Guyana-China trade soars to US$800M in 1st half of 2024
Region 2 Police engage bar owners on upholding alcohol sale laws
penalties under
Trio to spend 1 year in prison on felonious wounding conviction 2 Essequibo Coast men charged for stealing 36 pigs Operating capacity not affected after fire at Kingston
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, December 6 –20:30h22:00h and Saturday, December 7 –21:30h- 23:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, December 6 –07:30h09:00h and Saturday, December 7 –08:20h- 09:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
No overseas registration for $100,000 cash grant – VP
…says database will be used for future cash grant distributions
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 07:51h and 20:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.41 metres.
Low Tide: 13:39h reaching a minimum height of 0.93 metre.
he Government has made it clear that even as the registration and distribution of the $100,000 cash grant continues in Guyana, there will be no such service provided to eligible Guyanese who are overseas.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasised this point during his press conference on Thursday, explaining that persons have been questioning him on whether Guyanese living overseas would be able to register for the cash grant.
“Let me say again for people overseas. They’re asking me if they can go to the consulate to register. If we’ll have a desk in Queens or Brooklyn or Toronto to get them registered. The answer is no. We made it clear that you have to register in Guyana and collect your cheque in Guyana.
“Whilst Guyanese living abroad are eligible, we’re not going to be conducting registration exercises abroad. That will have to be done right here in Guyana. And they will have to present themselves physically to do that. They can’t come with authorisation from someone else to collect money on their behalf,” Jagdeo made clear.
The Vice President also spoke about the actual registration process, noting that the Government is currently focusing on five regions. Jagdeo called for patience, explaining that everyone would be captured and that no one, even those working in mining camps in the hinterland or public servants who missed the initial registration, would be left out.
“The activity started in earnest and the Ministry of Finance, which is tasked with its implementation, has rolled this out in several regions. The target regions at this point in time are Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine and Region Four. We will confine our activities to these five regions for the next month and then, move on to the other regions.
“So, I just want to say to people from other regions. You will be registered, but it will be after we’ve completed the registration in these regions. You will receive the cash grant, it’s just a matter of time. So please be patient,” Jagdeo said.
He also explained that the Finance Ministry has set up a feedback process, which would allow for improvements to the system. According to Jagdeo, the Ministry is trying
to smoothen the process of distribution as much as possible.
“They have substantially completed the distribution process in Region Nine. And already started distributing cheques there. They’ve substantially completed the exercise in Region One and Eight. The schedule for Region Seven will be announced shortly. And the schedules for Region Four, East Bank, East Coast and Georgetown, are all out at this point in time.
“So, we ask people to have some patience. We will not
edging that this happened in a few cases when the $25,000 COVID cash grant distribution was done.
“If we have completed say 95 or 96 per cent of a region who were registered and we get the cheques in their hands, (for) the five or four per cent remaining we can set up a mechanism for them to be registered and they, too, will receive their cheques,” Jagdeo said.
“So, I want people to understand that even if they miss the registration exercise taking place, they’re not going to
sured that these persons would also be catered for. According to him, this will likely include home visits to ensure they are registered.
“We will have to find a way, I guess; once the bulk of the people have been registered, to go and visit people to do the shut-ins, so we may have to have a programme where we’re notified where they are and just go at home and register them.”
The Government’s $100,000 cash grant initiative was announced by President
have to do this again in the future, when I’m sure in the future there will be additional cash grants. The registration exercise now will allow us to have a proper database, so the next round, it will be easier for that to happen, whenever it comes in future years.”
The VP also explained that persons who miss the registration period for whatever reason would not be left out, acknowl-
miss out on the resources. This happened a bit when we did the cash grant. Some households missed out on it, because they were not there to collect the money when persons were collecting it. I want to assure those individuals they will not (miss out).”
On the matter of shut-ins, that is people who are immobile whether through old age or sickness, the Vice President as-
Dr Irfaan Ali in October and every Guyanese citizen 18 years old and over, with a valid ID or passport, will receive the payout.
The initial distribution process of the $100,000 one-off cash grant is expected to see about 300,000 Guyanese receiving their cash grants before the end of the year, while the remainder of persons should receive theirs next year. (G3)
The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has become a symbol of opportunity for thousands of Guyanese striving to further their education.
Launched by President Dr Irfaan Ali in 2021, the GOAL programme represents a forward-thinking initiative aimed at providing equal opportunities for all Guyanese, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. By offering scholarships that cover the cost of tuition for a wide range of academic programmes, the GOAL initiative is not just empowering individuals but also contributing to the national development of Guyana.
For those looking to take their education to the next level, the GOAL scholarship portal is now open, offering an opportunity to apply for various academic programmes, from vocational certificates and undergraduate diplomas to master's degrees and doctoral programmes. Given that the scholarships are fully funded, the financial burden that often accompanies higher education has been alleviated, making it accessible to a broader section of the population.
The range of programmes available through the GOAL initiative is impressive, catering to individuals at various stages in their academic and professional journeys. Whether one is seeking to acquire a specialised vocational skill, earn an undergraduate degree, or pursue postgraduate education, the programme offers opportunities that span the spectrum. Moreover, the Government’s collaboration with accredited institutions such as the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of South California, among others, ensures that students receive high-quality education that meets international standards. These partnerships ensure that Guyanese students have access to the resources, curriculum, and expertise they need to succeed in today’s globalised world.
What makes GOAL truly transformative is the way it breaks down traditional barriers to higher education. In the past, many Guyanese were limited by factors such as cost, geographical location, or access to institutions offering quality programmes. By providing online education options, the GOAL programme eliminates many of these obstacles. This is a particularly significant advantage for individuals from rural regions who may not have had the opportunity to study at universities in the capital city, Georgetown. Through the power of technology, education is now within reach for anyone with an Internet connection, making it easier for people in every corner of the country to pursue their dreams.
The success of the GOAL initiative has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its inception, the programme has awarded a staggering 29,758 scholarships, far surpassing the initial target of 20,000 for the 2021-2025 period. This number is a testament to the increasing demand for educational opportunities and the effectiveness of the programme in meeting the needs of Guyanese citizens. The programme’s reach spans across the 10 administrative regions of the country, with the number of scholarships awarded increasing each year: 6280 scholarships were granted in 2021, 7410 in 2022, 7752 in 2023, and 8316 in 2024. These statistics highlight not only the growing popularity of the programme but also the growing recognition among Guyanese of the importance of higher education in today’s competitive job market.
Equally impressive is the number of scholars who have completed their programmes. As of now, 6624 scholars have successfully completed their courses, gaining critical skills in various fields such as business, education, technology, and healthcare. This growing pool of educated individuals is contributing to the development of a more skilled and competitive workforce in Guyana, which is crucial for driving national progress in key sectors. By equipping people with the tools they need to succeed, the GOAL programme is ensuring that Guyana has the human capital necessary to support its ambitious development plans.
But the impact of the GOAL programme goes beyond just the individual. Education is the cornerstone of any nation's progress, and through initiatives like GOAL, the Government is taking significant steps towards creating a society that values learning, innovation, and skill development. As Guyana continues to transform, the importance of an educated population cannot be overstated. The country’s booming sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and technology require skilled professionals who can drive innovation, manage resources effectively, and contribute to the economy's growth. The GOAL programme is helping to ensure that Guyana has a steady supply of trained individuals ready to meet these challenges.
Government’s quest ongoing for nation’s Medicare
Dear Editor, “Health is Wealth” will never be a cliché, and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic is more than ensuring that this axiom is the living reality of all Guyana. Proving my point is easy, and so I gladly revise that, during the Budget 2024 debate, our Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, did expound “…that the health sector (was) on the verge of (a) healthcare revolution.”
At the time, the Health Minister rightfully boasted that, “With an allocation of $129.8B in Budget 2024, the PPP Government is walking the talk of this revolutionary, transformative health agenda.”
So, Editor, I am not surprised, and in fact am well pleased, that just recently, “434 nursing professionals graduate(d) from the Georgetown School of Nursing (GNS).” The details make for good consumption, as these healthcare professionals received certificates and diplomas in various fields, representing the largest batch of students to graduate from the GNS. The lot comprised 201 Registered Nurses (RN), 36 Post-Basic Midwives, 26 Single Trained Midwives, and 171 Nursing Assistants.
Congratulations! The achievement is very stupendous for both the students and the PPP/C Government; and, overall, this is a good fillip for the health sector.
Now, contextualising this boost in the local health status in Guyana, I refer to the National Library of Medicine, where it is outlined that the health sector globally is not where it should be, as “the ‘crisis in human resources’ herein has been described as one of the most pressing global health issues of our time.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “…the world faces a global shortage of almost 4.3 million doctors, midwives, nurses, and other healthcare professionals…and (as we all know) a global undersupply of these threatens the quality and sustainability of health systems worldwide.”
For sure, then, the Health Ministry is well-informed and has a good ‘Plan of Action.’ And by the way, the plan still has more in the near offing, as was portended in Budget 2024: cardiology diagnostic and treatment services slated for GPHC; infrastructure and personnel for large-scale maternal and paediatric care; ad-
ditional construction of a Level 5 hospital in New Amsterdam, and a third advanced cardiology centre for heart disease diagnosis and intervention etc.
During the graduation exercise, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the Health Ministry, Dr Narine Singh, highlighted that, up to 2020, Guyana was producing just over 200 nurses, but a significant increase is now the reality. The reason is the investments made by the Government via the healthcare sector over the years.
The CMO detailed that, “At one time, Guyana was only turning out around 250 nurses, and that was not adequate, we needed to expand the nurses training programme, and so we only had three schools at that time. Today we have the training programme in several regions.”
That is why I would iterate a million times that the health outlook in Guyana is quite promising; and yes, challenges will always be there. Still, the requisite foresight will ensure, as the CMO pointed out, that “We have a task to train at least 3000 nurses within the next three (3) years, taking into consideration the migration that we all experience; (and)
this is not unique to Guyana, as most of the Caribbean countries are experiencing migration”.
Editor, time and space would not permit me to elaborate on something that was well brought out at the graduation; that is, the accompanying attitude of health care professionals. (In a nutshell, though), it was impressed upon the graduates that they also have a responsibility to comfort these patients during these challenging moments. Why?
It is that “nursing is not just a profession…it’s a calling, it’s a path that requires not only knowledge and technical skills…it is more than administering treatment or following protocols. It’s about showing compassion, offering comfort, listening with a deep sense of empathy, and becoming a beacon of hope during some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives.”
Hopefully, the non-medical/ psychological/mental aspects of Medicare would be very evident in this new era, as the Government continues to invest in the nation’s well-being.
Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh
Students of Providence Primary School (top) and St Aloysius Primary School (bottom) wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) mock exams on Thursday (Education Ministry photos)
Guyana-China trade soars to US$800M in 1st half of 2024
…as outgoing Chinese Ambassador is lauded for enhancing bilateral ties
The already-strong bilateral relations between Guyana and China continues to grow with tangible results in almost every field, including trade, which saw a whopping 31 per cent increase in the first half of 2024.
This was revealed by outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, during a farewell reception held on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Suites in Georgetown. The Chinese diplomat is wrapping up a three-year tenure in Guyana.
Ambassador Guo highlighted some of the progress in recent years that sought to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.
“Practical cooperation between China and Guyana has made significant progress. In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade reached US$800 million, reflecting a 31 per cent yearon-year increase,” she stated.
Other milestones that the outgoing Chinese diplomat outlined include the successful installation of the first box girder at the new US$260 million Demerara River Bridge that is currently being constructed by China-based China Railway Construction (International); the signing of contracts for both the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Programme and the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge Project, and the ongoing US$10 million construction of the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park Project.
Additionally, the six Regional Hospitals Project is nearing completion, while the Precision Farming Practice in Rice Production Project, funded under the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)-China South-South Cooperation Programme, has concluded successfully.
Reflecting on Guyana’s unprecedented development in recent years, the Chinese Ambassador recalled being told she was not just a witness but a participant in this chapter.
“I feel exceptionally fortunate to have been present during such a transformative era, witnessing incredible development of Guyana and the landmark achievements in China-Guyana relations,” she stated.
Ambassador Guo went on to categorise these ties under three significant letters that summarise the progress of the relations between the two nations in recent years. For 2022, ‘C’ was
used to represent the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China coupled with a series of other key events spanning the cultural, infrastructural, aviation, agriculture and health sectors.
The key letter in the following year is ‘P’ – a representation of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s state visit to China and his subsequent address to the 16th ChinaLAC Business Summitt held later in the year, along with a host of exchange programmes between the two nations.
Then In 2024, the letter ‘L’ suggests the leap forward in advancing Guyana-China ties. “People-to-people exchanges have achieved leapfrog development,” Guo added as she recounted the many State and Private Sector officials who visited China this year.
According to the Chinese diplomat, the strong bonds between Guyana and China will continue to grow. She said, “The China-Guyana relationship is rooted in a profound historical and political foundation, enjoys the high regard of our two Heads of State, and received widespread support from the two peoples. Our friendship has stood the test of time and will remain unshapen by fleeting events or shifting global dynamics.
“Both China and Guyana adhere to people-centred development, with economies mutually complementary and opportunity-filled. China is committed to being a reliable partner in Guyana’s progress. Amid a world of turbulence and change, we stand firm with Guyana to uphold international fairness and justice, address global challenges such as climate change, food security and energy security, and jointly contribute to global peace and development,” the Ambassador added.
Quoting the Guyanese proverb “One, one dutty build dam”, the Chinese Diplomat added, “The road ahead will inevitably be filled with challenges, but I firmly believe that with patience, mutual trust, goodwill, and a shared commitment to progress, we will surmount any obstacles and achieve new triumphs… No matter where I go, Guyana will always hold a special place in my heart, I will remain committed to advancing China-Guyana relations.”
Guo Haiyan was accredited as China’s Ambassador to Guyana in October 2021 by President Ali.
Significant surge in trade
During Wednesday’s farewell reception, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips lauded the outgoing Chinese diplomat for her unwavering dedication during her tenure that has led to an unprecedented advancement in bilateral relations between the two nations in nearly every aspect of cooperation.
“Under your stewardship, we have experienced a significant surge in trade between our nations. The
volume of goods and services exchanged have created new avenues of prosperity and opportunities for both Guyanese and Chinese businesses. This economic synergy has not only bolstered our respective economies but has also paved the way for a more interconnected and resilient future. The Belt and Road Initiative has proven to be a transformative global development strategy, fostering new opportunities for trade, investment, and infrastructure development between our countries,” the
PM stated.
Beyond the commercial sphere, Phillips noted that enhanced cooperation was seen in sectors that are crucial for Guyana's development such as agriculture, whereby Chinese expertise has helped modernise local farming practices, increasing yields and enhancing food security for Guyanese.
While Chinese investments and technical proficiency have contributed to the transformation of Guyana’s infrastructural landscape with new roads,
bridges, and buildings, the Prime Minister added that the scholarship opportunities for Guyanese students coupled with the cultural exchange programmes have opened new horizons for local youths.
Similarly in healthcare, he added that China's support through contributions of medical resources, equipment, and expertise has been invaluable. And with Guyana now transitioning to renewable energy, PM Phillips stated that China’s increased cooperation in green technology aligns with Guyana's commitment to sustainable development.
“The transfer of green technologies and knowledge from China is not only helping us build a more environmentally-conscious nation but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for generations. As you prepare for the next chapter in your distinguished career, please know that the legacy of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect will continue to strengthen the ties between Guyana and China. The foundations you have helped establish will continue to support the growing partnership between Guyana and China for years to come,” the Prime Minister stated. (G8)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time
Cartoons
Evening News (RB)
Stop Suffering
Food Network
HGTV
Paternity Court
Divorce Court 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - Letters at Christmas (2024) 13:35 Wheel of Fortune
14:00 Jurassic World: Chaos Theory S1 E6 14:30 Spongebob Squarepants
15:00 Indian Soaps
16:00 Young Sheldon S6 E11
16:30 When Calls the Heart
17:00 The Young & The Restless
18:00 The Evening News
19:00 GSL 2024 Finals
23:00 Yellowstone S4 E8
00:00 Sign off
Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan with Prime Minister Mark Phillips, his wife and officials from the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown
Page Foundation
Plotting ordered pairs cont’d
Give ordered pairs
A = B = C = D = E =
Plot on the grid below
A = (– 4, 2) B = (– 2, 4) C = (– 3, – 3) D = (–4, – 4) E = (5, 2) F = (2, a) G = (6, – 5) H =(0, – 1)
By William makepeace Thackeray
Alma’s no-break, pull-string Piñata
Pinatas are a way, way, way exciting part of many celebrations!
Materials
Cardboard box (a cereal or delivery box, for example)
Tape or glue
Tissue paper, construction paper, wrapping paper, or other colourful paper
Scissors
String or ribbon
Cotton balls (optional)
Markers, pom-poms, or other art supplies (optional)
Small treats or objects to place inside the piñata
Directions
1. Close up all sides of the box with tape. Lay out a few sheets of tissue paper on top of each other. Cut roughly 2-inch wide slits into the tissue paper. No tissue paper? We gotta think about this… construction paper, repurposed wrapping paper, or colourful magazine pages!
2. Tape or glue the tissue paper to the box, layering as you go. Decorate independently or with a pattern of layered colours. For more ah-MAY-zing fun, add some extra decorations like pom-poms, feathers, or other craft items.
3. Once the box is decorated, trace and cut a three-sided trap door on the bottom of the box. If the cardboard box is thick, you may need to take the lead to cut the trap door.
4. Punch two holes into the top. If the cardboard box is thick, you may need to punch the holes. Thread a string or ribbon
through the holes. It will be used to hang or hold the piñata.
5. Time to fill it up! Add small treats or prizes to the piñata. You might consider using individually wrapped snacks, small erasers, school supplies, or other non-breakable prizes.
6. Cut one string or ribbon piece for each participant. Then, select one string and tape it to the inside of the trap door. This will be the lucky string that opens the trap door when pulled! For the remaining strings, carefully place them inside the piñata without tape and close the trap door.
7. While the piñata is held by a grownup or hung on a nearby stand, each participant can take a turn pulling a string until the trap door opens and the treats sprinkle out! (pbs.org)
First I saw the white bear, then I saw the black; Then I saw the camel with a hump upon his back; Then I saw the grey wolf, with mutton in his maw; Then I saw the wombat waddle in the straw; Then I saw the elephant a-waving of his trunk; Then I saw the monkeys—mercy, how unpleasantly they smelt!
Operating capacity not affected after fire at Kingston plant – GPL
…as preparations ongoing for second power ship
The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has assured consumers that its operating capacity is intact following last Sunday’s early morning fire at its Kingston Plant, which caused peripheral damage to a 5.5-megawatt (MW) generator.
In a statement issued on Thursday, GPL proffered the following explanation, “An initial assessment of damages confirmed that the fire did not compromise the engine's internal components. However, the electrical wiring and casings were damaged.”
Nevertheless, it has been noted that efforts are currently underway to
have the damaged components replaced. Both GPL and the Power Producers and Distributors Inc. (PPDI), which operate and maintain the Kingston Plant, are involved in those efforts.
Meanwhile, the stateowned power company is contending that, despite this fire incident, its generation supply remains sufficient.
“GPL wishes to assure customers that the Demerara-BerbiceInterconnected System (DBIS) is operating with adequate capacity, and will continue to do so throughout the holiday season,” the GPL missive has detailed.
GPL has explained that the current peak demand is 187MW, the available capacity is 194MWs, and this capacity is expected to be enhanced by next week.
“Additionally, two generators with an aggregate capacity of 13MW, that are unavailable due to major overhaul, will be back online by December 10 and 21. This will boost the generation capacity in the DBIS to 207 MW”, the power company has said.
New power ship Preparations are currently ongoing for the arrival of a second power ship, which would add another 60MW of electricity to the national grid. This additional power would be integrated into the DBIS through a new 3.9-kilometre transmission cable that would be connected to the New Georgetown Substation on Mandela Avenue.
Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, led a team on Thursday morning to conduct a site visit and inspection of the preparatory works ongoing to interconnect the transmission line from the Mandela Avenue substation to the floating power plant which would soon arrive in Guyana and be docked in the Demerara River.
The site visit entailed inspection of the area behind the Demerara Sugar Terminal at Ruimveldt in Greater Georgetown, and involved Head of the GPL Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, technical directors and representatives from Kalpataru Projects
International Limited (KPIL).
Last month, GPL signed a contract with the Joint Venture company of Turkish-based Karpowership Global DMCC and Qatar-based UCC Energy International LLC JV to charter a second power ship with a total installed capacity of 75MW for a period of two years. In the first phase, the power ship would supply 60MWs to the grid in approximately six weeks’ time, followed by an additional 15MWs once works are completed on an additional transmission line.
The contract requires GPL to pay the Joint Venture 8.52 US cents per kWh as a monthly charter fee for the new power ship, and a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh, based on electricity generated. Under the contract,
GPL is also responsible for providing Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the ship’s generators. This second power ship will add to the 36MW of electricity already being produced by the first floating power plant that is in the Berbice River.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had previously defended the Government’s move to rent a second power ship to supply electricity to the national grid, arguing that the cost to buy the electricity is almost the same amount as if GPL were to generate the power itself.
The first power ship is generating electricity at 20.5 US cents per kWh, while the second power ship is estimated to generate at 22.5 US cent per kWh.
“So, that’s the difference… This [second power ship] price is slightly high -
er…but that’s not just for the rental of the ship…To generate the same amount of power, GPL would’ve had an amount of cost. [Patterson] ignores that cost totally, so it sounds like a lot of money we’re paying just for rental. We’re renting capacity, and they’re doing the O&M and it’s for two years. So, it’s bridging power until the Gas-to-Energy Project comes on stream,” Jagdeo had noted during a press conference in November.
Currently, GPL is selling power at approximately 22/23 US cents per kWh. However, the cost for generation and transmission is nearly 30 US cents per kWh, and that difference is being subsidized by the Guyana Government.
“People should know that US$70 million in subsidy is keeping their power bill at the same rate as 2020, although we’ve seen escalation in fuel costs. And secondly, you can’t calculate rental of a ship as though you don’t have a counterpart cost if you generate the same power.
“It’s pure nonsense about billions being spent on rental, so people will say, ‘oh, this government is wasting a lot of money.’ But we’re trying to get more power into the system because the demand is growing because of the development [happening] here and because you did nothing [while in office to upgrade the existing power system],” the Vice President posited. (G8)
A section of the damaged generator at GPL’s Kingston Plant
Preparation works ongoing at the site to facilitate the new power ship
2 Essequibo Coast men charged for stealing 36 pigs
Orvin Layne,53, and Ravindra Baljodah,36, both residents of the Onderneeming Sand Pit community of the Essequibo Coast, have been
jointly charged with the offence of larceny of 36 pigs, the property of Gopaul Dat of Golden Fleece Backdam on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-
The offence is alleged to have been committed between Monday December 2, and Tuesday December 3, 2024, and the pigs are estimated to be valued at $600,000.
The police have said that 27 of these pigs have been recovered.
These defendants have been arraigned before Suddie Magistrate Tamieka Clarke on Thursday, and they have not been required to plead to the indictable charge.
They have each been placed on $400,000 bail, and are expected to make their next court appearance on January 7, 2025.
Trio to spend 1 year in prison on felonious wounding conviction
Jointly charged with the offence of felonious wounding committed on Hayment Deodat, also called ‘Black Boy’, three defendants: Zameer Klass, also called ‘Boy’, a 23-yearold of La Belle Alliance;
Lochan Persaud, also called ‘Arjune’, a 23-year-old of Richmond Housing Scheme; and Ron Henry, also called
‘Beckman,’ a 32-year-old of Coconut Dam in Richmond, Essequibo Coast, have been found guilty as charged, and have each been sentenced to one year’s imprisonment by Suddie Magistrate Tamieka Clarke.
Notably, at the time of the sentencing, Henry was absent from court, and the police are making attempts to have him arrested.
These defendants have been successfully prosecuted for wounding Deodat, a 21-year-old construction worker of Richmond Housing Scheme, on September 18, 2023 at Henrietta Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast.
Reckoning…
…on new league
By the time you read this musing by your Eyewitness, we’d know whether our Amazon Warriors made it into the finals of the inaugural season of the new XoM Global Super League T20 tournament. As your Eyewitness pecks away at his laptop, he’s digesting the loss his boys suffered on Wednesday night at the hands of the Rangpur Riders from Bangladesh. It was a very low-scoring game, and he had expected the Warriors to knock off the 117 they were set without too much bother. But bother it was, and, at the end, they fell 15 runs short, with 5 balls remaining.
So, yesterday, Aussie leaders Victoria would’ve faced Hampshire Hawks (England) in the day game, while Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders would’ve squared off against Pakistan’s Lahore Qalandars at night. If Hampshire beat Victoria and Rangpur beat the Qalandars, then we sneaked in!! Hope this is what happened!!
Now, honestly, your Eyewitness had figured his Warriors woulda done better, since they were at home – and were playing in front of their “12th man” vociferous home crowd!! But like they’ve been saying for centuries, cricket’s a game of glorious uncertainties – and we’ve discovered this even in its “Slam! Bam! Thank you, ma’am!” T20 version!!
So, how did the GSL fare?? Like all new ventures, it’s a work in progress, and the organisers have gotta straighten out whatever kinks that developed. Your Eyewitness thinks the pitch gotta be prepared so all the games be scoring. Let’s face it, T20 ain’t Test cricket – and deliberately so!! Folks don’t come out after work - and knowing they have to show up at the office the next day – to look at fellas grafting for runs. It’s blasting for runs all day and night long, baby!! With Christmas in the offing, there’s gotta be a heck of a lot of fireworks between bat and ball to get them out to Providence!!
But your Eyewitness also notes how far some would go to put down the new league. There was this snarky piece, “Welcome to the GSL T20 in Guyana where big oil, geopolitics and cricket collide”, in the Guardian (England, not TT) that put the best conspiracy theorists to shame!! The newspaper sniffed snootily, “the GSL isn’t really a cricket tournament at all. It’s Potemkin cricket, cricket-flavoured content, cricket as the honey trap in a much wider plot of geopolitics, Russia and India, hard power and big oil.”
In case you missed the allusion, “Potemkin” refers to “something that is fraudulent or counterfeit”!! So, how’s the GSL “fraudulent and counterfeit”?? Well, we’re told it’s really about our oil! “Before the oil, Guyanese cricket was basically stagnant”!! So, our CPL games and finals since 2013 - producing some of the most exciting cricket to bring out the fans - were “stagnant”!! The writer concludes that Guyana is “a tiny oil-rich state of less than a million people, with a huge Kremlin-backed dictator (Mad Maduro) at your border rattling pots and pans. You need friends, fast. And above all, you need to make a noise for yourself, get seen and heard in the corridors of power”!!
And GSL will provide that??!! Gwan da side!!
…on gold
There’s that old line from a poem going back to when your Eyewitness was a knock-kneed bruiser in short pants: “Water, water everywhere – but not a drop to drink!!” The thought came to his mind as he read about yet another longdrawn-out report from the furriners who returned to the old Omai Gold Mines.
They emphasized in mind-numbing technical detail how their drilling since 2020 has been confirming massive deposits of gold under their licensed lands. What the heck does this mean:- “The Dike Corridor comprises a series of felsic and diorite dikes intruded into the volcanic sequence with variable shearing, alteration and stockworks of quartz veining within the felsic dikes, and hosting significant gold mineralization”?
Where’s the gold to generate royalties for us??
…for Macron
The French Government lost a no-confidence vote in their National Assembly and fell. Didn’t dispute the meaning of “majority”!!
Supenaam).
The pigs that were recovered
Ravendra Baljodah Orvin Layne
Lochan Persaud
Zameer Klass
“How will they be accountable in power, when they are unaccountable now?” – Jagdeo on AFC
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday questioned the ability of the Alliance For Change (AFC) to be accountable in Government, given that that party’s leaders have refused to answer questions relating to the period 2015 to 2020, when they served as ministers in the coalition Government.
Jagdeo was at the time referring to a restric-
tion placed on media practitioners during a recent AFC media conference, when Executive Member Cathy Hughes narrowed questions to specific topics, and stated that questions relating to five years ago –when her party was in Government – would not be addressed.
“I really want you to pose questions that are topical to the issues we are discussing today. We are not prepared to en-
tertain questions that go back four or five years,” Mrs Hughes had told reporters in the presence of AFC Leader Nigel Hughes, Chairman David Patterson, and Executive Member Khemraj Ramjattan.
When Jagdeo replayed that audio at his press conference on Thursday, he pointed out that clarifying decisions made five years ago is a form of showing accountability.
“If they can’t be accountable now, how would
they be accountable if they have political power?” he questioned, adding, “It’s a kind of arrogance they had when they had political power; they brought it back out into the Opposition.”
The PPP General Secretary outlined that there are several issues concerning the APNU/AFC tenure on which their party members can shed light, including negotiation of the current Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil, and the issuing of contracts from Cathy Hughes’s former Ministry of Telecommunications to a company she owned.
“How could you take the political party like this seriously, when the entire leadership…says we will tell you what you can ask and we will not take questions from the past?” Jagdeo emphasised.
In contrast, Jagdeo, who is also the country’s vice president, noted that he can answer any question posed to him about his party, even if it predates his presidency.
“If you ask me about a question from the 1950s, when the party was formed, I will take your questions and give you an answer,” he told reporters.
New AI-powered platform allows users to easily build custom applications with minimal coding
ITE Services Inc, a technology solutions provider based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, has announced the launch of Apto.ai, its new, code-generating, enterprise-grade development platform which empowers technical and non-technical users across the Caribbean to build custom applications rapidly with minimal coding required, thereby enabling faster development cycles and increased business agility.
ITE Services Inc has said in a release on Thursday that Apto.ai is an AI-powered engine that handles code generation, verifies security, and checks code quality to ensure that it aligns with the latest industry standards. The Apto.ai engine assists technical and non-technical users by ensuring scalability, security, and adherence to coding standards.
Girish Pathak, Founder & President of ITE Services, has said at the launching of this platform, “The Apto.ai platform provides a user-friendly, UIbased interface that makes it easier for non-techni-
cal users to turn business ideas into solutions.” He added, “With just 40 hours of training, any user can build an application without needing to know programming languages or syntax.”
Apto.ai’s platform easily integrates with current software development tools using a specialized third-party API interface. The TAPI module enables developers to link to any RESTful API, submit API contracts, and automatically generate back-end and front-end components. This streamlined setup produces complete designs and dashboards without manual code input.
“While Apto.ai’s platform doesn’t directly support existing code checkers, it automates code creation through our engine,” Girish Pathak has added. “If developers have APIs ready, they can integrate them with our tool to produce front-end designs, dashboards, or other desired features, all through a no-code experience.”
Police issue 26 speeding tickets in 2 hours on Heroes Highway
As the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) intensifies its efforts to curb speeding on the Heroes Highway along the East Bank Demerara corridor, some 26 drivers have been issued with speeding tickets; and one has been charged for failing to comply with police directions; another has been charged for abusive language; another has been charged for obscure registration plate; and yet another for tinted motor vehicle; thus bringing the total number of cases to 30.
The exercise was conducted by Corporal Thomas and Constable Jones between 07:00h and 09:00h on Thursday, December 5.
Earlier in the month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that law enforcement officials would be moving to suspend the licences of drivers who have been caught speeding more than three times along the Heroes Highway.
This new penalty comes in light of the increasing recklessness exhibited on Guyana’s roadways, particularly by trucks and public transportation operators.
As currently obtains, the law provides for the suspension of licences, and President Ali has asked the Traffic Chief, the Police Commissioner, and other top brass of the Guyana Police Force to take immediate steps to have this law implemented.
It has been reported that, for the year thus far, some 893
tickets have been issued to drivers who have been caught on camera speeding along the Heroes Highway.
The Head of State has noted, in regard to the tickets issued, that the authorities would be tasked with examining each case to determine who committed the offence more than three times, after which the police would move to suspend the licences of those persons.
In addition to the clampdown, President Ali has announced that Government would soon be moving to publicize speed advisories and erect digital boards to indicate the speed of drivers along major roadways.
It has been reported that 99 persons have lost their lives in fatal accidents so far for the year 2024, compared to 148 in 2023. In addition, 263 serious accidents, 366 minor accidents, and 1039 damage accidents have been recorded thus far for 2024, bringing the total number of accidents to 1767, compared to 2491 that occurred last year.
As part of a stepped-up effort to reduce traffic violations
this year, the GPF has issued approximately 60,000 tickets, totalling an astounding $400 million in traffic fines. Government has only recently made amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, as well as to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill, in order to toughen up penalties for drunk drivers, and the bars that serve them.
Among other things, the legislative changes make causing the death of someone through drunk driving a case of vehicular manslaughter.
The penalty for driving while over the legally allowed limit of alcohol in the blood system has been changed from a $7500 fine to now $200,000, and the concomitant sentence has been increased from 12 months to 24 months.
The penalty for driving under the influence and losing control of a vehicle is 12 months’ imprisonment; and the accompanying fine, which used to be from $30,000 to $60,000, has now been increased to $200,000 for firsttime offenders and $300,000 for second-time offenders.
PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo playing a recording of AFC Executive Member Cathy Hughes narrowing questions to specific topics at a recent press conference
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes
The tickets that have been issued
After 1 year, Mara residents still waiting for 1km road to be upgraded
…contractors mobilise equipment after CDC threatens to meet with President, VP
It has been more than one year since residents were promised that the remaining one-kilometre stretch of the road network along the Upper East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) would be completed shortly. However, they are still waiting and have expressed concern as the rainy season approaches again.
In October 2023, during a visit to the Upper East Bank Berbice, President Dr Irfaan Ali had expressed his disappointment with the pace at which the East Bank Berbice main access road was being done by the Public Works Ministry.
In December 2021, Ali had released a further $100 million for work on the Upper East Bank Berbice
main access road, which at that time had been in a deplorable state for a number of years.
During the October 2023 visit, residents were promised that the remaining one kilometre of the road network would have been completed within the shortest possible time.
However, after being told early in the year that the inclement weather was preventing the contractor from commencing work, residents told this publication that they were subsequently told by the contractor that there was a shortage of sand.
Former Mara Citizens Development Committee (CDC) Chairman Randolph Prass pointed out that the promise was made in 2022 to have the one-kilometre
section upgraded to an asphaltic surface.
The road improvement work was done from Jermina which is the end of the road, to Schepmoed. The one kilometre from Schepmoed is still to be resurfaced.
“As the President gone, everything gone with the President. To this date, the road remains the same,” he said.
Prass noted that many pensioners have to traverse the unfinished road to get to the health centre.
“If they don’t have proper transportation, the road affects them if they have to walk. Schoolchildren have to go there; there is a nursery school there,” he added.
According to Prass, the current state of the road does not have a big impact on farmers transporting their produce to market but this could change overnight with the impending rains.
“As you see it, now the weather is dry so the road looks somewhat reasonable but as soon as the rain falls, it is a different scenario: you get large potholes appearing suddenly on the road and causing a lot of discomfort to farmers and residents in the com-
munity.”
Further, Prass said that as a consequence of the unfinished road many huskers were reluctant to go to Upper East Bank Berbice to make purchases from farmers.
“Huskers used to come in here to buy and that used to ease the burden on farmers to get their produce to the market, but the road was pretty bad during that last period and the huskers ceased coming in. So now seeing that the road is partly dry because of the weather, the farmers are taking their produce to the market.”
The 78-year-old Prass, who has been living in the community for the past 60 years, is of the view that farmers can produce more but they need encouragement.
“If we have the road, the farmers could develop more because they could open up lands. There are thousands of acres of fertile land at the back there.
The Government did something good for us by digging the canals, building a new nursery school and upgrading the health centre, but where is the road to take us there?” he asked.
Meanwhile, a team
from the Mara CDC met with regional officials on Friday and vented their frustration. The team also claimed that they were making arrangements to visit the President or Vice President’s office to raise their concerns, noting the rains are forecast for later this month.
Prass, who was not part of the team, told this publication that the group was told that now four contractors would be executing the project.
On Wednesday, two excavators and a bulldozer arrived in the community. (G4)
Region 2 Police engage bar owners on upholding alcohol sales’ laws …reiterate penalties under Liquor Licensing Act of 2022
Senior police officers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have engaged bar owners on their responsibilities in regard to the sale of alcohol to patrons.
In a meeting held in the Conference Room of the Guyana Police Force Headquarters at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Divisional Commander Superintendent K. Shivbaran, along with Deputy Superintendent C. Duncan and other officers, discussed with these bar owners aspects
of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2022, including the consequences of selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
Other issues discussed included permitting any drunkenness, or violent, quarrelsome, or riotous conduct to take place on their premises; selling, giving, or bartering alcohol to a drunken person; allowing another person to sell, give, or barter intoxicating liquor to a drunken person; selling liquor to a designated driver; and selling, giving, or bartering alcohol to
a person who is likely to leave the premises by driving a motor vehicle.
In addition, bar owners have been urged to inform the nearest police station of any attempt by a drunken person to drive or be in charge of a vehicle; and further, bar owners have been informed that they must post signs on their premises that discourage drinking and driving. Moreover, they must ensure that announcements are made on the premises at regular intervals, reminding listeners that persons should not drink and drive.
Bar owners have also been given a list of slogans to be used on their premises.
Earlier this year, the GPF had issued stern warnings to bar owners who continue to violate the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act 2022: that they risk having their licences revoked and hefty fines imposed on them in Government’s attempts to curb alcohol-related incidents.
The GPF has thus reiterated the critical role of bar owners in maintaining
order and safety. This initiative aims to curb alcohol-related incidents, especially traffic accidents, which often have fatal consequences.
The Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act of 2022 outlines specific responsibilities for bar owners in relation to the sale and consumption of alcohol. These measures are designed to prevent alcohol misuse and its associated risks.
In addition, the police have reiterated that employees should not be under the age of 18, and must
be knowledgeable about their responsibilities under the Act.
Verification of patrons’ legal drinking age, typically 18, is another critical responsibility for bar owners, and it is achievable through valid identification checks.
Bar owners have been reminded that violations of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act come with steep penalties, starting at $100,000 for a first offence and escalating to between $200,000 and $500,000 for subsequent infractions.
Business owners at the meeting on Thursday
Former Mara CDC Chairman Randolph Prass
The section of the road to be upgraded
Jagdeo slams Opposition for attacking GECOM’s Chair
…warns GECOM against accrediting partisan NGOs for voter education
Following the Guyana Elections Commission’s recent press conference, Opposition parties have been taking turns attacking the electoral agency and its chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, over the joinder parties’ seat allocation, attacks that, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, are just aimed at undermining the electoral body.
During his Thursday press conference, Jagdeo noted that parties such as A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and Alliance For Change (AFC) were previously content with the arrangement for sharing of seats in Parliament.
Now that The New Movement’s Dr Asha Kissoon is holding on to her seat in Parliament and preventing ANUG from taking up the seat, Jagdeo noted that they have suddenly realised that the joinder seat allocation process is an illegal one. The VP accused the parties of opportunism and using the occasion to undermine the GECOM Chairperson.
“They suddenly emerged out of their stupor and wad-
ed in on this GECOM issue. It’s a side issue by the way. That Nigel Hughes threatens to boycott election over wrong seat allocation. Well, the seat allocation by GECOM, whether it’s wrong or not, could be adjudicated in court. But it didn’t change the outcome of
GMIN Ventures opens Bartica office
GMIN Ventures
Guyana Inc last week opened its offices at Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
It has been said that the presence of this company in Region Seven would foster development and engagement, particularly in anticipation of the Oko Gold Mines Project coming on stream, which is slated to begin gold production in 2027.
GMIN Ventures
Country Manager Bjorn Jeune has described the presence of the company on the local scene as a tangible expression of its dedication to Region Seven and to Guyana’s growth. He has said that with proven reserves of 4.3 million ounces of gold and with a commitment to sustainability, the project represents a new era for gold mining in Guyana. He has said that GMIN Ventures
is prepared to leave a lasting impact on the communities of Bartica and Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), establishing a standard for community engagement and responsible mining as construction commences in 2025.
“This project is not just about gold production; it is about creating lasting value for the communities, the region, and the nation,” Jeune has said.
“Together, we are building a legacy of sustainable development and shared prosperity.”
The company has also launched a multi-stakeholder working group (MSWG) to enhance transparency and inclusivity. The group, which includes representatives from Government, civil society and local communities, would guarantee the inclusion of all stakeholders in
the project’s progress.
Commencing in the first quarter of 2025, GMIN would train 200 Barticians in hospitality, welding, electrical work, and heavy-duty equipment operation. This initiative aligns with the company’s aim to create 1,500 jobs for Guyanese during the project’s life cycle.
Bartica Mayor Anthony Murray has commended the establishment of the office as an opportunity for the town and region, and has underscored the importance of collaboration and integrity in achieving shared prosperity.
Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, hailing the occasion as a pivotal development for Bartica and Region Seven, has noted GMIN’s sincerity in its commitment to ensure Guyanese are at the core of its operations.
the election.
“It doesn’t change the majority. The PPP still has the majority in Parliament. And they were all going along with this. Suddenly, AFC threatens to boycott the election, because GECOM made a seat allocation error, according to Nigel Hughes. They’re using this now, to undermine GECOM.”
Avoiding defeat
Jagdeo also accused AFC leader Hughes of using the GECOM seat allocation issue as an excuse to avoid a heavy electoral defeat. He also warned that as the time for elections drew near, more “defunct” organisations would come crawling out of the woodwork to have their say.
During GECOM’s recent press conference, their Legal Officer, Attorney-at-Law Kurt DaSilva, when probed by the media, had admitted that it was the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), as the party with the most votes out of the joinder parties, which should have occupied the parliamentary seat for the entirety of the term.
DaSilva had explained that the Joinder Agreement agreed upon by the parties within their ranks, to occupy the shared seat for a specific period each, was not catered for under the Representation of the People Act. The stipulated duration of the terms for each party was: two years, six months and 20 days for
the LJP; two years and five months for ANUG, and 91 days for TNM.
When Dr Kissoon’s time in the seat came to an end, however, she continued to occupy the seat instead of turning it over to ANUG. During the press conference, the GECOM Chair had meanwhile assured that this matter would be addressed “shortly”.
NGOs Another matter addressed by the Vice President was the sudden appearance of various Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), with ties to the Opposition, who are seeking grants under the guise of voter education.
“I’ve seen already that some of the usual suspects, like the Red Thread. You know the Red Thread was the women’s arm of the WPA. They’re now considered an NGO. But they’re hostile to the PPP. Never in their years, never a single word of support for any initiative we’ve done.
“They’re suddenly part of an NGO group vying for grants to do voter education. GHRA [Guyana Human Rights Association]… they’re all pro-PNC. But they’re being considered. So I hope that no NGO or international organisation will… give grants to these bodies and do voter education and then have them run amok in this country. We’ll oppose it, as the PPP/C,” Jagdeo said, also urging GECOM not
to accredit any groups with partisan interests to do voter education.
As a matter of fact, Jagdeo noted that it was brought to his attention that a group that was recently hired by the European Union to do a form of voter education was bypassing organisations connected to Hindus and Muslims and the National Toshaos Council. The VP re-emphasised GECOM’s role to do voter education.
“We’ve made it clear from the Government, that GECOM is responsible for voters’ education. GECOM should educate the voters of this country, as to their rights and obligations. And the manual required by law now, that they have to produce several months before the elections, that should be the basis on which voters’ education is done. So that people are aware of their rights.
“So, the manual will say, for example, a presiding officer cannot stop you from voting, because you don’t have an ID card or passport. They have to administer once your name is on a list, an oath and then being allowed to vote.” Jagdeo highlighted that this was as a result of the Esther Perreira 1998 elections petition case. That case resulted in the nullification of the 1997 elections due to constitutional violations, making legal precedent that not having an ID card is not a barrier to voting. (G3)
New AI-powered platform allows...
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It added that Apto.ai also manages version control, deployment, and even ongoing maintenance in some cases. Many clients,
from real estate and insurance to customer-centric businesses, rely on Apto.ai to generate code efficiently without needing an in-house technical team. Large software companies are also leveraging Apto.ai’s capabilities and achieving 60-70% efficiency in code generation. This automation helps businesses save time and resources, and allows them to focus on growth and innovation.
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The new Bartica Office
Country Manager of GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc, Bjorn Jeune
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
AFC leader Nigel Hughes GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh
Guyana wins best Regional AML/CFT Case Award for groundbreaking investigation into ACP Brutus
Investigative techniques used to detect fraudulent activities and eventually leading to dozens of charges filed against embattled Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, for money laundering and other financial related offences have earned Guyana a win of the prestigious Best Regional AML/CFT Case Award (BREMOLT).
The 59th Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Plenary and Working Group Meetings is currently being held from December 1 to 6 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
A delegation, led by Attorney General & Minister of Legal Affairs,
Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, is attending the Plenary furthering areas regarding cooperation and collaboration with CFATF Member States and other countries and international agencies attending the meetings.
The BREMOLT Award was contested by four jurisdictions which submitted eight cases to be assessed. Guyana was among three finalists, including Jamaica and The Bahamas, which were nominated by a panel of highly experienced and competent judges from CFATF jurisdictions.
Following presentations from the three finalists, Guyana was adjudged the best-case winner by a majority vote of the delegates
Miner brutally chopped to death by drunken brother-in-law
Elijah Daniels, a 24-year-old miner of the Upper Cuyuni riverine community of Kurutuka Village in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has been attacked and brutally chopped to death by his brother-in-law on Tuesday at about 21:00h.
Based on reports received, when the suspect returned home under the influence of alcohol and saw his 17-year-old sister – wife of Elijah Daniels - asleep in a hammock, he reportedly armed himself with a cutlass and dealt her two lashes. And in a bid to escape her attacker, she ran into nearby bushes and hid herself.
About 10 minutes later, Daniels came home, and the suspect attacked and chopped him in the face and on the hand before fleeing the scene.
Daniels’s teenage wife reportedly heard the commotion during that attack, and emerged from the bushes to find her husband lying on the ground with chop wounds on his face and hands. She raised an alarm, and was assisted to rush him to the Kurutuku Health
Suspect
Post, from whence he was immediately transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and admitted in critical condition.
The matter was reported to the police, but the condition of the victim made them unable to take a statement from him. Regrettably, Daniels succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday evening while receiving medical attention.
A joint operation conducted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) resulted in the suspect being apprehended.
He was escorted to the Eteringbang Police Station, where he remains in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigations.
of the 24 Member jurisdictions of the CFATF.
“Guyana’s submission provided a synopsis on the use of suspicious transaction reporting, intelligence analysis, and the use of investigative techniques which were used to eventually bring
charges against embattled Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, for money laundering and other financial related offences,” a statement from the AG Chambers on Thursday stated.
The case, the missive added, focused on demon-
strating the effectiveness of the AML/CFT systems established and implemented by Guyana before and after its last Mutual Evaluation Report. It said the case also served as a great example to participants attending the Plenary of how the systems that are put in place
by countries like Guyana can be used as a deterrent to contributing to the scourge of money laundering and terrorist financing.
“This case was also monumental as it illustrated the possibilities related to abuse of procurement processes, and methods in which the AML/ CFT system can be used to minimize such abuse by high-ranking public officials.
The Guyana delegation led by Attorney General Anil Nandlall at the 59th Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Plenary and Working Group Meetings in Jamaica
Embattled ACP Calvin Brutus
Guyana wins best Regional AML/CFT ...
This was demonstrated by the real time cooperation among key agencies including the reporting entities, FIU, SOCU, AG Chambers, GRA and the Office of the DPP to successfully bring charges regarding the alleged offences to Brutus and his alleged associates, which included his spouse who was the beneficial owner of a number of corporate entities,” the Chamber added.
It also illustrated Guyana’s commitment to battle corruption and financial impropriety by public officials, regardless of status, to ensure proper management of its financial systems and resources for its citizens.
Additionally, this case was distinguished and recognized for Guyana’s ability to bring a high-ranking police official before the courts for alleged offences, as it involves one of the highest-ranking police officials ever charged with such a crime in the Caribbean region.
ACP Brutus is currently facing 252 cases including fraud, misconduct in public office, money laundering, and liability of an officer. These charges, which are pending in the courts, stemmed from a series of illicit acts for which other persons were also charged alongside the senior Guyana Police Force officer.
The investigation into Brutus began in June of this year when irregular financial activities were
flagged in his Police Credit Union account. A subsequent probe revealed over $800 million across eight frozen bank accounts held by Brutus, his wife Adonika Aulder, their son, and companies registered in their names. These accounts were allegedly linked to firms supplying goods to the Police Force, which prosecutors claim were never delivered.
MoU signing Meanwhile, on the margins of the ongoing plenary, Guyana also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cayman Islands, through their respective Financial Intelligence Units, to further international cooperation and collaboration between the FIUs of these countries.
Additionally, Alicia Williams of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Guyana moderated a Round Table Discussion at the Heads of FIU forum on Sunday
December 1, 2024, under the topic: Mastering the Art of Suspending Transactions. The objective of the session was to discuss the challenges, lessons learned, and the successes experienced by peers on the use of the power of suspension/postponement of transactions.
Agencies representing Guyana at the Plenary include the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Bank of Guyana (BOG), Attorney General’s Chambers, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Cooperatives Department (CCDO), Guyana Securities Council (GSC), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Gaming Authority (GA), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Ministry of Home Affairs Treaty Office (MOHA).
Guyana wins Best Regional AML/CFT Case Award (BREMOLT) at 59th CFATF Plenary
“We should’ve done that
really easily”– Tahir
Many chances to secure their spot in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 final went abegging for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) on Wednesday night, as they suffered a shocking 15run defeat at the hands of the Rangpur Riders.
For the first half of the game, the Amazon Warriors were in control, restricting the Bangladesh-based team to 117 in their 20 overs. However, the tides would turn in the second half of the game as Rangpur inflicted the same damage on the Warriors’ batting, to keep them far from their target.
As such, Captain Imran Tahir stepped up to face the music following the game, admitting to local media operatives that the Amazon Warriors’ batting in the game was poor.
An emotional Tahir said, “Look, simple as that, we played really poor. We’ve got a lot of international stars and the way we put up a performance like that, I think we have to look at ourselves in the mirror. It’s a big shame really. Cricket gave us everything and we forget where we come from, where we come from, what our rules were and then, we had
an opportunity like that, being given all the facilities, the franchise being so kind. It’s really sad to see, playing home conditions, home crowd and you put up a performance like that. You have to put your hands up and be man enough.”
Admittedly, the Amazon Warriors made a few curious choices with their batting lineup, the rationale behind which
the Captain later offered some clarity on.
“They had a lot of spin. We always knew if Romario had two overs of fast bowling he’s facing, he’s going to destroy everybody even if we need 30 in the last two overs. So, that was the plan, you know you always play cricket with a plan and stuff which nearly worked for us. If that ball could’ve gone
for four Romario had a good chance, we’ve seen that in the past, but you cannot put the poor guy in a situation like that,” Tahir divulged about Shepherd heading to the crease at number 10.
“I know that’s his job and it’s our job, but I think it was the top five guys. They should’ve been there 15 overs and then it would’ve been easy,” he lament-
ed. Tahir further shared about their game plan after bowling out Rangpur, “You need a run a ball, simple as that. You have a good powerplay, 30-0, 40-0 and obviously, we just try a little bit different things, you know, send Pretorius as the opener. The challenge is just get the bat on the ball and just be relaxed about it, but I think we made too many mistakes.”
Though the Amazon Warriors lost Wednesday night’s game, there was still a chance of the local franchise making it into the ExxonMobil Guyana GSL T20 final on net run rate. As such, Tahir described the situation as ‘very lucky’ if the Warriors made it to the final.
The GAW Captain related, “Obviously, disappointed so many people; you know, I’m the type of guy I like to talk honestly and that’s honesty. So, going into the final, if we have the op-
portunity but I never want to depend on the results. You win the game, simple as that, you’re in the final. But now we have to wait and see. To be honest with you, I feel like we’ll be very
lucky to get in the final.”
“I’m really, really sorry, on behalf of the team and myself, we should’ve done that very easily.”
Krishnamurthi leads Victoria into final
Cricket Victoria put in another commanding performance in the ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) T20 in the first of Thursday’s double-header of matches at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Dominating with the bat after being inserted by opponents Hampshire, the Australian outfit rattled along to a lofty total of 1704 before dismissing their opponents for just 95 runs inside 13 overs. The victory puts Victoria in today’s GSL final with their opponents awaiting the result of Thursday night’s encounter between Rangpur Riders and Lahore Qalandars to be determined.
Sanjay Krishnamurthi put in a Player-of-the-Match performance with 77 runs off 49 balls from the top of the order; a burgeoning and
brutal opening partnership with Blake Macdonald (59 off 43) saw Victoria amass 137 before Hampshire got their first wicket of the afternoon.
After the two set openers fell, the run rate tailed off slightly, but a target of
170 was one of the highest of the tournament and put significant pressure on the English side.
Hampshire’s top order all got starts, but with Joe Weatherley top scoring with just 18 runs the scoreboard pressure won out and the
rest of the batting imploded. Callum Stow was the pick
Guyana Amazon Warriors
Cricket Victoria were the first team in the ExxonMobil GSL T20 final
Callum Stow claimed four
Macdonald slammed a half-century
Sonny Baker broke Victoria’s strong first-wicket
Weatherly top-scored
Hampshire Hawks with
RExxonMobil Guyana GSL T20…
ain tried to play spoilsport at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Thursday night as the Rangpur Riders and Lahore Qalandars battled for a spot in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 final.
Though the showers reared their ugly head on more than one occasion, they could not indefinitely stop the thrilling nine-over contest that would ensue, resulting in the Rangpur Riders coming from the bottom of the points table to steal a spot in the final.
After a delayed start, the Rangpur Riders won the toss and opted to bat first, getting to 85-1 in nine overs before a decision was taken to truncate their already shortened innings.
Steven Taylor and Soumya Sarkar got Rangpur off to a lightning fast start, raining down boundaries
on the Lahore bowlers. The ferocity of their partnership was such that Captain Carlos Brathwaite turned to Tabraiz Shamsi early, but even the South African spinner could not break the partnership.
alongside Saif Hasan as the Rangpur Riders raced to put runs on the board. Taylor re-
mained unbeaten on 32 from 27, inclusive of four fours and one six while Hasan was also not out on 27 from 14 balls.
The man with the golden arm was Mirza Baig, who removed Sarkar for 22 from 13 balls. Taylor pressed on
The third bout of rain forced the umpire’s hand, and he decided to have the Lahore Qalandars attempt a
nine-over chase; they needed 111 runs in that period, calculated by the DLS method.
The Lahore Qalandars had the right idea with regard to pace but the frequent loss of their wickets became a hindrance to their cause.
Mahedi Hasan was the chief architect in Rangpur’s victory, claiming 3-11 in two overs while Zak Chappell took 2-17 in two overs to re-
strict the Lahore Qalandars to 87-7 in their nine overs.
For the Qalandars, Baig slammed 31 from 20 balls while Tom Abell hit 25 from 12 deliveries.
As such, the Rangpur Riders will come up against Cricket Victoria in the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana GSL final this evening at 19:00h.
Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders sealed a place in tonight’s final
The groundsmen were kept on their toes at Providence Stadium on Thursday night
Steven Taylor got the Rangpur Riders off to a quick start
Mahedi Hasan began to unravel the Qalandars with early wickets
