GWI calls for patience as works continue to improve water quality in GT …spending $1B to further upgrade city’s pipelines
VP warns public against “investment opportunities” scams
$5.3M project to assist cherry, turmeric farmers in Guyana
Fire destroys ECD home, storage bond …damages 4 other buildings
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo engaged leaders of hinterland communities during a dinner at State House to honour Indigenous leaders attending the National Toshaos Conference 2024 at the Arthur Chung Convention Center (Office of the President & Office of the Vice President photos)
“We had a great week’ – VP condemns
misrepresentations of NTC
…calls out disrespect for elevating single voices over 200 indigenous leaders
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has called out sections of the media for blatantly magnifying the comments of a few individuals and at least one organisation above the overwhelming positive outcomes from the ongoing National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.
This year’s NTC is being held from August 19 to 23 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. It is an event where Amerindian leaders from across the country converge to discuss issues affecting their villages and get opportunities to interact with Members of the Cabinet and other senior government officials on a variety of matters.
However, there have been criticisms in some quarters about the event but Jagdeo has condemned these as sheer misrepresentations. He pointed out that undue attention is being given to the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) along with individual activists and an opposition parliamentarian rath-
er than the more than 200 elected Indigenous leaders from across the country.
“We have to publicly call out these newspapers for distorting what took place at the conference. If there is any disrespect of indigenous people – Amerindian people it’s what they are doing by elevating APA’s voice… and the voice of a single individual and the PNC MP [Member of Parliament on the Opposition side, Vincent Henry… above that of the over 200 leaders who were there. Those are the three entities and individuals around which all these stories revolved – not the positives that come out of all of the villages,” the Vice President contended during a press conference on Thursday.
According to Jagdeo, the conference has been a great success and is a model of good governance that portrays an unprecedented level of engagement and consultation by a government with a section of its population that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
“In which country would the entire Cabinet spend an entire
week with the elected indigenous leaders from that country discussing issues of their development with them, and that is precisely what’s happening in the past week. And the discussions are respectful, they’re free-flowing, they are positive and they’re focused on problem-solving,” he noted.
The Vice President, who delivered a presentation and subsequently had a three-hour engagement with indigenous leaders, noted that none of the approximately 35 Toshaos who spoke during that session had anything negative to say. Instead, they were all supportive of the government’s developmental plans being executed in their respective villages and highlighting how these are transforming people’s lives.
“If you go there, you would see the Minister, with their technical staff, [and] discussing, in a free-flowing format, with the Toshaos about their development. This is the unique thing that is happening here. It doesn’t happen in other parts of the world,” he said.
Dr. Jagdeo stressed that suc-
cessive People’s Progressive Party/Civic Governments have done more for Amerindians than any other administration in Guyana’s history. He pointed to the Amerindian Act, passed in 2006 under the PPP/C Government, as a landmark achievement that granted Amerindian communities the right to self-determination, autonomy, and self-management.
“Here is where, in a legal form for the first time in Guyana, we gave the villages a right to self-determination and the right to manage their affairs… it is in a legal form in the Amerindian Act, passed by our government because we believed in the concept,” the VP asserted.
He criticised those who fail to acknowledge the PPP/C’s role in empowering Amerindian communities, stating that the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises.
Jagdeo, who is also the PPP General Secretary, outlined significant investments in Indigenous communities, including billions spent on ICT hubs, internet con-
nectivity, new schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects in the hinterland. He highlighted that through two single initiatives – the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and funding for sports facilities –Toshaos are leaving Georgetown with $5 billion in funds for community development.
Addressing critics who claim the National Toshaos Conference is not meeting its purpose, the Vice President defended the government’s track record, stating that misinformation will not be allowed to undermine the PPP/ C’s accomplishments. He emphasised the need to remind the public of the progress made under the PPP/C Government, warning that failing to do so could allow past opponents to reframe history to their advantage.
“If we don’t constantly remind people about the history and the record of what was done and how far we’ve come and who has supported these communities, then the villains of the past become the heroes of today,” the PPP General Secretary declared. (G8)
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 2, 2024 - 04:00hrs to 05:30hrs and Saturday, August 24, 2024 - 06:30hrs to 07:30hrs
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Friday, August 23, 2024 - 6:45 hrs to 8:15 hrs and Saturday, August 24, 2024 - 7:35 hrs to 9:05 hrs
WEATHER TODAY
Southern Guyana and inland areas may experience cloudy skies with light to moderate showers, with rainfall between 5.0 and 20.0 mm. Other areas can expect partly cloudy to clear skies with no significant rainfall.
Jagdeo denounces Opposition attempts to “sabotage” GTU-MOE 27% salary increase deal
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has rebuked blatant attempts by the PNC-led Opposition to sabotage the recent deal between the Government and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) on the 2024-2026 multi-year agreement, which will see teachers earning as much as a 27 per cent increase in their salary over the period.
Following over 70 days of industrial action earlier this year, weeks-long negotiations wrapped up on Wednesday as the Education Ministry and the GTU signed the new multi-year agreement for salary increases and other benefits for teachers across the country.
However, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said this was not achieved without efforts by the Opposition to undermine the process.
In fact, he reiterated his earlier position that GTU’s General Secretary Coretta McDonald was politically motivated to thwarted the negotiations.
“I said last week that she will continue to get instructions from Congress Place (the headquarters of the People’s National Congress –the largest party in the parliamentary opposition] and try to sabotage the agreement and us moving forward ‘cause her concern is not the teachers of the country and you can see that.”
“APNU confirmed that they didn’t want an agreement forward. They wanted the industrial unrest and the bad blood to continue because they felt it would serve politically. They don’t care about teachers… So, they confirmed that Coretta McDonald is the conduit to sabotage the agreement,” Jagdeo posited.
Under the new 2024-2026 multi-year agreement, teachers will benefit from a 10 per cent for 2024, 8 per cent for 2025 and nine per cent for 2026 in salary increases – a total of 27 per cent in increases during the three-year period.
This is in addition to a host of other non-salary benefits for teachers including special housing and scholarship initiatives.
However, the Opposition has called the agreed salary increased insulting to teachers.
Beyond a 10 per cent
But the Vice President pointed out that the opposition’s criticism of the deal does not take the entire package into consideration
but rather, focuses merely on the 10 per cent for 2024. In the same breath, he stated that even the 10 per cent increase for this year is better than what the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition regime offered during their five years in office.
“APNU never went beyond 10 per cent,” Jagdeo pointed out.
He explained that during those five years, only those earning under $99,000 per month benefitted from the maximum 10 per cent increase, while others were getting a pay hike based on a sliding between 0.5 to 9 per cent.
“In no year, did they go beyond a 10 per cent [salary increase for teacher but now] they’re saying a 10 per cent is insulting,” the Vice President argued.
Moreover, Jagdeo highlighted that the wage bill for teachers under the Coalition Administration was approximately $15 billion annually
and with a maximum 10 per cent increase, then teachers would have benefitted from $1.5 billion in salary increases.
In comparison, the Vice President outlined the current wage bill for teachers, following various interventions including adjustments to the salary scales and the recruitment of more teachers by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, is some $40 billion per year. Therefore, a 10 per cent increase now would amount to $4 billion, which according to Jagdeo, is much more than what the Coalition would have paid out during their tenure.
“[That is] $2.5 billion more per year than them. And if they found our 10 per cent insulting, how much more insulting was their 10 per cent which was the maximum wage increase throughout all the years they were in office,” he noted.
The new multi-year agreement was signed by GTU President Mark Lyte and the union’s second Vice President Julian Cambridge. Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain and the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar inked the deal on behalf of the ministry.
However, the GTU’s General Secretary has publicly criticised the two union officials, accusing them and other union officers of being in consort with the Government and misleading the union’s General Council into believ-
ing the deal is more favorable than it is – something which the GTU President has since rubbished.
“Absolute rubbish! Absolute rubbish! How would you be in consort with the government, take them to the court, fight them tooth and nail all these months and be in consort with government? That’s absolute nonsense!” Lyte told local news agency, Demerara Waves Online.
The GTU President further explained, in his response, that the union’s General Council agreed to accept the government’s offer and that decision can only be overturned by a special conference of the membership – something which he said McDonald failed to highlight. Lyte further told the online news agency that he had not received any request from any GTU member asking for such a conference to be held.
According to VP Jagdeo, this explanation by the GTU President is “…exposing Coretta McDonald and her PNC plot to sabotage this [multi-year] agreement…”
Aside from the agreed 27 per cent salary increases over the three-year period, teachers will also benefit from pay hikes for public servants.
In fact, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday explained that there is an adjustable clause in the agreement inked by the Education and the GTU, which stipulates that if a higher percentage increase is announced for the general public service, teachers will also benefit from the difference. (G8)
The fight against tobacco is a battle that transcends borders and demands a unified, concerted effort. In Guyana, as in many other countries, the ravages of tobacco use continue to exact a heavy toll on public health, contributing to a host of preventable diseases and premature deaths. The time has come for decisive and coordinated action to end the scourge of tobacco use once and for all.
Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses. Like in other countries, here in Guyana, the impact is particularly stark, with high rates of tobacco use contributing significantly to the burden of NCDs. The effects of smoking and tobacco consumption are not limited to the users themselves; secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks to those around them, including children and non-smoking adults.
Preventing tobacco use and supporting those who wish to quit are critical components of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes public education, robust anti-smoking legislation, and accessible cessation programmes. Public education campaigns play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting. These campaigns should be targeted, culturally relevant, and persistent, aiming to change attitudes and behaviours at both the individual and community levels.
Effective tobacco control policies are essential for reducing tobacco consumption and protecting public health. Governments must enact and enforce strict regulations on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. Plain packaging laws and graphic warning labels on tobacco products have been shown to reduce smoking rates and discourage initiation. Increasing taxes on tobacco products is another powerful tool; higher prices have been proven to deter smoking, especially among youth and low-income populations. Additionally, establishing smoke-free environments in public spaces protects non-smokers and creates healthier communities. While there are some of those here in Guyana, there is still need for more concerted effort for more of these spaces.
For those who are already addicted, quitting tobacco use is a challenging but achievable goal. Providing comprehensive support for cessation is vital. Health professionals should be equipped to provide guidance and support to individuals seeking to quit. Creating a supportive environment for quitting can make a significant difference in the success rates of those trying to overcome their addiction.
The fight against tobacco use is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and solidarity. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have spearheaded global initiatives to combat tobacco use. Guyana must continue to collaborate with these international bodies, share best practices, and support global tobacco control efforts. By working together, we can leverage resources, knowledge, and experience to address the tobacco epidemic more effectively.
Ending the ravages of tobacco is not just a matter of health; it is a moral imperative. Every life lost to tobacco is a preventable tragedy, and every effort to reduce tobacco use is an investment in a healthier future for generations to come. There must be action with urgency and determination, adopting comprehensive strategies, enacting strong policies, and fostering a culture that prioritizes health and wellness.
In Guyana, as well as globally, the time for concerted action is now.
Trade unions: 2 things that bother me
Dear Editor, I’ve stayed silent on two things that bother me regarding trade unions in Guyana.
I refrain from taking a side on the issue of the Government and the Guyana Teachers Union, since I feel that the process should be allowed to proceed.
However, I’m puzzled at public statements made: that the General Secretary is in contravention of the union’s rules to be in that position while being a Member of Parliament. If this is in fact a correct interpretation, it is inconceivable that this person is being allowed to continue to do so. I don’t care at all which party she represents, but am disappointed that such a vibrant union, whose membership
“moulds the nation’s children”, can blatantly breach its own rules.
How can we instill respect for laws, morality, decency and democracy when we ourselves deliberately violate our own rules?
Can’t concerned teachers and union members invoke whatever clause exists in their rules to ensure compliance? Would legal action help to dislodge this violator of the GTU’s charter?
The other issue concerns the continued functioning of some trade unions which have for years violated the Trade Union Act by their failure to meet the requirements of filing returns to the Registrar of Trade Unions and, more importantly, have their annual financial accounts audited by
the Auditor General’s Office.
Having spoken with a few union leaders, I’ve been told that accounts were submitted to the AG, but a shortage of staff in that office is responsible for their accounts not being audited.
I know for a fact that the AG is permitted to “contract” out audits in instances when he feels compelled to do so due to lack of staff or expertise.
Again, how can the membership of these defaulting unions permit this absolutely absurd, ridiculous and dangerous situation to continue year after year, and continue to express confidence in their “leadership”?
How can the membership of these unions be assured that their membership dues are being conservative-
ly, wisely and properly utilized in THEIR best interest? I sincerely hope someone in GPSU (of which I was once, many moons ago, the Assistant Treasurer) would attempt a response.
As a “side issue” (since I said ONLY two issues), can the GTUC say definitively how many active and functioning unions are currently under their “umbrella”?
I understand one “union leader” resides overseas, and visits Guyana only periodically, for “specific” reasons.
Sincerely anticipate responses from any source(s), including TUC, FITUG, and individual trade unions, on whether or not my assertions are accurate.
Best regards, Harry N Nawbatt
President Dr Irfaan Ali sharing a photo with leaders of hinterland communities during a dinner hosted at State House in honour of Indigenous leaders attending the National Toshaos Conference 2024 at the Arthur Chung Convention Center (Office of the President photo)
A vision for Afro-Guyanese (and indeed all Guyanese)
Dear Editor,
For these last two days, it would not let me be - that headline “Afro Guyanese need a vision - Aubrey Norton”. I got an inkling of the need for a new, different, changed vision, and what it should be in another headline attributed to Mr. Aubrey Norton: “Government priorities mixed up: roads, bridges replace citizens’ welfare”.
Yes, our PPP/C Government has opted as policy to allocate a large share of our budgeted expenditure to infrastructure: roads, bridges, hinterland trails, airstrips, electrification, internet, infrastructure to bring our Intermediate Savannahs under cultivation, and to sustain and expand agriculture in our coastland. Also, there is a vision for many new, advanced and specialized hospitals and schools.
Citizens’ immediate welfare has not been overlooked entirely: old age pensions have been increased; certain support for pensioners has been restored; and there are cash payments to persons in disastrous and difficult situations.
We cannot overlook that all this infrastructure is creating jobs, and many of our fellow citizens are taking the opportunities for training on and off the job, and gaining varied experiences all the while.
So, Mr Norton could not be saying that there is nothing for citizens’ welfare,
but, in his opinion and the opinion of his supporters, too much is being spent on roads and bridges and other infrastructure. Mr Norton is not saying that nothing should be spent on infrastructure, investing for a better tomorrow at the expense of more today. The question is: Where do we strike the balance?
I offer the usual examples of the Asian tigers: Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, in the years after World War II, starting from positions lower than ours and growing steadily and rapidly over many decades. It used to be said that, in their early years, they were investing 30% to 40% of the little they had then into infrastructure, in educating and training themselves, and in other preparatory ways, so that they (without an oil or other bonanza) maintained average GDP growth rates of 10% over the decades, doubling the value of their GDP (and average real income) every seven years.
The above I read in books, but, as I have said before, I have also had personal testimony. About in 2010, I led the Guyana side in a meeting here of the “Guyana-South Korea Joint Commission”. The Deputy Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs who led the South Korean side, as if to say that they didn’t always have things that good, disclosed that when he was a child in the 1960s, things were
very bad, so bad that they were living on “food aid”, “alms from other countries”. He recalled being taken in marches and protests by his parents and grandparents, demanding “food, not infrastructure”. However, now looking back, he has to acknowledge that it was the infrastructure forcibly put in by General Park that got them onto a road of economic take-off. There is my offering in a generalised way for a new, changed vision for Mr Norton and many of his Afro-Guyanese followers; and indeed, it is an appropriate vision, “doing, growing and developing like the Asian Tigers” for all Guyanese.
This is our time for sowing, for investing in our future; putting the infrastructure in place to help make us and our succeeding generations more productive and able to sustain steadily higher standards of living. Patience. We must bide our time, knowing that it is easy to move up to higher standards of living, but awful when we cannot sustain it and must move back down.
That was the traumatic experience of all of us who lived through the period 1975 t0 1990. We wouldn’t want to increase pensioner stipend nor our pay at unsustainable rates, only to have to reduce them directly or through rampant, uncontrolled hyperinflation as we have had to do before. The complaints we already
have: of high, increasing prices particularly for locally grown vegetables in our markets, can be interpreted as evidence of increased consumer (workers) spending money going after vegetables whose production has not increased proportionately. (Time to get some shade houses)
A related piece of this vision is unfolded in another headline, “Jagdeo praises Amerindians for making use of small amounts of money – wants coast landers to follow suit.” [Kaieteur News, August 21st, 2024]. It would do well as part of the Afro-Guyanese vision, and indeed the shared vision of all of us Guyanese.
It is good to start at that small scale that has a chance of success in order to gain some experience, to learn, then to grow all around. Starting small allows many start-ups and the greater likelihood of recovering to try again when we fail.
Afro-Guyanese, and indeed all Guyanese, are invited and welcome to join with us PPP/C, sharing in our vision, participating in and contributing to our realization of a successful life and living for all of us Guyanese. And you may bring along Mr Norton.
Sincerely, Samuel A A Hinds Former Prime Minister and Former President Ambassador to the USA and to the OAS
Confession statement by Opposition Leader
Dear Editor, Aubrey Norton's statement that "They overdid it" is an acceptance of the fact that his party, when in Government, did horrible things to the people of this country, all in the true spirit of his party's paramountcy dogma.
I must tell you that Norton's statement comes as nothing new to us, as Guyanese or anyone who is familiar with that party. However, a more profound statement would have been, "We renounce rigging”.
His latest confession rings hollow, and says nothing of real substance
to Guyanese who have suffered immensely under that fraudulent system. We want a definitive statement addressing that despicable policy of rigging.
This now brings us to the place where we view the Opposition Leader aiming at something else, and that is that we consider him as a desperate politician who is pandering for votes. In the year preceding general elections, Aubrey Norton has found himself in a bad state, therefore he is trying a makeover to prove to the public that he is genuine, true and honest, a man who would like to sever ties with
his former party self.
But that is a tall order to fulfill, especially when you see him practising the very same principles he claims to denounce. We believe that he needs to be more precise in his actions, and not to be so superficial with words. Guyanese are not a people you can fool.
The real facts speak for themselves, Norton is trying to sell himself as a "viable option" in a general election here, and in so doing, he is using the superficial political mode of dissociating himself from petty party matters such as the painting of public buildings
Where are the voices that were spewing fire and brimstone?
Dear Editor,
Now that the agreement regarding salaries and non-salaries for teachers has been signed, bringing to an end several acrimonious months of negotiations, there are those who are not in tandem with what has been arrived at, and are not in sync with the takeaways.
They are screaming all kinds of anger-filledand-laced rants and bombast, even turning their angst on some notable children in society.
Prior to the agreement being signed, it was explained that the GTU General Council had accepted the Government's
offers and this agreement is binding. So, why are there feeling of betrayal and trickery?
It is worth reminding that when sugar estates were closed and communities were affected, leading to dire circumstances and situations, including for children and teachers, these voices now spewing fire and brimstone could not be found.
The deal is done, and those who feel they have been outsmarted, outfoxed, out manoeuvred, well, they will get their chance again.
Sincerely,
Shamshun Mohamed
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Guy's Grocery Games 10:00 Grand Designs
in party colours.
However, Norton must come to grips with the more fundamental issues of the day, which are: winning an election by fair means, which specifically calls for doing away of the system of rigging.
In order for Norton to get some degree of credibility, he must face up to the major challenge of being man enough to denounce rigging. Then, and only then, would the nation give him a listening ear. Can he do it, no he can't.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
Paternity Court 11:30 Divorce Court 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - Adventures of the Crystal Skull (2022) 13:35 Wheel of Fortune 14:00 The Loud House S4 E13 14:30 Spongebob Squarepants 15:00 President Speech R/B 16:00 Young Sheldon S2 E20 16:30 Secrets of Sulphur Springs S2 E1 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Back to School 19:00 The Evening News
Stop Suffering
Stand-up Comedy
Friday Night Smackdown
Yellowstone S3 E5
Page Foundation
◄ Circles
A circle is a 2-dimensional figure with every point on its circumference an equal distance from its centre point, or origin. A circle’s circumference is its perimeter, the distance around it.
A line segment that starts at the circle’s origin and extends to its circumference is called a radius. The plural of radius is radii. In a circle, all radii are equal in length.
A chord is a line segment that has both endpoints on the circumference. A diameter is a special kind of chord that passes through the origin. It is always equal in length to 2 radii.
Exercises: Identify
1) What is the radius of a circle if the diameter is 23cm?
2) Identify the chord in the figure below.
3) Identify the 2 radii below.
4)What are the six chords formed by inscribing a hexagon inside the circle below?
5) What is the perimeter, or circumference, a circle whose diameter is 16cm. Circumference = 2πr.
By Martin Carter
The child ran into the sea but ran back from the waves, because the child did not know the sea on the horizon, is not the same sea ravishing the shore. What every child wants is always in the distance; like the sea on the horizon. While, on the shore nearby, at the feet of every child shallow water, eating the edges of islands and continents does little more, little more than foam like spittle at the corners of the inarticulate mouth of some other child who wants to run into the sea, into the horizon.
NTC Conference
“Respect our protocols” – NTC Chair defends decision to refuse entry to Opposition politicians
Opposition politicians Vincent Henry and Mervyn Williams have come under fire for failing to respect the decision of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) regarding who is authorised to attend its conference, which is currently ongoing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
The politicians were recently refused entry into the dome of the ACCC where closed-door sessions are being held between indigenous leaders from across the country and members of the government.
After the politicians were refused entry, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) released in a statement wherein it condemned the move.
NTC Chairman Derrick John has since responded, noting that the Council has the authority to determine its own procedures, in keeping with the Amerindian Act. In fact, the NTC Chair ex-
NTC Chairman Derrick John
plained that Henry and Williams were among a number of persons who did not have the requisite accreditation to be present in the dome.
“In strict adherence to this Act, the NTC determined that the meetings held in the dome of the ACCC following the opening ceremony of the NTC Conference would be closed-door consultations reserved exclusively for Toshaos, village leaders, and Ministers of Government. Therefore, entry to the dome required
proper accreditation from the NTC. Moreover, provisions were made to accommodate all other Amerindians and observers on the ground floor of the ACCC, where the proceedings of the closed-door meetings were streamed live,” John explained in his statement.
John added that the NTC stands resolutely by the actions taken to uphold the safety and order of the conference, given that the rules and regulations regarding attendance are essential to protecting all participants and ensuring that the conference can fulfill its objectives without any form of disruption.
“With conferences of this magnitude, strict rules and protocols concerning attendance are not merely in place but are meticulously enforced to ensure the security and seamless operation of the event, thereby safeguarding all delegates and preserving the integrity of the proceedings,” John said.
Against this backdrop, the NTC Head expressed, “We strongly urge all individuals and entities to respect these protocols and to channel any concerns through the appropriate avenues rather than engaging in the spread of baseless claims and disruptive actions that serve no purpose other than to undermine the important work being undertaken by village leaders.”
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Anil Nandlall also released a statement addressing the matter, referencing Section 43 (3) (b) of the Amerindian Act 2006 which states “The National Toshaos’ Council shall…allow Amerindians to attend its meetings.”
“This section clearly requires the National Toshaos’ Council to permit persons to attend its meeting. In other words, persons can only attend the meeting by invitation of the National Toshaos’ Council. It is not a free-forall, even for Amerindians,”
Nandlall explained. In this regard, he noted that “I have confirmed that the persons who were refused entry were not invited by the National Toshaos’ Council to its meeting. Therefore, the decision to refuse entry is in order.” Meanwhile, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference today, slammed Henry – an Opposition Member of Parliament –as being hypocritical in his interest and concerns for indigenous communities, given that Henry is still to account for the millions that he handled under the Sustainable Livelihoods Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Programme.
Last year, Henry was fingered in a damning forensic audit report into the former APNU/AFC Government’s execution of the SLED.
“It’s shameful that not a word was spoken about how in the APNU period, the biggest allocation of funds in Region 9 went
to him in the SLED programme. Ask him how the money was distributed… not a word about that, or about [the APNU] sordid history with the amerindian communities,” Dr Jagdeo noted.
The SLED programme, which was implemented through the former Social Protection Ministry, is a programme that was supposed to give grants to cooperatives and friendly societies to equip them to engage in sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. Specifically, it was supposed to be used to uplift disadvantaged youths.
A total of $760 million was disbursed under the SLED programme between 2015 and 2020, in increments of $115 million, $40 million, $100 million, $150 million, $250 million and $105 million, respectively.
During its audit of the programme, the Auditor General Office found gross mismanagement of the funds and the allocation procedures.
Indigenous leaders urged to promote disciplined services careers in communities
…as Amerindians encouraged to embrace Govt training opportunities
Home Affairs,
Robeson Benn, has urged indigenous leaders to encourage hinterland youths to pursue careers in the disciplined services. Speaking at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday, Minister Benn emphasized the government's goal to diversify these forces and equip villages with professionals from their own communities.
Benn called for 300500 annual recruits from Amerindian communities, highlighting the benefits of having locals serve in the interior regions. He stressed that this approach would foster better understanding, stronger relationships, and more effective task execution within their communities.
“Our aim is to enhance
community development and security through local involvement in these services,” Minister Benn stated. “Having locals in these roles will lead to more efficient, caring, and responsive service that truly understands the needs of the communities they serve.”
During his presentation, Benn outlined the government’s efforts to modernize and improve services within the Guyana Police Force, Fire Service, and Prison Services. He noted that police stations are being equipped with cameras to ensure safety and prevent extortion, abuse, and disrespect, aiming for a more empathetic and responsible discipline force.
Benn also addressed the role of leaders in combating transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking,
stressing their crucial involvement in preventing these issues.
Additionally, the minister discussed the need for improved access to firearm and road license services, with leaders requesting that these services be made available within their communities.
Training opportunities
Meanwhile, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, called on Toshaos of the NTC to fully utilise the training opportunities provided by the Government. Speaking at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Dr Singh highlighted the importance of these opportunities for upgrading and enhancing skills in Amerindian
communities.
He outlined the Government's commitment to human capital development, noting that over 6,000 individuals from Regions One (Barima-Waini); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) have received training since the administration took office. This includes 2,000 individuals trained under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in areas such as heavy-duty equipment operation, commercial food preparation, cosmetology, garment construction, electrical engineering, welding and fabrication, small engine repairs, and ICT.
The minister emphasised that the Government remains dedicated to investing in hinterland and
Amerindian communities. He stressed that improving and building sustainable economies in every Amerindian village is a core focus of the PPP/C administration.
Singh also underscored the importance of skill development and employment opportunities for indigenous people as part of the Government’s broader efforts to enhance their quality of life.
Singh detailed various training programs offered by the BIT and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), which is a subvention agency of the Ministry of Finance. These programs cover areas such as water and sanitation, hygiene, and cooking, which are integral to development in the tourism sector. The BNTF has trained approximately 380 individuals in Mainstay and Mashabo in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Additionally, Singh highlighted the scholarship opportunities provided through the Ministry of Public Service. Since 2020, nearly 200 scholarships have been granted to individuals from hinterland regions for studies both locally and abroad. The GOAL scholarship program has benefitted over 3,000 individuals from Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine with many emerging as leaders and enhancing their educational qualifications.
He encouraged Toshaos and community representatives to visit the GOAL booth at the ACCC to collect application forms and make use of the online and other training opportunities available. The National Toshaos Council conference is scheduled to conclude today.
$1B to further upgrade pipelines in Georgetown
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is spending $1 billion to upgrade Georgetown’s aging pipe infrastructure, aiming to enhance service levels and improve water quality for its customers.
On Wednesday, the utility company announced that it is commencing works to replace the water distribution network from Hadfield Street to Bank of Guyana.
The scope of work includes the drilling of
main access road, removal of aged Cast Iron and Asbestos Cement pipes, the installation of new Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which present a much lesser chance of encrustation.
Addressing the media, GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh explained that the cast iron pipes in the capital city have become encrusted over decades and have exceeded their lifespan.
In addition to releasing high iron content, he said GWI is constantly conducting repairs in several areas because the pipes can no longer withstand heavy traffic load.
“Overall, in Georgetown we have the transmission lines and distribution lines and some of them are over 100 years old. At this point in time a lot of the lines are breaking, leaking, and collapsing. We have at GWI for the last month in this location alone we have had to come here five times because as we repair the lines and with the heavy traffic passing through what is happening is that it’s creating further leakages because of the age of the line,” the CEO explained.
Over the years, residents living in and around Georgetown have complained about low water pressure at various times during the day and night.
Baksh highlighted that with the replacement of the aged mains there will be an improved level of service and water quality.
On this point, he implored residents and businesses in the area to comply with the contractor executing the project, noting that a team has committed to working from 7pm at night to 5am in the morning to cater for fewer water disruption.
“It’s a massive programme which will cause disruption- we are working continuously to ensure minimum disruption and we are doing widespread consultation. Already we have called in and had consultations with the city council, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Police Traffic department, Minibus Union and also with GTT, GPL and so on,” he added.
Teaching…
…demands
Teaching, it’s been said, is a “vocation” - a type of work you feel you’re really suited to be doing, based on your personal inclination and qualities, and to which you’ll totally give all your time and energy. But if truth be told, while that might’ve been true at some time for some teachers, for the last half century after Burnham destroyed the economy, it’s been just a job to put food on the table while you move on to better things –if you can!! Those old enough would remember teachers selling sweeties to students during the Burnham years to top up their wages.
We do know, however, that when we first came out of slavery, it was one of the jobs created that allowed us to put away the cutlass and hoe in the cane fields and put on “suit and tie”. And maybe it was this “moving on up” that created the notion of a “vocation” – teachers were seen as “special”!!
Now, dear reader, lest you think your Eyewitness is being mean-spirited towards teachers, he’s already told you on several occasions that he was once a member of that fraternity. So, he knows of what he speaks from within!!
Anyhow, this brings him to the longest running soap opera–cum-action-flick–of-the year: the teachers’ demands for increased salaries and benefits. Now, in the beginning, they got a great deal of sympathy from John and Jane public. After all, all Guyanese were hit by the rising cost of living. But teachers have a Union –the GTU – which bargains on their behalf for wage increases, and this is where the problem began. Like with everything in Guyana, the GTU’s dominated by politics, and the fly in the ointment was that some of its officials were PNC Executives and MPs!! Even well-wishers felt their demands for salary increases in excess of 30% annually was over the top. And political!
So, from where your Eyewitness has been sitting with his popcorn, witnessing the teachers coming on strike, marching with placards in the hot sun, these officials quickly became confused about their roles. The MoEd and other Government officials insisted that they weren’t bargaining in good faith, and the courts had to intervene to get negotiations back on track. And this is where the sh*t hit the fan!!
An agreement was finally made, and the new terms were duly signed, sealed, and delivered by the officials mandated to do so – including the GTU President - following the procedure of consulting with the membership. But just when everyone breathed a sigh of relief, the GTU General Secretary, who’s (coincidentally?) the PNC MP, accused the president of “selling out”!!
What next? Your Eyewitness just bought some more popcorn!!
…Spanish?
Your Eyewitness is a bit – actually, more than a bit – confused about our decision to expand the teaching of Spanish in our school system. And even outside of it. The reason given is that we need to communicate with all these Spanish-speaking refugees pouring in from Venezuela – and also with other Spanish speaking countries in South and Central America.
But the source of his confusion is that English is the most widely spoken language on planet Earth – far exceeding Chinese Mandarin. And even THEY are busy learning English!! But what makes our language policy even more ironic is that - as was revealed once again with the latest CSEC results – our teachers aren’t even doing a good job of teaching English to our students!! Shouldn’t we be focusing on improving our English?
So many of our citizens have become functionally illiterate in that language now they’re out of school.
Or will we be soon teaching Chinese to communicate with all the Chinese supermarket owners – and reading their Chinese labels??
…respect for women
Your Eyewitness knows that as we get older, our capacity to process information and make decisions becomes degraded. But shouldn’t the PNC Committee of Elders have pronounced on Vanessa’s alleged violation after two full months??
Works ongoing at the intersection of Brickdam and Avenue of the Republic
VP warns public against “investment opportunities” scams
Addressing a number of online phishing scams falsely using the names of government officials to prey on unsuspecting Guyanese, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday dissociated the government from these scams, warned persons against recklessly handing over their hard-earned money to scams disguised
as “investment opportunities”.
But to persons who do become victims of these scams, Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that the government is not to blame.
“If you’re stupid and you put your money there and they take your money don't blame the government, it’s a scam that’s going around,” Dr. Jagdeo as-
serted.
Dr. Jagdeo made the appeal during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Robb Street.
“A lot of scams are going around. It's phishing generated from abroad. Don’t fall prey to them because they are Ponzi schemes. A lot of them hook you in, urging people to invest. If you're stupid you’ll lose your money,” the Vice President said.
Phishing is a type of cyber-attack where attackers impersonate legitimate organisations or individuals to deceive people into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit
card numbers, or other personal details. This is often done through fake emails, websites, or messages that appear to be from a trustworthy source. The goal is to gain unauthorised access to accounts or commit fraud.
With the exponential increase in internet usage, phishing has become increasingly prevalent over the years with cybercriminals using evolving tactics.
Phishing techniques have evolved from simple scams to sophisticated attacks, often involving fake websites and convincing email designs that closely mimic legitimate sources.
Nurse found dead in NA hotel room
Police are investigating the death of a 63-year-old nurse of whose body was discovered in a hotel on Main Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice on Thursday.
Dead is Wilton Longford Benn of Lot 82 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
Police said that ranks responded to a report of a motionless body found at the hotel and upon arrival emergency medical services were summoned, and Benn was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death remains undetermined and is pending the results of a post-mortem examination.
According to Holly Trim, a 38-year-old nurse and colleague of Benn, they were both attached to the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Health Ministry, and he was recovering from dengue fever. Police said that Trim reported that they were in Berbice to conduct a su-
pervisory visit to various health facilities to monitor the management of the new HPV vaccine.
Police said that about 08:45h, a Health Ministry driver arrived at the hotel to pick them up to take them to Corentyne for their supervisory visit. After receiving no response from Benn's room, the driver broke down the door, where they found Benn lying motionless inside.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Benn's death are ongoing.
Dead: Wilton Benn
“There was never a shortage of sugar”
– GuySuCo CEO
…says packaged sugar was temporarily unavailable, bulk sugar remained on market
Following reports of a shortage of sugar on the domestic market, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has announced that packaged sugar is now available for purchase at estates across the country.
Of recent, there has been widespread complaints of a shortage of sugar in the local market but Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Paul Cheong, contended that there was no shortage of the commodity – only the unavailability of packaged sugar.
In a statement on Thursday, GuySuCo announced that packaged sugar is now available for sale. It was explained that the production for the second crop of 2024 commenced last week and the sale of packaged sugar commenced on Monday, August 19.
As a result, packaged sugar is now available at the Blairmont Estate and at the Albion Estate from today. Additionally, bagged sugar is currently available at the Albion and Rose Hall Estates.
Uitvlugt Estate commenced production on Wednesday and will have sugar available for sale next Monday, August 26.
However, the GuySuCo CEO admitted that prior to this second crop production, packaged sugar was unavailable.
“There was never a shortage of sugar… It was the packaged we were out of. But the sugar as a whole we had right through,” Cheong told Guyana Times on Thursday.
In the first crop of this year, GuySuCo fell short of its production target, only producing 6,738 tonnes of
sugar from the initial target of 16,000 tonnes.
This, according to the GuySuCo Boss, was one of the factors contributing to the unavailability of packaged sugar – a higher quality that is ISO certified –on the local market.
“The amount of packaged we made sold out but the first crop was a smaller crop. But we keep enough
bulk [or bagged] sugar to supply [the domestic market] which many of the supermarkets used to repackage in plastic bags,” Cheong stated.
The Blairmont Estate produces the popular Demerara Gold packaged sugar, while the Albion Estate produces the Albion Gems.
However, Albion was unable to grind sugar canes during the first crop, that is, between February to April 2024, because of the February 3 fire to its powerhouse facility.
Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told the National Assembly that Government expended some $600 million to rehabilitate the control room at the Albion Factory, where millions of dollars in specialised pieces of eequipment were destroyed by the fire resulting in the disruption of the operations at the estate.
The Guyana Fire Service had said the blaze was electrical in origin.
Significantly restricted Meanwhile, the agriculture minister had further explained to the National Assembly that the first crops shortfall was as a result of the devastating effects of the prolonged drought, which “significantly restricted the growth of canes.”
During the first crop, the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate produced 2874.3 tonnes while Blairmont produced 2084.8 tonnes and Rose Hall with the lowest at 1779.8 tonnes.
Mustapha had also assured the National Assembly earlier this month that there will be no shortage of sugar now or later in the year.
With sugar production increasing from 40,000 in 2022 to 60,000 in 2023, GuySuCo has set a target for 2024 to produce 100,000 tonnes of sugar.
Only a few days ago,
Cheong expressed his confidence that the sugar corporation will meet its production target in this this second crop – a point he reiterated to this newspaper.
“The El Niño affected the first crop so it affected the amount of sugar we produced… Well, with this crop here, we will have much more [sugar produced than the last crop]. And we will package all of the sugar at Blairmont, or the majority… But we have sufficient sugar now on the market,” the head of the sugar corporation assured.
Meanwhile, GuySuCo has declared that there has been no price change to neither packaged nor bagged sugar, and cautioned businesses to not hike up prices.
With the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government having injected over $17 billion into the sugar industry and currently supporting close to 8000 workers, President Dr Irfaan Ali has, for some time, made it clear that his Administration would continue to invest in the sector to bring it up to viability.
Between 2016 and 2017, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime closed several estates across Guyana – an action that displaced more than 7000 sugar workers, who were not only without jobs but who had no means to support their families
and contribute to their villages as well as the national economy.
In fact, only earlier this month, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton revealed that a People’s National Congress (PNC)-led administration would not support expansion of the sugar industry. The PNC is the largest party within the APNU/AFC Coalition.
“I believe that sugar has to be produced in limited quantities. The task therefore is ours to find alternative employment for the people in the sugar industry. I don’t think you should close it and leave them without employment,” Norton posited during a recent appearance on the Globespan 24X7 programme.
Since assuming office in August 2020, however, the PPP/C Government has been working to reverse the damage done by the Coalition regime by rehired some 2000 of those dismissed workers and injecting over $1.1 billion into reopening the Rose Hall Estate.
In 2023 alone, some $8.1 billion was invested to advance the revitalisation efforts of the sugar industry.
This year, Government budged some $6 billion. Moreover, the National Assembly just two weeks ago approved an additional $9.5 billion in supplementary funding for GuySuCo. (G8)
$1B to further upgrade pipelines ...
The replacement of the aged mains form part of GWI’s five-year Strategic Plan for 20212025.
Thus far, replacement works have been successfully executed along Vlissengen Road, Church Street, in Albouystown and on Sheriff Street.
Baksh said similar project will be undertaken soon following the provision of resources from government.
“Right now, we have five other projects going on for the distribution because they are very old pipelines too there and we have contractors working on those and as soon as those are completed, we will do another 15 projects across the city”. (G1)
Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Paul Cheong
GWI calls for patience as works continue to improve water quality in GT
Weeks after residents in Georgetown have been complaining of extremely poor water quality, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is pleading with them to continue to exercise patience as it works to address the situation.
GWI’s technical teams are aggressively flushing the Shelterbelt network to improve the clarity of the water.
While some areas such as Stabroek, Regent Street, Hadfield and Alberttown are showing high levels of water clarity, other areas at the further end of the distribution network including Kitty and Charlestown are experiencing gradual improvements.
The water company was hoping to resolve the issue by August 18, however during the flushing of the network, it encountered difficulties.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh on Thursday explained that aged Drainage and
Irrigation infrastructure in the affected areas are preventing GWI teams from flushing the sediment out of the pipeline, thus increasing work time.
In this regard, he is urging citizens to be patient, noting that works are almost complete.
“Because of the flushing that’s taking place in some areas, it’s very difficult given the old pipelines and so on, and the sludge that has lodged here, it’s taken longer to extract the water, flush out the water from the system. So, it has improved considerably across
the central Georgetown area, but there’s ongoing works happening now. We’ve almost completed our cleaning in the shelter belt, some additional cleaning is taking place, and then we’re still doing some flushing,” the CEO said.
Baksh added that in some areas, water was cut off due to blockages, and these issues are not related to GWI’s current operation. Nevertheless, he said additional teams have been deployed to bring relief to those residents.
“Albouystown, we were there last evening, and
Albouystown has improved. There was a problem with some residents not receiving water, but this was due not to the pressure from us, but because there were blockages in the, what we call the saddle, in the pipelines below. About seven residents are affected, and we are addressing that now to dig down there and clean out the pipeline so they can get water,” he explained.
The high levels of sediment at GWI Shelter Belt canals were first recognised on July 15, but according to Baksh, it was not severe at the time.
A preliminary investigation into its cause revealed that the issue occurred when GWI dredged the East Demerara water conservancy, causing a buildup of sludge that contaminated its Shelterbelt, resulting in the distribution of the ‘rusty and unhealthy’ water.
Upon this discovery, GWI hired additional labour to clean the canals while technicians in the laboratory conducted daily tests to
monitor the quality of water being accessed.
Annual cleaning
The water quality of the Shelter Belt plant would usually be around 15 to 20 units but with the current occurrence, it went up to 400 units.
The plant is usually cleaned once a year, however, due to the existing situa-
tion, GWI has indicated that its team will begin cleaning the system every six to eight months.
Baksh explained that while the current issue is totally beyond the company’s control and there is a need for greater coordination between East Demerara water conservancy and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority.
GWI Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh
Exxon to conclude development drilling at Haimara-4 well in Oct
…as appraisal of gas potential in field continues
United States (US) oil company ExxonMobil has resumed development drilling at the Haimara-4 well, one of the wells where the company is hoping to gauge the commercial potential for gas in the Haimara gas field off the shores of Guyana.
In a notice published on Wednesday, the Public Works Ministry’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) revealed that Exxon will be using the MODU Stena Carron to conduct
drilling at the Haimara-4 well in the Stabroek block.
The drilling activities, according to MARAD, will be concluded on October 31, 2024. Over 20 vessels, including the Gary Rook, Charlie Comeaux, C-Installer, Horn Island and Paradise Island, will be used in the exercise.
“All mariners are required to stay clear of these vessels and navigate with extreme caution in the vicinity. This notice supersedes information provided in
Notice to Mariners 108 of 2024. Communication can be made to these vessels or the Georgetown Lighthouse on VHF Ch. 16,” MARAD further explained.
Back in 2019 and 2023, oil giant ExxonMobil drilled for gas at the Haimara-1 and 2 wells, though with varying degrees of success. The oil giant has for some time been gearing up for further appraisal drilling, this time at the Haimara-3 and 4 gas wells.
According to the com-
pany’s insurance contract, seen by this publication, the two wells are expected to be drilled in the company’s exploratory programme. Other wells that will be drilled are oil wells Lau Lau-2, Trumpetfish-1, Bluefin-1, Hatchetfish-1 and Redmouth-1.
In 2019, the Haimara-1 well was one of five wells in which oil was discovered, along with discoveries in the Tilapia-1, Yellowtail-1, Tripletail-1 and Mako-1 wells. These discoveries had pushed the total estimated recoverable barrels of oil equivalent to over six billion.
The well was drilled by the Stena Carron Drillship and is located 19 miles (31 kilometres) east of the Pluma-1 discovery in the southeast Stabroek Block. Meanwhile, last year Exxon explored for gas at the Haimara-2 appraisal well, using the Stena DrillMax.
In the Stabroek Block, some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas have already been found, with the Pluma and Haimara wells being proven gas fields. The government is seeking to develop this
gas. One way it is doing this is by the Gasto-Energy (GtE) project which is pegged at more than US$1 billion.
The project will feature approximately 220 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to Wales, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Upon landing on shore, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed at Wales. The pipeline would be 12 inches in diameter and is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but can push as much 120 mmscfd.
The main feature of the gas-to-shore initiative is a power plant that will generate 250 to 300 megawatts of power using natural gas from offshore, which will significantly reduce the cost of electricity in Guyana.
The aim is to deliver rich gas by the end of
2024 for the power plant while the NGL facility is slated to be online by 2025. The Gas-to-Shore Project, which has a 25year lifespan, is expected to employ up to 800 workers during the peak construction stage, as well as some 40 full-time workers during the operations stage, and another 50 workers during the decommissioning stage.
Last year, the government had also put out its draft Gas Monetisation Strategy for public feedback and earlier this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that the administration is including the comments it received in the initial strategy.
The monetisation of Guyana’s gas reserves has been described by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo as the next wave of economic opportunity for Guyana. As a matter of fact, Fulcrum LNG was recently selected by the government to design, finance, construct, and operate the required gas infrastructure to provide gas monetisation solutions and support the acceleration of upstream gas developments in Guyana. (G3)
The Stena Carron drill ship
Fire destroys ECD home, storage bond …damages 4 other building
Afire caused by an overloaded sponge chipping machine, resulted in the complete destruction of a single-storey wooden and concrete building, leaving four people homeless.
Reports are that that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received a report about the incident at about 09:42h at Lot 24 Block 12, Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The fire, which started due to the motor of the sponge chipping machine overheating and igniting nearby combustible materials, quickly spread throughout the building, leaving no time for the occupants to save their belongings. The blaze also affected four neighboring structures.
A storage bond at Lot 25 Block 12, Non Pareil, was destroyed due to the heat radiating from the primary building. Additionally, three neighboring buildings at Lots 22, 26, and 27 Block
12 suffered damage to their external walls, as well as to various items, including a washing machine, a freezer, two tanks, and several pipes and guttering.
Firefighters initially used two water jets and later deployed two more jets to fully extinguish the fire. Despite their response, the fire caused significant destruction.
$5.3M project to assist cherry, turmeric farmers in Guyana
Farmers in Guyana will soon benefit from a whopping $5.3 million collaboration between Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Economic Development Fund following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding today.
Signing the MOU on Thursday was CEO of NAREI, Jagnarine Singh and project director of CAPA.
This agreement which marks a pivotal step specifically for cherry and turmeric farmers will aid them to be properly trained in their respective capacities and will also provide them with adequate resources to carry out their cultivation.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who was present at the event, highlighted the benefits of this agreements, including its ability to help farmers access regional markets.
“This 5.3-million-dollar activity will help farmers and stakeholders in the fruit and vegetable industry by promoting the use of market driven agricultural practices and technologies enabling them to easier access and regional markets.”
He added that the Agriculture Ministry has recognised various commodities which they are set to reduce.
He firmly believes that through this project, farmers will experience significantly lowered import bills.
“We have targeted almost 10 high import commodities to reduce those imports into the Caribbean and I think that this project captures most of those commodities that we could produce large scale where we could build capacity in which we could have our farmers equipped so they could produce those commodities so that we could take in the slacks that would create by reducing those imports into the Caribbean.”
He also noted that
CARICOM Heads of Government have pledged to cut the Region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, emphasising that Guyanese farmers must be equipped with the necessary tools to achieve this goal. He expressed his expectation that the project will significantly contribute to reducing the food import bill.
“I think we will be successful in being able to reduce the food import bill by 25 per cent but that means that we will have to build our farmers capacity that they will take in the slacks
market efficiencies across the Caribbean including Guyana.
The CAPA project aligns with the 25 by 2025 agenda, focusing on reducing food imports and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Two separate MOUs were signed – CAPA and NAREI and CAPA and the Economic Development in Guyana.
that will be created when we reduce that food import bill and this ceremony this morning marks a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to enhance food security and boost agriculture productivity and strengthen the livelihood of our farmers and communities.”
CAPA, a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC), is dedicated to improving agricultural productivity and
Specifically, the MOU agreement that CAPA holds with NAREI is to mainly provide technical assistance to Cherry farmers, Laluni and to Region One farmers that cultivate turmeric.
NAREI has the expertise in terms of extension services which means that they are going to assist farmers with training in pest management, in good agricultural practices and production.
And from CAPA’s side is to provide the resources to enable that to get done.
Already, CAPA has procured Turmeric plants and materials, products to help the farmers and they have
supplied tools and equipment so that they can achieve good production.
On the other hand, the Agreement that CAPA signed with the Economic Development Fund, allows CAPA to provide the resources to bring in the B-STARCH product, working together with the GMC so that the broad-based trials on cassava can be done. So the Economic Development Accelerator will provide the technical expertise, the supervision, the training, the capacity building and CAPA will provide the funding to get it done.
Heads of Government of Caricom have committed to reducing the Region’s large food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. The implementation of the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Strategy in the Member States, is expected to help achieve this target, by giving special attention to priority crops and products such as poultry, corn, soya, meat (Goat, Sheep, Beef), rice and niche vegetables. (G2)
NAREI CEO Jagnarine Singh and Project Director of Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA) – Sandiford Ruel Edwards
New processing facility to adequately supply high-quality seed paddy to BBP farmers
As the Agriculture Ministry continues to vastly take the strain off of rice farmers through scores of initiatives, the newly commissioned $70 million Seed Processing Facility at Lesbeholden has the capacity to provide high-quality seed paddy for the entire cultivation area in Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
During the commissioning of the facility last weekend, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted that this facility was partially first established 10 years ago but later developed technical issues that were never addressed.
“We are completing a project that started in 2014. It was partially commissioned; we made a commitment that we will have this facility refurbished and we said that we will put new systems in place. For example, we now have new hoppers and we have a new area where the seed paddy goes so we have not only refurbished and technical faults but we have also added to the facility,” the minister stated.
Mustapha also mentioned that this facility will provide for all farmers within the Black
Bush Polder environs.
“This facility will provide seeds for the entire Black Bush Polder community we have modernised and we have developed this industry because of the investments that we have made and because the rice sector is an important sector for us as a government and as a people,” he added stated.
Not only is the Government focusing on the production of seeds through this newly commissioned facility but they are also eyeing that farmers can have automatic markets for their paddies at a good cost, according to the agriculture minister.
“We will now also contract grower to grow quality seed paddy so that we can take it here so that you can have automatic market for your paddy at a good cost, so those are the kinds of things that we are investing in,” Mustapha stated.
During a demonstration at Saturday’s commissioning ceremony, the machine was seen to be producing hundreds of paddy seeds at rapid speeds.
The agriculture minister disclosed that the government is working to establish similar seed processing facilities in
CIGF to play crucial role in shaping equitable digital future – SG
Aall the major rice-producing areas across the country. Additionally, he noted that the existing seed processing facilities at Anna Regina and Leguan in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will undergo rehabilitation work.
Farmers have benefitted from almost nine high-yielding rice varieties for commercial production, which have also furthered rice productivity and sustainability.
This commissioning came at an important time for rice farmers.
Just recently, rice farmers have been experiencing a surge in Paddy Bug infestation.
Due to these and other direct investments and policies by the government, rice farmers are optimistic that they will surpass this year’s rice production target of 710,000 tonnes, as compared to 653,000 tonnes last year.
Already, over 360,000 metric tonnes of rice were produced in the first half of this year – exceeding the target for rice output.
To date, 68,000 acres of rice land are currently under cultivation in Region Six and Paddy bug infestation has been posing a Grand threat to rice farms as most crops are currently in the flowering stage.
s emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence continue to develop, the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF) will play a major role in ensuring that the development and use of the Internet proceeds in an equitable manner. This is according to Secretary General at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Rodney Taylor.
Taylor made these remarks on Wednesday at the Pegasus Hotel where several dignitaries, government officials among others all gathered for the Launch of this year’s CIGF, one of the longest running Internet Governance Forum in the world.
He highlighted that that the forum over the next few years will play an important role in engaging various stakeholders on the development and adaptation of polices that will address some of the challenges that may arise due to digital transformation.
“Looking ahead to the next ten years, the evolution of the CIGF has been critical as we navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence continue to develop, the CIGF will need to adopt its policies
and frameworks to address the ethical, legal and societal implications of these advancements. This will require ongoing research, dialogue and the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders” he stated.
In light of this transformation Taylor reaffirmed the CTU’s commitment towards developing more complex polices to protect all Caribbean citizens from the plethora of threats that present themselves on the internet.
“Another key area of focus will be the strengthening of cybersecurity measures to protect our citizens and institutions from the growing threat of cybercrime. The CIGF will need to enhance regional cooperation and capacity building in this domain, ensuring that our policies are robust and responsive to the rapidly changing threat landscape” he stated.
Moreover, the Secretary General also emphasised the major role that the organisation will play in fostering digital inclusion among member states.
“As we move forward, this CIGF must continue to champion digital inclusion, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status, have access to the Internet and the opportunities it of-
fers. This will involve not only expanding infrastructure, but also addressing the affordability and accessibility of digital services” he stated.
In addition to policy development and global stakeholders' efforts, the CIGF has been a catalyst for capacity building across the region. Through its various initiatives, the Forum has equipped Caribbean nationals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age. This focus of education and capacity building has not only strengthened the region’s digital economy, but has also paved the way for innovation allowing Caribbean citizens to harness the power of the Internet for economic and social development. Meanwhile, the CIGF is a regional forum initiated by the CTU and the Caribbean Community Secretariat in 2005 to coordinate a regional approach to Internet Governance which has since met annually and has delivered significant and pioneering benefits to the region including formulation of a Caribbean Internet Governance Policy Framework; the proliferation of Internet exchange points (IXPs) among others.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha alongside other officials at Saturday’s commissioning of the seed paddy processing facility
Participants of this year’s Caribbean Internet Governance Forum at the Pegasus hotel
Venezuela's top court ratifies Maduro election win as government tightens control
Venezue -
la's Supreme Justice Tribunal on Thursday ratified President Nicolas Maduro's victory in the July 28 presidential election, sealing institutional backing for the ruling party as the disputed contest fades from international headlines.
Since the vote and deadly anti-government protests which followed, Maduro's administration has conducted what the opposition, human rights groups and unions have characterized as a crackdown on dissent.
The actions have included arrests of opposition figures and protesters, an investigation into opposition leaders for allegedly inciting
the military to commit crimes, the passage of a law tightening rules on NGOs, and forced resignations of state employees allegedly espousing pro-opposition views.
The supreme tribunal has reviewed material from the electoral authority and agrees that
Maduro won the election, court president Caryslia Rodriguez said, adding the decision cannot be appealed.
"The results of the presidential election of July 28 released by the national electoral council, where Nicolas Maduro was elected
president of the republic, are validated," said Rodriguez.
The electoral authority has said since the night of the election that Maduro won just over half of votes, though it has not published full tallies.
The opposition has published online what it says are 83% of voting machine tallies,
which give its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez a hearty 67% support.
The supreme court has no constitutional right to carry out any electoral functions, making its ruling null, the opposition has said.
"Sovereignty rests with the people and is intransferable. Organs of state emanate from and are subject to popular sovereignty," Gonzalez said in a social media post after the ruling.
A copy of the court's decision will be shared with the attorney general, Rodriguez said, so it can be included in criminal investigations being carried out into supposed irregularities connected to publication of "presumably false" election results online. (Reuters)
Fake watermelons full of drugs fail to fool agents US-Mexico border
United States border agents have intercepted a truck carrying more than $5m-worth of methamphetamine at the USMexico border hidden inside a shipment of watermelons.
The drugs were wrapped in plastic painted in two shades of green to resemble the fruit and placed among real watermelons.
More than two tonnes of methamphetamine - in a total of 1,220 packages - was seized by officers.
Stashing drugs among produce is a common way to smuggle the illicit substances across borders - banana shipments are the most pop-
The drugs were concealed in coloured wrapping to resemble watermelons
ular but officers have recently found narcotics in Gouda cheese and avocados.
US Customs and Border Protection officials said their officers had stopped a truck hauling a trailer at the border with Mexico in Otay Mesa.
The paperwork suggested the driver was transporting a shipment for watermelons, but a inspection revealed the parcels containing methamphetamine.
Also known simply as meth, it is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. (BBC)
Brazil to tighten entry rules to curb migration to North America
Brazil will tighten up rules to enter the country without a visa starting next week, the government said on Wednesday, after migrants have been increasingly using the South American nation as a stop-over on the way to the United States and Canada.
Starting on Monday, foreign travellers without a Brazilian visa who are headed for another country must travel on to their destination or return to their home country, Brazil's public security ministry told
Reuters in a statement.
Brazil has seen a boom in foreign travellers, particularly from Asia, landing in the country for a supposed layover only to then apply for refuge while they are there, the ministry said.
Now, those passengers without a visa will not be allowed to stay in Brazil.
According to two reports from authorities seen by Reuters and a senior police source, investigations have found that those migrants are requesting to stay in Brazil, alleging persecu-
tion and threats in their home countries.
Once they are granted refuge in Brazil, many often travel north by land, mainly heading to the United States or Canada through the dangerous Darien Gap, which connects Colombia and Panama, the ministry said, citing police investigations.
"They request refuge (in Brazil) as a guarantee," the senior police source said. "If they are caught at the U.S. border, they are sent back to Brazil, instead of their home country." (Reuters)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
Around the World
OIL NEWS
Oil prices settle $1 up on hopes of a US Fed rate cut next month
Brent crude futures settled up $1.17, or 1.54%, to $77.22 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained $1.08, or 1.5%, to $73.01.
On Wednesday, minutes of the Federal Reserve’s July meeting showed most Fed officials thought the central bank was on track for an interest rate cut next month.
Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing, which can slow economic activity and dampen demand for oil.
“The dollar has been sold off on the interest rate cut news,” said John Kilduff, Partner at Again Capital. “Everyone is now talking about the Fed cutting rates by 50 basis points, which would be significant,” he said.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is due to speak on Friday at the annual central banking conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Traders will look for any insight into whether Powell expects to cut rates by 25 or 50 basis points.
The U.S. dollar has fallen recently on concerns about a weakening economy, supporting oil prices as buyers using other currencies pay less for dollar-denominated crude.
On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department said the number of jobless claims ticked up last week, but appeared to be steadying near a level consistent with gradual cooling of the labor market. This set the stage for interest rate cuts.
Also supporting oil prices, a U.S. government report on Wednesday showed crude, gasoline and distillate inventories fell by more than expected last week, a sign of demand picking up. In the Middle East, Iran-aligned Houthi militants continued attacks on international shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas.
A Greek-flagged oil tanker carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude that was evacuated by its crew after being attacked in the Red Sea now poses an environmental hazard, the EU’s Red Sea naval mission “Aspides” said on Thursday.
Investors are watching OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia, which may reconsider its plan to gradually unwind some output cuts in October. (Reuters)
Canada rail shutdown threatens US supply chains
Crucial supply chains are under threat across North America after a rail labour dispute in Canada led to shutdown of freight traffic on the country’s two largest railways.
Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), locked out nearly 9,300 workers after midnight on Thursday (04:00 GMT), after failing to clinch a late deal with the Teamsters union.
Hours after the strike began, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said
the federal government would soon announce steps to resolve the work stoppage.
Israeli demands for troops in Gaza blocking truce deal, sources say
Disagreements over Israel’s future military presence in Gaza and over Palestinian prisoner releases are obstructing a ceasefire and hostage deal, according to ten sources familiar with the round of U.S.-mediated talks that concluded last week.
The sources, who include two Hamas officials and three Western diplomats, told Reuters the disagreements stemmed from demands Israel has introduced since Hamas accepted a version of a ceasefire proposal unveiled by U.S. President Joe Biden in May.
All the sources said Hamas was especially concerned about the latest demand to keep troops deployed along the Netzarim Corridor, an east-west strip Israel cleared during the current war that prevents Palestinians’ free movement between north and south Gaza, as well as in a narrow border strip between Gaza and Egypt known as the Philadelphi Corridor.
The sources asked not to be named to speak freely about sensitive matters.
Israel’s current grip on the Philadelphi Corridor gives it control of Gaza’s frontier with Egypt, the enclave’s only crossing that does not border Israel. Hamas sees Israel as having changed its conditions and parameters “last-minute,” and worries any concessions it makes would be met by more demands, one of the sources, who is close to the talks, told Reuters.
The media office for the Palestinian militant group did not respond to requests for comment for this story. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office did not respond to questions about the talks.
In a press statement on Sunday, Hamas said the proposal arising from last week’s talks was too close to Netanyahu’s recent positions setting new conditions. It urged the mediators to stick to the implementation of a July version of the framework agreement, rather than starting new negotiations.
In a statement prior to the talks last week, Netanyahu’s office denied making new demands, saying its position built on the previous proposal. (Reuters)
“We are not taking this lightly,” he told reporters in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
“We are on this.”
Mr Trudeau offered no further insight into the government’s plan to resolve the shutdown.
Canada sends around
75% of all the goods it exports to the US, mostly over rail. A prolonged dispute could disrupt shipments of a wide range of goods, from grains and beans to potash, coal and timber.
The lockout will also snarl commutes for tens of thousands of people in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, where lines rely on CPKC-owned tracks.
Canada, the world’s second-largest country by area, relies heavily on rail transport.
After months of talks, the increasingly bitter negotiations ground to a halt late on Wednesday evening, CBC reported, with both sides accusing the other of refusing to negotiate seriously. (BBC)
World’s secondlargest diamond found in Botswana
The second-largest diamond ever founda rough 2,492-carat stone - has been unearthed in Botswana at a mine owned by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond.
It is the biggest find since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905 and cut into nine separate stones, many of which are in the British Crown Jewels.
The diamond was found at Karowe mine, about 500km (300 miles) north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.
Botswana’s government said it was the largest diamond ever discovered in the southern African state.
The previous biggest discovery in Botswana was
a 1,758-carat stone found at the same mine in 2019. Botswana is one of the world’s biggest producer of diamonds, accounting for about 20% of global production.
In a statement, Lucara said the stone was “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed”.
“We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492 carat diamond,” said Lucara head William Lamb. The diamond was detected with the use of Lucara’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, said Mr Lamb. It has been used since 2017 to identify and preserve high-value diamonds so that they do not break during ore-crushing processes. (BBC)
Canadians rely heavily on rail transport
DAILY HOROSCOPES
Trying something new will make a difference. Don't rule out what you can accomplish because of someone's criticism. Work alone, perfect your ideas and take credit for your ingenuity.
23-Dec. 21)
Share your thoughts, and you'll gain acceptance and suggestions. Don't let stubbornness stop you. Getting along with everyone will be necessary to get your ideas up and running.
Resolve personal issues and confirm what others plan to do before you set your schedule. Someone will let you down if you don't specify your needs. Adjust to last-minute changes or someone's hidden agenda.
Play fair. Emotional manipulation will work well. Incentives will bridge the gap between what you want and what others offer. Pay attention to your surroundings and make changes.
Soak up energy. Observe how things are running and who is responsible for what. The insight you gain will help you understand what's necessary to simplify your life. Keep a keen eye on the details.
Note what others expect from you, and stick to the script. Take on only what you can handle. Putting your time and skills into something that matters will bring the most satisfying results.
A shift in how you deal with others will help point you toward like-minded people and the chance to make a difference. Be the driving force and don't be afraid to go for it.
Take the initiative and let the people you encounter get a glimpse of what you are trying to achieve. The folks who stick around will have valuable input. Trust in the people who really understand you.
Clock the time it takes to get your responsibilities out of the way, and become more efficient. Taking the initiative to improve is in your best interest and will prepare you for what's to come.
Listen and act for those who cannot do so for themselves. Your input will be appreciated. Make innovative changes and provide hands-on input. Set time aside to relax with a loved one.
Revisit your plans and consider the expense before you act. Offer less with the intent of doing more later if your budget, time and skills allow. Understate your intentions and make adjustments as you move ahead. You may crave change, but not everyone will embrace your plans. Start with the people close to you and implement something you know will satisfy their needs. If you please others first, you'll get what you want.
HOBBES
DCC 10-day camp aims to develop fundamentals among youth cricketers
–Head Coach Roger Harper
With the aims of developing and nurturing cricket talents and the goal of discovering fresh talent, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) commenced its yearly ten-day youth camp at its location in Queenstown, Georgetown earlier this week.
The camp is catering specifically to under-18 cricket players, both male and female, sessions of which are offered from Monday to Friday, wherein participants would be exposed to the principles of the sport and to skill development both on and off the field.
Speaking to <<Guyana Times Sport>> Head Coach Roger Harper expounded on the camp’s aim to teach and develop the fundamentals of cricket among young cricketers when he said, “Yes, this is the Demerara Cricket Club’s annual Youth Summer Camp, and
the aim of the camp is one: to introduce some of the young players who are interested in the game…to the fundamentals of the game; try and make sure they understand the fundamentals, and develop those fundamentals. Also, the ones who have been playing regularly, (we aim) to try and take their skill to another level, and make
sure they understand what is required of them to really develop their skill and become better players. But we (also) want to ensure that they have fun and they enjoy what they’re doing.”
Harper expounded on the impact of the camp, over the years, in regard to West Indies and Guyana selection.
He said, “Well, we have
The Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica edition will commence on Saturday evening at the Community Centre tarmac.
The event will serve as the final zonal competition before the commencement of the national championship on September 6th at the Pouderoyen tarmac.
According to the coordinating committee, “The excitement for the staging of the Bartica edition is palpable in the community. All the players, the communities and their respective fans are eagerly anticipating the kickoff. After all, it has been several years since the tournament was staged in the region, owing to the pandemic, so the excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high, which bodes well for the success of the competition. It’s almost as if the event is being played for the first time in the region, given the hiatus.”
The coordinating committee further said, “The area is historically known for producing quality players at every level, and as such, this is no different. We expect a highly competitive affair, which has been a staple of not only the region, but the entire season of the event. The expectation is for the best team to represent
the region at the national competition, which is only weeks away.”
The opening night will feature the Round-of-16, with the respective winners advancing to the quarterfinal section.
In the opening match, Genasyde will oppose Police at 19:00hrs, while Beachside 04 will tackle Pluto at 19:30hrs, and Bay Boys will engage Agatash at 20:00hrs. In the fourth contest, Falmouth Stars will lock horns with Mighty Ruler at 20:30hrs, with Avengers battling Spanish Men at 21:00hrs, and Jones Avenue opposing Stelling Crew at 21:00hrs. In the final two fixtures, Misdemeanor will face off against Almanac Kings at 22:00hrs, and Ruler Top Form will match skills
a number of young players who are members of the club, and we have a number of young fellas here who play for other clubs around the Georgetown area, and even wider areas. So, we anticipate that we’ll have, as has happened in the past, a number of fellas who have been at the camp to go on to greater things, including representing the West Indies both at youth
level and (at) international level.
“Well, (here’s) a brief example: Kevin Imlach is a product of Demerara Cricket Club, and he’s been at this camp for a number of years. I think when Gavin Nedd started and he was involved in running the camp, he’s (Imlach) been involved in the camp, and came through. So, a number of young players: Sachin
Singh, Joshua Persaud, a number of players have been involved, and we expect that this will continue.”
The camp would be sessions from Monday to Friday from 09:00hrs to 15:30hrs daily. Participants are asked to be attired in track or short pants, white tee or polo shirts, track boots and socks, along with cricket white clothing.
(Omar McKenzie)
Guyanese among referees being developed during
CFU Challenge Series
Forty-six up-and-coming referees and five assessors and instructors in training are undergoing intense theoretical and practical education during the 2024 CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series, underway in Trinidad and Tobago. Current FIFA match officials serve as mentors to the rookies.
The list includes Mijensa Rensch of Suriname is included on the list. She is one of two assistant referees from the Caribbean appointed to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She officiated in the final as the fifth official.
with New Modern Crew at 22:30hrs. The second night will feature the quarterfinal, semifinal, and eventual championship match.
The eventual winner will represent the zone at the national championship.
Round-of-16 fixtures
19:00hrs: Genasyde vs Police
19:30hrs: Beachside 04 vs Pluto
20:00hrs: Bad Boys vs Agatash
20:30hrs: Falmouth Stars vs Mighty Ruler
21:00hrs: Avengers vs Spanish Men
21:30hrs: Jones Avenue vs Stelling Crew
22:00hrs: Misdemeanor vs Almanac Kings
22:30hrs: Ruler Top Form vs New Modern Crew
Guyanese Keneisha Prescott is among the 46 officials being trained. The referee training forms part of the overall developmental agenda of the Challenge Series. Specifically, it is a continuation of the CFU Next Generation Course initiative, which trains referees for the world stage.
The match officials began intense training that comprised pitch and classroom sessions on August 12, ahead of the kickoff of the competition on August 16.
The administrators held the tournament ceremony on August 15, with Next Gen Administrator and CFU Referee Committee Member Dave Meikle reminding the match officials of the visibility the Challenge Series affords them. He urged them to work hard to seize the opportunity. “We want you to invest in the tournament with your time and with
your zeal to learn and improve,” Meikle said. He asked the match officials to retain all that they learned in the preceding days, and added, “You will now have to show that on the pitch.”
Mark Cahen, Manager of Refereeing Concacaf, encouraged the match officials to set short-term goals that would lead them to their overarching goal of officiating in world games. He reminded them that the task was difficult, and asked them to grow through their mistakes, as errors are inevitable.
“Let’s embrace professionalism, learn from our mistakes, and effectively manage the pressure. Together we all can elevate the standards of officiating and continue to inspire the next generation of referees,” he said.
Besides match officials, the programme trains referee instructors and assessors with the overarching aim of having a Caribbean panel of match officials at all world games. Since inception, 17 Next Gen match officials have earned their FIFA badges.
The Next Gen staple facilitators are Meikle, FIFA Referee Fitness Instructor Kelesha Antoine, who is also a member of the CFU Referees Committee, FIFA Technical Instructor Dianne Ferreira-James, and Concacaf Fitness Instructor Rohan Thobourne.
Each edition of the programme includes present
and former FIFA match officials in varying capacities, including as assessors and mentors.
The candidates for the 2024 Challenge Series included some new and returning members from 24 countries. The merit-based programme is open to match officials from all 31 of the CFU Member Associations. They must be between 20 and 30 years old, and have the prerequisite skills to matriculate to the FIFA ranks.
About the CFU Next Generation Referee Course Piloted in 2021 and officially launched in 2022, Next Gen hues to the capacity-building pillar of the CFU’s Strategic Framework 2.0.
The Next Generation Referee Course, with an academy type setting, represents a significant step forward in developing the Caribbean’s future match officials. It exemplifies, in every way, the efforts to see Caribbean referees grace the world’s biggest stages.
With the emphasis on development, Next Gen is driven by a comprehensive syllabus, delivered by Caribbean instructors and administered in a conducive learning environment.
Next Gen is designed to equip match officials with the tools, education and resources to meet the demands of modern refereeing and to ensure that Caribbean Member Associations produce world-class officials.
The programme comprises in-person and online tutoring.
Sessions being facilitated by Coach Roger Harper
A glimpse of what to expect during the Guinness Bartica action tomorrow evening
Golden Jags’ roster for CNL League A debut revealed
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has disclosed the 24-member roster that would represent Guyana’s senior men’s national football team the Golden Jaguars in the first international window next month for the CONCACAF Nations League.
The Golden Jaguars will make their League A debut in a matter of weeks, taking on neighbouring Suriname at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) at Edinburgh, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Thursday September 5th from 16:00hrs.
Following that clash, the Golden Jaguars will jet off to Martinique, where they will take on the home team in an away fixture on September 9th at the
Stade Pierre Aliker, Fort de France, from 16:00hrs.
Notable inclusions in the roster of Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz see the introduction of Middlesbrough FC striker Isaiah Jones, who plies his trade in the UK, while Samuel Cox, who operated in the position of Assistant Coach in the last Nations League, returns to the squad as a player.
The Golden Jaguars team reads:
Goalkeepers: Quillan Roberts (Western Suburbs FC, New Zealand), Kai McKenzie Lyle (Oxford City FC, UK) and Akel Clarke (Slingerz FC, Guyana).
Defenders: Curtez Kellman (Slingerz FC, Guyana), Jalen Jones (Oxford City FC, UK), Colin
Nine races on President’s Cup provisional programme
The excitement continues to build towards the One Guyana President’s Cup which is set for Sunday September 22, as organizers have announced nine races on the provisional programme.
This event is organized by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, and will be held at the Rising Sun Turf Club. More than G$15 million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs on race day.
The feature race will have a total purse of close to six million dollars and the race will run at approximately eight furlongs. That race will be open to all horses three years old and over. The winner of the President’s Cup will be awarded three million.
All entries will only be accepted by entry forms. As owners enter, that will be the gate draw. Horses will not be able to race without entry form. Entry Forms for the President’s Cup will be at Port Mourant Racecourse, Rising Sun Turf Club, Bush Lot United Turf Club & 106 Smyth St Werk-enRust, Georgetown. Other races on the provisional program include the three-year-old Guyana and West Indian bred, Sprint E Class for horses three years old and over, two-year-old maiden, H1 And Lower Open to G Class Non Earners on Guyana Cup, also open to G Lass Non winners in Guyana, H3 and Lower, J Class Open to H3 Non earner in last two starts, K Class/J3 NonEarner Last Start and
the L Class/J Class and K Class and Non Earner Last Start.
Entries for this year’s President’s Cup will be open on September 11 and close on September 17. No late entries will be accepted.
Slingerz Racing Stables, who are the reigning Guyana Cup champions with the newly imported Olympic Kremlin, will be out to defend their title. John Bull, another horse of the Slingerz Racing Stables, is the defending champion of the President’s Cup.
All the top horses are fresh from intense action at the Guyana Cup, and those who were unable to acclimatize for Guyana Cup have certainly acclimatized for Sunday September 22 President’s Cup.
(Slingerz FC, Guyana), Reis Greenidge (Maidstone United FC, UK) and Samuel Cox (Oxford City FC, UK).
Midfielders: Nathan Ferguson (Maidenhead United FC, UK), Ryan Hackett (GDF FC, Guyana), Elliot Bonds (Fleetwood Town FC, UK), Daniel Wilson (Western Tigers FC, Guyana), Nathan Moriah Welch (Hibernian FC, Scotland), Stephen Duke McKenna (Harrogate FC, UK) and Kadel Daniel (Croydon Athletic, UK)
Guadeloupe and Suriname.
League A includes 16 teams and a Quarterfinal round. For Group Stage play, the 12 lowest-ranked League A national teams (based on the CONCACAF rankings) have been split into two groups of six teams each and will play in a “Swiss style” league system, with each team playing a total of four games (two at home and two away).
Nelson (GDF FC, Guyana), Terence Vancooten (Burton Albion FC, UK), Leo Lovell (Slingerz FC, Guyana), Liam Gordon (Walsall FC, UK), Jeremy Garrett
Forwards: Kelsey Benjamin (GDF FC, Guyana), Osaze De Rosario (Seattle Sounders FC, USA), Omari Glasgow (Chicago Fire FC, USA), Isaiah Jones (Middlesbrough FC, UK) and Deon Moore (Woking Football Club, UK).
The Golden Jaguars are in Group A of League A, alongside Costa Rica, Guatemala, Martinique,
After Group Stage play in September and October, the first and second-placed finishers of each group (four teams in total) would advance to the Quarterfinals, where they will join the four topranked League A teams (Mexico, United States, Panama, and Canada).
The Quarterfinals will be played in November in a home-and-away format, with the aggregate score winner in each matchup advancing to the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. (G6)
CWI confirms single nomination for VP role
…Election set for September 20
TTCB’s Azim Bassarath is the lone nomination for the post of CWI Vice-President
Cricket West Indies (CWI) will hold an election to determine the Vice President on September 20, 2024. This follows the recent judicial decision from the High Court of Guyana regarding the Vice President’s election, which has led to Mr. Azim Bassarath vacating the position.
At the close of nominations, Mr. Bassarath is the sole candidate, having been nominated by the Jamaica Cricket Association and Leeward Islands Cricket Board. The nominations were circulated as customary, and every ter
ritorial board, which constitutes the shareholders, was adequately notified. CWI is being guided by its Articles of Association in conducting this election to ensure the process is handled with the highest standards of democratic principles and transparency. The upcoming election will provide a timely resolution to the current vacancy of the Office of the Vice President and reinforce CWI’s commitment to fair governance. The organization looks forward to the completion of this robust and transparent elector
al process while continuing its efforts to advance the sport of cricket across the region.
(CWI)
The Golden Jaguars will make their CNL League A debut at home on September 5
Nerveless Matthews seals opening win for Royals
An impressive allround bowling performance and ice veined innings from captain Hayley Matthews saw Barbados Royals defeat Guyana Amazon Warriors by one wicket with a solitary delivery remaining in a thrilling opening match of the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).
Matthews won the toss and chose to field first at the Brian Lara Cricket
stricted the Warriors to what was thought to be a below par score of 118/9 off their 20 overs.
The wickets were shared around between Royals’ seam and spin bowlers, Aaliyah Alleyne taking 3/21 from her four overs including the crucial wicket of a well-set Stafanie Taylor for 38.
It was far from a comfortable chase for the Royals, the 2023 champions found themselves 44/3
Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and her side re-
and 50/4 during their innings but Matthews kept
her head with wickets falling all around her, finishing unbeaten on 61 not out, off 58 deliveries having batted through the innings to secure victory for her side and get the de-
bowled by a fast delivery from Alleyne that zipped off the floodlit wicket and Natasha McLean fended off Qiana Joseph to be well caught inside the inner circle by a diving Cherry-
fence of their trophy off to a winning start.
An undulating match began with the Warriors struggling to get any momentum with the bat after losing both openers inside the Powerplay. Captain Lauren Winford-Hill was
knock, hitting four fours and a six to anchor the innings for the Warriors before Alleyne made the crucial break through by bowling her with the second ball of the 17th over.
flashing drive by Georgia Redmayne seeing Burns produce a wonderfully athletic diving grab at point. Definitely one for the highlights reel and the repeat button.
Ann Fraser.
At 59/2 after 10 overs the Warriors then lost wickets regularly in the second half of their innings which duly served to stifle their run scoring. Stafanie Taylor played a typically classy
Doubles’ courts officially opened at Racquet Center
The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) and by extension Guyana, is proudly hosting the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championships, a feat that would not be possible without a doubles’ court in their artillery.
Announced approximately two years ago, with construction beginning in January 2023, the Doubles’ courts which are larger in dimensions than the singles’ courts, were finally opened for use at the National Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.
During the official opening of the CASA Senior Championships and unveiling of the courts, GSA President David Fernandes recollected their initial request for such a facility.
“He asked how we would want to see this facility developed and we asked if he really wanted us to dream, put together a team of racquet sports and so, this facility is being developed for all racquet sports. The building be-
hind you is for Badminton and Table Tennis, this facility was made for Squash. When we shared with him the cost for the facility, he said he would work on it. Obviously, he had to campaign on our behalf as well and he did a fantastic job and that gave us; for the first time in the Caribbean, any country owns ASB triple courts that convert to doubles,” Fernandes recalled. The Woolford Avenue, Georgetown facility reportedly costed the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport some $65M GYD.
Subject Minister
Charles Ramson Jr. spoke of the new facility as a catalyst to raise the standards of Guyana’s hosting abilities.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to host you but we don’t want to host you if our standards are not satisfactory and now that we have made that commitment, since 202 when we had that meeting right up in this room. When we sat in this room, one of the things that was requested was a doubles’ court,” the Sport Minister shared.
Ramson further stated about the request to construct the new courts, “Now I never played Squash competitively and I wasn’t quite sure about the procurement and the estimates for a doubles’ court at that time, sounded to me that it was inexpensive, how wrong I was. But what mattered, was that there was an alignment of intention. That’s really what mattered.”
Given that the lack of a doubles court had barred Guyana from hosting major Squash competitions, Ramson jr. went on to encourage the GSA to explore such opportunities with their new asset.
“I’m gonna take the liberty as well, to authorize David and the Association to bid for and signal intentions to host as many Caribbean Championships as you would like,” Ramson jr. announced.
The Guyanese pair of Ashley Khalil and Ashley DeGroot later christened the new facility with a gold medal performance in the Women’s doubles final of the CASA Senior Championships. (G-6)
Amanda-Jade Wellington found turn and a kept a tight line for the Royals, the Australian leg-spinner finishing impressively with 2/19 off her four overs to set up a seemingly straightforward chase.
The Royals also lost regular wickets in their reply, Shabnim Isamil the pick of bowlers for the Warriors, picking 4/16 from her four overs and looking threatening with almost every delivery she sent down.
Erin Burns pulled off an early contender for catch of the competition, a
Chloe Tryon ensured the game went down to the wire by stitching together five consecutive dots to Shabika Gajnabi in a penultimate over that went for just one run.
With seven needed off the final six balls, WinfordHill entrusted nineteenyear-old leg-spinner Nyia Latchman with the final over. The teenager kept her nerve impressively but it wasn’t enough to stop Matthews using all her skill and experience to find the gaps in the outfield and get her side over the line at the last.
(CPLT20)
Barbados Royals Women (T: 119 runs from 20 ovs)
BATTING R Hayley Matthews (c) not out 61 Georgia Redmayne † c Burns b Ismail 6 Rashada Williams lbw b Latchman 2
Aaliyah Alleyne run out (Latchman/Burns) 5 Laura Harris b Ismail
Stafanie Taylor top-scored for the GAW Women
A look at the CASA Senior Women’s Doubles final, which Guyana’s Ashley Khalil and Ashley DeGroot (in black) won
Qiana Joseph (C) celebrating one of her three wickets with her teammates
