The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, August 16, 2024 - 13:50 hrs to 15:20 hrs and Saturday, August 17, 2024 - 14:50 hrs to 16:20 hrs
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, August 16, 2024 - 01:30hrs - 03:00hrs and Saturday, August 17, 2024 - 02:30hrs - 04:00hrs
VParika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
ice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday stated that the Government’s recent proposal of a 10 per cent across-the-board salary increase for teachers, which was rejected by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), would rack up to about $12 billion over the next three years.
As negotiations continue under the new 20242026 multi-year agreement, the Education Ministry last week proposed a 10 per cent for 2024, eight per cent for 2025, and nine per cent for 2026 salary increases for teachers.
But while this offer was rejected by the union, VP Jagdeo reiterated that this proposal would have seen teachers benefitting from as much as $12 billion over the three years.
“We spend nearly $40 billion on wages and salaries for teachers per year. This here works out to over $4 billion – the 10 per cent [proposal] and over the three years, when you look at it cumulatively, that would be just over $12 billion… or 60 [plus] million US dollars more,” Jagdeo related during his weekly press briefing.
This, according to Jagdeo, does not include the salary-scale adjustments that teachers would also benefit from.
After a meeting last Thursday, the Education Ministry proposed a nine per cent across-the-board increase to teachers for 2024 but later that day revised it to 10 per cent after the GTU rejected the offer.
Guyana Times understands that over the weekend, the union’s General Council met with its membership to discuss the latest proposal, however, whilst some members wanted to
take the 10 per cent increase being offered, the majority were against it.
Ultimately, the GTU decided to reject the offer –which was the third proposal from the government since negotiations on the new multi-year agreement started last month.
However, according to the Vice President, the Government wants to work collaboratively with the GTU, but some union officials want to thwart that.
“I think that many of the sober heads, the sensible heads in the union see a great attempt to address the concerns of teachers. We couldn’t go back in the past but we’re making a dedicated effort to do this and they agreed to the package. [But GTU’s General Secretary] Coretta Donald wants to derail this for political reasons…”
“The General Council of the union made a decision and she comes along, taking instructions from Congress Place – she’s a politician from APNU’s camp [and] they don’t want the issue resolved with teachers. So, she sabotages the General Council,” Jagdeo contended.
Earlier this week, the GTU’s General Secretary, in an invited comment, disclosed that members are ad-
amant about negotiating for a higher percentage.
“The members have voiced their disapproval over the weekend, and they’re indicating positions with regards to percentages that they want to accept,” McDonald shared.
“One of the reasons the Ministry is highlighting or insisting that if they give a higher percentage to teachers, then it will have implications for the other sectors. But we have to remind them that the joint services got increases, and nurses got increases but teachers are still bunched together. In addition to that, our members have said, they’ve highlighted the fact that over the years, during the four years of the government, there have been several supplementary budgets for the department and they’re wondering why there cannot be a supplementary budget that includes increases in salaries for teachers,” she added.
According to McDonald, the GTU will continue to negotiate in ‘good faith’, in hopes that the government provides a proposal for a salary increase within the 20 per cent margin.
“We prefer to accept a percentage that offers a little bit livable so if the government feels, if the government is willing to offer 20 per cent, well, teachers will be jumping for joy,” the GTU Secretary disclosed.
Bilateral talks between the Education Ministry and the GTU on the new 20242026 multi-year agreement commenced on July 11 after months of prolonged industrial action by teachers. This was after the GTU conceded to the government’s proposal that salary increases for teachers be determined under a new agreement from the current year onward.
The GTU has been pushing for a backdated collective bargaining agreement, but the government, through the Education Ministry, has maintained that it is fully prepared to work on a multiyear agreement from 2024, and not 2019, as was initially demanded by the GTU. The GTU subsequently recanted and agreed to negotiate from 2022 onwards, but that proposal was also rejected by the government.
The GTU has also proposed a performance-based incentive of two per cent per annum, to be paid to eligible teachers during the period of the multi-year agreement, with effect from January 1, 2024.
This is in addition to an annual health/risk allowance of $25,000 and a monthly internet/mobile data allowance of $10,000 to be paid to all teachers. Moreover, the GTU is seeking a termly school transportation grant of $150,000 in the case of those operating on the coastland and $300,000 for hinterland/ riverine schools; alternatively, a mode of transport (boat, ATV etc.) to offset the cost of teachers traveling to attend meetings, workshops, orientation sessions, or emergencies at school. (G-8)
Editor: Tusika Martin
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that of all the major health threats that have emerged over the years, “none has challenged the very foundations of public health so profoundly as the rise of chronic NonCommunicable Diseases”. Caused by poor lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, NCDs have resulted in large numbers of young people dying. A significant number have also fallen ill and therefore cannot contribute to their families or the development of their communities in any way.
Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, once linked only to affluent societies, have affected, and continue to affect, every country in the world – with the poor suffering the most owing to the lack of proper medical care and access to drugs, etc.
At the turn of the century, chronic NCDs were not widely recognised as a barrier to development, and were not included in the Millennium Development Goals. In terms of gaining attention and financial support, these diseases were overshadowed by the devastating epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and the large number of maternal and childhood deaths.
As stated by the WHO, much of its work in the earliest years of the decade involved collecting the data and making the arguments that would elevate NCDs on the global health and development agendas. On their part, countries –especially those with emerging economies – used the WHO STEPwise approach to gather standardised data on the true burden of these diseases.
Those efforts culminated in 2011, when the United Nations General Assembly held a high-level meeting on NCDs and adopted a far-reaching Political Declaration. The Political Declaration acknowledged that the threat of NCDs constitutes one of the major challenges for development in the 21st Century, undermining social and economic progress throughout the world.
In 2013, the World Health Assembly adopted a comprehensive global monitoring framework for NCDs, with nine voluntary targets and 25 indicators. The Health Assembly also approved the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2013–2020, which provided a roadmap and menu of options for taking coordinated and coherent action to attain the targets.
In Guyana, NCDs are taking a huge chunk of the budgetary allocation to the Public Health Ministry. In 2023, a mobile app was launched to effectively manage the growing number of chronic non-communicable diseases locally.
The app aimed to assist healthcare providers with monitoring and caring for diabetic patients, potentially influencing positive changes in patient outcomes. It was believed that the data garnered from the app would assist in decreasing the number of cases relating to noncommunicable diseases in Guyana.
Topped with the app, citizens were urged to adopt healthy, life-changing behaviours, and make regular checkups a practice, rather than seeking medical attention only when they are unwell. These include eating healthy, exercising daily, avoiding abuse of alcohol, and staying away from tobacco use.
There is still a great deal of ignorance in the public about NCDs and how persons can avoid being affected; hence, messages should be carefully designed to address same using the relevant channels.
The Government, even though it must take the lead as it relates to policy drafting and implementation etc, cannot do it alone. The entire society must be actively involved. Perhaps the temples, mosques and churches can take up a more active role in educating their congregations about the need to adopt healthier lifestyles in order to live longer, more fulfilling and happier lives.
Consumer bodies, schools and other educational institutions; civil society groups and, more importantly the media, also have a role to play, as, when we lose our citizens due to premature deaths, the entire country is robbed of its most valuable resource.
Do not put all your eggs in one basket
Dear Editor,
Massive construction works are underway in all of the ten regions of Guyana. New roads, bridges and buildings -- including hospitals, schools, stadiums, and even temples and mosques; not to mention hundreds of houses -- are being built throughout the country, while some are being repaired. Since independence, almost 60 years ago on May 26, 1966, Guyana has never experienced a construction boom like what is taking place today. The economy is thriving at a rate of roughly 46 percent of GDP, which is the highest in the Caribbean and Latin America, and perhaps in the world. It is a phenomenon no one expected or could have predicted, but thanks must be given to the discovery and exploration of oil by ExxonMobil and the other oil giants of the world.
Today there are hundreds, if not thousands, of contractors that have received, and continue to receive, huge contracts from all different sources, including private individuals. But as fast as the roads are being built, cracks are appear-
ing on many of them, some even before the job is completed; and although there are many reasons for such poor construction or substandard work, space would allow me to mention only a few of them.
One reason is that many of these contractors are not vetted properly. Two is that there are not enough qualified personnel to monitor the construction sites, which suggests that many contractors are the adjudicators of their own work. Three is what is rumoured: that some of these contractors are given contracts based on their connections and/or friendship with authoritative officials, which allows them to bypass the vetting system and ignore all regulations and standard operating procedures. Four is that many have little or no experience in building anything, not even a driveway or a bookshelf. And five is that some of us are fully aware that many of the bona-fide contractors with expertise and years of experience are being sidelined for an untold number of reasons.
The result is that more than 60 percent of these con-
tractors are sub- contracting, which inevitably has led to substandard work being done, because the original contractors would syphon off 25 percent of the initial cost of the project.
Of all the hundreds or thousands of contractors currently registered in Guyana, only a few stand out as being among the best, and are better than all the others. Among the few is BK International Inc., which is perhaps the only contracting firm that can boast of having the equipment, experience, and expertise not only to build roads and construct buildings, but to meet and overcome any challenge in the construction industry.
With more than 40 years of experience, BK International has built hundreds of miles of roads, constructed several buildings, and erected miles of sea defences in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice. Simply put, BK International has done it all.
As the first Major General of the Guyana Defence Force, Norman McLean, has said, “You name it, and BK will build it.”
BK International is second to none, and its capability is recognized in the Caribbean, Latin America, and elsewhere around the world, including in Canada and the United States. Its recent construction of the airport at Ogle is a marvel that has surpassed international standards. There is nothing similarly spectacular anywhere in Guyana, Suriname, the Caribbean, or Latin America.
And the person behind the planning, construction and development of this airport is none other than its visionary, ingenious and futurist Chairman Mr. Brian Tiwari; who is original, creative, ambitious and judicious. His most famous mantra, which everyone not only in the construction industry but the general public, should heed, is: Do not put all your eggs in one basket, but leave room just in case one door is closed; the chances are others will open. Wise, affable and generous, Mr Tiwari is very genuine, down-to-earth and approachable.
Sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose
Dear Editor, World Suicide Prevention Month, September, is once again on the horizon and The Caribbean Voice is urging Caribbean stakeholders to plan candlelight vigils across communities in the Caribbean world, under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” so as to bring awareness and catalyze activism aimed at suicide prevention. In 2015, under the theme ‘Voices Against Violence’, The Caribbean Voice had launched a candlelight Vigil Campaign that was held annually and that saw over one thousand vigils held in Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, and other nations, as well as in the Diaspora. The COVID pandemic brought this campaign to a standstill, but the impact of these vigils suggests that the campaign should once again be organized.
These vigils are another mechanism by which communities bridge all divides as a critical step to create positive change. They foster community collaboration, focus on saving lives and preventing harm, and enhance the process of societal transformation. This vigil campaign is also another step in redressing violence in all its manifestations – human trafficking, suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic, gender, and child abuse, rape, incest, teenage pregnancy, road carnage, dysfunctional relationships, neglect of the elderly, abuse of the mentally and physically challenged and inter-personal violence. It can also lead to the understanding that empowerment of the individual is a function of communities and, thus, helps to encourage communities to become more self-reliant in seeking to create safe environments.
When communities are safe then the nation becomes safe.
Thus, The Caribbean Voice urges NGOs, faith and community-based organizations, sports clubs, youth and women’s groups, political and cultural organizations, government agencies at the national, regional, and local levels, professional and business entities, and all individuals to make Voices Against Violence a truly national effort. Vigils are easy to plan and implement and can include slogans and chants, cultural interludes, prayers short dramatic presentations, survivors speaking out, and anything else that might be deemed appropriate.
While vigils are recommended for World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, they can also be held throughout the month. The Caribbean Voice can list and help promote vigils if
Dear Editor,
The international nature of cyber extortion highlights the necessity for collaborative efforts among nations to bring perpetrators to justice, often through extradition.
The United States regularly requests from the Government of Guyana the extradition of individuals who are suspected or convicted of offences against US law. Notably, the US has successfully sought the extradition of numerous individuals worldwide for the crime of cyber extortion.
Under Guyanese law, and through bilateral agreements, cyber extortion is an extraditable offence for individuals residing in the US to threaten to publish personal electronic data that could cause personal em-
barrassment in order to extort a benefit. Alarmingly, well-known social media personalities residing in the US have published, and threatened to publish, the personal data of Guyanese citizens with the clear intent of ridiculing and embarrassing them.
While the motivation behind these publications, whether for financial or other benefits, may be known only by the victims, the noticeable withdrawal of certain personal attacks suggests that these retractions resulted from successful extortion attempts.
It is incumbent upon the Government of Guyana to protect its citizens from such devastating attacks, even when the perpetrators reside outside the country.
Extradition arrange-
info is sent to us – caribvoice@aol.com. And we can create an online collage of vigils if photos and related info are provided.
As well we suggest the following to mark Suicide Prevention Month.
Light a Candle near a window at 8PM on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, to show support for suicide prevention and remember those lost to suicide, an annual initiative of the International Society for
Suicide Prevention.
Cycle the Globe, a call for people to show their support for suicide prevention by cycling from September 10 to October 10 and logging in their distances on a specially set up website: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ CycleAroundtheGlobe2022, an annual initiative of the International Society for Suicide Prevention.
ments are built on the principle of reciprocity. However, it seems our Government is hesitant to pursue the extradition of individuals accused of these crimes. Cyber extortion is a global issue that demands prompt and decisive action.
Sincerely, Nutana Singh
Dear Editor,
The nation has been jolted several times over the past few weeks by unbelievable Opposition debacles.
First it was the ascendency of Nigel Hughes to the leadership of the AFC. As we know, this is a real conflict of interest. Nigel is flirting with our national security by serving corporate interests at a time when he should be focused on Guyana’s critical interests without any chance of compromise.
The PNCR, as usual, is clueless when it comes to economics. Look at the facts. Guyana found oil in 2015, just as Aubrey Norton’s PNCR-APNU+AFC was handed the reins of state power. Can you believe that Norton never took the time
Suicide prevention is everybody’s business #BE THERE
Urge survivors to speak out via videos posted online, interviews with the media, or at specially organised events.
Encourage prevention participation by tweeting and messaging using the hashtag #BE THERE. The following two tweets/messages are suggested to be posted and shared on all social media platforms: Five minutes of your time can save a life #BE THERE
Annan Boodram Caribbean Voice
to learn anything about oil? He knows little to nothing about oil economics, as he has intimated. His paucity of knowledge, however, has never stopped him from offering cash grants that, if they were ever to materialise, would crash the economy within a year.
There is nothing unusual here, because the AFC is prone to putting personal
interest above national priorities. As for the PNC, well, they have always been clueless about economics. The PNC has the worst record on the economy, not only in Guyana, but in the entire Caribbean. The height of their economic strategy is to sell plantain chips and give away free money.
Sincerely, Attiya Baksh
A 2-dimensional figure with 3 sides is a triangle. A triangle has 3 angles that always add up to 180o. This is one way you can classify triangles.
A triangle with only acute angles – angles less than 90o – is called an acute triangle. A triangle with one right angle is called a rightangled triangle or right triangle. A triangle with one obtuse angle is called an obtuse triangle
Since all angles in a triangle add up to 180o, a triangle can have at most only one right angle or one obtuse angle. Can you figure out why? Ask yourself: How many degrees are in two right angles? What is the smallest number of degrees that two obtuse angles could total?
Identify: Determine if the triangle is acute, right or obtuse.
Insects in the Food Chain
Plants use energy from the sun to create their own food. This process is called photosynthesis. The plant is the primary producer, or the first creator of energy in the chain and the first level of a food chain.
If a caterpillar eats the leaf of the plant, it is the primary consumer, or first creature to eat a plant in the chain. Most primary consumers eat only plants. They are called herbivores. Some eat both plants and animals. They are called omnivores. When something
eats a plant, that’s the second level of the food chain.
If a lizard eats the caterpillar, the lizard is getting its energy from the caterpillar. That makes the lizard a secondary consumer of energy from the plant. Carnivores are animals that eat other animals. This is the third level of the food chain. The lizard is a carnivore and a tertiary consumer.
At level four, imagine a bird eats the lizard. If a fox eats the bird and a bear eats the fox, that’s two
By Kamau Brathwaite
more levels. No more animals eat the bear while it is alive, so that makes the bear an apex predator. Apex means top, so the bear is at the top of the food chain.
When the bear dies, detritivores will eat it. Detritivores are animals that eat dead plants, animals, or animal waste. Vultures and hyenas are detrivores, but so are flies, ants, and dung beetles. Many detritivores are insects. These animals help break down dead things and turn them into soil. This adds nutrients to the soil that plants use to make food.
This food chain ends with flies who ate the bear who ate the fox who ate the bird who ate the lizard who ate the caterpillar who ate the plant.
A food web is the interlocking food chains in a community. The bird that ate the lizard may also eat some berries, a mouse, or a ladybug. The mouse and several items too. If you draw the food chain of the bird, the mouse, the ladybug, and the bear, that’s a food web. All of these organisms share an ecosystem.
Consumers have recently been experiencing disruptions to their water service because of high levels of turbidity and sedimentation at the Shelter Belt canal of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), but that public entity is working to remedy the problem by this weekend, and that would see citizens in central Georgetown accessing clean water thereafter.
The issue reportedly
arose after GWI had dredged the East Demerara Water Conservancy, causing a buildup of sludge that contaminated its Shelter Belt and resulted in distribution of ‘rusty and unhealthy’ water to citizens.
During a press conference on Thursday, GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh explained that the issue had first been detected on July 15, but it had not been severe at that time. He said a technical team
had immediately been dispatched to the conservancy, where it was observed that the sedimentation load coming through the Shelter Belt plant was extremely high. GWI had subsequently hired additional resources to clean the canals, while technicians in the laboratory had conducted tests to determine the issue.
According to Baksh, the system is constantly being flushed out, and by this weekend, the quality and availability of water would be returned to normalcy.
“Because of the dredg-
ing of that canal in the conservancy area during the drought -- the long drought, the longest in years -- a lot of sludge (had been) built up in the canal, and with the heavy rainfall, it moved down into our systems here, our reservoirs,” Baksh explained.
“We have strengthened our system inside. For example, every day we have been out there at the various wards to flush the water of the system as much as possible, and this is ongoing and we are seeing some relief. We have taken samples of the water regularly, and we have seen (that) through the flushing of the canals…the water quality, and the water colour in particular, is improving; but it will take a couple more (flushes) to bring it to acceptable normalcy,” he explained.
The water quality at the Shelter Belt plant would usually be around 15 to 20 units, but with the current occurrence, it went up to 400 units, he explained. The plant is usually cleaned once a year, but due to the existing situation, the GWI team would begin cleaning the system ev-
ery six to eight months.
Further, Baksh explained that while the current issue is totally beyond the company’s control, there is need for greater coordination between the East Demerara Water Conservancy and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority. In this regard, he disclosed, GWI
is considering reducing customers’ August bills amid the disruption to the service.
“We are prepared to look at that, and consider that to bring some relief to the customers during this period (wherein) they were affected…we will issue a statement on that at some point,” he promised.
Forty-one-year-old Kapil Ramsamuj, the former headteacher of Bonasika Creek Primary School, Essequibo River allegedly died by suicide one day after he reportedly consumed a poisonous substance.
The man of Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) reportedly consumed the poisonous substance on August 12, 2024,
but succumbed at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
Police stated that the now dead man’s sister, Vimla reported that she was at home when she received a call that her brother drank poison.
She added that at about 19:40h on the same day, she was at the Parika Police Station making a report that her brother had consumed poison but received anoth-
Dead: Kapil Ramsamuj
er telephone call that he had passed. The woman according to reports could not say what caused her brother to consume the poisonous substance.
However, a post-mortem is expected to be conducted today to determine the cause of death since reports circulating suggested that he might have been beaten to death by his in-laws.
Employers and representatives from private sector agencies in the Central and Upper Corentyne, Region Six, on Wednesday, participated in a seminar hosted by the Labour Ministry to discuss Guyana’s Labour Laws and workplace conditions.
The seminar, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), focused on educating attendees on key aspects of labour legislation. During the seminar, par-
ticipants received valuable information on overtime reg-
No! No! No! Your Eyewitness ain’t getting into that biblical morass as to whether God did in fact stop the sun on the bequest of Joshua, or whether technically it shoulda been the earth that had to be stopped to lengthen the day!! Naaah! The topic de jour is the fact that while the UN was supposedly formed after WWII to stop all future wars, and the members were supposed to resolve their differences peacefully, the five victors in the war were given the power to stop the world by their representative to the UN merely putting up her hand in the Security Council, signalling that it wasn’t a kumbaya moment!
ulations, termination of employment, notice and severance pay, inspection and record-keeping requirements, probationary periods, paid leave, and workplace safety and health standards.
This seminar is part of a broader initiative aimed at raising awareness among employers of their legal rights and obligations, as well as the rights of their employees.
In his keynote address, Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine underscored the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance public access to its services, highlighting the recently launched Labour Advice App, which allows both employers and employees to directly engage with the Ministry.
The CLO stated that over the past three years, the ministry’s labour inspectors have been able to conduct some 1,267 business inspections across the region. These inspections, he explained presented the businesses with the opportunity to address areas of non-compliance with the country’s labour laws.
As a result, the ministry has recognised a 45 per cent decline in worker complaints as of July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 which Mr. Deonarine said demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of workers.
President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Poonai Bhigroog, praised the Ministry for its proactive approach to equipping employers with comprehensive knowledge of Guyana’s Labour Laws and workplace conditions, amidst the region’s ongoing development.
With that in mind, he also encouraged continued collaboration between the Chamber and the Ministry to explore employment and training opportunities to address the region’s skill gap.
Meanwhile, NIS Inspector William Paul highlighted the necessity for employers to ensure their employees are registered with the scheme, which is essential for accessing NIS benefits. He also took the opportunity to clarify various issues related to NIS contributions.
While they try to make that fact low-key, the UN isn’t exactly the democratic institution they “boast and brag” about! In fact, it’s an organisation steeped in the inequity of (interstate) caste! Sure, the 193 countries on planet Earth that now belong to the UN General Assembly are told they’re EQUAL, with equal votes and suchlike, all right. But the real power doesn’t lie with them, it lies with the aforementioned Security Council - with its five PERMAMENT members and ten other members elected every two years. We’re in right now.
But even within the Security Council - which, like the word “but” that wipes out everything that preceded it! – there are the caste hierarchies. The five permanent members: the United States, China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, have a “VETO POWER” over the Security Council’s decisions, and by implication over the rest of the world! The “veto power” thus confers the imprimatur of legitimacy on the decisions of the “Fabulous Five” over the rest of the 188 other members!!
Between 2020 and Feb 2024, this veto was exercised 14 times by the US, 12 of which were in regard to the Israeli -Palestinian conflict!! Last April, the Biden Administration vetoed a resolution recommending that the General Assembly hold a vote on the State of Palestine’s full membership of the organization.
But the US hasn’t been the only permanent member to have used its veto power which was given to the 5 victors of WWII 72 years ago!! In our travails with Mad Maduro and Venezuela over their border conflict, which we passed on to the ICJ, part of the UN system -its enforcement - will depend on the UNSC. And that is where Mad Maduro’s besties - Russia and China - would be exercising their vetoes to stymie the ICJ’s ruling!! In the 21st century, it’s high time democracy enters the chambers of the UN, with the General Assembly of the 193 nations of the world finally having the last say!
…on Indian Independence
Yesterday was the 77th anniversary of India’s Independence from the British Empire. This event doesn’t resonate as much as when dozens of countries such as ours remained under the British Empire’s thrall. But it’s truly said that “the past is never dead: it’s not even past”. Just as the departing British left the open sores of the partition of India - which left more than a million people dead - and that sore has just exploded in Bangladesh, we’ve been left with our own sore to deal with.
Our “Independence” from Britain under the PNC came in the wake of instigated ethnic violence that took 176 lives and uprooted thousands, as villages were ethnically cleansed. It facilitated election rigging by the PNC for 28 years, in order to keep out the PPP, and solidified the racial/ethnic cleavages once again roiling our politics and our country.
To its credit, India is at last starting to pull itself out of its British-fostered underdevelopment. Will the PNC allow us to do the same?
…and the AFC
The AFC just announced they’re concerned with the rising levels of mental health illnesses - including suicide. Did they investigate that most of the problem in in the communities where THEY closed the sugar estates - especially in Berbice? 42,000 persons dislocated!!
Some 54 small, medium, and community loggers across Guyana have benefitted from the $900 million revolving fund that was set up by the Government to assist the forestry sector to kickstart and expand value-added production.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, disclosed that to date, about 54 companies or entities or individuals would have benefitted from the credit facility.
Minister Bharrat was at the time responding to a question from the Guyana Times during which he pointed out that the revolving fund has played a significant role in helping to advance the sector.
For example, he pointed to Parika Sawmills Ltd, which was one of the beneficiaries of the fund and is now expanding its operations with a new massive complex that will produce finished doors, cupboards, and windows.
Another sawmill in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), is also establishing a factory for the production of roof shingles. “These things are being done right in Parika… and we’ve seen many [other beneficiaries of the revolving fund] doing that,” the minister noted.
Bharrat further pointed out that over 100 new saw-
mills and 70 plus new lumber yards established across the country are helping to push the Government’s drive towards increasing value-added production as well as recovery rates in the forestry sector.
Government anticipates that this $900 million revolving credit facility would go on to benefit more operators in the forestry sector.
“We don’t want [the fund] to stop revolving… It means that people are sup-
In Linden alone, there were five sawmills in 2020 and today, this number has almost quadrupled with about 19 sawmills presenting in operation.
The Natural Resources Minister added that the
posed to start paying back so that others can access it too. So, at no point in time, it should be totally depleted,” Minister Bharrat stressed.
In 2022, with assistance from Demerara
Bank Limited, the Guyana Government set up the $900 million revolving fund that is aimed at boosting the forestry sector to meet market demands.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that some $300 million from the State’s coffers had been set aside for this revolving fund. This sum will be further supplemented by $600 million more provided by Demerara Bank. It was explained that this $900 million revolving fund will carry a low interest rate of four per cent.
Last year, the Head of State assured that his government will continue to invest in similar facilities that will allow Guyanese to bring value-added production to forest products.
At the time, President Ali had pointed to the fact that Guyana was now supplying thousands of pre-fabricated homes across the Caribbean Region. He contrasted this with the lack of support for the forestry sector during the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/AFC) time in office.
The current Guyana Government, through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) under the Ministry of Natural Resources, has committed to continue working with all forest stakeholders to increase productivity in keeping with sustainable
forest management practices.
When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration took office in August 2020, it inherited a “grossly mismanaged” forestry sector that was on the “verge of collapse. However, through various interventions and initiatives implemented by the Government, this industry has made a turnaround.
In 2020 alone, the Aliled Administration injected $350 million into the then cash-strapped Guyana Forestry Commission to cover operational costs and wages for staff for the remainder of the year.
Strategies aimed at boosting the financial performance and management capabilities of the GFC were undertaken and in 2021, the forestry sector was able to make a positive turnover and manage on its own.
One achievement of the sector in 2021 included
getting stakeholders, particularly small-scale loggers back into the business which resulted in the construction boom, and an increase in log production, with over 400,000 cubic feet declared.
Meanwhile, the GFC’s monthly revenue collection was increased from $70 million in 2019 to over $90 million in 2021 while over 100 new concessions were issued to small loggers.
Additionally, monitoring capabilities were advanced with the procurement of more off-terrain vehicles to venture into the hinterland for exercises.
Further, roads crucial to the development of the forestry sector were rehabilitated and new hinterland roads were constructed in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) to the tune of over $3 billion.
India’s 78th Independence Day was observed on Thursday with the hoisting of the nation’s flag at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Queenstown Georgetown. The event was hosted by the High Commission of India in Guyana and saw the attendance of members of the Indian diaspora, Indian nationals, friends of India, and representatives of cultural organisations in Guyana.
During the event, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. Amit Telang hoisted the Indian National Flag followed
tions to the Government and people of India on your 78th Independence Anniversary. May this significant milestone be celebrated with pride and joy. May the enduring friendship between our nations continue to flourish.”
However, during the
by the singing of the National Anthem and read out the excerpts from the Address by the President of India Her Excellency, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on the eve of India's 78th Independence Day.
He also conveyed his gratitude to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, President on his greetings on the occasion of India's Independence Day, underling the deep friendship and historical relations between the people of India and Guyana.
The Guyanese leader in a social media post stated “On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend heartfelt congratula -
celebrations on Thursday, the audience was treated to cultural items including Indian classical dances, poems, and patriotic songs. The programme also included a photo exhibition to commemorate the Partition Horror Remembrance Day in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House, and the University of Guyana, Faculty of Education & Humanities. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Amit Telang and prominent members of the Indian community. This exhibition will continue till August 16.
Gold declaration has seen a steady decline from 2016 to 2023 due to several factors but the Government believes there is still hope with several measures in the pipeline to curb smuggling and increase production.
Head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Newell Dennison during a press conference on Wednesday noted that the sector is confronted with unprecedented climate-related and other phenomena over the recent years including flooding, COVID-19 which led to the pause of all activities, and drought.
He noted that many people have also moved to work in the agriculture, construc-
tion, and agriculture sectors. However, he said measures including investment in technology, deployment of more resources, hosting of lotteries, processing of land applications, and more, are being implemented to help the sector improve.
With these measures, he said, “as long as the price remains strong, there is expected to be a rebound in the gold performance.”
To ensure more gold is declared, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) will intensify its mobile exercise within gold-producing regions to provide an accessible space for miners to declare their finds.
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat told media practitioners
Keller Williams Guyana, in partnership with ALA Strategic and the Ghana Chamber of Commerce Guyana, is excited to announce, Connect: Real Estate Mega Summit billed for September 6, 2024, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
This landmark event will bring together leading real estate professionals, investors, developers, and key stakeholders from across the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Ghana, Latin America, and beyond.
The summit aims to foster collaboration, locally and internationally, share industry insights, and explore the vast opportunities within Guyana’s rapidly expanding real estate market.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with influential figures in the industry, discuss future developments, and establish strategic partnerships that can drive growth and innovation.
The event will feature real estate agents who play a crucial role in driving the industry forward as it was designed with them in mind
that the GGB will intensify this exercise in areas with the most miners.
“We’re going to start the mobile unit operating in Lethem to get the gold
Minister Bharrat pointed out that gold mined in Guyana must go through the formal channels which include the GGB, the dealers, and the licensed trad-
from Murudi and other areas that they can sell to the Guyana Gold Board at a fixed date, time, and place in Lethem. We will try to do that in the Puruni, Cuyuni and Mazaruni area as well,” so that all of the gold produced is declared, he said.
ers.
Further, stricter measures will be put in place to enforce the use of a production sheet by miners to declare their findings.
“The road ahead for gold and gold production in Guyana is a bright one,”
he said alluding to investments by Reunion Gold which is set to start in 2027, Zijin Mining which is pursuing underground mining, and Omai which has restarted operations. The Government is also looking to tackle gold smuggling.
Asked if this is a contributor to the low gold declaration, the Minister did not give a direct answer. He said “We know our country. We know the resources we have to monitor mining in Guyana and the terrain and borders. What we do find out and what information is provided to us, we act on it.”
“If you ask me if gold is being smuggled through the formal channels out of Guyana, I would say no. It is not, because we have checked the system,” he added.
For 2022, the declaration was 486,415 ounces; for 2021 it was 499,054 ounc-
es; in 2020 recorded
584,291 ounces and in 2019 some 634,905 ounces.
In June, the US instituted sanctions against Guyanese businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed for gold smuggling. Subsequently, three persons attempting to smuggle 240 ounces of raw gold through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were arrested and charged.
to offer unparalleled opportunities to expand their networks, showcase their expertise, and connect with potential clients and partners.
The summit will empower agents to take center stage, highlighting their vital contribution to the growth and success of Guyana’s real estate market.
“We’re excited to bring global real estate professionals to this groundbreaking event in Guyana. It’s a unique chance to forge partnerships and explore the potential of Guyana’s market. With confirmed agents and key players from the Oil & Gas and diplomatic sectors, attendees will engage directly with influential entities and gain insight into the country’s next major developments,” Operating Principal of Keller Williams Guyana, Stefan John stated. With an impressive lineup of speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the summit promises to be a must-attend event for anyone involved in the real estate sector.
To address the issue of low gold production and declaration in the country, Government has been working assiduously to support small miners by improving their access to land and boosting their recovery rates.
Since 2016, gold production and declaration have seen a steady decline. For 2022, the declaration was 486,415 ounces; for 2021, it was 499,054 ounces; for 2020, it was 584,291 ounces; and for 2019, it was 634,905 ounces.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, in a press conference on Wednesday, attributed these low figures to a variety of factors. For instance, he said, for the years 20202021, significant flooding had occurred in mining districts, severely impacting
operations. In 2023 there was a prolonged drought, and this year mining districts are again being affected by flooding. In 2020, the issue was the Covid-19 pandemic.
Another contributor, he said, is that, for decades, small and medium-scale miners have been mining the same properties repeatedly. As such, he said, Government has been working with these miners to help them employ new methods and technology in their operations in order to increase the recovery rate, which would increase gold production and, of course, their profitability. Current recovery rate, he noted, is around 35-40%.
“We’re working with medium-scale miners to look at ways they can move away from alluvial (soil) and
even go into hard rock and produce more,” Minister Bharrat told reporters.
Another way Government is hoping to improve production and declaration is by helping small miners get better access to land.
He noted, “Every single person that comes to the Ministry or the GGMC for land, they want land with gold; that’s the common thing. Unfortunately, we’re not in the position to tell you how many ounces of gold are there when we give you that land or that property; it calls for prospecting.”
In this regard, he said, US company Global Venture Consulting LLC would soon undertake mineral mapping in Guyana in order to provide an updated record of where mineral resources can be found.
“We will start with specific mining districts, especially the Mazaruni, Potaro, North West, Cuyuni mining districts. Those are the four main mining districts. We will focus on those four for now, because we have a larger amount of our small and medium-scale miners concentrated in those four mining districts…So this is a project that will help us to identify not only where our gold deposits are, but all minerals,” Minister Bharrat
President Dr. Irfaan Ali is expected to open the Caribbean American Hindu Issues Inc. (CAHII) Conference on Hindu Issues in the Caribbean and the Diaspora on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The theme of the conference is "Challenges Facing Caribbean Hindus and Proposed Solutions."
“It will begin with plenary sessions, followed by
a series of insightful panel discussions. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with leaders and community stakeholders in identifying and addressing the challenges experienced mainly by Hindus in Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, Canada, and the USA,” a release from the Caribbean American Hindu Issues Inc. stated.
President of the University of Trinidad and Tobago Professor Pandit Prakash Persad will give the keynote speech. Other distinguished speakers will
has noted.
Moreover, Minister Bharrat said that, over the last four years, three lotteries have been conducted from which over 550 small miners were able to own mineral properties.
“This year alone, in Bartica, 150 (small miners
have been able to own mineral properties), in Mahdia, 200; that is 350 in 2024 alone,” he noted.
Aside from the lotteries, he added, small miners have also been issued mining lands through the normal processes, which takes to more than 700 the total
number of small miners that have been beneficiaries. Meanwhile, among the other issues affecting the gold sector are the shortage of workers and the apparent migration of medium-scale miners to other sectors, such as oil and gas and construction.
deliver focused messages at the plenary sessions.
The Objectives of the Conference are to analyse the challenges experienced by Hindus in the Caribbean and the Diaspora; to propose viable solutions for these challenges; to produce a comprehensive document outlining implementation of strategies for suggested solutions; and to mobilise Hindu communities and stakeholders to actively implement the proposed solutions.
“The conference aims to foster a cordial, collaborative, and supportive relationship with pandits and Hindu leaders to help contribute to the development of practical strategies and initiatives that will positively impact Hindu communities in the region,” the release added.
The conference, the organisation stated owes a great debt of gratitude to pandits, without whom Hinduism would not have survived and grown in all communities and countries.
In a significant move towards modernising the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the construction of new state-of-the-art facilities for the Police Academy is set to begin soon, as three building contracts were officially handed over to contractors during a ceremony held on location at Dora, Soesdyke/Linden Highway on Thursday.
Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry Andre Ally and Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, presented the contracts to the three contractors: D&S Construction, Orin’s Supreme, and Green Plains Enterprise.
The construction of the main accessway was awarded to D&S Construction to the tune of $102,688,320. The construction of the lec-
ture hall was awarded to Orin’s Supreme to the tune of $87,830,663 and included 4-6 smart classrooms with IT labs, providing advanced training environments for future law enforcement professionals.
The barracks were awarded to Green Plains Enterprise to the tune of $84,973,455.
The construction of the new facilities is part of a larger initiative that is aimed at enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the GPF. This investment reflects the government’s recognition of the need for modern infrastructure to support law enforcement in addressing contemporary challenges, including crime and public safety.
The Dora Training Facility will be a compre -
hensive, state-of-the-art Police Academy that spans 228.85 acres, meticulously designed to provide advanced training and administrative facilities, with the primary goal of developing a world-class police force equipped to meet the demands of modern law enforcement.
The first phase of development entails the construction of several other key facilities, including a Training Studio, Instructor’s Building, Kitchen and Dining Hall, and Water Well. Each component is carefully planned to contribute to the overall goal of creating a fully functional and advanced training academy for GPF.
The Dora Training Facility is set to revolutionise law enforcement training in Guyana, providing a
cutting-edge environment that will shape the future of policing in the nation.
The Government of Guyana, alongside the Ministry of Home Affairs and the GPF, is committed to seeing this flagship project through to completion, ensuring that the GPF remains at the forefront of law enforcement excellence.
Deputy Commissioner
of ‘Operations’ Errol Watts; Head of Strategic Implementation Unit for Police Reform, female Superintendent Nicola Kendall; Director of the GPF Academy, female Superintendent Sonia Herbert; Head of the Tactical Services Unit, Superintendent Brian Lowenfield, along with engineers and personnel from the Ministry
of Home Affairs and the Contractors, were also present at the simple handing over ceremony. This modernisation effort is aligned with global best practices in law enforcement. It aims to ensure that the Guyana Police Force is equipped to meet the evolving demands of public safety and security in Guyana.
GWI boasts of turnaround in finances, renewed confidence in operations
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is reporting that there is a major turnaround in its operations, including its finances – which has resulted in renewed confidence in its operations, including from regional and international partners.
In 2022, the water company had announced that there was a major overstaffing issue that was costing the company millions of dollars. As such, it was forced to downsize its human resources to recuperate funds and restore the company’s financial viability.
During a press conference at the agency’s headquarters on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh revealed that due to strategic management, GWI has witnessed a significant turnaround in its operations and is now increasing its staffing once again.
He also boasted that a large portion of GWI’s annual budget has been injected into ensuring that employees are working in wellequipped environments.
“We are paying our staff on a timely basis, we have refurbished all of our offices across the country fully equipped with air conditioning and computers, work stations, we have built two or three new buildings and we have to build one on the East Coast soon. We are spending a lot of money on staff welfare, protective clothing, and all of these things.”
Baksh further told reporters that the turnaround in the company’s financial
situation has resulted in them paying suppliers and contractors on time.
“We don’t owe; we have 30 days from when a claim is made for works done or supplies received and I recently ordered an audit to see how effective our payment system is, and 95 per cent of the time we are meeting that deadline to pay our creditors. There is renewed confidence in GWI by all of our contractors and creditors because when we advertise for a well, we get 10 to 12, sometimes 20 bids for a distribution network and they all want to work with GWI because they are being paid on time,” he added.
The GWI CEO added that its financial status is also opening doors for investment from regional and international partners such as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which helps Caribbean countries finance social and economic projects.
“The Caribbean
Development Bank, the EIB (European Investment Bank), and the Japanese Financial Institute are all coming here and discussing with us loans because they have confidence in what GWI is doing.”
In 2024, the Government of Guyana approved $22.5 billion for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to improve water quality and supply systems across the country.
Last year, $16.8 billion was spent on the water sector, which resulted in the extension of transmission and distribution networks being completed for unserved areas including Experiment, Kuru Kururu, Mibicuri, No. 63 Village, Paradise, Parika Backdam, Swan, Windsor Castle and Yarrowkabra, to benefit approximately 6,500 residents.
Further, in 2023, works advanced on the upgrade of 12 existing water treatment plants, which will be completed in 2024.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha commissioned Guyana’s first public dehydration facility at Hope Estate on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD))
The $14.3 M facility is set to benefit over 200 persons including farmers, agro-processors, women, youths, and other stakeholders, allowing them to improve their business development skills while earning additional income.
With a production capacity of 80 kg/hr. or 192,000 kg per month, the Hope Estate Dehydration Facility forms part of the government’s continued efforts to support the reduction of the
create a more resilient agricultural sector.
“We recognise that, over the years, Guyana has been a primary producer of many products. Our farmers and other producers within the
local and regional food import bill by enhancing the preservation and quality of locally produced fruits and vegetables.
While delivering the feature address, Mustapha said the facility marks a significant step forward in the government’s national strategy to enhance the country’s agro-processing capabilities. This, he noted, was critical to the future of agriculture in Guyana.
He also said the facility's establishment signifies further steps taken by the government to not only process food; but to empower the nation’s farmers, enhance food security, and
country are only producing primary products. For instance, we are growing and exporting oranges but we are buying orange juice. Because of that, we are not competitive because we are moving our products from the farm straight to the market rather than processing these products and making them value-added. Projects like these are geared towards enhancing the farmer’s income because they can bring their fruits and vegetables here, process them so that you can get the true value for them,” he explained.
The Minister also related that the ministry will
soon be embarking on an aggressive training exercise for farmers to sensitise them on the benefits of value-added and other critical areas to boost productivity and profitability within the agriculture sector.
However, General Manager of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Teshawna Lall explained that the facility positions Guyana to meet the rising regional and international demand for dehydrated fruits in keeping with CARICOM’s goal to boost production, and ultimately reduce the regional import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. She explained that dehydration is a viable post-harvest solution in Guyana as it reduces post-harvest losses.
“As dehydration technology continues to gain traction as a viable post-harvest solution in Guyana, this facility will play a pivotal role in the comprehensive development of agriculture not only in Region 4 but across the nation. By extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other produce, we will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, lessen our reliance on imports, and strengthen food security by ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, locally produced food year-round.”
The new facility is equipped with two state-
of-the-art electric dehydrators, each featuring 80 trays designed for the efficient and uniform drying of a variety of agricultural
produce, including fruits, vegetables, and ground provisions. Dehydrated fruits can be utilised in health mixes, snack packs, cereals,
and more, retaining their essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious option.
Guyana has achieved an overall score of 66.36 per cent in the effective implementation of the ICAO standards following an audit which was done between May 29, 2024 and June 11, 2024, under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit-Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA) Programme.
Guyana is a signatory to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as the Chicago Convention).
As a member State of ICAO and a participant in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit-Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA) Programme, Guyana commits to providing ongoing information related to the establishment and implementation of its safety oversight system. Notably, Guyana’s per-
formance surpassed its 2007 ICAO audit, and the last four audits conducted by ICAO within the South American region. This is a commendable achievement for our nation.
The audit was robust and comprehensive and covered the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the safety-related provisions of its Annexes in the following eight areas.
These include legislation, organisation, personnel licencing, aircraft operations, airworthiness of aircraft, aircraft accident and incident investigation, air navigation services and aerodromes and ground aids.
With the exception of aircraft accidents and incident investigations, each audit area was assessed using eight critical elements including primary aviation legislation; specific operating regulations; state sys-
tem and functions; qualified technical personnel; technical guidance, tools and provision of safety-critical information; licensing, certification, authorisation and/ or approval obligations; surveillance obligations; and resolution of safety issues.
Eight ICAO experts in the various audit areas conducted the audit.
The GCAA expresses its deep appreciation to President Dr. Irfaan Ali through the Cabinet for their support given to the Authority. In addition, sincere appreciation to the domestic air operators for their cooperation and support and to the entire Parliament for unanimously passing the amendments to the Civil Aviation Act 2018.
The GCAA will continue to work with the government and various stakeholders to address the ICAO’s findings and recommendations.
The Uitvlugt Sugar Factory is scheduled to commence grinding over the weekend, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a meeting with cane farmers and management on Wednesday. Minister Mustapha related that sufficient cane was available to commence grinding, stressing that the canes were ripe when harvested.
He also said that, since taking office, the government had invested large sums of money into GuySuCo, and that it was working to revitalise the Corporation through mechanising to increase production and yields.
“Over the last four years, large budgetary allocations were invested in GuySuCo. Last Friday, I was in Parliament defending an additional sum to continue work to revitalise the industry. While the
Opposition continues to fight us on these matters, as a government we know the importance of this sector. GuySuCo has approximately 8,000 persons directly employed in the industry, while a substantial amount of Guyanese benefits indirectly. There are also persons like you, the private cane farmers, the people you employ, and their families. So, you see, GuySuCo is not an isolated organisation. It is the single largest employer in our country,” the minister explained.
He also said that GuySuCo hopes to produce approximately 100,000 tons of sugar this year despite suffering a shortfall in cane production due to the extended El Niño period.
“We are working to revitalise GuySuCo, bringing it back to where it was. Last year, we produced 60,000 tons of sugar, rep-
resenting an increase in sugar production when compared to 2022. We are hoping that by the end of this year, we can produce 100,000 tons of sugar. Because of the unfortunate period we had with the El Niño, 108,000 tons of cane were destroyed. We had to replant because the most important thing is to grow cane and increase the yields to supply the factory. I am hoping that, over time, we can increase the yield from approximately 40 to 50 tons per hectare to approximately 89 to 90 tons per hectare,” the minster added.
He further stated that while the industry continues to experience labor shortages, emphasis is now being placed on mechanisation.
“We know there is a problem with labour. Now that Guyana is experiencing massive development, it is becoming difficult to
Days after the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) announced Dr. David Hinds as its Presidential Candidate for next General and Regional Elections, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo has criticised the party for its lack of young candidates.
“This leadership, like they raided every geriatric home in this country,” Jagdeo said during his
weekly press conference on Thursday. The WPA was a part of the People’s National Congress (PNC) led APNU + AFC coalition Government from 2015 to 2020. However, after losing the 2020 elections, they exited the coalition.
“I’ve been around politics a long [time] so I am no Spring Chicken but this group of people even makes me look young and I’m an old man... and they’re reintroducing themselves to the Guyanese population. This is what we have for politics in Guyana. It is unbelievable,” he added. Jagdeo said the PPP has many young persons who have not only taken up positions in the party but also in Government. “They have no place for upward mobility in their political party. We have young people all the time flowing up to the top of our party and into Government,” he told reporters.
The WPA expressed the
view that Dr. Hinds brings a wealth of political experience and knowledge of Guyanese politics and society to his new role.
Other members of the party include Tacuma Ogunseye, former Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, Desmond Trotman, Rohit Kanhai, Dr. Dennis Canterbury, Dr. Clive Thomas, Dr. Maurice Odle, and Kidackie Amsterdam among others.
find labour. There are so many options and opportunities available to citizens, so rather than working in the cane fields, people are choosing to work in other sectors. This is why we are putting things in place to mechanise the sector.”
Mustapha also said that there are some in-
frastructural works to be done in the fields and that GuySuCo will be guided as to how it should go about executing those works. He also said that a long boom excavator will be sent to the estate within the next two weeks to assist with those works.
“In another two weeks,
we’ll send a long boom excavator here to assist with infrastructural works. We’ll also work to do remedial work on some of the main dams like the Pumpkin Dam and Boderust Dam, so that you can access the Tiger Dam and other parts of the cultivation area,” he assured.
Amid Guyana’s surge in natural resource discoveries, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has urged citizens to unite and maximise the benefits from the country’s wealth by working together, underscoring the importance of national unity.
He made this urgence during the 261th Anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion.
According to Benn, if citizens are weak in the realisation of unity, then capitalisation of the country’s wealth will not be fully attained. “It doesn’t matter how much oil we get it don’t matter how much gold we find, if you’re weak or if we don’t understand the national mission, if you don’t come together on the questions of sovereignty…we would lose Guyana.”
He drew reference to when historical revolutionary ‘Cuffy’ decided to commit suicide and tribes started to split up after his death. This, he said should
not be a habit that Guyana follows, being divided and not working together when problems arise.
“When Cuffy decided to commit suicide and the movement split and the different tribes split up in their own different colonies and got weak and exposed themselves to the soldiers coming, how do we move forward together in terms of building our country? how do we achieve an encapsulated one Guyana? How? these are the most important questions”, he stated.
Using this as the basis of his discussion, he raised several other sectors which can exponentially grow if Guyanese work together.
“We got the oil we got the gold and we got the agriculture which is the foundation of the country, agriculture, and the question is, how do we work with each other to move the country forward? we have to look at ourselves and the history of the country to determine this. we have the money to
build road and bridge but how do we build this together? We have an opportunity today to do it again.”
Meanwhile, he addressed the ongoing Bangladesh situation where the country and its people are facing a mass protest. In light of this, he stated that Bangladesh’s cultures are much more than Guyana’s stating that Guyana does not have the influx of problems they are facing right now.
Bangladesh recently announced a nationwide curfew amid a telecommunications blackout that has cut the country of 170 million people off from the rest of the world as clashes between students and security forces have intensified.
“The Bangladesh experience at the moment is unfortunate but going to India and spending some time there and spending some time with Nigerian security officers, they are more diverse than we are, our problems are not that as great as there.”
‘Cuffy’ died in 1763. He was an Akan man who was captured in his native West Africa and stolen for slavery to work on the plantations of the Dutch colony of Berbice in present-day Guyana. In 1763, he led a major slave revolt of more than 3,800 slaves against the colonial regime.
On 19 October 1763, it was reported to the governor that Captain Atta had revolted against Cuffy, and that Cuffy had committed suicide.
U
.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday stated that he would support a new election in Venezuela, after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also floated the idea, despite rebuffs from Venezuela’s ruling party and its opposition which both claim victory in the July 28 contest.
Biden spoke to reporters in the wake of Lula’s suggestion that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro could call a new contest involving international observers as a potential solution for the political crisis in the country. The U.S. has rejected Madura’s victory claim.
Asked if he supports a new election in Venezuela, Biden said “I do”.
The suggestion is among several from the international community which have no support so far from either Maduro or his opposition coalition opponents.
The U.S., which hardened oil sanctions in April on the OPEC member for what it said was Maduro’s failure to comply with a deal on electoral conditions, and
other Western countries are showing little sign of swift, tough action over what many of them have condemned as voting fraud.
Lula said a “coalition government” could be another possible solution for Venezuela.
“If (Maduro) has common sense, he could put it to the people, perhaps calling new elections with a nonpartisan electoral committee,” Lula said in a radio interview.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado ruled out Biden
and Lula’s suggestion.
“The election already happened,” Machado told journalists from Argentina and Chile in a video call later on Thursday. “Maduro must be made to know that the cost of his staying grows with each day that passes.”
Ruling party officials in Venezuela have also previously ruled out new elections.
The Brazilian president said he still does not recognize Maduro as the winner of the vote and that his government must publish vot-
Ukraine captures town of Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk region as it says advance continues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces have taken control of the Russian town of Sudzha, over a week after his forces launched a cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
Kyiv’s forces have been in the town, located 105km southwest of the city of Kursk, since last Wednesday, but this is the first confirmation from the Ukrainian president that his army had captured it.
Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said Ukrainian troops have advanced 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) through Russian defenses since the start of their surprise assault, capturing 1150 square kilometers of territory and 82 settlements.
Syrskyi said a military commandant’s office has been set up in Sudzha “to maintain law and order and meet the priority needs of the population in the controlled territories.”
Sudzha is located next to a Russian gas terminal, a key point for supplying gas from Russia, via Ukraine, to Europe. This has prompted speculation that one of Kyiv’s goals could be to curtail a lucrative source of funding for Moscow.
Ukraine’s ground incursion has forced tens of thousands of Russians from their homes and put Russia on the back foot as it scrambles to repel Kyiv’s troops.
Wednesday saw Ukrainian drones target four Russian airfields in the largest such attack of the war. A source in Ukraine’s security service told CNN the attack targeted four bases in the southwest regions of Kursk and Voronezh, and Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow.
Russia’s defense ministry said it destroyed 117 “aircraft-type” drones and four tactical missiles over Kursk and neighboring regions.
Ukraine’s assault – which poses a major embarrassment for the Kremlin – represents a notable change in tactics for Kyiv, marking the first time foreign troops have entered Russian territory since World War II.
Russia has pulled reserves from key battleground areas in Ukraine and Russianoccupied Crimea to repel Kyiv’s advances, a Ukrainian military commander told CNN Wednesday. The Russian Ministry of
Defense claimed in an update posted on Telegram Thursday to have recaptured the first village from Ukrainian forces in Kursk region – the settlement of Krupets.
Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed on Monday to “kick the enemy out” of Russia after it emerged that dozens of Russian villages were under Ukrainian control.
Ukraine meanwhile continues its struggle along the eastern front, where Russian forces have been making incremental gains for months. Ukraine on Thursday reported the heaviest fighting in weeks near the eastern city of Pokrovsk. Serhii Dobriak, head of Pokrovsk city military administration, wrote on Telegram that the enemy was “almost right up close to our community” and little more than 6 miles (10km) from the city. Dobriak continued to urge all citizens to “evacuate without delay.” (CNN)
ing tallies that have not been released, echoing calls from countries around the world over the last two weeks.
“Maduro knows he owes Brazil and the world an explanation,” Lula said.
Lula and his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro spoke by phone on Wednesday as part of efforts to find a solution to Venezuela’s crisis, but no details were released of the conversation.
Petro suggested in a post on X on Thursday that the Venezuelan ruling party and the opposition could temporarily trade off power, echoing an arrangement used in Colombia for 16 years in the twentieth century.
“The political solution for Venezuela depends on Nicolas Maduro, who carries
the peace and prosperity of his country,” Petro said, adding in another post that a political deal is the best option and depends on Venezuelans.
Petro, who reopened trade and diplomatic relations with Venezuela after he took office in 2022, also called for the lifting of all sanctions on Venezuela.
Latin American leaders will discuss the crisis this weekend when many are in the Dominican Republic to attend the inauguration of that country’s new president, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said on Thursday during his weekly press conference.
Conservative senators at the hearing criticized the Lula administration for favoring Maduro with its soft stance and asked what Brazil was doing for jailed opposition leaders.
Amorim said Brazil offered to send a plane to pick up six opposition members seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy, now under a Brazilian flag since Venezuela broke ties with Argentina.
Venezuela’s electoral authority proclaimed Maduro won 51% of the vote but has not divulged full vote tallies. Tallies in possession of the opposition, which it has posted to a public website, show Gonzalez received 67% of the vote. (Reuters)
Lula’s top foreign policy advisor Celso Amorim, speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Brazil had not formally proposed a new election in Venezuela.
2 doctors among 5 charged in ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry’s death
Two doctors and three others including a personal assistant to actor Matthew Perry have been charged with supplying the “Friends” star with ketamine, the powerful sedative that caused his overdose death nearly a year ago, authorities said on Thursday.
The defendants, including a woman known in Los Angeles as the “Ketamine Queen,” were part of a criminal network that distributed the drug to Perry and others, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said.
“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves,” Estrada said at a news conference in Los Angeles.
Each defendant played a role in falsely prescribing, selling or injecting the ketamine that led to the actor’s death in October 2023, Anne Milgram, administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, said.
Two have been arrested and were expected to be arraigned later on Thursday. They were Jasveen Sangha, 41, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42.
Ketamine is a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, sometimes prescribed to treat depression and anxiety but also abused by recreational users.
According to authorities, Sangha was known as the “Ketamine Queen” and sold the doses that killed Perry from her “stash house” in North Hollywood.
Plasencia was accused of distributing ketamine to Perry and to his personal assistant, 59-year-old Kenneth Iwamasa, without a legitimate medical purpose on at least seven occasions.
Iwamasa, who lived with
Perry, admitted to repeatedly injecting the actor with ketamine including multiple times on the day he died, according to court documents. He has pleaded guilty to one criminal count.
Plasencia taught Iwamasa how to inject Perry with ketamine, they said, adding that the doctor also personally injected Perry with ketamine without proper safety equipment, including once inside a parked car.
Authorities said Plasencia obtained ketamine from Dr. Mark Chavez, 54. In text messages to Chavez, Plasencia discussed how much to charge Perry for the drug, stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”
Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to Plasencia and has agreed to plead guilty to one charge, authorities said.
The fifth person charged was Eric Fleming, 54, who admitted to obtaining ketamine from Sangha and to distributing 50 vials to Iwamasa. He has pleaded guilty to two criminal counts.
Perry died at age 54 from “acute effects” of ketamine and other factors that caused him to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub, a December 2023 autopsy report said.
Toxicology tests found Perry’s body contained ketamine at dangerously high
levels typically found in general anesthesia patients being monitored by professionals during surgery, the report said.
Other contributing factors were drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of the opioid-addiction medicine buprenorphine.
Perry had publicly acknowledged decades of drug and alcohol abuse, including during the years he starred as Chandler Bing on the hit 1990s television sitcom “Friends.”
Witness interviews in the autopsy report said he had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. But his last known treatment was a week and a half before his death, so the ketamine found in his system by medical examiners would have been introduced since that last infusion, the autopsy said. At sentencing, Iwamasa faces up to 15 years in federal prison and Fleming faces up to 25 years. Chavez could be sentenced to up to 10 years. If convicted on all charges, Sangha would face between 10 years to life in federal prison. Plasencia would face up to 10 years for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years for each records falsification count.
(REUTERS)
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An open mind will lead to conversations with someone who inspires you. Commit to making your dreams come true. Let your gestures speak for you when it comes to love and romance.
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Captain Gerry Gouveia of Roraima Airways Limited, in collaboration with Westside Golf Course and NexGen Golf, is thrilled to announce the launch of the first National Hole-in-One Challenge.
This landmark event would offer golfers across the country an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for extraordinary prizes at the Westside Golf Course.
The National Hole-in-One Challenge promises not only a thrilling competition, but exceptional rewards as well. Prizes on offer in this prestigious event include an unforgettable trip to Kaieteur Falls on a Roraima Airways aircraft; a day trip to Arrowpoint Resort; and cash prizes, beverages, and the ultimate bragging rights in the golfing community.
The National Hole-in-One Challenge is open to golfers of all skill levels, making it an inclusive event that encourages widespread participation. Beginners would play from a different distance in order to allow them equal opportunity to participate and win.
Participants can expect a day filled with food, music, competitive spirit, and the
chance to win incredible prizes.
Captain Gerry Gouveia, who also serves as the country’s National Security Advisor and is a prominent figure in the aviation and tourism sectors, in expressing enthusiasm for the event, has said: “This collaboration represents a significant step forward for the development of golf as a tourism product in Guyana. We aim to create a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike while promoting the sport and the natural beauty of our country.
“Over the past few years, the Guyana Tourism Authority has been actively engaged with Mr. Hussain to develop golf as
a sports tourism activity, and we at Roraima Airways recognize the tremendous benefits that will come to Guyana via sports tourism.”
Westside Golf Course, with its challenging Island Green, is the perfect venue for this high-stakes competition. The innovative course design was featured in the world-renowned Golf Architecture Magazine, showcasing Aleem Hussain as the only Guyaneseborn golf course designer. Hussain also heads Nexgen Golf, leaders in innovative golf experiences, who would bring their expertise to ensure a professionally managed and exciting event.
“This event is not just
US gymnast Jordan
Chiles has said she has received online racist abuse after an appeal was made over the decision to strip her of the bronze medal she won at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The International Gymnastics Federation (Fig) upgraded Romania’s Ana Barbosu from fourth to third in the women’s floor final following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
It means that Chiles, 23, lost her bronze medal after initially being upgraded from fifth to third, because of an inquiry by her coach Cecile Landi that increased her difficulty rating.
Since that decision, the CAS has refused to review its decision, and has condemned “outrageous statements” that it was biased.
Reports in the US media had suggested that head of the CAS panel making the decision in the case had links to Romania.
Chiles has said the “decision feels unjust, and comes as a significant blow”, and that she has faced abuse during the process.
“To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted, racially-driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful,” she said in a statement posted on X on Thursday. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into this
sport, and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country. I will make every effort to ensure justice is done”.
Chiles had been a member of the US team - which included Simone Biles - that won gold in the women’s team gymnastics. Chiles has said she believes that “at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing”.
USA Gymnastics attempted to have CAS reconsider its decision that led to Chiles being stripped of her medal, citing new video evidence it said proved the challenge was made in time. But on Monday, it revealed that request had been denied.
“I had confidence in the
appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful,” Chiles said on Thursday.
On Monday, USA Gymnastics (USAG) said it “strongly disagrees” with the CAS detailed decision.
Chiles added on Thursday: “I will approach this challenge as I have others - and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done.”
The women’s floor final took place on August 5, and Romania appealed to CAS the following day. USA Gymnastics said it did not become aware of the case until August 9, which it said was two days past the deadline to submit objections related to panelists.
USA Gymnastics claimed this was because CAS sent case filings to “incorrect email addresses”.
On Sunday, USA Gymnastics submitted a letter and video to CAS appearing to show Landi’s request to file an inquiry was submitted 47 seconds after the publishing of the score, while they also said she filed a second statement 55 seconds after the original posting of the score.
USA Gymnastics has said it would “pursue these and other matters upon appeal” as it continues to “seek justice for Jordan Chiles”. (BBC Sport)
about the competition; it’s about bringing the community together and celebrating the sport of golf,” Philip Haynes, General Manager of Westside Golf Course, has said. “We are proud to partner with Captain Gouveia at Roraima Airways and Nexgen Golf to make this event a reality.”
CONCACAF,
Roraima Airways is a leading aviation and tourism company in Guyana. It is known for its exceptional service and commitment to promoting the country’s natural wonders.
Westside Golf Course is
the newest golfing destination in Guyana. It offers a unique and challenging course for golfers of all levels. Nexgen Golf is dedicated to creating innovative and engaging golf experiences, thereby enhancing the sport for beginners around the country.
PIF and CONCACAF have inked a multi-year partnership that supports their shared ambition to grow football at every level of the game in North and Central America and in the Caribbean.
This announcement was made on Friday after the agreement has official been signed in New York.
The partnership is expected to spur growth of the sport at all levels, inspiring more people to take up football and boosting CONCACAF tournaments for men, women and youths of both national teams and clubs.
The two organizations would also collaborate to strengthen and advance CONCACAF football development initiatives with a focus on providing children and youth with access to the sport in all 41 CONCACAF federations.
Timing of the partnership comes as the region prepares to host major football tournaments in the coming years, including the men’s and women’s CONCACAF Champions Cups, the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the next FIFA World Cup in 2026, which would be jointly hosted by three CONCACAF member federations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
In line with the PIF focus on inclusivity and youth as key pillars of its sponsorship platform, the partnership would support CONCACAF in its efforts to increase the number of official youth championships it delivers in the coming years. This would provide further opportunities for emerging talents in the region, including through the CONCACAF under-15, under-17, and un-
is keen to elevate the level of football in the Region
der-20 championships for both men and women, and the under-17 and under-20 competitions that serve as qualification tournaments for FIFA U17 and U20 World Cups respectively.
The CONCACAF partnership adds to the growing portfolio of PIF partnerships across tennis, golf, football and electric motorsports and focuses on investing in people, projects and initiatives that embrace PIF’s four sponsorship pillars of inclusivity, sustainability, youth and technology.
CONCACAF president and FIFA vice president, Victor Montagliani, has expressed delight at the partnership.
“We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership, which will support the confederation in developing all levels of football across our region,” Montagliani has said.
“This is a pivotal time for PIF to connect with football in CONCACAF. Interest in the sport is growing rapidly in our confederation, and will reach new heights as major CONCACAF competitions take place over the next two
years, and we get closer to the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup taking place in our region in 2026,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mohammed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, also beamed about the prospects. “We are delighted to partner with CONCACAF as the confederation enters an exciting period. Together, we will advance a series of initiatives to create a positive and lasting impact across all CONCACAF competitions. As PIF expands its portfolio of inspiring sponsorships, our commitment to investing in sport remains constant,” he shared.
PIF-CONCACAF partnership would also strengthen the growth and development of existing CONCACAF initiatives. These include CONCACAF’s “Bigger Game”, which leverages the popularity of football as a vehicle to deliver sport and education programmes and initiatives in local communities across its 41-member federations, and aims to build community partnerships, improve awareness, and amplify the voices of programme beneficiaries. (Sportsmax)
The 7th edition of the Windfield Brathwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/ girls and Juniors Boxing tournament will punch off at the National Gymnasium from Friday August 16. It is the brainchild of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), and according to GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole, one can expect pulsating action this weekend.
The tournament would see expanded participation in 2024, with Suriname, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda making their debut while Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Barbados and hosts Guyana would be returning to the tournament.
With approximately 48 boxers registered to participate, GBA President Steve Ninvalle has reiterated the tournament’s objective of developing the sport in the region. On Thursday morning, in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport,
Ninvalle declared, “This is not basically about which country wins, it is about the development of boxing across the Caribbean; and there’s (no tournament) of its kind across this region and further afield. So, these youngsters that you’ve been looking at here, in the next 10 years they’ll be the representatives at the World Championships and at the
Olympic Games.
“In this tournament, there are no losers. We will all win because of the fact that the experience that you gain, it will make you a better athlete tomorrow,” he added.
Visiting Coaches Steven Benjamin and Frederick Field also spoke of the development prospects while thanking the GBA for continuing to host the event.
“Most of my boxers are from the grassroots, they’re pretty new. Most of them don’t have fights, and some second fight. So, we give thanks for Guyana, for having games like this to develop the young boxers. So, I send a message out there to the youths, nice to see things like this, I ask them to please put down the guns and pick up the gloves,” Grenada Coach Steven Benjamin shared.
Frederick Field of Barbados remarked, “It is an honour for us to be here. Even though we have a small con-
Guyanese and West Indian all-round-
er Kevin Sinclair on Wednesday launched an initiative that he holds dear to his heart: The Kevin Sinclair Foundation. It has been launched in the New Amsterdam ward of Angoy’s Avenue, commonly referred to as ‘Cow Dam’.
Under this Foundation, and with assistance of several sponsors, Sinclair was able to distribute in excess of 300 fully stocked school bags to the children of that area as the new school term looms.
Sinclair spoke briefly during the exercise, revealing why he has been motivated to give back to his beloved ‘Cow Dam’, the youths of whom he desires to inspire.
“Obviously, I want to give God thanks and praise for giving me the guidance here. It all started with a dream. Just like how I had that dream and passion to play for West Indies, same thing here with the kids. I always have a passion to give back to my community where I’m from. I know it’s a lot of things about this area that people don’t know, so to be a representative of this area, it was challenging,” he shared.
Sinclair, who made his Test debut in Australia earlier this year, also said, “It’s all about representing the area and giving back to them, and let them also know that they can achieve anything once they put their body, mind, soul behind it (and) be committed. I just want to keep pitching a positive message to them
here.”
Sinclair went on to state, “People often think that nothing good can come out of Cow Dam. So, I just want to be that image for them, and let them believe that if I can do it, they can do it.”
Also present at the event, to share motivational words with those in attendance, was former cricketer now businessman, Steven Jacobs. He en-
do not hold these sorts of initiatives in terms of remembering where they came from and giving back; because, just like you, Kevin Sinclair was once sitting and listening to somebody,” Jacobs told the massive gathering.
With sponsorship from Jacobs Jewelry, First Change Builders Inc, Cricket Zone USA, Star Rentals, Markie Construction Inc, Big Bs, VNET, Flawless Dental, Genuine Auto Spares and Tools and other generous entities, Sinclair intends to continue these initiatives under his Foundation.
“We’re happy to be a supporting partner of the Kevin Sinclair Foundation. I would like to take this opportunity in congratulating Kevin on this venture. At VNET, we believe that by investing in the youth of today, we are building a stronger, more resilient society for tomorrow. We
couraged the Berbicians not to take Sinclair’s initiative for granted.
“What is happening here this afternoon is a great humanitarian deed. It’s Kevin Sinclair giving back; it’s Kevin Sinclair also understanding to be grounded; it’s him understanding that you should never forget where you came from. And parents and everyone listening here from wherever, we should not take something like this for granted. Too many times, sportsmen and women, not just from Guyana, but from right across the world,
will continue to support cricket development with initiatives such as this, that make a lasting difference in the lives of young Guyanese,” VNET Communication’s CEO Safraz Sheriffudeen has declared.
Sinclair has played six T20 Internationals, seven One Day Internationals and two Tests for the West Indies since making his respective debuts in 2021, 2022 and 2024. He scored a half-century on Test debut in Australia, and 508 runs in 10 innings for Guyana in the 2024 Regional Four-Day season.
tingent, this experience is going to go a long way. As you rightfully said earlier, these are the boxers of the future; what we’re doing is setting the foundation here for the future. And also, as a Caribbean, we’re forming a camaraderie amongst ourself.”
This tournament would also the introduction of a new category, as GBA Technical
Director Terrence Poole talked up this weekend’s action.
“It would be the first time that we’re introducing the invitational part of the tournament, where we’ll have senior or elite boxers from Guyana, Suriname or Grenada boxing on the card. Points would not be given to them as part of the competition; the competition is (for) schoolboys, ju-
niors, youth. But for the exposure of the senior elite boxers, as Suriname was saying that’s what they need, we decided to invite them. It’s benefitting Suriname, Guyana and the region itself, so you can expect three nights of pulsating action,” Poole excitedly shared. Boxing action would begin at 18:00hrs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
Vernon Springer, Public Relations and Operations Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, has said the franchise is aiming to spread its wings across all aspects of cricket on the island, and this includes possibly entering a team in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) in 2025.
The Kris Persaud-owned Antigua and Barbuda Falcons were earlier this year announced as the latest addition to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), replacing Jamaica Tallawahs for the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament, which gets under way later this month.
“We are also making a pitch as well, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, to have our own women’s team next year, 2025, and also to host the Women’s Premier League right here in Antigua and Barbuda. So, it’s not just about the men, but a combination of making sure that others benefit. And like Sir Viv [Richards has] said, everybody has to come on board,” Springer has said.
The Women’s Caribbean Premier League, which started in 2022, has fielded only three teams: Barbados Royals,
Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Trinbago Knight Riders, over the years. As such, the Falcons women’s outfit would be a welcome addition to the tournament.
Springer has divulged that there would be opportunities for players in general to benefit from this franchise based in Antigua and Barbuda.
“The Leeward Islands Hurricanes will be in Antigua and Barbuda. In fact, they will start training here to prepare for the Super50. So that is a next opportunity for young players in Antigua and Barbuda and around the region to make sure that we now have the Leeward Islands Hurricanes franchise, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, and you have Cricket West Indies headquarters, which is based here,” Springer has said.
This year’s 12th edition of the CPL is scheduled to begin on August 29 with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons taking on St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. The Falcons would then face reigning champions Guyana Amazon Warriors a day later at the North Sound venue.
Barbados Royals on September 30 at the same venue, starting at 10:00 am, before crossing swords with St. Lucia Kings on September 3 at 7:00pm, also at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. (Sportsmax)
Shamar Joseph has enjoyed the perfect homecoming with a fivefor on his international debut in Guyana, until Wiaan Mulder’s career-best 4 for 18 all but stole the show on a spicy surface at Providence Stadium, EBD.
In total, 17 wickets fell, the most in a day of Test cricket at this venue, albeit in a small sample size of just three matches. There was swing through the air, seam movement, and decent carry, which has all put the series-decider in fast-forward.
In stark contrast to the slowness of Trinidad, which was also pockmarked with rain interruptions, the action took place in overdrive under blue skies in Guyana. Despite both captains desiring to bat first, it was a day for the bowlers, especially fast bowlers, who bowled 68 of 82.2 overs and took 15 wickets. Only one batter in the top six of either side -- Jason Holder -scored more than 30, and it was a 10th-wicket record partnership for South Africa against West Indies -- 63 between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger -- which gave the visitors the advantage.
From the outset, there was movement through the air and off the seam, which Aiden Markram experienced when he edged the third ball past third slip, after he had opened the scoring with
a cover drive off Holder. At the other end, Jayden Seales repeatedly brought the ball back into the left-handed Tony de Zorzi, who left a sizable bat-pad gap and was bowled in the fourth over.
Joseph was introduced in the seventh over, and he started dangerously. He got appreciable inswing, and then had Markram misjudge a length and leave the ball, only to have his off stump knocked over. That was Joseph’s first wicket on his home ground. Two balls later, he had Temba Bavuma trapped in the crease, as a slightly shorter delivery hit the South African captain low in front of the stumps and he was dismissed for a second ball duck. South Africa went to the first drinks break on 20 for 3. David Bedingham hit the first boundary off Joseph when he flayed him behind point for four, but Tristan Stubbs had a much harder time to get off
the mark. He faced 19 balls before he got his first run, but by then he had survived an lbw appeal off Joseph that was adjudged high, and had edged Seales just short of Holder at second slip.
As his innings grew,
full ball and was caught behind.
West Indies were into the last recognised pair of South African batters, and they were separated in the next over with a peach from Seales that forced Wiaan Mulder to play and expose his outside edge. Kyle Verreynne could have been out off the next ball, when he edged Seales to gully, but he was dropped.
Two balls later, Joseph beat Keshav Maharaj for pace and he was bowled, then Rabada was cleaned up by Seales; and when Verreynne played on off Joseph, West Indies could celebrate for all kinds of reasons.
Joseph had completed his third Test five-for, and his first at home after a tough tour of England, and he celebrated by blowing kisses to the sparse-
Buoyed by the bonus runs, South Africa took to the field with wickets on their mind, and believed they had one off the third ball. Rabada beat Braithwaite’s inside-edge and hit him above the knee roll, and Bavuma reviewed, only to see the ball missing the stumps.
But the wait for a breakthrough did not last long. Left-armer Burger, in his third Test, set Mikyle Louis up with a series of away-swingers, and then landed one on a good length to beat the outside edge and bowl the West Indian opener.
Stubbs continued to keep the slips in play, and West Indies in the hunt. And he wasn’t the only one who gave West Indies a glimpse into the lower order. Bedingham flirted with danger when, on 11, he hit Jomel Warrican over midon. Three fielders converged on the chance, but no-one could get there.
In the next over, Stubbs, who had reached 26, was drawn forward by Holder and edged to Warrican at slip, but he fell over in trying to hold on. If Holder was irritated at the missed opportunity, it did not last long. In his next over, Stubbs reached for an outswinger and was well caught by a leaping Kavem Hodge at third slip 10 minutes before the lunch break. South Africa were 64 for 4 at the interval. Joseph resumed after the break, and was convinced he had Bedingham out in his second over with a ball that jagged in and beat the inside edge. Kraig Braithwaite reviewed, but replays showed he was not out on umpire’s call. Four balls later, Joseph made sure there was no doubt when Bedingham drove at a
ly populated stands. South Africa were 97 for 9, and in danger of being bowled out for their lowest score against West Indies. Piedt, however, had other ideas. He took South Africa over 100 with a cover drive for four, and tactically West Indies eased off. They brought on Gudakesh Motie, he dropped it short, and Piedt pulled him for four, then hit him down the ground for six, and through the covers for four more.
In frustration, West Indies reviewed two chances off Piedt in Holder’s next over: one was an lbw appeal that was clipping leg on umpire’s call, and the other had the impact outside the off stump. It didn’t help that Joseph left the field with cramps and wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva gave the gloves to Tevin Imlach after a finger injury.
Depleted in personnel terms, the hosts seemed sapped, and Piedt and Burger took South Africa past 141 - their lowest Test score in West Indies - as the second session was extended with West Indies in search of the final wicket. It came 17 minutes after the scheduled tea break, when Burger missed a length ball from Motie and was given out lbw to give West Indies’ premier spinner his first wicket of the series.
Keacy Carty took a liking to the outswing, and took three fours off Burger’s next two overs, prompting the early introduction of the third seamer, Mulder. Not often regarded as an outand- out striker bowler, Mulder made the case for a rethink when his second ball sneaked between Braithwaite’s bat-pad gap and removed the West Indian captain.
Impressive became excellent when Mulder took a stunning catch off his own bowling in the next over - a one-handed grab to the right - to dismiss Alick Athanaze, and then found swing to entice a drive from Hodge, who was caught at third slip.
With only three seamers in South Africa’s XI, Burger was brought back at Rabada’s end, and struggled to get his line right as he directed the ball down leg. Bavuma put a leg slip in place, and Carty hit the next ball straight to Keshav Maharaj at a shortish midwicket to leave West Indies at 47 for 5.
Things could have gotten a lot worse in the next over when Holder was given out lbw off Mulder, but he reviewed successfully, as ball tracking showed it to be missing leg. Mulder got his fourth anyway, when Da Silva edged him to second slip.
Holder took the fight to South Africa, hit three fours in four balls, and shared a 41-run stand with Motie, which could have ended the day on par. But Maharaj had the last say on the day when Motie missed a sweep and was given out lbw, to leave West Indies 63 runs behind with only three first innings wickets in hand.
Day two promises more drama. (ESPNCricinfo)
10-160 (Nandre Burger, 53.6 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W Jason Holder 12-4-26-1
Jayden Seales 14-3-45-3
Shamar Joseph 14-4-33-5 Jomel Warrican 8-1-19-0
