President Ali announces – current Berbice River Bridge, new Wismar bridge to also be toll-free
$15.1B Schoonord-to-Crane Highway commissioned
Sébastien
Sigouin replaces Mark Berman as Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana PPP Councillors rubbish G/town Mayor’s defence of tax cut for political parties MoE launches refresher training programme for nationwide nursery curriculum rollout Over 100 agroprocessing businesses confirmed for UncappeD Marketplace 2024 US Southern Command conducts joint training exercise in Guyana
aerial shot of the new four-lane Schoonord-to-Crane Highway that was commissioned on Thursday by President Dr Irfaan Ali (Marceano Narine photo)
Sébastien Sigouin replaces Mark Berman as Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana US Southern Command conducts joint training exercise in Guyana
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, on Tuesday announced that Sébastien Sigouin would replace Mark Berman as the new High Commissioner to Guyana and Plenipotentiary Representative to the Caribbean Community.
Sébastien Sigouin (LLB, University of Sherbrooke, 1993; PhD and LLM [International Relations], Graduate, Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, 2002) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1997 as a human rights and humanitarian affairs adviser.
At Headquarters, he has also served as manager of the International Program and Director of Policy for the Canadian Human Rights Commission (2002 to 2010). He
was also Director of Strategic Planning and Operations for Canada’s development assistance programming (2010 to 2015), Deputy Head of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States (2015 to 2018), and Executive Director responsible for relations with Central American countries, Cuba and the Dominican Republic (2018 to 2022). Most recently, he was Executive Director of the Haiti Division.
Sébastien Sigouin is expected to present his Letters of Credence to the Government of Guyana soon, the Canadian High Commission has said.
As part of the United States and Guyana’s strong ongoing military-to-military partnership, the U.S. Southern Command conducted a Joint Combined Exercise and Training (JCET) from July 29 to August 26, in close coordination with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
The U.S. Southern Command routinely conducts similar activities and engagements with defense partners and allies in the region and around the world.
During their time in Guyana, the U.S. Southern Command team trained with their GDF counterparts in jungle operations, with a focus on tactics, techniques, and procedures.
“This joint activity underscores our steadfast commitment to partnering with Guyana in support of mutual goals and to further strengthening the longstanding security ties between our countries. The U.S.-Guyana defense partnership focuses on areas of mutual interest, including countering transnational criminal organizations, maritime security, disaster preparedness, hu-
manitarian assistance, and human rights,” the US Embassy stated in a release to the media.
U.S. Southern Command's enduring partnership with the GDF is critically important and highly valued, and U.S. Southern Command is steadfastly committed to expanding and strengthening it in ways that are mutually beneficial to both countries and its people.
GDF ranks in training (File photo)
Newly-appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, August 30, 2024 - 01:30hrs to 03:00 hrs and Saturday, August 31, 2024 - 02:30hrs to 04:00 hrs
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, August 30, 2024 - 14:35 hrs to 16:05 hrs and Saturday, August 31, 2024 - 15:15 hrs to 16:45 hrs
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear to partly cloudy skies and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 09:22h and 21:39h reaching maximum heights of 2.30 metres and 2.33 metres.
Low Tide: 15:09h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.
New Demerara River bridge to be toll-free when
completed – Pres Ali announces – current Berbice River Bridge, new Wismar bridge to also be toll-free
n a move to improve competitiveness and lessen the burden on citizens, the Guyana Government has announced plans to make the new bridge across the Demerara River toll-free when it is completed in March next year.
This was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali during the commissioning of the new Schoonord to Crane four-lane Highway on Thursday evening.
“On the completion of the new Demerara River bridge, the toll for crossing will be free of cost,” the Head of State declared to scores of cheering citizens gathered in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
According to the president, this move by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration is to ease the burn on citizens while also enhancing the transportation network and improving competitiveness through the efficient movement of goods and services across the country.
“You’ve heard me say that we’re evaluating ways in which to improve the competitiveness of productivity, and reduce the burdens on the private sector, consumers, and farmers,” he noted.
The Guyanese Leader also announced on Thursday that citizens from other regions especially Berbice and Linden will also benefit from toll-free perks as the government plans to make the current Berbice River bridge and the new Wismar Bridge free of cost as well.
The US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge, a key project to alleviate traffic conges -
tion caused by the current floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), is a critical link between Region Three and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
The new bridge is being constructed by China Railway Construction (International) Limited, with the Italian firm Politecnica overseeing the project to ensure adherence to the standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Only earlier this week, it was reported that the ongoing works are 64 per cent completed.
The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span,
rent toll prices.
At the sod-turning ceremony for the new US$161 million modern hospital in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) back in January, President Ali had noted that since the govern-
cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-meter fixed-high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted.
It will replace the aging floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by several decades. At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.
Berbice Bridge
Meanwhile, on the current Berbice River bridge, it was reported earlier this year that the government would be engaging the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) investors to lower the cur-
ment carries the maintenance cost of the bridge, they were formulating a plan to work with the BBCI investors and play a greater role in making it cheaper to cross the Berbice Bridge.
During his announcements on Thursday, the Head of State said that even if those talks are not concluded by the time the new Demerara River Bridge becomes operational next year, the Berbice River Bridge will still become toll-free at the same time.
“We are in the process of discussing with the Berbice River Bridge [Company], the possible acquisition of that bridge by the government… Once this occurs, and even if it does not occur, by the time we make this [new Demerara River] bridge toll-free, the Berbice River Bridge crossing will also be free of cost,” Ali declared.
The Berbice River Bridge, a critical link between Region Five
(Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was constructed between 2006 and 2008 through a public-private partnership at a cost of approximately $8.2 billion. It was financed by loans and equity contributions from various entities including the state-owned National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and other private investors.
Recently, however, the PPP/C Government has been touting plans to construct a new fourlane, fixed high-span bridge across Berbice River to replace the current 1.57-kilometer floating structure.
A Request for Prequalification has already been issued for contractors to design, build, and finance the new modern bridge across the Berbice River.
President Ali has made it clear that he would ensure this new structure is built in the face of criticism by the Opposition, especially the Alliance For Change (AFC) which had questioned the financial viability of a new bridge and called for a feasibility study to be done. But the government has argued that the Opposition always finds ways to block major initiatives that would benefit Guyanese and improve their lives.
“So, not only we will be building a new bridge but the current one will be toll-free… And for those who have a problem with us building a new high-pass bridge at Berbice, they got a greater problem now because it gonna be free of cost,” the Guyanese Leader posited on Thursday.
An artist's impression of the new Demerara River Bridge
Artistic impression of the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday warned that the declining use of condoms among young people is putting their health at significant risk. This alert is not just a call to action; it’s a wake-up call for societies worldwide. The decline in condom use is an alarming trend that has far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals directly affected, but for public health systems globally.
The WHO surveyed, as reported in the UK Guardian, nearly 250,000 15-year-olds in 42 countries and regions across Europe and Canada, and found that between 2014 and 2022, condom use among sexually active adolescents declined significantly, putting them at significant risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, and having unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
The report states that almost one-third of 15-year-olds reported that they did not use a condom or take the contraceptive pill. Although sexual activity rates remained relatively stable, with 20% of boys and 15% of girls reporting that they had had sex in 2022, the proportion who used a condom when they last had intercourse fell from 70% to 61% among boys and from 63% to 57% among girls.
Over the past few decades, condoms have been a cornerstone of sexual health, serving as a dual-purpose tool in the fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. However, recent data suggests that this critical preventive measure is losing favour among the younger generation. Various factors contribute to this decline: complacency due to the availability of other contraceptive methods, a lack of comprehensive sexual education, the stigmatization of condom use, and a false sense of security due to advancements in HIV treatment.
This shift is particularly concerning in light of rising STI rates among young people. Diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are resurging, with some strains becoming resistant to antibiotics. Without the protection that condoms offer, young people are more vulnerable to these infections, many of which can have long-term health consequences if left untreated.
One of the critical failures leading to the decline in condom use is the lack of comprehensive sexual education. In many parts of the world, young people are not adequately informed about the importance of condoms, both for preventing pregnancies and for protection against STIs. In some cultures, discussing sexual health is still taboo, leading to misinformation and risky behaviours.
Educational institutions, parents, and public health campaigns must step up their efforts to inform young people about the importance of safe sex. This includes not only promoting condom use, but also addressing the misconceptions and cultural barriers that prevent young people from making informed decisions about their sexual health. Governments and health organizations need to reinvigorate campaigns that promote condom use, particularly targeting young people. This includes leveraging social media and other platforms where young people are most active, as well as making condoms more accessible and affordable.
Moreover, public health messaging must adapt to the realities of young people's lives today. This means acknowledging the complex factors that influence sexual behaviour, including peer pressure, the influence of media, and the rise of dating apps that have changed the landscape of sexual relationships.
The WHO warning should not be taken lightly. It is a clear signal that even us here in Guyana are at risk of reversing the progress made in sexual health over the past few decades.
The cost of inaction is too high, and the consequences too severe, to ignore this warning.
Dr Ramcharan’s ramblings on democracy
and autocracy leave much to be desired
Dear Editor
When an esteemed academician such as Dr Bertrand Ramcharan - former Chancellor of the University of Guyanawrites a poorly constructed article that cries out for substantive evidentiary empirical support, it numbs the mind and calls into question the legitimacy we, as Guyanese, place on prominent individuals.
In his published article, “Whither Guyana: Autocracy or Democracy”, Dr Ramcharan utilized Anne Applebaum’s book, Autocracy Inc., to launch and fashion his analysis and guise his intent.
Any academician of note would readily admit that Applebaum’s book is simply a right-wing journalist’s presentation of autocracy, and not a valid empirical study that can withstand rigorous scrutiny or applicability. Hence, it is disappointing for Dr. Ramcharan, a respected academician, to utilise the book as a reliable source of evidentiary support for his assessment of the Guyanese situation.
In fact, Dr Ramcharan seemed less concerned about the structure of social scientific thinking which guides one’s presentation/ analysis. These include: (i) authorial intent: that is, the clearly stated purpose of the author; (ii) thematization: the topic, or words chosen by the
author, and how they are presented; (iii) object constitution: how the author lays out his objectives; and (iv) historicity: the actual history, not myths created by the author.
Now, all of this may sound too highfalutin to the average reader, but what it means is that every writer – me included – when writing, has a purpose in mind, and chooses what and how we present our arguments supported by facts for a given period. This is to facilitate readers’ understanding.
In going through Dr. Ramcharan’s article, one finds ramblings about autocrats from various countries, then fleeting remarks on Guyana under the leadership of Jagan, Burnham, Hoyte, after which he turned to NGOs (non-governmental organizations). Supposedly, these organizations concern themselves with such things as human and voters’ rights, health, poverty etc. Their sources of funding are from grants and donations, and since they are not under the auspices or control of the national government, they are not subject to rigorous scrutiny or accountability as to their intent.
So, it is not clear why Dr. Ramcharan called into question efforts to hold NGOs accountable. Dr. Ramcharan should have disclosed to whom these organizations are accountable.
Throughout his presen-
tation, Dr Ramcharan waffled between Democracy and Autocracy, using such sentences as, “There are also shades of autocracy (twice)”, and then saying, “The spirit of governance smells of autocracy”. Then he finally concluded, “Until Guyana succeeds in devising a trusted system of governance, it will remain precariously poised between democracy and autocracy, with vibes of autocracy manifesting themselves in governance of the country”. Through these sentences, Dr Ramcharan seems to be revealing his true intent of presenting information to mislead the public on Guyana’s system of governance.
Not only did Dr Ramcharan fail to provide empirical evidence to support his rambling claims, he also failed to present meaningful or coherent definitions of his use of the terms “democracy” and “autocracy”.
In this regard, Dr. Randy Persaud’s remarks may shed some light when he stated, “The fact that Dr Ramcharan himself can get his highly flawed claims published in a major national newspaper only highlights the point that Guyana is a fully open society.” To which I may add that autocratic societies are not open nation-states.
Regards,
Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus
Caricom Chair, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, is pictured with Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett and members of staff of the Secretariat on Thursday. Prime Minister Mitchell is presently leading a delegation from Grenada to Guyana with the aim of improving trade relations between the two countries
Jagdeo is admired as a political leader
Dear Editor, Conversations with Opposition politicians and critics around the country find many underrating Bharrat Jagdeo’s political savviness and acumen, much to their electoral detriment. It will be an uphill task to defeat him in the 2025 elections. People are voting for him, and there is hardly anyone in the Opposition who poses a strong challenge to Jagdeo. His rise to power and his leadership style have sparked admiration as well as criticism, but regardless of one's political stance on the PPP leader, there is no doubt that he is among the smartest politicians in the country. He is street-smart, cunning, astute, and politically shrewd. He knows local and national politics well, and plays politics expertly.
There is no other person like him in political gamesmanship, not in his party and not in the Opposition. And unlike other politicians, he is a perennial election campaigner
who lives, thinks and acts in ways to win an election. He prepared the party for victory in 2020, and has been doing so for the election of November 2025.
The PPP leader has traits and qualities that have worked for him ever since he became Finance Minister (1994) and President (1999). President Janet Jagan must have seen something in him in terms of leadership, in July 1999, to make way for his ascent to the Presidency. He did not disappoint. In the early years of his Presidency, he worked in collaboration with seniors in the party and the opposition, winning over critics and detractors like his founder-leader Cheddi Jagan of the PPP. Jagdeo has single-handedly led from the front. And since becoming President, he has built an aura around himself to put the supporters of the Opposition or the PNC in their place, much to the delight and cheer of his base.
Conversations with admirers and critics re-
veal words used to describe him: self-motivated, self-confident, courageous, success-driven, proactive, inspiring, knowledgeable, strategic, determined to succeed, results-oriented, organized, resilient, insightful, hard-working, details-oriented, assertive, passionate, success-driven, and decisive when making decisions.
It is noted that Jagdeo comes across as a person who reads a lot, a voracious reader who reads up on every project to be undertaken by the Government, even on subjects he never studied. He has a great work ethic, and has been an effective, successful leader of his party. There is no doubt that he is the most powerful person in the party, and by extension in the country. He remains the most popular political figure, though not necessarily the most liked, in the country and the diaspora.
He is extremely sharp in analyzing local politics. He knows extremely well the bases of the party and
the Opposition, and how to play to them for maximum electoral gains. His speeches and public addresses often resonate with his party’s masses, and by extension supporters in the diaspora.
There is a kind of personality cult surrounding Jagdeo among party supporters at home and abroad. They love him because they say he fought for them –against electoral rigging, racism, victimization, marginalization, and physical assaults, including the murder of several business people.
Those who describe Jagdeo negatively don’t understand his ability to influence people, and the power he holds, especially over Indians. He knows how to charm them to retain his influence over them. He can do no wrong in the eyes of the Indian masses, and even the elite. That is not surprising. When Indian business people were kidnapped and dozens murdered in 2002 and 2003, Jagdeo stood for them. He fearless-
Linden highway renovation long overdue
Dear Editor,
Recent signing of the contract to rehabilitate and modernize the Linden Highway represents a monumental step forward for all who traverse this critical stretch of road. For years, the highway has been synonymous with peril, as too many lives have been tragically lost, limbs severed, and vehicles damaged due to both reckless driving and the poor state of the roadway.
The need for action has been glaringly obvious, and countless letters and pleas for intervention are finally being answered. The visible and invisible showing of excitement surrounding this development is palpable, and for good reason. As a proud Lindener and a very frequent user of this highway, I can attest that this news of the highway’s imminent renovation is a welcome relief to all who rely on this route.
The improvements set to be made would significantly enhance the safety and convenience of the highway, transforming it
into a more modern and reliable artery that connects communities and facilitates smoother travel. The much-needed installation of lights, reflective signage, road markings and rest stops marks a major step toward bringing our infrastructure in line with the demands of a growing and progressing nation.
The prospect of job creation through this project adds another layer of optimism for the future. The local economy of the communities along the highway and into Linden should be given opportunity to benefit from employment opportunities that would emerge as construction gets underway. This development is not only about improving a roadway, but equally about uplifting the lives of those who call this area home. The potential influx of jobs, if given, can provide the much-needed economic boost to many communities, including Linden, which can enable many families to ease the burden of the extremely high cost of living and enjoy a better quality
of life.
However, while we celebrate the signing of this contract, it is essential that the contractor/s remain(s) fully committed to the project’s success. This is not just another construction job; it is a lifeline for many who depend on the highway for their daily commute and livelihood. As such, the contractor(s) must honour all contractual obligations, ensuring that the work is carried out with the highest standards of quality and integrity. Our supervising engineers also must be professional in every regard.
Cutting corners or delaying the project would only exacerbate the issues we have long faced.
Completion of the highway within the stipulated timeline is equally critical. Timely delivery would not only restore normalcy to the lives of commuters, but would also demonstrate the contractor's professionalism and reliability. The people of Linden, and all who use this roadway, deserve nothing less than a roadway that reflects the prom-
ly and resolutely dealt with the killers. Hardly anyone else connected to the PPP at the time demonstrated such resoluteness to deal with the criminals who ran havoc, murdering business people.
Jagdeo has a vision for the country in terms of national development, and would like for policies to be carried out efficiently. He is an action-oriented leader who wants to get things done and quickly, though efficiently. He is known for his ability to make bold, decisive decisions, especially on mega projects, implementing policies that prioritize economic growth. And since the Venezuela threat post2021, he has focused on national security by courting the Americans to stand with Guyana.
The PPP leader has excellent communication skills, that have helped him connect with the party’s base; he talks the language they want to hear. He has projected a strong public image as a tough guy, an approach that has inspired trust among the party base and created a positive environment for policymaking and implementation. His
ise of progress and safety. Government has shown its commitment to this cause, and now it is incumbent upon the contractor to fulfill that vision by completing the project with precision and dedication.
In conclusion, it is equally important to reiterate that rehabilitation of the Linden Highway represents a watershed moment for the community and the country as a whole. It symbolizes the long-overdue response to the calls for safer and better infrastructure. This development is more than just paving roads; it is about safeguarding lives, boosting the local economy's potential, and steering the nation toward a brighter future. As we celebrate this moment, we must also hold the contractor and the Government accountable for delivering on the promise of a better highway, one that meets the needs of today and lays the foundation for tomorrow.
Yours respectfully,
Jermaine Figueira, MP
implementation of certain economic policies and national political campaigns has earned him praise among the base, and even among critics for his strong, decisive leadership. Those excommunicated from the PPP also admire his decisiveness in policymaking and the mega projects.
His approval rating is above any other in the country, although his likeability rating is lower than several other prominent political figures. It is advisable not to get on his wrong side. If you are a fair critic, he is known to engage you, as found in press conferences and engagements in New York. Jagdeo has, over the last few years, been in campaign mode for the 2025 elections. And there is no dispute that his party is currently in the lead for 2025. It is a gargantuan task, though not impossible, to defeat him in November 2025.
But Aubrey Norton, who is struggling in his party’s base to retain their following, and with nil support among Indians, won’t be able to do it.
Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Page Foundation
◄ Bar Graphs
Graphs are useful ways to display information or data. A ***bar graph*** uses bars to compare two or more things, people or places. The bars in this type of graph may be horizontal or vertical, not both. Each bar represents a number. Because the data is shown visually, the bars can be compared to one another. Sometimes, different coloured bars that represent different things are used.
Example:
Each student at Central High voted for his or her favourite kind of Christmas cake.
The key tells you that the black bars stand for boys and the grey stand for girls. The horizontal line, or ***axis***, at the bottom of the graph names different types of cakes. The vertical axis tells you how many boys and how many girls voted for that kind of cake.
How many boys voted for fruit cake?
Step 1: Find fruit cake on the horizontal axis. Look at the top of each bar in the fruit cake section and follow that line back to the vertical axis to find out how many boys voted for fruit cake. 250 boys voted for fruit cake.
How many students voted for sponge cake?
Step 1: Find sponge cake on the horizontal axis. Look at the top of each bar in the sponge cake section and follow that line back to the vertical axis to find out how many boys and how many girls voted for sponge cake. 400 boys + 300 girls = 700 students.
Exercises:
1) Use the graph below to identify the third most-liked fruit at the time of the year.
2) According to the bar graph below, what was the least favourite holiday drink for students?
By Henry WadsWortH LongfeLLoW
A vision as of crowded city streets,
With human life in endless overflow;
Thunder of thoroughfares; trumpets that blow
To battle; clamor, in obscure retreats, Of sailors landed from their anchored fleets;
Tolling of bells in turrets, and below
Voices of children, and bright flowers that throw
O’er garden-walls their intermingled sweets!
This vision comes to me when I unfold
The volume of the Poet paramount, Whom all the Muses loved, not one alone; —
Into his hands they put the lyre of gold,
And, crowned with sacred laurel at their fount,
Placed him as Musagetes on their throne.
$15.1B Schoonord-to-Crane Highway commissioned
Travel across Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) has been made hassle-free with the commissioning of the much-anticipated Schoonord-to-Crane four-lane Highway on Thursday.
Opened by President Dr Irfaan Ali alongside Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Housing and Water Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues, other Cabinet ministers, and government officials, the new $15.1 billion highway connects Schoonord on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) to Crane on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) with a round-about outfitted with a Totem pole at the intersection that links the two corridors.
During his feature address, President Ali noted that the completion of this four-lane highway is another tranche of the milestones that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government has achieved as part of
efforts to transform the infrastructure network across Guyana – something which he says was not an easy feat.
“We are here on a very significant occasion and that is, not to turn the sod but to open [the Schoonord to Crane highway] … And we have delivered this within two years of COVID, two floods, one drought, two global wars, the highest transportation prices, the highest food prices [and] food insecurity. We have gotten past all of this and delivered above and beyond what we promised in the manifesto,” Ali stated.
According to the Head of State, this highway is a part of a grand vision to transform all the regions in Guyana.
In Region Three alone, he highlighted the unprecedented developments that are taking place both by the government as well as by the private sector that will position the region as the energy capital of Guyana. Pegged as the
fastest-growing region by population, Ali pointed out that this is a stark contrast to the state of affairs in Region Three under the previous government.
“Outside of government’s investments, the private sector is investing billions of dollars in this region. Only four years ago in the region, people were abandoning their lands at Crane… Today, your land in Crane which you were abandoning is valued as much as any piece of land in Georgetown.”
“That did not happen by accident. The value creation that you see in this region did not
happen by accident. It happened by a carefully articulated vision that outlined a clear strategy as to what the development trajectory will be,” President Ali stated.
Meanwhile, the Head of State outlined that this new highway, which runs in the backlands, will open up thousands of acres of land for agriculture development as well as housing developments.
This sentiment was shared by Croal, who noted that in Region Three alone, 11 new housing areas have been established over the years by the PPP/C Administration. In fact, he disclosed over
the past four years, the government has invested heavily in the region’s infrastructure, building new and upgrading existing community roads.
“This highway will immediately bring further development, reduce travel time, reduce traffic congestions, and open up new opportunities for entrepreneurship which bodes well for the longterm viability of West Demerara and its prospect for future development,” Minister Croal stated.
The construction of this Schoonord-to-Crane four-lane highway is part of a much larger initiative to establish a secondary road link to Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). This new highway will be extended to Parika.
Works on this fourlane highway commenced in 2022 when contracts to the tune of $11.8 billion were signed with eight contractors – VR Construction Inc., Avinash Contracting & Scrap Metal Inc.,
L-Heureuse Construction and Services Inc., GuyAmerica Construction Inc., AJM Enterprise, Vals Construction, Puran Bros Disposal Inc, and JS Guyana Inc.
All contractors were required to finish their respective projects by October 25, 2023. However, after massive delays, they were given several extensions that pushed back the project's completion.
This corridor is one of the major transformative projects being undertaken in Region Three and will be connected, at Schoonord, to the new bridge across the Demerara River that is also currently under construction. With the highway to be eventually extended to Parika, it will open up new lands for housing and commercial developments in the region as well.
In Budget 2024, the Government earmarked $9 billion to advance works on the Schoonordto-Crane Highway. (G-8)
NEW GPC awards bursary to 6 NGSA students
Defying all odds and making a name for themselves amongst thousands of students nationwide, six children of parents working at The New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) who excelled at the recent National Grade Six
Assessment (NGSA) were rewarded with bursaries.
These six students are Sheya Singh, Stacia Mahadeo, Ashauna Stuart, Unique Dunbar, Tenecia Lovell, and Yuvrani Seemangal.
For the next five years, each child will receive financial aid pro -
viding that they keep a 60 per cent pass rate every term. This will also be extended to those who choose to further their education at the sixth-form level.
During a simple ceremony on Thursday General Manager, Ravie Ramcharitar encouraged students to main-
tain the determination and zest they displayed during their primary school life.
According to Ramcharitar, if this level of determination and ambition is practiced throughout all facets of life, they can be sure to reap loads of benefits.
“There are key things on which you should focus—anything is possible. You can be the Prime
Minister or CEO of any business. Once you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. Along this journey, there will be better things to come,” Ramcharitar stated.
On the other hand, Marketing Manager Elisabeth Ram expounded on the new phase the students are entering, highlighting the range of emotions they may experience.
“Embrace this new stage in your life as an adventure. See it as a new learning experience to explore and grow. This new school that you are about to attend is where you will meet new friends, discover new interests, and find challenges within yourself in ways you have not yet done. Remember that it is okay to have a mixture of emotions— it’s okay. But you also have to find ways to deal with those emotions. When you embark on your journey next week, be kind to yourself and the children around you. They are also going to be anxious to see what this new school is about. Small acts of kindness will make your school journey a little bit easier,” she reasoned, urging the students to remain humble. The New GPC has been offering bursary awards since 2000.
General Manager at NEW GPC Inc, Ravie Ramcharitar
The new bursary recipients: Sheya Singh, Stacia Mahadeo, Ashauna Stuart, Unique Dunbar, Tenecia Lovell and Yuvrani Seemangal
The new Schoonord-to-Crane four-lane Highway
PPP Councillors rubbish G/town Mayor’s defence of tax cut for political parties
People’s Progressive Party’s councillors sitting on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) have refuted Mayor Alfred Mentore’s defence of the recent move by the cash-strapped City Hall to reduce the taxes owed by political parties.
On Monday, the M&CC passed an ‘Institutional Rate Policy’ seeking to exempt political parties from paying rates and taxes or reducing those sums as low as 25 per cent – a move that would benefit the Peoples National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which owes the Council millions in taxes.
PPP’s Councillor, Steven Jacobs, explained that when this issue was first raised at a Finance Committee meeting, they did not shut it down completely but instead requested that there be extensive deliberations before moving forward with it.
But the PNC-led council went ahead to pass the motion earlier this week much to the objection of the 11 PPP councillors.
“We practically begged [them] not to allow this to happen… I got up and said this should not happen. You’re going through a document and you’re seeing it’s not even a proper document. They’re making changes as they go through just to approve. So, it’s clear that it was even thought-out but we now understand why,” Jacobs contended.
(L-R) PPP Councillors Steven Jacobs, Don Singh and Alfonso De Armas appearing on a broadcast programme to discuss the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s tax cut for political parties
On Wednesday, PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, disclosed that the PNC owes the M&CC a whopping $6.7 billion in rates and taxes for its Congress Place headquarters in Sophia, Greater Georgetown. This is in addition to monies owed for three other properties under the party’s name to the tune of $1.2 million, $988,000 and $3.5 million, respectively.
According to the document seen by this publication, the City Council, led by APNU, is looking to affix this benefit to any property titled to the political party once that party has been in existence for two or more years.
However, Jagdeo argued that as the largest political party, the PPP/C, which is up-todate on its rates and taxes having paid its 2024 dues total of $977,223 since February of this year, did not request nor was consulted outside of the City Council on such a move.
But Georgetown Mayor, Alfred Mentore, during a press conference on Wednesday, defended the decision to slash the rates and taxes owed by political parties, arguing that the implementation of the ‘Institutional Rate Policy’ is to help reduce the financial strain on
parties.
“The political parties are peopled by various citizens of Georgetown, wherever… Political parties work in a social welfare form. They are not-for-profit… Every year or every five years, these parties at a national level got to go seek monies, got to seek donations, got to seek financing to run off elections. Locally, they also need to get monies to be able to do those things. So, it’s natural that those political parties also need a little break, like the citizens as well…”
However, Councillor Don Singh – the sole PPP member on the PNC-controlled Finance Committee at City Hall – rubbished the mayor’s explanation.
“He says this is to give the political a break from campaigning. Are you God darn kidding me, political parties need a break. No! They need to go out and fundraise just like everybody else. You know who needs a break? The citizens of Georgetown! The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown now offer one core service, and that’s garbage collection and they can’t even do that,” the PPP councillor stated.
Singh further noted that he cautioned the City Council that this tax cut, if implemented, should not be retro-
Legalities… …of elections
Over the last four years, your Eyewitness has watched with alarm as the PNC and its opposition partners launched their all-out attack on the PPP in a bid to return to power. Oil money’s a powerful motivator!! Now it’s the goal of all parties to take power; but aren’t there rules?!!
Sadly, the PNC have consistently reminded us over their sixty-odd (very odd!!) years of existence that they don’t give a hoot about rules. Our Constitution, of course, spells out the rules from which all other rules/ laws flow to govern this country; but the PNC flaunted their cynicism to the nation and the world when Burnham scrapped the Independence Constitution and dictated a brand new one - “legalising” the dictatorial powers he’d already been enjoying.
active.
“I didn’t know the figure [owed] at the time but I suspected mischief was afoot so I made sure my thoughts were known that anything owed [by political parties] had to be cleared before anything else would be discussed –any reduction in taxes or so… But clearly, now we see the motive [for the reduction],” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the PPP Councillors argued that the M&CC is in dire need of the billions owned by the PNC, which can be used to settle the City’s debts, including the $1.9 billion owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) or critical upgrades such as to the decades-old trucks used for garbage collection.
“This narrative that the Government is stifling City Council, needs to stop. Just pay your taxes… $6.7 billion can do so much for the City,” PPP Councillor, Alfonso De Armas, posited.
He added, “You know what would save the city… and provide the city with the revenues that we need to take Georgetown into the future, not even the future but the present, is if they pay their rates and taxes if the party that they represent pays their rates and taxes. That’s what would save us.”
With all of that, though, Burnham always observed the FORMS of legality, even though he ground the SUBSTANCE of the laws into dust. Take elections. Burnham could’ve followed the lead of many tinpot dictators, especially in Africa, and make himself President for life. But he didn’t. He dutifully held elections, which he just as dutifully rigged!! He was of the firm belief that the higher-powers -that-be didn’t care about the fine print, and read only the headlines: “PNC wins elections”!!
He refined rigging to a fine art, and showed creativity in his methods. In 1968, he used the overseas vote and proxies; in 1973, he used the army to seize the ballot boxes, killing some PPP members as collateral damage; in 1980, he again used the army, but refrained from shooting anyone this time. His successor Hoyte rigged a bigger majority than he ever did - by ejecting PPP election agents from polling places and refusing to count ballots at the places of polling.
Fast forward to the present, where the PNC and the Opposition’s pi55ed at Granger for not going ahead with Mingo’s manoeuvres!! Their first move was to kick out Granger and his army cohorts; their second was to replace him with Norton - whose looks announced he is “Willing to rumble in and out of the jungle!!” To their consternation, they forgot the admonition “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, as Norton confined his attacks on the PPP by glowering and not shaking hands!!
But with elections now only a year away, Norton realises he doesn’t need much more than 5000 votes or so to become President. Against the importunings of the erstwhile kingmakers, he’s unveiled a kinder, gentler PNC to attract “nontraditional voters” - who might’ve shied away from their old rough and tough bullyism ways. But that doesn’t mean he’s lost his PNC DNA!! He’s also insisting that the PPP only won in 2020 because they messed around with the “bloated list”! He wants this fixed!
Just observing the legalities like Burnham - to protest violently after losing??
…and sources
One of the institutions the British passed on to us to impart the rules of civilised behaviour is the game of cricket. We learnt on the playing fields of our schools that the rules of cricket are sacrosanct, and the decision of the umpire - who enforces those rules - aren’t to be questioned. It’s just “not cricket!” For instance, the rule of being “out” if you inadvertently back into your stumps may not be “fair”, but that’s the rule, and you walk back to the pavilion. We in the West Indies became noted for walking in all sorts of circumstances, even when the umpire hadn’t noticed our error. WE KNEW, and that’s what mattered for us to keep our honour.
Running a country is serious business, but, ultimately, it comes back to the morality that our leaders were supposed to have imbibed on the cricket fields and in their homes to “do the right thing”.
And “walk” when the rules say so.
…and Mad Maduro
One reason for the existence of voting machines is to prevent rigging – by showing the electronic printout of votes. Why has the majority of Caricom rejected asking that these printouts be shown to prove Mad Maduro really won??
Georgetown Mayor
Alfred Mentore
Govt ensuring infrastructure works on par with int’l standards by hiring best supervisory firms – Pres Ali
In keeping with the Government’s commitment to ensure that Guyana’s infrastructural landscape is on par with international standards, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said his administration will con-
tinue to acquire the services of the best supervisory and consultancy firms around the globe.
According to the Head of State, the government has a new, well-thought-out, and carefully articulated
plan for Guyana that requires a higher level of expertise.
He made this revelation on Wednesday during the signing ceremony for the reconstruction of the US$161 million Linden-Soesdyke
Police investigating another sexual assault allegation against Paul Slowe
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday announced that it is currently investigating another serious allegation made under the Sexual (Offences) Act of Guyana by a female against Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe.
Back in October 2021, Slowe was slapped with three counts of sexual assault charges committed on a
female. These charges are still pending in the Magistrate’s Court. However, the former senior police officer has been exhibiting criminal behaviour on the social media platform with his malicious attacks on the female victim, thereby causing her to endure more trauma and irreparable harm and such action is contrary to the spirit and true intention of the Sexual (Offences) Act.
“These utterances and attacks on a victim of a sexual offence represent a clear breach of the Sexual (Offences) Act of Guyana,” the GPF stated in a release.
As such, having received a report of this breach, the GPF in collaboration with its overseas counterpart, has commenced an investigation after which legal advice will be sought. The probe is ongoing.
It was reported that between March 26 and April 2; on March 29 and on April 2, 2019 –at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Slowe sexually assaulted a senior Policewoman by rubbing her left leg and foot without her consent.
He was not required to plead to the indictable charges and was released on $350,000 bail.
globe is looking at us and they're coming,” the President articulated.
Against this backdrop, the Guyanese leader highlighted that by the time his government is finished, Guyana’s economy will be the most advanced, most diversified, and most integrated one with its urban and regional planning as the best in the hemisphere.
Edghill related. Several ongoing infrastructural projects in Guyana are currently being managed by international firms, including the US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge which is being supervised by Italian firm Politecnica.
Highway, where it was announced that international consultant, Absheek Engineering of Kuwait and C.B. & Associates Inc. will monitor the progress of the project to ensure it
On the other hand, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill shared similar sentiments, noting that the administration’s move to hire the best supervisory and consultancy firms
stays on track with little to no delays. That contract totals some US$1.7 million.
“Today we have the most diversified portfolio of investors in the region, we have the most diversified portfolio of lenders in the region, we have the most diversified portfolio of project financing in the region, we have the most diversified project managers, construction company, and consultants in the region. That tells you that we’re the eye of the storm, we are the eye of the region and the
is aimed at ensuring the nation gets value for money.
“When we are spending government’s money apart from the skills that are there locally, the engineers and the project management people at the Ministry of Public Works – the government has safeguarded the people’s monies by ensuring we bring in international companies to supervise and to do the necessary things to ensure we get high-quality work and value for money in all of our projects in Guyana,”
Additionally, the US$192 million Phase II of the East Coast Road Project an extension of the Railway Embankment Road into four lanes from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau, extension of the main East Coast Roadway from Orange Nassau to Mahaica is being supervised by West Indian firm Beston Consulting Incorporated. Further, the US$75.8 million East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road improvement project, spanning from Good Success to Timehri, is being supervised by Sheladia Associates, Incorporated. According to Minister Edghill, these companies were selected to oversee projects due to their outstanding portfolios, technical knowledge, and commitment to producing high-quality work. (G-1)
President Dr Irfaan Ali Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
Works ongoing on the Demerara Harbour Bridge
Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe
Over 100 agro-processing businesses confirmed for UncappeD Marketplace 2024
Over 100 argo-processing businesses will be on display at this year’s UncappeD Marketplace, which will be held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara between August 31 and September 1.
The eagerly anticipated UnCappeD event is organized by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and aims to connect local small businesses with a new cohort of customers.
In an interview with this newscast Communication Officer for GMSA, Nikesha Castello revealed that consumers can expect high-quality local products, which include spices, condiments, face creams, beverages, and sauces.
Notably, many of these businesses are owned and operated by women, underscoring the event’s commitment
to gender inclusivity and empowerment.
“There are over 30 new businesses, new members of GMSA that are part of the exhibition. UnCappeD is a platform we have established for like-minded persons to come together in one setting to learn from each other. Whether it's better-
ing their labelling, or their packaging, they need advice. If it's support, they come together now and they can discuss that and learn from each other.”
While the event will see its usual companies involved in agricultural machinery, bottled products, craft, and financing, this year’s
UncappeD promises to be far different, showcasing a wide range of products that were not available in the previous year, and launching several new and innovative ones.
Castello shared that a few new amenities such as a food festival were added to this year’s edition of the event.
“We've included a food festival to Uncapped Marketplace with over 20 food vendors specializing in Guyanese cuisine as well as regional and international cuisine. There will be a cultural show in the evening from 6 pm to 8 pm both nights…We also have corporate entities participating in Uncapped such as Republic Bank, IPED, Guyana School of Agriculture, and Guyana Marketing Corporation to offer advice whether it's financing or finding courses that they can use to better themselves. We have corporate sponsors such as Sterling Products that can offer them advice on larger things that may interest them. It's not just an expo that they can come and sell their products but also to learn from each other and take back something,” she added.
The free weekend event begins at 10:00h
each day, offering a chance to view local agro-products alongside a selection of games, giveaways, and other attractions.
UnCappeD joined the Guyanese market in 2016 and has proven to be a supporting local entrepreneurial and economic development platform that helps small business owner expand their operations to export their products beyond Guyana’s borders.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali is actively working to expand Guyana’s food production sector through agro-processing and has signaled plans to package Guyanese products for sale in International Airports and Supermarkets. This venture is being pursued in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).
Coursera now offering tourism training platform to boost competitiveness in sector
The Government is actively working to boost local tourism by diversifying Guyana’s economy and stimulating much more business activities in communities, however, professionalism among individuals in the field is relatively low.
To address this, the Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Ministry has launched a Coursera Tourism, Entrepreneurship, and Competitiveness Training Platform.
This initiative aims to bolster the skills and expertise of professionals by providing access to a range of specialised sessions, focusing on enhancing service delivery
and fostering industry growth. In this regard, the platform is tailored to equip participants with the practical and theoretical knowledge and insights necessary to excel in their respective roles within the sectors.
In a release issued on Thursday, subject minister, Oneidge Walrond highlighted that the new platform offers a curated selection of courses to address critical developmental areas in the tourism, hospitality, and business sectors.
She added that the initiative seeks to give all Guyanese access to in-demand training and to build capacity among citizens.
“This training pro-
gramme offers Guyanese from all walks of life an invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills in the tourism and business sectors. By participating in this training, individ-
uals can improve their competencies, adapt to the changing demands of the business environment and workforce, and elevate their professional capabilities,” the min-
ister noted.
Further, Walrond related that the government is fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
Meanwhile, speaking about the tourism-specific courses, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kamrul Baksh noted that the platform underscores the GTA’s commitment to advancing the tourism sector.
“These courses are designed to empower our workforce with the skills needed to deliver exceptional service and contribute effectively to the expansion of tourism in Guyana…We want to encourage all stakeholders
within the tourism sector, including individuals and businesses, to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to build their capacity and improve the quality of service provided,” Baksh emphasized.
The platform features courses covering essential topics including but not limited to Sustainable Tourism, Promoting Environmental Public Health offered by the University of Copenhagen, and Sustainable Transportation Networks and Streetscapes and Transportation, Sustainable Buildings, and Green Construction offered by Johns Hopkins University.
One of the booths at a previous UncappeD Marketplace
Govt/LNDCH4 dispute
Arbiters to visit Gas-to-Energy project site – VP Jagdeo
The three-member panel that had been selected to resolve the US$50 million dispute between the Guyana Government and the contractor for the model Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project, Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc. (LNDCH4Guyana), is expected to conduct a visit at the
facility's Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), site.
“The last report I had [was] that the arbiters… will come for a site visit. So, they have to do a site visit… They have to see what has happened on the ground. That was the last report I got last week,” Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
told the Guyana Times during a press conference on Wednesday.
When contacted on Thursday, the GtE Project Lead, Winston Brassington, indicated to this publication that the three-member team
over the timelines of the project and associated costs.
The Joint Venture formed by United States-based companies, Lindsayca and CH4, was awarded the US$759 million contract in November 2022
to build the 300-megawatt Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales – key components of the GtE project.
is in place and is expected to conduct a site visit. However, he could not say when this would happen.
The Guyana Government and Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc. are at loggerheads
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Works ongoing at the Gas-to-Energy project site at Wales, West Bank Demerara
Caribbean Heart Institute performs 1st OCT cardiology procedure in Guyana & Eastern Caribbean
The Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) has said it has successfully performed an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) procedure at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), and this is the very first time that such a procedure has ever been performed in Guyana and in the entire Eastern Caribbean; thus, this pioneering procedure is a significant milestone for the institute.
Haynes, in elaborating on the significance of this achievement, has said: “OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images with superior clarity. The procedure enhances operational efficiency by enabling more accurate diagnoses, and helping (to) guide treatments with precision (in order) to improve patient outcomes, all of which contribute to better overall cardiology procedures.”
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a cutting-edge technology that enables doctors to view the interior of blood vessels without the interference of blood flow. This technique provides exceptionally clear and detailed images that are similar to inserting a tiny camera into the blood vessel to capture high-resolution pictures.
These precise images assist cardiologists to make more informed decisions about treating
heart conditions, because they can accurately determine the optimal location for placing a stent -- a small tube that keeps arteries open. Further, this advanced system incorporates Artificial
Intelligence (AI) with deep learning image analysis to help cardiologists select the most appropriate stent size for each patient. Recent clinical trials have shown that imaging-guided stenting outperforms the angiography-only approach.
Advanced Interventional Cardiologist and lead doctor, Dr. Terrence
He has also praised the procedure for its safety, reliability, and high accuracy, and noted that introduction of OCT technology at CHI represents a transformative step forward in cardiac care.
Dr. Gary Stephens, CEO of CHI, has said, “The Caribbean Heart Institute remains dedicated to innovative solutions and elevating the standard of cardiac care. The successful use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) marks a new chapter in the institute’s ongoing mission to deliver outstanding cardiology services.”
The team that performed the procedure comprised the Head of Cardiology and Medical Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital, who is also Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at the CHI, Dr. Mahendra Carpen; Cardiac Technician Jason Solomon; Registered Nurses Shinice Moore and Marissa Jeffers; and Clinical Specialist from Abbott and Veruschka Sol, Katya Villarreal. Dr Carpen, in expressing appreciation for the introduction of this technology in Guyana, has said, “It will greatly benefit the Cardiology Department, the healthcare sector, the country; and, most importantly, the patients.”
The OCT team
MoE launches refresher training programme for nationwide nursery curriculum rollout
The Ministry of Education’s Nursery Education Sector, in collaboration with the Guyana Education Sector Project Program (GESPP), has initiated a comprehensive four-day refresher training for master trainers, marking a significant milestone in the roll-out of the Guyana Renewed Nursery Curriculum.
This crucial training, held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), is designed to equip master trainers
with the knowledge and pedagogy needed for the nationwide curriculum scale-up, which is set to commence in September 2024.
The Guyana Renewed Nursery Curriculum pilot phase began in September 2022, and concluded in July 2024 with remarkable success. The curriculum, which will soon be implemented across all nursery schools and classes nationwide, has been refined based on extensive feedback from participating educators.
This new phase aims to ensure that every learner in Guyana benefits from an inclusive and nurturing educational en-
vironment.
The necessity for a renewed curriculum stems from the outdated nature of the previous system, which had remained largely unchanged since nursery education was introduced in Guyana in 1976.
According to Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for Nursery, Devendra Persaud, “The education system is dynamic, and what worked well in the past may no longer be effective today. The modern education landscape requires a shift from traditional teaching methods to a more student-centred approach, leveraging technology to en-
hance learning.”
ACEO Persaud, in highlighting the importance of adapting the curriculum to meet contemporary educational needs, has said, “Our vision is to make every child a reader by Grade 3. To achieve this, the curriculum must focus on early literacy and numeracy, which are critical for early school success and long-term achievement. As such, literacy and numeracy will now be separate subjects on the
timetable, reflecting feedback from teachers across the country.” Impending nationwide scale-up of the renewed curriculum would ensure a consistent and high-quality educational experience for all nursery students, with an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.
The Education Ministry has said it remains committed to engaging educators and education specialists to
develop and deliver the best possible educational plan for the nation’s youngest learners.
“I wish all participants success in this refresher training. It is essential that master trainers ask questions, clarify concepts, and ensure that we present a unified approach during the scale-up. We aim for a resounding success in implementing this curriculum across the country,” Persaud has said.
Assistant Chief Education Officer for the Nursery, Devendra Persaud
The training sessions in progress
Caricom IMPACS to implement unified approach to deal with gun crimes
The Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) has said it is committed to adopting a unified approach to combatting firearms-related crimes in the Caribbean Region.
Speaking at the opening of the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit’s (CGIU’s) sensitisation and awareness workshop in St. George’s, Grenada on Monday, Assistant Director of Corporate Services at CARICOM IMPACS, Earl Harris, has declared that in an era where transnational crime transcends borders, a collective approach to the problem is more crucial than ever.
“It is our shared commitment to not only maintain operational support, but also to col-
laborate closely with our partners to enhance the capabilities and capacities of the member
(HSI); Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), to support member states with firearms-related investigations. This collaboration has led to enhanced coordination on several cases, resulting in formal investigations being launched in the US and within several countries in the region.
ing this critical issue.” Herrera disclosed that the partnership with IMPACS on the CGIU reflects the US’ shared recognition of the impact of crime and violence on communities in the region, and added.
states’ firearms units within our region,” he elaborated.
Harris spoke about the CGIU and the advancements that have been made since it became operational in 2023 in terms of the integration of firearms data and information, transforming them into actionable intelligence and insights that can be used by law enforcement agencies to initiate investigations.
With support from the United States’ Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the CGIU has been working collaboratively with other agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations
Grenada’s Prime Minister, Caricom Chairman Dickon Mitchell, stressing that countries need to cooperate with the CGIU to curb the flow of illegal firearms into the Caribbean, has said, “We cannot only advocate, but we must take proactive measures to keep our citizens safe.”
In this regard, Prime Minister Mitchell noted that Grenada has recently amended its Firearms Act.
Principal Officer at the US Embassy in Grenada, Frances Herrera, in highlighting some of the work being done by the US Government to stem the flow of illicit firearms in the Caribbean, has said, “The US Government has already invested over US$10 million in security assistance to combat firearms-trafficking in the Caribbean, supported further by the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). This ongoing effort underscores our commitment to address-
“By improving citizen security and removing guns from the streets, we aim to fulfill the fundamental need for safety among our citizens and residents. This initiative represents the commitment of the US to work alongside Grenada and our regional partners to reduce the movement of firearms in our region. We have already seen successes, with numerous cases (having been) investigated since the CGIU's inception.”
She also echoed Harris’s sentiments and reiterated that future success relies on genuine partnership and collaboration among all stakeholders, with the effectiveness of the CGIU being dependent on the continued engagement and active participation of all member states. This, the third sensitisation session being conducted by the CGIU, follows those conducted in St. Kitts and Nevis and in Barbados. It was held from August 26 to August 28, 2024 at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, and was attended by government officials, law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, and customs officials of Grenada.
New Demerara River Bridge to...
Wismar bridge
Meanwhile, as part of his administration’s push to enhance the lives of all Guyanese throughout the country, President Ali also announced that there will also be no fee at the new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).
“At the time the Demerara River Bridge
is made toll-free, the Wismar Bridge will also be made toll-free… We are bridging the hearts and minds of every Guyanese. We are bridging every community and we are doing it free of cost because we’re doing it out of the abundance of love,” the Head of State noted during Thursday’s announcements. Only earlier this week, it was reported that works have commenced on new
four-lane bridge, connecting Wismar and Mackenzie across the upper Demerara River. It is being built at the same location as the current bridge. This project, undertaken by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, involves constructing a 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge with vital safety features such as lighting. (G-8)
Prime Minister of Grenada, Caricom Chairman Dickon Mitchell (centre), is seen with Principal Officer of the US Embassy in Grenada, Frances Herrera (right), and Assistant Director of Corporate Services at Caricom IMPACS, Earl Harris
Private security officers undergo fire prevention training
The Guyana Association of Private Security Organizations (GAPSO), in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), recently hosted a comprehensive fire prevention training programme for its members in an initiative aimed at equipping security of-
ficers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard lives and properties. Sponsored by leading GAPSO members, the focus of this training programme was on equipping security officers with the tools to prevent and mitigate fire risks.
Participants, who came from prominent GAPSO member organizations such as Sheriff Security Services, Castle Services, Northwest Security, and Sentinel Security, were actively engaged in training which provided both classroom instruction and hands-
on demonstrations in a wide range of fire safety topics, including principles, prevention measures, detection and alarm systems, suppression techniques, and emergency response protocols.
Participants were provided with practical understanding of fire
safety measures and their application in real-world scenarios.
GAPSO VicePresident Paul DeFreitas has said, “By empowering our security officers with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to fire emergencies, we are directly enhancing
the safety and security of our clients’ properties and assets. This investment in our members’ professional development translates into a higher level of protection for our clients, providing them with peace of mind and reducing their risk of financial loss.”
Arbiters to visit Gas-to-Energy project site...
However, there was a three-month delay in other components of the project that would affect LNDCH4-Guyana’s delivery of the power plant in accordance with the contractual timelines. While the government has extended the deadline by three months, the contractor is not satisfied and wants more time.
Moreover, LNDCH4Guyana is making financial claims to the tune of US$50 million, stating that the delays would cost the company. The Guyana Government has already rejected this financial claim thus resulting in the contractor activating a dispute resolution mechanism – a process called ‘Dispute Adjudication and Arbitration Board.’
The three-member Dispute Avoidance/
Adjudication Board (DAAB) has already been set up to mediate between the Guyana Government and the JV company and at the end of this process, if either party is not satisfied with the outcome, then they can ask for arbitration.
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s flagship GtE initiative is divided into five components: the pipeline from offshore production activities to Wales, then the building of power plant and NGL facilities, the transmission main to move power generated at the power plant, a new control centre at Eccles, East Bank Demerara and upgrading the national power grid.
While LNDCH4-
Guyana was given the contract to build the two plants, the procurement and installation of the 225-km gas pipeline from the Wales project site to the offshore oil field is being executed by US oil major ExxonMobil Guyana, which is carrying out production activities in the Stabroek Block.
The installation of the US$1 billion pipeline also includes the upgrade of the roads to get to the site at Wales, the Material Offloading Facility (MOF) and site preparation for 100 acres as well as a lay-down yard – all undertaken by Exxon and subcontracted out. However, there were three-month delays in the handing over of two of these components to LNDCH4-Guyana for them to start their work.
In light of the delays, the government has extended the deadline by three months but the contractor is pushing for a six-month extension alongside the financial claims.
This request, however, was rejected by the government, which was advised by the project consultant, Engineers India Limited (EIL), that the company is not eligible for any financial payments.
Based on the contract, LNDCH4-Guyana is required to deliver 228 MW of power with four gas turbines coming on stream at the end of 2024 at 57 MW each. To get the entire 300 MW, another two steam turbines are expected by the end of 2025.
“What we have is a delay for the four tur-
bines [to be installed]… And the delay, we believe, is by three months so taking it to end March [2025]… [But now] the contractor wants to complete the gas turbines by August [2025].”
“So, that is where we’re arguing the threemonth’s delay came from. [The contractors] want a longer period because of the liquidating damages… If they don’t complete the project on time, it’s over US$11 million per month they have to pay in liquidating damages for delay on the project. So, they’re arguing we need more time than the three months but we’re saying three months is adequate for you because that’s the delay we’ve had,” VP Jagdeo had explained back in April.
The Vice President
had stated that it is unclear how long the dispute resolution process would take to be determined.
But even as the parties seek to resolve this dispute, the Guyana Government has maintained that this issue would not impact the project and works continue on the ground.
Only last week, Jagdeo reaffirmed government’s commitment to this project even if it means funding it from the local budget. In fact, as Guyana awaits approval for a US$646 million loan from the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, the PPP/C Administration has already injected some US$400 million into the GtE initiative – more than half of the project cost.
Members of the GFS conducting classroom training
Security personnel during practical drills
EU won't recognise ‘democratic legitimacy’ of Venezuela’s Maduro
The European Union does not recognise the “democratic legitimacy” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after his re-election last month, the bloc’s top diplomat said on Thursday.
“He will remain president de facto. Yes, de facto. But we deny democratic legitimacy based on a result that cannot be verified,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said during a press conference in Brussels after a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers.
“We believe that the electoral victory that he’s claiming was not endorsed, it’s not approved. And therefore we have no reason to believe it,” Borrell added.
He also said that the EU would continue to maintain relations with Maduro’s Venezuela, as it does with other countries where it does not recognise the democratic legitimacy of leaders, such as Nicaragua.
“In diplomacy, it’s not governments, but it’s states that are recognised.”
Maduro was declared the winner of the July 28 election, but the opposition — which had been leading in the polls — cried foul, publishing its own voting records on a website appearing to show a convincing win for candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Gonzalez Urrutia, a retired former diplomat in his 70s, became a last-minute candi-
date after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was banned from running in the election. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) has refused to publish its records, claiming hackers had corrupted the data.
Venezuela’s strongman leader Maduro has called for the arrest of Gonzalez Urrutia, not seen in public since a July 30 opposition march.
Gonzalez Urrutia also briefed EU foreign ministers on the situation in Venezuela by video link during the meeting.
Borrell said the EU would “maintain close contact with and support the opposition”. (AFP)
Israel agrees to pauses in fighting for polio vaccine drive
The WHO is aiming to achieve 90% vaccine coverage across the strip, which is needed to stop transmission of the virus within Gaza
Israel has agreed to a series of “humanitarian pauses” in Gaza to allow for the vaccination of children against polio, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
The campaign will aim to vaccinate around 640,000 children across the Gaza strip and will begin on Sunday, senior WHO official Rik Peeperkorn said. It will be rolled out in three separate stages, across the central, southern and northern parts of the strip. During each stage, fighting will pause for three consecutive days between 06:00 and 15:00 local time.
place for an additional fourth day of vaccination and humanitarian pause if needed to achieve that level of vaccination.
Poliovirus is highly infectious and is most often spread through sewage and contaminated water.
It can cause disfigurement and paralysis, and is potentially fatal. It mainly affects children under the age of five.
Around the World
Reggae singer Jah Cure remanded
as Dutch prosecutors challenge attempted murder acquittal
Reggae singer Jah Cure will continue serving his six-year sentence for attempted manslaughter in the Netherlands, a Dutch judge ruled last week.
The Love Is singer appeared in a pro forma hearing in a Dutch court as prosecutors have been pushing to overturn his attempted
murder acquittal.
“The process is still in the hands of the investigative judge for the hearing of witnesses. The next pro forma date is November 12,”
Tuscha Essed, press officer for the Public Prosecution Service on appeal, told Observer Online.
Jah Cure appeared in court for the pro forma hearing on August 21.
According to Dutch law, inmates have to attend a pro forma hearing, while awaiting a court date for the actual trial; therefore, a judge has to decide about the incarceration (whether to keep a suspect incarcerated or not) every 90 days.
In March 2022, the Jamaican singer, whose real name is Siccature Alcock, was convicted of attempt-
ed manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison after he stabbed a Dutch concert promoter over unpaid performance fees in October 2021.
The trial judges had ruled that Jah Cure’s actions were not a premeditated act of attempted murder, and he was acquitted of the more serious charge. However, following the sentence, Dutch prosecutors appealed against the acquittal of the attempted murder charge.
He was remanded in January 2024, pending a new trial.
Jah Cure is known for the hit songs Longing For, Love Is, That Girl, and True Reflection (Behind These Prison Walls). (Jamaica Obersver)
Exclusive: Harris widens lead over Trump, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump 45% to 41% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Thursday that showed the vice president sparking new enthusiasm among voters and shaking up the race ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
Around 1.26m doses of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) are already in Gaza, with 400,000 additional doses set to arrive soon.
The campaign will be administered by "the Palestinian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA". Over 2,000 health and community outreach workers have been trained to administer the vaccine.
The WHO is aiming to achieve 90% vaccine coverage across the strip, which is needed to stop transmission of the virus within Gaza.
An agreement is in
The agreement comes days after UN officials said a 10-month-old baby had been partially paralysed after contracting Gaza’s first case of polio for 25 years.
The WHO says immunisation rates in Gaza and the occupied West Bank were optimal before the conflict. Polio vaccine coverage was estimated at 99% in 2022, although it had declined to 89% last year, according to the latest data.
The Israeli military said in July it had begun vaccinating its soldiers against the disease.
Hamas official Basem Naim told the Reuters news agency: "We are ready to cooperate with international organisations to secure this campaign, serving and protecting more than 650,000 Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the series of threeday pauses were "not a ceasefire". (BBC)
The 4 percentage point advantage among registered voters was wider than a 1 point lead Harris held over the former president in a late July Reuters/ Ipsos poll. The new poll, which was conducted in the eight days ended Wednesday and had a 2 percentage point margin of error, showed Harris picking up support among women and Hispanics.
Harris led Trump by 49% to 36% - or 13 percentage points - among both women voters and Hispanic voters. Across four Reuters/Ipsos polls conducted in July, Harris had a 9 point lead among women and a 6 point lead among Hispanics.
Trump led among white voters and men, both by similar margins as in July, though his lead among voters without a college degree narrowed to 7 points in the latest survey, down from 14 points in July. The
findings illustrate how the U.S. presidential race has been shaken up over the summer. President Joe Biden, 81, folded his flailing campaign on July 21 after a disastrous debate performance against Trump sparked widespread calls from his fellow Democrats to abandon his re-election bid.
Since then, Harris has gained ground against Trump in national polls and those in critical swing states. While national surveys including Reuters/ Ipsos' give important signals on the views of the electorate, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College determine the winner, with a handful of battleground states likely to be decisive. In the
seven states where the 2020 election was closestWisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan and Nevada - Trump had a 45% to 43% lead over Harris among registered voters in the poll.
"It's obvious that running against Harris is more challenging for Trump given the shift in these numbers, but it's certainly not insurmountable," said Matt Wolking, a Republican campaign strategist who worked on Trump's 2020 campaign. He said Trump needs to stay as focused as possible in his campaign "so he's not scaring" away voters who were leaning his way because they didn't like Biden. (Reuters)
Jah Cure
A combination picture shows Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris
DAILY HOROSCOPES
Buy into something that makes you money, not takes your money. Learn something new, express what you want to pursue and socialize with people. Embrace life, love and adventure.
Look for someone who motivates you or for activities that rejuvenate you. Address domestic or emotional issues. Size up situations and do what's necessary to achieve peace and happiness.
Try something new; a change of scenery will point you in a new direction. Attend social events or contact someone you want to get to know better. Now's the time to broaden your horizons.
When in doubt, wait until you feel confident that you are doing what's best for you. Refuse to let people pressure you to do something that leaves you feeling stressed and anxious. A creative outlet will ease your mind.
An innovative approach to learning, exploring and changing your lifestyle will spark your imagination. The people you meet and the information you gather will help transform what you already have.
A change will give you renewed hope and motivate you to initiate your plans. Get involved in something you enjoy doing. Believe in yourself and refuse to let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams.
Channel your energy into something that helps transform what you don't like into something that energizes you. A change will prompt you to be innovative and use your imagination.
Consider your options from beginning to end; get a broader picture. A change may be inviting, but your reasoning must be valid. Do the research and map out a long-term plan.
Up your game, look your best and show what you can do. An opening will supercharge your imagination and give you the charisma to charm your way past anyone. Go for the brass ring.
You may think you know what you want, but you are better off taking a pass until you look at the logistics involved. Focus on lowering stress and sticking to the people you can count on and pastimes that you enjoy.
Follow your heart and set expectations that motivate you to engage in activities conducive to reaching your dreams. Play an active role in what unfolds, leave nothing to chance and don't hesitate to change your mind. Don't let anger take the reins when success is the best revenge. Discipline and hard work are necessary; don't give anyone else a say in what you are trying to make happen.
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES PICKLES
Preparation underway for President’s Cup horse meeting
Quality horse racing will take centre stage on Sunday, September 22, at the Rising Sun Turf Club when the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) hosts the 2024 President’s Cup race meeting.
After an exhilarating Guyana Cup earlier this month, the horses, having been well rested, have begun preparation for the next major horse racing event in Guyana, the President’s Cup. Horses are currently engaged in workout sessions at various tracks around Guyana, among those being Rising Sun; Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice; and Port Mourant Turf Club.
The organizers have announced that nine races are on the provisional programme, and more than G$15 million will be up for grabs. The feature race of the President’s Cup meet will have a total purse of close to G$6 million and the race will be run at approximately eight furlongs.
That race will be open to all horses three years old and over. 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 forms. Entry forms for the President’s Cup will be at the Port Mourant Racecourse, the Rising
Sun Turf Club, the Bush Lot United Turf Club, and at Lot 106 Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.
Other races on the provisional programme include the three-year-old Guyana and West Indianbred, 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’ class Non-winners in Guyana, H3 and Lower, ‘J’ Class Open to H3 Nonearner in last two starts, K Class/J3 Non-Earner Last Start and the L Class/J Class and K Class and NonEarner Last Start.
Entries for this year’s
Back Circle, Sparta Boss meet again in finals
After witnessing exciting semifinal action during the ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ tournament, played on Thursday, August 28, 2024 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, spectators would be witnessing a rerun of the ‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ finals on Saturday, August 31st, with Back Circle and Sparta Boss vying again for another coveted title.
In the first semifinal of the night, Sparta Boss became the first team to secure their place in the finals with a miraculous victory over underdogs North East La Penitence.
The scoreline read 6-3, since Sparta’s Ryan Hackett contributed a phenomenal hat-trick of goals, Captain Curtez Kellman contributed a double, and Darron Niles had one goal to his name.
Carl Griffith showcased his ability to put the ball at the back of the net, as he netted a miraculous hattrick of goals for North East
La Penitence. That, however, was not enough to carry his team over the finish line towards the win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Captain Curtez Kellman of Sparta Boss admitted to feeling great because of the win, and disclosed that preparation would be key in coming into the next game. Kellman said, “Obviously, everyone like that in baseball can win. Obviously, get to that win, it brings a good feeling. Coming into this game, each and every player was well-enthusiastic about the fixtures, and getting results is a very good look. I think it’s a different tournament, different players. I think the way how we prepare for this one, it all comes down to our preparation. The way we prepare is going to be different from the previous fixtures. Going into the next fixtures, where we come up against, we have to prepare well.”
The final game of the night was filled with excite-
President’s Cup will be opened on September 11 and closed on September 17. No late entries will be accepted.
Slingerz Racing Stables, who are the reigning Guyana Cup champi-
ment, Back Circle emerging on top of proceedings over Bent Street as they managed to start off the game by putting the ball at the back of the net early in the 3rd minute, compliments of Beveney Marks; and in the 4th it off the feet of Stephen Mc Lean. They were up by 2 goals, giving them a major advantage for the first half.
The second half saw Bent Street playing possession, which benefitted them, as they managed to net a goal from Samuel Garnett; and in the dying moments of the game, Daniel Wilson netted another goal, which sent the game into extra time. In extra time, Back Circle’s Simeon Moore and Beveney Marks each scored once, reconfiguring the scoreline to 4-2 in Back Circle’s favour.
Also speaking to the media, Back Circle Captain Simeon Moore explained that their expectations were not fulfilled, due to the tough game and the elements needed for their success. Moore said, “Well, there was a lot of argument, a lot of down spirit. The game was so tough, we didn’t play the game that we thought we could play. Keep playing how we play, the same system we play all the time, just keep getting the far end and pushing the score. It worked great for me. It wasn’t 100%, but I’m still working on it, and I’m going for the win.”
Just a week ago, Back Circle and Sparta Boss met in the finals of the ‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ tournament, and Back Circle prevailed with the scoreline reading 3-1.
ons 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 acclimatise for the Guyana Cup have certainly acclimatised for Sunday, September 22, when the President’s Cup would be held.
Farmsup collaborate with LGC to kickstart Guyana Open Golf season
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is set to host a highly anticipated Farmsup-sponsored golf tournament on Sunday, September 1st, 2024. It is expected to draw seasoned golfers from across the region, and the format to be employed promises both competitive play and camaraderie among participants. This tournament, a medal play over 18 holes event, is expected to tee off at 09:00 am.
LGC Public Relations Officer Brian Hackett, declaring that the club is grateful for Farmsup being on board, has said, “Farmsup has taken a bold and precise step in supporting sports in general, especially golf. This is not Farmsup’s first tournament, and we at the LGC are extremely pleased for making this possible. I am anticipating a great tournament, as many of the country’s top golfers will take to the course on Sunday to test their skills.”
The players will compete in the following categories:
• Men’s Flights: 0-14 Handicap, 15-28 Handicap
• Prizes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each flight (based on net scores)
• Special Prizes: Best Ladies’ Prize, Nearest to the Pin (#4), Longest Drive (#5), Best Net Overall, and Best Gross.
This event will follow a traditional medal play for-
mat in which competitors would be vying for honours across multiple categories. The course’s challenging layout would test the skill and precision of all golfers, promising an exciting day of play. The tournament would also include special contests such as Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement.
The event would culminate in a prize presentation ceremony at around 1:00pm, wherein the winners would be celebrated for their achievements.
Founded in the 1990s in Guyana, FarmSup began as a small supplier of agricultural inputs like fertilizers and seeds, but quickly grew as it expanded its product range and formed partnerships with international brands to introduce advanced farming technology to local farmers.
By the early 2000s, Farmsup had become a major player in Guyana’s agricultural sector, and had become known for enhancing
farming practices through quality products and training. With over 150 staff members on board, Farmsup operates not only in the agriculture sector, but also in construction, mining, marine, power-generation and warehouse solutions.
The company also represents an impressive lineup of world-renowned brands, including Develon, Bobcat, Mercury Marine, Tatu, Jacto, Shaktiman, Solis, Volvo, Penta, and more. Today, FarmSup remains a leading supplier in Guyana.
The LGC is reminding participants to register by contacting the Lusignan Golf Club directly at 2205660, or via WhatsApp at 677-3758. Participants are asked to ensure their registration is completed by 5:30pm on August 30th. On the day of the tournament, participants should reach out to the Club Manager or the Club Captain to collect their scorecards, settle the tournament fee, and prepare for tee-off.
Guyana Cup winner Olympic Kremlin will be looking to dominate the President’s Cup meeting
Farmsup’s Managing Director Jason van Dijk handing over the sponsorship cheque to LGC PRO Brian Hackett in the presence of Farmsup’s Service Manager Frank Thomas and Sales Manager Dale Van Sluytman
Finalist Back Circle
Massy WCPL…
Barbados Royals defend title in low-scoring thriller
The Barbados Royals have captured their second Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title in three years, after defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders by 4 wickets on their home turf at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
A sensational bowling performance from eventual ‘player of the match’ Aaliyah Alleyne did the trick for the Royals, after Captain Hayley Matthews had their rivals bat first following her win of the toss.
The Knight Rider suffered an early blow when Matthews claimed the wicket of her
opposite number, bowling Deandra Dottin through the gates for 6 from 8 balls in the second over.
Before the Knight Riders could come up for air, Chinelle Henry leapt to catch Jemimah Rodrigues off her own bowling, dismissing the experienced Indian batter for 2 from 6.
Now in a spot of bother, opener Jannillea Glasgow and Shikha Pandey managed to strike up a mini-partnership that got the Knight Riders past the 50-run mark. The third-wicket partnership spanned 43 runs, but the floodgates would opened for
Mohamed’s bowling to send Joseph and Aaliyah Alleyne back to the dugout in quick succession.
At the other end, Athapaththu was resolute for the Royals. A disturbed stump, runout and lbw later, TKR finally looked like they were finding their
while also scooping up the accolade of highest wicket taker for her 11 scalps across the competition. In novelty awards, Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Karishma Ramharack received the best catch accolade, while Alleyne claimed the one for the best celebration.
Athapaththu kept the scorecard ticking for the Barbados Royals
TKR after Aaliyah Alleyne had Glasgow caught by Amanda Jade Wellington, running back from the 30yard circle.
Glasgow’s 24 from 32 became only the second highest score on the TKR card, as Pandey went on to hit 28 from 31 deliveries before falling victim to Alleyne, who rattled her stumps.
Alleyne claimed 2 more wickets to end with figures of 4-21 from 4 overs, leaving the Trinbago Knight Riders at 93-8 from their 20 overs, and ensuring a comfortable chase for the Royals.
Compliments of
World U20 Championships… Clarke falls short in semis, after thrilling first-round win
Another Guyanese athlete ran their way into the semifinal stage at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships on Thursday afternoon in Lima, Peru, but unfortunately luck was not on this athlete’s side, and he missed out in the semifinal.
After falling short in the 100M event, Jackson Clarke rebounded with a dominant performance in the men’s 200M Heats, clocking 21.37s to win Heat 2 and secure an automatic qualifying spot in the semifinals.
However, in Heat 1 of the semifinals, Clarke found himself facing off with Australian Track sensation Gout Gout. While Gout won the semifinal race in 21.07s, Clarke finished 7th in 21.88s, thus missing out on a chance to
progress to the final.
In the Women’s version of the event, Athaleyha Hinckson and Nalicia Glen represented Guyana on the track. Glen was first up in Heat 2 of the 200M event, but unfortunately finished 7th with a time of 25.20s. Jamaica’s Shanoya Douglas topped the heat in 23.51s.
Then, in Heat 3, Athaleyha Hinckson stopped the clock in 23.49s for fifth place in the race, but neither her time nor Glen’s was enough to enable a move on to the semifinal stage. That heat was won by British Virgin Islands’ Adaejah Hodge in 23.19s.
Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, the Royals had a fiery start to the chase, leaving the Knight Riders hunting answers to stop the opposing opening duo. The answers were eventually found in 16-year-old Samara Ramnath, who claimed the big wicket of Hayley Matthews in the first ball of her spell.
At 48-1, the Royals were still comfortable, as Qiana Joseph went on the charge as soon as she reached the middle. However, nerves were soon rattled in the Royals camp as Trinidad’s Shamilia Connell pulled off two brilliant catches on the boundary off Ramnath and Anisa
Shikha Pandey and Jannillea Glasgow tried to dig the Trinbago Women out of a proverbial hole
groove in the championship match. However, it was a little too late as the small total was chipped away by Athapaththu and company.
The Sri Lankan skipper later led the Royals to their second WCPL title in 15 overs, having lost 6 wickets.
As one would expect, Matthews was named ‘player of the tournament’
Barbados Royals Women (T: 94 runs from 20 ovs)
BATTING R
Hayley Matthews (c) c Dottin b Ramnath 13
Chamari Athapaththu not out 39
b Henry 2
Shikha Pandey b Alleyne 28 Jess Jonassen run out (Joseph) 6 Chedean Nation b Alleyne 1 Kycia Knight † not out 17 Zaida James b Alleyne 1 Shamilia Connell b Matthews 2 Anisa Mohammed not out 4 Extras (lb 1, w
TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 4.65) 93/8 Did not bat: Samara Ramnath Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Deandra Dottin, 1.4 ov), 2-10 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 2.6 ov), 3-53 (Jannillea Glasgow, 11.1 ov), 4-63 (Jess Jonassen, 13.3 ov), 5-67 (Shikha Pandey, 13.5 ov), 6-70 (Chedean Nation, 15.2 ov), 7-72
(Zaida James, 15.6 ov), 8-75
(Shamilia Connell, 16.5 ov) •
BOWLING O-M-R-W
Chinelle Henry 3-0-13-1
Hayley Matthews 4-0-13-2
Chamari Athapaththu 3-0-20-0
Amanda-Jade Wellington 3-0-13-0
Afy Fletcher 2-0-8-0
Aaliyah Alleyne 4-0-21-4
Qiana Joseph 1-0-4-0
Qiana Joseph c Connell b Ramnath 14
Aaliyah Alleyne c Connell b Mohammed 2
Laura Harris b Pandey 15
Rashada Williams run out (Zaida James) 0
Chinelle Henry lbw b Jonassen 1
Afy Fletcher not out 4
Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6
TOTAL 15 Ov (RR: 6.26)
94/6
Did not bat: Georgia Redmayne †, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Cherry-Ann Fraser
Fans again rush Box Office for CPL playoffs tickets
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) fans began lining up since 16:30hrs on Wednesday afternoon, recording their names in anticipation of the release of playoff tickets on Thursday morning. By Thursday morning, hundreds of fans had already taken up their spots in front of the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Box Office at 233- 234 Camp Street, Georgetown.
Among the first to get their hands on tickets was a fan named Julie-Ann Williams, who is eager to see the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Republic Bank CPL final once again.
“We got here yesterday afternoon about five-thirty. We were just liming out-
queue of patrons was a group of 10 persons hailing from Leguan, who braved rain and thunder showers on the Essequibo River on Wednesday afternoon just to get their hands on tickets.
“You know, yesterday it had some thunder showers, so it wasn’t that easy; because we left home at six in the afternoon and, you know, to get over the river is not an easy task. So, we fight the mighty Essequibo River over travel, then straight to Georgetown, and the rain was still out
side, that’s all. Well, because of what’s going on out there, the whole big crowd, I have to be here first. Yeah, and I want to watch the finals. I also want the Amazon Warriors to win this year again. So, go Amazon Warriors!” she declared. Further down the
there. We reach here about 8 o’clock in the night, book our names, and then hang out in the city for a while,” Azad shared.
She went on to disclose about their overnight wait at the ticket office, “Yeah, we packed food, we had cook-up rice. We shopped
around a little bit in the area. You have Church’s over there, and then we hung out by a friend for like an hour, and we came back here.”
Quizzed about why they made the sacrifice to travel all the way from Essequibo, Azad divulged
the end, I’m all the way an Amazon Warriors’ fan. I used to play cricket, and I love cricket, it’s one of my favourite games,” Azad shared.
She went on to say, “They did make us proud, and I’m sure again they will do it. We’re proud of
that it was owing to their love of the game. “I love cricket. I love Amazon Warriors to the bone, to
that, and we’re confident that they can do it again.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Eliminator 1,
Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2 and final, scheduled for October 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th. For the Eliminator, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2, a ticket for the Green Stand costs $7000; Red Stand, $6500; Orange stand, $6000; and the grass mound $3500. On the other hand, a ticket for the Final costs $8500 for the Green Stand; $8000 for the Red Stand; $7500 for the Orange Stand, and $4000 for the grass mound.
There also are limits to the number of tickets one patron can buy, with ten tickets per person for Eliminator and Qualifier 1; 6 tickets per person for the stands and 8 per person for the grass mound in Qualifier 2; and for the final, four tickets per person. (G6)
Confident Paul optimistic about CPL season ahead
Republic Bank
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) defending Champions Guyana Amazon Warriors are stacked with an abundance of talent and experienced campaigners.
One player who fits perfectly into that bracket is all- rounder Keemo Paul, who has an optimistic outlook for the season ahead.
During a team training session, Paul shared how much of a relief it is for the Amazon Warriors to finally have a CPL title under their belt, after enduring numerous moments of heartbreak.
“It was a lot of pressure to win a CPL title; you know, it has eluded us for many years, and then last year we came and we won. So, that feeling, it was just like the monkey was off our backs. Going forward, I think people are expecting a lot now, we know how to win. A lot of people were
like, ‘They don’t know how to win’. We know what it’s like to win a tournament now, how to get there, what you need to do; so, just looking forward to this season,” The GAW allrounder shared.
As the Amazon Warriors prepare for their season opener tomorrow, Paul expressed eagerness to get back into competition mode.
Paul divulged, “It’s
good to be back amongst some of these guys. I mean, everyone is not here, but we’re still all brothers. But it’s been good to be around them; good to hit the park also. You know, I haven’t been on the park for a while, so I’m just building up and getting ready for the tournament. So far, so good.”
With 175 runs in 2023 and numerous match-winning performances, the all-
rounder who hails from Saxacalli has earmarked the 2024 season as a crucial one for his personal elevation.
“I always look for ways to improve myself and improve on my skill. Last year, that’s history for me,” he said.
Paul went on to share about his plans for the new season. “This year, I want to go out there, do better. I want to become a better all-rounder and post some match-winning performances for the team and also myself. I want to try and elevate myself in becoming one of the top allrounders, and I think this is the year I want to stand out.
play
er in this team, and I need to stand up and do what I gotta do for the team.”
“I’m not trying to pressure myself too much, but, at the end of the day, I know I’m sort of a senior
Quizzed on their confidence levels ahead of the season, Paul was optimistic about his team’s ability to make it two titles in a row on October 6.
“We’re always confident. Every team that comes into this tournament, they want to win, and we’re no different, we want to win this championship once again. Like I said, we know what it feels like to win. We know how fantastic it was. We know home here we’ve got the support, and we just want to make everyone proud. Like you said, it’s one step at a time, one game at a time, and that’s how we’re going to take it.”
Paul then declared, “But are we confident? Yes! We’re confident that we can go all the way and win again.”
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will open their 2024 account today against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua from 19:00hrs. (G6)
Keemo Paul is focused on being among the standout all-rounders this CPL
The first 20 patrons lined up for tickets again received free GAW merchandise Fans again flocked the GAW Box Office for their CPL playoff tickets
The CPL fans showing off the playoff tickets
The Leguan group was a lively bunch even after a long journey
