Canadianfirmtoproduce353,000ouncesof goldannuallyfromReg.7projectover13years
ByRenaySambach
On Monday, the new owner of the Oko West project located in Region Seven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni)G Mining Ventures (GMIN), a Canadian firm, announced theresultsofthePreliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)fortheproject.
The assessment projects an average annual gold production of 353,000 ounces of gold over a 12.7year mine life, with a total gold output pegged at 4.5 million ounces. The report also highlights an average goldgradeof2.00gramsper tonne (g/t) and a high metallurgical recovery rate of92.8%.
Thecompanystatedthat the PEA confirms strong economics for a low-cost, large-scaleminingoperation using both conventional open pit (OP) and underground(UG)methods.
According to GMIN, with operating costs well belowindustryaveragesand a high rate of return, the project is ideally positioned to benefit from favourable macro-economicconditions, includingstronggoldprices, low inflation, and Guyana’s rapidly developing economy
–PEAreveals
The open pit mine is projectedtohavealifeof15 years, which includes 2 years of pre-stripping and involves four pit phases. In contrast, the underground mine is expected to operate for 13 years, including 2 yearsofdevelopment,across
threezones.
The milling operation is plannedtorunfor13years.It
was explained that during the first three years of commercial production, the processing feed will be provided entirely by the open pit. From the fourth year onward, underground mining will begin supplying a significant portion of the mineralizedmaterial.
Notably, the Oko West project payback period is estimatedat3.8years,based onagoldpriceofUS$1,950 perounce.
Louis-Pierre Gignac, President&ChiefExecutive Officer (CEO) of GMIN, commented on the PEA results stating, “The Oko PEA,basedonthelong-term consensus gold price of US$1,950 per ounce, outlines a high-production, long-life, high-margin operation with an after-tax NPV5% (net present value) of US$1.4 billion and IRR (internal rate of return) of 21%.”
Gignac stated that the Oko West project is ideally positioned to leverage GMIN’s regional footprint, development expertise, and anticipated free cash flow from their in-production TocantinzinhoGoldMinein B
historicallyhighgoldprices. He noted that GMIN had recently announced the start ofcommercialproductionat Tocantinzinho, which was delivered on time and budget. He noted that the company aims to replicate this success with the Oko project,usingessentiallythe sameteam.
“I am excited that this exceptionally positive PEA only captures a snapshot of thepotentialvalueofOko,as we continue to explore the prospective land package and evaluate valueenhancement opportunities forimprovedeconomicsina feasibility study planned for the first quarter of 2025. I look
orward to the tremendous shared-value c r e a t i o n f o r o u r stakeholders, including the countryofGuyana,”Gignac added.
Moreover, a few months ago, GMIN acquired Reunion Gold Corporation, taking over the Oko West project, as a result of an allshare deal valued at C$875 million(US$638million).
Continuedonpage14
An aerial view of the Oko West project
Exxonrecoveringmoremoneyfrom Guyana’soilyearlythaninvestments
ExxonMobil and the Stabroek Block CoVenturers are currently recovering more money from Guyana’s oil than they are investing in the operations.
With the increase in oil production activities, the 75%costrecoveryfigurehas balloonedtoaneye-popping US$7.5B in the first half of 2024 alone Meanwhile, Exxon has committed to spend just about US$500M in the block this year, accordingtoits2023Annual Report.
ExxonMobil affiliate
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45% interest in the Stabroek Block Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limitedholds25%interest.
CNOOC and Hess also committed to invest in the Stabroek Block this year,
taking total equity contributions between the partnerstojustoverUS$1B.
This concerning trend of cost recovery outweighing investments by the Stabroek Block partners is likely to continue as Guyanese politicians refuse to ringfence the projects in the StabroekBlock.
Aring-fencingprovision would require each offshore development to pay its own costandaftertheinvestment is repaid, would allow the country to enjoy a greater share of profits from the sector
As at the end of
D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3 , ExxonMobil reported that a total of US$30B was invested into the Stabroek Block operations. President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge also told reporters at a media conference earlier this year that US$19B of those expenses has so far been
cleared through the cost recoverymechanism.
It should be noted that the three oil projects currently producing oil, the Liza One, Liza Two, and Payara projects collectively carry a price tag of about US$19B.
This means that the country could have been receiving higher profits this yearfromthethreeprojects; however, in the absence of ring-fencing,Exxonwilluse therevenuetoinvestinother developmentsandevenfund itsexplorationprogramme.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked to comment on this state of affairs during his weekly press conference last week. Hewasspecificallyaskedto say whether it would be fair
to conclude that Exxon’s costrecoverywasexceeding itsinvestments.
To this end, the Vice President explained, “Everything is determined
bytheformula,whichis75% forcostrecovery(and)what is in the cost bank, so these are(the)twothings.Soevery year, every new project that has been approved gets
added to the cost bank and the75%appliestoit.”
Jagdeothereforepointed outthatthesumdeductedfor costrecoveryisimpactedby the price of the oil and the
rateofproduction.
“If the price of oil goes up slightly, you can then recover faster...if it comes down slightly it slows down the pace of amortization of thecostbank.
Secondly,ifyouincrease productionitcouldspeedup the amortization of the cost bank so it keeps moving all the time because prices move all the time and sometimesbyshipment,”he said.
Further to that, the VP noted that the approval of new projects by the government also delays the full amortization of the cost recovery
Hemadeitclearhowever that this does not alter the fact that Guyana’s revenue stream in the future will growsignificantlyasaresult oftheacceleratedrateofcost recovery
ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Police need urgent help
TheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)issuretoputupafight. The PPPC Government is going to play for time in the hope that the bad news goes away The call is for scrutiny of the GPF,consideringtheseriousdevelopmentsthathaverocked itinashortspanoftime.
We fully endorse that call but take it further When the chronicsuspicionandlackoftrustthatpervadesGuyanaare weighed, it is timely for foreign assistance to be pursued. TheGPFisindireneedofhelp,agoodstartisactivatingthe proper parliamentary committees, with a better supporting effortincludingforeignexpertise.
Therehavebeenreportsofallegedfinancialwrongdoing committed inside the GPF Asenior officer of the GPF was held at the John F Kennedy International airport in New York. Morerecently,therewasanoticeableabsenceofGPF involvement in the huge Matthews Ridge drug bust. The latter is astonishing, tells so much of what could be wrong insidetheGPF,whereitis,howitisviewed. Whenthereare developments of this nature, and the GPF looks less than it should, the confidence of the public takes a blow Matters are not helped when the GPF high command is either tightlipped or issue terse statements that reveal nothing. When all this is absorbed, the security of citizens and preventionofcrimeallstrugglewithavoidthatisnoteasily closed. Tothisend,thecallisforthegovernmenttohelpthe GPF so that it can help itself to be a more professional organization, one that begins that long and difficult process towardsearningthetrustandrespectofGuyanese.
For starters, parliamentary scrutiny could only help, if only to get an idea of what is going on inside the GPF and howmuchitcandeliveronitsmandatetoserveandprotect. Serve and protect citizens, and not its own possibly nefarious interests or those of domineering and tainted politicians.
Unless there is genuineness in getting the clearest understanding of where the GPF stands, what its weaknesses are, then the kind of help that it needs is not going to happen. Unless the PPPC Government is open to listening and is ready to do what is best for the GPF, then its shortcomings will remain at the same deplorable levels, with the safety and security of the public degraded. The confidence of Guyanese is already at a very low level. Citizenshavebeentakenadvantageofbyranksonthestreet astheygoabouttheirlawfulbusinessandneedrelief.
Notwithstanding the dark clouds swirling over the GPF, thePPPCGovernmenthasseeminglygoneintoitscustomary response of putting up a wall, while feigning that all is well, andwhatisgoingonwiththeGPFisamomentaryblip Wedo notagreewithanysuchposture,fortherehavebeentoomany majorissuesthatallredoundtothegreatdiscreditoftheGPF This is only from what have made their way into the media, whatdamagesthereputationoftheGPF Theconcernisabout whatelsecouldbegoingon,andhowbadsuchare
Former Minister of Public Security in the Coalition Government, Khemraj Ramjattan, has called for the operationalization of the Public Security Committee of parliament. An unfettered one, and one that functions with an eye to enhancing the GPF and delivering the security blanketthatcitizenscrave,couldonlyhelp.
Inaddition,LeaderoftheAFC,NigelHughes,hasadded his voice with a call for implementation of the Protective Disclosure Act of 2018, which gives some comfort to potentialwhistleblowers,shouldtheycomeforwardtoshare what they know We think that there is merit to both calls, and that the government should respond quickly and positively Nevertheless,itisobviousthattheGPFneedsan urgentmajoroverhaul.
The input of foreign expertise would be invaluable in any such effort, if it were to ever find PPPC Government favor The GPF is hurting, it shows, and cannot be denied. There must be willingness to deal with what stares in the facewithoutdelay
Mr. Bisram seems unfulfilled
DEAREDITOR, newspapers and the topics that he himselfinto For a person who stated that he writesabout I also got the impression, from his holds 6 Masters and 6 PhD degrees, He also seems to exhibit a colonial letters, that he may be a racialist and Mr Vishnu Bisram seems to be mentality and a revolutionary religionist. unfulfilled in life from the frequent wannabee from the various protests Regards, silly letters he pens to all the local and liberation struggles that he inserts Sham Rahman Mohammed
The Matthews Ridge drug bust
DEAREDITOR,
cocaine found, could not be more than I am told that a senior police officer has
We heard the statement by the Hon. 4-7 miles, as the crow flies, from the been replaced. I have no way of MinisterofHomeAffairsandofcourse, community of Matthews Ridge. Was confirming if this is the case, but I following the script raised by the the airstrip built by hand? I am also believe the President, the General President and others, noteworthy his aware that a friendly state for a few SecretaryofthePPP,thetopbrassofour involvement with the US Drug months had stationed a well armed and security forces must say Why it is. We EnforcementAgency equipped battalion in the face of threats apparently had to rely on the United
Dear Editor, when the manganese fromourwesternneighbour States. company closed their operations
Then there is the tragedy of Jim The truth and the whole truth will claiming that they were mining in a Jones and his community further away point to either complicity, carelessness cone, that is, as they dug deeper, there from this area. With limited resources. or incompetence. For who knows, this was less and less manganese. Those of Instructions were given to overfly this may be the tip of the iceberg. My only us in Government at the time had our area periodically With modern commentistheestablishmentmuststop doubts.Burnhamsentmeinwithateam surveillance equipment and no shortage treating us the people as idiots to the area to persuade Guyanese Mine of money, it is preposterous, Incidentally, we must note with interest workers to become farmers. This effort unacceptable and unbelievable that this that the Minister had stated that these wasunsuccessful. operation could have been conducted pits were dug by hand.At the next Press
However, as a result, I became undetected. Conference, we should be told how we familiarwiththispartoftheNorth-west, Guyanese including PPP supporters arriveatthisconclusion. and from information received, this must demand the truth, that is, if the Hamilton Green airstrip and the massive amount of powersthatbe,understandwhattruthis. Elder
Absence of emergency response glaring in measures rolled out for creeks
DEAREDITOR, weekendsandholidays. Theabsenceof place for an emergency call to be It was good to see movement at last, basic safety measures should have seen responded to. It is just unacceptable, following the latest creek outing operationssuspendedattheselocations. where life matters, (and heaven forbids tragedy, the authorities putting It was noted though in the measures a similar incident might occur again) measures in place. These safety rolled out and for operators to become that the response given in this latest measures should have been put in place compliant, the absence of emergency incident,tobethenorm. a long time. It is unthinkable, but response was glaring. The latest Of course safety is everybody’s and happening all along and despite several incident noted that calls to the especially our own business and we incidents at these locations, an essential emergencyservicehotlineindicated‘no must be mindful of this when venturing feature such as a trained lifeguard is ambulance were available that far out’ on outings and activities where the absent. (KN September 9). So persons go to unknowncancreepupunsuspectingly
It is posited the authorities must these locations and are left on their own My condolences to the grieving share some responsibility for these whenanemergencyoccurs. families and relatives of the two young incidents and ensuing tragic outcomes. Better has to be done for emergency girls. It is not as though they are not aware situations at these locations. Some Sincerely, what goes on at these creeks on mechanism must be found and put in Shamshun Mohamed
The folly of Gas-to-Energy projects
DEAREDITOR,
fertilizer The report also stated, “The the pitfalls and errors of the current “The hazards associated with gas- ecological effects of too much nitrogen leading economies Consumers in to-energy projects include: methane in the environment are well-known and leading economies are willing to pay a leaks throughout the gas extraction, include algal blooms resulting in ‘dead premium for this healthier way of life. transportation, and processing stages, zones’ in freshwater lakes and coastal Our small country has a very healthy which contribute significantly to areas”. environment primarily due to our climate change, potential explosions We cannot as a country, continue to laggingeconomicgrowth.Thishasbeen from pipeline leaks, air pollution from neglect the importance of everyone’s a blessing in disguise and has helped us combustion products like carbon healthinthepursuitofasystemthathas avoid the adverse effects of a highly monoxide and nitrogen oxides” been proven to be ineffective in industrializedeconomy (Reference: Climate Council org, achieving sustainable long-term Wemustnowlearnfromthemistakes SouthernEnvironmentalLawCenter). economic growth. The U.S. Budget of others and ensure that we avoid According to the U.S. National C o m m i t t e e ( R e f e r e n c e : making the same mistakes It is better to Library of Medicine, “Nitrate and budget.house.gov, January 26, 2024) leave the production of the fertilizer to Nitrogen Fertilizers and Cancer”, stated,“mandatoryhealthcarespending others and focus our efforts on healthy President’s Cancer Panel - October 21, is the key driver of our nation’s $34 organic agriculture The EPA continues 2 0 0 8 , “ I n a d d i t i o n t o trillion debt, driving America to the to show a lack of thoroughness in their methemoglobinemia, a range of other edgeofinsolvency”. project evaluations and they should not healtheffectshavebeenassociatedwith Many people in countries that have be expected to do a thorough job in ingestingnitrate-contaminateddrinking pursued this strategy of fertilizing their regulatingsuchanindustry water, including various cancers, products with the byproducts of the oil The protection of our citizens adverse reproductive outcomes and gas sector have been severely appears to be a significant weakness (especially neural tube defects), impacted by cancer As a result, these underthecurrentleadership.Thepublic diabetes, and thyroid conditions”. The economiesaremakingasignificantshift discussionoverCoverdenisanexample water contamination occurs from run towardsorganicproductssoastosecure that brings much concern. The lack of off and accumulation in ground water their future health. Guyana must make EIAs for major projects that will impact underagriculturalland.Theresultisthat the immediate shift towards this new theenvironmentalsogives well water is contaminated by the healthy organic strategy so as to avoid (Continued on page 6)
Responding to Peeping Tom
DEAREDITOR, was reported that 78.6% of regions in 1991 was 8.4%
Hemisphere. This would be were granted titles to their ludicrous claim that poverty
Please permit me to the population in the rural compared with the national morebeneficialthanfanciful lands, accessed improved today is higher than in 1991, respond to Peeping Tom’s interior were living below averageof31%. anecdotal statements to electricity via the Hinterland without providing an iota of article, “The President needs the poverty line, compared (iv) Only 25% of the ridicule the statistics Electrification Programme, supporting statistics, is not to pay more attention to fact- withanaverageof43.2%for hinterland communities presented by the President
only spurious but downright checking,” published in the the country, 45.1% for Rural were heavily reliant on forthePre-1992period. H
scandalous. Kaieteur News on August Coastal, 23.1% for Urban kerosene lamps and self-
In his speech, the p
Presidentalsoshareddataon investments in the social the statistics the President
e Apart from side-stepping 25,2024. other and 28.8% for Urban generatedpower
Based on the author’s Georgetown. In the same (v) The hinterland investment by the PPP/C sector also saw the upgrade presented for the periods ramblings, it was evident study, the author reported regions mainly depended on government in the social and expansion of health and 1992-2015, the Peeper that he/she paid little that over 70% of the rural low-tierhealthfacilitiessuch sector that would have educationfacilities,resulting completely ignored the attention to the President’s interior was extremely poor, as Health Posts and Health im
g in improved educational unprecedentedinvestmentin presentation at the NTCC compared with extreme Centres, and only had 15 conditions of hinterland opportunities and healthcare the social sector by his l a s t M o n d a y o r poverty of 27.7% at the healthcentersinthe1990s. communities in the 1990s. services for hinterland government in hinterland disingenuously attempted to national level. Regardless of Based on my review, The impa
residents. Our Amerindian villages since 2020 The distort the President’s the poverty measure used, these statistics are consistent interventions is clearly brothers and sisters also details of these investments message. The simple plain there is consensus by all the with those in a report visible. Except for a blind benefitted from improved can be found in the annual fact is that the statistics reports and academic studies p u b l i s h e d b y t h e critic or someone who sanitation and safe drinking budgets and estimates from presented by the President that the Ame
ndian InternationalMonetaryFund prefers to peep rather than to water due to the investments 2020 to the present. The were taken from various population was affected by entitled Guyana: Poverty lookatissueswithopeneyes, in the water sector With current PPP/C government crediblesources. poverty more than the Reduction Strategy Paper any objective citizen, these investments, it is has also invested in the In demonstrating that the citizens from Urban Progress Report 2005 by the especially those from doubtful that the living v i l l
n o m
e s Hinterland Regions were Georgetown, Urban Other, International Monetary hinterland communities, conditions of the hinterland throughout the hinterland systematically marginalised and Coastal communities. Fund and reports from the wouldreadilyagreethattheir citizens would have regions. Under the expanded during the 28 years the PNC The Peeper may wish to Ministry of Health Statistics living conditions have deteriorated with improved LCDS, for instance, the ruled Guyana, the President consult this study and the Unit. The Peeper may also improved markedly under access to educational government has allocated pointed out that in 1992, the reports mentioned earlier to wish to check these reports thePPP/Cbetween1992and opportunities, healthcare, 15% of the US$150 million residents in the rural interior prove that the President was and provide the correct 2015. water, sanitation, housing, received from HESS to werefacedwithabsoluteand misleading his audience at statistics if the President had Under the PPP/C andelectricity Inmyhumble financeover800 criticalpoverty,significantly theNTCC. m i s q u o t e d t h e m government, Amerindians view, therefore, the Peeper’s (Continued on page 6) above the national average In his presentation, The Alternatively, the Peeper is and the averages for Urban President also highlighted free to offer more credible Georgetown, Urban Other, the disparities between the statistics concerning poverty a n d R u r a l C o a s t a l hinterland regions and the and living conditions of communities. This fact is rest of the country during the hinterland communities to well documented in various early 1990s, with respect to show that our Amerindian reports and academic studies access to various social brothers and sisters were not that examined poverty in services, such as education, the most impoverished Guyana, including a report water, sanitation, housing, during the 1990s and are by the World Bank titled electricity, and health care. worse off today than the pre‘Guyana: Strategies for For instance, he revealed the 1992 period when Guyana Reducing Poverty Report’,’ following: was the second poorest and the International (i) The secondary country in the Western Monetary Fund Guyana: enrollment ratios for the Poverty Reduction Strategy hinterland regions were Paper Progress Report significantly below the 2005, as well as studies national average of 54.5% in conducted by well-respected 1991. academicians. (ii) In terms of access Inacomprehensivestudy to safe drinking water, the by John Gafar entitled average for the hinterland “Growth, Inequality and regions in 1990 was well P o v e r t y i n S e l e c t e d belowthenationalaverage. Caribbean and Latin (iii) In terms of access American Countries, with to improved sanitation, the Emphasis on Guyana,” it average for the hinterland
The folly of Gas-to-Energy projects
From page 4 completed and another is we must as a people demand live.Itispreferabletoseethe capacity added globally. In our pursuit to become a first p a u s e a n d r e d u c e s being proposed and planned. change. Change that will newhospitalsemptyandlive 2023over80%ofnewpower worldnationofthefuture. confidence in the EPA. It is Leavethegaspipelinealone. ensure the safety of a long life in a healthy capacity added to the world We must pursue the path better for us to take the The sunk costs and lack of ourselves, our children and environment. market was renewable and the destination of where conservative approach and timely financing for the our children’s children. If As for the energy energy (Reference: leadingnationswouldliketo avoid the risks associated project is a clear indicator they are not in it for the long benefits of the gas to energy International Renewable be. Instead of the path and with these cancer-causing that responsible decision term, then we must be, and project, the government’s Energy Agency). The world thedestinationofwherethey projects. As the saying goes makingisnotoccurring. we must place those in argument is very weak at is accelerating its transition are today Learn from their “Prevention is better than If the government is not leadership that can best. In 2022 Solar added to renewable energy due to mistakesandavoidthem.Do Cure”. What is even more willing to place the safety of appreciate the importance of 191 GW of new capacity the favourable economics of
concerning is that the first our citizens at the forefront our safety and the health of globally This was the most renewables and the adverse Unfortunately, this is the
n oftheirdecisionmakingthen theenvironmentinwhichwe new renewable energy impact of climate change. It c
is not only profitable, but transformation that is being also necessary Guyana is pursued by the government currentlynotinsyncwiththe of today It is time for world trend. Our gas should change.PresidentAliandVP be sold and the funds used to Ja
invest in renewable energy fundamental shift in their needs. We do not need any development strategy if they more mega projects that are wish to remain relevant in extremely expensive and at the future Otherwise, risk of extensive corruption. Guyanesefamilieswillnever The people must speak up forgive them if illness comes and voice their objections. as a result of the gas to The gas to energy project is energyproject. unhealthy, unnecessary, With concern, unneeded and not helpful in Mr Jamil Changlee
Responding to...
From page 5
transformative projects in 2023. This year, the government increased the allocation to 26.5% of the US$87.5 million received in 2024 to support 242Amerindian villages and new entrants.Again,itishighlyimprobablethathinterlandcitizens wouldbeworseoffthaninthePre-1992periodwhenabsolute andcriticalpovertywereatthehighestinourcountry
Indeed, regardless of the poverty measure used, it is impossible that poverty or the living conditions of hinterland communitieswouldhaveworsenedunderthePPP/C.Whether we use the international poverty line, which is fixed and not necessarily contingent on a country’s national income, or a multidimensional poverty measure that captures access to socialgoodsandservices,youwouldeasilyfindthattheliving conditionsofhinterlandcommunitiesimprovedremarkably.
The efforts by the PPP/C between 1992-2015 and 2020present,mustbecontrastedwiththeAPNU-AFC’sdecisionto fire 2,000 CSOs, tax the economic sectors that Amerindian communities are dependent on for their livelihood, abandon the Amerindian Land Titling Programme and call them ‘avaricious.’These facts, much like the statistics presented by the President in his speech, cannot be erased from our history or the memory of our Amerindian brothers and sisters who suffered under the PNC from independence to 1992 and between2015and2020undertheAPNU-AFCgovernment.It isunderstandablethatPeepingTom,inconductinghispeeping activities,isprobablysquintingtoointenselyandmissinghalf of the developments unfolding before his squint-closed eyes. However,theaverageAmerindiancitizenwouldnotdenythat their living conditions have improved under the PPP/C based on their own experiences, with or without any statistics to confirmthisreality
Regards, Kevin Persaud
E-bikeriderdiesafter fallingintopothole
A58-year-oldmanonTuesdaylosthislifeafterfalling into a pothole while riding his electrical-bike along the Railway Embankment in the vicinity of the University of Guyana(UG)AccessRoad.
The dead man has been identified as Dexter Jacobs of Lot193SouthBetterHope,EastCoastDemerara(ECD). Police reports revealed that the accident occurred around08:55hrs.Duringthattime,JacobswasridinghisEbikewestalongtheRailwayEmbankmentatafastrate.
Whilst travelling, Jacob rode his bike into a pothole, causing him to lose control and fall onto the road. As a result,hereceivedsevereinjuriesabouthisbody Police and public-spirited citizens, transported the injured man to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrivalbyadoctor
Jacob’s body has been moved to the hospital’s mortuary,whereitawaitsapost-mortemexamination.
Investigationscontinueintotheincident.
Chinese nationals injure labourer during drive-by shooting
A 54-year-old man, identified as Kameshwar Tiwari,wasonMondayinjuredinadrive-byshooting involving Chinese nationals at the intersection of LousiaRowandHadfieldStreet,Georgetown.
Accordingtopolice,theincidentoccurredaround 01:30hrs.Atthattime,Tiwariwaslyingonaparapet when he observed three Chinese nationals in a black wagon.
Asthecarpassedby,oneoftheoccupantsfireda gunshot,hittingTiwariinhisrightthigh.Thesuspects thenfledthescene,makinggoodtheirescape.
TiwariwastransportedtotheGeorgetownPublic Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he is currently instablecondition.
Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage fromtheareaaspartoftheirongoinginvestigation.
Motorcyclistsufferedfractured skullinCampStreetaccident
An accident on Monday at the intersection of Camp and RobbStreetsinGeorgetown,leftmotorcyclistJehoadBarton withafracturedskull.
Police reported that the accident occurred around 00:45 hrs. involving a motor cycle driven by Barton of South Sophia, Georgetown, motorcar bearing registration number PSS7275drivenbyChrisParjohnofKetleyStreet,Werk-enRust, Georgetown, and hire car bearing registration number HD 4065 owned and driven by Gregory Walcott of Queenstown,EssequiboCoast.
BartonwasridinghismotorcycleeastonRobbStreetata highspeed.WhenheapproachedCampStreet,Bartonfailed to stop at the intersection and proceeded into the path of motorcar PSS 7275 and also struck the stationary hire car bearingregistrationnumberHD4065.
TheforceoftheimpactcausedBartontobethrownonto the road, where he sustained significant injuries. He was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)andiscurrentlyincriticalconditionwithafractured skull.Investigationsareongoing.
Food inflation is an invisible tax
There is an unmistakable aneconomy Unlikethewell- governmenthas,forthemost Guyana’s wealth is This is not a matter of crueltyinthewaythepoorest to-do, who can adjust their part, chosen to look away, increasing exponentially, yet i
among us bear the brunt of diets or cut out luxuries, the and in doing so, has chosen this wealth seems to only insensitivity For all the economic policies and price poor do not have the luxury toletthesufferingfester The accumulate at the top. Oil economic growth being shifts,unnoticedandunsung. of substitution. The poor are government cannot identify
touted, for all the talk of Among these injustices is not fretting over the price of with the dilemma of low
prosperity on the horizon, food inflation, an invisible imported bacon, specially income consumers because multinational corporations the government has made a tax that gnaws at the dignity imported cheese, condensed the government is divorced and the rich expand their cold calculation: the small oflow-incomeearners. milk or the rising cost of fromthisclassofconsumers.
manisnotitspriority congratulating itself on A glance through the cornflakes. Their worry is There is an elementary buildings rise in the capital, The most disheartening economic“growth.” cost-of-living series in the the cost of rice, the cooking economic truth that escapes symbols of growth and part of this saga is that the When people cannot Stabroek News reveals a oil necessary to fry whatever the self-assured mandarins development. But what does solution is simple The afford the basics, it strips chilling consistency in the little they can afford, the who walk the halls of power: it mean if this growth is government could take them of their dignity It narratives of those most sugar for tea that is food inflation hits the entirely disconnected from
creates
kind of despair that affected. Their voices, often sometimes the only thing poorest the hardest. There is the lives of the average constrain the price of basic no amount of economic disregarded in the corridors that can be stretched for an no buffer for the small man Guyanese? The gap between food items. The small basket growthcanmitigate. of power, paint a portrait of evening’s meal, and the milk when the price of basic the government’s narrative of goods rice, sugar, A
sufferingbornnotofwantfor powder that provides a goods rises by 10, 20, or 30 of prosperity and the lived cooking oil, and milk government wakes up to this luxuries, but for basic meager semblance of percent. For those living pay experienceofthepoorgrows
reality,thepoorestinGuyana sustenance Rice, sugar, nutrition to children. These check to pay check, even a wider by the day The result subsidized or subjected to will continue to suffer, cooking oil, and milk are the basic items that small increase in food prices isacountrywherethewealth
victims of an indifferent and powder these are the constitute the lives of those sends shockwaves through is as unevenly distributed as immediate relief to the disconnected elite who seem lifeblood of the working living on the margins, and their lives And yet the the attention given to those poorestconsumers. to have forgotten the very classandthepoor,thestaples their rising costs spell governmentseemscontentto suffering. If the government truly people they were elected to of Guyanese survival. Yet, hunger, deprivation, and letthisquietcrisisdeepen.Its And perhaps, therein lies cared about alleviating the serve. t h e y a r e b e c o m i n g indignity
sufferingofthebottomtierof (The views expressed in increasingly out of reach, Yet, from the seats of demonstrated any serious government’s indifference is its citizens, it would act this article are those of the and the government appears power, one would think that commitment to alleviating notjustafailureofpolicybut swiftly and decisively But
indifferent. the issue is abstract,
a deliberate choice to ignore that is not the case. The necessarily reflect the In any functioning something to be discussed in implemented policies: thesufferingofthosewhodo government is content to opinions and beliefs of this society,thesustenanceofthe vague terms and with little doling out tax subsidies to not have the power or watch as the poorest
population should be among urgency “Inflation is large merchants and giving a influence to demand change. struggle, all the while affiliates.) the highest priorities of a global,” the government and $500subsidyoneverygallon governing body Yet, in officialswillsay,theirvoices of petrol But these Guyana, the story of the laden with the sort of interventions are not small man drawn from bureaucraticdetachmentthat reaching the small man and across the country and makes one wonder whether until Jagdeo understands reflective of the national they have forgotten the faces this, the sufferingof thepoor experience suggests a of their own constituents. will continue to remain different reality The When the price of rice—a inadequatelyaddressed. government’s tone-deafness Guyanese staple—climbs a Instead,theministersand tofoodinflationisnotjustan few hundred dollars, it their economic advisors act economic oversight; it is a places an undue strain on the as though market forces are moral failing While the reach of a low-income an immutable law, rather government trumpet family A few hundred than something that can be grandioseprojectsandthrow dollars can be absorbed shaped and regulated for the around statistics about easily by the rich but not so public good. We are told, of economic growth, the poor easily by the poor When the
are left grappling with how cost of cooking oil rises,
to stretch a paycheck that families are forced to make interfered with, that food alreadydissolvestooquickly painful choices: do they buy subsidies would have longunder the weight of rising the oil to prepare the little term consequences But foodprices. theyhave,orsavethemoney there was a time when the Food inflation is one of andgowithout?Whatistruly flour mill received a subsidy the most regressive forces in galling is
hat the oneverybagoffloursold.
Dem Boys Seh...
Peopleneedsafeplacestoswim
Dem boys seh is a sad, sad thing when dehnahgatenoughsafetymeasuresinplace. yuh hear bout children dead from drowning. Some people go to de sea fuh swim or by de De whole country does feel de pain. Two lil’ koker Is de cheap option, but it risky bad. precious ones gone just so this weekend at a Dem boys seh it’s high time we stop this creek on de highway, and dem authorities madness. Government need to come good wake up quick and call all de resort owners and fix up proper, affordable places where and creek operators to a big meeting. Yuh people could go and swim safe Put know dem gon tell dem tek better care, put lifeguards, safety signs, and mek sure de more safety measures, and mek sure nobody water ain’t too deep. People love water, and nahdrownagain.B demgonalwaysfindsomewheretoswim.So ut de truth is, people nah only drowning we need more proper places with cheap at resorts and creeks weh gat rules. Nuff entrance fees to attract dem. If people had people going all over de place to swim, more safe and affordable options, dey anywheredeycanfindwater wouldn’t end up in all kinda dangerous Dem boys seh this drowning business creeks. getting outta hand. Too much people done Dedrowningbusinessserious.Demboys dead, and nuff more coulda been saved if sehweneedaction,notjusttalk.Wecyahjust proper safety was in place. But yuh can’t put leave people to tek chances. We need proper rules fuh every single creek, river and pond facilities, better rules, and people to use dem acrossGuyana.Somepeoplenahwanpayde brains when dem decide to swim. Life too lil extra money to go into a resort with precious, and dem children life even more lifeguards and safety ropes. Instead, dem precious.Savedem,beforeittoolate. pack up de family and head to places where Talk half. Leff half
The President and pure truth
I am worried. President Ali made me worriedbeforerelativetothepalenessofhis fondnessfortruth.Still,Ithoughtitwasgoing to be a swiftly passing phase in the cyclone that is his presidency, that strength of truth would return and takeover both the man and his time at the helm. Regrettably, the paleness of truth in the Ali government has only gotten sicklier looking, now with an almostdeathlypallor
According to the book of President Ali, the world of Guyana began in 1992. It stopped in 2015, when a comet hit here, and thingsfellapart. Restorationhasbegunagain since August 2020. President Ali could be givenapassforhavingaone-eyedandhalfcockedviewofdevelopmentsinGuyana. He,however,cannotbesparedforhaving a one-track mind about where Guyana was, howthatcameabout,andwhereitistoday I start by using reverse chronology The president lowered his voice and spoke in poetic cadences at the recently concluded indigenousconfabofhowsweetlibertyinthe faceofoppressionis. Hecanfollowascript,I willgivehimthat,buthecan’tliveit.
For shortly afterwards last week, Mr Vincent Henry, a Member of Parliament of indigenous roots was unceremoniously run out of the National Toshaos Council gathering in the capital city Who is for freedomandwhoisaboutoppressionandthe fear of open doors and frank conversation could not have had a better set of circumstancesasproof.
Mr Mervyn Williams, a former MP, and an indigenous son of Guyana was also declared persona non grata at the Toshaos conference and blocked from joining the proceedings. ThesweetlibertyofMohamed Irfaan Ali does have a strange way of manifestingitselfinGuyana. Usingthatasa standard, I must contemplate if I would be blocked from showing my face at a conference discussing Indo Guyanese (or any) matters in this country I wonder what threateninglabelwouldbefoundtopasteon someonelikeme.
My recommendation to President Ali is thatifheisgoingtoholdfasttosomeleafof truth, then when he speaks of liberty, he should know that it has no limits, not even whenhavingtodealwiththosedeclaredtobe undesirables.
Clearly, Dr Ali harbors ideas in his head about what liberty can only mean and to whom it should apply, in that he alone determines the loyalty and quality of their citizenship. Thisistheupside-downworldof Guyana,whereamanwhobulliesandknocks down those found disagreeable could speak about sweet liberty When the devil starts quoting scriptures, then it is time for people likemetorunforcover
If President Ali is to be taken seriously, pre-1992Guyanawasavoid,utterdarkness, thanks to the beastly, diabolically clever PNC. Not a piece of land was given to the indigenous. Perhaps,thatiswhynotablade of grass has now come into its own with the
powersinthePPPGovernment.
ForiftherewasnolandgivenbythePNC ofBurnham,itmakessensefornotabladeof grass to be the battle cry of Guyanese from coasttocoast. Myconcernisnotfromwhere President Ali gets these, shall I say, mental and historical extravagances, his own irrationalexuberances. Buthowdoeshestill getcomfortfromthemandstilldeliverthem, despite being called out for articulating publicly what has such distance from things truthful,factual?
Whatever the personal regard the president has for the fullness of truth that is his business, his constitutional right. But as president he is afforded neither the same luxury nor liberty nor cavalier attitude with truth from this corner I can appreciate that the president is excitable and gets carried awaybywhatheimaginestobethesplendor ofhisownvoiceanditsvolume. Butitiswell forhispeopletoremindhimthathefunctions in distinctly defined historical and realitybased contexts, and not as he is prone to conjuringratherirresponsibly
No president should delight in being a boisterous salesman rather than mature statesman. Rhetorical bubbles and baubles are not his stock in trade. Like slick salesmen, President Ali has grown overly friendly with lip service. Guyana’s burning issues: Democracy, inclusivity, harmony, transparency, accountability are all shells of themselves, thanks to the head salesman. One Guyana fragments into a thousand pieces in Mocha, Cotton Tree, Buxton, Linden. Duplicity, double standards, and double dealing are now essentials in the nationalcharacter
A peasant is afforded lapses in memory, thelackofdeeplearning. Butevenapeasant is not entitled to that discretion forever
When presidents are involved, the standards are tighter, the scrutiny more intense, the territorylesslenient. Still,apresidentcould be extended quiet discretion, but on one conditiononly Whatwasdeliveredinpublic wasduetonegligenceinstickingtothefacts, and not some peculiar pathological fascinationwithmanufacturingsituationsfor politicalmileage.
When truth’s purity is subject to such constantpoundingstressesbyalmostawhole government,thentheonlylibertythatsoarsis the liberty to dissemble first, distract next, deceive carelessly, and congratulate self for disingenuousness.
Onanyissue. Onanyoccasion. Onany moment’s notice before any audience. I am worriedthatPresidentAlihasnowconvinced himselfthatshowmanshipisthefirstessence of true leadership. He may be on to something regarding leadership alone, but not on anything that has to do with the fullness of truth. Truth is boring, not about hysterics.
Truthismature,responsible,faithful,and not about mugging for the microphone and the mob. Truth is painful, when it exposes one’ssqueamishnesswithit.
Last, Dr Excellency: truth is liberating because it frees those the clutches of falsehoods,introducesthemtofreshandnew horizons. Lessons that never fail. Stick to reality,sir Abandonfantasy
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflecttheopinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Swan$45millionHealthCentre
A spanking new health centre was officially opened in the community of Swan, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Monday
Themassiveinvestmentby the governmentwilleliminatetheneed for villagers to travel to neighbouring villages to access basichealthservices.
Thefacilitywascommissioned
by Minister of Health, Dr Frank
Anthony, who noted that approximately $40 million was invested to ensure the medical outpost is equipped to provide adequatemedicalcare.
Services being offered include prenatal care, diabetes and blood pressure testing, among others. Additionally, HPV testing for women and dental services will be
available, with a medical team scheduledtovisitshortly
Duringhisaddressatthesimple ceremony, Minister Anthony said additional services will be introduced subsequently He emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing Guyana’s healthcare system by constructing new health facilities nationwide. “With where you are
located and the population that youhave,youdeservetohaveyour own health facility here,” Dr Anthonystated.Hehighlightedthe ministry’s ongoing collaboration with nearly all communities, including hinterland and riverain areas,toensureaccesstoadequate healthcareservices.
By early 2025, six new hospitalswillbeopenedacrossthe
country, in areas like Diamond, Skeldon, Enmore, Bath, De Kinderen, and Anna Regina. The investments will further improve the quality of healthcare in those regions. In the first half of 2024 alone, the government exhausted some $44.4 billion to ensure the nation’s health system is intact to provide substantial care that is secondtonone.(DPI)
The new Swan Health Centre along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway
Swan residents and Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony gathered to cut the ceremonial ribbon to the new Swan Health Centre
Oil contractors seeking locals to provide, cleaning, waste management services
The Local Content Secretariathasreleasedalist ofopportunitiesavailablefor Guyanese service providers intheoilandgassector
TheLCShaspublisheda series of advertisements on behalf of oil contractors, MODEC Guyana, Baker Hughes, Schlumberger Guyana (SLB) Inc. G-Boats Inc., and KOTUG Guyana vacancies for several positionswithinthesector
MODEC a company known worldwide for buildingandoperatingships for the offshore oil and gas industry is seeking locals to provide cleaning, pest control, security, container rental services, facilities maintenance services, mobile service network, waste management, fire pump services, weather forecast services, frog basket recertification, manpower for marine crew coverage.
Legal and Regulatory compliance management, softwareassessment,quality
process specialisation training for internal quality
prog
deliveries, MEDEVAC service, drone inspection, foam chemical analysis, scaffolding services, IT connection with the FPSO, chemical injection pumps, HVAC ducts/galley Hood, class survey services, PSV’s calibrations, HVAC system, compositerepairs(pipe).
procurement opportunities are set to be released within the next five months. Baker H
y technology company is offering employment for Guyanese who can provide services in maintenance repairs and operations, construction work for buildings, provision of
calibrationandinspection,as well as rental of office spaces. Details of these opportunities will be released within the last quarterof2024.
Schlumberger Guyana, a company that delivers servicestosupportGuyana’s oil and gas exploration and productionoperationsacross the entire value chain is seeking Guyanese service providersfortheprovisionof
transportation services; provision of staff house services; provision of crane rental and maintenance service; provision of workshopandofficesecurity workshop services The employment opportunities aresettoberolledoutwithin thenextsixmonths.
G-BoatsInc,thecompany that has close to 20 vessels operatingoffshoreGuyanain support of ExxonMobil’s StabroekBlockexplorationis serving locals by providing office supplies, general chandleryandsupplies,PPEs and safety equipment, transportation, electrical, disposal, plumbing, fittings, accommodations,andcustom
Continuedonpage
The Local Content Secretariat has released a list of opportunities available for Guyanese service providers in the
and
are calling slide to answer The is thrilled to bring you these new procurement opportunities from Expected publish dates are below:
Canadianfirmtoproduce353,000
Frompage2
According to the PEA document, on September 23, 2022, a Prospecting Licence (PL)wasgrantedtoReunionGold,a100%owned subsidiary of GMIN. This license, which covers approximately 10,890 acres (4,407 hectares), is valid for three years and canberenewedforanadditionaltwoyears.
“InMarch2024,anoptionagreementwas entered into for the Northwest extension mining permits, consisting of three mediumscaleminingpermits(MPMS)adjacenttothe PL Thatagreementisvalidforfiveyearswith apossibletwo-yearextension InAugust2024, anotheragreementwasconcludedtopurchase additional MPMS from a private group of
individuals for the Eastern and Southern extensionstothePL,”itwasdisclosed
Back in April 2024, the Government of Guyana(GoG)throughtheGuyanaGeology and Mines Commission (GGMC) inked a mineral agreement with Reunion Gold. The intention of the agreement is to establish stablefiscalandoperatingconditionsforthe OkoWestgoldproject.
While Guyana’s gold declaration has been on the decline since 2016. Currently, there is only one large-scale mining company, China’s Aurora Gold Mine (AGM). GMIN is one of several Canadian mining companies that are expected to start goldproductioninthecomingyears.
GPHCsuccessfully delivers17setsoftwins
A
baby in the NICU at GPHC.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Neonatal Intensive CareUnit(NICU)hasrecordedthedeliveryof 17 sets of twins, this year The hospital in a statement released on social media noted that therehasbeenanincreaseinthebirthoftwins in2024
AccordingtothereleaseinJuly2024,the NICUcaredforanamazingfivesetsoftwins, followedbythreesetsinAugust Thismonth, thehospitalhasalreadywelcomedtwosetsof twins
“As we continue to provide specialized care for these tiny patients, our team remains dedicatedtosupportingtheirhealthandgrowth everystepoftheway,”thehospitalsaid
OneofGPHC’sgynecologistsDr Natasha France celebrated the new lives and the dedicationofourNICUteam
GPHC’sNICU,officiallyopenedin2012, hascomealongwaysinceitsearlydayswhen neonates were housed in wooden boxes with overheadbulbsaswarmers Today,theNICU is equipped with state-of-the-art incubators, ventilators,andradiantwarmers,amongother advanced technologies, which have
significantly improved neonatal care and reducedinfantmortalityrates.
In recent years, GPHC’s NICU expanded to an 18-bed unit from 15 beds, with a stepdown area that increased to 25 beds after renovations were completed last year The step-downareasupportsbabieswhonolonger need intensive care but still require close monitoring The NICU cares for infants born asearlyas28weeksandweighingover1000 grams,withaveragestaysrangingfromafew daysto3-4months.
ThehospitalsaidthatthededicatedNICU team includes four consultants, 2 Senior Registrars,3Registrarsand2GeneralMedical Officers (GMOs), Paediatric residents, and rotating Medical Interns Its nursing staff consistsofRegisteredNurses(RNs)whohave specializedtraininginneonatalintensivecare.
In addition to its clinical expertise, the hospital said it is proud to offer a Neonatal Intensive Care Programme through GPHC’s InstituteofHealthScienceEducation(HSE)in collaboration with the University of Guyana, helpingtotrainthenextgenerationofneonatal carespecialists
The Oko West Gold Production Profile
Teachers to be held responsible for low Math passes as Govt. rolls out intervention programme
The Ministry of Educationwillholdteachers and schools accountable for students’ Mathematics results, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam HussainsaidonTuesday
The CEO made the announcement at the launch
of the Ministry of Education’s Mathematics Intervention Programme whichisaimedatimproving the pass rate of students across the country at the CSEClevel.
In outlining what the intervention will entail, the CEO said yesterday, “There isalsogoingtobeforthefirst time,maybeinthehistoryof the country, teachers and schools are going to be held accountable for the results.
In Guyana’s education system, you could do anythingandgetawaywithit but if you teach for 10 years and no student passes under your watch there is really littleornothingthatcouldbe done and this is really a problem, it’s really, really a problem.”
The programme which was launched at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) is specifically designedforGrade10and11 students who are preparing t o s i t t h e C S E C examinations Kaieteur News understands that the intervention stemmed after the students not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean recorded a low grade in mathematics at this year’s CSEC exams. This year, Guyana recorded a
declinefrom34%in2023to 31%thisyear
Listing some of the interventionsthatwillbeput in place starting this new school term, Hussain said therewillbeadiagnostictest administered to find out where the students are and once that is done, on a school-by-school basis in conjunction with the monitors the ministry will decide the way forward, whether there will be need forafterschoolclasses.
Further, there will be national mock exams so teachers are aware of the students’ level throughout the academic year Additionally, live classes willbedonetotargetSchool BasedAssessments(SBAs).
“Classes will also be streamed through the Guyana Learning Channel and if possible the EdYou FM,”hementioned.
According to Hussain, there will be a national worksheet circulated fortnightly based on the topicsthatarebeingtaughtin schools,andQuizMewillbe
Ministry of Education on Tuesday launched a Math intervention programme for students of Grades 10 and 11.
utilized for paper one questions. He detailed that thereisalsogoingtobesome degreeoftargetedtrainingto specific schools where there is a need as well as the monitoringoftheSBAs.
“One of the other things is that if we find there is a need for more coaching, for more assistance to schools we are willing to look at the possibilityoftakingtheyear two CAPE students and using them as coaching within the school systems,” hementioned.
In addition to that, the ministry has identified 50 schools across the country that have been steadily recording Grade 4 passes in Mathematics. These schools will see monitors who have the expertise in subject visiting the classrooms to ensure the subject is being thoroughlytaught.
Parents and guardians are being urged to play their part in ensuring their children are attending classesandarebeingtaught.
“Thisisnotallatthefeet of the teachers, and parents
I’m saying clearly to you, that you have as much responsibility in this as the teachers, you don’t have to be a mathematician, you need to ensure that your children are in school becausetheteacherswillsay oncetheyhaveregisteredfor CSEC they don’t ever come back to school, parents you have to be a part of this.We hopethatthesemeasuresput in place will help the students to ensure that they do well at CSEC,” the CEO related.
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Minister of E d u c a t i o n P r i y a Manickchand said that the declining pass rates in
Mathematics are not limited toGuyana.Shepositedthatit is a global problem and also referencedEnglish.
The minister disclosed too that soon the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will meet to discuss the decline in Mathematics seen this year in the Region Minister Manickchand said that a similar intervention p r o g r a m m e w a s implemented in the past and wassuccessful.
“At the end of that programme, we saw that in those schools where the intervention was which is very similar to this, those
schools had raised their percentage pass by between 10 and 12 percent, so it means then that this is not a hopeless cause, we can fix this,”sheexplained.
The Education Minister said that the Head Teachers, Deputies, teachers, and monitors are critical to the implantation of the programme.
“I don’t believe teachers deliberately stood down on children and didn’t teach, I believe teachers have problems, they don’t know how to teach particular topics,theydon’tknowhow todoiteffectivelythatmight be stemming from the college,whichiswhyweare in the college so this is a holistic programme and that is why for me the most important component of programme will be the monitors,”shesaid.
Manickchand said that throughtheintervention,the ministry hopes to see the pass rate in Mathematics climb to an average of 50 percent.
Further, she disclosed thatmonitorsassignedtothe
Continuedonpage16
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FAO Food Price Index dips slightly in August
The benchmark for world food commodity prices declined marginally in August, as decreases in quotations for sugar, meat and cereals outweighed increases in those for vegetable oils and dairy products, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported last week.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globallytraded food commodities, averaged 120.7 points in August, slightly down from its revised July figure and 1.1 percent below its corresponding value in August 2023.
The FAO Cereal Price Index dropped by 0.5 percent from July, driven by lower global wheat export prices amid competitively priced Black Sea supplies and higher-than-expected production in Argentina and the United States of America. Meantime, world maize prices firmed slightly, reflecting the impact of heatwaves on
yields in parts of Europe and North America, while the FAO All-Rice Price Index increased by 0.6 percent, as quotations for non-Indica varieties increased under the influence of seasonal tightness and currency appreciations of some exporting countries against the United States dollar.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose by 0.8 percent from July to reach a 20-month high, as increases in international palm oil prices more than offset declining quotations for soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils.
The FAO Dairy Price Index also rose, increasing 2.2 percent in August. Whole milk powder increased, driven by a surge in import demand for spot supplies.
International cheese prices also climbed due to higher global import demand, while international butter quotations reached an all-time high fueled by increased uncertainty over the adequacy of milk supplies in Western Europe.
Task Force to be set up to
The FAO Meat Price Index declined by 0.7 percent from July, with poultry, pig, and ovine meat prices all down amid lackluster import demand, even as world bovine meat prices increased slightly.
The FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 4.7 percent in August to reach its lowest level since October 2022. The drop was underpinned by an improved production outlook for the upcoming sugarcane harvests in India and Thailand, as well as lower international crude oil prices. However, concerns about the impact of fires on sugarcane fields in key growing areas of Brazil led to sharp sugar price increases in late August.
Global cereal output on par with 2023
FAO also trimmed its forecast for global cereal production in 2024, now pegging it at 2 851 million tonnes, almost on par with that of 2023. The new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also issued on Friday, attributed its revisions to
reduced harvest expectations for coarse grains, including maize, primarily due to hot and dry weather conditions in the European Union, Mexico and Ukraine. Meanwhile, FAO has raised its forecast for global wheat output in 2024 as well as that for rice, which is now projected to reach an all-time high of 537 million tonnes.
World cereal total utilization in 2024/25 is forecast to rise to 2 852 million tonnes, marking a 0.2 percent rise from 2023/24. Utilization of rice is predicted to reach a record high, driven by an expected accelerated growth in the food intake component. World cereal stocks are forecast to expand by 1.2 percent at the end of the 2025 seasons, yielding a global cereal stocks-to-use ratio in 2024/25 at 30.7 percent. International trade in total cereals is now pegged at 485.6 million tonnes, representing a 3.3 percent decline from 2023/24, led mostly by lower traded volumes in coarse grains.
ensure compliance with safety regulations at creeks, waterway facilities
The government of Guyana on Tuesday announced that a task force will be established within one week to ensure compliance of creek and waterway operators with safety regulations.
The announcement was made in response to the tragic drowning on the SoesdykeLinden Highway on Sunday, which claimed the lives of 10year-old Akira La Rose and 11year-old Joylyn Jack.
According to a press statement, Minister Benn underscored the need to improve the safety culture in Guyana. The minister also suggested that depth gauges and life rings should be installed at the sites by this weekend. He also stressed the government’s no tolerance of persons flouting the law.
spots.”
Creek operators and waterbased activity providers are urged to implement immediate safety measures and register with the relevant authorities to avoid penalties or legal actions. Visitors to these areas are also advised to follow all posted safety protocols.
safety measures in place and urged operators to assess their training needs, assuring them that the government is willing to offer support where necessary.
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An emergency meeting was convened on Tuesday involving key government officials and agencies to address safety concerns at creeks and waterways.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports, Charles Ramson, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the Ministry of Labour.
Notably, the focus of the meeting was on immediate and long-term measures to enhance safety protocols for proprietors of creeks and operators of waterbased activities.
Coming out of the meeting, it was agreed to establish a Task Force, within the next week. The Task Force will comprise representatives from government ministries, agencies, the private sector, and relevant stakeholders. The mandate is to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and best practices.
It was also stated that the Task Force, “Will immediately review and enforce safety standards, including mandatory signage, lifeguard presence and enhancing human capacity and emergency response plans at these popular recreational
Teachers to be held responsible...
From page 15 schools will also be assessed. Should there be no improvements, then they will be removed.
“You’re signing up to use your expertise, and your Godgiven talent and training over the years to go into classrooms to make sure teachers are teaching the curriculum, they we are finishing the curriculum and that we are teaching it effectively,” the minister told the monitors.
Additionally, the minister disclosed that her ministry has established a Math Help Line – 736 Math (6284), aimed at addressing questions or concerns students and teachers may have.
Following the incident, the GTA’s licensing and inspection team visited several creeks along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to assess safety conditions and offer support to operators.
Moving forward, the GTA will expedite the development of critical safety standards for water-based activities and launch an aggressive public awareness campaign.
Additionally, the GTA will conduct Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) assessments at these sites in the coming week.
Moreover, Minister Ramson emphasized the importance of having at least minimum safety standards, especially in high-risk areas. He said that there is no justification for not having basic
The minister added, “...to operate a successful business, you have to protect people. And while we want you to be focused on successfully running your business, we cannot lose any more lives at your facilities for not having these basic and minimum standards.”
Roopchand-Edwards in her address stressed the need for operators to formalize their businesses through registration with relevant authorities. She said that this would align with the government’s broader efforts to expand the tourism sector and ensure that businesses operate responsibly, protecting consumers.
Additionally, the Ministry of Labour and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have also committed to implementing short-term corrective actions as a result of this meeting.
Oil contractors seeking locals...
From page 13
brokerage services. The company is seeking to fill the vacancies from September 2024.
KOTUG International has been awarded a long-term contract to provide offshore terminal towage support for petroleum operations in Guyana is seeking procurement local service providers in the area of engineering and machining, food supply, custom brokerage services, ship and rip chandlery services, manpower and crewing services, medical services, legal services, insurance services, accounting services, transportation services (trucking), ground transportation service (movement of personnel), admin support and facilities management service, waste management (non-hazardous), rental of office space. These procurement opportunities will be rolled out within the next six months.
Israeli strike in Gaza humanitarian zone kills 19,Hamas-run health ministry says
(BBC NEWS) At least destruction “The strikes overnight that more than 40 well as continuous aerial law, including the principles poor sanitation where many 19 people have been killed created three craters 7m people were killed and more surveillance in the hours o
, ofthemareliving TheWorld in an overnight Israeli [23ft] deep and buried more than 60 others were injured. leading up to the strike, prop
nality, and Health Organization said the strike in the designated than20tents,”hesaid. Later on Monday, the nearby which confirmed the precautions in attack, must third phase of its vaccination humanitarian zone in Aya Madi, a displaced Nasser hospital in Khan presence of the terrorists in be upheld at all times,” he campaign began in northern southernGaza,theHamas- mother of seven from the Younis said 13 people killed the area alongside additional said. “I also emphasize that Gaza on Tuesday, after run health ministry southerncityofRafah,tolda in the strike had been terrorist operatives,” it said, civilians must never be used 446,000 children were says Witnesses said the freelance journalist working broughtthere.Anemergency addingthatcasualtynumbers ashumanshields.” inoculated in the centre and strike obliterated an area fortheBBC:“Wewokeupto physician at the hospital, Dr put out by Hamas-run He also urged Israel and south earlier this month crowded with tents for nothing but sand and fire. Mohammed al-Qudra, told authorities did “not align” Hamas to immediately agree during localised pauses in the displaced Palestinians in al- “ M y c h i l d r e n w e r e BBC Arabic that it was also with its information. The a deal that would for a fighting agreed by Israel and Mawasi, south-west of Khan screaming, and the tent treating 60 injured people, IDF accused Hamas of ceasefire and the release of Hamas Younis, leaving huge craters collapsed on them. I pulled 40ofwhomwereinacritical embeddingitsoperativesand the remaining hostages in OnMonday,ateamof12 in the sand. “The bombing them out from under the condition “Most of the military infrastructure in the Gaza. The Israeli military UN staff members on their was incredibly intense rubble. “I held my two- injuries that arrived at the humanitarian zone and using launched a campaign to way to the north to support People were thrown into the month-old son, thinking he hospital were third-degree civiliansashumanshields. destroyHamasinresponseto thecampaignwasstoppedby air,” one displaced man told was dead, covered in sand, burns and amputations,” he A Hamas statement the group’s unprecedented Israeli troops at a checkpoint theBBC.“Youcan’timagine barely breathing. I washed said. He also warned that the denounced the strike on al- attackonsouthernIsraelon7 for more than seven hours, the devastation.” The Israeli him and thanked God he was hospital lacked medical Mawasi as a “heinous October, in which about a c c o r d i n g t o U N military said its aircraft still alive.” She said all of equipment and supplies to massacre” and rejected the 1,200 people were killed and Humanitarian Co-ordinator attacked what it called “a those killed were civilians, treatthem,andthattherewas IDF’s claim that it had a 251 others were taken back Muhannad Hadi. “While at number of senior Hamas adding that there was “not a even a shortage of sheets for commandcentrethere.“This toGazaashostages. the checkpoint the team was terrorists” operating there - a single resistance fighter” theirbeds. is a clear lie that aims to More than 40,980 people informed that the IDF claimHamasdenied. “All that remains is dust and In the afternoon, the justify these ugly crimes. have been killed in Gaza wantedtoholdtwooftheUN Themilitaryalsodisputed ashes,” she added. “Some of Hamas-run health ministry The resistance has denied since then, according to the staff members in the convoy theinitialdeathtollputoutby [the casualties] were torn in said in a statement that several times that any of its territory’s Hamas-run health for further questioning,” he the Hamas-run Civil Defence parts,othertheyhadtodigto hospitalshadreceivedatotal members exist within ministry said “The situation authority, which reported that find, some were found in of 19 bodies and more than civilian gatherings or use An estimated 1 9 million escalated quickly, with rescue teams had recovered people’s houses... The scene 60 wounded people, some of these places for military people-morethan80%ofthe soldiers pointing their more than 40 bodies is terrifying.” Saib, a 12- whom were in a serious purposes,” it said UN population - are estimated to weaponsdirectlytowardsthe Hundreds of thousands of year-old boy from Bani condition. It did not say how MiddleEastpeaceenvoyTor have been displaced by the convoy personnel Live people have sought shelter in Suheila, told BBC Arabic many were men, women or Wennesland condemned the war, and some have had to shots were fired, and tanks the humanitarian zone - that “the screams of people children. strike on a densely- flee as many as 10 times UN and bulldozers approached, which spans only about 41 sq filled the place” after the Rescuers were unable to populated area where agenciesandtheirpartnersare engaged with, and damaged km(16sqmiles)alongGaza’s explosionsstopped. reach a number of other displaced people were currently trying to stop the UN vehicles, endangering southernMediterraneancoast “I rushed with my father victims still buried under sheltering. “I underline that spread of polio in the the lives of UN staff inside -afterbeingtoldbytheIsraeli to help the people and put out sand and rubble, or on roads, international humanitarian overcrowded camps with thevehicles.” military to evacuate there for the fire We put out the fire the ministry added. In a their own safety over the past withsandandthenweentered statement,theIsraelDefense 11 months Living conditions the tents where we found Forces (IDF) said aircraft inside the area are dire The burned children and people had conducted “a precise UN says it lacks critical torn to pieces,” he said “This strike on a number of senior infrastructure and basic is the first time since the war Hamas terrorists who were services, while aid provision began that I have seen such operating within a command is limited due to access and horrific scenes ” Another andcontrolcentreembedded securityissues woman,AishaNafial-Shaeri, inside the humanitarian Eyewitnesses said large said: “It was all tents of area”. They included Samer explosions rocked al- displaced people And now AbuDaqqa,headofHamas’s Mawasi shortly after everything is destroyed ” aerial unit, and Osama midnight local time on “They told people to stay Tabesh, head of the Tuesday (21:00 GMT on here,butthereisnosafearea,” observation and targets M o n d a y ) K h a l e d sheadded “Theydidn’twarn department in Hamas’s Mahmoud, a volunteer for a anyone Everyone was military intelligence charity who lives near the sleeping, and suddenly they headquarters,itadded. site of the strike, told the startedshelling ” “Prior to the strike, BBC that he had been The Civil Defence’s extensive intelligence stunned by the scale of the operations director said gathering was conducted, as
Venezuelan woman survives brutal chopping at Arakaka
A 26-year-old Venezuelan woman identified as Yenifer Hernandez reportedly survived a chopping on Monday at Arakaka, NorthWestDistrict,RegionOne.
Hernandez is receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for multiple chop wounds to her bodyincludingonetoherneck.
Details surrounding the chopping are sketchy at this time but Kaieteur News understands that she was involved in a fight with another Venezuelan woman that reportedly ended with her being severely injured.
Hernandez was first rushed to the nearest health center before being transferred to the PakeraHospitalatMatthewsRidge. She was then flown to Georgetown on Tuesdaymorning. Yenifer Hernandez
Guyanahorseracingattracting...
From page 26
Approximately G$15 million will be Jagdeo Racing Stables along with the divided among nine races at the President’s underdog racing stables, Simply Royal Cup. The feature race of the President’s Cup Racing Stables and Guyana Cup champion will have a total purse of close to Slingerz Racing Stables has made the G$6,000,000 (six million) dollars and the upcoming President’s Cup a level playing race will be run at approximately eight field. John Bull will be out to defend his furlongs.That race will be open to all horses, President’s Cup title, while Guyana Cup threeyearsoldandover championOlympicKremlinwillbeinsearch Entry forms for the President’s Cup will toextendhisdominanceinGuyana. be at the Port Mourant Race Course, the Nine races are on the provisional Rising Sun Turf Club, the Bush Lot United programme, and entries open today, Turf Club and 106 Smyth Street Werk-En(September11)andclosesonSeptember17. Rust,Georgetown.
EssequiboInvadersandJaiHindJaguars...
From page 27 6 before he was finally dismissed at 146 to punctuated with 3 maximums and 2 close off the city boys’ innings Lall boundaries. Jai Hind Jaguars have 2 other contributed a solid 34 with 2 @ 4s and a tough matches against Everest Masters and maximum. The wickets were evenly shared theEssequiboInvadersandwillbelookingto amongsttheInvaders-DevendraMadhohad2 recordvictoriestosecureaspotinthesemis. for27inhis6overs;RitchieBishoptook2for AttheParika/Salemground:Essequibo 18; Ramesh Deonarine took 2 for 23 and Invaders recorded victory against the DeopaulDrepaultook2for6. previously undefeated Everest Masters in a TheInvadersstartedverycautiouslyafter match that aroused emotions mainly due to losingtheirfirstwicketat23butcontinuedto the state of the tournament and some maintain the required run rate of just under 5 unfortunate incidents during the Invaders’ runs per over They had reached 93 runs for innings. the loss of 5 wickets after 17 overs when an Everest Masters won the toss and took ugly incident marred the proceedings that first strike and were quickly pegged back at resulted in Everest walking off the field. The th 41/5 in the 10 over It took some sensible incident was referred to the tournament batting from seasoned Berbice player, Anil referee and the match was subsequently Beharry and Dharshanan Lall to put together awardedtotheEssequiboInvaders. a 73-run partnership that brought some Everest now have 2 matches remaining respectability to the total.Anil Beharry made againstNorthSoesdykeMastersandJaiHind awellcomposed56with8@4sandasolitary Jaguars.
Headquarters are COP T20 champs
Headquarters romped to a comfortable 10-wicket win over 4A and 4B Combined.
Headquarters were crowned champions andC/OHazelWilliams2-13. of the Commissioner of Police T20 London and Mohamed wasted little time tournament which culminated on Saturday at in the chase as they fashioned an unbroken EveLeary opening stand of 110 in 9.4 overs, handing Headquarters romped to a comfortable their team an easy victory London slammed 10-wicket win over 4A and 4B Combined in six fours and four sixes in a top score of 67 thefinal. while Mohamed struck three fours and one 4 A and 4 B Combined won the toss and sixinhisunbeaten27. opted to bat, but were reduced to 21-2 with London was the tournament’s best allMohamed making inroads picking up the rounder, while Mohanmed copped the best wickets of C/O J. Campbell (06) and C/O D. bowler in the final prize. Ivor Trotz was Collins(00). rewarded for taking a hat-trick in the C/O Orvin Venture and dangerman C/O tournament.
Chemroy Kendall, fresh from a century in his Earlier, Officers won the third/fourth previous game, steadied the innings placeplayoffgameagainstRegionTwoby31 somewhat with a third-wicket stand of 31 runs. Batting first, Officers posted 124-9. beforeKendallwascaughtofCpl.DelonPaul ASP C. Sullivan made 40, C/O IvorTrotz 15 for 10, while Mohamed removed Venture for and ASP Michael Newland 14. Inspector 26; his innings contained three fours and two Roopnarine Ramnarine, R/C Fazeer Khan sixes. The inform C/O Troy Drakes showed andC/OP Edwardtooktwowicketseach. some fight, hitting four fours before he was Region Two were bowled out for 93 in removed by Mohamed for 23. However, the 17.4overs,inreply Khanscored27,Corporal rest of the batting faltered with only C/O Reon Venture 21 and C/O Diquan Campbell Samuel Henry reaching double figures with 16.Trotzclaimed4-5,whileC.Sullivan,ASP 10 as they were bowled out for 106 in 15.5 Troy Benn and ASP Trevor Benn had two overs.Mohamedgrabbed4-25,London2-12 each.
Teams gearing up for Wiltshire, Hunte dominoes tourney
Anumber of teams have already commence at 14:30hrs; entrance fee is registered for the upcoming $15,000 for male teams and $10,000 for
dominoes competition which is femaleteams. slated for September 15 at Pouderoyen, West $100,000 has been added to the prizes (in Bank Demerara.Among the teams registered the pot) and the best female player in the first sofarareMixUp,GoldisMoney,Spartans,F round will receive a hamper and $5000; the andH,Vikings,Strikers,RandR,FreshCash best female player in the tournament will andC6. receive$10,000.
Thecompetitionwhichisbeingorganised All GNDA rules will be in effect and byMarkWiltshireandDavidHunte,hasbeen teams can contact Wiltshire on 659 8672 or dubbed ‘Sunday in the Country’, and will Hunteon696-1851forregistration.
GFF adopts comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy in line with FIFA regulations
The Guyana Football u n d e rg o m a n d a t o r y the appointment of a Federation (GFF) has safeguarding training dedicated Safeguarding formally adopted a child Participants must also sign a Officer, responsible for safeguarding policy, in full formal declaration agreeing
compliance with FIFA toadheretothepolicy’sstrict
regulations, aimed at guidelines on appropriate managing any reported ensuring the protection of conduct with children. The incidents An internal children involved in football policy applies to coaches, Safeguarding Steering where necessary The GFF acrossthecountry staff, volunteers, referees, G
Central to the policy is a and administrators at both representatives from various partnerships with local child r
o
all thenationalandclublevels. GFF departments, will protection agencies and civil individuals engaged in T h e g
’s society organizations to football-related activities framework of the child
n d ensure access to expert that involve minors to safeguarding policy includes recommend improvements adviceandsupport.
Amerindian Heritage Games 2024 kicks off today at Everest
Continuing on the month-long celebration, the 2024 Amerindian Heritage Games will commence today at Everest Sports Ground, running through Sunday, September 15.
Theevent,whichisthehallmarkofAmerindianHeritage celebrations,shinesaspotlightonIndigenoussportsmanship and culture. This year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Song,” emphasizes unity and the rich heritage of Guyana’s Indigenouspeoples.
Wednesday September 11, 2024
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Legalpapersregardingmoney might need to be executed today Your mind is especially quick and agile, so you can take care of it efficiently, freeing you up for more enjoyableactivities.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Social events could put you intotouchwithintriguingnew people who share your interests. This should be a gratifyingexperience.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Today you might want to spendsometimegardening.In fact,youmighthaveanumber of tasks to perform around the house and yard, but you may alsohavefriendswaiting.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Exploring your intellectual interests might get your curiosity going, although whatever knowledge you gain may bring up more questions thananswers!You'llalsowant to get together with close friends or your partner to discussthisnewinformation.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
A number of young visitors couldcometoyourhomewith news to pass on and information to share. You'll probably spend most of your day working around the house oryard.
VIRGO (Aug 23–Sept 22)
Your phone may not stop ringing today Friends and family may have good news and interesting information to share,soyou'llwanttospenda lot of time talking with them You might learn about some newly released books that interestyou
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
This is a great day to plan new projects. Your mind may be especially quick and full of ideas. These could prove valuable.Writedownideasthat you can't put to immediate use soyouwon'tforgetthem.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
Your mind could be especially active today Perhaps you'll discoveranewtalentyoudidn't know you had, such as writing, drawing or speaking. Ideas for stories, sketches, or lectures might come thick and fast. Writethemdown.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Your intuition has been especially high for a while now Todayyoucoulddecideto put it to practical use. You might consider a class or workshop that increases your abilitytocommunicate.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Yourmindshouldbeespecially quickandagiletoday,andyour curiosity will be piqued. Your pursuit of intellectual interests could lead to group activities where you meet others interestedinthesamesubjects.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
You might have a few projects inmindthatyou'llwanttowork on today Your mind is especially quick and agile, and you have a lot of great ideas that can make your efforts turn outthewayyouwant.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Your mind may turn toward intellectual pursuits that you have been too busy to investigate.Todayyourmindis so quick and your curiosity so high that you won't resist even ifotherthingsinterfere.
GFF President Wayne Forde emphasized the importance of the policy: stating, “The protection of children is of utmost importance to the GFF Childrenareamongourmost vulnerable stakeholders, and we have a responsibility to ensure their safety, whether they are involved in football at the grassroots, club, or national level. This policy reflects our commitment to creating a safe space for young players to develop, learn, and enjoy the sport withoutfearofharm.”
Thepolicyalsomandates regular evaluations, community involvement, and continuous training for GFF staff and volunteers. In addition, the GFF will work closely with local authorities to address any safeguarding concerns,ensuringthatcases are handled promptly and in accordance with national childprotectionlaws.
The implementation of this policy marks a significant step forward in safeguarding children within G u y a n a ’s f o o t b a l l ecosystem. Through these measures, the GFF aims to foster a culture of safety and protection, ensuring that y o u n g p l a y e r s c a n participate in football in a secure environment free from abuse, exploitation, or harassment.
Defending female champions, the GT Kanaimas’on the other hand is set enter the football aspect of the Games high on confidence, aiming to secure their third consecutive title. Theirmalecounterpartshowever,aredeterminedtowintheir first championship. Last year, the Kanaimas’ female squad emerged victorious after defeating Region 10’s powerhouse inathrilling4-2final.
HeadCoachLenThomasexpressedhisconfidenceahead of the games. “We’re feeling so confident that the females will take it for the third year in a row For the males, we’re aiming to step up to the plate and follow in the footsteps of ourfemaleteam,”Thomassaidinarecentinterview
When asked about the team’s strategy, Thomas highlightedtheimportanceofunityandballcontrol.“Wetry to keep the ball as much as possible so the other team has to chase it. That way, we dominate. We work together, train together, and even go on trips together It’s that togetherness thatdrivesus.”
With a strong team spirit and a well-established game plan, the GT Kanaimas are poised to put on an exciting displayinthisyear’sHeritageGames.
GGA president keen on modernizing golf as part of ongoing youth development
GuyanaGolfAssociation experience.
(GGA)
feedback, ensuring that each built, and the installation of T h r
n l i n e where they can practice real-
NexGen Golf One of the most player’s unique needs are software and equipment is platforms, videos, and world scenarios, such as Academy, president, Aleem significant advancements is met. The real-time feedback
virtual feedback, the bunker shots, within a Hussain, said he’s keen on the implementation of swing accelerates the learning operational, these simulators Academy can analyze controlledsetting. integrating the sport with analysis tools By using process and enables players will provide a year-round swings and provide tailored The instant feedback more cutting-edge tools as cameras, motion sensors, to refine their skills more training environment, advice to players who may offered by AR and VR tools part of the basics when and sophisticated software effectively allowing players to practice not have direct access to further refines the learning learning the sport, more such as TrackMan, the In addition to these regardless of outdoor coaches. This approach not process, allowing players to specifically for the younger Academy can measure innovations, the Academy is conditions. only democratizes access to adjust their techniques based cropofplayers. critical aspects of a golfer’s
quality golf instruction but onreal-timedata.
T h e A c a d e m y ’ s swing, including swing implementing indoor golf advancement is particularly also ensures that talent As a result the NexGen approach emphasizes using speed, launch angle, and ball
significant in a country across the country is Golf Academy exemplifies data-driven methodologies flight.
to tailor lessons, improve T h i s d a
where rain often disrupts nurtured, irrespective of
v e n Guyana’s unpredictable regularplay geographicallimitations.
player development, and approach allows instructors weatherpatterns. According to Hussain, The integration of instruction. By leveraging enhance the overall golfing to provide personalized The facility has been his vision extends beyond augmented reality (AR) and data, virtual platforms, and the confines of physical virtual reality (VR) into immersive technologies, the instruction. Virtual coaching training programs represents Academy is setting a new has emerged as a vital tool another leap forward. These standard for golf in Guyana, for reaching players across immersive technologies makinghigh-qualitytraining Guyana,especiallyinremote provide golfers with a accessible to players across hinterlandregions. simulated environment thecountry
Former Guyana youth player Kevin George (72) leads 4040 WIBS to victory in Canada
Former Guyana youth player Mohamed contributed a useful However, Chattergoon and the At the post-match presentation KevinGeorgestruckablistering72 23 and his demise sparked a other opener Sanjay Ramlakhan ceremony, the winning side to help 4040 WIBS to the 2024 middle-order collapse before stabilised things with an eventful, collected a trophy and Phoenix X1 Ontario Round-Arm Softball skipper Aftaba Shamshudeen 60-runpartnership. oneaswell.Chattergoontookhome CricketAssociation (ORSCA) T20 settled things with an undefeated Chattergoon galloped to a half- a trophy too for being the Most Premier Cup championship on 36. century (54) which contained 5 ValuablePlayerforPhoenixX1. Sunday at the Emancipation Park, T h e r i g h t - h a n d e d sixes and 3 fours off 25 balls. President of the ORSCA Mitch Brampton. Shamshudeen, a former Canadian Ramlakhansupportedhimwith20. Bacchus congratulated 4040WIBS
PlayingagainstPhoenixX1,the International player, hit 4 sixes and Kunauth Harry batted well to and also shared similar sentiments right-handed George slammed 9 a boundary from 20 balls as make 33 having clobbered four to Phoenix X1 having participated sixes and 2 fours during his 45-ball Hemnarine Chattergoon, another sixes. inthechampionshipencounter showatthecrease. player with Canadian experience, Abdool Gamal Hamid was the He also expressed his
His team reached 157-6 with 5 grabbed 2-26 from his maximum star-bowler for 4040 WIBS with appreciation to the sponsor Ravi balls remaining after they had kept fourovers. outstandingfiguresof4-24inhis4- Bones and thanked his fellow Phoenix X1 to a challenging 156-9 Earlier, the debutant team 4040 over outing. Rajin Outar offered executives for their unwavering fromtheallotmentof20-overs. WIBS won the toss and without good support with 2-34 from his commitment to keep round-arm commentatorRavendraMadholall. George and Sadiq Mohamed hesitation opted to bowl The four overs while George had 1-30 softball playing regularly He 4040 WIBS etched their named featured in an important, 70-run decision seemed justifiable after (4) to supplement a fine all-round praised the spectators for braving inthehistorybookaftermakingthis third-wicketstandafter4040WIBS Andy Diaram departed for zero at performance which gave him the the gusty weather conditions and to impression and in the process they wasstrugglingat13-2. 6-1. player-of-the-matchaward. witness an absorbing contest and dethronedCoolRunningz.
Kevin George
Hutson returns!
- AAG president reinstated; willing to serve if re-elected
By Rawle Toney
after a suspension issued by documented debacle at the remove him, and Amanda pursue legal action against to serve. I have a lot of theGeneralCouncilonApril 2023 CARIFTA Games that Hermonstine, First Vice the AAG, preferring not to knowledge of the sport, and AubreyHutson,whowas 15lastyear prompted calls for his President, was appointed as disrupttheoperationoftrack hence,Iwouldserve.” first elected as President of Hutson’s suspension by removalfromthelocalsports ActingPresident. and field in the country This “My thirst for president the Athletics Association of the AAG’s General Council community
However, the details d e c i s
e s a i d , has never been there, Guyana (AAG) in 2013, was a result of various
’s demonstrated his ongoing because from the time I got recently returned to his role incidents, including a well- unanimously voted to
commitment to the sport, the first suspension letter,
despite the administrative they would’ve been hearing unclear, since AAG officials challenges. from my lawyer, but I’ve havedeclinedtocommenton Under Hermonstine’s always took the position that thespecifics.
Iwanttoserve,Ihavealotof
Hutson himself has achieved notable success on knowledge of the sport, e
h i s the international stage, as hence I would serve,” suspension was not legally Guyanese athletes earned Hutsonsaid. valid.
gold medals at the The AAG is expected to
“The suspension was Commonwealth Games, the hold elections by the end of never legal. That has always South American U20 theyearorearlyJanuary been my position,” Hutson Championships, and the Hutson has left the told Kaieteur News in an CARIFTAGames. decision to continue his interview,adding“butforthe Hutson resumed his role presidency in the hands of smooth-running of track and shortly before Guyana’s the athletics community, field, a sport that I love participation in the World pointing out that his focus is dearly, I decided to step U20 Championships in on ensuring the AAG is in back.” Lima, Peru. But return, good standing legally,
Although the AAG however, was metwithsome f i n a n c i a l l y , a n d announced his removal, resistance from some structurally whether he Hutsonclaimshevoluntarily members of the AAG continues as president, or stepped aside to allow Council. not.
Hermonstine to take over as Hutson told Kaieteur Hutson praised Amanda Acting President. He also News, that some members Hermonstine for her efforts highlighted that his felt he should wait to be as Acting President, noting suspension was not formally reinstated, but, he her energy and commitment recognized by international insisted that the council did to the sport, “I have to take governing bodies such as not have the authority to myhatofftoAmanda,Ithink World Athletics and removehiminthefirstplace, shetriedherbest;weallhave Atletismo Sudamericano saying, “I think they sought ourlimitations,butyoucan’t (SouthAmericanAthletics). legal advice and they were sayshedidn’ttryherbest.”
Though he stepped back advised that if they want to However, he also from official duties, Hutson move in the right direction, acknowledged areas where remained active in the sport, they were told to let me improvement was needed, offering advice and function in my role as particularly in technical assistancebehindthescenes, president.” decision-making within the despitefeelingoverwhelmed FUTURE OF HUTSON’S AAG. byhisleadershiprole. LEADERSHIP He remarked, “I feel like
He said, “While I was Hutson has expressed some of my colleagues still away, I was still assisting, uncertaintyaboutseekingre- have some work to do...there whether people called for election, adding, that his were some poor technical advice or contacts for people primaryjobintrackandfield decisions that were being in international circles I has always been about made in terms of how we still was assisting and service, not personal approach the sport, but I was assisting in the best way ambition. comfortable knowing that I possible.”
He stated, “I’ve always did not put the sport in a bad Hutson chose not to taken the position that I want place.”
Guyana horseracing attracting new owners
- Js Racing Stables will be a force to reckon with at President’s Cup
Legislation is on the cusp of arriving in purchased Spankhurst, Guyana’s horse of the Guyana’s horseracing, and the sport is yearin2023. growing. Js Racing stables also had a solid entry
Certainly, the prize money has grown into Guyana Cup, with their newly imported significantly, with the 2023 Guyana Cup NovaSolclaimingsecondinthefeatureevent having a total purse of G$24 million and this at Rising SunTurf Club.The President’s Cup year’s Guyana Cup saw G$40 million being will be an event where others will have their paidout,aG$16millionincrease. eyesonJsRacingStables,whowillbeaforce While the incentives are higher, new toreckonwithonSeptember22. horses and new owners are now in Guyana’s InadditiontoSpankhurstandNovaSol,Js horseracing. The most significant new entry Racing stables made another bold move, to into Guyana’s horseracing of recent is Js import two top horses from Brazil; Mapa Do RacingStables. BrasilandCompanheiroLea.
The owners, who hail from New TheestablishedstablesinJumboJetand Amsterdam, took headlines when they (Continued on page 22)
Hear Me Out! Accountability and Good Governance in sports on show by the GOA/NSC
By Rawle Toney
glaring omission in
exploitationincreases. their statement is the failure challenges facing sports in T
n t This not only affects the to address the serious Guyana. statement from the Guyana athletes but also undermines allegations of sexual Sports associations OlympicAssociation (GOA) public confidence in the m
across the board need to be and the National Sports sports they follow and coaches. held to higher standards of C
i o n ( N S C ) support.
Allegations of abuse in transparency, accountability, regarding the Guyana Governance failures can s
andvirtuousconduct.
A
S
mming lead to a host of issues, administrative matters; they When governance is Association (GASA) marks ranging from financial are matters of safety and lacking, it creates an a significant moment for mismanagement to ethical ethics, which must be e
in violations.
handled with the utmost care
misconduct can thrive, Guyana. In the case of GASA, the andurgency athletes’ rights can be The decision to cease improprieties within its
The fact that some violated, and public trust can any breaches of those governance issues within engagement with GASAand administration were well- coaches implicated in these be eroded Moreover, standards are dealt with GASA is a positive no longer recognize it as a knownforsometime. allegations are still being without good governance, it promptly and fairly Good development, but their role “sports association in good The fact that the GOA selected to represent Guyana becomesdifficulttobuildthe governance also includes m
standing” highlights long- and NSC only recently took internationally, raises infrastructure and support financial transparency, clear swimming. standing governance issues actionsuggeststhattherehas significant concerns about systems needed to develop communication, and a As the governing bodies within the sport of been a tolerance for poor safeguardingathletes.
athletes and achieve success commitment to inclusivity for sports in Guyana, they swimminginthecountry governance that should have
Ensuring athlete safety ontheworldstage. anddiversity have a responsibility to While this move is a step beenaddressedsooner shouldbeatoppriorityforall In sports like swimming, For a country like ensure that all sports in the right direction, it also Good governance sports associations, and it is governance is not just about Guyana, which has a wealth associations operate with underscores the need for requiresproactiveleadership essential that the GOA and managing day-to-day of athletic talent, it is critical integrity and in compliance strong governance across all and the willingness to NSC take steps to address operations, it is about that sports organizations are w i t h n a t i o n a l a n d sports organizations to confront uncomfortable these allegations thoroughly creating an environment governed in a way that international standards. This protect athletes and uphold truths to ensure that sports andtransparently where talent can flourish, supports the long-term means holding associations the integrity of sports in organizations are run WHY STRONG andathletesareprotected. development of athletes and accountablewhentheyfailto Guyana. ethicallyandeffectively GOVERNANCE It is about ensuring that t h e b r o a d e r s p o r t s meet these standards and GOOD GOVERNANCE Bytakingactionnow,the MATTERS athletes, coaches, and community providing the necessary IN SPORTS GOAand NSC are sending a The GASA situation is officials are held to high The GOA and NSC’s support to help them
Good governance is strong message that just one example of the ethical standards and that involvement in addressing improve. crucial in sports. It sets the misconduct will not be foundation for transparency, tolerated. accountability, and ethical However, it is important behaviour within sports to note that while the GOA organizations. and NSC’s decision to cease
When governance is engagement with GASA is a weak or corrupt, the risk of step forward, it falls short of m i s c o n d u c t , addressingallthekeyissues.
Essequibo Invaders and Jai Hind Jaguars record
rd
3 Round victories in BMC O50s Tournament
- Solid half centuries recorded by Anil Beharry, Deoprakash Ramdat, Ryan DeNobrega Clement Archer and Nanram Shamlall
At the Jai Hind ground: Ex Berbice Police took first strike on a beautiful Sunday morning with their openers posting a century partnership. Both openers scored half centuries,DeoRamdatwasunfortunatelyrunoutfor58(7@ 4s & 1 @ 6s) and Ryan DeNobrega 59(9 @ 4s). K. Mangal with 25 and G. Sawin with 17 were the only other contributors that made double figures.The lawmen failed to capitalize on a wonderful foundation laid by their openers and succumbed for 184/7 off their 30 overs. Ravi Mangali wasthepickofthebowlersforJaiHindwith3for33.Hewas supportedbyK.Budhoowith2for27.
Jai Hind Jaguars with their eyes on a semifinal spot quickly knocked off the required runs in 23 overs to record theirfirstvictory Alltheirtoporderbatterscontributedtothe runchasewhichwasspearheadedbyZ.Zikeerwhomade80 with 6 @4s and 5 @ 6s. Windies Masters cricketer made 36 with3boundariesandacontrasting36*fromL.Ruplall (Continued on page 22)
Rawle Toney
