GYSBI awards technical scholarships to 11 students from Regs 3 & 10 Remedial work commences on $75.8M Good Success-toTimehri Road
NA carpenter nabbed with over 5.5kg ganja
UG, Massy ink 5-year agreement to enhance student development, innovation
Police destroy $17M in ganja at Bartica
Govt to train lifeguards, conduct hydro surveys at water facilities Region 2 gets new mini-excavators to strengthen farming, infrastructure
Finance and Public Service Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberon Luis on Thursday met with students who were recently
by the Government of Guyana, with
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, September 20 –03:45h-05:15h and Saturday, September 21 – 03:45h-05:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, September 20 –05:40h-07:10h and Saturday, September 21 – 06:30h-08:00h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Automated border management system for CJIA likely by year end – VP Jagdeo
...says new system will allow for self check-ins
AParika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
s part of its digitalisation programme, the Guyana Government is moving to implement an automated border management system, which will allow persons entering the country to fill out customs and immigration forms online.
This system will be rolled out at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in the initial stage before being expanded to the other ports of entry across the country including the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle.
Speaking about several digitisation processes underway to improve safety and the ease of doing business locally, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday disclosed that the ‘paperless system’ at the airport was expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
“We have a project… that will make our airport paper-
approaching an immigration officer and enter the country. But, if you are flagged by the border management system, then you’d have to, of course, go to an immigration officer,” the VP explained.
As part of its overall digitalisation efforts, the Guyana Government is working on introducing electronic identification (e-ID) cards for both Guyanese citizens and visi-
less. And we’re hoping by the end of the year that this will happen, that we have an automated border management system that will prescreen people; that would allow us to know long before people arrive in the country, who they are and their background… that would allow people to online or through an app fill up all of the entry forms and customs declarations – everything online and that would be shared directly to the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority),” he explained.
Currently, a printed customs declaration form is used at all of Guyana’s ports of entry for arriving passengers.
But with the new automated border management system, all arriving passengers’ information will be directed to a central database which can be used to track foreigners who overstay their time or are seeking employment without a permit among other immigration-related offences.
According to Jagdeo, this new system will further allow for self-check-in with the use of a new form of identification or passport to be issued to citizens and some visitors thus removing the hassle of joining long queues to clear immigration at the airport.
“This would allow us to have these automated gates so that with the new [electronic] ID we would be issuing soon or a passport, you will be able to just swipe your ID or your passport without
tors.
The Vice President explained this would not only help to differentiate between the two groups and make it easier for Guyanese citizens to simply swipe their e-ID
cards or passports to re-enter the country, but also monitor foreign nationals while they are here.
“So, when you enter the country, immediately that record goes to a government central database that will be able to track you if you come in a short-term visa so if you overstay, suddenly you get flagged and if you didn’t come in with a particular visa, you can’t get a work permit. So, a modern system to manage the safety of our country and our borders that we can know who is coming into our country and we can keep our people secure and we can flag undesirables,” Jagdeo posited.
In addition to the border management system, the digitalisation programme also includes other ongoing projects such as digitising patient records and the automation of all functions with the Home Affairs Ministry and the Safe Country initiative along with the introduction of blockchain technology, which is yet to be rolled out.
Back in March 2023, the Guyana Government signed a $34.5 million contract with German company Veridos Identify Solutions for the implementa-
tion of the electronic identifi
cation system, which was expected to be launched in the second quarter of this year.
Some $783.4 million was allocated in Budget 2024 for this project and it was reported at the time that the finalisation of the requisite policies and design was in progress.
However, there has been a setback in the issuance of these cards, with VP Jagdeo stating at a June 6 press conference that, “there is a delay with the issuance of the e-ID cards but it’s a project that is alive and it’s going well”.
The new electronic card will be issued to Guyanese residents for the conduct of a wide array of transactions as well as to monitor the issuance of work permits in the country.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously stated that the rollout of this resident electronic ID card will promote the ease of doing business and personal transactions in Guyana. Key to the e-ID card would be its internationally-recognised features, which are not only International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)certified but will also be accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for international travel.
The Head of State had noted too the card’s capabilities were also in keeping with his Government’s commitment to promote e-governance to improve the productivity of businesses and the delivery of Government services through the introduction of e-health, e-education, e-security, e-agriculture, and electronic permit and licence processing among other areas.(G8)
The Guyana Government’s move to implement an automated border management system, starting with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), marks a significant step in modernising the country’s port-of-entry services. This bold initiative, expected to be operational by the end of 2024, promises a complete transformation of the immigration process, thereby improving efficiency, security, and the overall travel experience.
At the heart of this system is the ability to pre-screen passengers before they even set foot in the country. As Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has outlined, this modern system would allow authorities to know in advance who is arriving, their background, and the potential risks they pose. The implications of this knowledge are far-reaching. In a world where border security is paramount, Guyana’s adoption of such technology would enhance national safety by flagging individuals who pose a threat, preventing their entry. It brings the nation’s ports of entry on par with those of major international airports, where similar systems have significantly improved security and helped maintain order at busy checkpoints.
For travellers, especially Guyanese citizens re-entering the country, the automated border management system promises an easier and more streamlined process. The introduction of self-check-in kiosks, facilitated by a new form of identification or passport, is a game-changer. Instead of waiting in long lines to be processed by an immigration officer, travellers can simply swipe their ID Cards or passports and proceed. This not only speeds up the entry process, but also reduces congestion at the airport, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Additionally, the ability to complete customs declarations online before arrival would make the process smoother and more efficient. Currently, passengers must fill out printed forms upon arrival, a task that often causes delays and frustration. With the new system, travellers can complete these forms in advance, with the information being shared directly with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This integration of digital systems reduces the likelihood of errors, speeds up customs processing, and ensures better tracking of goods entering the country.
For the Government, the benefits go beyond just improving the travel experience. This is a critical feature, especially as Guyana continues to expand its economy and attract more foreign workers and investors. With an automated system in place, immigration offences can be quickly detected and addressed, ensuring that the country maintains proper oversight of its borders.
Further, the new system would contribute to the broader digitisation agenda currently underway in Guyana. Projects like the issuance of a new National ID Card, the digitisation of patient records, and the automation of the Ministry of Home Affairs are all part of a larger push to modernize Government services. The automated border management system fits seamlessly into this vision, as it exemplifies how technology can make public services more efficient, transparent, and secure.
The implications for businesses and investors are equally significant. As Guyana continues to position itself as a major player in the global economy, a modernised border system is crucial. The ease of entering and exiting the country, coupled with improved security measures, would make Guyana an attractive destination for investors, tourists, and professionals alike. The ability to move people and goods quickly and securely across borders is a key factor in fostering economic growth, and this system is a step in the right direction.
The implementation of an automated border management system at CJIA would greatly improve service at Guyana’s port of entry. It enhances security by pre-screening passengers, makes immigration and customs processes faster and more efficient, and contributes to the nation’s broader digitization efforts.
The PPP has made squatting unnecessary
Dear Editor, Squatting, like a ‘running sore’ in Guyana, must end. It is illegal and immoral, and has horrible consequences across all domains. Squatting is generally referred to as informal housing whereby, for a variety of existential, legal, political and ideological reasons, people settle on vacant land or occupy abandoned buildings, both private and public.
I recall the Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, voicing that “Squatting is illegal, and comes with known consequences, including the reality of structures being demolished by landowners.”
And he is spot-on.
So, as expected, I was on the side of Government when I read that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has vehemently warned all and sundry against illegal land occupation in Linden.
The now known situation is that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, in speaking out against what obtains in Linden, conveyed that the CH&PA “…has reaffirmed its stance against squatting and illegal land activities.”
This is the legal national policy, even though the statement was engen-
dered by “…the rise in unauthorised occupation of residential lots and illegal construction on land that had been properly allocated to families through legitimate channels.”
Editor, this horrible practice has occurred on too many occasions, and only negative outcomes can be expected. Worldwide, the effects of squatter settlements include high mortality rates, high crime rates, unsafe living conditions, and pollution.
What is quite weird is that the government of the day is on an ever-increasing drive to house the nation, and has been prioritising land allocation to individuals. There is due process, a minimal fee, and even soft loans to allow for individuals to possess title and build homes. So, I am baffled by the continuation of this practice.
I remind readers that “…the Ministry is committed to serving all eligible applicants”, and is actively seeking additional lands through the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to meet growing demands. There also are efforts ongoing to enhance the region’s infrastructure with an additional $80 million earmarked for road network upgrades in the area.
So, what is the issue?
And this is not a new situation.
On one hand, we have the good and abiding citizens who are submitting to due process and reaping the deserved benefits, while on the other hand there are “…some individuals (who) have been fraudulently selling allocated lots and advising buyers to claim false occupation dating back to 2017.”
Mr Greaves has rightfully “…issued a stern warning to those affected by such deceptive practices, stating that any illegal structures erected on these lands are at risk of demolition… (adding that) the ministry is under no obligation to acknowledge or honour any claims resulting from these illicit activities.”
Reflecting on this conning of some people, I thought of the recent issues in that area, wherein illegalities were used by some politicians to score cheap points. Back in March, many squatters were preventing hundreds of families who were legally allocated residential house lots in Phase Four, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10, from occupying their lands. This had created some very volatile situations, as contractors who were attempting to execute infrastructure works in the area were met with harsh opposition by a group of persons claiming to be farmers. In
fact, on one or two occasions, workers had been assaulted and machinery had been damaged. I reiterate that nothing good can come out of squatting. What can be very irksome is that there is no need for this, as, all the while, Government has been making tremendous efforts to regularise existing squatting areas; and, as such, there must not be any condoning of fraudulent practices or illegal occupation at any time and place. Government must firmly prohibit these practices.
So far, Government has been very aggressive in its housing drive as it seeks to allocate thousands of lots to its citizens countrywide, and therefore there is absolutely no need for persons to engage in squatting, nor should they attempt to profit by committing crimes of falsification of any sort. Government’s track record is fabulous, and it keeps getting better: Some 1644 lots in 13 squatting areas in several regions have been regularised, benefitting hundreds of households between 2020 and 2023. For this year alone, eight squatting areas have been earmarked for regularisation in Regions Three and Four, benefitting 479 households.
My word: Be legal. Be patient.
Yours truly, HB Singh
Passengers arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Thursday were treated to the vibrant sounds of steelpan music, a variety of tokens, a stunning display of models, a stilt-walker, and the iconic Cricket Carnival mascot, all creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere as Guyana welcomes its leg of the Republic Bank Limited Caribbean Premier League 2024 (CJIA photo)
ToR being drafted for CoI into 2000-2010 killings – VP Jagdeo
Several months af-
ter the People’s Progressive Party Civil (PPP/C) had hinted at launching a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the killings that occurred during the period 2000 to 2010, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday revealed that the terms of reference in this regard are being drafted.
“The Terms of Reference (ToR) are being drafted, and soon the President will announce the CoI; so, we will get to the bottom of this,” he stated.
The Vice President was at the time responding to a statement from the Alliance For Change (AFC) in which that party indicated that Government has failed to launch a CoI into many killings which occurred in the early 2000s.
Jagdeo pointed out that although the APNU+AFC Government had launched approximately eight CoIs during its time in office, it failed to investigate “the troubled period”, though this was a promise leading up to
the 2015 elections.
Former President David “Granger was notorious for launching Commissions of Inquiry. He did about eight of them, and spent nearly $500 million,” Jagdeo contended, as he questioned why the former administration did not launch a CoI into the killings.
In this regard, he is alleging that members of the opposition parties are culpable for the atrocities during that period.
“PNC and AFC sup-
ported a group of bandits who escaped the prison and wreaked havoc on ordinary citizens of this country until they were either arrested or killed by the security forces,” he said.
The Vice President noted that those political parties resort to speaking about racism when they have nothing new to address.
“Because they have nothing new, they are trying to raise back the old race thing [of] 1500 young Black men that we killed; their rac-
ist issue again to bring back the old rumours that they spread, which is being disproved over and over again, but they continue to perpetuate the lies,” Jagdeo told reporters.
Back in January, Jagdeo had stated, “The Government will be going ahead with the COI because the UN wants it; Granger wanted it, and I hope that there will be no prevarication anymore. There shall be a COI.”
In 2018, the coalition administration under former
President David Granger promised that a CoI would be appointed to investigate the circumstances of the crime wave.
“Society has been scarred by violence, which left a lingering legacy of distrust with the potential of fresh disorder. Monuments at Bartica, Buxton and Eve Leary have been erected for the victims of violence during the ‘troubles’ between 2002 and 2009. We still must investigate those troubles, and ensure that
the culprits are brought to justice,” he was quoted as saying, while noting that there allegedly were 1,431 murders in that period.
The former President had also said his administration would ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The 2000-2010 period saw the killing of several criminals, police officers and civilians, along with the loss of many weapons from the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.
The PNC need to practise a modicum of morality
Dear Editor,
The PNC should exhibit a modicum of morality as it pertains to the issuance of an apology for the despicable practice of rigging. Our country is waiting for that moment when the PNC would at least approach the press with an apology.
That, however, would not happen. Instead of apologizing, they unashamedly defend rigging; this, in its truest terms, makes a bad situation worse.
Rigging has left us a horrible legacy that no one in his right mind would ever like replicated. It is wrong; it is a sinful and altogether evil practice. It entails a loser party being declared the winner of an election; therefore, the base on which the "winner" stands is founded in fraud, and everything that flows from that source is steeped in corruption.
Guyanese will not forgive that party for the many atrocities they were forced to live under, perpetrated by a party that has never won an election. Simply put, we will not forget!
The system of rigging stems from the concept of "We cannot win an election in Guyana, so let us steal it." It was a plan carefully worked out by the diabolical
founder-leader Burnham, who held this nation captive with his dictatorial prowess. His plan carried a racial component to it: keep his Black supporters in the stupor that they are a superior race to all other racial groups in this country. Like when it was practised by Idi Amin in Uganda, this racist ideology seemed workable, in that many to this day still believe that all other races are subservient to the Afro-Centric Race.
That Black Supremacist dogma sees all Blacks who dare to step out of that school of thought as inferior people or house slaves -a term frequently used by the diehards of that party. Some years ago, this writer was at the receiving end of hostile remarks, some of which went like this, "Banna, you ain't a Black man. Don't talk dem talk around Black People, or else the next time something gon happen to you."
This is the squalor mentality the PNC wants us to wallow in.
However, thanks be to The Almighty, many are becoming emancipated enough to come out of it.
The system of rigging wants you to condemn yourself to that disgraceful place where your morality is cast aside and you en-
ter into a place where pure retrogression exists. Let me relate to you what an elderly PNC member now turned PPP/C supporter said, "We won the election
because we thief. I used to dress up in meh Indian wig and meh sari and go in the Indian areas and vote."
This is a free, frank and honest confession, which
the PNC hierarchy could well engage in to cleanse their sordid souls.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Former President David Granger
Foundation
Module test
Complete the following test items
1) Robby bought a scale that records weight digitally. His small luggage bag weighs 10.49 kilograms, his laptop bag (laptop included) weighs 5 kilograms and his suitcase weighs 35.554 kilograms. What is the total weight of his items, in grams? If a passenger is only allowed to carry 55 kilograms of luggage onto a flight, will Robby’s luggage exceed the limit?
2) Which city is wetter? On which day is the difference in precipitation greatest?
3) Which pastry is most popular? On which day was the most pastries sold?
4) Paul is looking at a solid figure that has no faces, no vertices, and no edges. What solid figure is he looking at?
5) Julie puts 6 $5 coins, 13 $10 coins and 4 $20 bills in a hat. If you were to reach into the hat, what is the probability that you pick
a) A $5 coin?
b) A $10 coin?
c) A $20 bill?
Plants Count
Put on a natural ex
Naturalists study animals and plants in the wild and have sharp observational skills. They can spend hours in the field observing and recording data to understand how plants and animals live. This activity challenges girls to take a close look at local habitats, determine if area animals have enough resources, and make a difference in their communities.
By Ovid
Then the oak, as he turns back to it, pronounces,
In a clear voice, these words:
“I live in this tree. I am a nymph, Beloved by Ceres, the goddess.
“With my last breath, I curse you. As this oak Falls on the earth, your punishment Will come down on you with all its weight. That is my consolation. And your fate.” TRANSLATED
optional: camera, field guides (many can be found at a local library or online. Free guides may also be available from your state’s department of natural resources or extension services.) 2
ial maps of your survey site with street oogle aps or Google earth.)
mart S tart: Decide on an area in your community to survey. Make sure this area has a significant portion of plants, trees, grass, flowers, etc. You will be surveying the resources in three habitats within the area and using the data to make some conclusions about the amount of resources in the whole area. You can also survey planned gardens, such as your local community garden, arboretum, conservatory, butterfly garden, or farm.
The area can be any place that is accessible and safe. Avoid areas that are next to busy highways, cliffs, or hazards such as electric fences.
Here’s how:
1. Introduce animal habitats. Begin a discussion about what types of resources animals need to survive (food, water, shelter) and where they could find them. (See table on right for examples.)
Gas-to-Energy Phase II
Govt invites proposals for 2nd power plant, NGL facility at Wales
Even as construction continues on its model Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project, the Guyana Government is already forging ahead with Phase Two of that initiative which could see a second power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
Under Phase One of the GtE Project, an Integrated NGL facility and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant are being constructed at Wales and will use the rich gas that will be piped from the Liza Phase I and II projects in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana.
ExxonMobil, the operator of the oil-rich Stabroek Block, is laying 250 kilometres of 12-inch pipelines that will bring the gas on-
shore. However, only 40 per cent of the pipeline’s capacity will be used in Phase One to gas up the current power plant and NGL facility at Wales, bringing 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas onshore.
But with the pipelines having the capacity to push as much as 120 mmscfd of gas, the Government is now moving ahead with Phase Two of the GtE Project that will utilise the remaining 60 per cent capacity of the pipeline and will see an additional 75 mmscfd of rich gas brought onshore. Consequently, qualified firms are invited to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) to “design, finance, and operate” Phase II of the GtE Project based on a 20-to-25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
This second phase includes the design, construction, and operation of a 250 MW combined-cycle power plant, to deliver 2100 gigawatt hours of electricity per annum, and sold to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. It also caters for the design, construction and operation of another NGL facility to produce at approximately 6000 barrels per day of NGL products such as propane, butane, and C5+gasolene.
Additionally, Phase II also includes the transfer, at no cost, of excess “lean gas” estimated at 30 mmscfd, for utilisation in downstream industries, eg fertiliser production, to be located at Wales.
Based on the RPF document, the Phase II projects will be located on no more than 100 acres of land, im-
20 companies shortlisted to upgrade GPL's distribution, transmission system
Despite the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc annually investing more than US$2.4 million to improve power supply, power outages continue to be a problem because of the aged distribution and transmission system. Asked about the recent spate of blackouts which occur multiple times daily, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said, “Every time we ask them, there is something.”
Noting that the ongoing problem is the lack of an alternative distribution and transmission system, the Vice President disclosed that twenty (20) companies have been prequalified to upgrade the system ahead of the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project.
“That means redundancy, circuits…if you get a single line and it goes off, everyone down the line is affected, but if you have redundancy and circuits then you can continue to supply,” he told reporters during his weekly
press conference.
Government, he said, is spending over $160 million to build sub-stations, a control centre, and other components of a modernisation programme.
Jagdeo noted that the electricity demand is steadily increasing with the construction of new hotels and the expansion of businesses.
“We’re in a mad rush to keep pace until that big project comes onstream next year,” the Vice President said in referring to the GtE project which would generate some 300MGW of power.
Jagdeo said he is also affected by the constant power outages, but hopefully, the issue will be solved in the new year.
“I am as concerned as any citizen, because we are trying to put more power system, there is a lot of upgrades to the transmission and distribution system that we have, [and] it’s not stable. The moment you put more power into the system, you
get this,” he noted.
“It’s a combination of factors, and it bothers me too” the VP added.
On Thursday, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. recorded service interruptions several times, which it said was due to the pile driving and road work activities being carried out by a contractor at Hope and Unity, East Coast Demerara. This resulted in a trip on the L17 Transmission Line connecting the Columbia and Good Hope substations, and a cascading effect on the grid subsequently led to multiple generators going offline.
On Thursday, another series of power outages was experienced, and GPL blamed this on work being done by another contractor. It noted that machinery owned by AJM Enterprise came into contact with GPL’s L2 Transmission Line at Dumpsite Road, EBD, and a widespread outage resulted.
Similar issues have occurred over the past month.
mediately adjacent to the existing 300MW integrated facility at Wales and will be 100 per cent owned and financed by the Private Sector – similar to or exceeding the project finance structure of Phase I of the GtE Project.
It was noted that only firms (consortia) adjudged to be experienced in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) and Financing of comparable facilities, will be evaluated. The Government also said it intends to appoint an independent supervision firm to ensure the project is built per approved contract quality and specifications.
Additional details are outlined in the RFP document, which can be obtained from the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office at a fee of $25,000.
Interested parties must submit their proposals, which have to include financial projections of revenue, expenses, and investment returns, by 2 pm on November 14, 2024, to the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration (NPTAB).
This move to establish a second power plant at Wales is part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s efforts to transition to clean energy, slash the cost of electricity, and provide reliable energy sources for the country’s booming economy.
In the Stabroek Block, some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas have already been found, with the Pluma and Haimara wells being proven gas fields. The Guyana Government is seeking to develop this gas.
Back in 2019 and 2023, ExxonMobil drilled for gas at the Haimara-1 and 2 wells, and emerged with varying degrees of success. It was recently revealed that the US oil giant’s drill programme for Guyana for this year and beyond includes plans to further appraise the Haimara 3 and 4 well sites to gauge the commercial potential for gas in the Haimara gas field.
The PPP/C Administration is adamant that Guyana cannot miss this opportunity to monetise its gas resources.
Only in July, Vice President Bharrat
Jagdeo had disclosed the Government’s second major gas project could be in Berbice, as he highlighted that the oil and gas sector will gradually shift to the East Berbice-Corentyne region (Region Six) over the coming years.
“Maybe if the second monetisation of the gas project comes on shore, it will come onshore in Berbice …because that’s the ideal location given that more of our gas finds have been in the Haimara area and Pluma,” he had stated. Already, the Government has gone ahead and selected a United States-based energy firm – Fulcrum LNG Inc, to work in a tripartite arrangement with ExxonMobil and a state-appointed technical team to determine the viability of developing the country's gas resources. However, the Vice President further stated at a subsequent press conference last month that no project has been identified as yet and that the parties will have to come up with a proposal and look at the technical and financial viability of any project. (G8)
Gas-to-Energy Project currently under construction at Wales, West Bank Demerara
The Garden of Eden Power Plant
Police destroy $17M in ganja at Bartica
As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues its exercise to eradicate illicit drugs from Guyana, Gy$17 million worth of ganja discovered on a seven-acre farm in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), has been destroyed.
Police have said they discovered on this farm about 50,000 cannabis plants ranging in height from three inches to six feet; and several farming tools, three camps, and 10 live 12-gauge cartridges were
found. The plants, farming tools and camps were destroyed by fire, but the 12-gauge car-
tridges have been lodged at the Bartica Police Station. No arrest has been made.
Fightin’…
…Cold
Wars
For the last few years, we’ve been hearing about the new Cold War; and remembering how we in the Third World had been drawn in during Cold War 1 as “hot spots”, hopefully, our leaders are treading carefully. This new Cold War, we’re told, is between the US plus its “Western allies” and the rampant China in the east. And while the “west is west, and the east is east”, it does look like the twain are meeting in several theatres – hot and cold!!
Now, this is the weirdest Cold War ever!! In the first one, between the USA/West and the USSR, wherein the latter presented an in-your-face challenge to the former on all fronts after WWII -- militarily, ideologically, politically, economically, and every other form of “ally” you could think about!! -- we, natives in the colonies, during that Cold War, were used as proxies to fight most of their battles. British Guiana, Ghana, the Congo, Afghanistan etc are grim reminders that when the elephants fight, the grass gets crushed!!
Now, this Cold War’s weird because, up to the seventies, China was wallowing in poverty, like the rest of us that are part of the “Third World”. The USSR and her satellites in Eastern Europe were the “Second World”. But it was President Nixon of the USA who flew to China in 1972 and brought them out of the cold and into the UN system of nations. But more than that, the Yanks then allowed their industrial behemoths to set up shop in China to “exploit” its cheap labour; and before you could say “chow mein”, China had become the “factory” of America and the West!! Profits, baby!! Profits!!
And since China was shipping oodles more goods to the USA than the USA was shipping to China, just as quickly, China had trillions in credit (represented by their currencies as “foreign reserves”) sloshing around in their pockets! So, rather than taking on the West in a military hot war - as they did in 1950 in the Korean War – China has launched a cold war on the economic front with something called the “Belt and Road Initiative”!! And the irony is that the US and EU allowed their factories to rust away, so Walmart and Amazon are still stocking their shelves and warehouses from China!! So, even as they try to pummel (by proxy) their old adversary Russia in Europe in the Ukraine hot war, the West is blowing hot and cold at China.
The Yanks have restricted exportation of advanced chips to China, and two years ago, G7 leaders relaunched a rebranded “Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment” to take on the B&R Initiative in “less developed countries.”
Can we play the two sides against each other?? …against corruption
In the Good Book, the Big Guy, His heir and His prophets assure us: “The poor will always be with you”. And they’re just grim about corruption. Right there in the first book, the Big Guy “…observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.” And to make sure we understand that corruption is a hydraheaded monster, there’s a pretty graphic description in Timothy: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unfeeling, uncooperative, slanderous, degenerate, brutal, hateful of what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, and lovers of pleasure.” Well!!
But we can’t give in, can we?? Just as it’s trying to use our newfound oil wealth to kickstart our economy through infrastructure projects, housing, industrialization, and direct injections of grants to the public’s pockets, the Government has acknowledged that corruption would inevitably have reared its ugly head. Now they have to launch a war against this monster before it consumes all of us.
La luta continua!!
…unfair
It’s said that “all’s fair in love and war”. However, the Geneva Convention set some rules. Article 48 declares that parties in conflict must distinguish between combatants and civilians. So, how about Israel and its pager bombs??
The camp and plants being destroyed
The farming tools on fire
US$260M New Demerara River bridge 67.8% completed – Edghill
...says project on track for March 31, 2025 deadline
Construction of the US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge is approximately 67.8 per cent completed.
This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who inspected the pertinent piece of infrastructure on Thursday and provided media operatives with a comprehensive breakdown of works thus far completed in respect to several aspects of the bridge.
While most of the ongoing work is between 12 and 98 per cent complete, works have recently commenced on other sections, including the west approach roadway and deck spans.
During his engagement with the media, Edghill disclosed that the new facility is on track for the March 31, 2025 completion deadline.
In responding to questions about the bridge’s sustainability, he explained
that the structure has a life span of 100 years, and maintenance works will be conducted every two years to ensure its cables, which have a life span of 60 years, remain effective.
“Even though we don’t anticipate an earthquake
dation. We are drilling the bares down and we’ll carry you to show how deep they are going (in order) to ensure that we get stability…,” he explained.
“We want to assure the nation that this project, which was undertaken by
in the design, the bridge is built to deal with an earthquake situation, including the structure and foun-
the Government of Guyana, was (undertaken) with all the necessary seriousness and diligence in ensuring
quality,” Edghill declared.
Further, Edghill told the media that the bridge, being built by a contracting consortium led by China Railway and Construction Corporation Limited (CRCCL), has security features included in its design to safeguard against collisions.
“The same way aircraft operate in terms of getting safely to a runway, and the aids of navigation which means there has to be communication between the tower and the craft, MARAD, the Lighthouse
grants.
Back in 2022, $21.1 billion had been allocated towards work on the bridge. The CRCCL (International)led joint venture outbid four other prequalified international companies that submitted proposals for the project.
In the months before the contract was awarded, the Guyana Government, through a team of specialists – legal and engineering –was in negotiation with the Chinese company to finalise the terms of the contract.
The new bridge would
outlived its lifespan by several decades.
With a length of 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of the Demerara River, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, persons and cargo.
Specifically, this new bridge would provide better connectivity to the East Bank of Demerara, the Diamond-to-Ogle bypass road on the eastern side of the river, as well as the WBD roads, including the
and the Chief Pilot will operate. Because boats coming into Guyana are not driven by our pilots, but once it gets to our channel, a local pilot goes on board and brings the ship through, so that communication and the aids to navigation, technology and actual markers are always in place,” he explained.
The new Demerara River Bridge would land aback Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). A massive 650-body workforce is working to advance the project. Of these, 120 are Guyanese while 85 are Venezuelan mi-
be a fixed, 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres.
The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, would bring to an end the closure of vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed-high span to cater for the free and uninterrupted flow of vessels. The river would be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.
This new bridge would replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has
Parika-to-Schoonord road on the western side of the river.
The new bridge is a critical component of the Government’s drive to expand and modernise Guyana’s transport infrastructure, and would address the challenges faced by users of the current bridge by providing safe, efficient, and effective crossing. Upon completion, it is also expected to lay the groundwork for other economic opportunities for Regions Three and Four, including agriculture development, tourism, construction, housing and commerce.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engaging media personnel at the site
Workers at the new Demerara River bridge site
Work ongoing on the pillars
Minister Edghill and the project manager at the site
GYSBI awards technical scholarships to 11 students from Regions 3 & 10
Eleven students are the latest recipients of the Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) technical scholarship. Ten of the students are from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and one is from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)
The 2024 cohort includes Daniel Bisnauth from Canal No 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD); Daniel Henry from Karaudarnau Village, South Rupununi and Leanna Woolford from Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) who will pursue Building and Civil Engineering at the Government Technical Institute.
Joining them are Jkwon Alfred of De Kinderen, WCD; Astel Ramlall of La Grange, WBD, and Denzel Fraser of Good Intent, WBD, each studying Electrical Installation while Tristan Petty of Hague Village, WCD, pursues Mechanical Engineering and Tristan Prince from Patentia, WBD, focuses on Architectural Drawing.
Additionally, Akeia Squires of Crane, WBD, will study Chemistry, and Feiaaz Ramjag of Belle Village, Canal No 2 Polder, WBD, is specialising in Computer Science at the same institution. Aroon
Maniram from Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) is enrolled at the Leonora Technical Institute, where he will pursue Welding and Fabrication.
This year's scholarships focused on students from Region Three as part of GYSBI's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. This emphasis reflects the company's ongoing involvement in the Gas-toEnergy Project in Wales, WBD, where it has been executing critical works over the past year. As part of its work, GYSBI is responsible for Earth, Soil Remediation, and Surcharge activities at the project site. In keeping with its commitment to give back to the communities in the region, GYSBI expanded the schol-
arship programme. Initially, 10 scholarships were offered, but the company was inspired to award an additional scholarship to Daniel Henry, an Indigenous student from Region Nine after he shared the financial challenges he faced in pursuing his education at the Government Technical Institute.
In a simple ceremony held at GYSBI, General Manager Robert Albiez extended congratulations to the awardees, who were chosen out of 50 applicants as he noted that the programme has now become something to be proud of.
“I have been with Guyana Shore Base almost seven years and in almost all my time here, this is the thing that I am most
proud of, that we have put in place. I would like to congratulate [you] young men and women for your accomplishment... it is the things that you do now, the work, the time, and the effort and energy that you put into the things that you are doing today that will determine where you are in 10, 15, 20 years, so keep that in mind. I think you are all well on the path,” he encouraged.
Deputy General Manager Rabin Chandarpal also shared brief remarks in which he urged the students to grab the opportunity that has been presented to them and utilise it to the fullest.
“You are not always going to be the brightest, you are not always going to be the most talented, but you certainly can strive to be the hardest working and that is a huge advantage that you will have going forward in life. When you come here to GYSBI, through this scholarship, you have already
proven to yourself and to us that you are capable of doing great things, but don’t get complacent. Welcome to the GYSBI family, you are now a treasured part of it and once you are here, you will be safe, and you will be taken care of. You will also bring a fresh and different perspective to the way we do things here,” Chandarpal noted.
The programme is designed to offer internships to successful applicants during their semester breaks so that they can gain valuable hands-on training and knowledge transfer. At the end of their studies, they can also benefit from the opportunity to be fully employed within the company.
Matthew Seepersaud, a 2023 graduate of the GYSBI Scholarship Programme, recently completed his studies in Electrical Installation at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute. During his seven-week internship at GYSBI, his outstanding performance earned him a full-time position in the company's Maintenance Department. Meanwhile, the other nine awardees from last year's cohort have returned to school to continue their studies.
In addressing the new group of scholarship recipients, Matthew shared his journey, encouraging them to give their best effort, as his experience has proven to be both rewarding and transformative.
“I was placed in the
Maintenance Department, specifically Electrical Maintenance. [When I came on, I was introduced to everyone and taken around and] I stood in amazement at the scale of the warehouses and buildings and the diversity of the people working [at GYSBI]. I thought to myself four years ago in high school I wouldn’t have even dreamed of being here but there I was. I was an introvert, but this experience contributed to my personal development by improving my self-esteem, confidence and communication skills.”
Daniel Bisnauth first applied for the GYSBI scholarship in 2023, but was not selected. Undeterred, he reapplied after learning that this year's programme was specifically targeting students from his region. Now a successful recipient, Daniel expressed that the scholarship will significantly ease the financial burden on 11 families, including his own.
“I would like to thank GYSBI for providing us with this prestigious scholarship and providing us with this life-changing opportunity. This scholarship is not just a financial relief, but an incredible investment in our future, it empowers us to focus on our studies and personal growth... We are also deeply grateful for the chance to gain firsthand experience through internships and practical learning [which will prepare us for the world of work],” Bisnauth said.
GYSBI's Leadership Team with the 2024 Scholarship Awardees
Region 2 gets new mini-excavators to strengthen farming, infrastructure
Two new mini-excavators have been commissioned to improve agriculture and infrastructure in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
During a simple handing-over ceremony held on Tuesday at the offices of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) at Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha underscored the importance of agriculture to that region while reaffirming Government’s commitment to making the necessary investments to support its growth.
Explaining that commissioning of the mini-excavators is just one step in a broader strategy to equip farmers and residents with the tools they need to overcome persistent challenges in drainage and irrigation, Mustapha said Region Two has, since 2020, received 17 pieces of equipment, with three more being added during Thursday's event. This brings the total to 20 pieces of machinery that have been dedicated to agriculture enhancement in the region.
“Region Two is an agriculture-based region, and we recognize the need for continuous investment to sustain and grow the sector,” he said.
Elaborating, he pointed to unprecedented agricultural output in Region Two, and cited planting of 36,000 acres of land as an all-time high for the region. He explained that Government remains focused on addressing the challenges
that farmers face, including the issues of paddy bug infestation and fluctuating crop prices.
To this end, the administration has worked with millers and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to negotiate a payment of $4,000 per bag of paddy, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
The Minister also emphasized that the newly commissioned equipment is intended to benefit every community within the region.
“We need to ensure that these machines are used effec-
tively to support farmers across Region Two. It’s not just about handing over the equipment, but making sure they are put to good use to maximize their impact on the region's agriculture,” he explained.
He concluded his remarks by urging the residents and regional authorities to collaborate and work closely with the Agriculture Ministry to ensure the machinery benefits all farmers in their efforts to increase productivity and sustainability.
Director General in the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the additional equipment, explained that the region’s farmers have long expressed need for more machinery to cope with the challenges of drainage and irrigation.
“Over the years, we have seen a growing need for more equipment to support farming activities, especially as agriculture in Region Two continues to expand,” he said.
Acknowledging these two mini-excavators are a critical addition to the region’s resources, helping to ease the burden on farmers and improve efficiency in water management,
Ramraj further highlighted that with better access to machinery, farmers would now be able to manage their lands more effectively, ensuring that they remain productive even during the rainy season. This, in turn, would boost the overall agricultural output of the region. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining and managing the equipment properly in order to ensure longterm benefits for the communities across Region Two.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva pointed out that the mini-excavators would not only reduce the workload for farmers, but also create opportunities for increased agricultural production.
According to De Silva, many farmers had been struggling to manage their lands be-
cause they lack machinery, and these new additions would significantly ease their workload while facilitating those who are now willing to get back on their land for farming.
“With these machines, farmers (would) have the support they need to return to their lands and increase their production. This will not only benefit individual farmers, but also contribute to the overall growth of the region’s agriculture,” she declared.
She praised Government’s ongoing commitment to providing the necessary resources to ensure the agriculture sector’s growth, and expressed gratitude to Minister Mustapha and the NDIA team for recognizing the needs of Region Two and responding with timely and meaningful support.
(Raywattie Deonarine)
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva is being assisted by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials to cut the ceremonial ribbon
The two mini-excavators
Caricom Secretariat hosts national consultations on gaps in ICT sector
– to advance Caribbean single ICT Space initiative
The Caribbean Community (Caricom)
Secretariat, in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister via the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), has held consultations with public and private sector agencies on the “CARICOM Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector Gap Analysis.”
Hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, those sessions constituted a critical step in realizing the Caricom vision for a Single ICT Space, an initiative that aims to revolutionize the region's digital economy and support the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Those consultation sessions were focused on key areas such as ICT policy, legal and regulatory frameworks, broadband infrastructure/ connectivity, competitiveness in the ICT sector, advanced ICT skills, and innovation & entrepreneurship.
Caricom Deputy Programme Manager for Information and Communication Technology for Development, Jennifer Britton, stressed the timeli-
ness of the project, and noted that it allows the region to assess its digital maturity and respond to the challenges and opportunities of the post-COVID-19 world.
Representatives of the NDMA were present alongside technical experts from various Government and private sector agencies.
NDMA, as the focal point for Guyana in respect of this project, has been instrumental in coordinating the country's involvement in this initiative, ensuring that Guyana plays a key role in the region's digital future.
The continued support and collaboration of representatives of Government agencies and the private sector are crucial in advancing this cause. As such, special thanks have been extended to Government agencies, banks, insurance companies, and local telecommunications providers that participated. Their concerns and feedback would help to guide not only local, but also regional ICT policy.
The journey towards the Single ICT Space began in 2017 when the Caricom Heads of Government approved a comprehensive roadmap, work plan and
budget to create a harmonized digital environment across the Caribbean. This roadmap outlined key goals for establishing a seamless ICT-enabled space to foster economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural integration. At the core of the roadmap is the need to address existing disparities in the region's digital infrastructure and capabilities.
In 2019, Caricom identified a major priority for this initiative: conducting
Suspected wife-beater shot during scuffle with police
Jermaine Haynes, a 32-year-old construction worker of Little Diamond Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara (EBD), is currently a patient at the Diamond
Regional Hospital, where he is nursing a gunshot wound sustained to his lower right leg after being shot by police ranks who had responded to a report of domestic assault.
Police have said they had received a report that Haynes was assaulting his 33-year-old wife, thus a team was dispatched to the area.
“Upon arrival, contact was made with the woman, who was at the time seeking refuge from her husband at a neighbour’s residence. She related to the ranks that the suspect dealt her a slap, broke a table in the house, and threatened to kill her, which caused her to run out of the house,” the GPF has said.
Two ranks who then went over to Haynes’s residence were attacked, and a scuffle ensued between Haynes and the ranks, during which he held on to the 9MM pistol that one of them was carrying and managed to disarm him.
Upon seeing this, another rank drew his service pistol and discharged two rounds in Haynes’s direction. Hit on his lower right leg, Haynes was reportedly subdued, arrested, and taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where he was treated and admitted under guard.
An investigation of this incident is underway.
a thorough ICT Sector Gap Analysis to assess the current state of ICT across
member states. Funded by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF),
the gap analysis aimed to audit the ICT landscape and pinpoint the areas that needed urgent development with a view to enabling Caricom to streamline its efforts and create a unified framework for ICT policy, infrastructure, and services across the region.
As consultations continue across the region, findings from the gap analysis would inform development of the Caricom Regional Digital Agenda and Cooperation Framework, both of which are expected to guide the region’s ICT development for the next five years. The consultancy is set to conclude by December 2024, and the final recommendations are expected to bring Caricom closer to achieving its vision of a fully integrated, ICT-enabled, borderless Caribbean community.
Citizens urged to consult with GFS before burning garbage – Fire Chief – says practice is against fire regulations
As a measure to mitigate fires during the ongoing heat wave, Fire Chief Gregory Wickham is urging citizens to consult with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) before burning garbage.
“Well, burning garbage is illegal. It's against regulations, and there are specific guidelines for disposing of waste that people need to follow. If they burn anything without permission from the Fire Service, it will be considered illegal,” Wickham has emphasised.
In addition to warning about the dangers of illegal burning, Wickham highlighted the risks associated with the overuse of electrical appliances during this time. He is cautioning against the constant use of appliances that draw large amounts of electricity, which could lead to fires.
"Generally, we advise members of the public, including users of electricity, not to overload electrical circuits. When leaving their premises or workplaces, they should ensure all appliances are turned off. They should also avoid running extension cords under rugs or carpets, and ensure that areas where electrical appliances are in use, such as AC units, are not obstructed by window coverings," he has advised.
Further, Wickham has said that various preventative measures have been initiated by the Fire Service, including outreach efforts in different communities.
“The information
we’ve received from the Meteorological Office indicates that the country will be experiencing a dry and hot season for a prolonged period. In response, we’ve begun distributing messages and information to the public, particularly to those who use fire in the open — whether to clear dry vegetation (or) for farming or other purposes,” he said.
He added that the GFS is guiding individuals on safe burning practices, and is conducting community outreach exercises to inform the public about fire safety measures. These community meetings provide an opportunity for one-on-one interactions, wherein fire officials can directly educate citizens on the best practices to prevent fires during the hot season.
One notable incident was the wildfire in Parakies Village in Region One (Barima-Waini), where a fire that originated in open farmland had led to the death of 93-year-old Alexander Josephine. That fire had caused severe burns and significant damage to the surrounding vegetation. Despite immediate efforts by emergency responders, Josephine was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Another major wildfire occurred in the Santa Aratak/ Santa Mission area along the Demerara River in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). That blaze had led to the evacuation of over 250 persons, with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) assisting in relocating residents and providing shelter at Timehri Primary School, EBD. The shelter was later closed after residents had returned to their homes.
In March of this year, Guyana experienced a severe wildfire crisis, with over 1,000 grass fires reported nationwide. Most of those fires were concentrated in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and had caused significant damage and disruption.
Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham
UG, Massy ink 5-year agreement to enhance student development, innovation
The University of Guyana (UG) and Massy (Guyana) Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing UG students with increased opportunities for career development, practical experience, and research innovation.
The signing, which took place on Tuesday in the Office of the ViceChancellor at the UG Turkeyen Campus, has been formalised by ViceChancellor Professor Paloma Mohammed Martin and Massy (Guyana) Ltd Chairman Navindra Thakur.
This five-year MoU is designed to foster collaboration between the two entities, thereby enhancing the academic and professional pathways available to UG students. Through this partnership, UG students would benefit from scholarships, internships, and the Massy Management Trainee Programme which would provide invaluable real-world experience and training.
Additionally, the agreement would support the development of a talent pipeline that allows students to transition into the workforce with essential skills.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohammed Martin, in expressing enthusiasm for the partnership while encouraging Massy (Guyana) Ltd to invest in students from as early as secondary school level, has said, “The labour market is becoming increasingly competitive with companies offering better packages to attract and retain talent. I’ve been advocating for local companies to focus on younger talent, such as CXC students. By engaging high-performing schools and sponsoring students to attend university, businesses can invest in training the next generation while addressing their own staffing needs.”
She added, “Beyond the job market, we must also focus on lifting people by providing opportunities where they are often over-
looked.”
Massy (Guyana)
Ltd Chairman Navindra Thakur, highlighting the mutual benefits of the MoU, noted, "We are pleased to formalise this partnership with the University of Guyana. We believe in investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators. This partnership with the University of Guyana is a natural extension of our commitment to fostering talent development and creating opportunities. A
16 health professionals complete field epidemiology, laboratory training programme
Some 16 health professionals drawn from eight of the country’s ten administrative regions have completed a seven-month Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP) funded by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Health Ministry (MoH).
The CR-FELTP programme trains health professionals from different fields to improve the Caribbean's ability to prevent diseases and protect public health through evidence-based actions and policies.
In delivering remarks at the graduation ceremony held at the Herdmanston Lodge in Queenstown, Georgetown, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted the growing need for awareness and timely reporting of diseases, and said training like this one is hence timely.
“I think the importance here is that we’re starting to get more people in tune with some of the things happening locally, region-
ally and globally; and this is your first opportunity to understand a little bit more about diseases and how they transmit, and why you need to report, so that we can respond in time,” he detailed.
Further, he expressed hope that the course would serve as a stepping stone for continued learning, and has encouraged graduates to take up opportunities for further training in responding to diseases.
“I hope that with this first course that you have done, that this is not the last one. I hope that it wasn’t too difficult, and that you’ll go on to do other courses; because, ultimately, we want people to be properly trained
so that they can respond appropriately to diseases,” he explained.
In closing his remarks, he divulged that skills acquired during this training stint would also be useful, as the MoH is working on eliminating five infectious diseases from Guyana by 2030. Meanwhile, Sandra Bedoya-Hanson, Public Health Advisor, Global Workforce Development Branch, US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, related that this training is a testament to the commitment of Guyana and CARPHA towards dedication to growth and strengthening of the country’s surveillance capacity.
UG, ensuring that the talent and skills we need continue to flow into Massy."
UG Deputy ViceChancellor for Institutional Advancement, Dr Melissa Ifill, was also present at the signing ceremony, and expressed pleasure at the collaboration while highlighting that Massy is a significant player in the Guyanese market, making this agreement an important step forward for both entities.
lot of the persons who have completed the Graduate Trainee Programme are from UG, so it makes sense to strengthen this relationship. We look forward to continued support from
Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation (SEBI), Professor Leyland Lucas, also shared his enthusiasm at the partnership, and highlighted that students who participate in the programme would return to the classroom with valuable practical knowledge, enhancing both their academic and professional development.
Other key areas of collaboration under the MoU include professional development programmes, guest lectures delivered by Massy executives, and community engagement initiatives designed to enhance relationships between UG, Massy, and local communities.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Professor Emanuel F. Cummings, also expressed his satisfaction at the UG/ Massy partnership, and noted that it presents an opportunity for past graduates of the Massy Graduate Trainee Programme to serve as mentors for new trainees.
NA carpenter nabbed with over 5.5kg ganja
Bhudram Loelere, a 23-year-old carpenter of Patrick Dam in Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, has been taken into custody following his apprehension
with a quantity of cannabis in a Berbice riverine community earlier this week.
An operation conducted by police ranks on marine patrol reportedly intercepted the carpenter as he was carrying two bags containing four parcels wrapped with transparent plastic. The parcels contained ganja, which when later weighed amounted to 5,772 grams. He is expected to be charged soon.
Dr Frank Anthony with officials and the graduates
The ganja that was confiscated
Bhudram Loelere
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Officials at the signing ceremony of the MoU between the University of Guyana and Massy (Guyana) Ltd on Tuesday
Remedial work commences on $75.8M
Good Success-to-Timehri Road
As its contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has commenced emergency maintenance works on the highly anticipated US$75.8 million East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road Improvement Project that spans from Good Success to Timehri.
An advisory issued by the Public Works Ministry has indicated that the threeday exercise would rectify existing deficiencies along the Good Success-to-Timehri road.
The scope of work includes paving, drainage, and installation of street lights and signs, among other things. To facilitate continuous work being done on this road while minimizing disruption to traffic flow, repairs may be conducted during nighttime hours, and
will be monitored closely by the consulting engineers from Sheladia Associates Inc.
The East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road Improvement Project spans 24 kilometres. Full design of the road was recently completed, and citizens in the area can expect works to commence shortly.
The project is aimed at supporting climate-resilient infrastructure development, and marks the first of its kind to be funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Guyana.
According to the Public Works Ministry, the project has been divided into three sections to ensure it remains on schedule with minimal disruption to commuters.
Section A covers the stretch from Good Success,
beginning at the Ganga Temple and ending at Supply, while Section B ex-
tends from Supply to the Soesdyke Junction. Section C continues from the Soesdyke Junction to the Timehri Junction near the Timehri Police Station.
A notable feature of the project is its integration with the Soesdyke-Linden Highway through construction of a roundabout that is designed to facilitate smoother traffic transitions.
The project entails the rehabilitation of 24 kilome-
tres of road alongside the reconstruction and widening of over 58 bridges and culverts. The roadway would be upgraded to a two-lane highway that is complete with enhanced safety features such as sidewalks and cycle lanes to cater to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Additionally, thermoplastic road markings, LED street lighting, and traffic signs would be installed to
enhance safety and navigation along the carriageway. To manage the flow of traffic during the construction period, a comprehensive traffic management plan has been developed. Construction would begin in Section B, where there is sufficient space to accommodate ongoing work without severely disrupting traffic.
During that time, at least one lane of traffic would remain open at all times, and efforts would be made to maintain two lanes wherever possible. Construction activities would be confined to one side of the roadway at a time in order to further mitigate traffic issues.
Stakeholders and road users would remain informed through the RESOLV 75 app, which would provide real-time updates on the project activities. Additionally, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) would be mobilised to maintain order and ensure a steady flow of traffic throughout the construction period.
When completed, the road would alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate vital routes for efficient transportation.
An artist’s impression of the road
Govt to train lifeguards, conduct hydro surveys at water facilities
More than one week after water facility operators had been instructed to implement a range of safety measures on their premises, Government has signalled its intent to rollout a programme to train lifeguards for deployment to these various facilities.
Most of these facilities are yet to comply with Government’s directives, but considering the lack of alternatives, Government also intends to procure safety equipment to distribute to these operators as a measure to prevent future accidents.
Earlier this month, two young girls lost their lives at a water facility along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Days after that
devastating incident, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had met with water facility operators and instructed that they install warning signs and barricades, and ensure
the presence of lifeguards at their facilities.
In a follow-up on the status of the measures ordered, Guyana Times on Thursday contacted Minister Benn, and he said,
“Well, some people have already bought life rafts, life rings, and I think we, the ministry, are buying 80 or more.” This equipment, he said, would be distributed to some operators.
Minister Benn also said that Government intends to train persons as lifeguards, and would be working closely with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to ensure this happens at the earliest possi-
ble time.
“The Tourism Ministry and the GTA, with the (Guyana Amateur) Swimming Association, have been doing lifeguard training and also rescue training. So, the training of the lifeguards in respect of how you recover from the water and also in relation to resuscitation is what we have been doing. So those are a few things we probably are (going to be doing) for another week. We will have a complete thing,” Minister Benn disclosed.
Further, Minister Benn revealed that a survey would be done to determine what other gaps exist in terms of safety at facilities of this nature.
“There is a hydro-survey that we are doing, and
this will be completed next week, so the gauges can be put in place,” he has said. “We're working along with different people, sort of more countrywide response, because these are not the only swimming places. Not only the highway, but the issues with Linden at the mined-out areas, the blue lakes; and there are other places around the country which we precipitate these things now (as) a comprehensive response, together with the other agencies.”
Among the other partners with which the Ministry is working are the Culture, Youth, and Sport Ministry; Tourism Ministry; the GTA, and several private agencies and businesses.
10,000 Little Diamond residents now have access to potable water
Some 10,000 resi-
dents of the new housing development at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), now have access to potable water following the completion of a water distribution system that is linked to the recently constructed new Covent Garden well in that community.
This system, installed by engineers of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), would also provide potable water to persons living in Sections One, Two, and Three of Great Diamond.
During an inspection of this system on Wednesday, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, explained that persons living in the Young Professionals section of this East Bank Housing Development -- most of whom were allotted land in 2020 -are among those who would benefit from its installation.
Minister Rodrigues has assured residents that, with all necessary structures now in place, the communities would receive timely delivery of potable water.
“Many people have applied recently, and they were waiting to access our service. We completed that well at
Covent Garden, and today is the last day we are completing the interconnection to ensure that this area in Little Diamond and Sections One, Two, and Three in Great Diamond are serviced…,” she disclosed. “The connections are there, they do have the main in their yards; so, we’re just waiting now on the lines to be filled, and by this afternoon that will happen,” she added.
She explained that the availability of water would facilitate those who are eager to now advance the construction of their homes.
Notably, the distribution network stores and provides flow and pressure adequate for fire protection.
“Part of the programme is that that well will feed into the water treatment plant that we are rehabilitating at the Covent Garden area. This area is now serviced with water, so the people who have house lots in this area or who have already started their construction, I just want to assure them that this area is now fully serviced with GWI connection,” she added.
Since assuming office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration has facilitated more than 35,000 applicants with first-time access to potable and treated water services. As a result, nearly 100 per cent of coastal residents now have access
to clean water, while access to potable water countrywide currently stands at 97.3 per cent of the stated target for the year 2023.
Minister Rodrigues has emphasized that this significant expansion is part of the administration’s national agenda that advocates for implementation of sustainable
water management practices.
In addition, statistics from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) show that water losses have been reduced from the 69 per cent that had obtained in 2020 to 62 per cent in 2023, while water meter coverage has moved from the 53 per cent that has obtained in 2020 to 67 per cent at the end of 2023. According to the data, GWI has successfully installed more than 55,000 meters to accurately measure water consumption, aid in the conservation of water resources, and reduce non-revenue water. Further, more than 60 wells have been drilled.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
Minister Susan Rodrigues inspecting works ongoing on the water system
Spain denies 'complicity' in Venezuela's Gonzalez signing letter accepting Maduro victory
Spain has denied involvement in talks between Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo Gonzalez and President Nicolás Maduro's Government for his flight to Spain, before which he signed a letter saying he accepted Maduro's election victory.
Maduro was proclaimed the winner of the South American nation's disputed July vote by electoral and judicial authorities, a claim rejected as false by the Opposition.
Gonzalez's letter included an undertaking to limit political activity once in Spain and was signed at the residence of the Spanish Ambassador to Caracas, where Gonzalez had taken refuge before his departure.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, held up printed photographs of what he said was the moment the document was signed in his presence as well as that of his sister, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, and Spain's Ambassador to Venezuela, Ramon Santos.
However, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that his Government did not invite anyone to visit Gonzalez at the Ambassador's residence.
"The Spanish Government, and of course the Ambassador, did not take part in any negotiation of any document of any type," Albares said.
Gonzalez, who was granted political asylum in Spain earlier this month, said in a video message released on Wednesday the letter was signed under "coercion, blackmail and pressure".
On Thursday, a senior figure in Spain's Opposition People's Party (PP) said Madrid had been complicit in removing Gonzalez from Venezuela, thereby ensuring Maduro would stay in power.
"Beyond watching someone being blackmailed live, it's clear that Spain is involved in perpetuating Maduro as a dictator," PP Vice Secretary Esteban Gonzalez Pons told local radio.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gonzalez sought to clarify the Spanish Government's role prior to his leaving Venezuela.
"The diplomatic efforts carried out had as their sole purpose the facilitation of my exit from the country, without exerting any type of pressure on me," he said in the statement.
Spain's Foreign Ministry insisted the Government had nothing to do with the letter or negotiations for Gonzalez's exit.
"When Gonzalez asked to be received at the Spanish Ambassador's residence, he had the guarantee that he could see whomever and
make whatever arrangements he decided necessary regarding his situation," it said in a statement.
"The Foreign Minister gave direct instructions to the Ambassador not to interfere in any steps the Opposition Leader might take."
Gonzalez left Venezuela following the issue of an arrest warrant accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes after the election.
Both Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez have been targeted by European Union sanctions and travel bans since 2018.
Venezuela's national electoral council proclaimed Maduro the victor of the July 28 presidential election, prompting allegations of fraud and widespread protest as the Opposition published vote tallies online which they said showed Gonzalez had won.
Earlier this week, a UN report said Maduro's Government escalated repressive tactics to crush peaceful protests and keep power in the aftermath of the South American country's disputed election.
(Reuters)
Brazil likely to reinstate daylight saving time as drought cuts hydropower, sources say
Brazilian authorities are likely to approve reinstating daylight saving time after it was abolished five years ago, multiple sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday, as the country faces a major drought that has been affecting its power generation efforts.
A prolonged drought has forced a policy shift toward using more expensive thermoelectric plants and energy imports, which is boosting power bills.
Despite the growth of wind and solar power in Latin America's largest economy in recent years,
more than half of Brazil's power supply still comes from hydroelectric plants.
The drought has affected some of the country's largest hydroelectric plants, including two powered by an Amazonian river.
The level of reservoirs in the key Southeast/CenterWest region, Brazil's main hydroelectric area, is expected to end September below 50 per cent, as the region also gets less than 50 per cent of the average rainfall for this time of year.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro abolished the daylight saving time after
he took office in 2019, on grounds that it was no longer benefiting the country's power sector.
By moving the clocks forward an hour between November and February, Brazilian Summer Time's aim was to make use of more daylight hours and save energy.
However, officials now believe that reinstating it could help alleviate pressure on the power system in late afternoons, when consumption is at its peak but solar power stations stop generating electricity as the sun sets.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Cuban dissident leader wins Norwegian human rights award
ANorwegian human rights foundation gave its annual prize on Thursday to jailed Cuban dissident leader Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara for his "fearless opposition to authoritarianism through art".
Four past laureates of the Rafto prize — Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi, East Timor's Jose Ramos-Horta, South Korea's Kim Daejung and Iran's Shirin Ebadi — later went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
This year's Peace Prize will be announced on October 11 in Oslo.
"The 2024 Rafto prize aims to highlight the importance of the work of Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and other artists in challenging power structures and defending democracy and human rights, both in Cuba and globally," the Norwegian foundation said in a statement.
A Cuban court sentenced the artist-dissident in 2022 to five years in jail in a high-profile case that human rights
groups branded a "farce" but that Cuban State media said was a fair trial over "common crimes".
The 36-year-old artist was a prominent member of the Havana-based San Isidro Movement, an artists’ collective that led a number of protests over two years. Many of the group have since left Cuba, alleging Government repression. On Thursday, the Rafto foundation called on the Cuban Government to release him, joining similar calls by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
The laureate is awarded a diploma and prize money of US$20,000.
(Reuters)
Fires burn out of control in Peru, hitting crops and archaeological sites
Peruvian authorities scrambled to roll out a plan to fight fires raging out of control across the nation, razing crops, damaging archaeological treasures and leaving several regions in a state of disaster on Thursday.
Firefighters said battling the blazes has grown increasingly difficult.
"We're tired," said a volunteer firefighter in the forests of the northern Amazonas region who declined to give his name. "We put the fire out, it lights back up. We put it out, the fire breaks out again."
Firefighters in the area retreated from the flames on Thursday.
"They're out of control," said Arturo Morales, another volunteer firefighter. "We need help."
President Dina Boluarte
on Wednesday declared a 60day state of emergency in the San Martin, Amazonas and Ucayali regions, allocating extra resources to stop the fires from spreading.
"We're rolling out everything we have," Boluarte said in a speech. She called on farmers to stop burning grasslands, which she said caused flames to spread out of control.
Forest fires in Peru are frequent from August to November, either caused by farmers or those who are looking to illegally take over land, according to the government.
Around 240 fires have broken out this season in 22 of the country's 25 regions, though more than 80 per cent had been controlled by Wednesday.
Some, however, are
threatening to spark up again with dry weather, winds and their remote locations making them difficult to access.
The flames have already reached seven archaeological sites, according to the culture ministry, and are threatening the Indigenous ShipiboKonibo community in the Amazon.
In total, nearly 2,300 hectares (5680 acres) of farmland have burned and 140 people have been injured, according to official data through Wednesday.
South America is currently being ravaged by fire from Brazil's Amazon rainforest through the world's largest wetlands to dry forests in Bolivia, breaking a previous record for the number of blazes seen in a year.
(Reuters)
Holness moves to sue PNP members for ‘false and defamatory statements’
Prime Minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Andrew Holness has instructed his attorneys to initiate legal action against senior members of the People’s National Party (PNP) who, according to the JLP, at a press conference on Thursday “made several false and defamatory statements” about when he became aware of an Integrity Commission probe concerning illicit enrichment.
Senator Abka FitzHenley, a member of the JLP’s communication taskforce, confirmed the instruc-
tions given by Holness to his legal team.
“Should they not take the appropriate action, lawsuits will be filed against the PNP members who made the false statements and without any credible basis defamed the Prime Minister concerning the question of when he came into awareness of an illicit enrichment probe,” Fitz-Henley said in a release.
At a press conference on Thursday, members of the PNP including Party President Mark Golding suggested that Holness misled
the country when he told the media last year that he wasn’t aware of any JLP parliamentarians being under investigation for illicit enrichment.
Fitz-Henley said the Prime Minister spoke the truth when he indicated to the media on August 17, 2023 that he was not aware of any member of the JLP being written to by the Integrity Commission with an indication that they are under investigation for illicit enrichment.
(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Senator Jose Antonio Monago of People's Party (PP) speaks during a session at the Spanish Senate in Madrid, Spain, September 18, 2024 (Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura photo)
A person holds a sign in support of Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara on a street as the ninth Summit of the Americas takes place, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 7, 2022 (Reuters/ Daniel Becerril file photo)
Around the World OIL NEWS
Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports in July hit almost 1-year low
Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports in July fell to their lowest level in nearly a year, data from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (JODI) showed on Thursday.
The country's oil exports stood at 5.741 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, their lowest level since August 2023. Saudi Arabia is world's largest exporter of crude.
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) oil producers earlier this month agreed to delay a planned production increase for October and November and said they could further pause or reverse the hikes if needed.
Saudi's crude exports in July fell by about 5.1 per cent from June's exports of 6.047 million bpd.
At the same time, Saudi's production rose to 8.941 million bpd from 8.830 million bpd.
However, Saudi refineries' crude throughput fell by 0.026 million bpd to 2.397 million bpd, the data showed, while direct crude burning increased by 211,000 bpd to 769,000 bpd.
Riyadh and other members of OPEC provide monthly export figures to JODI which publishes them on its website.
Saudi cut its October price for flagship Arab light crude to Asia to the lowest level in nearly three years on concerns of weak demand in the region.
This month, both the OPEC and the International Energy Agency (IEA) lowered their 2024 oil demand growth forecasts.
Concerns about Chinese demand have weighed on the outlook. China's oil refinery output in August fell 6.2 per cent from a year earlier, official data showed, declining for the fifth month. (Reuters)
Zelenskiy says Ukrainian military has reduced Russian potential to attack on eastern front
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces had reduced the potential of Russian troops to launch attacks in Donetsk region on the eastern front of the morethan-two-year-old war.
Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address after conferring with commanders, said the military was doing its utmost "for the resilience of our battle brigades".
"At this time, the Ukrainian Defence Forces have managed to diminish the occupiers' assault potential in Donetsk region," he said.
The situation, he said, remained "critically difficult with tough battles every day" in the two sectors of the eastern front subjected to the most Russian attacks near the cities of Pokrovsk
Israel unleashes heavy strikes on Lebanon as US, UK urge restraint
Israeli warplanes carried out late on Thursday their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year of war, heightening the conflict between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah amid calls for restraint.
The White House said a diplomatic solution was achievable and urgent, and Britain called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The US is "afraid and concerned about potential escalation", White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told a briefing.
The intense barrage followed attacks earlier in the week attributed by Lebanon and Hezbollah to Israel that blew up Hezbollah radios and pagers, killing 37 persons and wounding about 3,000 in Lebanon.
In Thursday's late operation, Israel's military said its jets over two hours
struck hundreds of multiple-rocket-launcher barrels in southern Lebanon that were set to be fired immediately toward Israel.
The bombardment included more than 52 strikes across southern Lebanon after 21:00h, Lebanon's state news agency NNA said. Three Lebanese security sources said these were the heaviest aerial strikes since the conflict began in October.
Wisconsin boy, 12, shoots bear as it mauls his father
A black bear near a stream (Getty Images)
and Kurakhove.
Ukraine's operation in southern Russia's Kursk region, launched last month, succeeded in getting the Russian military to redirect resources away from the eastern front, Zelenskiy said.
And capturing Russian troops had bolstered Ukraine's "exchange fund" of prisoners of war to be used as a bargaining chip in facilitating exchanges with Moscow.
"In this theatre we managed to divert close to 40,000 Russian troops," he said. "Our active measures are proceeding."
The President also said that one person had died in a Russian attack on an elderly people's residence in Ukraine's northern Sumy region, an area subject to frequent Russian assaults.
(Reuters)
A12-year-old boy fatally shot a black bear as it was mauling his father in the US state of Wisconsin, say wildlife officials.
Owen Beierman, 12, took aim at the bruin as it pinned down his dad while they were on a legal hunting trip.
"Owen was a hero," Ryan Beierman, 43, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "He shot that bear and killed it on top of me."
The attack happened in Siren, Burnett County, on September 6, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The pair were hunting for black bear near the family's cabin when they spotted the 200lb (91kg) bruin.
Owen shot and injured the animal, which ran off into dense forest.
They gave chase, and as they entered a glade the an-
imal charged at Beierman from about 6ft (1.8m) away.
He said he fired eight shots at the bruin with his pistol, but missed.
The bear bit him in the abdomen, arm and leg.
"I started pistol-whipping him and it felt like I was striking a brick wall, he told the newspaper.
He described seeing the flash from the muzzle of the boy's rifle.
"I was flat on my back and could feel the bullet going through the bear,'' Mr Beierman said.
He required stitches to reattach a flap of skin to his cheek, and had puncture wounds to his arm and legs.
Officials say bear attacks are very rare.
Nine such incidents were reported in the state between 2013-22, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
(BBC News)
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Israel's military vowed to continue to attack Hezbollah and said its strikes throughout Thursday hit about 100 rocket launchers plus other targets in southern Lebanon.
In a TV address on Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the device explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday "crossed all red lines".
"The enemy went beyond all controls, laws and morals," he said, adding the attacks "could be considered war crimes or a declaration of war."
Israel has not directly commented on the pager and radio detonations, which security sources say were probably carried out by its Mossad spy agency, which has a long history of carrying out sophisticated attacks on foreign soil.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Flood-hit central Europe will get billions in EU aid, von der Leyen promises
The European Union will make billions of euros available to help central Europe recover from severe floods, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, as she pledged support for regions that have been devastated by the deluge.
The worst floods to hit central Europe in at least two decades have caused widespread damage from Romania to Poland, killing at least 24 persons, destroying bridges, submerging cars and leaving towns caked in mud and debris.
The flooding was caused by torrential rain that began last week and lasted for several days, causing rivers to burst their banks in several parts of the region.
"I am here to reassure
you that Europe stands by your side," she told a news conference in the Polish city of Wroclaw, standing alongside leaders of the affected countries.
"This is a moment of need, of... natural disaster and we have all to stand together to overcome the challenge."
Von der Leyen said that 10 billion euros (US$11.16 billion) would be made available from EU cohesion funds and that some of the conditions usually attached to such funds, such as co-financing by member states, would be lifted to make the response quicker.
She also said that money from the EU's Solidarity Fund, which supports member states hit by natural disasters, would be used to rebuild infrastructure.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
An Israeli fighter jet takes off at an unidentified location to conduct strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, in this handout photo released September 19, 2024 (Israel Defence Forces/ Handout via Reuters)
The flooding was caused by torrential rain that began last week and lasted for several days, causing rivers to burst their banks in several parts of the region
Consider how best to utilize your skills without jeopardizing your relationships, lifestyle or health. A realignment that helps balance work and play will do wonders for your state of mind.
Be intent on finishing what you start. Focus on important matters and pass along insignificant jobs to others. Stop spinning your wheels and concentrate on the here and now and what matters most.
Consider the big picture, but focus will be in your best interest when it comes time to act. Refuse to let anyone lead you astray or push you out of your comfort zone. Recognize what you do best.
Incorporate the old with the new. If you want to make a statement and draw support, implementing new ideas will seal the deal. Don't take a risk with your health or cash. Use wisdom to advance.
Consider the possibilities before you start something new. Change can be exciting, but a wrong move can be costly. Don't accept secondhand information; see for yourself, weigh the pros and cons, and make a good decision.
It's time to put yourself out there and make your dreams come true. If you can find an intelligent way to manifest your desires, you will attract the support you need. Don't second-guess yourself.
Learn from experience; it will help you rectify mistakes and build confidence. Move forward with a positive attitude and the ability to achieve the success you desire.
Good things are within reach. Embrace opportunity, challenge yourself and pursue your dreams with clarity. You'll form a solid bond with people who will strengthen your plans.
Clear up any lingering problems before you start something new. Refrain from letting anyone stand in your way or play mind games that slow you down. Use your charm and intelligence to outsmart challengers.
Acknowledge the people you can rely on to pick up the slack and help you achieve your objective. Work with others, and you'll find a way to become a leader. Trust your judgment.
Redesign your plans and surroundings to suit your needs. Address financial and medical issues and adjust your routine to reduce stress. Make choices that forge stronger bonds with the people you love.
Say no to excessive behavior, overspending and people trying to lead you in a direction that isn't in your best interest. Be true to yourself and do what brings you peace of mind.
“We’ve got to want it more” – Xavier urges junior national players
Gabriella Xavier and Makaylah Poole of the Guyana national female hockey team are hoping for success as they prepare to compete in the 2024 Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Challenge competition, which is set to take place in Hamilton, Bermuda starting today, September 20.
The team’s first game is on Saturday, September 21; the squad plays against Peru, a team that are rapidly growing. On Sunday, September 22, Guyana will play its second game against Mexico, the pre-tournament favourites. Following a dayoff on the 23rd, Guyana play Brazil on Tuesday, the 24th and Paraguay on Wednesday, the 25th,. On Friday, the 27th, Guyana’s last pool encounter will take place against the hosts, Bermuda.
Speaking to media operatives on the sidelines of the uniform presentation by One Communications earlier this week, Xavier emphasised that the team are a better mixture of players, noting the challenges faced leading up to the tournament.
Xavier said, “So the last time we went to Bermuda, we took a very, what I should say, junior side. So, we had
girls ranging between 15 to about 19. And just a few of the older girls, the senior players that played before. This time, we have a really good mixture. We’re bringing back some people like Chantal Finance. We have myself, Trisha Woody, Princess Wilkie, and so on. And we have it with the junior girls who’ve been playing very well over the past couple of years and so on. So, we have a better mix, in my opinion, for this tournament. We’ve been training very hard, preparing for this moment, because the goal is to get to the Pan Am Cup next year.
“People might think otherwise at some point in time, but because of the young girls, we’ve got the legs. We
can exchange, and we can do the subs a lot quicker because of the fitness level of it. The hardest part right now is the fact that we’ve been playing on grass, not the artificial surface. That’s something that hampers us. So, we try to get in a little bit more of the practice sessions before we actually go into our first game. So, we can get familiar with the feel and so on. So, I think that might be the hardest part for us moving into this tournament.
“So, I think that’s why I could say firmly that we have a good mixture of girls right now. Because you need that kind of aggression. It only comes when you play with these teams over and over and over on a national
Olympic 800m finalist Maloney awarded at homecoming in St Vincent
Pforum. So, it’s getting that level of aggression and wanting it more. I think what will happen and we’ll have to guide the young girls to do is you have to want this more. Everybody is coming to represent whichever country they come to play for. And they want it. But we’ve got to want it more.”
Also speaking to media operatives was Poole as she shared on the overwhelming feeling brought on by representing Guyana on an international stage.
“Well, I’m very excited to go and show my talents and abilities. And I’ve been really looking forward, working hard, going through many training sessions and honing my skills just for this opportunity. And I’m excited to represent Guyana. It will be my first senior tour and I’m very excited. I can take that,” Poole said.
The full Guyana team read: Goalkeeper – Alysa Xavier; defenders – Kezia Chinian, Kirsten Gomes, Makeda Harding, Tekeisha Deleon, Trisha Woodroffe; midfielders – Clayza Bobb, Gabriella Xavier, Madison Fernandes, Sarah Klautky; strikers – Abosaide Cadogan, Carolyn Deane, Chantelle Fernandes, Makayla Poole, Princessa Wilkie, and Samantha Fernandes.
aris Olympics 800m finalist Shafiqua Maloney was celebrated during a welcome home ceremony at the Argyle International Airport in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, where it was announced that she would receive US$10,000 in recognition of her outstanding performance at the Games. Maloney delivered a remarkable performance in the 800m final at the Paris Olympics, finishing fourth with a time of
With her sights set on further success, Maloney spoke about the road ahead and her aspirations for medals at the 2028 Olympics. Prime Minister DR Ralph Gonsalves praised Maloney for her perseverance and announced that the Government would present her with US$10,000 in recognition of her accomplishments and the pride she has brought to the nation.
Maloney’s achievements have also earned her
National female hockey player Gabriella Xavier
Back row: Coach Philip Fernandes, Princessa Wilkie, Sarah Klautky, Abosaide Cadogan, Tekeisha Deleon, Carolyn Deane, Trisha Woodroffe, Makeda Harding, and Kirsten Gomes. Front row: Kezia Chinian, Makayla Poole, goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Gabriella Xavier, and Clayza Bobb
St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shafiqua Maloney
Shafiqua Maloney during a race
CONCACAF confirms October schedule for 2024/25 CNL matches
CONCACAF has confirmed the schedule, venues, and kickoff times for the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) Group Stage matches that will take place during the October 2024 FIFA Match Window.
The fourth edition of the CNL kicked off in September with thrilling matches across all three Leagues (A, B, and C). Some of the highlights included Elijah Seymour of the Cayman Islands scoring the competition’s 1000th goal, Guadeloupe getting its first win in League A (1-0 vs Suriname), Bermuda defeating Antigua and Barbuda in an official match for the first time since 1992, and a closely-contested draw between Costa Rica and Guatemala.
A total of 37 CNL matches will be played next month (October 9-15), concluding Group Stage play for Leagues A and C, while League B will play through November.
League A In League A, the 12 matches that will be played in October will determine the four teams (group winners and runners-up) that will join CONCACAF'S four top-ranked teams – Canada, Mexico, Panama, and the United States (listed alphabetically) – in the quarter-finals, as well as the third- and fourth-place finishers and fifth- and sixth-place finishers that will progress to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims and CNL Play-In, respectively.
The CNL quarter-finals will be played in a home-and-away format in November 2024, with the aggregate score winner in each match-up advancing to the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League Finals and qualifying for the 2025 Gold Cup. The quarter-final losers will advance to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims.
CNL quarter-final pairings will be determined based on the CONCACAF Rankings as of October 2024 (after the FIFA Window) and the Group Stage results, as follows:
QF1: Fourth-ranked seeded team vs Best first place (1A/1B)
QF2: Third-ranked seeded team vs Next first place (1A/1B)
QF3: Second-ranked seeded team vs Best second place (2A/2B)
QF4: Best-ranked seeded team vs Next second place (2A/2B)
The CNL Play-In will take place in November 2024, and the Gold Cup Prelims will be in March 2025. Further details on the Play-In are available below.
League B League B will continue Group Stage play in October and November, as 16 nations battle for Gold Cup qualification and promotion for the competition’s next edition. The confirmed host ven-
ues for October’s League B matches are as follows:
Group A: Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Group B: Daren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Group C: Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, Aruba
Group D: Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, Bermuda
League C
October will also conclude Group Stage play for League C. After the League’s last match on Tuesday, October 15, the three group winners and the best second-place finisher will advance to the CNL Play-In.
The confirmed host venues for the October matches are as follows:
Group A: Wildey Turf, Wildey, Barbados
Group B: FFB Stadium, Belmopan, Belize
Group C: Warner Park Football Stadium, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
2024/25 CONCACAF
Nations League Play-In
The CNL Play-In will take place during the FIFA Match Window of November. It will consist of a single direct elimination round and eight teams: the fifth- and sixth-place finishers from the League A Groups and the group winners and the best second-place finisher from League C.
The eight teams will be split into four pairings based on their Group Stage performance, as follows:
PI1: Best 5th Place
(League A) vs Best 2nd Place
(League C)
PI2: Next 5th Place
(League A) vs Best 3rd Group Winner (League C)
PI3: Best 6th Place
(League A) vs Best 2nd Group Winner (League C)
PI4: Next 6th Place
(League A) vs Best 1st Group Winner (League C)
After home-and-away play, the aggregate score winner in each match-up will ad-
2024 (A) 15:30 | 16:30 French Guiana v Honduras – Stade Municipal Dr Edmard Lama, Remire Montjoly, GUF
vance to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims.
2024/25 CONCACAF
Nations League Schedule –October Matches
*Matches listed by League and in ET | local time
Wednesday, October 9,
2024
(C) 15:30 | 15:30 British Virgin Islands v St Kitts and Nevis – Warner Park Football Stadium, Basseterre, SKN (C) 20:00 | 20:00 US Virgin Islands v Barbados –Wildey Turf, Wildey, BAR (C) 22:00 | 20:00 Anguilla v Belize – FFB Stadium, Belmopan, BLZ
Thursday, October 10,
(A) 16:00 | 16:00 Cuba v Trinidad and Tobago –Estadio Antonio Maceo, Santiago, CUB (B) 16:00 | 16:00 Bonaire v Montserrat – Arnos
Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN (B) 21:00 | 21:00 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines v El Salvador – Arnos
Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN
(A) 22:00 | 20:00
Nicaragua v Jamaica –Estadio Nacional, Managua, NCA
Friday, October 11, 2024
(B) 16:00 | 16:00 Sint Maarten v Puerto Rico –Guillermo Prospero Trinidad
Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU (B) 16:00 | 16:00 Curaçao v Grenada – Daren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA (B) 19:00 | 19:00 St Lucia v Saint Martin – Daren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA (B) 19:00 | 19:00 Haiti v Aruba – Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU (A) 21:00 | 20:00 Jamaica v Honduras – National Stadium, Kingston, JAM (A) 21:00 | 21:00 Trinidad and Tobago v Cuba – Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago, TRI (A) 21:00 | 19:00 Nicaragua v French Guiana –Estadio Nacional, Managua, NCA
Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU (A) 16:00 | 16:00 Guadeloupe v Martinique –Stade Roger Zami, Le Gosier, GLP (B) 17:00 | 17:00 Grenada v Curaçao – Daren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA (A) 18:00 | 19:00
Suriname v Costa Rica – Dr
Ir Franklin Essed Stadium, Paramaribo, SUR (B) 19:00 | 19:00
Aruba v Haiti – Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU (B) 20:00 | 20:00 Saint Martin v St Lucia – Daren
Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA (A) 21:00 | 21:00 Guyana v Guatemala – National Track & Field Centre, Leonora, GUY
Saturday, October 12, 2024 (B) 13:30 | 14:30 Antigua and Barbuda v Dominican Republic – Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER (C) 15:30 | 15:30 Cayman Islands v British Virgin Islands – Warner Park Football Stadium, Basseterre, SKN (B) 18:30 | 19:30 Dominica v Bermuda –Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER (C) 20:00 | 20:00 Bahamas v US Virgin Islands – Wildey Turf, Wildey, BAR (C) 22:00 | 20:00 Turks and Caicos Islands v Anguilla – FFB Stadium, Belmopan, BLZ
Sunday, October 13, 2024 (B) 15:00 | 15:00
Montserrat v Bonaire – Arnos
Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN
(B) 20:00 | 20:00 El Salvador v Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN
Monday, October 14, 2024
(B) 16:00 |16:00 Puerto Rico v Sint Maarten –Guillermo Prospero Trinidad
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 (B) 13:30 |14:30 Dominican Republic v Antigua and Barbuda –Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER (C) 15:30 | 15:30 St Kitts and Nevis v Cayman Islands – Warner Park Football Stadium, Basseterre, SKN (B) 18:30 | 19:30 Bermuda v Dominica – Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER (A) 20:00 | 18:00 Costa Rica v Guatemala – Estadio Nacional, San Jose, CRC (A) 20:00 | 20:00 Martinique v Guadeloupe –Stade Pierre Aliker, Fort de France, MTQ (A) 20:00 | 21:00 Suriname v Guyana – Dr Ir Franklin Essed Stadium, Paramaribo, SUR (C) 20:00 | 20:00 Barbados v Bahamas – Wildey Turf, Wildey, BAR (C) 22:00 | 20:00 Belize v Turks and Caicos Islands – FFB Stadium, Belmopan, BLZ
Guyana’s Golden Jaguars will be back in action on October 11 at home
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will be back in action on October 10
SA Women’s and Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championships…
Sanmoogan powers to 4 bronze medals
…as Guyana opens on a high
Guyana got off to a satisfying start at the South American Women’s and Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday when the lone female athlete on the team, Sarah Sanmoogan lifted her way to four bronze medals.
The third-year University of Guyana student, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, who competed in the Female Junior 69kg Category, was in classes until the start of the weigh-in yes terday, 13:00h Argentina time ( 12:00h Guyana time), but still mustered the mental for titude to compete against her peers. Her performance being good enough to earn her podi um positions in all the lifts and overall.
She had a best squat of 150.0kg, bench-pressed 82.5, with her best deadlift being 160.0. Her overall total was 392.5kg, the same as the silver medallist, Sophia Cabrera of Peru, who finished ahead of Sanmoogan owing to a lighter body weight.
Cabrera managed a best squat of 145.0, and bench-pressed 85.0. The gold medallist was Chile’s Antonia Madrid, whose total of 422.5kg was as a result of similar medal lifts of 160.0 in
the squat, 87.5 in the bench press, and 180.0 in the deadlift.
Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) President Franklin Wilson congratulated Sanmoogan and Coach Kerma Singh for a brave performance against nations that have been performing well in the sport.t Guyana has always held its own and competed well, he noted.
“On behalf of the executive committee and mem -
the GAPLF, I extend warmest congratulations to you, Sarah. We are proud of you for keeping the Golden Arrowhead aloft in some challenging circumstances. You did it again and we know that there are bigger stages for you to conquer in the years ahead.”
Sanmoogan also took the opportunity to comment on her performance: “As disappointed as I am in a third-place finish, I am proud of my performance all things considered, with an up-and-down training year thus far. I’m not one to make excuses, but taking UG classes and working while training to compete with the best internationally isn’t an easy ask, but I’ve committed to it. I’m happy to have made it here again and look forward to smoother sailings and higher highs.”
Guyana will next be on the platform on Saturday when Kheon Evans (Men’s Open 83kg) and 79-year-old Naranjan Singh (83kg Masters 4), based in the USA, compete.
A total of 132 female athletes from sub-juniors to masters and 171 males in similar categories are competing from Guyana, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Suriname, Columbia, Uruguay, and the host nation, Argentina.
GBA gears up for U16 programme expansion …weigh-ins start today
Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Technical Director Terrence Poole confirmed that the official weigh-in process for the Vergenoegen leg of the Under-16 Championship will occur today for Georgetown teams at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym, and tomorrow for remaining participants at the West Demerara facility.
The acquisition of the new boxing ring, which was facilitated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, will allow the entity to decentralise its existing U16 programme, with Vergenoegen set to make its debut tomorrow.
The event, which is hosted twice per month, will occur at 17:00h at the community’s rice mill tarmac with the utilisation of the older ring.
The major gyms that have confirmed their participation are the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis, Pace and Power, Pocket Rocket, Rose Hall Jammers, New Amsterdam Academy, Bailey, and Forgotten Youth Foundation.
The annual initiative has formed the backbone of GBA’s nursery programme, and with the attainment of the new ring, will allow the Association to transport the older equipment to the var ious venues going forward.
Linden is slated to host the initiative two weeks after Vergenoegen. Similarly, Berbice is scheduled to take centre stage following the conclusion of the Linden activity.
Technical Director Poole said, “Tomorrow [today], the Georgetown-based teams will be conducting their weigh-in at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym. The teams from outside of Georgetown will conduct their weigh-in at the Vergenoegen gym on Saturday before the event commences in the evening. The official fixtures will be finalised after the weigh-in process.”
He further said, “We anticipate 18 fights being staged on the night. Everything is being put in place. The logistics and the systems are being finalised for Saturday [tomorrow].
excited for this event, because it’s the first time we will be conducting this tournament outside of Georgetown.”
Meanwhile, GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “These initiatives, ventures, and mechanisms are what are required for the advancement of the discipline and, more importantly, vital to the unearthing of talents. Local boxing can only develop and improve at an exponential rate in such a manner.”
We are very
He further established, “While we understand the importance of establishing a central role and hub for the discipline, a geographical reality associated with Georgetown given its proximity and status as the capital city, we believe that decentralisation is essential for the continued growth and development of boxing. That is our national approach and policy to ensure that we maintain our status as the leading light in the Caribbean. This is unquestionably development.”
Sterling Products continues support for Courts Optical Pee-Wee
The stage is set for the 11th staging of the Courts Optical Under-11 Pee- Wee schools’ football tournament set to commence this weekend. But before the on-field action, Sterling products Limited took the opportunity to materialise its support for the youth tournament, just in the nick of time. Under its Igloo Icecream brand, Sterling handed over the sponsorship cheque to the Petra Organisation during a simple ceremony on Thursday af-
ternoon at the company’s Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) location. There, Marketing Manager Dellon Lynch expressed why the company
would continually support the U11 tournament.
“Sterling Products has always been committed to nurturing young talents and fostering development.
Listening to what my friend Troy Mendonca said just now as to what he’s been seeing with youths who have been moving on with senior teams and contribut-
ing positively with society, it means that our commitment, our sponsorship has been going a far way and we continue to impact the lives of young boys from school onto senior teams. So, we will continue to be that support for the young people,” Lynch articulated.
Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca took the opportunity to thank the company for its support over the years.
Mendonca expressed, “Sterling Products, over the years, have been supporting this tournament and we at Petra are very happy for them to continue in this manner, because they show confidence in us as a group. I think also, their contribution will go a far way in having these kids being involved in this tournament.”
“We have 32 teams confirmed and there were, as we mentioned before, some other teams that showed
indication, but like anything else we always end up with the support cast in the school system, where the teachers who have to play the role of coaches are not coming up. So, we have 32 teams, they’ll be divided into eight groups of four,” the Petra Co-Director went on to divulge. The U11 tournament will begin on Saturday, September 21, with the usual march-past ceremony, followed by the in- game action. A battle between Potaro and Redeemer Primary is the first match of this year’s competition. St Pius Primary are the defending champions.
GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole
The GAPLF team in Argentina sharing the moment with Sarah Sanmoogan following the presentation ceremony
Sarah Sanmoogan is all smiles following the medal ceremony in Argentina
Sterling Products’ Dellon Lynch makes a presentation to Petra’s Troy Mendonca in the presence of Sterling’s Youlandra McCammon and Troy Peters
Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) arrived on home shores on Thursday evening, as they prepare to kick off their home leg of the 2024 CPL season today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Guyana Times Sport’s cameras were able to take a few snapshots of the Warriors’ arrival at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.
