Kaietuer News

New Oil PSA toothless without petroleum commission - Glenn Lall says

Civil society advocate Lall also questioned important toolkit needed for can see and know what is and businessman Glenn Lall “You can have all the laws in this Oil bonanza we have. going on.” “A Petroleum

i s q u e s t i o n i n g t h e place and if you don’t have

Today, four years later, that Commission in place would Government of Guyana’s the police and a court, then same Bharat Jagdeo singing ensurethattheoilblocksthat reason to have in place oil what do you have? a different tune about that they gave away would have laws and a new agreements Lawlessness and that is what PetroleumCommission”. been sold in the open market but no governing body to we have in Guyana ever

Lall reminded his and would have given us enforce them, saying that the since we found that oil, listeners that, “a Petroleum money to build highways all new Petroleum Sharing lawlessness.” Commissionisthefirstthing across Guyana already A

Agreement (PSA) is The VPhad recently said youhavetoputinplacewhen Petroleum Commission will toothless without the a t p r e v i o u s p r e s s you find oil, noting that all tell ExxonMobil that the PetroleumCommission.

other countries that want to interest rates must be capped

On his Monday August government is currently get the best out of their oil andtheymustletGuyanaput 5th edition of his weekly looking at building capacity have put that team of experts meters at all the pumps or programme on the Kaieteur in the relevant agencies to be in place right away Saudi they have to stop pumping Radio, Lall played a clip of able to better monitor the oil Arabia, Norway, Kuwait, o

A P

Jagdeo responding to the sector To this Lall asked Brazil, name them, the Commission will instruct question on when the “who in Guyana that has the biggestoilproducingnations Bharat Jagdeo - we need a Petroleum Commission will expertise to manage this on earth for decades, still

Businessman and publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall.

be put in place. The question industry? Let me tell you have international experts E

was posed by a reporter of Guyanese – none, nobody helping them to this day in compensate Guyanese and thispublication. The GRA doesn’t have every area to safeguard their anybody else who suffers Lallsaidthat,“Youheard anyone, the Energy Guyanese super rich.” This this nation, a Petroleum oil assets from the hands of damages from an oil spill,” him, you see how upset and Department has no one, and administration had given its Commission would soon be oil thieves, including the headded. evasive he became, we are the EPA is a toothless word in its manifesto that if in place. VP Jagdeo said the politicians.” Speaking at his weekly asking him about the group poodle.” electedtooffice,aPetroleum same thing, the Natural However, Lall said press-conference on of people to manage the oil

Explaining the purpose Commission would be in Resources Minister, Jagdeo “knows if he puts a Wednesday, Jagdeo said the sector, that he himself said is of the commission, Lall said place to facilitate better Vickram Bharrat, when truly independent team of PPP/C-led administration the government’s ultimate “a Petroleum Commission is contract management of the asked about it promised to experts to help manage that has done enough already to goal to put in place. Today a body, a set of qualified and oil sector, so Guyanese can get back to my reporter two oil, it gon cut up all the transparently monitor the oil he running from that, telling experienced people in the oil benefitfromthatoilwealth. years now, and to this day he darkness going on with them sector “There is no magic usaboutwhatthePNCdidn’t business, who can help us The businessman never get back to the out there A Petroleum w i

m do into a new law he is manage that oil the way it recalled, “President Ali, as building, much less the Commissionwouldshinethe Commission,” Jagdeo told puttinginplace.” should be, that will make all soon as he took office, told reporter on this most light in every corner, so we themedia.

Exxon, EPA bosses facing arrest after failing to appear before Parliamentary Committee

...MPs unanimously agree to expedite process

American oil eitherprivateorpublicsector

m a j o r , able to give any information

ExxonMobil with respect to the subject

and regulator of matter of any question the petroleum sector, the arising for its determination Environmental Protection or has any books, plans, or Agency (EPA) have been documents in his possession dodging invitations from the or under his control in any Natural Resources Sectoral way relating to the subject Committee of the National matter of that question, that Assembly over the past body may cause a summons sevenmonths. to be issued to the person in Representatives of these Form1intheSchedule.” agencies can however be In explaining the arrested and detained until process, Isaacs noted that if they can appear before the the agency fails to appear legislative body. This is after receiving an invitation according to the Evidence issued by the Clerk of the Act Chapter 1:08. This Committee, the Clerk of the sectionofthelegislationwas National Assembly would quoted by Clerk of the then dispatch a letter to the National Assembly, Agency emphasising the Sherlock Isaacs during the importance of their last Natural Resources appearance before the Sectoral Committee, Committee.

convened on July 19 Should the agencies still Alliance For Change (AFC) refuse to appear before the MemberofParliament(MP), Committee, the Clerk of the CatherineHughessoughtthe National Assembly would with the Evidence Act that, summons, that body may Assembly should expedite At that time, she told guidance of the Clerk, after seek assistance from the “If any person summoned issue a warrant in Form 2 the process for the agencies reporters, “As a member of expressingherconcernsover Registrar of the Supreme to attend as a witness in the Schedule, or in any toappear the Committee we know that the stymied work of the Court to garner momentum before a legislative body, o t h e r f o r m t h e In April this year during we have been sending letters Committee. by issuing a summons for refusesorneglects,without circumstances require, an AFC press conference, since November of last year

Bus driver dies in three-vehicle smash-up

A minibus driver lost his life on minibus “which was travelling north along Wednesday morning after he collided with the western driving lane of the road at high twomotorcarsontheGardenofEdenPublic speed.” RoadEastBankDemerara.

To this end, Isaacs theirappearance. sufficient cause, to attend signed by the person Hughes explained that the so we are going over to six pointed out that, “a witness The Summons would at the time and place carrying out the functions Committee, through Isaacs, months and of course what could be anyone in Guyana, serve to inform in keeping m e n t i o n e d i n t h e of secretary to the body, had written the request to has been told, is although we authorising and directing Exxon, through the Prime requestthatifyoucan’tmake the Registrar or any Minister’s office to follow the proposed date, please marshal to arrest that the established protocols recommend a date, the person and detain him in The MP however indicated subsequent correspondence custody until he can be that when the AFC enquired just says we are unable to brought before the about the appearance of attend.” The MP argued it legislativebody” Exxon; they were informed was “wholly unacceptable” D u r i n g t h e that Isaacs requested copies thatExxonandtheEPAwere Parliamentary Sectoral of the correspondences from dodging scrutiny since it M

As a result of the impact the minibus Dead is Keith Caesar Police said that, toppled a number of times and the other “The accident involved a minibus BAE motorcar collided with the hire car The fire 7146, driven by Caesar, a 35-year-old from service and an ambulance were summoned North East La Penitence, Georgetown. A alongwithtwoteamsofEmergencyMedical motorcar PVV4095,drivenbyKeyonKing, Technicians. They examined the bus driver a35-year-oldresidentofHydePark,Timehri and he was rushed to the Diamond andahirecarHD606),ownedanddrivenby Diagnostic Center where he succumbed to Vishnu Basdeo, a 30-year-old resident of his injuries while receiving medical MartyrsVille,EastCoastDemerara.” treatment.

It was revealed during enquiries that The driver of the PVV 4095 was also motorcar PVV 4095 was heading south on examined and escorted to Georgetown the eastern driving lane of the Garden of PublicHospital,wherehehasbeenadmitted Eden Public Road and the hire car was also as a patient in critical condition. The driver headed in the same direction. The hire car of the hire car was taken into custody and driver told investigators that he saw the escorted to the Grove Police Station. He is driver of PVV 4095 suddenly swerved presently in custody, assisting with the westwards subsequently colliding with the investigation.

n g , m e m b e r s the Office of the Prime impacts the tenets of unanimously agreed that the Minister that were sent to t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d Clerk of the National Exxon. accountability

Guyana’s Parliament building.

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

EDITORIAL

Police and crime fighting

There is a noticeable rise in crimes across the country murderandrobberyunderarmshavebecomecommonplace on our streets, which is a cause for serious concerns. Citizens are being killed, robbed- some deliberately targeted,othersrandomlyshot,asgunfireandthemayhem that it produces touched the lives and communities of Guyanesefromdifferentwalksoflife.

Althoughboastingofadropinseriouscrimesthetruism that perception very often mirrors reality rings true in Guyanaandthegeneralviewseemstobethatcitizensareat the mercy of marauding elements bent on disrupting their peace and security Only recently Attorney General, Anil Nandlalladmittedthat“theGovernmentisnotcomfortable withthelevelofcrimeandviolenceinthesocietyandthatis nosecret.”Hewentontosaythatthegovernmentisworking assiduously to address the situation, noting that several pieces of legislation are on the cards, although acknowledging that “legislations are not the singular remedythatcancomprehensivelyandsuccessfullyaddress thisproblem.Wehavetohaveamulti-facetedapproach,so wewilltaketotheparliamentshortlyabillthatwillincrease penaltiesfordifferentcategoriesofoffences.”

TruthbetoldthePPP/CGovernmenthasbeensayingthe same things about crime fighting since it was confronted with the mayhem that stemmed from the February 2022 Camp Street Prison break. The multifaceted approach to whichNandlallreferredandalltheothersoundbiteswould notsolvethecrimeproblem.Attheheartofcrimefightingin this country is a crooked Guyana Police Force where officersfromtoptobottomhavebeensotaintedthatsome citizens do not even bother to make complaints of crimes committedagainstthem.Therecentrevelationsinthepress of the bribery and money laundering that have enveloped that entity are enough to explain why we are in this state violence.

AskanyGuyanesetheproperquestionsaboutcrimeand guns, and most are likely to give responses that speak to dread and an abiding fear Check on the state of any community,andresidentsarefrankintheprecautionsthey havetotake,howtheyareconcernedaboutthepresenceof somanyguns,andtheapparentinabilityoftheGPFtomake adifferenceinthefrighteningpresenceofsomanyweapons, many illegal. Even within gated communities, and the presence of armed sentries manning entrances and exits, thereisahealthyworryaboutcrimeandguns.

It is this endless tide of guns that is present in local society, and that are clearly on the streets and primed for action in the commission of crimes, and the settlement of disputes. Though it is a hit and miss operation, the GPF could consider doing more sweep and interception operations. Thekeyistheelementofsurprise,andoncethat holds,thereisasolidprobabilitythatagunortwocouldbe netted, on each such occasion. Once properly thought out, andwellimplemented,therecouldberesults,nomatterhow miniscule. It stands to reason that because guns are so prevalent on the streets and in the many communities of Guyana, there is the strong likelihood of guns being found on persons, or in vehicles, and charges being laid. At the least,suchexercisesbytheGPFwouldserveasadeterrent fromthealmostroutinepresenceoffirearmsontheground in Guyana. The effects are many, and range from the psychologicaltothephysical,amongothers.

In such an environment characterized by an almost pervasive fear of crime, people are understandably very apprehensive for their personal safety Such a situation demandsacoherentandcomprehensiveoperationalpolicy to respond to a menace that is likely to overwhelm the country’s law enforcement efforts against illegal guns and ammunition. At present there seems to be no properly articulatedstrategytoaddressthisphenomenon;ifonedoes exist it is probably in the minds of the operatives.

The elevated risks associated with consuming a high fruit and vegetable diet in Guyana

DEAREDITOR

Around December2023, I went to shop at my regular freshproduceimporter,only todiscoveruponenteringthe facility, that heavy insecticide was sprayed in the small enclosed air conditioned building, where consumers purchased retail and wholesale produce for personal use or to re-sell in thelocalmarkets.

Iimmediatelyraisedmy concern with an employee who brushed it aside, and denied insecticides were used,andIleftoutofconcern for my safety and without purchasing any fresh produce from the supplier Given food is porous (liken to a sponge) and would absorb whatever is in the environment it is transported/packaged/house d/storedin,Ididnotwantto taketherisktobuyanyfood fromthissupplier However, one week later, I went back to the same seller and found that nothing had changed. I

then phoned them to report the issue, which they again continued to deny I went a thirdtimeafewweekslater, and again, the insecticide wasstillheavyintheair,and I again left without purchasing any produce there.Overthelastcoupleof years, I would typically frequent this particular supplier 2 or more times per week, and after this third visit with no change to the insecticide in the environment,Idecidedtono longerpurchasefromthem.

I later visited another fresh produce importer, also in December 2023, and was with someone, who also noticed the heavy use of insecticide at that facility, again, we left without purchasing any fresh produce from this food importer I then tried to purchase imported produce fromthelargestsupermarket chain in the country, which included broccoli, cauliflower, grapes, carrots

and strawberries Upon unpacking and washing the items at home, I noticed along with other family members that the broccoli wasimbuedwithinsecticide (not pesticide, but bug spray), and the grapes and str

disinfectant/cleaning agent and the grapes also smelt of insecticide.

Iimmediatelyreportedit, and they communicated that they don’t import foreign produce but purchase from local suppliers and did not eventrytoaddressthesmell of disinfectant/insecticides on the vegetables and fruits.

After another report, having purchased fresh produce a few weeks later and having the same experience, they promised to address the concern, but several months laternothingtranspiredtofix the problem, even after I attempted to purchase these same items, time and time again, and from their

differentbranchesaswellas other supermarkets in the city,Ifoundthefoodwasstill contaminated with insecticides and of course had to discard them, every time.

The local sellers in Bourda Market, also said most of them purchase from the same two suppliers previously mentioned above. Additionally, market vendors have sprayed insecticides in the vehicles that they use to transport fresh produce, which I had theunpleasantexperienceto discover after purchasing freshproducefromthemthat wastaintedwithinsecticides whichIagaindiscarded,and uponreturningaweeklater,I wasthentoldbythevendors (two of them) that this was done since they found cockroaches in the buses they used to transport the produce. One month later, and the produce was still contaminated,and (Continiedonpage05)

TheAssassination of Ismail Haniyeh

DEAREDITOR

N e w s o f t h e assassinationofthepolitical leader of HAMAS, Ismail HaniyehinIranearlyonthe morning of July 31 is a blatant act of State Terrorism The fascist regime in Israel is doing everything to sabotage everyeffortforpeaceinthe Middle East and this is Israel’s deliberate intention to widen the conflict and to get the United States involved to save it from disaster

Israel has been committing state terrorism

for years without any sanctions. Indeed, they are being encouraged They havekilledscoresofIranian scientists and important functionariesofIran.

InsteadoftheUS,which professes to be a champion of Human Rights, condemningtheterrorismit has encouraged it The Donald Trump government

assassinated Qasem Soleimani at Iraq’s airport on January 2020, while he was on his way to meet the IraqiPrimeMinister.Inthis action the U.S. had joined Israel in the act of state

However, the issue really should be whether the strategists areworkingwithinaframeworkwhichrequiresthatlessons learned must be recorded so as to inform on the level of successorshortfallasthecasemightbe. Thedaysofadhoc approaches to crime have surely passed, but this does not seemtobetherealizationofouroperationalpolicymakers. Thesolutiontoguncrimesliesnotinstricterlegislation forfirearmlicensingcontrol,becausetheproblemwefaceis one which involves illegal firearms in the hands of people with no compunction about taking lives. Moreover, gun controllawsarefocusedonlawabidingpeoplewhoforthe mostpartarenotabouttoarmthemselveswithoutseekingto ensure that they are in compliance with the law Thefactisthatthisisnotsimplyacaseofintroducingabuyback programme to rid the streets of illegal weapons like obtains in places likeAustralia, and the USA. It therefore meansthatthosecriminallyinclinedinpossessionofillegal firearms will not be falling all over themselves in a rush to handinwhattheymightconsiderthetoolsoftheirnefarious trade. The state must adopt a vigorous approach to dealing withguncrimesreflectedbyseverejailtime. Thesentences giventothetwoyouthsintheSouthRuimveldtarmsmatteris an indicationof how these mattersshould be dealt. Crying abouttheporousbordersandtheeaseofillegalarmsentryis nottheanswer

terrorism.

Only recently we saw Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu,beingembraced bytheUSleadersfromboth R e p u b l i c a n s a n d Democrats This man is responsible for the murder of almost 200,000 Palestinians in GAZA and the West Bank since October7,2023.Duringhis address to the joint houses, Congress and Senate, the Prime Minister received some fifty-eight (58) standing ovations. He was given that reception even after he insulted American citizens who were protesting his presence in theNation’shighestbodies. It is apposite to note that he carried out this latest assassination immediately afterhisreturntoIsraelfrom his“successful;”visittothe United States. Few people would believe that the US authorities did not know aboutthis.

After all, US officials giving evidence before the Congress and Senate often admit that the CIA shares intelligence with Israel on the whereabouts of the Palestinian leaders It is clear that Israel’s power in the United States is very great. Many Congress and Senate leaders have been receiving large sums of money for their election campaigns, including for the Presidency, by the pro-

Israelilobbyinggroups. That has given them enormousinfluencenotjust in the legislative bodies but also in the Executive. A casual look would see that the US administration is dominated by Israeli, Zionist sympathisers. To haveanideaofthedepthof influence or control that Israelhas,justtakealookat Press Conferences by the White House and State Department spokespersons and you would see how much the Zionist influence has saturated the US administration. This could be seen at the United Nations too. Here the US sees its greatest task is to protect Israel so that it can continue its barbarism against the Palestinians and Arab countries, that refuse to bend to Israel’s world in theMiddleEast. SowidespreadisIsrael’s influence in the US that many serious analysis are suggesting that the mighty United States of America has become a colony of Israel. People are asking what is next? It is clear that we are in for more of the same as morality has taken its leave from people in power in Israel and the global west. This reflects a decadence of the western systemofgovernance.

Sincerely Former President, DonaldRamotar

The elections fraud case and possible outcomes

DEAREDITOR, Media reporting and punditry regarding the 2024 US Presidential campaign season and the beginning of the election fraud case in Guyana have aroused interest in the quite similar disputes surrounding the 2020 Presidential elections in Guyana and the USA which have resulted in the institution of electionrelatedconspiracychargesin bothjurisdictions.

In the USA, several persons were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their involvement in the J a n u a r y 6 , 2 0 2 1 insurrection; and the former President faces four indictments including conspiracy to defraud the

United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. He also faces prosecution in the state of Georgia in which he and eighteen other codefendants are alleged to have engaged in a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the 2020 US Presidential electioninGeorgia. I n G u y a n a , t h e prosecutionallegesthatnine persons including former senior officials of the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) conspiredwithAPNU+AFC election agents to defraud the electors of Guyana by presenting false votes from the March 2, 2020 General

andRegionalElections.The import of this case has been demonstrated by the early comments from the leaders of the three main political parties. The PPP/C Leader has accused the presiding magistrate of entertaining frivolous objections, failing to record evidence and of suppressing evidence, and suggested that the international community be invited to observe the court proceedings, which led to condemnations of his criticisms of the judicial processandpossibleattempt toinfluenceitsoutcomeand agreementonanopencourt. Itisclearthattheelection conspiracy cases in the US would not be completed before the November 2024

The elevated risks associated...

Frompage04

thereafter, I stopped purchasing from these vendors.

After numerous complaints to the sellers, both suppliers and supermarkets, and with no resolution,Ifinallyfoundan alternative supplier, but this supplier uses scented candlesand/orairfresheners in their facility where fresh produceisstoredandsold.I told them about these scents (which are essentially chemicals) being absorbed into the food and they too ignoredtheconcern.

Their strawberries have the distinctive smell and taste of the scented candles/air fresheners they use in their store, so I no longer purchase un-sealed foodfromthem.

This experience has resulted in a significant loss of finance (over a seven month period), as well as fear in purchasing and consuming imported fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), which could be contaminated with toxic chemicals/insecticides due to actions of the importers and some retailers. Finding imported food that is safe to eatisagrowingproblemfor mepersonally,asaresult.

I noticed that since the emergence of Covid-19, an environmentoffearhasbeen created and has resulted in excessive and unnecessary use of numerous toxic chemicals in facilities that transport,storeandsellfresh

produce. The presence of pesticide residues on fresh produce (including local produce) is already a real concern, the additional use o f i n s e c t i c i d e s , disinfectants/cleaning agents, and other scented products in areas that transport/package/store fresh produce, whether for later or immediate sale has elevated the health risk and risk for food poisoning in consuming a frequent or high volume of fruits and vegetables diet, especially for persons who are vegans orvegetarians.

On a side note, many regular retail and wholesale storesunrelatedtofood,have also, based on my numerous personal experience within thelastyearorso,havebeen applying on a frequent basis and in excessive amounts, insecticidesintheirfacilities, includingthelargermallsand larger hardware stores, exposing people to high l e v e l s o f t o x i c chemicals/poisons,aswellas food facilities since these mallsalsohavesupermarkets andfoodstalls

This indiscriminate use of these chemicals is a new phenomenon that seems to be spreading in the city, and posing a high risk to regular consumers/customers.

The use and excessive use of toxic chemicals to spray grass in residential areashasalsoincreased,and continuous and/or frequent exposure to all these chemicals in our food and

environment seem to be going unnoticed, and is essentiallyslowlypoisoning us. I am writing in eager anticipation that your paper can raise this issue (food s

exposure) either with relevant authorities or to b

s, distributors and sellers to correct this issue, since this becameaseriousconcernfor me since December 2023 and remains a serious concern, and I’m sure is unknowingly affecting others consuming these foods, and is especially worrying for people with sensitivities and children My many attempts in trying toresolvethisissuewiththe individual companies and personshaveprovedfutile.It became apparent, that most people do no check their fresh produce, whether before or after washing, or whether eating raw or cooked, and are likely unknowingly consuming dangerous chemicals in thesefoods.

Thecontinuousexposure in consuming foods contaminated with these chemicals have been linked to numerous health issues, from food poisoning from chemicals (which can cause numerousorganfailureorbe fatal)toallergies.

I am hoping your paper can shed some light on this matter Thankyou.

BestRegards

HansranieSeebaran

Presidential elections and the concern is that much of the conduct that led to the pending indictments – false claims of election fraud, attempts to substitute valid votes and prevent certification of lawful results, mass disruption, chaosandviolence-maybe repeated and intensified during the current election cycle.Duringthepastweek, several media outlets in the USA, election lawyers and democratic strategists have been examining the Republican Party’s nominee campaign rhetoric and strategyandhaveconcluded that “they are not planning onthevotebeingcountedas normal; they are not counting on the election results being tallied as normal thereby creating chaos around the result just like2020.”

Rolling Stone Magazine has identified at least seventy pro-Trump election conspirators currently working as county election officials in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania topreventthecertificationof unfavourable results in November According to Democratic election lawyer, Marc Elias, “I think we are goingtoseemassrefusalsto certify the election in November” and that Republicansarecountingon notjustthattheycandisrupt the election in big counties, theyarecountingonthefact that if they do not certify in several small counties, it would not be possible to certify statewide results thereby not being able to elect a President in the normal way Rachel Maddow, MSNBC host, believesthatTrump“doesn’t think he needs to win the vote to win the election; he doesn’tthinkheneedstowin the election in order to take power.”

My principal interest in thismatteriswhetherRachel Maddow’s analysis about the possibility of taking power in the US without

winning the election would prove to be correct and whether Guyana’s 2020 election was quod erat demonstrandum(QED).Itis possible that the Guyana election fraud case could be concluded before our next election and that finally the nation,andtheworld,would be exposed to compelling evidence of fraud and culpability promised for so long,andthejustificationfor voiding lawfully certified results, although the PPP/C Leader has intimated that this matter would likely end up before the Caribbean CourtofJustice(CCJ).

We should recall that Election Day, March 2, 2020, was largely uneventful, but after nine of the ten regions had completedthetabulationand declarationoftheirvote,and with the Returning Officer (RO) Region 4 on the verge of doing the same the process was disrupted by claims of incontrovertible evidenceoffraud.

The leaders of at least five political parties (ANUG, CG, LJP, PPP/C, TCI), publicly and vehemently, declared that many of the Statements of Poll (SOP) presented by the RO did not correspond with theSOPsintheirpossession and that Mingo’s reflected significant increases for A P N U + A F C a n d corresponding decreases for thePPP/C.Themagnitudeof thediscrepancybetweenthe competing declarations was over 22,000 votes Moreover,theRO’suseofa spreadsheetwascondemned asabreachoftrust,GECOM regulations and the law and was clear evidence of manipulation and an “open hijack of the elections process”.

GECOM’s Command Centre, which housed the offices of the Returning Officer for Region 4, was

stormed by a mob bent on preventing the tabulation anddeclarationofresultsfor t h a t r e g i o n T h e Commission’s staff had to flee and the Chairperson forcedtobarricadeherselfin her office until she was r e s c u e d b y s o m e international observers T h e y d e m a n d e d transparency, credibility, accountability and fairness and their demands were backedupbyanonslaughtof violent street protests, attacks on security forces and burnings across the country Buses transporting school-children were damaged and burnt and several children were injured, and schools and businesses were forced to close The spiralling politicalandsocialupheaval and the constant threat of international sanction undoubtedly influenced many at home and abroad, including Sir Shridath Ramphal, to believe that “oursanityandsurvivalasa nation” required support for a CARICOM-supervised NationalRecountagainstthe advice of GECOM’s Legal Adviser and the State Counsel.

The National Recount succeeded in producing a different result and placated the parties that had demandedit.

They promised to providejustificationfortheir actions and proof of the fraud they had resisted. The CommissionofInquirythey establishedfailedtoproduce any evidence and now the state must produce that evidence or admit their deceit and that it is possible to take power without winning an election, at least in Guyana Under these circumstances, early elections may prove to be attractive.

Sincerely

OscarDolphin

DEAREDITOR

,

Bob Marley sang, “Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life.”

D e s p i t e g a i n i n g independence from Great Britain in 1966 to claim sovereignty, Guyana was deniedtheblessingsofwhat truedeliverancemeanttobe relieved from the grasp of thecolonialmasters.

Guyanese ended up in the clutches of a callous conniver who morphed to becomeacorruptedcriminal untilhisironicdeathin1985. Buthebecameaniconicsore sight for those who think

theywillsurvivefromanend inordertoliveforever

Guyanese had to endure to fight an internal battle to remove the knee of despotismfromthenecksof Guyanese, as the tyranny of the PNC lead by dictator Burnham, suffocated any hopeofdemocracy

After 28 years of gruesome PNC hardship, Guyanawasabletobreathea sigh of relief and strive towards recovery for the next 23 years under the astute leadership of the PPP/C government. J. R. R. Tolkeinwrote,“Notallthose whowanderarelost.”

Dr Cheddi Jagan who wasbanishedfor28yearsby the PNC to “Banbas,” returned successfully with the PPP in 1992 to reclaim the Government after winning the much challengingelectionin1992. Amuch-demurred President Hoyte had to rescind the PNC’s ruthless reluctancy andvenomousviolence,and, caved in to the US advise to recognize and accept the unquestionable winner (the PPP), as the new Administrator

Former US President Jimmy Carter, himself led the Carter team to observe

SupportersofPNC/AFC/APNU arerecognizingthebenefits achievableunderPresident Ali’s‘OneGuyana’vision

DEAREDITOR

, Prior to the 2011 elections,whenthecoalition attained a majority in Parliament, the country had seen significant progress, reaching the status of a middle-income country. This was a remarkable shift from the bankrupt and heavily indebted economy inherited by the PPP/C government from the PNC, which had mismanaged the countryfor28yearsthrough riggedelections.

With their one-seat parliamentary majority in 2011, the coalition aggressively cut budgetary allocations across nearly every governmental department, presented by PPP/C Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh These cuts hindered the ongoing social and economic development initiated by the previous Dr Bharrat Jagdeo-led PPP/C administration, pushing the country towards bankruptcy

and recession. Their refusal to pass the AML/CFT Bill without amendments for greater parliamentary oversight led to economic sanctions by the Caribbean FinancialActionTaskForce (CFATF), severely impactingtheprivatesector This strategy of coercion through violence, destruction, and attacks on civilians has long been used toforcePPPadministrations i n t o u n f a v o r a b l e concessions.

Today, the influx of oil revenues has fueled the coalition’sgreed. Theyhidasigningbonus in a private bank account, claimed as a gift, and accepted lavish perks from o i l c o m p a n i e s , compromising the nation’s righttofairrevenuefromthe oil and gas sector Their race-baiting political tactics threatentodrivethecountry back to the brink of civil unrest—a path the PPP has

consistently avoided, favoring peaceful conflict resolution.

Under successive PPP/C administrations, including the current one led by President Dr Irfaan Ali, Guyana has seen growth in advances and loans to the private sector, attracting foreign direct investment and boosting local investor confidence.

This progress is attributed to “prudent fiscal management, sound macroeconomic policies and planning, institutional strengthening, coupled with deeper social cohesion and politicalstability,”leadingto sustaineddevelopment.

Asthecountrycontinues on its path to progress and prosperity, even supporters of PNC/AFC/APNU are recognizing the benefits achievable under President Ali’s‘OneGuyana’vision.

Regards, ErinNorthe

theelectionandtodealwith PNC” s “hooliganism,” as the PNC Party took to the streets in Georgetown with theirthugsengagedinillegal activities to protest and prevent Dr Jagan and the PPPfrombeingdeclaredthe newgovernment.

In that perilous period, Hoyte and the PNC were in thesafetynetofallthearmed forces and the PPP protection was poignantly precarious.

ButacallfromCarterto his President, George Bush, straightened the wavering and intolerable vehemence ofthediabolicPNC.

T h e t e x t u r e o f emancipation changed with adifferentshadeoffreedom in 2015 when Granger and his PNC party narrowly recouped the governance by winning a questionable election.,achallengedresult which remains unheard in thecourttodate.

From 2015 to 2020, the irascible PNC party, absconded from the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr, “Let us not seek to satisfyourthirstforfreedom by drinking from the cup of bitternessandhatred.”

Instead,theyunleasheda path of archaic animosity and executed a plan of destruction from day one, much to the chagrin of Guyanese, especially those from their embarrassed constituents Crowning themselves with loyalty to royalty, the impoverished PNC band of imposters, improvised the art of deceit to disfigure the 23 years of PPP/C glorious gains and to generate the next five years inglamorousgaloreforonly theboysandgirlsinthePNC Party

A positive three-letter potentword,“yes,”fromone oftheirown(nottheirkitand kin), brought them to their trembling knees and back to their crumbling world, as their cushioned blanket was miraculously yanked from

under their firm feet in December2018.

Guyana is currently in the mood for Liberty, EqualityandFraternity This state of mind has not changed the stage since 2nd August, 2020, when the PPP/C government was sworn in legally to legitimately manage the affairs of the country, after convincingly winning the General and Regional Elections as per the will of thepeople.

But this suttle subtlety may become unsettled, as, daily, insurgents internally and externally, attempt to tarnish the image of the country,thegovernmentand thepeople.

Miscreants undermine the peace, progress and prosperity of the people and nation by peddling false information.

It was an uphill task to win the 2020 mother-of-all elections because, the former PNC Government attempted to rig the election in front the eyes of the whole,wideworldandeven refused to vacate their seats even after a recount of the votes validated the PPP/C victory

It was the diligence and vigilance of an entire international community whichbroughtthePNCtoits defeat and ordered them to do the right thing by respecting the law and acknowledging their loss by conceding.

From day two inAugust 2020, a rejuvenated, young and fully composed President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli,afterbeingsworn in, hit the ground running and not walking, started working and not skylarking, and became proactive and notpassive.

With the constraints of a pandemic, provoking priority,theconsternationof a pilfered Treasury, supporting bankruptcy, the contamination of a

pampered bureaucracy, accruinguneasinessand,the corruptionofapainedPNC, brewing vengeance, the knitted PPP/C Executive, functioned as a united team determined to overcome all obstacles and impediments. They were prepared for the worse scenario as reality slowly but surely unfolded asthedaystocome,wentby Man is culpable of making major mistakes andcapableofminimizing instead of maximizing mistakes.

Mahatma Gandhi confirmed, “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to makemistakes.”

T h e P P P / C government has achieved most of their promises made in their 2020 electioncampaign

Their manifesto is almost exhausted with all the projects they have accomplished in their 4year transformative execution which has catapulted Guyana to unsurmountable heights, envied by the rest of the world.

T h e P P P / C h a s a b s t a i n e d f r o m duplicating the mistakes undertaken by the PNC during their 5 years of pompous and bombastic reignofarrogantirritability

The PPP/C has been on the defense and not to offend the nation by slipping through the cracks

Armored with the suite of resilience and the tool of vision,PresidentAliandthe PPP/C Government have managed to harness the confidence of the country andwintheworthinessofthe world, to establish freedom, justice, honour and hope, as a dutiful servant and patriotic party to this nation and the people, for a “One Guyana.”

Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall.

EXXON’S FOOTSTOOL

Amid all the noise being made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo about the Government having the mechanisms and agencies in place to proper police the oil and gas sector in place of a Petroleum Commission, ExxonMobil is ripping off Guyanese, laughing all the way to the bank, and actively seeking ways to gouge this country still more.

We have become that company’s foot stool, with Jagdeo in the lead.

Given all this, it is clear that ExxonMobil’s production numbers cannot be trusted. The same can be said for everything that it does offshore.

BLUNT

BLUNT

Govt’s decision to retroactively implement excise tax increase on re-migrants must be challenged in Court -NigelHughes

A move taken by the The order signed by look at it, you can tell it was concessionsasare-migrant. Government to retroactively Senior Minister in the office doneinbadfaithasacounter

However, Mr. Statia implement excise tax of the President with the to the chief justice’s ruling required that Basdeo pay increase on re-migrants is Responsibility for Finance that is problematic in 30% excise tax on his new likely to attract legal and the Public Service, Dr itself…The AFC does not generation 2023 Toyota proceedings. Ashni Singh was published and will not support such Landcruiser vehicle Mr

This is according to in the gazette less than 48 actions and we believe that Basdeo took issue with this Leader of the Alliance for hours after Chief Justice this must be challenged in and caused his attorney to Change(AFC)andAttorney- Roxane George-Wiltshire Court,” Hughes said an write the GRAon 15thApril at-law, Nigel Hughes. handed down a ruling invited comment with this 2024 explaining that there Hughes was at the time declaring the 30 percent newspaper. was a problem because the responding to information imposition in excise tax for Last week, the Chief correct and proper excise tax published in the Official re-migrantswasillegal. Justice granted an order rate was 10%. In Basdeo’s Gazette on July 30, 2024 As such, the AFC leader declaring that the GRA’s case,the10%wasequivalent which revealed that the said the decision by the imposition of excise tax at to over $1,500,000 but the Guyana Revenue Authority government to have the the rate of 30% was illegal. GRA was insisting that he excise taxes was unlawful year, the GRA has been (GRA)’s Excise Tax amended regulations on Since July 2023, the GRA pays nearly $4,600,000 – a and she granted an order of overcharging re-migrant (Amendment) Regulations excise taxes be deemed raised the taxes payable by difference of $3,100,000 in certiorari quashing Statia’s taxpayersillegalexcisetaxes 2024thatdetailstheincrease operational retroactively re-migrants from 10% to taxes. assessment of 30% excise to the tune of hundreds of in taxes for re-migrants was “has wide reaching effects 30% on vehicles with Whenthemattercameup taxes. mil

being imposed retroactively and must be challenged in engines larger than 3,000cc. for hearing before Chief The Judge also granted cumulatively…This verdict by virtue of the order which court.” “We can’t have a On 8th April, 2024, the Justice George Wiltshire, an order of mandamus to opens the door for all restated that the amendments Minister or government Commissioner General of counsel for the GRA, Ms. compeltheGRAtoapplythe migrants who paid above shallbedeemedtocomeinto making these decisions to the GRA, Godfrey Statia, Nicklin Belgrave, reported correct excise tax of 10%. 10% in [within that period] operation on September 1, retroactively impose wrote Aditya Basdeo that he thattheGRAmadeamistake The Judge granted an order excise taxes to seek a 2023. regulations…because if you was given duty free becausetheyrealisedthatthe that Basdeo’s 2023 refund ” The government Minister of Finance had Landcruisermustbereleased subsequently gazette the m e r e l y s i g n e d t h e to him forthwith upon amended regulation reregulations of July 2023 but paymentofthecorrectexcise migrants, settlers, and theregulationswerenotduly taxes. returning students detailing brought into force by being Basdeo’s Landcruiser that they are now required to published in the Official came into Guyana on 28th pay five percent excise tax Gazetteorbeingtabledinthe June 2024 and has been on on vehicles which has a NationalAssembly the wharf racking up storage Cubic Capacity (cc) of less

In other words, the GRA costs ever since. The Chief than 1500cc, vehicles those had been wrongfully and Justice ordered that the GRA with between 1500ccillegally charging 30% taxes was to pay the storage costs 1800cc are also required to to re-migrants and collecting as well as the costs of the pay five percent tax, those those taxes without any lawsuit in a specified sum to with 1801-2000cc are authority Mr Basdeo. required to pay 10 percent

TheChiefJusticegranted In an invited comment tax, those with vehicles that all of the orders paid for by Mr Dhurjon stated that “the have 2001-3000 cc are Mr Basdeo through his Excise Act and its required to pay 20 percent attorney,SiandDhurjon.She regulations do not permit the andthosewithabove3000cc declared that the GRA’s GRA to charge beyond 10% are now required to pay 30 policy of requiring 30% in excise taxes. For the last percentontaxes.

AFC Leader and Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes

The United States’ interest in Guyana is economic not political

The United States’ i n t e r e s t i n

G u y a n a i s primarily economic rather than political The significant investments by American companies, particularly in the oil sector, are a primary driver of this interest.

The roots of the contemporaryUS’economic involvement in Guyana can be traced back to the opposition of US oil giants

E x x o n M o b i l a n d ConocoPhillips to the nationalization of Venezuela’s oil resources under Hugo Chávez. As a result of its failure to force Chavez to bend to its will, ExxonMobil decided to punish that country by belatedlyuppingexploration in Guyana It will be recalled that ExxonMobil had rights to do so since 1999 when it signed a Production Sharing Agreement with the PPPC government of Janet Jagan. But it was not until it was forced to depart Venezuela that it undertook any major efforts at exploration in Guyana. The strategic timing of these actions, particularly after it became clear that the Venezuelan governmenthadnointention of inviting ExxonMobil back, can be seen as a calculatedmoveto“punish” Venezuela.

The US has effectively utilized Guyana as a

count

Venezuela. By fostering a strongeconomicpresencein Guyana through its corporations, ExxonMobil and Hess, the US indirectly ishopingtoopentopressure Venezuela and, in so doing, exploit tensions between Guyana and that country In Guyana, the US’ economic

e agreement signed by the APNU+AFC government

This agreement has been w

d as disproportionately favoring ExxonMobil. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC), owes a political debt to the US, given the strong stance the latter took againsttheattempttorigthe 2020 elections, an effort aimed at keeping the APNU+AFCinpower

This act of defending democracy was not a consistent stance by the US in the region but was necessitated by the blatant nature of the fraud and the potentialcrisisofcredibility itwouldfaceifitdidnotact. TheheadoftheOrganization of American States (OAS) observer mission even labeled it the most transparentattempttorigan electionhehadeverseen.

TheUS’sinterventionin Guyana’s electoral process, however, is an exception rather than a rule in its foreignpolicy. TheUShasa history of inconsistent

actions concerning democracyinLatinAmerica and the Caribbean. It had instigated a military coup in Honduras because the then President resisted the overtures to privatize the c o u n t r y ’ s telecommunicationsectorto US companies. The US was behind the legislative coup against Dilma Rousseff in Brazil.Itwasalsobehindthe charges against President L u l a , R o u s s e f f ’s predecessor The US was also behind the legislative coupagainstPresidentLugo in Paraguay And it engineered protests leading to the toppling of Bolivia’s President Evo Morales Theseareallexamplesofthe US’ role in destabilizing democratically elected governments that do not alignwithitsinterests.

In Guyana’s case, the US’ decisive intervention against electoral fraud was driven more by the need to maintain credibility and to upholdacertainimagerather than a genuine commitment todemocraticideals.

The involvement of the US in Guyana’s 2020 elections was more an exceptionthanthenorm.

The US has long been orchestrating a regime change in Venezuela. The US has already indicated support for that country’s losing opposition candidate in last month’s elections. The US has said that

DEM BOYS SEH

We gat some politicians who would mek de mafia look like angels

Ka-Ma-La tink she knowbadguys.Shesehshe tek on all kinda scamps, rogues, and villains in she time. “Predators who abuse women, fraudsters who rip off consumers, cheaters who break rules for their own gain,” she boast. Well, Ka-Ma-La, welcome to Guyana You ain’t see nothingyet.

DemboyswantKa-MaLa fuh understand, in Guyana, we gat a few politicians who mek de villains Ka-Ma-La see look like Boy Scouts. We got politicians who turn bribes into an art form, who tek public funds and disappear likeHoudini.Someofdem, if yuh put dem next to KaMa-La’s worst criminals, dem criminals would look likesaints.

We gat politicians who are sweet men. Dem does promise yuh one ting when dem want yuh vote but when dem get in is another story

We gat a few who does sign away we people’s future. And gat de nerve to defendit. Thenwegatdekindwho mekfriendsandfamilyrich while de rest ah we scratch we head. Dem mek it look like nepotism is a national sport. If yuh ain’t related, yuh might as well forget it. Demfellasusepublicoffice like it’s a family business, and everybody else jus’ a spectator

Anddon’tgetwestarted on de ones who know how to dodge questions like a boxer dodge punches. KaMa-La never see nothing

recognizes this candidate as the elected President even thoughatthetimeithadnot seen the tallies which were supposed to have signaled the Opposition’s victory in therecentelections.

The Opposition has claimed it won and the US says it accepts this but neitheritnortheOpposition haveproducedthetalliesthat vindicate this victory Instead, it wants Maduro to produce his tallies, knowing thatbylawitistheNational Electoral Council that is supposedtodoso.

Now US allies are contending that it does not

“believe” that Maduro won the elections. It is not for anyone to “believe” but to “establish”whowon.

For Guyana, this situation poses a diplomatic challenge.Whilethecurrent government might feel a sense of obligation to align with US policies due to the support received during the 2020electoralcrisis,ithasto ensure that its actions regarding the recognition of Maduro do not undermine the democratic will of the Venezuelanpeople.

In the meantime, Guyanahastobearthesocial costs associated with the

floodgates of Venezuelan government escaping the economic crisis in Venezuela, a crisis that can be traced to US punitive sanctions against that country in order to get its handsonVenezuela’soil.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

like dem. We gat a few politicans who would make demafialooklikeangels

Ka-Ma-La, yuh ever deal with a politician who mek grand speeches ‘bout integrity and then get catch with he hand in de cookie jar?InGuyana,wegatafew of dem. Dem boys seh, de moredeygetketch,demore dey talk ‘bout honesty and servicetodepeople.

SoKa-Ma-La,weknow you tink you see it all. But trust we, Guyana’s politicians could mek de worst brigands you ever prosecute look like choir boys.Comespendaliltime here, Ka-Ma-La. You gon’ leave with a whole new respectforwhatitmeansto be a real villain. Dem boys seh,welcometodejungle. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

H@RD TRUTHS

PPP Govt: from leaders to ministers slacking off, apparently condoning

The PPP Government commission. I am ready, to get me, shut me up, even while pretending to be busy or former president or a slew runs the risk of being seen as folks; and I am waiting. The rub me off the local map. If with

? of ministers, here is where I slacking off on its duty to PPP Government smears, I the PPP Government is truly Suspicious money has been stand. Do not stand idly by Stop hiding in rat holes. citizens,fearfulofupholding take that throw it right back about transparency and put in my pockets, do and allow one man to break Ayuh pick de wrang man, the laws of Guyana, and in leaders’ face and shame decency, Dr Jagdeo, here is something, boss, as attested the laws of this country at ladies and gents. I leave the coddling criminals. At least fromthetopdown. the opportunity to manifest to by the PPP’s own people. willandgetawaywithdoing PPP with something crude: one criminal, as alleged by PresidentAlilovestosay how much it is committed to Money laundering and tax so. whenever Live in Guyana the party’s and government t h a t h e i s a b o u t such standards. The ball is evasion are serious matters, Dr President and Dr take a swipe at me, I’ll take own social media agency, accountability Respectfully now in the Vice President’s with severe penalties. Dr Vice President, it would be, that swipe and wipe my Live in Guyana, is running andfrankly,sir:whereisthat court. To borrow a phrase Singh knows so; therefore, and is, a gross dereliction of behind and then wipe it around scotch free, laughing accountability in my case? from his family and man-of- he should make a call to duty to let one criminal (me) across the faces of specially at the PPP government and His own social media people business: Dr Jagdeo must Minister Benn and get thumb his nose and give the selected PPP Government’s its leaders. The criminal say that people talk to putuporshutup. SOCUtomoveintotopgear finger to the national leadership. The PPP’s Live wouldbeyourstruly,andthe people, and they have names Attorney General Minister Benn, where is government. It should not be in Guyana hasbeenitssnake accusations are of a serial and times and surroundings Nandlall cannot pretend at the Guyana Police Force, a policy, Dr Chief in the grass. I will make it one. about felonies that were ignorance nor be a considering the charges laid Policymaker Jagdeo, to let into the PPP Government’s Now I call out from c o m m i t t e d b y m e disinterested spectator on by the PPP Government someone with my record cobrainitsbosom. President Ali to Vice Excellency Ali: I would be what his cabinet brother and (Live in Guyana) against roam free. Once again to (The views expressed in President Jagdeo toAttorney embarrassed to have party’s top insiders have me? Go ahead, Minister everyone in the PPP this article are those of the General Nandlall, to do someone like me making a made public (repeatedly) Benn: demolish me. The Government, and I mean a u t h o r a n d d o n o t something: stop this man m o c k e r y o f c l e a n C’mon Mr Nandlall, police cannot be seen as everyone: put up or shut up. necessarily reflect the GHK Lall, put an end to his governance and fearless respecter of the rule of law being in cahoots with Here is a challenge: those opinions and beliefs of this criminal career But I don’t leadership. Do something, andorder Takeastand,drop criminals, especially one who consider themselves n e w

stop at them, for aim is also President Ali. Pass some a hammer on my head. Here said to be a blood enemy of real men should their faces. affiliates.) taken at a handful of sloppy orders to get to the bottom of is a chance for the AG to the PPP, and an existential ministers (as I see interpret what the PPP’s Live in s o l v e c r i m e s a n d threat to leadership, them, considering the Guyana has sworn to be real demonstrate how much he governance, and party Find circumstances) for failing on news, real developments, himself and the PPP something to pin on me, the serious duties attached to real events. It might not be Government are about law minister, as I continue theirportfolios.BythetimeI possible, but I don’t want to andorder Nomanshouldbe shaming, humiliating the amfinishedtoday,oneoftwo think lesser of the nation’s above the law, Mr Nandlall. PPPGovernment. things will be done. First, headofstate,onethatisseen Iwillsayitagain,sir:thePPP Ministers Manickchand there may be some genuine as coddling a criminal, as Government is a vast and Vindya: please check soul searchingat alllevelsof identifiedbyhisowncabinet national criminal enterprise. withthe cabinet colleague in the PPP Government about people.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’ s charge of Live in Guyana. where things have gone Vice President and intellectual authors smear The wellbeing of children is wrong: the wrong man General Secretary, Dr. Barry themselves when they hide under attack; there is an targeted, the wrong way to ‘Incorruptibility’ Jagdeo’s behind the skirts of Live in opening to showcase how do so, and the wrong people own trusted and honorable Guyana Stop running like much is really cared about to send as the government’s PPP Central Committee rabbits and skunks, face me them. Clap hands and crack public executioners. The members are making hard intheopen. thecato’ninetails. Thinkof otherthingisthatleadersand claims about how GHK Lall

Minister Singh, Dr the praise and prestige that ministers may work didthisanddidthat,andthey Responsibility for Money: would accrue from outing feverishly to come up with are all felonies So, get why the hell are you sitting the light of the PPP’s 24/7 new ideas and new ways to cracking Dr Jagdeo. What on your hands? Why waltz nightmare. put this writer out of better gift could be had than around and do this dance, Whethersittingpresident

PAHO, Canadian agency launch programme to prevent excessive healthcare testing and treatment

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) have announced a new partnership to address excessive or unnecessary testing and treatmentinLatinAmericaandtheCaribbean. This collaboration aims to advance evidence-based healthcare practices, enhance quality of care, and improve patient safety across the region, PAHO said in a press release. PAHO Assistant Director Dr Rhonda SealeyThomasandDr WendyLevinson,ChairofChoosingWisely Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the five-year partnership starting July 2024. Healthcare overuse is a global issue marked by the frequent overuse of tests and treatments that do not benefit patient care. This results in wasted resources for both families and health systems and can potentially cause harm to patients. For example, Canadian and international guidelines recommend that seniors use benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills, for no more than 6 weeks due to risks of car accidents, falls, and hip fractures. Despite this, a 2017 study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information found that 1 in 10 Canadianseniorsusethesemedicationsregularly IntheAmericas,overuseissuesarewidespread,affecting already-strained health systems and families. By joining forces, PAHO and Choosing Wisely Canada aim to support healthcare workers, strengthen health systems, and ultimately benefit families by promoting evidence-based practices throughout theAmericas to address the overuse of harmful or ineffective clinical interventions “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to strengthen healthcare systems in the Americas,” said PAHO Assistant Director Dr Sealey-Thomas. “By collaborating with Choosing Wisely Canada, PAHO can leverage their expertise to optimize resource utilization in hospitals and health centers across the region and improve patientoutcomes.”

“Strengthening our partnerships to address the global issue of overuse is a crucial step towards improving health systems and delivering better patient care,” said Dr Wendy Levinson, Chair of Choosing Wisely Canada “By establishingstrongernetworks,wecanadvanceour (Continued on page 18)

Govt. accepts $5.5M in compensation after vessel crashed into harbour bridge

TheMVPrincessAnisa,avesselownedbyINSShipping, that drifted into the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Jul 24, 2024, has fully compensated the corporation for the damages caused. The total amount of compensation reached $5.5 million, effectively settling the matter Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill confirmed to this publication that the issue was resolved and INS Shipping fully compensated the damages,stating,“Thecompanydidwhattheyweresupposed todo;thematterwascompleted.”

TheincidentoccurredwhentheMVPrincessAnisa,which was carrying rice, drifted into the Demerara Harbour Bridge whilethecrewwasasleep.Thecollisionresultedinsignificant damage to the bridge’s anchorage systems at spans 41 – 42. There were damages to anchor chains, wire ropes, chords bolts,andminorabrasionstopontoons41.2and42.1.

According to reports, the vessel had anchored at midnight in Versailles, and the crew went to rest. The drift into the bridge happened around 4:00hrs while preparations for retraction were underway. Harbour Bridge staff had observed thevesselapproachinganddriftingintothebridge.

AFC deeply concerned over mismanagement of public funds on road contract says

The Alliance For Change (AFC) said it is deeply concerned about the recent revelations regarding the significant advance payment made to the Trinidadian contractor Kalco for the Conversation Tree Road Project, whichremainsincomplete.

MinisterofPublicWorks,JuanEdghill,disclosedthatover GYD$400millionwaspaidinadvancetoKalco,whofailedto deliver the project, leaving the Government and taxpayers with significant losses, the party said in a statement Wednesday During a parliamentary session,AFC Member of Parliament (MP) David Patterson inquired about the total expenditure on the project, the sum advanced to Kalco, and whether any liquidated damages were enforced. Minister Edghill revealed that Kalco was awarded the contract for $830,293,458 GYD in September 2022 and subsequently received $465,223,474 GYD, or 56% of the contract sum, as anadvancedpayment.Inaconcerningturnofevents,Minister Edghill also admitted, the AFC said that no liquidated damages or penalties were applied. Instead, the government reachedan“amicablesettlement”withKalco.

This settlement purportedly included the seizure of $153,600,000 GYD worth of equipment to offset the outstanding advance payment, but no tangible proof of this equipmentseizurewasprovided.

“Even more alarming is the fact that a new contract was awarded to S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc. through sole sourcing, amounting to $844,027,988 GYD—$13 million more than the original contract. This raises serious questions about the government’s procurement practices and their commitment to fiscal responsibility,” the AFC said. Commenting on the situation, Patterson himself a former minister of works highlighted that the government effectively allowed Kalco to walk away with at least $311,623,474 GYD. “The absence of transparency and accountabilityinthisprocessisindicativeofabroaderpattern of mismanagement of public funds by the PPP/C government.”

He said the incident is not an isolated one. “There have been multiple instances under the PPP/C administration where contractors have been advanced substantial sums without adequate oversight or recourse. These recurring issuesreflectasignificantdeficiencyinthestewardshipofthe people’smoneybythecurrentgovernment.TheAFCcallsfor athoroughinvestigationintothismatteranddemandsthatthe governmentadoptstringentmeasurestoensureaccountability and transparency in all future contracts. It is imperative that the citizens of Guyana have confidence that their vital monetary pool, which in many instances they will have to repay to lending agencies for generations, is being managed prudently and that those responsible for fiscal mismanagementareheldaccountable,”Pattersonsaid.

The MV Princess Anisa

GECOM says it has safeguards in place

to prevent multiple voting, other forms of skullduggery at elections

As Guyana prepares for GECOM stated The VishnuPersaud,hasrecently itsnationalelectionsin2025, Commission highlighted proposed installing cameras the Guyana Elections that it cannot implement in polling stations This Commission (GECOM) on changes beyond what measure aims to record Wednesday addressed currentlawspermit.

concerns about electoral G E C O M a l s o compromisingvoterprivacy integrity by outlining the emphasised that there are in Regarding the AFC’s safeguards in place to existing multiple safeguards proposal for biometric prevent multiple voting and aimedtoprotecttheintegrity verification, GECOM noted otherformsoffraud. of the country’s electoral that current laws do not This response came in system “The safeguards permit the use of biometric light of recent criticisms include, but are not limited technology Chairman from the Alliance For to, (i) the presence of Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Change (AFC) regarding the political party agents at each Singh has previously stated electoral system. In a press polling station, (ii) accurate that implementing such release, GECOM responded identification of the voter, systems would require to the AFC’s dissatisfaction (iii) the use of indelible ink, l

since been completed updating the NRRDB alsoconductsregularClaims with the current system, (iv) the presence of security GECOM is therefore unable

Copies of the study have beyond the existing legal and Objections Exercises to which included calls for the personnel from the Guyana to adopt biometric methods

maintain the accuracy of the introduction of biometric Police Force, (v) the conduct until the necessary legal Commission members for

voters’list. Additionally, the and electronic voting to of an intensive voter amendmentsaremade.

procedures for any list Chief Election Officer has enhance electoral integrity education campaign, (vi) However, GECOM has deliberation.

updates Despite these requested periodic updates The AFC also urged adequatetrainingofElection explored the feasibility of

Furthermore, addressing constraints, GECOM said it from the Chief Medical GECOMtoremoveoutdated Day staff for efficient i n t r o d u c i n g d i g i t a l AFC’s concerns about the continues to update the O

names from the National conduct of the polls, (vii) fingerprint capture and accuracy of the voters’ list, National Register based on Commissioner of Police Register of Registrants counting of ballots at the biometric identification. It GECOM referred to a ruling reports of deceased regarding deceased persons Database (NRRDB), from place of poll in the presence was said in the statement, by Acting Chief Justice individuals from the General to further ensure the register which all voters’ lists are ofauthorizedrepresentatives “The Chairman facilitated Roxanne George. The ruling Register Office. The release rema

derived. of the contesting parties, and discussions on a Motion that restricts GECOM from stated that the Commission accurate.

GECOMreiteratedthatit (viii) the presence of local was moved by one Member operates within the confines and international observers of the Commission of existing statutory throughout the voting and proposing the introduction provisions governing counting processes ” of digital fingerprint capture National Registration, Local GECOM announced in the during registration, and the Government Elections, and statement. introduction of biometric General and Regional Additionally, in response fingerprint identification of Elections. “We cannot and to concerns about voter voters at polling stations.” will not act outside of the impersonation, GECOM’s As a result, a feasibility extant statutory provisions,” Chief Election Officer studywasconductedandhas

UN resident coordinator ends tour of duty

Yeşim Oruç, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Guyana, will end her assignment today after servinginthispositionsinceAugust2021,the agencysaidonWednesday

Outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator Yeşim Oruç,

During her tenure, Ms. Oruç sought to leadtheUnitedNationssystemtosupportthe government and people of Guyana to ensure that no-one, regardless of their circumstances, status or identity, is left behindfromthe2030AgendaforSustainable Development.“Ms.Oruçhascoordinatedthe UN System's support to national authorities in key areas, including gender equality and “It has been the privilege of my life to women's empowerment, social protection, serve in a country where a dynamic food systems transformation, labor, commitment to global goals is embodied in employment,andmigration.Theseinitiatives the national Low Carbon Development were facilitated by strengthened partnerships Strategy, backed by successive SDGwithdevelopmentpartners,theprivatesector, enabling national budgets. I am immensely non-governmental organisations, academia, grateful for this opportunity to have civilsociety,youth,themedia,amongothers, accompanied this remarkable country on its theUNsaidinitspressrelease. amazing journey towards achieving the

According to the release Ms. Oruç has Sustainable Development Goals. I am also worked to align the UN's programmatic fortunate to have worked with some portfolio in Guyana in support of national incredible people who are committed to development priorities for achieving the helping Guyana to honour its human rights SDGs. In so doing, she put inclusivity at the commitments. In recent months, it has been centeroftheUN'swork.Thishasresultedina inspiring to witness Guyana take up its place renewed focus on the situation of women and ontheUNSecurityCouncil,wheretodayitis girls, young people, persons living with striving to ensure that topics like food disabilities, Guyana's indigenous peoples, security and climate security are placed right persons living with HIV/AIDS, migrant at the very top of the global agenda,” said populations, and other vulnerable groups Oruc Ms Oruç's successor will be livinginGuyana. announcedinanotherrelease.

UN General Assembly President on two-day visit to Guyana

The President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), His Excellency Mr Dennis Francis, is in on a two-day visit upon the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

This is according to a press release issued bytheUN.Itwasstatedthatduringhisvisitto Georgetown, the PGA is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with President of Guyana, IrfaanAli, Prime Minister, Brig. (Rtd.) Mark Phillips, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, Minister of AmerindianAffairs Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor NadirandMembersofParliament.

Additionally, the PGA will engage with PGA’svisitprogramincludeparticipationina the UN Resident Coordinator and Radio/TV Program with the Guyana Council Representatives of UN Agencies resident in ofOrganizationsofPeoplewithDisabilities. Guyana, and also meet with the Secretary- Throughout his engagements, the PGA General of the Caribbean Community will acknowledge Guyana’s role in (CARICOM). strengthening multilateralism, including as a

The PGA will address a session on non-permanent member of the Security “Misinformation/Disinformation for Youth Council, as well as its support for the work of in the Digital Era” organized by the the UN General Assembly He will highlight UN/UNICEF He will also undertake a site the upcoming Summit of the Future in visit to the National Agricultural Research September as a pivotal moment for and Extension Institute (NAREI). The PGA reinforcing the international multilateral will also have an encounter with Women’s system. Groups and NGO at the Ministry of Foreign Hewillalsoemphasizethesignificanceof Affairs and International Cooperation of other upcoming events during the UNGA79 Guyana. High-Level Week, such as the High-Level

An Open Forum with representatives Meeting on sea-level rise, as crucial for from academia, the private sector, and civil supporting Small Island Developing States society groups is also on the agenda, where and low-lying coastal regions affected by the PGA is expected to deliver remarks. climatechange.

Furthermore,thePGAwillattendandaddress The PGA’s delegation includes his Chef the audience at a cocktail reception and de Cabinet, a Special Adviser, a Senior networking event organized by the hosts in Advisor, and a Communications Adviser his honour with participants including Travel costs for the visit are jointly covered members of the Cabinet, other government by the OPGA’s Trust Fund and the officials,andthediplomaticcorps. Government of the Co-operative Republic of Other additional engagements in the Guyana.

President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis

Massive protest over high cost of living grips oil-producing Nigeria

Nigeria, one of Africa’s and the cost of living largest economies, blessed escalating, the once-thriving withabundantoilandnatural economy is now under resources, is currently immense strain, drawing grappling with one of its significant international worst economic crises. The attention Nigeria is the nation’seconomicinstability second largest oil and gas has led to widespread producer in Africa (after protests as citizens, driven Angola). Crude oil from the by hunger and frustration, Niger Delta basin comes in take to the streets, according two types: light, and to several international comparatively heavy – the reports. lighter has around 36 of API With inflation soaring gravity while the heavier has

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu faces a backlash over his government’s spending plans despite the country’s mounting debts and cost-of-living crisis. Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images

Demonstrators gather during the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest at Ikeja, Lagos, on August 1, 2024. Benson Ibeabuchi/Bloomberg/AFP/Getty Images

20–25 of API gravity Both multiple cities in Nigeria as police spokesman Wasiu types are paraffinic and low frustratedcitizenstooktothe Abiodun told CNN in a in Sulphur Nigeria’s streets, voicing their anger statement that operatives economy and budget have over increasing hunger and a r r

e d been largely supported from “badgovernance.” “hoodlums” who set fire to a income and revenues Gunshots rang out in the government building after generated from the capital Abuja and also in the looting it Abiodun said petroleum industry since neighboring Niger state as policeofficersalsodispersed 1960 [3] Statistics as of police lobbed tear gas to protesters who had occupied February 2021 shows that disperse defiant protesters. amajorhighway,addingthat the Nigerian oil sector In Niger, at least six people “therewasnolossoflife.” contributes to about 9% of are now feared dead, local DeleFarotimi,a theGDPofthenation. media reported. The state’s (Continued on page 16)

A CNN report “Violence erupts as Nigerians protest hunger across the nation” highlights protest across

Security guard gets

three months for beating wife

A 52-year-old security guard of Norton Street, Lodge Georgetown was on Wednesday sentenced to three months in prison after admitting to assaulting his wife.

Marlon Burnette sentenced to three months imprisonment.

The man also faced two other charges, including simple larceny and damage to property The accused Marlon Burnette appeared at theGeorgetownMagistrates’ Court before Senior Magistrate FabayoAzore she was fearful of her life. whoreadthethreechargesto Marlon was later arrested him. The first charge read and charged with the that on August 5 at Lot 14 offence. Norton Street he unlawfully In addition to the assault assaulted his wife Johanna charge, Burnette faced Burnette. He pleaded guilty allegations of simple larceny tothecharge. and damage to property It

According to the police was claimed that he stole case on the mentioned date $267,000 from Johanna and and location, Johanna was damaged her television set called by Marlon to come valued at $60,000, and a fan, home so that he can pick up valued at $7,000. Marlon his clothing. Subsequently pleaded not guilty to both she came home and both charges. During the court Marlon and Johanna entered proceedings, Johanna when he started to pack his requested that the charges of clothes Thereafter an simple larceny and damage argument ensued between to property be dismissed, them and Burnette became which the court granted annoyed and dealt Johanna Burnette, having pleaded severalcuffsaboutherbody guilty to the assault and The woman managed to acknowledging the accuracy escape and went to the East of the police statements, was La Penitence Police station sentenced to three months in and made a report. She said prisonfortheassaultcharge.

…wife stabbed as attackers hijack car

Venezuelan killed by countrymen in Diamond

A woman on Tuesday paid him but then asked for a but somehow she managed Apolicereportwasmade nightwasforcedtowatchher lift to Diamond. Sookhoo to escape at a location where and an investigation was husband being stabbed to willingly agreed and they there were houses. It is launched. It is believed that deathinDiamond,EastBank enteredthecar unclear how she managed to the suspects are known Demerara(EBD). KaieteurNewslearntthat get out of the vehicle but i n d i v i d u a l s i n t h e

Venezuelan

She too was stabbed in while they were passing according to reports she ran Venezuelan community in what is believed to be a through a lonely area in into a nearby yard and called Guyana. Sookhoo’s friends robbery Her dead husband Diamond one of the men for help Kaieteur News and family began searching has been identified as Ken whipped out a knife and understands that the for them and were able to Sookhoo, 32, of Herstelling, began stabbing Sookhoo residents came out to her locate one of the suspects ( EBD). He was reportedly Hiswifewaswoundedwhile defense and the suspects during the wee hours of killed by two Venezuelan trying to protect her were forced to retreat but Wednesday.Hewascaptured nationals. One of them husband. they did not get far because with Sookhoo’s pouch in his according to information She reportedly told they later crashed Sookhoo’s possession and handed over received has been captured family members that carintoasandbankalongthe to police. His accomplice and handed over to police Sookhoo managed to escape roadandranaway. remainsontherun. while his accomplice the car and ran a short remainsontherun. He left his home in the distance but fell to the Information reaching company of his wife and ground. The men chased KaieteurNewsstatesthatthe daughter in their car and himandcontinuedstabbinga men had owed Sookhoo drove to a supermarket helplessSookhoo. somemoneyandhehadgone wherehemetthem. They then reportedly reto collect it from them at a K a i e t e u r N e w s entered the car and drove off location on the East Bank. understands that the men with his wife and daughter

Sophia man shot by ‘Hulk’ hours after row

Juhu Mingo, a 27-year-old resident of heard a noise and proceeded to investigate. Cummings Park, Sophia was shot by a man The noise proved to come from Hulk, who identifiedonlyas‘Hulk’onTuesday,August was armed with a handgun which he used to 6. discharge several rounds in the direction of

Atabout17:50hrs.,anargumenterupted Mingo. between the two men after Mingo, who was After striking the man in his leg with one sitting on a culvert on the Cummings Park of the rounds, Hulk escaped on foot. Mingo access road, was approached by Hulk, who was escorted to the Georgetown Public told him to move out of his way. After that Hospital. exchange sparked the disagreement, Mingo During a visit to the scene police ranks lefttheareaandwenthome. found one 9mm spent shell, but were unable

About threehours later, Mingo, who was to find the suspect.An investigation into the spendingtimewithhisdaughterathishome, matteriscurrentlyunderway

of the suspects still on

Vendor robbed at gunpoint near Bourda Market

Ramdatt Gobin, 44-year-old vendor, was approached by two men. One of the two men robbed at gunpoint of his cell phone and a was in possession of a firearm, which he large sum of cash in the early hours of pointed at Gobin and proceeded to take his Wednesday morning, in the vicinity of belongings: the cell phone and GYD BourdaMarket. $220,000 in cash. The two men then made At about 02:45 hrs, Gobin went to good their escape. A police investigation is purchase food on North Road and was currently underway; CCTV footage is being standing on the street when he was examined.

Murdered:

businessman, Ken Sookhoo

One

the run.

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Pres Ali promises police outpost, improved infrastructure for Bourda Market

…after vendors complain about motorbike thieves, garbage build-up

President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said that the Government intends to place a mobil police outpost and fix the rundown infrastructures at the Bourda Market following a walkthrough the Georgetown facility.

His promises were made after vendors raised concerns about the lack of security, poor waste management services and dilapidated infrastructures at the market. The President was accompanied by Junior Minister of Local Government and Regional Division Anand Persaud and councilors from the City Council.

During his interaction with the vendors one woman told President Ali: “Them [the garbage] nuh so plenty this morning… all over them deh, me get mah stand in deh, me can’t go in fuh open to take out meh tub.” Following her comment, another vendor complained about poor infrastructures.

Taking this into account, President Ali in response said that Minister Persaud will return to the Bourda Market location, where consultations would be held to determine the necessary works to be done. The minister will examine the infrastructures in need of repairs, ensure vendors’ surroundings are safe and clean.

Furthermore, Ali also re-

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vealed the intention to build a shed for vendors, he said: “let’s do a consultation in this Bourda Market, here place one big shed like how they do the other market.” On the issue of security, a vendor related to the President when he was allegedly robbed by motorbike thieves in the wee hours. “I use to park by me cousin over there and at about 05:30 in the morning, I just go over fuh park and to exit the

canter and two motorbike man pull up.” Ali said, “…I will have the police come and do a full outreach on the security.” The President explained that by the end of the week, a police Mobil outpost will be placed in the vicinity of the market to ensure efficient policing in the area. Additionally he said, “I will tell them to see how we can connect the cameras to this screen so everybody can see what is hap-

pening in the market on the screen.”

To this end, the President flayed the City Council for its failure to carry out their duties. “The City Council ain’t doing nothing, because they collecting money from the people in the market, they supposed to have the constabulary out there, no constables, no security, nothing, they don’t pick up the garbage.”

Massive protest over high cost of living...

From page 14 spokesperson for the coalition coordinating the protests, attributed the large nationwide turnout of protesters to hunger, which he says “unifies every Nigerian across the political, ethnic, and religious divides.”

CNN reported that this is the first major coordinated protest in Nigeria since the deadly EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality in 2020, which resulted in deaths and injuries after security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters.

Farotimi added that Nigerians were also pained watching their leaders live in luxury while they struggled to make ends meet. “It has gotten to that point where the people just need to be heard,” he said.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has faced a backlash over his government’s spending plans despite the country’s mounting debts and cost-of-living crisis. Last year, lawmakers rejected plans for a multimillion-dollar presidential yacht before approving a budget that allocated millions of dollars for a presidential fleet, including the

purchase of SUV vehicles for the presidency and the First Lady’s Office. The budget also allocated funds to cover the cost of renovating the president’s residential quarters. Analysts told CNN at the time it was “hypocrisy” for the government to spend on luxuries while impoverished citizens suffer hardship.

Moreover, DW a Germanbased media entity reported that Nigerians’ anger over rampant inflation and the spiraling cost of food and medicine has reached fever pitch.

Toyin Ogundeko, a resident of Lagos and a caterer by profession, lives with asthma. Her son has the condition, too. But medicines have become so expensive in Nigeria that they can’t afford the inhalers they need. Amid a worsening economic crisis, Ogundeko isn’t sure how they will get by. “With the way the economy is going, things are really getting tough. You’re struggling to buy foodstuffs, and you’re also trying to stock up on your medication,” she told DW.

“So, for me I can cut down on the inhaler for myself. I won’t cut it for my child,” she

said. Furthermore, Nigeria also faces an energy crisis. President Bola Tinubu is trying to rejuvenate the national power grid by pouring in public money instead of subsidizing electricity for those who cannot afford to pay.

After he scrapped fuel subsidies, Tinubu did away with a series of electricity subsidies.

“If there is power in Nigeria today, all artisans that depend on power to do their business will go back to doing their business at a cheaper cost than they are doing now,” said financial analyst and former banker Aminu Philip Yado.

Most business owners are forced to buy generators to keep operations going. This trend, the financial analyst told DW, is not sustainable. In the meantime, citizens like Toyin Ogundeko and her son are desperate. “People have all sorts of complicated conditions, and imagine how they’re coping?” she said. “So, for me it’s a plea to the government: Whatever needs to be done, first find a way to stabilize this economy. Things are getting out of hand.”

President Irfaan Ali interacting with vendors during the walkthrough at Bourda Market. (Photo from Department of Public Information [DPI])

14 contractors vying for retendered A-Line pump station project

F o l l o w i n g t h e termination of the previous contract, it was revealed during the latest opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)that14contractors are now vying to construct the A-Line pump station in Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

Atthereadingofbidsfor the National Drainage and

IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) project, Kaieteur News learned that out of the 14 contractors, Yunas Civil & Building Construction Serviceswhohaditscontract terminated by the Ministry ofAgricultureforthefailure to complete the Black Bush Polder pump station project isalsoonthelist.

It was previously reportedthattheAgriculture Ministry terminated a $717

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

NationalDrainageandIrrigationAuthority(NDIA) ConstructionofpumpstationatA-LineCanal,Versailles

GuyanaLivestockDevelopmentAuthority Procurementofhoneyproductionsupplieslots1and2.

million contract for the construction of the A-Line pumpstation.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha had told this publication that the contracthadbeenterminated andtheprojecthalteddueto non-performance by the contractor The minister explainedthatduetothisset back, his ministry will restart the tender process in search of another contractor

tocompletetheproject.

It was reported previously that following a nationalbiddingprocess,the NPTAB in April 2022 awarded a $717,095,940 contract to contractor

Civcon Engineering Contractors for the A-Line pump station project. The project was expected to be completedinJune2023.

With the delay in completion of the project,

EnvironmentalProtectionAgency Supplyoftechnicalenvironmentalequipment.

MinistryofHomeAffairs Procurementofofficefurniture forGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF).

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh

Mahipaul publicly highlighted the slothfulness of that project, among others.

Responding to the OppositionMP,theNational Drainage and Irrigation Authority in a statement in April this year related, “In thecaseoftheA-Linepump station, the contractor has notbeenabletocompletethe

project on time.As a result, liquidated damages are now beingapplied.TheNDIAhas noted that the contractor demobilized several pieces of equipment from the site. As such, the NDIA has notified the insurance company providing bonds on this project, and a file on thecurrentsituationhasbeen sent to the Office of the Attorney General for advice onthewayforward.”

Procurementofelectricalmaterials.

The construction site where the A-Line Pump Station at Versailles, West Bank Demerara was initially being built.

Turkey formally asks to join the genocide case against Israel at the UN court

ANKARA, Turkey

(AP) Turkey on Wednesday filed a request with a U.N. court to join South Africa’s lawsuit accusing Israel of genocide inGaza,theforeignminister said.

Turkey’s ambassador to t h e N e t h e r l a n d s , accompanied by a group of Turkish legislators, submitted a declaration of intervention to the International Court of JusticeinTheHague.

With the development, Turkey, one of the fiercest critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, becomes the latest nationseekingtoparticipate in the case. Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Libyahavealsoaskedtojoin thecase,ashavePalestinian officials.

The court’s decision on their requests is still pending “We have just

submitted our application to the International Court of Justice to intervene in the genocide case filed against Israel,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan wrote on the social media platform X.

“Emboldened by the impunity for its crimes, Israel is killing more and more innocent Palestinians everyday.”

“The international community must do its part tostopthegenocide;itmust put the necessary pressure onIsraelanditssupporters,” hesaid.

“Turkeywillmakeevery efforttodoso.”

Turkish President Recep TayyipErdoganhasaccused Israelofgenocide,calledfor it to be punished in international courts and criticized Western nations forbackingIsrael.

In May, Turkey suspended trade with Israel,

citingitsassaultonGaza.

In contrast to Western nationsthathavedesignated Hamas a terrorist organization, Erdogan has commended the group, calling it a liberation movement.

South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice late last year, accusing Israel of

PAHO, Canadian agency launch programme...

Frompage8 collectiveeffortstoimprove qualityandsafetyincareand promote best practices in healthcaredelivery.”

Key activities under the MOUinclude:

Establishing and supporting networks of experts and influencers committed to applying quality research evidence to reduce harmful and ineffective healthcare interventions.

· Engaging health sector leaders and providers to championqualityandsafety inhealthcare.

Supporting research agendas to advance healthcare quality and safety

·Advocatingforsafeand effectivehealthcaredelivery practices.

Creating a learning community to share knowledgeandresourceson healthcareoveruse.

The MoU will be effectivethroughAugust31, 2029, providing a framework for ongoing collaboration between the twoorganizations.Choosing

WiselyCanada(CWC)isthe national voice for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in Canada. This clinician-led initiative collaborates with national clinical societies to develop recommendations on frequently overused tests and treatments that can expose patients to potential harm, consume precious health care resources, and contribute to the climate crisis Choosing Wisely Canada is led by a team of clinicians and staff based at UnityHealthToronto.

which 250 hostages were taken. If admitted to the case, the countries who joined would be able to make written submissions andspeakatpublichearings.

Preliminary hearings have already been held in the genocidecaseagainstIsrael, but the court is expected to take years to reach a final decision.

international law,” Turkish F o r e i g n M i n i s t r y spokesman Oncu Keceli saidonXearlier

“The case at the International Court of Justice is extr

important in terms of ensuring that the crimes committed by Israel do not gounpunished.”

Keceli also called for

violating the genocide convention through its militaryoperationsinGaza.

Israel has strongly rejected accusations of genocideandhasarguedthat the war in Gaza is a legitimate defensive action against Hamas militants for their Oct 7 attack in southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and in

ThecourtonWednesday confirmed that Turkey filed a d e c l a r a t i o n f o r intervention in the case, addingthatSouthAfricaand Israel have been invited to “ f u r n i s h w r

n observations” on the request.

In a statement to the media, Hamas welcomed Turkey’srequesttojointhe lawsuit and said it affirms Erdogan’s support for the Palestiniancause.

“No country in the w o r l d i s a b o v e

precautionary measures ordered by the court, including a halt to military offensiveandanincreasein humanitarianaidtoGaza.

Since Erdogan took power in 2003, former allies Turkey and Israel haveexperiencedavolatile relationship, marked by periods of severe friction andreconciliation.

The war in Gaza has disrupted the most recent attemptsatnormalizingties.

CDB and global infrastructure facility forge new alliance to boost private sector

The Caribbean

Development Bank (CDB, the Bank) is in a new alliance with six International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and private sector interests to mobilise greater private investment in infrastructure projects and increase its access to technical expertise. The Bank has joined the Global InfrastructureFacility(GIF) asatechnicalpartner GIF is an international initiative comprising governments, IFIs and the private sector, designed to support infrastructure development in emerging markets and developing economies by encouraging private investment.

As a technical partner, CDB is responsible for the identification and implementation of projects, in collaboration with its membercountries.

Commenting on the milestone, CDB’s Acting Vice President of Operations,ThereseTurnerJonesstatedthat“TheBank looks forward to accessing

GIF’sresources. As we continue to reposition to more meaningfully advance the Region’s development priorities and better serve the needs of our clients, we anticipate that this new partnership will translate intoimprovedfinancingand implementation capacities in nineteen Caribbean countries Greater implementation means increased development ” This partnership aims to increase sustainable, highquality infrastructure projects that attract private investment.

CDB is now at the table w i t h t h e A f r i c a n Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development,theEuropean Investment Bank, the InterAmerican Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the IslamicDevelopmentBank, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, and the World Bank and an increasing number of

privateinvestors. Chief Strategy and Accountability Officer at CDB, Onika Miller, added that “This new partnership will provide increased opportunitiestoadvancethe Bank’slong-termobjectives and address critical challengesrelatedtoprivate investment in infrastructure in the Caribbean.” As the gap in development financing widens and demands on the public

es, Caribbeangovernmentsand financialinstitutionsrequire additional revenue streams and novel mechanisms to finance their development. GIFisonesuchresource. GIF Head, Astrid Manroth, commented “The GIF welcomes CDB as its 11th MDB technical partner and looks forward t o o u r s t r a t e g i c collaboration in preparing sustainable infrastructure projects for scaled up private investment in the specific context of the Car

gion, including island states (CDB)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

InauguralBigManCricket-GYO50sTournamentcommencesthismonth

- Sponsored by Permaul Trading and Distribution along with Peter Lewis Asphalt & ConstructionServices

Big Man Cricket-GY

continues to grow exponentially in Guyana withits3rdyearofoperation and has now been expanded toincludeitsinauguralO50s version of masters’ cricket.

Previously BMC-GY had started with an O45s tournament in 2021/2022, then an O40s one in 2023. Thesechangeswerebrought about due to the structure thathasbeenadoptedbythe

world masters governing body,theIMCanditsparent body, Cricket West Indies

M

on (CWIMA) - O40s, O50s, O60s & O70s Playing cricketinthismannerallows players in each age group to play with their respective peersandleadstomoreageappropriate cricket and muchfairercompetition.

BMC-GY is pleased to h

tournament to be sponsored by Permaul Trading and DistributionandPeterLewis Asphalt & Construction Services.Theseare2leading businessesin the ancient county of Berbice and are well known throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

This tournament has attracted 6 teams from all parts of Guyana consisting ofoneteamfromEssequibo,

twoteamsfromBerbice,one from East Coast Demerara, one Georgetown based and another joint East Bank/West Demerara team. The competition will run on a round robin basis with 5 rounds, then the 4 top teams willcompetein2semifinals beforetheultimatefinals.

The6teamsnamedare:

E S S E Q U I B O INVADERS MASTERSIndar Rampersaud, Rayburn

Thursday August 08, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Some unexpected but very welcomevisitorscouldarrive today, Aries They might bring some people you don't knowbutshouldconnectwith rightaway Expectinteresting n e w s , f a s c i n a t i n g information,.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Taurus, who's that intriguing new person in your neighborhood? What is it about this new neighbor that makesitimpossibleforyouto stop wondering about them? Quitobsessing.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

An unexpected letter could arrive today, Gemini, with a check enclosed, perhaps a gift, bonus, or offer to make more money.This might be a welcomebreak.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If you're in the arts or sciences, Cancer, sudden inspirationcouldcauseyouto startorcontinueaprojectthat meansalottoyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Meditation, dreams, or visions could bring amazing insights your way, Leo. You mightfindthemtoobizarreto believe, at least at first, but follow-up research could reveal that what you've come upwithisquitecredible.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You're an adventurous soul, Virgo.Areyouthinkingabout a little mischief today? Are yougoingtoproposethatyou and a friend or perhaps your partner skip town for a day andforgetaboutwork,

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

A n u n e x p e c t e

communication may come

connected with your career, Libra.Thisisgoodnews,butit maybesooffthewallthatyou couldwalkaroundinadazefor awhiletryingtomakesenseof itall.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Anunexpectedchancetoflyto a faraway place, perhaps at someoneelse'sexpense,could cometoyoutoday,Scorpio.A group might be involved, perhaps one connected with education.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Some bizarre and rather silly dreams might come to you tonight,Sagittarius.Theymay bethesortthatissocrazythat youactuallywakeuplaughing. Don't dismiss them. Silly or not,thesedreamsaretryingto tellyousomething.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Ifyou'resingle,youcouldfeel a very powerful attraction to someone unusual and perhaps alittlewacky Ifyou'realready inarelationship.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Have you been looking for anewjob,Aquarius?Ifso,you might hear of an opportunity from an unexpected source, perhapsatasocialgathering,if possible.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

If you're single, Pisces, love may come to you completely out of the blue today The person could be standing behind you in line at the store or sitting nearby you in the park.

Anil Beharry, Chanderpaul Singh, Luke Latiff, Robin Brown, Dennis Mangru, LatchmanYadram,Anthony Persaud,SurendraHeeralall, Jermaine Neblett, Rohan Sarjoo, Rakesh Gangaram, Dyalall Latchman, Daiaram Hemraj, Sanjeev Datadin, andHafeezAli NORTH SOESDYKE

Gonsalves, Devanand Madho, Ramesh Deonarine, RitchieBishop,Latchmikant Narine, Deopaul Drepaul, D h a r e m d e o L a l l , Dharshannan Lall, Seenauth Balbadar, Barry Alphonso, Ghansham Deonarine, Manoj Lall, Bhesham Seepersaud, Rajendra Ramharrackh, Jaiantilall, Linden Daniels, Mark Gonsalves and Dharmendra Lackhan.

JAI HIND JAGUARS

MASTERS- Subramani

Mangali, Veerapen Moonsammy, Khemraj

Sumair, Ramlinggum Mangali, Imran H Alli, DeonarineNarine,HasantH Alli, Outram Emamdin, Ian Abel, Rajendra Sadeo, Rudolph Baker, Anthony Yusuf,LloydRuplall,Zamin Zikeer,RadolphLatcha,and RickeyDeonarine.

X BERBICE POLICE

MASTERS- Frank Wilson, Trevor Crawford, Godfrey DeMendonca, Kawal Mangal, Sean Ward, Cylus Wilson, Zahir Moakan, Doodnauth Arjune, Gordon Sam, Vinson Humphrey, Kevin Darlington, Derek Reid,GobinRoopram,Niazi Khan, Deo Ramdat, Kawal Jirbene, Rodwell Henry, Ryan De Nobrega, Richard Kellowan, Shi-Li-Warh

Grant, and Radesh Seepersaud.

EAST COAST AASH

DÉCOR MASTERS-

Chandrika Jeenarine, Nanram Seelall, Dexter Jones, Nadir Baksh, Seeraj Bhimsain, JitlallJowharilall, Rayman Karim, Winston London, Surujdeo Ramdin, Sunil Dyal, Mohamed Alli, Chatteram Balkissoon, NanramSuebarran, Parmeshwar Ramkarran, Vishwanauth Gobin, Mohamed Shaw, Jaipaul Singh,Arjune Duke, Dinesh

Vi v e k a n a n d , a n d LaltaGainda.

E V E R E S T O 5 0 s MASTERS- Rajesh Singh, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Basil Persaud, Roderick Lovell,

MASTERS- Felix Walker, Ronald Jaisingh, Sham Persaud, Herbert Wright, Kenrick Benjamin, Sudesh Persaud, Ravindranauth Persaud,SeecharanPersaud, Abid Haniff, Deoram Persaud, Sohan Bedassie, Trevor Emanuel, Clement Archer, Uniss Yusuf, Kenneth Debydial, Patrice Stuart, Eon Lovell, Sean Gaskin, Nigel Desperado andBudram

The fixtures for this tournament will be released veryshortly

Krishna Arjune hits fiery 68 not out for Better-Hope against Carr Tec

Sports Club in OMSCC competition

Former Guyana first-class opener Krishna Arjune struck an unbeaten 68 to propel Better-Hope to a convincing, 10wicket win against defending champions Carr Tec Sports Club last Sunday in the continuation of the 2024 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs Over-40, B Division T20competition.

The right-handed Arjune slammed 6 sixes and two fours at Littles ground in Scarborough where unbeaten Better-Hope reached 127-0 with 57 balls to spare after Carr Tec Sports Club had only tallied up a modest123-6fromtheallocated20-overs.

Arjune,whofeaturedin40regionalfourday games for his native country at the CricketWestIndiestournamentfrom2001to 2009, got good support from Jai Singh who caressedtwosixesandthreefoursinhis45. Earlier, Carr Tec Sports Club called correctly at the toss and decided to bat first.

Safraz Abjal top-scored with 35, while exEssequibo Senior Inter-County player JaiminiSinghcontributed30and22fromthe veteranbatsmanSureshPersaud.

Mahendra Monelall was the pick of the bowlerforBetter-Hopebyclaiming2-9from threetidyovers.

Details from the other games in a subsequentpost.

Krishna Arjune

Meanwhile,theplayerswilltakeabreak this Sunday, the Long-weekend due to Caribana but will be back in action Sunday, August11.

Better-Hopehavenowgotsixwinsfrom eight matches and occupying the number 1 spotonthepointsstanding.

CarrTecSportsClub,incontrast,sitsat6 in the seven-team competition having only registeredonewinfromsevenoutings.

Strong St Lucian contingent aims...

Frompage24

others.TheStLuciancoach indicated that while the entourage of boxers might beoverwhelmedinnumbers bytheirGuyaneseandother counterparts, they are wellskilled and capable of holding their own among thebestintheregion.

Coach Fredericks will share administrative duties with Arthur Langillair, a former top St Lucian pugilist,DavidChristopher, President of the St Lucian

Boxing Association (SLBA), and Shannon Lebourne.The tournament, meanttounitetheregion,is

now in its 7th year and has produced the best punchers within the community. Guyana has won the tournamentoneveryoccasion buthastobewaryoftheother sister Caricom States, all combating with a stringent mission Fight time on the openingnightis19:00hrs.

Kevin Durant passes Lisa Leslie as USA’s all-time leading Olympics scorer

Yahoo Sports - Kevin Durant entered the Paris Olympicswithastrongcase asthegreatestplayerinUSA Basketballhistory

It just got stronger.With adunkinthethirdquarterof USA’s 122-87 win over BrazilinTuesday’sOlympic quarterfinal round, Durant became Team USA’s alltime leading Olympics scorer.

D u r a n t e n t e r e d Tuesday’s game trailing the previousmarkof488points held by U.S. great Lisa Lesliebyfivepoints.

Hegotofftoaslowstart with two points in the first half as Joel Embiid and Devin Booker paced the U.S.scoringeffort.

But he got an early bucket off the bench in the third, then followed it up with a dunk from the baseline on a pass from AnthonyDavistogiveUSA an86-59lead.

ThebucketputDurantat 489 career points in his fourth Olympic Games Lesliesetthepreviousmark in four Olympics that ended with four gold medals Leslie’s mark had stood since the U S women secured gold in 2008 in Beijing.

FourGamesand16years later, the mark now belongs to Durant with two games likely remaining in his USA Basketballcareer

He finished Tuesday’s game with 11 points,

sendinghiscareerOlympics scoringtallyto494.

Leslie congratulated Durant on the feat on social media: Congratulations @KDTrey5 I’m honored to have you break my @TeamUSA Olympic record!!! Our dedication to our country is evident and etchedinstone!!Nowgoget another Gold medal my friend! One Team, One Goal,Gold!

Where Durant stands among other USA men’s greats

Carmelo Anthony is the second-leading U.S. men’s scorer with 336 points in Olympicplay

L e B r o n J a m e s reached 328 points on Tuesday and is on pace to move past Anthony into second place. James is also poised to move into first place on the all-time Olympic steals list and second in assists these Games while making his own case for all-time Olympicgreatness.

But there is no doubt that Durant is historically Team USA’s most lethal offensiveweapon

Andhedoesn’thavethe bronze medal on his résumé that James and Anthony carryfromthedisappointing 2004GamesinAthens.

Team USA will face Nikola Jokiæ and Serbia in Thursday’s semifinal round. Win or lose, the U.S. will

advancetoplayforamedal. A win will put USA in the goldmedalgameagainstthe winneroftheothersemifinal between Germany and host France. A loss would place USA in the bronze medal game. Four straight golds for Durant?

Anything other than gold, of course, would m a r k a m a s s i v e disappointment for a U S men’s team seeking its fifth consecutive gold medal Durant has starred on the last three goldmedal teams as he’s carved out a career as inarguably the greatest men’s U S basketball Olympicperformerever Durant took over as Team USA’s top weapon in his first Olympics in 2012 in London while averaging 19 5 points, 5 8 rebounds, 2 6 assists and 1 6 steals while shooting 48 5% from the field and an52 3%from3

Thatwasonarosterthat also featured James, Kobe Bryant, Anthony and James Harden.

He’s since accepted every USA Basketball invitation to play in the Olympics and responded as the program’s most consistent weapon in Olympic play while averaging 19.7 points per gameforTeamUSAenroute to two more gold medals in RiodeJaneiroandTokyo.

Jamaica’s Roje Stona rewrites history books with gold medal, Olympic Record in discus at Paris Games

SportsMax-RojeStona

etchedhisnameintheannals ofJamaicansportshistoryas he secured the nation’s first gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games and, in the process, became the first from the island—male or female—to win an Olympic goldmedalinthethrows.

In a breathtaking performance, Stona, on his debut at the global multisport showpiece, not only clinchedthetoppodiumspot but also set a new Olympic record of 70.00m, which marked a monumental achievementforhimselfand his country, at the Stade de FranceonWednesday

Competing in a worldclassfield,Stona,whowasone ofthreeJamaicansinthefinal, stoodtallwithhisimpressive

fourth-round throw to upset theapplecart.

He won ahead ofWorld Record holder Mykolas

Alekna (69 97m) of Lithuania and Australia’s MatthewDenny(69.31m).

The other Jamaicans, Ralford Mullings (6561m) and Travis Smikle (6497m), were ninth and 10th, respectively Stona, 25, coached by

America’s three-time

Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser, was praised by Smikle for his achievement, which is a testament to his relentless work ethic and the rigorous training regimen, which included stints with NFL teams Green Bay Packers and NewOrleansSaints

“I am so happy for him; it’s a big thing to see Stona is a great thrower, andheshowedittoday

This is the beautiful thing about track and field; there are a lot of upsets, and Stona is havinghismoment

I had a bad day and Ralford Mullings had a bad day as well, so Stona’s performance is a great achievementforhimandfor Jamaica as well,” Smikle said Jamaica,renownedfor its prowess in sprinting, now has a new hero in field events

In fact, four of the country’s five medals at the Paris Games so far have come in the field, as Kishane Thompson’s 100m silver is the lone

medalfromthetrack Stona’s historic victory in the discus throw, as well as Rajindra Campbell’s shot put bronze, Shanieka

Ricketts’triplejumpsilver, and Wayne Pinnock’s long jump silver, heralds a new

Roje Stona basks in the glory of his historic Olympic feat. (Marlon Reid)

USA and Brazil to meet in Olympic women’s football final as Spain stunned

AFP-The United States and Brazil will meet in the final of the Olympic women’s football after claimingcontrastingwinsin Tuesday’s last-four ties against Germany and World Cup holders Spain respectively

The USA, record fourtime women’s football gold medallists, are still on course to win the title for the first time since 2012 after beating Germany 1-0 in extra time in Lyon, withSophiaSmith scoringtheonlygoal.

Brazil later won through to their first final s i n c e 2 0 0 8 b y unexpectedly getting the better of the reigning world champions with a remarkable 4-2 victory in Marseille

The USA, under new English coach Emma Hayes, will be favourites to win Saturday’s final showdown at the Parc des Princes in Paris and claim a record-extending fifth title afterprevioustriumphs in 1996, 2004, 2008 and in London12yearsago.

However, they had to toil against Germany on a

stiflingly hot day before eventually winning with a single extra-time goal, just as they had in the quarter-final against

Japan Smith, who scored twice in a 4-1 win over the same opponents in the group stage, struck five minutes into extra time, firing past Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin

Berger after being played in by Mallory Swanson

Smith then missed chances to put the tie to bed, while the USA were grateful in the end to goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for a crucial late save to keep out Laura Freigang’s header at point-blankrange “ I t m e a n s everything,” Smith said

when asked to sum up reaching the final a year after a poor showing at the World Cup “We had a tough year last year, in every way possible, but I feel like this is a new year and we are really just showing the world thatwe didn’teverdropoff.

“We just needed a learning year and a growth year and we are back and

hopefully on top after this next game. This team is so special.”

T h e U S A a r e guaranteed at least silver after finishing out of the medals at Rio 2016 and taking bronze three years agoinTokyo

-‘Createnewhistory’-

It is a remarkable achievement for new English coach Hayes, who only left Chelsea to take up the job a little over two monthsago

“There were lots of things I didn’t like in the game I tried every situation to try to influence and affect that, but it’s not about that It’s about heart and head,”

Hayes said “You have to dig something out Our group want to create new history for themselves They did enough to get us in the final, and that is justthenextstep ”

Spain were favourites to beat Brazil in Marseille and join the USA in the final, especially having already defeated the South Americans in the group stage

However, there were signs of fragility in the last eight, when they came fromtwogoalsdownagainst Colombia before eventually winningonpenalties.

This time a Brazil side missing suspended captain Marta came out on top, and it is they who gothroughtothefinal

AnearlyIreneParedes own goal put Brazil in front, and Gabi Portilho doubled their lead in first-halfstoppagetime Adriana made it 3-0 in the second half before a frantic finish saw Spain pull goals back via a Duda Sampaio own goal and a Salma Paralluelo effort, while Kerolin got Brazil’sfourth Brazil will now at worst match their previous best showing in the Olympic women’s football, when they won the silver medal in 2004 and 2008, losing the final on both occasions to the USAinextratime Spain, meanwhile, can still claim a first ever medal when they play Germany in LyononFridayinaplay-off forbronze.

Paris Olympics: Runners collide, hit track during 5,000M heats

(UPI) — More than a half dozen elite runners collidedandfelltothetrack during qualifying heats for the Paris 2024 men’s 5,000meter final Wednesday in Saint-Denis,France.

The collisions occurred during heats 1 and 2 at the StadedeFrance.

Great Britain’s George Mills appeared to make contact with France’s Hugo Hayduringthefirstincident. He then veered to his right, bumping into Spain’s ThierryNdikumwenayoand several other runners, forcing them to fall to the track.

Other runners managed to swerve away from the danger Mike Foppen of the Netherlands was one of thosewhosufferedthemost damage. He initially tripped and went into a full roll on thetrack.Heremainedonhis back until climbing back to his feet.The referee then qualified Foppen,

Ndikumwenayo, Mills and Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu all qualified for the nextround.

Norwegian Narve Gilje won the heat with a time of 14:08.16. Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet and Belgium’s John Heymas was the respective second and third finishers.AmericanGraham Blanks, who places sixth, alsoqualified.

Aftertheheat,Millsand Hay were involved in a heated exchange. Mills also toldreportersthatHay“took [me]out.”

Runners were involved in another collision in the second heat, but it was minor,withonlyoneathlete falling to the ground Norweigian Jakob Ingebrigtsen won that heat. American Grant Fisher was amongtheotherqualifiers. The men’s 5,000-meter finalwillbeheldat1:50p.m. EDT Saturday at the Stade deFrance.

Mike Foppen (top left) of the Netherlands attempts to avoid a fall during a men’s 5,000-meter heat Wednesday at the Stade de France in Paris. (Photo by Paul Hanna/UPI)

Sophia Smith celebrates after scoring the goal against Germany that took the United States into the Olympic women’s football final. (Arnaud FINISTRE)

Guyana Karate Federation holds successful 2024 National Junior Karate Championship

The Guyana Karate Federation held its 2024NationalJunior KarateChampionshipatthe National Gymnasium on Sunday 04th August, 2024 Seventy-six (76) karatekas participated from seven of its nine affiliates, ages ranging from 6 years to 17 years maleandfemale.

Thecompetitionwhich commenced at 9.00 hours with the weigh-in for the kumite catego

es, attracted a large number ofspectators

The competitors demonstrated excellent

sportsmanship and

c a m a r a d e r i e a n d competed fiercely as they were urged on by their parentsandsupporters

The event started with the 6-8 yrs boys and girls kata,inthekataring.

Theythenmovedoverto thekumitering,after,forthe fighting.

Events kept flowing from9-11years,12-14years and15-17years.

Attheconclusionofthe

President, Shihan Amir Khouri 8th Dan, thanked the Director of Sports and the N

Commission for assisting

contribution of the medals f

participants

Special thanks were conveyed to the referees, judges, officials, parents, volunteers and supporters who contributed to making thiseventthesuccessitwas.

The official results for the championships are as follows:

“Take a page out of the Guyana

Cup

organizers book”

The 2024 Guyana Cup will be an event of great difference.Whilethequality of horse racing will be a spectacle, the day’s event at Rising Sun Turf Club on Sunday August 11 will be a family-oriented event. The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee decided to have a fun park, where kids and the entire family willhaveaccesstogreatfun whileenjoyingtheraces.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle was delighted with this imitative where the GuyanaCuporganizershave madethe16thrunningofthis prestigious event a family affair The Director of Sport also gave an update on the horse racing legislation while speaking at Sunday’s Guyana Cup press conferenceanddrawing.

“The government of Guyana is moving a pace with the legislation, since it willmakeiteasierforhorses. Thisspeaksoforder,anditis importantthattheorganizers are making this event a familyfriendlyenvironment andothersportsorganization shouldtakeapageoutofthe GuyanaCuporganizers,”the

– Director of Sport tells other sport organizers

Strong St Lucian contingent aims to upset Guyana’s aspirations

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle addressing the horse racing fraternity at the Guyana Cup Press Conference and drawing.

DirectorofSportsaid.

Furthermore, the DirectorofSport,whowasa former sport journalist, highlightedthegrowthofthe sport. He reminisced on his days while covering the sport of kings at various racetracks around Guyana, including Rising Sun, Alness, Bush Lot and Port Mourant. Meanwhile, Dr Dwight Waldron, Chief ExecutiveOfficerofGuyana Livestock and Development Authority shared that significantprogresshasbeen made on horse passports in Guyana. “Goodprogresson horsepassportsforhorsesto travel to the Americas Guyanawillbeabletomove horses once legislation is

implemented,” Waldron said. Tenracesarelistedwill be on the 2024 Guyana Cup programme and over G$40 million in cash and prizes willbeupforgrabs.

With this year’s Guyana Cup purse being the biggest in the Caribbean, horses from various countries will be traveling to Guyana and battleforsupremacy

Rising Sun Turf Club will be transformed into an electrifying atmosphere for theentirefamily,wherekids will be treated to a fun park and fans will be thrilled to great vibes when the DJ competition takes center stageaftertherace.

Racetimeis12:00hours localtimeatRisingSun.

It’s approximately eight days to show time and the boxers from several Caribbean countries will soon deplane at the Cheddie Jagan International Airport, Timehri, to engage in 3 nightsoffisticfurywhenthe Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)stagesthe7thedition of the Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Boxing Extravaganza,August16-18 next.

Several Caricom countries have already confirmedtheirparticipation and will field strong teams. Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, andThe Bahamas, also aim to cart off top honors.Mostofthoseboxers selected from the various territories have recently engaged in tournaments in their respective countries and according to their respectivecoaches,“theyare fit and rearing to get into action.”

Amidst the hype and fantasy, the coach of the St

Lucian boxers Conrade Fredericks, a former top Guyanese pugilist, is super confident that his charges willmakeastrongimpactin the tournament “I am Guyanese and I am fully awareofthestrengthofthose boxers in my country.” He saidthathehasmuchfaithin his charges and feels that theyarecapableofhandling the situation. Hunte made this declaration during a brief telephone interview with this writer last Wednesdaymorning. He said that he is also cognizant that, other than Guyana,theotherteamswill bestriveforhonoursandwill

field their strongest boxers.

“This means that we also have to be wary of the other boxers in the Region,” he admitted.

As such, the St Lucian coachhasindicatedthatheis urging his charges not to be sodistractedbytheabilityof the Guyanese fighters to the extent that they become complacent of the other teams.

Mr. Fredericks said that the St Lucian team comprises many skillful boxers including Nervon Merderick,DevilSealy,Kirt Zachary Kirton, and LammendAlexanderamong (Continuedonpage22)

Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/girls Boxing Extravaganza

GETTING READY: Coach Hunte ‘gloves up’one of his charges for a sparring session.

Rain allows only 15 overs on opening day

Afteroptingtobat,SouthAfricawere45for1whentheheavensopenedup

ESPNcricinfoTrinidad’s temperamental weather claimed the bulk of the opening day between SouthAfricaandWestIndies where only 15 overs of play waspossibleyesterday Play was called off five minutes into the scheduled tea time andwillresumehalfanhour earlyontheseconddayafter 75 overs were lost on the first.

With an extra batter in their XI, SouthAfrica opted to bat first after winning the tossandhopedtobedinona surface their captain Temba Bavumasaidhe“didnotsee abladeofgrasson”.

A bare, lifeless surface demanded good discipline from West Indies and the experienced Kemar Roach did not disappoint. Given three slips and a gully, his first ball angled into Aiden Markram and beat him on the back foot, which was exactlywhereRoachwanted him. In Roach’s next over, Markram stayed back and tried to cover-punch but, with no bounce on offer, looked fortunate to get the ball over gully for South Africa’s first boundary Roachcontinuedtodelivera testing opening spell, after whichhehadfiguresof5-36-0.

Attheotherend,Tonyde

Keacy Carty receives his Test cap from Jason Holder. (AFP/Getty Images)

Zorzi looked more comfortable playing the ball off the front foot against Jayden Seales and timed well enough down the groundtogetathree. Seales’ pace was in the mid-130kph range and he offeredlittlethreatinthefirst three overs, which saw Kraigg Braithwaite turn to

Canada-based Guyanese Nishal Dass slams 101 for Berbice Vipers in CPSCL T20

Canada-based Guyanese middle-order batsman

Nishal Dass slammed a scintillating 101 to help Berbice Vipers thrash VP Boys by 158 runs in their Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL) Gold Conference T20 fixture at Grenoble ground, Brampton,recently Dass clobbered 13 sixes andtwofoursduringhis46ballshowpropellingBerbice Vipers to a daunting 252-5 fromtheallotted20-overs.

VP Boys, in reply, were alloutfor94inthe14thover Dass got support from Cassius Waithe who hit a fiery 57 as Lesroy Bristol and Garfield Benjamin grabbed 2 wickets apiece conceding 69 and 44 runs from their maximum four

Nishal Dass

oversrespectively When VP Boys batted, Saheed Rahim scored a fighting 51 Zaheer Ali finished with 2-4 from two overs and he was backed up byTrevinYusufwhotook219inhisfour-overouting. The 7-team completion continues on Sunday in this Conference.

Gudakesh Motie in the eighth over And de Zorzi could not have asked for anythingbetter

His eyes lit up when Motie flighted his fourth ball, and he went down on one knee to swipe it over midwicket.

Herepeatedtheshottwo

balls later and Motie was only kept on for another over,anddeZorzihithimfor four in that one, before Braithwaite went to Jason Holder

N o w r e m e m b e r Markram had been camping back in the crease against Roach? That’swherehewas

for Holder’s first delivery, whichseamedinthroughthe bat-padgapandtookoutoff stump to dismiss him for 9.

Markram’s last three firstinningsscoresinTestcricket have been in single figures, whichcouldbesomethinghe will want to address as the seasonmoveson.

His dismissal brought South Africa’s new No 3 Tristan Stubbs to the middle Hewasoffthemark when he tucked Holder to square leg and faced four more balls before the rain began, at 11 10am local time. An early lunch was taken 40 minutes later as showers came and went intermittently

Two hours later, images of covers decorated with puddlesandominouslygrey skies were beamed around the world but the clean-up began

A 2pm inspection could not take place as the rain returned just as the umpires were about to begin their rounds and 45 minutes later the day was deemed unsalvageable.

The outcome will be particularly disappointing for South Africa, who have notplayedTestcricketwitha first-choice side since January,andhavealeanredball schedule. After this Test, they have only seven matches left in this World Test Championship cycle and all their series in the 2023-2025periodhavebeen limitedtotwoTests.

Scores: South Africa 45 for 1 (De Zorzi 32*, Holder 1-2)vsWestIndies.

Rain allows only 15 overs on opening day

After opting to bat, South Africa were 45 for 1 when the heavens opened up

Guyana Karate Federation holds successful 2024 National Junior Karate Championship

The successful students display their awards following the presentation.

Jason Holder’s first ball castledAiden Markram.