141 killed in Israeli strikes Opposition questions purpose of NRF Investment Committee as Govt. plans to withdraw 98% of earnings
Guyana Police Force honours fallen heroes on 185th Anniversary
Govt. will not act hastily towards complaints against Chinese supermarkets and hardware stores -MinisterofCommerce
Hughes calls for modern campaign finance laws ahead of 2025 elections High Court dismisses $3M lawsuit filed by man on remand for nine years
Prime suspect in custody for murder of Venezuelan woman
...believed to be taxi driver involved in kidnapping, shooting of another
Top Cop, Clifton Hicken lays a wreath in honour of the GPF’s fallen heroes
Prime suspect in custody for murder of Venezuelan woman
...BELIEVED TO BE TAXI DRIVER INVOLVED IN KIDNAPPING, SHOOTING OF ANOTHER
Investigators on Sunday told Kaieteur News that the prime suspectincustodyforthemurderof EvelynAlfonzoAlves also known as Fabiana Betancourt is believed to be the trusted taxi driver involvedintheallegedkidnapping, robbing and attempted murder of anotherVenezuelanwoman,Diana Danello,threemonthsago.
Alves was found shot dead aback of Diamond, East Bank Demerara(EBD)onthemorningof SundayJuly7. Afewdaysafterthe news of her murder made headlines, Danello came forward publiclywithherstory Danellohad said that she could have suffered the same fate during a rainy night onApril10afterataxidriverbased at a popular city hotel allegedly kidnapped, robbed, shot and left herfordeadabackofDiamondtoo.
The bullet from that night’s incidentisstilllodgedinherbody
An x-ray showed that it is in a regionclosetoherspine.
Danelloisallegingthatshehad chosen to flee Guyana after
detectives did not show much interest in her case after providing them with what she deemed sufficient information to arrest the suspect.Withthetaxidriverstillat large,Danelloclaimedthatshedid not stick around because she was fearfulthatthesuspectcouldreturn tokillher
Investigatorsinresponsetoher claims said that she left Guyana after she was discharged from the hospit
investigations. “She recently told detectives that she would return to Guyanatofollowupwithhercase”, investigators told Kaieteur News onSaturday
In an update on Sunday, investigators did not disclose why theybelievethatthemanincustody for Alves might be involved in Danello’scasetoo.
Theydidhoweverconfirmwith Kaieteur that the suspect in Alves caseisalsoataxidriver
InitialreportsbyKaieteurNews onAlves’murderhadrevealedthat she was last seen alive around 21:00hrs on Saturday July 6
Relativessaidthatshewashavinga fewdrinkswithherthemwhenshe received a call and left in a white car,ataxithatsheregularlyuses.
Relativesfurther disclosedthat Alves last made contact with a family member around 00:00 hrs. She reportedly told a family member that she was with her Guyaneseboyfriendwhomshehas been dating for some time and did not seem in any distress but she nevermadeitback.
Early the following morning, herbodywasdiscoveredlyingface down in a pool of blood along a roadintheNewDiamondHousing Scheme. There was a gunshot wound to the back of her head and hercellphonewasfoundnexttoher body Policealsorecovereda9MM spent-shell from the scene. It did nottakelongforthemtoarrestthe primesuspect. Afewdayslater,KaieteurNews
MURDERED:
reportedDanello’sstoryandasked her to recount the horror that she miraculouslysurvived.
Danello said that on that night she had planned to party so she stacked on cash and left her home. Her first stop was at the popular hotel for dinner She then left the hotelinthetaxidriver’sSUV She told Kaieteur News that it was not the first time she travelled with the taxi driver because she frequentsthehotel.
“He was always neatly dressed andactedinaprofessionalmanner (translated from Spanish),” the womansaidwhilerelatingthat,she trusted the taxi base at the hotel because it was like an executive service.
OnApril 10, however, the taxi driver reportedly turned into a monster Insteadoftakinghertoher Continued on page 16
The bullet still lodged in Diana Danello’s back
Evelyn Alfonzo Alves
Opposition questions purpose of NRF Investment Committee as Govt. plans to withdraw 98% of earnings
Why pay an investment committee, if there are no funds to be invested? This is
the conundrum the Opposition is faced with presently,astheGovernment of Guyana has effected changes to the rules of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) - the country’s oil account-toallowfor98%of theearningstobewithdrawn thisyear
T h e I n v e s t m e n t Committee is essentially a board of seven membersincluding two specialists without voting powers This Committee is tasked with advising the Board of Directors on the Investment Mandate, according to the NRF Act of 2021. Each member is remunerated “in respect of their office as the Minister (of Finance) may determinefromtimetotime” accordingtotheNRFAct.
T h e I n v e s t m e n t Committee is chaired by Chartered Banker, Ms Shaleeza Shaw Other appointeesincludeExecutive Director of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Richard Rambarran, Attorney-atLaw, Michael Munroe, Mr Lauris Hukumchand and more recently, Mr Terrence Campbell (Opposition nominee and) and Mr GaneshSugrim.
Duringthe83rdSittingof the 12th Parliament last MondayattheArthurChung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara the 2023 Annual Report of the NRF was presented to the National Assembly by Minister with responsibilityforFinanceand thePublicService,Dr.Ashni Singh.
A key highlight of the document was the interest accumulated by the fund in 2023
According to the document seen by this newspaper, “Net return generatedbytheFundtotaled G$18,105 25 million (US$8684 million) for the year 2023, a substantial i n c r e a s e o f 3 9 6 % (G$14,455.17 / US$69.33 million) over the previous year’s level on account of higher interest rates on overnight deposits during 2023.”
The Natural Resource Fund account is held at the FederalReserveBankofNew York During the Leader of the Opposition’s weekly press
conference on Friday, spokesperson on oil and gas, Elson Low questioned the role of the NRF Investment Committee since he pointed outthatthestagehasbeenset for98%oftheearningstobe withdrawn by government, leaving a meagre sum for possible investments or savings.
Heexplained,“Whilewe areseeingreportscomeoutof the NRF, the real devil is in thedetailsinasensebecause wehaveagovernmentwhich has of course changed the rulesoftheNRF(Act)sothat avastmajorityofresources98% of resources can be withdrawn.”
Low added, “That is alarminganditmeansthatwe are not going to have a substantial NRF for the next severalyearsatleastunlessof coursetheycomeandchange the rules again and make it eveneasierforthemtoaccess morefunds”
The economist observed that the Opposition’s nominee for the Investment Committeewasonlyrecently appointed by government, some one year after the candidate was proposed To this end, Low said this “is to
us an indication that they are fullywellawarethattheyare goingtouseallthefundsthat areintheNRFandifyouare going to use all the funds why have an investment committee in the first place?”
The economist was keen to note that the NRF accumulated US$86M in interest last year, a “substantial sum” which the Opposition believes could have been used to pay increases to public servants Contrary to that however, Lowsaid“wearegoingtosee the plundering of the sovereign wealth fund... the government has been hesitanttospeakatallabout the interest because they intend to empty that sovereignwealthfundandif we are going to empty the sovereign wealth fund then you not gonna want to talk about the interest that is earned if you leave some of themoneythere.”
The new formula approved in February this year stipulates 100% withdrawal of the first US$1 billion received last year, 95% of the second US$1 billion,90%ofthethirdUS$1 billion, 85% of the fourth US$1billion,50%ofthefifth US$1 billion, and 10% of amounts over US$5 billion canbewithdrawn.
According to the 2023 NRFAnnualReport,theFund uptotheendof2023received deposits to the tune of US$19B,ofwhichatotalof US$16Bwaswithdrawn
According to the document,attheendof2023, theFund’stotaldepositssince thefirstoilpaymentonMarch 11, 2020, amounted to US$1,868,994,02355 Atthe same time, it was reported that total withdrawals by the government totaled US$1,609,776,819attheend ofDecember2023
“Presidentwilldetermine structureofhisgovernment”
- Jagdeo on appointment of new Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary
Vice President Jagdeo (VP) told media operatives on Thursday that it is up President Irfaan Ali to determinethestructureofhis government.
Jagdeo was at the time responding to a question, which was raised by Kaieteur News on whether the government has plans to fill the portfolio of Head of the Presidential Secretariat andCabinetSecretary
The posts have been empty since the death of Dr Rogerluncheon,lastAugust. Luncheon was the longest serving Head of the Presidential Secretariat and CabinetSecretary Heserved inthepostbetween1992and 2015.
Asked if and when the government plans to fill the vacancy for a Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary, Jagdeo posited, “There is nothing magicalaboutthat…”
He continued that “The President determines the structure of his Ministry whichisthePresidency,and he determines the structure ofhisgovernment.”
To further bolster his position, the VP made reference to the previous A Partnership for National Unity+AllianceForChange (APNU+AFC) government.
He noted that that administration had a lot of persons with designations and still jobs were lost, and
taxeswereincreased.
He stressed that the Coalition, “practically destroyed all the sectors of the economy by higher taxation, by harassing people. We didn’t build no infrastructure, we screwed uponGPL;basically,itwasa uselessgovernment,butthey hadbeautifulstructures;they had [a] really wonderful structure”.
“Remember one time, theyhadabout40something external advisors Google that,let’sgobackandlookat the past. They name a long listofexternaladvisors’,lots of sycophants that they brought back , ” Jagdeo added.
The VP stated that even with all the structure, the
APNU administration only held one press conference dedicated to oil and gas, in the five years they were in government, “but we can’t fault them; they had a beautifulstructure.Wedon’t workthatway Welookatthe effectiveness and we’re sometimes revered to that… [But] that rubs some of the do gooders or contrives do gooders; it rubs them the wrongway.”
He said that his government looks at what is important to its people and getitdone.
Jagdeo stressed that therefore, there is nothing magicalaboutappointingthe Head of the Presidential Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretary
Without ring-fencing provisions, Guyana will be shortchangedoneveryoildiscovery Wekeephearingabout this“ring-fencing”,howmuchGuyananeedsit,andhowmuch we must fight to get it, as one of our top demands tirelessly tabledbeforeExxon Whatisthisring-fencing,andwhyisitso significant?What does it mean to have it and what would it meannottohaveit,tocontinuemerrilyalongwithoutit?We willattempttoreducethistoitssimplestform,throughusinga handful of everyday examples, which should be familiar to Guyanese Ring-fencingisasitsounds,anditappears.Itisa circle, like a weddingring,thatbindspeopleandthingsand practicesandexpectationswithinthatagreedupon,committed to, space that we can measure between our thumb and any finger Likeafence(oraring),thereiscontainment,andthere istheunderstanding,thehope,theinsistence,thatthereisno strayingbeyonditsboundaries,thereisstayingwithinbounds Ring-fencingisasilo,intowhichwhatbelongsispacked,but only what belongs; there is frowning, severe disagreements, overanythinkingofminglingelementsthatshouldnotbethere
And to emphasize ring-fencing, we use a medical situation though it may not be the best, that of a raging diabetic. To prevent the spread of poisoned negatives, of taintedred(thinkincomeandexpensestatements),thereis amputating of a toe, or a limb, when necessary, to protect therestofwhatisahealthybody
Whatisapplicable,andalltoorelevant,inreallifefor individuals,alsohasthefullestapplicationandrelevanceto business,andhowcorporatepracticesandstandardsought to be. Expenses for one project must be isolated and accounted for against that project and that one alone. Expensesmustnotbegivencarteblanchetoroamfreelyto wherever (other projects) and whenever it pleases those chargingsuchexpenses(whennimbleaccountingtricksare being used as camouflage) to mislead others by manipulating numbers of immense proportions and consequences.
This is what Exxon is doing, when it takes the fullest of unfairadvantagetoutilizethelackofring-fencinginGuyana’s oil contract to boost its bottom line and delight its investors Thisiswhatstartedout,mostabominably,withtheprevious APNU Coalition Government, and now continues with uninterrupted stride under this PPP/C Government It is the loopholeofloopholes,andouralternatelywiseandwretched political leaders in today’s PPP/C Government (and the Opposition)knowthis,butaredeterminedtodonothingabout, fromeveryindication,sofar Wesaythatournationalpolitical leaders are wise and wretched at the same time We did so purposefully, because we think that a survey of local circumstances confirms this condition of our leaders They havetheintellect,thetotalawareness,ofwhatislacking,what needstobe done, and how to go about closing this gaping ring-fencing loophole, but they are wretched by their inactions.
Thosedenouncethemforthewasteoftimetheyare,forthe squandering of beliefs vested in them, for the complete paralysisthatcharacterizestheirsloth,theirstubbornness,their stupidity, with not laying it all the line for removal of ringfencingprovisions(amongotherthings)fromouroilcontract. Theabsenceofsturdyring-fencingprovisionsisaperversity thatmustbecorrected,andyesterday.Thecontinuingofthis country without it opens the door for Exxon to bulk-up its expensesbythebillionsandthencunninglyspreadthemfrom oneprojecttoanother.ExxonhasnotdealtfairlywithGuyana; ithascheatedusUSbillionsovertheyears AndallGuyanese canbeassuredthatasthebillionsofexpensescomingrollingin, thereisgreatroomforExxon’saccountantsandtopcorporate chiefstogougeussomemore,muchmore
Guyaneseknowthatiftheyhaveacriminalneighbour, thentheyneedthebestfencepossible.Exxonisnotagood neighbour; it is the worst of roguish partners. We need robustring-fencing,andwemusthaveit.
Govt. must be deliberate about investing in Linden and Region 10
DEAREDITOR
I, like most Guyanese havetraversedthelengthand breadthofthiscountryandit is clear to see that the economic landscape of Guyana is undergoing significant transformations, propelled by investments in infrastructure and various developmentalprojects.
However, despite these advancem
s, there remains a critical need for more deliberate, more targeted and impactful investments in the lives of people and in communities such as Linden and by extensionRegionTen,which isamicrocosmofthebigger needonanationalscale.
Linden and Region Ten, thispartofGuyana,themost beautiful,ischaracterizedby high levels of economic struggle,unemploymentand the significant burden of extremely high cost of living. This township and Region therefore, requires focused interventions that willdirectlyimpactthelives and livelihoods of the residents.
The government’s efforts, while noted, must
projects to sustainable economic empowerment
strategies, especially in agriculture and skills training, to foster real relief andlong-termprosperityfor the people of Linden and RegionTen.
The government’s investment in infrastructure projects such as roads, drains, and recreational facilities like the synthetic track and the rehabilitation of the Mackenzie Sports
Club are welcomed initiatives. These projects, albeit too slow in progress, symbolize a commitment to improving the physical infrastructureoftheRegion. However,therealimpacton thedailylivesofpeople;the residentsremainminimal.
The government’s continued failure, is in understanding that the tangible benefits of such infrastructure projects will take “time to manifest,” and intheinterim,theimmediate needs of the people, particularly those in the majority, grappling with high costs of living and unemployment, remain unaddressed and their cries continuetofallondeafears.
The recent government outreach led by the Prime Minister, Mark Phillips in RegionTwo,whereoverone billion dollars was pledged
to boost agriculture, serves as a compelling model for what could and should be replicated in Linden and Region Ten, where he is from.
The government must accept that investment in agriculture can provide immediate and sustainable relief to our people by enhancing food security, creating jobs, and fostering economicself-sufficiency By channeling similar investment into backyard gardens, and supporting small and medium-scale farmers in Linden and RegionTen,thegovernment can alleviate the burden and hardships of high cost of living and similarly reduce unemployment.
Agricultural investment in Region Ten will have a multi-faceted impact to the benefitofthepeople.
Firstly, it will directly reduce food costs by increasing local production. Second, it will create employment opportunities, not only in farming but also in ancillary industries such as food processing, distribution, and retail Further, it will empower residents by enabling them to become self-sufficient, thereby reducing their
dependencyongovernments seemingly handout food hamper policy and other external aid and fluctuating marketprices.
If the government is seriousanditiscommittedto helpingthepeopleofLinden and Region Ten, investment in agriculture must be deliberate and intentional. Thismeanscreatingpolicies andprogrammesspecifically tailored to the unique needs andchallengesoftheregion. For example, providing subsidies for agricultural inputs (quality seeds, shade house materials, fertilizers, chicks, piglets, sheep, fish, equipment, etc ) offering training and resources for modern farming techniques, and establishing markets for local produce are crucial steps.
Additionally, investment should also focus on improvinginfrastructurethat supportsagriculture,suchas roads to access farms and markets, irrigation systems, storage and processing facilities, transportation and distributionnetworks.
Wearepainfullyawarein these parts, that scores of individuals were leased farmlands in the Millie’s Hideoutarealongbefore (Continuedonpage06)
Guyana bleeding from tax waivers to Exxon
DEAREDITOR
, IndentedintheGuyana’s 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon, is a clear and unequivocal statement (I willbreakitdowninlayman language) -renegotiation of the Oil Contract is quite possible as long as there is mutual agreement (Exxon a n d t h e G u y a n a Government) on both sides. It did not specify any limitations to renegotiation because unanticipated fluctuations/ market conditions that can cut both ways.
For simplicity sake, I offer this as an example. Let’s assume that Exxon’s projection is that of every barrel of oil belonging to them (pursuant to the prevailing agreement) sells atanaverageofUS$40inthe world market, in 2024, that Exxonwillgarneraprofitof US$1 after all Exxon’s expensesarepaid. However, what happens if the price per barrel plummets to $US 30? Will Exxon not hasten to invoke the renegotiation clause?
They’d be fools not to as they will bleed and their Investors/ Venture Capitalists will scream bloody murder! Then, I ask the rhetorical question- why the Government of Guyana is reluctant to invoke the renegotiation clause and continue to aid and abet Exxon to bleed Guyana and Guyanese of their oil patrimony?
E d i t o r, a n o t h e r burdensome clause in the existingcontractisbreaking the back of our Guyanese people - The Tax Write-off. Embedded in the current PSA is the clause that the Government of Guyana mustpay-toGuyana’sGRA - all the taxes that Exxon owestoGuyanaANDontop of that, issue Exxon with a tax receipt so they do not have to pay tax on that specific sum to the United States IRS (Internal Revenue Service) As extracted from Exxon’s 2023 Annual Report, Guyana Government paid GRA US$658 million- on behalf of Exxon Folks, that’s 658 million pure US
Dollars drained from Guyana’s Treasury in 2023 alone.Canyouimaginewhat that sum, injected in Guyana’s economy, can do for every man, woman and childofthisnation?
As a caveat, the current 2020 government inherited this cockeyed PSA which was brokered by the 2015 Government of Guyana However, that does not exonerate this prevailing government from making overtures to Exxon for possiblerenegotiation.After all, that was vociferously thundered as part of their 2020 manifesto. Voters latched onto that largest of manifesto promises and reposed confidence that this government WILL renegotiate the PSA. What now? “Loss of investors’ confidence” is the oft repeated mantra. However, asapushback,Iamciting2 examples.
In 2016, Trinidad commencedrenegotiationof its PSA agreement, and pushed, and pushed and pushed. Today, Trinidad is enjoying the favourable
outcome of its persistence. Senegal is currently (April 2024) setting the stage for PSA renegotiation with British Petroleum (BP) WhatofGuyana?
It is noteworthy to mention that Exxon has divestedmostoftheirglobal Oil & Gas Portfolio and acutely concentrating on r a p i d l y developing/extracting its now prized jewel, Guyana’s Oil. As a hedge, should not this give added impetus for our Government to accelerate renegotiation talks? Guyana continues to bleed whilst other governmentsvacillate. Editor, unless there are sensitive, mitigating and/or exigent circumstances that precludesuch,themantraof “loss of investors’ confidence” has lost its luster as many bellies go hungry every day What happensif,inGuyana,there is “loss of VOTERS’ confidence” instead, sledgehammers at the ballot boxes?
Respectfully, JonathanSubrian,Esq.
Warning! Rampant Corruption in Guyana’s Police Force Threatens National Security and Economic Stability
DEAREDITOR
I write to express my deep concern regarding the pervasive corruption within theGuyanaPoliceForce,an issue that has plagued our nation for far too long. This alarming situation threatens not only the security and well-being of our citizens but also the reputation and economic stability of our country
TheGuyanaPoliceForce has been embroiled in numerous allegations of
corruption, including involvement in extrajudicial killings, collaboration with criminal gangs, selling driver’s licences and firearms, executing political instructions, facilitating the transshipment of illegal narcotics, and covering up murders, particularly those involving wealthy Guyanese, politicians, and
the politically connected Financial crimes within the Force further compound these egregious acts. Such actions fundamentally undermine the integrity and trustworthinessofthePolice Force. Thegovernmenthas aparamountdutytoensurea competent, credible, and trustworthy Police Force
According to the law, professional standards, and institutional obligations, the police must serve as protectors of the public, not as instruments of corruption andoppression.
A lawful society fosters the security of persons, communities, and families, creating an environment wherecitizenscanthriveand where investors feel confidentandsecure.
Historical precedents, such as the involvement of former officers in the drug
trade,andtheconfessionsof Shawn Hinds seeking protection from the People’s Progressive Party government, highlight the deep-rooted issues within the force When the police are corruptandthegovernmentis complicit, the very fabric of society begins to unravel Justicebecomesacommodity, available only to the highest bidder, and ordinary citizens areleftvulnerabletocrimeand exploitation
The consequences of a corruptPoliceForcearedire. Trust in law enforcement erodes, leading to increased crime and a breakdown of social order Communities live in fear, and the rule of law becomes an illusion. Foreigninvestors,seeingthe instability and lack of reliable law enforcement, will inevitably turn away, seeking safer havens for
Donald Trump shooting; an act of cowardice
DEAREDITOR
The recent attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump is an act of cowardice and cannot be condoned Trump was delivering a campaign speech in Pennsylvania whenhewasshotintheright ear Another person was killed, in addition to the attacker who was shot dead
bypolice.
Police are currently investigating the shooting and the likely motive of the attacker Regardless of the motive,suchactionshaveno placeintheUnitedStatesor for that matter in any other country in the civilized world.
Americaisknownasone the champions of the free
world and actions such as these do not reflect well on the country’s democratic credentials.
T h e a t t e m p t e d assassination of Trump bringsbackmemoriesofthe assassination of President
John F Kennedy in November1963.
Regards HydarAlly
their capital. This will stifle economicgrowth,leadingto higher unemployment and poverty, which in turn fuels further criminal activity—a vicious cycle that can devastateanation.
I urge all Guyanese to recognisetheseverityofthis issue and to demand accountability from our government.Itisimperative t h a t w e p u s h f o r comprehensive reforms within the Guyana Police
Force, ensuring that officers are held to the highest standards of integrity and p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m Transparency, stringent oversight,andanunwavering commitment to justice are essential to restore public trust and build a safer, more prosperous Guyana To foreign investors, I say this: while Guyana holds immense potential, the current state of our Police Forceposessignificantrisks.
Your investments can drive positive change, but it is crucial to advocate for a stable and lawful environment, where your venturescanflourish.
Letusnotturnablindeye to the corruption that threatens to destroy our nation. Together, we can demand the reforms necessarytocreateajustand secureGuyanaforall.
Sincerely,
ChrisA.Singh
Let the democratic process proceed without violence
DEAREDITOR
,
The CRG extends its sincere thanks to the Secretary Service for protecting President Donald Trump.Itisveryunfortunate that the political situation in the U.S. is deteriorating. May good sense prevail and may President Trump recover quickly There is no need to circumvent the democratic process. Allow thepeopletochooseviatheir vote Both candidates deserve an opportunity to safely contest the elections. They have served diligently and they are patriots. Our supportiswiththemandwe hope that their safety is no longercompromised.
A difference of opinion should not escalate into violence. A difference of
perspective and political opinion should never result inthedesiretokill.
Those who choose violenceoverdiscussionand terror over peaceful discoursearetheenemiesof the democratic process. The U.S. continues to set the standard for democracy and we all have a responsibility
to help ensure that we support the continued pursuitofdemocraticvalues inouractionsandinhowwe discussdifferingviews. Itisoktodisagree,butit isnotoktoresorttoviolence when such a disagreement occurs.
Withconcern, Mr.JamilChanglee
PANCAP’s hosts two day workshop on strengthening sustainable financing for HIV programmes
Ensuring the availability of sustainable financing for HIV programmes remains a critical element of the regional HIV response. In this regard, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), recently convened a workshop on Strengthening Sustainable
workshopswereconvenedin Trinidad and Tobago during theperiodJuly8-9,2024. Theprimaryaimsofthis workshop were to Build
d
sustainable financing for HIV programmes, and catalyse efforts towards sustainable financing for
HIV programmes through resource mobilization and socialcontracting.
The Director of the PANCAPCoordinatingUnit (PCU), Dr Wendy Telgt Emanuelson encouraged participants to openly share ideas and collectively exploreinnovativesolutions towards
eving sustainable financing for regionalHIVprogrammes.
Govt. must be deliberate...
Frompage04
2015andmoreafter,withthe aim of opening up another agricultural front for the town complimenting the WestWatookafarmingarea; sadly, however to this date, only two or three lease holders have been able to operationalised their lands whileothersaresufferingfor lackofpersonalresourcesto do so. In fact, most of the lands never benefited from secondaryaccessroads.This needstochangequickly
Moreover, it is essential to engage local leaders and communitiesintheplanning andimplementationofthese investments. Understanding thespecificneeds,strengths, and potential of local farmers and residents, ensures that the investment isnotonlyeffectivebutalso sustainable.
It is important to emphasize that community involvement fosters a sense
of ownership and accountability,whichisvital for the long-term success of any developmental initiative.
The government must accept that investing in agriculture in Linden and Region Ten will have broader socio-economic
benefits As the regions
agricultural output increases, it will contribute to the overall economic growthofGuyana.
Additionally, by reducing the economic burden on communities like ours, the government can foster a more “equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities” across the country This, in turn, will lead to a more cohesive and stablenationaldevelopment.
I call on the government to be deliberate in a meaningful and impactful agricultural investment in region ten similar to that of region two and it will be much more successful. It will serve as a model for other underdeveloped areas in Guyana, demonstrating theeffectivenessoftargeted, community-driven developmentstrategies. Immediately, expand the financing facility with the commercialbankstosupport all forms of agriculture, like was recently negotiated by the government for rice farmers.
I can assure the governmentthateasyaccess to suitable LOW-COST FINANCING remains the chief impediment to lease
holdersinLindenandacross RegionTenbeingabletoput their passions for the land and the agriculture industry to work. This must change andchangequickly
If done NOW, these moves will energize the dormant potential for transformative change When targeted investments are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people, transformation is inevitable.
I without pride, beseech the Government of Guyana to adopt a more holistic and pragmatic approach to development in Linden and Region Ten While we accept infrastructure projects are important, there is an urgent need for direct investment in sectors that will immediately impact the lives of our residents, particularlyagriculture.
D e l i b e r a t e a n d intentional investment is what is needed to bring real relief and sustainable empowerment. It will not only alleviate the current economic struggles but also pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable futureforallcitizens.
Yoursrespectfully, JermaineFigueiraMP
“ S h a r e y o u r experiences, and explore potential partnerships for collaborative action, so that together we can create a future where all individuals affected by HIV and AIDS have equitable access to quality services and support,”sheemphasised.
Speaking on behalf of Ayana Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for the NationalAIDSCoordinating Committee (NACC), was theTechnicalDirectorofthe NACC, Dr Ayanna Sebro. Dr Sebrohighlightedthatas countriesstrivetoendAIDS by 2030, there is an urgent need to scale up their respective responses which r e q u i r e f u n d i n g interventions to close many oftheremaininggaps.
“Newsourcesoffunding are required to ensure the existing programmes are sustainable, and even more importantly, that they reach more people,” Dr Sebro underscored.
“Sustainablefinancingis achievable through proper strategising and planning, along with a collaborative multi-sectoralapproachwith stakeholders From GovernmenttoCivilSociety Organisations (CSOs), from policymakers to service delivery officers, from academics to the private sector, all sectors, all key populations, at all levels mustcollaboratetooptimise, minimiseduplicationandbe more efficient, and work smarter,”sheadded.
During the two-day workshop, experts in Health financing delivered interactive presentations on key concepts such as The
Landscape, Understanding t h e L a n d s c a p e o f Community-Led Initiatives and HIV Financing in the Context of the Caribbean reality
Best practices, case studies,andthepracticaluse of resource mobilization to enable the sustainability of theHIVResponsewerealso shared with participants
Panel discussions comprising government o f f i c i
policymakers examined the challenges and successes experienced by HIV programmes via various modalitiesoffinancing.
PANCAP will continue to engage its partners in exploring and supporting
investment strategies, national policies, and regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable financing for HIV programmes throughout the Latin American and Caribbeanregions. N a t i o n a l A I D S Programme Managers, repr
regional civil society
agencies, government
es and technical partners from across the region participated in the workshop.
PANCAP sincerely thanks the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and TheGlobalFundformaking thisworkshoppossible.
Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU), Dr. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, addressing participants at the recent workshop held by PANCAP on Strengthening Sustainable Financing for HIV Programmes in Trinidad and Tobago
Participants at the recent workshop held by PANCAP on Strengthening Sustainable Financing for HIV Programmes in Trinidad and Tobago
Hughes calls for modern campaign finance laws ahead of 2025 elections
Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes on Friday called for the implementation of modern campaign financing laws.
His comment was in responsetostatementsmade by Vice President (VP), BharratJagdeothatthereisa possibility that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) can fund theAFC campaign under the pretense of legal services, given that the oil company is a client of Hughes’law firm – Hughes, Field&Stoby
At the AFC presser, Hughes said, “On the topic
President has brought to our attention his concerns about the issue of campaign finance.”
He continued, “We are happy thathe has raised this issue, as it is clear that in a modern Guyana there is a requirement for robust advanced,campaignfinance laws, which obliges all parties to disclose their sources of income and donationsothatthecitizenry of Guyana can be assured that the proceeds of club crime, including drug and gold smuggling, do not find their way into our national andregionalpolitics.”
The AFC leader explained that modern campaignfinancelegislation would force all parties during the campaign period and in the build up to the campaign or even while in governmenttodisclosetheir
sourcesofincomeandthose that provide material support, whether security vehicles, bulletproof vehicles or other sources of finance.
“All of these will be captured as a result of modern campaign finance legislation,”headded. At his last press conference, Vice President Jagdeo expressed concern aboutwhatheconsiderstobe aconflictofinterestposedby Hughesbeinganattorneyon Exxon’spayroll.
Last Tuesday, Exxon’s Country Manager, Alistair Routledge said there is no conflict of interest between Hughes being one of Exxon’s attorneys and him beingleaderoftheAFC.
“…We comply with all laws and regulations here and internationally so we don’t believe we have any conflict of interest [or] any
AFC Leader, Nigel Hughes
issues,” Routledge told reporters on the sideline of anevent.
Notwithstanding the Hughes’ and Routledge’s utterances, Jagdeo is adamant that a conflict of interestexists.
“[If he thinks] that will prevail with us, he better think again.” He added, “So the obscenity of it is, he is a conflicted party, Exxon is a conflictedpartyitself,soitis like you have a conflict between two parties and the twopartiessayingohweare not conflicted, what else do youexpectthemtosay.”
Jagdeo highlighted that neither Exxon nor Hughes can objectively determine the absence of a conflict of interest.
Hughes for his part has statedthatbecauseEMGLis a client of his law firm – he willtakeabackseatwhenit comes to oil and gas related
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
matters in the AFC. In fact, the party has appointed former Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams and former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson to head the AFC’sOilandGasAdvisory Committee.
Hugheshadsaid,“Ifand whenelectedtooffice,Iwill
relinquish all ties with the firm of Hughes, Fields & Stoby.” He maintains that currently,thereisnoconflict ofinterestwithExxonbeing aclientofhislawfirm.
pointed out that Hughes, as
policies, given the party’s representation in the
High Court dismisses
NationalAssembly
“Exxon is a conflicted party too because they have hired, [they] have on their payroll in the country of Guyana, the leader of a political party that is represented in the National Assemblythathasanumber of seats in the National Assembly and therefore in a position to have a say on policies,”hesaid.
Jagdeo also highlighted concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the payments from Exxon to Hughes.
Jagdeo alleged, “That figure[Could]beinflatedfor worknotdoneandmayhave all the bearing of a legal payment but it is a political contribution to him and his party to ensure that the interest of ExxonMobil is protected in any future government or even in the NationalAssemblynow.”
He continued, “How is thisnotaconflictofinterest? MaybeExxonhasworked
Continuedonpage10
$3M lawsuit
filed by man on remand for 9 years
JusticeNavindraSinghoftheHighCourt dismissedalawsuitfiledbyJonesRaymond, who had spent over nine years in prison withouttrial.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, July 12, 2024, rejected Raymond’s claims of constitutional rights violations and ordered himtopay$500,000incoststothestate,the Attorney General Chambers said in a statement.
Raymond’s ordeal began on December 26, 2012, when he allegedly killed Gary Joseph with a bow and arrow during a confrontation. Raymond was charged with murder two days later and remained on remandpendingtrial.
A lengthy preliminary inquiry (PI) that concluded in 2014, procedural delays and directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) prolonged his pre-trial detention.
In2022,HighCourtJudgeSandilKissoon discovered the unresolved status of Raymond’s case and ordered his release, permanentlystayingthemurderprosecution.
After he was released, Raymond’s lawsuit, filed on October 25, 2022, sought declarations that his prolonged detention violated several constitutional rights, including the right to a fair trial within a reasonabletimeandprotectionfrominhuman ordegradingtreatment.HecitedArticles141 and 144 of the Constitution of the CooperativeRepublicofGuyanaasthebasisfor hisclaims.
However, Justice Singh found no breach ofRaymond’srighttoafairtrial,notingthat Raymond’s indication of a willingness to plead guilty to manslaughter effectively waivedanyperiodofdelay Additionally,the court observed that Raymond had not demonstratedanyspecificprejudicesuffered duetothedelay Regarding the claim of inhumane or
Jones Raymond
degrading treatment, the court determined that Raymond’s allegations, such as being attacked by other inmates or enduring insanitary conditions, and as such, did not meet the threshold for constitutional violations The court underscored that without evidence of the prison officers’ involvementinordirectionofsuchtreatment, theclaimcouldnotbesubstantiated.
Justice Singh’s decision underscores the importance of timely trials while balancing the public interest in prosecuting serious crimeslikemurder
The ruling also highlights the need for claimants to provide detailed evidence when alleging constitutional breaches. Citing case law from the United Kingdom, the United States, the Caribbean,and Guyana, the court affirmedthenecessityoffairandpromptlegal processes.
Raymond was represented by attorneys DennisPaulandTimothyJonasSC.Thestate, represented by Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC, Senior Legal Advisor Loretta Noel, and State Counsel Marnice Hestick, successfullydefendedagainsttheclaims.
A Lesson for Guyanese Politics
In Guyana, civility seemstobemissingfromour political discourse Relations between the country’s main political parties are often toxic, with regular doses of political vitriol and personal attacks. Thistoxicbrandofpoliticsis mostclearlyreflectedduring the Thursday press conferences hosted by the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), where hardly a civil word is exchanged about localOppositionpoliticians.
In stark contrast, consider the generous statement made by Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and now the country’s Leader of the Opposition. Making his maiden presentation as Leader of the Opposition, Sunaksaid:
“Istartbycongratulating the Prime Minister on his election victory; as he takes on his formidable task, he and his family deserve the good wishes of all of us in this House. In our politics, we can argue vigorously, as thePrimeMinisterandIdid over the past six weeks, but still respect each other, and whatever disputes we may have in this Parliament, I know that everyone in this House will not lose sight of the fact that we are all motivated by our desire to
serve our constituents and our country, and to advance the principles that we honourablybelievein.”
T h i s s t a t e m e n t encapsulates a level of civility and respect that is sorely needed in Guyanese politics. Let us dissect the elementsofwhatSunaksaid and understand how these principles can be applied to improve our own political climate.
Sunak begins by congratulating the Prime Minister on his election v i c t o r y, s h o w i n g graciousness in defeat. This isacriticalaspectofcivility in politics. It demonstrates recognition that in a democratic process, victoriesanddefeatsarepart ofthepoliticalprocess,andit is essential to respect the outcome, regardless of personal feelings By extendinggoodwishestothe Prime Minister and his family,Sunakhumanizeshis political opponent, reminding us, that behind every political figure is a person deserving of respect anddecency
Sunak acknowledges that while political debates canbevigorous,theydonot have to be disrespectful. He states, “In our politics, we can argue vigorously, as the Prime Minister and I did over the past six weeks, but stillrespecteachother.”This
is a crucial distinction Vigorousdebateisnecessary inanyhealthydemocracy;it is through such debates that ideas are tested and refined. However, these debates should never descend into personal attacks or vitriol. Respecting one’s opponent ensures that the focus remainsontheissuesathand rather than on personal grievances.
Sunak’s statement, “whatever disputes we may have in this Parliament, I know that everyone in this House will not lose sight of the fact that we are all motivated by our desire to serve our constituents and our country,” highlights a unified purpose. Despite differing views and heated debates, the underlying motivation of all politicians should be to serve their constituentsandthecountry This recognition is vital. When politicians remember that they share a common goal of serving the public, it can foster a more collaborative and less adversarial political environment.
Finally, Sunak speaks to theimportanceofadvancing theprinciplesthatpoliticians “honourably believe in ” Thisstatementisareminder that political beliefs and principles, though varied, are often deeply held and honourable.Acknowledging
DEM BOYS SEH
Conspiracy Crazy
Guyanese love a g o o d
conspiracy, like ants love sugar That’s why 1,300 of we people dead because of COVID. Some of we, about onethird, refuse to tek de vaccine.Wenahreachherd immunityquick.So,plenty people dead unnecessarily Conspiracy theories are to blame.
N o w l o o k w a h happening with Trump
Some of we people seh de man set up he own assassination attempt fuh draw sympathy But who doessetupthemselffuhget shoot?Trumpgetshootpon heear Oneofhesupporters dead and two others seriously injured as of writing dis. If Trump bin standatadifferentangle,de bulletwouldapassthrough debackofhebrain.
De man lucky, he nah dead.ButGuyaneseloveto
mek up story We like seh how Trump smart, he plan disfuhlooklikedevictim. But dat ain’t mek sense. Evendebestactornahwant getshootfuhreal. Is like we forget sense. We believe any and everything.Butdeproblem with conspiracy theories is dey does cause real damage.
Remember de COVID vaccine?Peoplesehhowit gotmicrochip. Somesehit mek you impotent. But de realdangerwaspeoplenah tek de vaccine. So dem get sick and dead.All because plenty people nah get inoculate.
Same thing, happening now with Trump story People wasting time and energydebatingifhesetup heself.Insteadoffocusing on real issues…like who reallytryingfuhkillhim. Guyaneseneedfuhstop believeeverystupidtheory
this can lead to a more respectful discourse, as it encourages politicians to understand and appreciate the sincerity of their opponents’ convictions, evenwhentheydisagree.
Thecontrastbetweenthe civility displayed in the British Parliament and the current state of political discourseinGuyanaisstark. To move towards a more respectful and constructive political environment, Guyanese politicians can learn from Sunak’s approach.
A major problem we have and which contributes in no small measure to the lack of political civility is respect for the outcomes of democratic processes. The PNCR in particular has a sordid record of rigging elections and, of recent, of attempting to benefit from rigged elections Guyana,
now a nation of minorities, must get accustomed to regular changes in government and not seek to pervert the democratic will ofthepeoplesincethisoften has resulted in a vicious politicalenvironment.
With certain smallmindedpoliticiansaround,it will pose a challenge for respecttobemaintained.Itis sign of respectful statecraft and dignified political conduct if our local politicians can practice civil exchanges with their political rivals and to see them as rivals with whom they have differences rather than enemies whom they dislikeandhate.
Political discourse must be based on respect. It must remain productive and centered on policy rather thanpersonality.
Guyanese politicians would do well to heed the
lessons of Rishi Sunak’s inaugural speech as Leader of the Opposition. Starting with the weekly press conferences, they should move away from toxic discourse towards a more civil and respectful political culture talk about policies not personalities. This shift would improve not only the tone of political interactions but also lead to better governance and more effective service to the peopleofGuyana.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Conspiracy theories does mek we gullible. Every
election instead of accepting dem losses, de losing political party looking fuh conspiracy theory such as dead and migrantpeoplevoting.And nuff of we joining de bandwagon and believing dis nonsense even though dem parties had polling agents at every polling station.
A n d b e l i e v i n g conspiracy theories is dangerous We end up making bad decisions. We believeliesoverfacts.And datnahgoodfuhnobody Demboysseh,wakeup Guyanese! Stop fall fuh foolishness.Useyuhbrain. Think fuh yuh self Conspiracy theories does mekwelaughbutdemalso mek we cry Time fuh be smartandwise.Let’sleave denonsensebehind. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
Newfarearriving,oldstoryofGuyanesedrifting
On behalf of American Guyanese, the mat of local hospitality is rolled out Though it is getting worn from much usage, there is timeandplacetosayhelloto PFChang’s. Itisadifferent kindofboutique,afoodone. Who’snext-thewell-named Commander’s Palace? At least US Ambassador, Excellency Nicole D Theriot, the invisible one, maygracethenativeswitha rare sighting. After all,
given her Louisiana background,itisherkindof vittles, with gumbo and po boy, sho enough, to feature prominently Sometimes, I just can’t h e l p b e i n g t h e whippersnapperthatIam. It isinfinitelybetterthanbeing one of the lairs and pretenders in the PPP
aristocracy that now promote themselves as Guyaneseroyalty WhatdoI think of all these mesmerizing arrivals,
s t o m a c h - e x c i t i n g developments? What do I wish to share may be better
tokeepuptheappearanceof a hearty and hail-fellow citizen.
Colleagues in Boston returningfrombusinesstrips would overflow with the delights of PF Chang’s. Of course,Iconjuredimagesof aromatic Fukienese and Cantonese cooking In Houston, Texas, the thought was that I just had to savor the fare of this much talked about, much recommended, PF Chang’s house of culinaryexotica.
To be polite, it was the first and last time that I visited one of these fine restaurants that had a lot goingforthem. Sufficeitto say that I think Americans are better suited to burgers, barbeques, and beefsteak. Let this much be also said, my idea of fancy oriental potluck is the sophistication oftheneighbourhoodgreasy spoon, where there is a bucketofrice,aslabofmeat, and some veggies out of a can,ifitisagoodday Itwas more my reality of pocket economics, but gastronomic
receptions from youth up, and as conditioned along certainculturallines.
In other words, if one growsupwithcurryandroti, cook-up rice, cassava bread, andpepperpot,thenthoseare found more appealing than pizza and KFC. It is the same situation with the Chinese food that I know
But the m
n of economics in the context of PFChang’sarrivaliswhereI amgoing.
First,therearethosewho will go and sample for the experienceofit. Thenthere arethoseGuyanesewhomay thinkaboutit,longforit,but then receive a rude awakening should they get adventurous and cross any portals. Translation from Mandarin to Creole English should help: the prices in a regular dive in a dusty village or a crowded city street would leave a thousand short. I am sure that the likes of PF Chang’s do not entertain half servings,fromwhichchange from $1000 bill (Guyana)
might still be possible. I think that, taste and texture aside, many Guyanese would not be too impressed withthepricechart. Tipping is not considered. The fast moneycrowd,andthatother k i n d o f m o n e y (government), would empower the enterprising from those ranks to check out the mysteries of the carnivoresandherbivoreson the menu. The bulk of Guyanese, however, may
find the economic environment more constraining Since the running of a profitable business is driven by traffic, the stage is now set for a particularkindoftraffic.
Parking and airconditioned facilities do have their price tags, invisible though they are. Permit me at this point to introduce the special breed ofcustomerstopatronizethe local PF Chang’s (gosh, would there be more than one?). The diners would be those riggers, drillers, manipulators,andthosewho aremanagersofthem. They come from far places and operate in the realm of Poseidon, often disturbing
the domain of Hades with their digging N a t u r a l l y, t h e foreigners would be accompanied, from time to time, with their Guyanese partners in crime Americans call it the art of thedealandgettingthepoint acrossinaconducivesetting.
Though ordinary Guyanese may find the atmosphere intimidating, they need not enter There would be enough paying customers, on expense accounts, to make these foreign food arrivals going concerns, and at high altitudes, too. The irony is that the regular George and GoumattieGuyanesewillbe footingthebillattheseoutof reach eating castles should not be lost. If anybody is thinking about what is happening here, why this is so, and divide, I caution patience, for that is in mind forlater
Asmuchasawarmhand is extended to the PF Chang’s of America, my concern is small Guyanese peopleintherichestpolityin the world. The disparity in the local environment is troubling,isn’tit?
All these well-heeled fromthechiccrowdhavinga great time in one tony establishment after another, and there are these massive multitudes of Guyanese compelled to go about their business in slightly more elevated circumstances than their forebears on the sugar estatesandricefields.
It is a difficult proposition to swallow, is it not, really? I do have that experience,buttheremustbe something wrong with me. Becausesomething-manyof such-isnotstrikingmeright. The richest people, (per something) in any known galaxy and partaking of Chinese food and other sweet delectables of life are either a stretch, or a mirage, or a nightmare for most Guyanese.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Hughes calls for modern campaign...
Frompage8 thiswayinothercountriesin otherpartsoftheworld…” Moreover, Hughes has publicly stated that he welcomes any investigation into his relationship with oil giant ExxonMobil His comments followed statementsbyVicePresident Jagdeo who suggested that an investigation will be launched into Hughes’ relationship with his client, Exxon.
Notably, Hughes has already acknowledged the criticssayingthatwhileheis aPoliticallyExposedPerson (PEP), there is no law that prevents him from having theoilcompanyasaclient.
However, the Vice President shares a different
view, calling Hughes’ position “obscene” and “unethical.”
“ It’s even more obscene…Ican’tconveythe feeling of revulsion that I felt This is someone aspiringtothehighestoffice in the country, who has just been elected the leader of a party…” Jagdeo stated at a previouspressconference.
Added to that, Jagdeo said that when running for office,itcansometimescost you financially, choosing between personal gain and thecountry
“Sometimes you have to forego the private benefits, money basically when national interest calls you and, in this case, he was asked directly and he says
no, only if [he] become president, [he] will do that. In the meantime, [he] will workforExxon…,”theVice President said at a previous pressconference.
He stated that given that Hughes has come under scrutiny for conflict of interest,theGovernmentwill bewatchingwhatExxonand itsfirst-tiercontractorsdo
“This may necessitate a formal investigation into all thesematters.Iammakingit clear today There is a lot of politically exposed people, he [Hughes] is politically exposed as he pointed out, his wife is a Member of Parliament,butitwasnotan issuebecausewedidn’twant to discriminate but what change is that now, he has gone to the AFC,” Jagdeo added.
The Vice President underscored, “Now that we are looking at this…let me makeitclear,thatExxonhas alottoanswerbecauseNigel Hughes, knowing him, he will not want to resign, knowinghim,hewouldwant tocollectthemoneyandstill be leader of the AFC and conflictofinterestwouldnot botherhimatall…”
Top Cop, Clifton Hickentoldthose gathered at the WreathLayingCeremonyat the Police Officers’ Mess Compound, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Sunday that they should, “never forget the courage and dedication ofthefallenheroeswhogave their lives in service to others.”
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) is currently engaged in a month-long series of events to commemorate its 185th anniversary On Sunday, officers and other dignitaries gathered at ‘Fallen But Not Forgotten Heroes Monument’ to honour those officers who died in the line of duty Among the dignitaries were Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally; Guyana Defence Force, Chief Brigadier,OmarKhan;Head of Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit, James Singh; Fire
A scene from the ceremony
Chief, Gregory Wickham; National Security Advisor, Gerald Gouveia; Chairman of GPF’s Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc, Bishop Raphael Massiah; Deputy C o m m i s s i o n e r ’ Administration’ (ag) Ravindradat Budhram;
Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Errol Watts; other senior and junior officers and head of departments began with the listing of the ranks, their name, the year of their passing and the manner of theirdeath,thenthelayingof wreaths.”
In his speech, the Top Copsaidthat,“Today,aswe gatherwithsolemnheartsto honour the memory of our fallen heroes — those brave men and women of the Guyana Police Force who made the ultimate sacrifice inservicetoournation.”
Hickencontinued. “This couragewasevidentinthose whoproudlyworethebadge of the Guyana Police Force, standing as the guardians of our community against chaos They showed unwavering dedication, demonstrating courage beyondmeasureandmaking the ultimate sacrifice to protectourlives.Inaddition to honouring our local heroes, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to law enforcement officers acrosstheglobe.”
Furthermore, he stated that the brave men and women fearlessly defended their communities and upheld the principles of justice and order, often at significant personal risk and sacrifice.
“Their commitment and courage serve as an inspiration to us all, transcending borders and uniting us in gratitude for their selfless service,” the TopCopsaid.
Sunday’s event saw dignitaries, high-ranking officials of the Force, families and colleagues gathered to pay homage to the brave police ranks who lost their lives in the line of duty, paying the ultimate
priceastheycarriedouttheir sworn duty of Service and Protection.
Meanwhile, Deputy C o m m i s s i o n e r ‘Administration’ (ag) Mr Ravindradat Budhram chaired the proceedings and delivered the opening remarks, during which he expressed deep gratitude to the families of the fallen heroes.
“We stand with you today, and we will always honourthememoriesofyour loved ones and pledge to carryforwardyourlegacyof service and sacrifice,” he posited.Hiswordsresonated with the audience, highlighting the profound impact these officers and rankshadonsociety Minister Benn said “it is important to ensure, as a nation, that the hopes, aspirations, and ultimate sacrificeofourfallenheroes donotgoinvain.”
The Minister also emphasised the importance of supporting our law enforcement officers across theJointServices.
Theceremonyisnotjust asimpleevent;itisadisplay of commitment to rememberingandrespecting those ranks that have lost theirlivesinthelineofduty
Govt. will not act hastily towards complaints against Chinese supermarkets and hardware stores -MinisterofCommerce
…sayswilldiscussconcernswithFinanceMinister
The letter that was addressed to President Irfaan Ali and senior members of government by the Guyanese Businesses Owners Association.
Local business community raised a series of serious concerns about the proliferation of Chinese supermarkets and hardware stores
Almost three months after the local businesscommunityraisedaseriesofserious concerns about the proliferation of Chinese supermarketsandhardwarestoresinGuyana, thegovernmenthassaiditwillnotacthastily in addressing the situation but will now discussanapproach.
MinisterofMinisterofTourism,Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond on the sidelinesofaneventtoldthisnewspaper,last week, in an exclusive interview that the governmenttreatseveryconcernasapriority regardless of whether it is raised by the businesscommunityoranordinarycitizen.
The Guyanese Businesses Owners Association(GBOA),comprising65entities andindividualsinalettertoPresidentIrfaan
AliandotherseniorCabinetmembers,dated April 22, 2024 highlighted their concerns over the flooding of Chinese supermarkets andhardwarestoresacrossthecountry
The Guyanese business owners were keen to note that while they recognize and embrace healthy competition for the benefit ofconsumers,theirprimaryconcernpertains totheperceivedlackofadherencebyChinese businesses to the same laws and regulations governingGuyaneseenterprises.
They argued, “Many of these Chinese stores fail to provide tax invoices automatically with purchases, and when requested, such invoices are begrudgingly provided.Additionally,theyneglectto
Continued on page 15
No retraction, apology or compensation to Oil Minister for US detention claims
Lawyers representing veteranGuyaneseJournalist, Enrico Woolford have said thattherewillbenoapology, retractionandcompensation given to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat overtherecentclaimsthathe was detained by Federal AgentsintheUnitedStates.
Minister Bharrat last Fridaydeniedallegationsthat hewasquestionedbytheUS FederalAgents, on arrival at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport Woolfordhadmadeaposton his social media account making claims that the Ministerhadbeendetained
News of his alleged detentionquicklyspreadand when contact, the Minister directedthispublicationtoa
Demerara Waves article which quoted him as denying the allegations and statingthat“itwascourtesies being extended to expedite clearing. I was not detained orinterrogated”. Bharrat told Demerara Waves that he traveled to NewYork for an emergency because his father was hospitalized. In the article, he described the Facebook post made by Woolford as “mischievous”.
The Minister did not directlyrespondtoanyofthe questions posed by this newspaper
However through his attorney, Sanjeev Datadin, he wrote to Woolford demandinghe“issueaclear, u n q u a l i
Govt.willnotacthastily...
Frompage13
display TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) on invoices,omitchargingVAT (Value Added Tax) on applicableitems,andabstain from listing product descriptionsoninvoices.”
The missive also noted that there have been instances where consumers unknowingly purchased expired food items from theseestablishments,onlyto find no recourse for product support.
These flagrant breaches, according to the Business Association, raise questions about accountability and concernsabouttheoversight byrelevantauthorities.
To this end, the businesses said they cannot help but speculate whether these non-naturalized Chinese businesses receive preferential treatment or specialconcessions.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Commerce said, “I saw the letter and the issue appears to be across many sectors such as the financial sector which would include the Minister of Finance and we do plan to look and see
unconditional apology and retraction in a form manner andtermstobeagreedonor before the 14th July 2024 at 2p.m.”
In a letter dated July 13, 2024, attorneys, Eusi Anderson,NigelHughesand Roysdale Forde SC representing Woolford responded to the Minister’s lawyer demands stating categorically that “There will be no retraction, apology or compensatory damages or payments of legalfeesasrequested…”
The lawyers noted that there was no falsehood, malice or defamation in any ofthepublication’scontents.
Woolford as a national icon andtreasureandadecorated, Syracuse University trained world-classjournalist.
“Inthiscontext,muchof the contents of both your missive and allegations against our Client are perilously proximal to harassmentofhispersonand defamation of his untarnished name. Both you and your Client would embrace wisdom were you to immediately cease and desist from such practices,” theletterpointedout.
“Consequently,theclaim of injury to your Client’s reputationwillfindithardto hingeitselftoreality Enrico Woolford stands, firm and
strong, by the words published and will stand in similarresolveindefenceof civil and criminal proceedings,” the letter stated.
Further the lawyers pointed out that, “Our client considers the threat of criminal proceedings for the exerciseofhisconstitutional right of free speech to be replete with humour and empty of substance. He has expressedadistinctaversion to barrels sans contents for obviousreasons.”
Further, the attorneys said that Woolford will
proceedings are brought against him in any Court in
- Woolford’s Attorneys
anycountry
“Thisdisclosureisbotha professional courtesy and a warning for those who inhabit subjective realities and consider truth to be malleable, context-specific ordexterous.Weurgeyouto heed same,” the letter outlined.
Thelawyers’lettercalled on the Minister to focus his energies to the national collectiveandhisministerial portfolio.“Undoubtedly,itis asignificantandchallenging task. We offer sorrows and prayersforallothermatters.
Our Client and his attorneys wishyourclient’sfather,the swiftest return to fine health,”itpointedout.
whatthegenesisisandwhat reallyisatthebottomofit.”
Walrondadded,“Wehave seen the letter and we noted the concerns but instead of having a kneejerk reaction, I do need to sit with the Minister of Finance and we havespokeninformallyforus to meet and discuss what really the real issues are and howtheycanbeaddressed”
Thebusinesscommunity is concerned that the rapid expansion of Chinese businesses may not reflect normal market competition but may be a strategy to undermine local businesses by diminishing their market share, potentially impacting those with financial obligations to lending institutionssuchasloansand mortgages.
In light of the growing number of Chinese owned supermarkets and hardware stores, the local businesses questioned whether they were being subjected to the sametaxesandimportduties as local businesses, or whether they receive preferential treatment such as duty-free concessions for theirimports.
Minister of Natural Resources,
Vickram Bharrat
Veteran Guyanese Journalist, Enrico Woolford
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Ministry of Labour launches investigation into electrocution of crane operator
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department of the Ministry of Labour disclosed in a statement on Sunday that an investigation has been launched into the electrocution of the truck driver, who died while operating a crane on Saturday.
The driver, Maniram Navindralall, was in the process of offloading four crates of concrete blocks during a delivery at Windsor Estates, East Bank Demerara(EBD), when the crane he was using came into contact with 13,800 volts of electricity via a primary network electric wire. Navindralall of Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD) died of electrocution immediately.
According to their statement, after the matter was reported, the Ministry’s Assistant Chief OSH Officer, Mr. Royden Croal visited the scene and commenced an investigation into the cause of the incident. Croal is said to have also given recommendations for the prevention of recurrences.
Meanwhile, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, in
Deceased, Maniram Navindralall
2 Howo cement mixer truck for sale, $20 M for both. Call: 652-0251/650-0402/2604018.
a statement expressed concern with regard to the frequency of workplace injuries and accidents in recent times.
He noted that the Ministry’s hands have been full recently, with regard to occupational safety and health cases, as a number of cases similar to Saturday’s tragedy have occurred in recent months.
The truck and crane Navindralall was operating at the time of his death.
Just several weeks ago, in June, an East Coast Demerara mechanic, in similar fashion to Navindralall, died after the arm of the crane, which he was operating, came into contact with a 13,800 volt wire.
The Ministry launched an investigation into that incident as well.
Prime suspect in custody for murder...
From page 2 destination, he locked the woman in and drove her at gunpoint to a lonely area aback of Diamond and turned off his car lights.
Upon their arrival there, he reportedly held her at gunpoint and demanded that she hand over her purse and other valuables. Danello claimed that she had told him to take what he wants but spare her life. He took the purse which had her house keys, the cash, her ID card and some other documents along with her phone but according to the woman, it seemed as if he had no intention of letting her leave alive because he tried shooting her to the head.
“El trata de dispararme, para matarme verdad, o sea, el me disparo verdad como dos tres cuatro veces con la pistola pero no salio nada la pistola hizo (imitates the sound the gun made) (He tried to shoot me to kill me right … he tried to shoot like two, three, four times but nothing came out, the gun made (imitates the sound that the gun made)”, she told Kaieteur News.
It could be that the gun had jammed but the woman said that she believed at the time that it did not have any bullets. Instead of letting her go, the suspect tried to strangle her with a belt. “El agarro y quito la correa y me intento ahorcar y bueno dios
me dio fuerza y pelee con el, le di unas patadas en las bolas (He held me and took off his belt and tried to strangle me but God gave me strength and I fought with him, I give him some kicks in the balls,” she recounted).
While she fought for her life, she also received some blows to her body. The most painful she said was to her breasts because a surgery was performed on them.
During the fight for survival, the taxi driver reportedly lost a chain which he was wearing and for a few seconds, let go of her to look for it. She recalled that he asked her where the chain was and it was that moment that she was able to escape his grip and exited the car into the pouring rain.
She recounted running a short distance away when the taxi driver told her that he was going to kill her because she knows his face and where he works. It was at this point that man reportedly drew his gun again and shot at her. This time the gun went off and she ran for her life.
She claimed that at the time, she did not know she was hit but it occurred to her that she might be unable to escape him. “Yo me tire pa el monte (I threw myself in some bushes),” the Venezuelan woman said as she recalled seeing the taxi driver exiting the SUV with a torchlight and
searching around the area. She reportedly remained still in the bushes until he reentered the vehicle and left. She then got up and walked in the pouring rain until she met a man selling at a small stand along the road.
There she asked for help but the man said he had no cell phone to give her a call but advised her to wait until the rain was over for him to take her to a hospital.
Fearful that he too might harm her, she continued to walk in the rain. Cars passed by, she said, but she was reluctant to accept any help from the drivers. One man, however, stopped and identified himself as a policeman.
“Y me llevo a la (Diamond) police station (and he carried me to the police station)”. She said that when she arrived there, she realized that the attempt on her life took place in close proximity to the police station.
After seeing her condition, she was advised to go to a hospital. The policeman who picked her up took her to the closest hospital and she was admitted.
There she learnt that a bullet entered one of her arms and was lodged in her back. Doctors were unable to remove the warhead. She had also sustained a fractured rib from the blows she received. Detectives subsequently took a statement from her.
CAR RENTAL
Suspect in Trump rally shooting identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks
Reuters - Federal law enforcement authorities scrutinized the background of Thomas Matthew Crooks on Sunday in a search for what drove the 20-year-old gunman to open fire on former U S President DonaldTrumpatacampaign r a l l y i n w e s t e r n Pennsylvania.
Crooks,identifiedbythe FBIasthesuspectedgunman in the assassination attempt, was shot and killed by the Secret Service seconds after he allegedly fired shots towardastagewhereTrump wasspeakingonSaturdayin Butler, Pennsylvania. One rally attendee, a 50-year-old man identified as Corey Comperatore, died and two other spectators were criticallyinjured.Trumpwas shotintherightear
A resident of Bethel Park, about an hour away from where the shooting occurred, Crooks was a registered Republican who would have been eligible to casthisfirstpresidentialvote in the Nov 5 election in which Trump is challenging President Joe Biden. Public records show his father is a registered Republican and mother a registered Democrat.
Federal Election Commission filings show Crooks appears to have made a small $15 donation
several years ago to a political action committee called ActBlue that raises money for left-leaning and Democratic politicians. The donation was earmarked for the Progressive Turnout Project,anationalgroupthat rallies Democrats to vote.
The groups did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Crooks’ parents could not immediately be reached forcommentbyReuters.His father, Matthew Crooks, 53, toldCNNthathewastrying to figure out what happened and would wait until he talked to law enforcement before speaking about his son.
Secret Service agents fatally shot the suspect, the agencysaid,afterheopened fire from the roof of a building about 150 yards (140 meters) from the stage w h e r e Tr u m p w a s addressing supporters. An AR-15-style semiautomatic rifleusedintheshootingwas recovered near his body, accordingtosources.
The firearm was legally purchased by the suspect’s father, ABC and the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources Bombmaking materials were found in the suspect’s car, U.S. media outlets reported, citingsources.
‘SUPERSMART’
In the family’s hometown, one of Thomas Crooks’s former classmates at Bethel Park High School saidthesuspectdidnotshow any particular interest in politics.Rather,hisinterests
centered on building computers and playing games, the 20-year-old classmate, who asked not to be identified, said in an interview.
Crooks often kept to himself, the classmate said, and politics never came up.
Their conversations revolved around school, the classmatesaid.
“He was super smart. That’s what really kind of threw me off was, this was, like, a really, really smart kid, like he excelled,” the classmate said “Nothing crazy ever came up in any conversation.”
Theclassmateaddedthat hehadnotseenorheardfrom Crooks since the suspect graduatedin2022.
While in school, Crooks receiveda$500“staraward” from the National Math and ScienceInitiative,according to the Pittsburgh TribuneReviewnewspaper
Bethel Park School District is cooperating with the law enforcement investigation, local media r e p o r t e d A s l a w enforcement dug into his
Kenyapolicevow‘transparent’
Al Jazeera - Police in Kenya have promised a “transparent” investigation into the discovery of eight mutilatedfemalebodiesthat were found dumped in an abandoned quarry in Mukuru, a collection of slums south of the capital Nairobi.
“The entire national police service and I understandthedeepconcern and distress the tragedy brings to the families, residents of Kware and fellow Kenyans,” acting Police Chief Douglas Kanja said in an address to journalistsonSunday
“We are committed to conducting transparent, thorough and swift investigations,” Kanja s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t
background, the streets around the Crooks home wereblockedoffbyaheavy policepresenceonSunday Residents who live nearby described feeling shocked and unsettled that an assassination attempt has beenlinkedtoapersonfrom the sedate city of 33,000 people.
“Bethel Park is a pretty blue-collar type of area, and to think that somebody was that close is a little insane,” saidWesMorgan,a42-yearold who works at an investment management company and bikes with his childrenonthesamestreetas theCrooks’residence.
Acouplestandingonthe porch of their nearby brick ranch-style home was left processing the events and spotlight on their neighborhood
“There’s never been a gun issue There’s never been the police being called,” Mary Priselac, 67, said alongside her husband. “Youkindofhavetowonder what didn’t he get in life? Whatledtothisextreme?”
Bruce Piendl, owner of Allegheny Arms and Gunworks in Bethel Park, saidthatafterlearningabout the shooting he checked his records.
“We did not sell any firearms to the shooter,” Piendlsaid.“Wedidnotsell
Trump shooter identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks
afirearmthatwasusedinthe shootingtothefamily.”
When asked whether he had sold any firearms to Crooks family members, he declined to provide a direct answer
“That’s between me and God,”Piendlsaid.
“You have to understand in western Pennsylvania we have a rich tradition of hunting and fishing and outdoor stuff,” Piendl said when asked about the number of gun shops in the region.“Within10miles(16 km)ofhere,thereareatonof gunclubs.”
“We have identified an account that appears to be linked to the suspect; it was rarely utilized and we have foundnoevidencethatitwas used to plan this incident or discuss his political views,” Discordsaidinastatement.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, did not immediately respond to questions on whether the platforms had removed any accounts related to the suspect.
While Reuters could not immediately identify social media accounts or other online postings by Crooks, Discord said on Sunday that he had an account on the instantmessagingplatform.
probeintodismemberedfemalebodies
Volunteers carry the body of an unknown person retrieved, with seven others, from a dumpsite in the Mukuru slums of Nairobi, Kenya [File: Monicah Mwangi/Reuters]
transparency would extend to a post-mortem operation, and the media would be involved at all stages.
The announcement came after Kenya’s acting inspectorgeneralofpolice said officers at the police station in Kware were
transferred Investigations on the bodies, which were found dumped inside plastic bags in a case that has rattled the
nation, are expected to conclude within three weeks, according to the actingpolicechief.
Police authorities said they were pursuing possible linkstocults,serialkillersor rogue medical practitioners aspartoftheirinvestigation.
President William Ruto is under increasing pressure to contain the nationwide crisis that has taken hold over widespread anti-governmentprotests.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome resigned on Friday amid the ongoing protests, which have left dozens of demonstratorskilled.
K e n y a ’s p o l i c e watchdog, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), on Friday said it was investigating whether there was any police involvement in the case of the mutilated bodies, noting that the dumpsite was just 100 metres (328 feet) from thepolicepost.
T h e A F P n e w s agency reported that in the absenceofapolicesearchon Sunday, volunteers were combing through the vast piles of rubbish in search of morevictims.
Locals reportedly tried to take a bag they had hauled out of the quarry to the police station, but were met with canisters of tear gas.
GCB welcomes home Women’s U19 T20 champions
The Guyana
U n d e r - 1 9
Women’s T20
Blaze Champions returned homeyesterdaytoacultural welcoming, flocked by f a m i l y, f r i e n d s , Government officials and executives of the Guyana CricketBoard(GCB).
Minister Sonia Parag welcomed the young
women by saying, “We are proud of you and on behalf of the government and Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr, I’m honored to welcome a team of young female players from a country beyond proudofyou.”
The Minister spoke of her love for cricket which stemmedfromherdaysasa
young woman herself, who would frequently attend cricket matches; something she said laid the foundation ofherpassionforthesport. She added that the w i n h a s b r o u g h t excitement home, adding that the Government is p r o u d t o f o s t e r development in sports acrossthecountry
Following the success of the team, Minister Parag addedthatMinisterRamson plans to engage the young womenasmajorplansarein place to collaborate and further capitalize on the current progress of the Women’scricketteam.
“ Yo u ’ v e d o n e Guyanese immensely proud, I wish you more
Pogacar storms to stage 15 win...
Monday July 15, 2024
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some
Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
It'sgoingtobealittledifficult
y, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Haveyoubeenreviewingyour
ely, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.
success, as a female minister, I want to say as women you are an absolute inspiration to our younger generationofwomeninour country,” said Minister Parag.
Meanwhile, GCB
president Bissoondyal
S i n g h i s s u e d congratulations to his young team winning the
CWItitle
Hesaidthewinmarked a significant milestone in women’s cricket while setting the stage for more structure within Women’s cricket.
Singh pointed out that more will be done to help makethefutureofGuyana Women’s cricket brighter thanever
Frompage23 Matteo Jorgenson led the peloton up a brutal final climb, before handing over toVingegaardtotrytocrack Pogacar They caught the breakaway group with about 9km remaining and Vingegaard, who was seriously injured in a crash threemonthsago,wasoutof his saddle with about 5km left.
The Dane glanced back to see if that effort had had any impact on Pogacar and thatwasasignaltotherace leader that, in fact, it was Vingegaard who was at his limit Like on Saturday, Pogacar sensed the opportunity to hit the front andhecontinuedtogoclear to claim his third stage win onthisyear’sTourandgive himselfacommandinglead heading into Monday’s rest day
British sprinter Mark Cavendish, the Tour’s alltime stage record-holder with 35, made the cut-off time with less than two minutes to spare to keep alivehishopesofsecuringa final stage win in his farewelltotherace.
Guyana leads by 33 runs after...
Frompage25 byDevonieJoseph(30)and Steven Abraham Jr (27) took them to 84 before the latter was dismissed Joseph’sinningsendedthree deliveries later to put some hope back in the Guyanese camp.
Edwardretiredhurton1 butKirtMurray(9)andJohn (8) are overnight in the middle. Thorne leads the bowling for Guyana with 214 while Krsna Singh and Golcharran Chulai each haveone.
substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored four minutes from time to give his side a deserved2-1Euro2024final victory over England on Sunday and a record fourth European crown, as Gareth Southgate’steamlostintheir secondsuccessivefinal.
Oyarzabal finished off a swift counter-attack for the winning goal as Spain were crowned champions, having won all seven games they playedinthetournament.
“I have done my job,” said Oyarzabal, who came onforcaptainAlvaroMorata after67minutes.
“Just the fact of being inthe26,youvalueitalot.It happened to me but could havehappenedtoanyone.”
Afteracautiousfirsthalf where Spain had 65% possession but England’s PhilFodenhadtheonlyshot ontarget,ittooktwominutes after the restart for Spain to strike despite losing influential midfielder Rodri toinjuryatthebreak.
Teenager Lamine Yamal found space down the right and crossed for fellow wingerNicoWilliamstoslot homeasEnglandfellbehind for the fourth successive
match.Spainthenenjoyeda purplepatchwithaseriesof sharp attacks as England’s previously watertight defence fell apart and Dani Olmo, Morata and Williams all had good chances Southgate reacted by sending on Ollie Watkins,
thescoringsubstituteheroof the semi-final, for an ineffective Harry Kane after an hour, with Cole Palmer, England’s most creative player for the last month, joininghim10minuteslater It paid off almost immediately when Jude
Man Utd sign Bologna striker Zirkzee for £36.5m
( B B C S p o r t )Manchester United have
signed Bologna and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee in a deal worth £36.54m.The23-year-oldhas signed a five-year contract at OldTrafford,withtheoptionof afurther12months
Zirkzee’s Bologna contract included a 40m euros (£33 6m) release clause, but United opted to agree a slightly increased price in order to pay the fee over a three-year period to help with Profit and SustainabilityRules
Zirkzee becomes the first signing the men’s side have made since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner by purchasing a 27 7% stake in the club last December
He scored 12 goals in 37 appearances last season as Serie A side
Bologna claimed a surprise spot in this
season’s Champions League. Zirkzee joined Bayern Munich from
£7 15m five years later after loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht
He was named in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad but made just two substitute appearances for the Netherlands, who lost to England in the semifinals Zirkzee, the 2023/24
SerieAUnder-23Playerof the Year, said it was “a privilege to join such an iconic club” and he is “ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win moretrophies”
D a n A s h w o r t h , United’s new sporting director, said adding to the club’s group of forward players was “a key aim for thissummer”
Bellingham laid the ball back into Palmer’s path and the substitute curled home a preciselow20-metreshotin the73rdminute.
The massed ranks of England fans, who vastly outnumbered their rivals, exploded and the whole feel
(BBC Sport) - Aston Villaareinadvancedtalksto sign midfielder Amadou OnanafromEvertonforafee intheregionof£50m.
The 22-year-old featured for Belgium at Euro2024andwouldhave the opportunity to play Champions League footballnextseason.
Onana joined from Lille for £33m in August 2022 and has gone on to make 72 appearances for the Toffees, scoring four goals.
Arsenal held an initial conversation with Onana’s representatives earlier this year but did not follow up on their interest.
It is understood Villa’s fee meets Everton’s v a l u a t i o n o f t h e midfielder, who also had interest from Manchester United Senegal-born Onana has also played for Hamburg, having progressed through
There was still time for more drama at the other end as Spain goalkeeper Unai SimonparriedaDeclanRice header from a corner and Dani Olmo blocked Marc Guehi’s follow up on the line.
Spain survived to add a fourth title to those won in 1964,2008and2012and,as onlythethirdteaminthelast nineEurostowinthetrophy without coming through a shootoutatsomepointinthe tournament following France (2000) and Greece (2004), nobody can deny theywereworthywinners.
For England the “30 years of hurt” after their 1966 World Cup success, which was sung about at Euro1996,willnowruntoat least double that number as theybecamethefirstteamto losesuccessiveEurofinals
“Losing in a final is as toughasitgets,”saidcaptain Kane.“Wedidreallywellto get back into the game but we didn’t quite keep the sameintensityandpressureI guess.
We couldn’t quite keep theballandwegotpunished forit.”
ofthenightchanged. Spain weathered the storm and a lapse of concentration saw England undone as Marc Cucurella was left in space on the left, received the ball from Oyarzabal and drilled it across the box for the substitutetostretchoutatoe andpokeithome.
Villa close to signing Everton’s Onana for £50m
the ranks at Hoffenheim afterstartinginAnderlecht’s academy Villa have been in the market for a new midfielder aftersellingDouglasLuizto Juventus for £42.35m last month. Theyarealsoexpectedto completethereturnofJaden Philogene in the coming days after the Hull winger flew back from the Tigers’ training camp in Turkey on
Friday
The England Under-21 winger is due to sign a fiveyear contract in a move worthabout£18m,returning to Villa Park less than 12 months after being sold to theTigers.
Villa included a matchingoptioninhismove lastSeptemberandsnatched him from Ipswich, who had agreed an £18m deal with Hull.
Spain’s Fermin Lopez celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning Euro 2024 (Reuters)
Midfielder Amadou Onana joined Everton from Lille for £33m in 2022 (Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee has two caps for the Netherlands (Manchester United)
Alcaraz crushes Djokovic to retain Wimbledon title
(BBC Sport) - Carlos Alcaraz powered to victory over an out-of-sorts Novak Djokovictoretainhismen’s singlestitleatWimbledon.
Although the players on show made this a repeat of last year’s final, it failed to liveuptothefive-setthriller of 12 months ago as Djokovic appeared mostly
helpless against the dominantSpaniard.
Despite squandering three championship points when trying to serve out a rapid victory,Alcaraz found focus again and held his arms aloft after battling through the third-set tiebreakfora6-26-27-6(7-4) win.
“Honestly, it is a dream formewinningthistrophy,” said Alcaraz, who was presentedwiththetrophyby thePrincessofWales.
Gracious in defeat, Djokovicsharedasmileand warm embrace withAlcaraz
comprehensiveloss.
For a second straight year, Djokovic was attempting to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight
Wimbledonmen’stitles.
The 24-time major winner was also trying to move ahead of Margaret Courttotakesoleownership oftheall-timerecordforthe
Pogacar storms to stage 15 win to stretch Tour lead
UAE Team Emirates’Tadej Pogacar celebrates winning stage 15 (Reuters)
(BBCSport)-TadejPogacartookahuge step towards reclaiming the Tour de France title as he produced another superb ride to secureasecondstraightstagewin.
AstheraceheadedintothePyreneesthis weekend, the two big mountain stages were seen as a chance for Pogacar’s general classification rivals to potentially close the gapontheraceleader
But the two-time champion soloed to victory on stage 14 and followed that up by dismissing his competition on a gruelling climb to the stage 15 finish in Plateau de Beille.
Pogacar, 25, left Jonas Vingegaard behind to claim his 14th stage win by one minute eight seconds, while Remco Evenepoel crossed almost three minutes
down in third. Vingegaard, the two-time defending champion, now trails the Slovenian by three minutes nine seconds, whileEvenepoelisfiveminutesnineseconds offtheoverallleadinthird.
Sunday’s 197.7km mountain stage from Loudenvielle promised to be one of the toughestdaysontheTour
Itfeaturedfourcategoryoneclimbs,with a hors categorie climb - the toughest - to finish, and 4,831 metres of elevation gain9%ofthisyear’stotal.Itwasalsohotter,and Pogacar admits he usually struggles in the heat, so in a bid to hit back after Saturday’s win for UAE Team Emirates, Vingegaard’s Visma-LeaseaBiketeampushedthepacefor mostoftheday TheDane’steam-mate
(Continuedonpage21)
family, celebrating a 14th consecutive match win at Wimbledon.
The result continues the four-time major winner’s 100% record in Grand Slam finals,whilehebecomesthe youngest man to win at Wimbledon and the French Openinthesameyear
Alcaraz was hoping it would be a day of double Spanish celebrations, too, with the national football team taking on England in the Euro 2024 final in the evening.
Alcaraz saves best for lasttotoppleDjokovic
Alcaraz had looked far from convincing for the majority of this year’s Championships-winningin straightsetsjusttwicebefore Sunday’sfinal.
most Grand Slam singles titles.
As tradition now dictates,Alcarazclimbedup to the players’ box and was leapt upon by his team and
He had to show resiliencetowrestlehisway through matches, fighting back against Daniil Medvedev,TommyPauland FrancesTiafoetosustainhis titledefence.
It made his run to the
finalallthemoreimpressive, with his never-say-die mentality the mark of a true champion.
And in Sunday’s final, Alcaraz showed he was savinghisbesttennisforthe last,all-importantmoment.
Former British number oneTimHenmancalleditan “annihilation”, while 1987 WimbledonwinnerPatCash described it as a “perfect performance”.
Alcaraz reeled off deft drop shots, perfect volleys and thunderous forehand winners that seemed to stun his37-year-oldopponent.
Following in the footsteps of his fellow Spaniard and hero Rafael Nadal in 2008 and 2010, Alcaraz has achieved the rare feat of winning at Roland Garros and Wimbledoninthesameyear
“Credit to Carlos for playing elite tennis, especially from the back of the court. He had it all today,” Djokovic said in his runner-upspeech.
Garcia ends title drought at LIV Golf Andalucia
(BBC Sport) - Home favourite Sergio Garcia earned his first professional win in four years as he got thebetterofIndia’sAnirban Lahiri in a play-off at LIV GolfAndalucia.
The Spaniard shot a final-round 66 at the Real Club Valderrama to make up seven strokes on overnight leader Lahiri and finish in a tie on five under
A short par putt at the second hole of the sudden-death play-off was enough to secure Garcia his first LIV win
and prize money of £3 15m
“Without a doubt [one of the highlights of my career],”Garciasaid
He spoke about it being a big Sunday for Spanish sport, saying: “Not only that, but also Carlos winning Alcaraz w o n t o d a y [ a t Wimbledon]
“Hopefully Spain wins tonight. It would be an unbelievableweekend.ButI played well, played well in theplay-off.It’sjustatough hole.Butsohappy.”
Spain’s victory against
Sergio Garcia’s victory is his first individual triumph since 2020 (Getty Images)
England in the Euro 2024 football final duly came, providing more delight for Garcia and making it a remarkable day of achievementforthecountry
Garcia’s most recent victoryhadcomeatthe2020
S a n d e r s o n F a r m s Championship.
England’sTyrrellHatton finished third, a shot back from the leaders on four under, with American Patrick Reed and South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen
tied for fourth on three under
“I felt pretty gutted for Lahiri,”Hattonsaid.“Itwas a bit awkward on the 18th green with the crowd because they wanted Sergio towin.
“I think everyone thought it would be done there, and unfortunately for Lahiri,theyendeduphaving togointoaplay-off.
“Frommypointofview, nice to have another good weekgoingintotheOpen.”
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia pose with their trophies after the men’s singles final (USA TODAY Sports)
Port Mourant CARICOM Horse Race Meet… Easy Time outclasses Bossalina and co. with dominant win
Reigning Guyana Cup Champion
E a s y Ti m e sealed a crushing win at the Port Mourant Turf Club CARICOMhorseracemeet.
JockeyColinRossdisplayed brilliance in front of a packed house sealing the deal in the feature event, with the champion horse trained, by Nasrudeen MohamedJr baggingG$1.5 million.
Running at 1350 meters, Easy Time was trailed by Bossalina, who finished second on her return to the Sport of Kings, while Beckham James came third and Jessica’s Pride finished fourth in a thrilling race.
Easy Time was the overwhelming favorite for fans, and he lived up to expectation.
Spankhurst was the notable absent horse and GloriousBusinness.
Afteradelayedstart,the racedaygotgoingwiththeJ Class event. Trump was the winner, after acclimatizing to conditions Local boy Kevin Paul piloted the resilient Trump to win in which he celebrated with an iconicfistpump.
Sarkar finished second while Princess Samiyah and
Amazing Grace finished thirdandfourthrespectively
Race two was the twoyear old event, which was the first of its kind this year Secret Traveller emerged as victor while Candy Candy came second. Perfect Gold
finished third while Miracle Starranfourth.
Thethirdraceoftheday saw Supremacy regaining supremewithavictoryinthe HClassrace.BlindingLight came second, followed by Emotional Damage and She
WBOOnTimeinthatorder
Bin Laden won an eventful J/K/L maiden class race which had a stacked field of 12 horses. Jockey Colin Ross was unseated fromLionHeartearlyinthe race Despite that, Lion
Easy
Heart ran solo finishing jockey-less ahead of the otherhorses.
InadditiontoBinLaden, whotookthetopspot,Little Africafinishedsecondwhile Rock Star came third Legacy finished fourth in racefour
Experienceprevailedin race five with jockey Ross saddling Top Gun to a win in the L Class race Running at 1500 meters, Ross pulled away from Wartime in a tense sprint home Princess Sasha ran third followed by Royal Flight
Royal Ink then pulled offagatetopolevictoryin the three-year-old Guyana and West Indies bred derby SexAppeal finished in second while Country Rock managed third and Super Quick came fourth in the penultimate race of theday.
The sponsors for the CARICOMracemeetwere Big G Limber Yard, Ryan Tilak, Old Broom Lounge, Kascon Engineering, AJM Enterprise, Money Tree
T r a
Mourant Turf Club, Jumbo Jet, KP Jagdeo, Premium Asphalt, Zick Back Shop and Family, Archway Snackette and Devendra Bishoo
Thenextracedaywillbe the highly anticipated GuyanaCuponAugust11at Rising Sun Turf Club, West CoastBerbice.
Port Mourant player benefits from Project Cricket
Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana
Richard Sewmangal, a 14-year-old all-rounder
from Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, is the latest young cricketer to benefit from this joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USAandAnil Beharry of Guyana The fastbowling all-rounder was the recipient of one pair of cricketshoes.
He is a student of JC Chandisingh Secondary School and represents Port Mourant Cricket Club, a club that has a rich history of producing cricketers for Berbice, Guyana and West Indies, at all levels Sewmangal represents his clubatalljuniorlevelsand wasselectedinBerbice24man squad at the under-15 level.
The presentation was done by former national cricketer and coach, Hubern Evans Evans
encouraged the youngster to stay disciplined and focus on his game and education Sewmangal expressed gratitude in response and promised to work hard on his game. This project continues to supportyoungpeople.
Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $460,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, eighteen pairs of cricket boots, thirty-one pairs of batting pads, 33 cricket bats, 29 pairs of batting gloves,24thighpads,three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chestpads,tencricketbags, sixbatrubbers,sixhelmets, one fiber-glass bat and ten boxes of white cricket balls. In addition to the above,morethan$600,000 worth of gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, a
wicketkeeper/batsman. All cashcollectedisbeingused to purchase gear requested and not available at the time.
To date, 76 young players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 32 bats, three boxes, six helmets,27pairsofcricket shoes, eighteen pairs of battingpads,24thighpads, one bat grip, 31 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads and t h r e e p a i r s o f wicketkeeping gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats Pomeroon, Leguan and W
Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red
cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received threeboxesofballs,fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves,asetofstumpsand bails Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist in identifying talent Progressive and well-managedcricketclubs with a youth program, will also benefit Anyone interested in contributing cancontactAnilBeharryat 623-6875orKishanDasat 1-718-664-0896.
Richard Sewmangal received the equipment from coach, Hubern Evans.
The winners’row:
Time connections in high spirits after a crushing win
GHB-Value4U Summer Break Junior Tournament…
Indoor: Day one action set up thrilling conclusion conclusion
There was no shortageofaction onthesecondday oftheGuyanaHockeyBoard (GHB) Value4U Inc Summer Break Junior’s Hockey Tournament on Saturday at the National Gymnasium.
Theplayersmovedtothe indoor segment of the tournament following a highly competitive outdoor segment, which unfolded at the Georgetown Cricket ClubTurfonFriday.
Under-13
GCC War Dogs and YMCA OFHC Uprising booked their tickets for the final after victories overtheteamslockedinthe third-place showdown, YMCA Showstoppers and SHCScorchers.
In GroupA, War Dogs defeated Hikers (4 – 0), VHC Sticklers (3 – 0) and YMCA Uprising (10) on Court One while the Group B matches on Court
Two saw Sticklers battle to draws against YMCA Uprising (0-0) and Hikers (2-2).
The other match in Group B on that Court
saw Uprising reign supreme over Hikers (4 –0) In the Group B matches
on Court One, GCC
Thunderbolts lost toYMCA OFHC Showstoppers (0-4), GCCThunderboltsandSHC Scorchers drew nil all and Showstoppers lost to Scorchers(1–2)
Under-16
A total of 11 matches were billed for this division in both the Boys and Girls categories.
In the Girls segment, GCC Her-ricanes defeated HHCJuniorJets(1-0),SHC Sensations defeated YMCA OFHC Stars (3-0) and Herricanes (5-0) and HHC Junior Jets (3-0), YMCA OFHC Stars sank VHC Sticklers (4-0) and Junior Jets drew with Sticklers (11).
T h e f i v e B o y s matches saw GCC Outlaws defeat HHC Hatchets (6 – 0) and YMCA OFHC Stunners (3-0), SHC Legends got past Stunners (5-0), SHC
U19 Tournament…
Guyana leads by 33 runs after Day one
It was a very ordinary performance with bat from the Guyana team on the opening day of their Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising StarsMen’sUnder-192-Day Championship match against the Leeward Islands attheSionHillPlayingField in St Vincent and the Grenadines Batting first, Guyanawasonlyabletoget 142runsontheboardbefore theywerebowledoutin48.1 overs. In reply, pressed to 109-4 from 39 overs at stumps, a further 33 runs behind with six wickets remaining.
In Guyana’s innings, Rampertab Ramnauth (22) and Romeo Deonarine (7) gave stern resistance at the top of the order but their scoring rate was quite slow The captain, Mavendra Dindyal (17), Shahid Viera (11)andJonathanvanLange (25) got starts but were unable to heavily affect the scoring too. Thaddeus Lovell made a quick fire 34
Sigmas trounced HHC Hatchets (4-0) and Legends drewwithSigmas,nilall.
Under-21
The lone Girls’ match in this Division was won comfortably by GCC
Isai Thorne
batting at number 7 while Isai Thorne turned in 12 valuablerunstothetotal.No other batsman made it to double figures as Kirsten Murray led for Leewards with4–25.TarriqueEdward andKirtMurraybothpicked up two wickets each while Kirtnet Franklyn and Lee Johnclaimedoneeach. Leewards began their chase in the final session of the day, which saw Thorne dismiss both openers StephenPascal(6)andTheo Edward (10) to leave the oppositionat23-2inthe7th over.However,arecovery (Continuedonpage21)
Spartans against Saints, 3 – 0 while the highly competitive Boys Division hadcontrastingresults.
In the six male showdowns, YMCA
OFHCTop Form defeated
Abosaide Cadogan had a standout performance for GCC in the U-21 Girls Category
