of the Auditor General until the investigationorauditandall related proceedings, if any arefinallyconcluded.
Under the Act, the subject Minister, i e the MinisterofInformationalso
has the power to exempt a publicperson/authorityfrom the application of the Open DataAct by order Clause 4 provides the objects of the Act.
Part Two of the Bill
p r o v i d e s f o r t h e administration of data
ClauseFiveprovidesforthe designation of the Data
O f f i c e r a n d t h e responsibilities of that OfficerundertheAct.Clause Siximposesanobligationon public authorities to maintain a data registry in electronic form of the data assets created, collected, underthecontrolordirection of, or maintained by that publicauthority
ClauseSevenimposesan obligation on public authorities to provide the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information with access to the public authority data register and information relating to its public data assets, at the Commissioner of Information request
Clause Eight imposes an obligation on public authorities to develop an open data plan in consultation with the Minister Clause 9 imposes an obligation on public authorities to publish the public data assets maintained in their data registerinanopenformat.
Clause 10 of the Bill imposes an obligation on public authorities to publish the public data assets maintained in their data register under an open licence.
Clause 11 prohibits public authorities from publishing their non-public data assets; these include data that may not be available to the public for reasons of privacy, security orconfidentiality
Clause 12 of the Bill imposesobligationonpublic authorities to engage the publiconuseofpublicassets and encourage collaboration between the public authoritiesandthepublic. Clause 13 empowers the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information to collaborate with the private sector entities with the approval of the Minister and conclude agreement and memoranda of understanding for the purposeofcollectingprivate sector data assets and makingthemavailabletothe publicinopenformat.
And Clause 14 e m p o w e r s t h e C o m m i s s
Information to maintain a singlepublicinterfaceonline as a point of entry for the purpose of making public data assets available to the public.
AFC Chairman, David Patterson
President of the Guyana Teachers' Union, Dr. Mark Lyte
General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald
Bharrat Jagdeo’s employment claims
Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, recently declared with characteristic bravado that his government has created over 50,000 jobs since taking office It was a statement delivered with such confidence that one might have assumed the evidence was irrefutable, perhaps backed by detailed labourstatisticsandrigorous analysis.
Yet, upon closer inspection, it becomes glaringly apparent that this claim, much like many others from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC)administration,rests on a foundation as flimsy as ahouseofcards.Thetruthis that the last official published labour statistics fromtheBureauofStatistics dates back to the third quarterof2021.
At that time, the country was still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the labour market was anything but robust The labour force participation rate was far from inspiring, and youth unemployment was a staggering 31.9%. In the absence of updated data, how can one seriously evaluate the claim that tens of thousands of jobs have since been created? The answer is simple: one cannot. It is not merely the lack
of recent data that raises eyebrows. The nature of the claim its
nvites skepticism. If, as Jagdeo asserts, the economy is booming and generating such an impressive number of new jobs, why then has t
compelled to introduce a part-time employment programme for over 10,000 people? The very existence of such a programme suggests that the job market is not as buoyant as Jagdeo would have us believe. It hints at a deeper problem, one that the government is perhaps unwilling or unable toaddress.
The situation becomes even more dubious when
opportunities While the
st economicactivity,thereality is that the bulk of the workforce in Guyana around 60% resides in
rural areas If the government’s policies were trulycreatingjobsattherate claimed, one would expect to see significant improvements in rural employment figures. Yet, in the absence of recent statistics, there is little to suggest that the rural workforce has benefited in anymeaningfulway Jagdeo’spronouncement
of 50,000 new jobs is, at best, suspect. It appears as a number thrown out with the hope that it will be accepted at face value, without the need for evidence or scrutiny.50,000isapopular number with the PPP50,000 house lots to be distributedby2025andnow more than 50,000 jobs created. This approach is emblematic of the PPP/C’s broader economic narrative, which often seems more concerned with creating a perception of progress than with delivering tangible results. In the world of PPP/C economics, numbers are malleable, and reality is whatever the government says it is. But numbers, as anygoodeconomistwilltell you, do not lie—unless they are manipulated.And in the absence of transparent, upto-date labour statistics, it is impossible to take Jagdeo’s claim seriously The lack of recent data is not a mere oversight; it is a glaring omission that calls into question the government’s entireeconomicnarrative.It is easy to claim job creation when there is no data to contradict you. It is much harder to make such claims when the facts are laid bare foralltosee.
The absence of labour statistics is not just an inconvenience;itisaserious issue that undermines the veryfoundationofeconomic
DEM BOYS SEH
Same old story, different day
Dem boys remember whenyuhcouldn’tevenget newsprint fuh wipe yuh nose, much less print a newspaper Backthen,dem claim dat yuh need import licensebutdiscouldnotbe granted because of de foreign exchange crisis
Dem seh it was about protectin’ de lil’ money de country had, but really, it was about keepin’ yuh mouthshut. Well, dem days gone, but de tactics ain’t change much. Today, dem nah ban newsprint, but dem find all kinda ways fuh make sure yuh can’t say what yuh want Dem promise to liberalizeradio,butittekso long,peoplestartwonderif dem was waitin’ fuh radio to become obsolete first. Andwhendemfinallyhand outdelicences,itlooklikea family and friends
reunion only certain people get invited.At least dat is how it look to dem boys.
Dem boys remember also when de government was holdin’state ads like a carrotonastick,danglin’it infrontofdemedia.Andde state media? Well, that’s now de party’s personal megaphone, shoutin’ only what de big bosses want hear But here’s de kicker: dem ain’t just happy keepin’yuhquiet.Nowdem tryin’ fuh poach yuh best reporters, lurin’ dem away wid promises of big paychecks and cushy jobs. It’s like dem seh, “If we can’t beat dem, let’s buy dem out.” So when people sehpressfreedomimprove, dem boys does laugh ‘Cause de truth is, de more thingschange,demoredem stay de same. Back then,
policymaking Without accurate data, how can the government make informed decisions about where to allocate resources? Can Jagdeotellus?
How can it address the pressing issues of youth unemployment and labour force participation if it does not even know the current state of the labour market? The truth is that it cannot. Andthatisperhapsthemost damning indictment of Jagdeo’s claim. A simple survey of recent school leavers would be able to identify just how many of them have secured employment. How hard is this to do when the secondary schools have the namesandaddressesoftheir recentgraduates?
In the end, the Vice President’s assertion that more than 50,000 jobs have beencreatedisaclaimmade intheabsenceofevidence.It is a classic example of the kind of guesswork that has
come to define the PPP/C’s approach to economics—an approach that prioritizes political expediency over economic reality But the people of Guyana deserve better. They deserve a government that is transparentandaccountable, onethatbasesitspolicieson solid evidence rather than wishful thinking They deserve to know the true state of the labour market, not just the version that is politicallyconvenientforthe government. And until the Bureau of Statistics releases updatedlabourstatistics,any claim about job creation mustbetakenwithagrainof salt. Jagdeo’s claim of 50,000 new jobs is a m
stat
he government’s penchant for throwing out numbers without validation. It is a claim that, upon closer examination, dissolves into nothingness, leaving behind only questions and doubts. Wherearethejobs?Whohas
benefitedfromthissupposed boom? And why, if the economy is indeed thriving, doesthegovernmentfeelthe need to prop it up with partt i m e e m p l o y m e n t programmes?
These are questions that demandanswers.Butaslong asthegovernmentcontinues tonotpublishcruciallabour statistics,thoseanswerswill remainelusive.Untilproven otherwise, Jagdeo’s 50,000 jobs will remain what they appear to be: a number plucked out of thin air, as insubstantialastheverydata meanttosupportit.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
yuh had to fight fuh newsprint more than de news. Now yuh gotta fight fuhkeepyuhindependence andyuhreporters.
In de end, whether it’s newsprint or newsmen, de goal is de same—keep de pressincheck.Andasfaras dem boys can see, de press stillgotalongfightahead.
At times yuh don’t know what or who to believe.Itreminddemboys of de old lady who sees a news report on television and calls her husband cell phone.
“Honey”, she says, “You need to be careful. I just saw that there is a maniac driving the wrong wayonthehighway” Husband replies, “A maniac?! There’s not just one - there are hundreds of them!” Talkhalf.Leffhalf!
H@RD TRUTHS
Exxon's interest rate, try return on equity- capital
If anyone had said to me that a simple interest rate question
would transform the economistinBharratJagdeo to such a contortionist, I wouldn'thavebelievedit.
It is incredible that in Guyana,tonametheinterest rate that Exxon is charging Guyana is seen as a vice by Vice President Jagdeo
C o n s i d e r i n g t h i s development, I cannot help asking myself a question, one shared with my fellow Guyanese(andAmericans). Did the richest people in the world per head have to partwiththeirheads,aspart of their rich, still unsweetened oil bargain? Or to ask this same question in another way: are the richest people anywhere in existence now expected to behave as if they are the stupidest?
When a national leader of the glorious prowess of Jagdeo is petrified into impotence to layout the interest rate that Exxon is charging Guyana, then what is he good for, what can he answer?
The West Indies test
team's first innings score? Since he cannot answer a simpleastheycomeinterest rate question, even the Test score may be too much for him.
C'monJagdeo-ji! Iknow thatamanwiththepedigree and panache of a former presidentbehindhisnameis more than capable of answering an interest rate question.
Ifnotthatlabel,thenhow does make some money on the money it invests in Guyana?
I will lend my brother Jagdeoahandtolifthimout of Exxon's clutches (please remembertogiveitback[the hand,thatis]). Exxonisnot holdingitselfoutasabankto Guyana Exxon is not lendingmoneytoGuyanato develop its oil sector No sirree!Alistair
From commander in chief to captains of commerce to comrades and citizens: Exxon is investing inGuyana.
There is no regulation that puts a cap on return on investment, the money put intoanoilproject. Forthose alittlesluggishonthedraw,I
recommend Chris Ram's Road to First Oil column in theSNeditiondatedJune14, 2024, and titled, “Exxon's incredible (and unique) returnonEquity.”
Itisnotinthesingledigit category, folks. How about tryingoutthis(dunce)capto see if it fits. Using the written words of Chartered AccountantRam:“thereturn on average equity is a unique96%!
No wonder neither Exxon nor Jagdeo has any time to waste with repeated questions about paltry interestratecharged.
Me too would hide that 96%return,sooverpowering ( a n d r e v e a l i n g l y embarrassing) it is, while Guyanamustbecontentwith themeaslypercentagethatit manages to scrounge from itsoilasset.
It took a Guyanese to work out and extract EXXON'S RETURN ON EQUITY FROM ITS GUYANA INVESTMENT
Ithinkthatthisrendersmoot this business about the interest rate charged by Exxon. I would make the argument that in Exxon's
mind, there is no interest (loan) rate to speak about, butaninvestmentone. Now Exxon is nothing if not the smartest fish in town, with the next smartest being the local favourite son, Bharrat Jagdeo. Because there is another delightful quirk in theinterestratethatisnotan interestrateregime.
Exxon is not borrowing money Recall that bubbly beastfromBharratJ:money is not easy to borrow, particularly for fossil fuel companies in this season when the UN and other noisemakers are beating drums about climate change and a planet that is endangered.
Exxon sweetly sidestepped all that, shall I say,trashandhogwash. The talk from Exxon's big chiefs like Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge that has quietly sneaked pass Guyanese was always about equity capital, equity invested.
It goes without saying that Exxon is entitled to a handsome return for its confidence (and cash) in Guyana. Butletmesaythis:
ifIammakinga96%return in a partnership that is half andhalfonpaper,Iwouldbe ashamed(orslickenough)to holdthatasclosetomychest as possible, and as long as I coulddoso.
Inlaymanterms,Exxon collects back its investment PLUS A PROFIT ON IT (ROE/ROIC), AND THEN ALSO SHARES IN WHAT R E M A I N S A S O I L PROFITS IT IS PROFIT PLUS PROFIT (PPP). I must check with Goldman Sackstoseeifthatishowits partnership relationship worked.
Exxoninvesteditsscarce equity capital in Guyana's oil. Thereisacosttosuchan action,andExxonrecoversit in spades. Jagdeo calls it “massive.”
Thanks for stringing this along under a technicality, the literal, when he knew whatwasmeantallalong. In the instance of the tens of billions invested - the company's own precious equity invested - here in Guyana, there is no law that limits what returns can or cannotbe.
Speaking for myself
only, I did not think that the rateofreturntoExxonwasin single digit percentage terms,evenlowdouble-digit numbers.
But that 96% average return on Equity sent me overboard Move over interestratecharged. Return on equity/capital invested is king of the hill, as Exxon's knights in shining armor have reminded Guyanese again and again The digging that number out of Exxon'slatestfinancialswas a superb solo effort by Guyanese Christopher Ram as such solely pertains to Exxon's Guyana equity investment.
The man deserves a medal. Me, I am collecting yonderwhat'smine. Interest ratestoodtobearingaround Guyanese necks. Return on equity is the guillotine dropping to chop off their heads.
(Theviewsexpressedin this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)
Keller Williams Guyana to host real estate summit in Georgetown
KellerWilliamsGuyana, in collaboration with ALA Strategic and the Ghana Chamber of Commerce Guyana, is set to host, “Connect:RealEstateMega Summit” on September 6, 2024,attheMarriottGuyana inGeorgetown.
The summit is expected to attract top real estate professionals, investors, developers, and key stakeholdersfromacrossthe Caribbean, USA, Canada, Ghana, Latin America, and beyond.
This event aims to foster
collaboration both locally and internationally, offering a platform for industry leaders to share insights and explore the numerous
Guyana's rapidly expanding
Participants will have the
opportunity to engage with influential figures in the industry, discuss future developments, and establish strategic partnerships to drivegrowthandinnovation.
At the core of Connect, RealEstateMegaSummitis the real estate agents who playacrucialroleindriving the industry forward. This event is designed with them i
g unparalleledopportunitiesto expand their networks, showcase their expertise, and connect with potential clients and partners. The summitwillempoweragents to take center stage, highlighting their vital contribution to the growth andsuccessofGuyana'sreal estatemarket.
“We're excited to bring g
groundbreaking event in Guyana. It's unique chance to forge partnerships and explore the potential of Guyana's market With confirmed agents and key players from the Oil & Gas and diplomatic sectors, attendees will engage
directly with influential entities and gain insight into the country's next major developments,” said Stefan John, Operating Principal of KellerWilliamsGuyana.
The summit will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, panel discussions, a n d n e t w o r k i n g opportunities, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the real estatesector
Keller Williams Guyana
is a franchise of Keller WilliamsInc.,thelargestreal estatefranchisebrokeragein the world The company provides top-tier services to clients and partners, helping themnavigateandcapitalize o n t h e i m m e n s e opportunities within this rapidly expanding market. For more information about the event and to register, p l e a s e v i s i t : (http://wwwkwguyana com /kw-mega-summit).
APA warns against hijacking of Toshaos conference ...urgesrespectforautonomy,
The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in welcoming Toshaos and other Indigenous leaders to the National Toshaos C o u n c i l ' s ( N T C ) Conference, which opens today warnedagainstthehijackingofthe forum for personal agendas, while insistingthatitbeledbyIndigenous Peoples, guided by their priorities andconcerns.
“While collaboration is vital, it is equally important that this conference remains a space where Indigenous leaders can advocate for their people and their communities without undue influence,”APAsaidinastatement onSunday.ThePPP/CGovernment in the past has used the conference asapoliticalforumtostrengthenits electoral support among Amerindians The government wouldalsooftenseektocontrolthe movement of the Toshaos while in Georgetown and last year, it prevented many of them from speaking to this newspaper This year approximately $100 million from the national budget has been set aside for the NTC Conference. The Toshaos' conference gives village leaders from all across the country a forum to engage the
The National Toshaos Conference opens today
President and government ministers and expand development acute to Amerindian The conference also gives Indigenous leadersaplatformtoraiseconcerns andchallengesaffectingthem.
In its statement, the APA encouraged respect for the autonomy and self-determination ofIndigenousleadershipandurged support for meaningful dialogue rooted in Indigenous peoples' voices and lived experiences
“Let this conference be a true reflection of the unity, resilience,
and strength of our communities. We look forward to fruitful discussions, collaborative efforts, and, most importantly, the amplification of the voices of our Toshaos and Indigenous Peoples,” APAsaid.
According to the APA, this conferenceisespeciallycriticalfor Indigenous Peoples as their communities are witnessing rapid changes that require them to be truly part of the decision-making process.
“The APA is aware that the
National Toshaos Conference is a critical national platform for our leaderstocollectivelyreflectonthe progress and the challenges facing their communities as we continue toadvocatefortheadvancementof Indigenousrightsandwellbeing.”
The organisation said Toshaos areentrustedwiththeresponsibility of speaking on behalf of their people, and this conference must provide a conducive space for that purpose.
“The APA underscores the importance of ensuring that
Indigenous leaders can freely express their views, concerns, and solutions regarding the complex issues of their communities, whether related to land rights, environmental threats, or the provisionofessentialservicessuch as education, healthcare and have the ability to do so in the language that they are most comfortable with.”
Noting the country is at a pivotaltimeintheongoingstruggle for Indigenous Peoples' rights, the APA said: “Therefore, we must ensurethatthisConferenceisledby Indigenous Peoples, guided by our priorities and concerns, and not restricted by anyone's agendas but the communities While collaboration is vital, it is equally important that this conference remains a space where Indigenous leaders can advocate for their people and their communities withoutundueinfluence.”
“The APA encourages respect for the autonomy and selfdetermination of Indigenous leadershipandsupportsmeaningful dialogue rooted in Indigenous peoples' voices and lived experiences,” the statement concluded.
Six Brazilians arrested for illegal mining at Amatuk, Potaro River
Six Brazilians
nationals were arrested on Sunday during a successfully coordinated operation by the Joint Services and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to clamp down on illegal mining inGuyana.
In a press release, the Guyana Police Force said the six Brazilian nationals (four males and two females) were arrested for illegal mining in the Amatuk Potaro River, Region8.
The team arrived at Amatuk Potaro River, Region 8, by GDF helicopter at approximately 10:30hrs Sundaywheretheylocatedthe illegal mining operation, identified as #252339, which was moored on the western
bankoftheriver
The following individuals, identified as Brazilian nationals, were found at the mining operation, Leo Vitor LucasDeArruda,dateofbirth: 30th October 2002 (22 years old); address: Novo Mundo, Mato Grosso; Francione BarbosaDaSilva,dateofbirth: 24thDecember1983(40years old), address: Maria das Graças, Boa Vista, Roraima; Jeova Marques Pinho, date of birth: 1st February 1988 (36 years old), address: Mucajaí, Boa Vista, Roraima; Elivane Ferreira Dos Santos, date of birth:10thApril1973(51years old), address: Castelo, Pará; Silvania Andrade de Oliveira, date of birth: 7th February 1979 (45 years old), address: Boa Vista, Roraima; and Diemisson Da Silva
Rodriguez, date of birth: 18th February 1988 (36 years old), address:BoaVista,Roraima.
These individuals, police said were questioned and instructedbytheJointServices and GGMC officials to vacate the illegal operation They wereinformedoftheallegation thattheywereminingillegally andwereplacedunderarrest.
The suspects were subsequentlyescortedfromthe sitetoOgleAirport,wherethey werethenescortedtoCIDHQ.
Additionally, Attorney-atLawMr Cox,fromtheDexter ToddandAssociateLawFirm, visited the CID HQ and advised his clients to remain silent.
The Brazilian nationals remain in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.
The Brazilians' illegal mining operations.
$70M spent to repair seed processing plant at Black Bush Polder
Ag r i c u l t u r e M i n i s t e r , Z u l f i k a r
Mustapha on Saturday
c o m m i s s i o n e d t h e
Lesbeholdenseedprocessing facilityinBlackBushPolder on the Corentyne Coast in RegionSix.
Some $70M was expended to rehabilitate the facilityaswellasprocureand install a dryer and other critical equipment. Minister Mustapha, while offering remarksattheeventsaidthat farmers from Black Bush Polder and other cultivation areasinRegionSixwillnow haveaccesstoadequateseed paddy
According to a press release from the ministry, Mustapha also said after the facility was constructed, it developed some mechanical issuesbutfrom2015to2020, no efforts were made to correctthoseissues.
“There were times when farmers had to travel out of the region to source seed paddy With this facility being operable now, those farmerswillbeabletoaccess qualityseedpaddyrighthere in Black Bush Polder After this facility was constructed, it developed some mechanical issues Then elections came in 2015 and the then PPP government wentoutofoffice.From2015 to 2020, this project was left atastandstill.Therewereall kinds of excuses about what rice farmers were doing at that time and that rice farming was a private business. I'm here to tell you
that rice is not a private business, it is the people's business This is a very important sector as it contributes significant revenue to this country's GDP,”heexplained.
Minister Mustapha also said that the production capacity of the Black Bush Polder has improved significantly over the last four years through research and investments. “Over the last four years, we've been able to transform this industry from a subsistent industry to one that now earnsbillionsofdollars.This transformationshowsclearly thatthegovernmenthasbeen making the necessary investments to develop and modernize this important industry
Manyyearsago,thisarea wasthelowest-yieldingarea, producing just about 2 6 tonnes per hectare. Now, farmers are producing an average of 6.6 tonnes per hectare. We've come a long way, modernizing this industry through research and investment,” Minister Mustaphasaid.
Back in April 2021, Minister Mustapha visited the area and expressed his disappointment with the dormant and shabby state of the facility The minister immediately committed to ensuring that the facility would once again become operable.
“I'm very disappointed, that since this facility was constructed, it has not been putintooperation.Ican'tsay
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials during the commissioning of the seed processing facility in Lesbeholden
exactly what happened, but, after examining the equipment, I was very shockedtoseethestateofthe dryer, the processor, and the generator We have some moneyinthebudget,andI've asked the GRDB to work alongwiththeRPAtogiveus anestimatefortherepairs.It is very important for us to make this facility operable because we have a lot of
demandsnowforseedpaddy Oncewerehabilitateit,many farmers will be able to benefit,” Minister Mustapha had said. In addition to the equipment, a drying floor was also constructed to reduce instances of farmers drying paddy on public roadways.
Lesbeholden seed paddy facility is one of five such facilitiesinthecountry
Bandits nabbed minutes after robbing man $600K gold chain in Linden
The illegal guns found in their possession
Police captured two armed bandits, on Saturday night, minutes after they robbeda38-year-oldfarmer at Middle Street, Silvertown, Wismar, Linden,RegionTen. The bandits identified as,EonWardalsoknownas “Killa” and Faisal Moore were nabbed at the Wismar Mackenzie Bridge, Linden. Ranks had intercepted their Burgundy Axio car PAH 2346.Thelawmenwereable torecoverthevaluablesthey stolefromthefarmer,Claus Pearce, of West Watooka- a $636,000 gold chain and a cellular phone. Police also
confiscated their illegal guns,two9MMpistolswith bullets. An extra magazine containing 26 bullets was alsofoundinthecar Earlier that evening, around 21:15hrs, the two men allegedly robbed Pearce in frontofashopatSilvertown. Pearce told police that the men walked up to him and Moorepointedaguntohim and grabbed his chain and cell phone before making goodhisescapewithWard. Ranks on patrol were immediatelyalertedandless than five minutes later interceptedtheget-awaycar andarrestedthem.
Captured: Robbery suspect, Eon Ward
Captured: Robbery Suspect, Faisal Moore
292 trained to operateheavy-duty equipment
Some 292 heavy-duty equipment operators were last week added to the country’s skilled workforce following a graduation ceremony in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) for the trainees.
The training programme is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and allows for public and private sector employment of all trainees in the respective field, especially with the country currently on a fast-paced development trajectory, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release.
At the graduation, 247 males and 45 females received certificates for completing the programme, which included graduates from New
Amsterdam, Hampshire and Upper Corentyne as well as persons from other communities. The programme commenced in September, 2023 and lasted a period of three months. It offered students practical training in operating the tractor, excavator, skidsteer loader and forklift.
Delivering remarks at the graduation ceremony, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility
for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh underscored that the government needs the trainees especially at the rate the economy is growing in the various areas and sectors, adding that the volume of work is greater than any other time in the country’s history.
“You now have a skill to be able to take advantage of that opportunity to apply your skill, to earn an income, to
WANTED
save up a bit and maybe potentially at some point you can set up your own business,” the Senior Minister urged.
Speaking about the various training programmes under his Ministry, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton reiterated the government’s commitment to the training and development of young people in all Regions, the release stated.
Govt. must monitor, better manage mining districts to prevent deaths - AFC
The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Sunday called on the Government to better manage and monitor Guyana’s gold mining districts in order to prevent deaths of workers.
The AFC released a statement following the death two miners Sherwayne Joseph of Moruca, North West District, Region One and Imran Blake of Kuru Kuru, Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Friday. They were killed after a mining pit collapsed at Elizabeth Backdam in Mahdia, Region Eight. The miners were reportedly buried alive around 02:30hrs on Friday, while working in the pit.
“This brings the number of mining deaths for the year to 10,” stated the AFC while adding that such deaths are preventable with better training, monitoring and enforce-
“Unfortunately, the sector appears to be in a depressed state and despite the empty boasts of incentives and investments in the sector, the tale of the average small and medium-scale miner is one of awful woe and hopelessness”, the AFC said.
The political party said that current management of the sector is now characteraised by inadequacy, ineptitude, corruption and discrimination. “Vi-
tal roads and arteries continue to be neglected and are in an abject state of disrepair”
Meanwhile AFC also pointed that government is the one to blame for miners to risk their lives in dangerous working environments just to earn a dollar and provide for their families.
“As the cost-of-living continues to rise, more and more young people are forced to brave the dangers of the backdam just to put food in the table for their families” opined the AFC.
DHL Guyana donates educational materials to Corriverton Primary School
DHL Guyana donated a number of educational materials to Corriverton Primary School last week.
Ruth Singh Jeffers, CFO of DHL Guyana, and Alvin Ramnarine, Station Manager of New Amsterdam, attended the event. DHL Guyana in a press statement disclosed that the delivery included a variety of educational materials, books, and supplies designed to enhance the students’ learning experience.
It was stated that the ceremony highlighted the
company’s role beyond logistics, showcasing its commitment to fostering growth and inspiring future generations.
CFO Jeffers addressed the attendees stating, “Today, we are not just delivering packages.
We are delivering hope and opportunity. Thanks to the invaluable support of the Ministry of Education and the dedicated staff here at Corriverton Primary, we can help ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed.”
“This event reaffirms our belief that DHL’s commitment extends beyond logistics…our role is to deliver on a promise of growth, collaboration, and positive change. Each delivery represents an opportunity to contribute to a brighter future,” Ramnarine said. Moreover, the company stated that as it continues to extend its outreach across Guyana, they remain driven by the conviction that every interaction is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Male able-bodied Staff to work in general store. Call: 231-2029, 616-5954.
Cook needed to work in a bar at Providence. Call : 6253037 / 233-5450.
Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100-$4900 per day. Workers paid weekly. Call: 6117839.
To solution this problem, the political party called on the government to focus more on attending to the needs of the people in the mining and hinterland communities, who cry out for help and attention to their basic needs.
FOR RENT
EDUCATION
Nayelli school of cosmetology is n ow enrolling for cosmetology courses beginning September 9th, 2024, 211 New Market st. Call: 2262124.
FIRST AID/CPR/AED as well as home nursing courses at St. John Association starting shortly. Call: 225-9082.
One middle age AfroGuyanese man is interested in a single female companion. Text or call : 662-2018.
BUS SERVICES
Need a bus or planning an outing. Call Matthew bus services & tours, Surniname/ Braz. WhatsApp: 639-2663/ 673-2348.
TOURS
SURINAME August vacation tour trip from 24-082024-29-08-2024 for more information. Call Matthew 639-2663 or WhatsApp: 673-2348.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.
1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Call: 649-0956.
FOR SALE
1-320 D Caterpillar Excavator with 3066 engine in excellent condition, if interested contact: 701-4000 Monday - Friday 8am-5pm.
VACANCY
General Domestic, must know to cook, clean , press ect. 3 days, $6000, 8-4 at Keyfood, Mcdoom village next to the post office.
Cook for breakfast from 5:30. Send application, food handler certificate, 1 reference & valid police clearance to 6190568. WhatsApp & serious enquires only.
Sale Rep/ Assistant for document centre. Send application & CV, 1 reference and valid police clearance to 619-0568. Enquires WhatsApp only.
Driver, must have valid license for Car & Van. Must be able to assist in Workshop also. Call: 615-9132.
Room Attendant, Desk Clerk, Supervisor and Receptionist 23-45 Years old. 233 South Road. Call: 225-0198.
Dead miners, Sherwayne Joseph and Imran Blake ment of mining camps and operations.
A section of the trainees
21 Palestinians killed as Blinken arrives in arrives
Israel for Gaza ceasefire talks
US Secretary of State Antony
Blinken has arrived in Israel in his latest efforttopushforaceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza.
His ninth trip to the regionsincethewarbeganin Octobercomesdaysafterthe US presented a modified proposal aimed at bridging long-standing gaps between the two sides. The US and Israel have expressed optimism about a deal since talks resumed in Doha last week, but Hamas says suggestions of progress are an “illusion”. Differences are said to include whether Israeli troops will be required to withdraw fully from the Gaza Strip, as
Hamas insists. Meanwhile, the Hamas-run health authorityinGazasaysIsraeli air strikes killed at least 21 people including six children on Sunday The IDF said on Sunday it had destroyed rocket launchers used to hit Israel from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, the scene of intense fightinginrecentweeks,and killed20Palestinians.
In a statement on Sunday, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of putting “obstacles” in the way of an agreement and “setting new conditions and demands” with the aim of “prolonging the war”. It added it holds him “fully responsible” for thwarting
mediators’ efforts and “obstructing an agreement”.
AHamas source earlier told Saudi media that the proposals include the IDF maintaining a reduced presence along the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land along Gaza’ssouthernborderwith Egypt.
But Israeli sources have told the Times of Israel that other procedures along the bordercouldcompensatefor an Israeli withdrawal from the area in the first phase of thedeal. TheIsraelimilitary launched a campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in r e s p o n s e t o a n unprecedented attack on southernIsraelon7October, during which about 1,200
people were killed and 251 taken hostage. More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-runhealthministry
A ceasefire deal agreed in November saw Hamas release105ofthehostagesin return for a week-long ceasefire and the freeing of some 240 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails Israel says 111 hostages are stillbeingheld,39ofwhom arepresumeddead.
US President Joe Biden saidearlierthisweek“weare closer than we have ever been”toadeal.
But previous optimism expressed during months of on-off talks has proven unfounded. Mr Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday that complex negotiations were taking place to secure the return of hostages, but some principles needed to be upheldforIsrael’ssecurity
“Therearethingswecan be flexible about, and there are things we cannot be flexible about, and we insist onthem.
We know very well how to differentiate between the two,” he said. He also
accused Hamas of being “obstinate” in negotiations and called for further pressuretobeappliedonthe militant group. A senior HamasofficialtoldtheBBC onSaturday:“Whatwehave received from the mediators isverydisappointing. There has been no progress”. Theoriginaldeal outlinedbyPresidentBiden, based on Israel’s 27 May proposal,wastoruninthree phases:
·Thefirstwouldinclude a “full and complete ceasefire”lastingsixweeks,
the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the exchange of some of the hostages-includingwomen, the elderly and the sick or wounded - for Palestinian prisonersheldinIsrael.
The second phase wouldinvolvethereleaseof allotherlivinghostagesand a “permanent end to hostilities”.
·Thethirdwouldseethe s t a r t o f a m a j o r reconstructionplanforGaza and the return of dead hostages’remains.
Ukraine says it has destroyed second Russian bridge
(BBC NEWS) Ukraine says it has destroyed a secondstrategicbridgeina week as it continues its incursion into Russia’s Kurskregion.
The Ukrainian military on Sunday released aerial footageofthestrikeonthe bridge-reportedtobeover the Seym River in Zvannoe.“Minusonemore bridge,” Ukrainian Air Force commander Lt Gen Mykola Oleschuk posted onsocialmedia.
Ukraine is nearly two weeks into its biggest attack on Russian territory sinceMoscowlaunchedits invasion of Ukraine in 2022 Gen Oleschuk added: “Ukrainian Air Forceaviationcontinuesto deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with precision airstrikes, which significantly affects the course of hostilities.” The video shows a growing
large cloud of smoke over the bridge and one of its sections appears to be destroyed. It is not clear whenthestriketookplace.
Thatbridgewasusedby the Kremlin to supply its troops Earlier, military analystshadidentifiedthree bridges in the area used by Russia to supply its forces, andtheysaidtwohadeither been destroyed or seriously damaged, Reuters news agencyreported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday h i s t r o o p s w e r e strengthening positions in Kursk and expanding further in Russia. On Sunday in an evening address, he said: “Our operation in the Kursk region is still inflicting lossesontheRussianarmy and theRussian state,their defence industry and their economy.” Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to
insisted Ukraine was not interested in occupying Russia but wanted to persuade Russia to enter negotiations. Moscowhas calledtheincursionamajor provocation and vowed to retaliate with a “worthy response”.
As Ukraine moves further into western Russian territory, Russian forces are equally making gainsinUkraine’seastand have claimed a string of villagesinrecentweeks.
Zaporizhzhia power plant in Russian-occupied Ukraine was deteriorating, following a drone strike near the site’s perimeter Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said he remained “extremelyconcerned”and called for “maximum restraint from all sides” to protecttheplant.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Guyana records mixed bag on penultimate day...
Frompage25
run. His quick hands and relentless pressure overwhelmed Trinidad’s Joshua Brathwaite in the 75kg final Three consecutive 8-count stands forcedtherefereetostopthe contest in the first round, handing Roger another Schoolboy’sgold.
Trinidad’s Shawn Ramnauth and Jaheem Alexander also stood tall in the Schoolboys’ division, both securing gold for the twin-isl
Guyana’s Akil Quintyne in the 30kg final, while Alexander took home gold in the 38kg divisional final a g a i n s t G
e DrewshawnWillery
The Youth category bouts kept the intensity rolling as the night unfolded. Trinidad’s Darnel
Sinaswee
a commanding performance, winning the Youth 63.5kg title with a second-round stoppage ofAntigua’s Leon
Loudat Sinaswee’s relentless power-punching forcedtherefereetohaltthe contest just one minute and 20 seconds into the second round, earning him a welldeservedgold.
Trinidad’sJoshuaLewis followed suit in the Youth 86kg final, dominating Grenada’s Terone Newton.
In a slugfest that had the crowd roaring, Lewis’ explosive punches ended the bout in just one (1) minute and three (3) seconds, securing an
emphaticgoldmedalforhis country
The excitement didn’t endwiththejuniors,astwo Elite bouts added a layer of experience and flair to the night’s proceedings Guyana’s Travis Inverary stunned Grenadian Brian Cobb in an electrifying 67kgcontestthatlastedjust two minutes and 58 seconds.
Inverary’s aggressive start overwhelmed Cobb, and the Guyanese fighter’s hand was raised in victory
Monday August 19, 2024
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some intellectual problems Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
It'sgoingtobealittledifficult talking to you today, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Haveyoubeenreviewingyour family history lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.
before the first round ended The final bout saw Suriname’sMordinoMassie edge out Guyana’s Jaqwan Milo in a closely contested 75kg fight, wrapping up the evening’saction.
With the tournament moving into its third and final day, all eyes are on the remaining bouts as the youngpugilistsaimtoleave itallinthering.
The event has been a testament to the talent and grit of the Caribbean’s upand-comingboxers.
Sponsored by the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Guyana Olympic Association, and a host of local businesses, the tournament has brought the region’s best youth boxing talents together, fostering both competition and camaraderie.
The action concluded yesterday with some gripping finals, bringing the curtains down on another well
tournament.
Saluted for his Contributions...
Frompage22 a watchful eye. He was the coach for Georgetown. He was always a very disciplinedmanademanded that everyone live up to his highstandards.”JohnYates, the Miami Florida-based past president of the GABF said of Henry, who can be seen as a basketball purist; “One of the things I would always remember about him He never made a fuss about things There were a lot of peoplelikeVaughandothers but, Hewley was a very disciplinedperson.hewasa teacher,But,hewasnevera person to make/ fuss over a lotofthings.”
St Maarten based former Technical Director of the GABF and a past National player recalled: “It was my privilege to have been associated with Hewley Learningfromhimabouthow to develop my skills, values andtheabilitytobesuccessful He was associated with Ron Pickeringinhisinductiontothe Guyana Defense Force along with Fabi Liverpool” Chin quipped:“Healsocausedthe game to stop due to the dropping out of his contact lenses His knowledge and leadership qualities earned himtherighttoleadGuyana’s teams both locally and internationally” Henry led teams on exchange tournamentsheldinSuriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Boa Vista, and Caracas,Venezuela in 1971 for Central and America and Caribbean (C AC)Championshipsandagain in 1973, along with the late Raymond Goulding (Agard), co-coached in Puerto Rico at CAC Championships “He continued his basketball life coupledwithhisprofessional life as an educator in the teaching fraternity, then went ontobecomeaCivilEngineer, and then subsequently migrating with his dear wife
andchildrentotheUSA,”said Chin, who was also one of Guyana’s leading FIBA Referees Former National player and President of the GABFwhenGuyanawonits only Caribbean Men’s BasketballChampionshipin Suriname in 2018, Nigel Hinds, opined: “Hewley Henry is a Guyanese basketball legend and will live on as an inspiration to allwhoknewhim.Withouta doubt, Hewley will one day be in Guyana’s Basketball HallofFameasaplayerand coach.” David Patterson who replaced (Ret Colonel) Godwin McPherson as president of the GABF
remarked: “As a young basketballplayerwithEagles, I can recall several epic contests on Burnham Court against Ravens, the results weremixed,well,atleastthat the way I would like to remember those games, needless to say, a Ravens –Eagles match was a standing roomonlyaffair
During my stint in the administration of the sport, Hewley Henry’s imprint on theRavensClubwasalways evident.Hewasanexcellent coach, mentor and father figure to dozens of young basketball players countrywide–and he shall trulybemissed.”
NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour team to lead RHT
54th anniversary celebrations
Guyana’s smallest
Township Rose Hall Town wouldbecelebratingits54th anniversary on the 20th of September Rose Hall was officially declared a town in 1970withHPBenservingas his first mayor and over the yearshasundergonemassive development.
TodaytheTownshipisan economic center of the ancient county the small townisalsothehomeofthe vibrant Rose Hall Town Sports Club and three times Commonwealth Youth Service the Saint Francis committeedevelopers.
One of the RHTYSC cricket teams, NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour first division team has agreed to spearhead a series of activities to mark the anniversary after a request was made to the club by the Rose Hall Town Mayor Dave Budoo and Twn Clark NatashaGriffith.
The team during the period 13th to the 24th of September would be organizingover15eventsto observe the anniversary
...Metro Female team donates to Town Council
underthetheme,‘Simplythe Best’ The events would include an under-13 cricket match between Rose Hall TownandGuymine,aCross country race, a beach cleanup campaign, food hampers for 54 families, an evening of music, a poster competition for nursery school students, an essay competition for primary school students and a 10/10 cricket tournament for secondary schools in the Rose Hall and Port Mourant catchment area Club
secretary Hilbert Foster stated that the cricket team would also be involved in decorating the Township, honouring of outstanding residents, honouring of outstanding students at Grade six and CSEC level, Feeding the poor program, Say no to drugs March and medical outreach for residents and a live televisionprogram.
The RHTYSC’s longserving secretary stated that theNAMILCOThunderbolt Flour team is also working
hard to construct an ‘I Love RoseHall’monumentforthe anniversaryandtheclubalso hopes to rename the two bowling ends at the Area H ground after four of its outstanding members, the southern end shall be the Esan and Royston Crandon boundary end while the northern end would bear the namesofKevinSinclairand Assad Fudadin Senior governmentministerDoctor AshniSinghhasagreedtobe thepatronoftheanniversary celebration. The RHTYSC
NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour team is the most dominant team at the first division level in the ancient county and its current membership includes Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Silas Tyndall, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan
Campbell, Jeremy Sandia, Jason Sinclair and Keon Sinclair among others. The RHTYSCovertheyearshas w o n 1
tournamentsatalllevelsand hasproduced124playersfor BerbiceandGuyanawhilea total of 16 has represented theWestIndiesortheUnited StatesofAmerica.
The team is being sponsored by the National MillingCompanyofGuyana (Agrícola).
Meanwhile, the Rose Hall Town Metro female
development of the Rose Hall handed over a bicycle worth $25,000 to the security department of the
council and also a $100,000 officedesktothetownclerk. Foster stated that the cycle wouldbeamajorassistantto thesecuritypersonnelofthe council in protecting the assets of the council includingtheAreaHground. The office desk which was donatedbyMetroOfficeand Computer Supplies would beusedbythetownclerkin fulfilling her duties to the generalpublic.
Town Clark Natasha Griffith expressed gratitude totheRoseHallTownMetro female team for their kind contribution to the developmentofthetownand hailedtheRHTYSCasatrue friend of the town council. The Rose Hall Town Metro femaleteamistheonlyfully active female team in Guyana and in 2024 has three members in the Caribbean Premier League Shemaine Campbell, Sabika Gajnabi and Sheetna Grimmond. The team also has two members who will be heading to England with West Indies 19 team, Trisha HardatandDanelleManns.
As Guyanese mourn the passingofformerbasketball great, 83 years old Hewley Henry,whopassedawaylast Wednesday, 7th August, in the United States, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) President Michael Singh and its General Secretary Patrick Haynes, in a release reflected: “It is with deep sadnessandaheavyheartthat we announce the passing of Hewley Henry, a cherished member of our basketball communityandatruelegend of the sport Hewley Henry wasnotonlyaformernational basketball player and coach who represented our Guyana withunparalleledpassionand dedication,butalsoabeloved friend, mentor, and inspirationtomany OnbehalfoftheGuyana Basketball Federation, we extend our deepest condolences to Hewley Henry’sfamily,friends,and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all navigate this profoundlosstogether
In honouring Hewley Henry’s memory, let us continuetocarryforwardhis passion for basketball and commitment to fostering a communitybuiltonrespect, integrity,andexcellence.”
President of the GABF going into the early 1970s
Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira commented: “Henry developed himself and a Ravens team to a very high standard and they played a systematic game They had the players who can shoot outside of the zone Players whocangetinsideandhehad reallymasterminded,hewas the brains behind what was now a new look Ravens Basketball Club Ravens under Henry became a very organized, systematic drilledside.
According to Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira Henry was outstanding when British Guiana (Guyana) defeated DutchGuiana(Suriname)for thefirsttimein1962,”before we became an Independent nationin1966
Actually, Reds Perreira, Sports Advisor under then
MinisterofSportsMs.Shirley Field Ridley in the 1970s claimed“Therewasaturning point for Guyana basketball under Hewley Henry, with KenCorsbieascoach,where webeatSurinameforthefirst timeinthe1960s”
In April 1962, British Guiana (Guyana) took the firstgameofthethree-match series 64-42, Suriname rebounded to snatch victory in game two, 66-52, but Guyana took the series 2-1 with a heart-throbbing single-point win, 61-60, in thethirdanddecidinggame, with Henry being the mastermind, scoring 14, 8 and17pointsrespectivelyin thatseries.
‘Reds’ Perreira said that game against Puerto Rico in SanJuanin1973attheCentral America and Caribbean (CAC) Games where it was MikeBruschewhopoppedin 32 points at Roberto Clemente Stadium, caused the crowd on hand “to give theGuyanateam,astanding ovation for our spirit and never give up attitude exhibit for a small country
playingsuchahighstandard ofbasketball.”
Brother of Mike Brusche and former National player Clifton Brusche, who played and toured with Hewley Henry, when contacted yesterdayfromhisNewYork base, had fond memories of Henry Clifton Brusche recalled: “When I started playingbasketballinthelate 1960s,Hewleywasmyfirst coach,notonlymycoachhe was my teacher at St Ambrose School, and when I moved over to Christ Church Secondary School, he was the Principal at Christ Church. He was my Under 19 Coach when we wenttoSuriname.”
Clifton added “In 1974, BarbadosNationalteamwas in Guyana, and I made the Junior national team Barbadoswasbeatingupon the Senior National team, this guy Jones, he was the big guard, nobody could have marked that guy So, hear what Hewley did, he said Clifton I want you to playonthisJuniorNational. You know we beat
Barbados, our junior national team. So Hewley Henry said to me, report to theNationalteamtomorrow, Sunday, we had played Saturday, and they were playing the Senior national team the next day He promoted me to the Senior Nationalteam,justlikethat. Becausenobodycouldhave heldthatguyJones.Iwasthe only man (that) could have holdhim.”
Hewasalwaysthatkindof reservedperson,veryreserved also he was a health freak Hewley introduced me to conkie,becausebackinthose days we had no supplement andthatiswhatweusedtouse as a multivitamin in the 1960s” Out of Florida in the United States ofAmerica the formerGABFVicePresident Al Mc Donald (aka Naisan Chapman) remarked: “A disciplinarian, a teacher, a beloved Guyanese basketball coachcrossedtheriveroflife onto the great beyond a few days ago in Houston Texas after moulding scores of youngmenandwomenfrom St Ambrose, Christ Church
CLUB, and Burnham Court enthusiasts in
noteworthy individuals some ofwhomrepresentedtheLand ofManyWatersatthenational level His name was and is HEWLEY HENRY and certainlywillberemembered in the annals of time in the historicalvolumesoftheDear LandOfGuyana,ElDorado” ArmyColonel(Ret)Carl Morgan, another past president who now lives in Canada on hearing of Henry’s passing forwarded “When I was elected President of the Guyana AmateurBaseballFederation in 1985 he was the National Coach, taking the Men’s team to the Caricom BasketballChampionshipsin
However, on the return of MikeBrushefromaone-year coaching course in Mexico, MikewasappointedNational Coach. Hewley, however,
background, a father figure sittinginthestandskeeping (Continuedonpage21)
RHTYSC secretary Hilbert Foster, Metro Berbice Manager Danny Ramnarine hands over office desk to Town Clerk Natasha Griffith. (RHTYC Release)
Left-arm spinner Golcharran Chulai finished with10-wicketwhileCaptain JonathanVanLangesmashed an unbeaten fifty, as Guyana soared to a commanding 10wicket win over Leewards yesterday as the second roundcontinued.
Leewards were bowled out for144inthe1stinningswithDeAntre Drew leading with 26, Carlton Pluck (19), Micha McKenzie (16) and Eritte Richards(15) Chulai was the pickofthelotwith4-34while seamers Devon Wharton (223)andCaptainJonathanVan Lange (2-28) kept things steady Guyanawhoresumed on 97-2, ended on 176 all out afterastringofscores Openers Vikash Wilkinson (17) and Rampersaud Ramnauth (22) laid a decent foundation for Emmanuel Lewis (28) and
RomeshBharrat(33*),Adrian Hetmyer(22)andRiyadLatiff (20) OnlyIsra-elMortonwho starred with 5-44 managed to emerge with top returns for Leewards, who were bowled outfor127inthe2ndinnings. Drewledthebattingagain with40butitwasChulaiwho spun webs around the oppositionbatsmen Chulai628asheendedthegamewitha haul of 10-62 with help from spinner Romario Ramdehol ( 3-31) Guyana then sealed theirwinwithoutissuethanks toanaggressive65notoutfrom Van Lange who pummeled 7 sixesand3foursinhis31-ball knock Ramnauth(19*) played the ideal role, allowing his skipper to powerhit Guyana to a big win with round 3’s battle bowling off against BarbadosonWednesday
Spirit edge Fire in thriller to win The Hundred
(BBC Sport) - London Spirit won The Hundred for thefirsttimeafterathrilling four-wicket victory over Welsh Fire in the final at Lord’s.
Set 116 to win, it came down to four needed from the last three balls before Deepti Sharma lofted HayleyMatthewsoverlongonforsix.
It could all have been so
different, though, as the ball burst through the hands of Fire bowler Shabnim Ismail andovertherope.
Ismail had looked like being the match-winner for Fire, taking 3-24 as she bowled Meg Lanning, HeatherKnightandDanielle Gibson to keep her side in contention.
However, there was just too much on Deepti’s
decisive strike as Spirit claimed the trophy on their homeground.
Knight’s team were on topatthehalfwaystageafter an excellent bowling display, led by England spinners Sarah Glenn and CharlieDean,restrictedFire to 115-8 despite a fine halfcentury from Australia allrounderJessJonassen.
Thepressureofthechase
began to tell on Spirit until Gibson came in and struck five fours from her first six balls to give her side the momentum.
But when she was bowledbyIsmailandopener Georgia Redmayne was trapped lbw by Freya Davies, the game duly went to the wire and Deepti was onhandtodeliverthetelling blowwithtwoballstospare.
CWI announces T20I Squad for home series
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is p l e a s e d t o announce the West Indies Men’ssquadselectedforthe upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against South Africa, scheduled to take place from 23 – 27 August 2024inTrinidad.
Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket stated: “AndreRussellrequesteda period of rest and recovery as wellasJasonHolderwho played five back-to-back five Tests against England and South Africa. During this period, they will work closelywiththeCWIscience andmedicineteam.”
Noting South Africa ended the West Indies’ World Cup campaign with a defeat in the Super 8, overturning the 3-0 result from the pre-World Cup series in Jamaica, Head
Coach Daren Sammy remarked, ‘Facing a strong
South Africa side is an excellentopportunityforour team to reset and refocus withourgameplan.
We have played them recently and had mixed results,sothisshouldbean exciting and important series
I’m confident in the squad we’ve selected, and witheyesalreadyonthenext T20 World Cup in 2026, I know the guys will be keen to show their hunger for success.’
The West Indies Men’s T20 team have won four of theirlastfiveseries,andjust missed out on a Semi-Final final place at the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 WorldCupthatwashostedin theCaribbean.
In the ICC Men’s T20I TeamRankings,WestIndies are number 4 and South Africaarenumber5. Tickets for the T20I Series against South Africa
at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad are available now to buy online from the Windies Tickets s e r v i c e , a t tickets.windiescricket.com.
All matches will start at 3:00 PM local time and will be part of doubleheaders with the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). This will be the
first time that WI Men’s Internationalswillbepartof a doubleheader with a Women’s franchise competition with cricket fansabletoseethebestmale and female players taking part in matches on the same ticket.
TheWCPLtakesplaceat the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad between the 21 and 29 August.
Fans in the Caribbean can Watch Live on RUSH SPORTS or via the new Flow Sports App or the SportsMaxApp.
Fans around the world can Listen Live to ball-byball radio commentary on the Windies Cricket YouTube page and can follow Live ball-by-ball s c o r e s o n t h e windiescricket com Match Centre. The selected squad for theT20Iseriesisasfollows:
R
Chase (ViceCaptain), Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas P o o r a n , S h e r f a n e Rutherford and Romario Shepherd
The team management unit for the series includes: HeadCoach:DarenSammy, Assistant Coach: Rayon Griffith, Assistant Coach: Floyd Reifer, Assistant C o a c h :
Physiotherapist: Denis
: Ronald Rogers, Team Masseuse:FitzbertAlleyne, Team Manager: Rawl Lewis, Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram and Team Media & Content Officer:JohnPhillips
Rovman Powell (Captain),
Heather Knight holds the Hundred trophy aloft (Getty Images)
West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell and South Africa T20I captain Aiden Markram (Photo: Twitter/X)
South Africa Tour of the West Indies 2024…
Jonathan Van Lange
Golcharran Chulai
announces Women’s U19 Squad for UK Tour
ST JOHN’S,ANTIGUA
–CricketWestIndies(CWI) is excited to announce the West Indies U19 Women’s Squad selected for the upcomingtouroftheUnited Kingdom.
Thistourisacrucialpart oftheteam’spreparationfor the ICCWomen’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, set to takeplaceinJanuary2025in Malaysia.
The tour will see the teamparticipateinaseriesof highlycompetitivematches, including an England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) development tournament Thistournamentwillfeature teams from Scotland and
Ireland,withtheWestIndies U19 Women’s team guaranteed three T20 matches.
In addition, three fixtures have been scheduled against an ECB Southern Under 19 Women’s Regional Team, comprisingtwodaysofT20 doubleheadersanda30-over matchonthethirdday
The squad, led by cocaptains Asabi Callender and Erin Deane, represents thebestofemergingtalentin West Indies women’s cricket.
The players have shown great promise and are expected to gain invaluable
experience on this tour as they prepare for the world stage.
Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe expressed his confidence in the squad stating, “This tour is a criticalsteppingstoneinour preparation for the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket WorldCup.
The matches against strong international teams willtestourplayersandhelp us fine-tune our strategies ahead of the global tournament.” The WI U-19 Women’s Squad: Asabi Callender (Co-Captain), Erin Deane (Co-Captain), Elecia Bowman, Abigail
Bryce, Kenika Cassar, Dicoreya Collymore, Trisha Hardat, Theanny HerbertM a y e r s , B r i a n n a Harricharan, Danellie Manns, Aneisha Miller, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Kristen Sutherland andAaliyahWeekes.
TeamManagementUnit: Head Coach: Steve Liburd, Assistant Coach: Shane Brooks, Physiotherapist: Ashley Stephens, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Yvonne Arthur and Team Manager: Merissa Aguilliera
The squad will arrive in the United Kingdom on 19 August2024.
33rd Tour Cycliste de Guiana… John and Dey impress on First
Stage
Te G u y a n a
y c l i n g Federation has reported, that the local cyclists riding as Team Guyana in the 33rd Tour Cycliste de Guiana, are highlightedin37thand65th positions a
ter the completionofStage1.
The stage, which took placeonSaturday,featureda challenging 90.4-mile route with 112 starters that tested the endurance and strategy ofallparticipants.
Briton John occupies the 37th top-pack position, just one minute and fourteen seconds (1:14s) minutes behind the leader, demonstrating his strong pacingandtacticalawareness Curtis Dey, his teammate, demonstrated resilience and tacticalriding,finishingclose behind his teammates in 65th position and an identical time of 1:14 minutesbehindtheleader Christopher Griffith displayed consistent effort, crossing the line with a solid time that kept him in the race while Paul Chooweenam, the veteran, finished in the latter half of the peloton Alex Mendes also managed a commendable finish despite challengingconditions on the bike Overall, Team Guyana have positioned themselves competitively after the first stage, with all riders successfully completing the stage and remaining in contention as the race progresses The team’s performancehassetastrong foundationfortheupcoming stages and the cyclists are determined to build on this momentum As the Tour Cycliste de Guiana continues, Team Guyana remains focused on improving their standings and showcasing the talent and determination that have brought them to this prestigiousevent. The GCF extends its gratitude to all supporters and well-wishers and looks forward to continued success in the upcoming stages.
CurtisDey
Drepaul emerges as champion jockey at Guyana Cup 2024
Ex
j o c k e y Ya p
Drepaul emerged asthechampionjockeyatthe 2024 Guyana Cup He secured two wins in the 10race card, where he piloted
Amazing G
d
Emotional Damage to big wins at Rising Sun Turf Club.
Drepaul who is well known as ‘Old Boy’among hisfellowhorsemen,wonin the J Class & H3 Maidens running at seven furlung, and he won in the H Class race, which ran at one mile It was also back-to-back wins, where Drepaul stood onthewinner’spodiumafter races four and five respectively
Speaking after the Guyana Cup, Drepaul was grateful for his good showing, and he felt a sigh of relief after he returned to winningways
“The race was nice I missed the gate, but I held thehorseIknowthetripisa longtrip,soItookmytime
Jockey Yap Drepaul piloted Emotional Damage and Amazing Grace to wins at Guyana Cup 2024
“I want to thank the trainers and grooms for giving me the opportunity to work on the horses overtime, to get the horses in good shape After hard work there is success,”
Drepaulsaid Ageisjustanumberthey say, but for Drepaul, he is keeping his chances real. “I cannotsaywhatmyplansare for the future, I am growing up, and I have been riding horses for 28 years,” the veteranjockeysaid.
Winfield Braithwaite Schoolboys’ and Girls’ Boxing C/ships…
Guyana
records mixed
bag on penultimate day
DayTwooftheWinfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys’ and Girls’ Boxing Tournament, hosted at National Gymnasium,
brought more heartpounding action as young boxers from across the Caribbean battled for
C a r i b b e a n Schoolboys/Girls,Youthand Junior’s glory The second night of this three-day event lived up to its billing, delivering drama, skill, and
excitement as the competitors sought to etch theirnamesingold.
After an eventful opening night, which saw Guyanawithamixedbagof three wins and one loss, the hostnationfounditselfneckand-neckwithvisitingteams in points Trinidad and Tobago made a strong impressionintheYouth57kg andJuniors63kgcategories, while St. Lucia’s fighters brought the heat in the Junior’s 66kg and 80kg
Part of the action on the second night of the tournament.
contests, leaving their mark by defeating competitors fromBarbadosandTrinidad. Saturday’s schedule featured six Schoolboys’ finals, showcasing young talents with a hunger to prove themselves on the Caribbean stage Local heroesrosetotheoccasionin Schoolboys’ finals; leading thechargeforthehostnation was Aaron Fileen, whose long reach proved too much forhisopponentinthe26kg final, clinching Guyana’s first gold of the night. The
stylish Ezekiel Bancroft delivered a masterclass performance, defeating Trinidad’sZafarAlSadiqby unanimous decision to take home the 40kg gold Bancroft’stechnicalprowess and sharp combinations were too much for his opponent,ashedelightedthe homecrowdwithhiswin.
Ryan Roger, fresh off a successfulstintattheOECS Invitational Box
championship in St. Lucia, continuedhisimpressive
(Continuedonpage21)
The 2024 Guyana Cup, which was organized by t h e J u m b o J e t Thoroughbred Racing Committee, had an excess of 8000 fans was hailed a success as Olympic Kremlin won the feature race,sparkingamajorupset.
MorethanG$40millionwas won by horsemen in the 10racecard,andfanswerealso winners.
After a heated Guyana Cup, rivalry between horses,ownersandjockeys will heat up again, on Sunday September 22, when the President’s Cup takescenterstageatRising SunTurfClub
33rdTour
CyclistedeGuiana…
Johnand Deyimpress impress onFirstStage
West Indies and South Africa will collide in three T20Is in Trinidad and Tobago (Photo:AP)
Briton John leads the pack Sports
Part of the Elite action between Mordino Maasie (Grenada) and Jaqwan Milo
Winfield Braithwaite Schoolboys’ and Girls’ Boxing C/ships…
