Guyana Times - Friday, June 7, 2024.pdf

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Jamaican company ordered to pay outstanding sums to Guyanese rice supplier

Int’l Building Expo 2024 launched with focus on sustainability, unity …says delays

Koker operator crushed to death by 3-tonne counterweight at Mahaicony

Sophia man attacked, stabbed to death

Businessman charged with murder of woman found dead in Unity home

Taxi driver robbed of motor car in South Ruimveldt, dumped in Sophia

Shon Azeez, 32, a taxi driver attached to the Double 'D' Taxi Service at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Wednesday evening robbed of his motor car by three passengers at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Police stated that the robbery took place at about 21:30h by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun and a female.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on the day in question at about 20:30h, the victim was seated in the driver's seat of his Black Toyota Allion motor car when he was

approached by one of the male suspects and the female, who requested to be taken to South Ruimveldt.

Upon arrival in the area, the taxi driver was directed by the female, who was in the front passenger seat to stop behind the 'shopping plaza'.

As the car came to a halt, the woman exited the car while the male suspect choked Azeez from behind. A third person, who was standing on the southern side of the road, approached the vehicle, held the driver at gunpoint, and demanded that he open the door.

Out of fear, the driv -

er complied, and the suspects then proceeded to tie him up and bundled him into the back of the vehicle.

The vehicle was later driven to 'A' Field Sophia, where the suspects left the victim at the side of the roadway after which they sped off the scene with his $1.6 million vehicle and a mobile phone.

With his hands still tied behind his back, he raised an alarm and was assisted by public-spirited citizens who took him to the Turkeyen Police Station.

An investigation has been launched into the robbery.

Govt Ministries initiate investigation into fatal mining pit accident

An investigation was initiated by the Labour Department, the Natural Resources Ministry, and the Police into the death of Timothy Fraser who was killed in a mining pit in Arakaka, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Wednesday.

Guyana Times understands that Fraser also called “Mineral Boss” was working in a mining pit when the walls suddenly collapsed burying him under the mud and sand. A co-worker reportedly rushed to his aid and managed to retrieve him but he was already motionless.

He was taken to a nearby health clinic where he was officially pronounced dead. The Ministry of Labour con-

tinues to encourage miners and the operators of mining pits to have proper safety and emergency measures in place.

Just four days ago, another miner was injured when a 17-foot pit wall collapsed at Arakaka, Perseverance, Matarkai. Nolan Leung was jetting inside the pit with a six-inch water pump near the wall when it gave way.

Leung was transported to the Port Kaituma District Hospital for treatment.

Just a week prior, another miner, Leon Lyken, lost his life at Frenchman Backdam in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). The 27-yearold from Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was working with others

when a section of the pit collapsed.

Lyken was trapped by the debris, while his colleagues managed to escape, though one sustained a broken foot and other injuries.

More than a month before Lyken’s death, 47-year-old Stephen Mark Samuels of Karwap Mission, Region Two, died in a pit collapse at Puruni Backdam, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Employed by a Brazilian national, Samuels was working when the eastern wall of the pit caved in, burying him. His coworkers retrieved his lifeless body, and the police, finding no signs of violence, transported it to the Puruni Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead.

One day after 24-year-old

Shaquille Leacock of ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown was brutally stabbed by two men, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

It was reported that on Tuesday at about 17:30h, Leacock was seated on a culvert in the village liming when he was confronted and attacked by two men.

He reportedly attempted to escape his attackers but he was accosted in a yard during

which one of the suspects who was armed with a knife dealt him two stab blows - one to his abdo men and another to his left thigh.

The injured young man reportedly ran out of the yard but lat er collapsed as the two suspects fled the scene. Police added that Leacock who was found lying in a semi-uncon scious state was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted in a serious condition. He took his last breath on Wednesday

evening despite efforts by doctors to save his life.

The police have launched a manhunt for the two suspects.

Dead: Timothy Fraser

Fraser’s body being pulled from the mining pit

Sophia man attacked, stabbed to death

Dead: Shaquille Leacock

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 7 –04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, June 8 –05:00h-06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Govt to go after defaulting contractors’ bank, insurance bonds – VP Jagdeo

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Friday, June 7 – 17:15h-18:45h and Saturday, June 8 –04:55h-06:25h.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the mid to late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 17:08h reaching a maximum height of 2.48 metres.

Low Tide: 10:41h and 22:50h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.76 metre.

…says delays could hinder award of future contracts to companies

As the Guyana Government clamps down on delinquent contractors, banks and insurance companies that issue performance bonds to contractors would find themselves facing the consequences of the bonds being called for delays in public projects.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo made this disclosure on Thursday during a press conference at the Office of the President. He explained that as part of their contracts, contractors are required to put up a performance bond that the State can draw down on should they fail to complete their works on time or at all.

These performance bonds are often issued by commercial banks and insurance companies. As such, in addition to contractors, the Vice President is also putting these institutions on notice that Government intends to levy on these performance bonds.

“So, I want to urge the banks and the insurance companies too that if you’re giving a performance bond, you better make sure that your client is doing the work, too, because at the end of the day, we will come against the bond that you have issued. And therefore, the insurance company or the bank will be called upon to perform and because we will draw down on the bond from them.”

“And so, I hope that they are also paying keen attention to this matter, because sometimes they think that the issuance of these performance bonds is risk-free. But if your client doesn’t perform, then the state has every intention of calling in the bond, and we’re doing this with greater frequency now,” Jagdeo noted.

The Vice President indicated that clear in-

structions have already been passed to all ministries and state agencies to look into cashing in the performance bonds. This move comes as part of widespread efforts by government to activate liquidated damages in contracts that have gone beyond the period of implementation in a number of state projects.

Future prospects

According to Jagdeo, in the past there was a “lax view” in instituting liquidated damages against contractors who had not completed their work within the contractual timeline – something that would no longer obtain.

While the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Standard provide for an extension in time for certain mitigating factors beyond the control of contractors like extended rainy periods, the VP noted that these were “rare occurrences” when it came to delays in public projects.

Consequently, he announced that those contractors who failed to meet their deadlines would have this included in their track record and this would potentially their chances of securing future contracts from the Government.

“So, in the past because of the paucity of contractors, we may have turned a blind eye to some of these things,

have a unit tasked with assessing the performance of contractors across the various sectors with the aim of going after the delinquent ones. These units will be supported by a Contract Compliance Unit within the Legal Affairs Ministry to provide guidance and file legal proceedings where necessary.

so when people don’t complete, they still get another project… But more and more, this [delay in completing a project] is going to be a factor in ensuring that people are penalised for not completing their contracts,” the Vice President stated.

Since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s return to office, as many as 2000 new small contractors have been registered and have become involved in the procurement system as part of a new ecosystem of contractors that continues to grow.

Among the criteria the current Administration had changed to grant more opportunities to small contractors – companies that fall below the $15 million margin – had been the requirement of three-to-five-years’ experience.

The PPP/C Government has said that it has been hiring new contractors to keep pace with the ongoing rapid development in the infrastructure sector. During a previous press conference, Jagdeo had noted that this has sometimes meant compromising on contractors’ experience. But while experience may be subject to compromise, quality work is not.

Only last month, it had been announced that all Government Ministries would soon

This move followed strict orders by President Dr Irfaan Ali that penalties like liquidated damages outlined in a number of Government contracts be enforced for companies that continue to default on their contractual obligations.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall had subsequently cautioned contractors to ensure that they execute their contracts diligently and deliver projects that could not be deemed substandard. He noted that this move by the Government was a demonstration of the Administration’s commitment to moving condignly against contractors who were negligent in the discharge of their duties.

In fact, only recently, Government moved to terminate the contract with Trinidadian company Kalco Guyana Incorporated, which had abandoned work on sections of the Conversation Tree Road Expansion Project.

Earlier this week, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill disclosed that Kalco has since repaid the outstanding mobilisation costs while Government has paid the Trinidadian company for works done so far.

Meanwhile, government has since retained S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc., which has already completed another section of the Conversation Tree Road, to finish the abandoned works. (G-8)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Road fatalities

In Guyana, as in many countries around the world, road safety remains a significant concern, with road traffic accidents claiming lives and causing injuries every year. As we delve into the statistics for 2024, it becomes evident that despite efforts to improve road infrastructure and implement stricter regulations, the battle against road fatalities is far from won.

According to data from the Guyana Police Force and other relevant authorities, the number of road fatalities in Guyana for the year 2024 has reached an alarming figure – a whopping 97 persons losing their lives in road accidents for the year so far.

This total includes 42 fatal accidents and 55 road incidents. The loss of lives due to road accidents not only brings profound sorrow to families, but also has broader socio-economic implications for the nation.

Several factors contribute to the high rate of road fatalities in Guyana:

1. Poor Infrastructure: Many roads in Guyana suffer from poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, and insufficient signage, increasing the risk of accidents, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night.

2. Reckless Driving: The prevalence of speeding, overtaking in dangerous situations, and disregarding traffic rules contributes significantly to road accidents.

3. Lack of Road Safety Education: Despite efforts to promote road safety awareness, there remains a gap in educating drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists about safe road practices.

4. Vehicle Condition: The condition of vehicles, including lack of maintenance and compliance with safety standards, poses a risk on the roads.

5. Human Error: Distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and fatigue are all human factors that contribute to accidents.

The Government of Guyana has undertaken various initiatives to address road safety concerns:

1. Legislative Measures: Introducing and enforcing stricter traffic laws and penalties to deter reckless driving.

2. Infrastructure Development: Investing in road infrastructure projects to improve road conditions and safety.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching campaigns to educate the public about the importance of road safety and responsible driving.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Enforcement of traffic laws remains inconsistent, and resources for infrastructure development are limited. Moreover, changing societal attitudes and behaviours towards road safety is a gradual process that requires sustained effort.

Addressing the issue of road fatalities in Guyana requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Enhanced Enforcement: Strengthening enforcement of traffic laws to deter reckless driving and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

2. Investment in Infrastructure: Continued investment in road infrastructure projects to improve road conditions and safety standards.

3. Education and Awareness: Increasing road safety education and awareness programmes targeting all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

4. Community Involvement: Engaging communities in road safety initiatives to foster a culture of responsible driving and mutual respect on the roads.

5. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data on road accidents and fatalities to inform policy decisions and allocate resources effectively.

The high rate of road fatalities in Guyana for 2024 underscores the urgent need for concerted action to improve road safety. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to accidents, and implementing comprehensive strategies, Guyana can work towards reducing road fatalities, saving lives, and creating safer roads for all its citizens. It's not just a matter of statistics; it's about safeguarding human lives and ensuring a brighter, safer future for generations to come.

Teachers’ strike totally uncalled for

Dear Editor, It is very lamentable that there is the ongoing teachers’ strike and impasse facing the nation. I note that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is “worried” about the possible consequences for teachers if the High Court decision should be overturned.

As we remember, just a while ago, High Court Justice Sandil Kissoon ruled that “the five-week strike action in February by teachers across Guyana was “legal and legitimate.” Consequently, as was reported in the press, “the court ruled, among other things, that the Government could not cut the salaries of those teachers who were on strike and did not show up to work.”

As expected, the Government did appeal this decision, seeking “an order setting aside the whole of the decision of the Honourable Mr Justice Sandil Kissoon…”

As a most pertinent footnote, I am also curious about a few things. One is how will the Honourable Mr. Justice Sandil Kissoon feel should his ruling be overturned; and two, supposing another appeal is launched (should some feel peeved with the overturning) and the matter heads to the CCJ. So, the issue seems far from being over.

Editor, let us forget about numbers and support for or against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government. The fact that stands out is that our students are seriously being hurt. They are the innocent victims, and this is why I truly condemn those on strike and their supporters. I also question their motive for entering the

teaching profession. Maybe many are choosing teaching as a career simply because it provides for a relaxed schedule. Summer; that is, the traditional August break, allows for a kind of ‘paid freedom from work.’

Now, I go back to September 2018, during that infamous teachers’ strike. That was when the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) firmly stated that “the nation’s educators had received more under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration than what they (were then getting) under ‘this’ coalition Administration…” as it was the APNU-AFC (A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change) who were in power at that time. At that juncture, and being very unhappy with APNU/AFC, GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald voiced, “If we look at what transpired under the PPP Government when they were in power (prior to 2015) and what is transpiring now (2015-2017)…remember we didn’t want the five per cent. We made noise about it. But with the five per cent, we got a whole lot of non-salary benefits.”

She detailed then also that, “For the first time in the history of this country, our teachers were able to get clothing allowance, duty-free concessions, and allowances for additional qualifications. While the PPP Government was in power — and you know I don’t want to sound political, but we have to make the comparison because of all the untruths they peddling out there…”

Need I say more?

Currently, I am very aware

that there is a “Duty-free concession for ‘selected’ teachers, as well as UG scholarships. I recall Minister Priya Manickchand’s words detailing that “Some 100 teachers across the country will be benefitting from duty-free concessions in the near future…(and as we know), this concession, issued by Government, will allow them to acquire their own vehicles without any duty commitments to be paid, thereby lowering the overall cost significantly.”

Editor, it got even better as “All CPCE trainees (received) salaries from January 2023”. This is a ‘first,’ as “(Previously) only persons living in the dorms (were) given a stipend of about $11,000. Now this (was) modified so that every CPCE student (received) a salary, since and rightfully reasoned by the Minister, “They’ll be in schools even as they are learning, and so they are going to be paid.”

My second comment is twofold, and it deals with the legal and moral aspects of the spearhead of this unnecessary strike.

From a legal standpoint, I guess that most people are aware that Coretta McDonald ‘is’ and not ‘might’ be holding her position as Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) General Secretary in contravention of the said GTU’s rule book, which is essentially the constitution of the union. I was aware of this even before it was disclosed by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. This needs some careful investigation.

This Chris M Elliman photo shows two Indigenous children and their pet in a canoe along the Kamarang River that flows into the mighty Mazaruni River. This is one of the short-listed entries in the Tourism Ministry photo competition to celebrate Guyana's 58th Independence Anniversary

New initiatives taken to stem learning loss Talkers versus doers

Dear Editor,

Many effective new initiatives have been taken and resources have been created by the Ministry of Education to stem learning loss; learners are encouraged to use them.

In a missive by J. Smith, the parent expresses concern about the consequences of the ongoing teachers’ strike on her children’s education. We understand the concern, and are glad to see that a meeting between the Union and the Government is scheduled for Monday coming. We hope for a good outcome.

In their letter, the parents said that the “[primary] curriculum…and exams… are set… without thinking of the massive learning loss that occurred during COVID lockdown…”

We wish to advise parents and the nation at large that much thought went into the various actions taken by the Ministry of Education to repair and/or stem learning loss.

All current curricula from nursery to grade 9 were revised to cater for the predicted learning loss arising out of the COVID-19 lockdown and consequential absences of teachers and learners from schools. The revision ranged from, for example, consolidating all the curricula, removing matters that were considered superfluous (considering or relative to the crises we were trying to address) to reducing the scope of the

NGSA, and testing only up to a Grade 5 level; and even then, only on a reduced curriculum, to most children in nursery, primary and grades 1-9 being exposed and taught subjects from one year lower than the current class in which they are sitting. We have introduced a national Grade 5 test which we hope will serve as a diagnostic for teachers and parents. This was done so that the final year in primary school could be used to strengthen areas of weakness before entrance into high school.

Several reinforcement products were created by various departments of the Ministry of Education. We encourage parents to make themselves aware of these, and to utilize them all as far as they can. Our scientifically acquired feedback is that they are all effective. These include videos on each topic at each grade level at the primary school level that are available on the Guyana Learning Channel and their YOUTUBE channel. Radio lessons available on the radio EdYOU FM, worksheets for every week for every topic in every subject at every grade level from nursery and primary, and most subjects up to grade 9 in secondary. A website where relevant questions for the grades 5 and 6 level are asked in a quiz format, and the quizzes marked and sent back immediately with the correct answers where the learner did not quite get it right.

All NGSA past papers and local texts are available on said website. Gameshows such as WhizzKids and Brainiacs were developed and published to allow for fun ways of learning crucial age- appropriate material. Additionally, all children in grades 5 and 6 have been given all the textbooks they need, mirroring what the successful private primary schools sell to their parents. All other grades have received, for personal usage by each child, all the relevant textbooks that are available.

These are all new initiatives that were consciously established and implemented post COVID-19 on the insistence of, and guidance by, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, who made us all acutely aware that the predictions of the harm of the COVID-19 lockdown have to be met head on with effective plans to minimize said loss and defy said predictions.

The fact that we have not seen the predicted learning loss reflected in our local results at NGSA or regional results at CSEC and CAPE suggests strongly that our efforts have not been in vain, and that they were effective.

We encourage all parents, teachers and students to use said resources. Personal and individual usage of these resources will benefit our children, your children, tremendously.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs O Ramdin Director, NCERD

Dear Editor, It is with a sense of pride and gratitude that I pen this letter in honour of the outstanding work done by a son of the soil, Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, who has been a beacon shining all around the Guyana landscape.

He is a source of goodwill and benevolence to all Guyanese from all walks of life; we will forever be thankful to this man.

Other persons or organizations that are worthy of honourable mention are Men on a Mission (MOM) and Women of Worth (WOW), among notable groups. These stand out in their charitable work for Guyanese, and, for this cause, they must be commended.

Now, I have deliberately left out the organization IDPADA-G, a prominent grouping set up for the express purpose of helping Black People who are in need. What is more distressing is that this is an organization that receives state funding, but fails in its stewardship commitment to the race when it comes to actual performance.

After years of receiving taxpayers’ money, they cannot show what they have done for The Race. Not one damn thing can be shown, although they are user-uppers of millions of state funds. Dr Jagdeo has called them out for this parasitic stance of theirs; that is, drawing down on huge sums of public money yet showing nothing in return.

Teachers’ strike totally uncalled...

The actual wording is that “Any person holding a Teachers Certificate acceptable to the Executive Council but who is not eligible for active membership may become an associate member of the union by making application therefor to the Executive Council”… (and) Further, Clause C, Section II of the rules outlines that “Associate members shall have the right to vote, but shall not be eligible to hold the office of the President or General Secretary… [this includes] teachers who leave the classroom to serve as Members of Parliament.”

And who is this Agent Provocateur? She is Ms

McDonald, who was sworn in as A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Parliamentarian in 2020, and by default her stint as General Secretary of the GTU should have ended. On the moral sphere, back in August last year, Coretta McDonald entertained attacks against IndoGuyanese on her show

“Advancing the Cause.” At the time, a person called and spewed racist comments, which she, McDonald, not only failed to shut down, but shockingly agreed with what was being said. That caller, in harmony with McDonald's, expressed hateful sentiments, stating

that Indo-Guyanese has no “history” in Guyana’s creation. Enough said! Readers, we all want more money. It is an innate desire, and we can all strike. So, where our teachers are concerned, I ask that they see things holistically. It is common knowledge that the education sector will this year receive a whopping $135.2 billion to further advance its programmes. Of this allocation, some $28.7 billion will go towards the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of school buildings and educational facilities. Additionally, $8.1 billion will be injected to continue the distribution of the “Because We Care” cash

I would venture even further to say that this is not a matter for Jagdeo, this is a matter that all civilized, right-thinking Guyanese want clarity on. You are talking about state funds, our hard-earned money, that is being channelled into the hands of a supposedly nonpartisan NGO, when that grouping is not fulfilling its obligation to the people.

Then it behooves us to believe that such an organization should be disbanded forthwith! Public funds must be publicly accounted for, there are no slush funds in this dispensation of government, period!

Shouldn't this be the preoccupation of Nigel Hughes and persons of his ilk? Shouldn't this be the high talking point of Hughes and company when addressing the needs of The Race? What we find today is a campaign to nitpick on irrelevant issues, such as who constitutes the racial makeup of the Hamitic or Negroid Race? Shouldn't their thoughts be consumed by the workings of IDPADA-G and its commitment to The African Race in Guyana?

These are the high points that ordinary people want to see in Guyana, and not a recolonization of the minds of The Black Race by a few claptraps masquerading under the caption of helping The Race. By their actions, the present cadre of persons in IDPADA-G are solidly telling persons of African Ancestry that all Blacks are not created equal, or if they are to be considered Black, they must give blind allegiance to The PNC Party.

Chief party activist Volda Lawrence was pellucid in that statement. "Comrades, you must follow your leaders and do not ask questions". In essence, it meant calling on Blacks to give blind allegiance to an organization that does not care for The Race.

However, I must remind The PNC IDPADA-G that every time we see another philanthropic act by Mr Mohamed, or any other such organization for that matter, it marks an indelible indictment on the organization in the decade for Coloured Peoples.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

FROM PAGE 4

grant initiative and uniform grant, benefitting 205,305 children. Also, a total of $4.9 billion has been set aside to continue the national school feeding programme, while $3 billion was allotted to purchase over 500,000 textbooks for primary and secondary school pupils. Then there is a sum of $2.3 billion that was budgeted to support technical and vocational interventions.

I rest my case. I know that noble minds will pull through. Too much is at stake for the Ministry of Education, teachers and students.

Yours truly,

HB Singh

Adding or subtracting fractions with like denominators

Adding or subtracting fractions with like denominators

or subtracting fractions with like denominators

subtract fractions with unlike, or different denominators, you have to change them into with common or like denominators. This process is called finding the common denominator.

Exercises: Add or subtract fractions

Adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

Example:

number is a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple numbers. 2 x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller easier to work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common denominator. In each fraction, multiply common denominator. Then multiply the original

To add or subtract fractions with unlike, or different denominators, you have to change them fractions with common or like denominators. This process is called finding the common denominator.

To add or subtract fractions with unlike, or different denominators, you have to change them fractions with common or like denominators. This process is called finding the common denominator.

To add or subtract fractions with unlike, or different denominators, you have to change them into fractions with common or like denominators. This process is called finding the common denominator.

To find a common denominator in these fractions, number is a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple numbers. 2 x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller easier to work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common denominator. In each fraction, multiply common denominator. Then multiply the original

To find a common denominator in these fractions, first: look at the denominators, number is a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple way to find the common numbers. 2 x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller number that is a easier to work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common multiple than common denominator. In each fraction, multiply the original denominator common denominator. Then multiply the original numerator by that same

To find a common denominator in these fractions, first: look at the denominators, number is a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple way to find the common numbers. 2 x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller number that is a easier to work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common multiple than common denominator. In each fraction, multiply the original denominator common denominator. Then multiply the original numerator by that same

To find a common denominator in these fractions, first: look at the denominators, 2 and 12. What number is a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple way to find the common multiple is to multiply the two numbers. 2 x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller number that is a common multiple that would be easier to work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common multiple than 24, so it will work as your common denominator. In each fraction, multiply the original denominator to make it become the common denominator. Then multiply the original numerator by that same number.

Here’s how to make them:

common denominator in these fractions, first: look at the denominators, 2 and 12. What a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple way to find the common multiple is to multiply the two x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller number that is a common multiple that would be work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common multiple than 24, so it will work as your denominator. In each fraction, multiply the original denominator to make it become the denominator. Then multiply the original numerator by that same number.

To find a common denominator in these fractions, first: look at the denominators, 2 and 12. What number is a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple way to find the common multiple is to multiply numbers. 2 x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller number that is a common multiple that easier to work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common multiple than 24, so it will work common denominator. In each fraction, multiply the original denominator to make it become common denominator. Then multiply the original numerator by that same number.

To find a common denominator in these fractions, first: look at the denominators, 2 and 12. What number is a multiple of both 2 and 12? A simple way to find the common multiple is to multiply numbers. 2 x 12 = 24. In some cases, there is a smaller number that is a common multiple that easier to work with. In these examples, 12 is a lower common multiple than 24, so it will work common denominator. In each fraction, multiply the original denominator to make it become common denominator. Then multiply the original numerator by that same number.

Exercises: Add or subtract fractions

Add or subtract fractions

* Gather these items – big scissors, about two feet of yarn, hole puncher, marker, two toilet paper rolls and a glue gun

* Hot glue the two toilet paper rolls together parallel to each other.

* Punch holes in the upper right and left sides of the binoculars.

* Tie each end of the yarn through the holes. Make sure the yarn is long enough to go around the child’s neck.

* Write your name or decorate the binoculars any way you’d like.

Use your binoculars to observer nature around your neighbourhood. (Adapted from Nature for Kids)

US$30B went into cost bank, Exxon recovered

US$20B as of last year – company’s VP

…says Govt profits will grow rapidly in

“not-too-distant

future”

As allowed under the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), ExxonMobil Guyana has recovered US$20 billion in its investments from the Stabroek Block as of 2023.

This is according to the company’s Vice President and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema.

From the time ExxonMobil began exploring for oil in Guyana, it has invested a total of US$15 billion or G$3 trillion into the Stabroek Block. Rietema explained during an engagement with the media on Thursday that the company has recovered US$20 billion or G$4.1 trillion to date.

“Through the end of 2023, the total investment in cost, put into the cost bank, was around US$30 billion. And we have recovered around US$20 billion. We’ll continue to provide updates with that, over time.

“But what it shows is that we continue to invest more than we’re receiving from the Block. We continue to reinvest and it will still take some time before we recover those investments,” Rietema further explained.

Rietema went on to

assure that in the near future, Guyana’s profit share and the company’s would grow as more of Exxon’s investments made into the Stabroek Block are recovered under cost recovery.

“What I point out is, when the investments have been totally recovered in the future, then the amount of profit available to share between the contractor group and the Government will grow and grow considerably. And we can see that day coming in the not-too-distant future,” the executive further said.

Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the

operator of the Stabroek Block and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

The Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara projects, which are producing overall more than 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s offshore Stabroek Block.

ExxonMobil has been present in Guyana since 1999 and initiated exploration activities in 2008.

Berbice man dies following 2-vehicle collision

57-year-old Frederick Schneider of Friendship Village Corentyne, Berbice met his demise on Thursday following an accident along the No. 23 Public Road.

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 14:20h and involved the motorcycle Schneider was driving and a motor lorry, GJJ-6506 that was at the time being driven by a 58-year-old resident of Heatburn Village, East Bank Berbice.

Police stated that

the lorry was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane when the driver alleged that the motorcycle which was proceeding in the opposite direction made a sudden swerve and into his path.

As a result, the driver of the lorry attempted to avoid a collision but despite his efforts, the front portion of the motorcycle collided with the left side of the truck.

Schneider reportedly fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries to his body and was picked up in an uncon-

Dead, Frederick Schneider

scious condition and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver was arrested and is assisting the police with their investigations.

According to the provisions of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, 75 per cent of gross revenue goes to cost oil while Guyana gets a total of 14.5 per cent from the remaining revenue and royalty and Exxon gets 10.5 per cent.

Under the new conditions of the model PSA that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has implemented, the cost recovery ceiling has been lowered from 75 per cent to 65 per cent.

This is in addition to including terms for all future PSAs to feature the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two

per cent to a fixed rate of 10 per cent and the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax. Additionally, Guyana stands to benefit from as high as US$20 million signature bonuses for the deep-water blocks and US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks based on the model PSA.

The model PSA is being applied to future oil contracts, which will likely be signed once the Government reaches agreements with the companies that were successful at Guyana’s inaugural oil block auction last year.

During the auction, 14 bids in total were received from six companies, for eight of the 14 offshore oil blocks. Exxon was one of the six oil companies that submitted bids for the blocks.

The other companies were SISPRO INC

(Guyana); Total Energies EP Guyana BV, Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp Inc Guyana, Watad Energy and Arabian Drillers of Saudi Arabia; Liberty Petroleum Corporation of the US and Ghana-based Cybele Energy Limited; and International Group Investment Inc and Montego Energy SA (London).

Late last month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed that the Government has cleared the way for the consortium of Total Energies, Qatar Energy, and Petronas to move on to the negotiation phase of the contract award – the only awardees from the 2023 oil blocks’ auction to have gotten this far. (G3)

EEPGL VP and Business Services Manager Phillip Rietema

Businessman charged with murder of woman found dead in Unity home

Sixty-seven-year-old

Khemraj Persaud also called ‘Pandit’, a businessman of Unity Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Thursday charged with the murder of Chooromanie Tulsie also called ‘Anita’ whose body was found in her home last November.

Persaud appeared before Magistrate Alan Wilson at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court two days after the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) recommended murder charges be instituted against him for the brutal murder.

He was not required to plea to the indictment and was

Charged: Khemraj Persaud, also called ‘Pandit’

Murdered: Chooromanie Tulsie, also called ‘Anita’

remanded to prison until June 20, 2024.

It was reported that days after the gruesome discovery, Persaud and two of his employees were arrested. At the time of his arrest, his body was covered with scratches and bruises.

However, Persaud who is also a businessman along with the others were released on station bail after the 72-hour detention period had expired.

Nevertheless, he was subsequently rearrested after detectives unearthed additional evidence as the probe into the woman’s death continues.

The source disclosed that the man in custody is known for his frequent visits to the woman’s home.

In light of this development, Tulsie’s sister, Chandrowatie Persaud had expressed the firm belief that “Pandit” was responsible for her sister’s death. She noted that upon his arrest, his body had several scratches for which he could not account.

“He told the Police one thing to the other…is like when you tell lies to cover up, your story does swing in all directions…Up to now, with all the lies he telling, he can’t say where he got the scratches… From what we know, is my sister put up a fight, and we believe that the marks were from that encounter,” the aggrieved sister had reported.

She had also indicated that the Police had taken DNA samples from the main suspect. “We are waiting on the results of the DNA samples, and I guess when that comes back, the Police will have a clear idea as to who the perpetrator is…” Persaud had told the Guyana Times.

The woman added that the suspect is a close family friend, who has access to the house where her sister was residing.

Tulsie, a former accountant at CAMEX Restaurants Inc, was found stabbed to death in the lower flat of her home at Lot 26 Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The mother of one had resided at the family house with her 5-year-old son while her mother and brother are residing overseas.

Tulsie had reportedly last been seen alive at about 19:30h on Tuesday, November 22, after she had uplifted her son from a family member in the same village. The gruesome discovery was made at about 8:00h the following morning in the lower flat of the house.

She was found lying on the ground with a piece of cloth stuffed inside her mouth and a knife stuck in the centre of her throat. She was clad in a multi-coloured ‘night dress’ which was reportedly pulled up to reveal her body. Her fiveyear-old son was subsequently found locked in his room.

Remembering… …old heroes

In another week or so, we should be commemorating the martyrdoms of first Walter Rodney, and then the Enmore Martyrs. In the USA, during the fag end of the Great Depression, two authors were commissioned to write about the lives of some anonymous small sharecroppers. The title they gave their book was “Now let us praise famous men”. That – of course – is taken from the Wisdom of Sirach, that begins: "Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us." They were not being ironic, but were celebrating the role ordinary people can have in the life of a nation. Those sharecroppers represented the true grit that made America come out of the Depression and become the world’s most powerful nation in the following decade.

Well, it so happens that the Enmore Martyrs’ lives were snuffed out that same decade – 1948 – when sugar insisted it was still King in Guyana and, as such, insisted it had to take its regular blood sacrifice to nourish its roots. Sugar, of course, was founded on the blood of first millions of enslaved Africans in the so-called “New World”, and then hundreds of thousands of Portuguese, Indians and Chinese in Guyana. If there’s anything that should bring us together, then, it ought to be that symbol of the common despoilation of our ordinary folks – Enmore Martyrs’ Day –June 16, 1948.

So, your Eyewitness is giving fair warning: he’s gonna be looking to see whether the annual trek to Enmore will be getting larger, or will continue to dwindle. If it’s the latter, then we’ll be damned for being a bunch of Philistines who cannot even honour their heroes. Let us not forget it was after that 1948 massacre that the Brits were forced to acknowledge our humanity and concede us the universal franchise in which we could choose our leaders to take us to our promised land.

And the second Martyr whom we should honouron June 13 - is Dr Walter Rodney. That commemoration should remind us of how cynical those who inherited that independence – Forbes Burnham and his PNC - were. They sold us out to the colonials “and made a mockery of our right to vote by rigging every election for decades. Walter Rodney exposed him for the fraud he was - with his imitation of the speech and mannerisms of those whom he could never be, but wanted more than anything in the world to be: white!!

He had Walter assassinated because the latter was a standing indictment of the fraud he was through and through. Walter’s mocking him as the “Reverse” Midas –everything HE touched turned to shit!! - was the last straw.

And yet his successors want to “fulfill his legacy”!!

…the provocateurs of violence

Remembering Enmore reminds us that most of the “uprisings” before the 1960s were spontaneous actions taken against their direct oppressors. But, in 1962, the Black Friday arson and riots of Feb 16 were instigated by foreign operatives using their well-honed tactics. Like spreading a rumour in the massed crowd in front of Parliament that a baby had been killed by tear gas! The mob went berserk! This became the new norm: the 1963 strikes and violence, ditto in 1964. Fast forwarding to 1997, the PPP was accused of “stealing” the elections, which segued into “slow fyaah; mo fyaah”, leading to the “African Resistance” in the 2002 post-Mash Day Jailbreak. It didn’t end until 2008, after hundreds had been killed and the “Freedom Fighters” had been wiped out.

Today, the rumours are being repeated by a new bunch of provocateurs, who had incited marchers along the East Coast Public Road to attack stallholders at Mon Repos and loot their goods.

Those promoting assassinations have no shame!!

…wackos

The latest fad in the US is “Perineum sunning”. What’s that, you ask? Well, did you hear about the monkey putting his nuts “where the sun doesn’t shine”?? That’s where they’re sunning. So, it’s also called “Butthole Sunning”!!

Exxon records $614B in profits; $138.1B in taxes paid to GRA for 2023 – Guyana accounts for over $1T in total revenue for oil company

Oil giant ExxonMobil raked in as much as $614 Billion from its operations in the Stabroek Block in 2023, a sizeable amount that is also dwarfed by the over $1 trillion in total revenue from its holdings in Guyana.

This was according to Exxon Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) Vice President and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema during a media engagement on Thursday.

He shared Exxon Guyana’s 2023 Annual Report, showing that the company earned $614 billion in profit from its Stabroek block holdings. Another revelation was that Exxon had $138.1 billion in taxes remitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority, on its behalf.

“As you can see in the financial statements, it was another profitable year. We increased our profits, year over year, to around $600 Billion. It's reflective of building on the success of prior years.”

“As we noted, we brought online the Prosperity FPSO (Floating Production Storage and

“So, the financial position is quite strong for EMGL. And what you see here is just our 45 per cent share. You in total, when you look at the financial statement, we have assets of over $3 Trillion. We have equity of over $2 Trillion. We are financially strong. And we’re getting stronger, year after year as we continue to invest in our projects,” he further said.

Exxon’s after-tax profits in Guyana in 2022 were $577.7 billion. In 2021, which was the first year the company made a profit since it launched its operation in Guyana, Exxon raked in $132 Billion in

Offloading) vessel. We also had a full year of the Unity FPSO. So, production was up year over year. And it was profitable production,” Rietema explained.

Continuing further, Reitema noted that Exxon’s financial position derives just from its 45 per cent share in the Stabroek Block. That means that Exxon’s partners CNOOC and Hess, who have separate accounting, would also have derived sizeable profits.

profits. Globally, the company raked in 7.5 trillion in profits.

Exxon, through its local subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator of the Stabroek Block and holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

The Liza Phases One

and Two and Payara projects, all of which combined are producing over 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block in waters offshore.

The current production figures will be further buttressed by the Yellowtail and Uaru developments, which are already underway and are anticipated to contribute 250,000 barrels of oil each following their respective start-ups.

An application for the sixth development, the Whiptail Project, was submitted by the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and its co-venturers. This project is currently under review by the Government, and once approved, will see Guyana producing just over 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

In addition to at least these six projects offshore Guyana that Exxon anticipates will be online by 2027, it is also eyeing the possibility of having 10 FPSOs operational by 2030. Production has already started on three projects, with the Liza Destiny and Unity and the Prosperity FPSO vessels in operation. The third project – the Payara development – targets an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels, and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be Exxon’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, has an anticipated start-up of 2025. The Uaru oil development, which will be the fifth one for the company offshore Guyana, is targeting between 38 and 63 development wells, including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells.

Exxon had also previously made known that first oil from the Uaru development is anticipated by late 2026 or early 2027.

(Jarryl Bryan)

The Liza Destiny FPSO, one of three FPSOs currently producing oil in the Stabroek block

EEPGL VP and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema

Central Bank intervenes to reduce shortage of foreign currency in Guyana

The Bank of Guyana (BoG) has intervened to address the shortage of foreign currency in the local market, following complaints, especially by the business community for several months now.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during his weekly press conference on Thursday. He explained that the growing demand for foreign currency for importation and other transactions led to long waiting times and a mismatch in demand and supply across the banking sector.

“We know that with a rapidly growing economy and with an increase in imports there will be greater demand for foreign currency… So,

that’s natural that once the economy is growing, there will be greater demand for foreign currency for legitimate transactions, that is, to import more goods, to import more machinery and equipment… and to make payments for a lot of the intermediate goods, and therefore, the market may experience from time to time, some mismatches,” he noted.

According to the Vice President, it was observed that the market would generally clear itself despite several waitlists for importers to access foreign currency within the local banking system. As a result of this, the Government held a meeting with the commercial banks on the situation last week and

subsequently engaged the Central Bank to intervene to regulate the local foreign currency market.

“We have seen a situation where we’ve had a short-term mismatch and we’ve asked the Central Bank…to make a major interjection in the foreign

strong to do this several times in the year,” he added.

currency market and this morning most people said that the market is entirely cleared,” the VP indicated.

Jagdeo further noted that the Government consistently monitors the banking sector and can intervene at any given time. “Our capability is

Explaining why this move was not made earlier, the Vice President said “We had seen that overall, the market was clearing itself… because daily, we watch the aggregate foreign currency available to the bank and their aggregate demand. We don’t want the rate to appreciate too much because that will lead to another set of problems, but we don’t want the rate to depreciate too. And so, we believe that the equilibrium that the rate has struck now is the ideal one for the economy and we’re keeping a close watch on the market.”

Since last year, the private sector has been complaining bitterly about a

shortage of foreign currency on the local market – something which the Guyana Government as well as the Central Bank has denied.

In fact, the BoG had reported earlier this year that as of April 15, 2024, there was some US$54 million in the local banking system, adding that this was an adequate supply of US dollars to meet demands.

“The BoG would like to reiterate that the banking system with an average monthly turnover over USD500 million, has an adequate supply of US dollars to meet demand,” the Central Bank said in an advertisement published in the state-owned newspaper back in April.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh meeting with representatives of the local banking sector last Friday

Govt distributes 3000 high-yield coconut plants to Pomeroon farmers

In a major initiative to boost the coconut industry in the Pomeroon River region,

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha announced that the Government will make available some 3000 high-

yield coconut plants to local farmers.

In fact, over 120 farmers each received 25 Brazilian Green Dwarf coconut plants on Wednesday as part of the first phase of a larger project. The distribution is a commitment made by

Minister Mustapha six months ago to improve the quality and yield of coconuts in Pomeroon.

During his remarks, Mustapha noted that this is just the first phase of the distribution while highlighting the advantages of the Brazilian Green Dwarf

variety which will produce approximately 240 coconuts per tree annually, a significant increase from the current 160 coconuts per tree in Guyana.

Additionally, the water content of these coconuts is much higher, producing around 700-750 ml compared to the 300-350 ml from local varieties.

"Our aim is not only to enhance coconut production but to revitalize the entire coconut industry in Guyana. This sector has the potential to be highly lucrative, and we have the potential to supply markets throughout the Caribbean."

collaboration with IKEA. This large-scale importation aims to bolster production across more than 6000 acres dedicated to coconut farming.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva expressed gratitude to the Government for its continuous support while adding that local farmers will not only benefit from increased coconut water and oil but also copra production.

The Ministry has already imported over 60,000 high-yield coconuts from Brazil, and there are plans to import another 40,000 from Mexico in

Farmers in the region also voiced their appreciation, noting the positive impact on their livelihoods.

Koker operator crushed to death by 3-tonne counterweight at Mahaicony

The lifeless body of Leevorn Stanford McGarrel, also called ‘Shortman' or 'Hacket', a sluice attendant employed by the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), was found on Thursday under a three-tonne boul-

der in the community of Farm/Woodlands, West Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Investigators are working on the theory that the fatal accident that took the life of this 54-yearold resident of High Dam, Mahaicony, ECD occurred between 18:00h on

Wednesday and 6:40h on Thursday.

Based on reports received, the late Leevorn McGarrel and his sonin-law Lavar Welch had worked separate shifts at the same sluice, monitoring the inflow and outflow of water in the canal and the Mahaicony River. McGarrel had left his home to go to work at the location on Wednesday at about 18:00h, and did not return home. On Thursday, Welch went to work for his shift, and discovered his father-inlaw's body under the sluice counterweight (3-ton boulder).

The man’s body was examined, and 'visible crush injuries' were seen. He was later pronounced dead.

Investigations are ongoing.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha along with regional representatives at the distribution exercise

The high-yield plants imported from Brazil

Guyana will lead all regional tourism products by 2030 – Pres Ali

With Guyana leading the charge in climate change and environmental sustainability, and simultaneously developing its tourism industry, by 2030 no other tourism product will come close to what the country will offer.

This goal will be achieved through the massive investment that the government continues to exhaust in the tourism industry in collaboration with the private sector.

This was emphasised by President Dr Irfaan Ali during the launch of the Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves book at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown on Wednesday.

“We have to build this brand Guyana and value this brand Guyana…Make no mistake, and mark my words today, by 2030 no tourism product in this region will come close to

Guyana’s tourism product. We will have the facilities, we will have the infrastructure,” President Ali assured.

The book was published by the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Foundation in partnership with the United Kingdom International Development.

The head of state said the value in nature carries both an economic and financial weight. As such, agencies need to plan keen-

ly and look at the opportunities that could be derived from the environment.

Products such as the Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves which pictorially demonstrate the importance of the eco-system in the area, build out the fundamentals of what Guyana offers.

As such, collaborating with the private sector and transitioning it to align with the national development priorities of the coun-

try is of utmost importance.

“It is how we marry the goals of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the goals like the EMC Foundation with

the national goals in ensuring that we build an integrated product,” the president stressed.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller expressed gratitude to the government and the EMC foundation for allowing the UK agency the opportunity to work along with the Guyanese diaspora to experience the valuable resources of the country.

One of the paintings displayed at the launch on Wednesday evening

President Dr Irfaan Ali with members of the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC)

30 Blairmont Sugar Estate workers trained in OSH

Some 30 employees of the Blairmont Sugar Estate have benefitted from a comprehensive training programme focused on workers’ safety and health. That programme has been facilitated by the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department, in collaboration with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The three-day training was conducted from June 4 to 6, 2024 at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Blairmont Estate boardroom in Region Five. OSH officers from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) led the interactive train-

ing sessions, which covered key topics, among which were Categories of Hazards, Types of Hazards at Work, Controls for Hazards,

Sources of Hazards, Risk Assessment, Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace, and the OSH Act, Chapter 99:06 of the Laws of Guyana.

This training has been deemed essential in equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their roles outlined in the OSH Act. This includes making recommendations to the employer and the workers for the improvement of the health and welfare of workers; identifying situations that may be a source of danger or hazard to workers; and making recommendations to employers and workers regarding the estab-

lishment, maintenance, and monitoring of programmes, measures and procedures in respect to the safety of workers, among other responsibilities.

Following the training, both participants and their workplaces received certification that would be valid for one year. It is imperative to note that, for every workplace with more than 20 employees, Guyana’s OSH Act mandates the creation of a Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee (JWSHC).

However, many workplaces across Guyana do not have a functional

JWSHC due to a lack of widespread understanding of maintaining safety and health practices in the working environment.

As such, the Ministry’s OSH Department continuously conducts training sessions for JWSHCs across the country, to ensure that persons are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills required to adequately perform their duties as members of the committee.

The OSH Department has also reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical support to the committee in the execution of its functions.

UNDP partners with PAC to support waste management, reduction within the National Park

Officials and staff of the UNDP Guyana and Protected Areas Commission

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Guyana has partnered with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) to support waste management and reduction within the National Park. In observation of World Environment Day on 5 June 2024, UNDP Guyana handed over waste receptacles to the Protected Areas Commission. This initiative is to encourage park users to properly dispose of and separate their wastes within the environs of the National Park.

An OSH officer in discussion with the participants

Three of the workers who participated in the training

Edghill to approach Cabinet for new barge for Kwakwani

Technical teams from the Public Works Ministry, Demerara Harbour Bridge, and Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) are being mobilised to spearhead repairs on the Kwakwani barge service.

This is part of efforts to ensure the smooth functioning of the barge service, which is crucial to the community’s mining and logging sector.

Technical officers have since concluded that the barge had outlived its usefulness.

However, an inspection conducted by the General Manager of the DHB, Wayne Watson on Wednesday, revealed that many of the barge’s structures, specifically the deck, are weak and has massive holes contributing to leaks.

As such, it will undergo critical repairs over the weekend and is ex-

time,” Watson disclosed.

pected to be back in operation on Monday.

To facilitate this, the barge will be isolated to allow for a parallel bulkhead to be welded onto it while pumps will be installed to control the intake of water. Watson explained that work will be done in phases.

“The existing frontend used to be the backend, so the initial frontend was damaged and they switched to the

back-end. So, the same effect that the front-end would have been subjected to the current frontend is experiencing that same problem. So, what we are going to do is isolate that area so that the water will not go to other sections and thereafter, we are going to try to resuscitate the pontoon in intervals because to do the current pontoon with all the work will require it to be down for a long

QC to develop hydroponic kitchen garden – SHOUT 2.0 winner

Guyana’s

2024 Youth Environmental Speaker Gabriella Arjun of Queens College stated that she was always passionate about the environment and in this regard, she brainstormed the idea of creating a hydroponic kitchen garden for her school.

The 10th-grade student who on Wednesday won the SHOUT 2.0 competition posited that the project is aimed at significantly reducing food wastage, minimizing pollution, and using less water when compared to conventional farming among other benefits.

“Initially, I had pitched the hydroponic kitchen garden project, this was to minimise food wastage, promote sustainable consumption and production, also minimise pollution compared to traditional soil planting methods, conserve water, and use little labour.”

She noted that the produce grown from this

project will be used in the school’s cafeteria to provide healthy meals for students while underscoring that if this project was implemented on a larger scale, it would significantly impact the country.

Additionally, Arjune shared some words of encouragement for the next batch of students who will be competing for Guyana’s Youth Environmental Speaker

next year.

“I just want to say, if you are passionate about the environment, it will naturally come to you just do your research and make sure you are environmentally aware of what’s going on in the news, you will have anxiety to deal with but the people there are so nice, so that will somewhat ease that tension,” she posited.

Further, the Transport and Harbours Department will deploy a new vessel, the MV Baramani, to provide relief to those traversing the Berbice River Crossing. This vessel is expected to arrive in Kwakwani in about one week.

However, Public Works Minister Juan

Edghill told the residents that the government is also considering the procurement of a new barge.

On this point, he explained that multifaceted measures will ensure that the main commercial activities in Kwakwani are not affected in any way.

“After the Baramani is here… it is a call

that the Cabinet will make when I discuss with them the details on whether we’re leaving that or buying another barge because obviously this one has outlived its life and you’ve been trying your best with it,” Edghill said.

Edghill also pledged that the government will continue to work with the NDC to prevent disruptions to the community’s livelihoods, which he underscored are critical to Kwakwani’s economy and development.

“I can tell you right now as a representative of the Cabinet that the government will not leave the people of Kwakwani stranded because of this barge. So, we are going to work with you to make sure that we get that sorted out,” he added.

Wayne Watson, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

GGDMA calls for unmasking of masterminds behind recent gold smuggling attempt at CJIA

In light of the recent interception of three persons at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with some 240 ounces of gold, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) calls for a thorough investigation that will bring, not only those currently under arrest, to justice, but one that will unmask the masterminds in the operation.

However, the association congratulated the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Natural Resources Ministry, and the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) who played an integral role in apprehending the three persons while reiterating its zero-tolerance position for those who rob Guyana of required revenue from gold mining.

“The association will be closely monitoring this case and expects that the government agencies will ensure that there is full public disclosure and accountability. The GGDMA calls for a full disclosure of all those involved and stands fully behind the government in exposing these criminals,” a release from the association stated.

However, the GGDMA is encouraging all miners to sell their gold to the Guyana Gold

Board [GGB] or Licensed Gold Dealers.

“Miners are also reminded that they should ensure that proper documentation and a periodic statement of their transactions is received from the Licensed Gold Dealer. This statement should be with the gold dealer’s records presented to GGB. This verification is important since it will ensure that your gold is properly accounted for and that your taxes are being correctly paid to the Government,” the release stated.

It was reported that two US citizens and one Guyanese were on Monday intercepted with US$560,000 worth of raw gold at the CJIA. They were outgoing passengers on an American Airlines flight to JFK Airport, New York.

The 240 ounces of pure (raw) gold was disguised as silver-plated jewellery. The gold was confiscated after the three passengers were unable to produce the required permit and declaration to customs officials.

However, the GRA continues to note the alarming trend in the efforts to smuggle items including gold, monetary instruments, arms, and narcotics through ports in Guyana.

As such, the authority reiterates that individuals dealing in or

contemplating engaging in such illegal activities, to desist from doing so or face the consequences.

Back in October 2023, the Natural Resources Ministry announced that an investigation would be launched into whether gold smuggling/ illegal trade is responsible for the drop in gold declarations.

The ministry reminded miners that they are required to sell all the gold they find to licensed gold dealers/traders or to the Guyana Gold Board.

The Ministry further reminded them that it is illegal to purchase gold without the requisite licence. On this note, the Ministry stated that the relevant agencies will be tasked with ensuring the laws surrounding the selling of gold are upheld and further, an investigation has been launched into the disparity in gold declarations and investments.

The Bank of Guyana (BoG), in its first quarter statistical report for 2023 on the performance of the economy for the year, had said gold declarations decreased by 5.3 per cent when compared to the same period in 2022.

For 2022, the declaration was 486,415 ounces; in 2021 it was 499,054 ounces; in 2020 recorded 584,291 ounces and in 2019 some 634,905 ounces.

UNDP partners with PAC to...

Effective and sustained waste management promotes a culture of responsible waste disposal and behavioural change in environment conservation which can result in more effective upcycling and recycling, reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfills, and a more hygienic environment for all. Equally, adopting the principles to reduce, reuse, recycle and replace within our daily lives can decrease our negative impact on the environment and promote a circular economy.

This also helps to protect the environment since landfills are a major source of greenhouse gases – by separating wastes, the amount sent to landfills is reduced and therefore it reduces our carbon footprint and contributes to climate change mitigation.

This partnership between UNDP and PAC positively contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, also referred to as

the SDGs or the Global Goals, specifically SDG 3 on ensuring good health and well-being, SDG 11 on establishing sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 on promoting responsible consumption and production, SDG 14 on protecting life below water and, SDG 15 on protecting life on land.

Officer-in-Charge, UNDP Guyana, Nadira Balram, pointed out that “UNDP is committed to supporting efforts that protect our environment through targeted initiatives and strategic partnerships.” She also noted the importance of “our individual and collective responsibilities in adopting the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle and replace within our daily lives can decrease our negative impact on the environment and promote a circular economy”.

In addition, Commissioner, of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser highlighted that “…proper solid waste dis-

posal, especially within our urban green spaces is our collective duty. The PAC’s “parks for the people” approach, which is in line with the First Lady’s National Beautification Project, aims at creating and maintaining clean and safe urban green spaces for everyone to enjoy. As part of this approach, and after much consultation, we have developed our National Park Zoning Plan that will guide the sustainable use of our green oasis while promoting principles of a circular economy. Proper waste disposal and waste separation practices are requisite first steps and ultimately the onus is on all park users to be responsible citizens and stewards of the environment - we have waste receptacles, use them”.

This activity is the initial step in a more longterm partnership between UNDP and PAC as we work together on shared developmental goals.

QC to develop hydroponic...

Meanwhile, Queens College received a cheque of $500,000 from Recover Guyana and its partners to kickstart the project along with $250,000 for technical expertise and another $250,000 from kind support making the total amount of funds received by the school to implement the project a whopping $1 million.

Recover Guyana in collaboration with Exxon

Mobil Guyana on June 5, 2024, in observance of World Environment Day kickstarted their annual ‘SHOUT’ competition at the Georgetown Ramada Princess Hotel.

This event saw several secondary schools from across Guyana engaging in dialogues about various environmental issues and saw the top 10 out of 30 schools who secured their spots in this year’s qualifi-

er delivering live speeches on various environmental issues.

Other winners and participants of the competition received $3 million in cash and prizes. SHOUT aims to involve more young people in environmental action, encourage dialogue, and initiate improvements in school environments and is supported by ExxonMobil Guyana among other companies.

Officer-in-Charge, UNDP Guyana, Nadira Balram, and Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser

Pedestrian killed by speeding motorist while crossing road

Apensioner is Guyana’s latest road fatality after he was struck down and killed by a speeding motorcyclist while he was attempting to cross the Mc Doom Public Road, Greater Georgetown on Thursday.

Dead is Munaisar Sewcharan, 66 of Houston Housing Scheme, Greater Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 17:12h and involved a motor cycle bearing registration number CL 9030 which was at the time being driven by a 29-year-old from Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Police stated that the motorcyclist was proceeding north along the roadway at a fast rate while Sewcharan was crossing the road using the pedestrian crossing.

The vehicles proceeding south on both drive lanes reportedly stopped for the pedestrian to cross the road.

However, as he was in the center of the road, the motorcyclist failed to

stop thus colliding with Sewcharan. As a result of the impact, the elderly man was flung some distance away from the pedestrian crossing and landed on the road surface.

The motorcyclist also fell onto the roadway where he received injuries.

Police stated that the injured pedestrian was picked up in an unconscious state by the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

The driver was arrested as

Guyana will lead...

FROM PAGE 13

“We wanted to test our tools here in Guyana and this is a result of one of our products in the country that will now be rolled out across the world,” the British High Commissioner expressed.

Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Shyam Nokta noted that his decision to focus the book on the Mahaica area is due to the rich biodiversity where tourism opportunities vary.

“Today, the Mahaica waterfront is an eco-tourism hotspot. It is one of

police continue their investigations.

After the accident, the dead man’s granddaughter, Bianca Munaisar stated that the family is struggling to come to grips with how the life of a loving and caring person was snuffed out.

The aggrieved relative related that her grandfather was dropped off at the Agricola Post Office to uplift his pension but after some time had elapsed and he did not return home. The family started to get worried and thought he might have gone somewhere else.

She noted that it was until later in the day, the family received news that he was struck down by a vehicle and died on the spot”.

“After people started to come and tell us, we went to find out more about the accident… my uncle went to the post office where he last went to collect his pension and only to see on Facebook the news… we saw a video of it but it was blurred out and that was all I know is that he got hit

Jamaican company ordered to pay outstanding sums to Guyanese rice supplier

the few places in Guyana where you are guaranteed to see wildlife including many keynote species such as our national bird, the Canje Pheasant, the Humming Bird, and a variety of coastal birds. It is where tourism opportunities abound,” Nokta stated.

Established in 2022, the EMC Foundation has been going into schools and even in the public domain to educate persons on the richness of Guyana’s environment and what it has to offer.

while crossing the road to come home back”.

Sewcharan was formerly employed at a fishery in Eccles and he was the sole breadwinner for his home. He took care of his granddaughter from a baby.

“Since he was the breadwinner, we don’t know how to go about life because he took care of us and we don’t know what will be the next move,” the granddaughter stated.

He leaves to mourn his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren. The Family is seeking justice for the untimely death of their loved one.

Only on Wednesday, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh reported that 97 persons lost their lives in road accidents for the year so far.

This total includes 42 fatal accidents and 55 road incidents. The traffic chief explained that some of those accidents were preventable and could have been avoided if people paid more attention to road safety, especially pedestrians.

Premium Farms and Trading Limited, which had failed to pay Guyanese company Pure Harvest Incorporated US$90,170 for two shipments of rice in December 2019, has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay the outstanding sum.

Justice Stephanie Jackson-Haisley in handing down her decision last month found that the defendant, Premium Farms, had breached the terms of the contract in failing to make payments in accordance with the invoices.

Premium Farms, of which developer and businessman Richard Lake is managing director, did not

deny receiving the shipments of rice, neither did it deny owing the money.

It is instead alleged that there was an agreement for the defendant to be the exclusive distributor of the claimant's rice, but the claimant breached the exclusivity term, resulting in the defendant's inability to collect its receivables from customers.

“Further and/or alternatively that any sums due were based on the agreement and understanding that payments were wholly contingent on the successful completion of other sales contracts,” the defendant alleged.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Dead: Munaisar Sewcharan

Guyana, Suriname ink agreement to enhance trade

The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA) have entered an agreement to enhance trade and Foreign Direct Investment between the two countries.

Dr Peter Ramsaroop and Amar Alakhramsing of Suriname signing the agreement

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalises a framework for collaboration between the two agencies and was signed by the Chief Investment Officer (CEO) of Guyana and Agency Head of Go-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop and Director of SITA, Amar Alakhramsing on Thursday. Dr Ramsaroop hailed

Jamaican company ordered to pay...

Tamesh Jagmohan, managing director of Pure Harvest said in 2019 when the company was looking to expand its market, he journeyed to Jamaica to meet Lake and Omar Newell, who was the then general manager of Premium Farms.

The meeting was fruitful and by March 2019, his company began sending rice to the defendant for sale in the Jamaican market. The defendant paid for the first few shipments but failed to pay for the last two.

Attorney-at-law

Odeanie Kerr, instructed by Alexander Williams & Co, represented the claimant and argued that the terms of payment under the contract were governed by the written contract agreed between the parties and at the time Newell was authorised to enter into contracts on behalf of the defendant.

Kerr refuted the defendant's allegation of exclusivity and said no cogent evidence had been provided by the defendant to support exclusive dealings. Kerr emphasised that on one hand the defendant was saying that the reason for not settling the debt was that the customers complained about the poor quality of the rice, and on

the other hand it was saying that Newell had lured away key customers to offer them the same rice. He asked the court to find that there were no issues with the rice and the defendant was entitled to pay the outstanding sums agreed in the contract.

Attorneys-at-law

Melissa McLeod and Shayanne Hylton represented the defendant and argued that the issues to be considered were what was the agreement, whether the claimant breached the agreement and whether the breach led to the defendant's repudiation of same.

In reviewing the evidence, the judge said “It was obvious that it was Mr Newell who had direct involvement with Pure Harvest and how its sale of rice was treated with, a position which Mr Lake did not voice any opposition to at the time. Even when asked about the debt, Mr Lake seemed to be changing the evidence in his witness statement to say that he didn't consider his company to be in debt,” the judge said.

According to the Judge it became obvious to her that the change in how Lake and Premium Farms dealt with the claimant was heavily influenced by Newell's

Chief Investment Officer (CEO) of Guyana and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, and Director of the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency, Amar Alakhramsing, along with other officials after the signing on Thursday

and will conclude on Friday, in Paramaribo.

sudden departure from Premium Farms around February 2020 and the fallout with Newell, who was no longer the defendant's managing director.

Newell moved on to form a company that was competing with the defendant and was operating in a manner that was affecting the sales of the defendant, the judge said.

“In any event, when I compare the evidence given by Mr Jagmohan with that of Mr Lake, I found Mr Jagmohan to be more consistent and credible,” the judge held.

On a balance of probabilities, the judge found the claimant's case to be more consistent with the truth than that of the defendant's.

The judge said she did not accept that there was an agreement for exclusivity nor was there any agreement that the payment of invoices was contingent on sales.

The defendant having failed to make payment in accordance with the invoices dated December 11, 2019 and December 20, 2019 renders the defendant in breach of the contract, the judge ruled. Judgment in the sum of US$ 90,170 was awarded to the claimant. The defendant was ordered to pay the claimant's legal costs. (Jamaican Gleaner) FROM PAGE 17

the agreement as opportune and progressive. Alakhramsing, who signed on behalf of that agency, also lauded the agreement that will strengthen collaboration between the two entities and trade between the two nations.

The MoU covers a diverse area of collaboration, ranging from information sharing and research to export and investment promotion.

The signing occurred amid Suriname’s 4th Energy, Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition which began on Tuesday

The event is hosted under the theme, “The Next Stage of Success”.

The Summit is being executed at an exciting time for Suriname with its first offshore oil development pegged at US$9 billion which is in the planning stages by TotalEnergies – operator of Suriname’s Block 58.

Discoveries continue to mount as well, with the latest success in Block 52 by Petronas.

The Fusaea-1 well encountered several oil and

gas-bearing Campanian sandstone reservoir packages. Fusaea was the third find for the block and Consultancy Group, Wood Mackenzie said it, along with the previous Roystonea discovery could support a 100,000 barrel-a-day development.

The two discoveries are estimated to contain close to 400 million oil-equivalent barrels (boe). Suriname’s total discovered resources stand at 4.6 billion boe, according to Wood Mackenzie. Gas accounts for 48% of this figure.

Central Bank intervenes ...

The Central Bank had explained that while available funds are not evenly shared among the commercial banks and there may be a short waiting period for the transfer of funds, it noted there is enough to cover the cash flow needs of transactions arising from businesses in Guyana.

According to the BoG, it has also been injecting US dollars into the banking system and will continue to do so as necessary.

The BoG had noted too that it is aware that some businesses are seeking funds to meet the same payments from more than one institution

and there is a speculative queue for foreign currency because of a perception that there is a shortage of foreign currency.

Moreover, it stated that there is some hesitancy by commercial banks to tender invoices as required by the BoG which is used to monitor the legitimate use of funds.

“Cash flowing to the banks is cyclical, as such there will be periods of excess liquidity and periods of limited supply. The Bank continues to monitor the foreign currency position in Guyana to ensure there is no disruption nor adverse impact on economic activities,” the Central Bank noted. (G-8)

Int’l Building Expo 2024 launched with focus on sustainability, unity

– calls made for foreign partners to showcase designs, products

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal on Thursday challenged the Diplomatic Community to bring their delegation to Guyana to showcase their design, product, and construction trends to the Guyanese populace. He made this call during the launch of the 2024 edition of the International Building Expo which is set for August 8 to 11, 2024 at

the Guyana National Stadium under the theme, “Building on the Foundation of Sustainability and Unity.”

He further stated that the ministry’s staff has put together an experience that includes the exchange of knowledge, the introduction of new technologies, and one-on-one interaction topped with entertainment which together will make for a great experi-

ence.

He nevertheless, noted that the ministry has allocated 23,000 lots to date, completed and handed over 1687 houses to new homeowners and 1491 houses are nearing completion. These, he added are the results of visionary leadership and successful partnerships between government and industry partners.

“As you will know we are very open to partnerships and collaborations

Trio charged for attempting to smuggle US$560,000 worth of gold through CJIA

Three persons including a mother and daughter were on Thursday charged for attempting to smuggle 240 ounces of raw gold through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Monday.

with industry stakeholders that will help more of our people achieve home ownership. I want to use this opportunity to thank the contractors, banks, insurance companies, and local and international businesses that have kept the construction and home ownership sectors robust, I am truly grateful for the support we have received from all of you,” he added.

However, the International Building Expo 2024 will give stakeholders another opportunity to see new products and services in the housing sector.

that at last year’s Expo, the 3D printed concept houses, and solar solutions among other technologies were introduced and underscored his excitement about what is to come in 2024.

“International Building Expo 2024 is a platform that will bring industry leaders and government together to see new options in housing and construction that can help reimagine housing policy. It can also help us set an example for the rest of the Caribbean and South America but more specifically it will reassure our people that we are working to ensure that every citizen has a roof over their head that they can.”

for climate-resilient infrastructure has never been more urgent. rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten the very fabric of our communities… it is imperative that we design and build with the future in mind…”

He referenced the Silicia project in Guyana which is the brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali and exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and innovation.

Fifty-two-year-old Shameena Ahamad and her 34-year-old, daughter, Ashiana Salamaly along with 44-year-old, Ian Jacobis appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court where the charges were read to them. They, however, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of $600,000 each with the condition that Jacobis lodges his passport at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court and report to the Clerk every first Friday of the month, while Ahamad and Salamalay are to report to the Clerk every Friday pending the outcome of the matter.

two US citizens and one Guyanese were intercepted with US$560,000 worth of raw gold at the CJIA. They were outgoing passengers on an American Airlines flight to JFK Airport, New York.

The matter was adjourned to 18th June 2024. It was reported that

The 240 ounces of pure (raw) gold was disguised as silver-plated jewellery. The gold was confiscated after the three passengers were unable to produce the required permit and declaration to customs officials.

“There is demand for sustainable materials at affordable cost as well for more options in building materials, I hope that local and international suppliers will answer the call. I am looking forward to exploring the latest trends and technologies even as we stay committed to building a better world. Sustainability is a mandate that we all share to protect the Earth, we must balance development with responsibility.”

The minister added

In addition, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves stated that the theme for this year’s expo is quite fitting as for the past three years, the ministry has been focusing on sustainable and modern building solution and solid public-private partnerships.

“In the face of climate change, the need

“By addressing the impact of climate change and sea level rise head on, Silicia City sets a new standard for modern urban development with state-of-the-art infrastructure and emphasis on energy-saving technologies, Silicia City is not just a city of the future, it is a blueprint for sustainable living.”

On this note, he changed all to seize the opportunity and work together to build a future that is both sustainable and united.

“Together, we can create communities that thrive in harmony with nature, leaving a legacy of prosperity with generations to come.”

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves

Charged: Chameena Ahamad, Ashiana Salamaly and Ian Jacobis

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Channel your energy wisely, or you will end up in a controversial situation. Be a good listener, and you'll discover the best way to move forward. Go about your business.

Consider your next move and initiate the personal changes that will make your life nicer. A better balance between work and home will ease your mind. Budget for an anticipated expense.

Express yourself openly and advance your plans. Don't waste time on people or projects that don't have meaning or purpose. Head in a direction that makes you feel passionate about life.

Get moving. A lot depends on your willingness to take charge and get things done. Putting things off will weigh on your mind and conflict with an opportunity that could develop.

Your creativity is peaking, and your intuition will support how you feel. A receptive mind will carry you forward and encourage you to connect with people who can help further your agenda.

Pay attention to detail, regardless of what others tell you. Refuse to let emotions interfere with your decisions. A practical approach coupled with common sense is the quickest route to success.

A diplomatic attitude will pay off, helping you gain valuable insight. A chance to converse with someone in a position to help you will lead to an unexpected opportunity. Show your strengths.

Count your blessings and pennies. Play it safe, and you won't be sorry. Stick to a foolproof plan and only make changes that bring you closer to your goal. Don't let temptation get the better of you.

You'll gravitate toward situations that can result in added expenses. Budget wisely and sign up only for what you can afford. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and protect yourself from scammers.

Make domestic alterations that put your mind at rest. Address emotional situations and clear up misunderstandings or petty differences that could lead to bigger problems.

Calm down and reconstruct your lifestyle to suit your needs. Refuse to let outsiders interfere. Make changes to your surroundings that are conducive to what you want to pursue.

Get the facts before you make a move. Someone will exaggerate or try to convince you to make a costly change. Focus on what you can accomplish that will encourage financial gains.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES ARCHIE

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ tournament 2024…

Inaugural Essequibo tourney kicks off tonight

With all systems currently in place and anticipation at fever pitch, the inaugural edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Essequibo Championship will commence this evening at the Anna Regina Car Park Tarmac.

Coordinator Mark Bradford has confirmed that the two-day championship would feature 14 teams competing in an elimination format, with more than $600,000 in prizes up for grabs and the right to represent the region at the national championships slated for the month of August.

Bradford has said response from teams and fans has been overwhelming, and he anticipates a mammoth audience for the entirety of

nities in Guyana.

Teams competing in this tournament are: Police A, Queenstown, Lakers, Gunners, Suddie, 007, AllStars, Richmond Young Guns, Police B, Spartacus, GDF, Chelsea, Dartmouth, and Gold Star.

Upon conclusion of the first round, the seven resulting winners and the best loser would progress to the quarterfinal stage.

Linden zones have been completed, with the Bartica, East Coast Demerara, and West Demerara zones set to commence action following conclusion of the Essequibo leg.

Complete Fixtures

Friday

Round of 16 (1): 19:00hrs: Police

the event. He has said the tourney is new to the region, but enthusiasm for football is already emerging.

He disclosed that beverage giant Banks DIH Ltd.,

through the Guinness brand and co-sponsor Colours Boutique, has decided to include Essequibo in this year’s season to create more participation across commu-

The winner of this inaugural event would pocket $300,000 and the Championship Trophy, while the second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers would pocket $200,000, $100,000, and $80,000 respectively and the accompanying trophy.

To date, the Georgetown, Berbice and

A vs Queenstown (2): 19:30hrs: Lakers vs Gunners (3): 20:00hrs: Suddie vs 007 (4): 20:30hrs: All-Stars vs Richmond Young Guns (5: 21:00hrs: Police

B vs Spartacus (6): 21:30hrs: GDF vs Chelsea (7) 22:00hrs: Dartmouth

ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024…

vs Gold Star Quarterfinals

(8): 22:30hrs: Winner (1) vs Winner (2) (9): 23:00hrs: Winner (3) vs Winner (4) (10): 23:30hrs: Winner (5) vs Winner (6) (11): 24:00hrs: Winner (7) vs Best Loser

Saturday

Semifinal (12): 20:00hrs: Winner (8) vs Winner (9) (13): 20:30hrs: Winner (10) vs Winner (11)

3rd Place (14): 21:00hrs: Loser (12) vs Loser (13)

Final (15): 21:30hrs: Winner (12) vs Winner (13)

USA outclass sloppy Pakistan in thrilling Super Over finish

USA muzzled an experienced Pakistan top order, brought their hitters to heel, then produced a measured batting performance that tied the scores at 159. This forced the game into a Super Over, and here is when USA really seemed like the veteran team on the circuit, while Pakistan went into high-pressure meltdown mode.

Mohammad Amir,

Pakistan's most experienced bowler, bowled three wides in his Super Over, the US batters stealing another run every time, and Mohammad Rizwan conceded another extra run on an overthrow off the last of those wides. Thanks to the extras and other acts of fielding indiscipline from Pakistan, USA made 18 off their Super Over If that had already seemed a tough ask for

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan (20 ovs maximum)

Mohammad Rizwan c Taylor

b Netravalkar 9

Babar Azam (c) lbw

b Jasdeep Singh 44

Usman Khan c Kumar

b Kenjige 3

Fakhar Zaman c Taylor

b Ali Khan 11

Shadab Khan c Netravalkar

b Kenjige 40 Azam Khan †lbw

b Kenjige 0

Iftikhar Ahmed lbw

b Netravalkar 18

Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 23

Haris Rauf not out 3

Extras (lb 4, w 4) 8

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.95) 159/7

Did not bat: Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir

Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Mohammad Rizwan, 1.2 ov), 2-14 (Usman Khan, 2.3 ov), 3-26 (Fakhar Zaman, 4.4 ov), 4-98 (Shadab Khan, 12.4 ov), 5-98 (Azam Khan, 12.5 ov), 6-125 (Babar Azam, 15.5 ov), 7-139 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 18.1 ov) • DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Nosthush Kenjige 4-0-30-3

Saurabh Netravalkar 4-0-18-2 Ali Khan 4-0-30-1

Harmeet Singh 4-0-34-0

Jasdeep Singh 3-0-37-1 Corey Anderson 1-0-6-0

United States Of America (T: 160 runs from 20 ovs)

Steven Taylor c Mohammad Rizwan b Naseem Shah 12

Monank Patel (c)†c Mohammad Rizwan b Mohammad Amir 50 Andries Gous b Haris Rauf 35

Aaron Jones not out 36 Nitish Kumar not out 14

Extras (lb 1, w 11) 12

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.95) 159/3

Yet to bat: Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Steven Taylor, 5.1 ov), 2-104 (Andries Gous, 13.1 ov), 3-111 (Monank Patel, 14.1 ov) •

DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-0-33-0 Mohammad Amir 4-0-25-1

Naseem Shah 4-0-26-1

Haris Rauf 4-0-37-1

Shadab Khan 3-0-27-0

Iftikhar Ahmed 1-0-10-0

Pakistan to better, Saurabh Netravalkar made their job even more difficult. He had been outstanding for USA in regular play, taking 2 for 18 from his four overs. His Super Over now seemed incredible, conceding just one boundary.

Thanks to four leg byes off the fourth legal delivery, Shadab Khan had opportunity to send the match into a second Super Over if he clobbered a six off the last ball. He could only hit it to deep point, all along the ground, sparking jubilation for the USA.

Netravalkar, Kenjige share five wickets

Left-arm seamer Netravalkar had Rizwan caught at slip - fairly spectacularly by Steven Taylor - to begin the second over. Then, in the third, left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige had Usman Khan holing

out to long-off, bringing Pakistan's score to 14 for 2. Others took wickets in between, of course, but these two continued to impose themselves.

and made crucial incisions, dismissing Shadab Khan, who looked the most fluent of Pakistan's batters, for 40 off 25 balls, before getting Azam Khan first ball with a fast slider. All up, these two took 5 for 48 in eight overs between them. Netravalkar bowling the Super Over and conceding just one four was a bonus.

USA measured in their approach

Although this would turn out to be USA's first major act of giant-killing on the global stage, their measured batting performance gave no sense of being a bolt from the blue. Their openers were not parted for five overs, but they made only

Pakistan made only 35 in the powerplay, and Netravalkar bowled three overs for just eight runs in that phase. Kenjige came back in the middle overs

36 together. Then the second-wicket partnership between captain Monank Patel and Andries Gous brought 68

runs in 48 balls, and formed the backbone of the chase. Monank provided most of the highlights in this partnership, making 50 off 38, hitting seven fours and one glorious six down the ground to get to his half-century, off Shaheen Shah Afridi. He was out soon after, but had left USA in a potentially winning position.

Pakistan pull things back at the death

Even with Monank and Gous out with 35 balls to go, Pakistan still had to bowl well, with USA needing only 49. Naseem Shah, Shaheen and Amir shone through the death overs to leave USA needing 15 off the last over. Haris Rauf, landing his yorkers there or thereabouts, brought the equation down to 12 off 3. But then Jones smashed a six off a low full-toss on the stumps, and with five required off the last ball, Nitish Kumar crashed a four over mid-off to tie the game.

Super over mayhem

It was at this point that the more experienced international team lost their heads, and USA kept theirs. Each team hit a four in their Super Over, but Pakistan's waywardness in terms of wides and overthrows cost them. USA won the Super Over 18 to 13. (ESPNCricInfo)

The Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Essequibo Championship will make its long-awaited debut this evening at the Anna Regina Car Park Tarmac

Andries Gous smacked five fours and a six during his stay

Nosthush Kenjige finished with 3 for 30

CWI U19 Rising Stars 50-Over Championships 2024…

Mavindra Dindyal to again captain Guyana

Batsman Mavindra Dindyal will again skipper a strong Guyana U19 team that would participate in the upcoming CWI Regional U19 tournament which bowls off on July 2.

Last year’s Guyana under-17 captain, Johnathan Van Lange, has been named deputy, and he and Dindyal would have a number of talented players at their disposal, most if not all of whom have featured or played key roles last season.

Among the high-pro-

file names selected by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Selection Panel are: Rampertab Ramnauth, Sachin Balgobin, Alvin Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Johnathan Van Lange and Thaddeus Lovell. They and others would form a talented unit which forms the future core of Guyana’s cricket.

Exciting young fast bowler Isai Thorne, who made his first-class debut in this year’s West Indies Championship, is unavailable after recently being named to tour England with the West

Indies Test team as a development player from June 23.

The Guyanese play-

ers, who had an excellent tournament last season despite coming up short, are expected to wing

GABA U23 Championships 2024…

out on Juwne 30 for action that bowls off a few days later in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The team is expected to begin encampment soon.

Jamaica are the tournament’s defending champions.

Guyana U19 Team: Mavindra Dindyal (Captain), Johnathan Van Lange (vice-captain), Rampertab Ramnauth, Sachin Balgobin, Alvin Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Thaddeus Lovell, Romeo Deonarain, Shahid Viera (WK), Krsna Singh, Riyad Latiff, Golcharran

Unbeaten Colts, Untouchables continue winning ways

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Association’s Under-23 Club Championships continued on Wednesday night at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with Bounty Colts and Kwakwani Untouchables emerging victorious.

With their ability to counter play to the basket, Kwakwani Untouchables handed Prospect Kobras their first loss of the tournament. Starting the game on a high, the Untouchables led the first quarter with the scoreline reading 16-12.

In the second quarter, Kwakwani held on to their lead and continued to score baskets, resulting in the scoreline reading 38 points in their favour against 28 points for Prospect Kobras.

There was no letup in the display of class, as Kwakwani netted 30 points for a total of 68, while the Kobras were restricted to scoring 24 points for a total of 53 points, with the scoreline reading 68-53 after the third quarter.

The Untouchables secured the win in the fi-

nal quarter with a scoreline of 88-73.

Kadeem Dover was pivotal in the offensive attack, as he top-scored with 21 points. Rayon Short supported the effort with a phenomenal 14 points, and Kimmol Grimmond added 13 points.

Prospect Kobras

Captain Elijah David produced phenomenal play in netting 21 points, while Ronnel Campbell added 14 points and Lorenzo Benn added 13 points.

In an interview with media operatives, Kwakwani Untouchables Captain Demarcus

Adams spoke about the key areas of improvement that spurred the win. “Well, it was a lovely game. We came out to play tonight (and) played sound defence. I might have been fouled out, but we stuck with the plan (which we) came out and executed,” he said.

“Well, we are highly confident that we will do well in the next game. We just have to stick to our training, stick to what our coach taught us, and yes, we are very confident that we will come through in this tournament,” Adams shared.

Bounty Colts upset powerhouse team Ravens

in the second match of the evening, handing Ravens their first taste of defeat in the tournament. Using the jump ball to grab an early 2613 lead, the Colts set the tempo for the game.

The second quarter of the game saw Ravens showing their ability from the three-point line in decimating the Colts’ lead to one point, while they scored 15 points to elevate their score to 28 points. The Colts scored 14 points for a total of 40 at the end of that quarter.

In the third quarter of the game, the Colts kept their composure

Chulai, Bruce Vincent and Anthon Lim. Standby players are: Rampersaud Ramnauth, Shiloh Adams, Kumar Deopersaud, Salim Khan, Wavell Allen and Mahem Khan.

Manager is Nazeer Mohamed, and head coach is Andre Percival.

and kept control of the game, as they managed to score 19 points to elevate their score to 59 points, while the Ravens struggled offensively to score 17 points for a total of 45.

With seconds to go, the Colts pounced on the Ravens and sealed the deal, breaking through their defence to have the ultimate scoreline reading 79-69 in their favour.

In a post-match interview with media operatives, Bounty Colts Head Coach Willon Cameron expounded on the style of basketball that impacted the win. Cameron explained, “Ravens were playing very good basketball. They started the game playing very well, but I love the fact that my team, you know, could have played mature basketball and understood that they can punch and we can punch back. And nobody over panicked too much, and it feels really good to come out with the win.”

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Association’s Under-23 Club Championships continue at the same venue this Saturday.

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The Bounty Colts

Vice captain Jonathan Van Lange

Guyana U19 Captain Mavindra Dindyal

Caribbean Premier League 2024…

Guyana Amazon Warriors retain 9 in face of title defence

…St Lucia Kings sign Klaasen, Ahmad

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Champions of 2023, Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW), have retained most of their regional corps of players as they embark on defending their title in 2024.

Among the local players retained are Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and Kevin Sinclair. Fastbowling sensation Shamar Joseph, who participated in two matches at the latter part of last year’s tournament, will have a full run in 2024.

One non-Guyanese player has been retained for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. He is “the highest run-getter and player of the tournament”, Shai Hope, who will don the GAW uniform for yet another year.

With 9 players retained, the GAW can sign up to five overseas players. The remaining three squad members will thus be filled at the CPL Draft, which is scheduled to take place in July.

The St. Lucia Kings have announced the retention of 12 members of their 2023 squad, with 5 spots

left to be filled at the upcoming CPL Draft. Their captain, Faf du Plesis, who had led the Kings to a fourth-place finish in 2023, will again lead them.

The Kings are bolstered by the signing of du Plesis’s countryman Heinrich Klassen and Afghan left arm spinner Noor Ahmad. Namibia’s David Wiese and Sri Lanka top order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa are the other international players they have retained.

The Kings have re-

tained the corps of their Caribbean players who helped them secure a fourth consecutive playoff spot in 2023: Johnson Charles, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Khary Pierre, Shadrack Descartes and McKenny Clarke.

The Republic Bank CPL will bowl off on Thursday, August 29, with a clash between the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Antigua.

Guyana’s Hickerson excels at junior tennis tournament in T&T

Guyana’s Zion Hickerson has earned second place in the Boys U10 singles and first place in the Boys U10 Doubles at the Lease Operators Junior Tennis Tournament, played in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago recently.

This nine-year-old Guyanese player competed fiercely in the singles’ final against Trinidad and Tobago’s U10 National Champion Nicholas Mc Letchie, but ultimately lost in a super tie-break in the third set (4-0, 0-4, 13-15).

In the doubles’ competition, Hickerson paired with T&T’s Malik Bain to win the title with a score of 5-4, 4-1.

the

Upper Mazaruni Inter-Village Football Tournament 2024…

Guyana Beverages Incorporated backs second edition

The Guyana Beverages Inc (GBI), under its Busta and Turbo brands, on Thursday solidified support for the upcoming Upper Mazaruni Inter-Village Football tournament, the second installment of which kicks off in less than two weeks.

In a simple ceremony held at the company’s headquarters at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, GBI Trade & Marketing Coordinator Lalita Lachman handed over the sponsorship cheque to Neil Henrito, coordinator of this tournament, after revealing why the GBI is eager to provide a platform for this hinterland tournament.

feature a female division.

Hickerson, who is also Guyana’s national U11 Squash Champion, will now prepare to represent Guyana at the Junior CASA (squash) Championships, to be held in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) from June 29 to July 7.

This St Gabriel’s Primary School student is extending a ‘special thank you’ to the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association, De Sinco Trading, Jai Signs and Designs, Toucan Industries, Nabi Construction, National Hardware, Ramchand Auto Spares, Beacon Cafe, Bumper-toBumper Service, and S & L

“This tournament holds a special place in our hearts, as it not only showcases the incredible talent that thrives in our hinterland communities, but also provides a platform for young athletes to excel and pursue their dreams in the world of football. Sporting events like this are not just games; they’re avenues for social cohesion, personal development and community pride. They instill values of discipline, team work and perseverance, which are essential both on and off the field,” she declared in the presence of media operatives gathered to witness the occasion.

Electrical Agency for making his participation in this competition in Trinidad and Tobago a success.

In articulating his vision for the tournament and hopes for its expansion, Henrito revealed that this year’s tournament would

“When I first spoke with one of the co-directors [of Petra], it was my vision that they expand in the hinterland. So, when we had our tournament last year, I was happy that they could’ve facilitated the sponsorship aspect of it. We had six villages competing in the male category, and for this second annual tournament now, we have included the female category,” he informed.

“We are grateful that Guyana Beverages Inc is a key sponsor for this tournament, and we’re hoping that the tournament in the Upper Mazaruni, especially youth football, would expand and reach more heights, and be part of tournaments that Guyanese can look forward to.”

The Petra Organization is assisting the Upper Mazaruni coordinators to pull off the tournament,

and its co-director Troy Mendonca said, “We’re happy because, over the years, we would’ve invited Sir Neil (Henrito) and his school to our programmes, and it was good to see him come up with the idea last year to involve the youths within the area in a tournament; and we’re happy because, of course, it’s developmental in nature.”

Mendonca added, “We were able to garner some support for the tournament, give advice and all the necessary as it relates to hosting the tournament, and we’re proud and happy once again to see the tournament is going to be played.”

This tournament features teams from six villages in the Upper Mazaruni: Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang, Kako, Jawalla and Phillipai. Paruima are the defending champions in the boys’ division, while a new champion will be crowned in the girls’ division.

Guyana’s Zion Hickerson excelled at

Lease Operators Junior Tennis Tournament in T&T

Upper Mazaruni Football Coordinator Neil Henrito GBI Trade & Marketing Coordinator Lalita Lachman

Players retained by the Guyana Amazon Warriors

The CPL highest run-scorer and MVP in 2023, Shai Hope, has been retained by the Guyana Amazon Warriors

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will open their account on Friday, August

30, against the Falcons, while the St. Lucia Kings get their campaign started on Sunday, September 1, against the Patriots in St. Kitts.