President Ali assures of Guyana’s support for Caribbean nations
Man found dead in Cummings Lodge apartment
Albouystown man nabbed with illegal gun, ammo
GPF receives 2 motorcycles to aid in crimefighting
Mining sector outpaces oil & gas in job creation –Bharrat
Chinese medical brigade holds outreach in Region 5
“Guyana is changing at a terrific rate” –PM Phillips to JCI on working with Govt for positive impact
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, July 1 –00:30h-02:00h and Tuesday, July 2 – 01:00h-02:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, July 1 –12:45h-14:15h and Tuesday, July 2 – 13:55h-15:25h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light rain showers are expected to prevail during the day and at night, with mid-morning and late-afternoon sunshine. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 12:44h reaching a maximum height of 2.32 metres.
Low Tide: 06:13h and 18:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.90 metre.
Extremely dangerous Hurricane Beryl President Ali assures of Guyana’s support for Caribbean nations …as Caricom Heads of Govt Meeting postponed
Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, current Chair of the Caribbean Community, has offered reassurance to Caribbean nations in the direct path of Hurricane Beryl.
President Ali in a social media post on Sunday stated, “our prayers, love, and thoughts are with all of our Caribbean brothers and sisters, especially those in the direct path of Hurricane Beryl. Today, I spoke with many leaders to assure them of Guyana’s support, and we are all praying for the best. I appeal to all citizens in the region to follow their national advisories.”
With the region bracing for the landing of Hurricane Beryl, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat on Sunday announced the postponement of the upcoming Meeting of Heads of Government that was scheduled to be held in Grenada later this week.
The 47th Regular Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government was set for July 3 to 5 at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort Hotel, Grand Anse – just outside the St George’s capital.
Citing Hurricane Beryl’s impending passage through the region, Caricom said in a statement that the meeting was postponed to a date to be determined.
The opening ceremony of the Heads of Government Meeting was slated to get underway on Wednesday evening at the St George’s University during which there was expected to be addressed by Caricom Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett; Outgoing Chairman of CARICOM, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Incoming CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell. The ceremony would’ve also seen the Conferral of the Order of the Caribbean Community to Sir Clive Lloyd and Mr Roderick Rainford as well as the Admission of Curaçao as an Associate Member.
The opening ceremony would be followed by two days of closed business sessions and then the hosting of the 17th CARICOM Road Races at the Camerhogne Park, Grand Anse.
Nevertheless, with the postponement, the Secretariat said “The primary focus of the Community is now on citizen safety and security. Several Member States, including host nation Grenada, are now engaged in emergency preparations and planning to address the aftermath of the hurricane.”
It went onto implore everyone in the path of the Hurricane to take all necessary protective measures, while assuring of the Community’s readiness to support Member States that will be affected by this dangerous hurricane.
Based on reports, Hurricane Beryl strengthened into an “extremely dangerous” Category Four storm on Sunday as it approached the southeast Caribbean.
According to a CBS News article, forecasters have warned that the first major hurricane of the Atlantic season would bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to the Windward Islands today.
The article stated as of 20:00h on Sunday, Beryl was located about 200 miles southeast of Barbados heading west with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
Hurricane warnings are already in effect in Barbados, St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Tobago. Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for Martinique, while a tropical storm watch is in effect in Dominica and Trinidad.
“This is a very serious situation developing for the Windward Islands,” warned the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.
The article further stated that the center said that Beryl was “forecast to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge … as an extremely dangerous hurricane.”
CBS News added that Beryl is on track to move across the Windward Islands early on today as an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane before traveling through the southeastern Caribbean tonight and Tuesday.
Two hurricane hunt-
ers were en route to the storm to gather more details about its intensity, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Meanwhile, Caribbean Airlines has already announced cancelling several scheduled flights across the region – including flights between Guyana and Barbados – due to the impending passage of Hurricane Beryl and the severe weather expected.
The airline said it has already reached out to affected passengers who will be accommodated on the next available service.
The last Regular Meeting of the Caricom Heads of Government was held in February in Georgetown, Guyana. At the time, SG Barnett had recognised the significance of the meeting being here since Guyana is one of the four Signatories to the Original Treaty of Chaguaramas that formed the Community.
President Ali, as Caricom Chairman, had stressed the importance of accountability to the people of the Region and of ensuring the fulfilment of commitments made. He highlighted initiatives in areas
including Food Security, Climate Change, Regional Digitalisation and Youth, and Regional Transport.
The Guyanese Leader had also underscored the “brilliance of culture” in the Region. “In this Region, culture is our staple. Culture is that common thread that brings us together,” President Ali emphasised.
During that meeting, the Conference of Heads of Conference received an update on efforts towards achieving the 25 by 2025 Food and Nutrition Security Initiative, which is being led by Guyana. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who Chairs the Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security, had informed regional Heads that there has been increased awareness and buy-in to improve Food and Nutrition Security in the Region, and outlined that more than 73 projects and programmes which support the 25 by 2025 initiative are being implemented by over 13 regional partners and donors. Another 20 or so initiatives are at different stages of formulation. (G8)
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The US presidential debate
For more than a century after Emancipation, we were told we were not “ready” to govern ourselves: we had to be “tutored” by those in the western developed countries like Britain and the US. After the US presidential debate last Thursday between the incumbent President, Joe Biden and his challenger, Donald Trump, who is himself an ex-president, one has to wonder what exactly has happened to the process they taught us about practising “democracy”.
The 81-year-old Biden appeared in a different zone as he stumbled and slurred his way through the 90 minutes on stage and, in fact, at one point lost his train of thought and rambled on aimlessly only to be saved by the one-minute limit on answers. One learnt incredulously that he had been prepped for four days at Camp David. His 78-year-old opponent Trump was very snappy with his answers, but he kept the fact checkers busy. He chalked up 30 “alternative facts” – as one of his spokespersons during his term of office had defined his misstatements -- to Biden’s nine. None of this was new, but the performance on the eve of elections questions the democratic process that produced these representatives.
This is not an idle or academic question since the world order is at an inflexion point as America’s post WWII hegemony is challenged by China and Russia. In Europe, the US is fighting a proxy war against a resurgent and revanchist Russia, with Ukraine caught in the crossfire. Russia is a firm ally of Maduro and his Venezuelan dictatorship, having supplied them with over US$30 billion of arms in the last two decades. Russia has also exposed the weakness of the international multilateral institutions that were supposed to protect the sanctity of borders and this would have been an encouragement to Maduro’s adventurism. We cannot remain sanguine that the US would remain in the hands of an individual who is quite clearly age-challenged.
Officials in the Democratic Party immediately began huddling to openly discuss the possibility of selecting another candidate to face Trump in November. The New York Times, a bastion of liberal democratic values, openly announced in a headline: “To serve his country President Biden should resign”. He was defended, however, by exPresident Barack Obama. One individual firmly convinced that Biden should remain as the candidate was his wife Jill, who simply made matters worse by telling him at a function held immediately afterwards, as if he were a 12-year-old child, “You did well. You did well”.
Since the Democratic primaries to select their candidate are already over, the delegates pledged to support their candidates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago from August 19-22 – give Biden an overwhelming majority of the approximately 4000 delegates. They cannot switch their votes unless released by Biden. But in US politics it is ultimately the funders of campaigns who have as much influence – if not more – than the voters. We witness this in Biden’s continued support of Israel by supplying arms and munitions even though Prime Minister Netanyahu absolutely refuses to follow his line on making peace. On Sunday morning, there was a conference call by top donors from across the country to Biden, who was at the East Hamptons resort in NY to raise funds from the rich and famous who frequent that resort.
Presently, the top contenders for replacing Biden on November’s ballot are his VP, Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who are all in their fifties. Harris is considered a long shot even though she is already on the ballot because of her low approval ratings among American voters, which show that she would not be able to defeat Donald Trump. Gavin Newsom has much of the appurtenances that have now risen to the top of presidential candidates: good communication skills combined with debonair good looks. Gretchen Whitmer had been on Biden’s VP shortlist in 2020 and is representative of centre-left Democratic politics. None of these individuals– for obvious reasons –have publicly announced their availability.
Macron’s election gamble ignited a much-needed flame in the French
By AssA sAmAké-RomAn
“Nobody thought we could do it, and we still did it,” Marine Tondelier, the leader of the French Green Party, said as she rejoiced the formation of the Nouveau Front populaire (New Popular Front), an alliance of left-wing parties ready to fight in the snap French legislative elections on June 30 and July 7.
It is a rare sight indeed: the French left united. Historically, they have turned bickering and infighting into an art form. Their last attempt at unity, during the 2022 legislative elections, fell apart amid mutual resentment between left-wing parties. But now, it’s different. The choice is between unity, and a far-right catastrophe. “Be careful, when a democracy is sick, fascism comes to its bedside, but it is not to inquire about its health.” The famous quote, often attributed to Albert Camus, is painfully relevant today. The threat of the far right knocking on the Republic’s door has forced the French left to get its act together.
President Emmanuel Macron’s gamble to call snap legislative elections in response to his party’s humiliating defeat against the far right in the June 9 European Parliament elections spurred the left into action and unity. The fear of far-right National Rally taking over Parliament and its leader, Jordan Bardella, becoming the next Prime Minister, did not allow for sideration or complacency.
President Macron’s strategic dissolution of the National Assembly, which gave the far right a very real chance at obtaining power, inadvertently ignited a flame within the left. Immediately, left-wing activists from various factions started calling for a united front. We all knew this was a big ask – after all, the theory of “irreconcilable lefts” is still alive and well. But within days, the Greens, Socialists, Communists and France Unbowed negotiated and agreed on constituencies, ensuring a single left unity candidate in each legislative race rather than splitting the vote, as well as on a detailed “legislative contract” to govern. This new broadchurch electoral alliance, supported by social democrats like former President Francois Hollande as well as outspoken anti-capitalists like former presidential candidate Philippe Poutou, is a refreshing development that may actually trigger a leftwing resurgence.
Its name, the New Popular Front, is a nod to the Popular Front (Front populaire) that won the 1936 parliamentary elections. The similarities between the two left-wing groups, formed nearly a century apart, are significant. Back then, as now, the left faced rising fascist forces. Yet, through unity and determination, they secured groundbreaking social reforms: paid annual leave, a 40-hour workweek and more. Today’s New Popular Front aims for a similar transformation with a “programme of rupture” from the Macron era,
with a plan to spend 150 billion euros (US$161 billion) by 2027 and raise an equivalent amount to support public services, accelerate the green transition, and help families struggling with the cost of living.
The new alliance is not just a coalition of parties but a movement supported by unions, civil society, and ordinary citizens. And it has triggered an unprecedented wave of grassroots mobilisation. The stakes are incredibly high, and people have recognised the gravity of the situation. The record number of French citizens living abroad who participated in online voting underscore this widespread realisation. In every neighbourhood, in every community, people are coming together to campaign, to vote, and to emphasise the historic gravity of this moment. It is a groundswell of activism that is as inspiring as it is necessary.
This surge of activism is driven by the belief that the left is strong, confident and united – but also by the concern of what might happen if the far right prevails. People are genuinely afraid of a far-right victory unleashing a new wave of racist violence. Centrists and right-wingers claim there’s an equivalence between the New Popular Front and the National Rally. But of course, if the left wins, minorities wouldn’t have to fear for their safety. The same cannot be said in case of a National Rally victory. Alice Diop, an acclaimed French filmmaker raised in the Paris suburbs by parents who immigrated from
Left
Senegal in the 1960s, have expressed this concern the best. “The far right in power isn’t merely unsettling morally; it’s a genuine fear,” she said. “For people like me, it’s a matter of life or death.”
We’ve already had a preview of the violence that could erupt if the far right triumphs, with left-wing activists facing unprecedented hostility, vitriol and even physical attacks during the short campaign period. Just last week, a Green activist carrying leaflets filed an official complaint with the Police after being assaulted by two individuals who identified as National Rally supporters.
France is facing a very real threat from the far right, but the Left has stepped up to the task, united behind a positive message, and provided the French people with a credible, hopeful alternative. “Nobody thought we could do it, and we still did it.”
Tondelier’s words resonate deeply because they capture a collective sentiment. It’s not just about political strategy; it’s about survival and dignity, a battle for the soul of our country. It’s a powerful antidote to the despair and fear that the far right thrives on. (Al Jazeera)
(Assa Samaké-Roman is a French Journalist and columnist living in Edinburgh, who focuses on Scotland's politics, culture, and society. Assa's coverage extends to respected French-speaking media outlets such as Radio France Internationale, Radio-Télévision Suisse, and Le Figaro)
AMITY 2024: Students from the Berbice High School and The Bishops' High School Steel Orchestras playing at the Seawall Esplanade in Kingston, Georgetown on Sunday. Amity Schools Steelband Festival was organised by the Education Ministry’s Unit of Allied Arts and brings together the best school bands countrywide (Education Ministry photos)
Controversies of cricket in the Caribbean
Dear Editor, Politics and cricket, the ultimate but unavoidable combination, is not a unique or unorthodox mix with drinks, but an unending conversation when Guyanese congregate to imbibe intoxicants, critique the critics and entertain the entertainers. The men’s ICC T20 World Cup Title has just concluded in Barbados, but the fever follows the West Indies team as they tour England. Then, the cavalier type cricketers return to the West Indies to smash bat and ball for the 2024 CPL games as the Guyana Amazon Warriors will defend the title.
As the cricket final was playing out in the field, politics was having a field day with the AFC and PNC delivering yorkers and smashing aces as they defended the avoidance of paralyzing the game with bravado over boredom and with the convenience of cancelling candidacy, comes into play. A walk over seems inevitable and bad weather is not to be blamed as the ground umpires do not have to resort to the third umpire to juggle, finagle or fumble for a result.
It was hallelujah and bacchanal time for those castigated, chastised and criticised as “mentally lazy,” proved that their metal was made of steel, and, their mental stamina was not latent but live, last Saturday at the Kensington Oval. Trinidad’s Carnival overspilled in Barbados to leave a lamentable and laughable hangover from patriots and patrons par-
tying the whole night. It was a nail-biting finish, suspense perhaps suspending the adrenalin and spectators crossing fingers as they hang on to the edge of their seats or stood up, too nervous to be still and eyes glued to bowler and batter!
Perhaps, what will go down as ‘the catch of the year,’ may prove to provide the pivotal penultimate point, when SKY (Suryakumar Yadav), caught the ball by the rope, bowled by Hardik Panday who was defending 16 runs in the last over. SKY threw it to the sky, jumped out of the boundary and back in to catch the ball again to dismiss the dangerous David Miller from South Africa. Guyanese see everything through the lens of politics while using the race eyes, and, the nostrils to smell the scent of discrimination. Did the sports world desire, depend and deserve the Indian and South African teams to end up in the finals so that, the insatiable crave of the bookies will influence the placement for high stakes in betting, winning or losing?
It was déjà vu for Rohit Sharma and his side as they reminisced on Kapil Dev’s catch and the Indian players when, the underdog India, defeated twotime champion, Clive Lloyd’s West Indies team, to win the coveted 1983 World Cup Series played at Lord’s. Having won two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups, and two ICC Champion Trophy titles, India has established herself as an all-time world
How could an illegal daycare facility be operating without detection?
Dear Editor,
Following on the recent fires at two children's facilities comes another disaster at an illegal daycare service facility.
It is posited that the facility is unregulated/unregistered, operating illegally. From all accounts the two assistants left in charge of babies and children did not have the requisite training and know-how to deal and respond to the crisis situation that visited them. They flew into panic mode.
How an illegal entity could have been allowed to operate, after similar occurrences at such facilities is beyond understanding? And here the authorities
leading contender and challenger in the game of cricket and can classify herself as ‘the’ and not ‘a’ cricket icon.
Founded by the Cricket Board of India in 2007, the IPL (Indian Premier League) has outgrown all other cricket series in the world to be the most sought-after franchise series to play by cricketers throughout the world. It is the most lucrative, lavish and luxurious series organized to attract all the best players internationally, to join their ten teams to display their skills in the game of Twenty20 format, while receiving handsome payments. This has not failed to attract the green eyes of enviousness and, has even caused the interruption of some players failing to represent their respective country or team because of IPL commitment which holds a special priority.
India is very resource-
ful, having being blessed with a population of over a billion to choose her cricketers, her cup is never saturated with talent. Her difficulty lies in choices. Unlike the West Indies, choices are free and fair and not tainted with favoritism or overlooking the obvious choice. West Indian selection is garlanded with glorious uncertainties and decorated with questionable decisions. There is always the aftermath of pointing fingers, resorting to the blame game and punching holes. At the end of the day, it’s the game that suffers, some players’ talents are suppressed due to frustration from being ignored and the pride of the fans is dented.
Though India is historically grounded in the principle of truth and non-violence through Gandhi’s teachings and her rich ancestry of philosophy and religion, sports and entertainment have catapult-
ed the nation from a less sedentary stage to migrate to more rigorous activity. Bollywood is now synonymous with Hollywood. Transforming from colonialism to commercialism, a democracy fueled by capitalism, the servants defeated their masters at their own game on their home turf in England in 1971. India never looked back with their caps now feathered and blazed a trail featuring from Gavaskar to Tendulkar, Bedi to Bumrah, Kapil Dev to Dhoni, Ganguly to Gambir, Srikhant to Sewag, Kumble to Kohli and the melody is unstoppable and gets sweeter. Calypso, soca and chutney, all revere Gavaskar, "the Little Master."
How were the venues “fixed” for the ICC T20 2024? Barbados is also referred to as “Little England” but has a 300,000 population with less than 8,000 of Indian origin.
Was there a compromising anticipation for a certain expected outcome? England was the defending champion having defeated Pakistan in 2022. Although Guyana has less than a million people, Trinidad and Jamaica have over a million each, with Trinidad having a high proportion of Indian descendants.
Cricket in the Caribbean is controversially political. CARICOM Day is being celebrated the first Monday in July in the Caribbean. Perhaps, sports closely followed by politics and economics, provide the necessary hat-trick for cricket to survive in the West Indies.
Former CARICOM Chairwoman, Mia Mottley, recently noted that, “there must be space for all, regardless of who wins and who loses”. How ideal for politics and cricket!
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
Getting back to where you belong
Dear Editor, The AFC and PNC or PNCR, both held congresses this weekend, Aubrey Norton retains leadership in that ridiculous one man show. It is typical of the man as he went about his autocratic style run for power and for something he eventually got. He is now at the top of the food chain, an embodiment of the PNC.
Now, my focus turns to the AFC and their party elections, here again we see former leader Khemraj Ramjattan vacating his position to make way for Nigel Hughes. So, let me ask Mr. Ramjattan a few questions, was your recusal from the leadership position voluntary, or was it a situation where you were forcefully pushed out of the way, which is it?
things took a dramatic turn in the 2020 election when those Indians returned to the fold of the PPP/C. It was a matter of commonsense, where the Indian returned to his roots, you cannot tell me you can so callously close the estates, put thousands out of a job, yet, you expect those same individuals to vote for you? It just does not happen that way, the People were simply asked to do the impossible, thus they willingly rejected the servile AFC together with their bullying counterpart, the PNC.
ple - Red, Yellow, Indian and Amerindian - that can never come from a grouping like the AFC. So, spending much time at the bottle would not change anything, drowning your fears in alcohol only makes a bad situation worse. Ramjattan needs to do the honest thing and return to his roots in the PPP.
He can seek advice from
Compadre Charandass who did the honest conscience thing, and bolted before it was too late. Well, Sir there you have it, just get back to the place where you rightfully belong, join the One Guyana Team.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
must share some responsibility. An illegal entity operating for such a period of time, without its knowledge and detection was a disaster waiting to happen. Regrettably baby Kyrie was the casualty.
Repeatedly parents have been urged to ensure the facility they choose to offer daycare services are regulated and operating within the law. Too often this is ignored or not properly followed through, with serious consequences.
My condolences to the grieving mother and family members.
Sincerely, Shamshun
Mohamed
In my evaluation of either scenario, I believe the latter, that you were kicked out because you are no longer an asset to the party. One would recall, the sole purpose of a Ramjattan in that party, that is, to bring in the Indian votes, that did happen in the 2015 election, however,
The scenario I've painted above, has become a nightmare for Ramjattan, he is no longer relevant in that grouping, and rightfully can be described as a persona non grata. So, being in that status the likeliest thing to do was to move out of the way. Mouthing platitudes of "The AFC being alive, kicking and dangerous," goes contrary to what actually is, the point is, you have outlived your usefulness and you are no longer wanted there.
Relevance can only come when you are in a party that cares for people, I am talking about all the peo-
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Estimating decimals
You can use rounding to estimate sums and differences of decimal numbers. However, you have to decide what rounding place to use. Sometimes, a problem will tell you. If it does not, round to the nearest whole number. When estimating money, ask yourself is the cents part of each number closer to 0 dollars, to a ½ dollar or a dollar?
Example:
Estimate 99.81 + 79.620
Step 1: Round 99.81 to the nearest whole number: 100
Step 2: Round 79.620 to the nearest whole number: 80
Step 3: Add 100 + 80 = 180 The sum of 99.81 + 79.620 is about 180
Example: Estimate 99.81 - 79.620 to the nearest tenth
Step 1: Round 99.81 to the nearest tenth: 99.8
Step 2: Round 79.620 to the nearest tenth: 79.6
Step 3: Subtract 99.8 - 79.6 = 20.2
Example:
Estimate $99.81 + $79.620
Step 1: Ask yourself : Is $99.81 closer to $99.00 or $100.00 ? $100.00
Step 2: Ask yourself : Is $79.620 closer to $79.00 or $80.00? $80.00
Step 3: Add $100.00 + $80.00= $180.00
Since you rounded both dollar values up, you know your estimated total is higher than the actual total.
Exercises: Estimate
You may have heard the old saying “oil and water don’t mix”, and while that may be true, when you combine the two, some pretty and interesting images can be the result. In a wildlife setting, oil spills can upset the natural balance of an environment and cause a lot of trouble for the animals and plants that call a habitat home. So it’s probably best that the combination of the two should stay on the crafts table – and out of nature!
Instructions
White construction paper
Aluminium roasting pan (like the ones they sell in grocery stores)
A fork
Measuring spoons
3 plastic cups
Cooking oil Food colouring
An apron or old shirt to protect your clothing Newspaper Pan with water, cups with food colouring
Method
1.Measure one tablespoon of cooking oil into each plastic cup. Choose three different colours of food colouring, and measure one teaspoon of each colour into its own cup (each cup will have one colour in it). Stir the mixture in each cup with the fork (wipe it off between colours) until the food colouring is well mixed.
2. Put layers of newspaper under the aluminium pan to catch any water that
splashes. Fill the pan with water, but not all the way to the top. Pour a little bit of one coloured oil mixture onto one area of the pan. Then repeat this with the other two colours, on different areas of the pan. What happens? Why do you think this occurs?
To make your own artwork, lay a piece of construction paper on top of the water. After 30 seconds, carefully lift it off and see the effect of the colours on the paper.
3. Carefully remove your artwork from the mixture in the pan. Lay the wet paper flat on some newspaper, so the colours won’t run, and allow it to dry overnight. You can then use your artwork as a greeting card, wrapping paper, or to decorate your walls. (kids.sandiegozoo. org)
BY SIR WALTER RALEIGH
Nature, that washed her hands in milk, And had forgot to dry them, Instead of earth took snow and silk, At love’s request to try them, If she a mistress could compose
To please love’s fancy out of those.
Her eyes he would should be of light, A violet breath, and lips of jelly; Her hair not black, nor overbright, And of the softest down her belly; As for her inside he’d have it Only of wantonness and wit.
At love’s entreaty such a one Nature made, but with her beauty She hath framed a heart of stone; So as love, by ill destiny, Must die for her whom nature gave him, Because her darling would not save him.
But time (which nature doth despise, And rudely gives her love the lie, Makes hope a fool, and sorrow wise) His hands do neither wash nor dry; But being made of steel and rust, Turns snow and silk and milk to dust.
The light, the belly, lips, and breath, He dims, discolors, and destroys; With those he feeds but fills not death, Which sometimes were the food of joys. Yea, time doth dull each lively wit, And dries all wantonness with it.
Oh, cruel time! which takes in trust Our youth, our joys, and all we have, And pays us but with age and dust; Who in the dark and silent grave When we have wandered all our ways Shuts up the story of our days.
Controversial Attorney-at-Law
AFC Leader in conflict of interest as political role clashes withAMLCFT Act & Exxon's anti-corruption policy
Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes is facing heat over his recent election as the new Leader of the minority parliamentary opposition party, the Alliance For Change (AFC), with criticisms mounting about possible conflict of interest between his political and professional careers.
On Saturday, Hughes, was victorious against his opponent, Sherod Duncan, to become the new AFC Leader.
However, days prior to the AFC’s National Conference, Hughes, who is a civil and criminal lawyer, admitted that United States oil giant, ExxonMobil, along with several other oil companies operating in Guyana, is a client of his law firm – Hughes, Fields & Stoby.
On Sunday, Hughes told online news agency, Demerara Waves Online, that he would not sever ties with his law firm even as he embarks on his political career that could potentially see him holding a post in government office.
“This issue really only arises if and when I become President or acquire a position of power because, then, I’m in a position to influence government policy, they can claim. Right now, I can’t influence the government and, therefore, it’s a theoretical conflict,” Hughes was quoted as saying in the Demerara Waves article.
During a recent appearance on a programme –Politics 101, the lawyer had hinted at the possibility of him running as a presidential
candidate at future elections. According to Hughes, during Sunday’s interview with the online news agency, he would leave the law firm should he be elected as president.
“If I were ever elected President, I would have nothing to do with the firm. I wouldn’t be participating in their management or decision-making but until then,” he said to Demerara Waves.
According to the article, Hughes believes the best approach to separate law and politics is to avoid participating on behalf of any political decision-making, especially when it involves oil companies that are his clients. He even suggested the establishment of an oil and gas committee within the AFC as well as the appointment of non-party advisors ahead of next year’s polls to make all the policy decisions thus keeping him at arm’s length from the sector.
Politically Exposed Persons
Already, there have been concerns expressed, including by political commentators from both the opposition and government sides, about Hughes’ conflict of interest with his political and professional careers.
In fact, Hughes’ statements on Sunday sparked a response from Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who pointed to the potential risks that the new AFC Leader’s posture could bring.
“Nigel Hughes obviously did not read the definition of politically exposed persons in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009,” Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party stated.
In the Act, a 'politically exposed person' is described as “any individual who is or has been entrusted with prominent public functions on behalf of a state, including a head of state or of government, senior politicians, senior government, judicial or military officials, senior executives of state-owned corporations, important political party officials, including family members or close associates of the politically exposed person whether that person is a resident in Guyana or not.”
The AMLCFT Act of 2009 creates, among other things, the obligation for reporting state entities to have appropriate risk management systems in place to determine whether a customer is a
‘Politically Exposed Persons’ (PEPs).
This provision stems from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) recommendations which states that countries are required to implement legal, institutional and other measures aimed at detecting prominent public functionaries, who may attempt to use their positions of influence to hide illegally obtained funds or assets when conducting business transactions.
Exxon's anti-corruption policy ExxonMobil's AntiCorruption Legal Compliance Guide applies equally to political candidates as it does to government officials, in accordance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
It states: “Foreign Officials: The term “foreign official” is broadly defined in the FCPA. It means any officer or employee of a non-U.S. government or of any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or of a designated public international organisation, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any such government or department, agency, or instrumentality, or for or on behalf of any such public international organisation. Public international organisations, for purposes of the FCPA, are designated from time to time by Executive Order of the President of the United States. The current list includes the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International
Red Cross, the World Trade Organisation, and many other organisations. Foreign officials include employees and representatives of non-U.S. government departments or agencies, whether in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of a government, and whether at the national, state, or local level. Foreign officials also include officers and employees of companies under non-U.S. government ownership or control, such as national oil companies. The basic FCPA prohibitions also apply to any non-U.S. political party, party official, or candidate for political office.”
It was previously reported that Hughes’ law firm had represented ExxonMobil during its negotiations with the then Guyana Government – the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition – on the controversial 2016 oil contract for the Stabroek Block. Those negotiations, which started in early 2016, were led by then Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, who was also holding the post as AFC Leader.
There were claims of conflict of interests between Trotman and Hughes, who was the AFC’s Chairman at the time although he subsequently resigned in April 2016.
The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon has been heavily criticised with many experts highlighting that Guyana had been short-changed with sweeping benefits going to the US oil major and its part-
ners. This has led to a push by some quarters for the lopsided PSA to be re-negotiated.
However, when asked about his stance on the re-negotiation of the controversial oil deal, Hughes said during the programme that he could not comment on this matter since Exxon was a client at his law firm.
In December 2018, when the no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly against the David Granger Administration, Hughes had sparked a contentious debate, exacerbated by legal and procedural challenges that had significantly delayed the country's electoral process. Central to this debate was Hughes’ argument that, mathematically, one half of the House when divided stands at 32.5 members. “There is no such thing as a half member, so half of the House is 33 members…this is because you have to round up to identify half of the House,” he had said, mere days after the no-confidence motion was passed. Therefore, he posited that 34 is the majority of the 65-member House rather than 33.
The aftermath of the motion as a result of this argument had been marked by legal challenges, appeals, and judicial decisions that extended beyond the constitutionally-mandated three-month deadline. In June 2019, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down its decision that 33, not 34, was the majority of the 65-member House.
Newly-elected AFC Leader, Attorney Nigel Hughes
Albouystown man nabbed with illegal gun, ammo
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a 24-year-old unemployed resident of Albouystown, Georgetown, was apprehended by police after being found in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition outside a well-known night club.
The morning after…
…the PNC Convention
Well, well, well! Those of us watching the goingson in our dear Mudland got through quite a hectic weekend, didn’t we?? What with the Opposition parties selecting their Knights in battered armour to lead the charge against the “wicked and vindictive illegally-installed PPP regime” – as they call them! Your Eyewitness had taken out his popcorn and “threw back” to check out the action!! He was happy to see there were no gunmen scrutinising the delegates –as had happened during the “Sanctimonious Gangster’s” selection in 2014!!
At about 04:30h, acting on received information, police went to Robb Street, Georgetown, near the Red Dragon night club, where they apprehended the suspect. Upon conducting a search, officers found a 9mm pistol with a magazine containing seven matching rounds of ammunition concealed in the man's pants. Upon questioning, the suspect confessed that he did not have a firearm licence. He was then informed of the offense, cautioned, arrested, and transported to the Brickdam Police Station. There, the firearm and ammunition were marked and placed in an evidence bag in the suspect's presence before being lodged with the Station Sergeant for safekeeping.
The man remains in custody as the investigation continues. (G9)
Man found dead in Cummings Lodge apartment
The lifeless body of, a 25-year-old man, was found in his Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown apartment on Friday morning.
Dead is Ronaldo Aquincy Watson.
Watson was last seen on Tuesday after reportedly complaining to close friends and family about feeling unwell. After not hearing from him for several days, concerned family members sent someone to check on him Thursday.
The visitor found Watson's apartment locked and upon receiving no response, assumed he was out.
Returning the next morning, the individual reported that they heard Watson's phone ringing inside the apartment but received no answer to repeated calls and knocks. Growing increasingly worried, they enlisted the help of another person to force open the door.
Upon entering, the two found Watson unresponsive in his bedroom. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Watson was pronounced dead upon their arrival. It is believed Watson may have been dead for several hours before being discovered.
The man’s body was sub-
sequently removed from the apartment for further examination. (G9)
But he did see one female delegate who rushed to the front of the stage after leader Norton finished speaking (“preaching”?) – clearly inspired by what she’d heard. Something deeeep had to’ve been touched by the stirring words of Norton. After some twirls reminiscent of the Whirling Dervishes of yore, the lady threw herself on the concrete floor and writhed uncontrollably as the message of the Comrade Leader percolated through her being!! It was so profound she couldn’t express her feelings in words. She ended up at the feet of the Comrade Leader –who appeared sympathetic to the effect of his words on the delegate and waved off officials frantically trying to help the woman to her feet!!
Now whoever feared that Norton wouldn’t be able to inspire the masses to beat the PPP had to’ve eaten their words and thoughts after this display. Can you imagine what’s gonna happen on the hustings before the 2025 elections when Norton delivers his charge?? The PPP’s not gonna be able to match this level of primal awakening of the spirit. Such individuals will be able to move mountains for the party – and certainly some SoPs – if called upon to do so!!
Now, your Eyewitness isn’t being mean-spirited to raise this sore topic of SoPs, since the PNC and Norton have claimed the last elections were ‘handed’ to the PPP by the ‘Mericans. But haven’t shown their SoPs signed by their polling agents – to back up their claim!! An interesting change, however, has occurred on the way to the Congress. Ever since the ‘Mericans brought some highprofile individuals – who had an albeit tenuous connection to the PPP Govt – in their sights, the Opposition has quit talking about “installed regimes”!!
Could it be that they hope THEY’ll be installed come 2025?? Installation is good when they might be the beneficiary – as they were back in 1964 to 1992!! And THAT installation ain’t just a matter of “throwin’ talk” –but documented in the CIA’s declassified files!! They had Burnham on their payroll!!
The new leaders would’ve had access to the PNC private files on this since 2022, no?? Maybe there’s some numbers in Washington to call??
…the AFC Conference
While the PNC held their “Congress”, the AFC held their “Conference”. This means they’re fundamentally DIFFERENT, innit??!! Your Eyewitness heard – through the grapevine – that only some 200+ delegates showed up – a far cry from the days when they claimed they were sponsored by the ‘Mericans and thousands flocked to their Kitty HQ. The HQ, of course, was built by a businessman who was promised plenty!! What happened to him?
This Conference, however, was held in a nearby Church. Was it because their HQ’s downwind from the spot where the new Chairman Patterson had urinated? Anyhow, the biggest news was the party that claimed to be the second coming of “multiracial” politics – had lost the two big names that drew Indian Guyanese voters – Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo. Nagamootoo said he was sick and Ramjattan said he was “too old”. He’s all of 63!!
But then they have the weight of all those sugar workers they betrayed after 2015 – on their backs!!
So, what about multi-racialism??
…the promises
So, what about the rosy promises made to the delegates of the Congress and the Conference?? Should voters believe them?? Their best bet is to review after they won in 2015: Ministers got 50% raise and voters got Larwah!!
The firearm that was discovered by Police
Dead: Ronaldo Aquincy Watson
“Guyana is an investors' paradise”- GO-Invest Director …says major focus
With the rapid economic boom the country is experiencing due to the discovery of oil and gas and its business-friendly regulatory framework Guyana has been deemed as an investor’s paradise. This is according to the Senior Director of Investment at the Guyana Office of Investment (GOInvest), John Edghill.
Edghill made this comment during a recent edition of the Energy Perspectives podcast where he highlighted that Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth has captured the attention of investors around the world. On this point he noted that this growth coupled with Guyana’s investment legislation has paved the way for Guyana to establish a very friendly investment climate.
“Our investment climate has really been good for a long time. Our Investment Act that was posited since 1994 is very, very friendly and really opens up the door and opens up the pathway for a very friendly investment climate. The Act is what really leads that regulatory framework that allows investors, to be able to activate and flex their muscle here in the country,” he
stated.
on agri-sector
In this regard, emphasising the importance of ensuring that Guyanese are one of the main stakeholders to benefit from the robust investment climate, Edghill also noted that the Act eliminates all biases and provides both local and foreign investors with the same opportunities.
“So that Investment Act, as I said is very friendly. And it says a few things that I'd like to point out. The first thing is that foreign and local investors are treated equally. There is no discrimination between a foreign and local investor. So if you're coming in as one of the largest boys on the block, you are treated just as though you are a Guyanese. Even in our Investment Act of 1994, it allows those persons who want to come in and be a part of this rapid and fast-growing economy in the world to be treated just as though they were a homegrown business. So that's the first thing. And then equally, the local companies, they are not disadvantaged as well. So there's an equal playing field between both the foreign and the local investors” he asserted.
Edghill also noted that Guyana’s geographical location has also played a significant role in the country’s investment climate. He stated that with Guyana being the only English-speaking country in South America this opens the door for many foreign investors. Edghill highlighted that most of the countries foreign investors are from North America and Europe which have predominantly English-speaking countries allowing for effective and easy communication.
Additionally, Edghill highlighted that despite the massive wealth being generated by the Oil and Gas sector the country is focused on developing a diversified economy in an effort to eliminate the risk of the country encountering the ‘Dutch Disease’.
“Our focus at our office, in fact, when persons come to my office, I don't even want to have the conversation about oil and gas, because as an investment promotion agency, the oil and gas sector is very clear cut. But we are very concerned as an agency with the type of business-to-business and business-to-consumer type of relationships outside of
the oil and gas sector. And we are very concerned with this because of what you said. We are very keen on not having a country that suffers the Dutch disease or the resource curse, or however other persons would like to put it” the director asserted.
In this regard, Edghill highlighted that GO-Invest is pivoting towards developing more traditional sectors, as such he noted that the agriculture sector is of keen interest to the office. Highlighting that with Guyana being one of the main breadbaskets In the Caribbean the country has the potential to expand to becoming a significant food provider globally.
“Looking at many of our traditional sectors and how we can actually develop and bring value to these things are very, very important.
Of which agriculture, when I talk about the agriculture sector first, is of a very keen interest. Our country has emerged almost as the minister or ministry of agriculture for the Caribbean region. So our country being, let's say, the quote-unquote ministry of agriculture, has really repositioned ourselves as to how we can do agriculture regionally and then globally. So looking at agriculture, we have said since 2020 that we want to be able to reduce the food import bill by 25% by 2025. So you have a lot of intermediate savannas that are unused. So those things are very good for corn and soil, for dairy, for legumes and peanuts and all these types of things that we need cultivated,” he stated.
Meanwhile in giving a breakdown of the Government’s plans for the agriculture sector in 2024, the finance minister said Guyana is slated to target premium markets for sugar, while $1.3 billion will be expended by the Guyana Rice Development
Board (GRDB) to support increased production and productivity in the rice industry. He also pointed out that 2.6 billion has been allocated to promote the development of the other crops subsector, and a further $1.5 billion has been budgeted for livestock development, while $1.2 billion has been allocated for fisheries and aquaculture development initiatives in 2024. A further $100 million is budgeted for interventions which will see an increased production of citrus and spices. As it pertains to specific incentives for the agriculture sector, these include the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, water, and construction materials, which drastically lowers operational costs for businesses. Additionally, the government is improving infrastructure by constructing farm-to-market roads in key agricultural regions, specifically Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Corentyne-Berbice). Notably, 40% of Guyana’s land is available for agricultural investments, offering extensive opportunities for expansion and innovation.
Senior Director of Investment at Go-Invest, John Edghill
Minibus Union pushes for uniforms policy to boost tourism
In a bid to enhance road safety and improve the experience for tourists, President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews, has called on all minibus drivers under the union to consistently wear their uniforms. This initiative aims to address the ongoing issues of reckless driving, and other traffic-related problems that have long troubled the minibus industry.
Andrews pointed out that while many drivers under the union adhere to the uniform policy, some only wear them occasionally to avoid the expense of buying additional uniforms.
“Not all bus drivers and conductors are part of the union... we have had discussions with the American Chambers of Commerce that we are going to uniform our persons and we will have our dispatchers who are members of the union,” Andrews said. He added, “We will have to say to these tourists that when they go to the parks, seek to find these persons who have on the uniforms.”
He also expressed concerns about police officers accepting bribes and tolerating these violations, which undermines efforts to improve road safety. “We cannot enforce; we can only help to educate. There are police officers who don’t care a damn—they are looking for it. So, more or less, it is a social problem,” he explained.
A few years ago, the minibus union implemented a policy requiring uniforms for bus drivers and dispatchers. The union is also working to get more young people uniformed to reduce lawlessness and the daily challenges faced by passengers being pulled and tugged to board specific minibuses at various bus parks around Georgetown. Andrews noted that many of these drivers and conductors are well-educated individuals from good backgrounds, but the dangerous and demeaning culture forces some to lower their standards to survive, which the union aims to change. Despite the challenges, the union’s goal is to eventually have every bus driver, dispatcher, and conductor in uniform.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Huston, recently highlighted the cru -
cial impact of road culture on tourism in Guyana. He expressed concerns that the current issues with speeding and reckless driving could deter tourists from visiting the country.
Huston emphasised that the experience tourists have while traveling on Guyana’s roads significantly influences their overall impression of the country. He called for a concerted effort from the government, law enforcement, and the private sector to tackle these problems effectively.
To create a safer and more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors, Huston recommended initiatives such as intensified road safety awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. These measures aim to enhance road safety and make Guyana a more attractive destination for tourists. (G9)
GPF receives 2 motorcycles to aid in crime-fighting
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has received a boost in its crime-fighting capabilities with the donation of two XR150 Honda motorcycles. The presentation took place at the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) square at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown over the weekend.
The keys to the motorcycles were handed over to Commander of Regional Division #4 ‘C’ (East Coast Demerara), Assistant Commissioner Khali
Pareshram, and Cadet Officer Garfield Campbell by the proprietor of A&S General Contractors Inc and his daughter.
The businessman emphasised that the donation aims to enhance the police force’s efficiency in combating crime while fostering a positive relationship between the police and the community.
Expressing their gratitude, Pareshram and Campbell assured the donors that the motorcycles would be utilised effectively to bolster the GPF’s operational capabilities. They reiterated the importance of such contributions in
strengthening community-police partnerships and enhancing public safety.
The donation marks a step forward in equipping the GPF with necessary resources to address crime
promptly and effectively.
The new motorcycles are expected to enhance the mobility and responsiveness of police officers in their efforts to maintain law and order.
In January, the private sector in Guyana joined forces with the GPF to reinforce its commitment to combatting crime.
The Police Force had received a donation of 13 motorcycles from various private sector entities across the country, among which were Innovations America, J’s Supermarket, Two Brothers Service Station/ ShiOil, Jaigobin Hotel, and R. Kissoon Contracting Service.
President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews
The motorcycles that were donated to the Police Force
CARICOM Day commemorates the treaty establishing the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and is observed annually by all CARICOM countries, though not necessarily on the same date of the year.
The establishment of the Caribbean Community and Common Market was the result of a 15-year effort to fulfil the hope of regional integration, which was born with the establishment of the British West Indies Federation in 1958. The West Indies Federation ended in 1962 but its end may be regarded as the real beginning of what is now the Caribbean Community. With the end of the Federation, political leaders in the Caribbean made more serious efforts to
strengthen the ties between the islands and mainland by providing for the continuance and strengthening of areas of cooper -
ation that existed during the Federation. Further, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago both attained independence in August that year and with it the power to control their own domestic and external affairs.
In announcing its intention to withdraw from the Federation, the government of Trinidad and Tobago proposed the creation of a Caribbean Community, consisting not only of the ten members of the Federation, but also of the three Guianas and all the islands of the Caribbean Sea - both independent and non-independent.
To discuss this con-
Association (CARIFTA).
The new CARIFTA agreement came into effect on May 1, 1968, with the participation of Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. The original idea to permit all territories in the region to participate in the association was achieved later that year with the entry of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts/Nevis/Anguilla, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent in July, and of Jamaica and Montserrat on August 1, 1968. British Honduras (Belize) became a member in May 1971.
At the seventh Heads of Government Conference in
Trinidad & Tobago.
The Georgetown Accord also provided that the other eight territories - Antigua, British Honduras, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis/Anguilla and St. Vincent which signed the Accord would become full members of the Community by 1 May 1974.
The Caribbean Community and Common Market was established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was signed by Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, and came into effect on August
cept, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago convened the first Heads of Government Conference in July 1963, and attended by the leaders of Barbados, British Guiana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. At this conference, the participating leaders of the four Caribbean countries all spoke clearly of the need for close cooperation with Europe, Africa and Latin America.
In July 1965, talks between the premiers of Barbados and British Guiana and the chief minister of Antigua on the possible establishment of a Free Trade Area in the Caribbean resulted in the announcement of definite plans to establish such a Free Trade Area. In December that year, Heads of Government of Antigua, Barbados and British Guiana signed an agreement at Dickenson Bay, Antigua, to set up the Caribbean Free Trade
October 1972, Caribbean leaders decided to transform CARIFTA into a Common Market and establish the Caribbean Community of which the Common Market would be an integral part.
At the 8th Heads of Government Conference of CARIFTA held in April 1973 in Georgetown, Guyana, the decision to establish the Caribbean Community was brought into fruition with the consideration of Heads of Government of the draft legal instruments and with the signing by 11 members of CARIFTA (the exception being Antigua and Montserrat).
The Accord provided for the signature of the Caribbean Community Treaty on July 4 and its coming into effect in August 1973, among the then four independent countries: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and
1, 1973. Subsequently, the other eight Caribbean territories joined CARICOM. The Bahamas became the 13th Member State of the Community on July 4, 1983, but not a member of the Common Market.
In July 1991, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos became Associated Members of CARICOM, followed by Anguilla in July 1999. The Cayman Islands became the fourth Associate Member of the regional grouping on May 16, 2002, and Bermuda the fifth Associate Member on July 2, 2003.
Suriname became the 14th Member State of the Caribbean Community on July 4, 1995.
Haiti secured provisional membership on July 4, 1998, and on July 3, 2002 was the first Frenchspeaking Caribbean State to become a full member of CARICOM.
The original Treaty of Chaguaramas
Leaders signing the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 1, 1973. From left: Errol Barrows (Barbados); Linden Forbes Burnham (Guyana); Dr Eric Williams (Trinidad and Tobago); and Michael Manley (Jamaica)
CARICOM Member States & Associate Members
Member States
Twenty countries make up the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Fifteen are full members and five are Associate Members.
The geographical boundaries of the Caribbean Community stretch from The Bahama Islands in the north, southward to Guyana and Suriname –both on the north coast of the South American mainland. They also extend from Belize in the West on the Central American mainland to Barbados –the most easterly of the islands. Suriname defines the eastern boundary of the Community.
All CARICOM countries
mies of scale and vulnerability to external shocks.
All members subscribe to the Community’s principles outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (2002). Leaders of mem-
* Are allowed to attend, participate and vote in all Meetings of the Organs and Institutions of the Caribbean Community
* Have the right of participation in the delibera-
are classified as developing countries. They are all relatively small in terms of population and size, and diverse in terms of geography and population, culture and levels of economic and social development.
CARICOM countries share similarities and challenges. On the one hand they are all in proximity to major markets in North and South American, and most countries, have had to make the transition from agriculture or mining to a service-driven economy, especially tourism and financial services. On the other hand, they have to overcome the challenges of frequent natural disasters, in addition to small size with associated lack of econo-
ber states shape the Community’s policies and priorities. They meet twice yearly to discuss issues affecting the Community and the wider world at the Conferences of Heads of Government. All members have an equal say regardless of size or economic status. This ensures that every member has a voice in shaping the Caribbean Community.
Membership
According to the Treaty of Chaguaramas of the Caribbean Community, membership of the Caribbean Community shall be open to any other State or Territory of the Caribbean Region that is, in the opinion of The Conference, able and willing to exercise the rights and assume the obligations of membership.
Obligations
Member States of the Caribbean Community
tions of all bodies in order to promote its interests in all programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures, or the modification of programmes and measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not
* Accept the Caribbean Community travel document
* Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat.
Associate Members of the Caribbean Community
* Attend as Observers, Meetings of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
* Are members of all Institutions except Council of Foreign and Community Relations
* Have the right of participation in the deliberations of those bodies in
which it has membership in order to promote its interests in specific programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures or the modification
Member States
There are 15 Member States of CARICOM: Antigua and Barbuda Membership: 1974-07-04
Bahamas Membership: 1983-07-04
Barbados Membership: 1973-08-01
Belize Membership: 1974-05-01
Dominica Membership: 1974-05-01
Grenada
Membership: 1974-05-01
of programmes and measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not
Guyana Membership: 1973-08-01
Haiti Membership: 2002-07-01
Jamaica Membership: 1973-08-01
Montserrat Membership: 1974-05-01
Saint Lucia Membership: 1974-05-01
St Kitts and Nevis Membership: 1974-07-26
St Vincent and the Grenadines Membership: 1974-05-01
* Accept the Caribbean Community travel document
* Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat. (CARICOM)
Suriname Membership: 1995-07-04
Trinidad and Tobago Membership: 1973-08-01
Associate Members There are 5 Associate members of CARICOM: Anguilla Membership: 1999-07-04
Bermuda Membership: 2003-07-02
British Virgin Islands Membership: 1991-07-02
Cayman Islands Membership: 2002-05-12
Turks and Caicos Islands Membership: 1991-07-02
The Office of the Prime Minister, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has delivered 430 food hampers and 430 sanitation kits to residents via the St Cuthbert's Mission/Pakuri Village Council on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. This crucial support follows flash floods, aiding impacted households and farms in the community (Office of the Prime Minister photos)
Mining sector outpaces oil & gas in job creation – Bharrat
According to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, when the local oil and gas industry reaches its projected peak production, it will employ significantly fewer people compared to the mining sector.
Speaking with this publication, Bharrat said that the mining sector continues to play a major role in Guyana’s economy.
Prior to oil and gas, it was the highest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP); now it is second with oil and gas being the leading contributor.
perspective, even though when again oil and gas industry would have expanded to 10FPSO and producing at 1.2 or 1.3 million barrels of oil per day, the oil and gas sector may not employ the amount of people that are currently employed in the mining sector,” he pointed out.
ner.
“Because our slogan now is mining with the environment in mind, because we cannot speak of mining without taking care or mentioning the care and consideration that we have to put into protecting our environment which is key; our environment our forests or by the diversity is critical for us.”
“Why I said that mining continue will continue to be a pillar on which we fill our country is mainly because mining employees approximately 30,000 Guyanese whether directly or indi-
Bharrat clarified that the local mining sector does not only refer to gold but also includes bauxite, manganese, and diamond, among other minerals.
rectly, whether you are a miner, a worker at BOSAI or the manganese company where you provide a service like the trucking service or your mechanic you are welder or fabricator, you are part of the mining sector. Just to put things into
He reasoned that the structure of the oil and gas sector, being more capital intensive and technologically driven, contrasts with the mining sector, which relies more on labor-intensive operations.
According to him, government’s intention is to ensure that the local mining sector continues to grow, doing so in a sustainable and responsible man-
Moreover, the Natural Resources Minister pointed out that any expanded mining activity will have to be done in an environmentally friendly manner even as government seeks to expand the sector.
“What we have seen recently in the mining sector unfortunately almost all other commodities oth-
er than goal we have seen an increase in production. We have seen increase in production in diamond and manganese. We are producing manganese again after about fifty years we are now producing manganese again. The bauxite industry is being rebuilt and we have seen an increase in production in the bauxite industry and the bauxite industry is even poised to expand even more through the expansion work and investment that is happening at BOSAI in Linden,” Bharrat pointed out. He noted that only recently government licensed a remnant deposit; a new small deposit, to Bosai Minerals Group to boost their production. (G4)
Chinese medical brigade holds outreach in Region 5
…arthritis, hypertension among prevalent issues addressed
The Chinese Medical Brigade on Saturday hosted a medical outreach in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
The China Medical Team has been serving in Guyana for over three decades. This team made their inaugural visit to Region Five. This outreach was coordinated jointly by the Guyana-China Friendship Society, the China 19th Medical Brigade, and the Health Ministry.
the outreach focused on residents of eastern Region Five. Attendees received medical treatment and guidance during the event.
Members of the Chinese Medical Team examining patients health issues addressed by the doctors.
used because it was easily accessible to residents.
President of the GuyanaChina Friendship Society, Paul Chung, specified that
Reports from within the medical team indicate that arthritis and hypertension were among the prevalent
Grove Primary School canteento-literacy-room project approved
DeepOcean (Guyana)
Subsea Services Inc has received approval from the Education Ministry to embark on a transformative project at Grove Primary School. This initiative, spearheaded by Analisa Persaud, a teacher at the school, involves renovating an old canteen building into a modern literacy room.
DeepOcean (Guyana)
Subsea Services Inc, which was established in 2022 as a partnership between DeepOcean and Guyana Oil & Gas Support Services Inc.
Director Nicholas Deygoo emphasised the company's dedication to supporting local resources and communities through initiatives such
as this educational project. "A major goal in establishing our business in Guyana is to foster the growth of local talent and resources," stated Deygoo, who added that “we believe that investing in education is crucial for ensuring that the people of Guyana derive lasting benefits from the country's Oil & Gas sector.”
The renovation project is scheduled to take place during the upcoming July/ August vacation period, with completion anticipated before the start of the new school term in September. Once finished, the literacy room will provide students with a modern and conducive environment to enhance their reading and learning
experiences.
Persaud expressed her gratitude for the approval of the project, highlighting its potential to positively impact students' educational journeys at Grove Primary School. She noted, "this initiative will not only transform a neglected space into a vibrant learning hub but will also inspire our students to excel academically."
DeepOcean (Guyana)
Subsea Services Inc is a majority local-owned provider of subsea services and solutions, established to support Guyana's growing Oil & Gas sector while fostering local development through employment, training, and community projects.
According to one of the coordinators many patients were advised to get CT scans and X-rays while oth-
“This is not the only place; we did in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) before and
The first batch of medical professionals from China arrived from Jiangsu Province in 1993, following the signing of a memorandum between the two countries.
ers were advised to get their eyes professionally tested if they were having difficulty with their sight by the medical team.
Meanwhile, Chung said hundreds were seen by the team. The outreach was held at the Berbice River Bridge company’s headquarters at DeEdward which Chung referred to as being a central part of the region.
He said the location was
we intend to go into other regions. We are hoping to do one in St Cuthbert’s Mission and we want to go into some of the outlying areas to do outreaches.”
The outreach to St Cuthbert’s Mission is still in the planning stage and might be realised in about two months’ time.
The brigade has been in Guyana for more than one year.
The 19th China Medical Team consists of sixteen medical professionals specialising in general surgery, nephrology, orthopedics, burn and plastic surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, pathology, acupuncture, ophthalmology, radiology, and anesthesiology. They are currently stationed at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex. (G4)
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
“Guyana is changing at a terrific rate” – PM Phillips to JCI on working with Govt for positive impact …as organisation celebrates 60 years
of service in Guyana
Prime Minister, (Ret'd)
Brigadier Mark
Phillips, has lauded the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Guyana for its 60 years of dedicated service in the country and highlighted the scope for much more to be done if the organisation partners with the government and the private sector.
JCI is a global NGO network of enterprising young people, ages 18 to 40, who are transformed into capable and enterprising young leaders through training, programs, projects and events aligned with four areas of development opportunity – Individual, Business, Community and International.
On Saturday, the JCI Guyana celebrated its 60th
anniversary with a Diamond Soiree at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, where 64th National Convention of the JCI West Indies was also opened.
During his address to the gathering, PM Phillips highlighted the Chamber's commitment to fostering unity, civic responsibility, and community development in Guyana and the wider world.
He praised JCI Guyana's enduring commitment to community service.
“Over the past six decades, this organisation has demonstrated its mission to serve humanity and foster community development, weathering challenges and emerging stronger each time. This celebration reflects the countless achievements, from impactful community projects to leader-
ship programmes, that have left a lasting positive mark on communities and individuals across Guyana,” he noted.
According to the Prime Minister, JCI-Guyana has had tremendous impact on local communities, stating, “Through your community development initiatives, you have created sustainable solutions for local problems, and the results have brought forth improved healthcare, better educational opportunities, and enhanced environmental sustainability in many communities throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.”
Looking to the future, PM Phillips pledged Government support for the organisation and its work. He said, “Our Government is fully committed to fostering partner-
ship opportunities with JCIGuyana in its community service activities. We recognise the profound impact that
them through collaborative projects and resources.”
The Prime Minister also called on the private sector to
these initiatives have on our society and pledge to support
increase its support for JCIGuyana. He outlined that as
Guyana undergoes rapid development, collaborations at these levels are critical.
“The collective effort of businesses, Government, and civic organisations can significantly amplify the reach and effectiveness of community service activities… Guyana is changing at a terrific rate and there are so many areas for collaboration... There are so many projects that the JCI can make a positive impact on working with Government and the private sector,” he posited.
Meanwhile, during Saturday’s event, PM Phillip’s wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips, who has served as a member of the JCI for year, was inducted as a JCI-Guyana Senator as part of the Chamber's 60th anniversary celebration. (G8)
Rotary Club Georgetown Central appoints 11 new board members
Eleven new members took their positions as the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central installed its new Board of Directors during the 41st Installation Ceremony held on Saturday, at Herdmanston Lodge. According to a press release from the organisation, the new board includes: Jagdesh Haripershad as President, Ricardo Stuart as Vice President, Peter Pompey as Immediate Past President, Lloyd David as President-Elect, Waheeda Ali as Secretary, Nichole Haynes as Treasurer, Keisha Chung as Club Administration Director, Judy Semple-Joseph as Service Projects Director, Ruth Quaicoe as Membership and Foundation Director, Thalissa McClure as Public Image Director and Ronald Robinson as Sergeantat-Arms.
Delivering remarks at the installation ceremony, Assistant Governor, Elizabeth Cox, lauded the Club for the well-deserved recognition. She also extended her gratitude to the members for their service and best wishes to the incoming board.
Outgoing President Peter Pompey thanked the member-
ship for their support and alluded to the significant projects executed during the year 2023-2024, including medical outreaches at Timehri, South Ruimveldt Literacy Initiative, Wellness Space at the National Park and upgrading of the facilities at Uncle Eddie’s Home. Additionally, backpacks with stationery were distributed to children of the Timehri community and footballs and basketballs were shared with youth groups and children to help inculcate exercise in their daily lives and prevent Childhood Obesity.
A life-changing retreat
gathered 35 girls, aged 10 to 17, from local and migrant backgrounds. They engaged in empowering presentations covering topics such as planning for success, goal-setting, self-discipline, fostering the right mindset, self-awareness, confidence-building, character development, and maintaining credibility. The retreat also addressed critical aspects of selfcare, personal hygiene, digital wellness, and their impact on mental health, leaving a profound impact on the girls' personal growth and well-being.
In outlining other programmes conducted over the
past year, he said that a literacy project involving migrant children and the GROW environment project were collaborations with our Rotaractors. The club successfully met all its Rotary International goals and received the platinum recognition for Zones 33 and 34 Public Image Citation and the titanium award for District 7030, both of which are the highest honours available.
Meanwhile, Incoming President Jagdesh Haripershad thanked the new board members for stepping up and accept-
ing the challenge. It was alluded that we will continue to grow and advance the ongoing projects, which exemplify the spirit of Rotary and our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
The members were urged to rediscover the magic that brought them to Rotary in the first place – the magic of service, friendship, fellowship, and making a difference. Their commitment and dedication to Rotary are what make our Club exceptional. Together, we will continue to make a positive im-
pact, one project at a time, one life at a time, to bring about lasting change in our communities and around the world. Incoming President Jagdesh emphasised that our young leaders are the future of Rotary, and their energy and creativity are invaluable. We will continue to mentor, support, and collaborate with them to build a lively and dynamic Rotary community. The Rotaract Club and Interact Club of Queen's College received high recognition for their outstanding work throughout the year.
Peter Pompey, Immediate Past President, sashes Jagdesh Haripershad as new President
New Board of Directors of Rotary Club of Georgetown Central
Prime Minister Mark Phillips at the Junior Chamber International-Guyana's 60th anniversary Diamond Soiree and the opening of the 64th National Convention of JCI West Indies on Saturday at the Umana Yana in Georgetown
PM Phillips’ wife, Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips, was inducted as a JCI-Guyana Senator during Saturday’s soiree
Attendees at the JCI-Guyana 60th anniversary Diamond Soiree and opening of the 64th National Convention of the JCI West Indies on Saturday
HEALTH TIPS
MEN'S HEALTH- ENLARGED PROSTATE
An enlarged prostate is a condition that commonly affects older people with a prostate. Symptoms include increased urinary frequency and urgency. People may also have trouble starting a urine stream. The prostate gland makes some of the fluid that goes into semen. The most common prostate issue in people over 50 years old is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This refers to a prostate that is enlarged but not cancerous. According to the National Institutes of Health, BPH affects approximately 50% of males ages 51–60 years old. It may also affect up to 90% of males older than 80 years old. Research suggests the prevalence of BPH in older males is increasing.
CAUSES
Medical professionals do not fully understand the exact causes of BPH. Some researchers believe it may have something to do with the hormone estrogen. Throughout their lives, people assigned as male at birth produce the hormone testosterone and small amounts of estrogen. As they age, the amount of testosterone in their blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen.
Studies suggest BPH may occur because the increased estrogen levels in the prostate increase the activity of substances that promote prostate cell growth. Research also suggests metabolic syndrome, obesity, and genetic factors may increase a person’s risk of developing BPH.
Other conditions that may cause an enlarged prostate
Other causes of an enlarged prostate that medical professionals do not associate with BPH include prostate cancer and chronic prostatitis.
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow out of control. An enlarged pros -
tate is one symptom of prostate cancer. Chronic prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can also cause the prostate to become enlarged.
Symptoms
A person with BPH may experience the following symptoms:
• Increased urinary frequency, or needing to urinate eight or more times a day
• Increased urinary
Below are some of the possible treatments for BPH.
• Lifestyle changes
A doctor may recommend that people with BPH make the following lifestyle changes:
• Reducing their intake of liquids, particularly before going out in public or sleeping
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• Avoiding or monitoring the use of medications such as:
tions do not work. Some of these are transurethral methods, which involve feeding a thin tube through the urethra.
• Surgery
A healthcare professional may suggest that a person with BPH undergo surgery if medications and other treatments do not work. During surgery, a surgeon may remove some enlarged prostate tissue. They may also make cuts in the prostate to widen the urethra to relieve
urgency, or an inability to delay urination
Difficulty starting a urine stream
A weak or interrupted urine stream
Dribbling at the end of urination
Increased need to urinate when sleeping
The inability to empty all the urine from the bladder, also known as urinary retention
Urinary incontinence
Pain when urinating
Pain after ejaculation
Unusually colored urine
Unusual smelling urine
COMPLICATIONS OF AN ENLARGED PROSTATE
Most people with BPH do not develop complications. However, possible complications include:
Acute (sudden) urinary retention
Chronic (longterm) urinary retention
Urinary tract infections
Blood in the urine
Bladder stones
Bladder damage
Kidney damage
TREATMENT
Treatment for BPH varies. Healthcare professionals treat BPH based on: the severity of the symptoms how much the symptoms affect a person’s life and an individual’s preferences
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Decongestants
Diuretics
Training the bladder to hold more urine for longer periods
Doing pelvic floor muscle exercises
Preventing or treating constipation
Medications
A doctor may prescribe certain medications to treat BPH. These medications can:
stop the growth of the prostate, shrink the prostate, and reduce BPH symptoms. Possible medications for treating BPH include: alpha-blockers, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and combination medications
Minimally invasive procedures
Medical professionals may suggest one of several minimally invasive procedures that relieve BPH symptoms when medica -
blockages. Surgery may be endoscopic or conventional open surgery, depending on the size of the enlarged prostate. Very large prostate glands may require open surgery.
ENLARGED PROSTATE PREVENTION
Medical professionals do not fully understand how to prevent BPH. If a person has a high risk of BPH, it is best to speak with a doctor. Early diagnosis can be important as early treatment can minimize the effects of BPH.
Experts recommend that people who experience any symptoms of BPH speak with a healthcare professional. This is because early treatment of BPH can be vital in reducing the condition’s effect on a person’s well-being. Symptoms of BPH may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as prostate cancer.
World Environment Day 2024
In the year 1972, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 5 as World Environment Day (WED). World Environment Day is one of the foremost international days for recognition of the environment. This is a global celebration, and also adds important value to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as it marks our beginning.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established on June 5, 1996 -- 28 years ago. We have been working tirelessly throughout those 28 years, actively engaging local businesses and industries to promote environmentally sustainable practices to ensure the protection of you, the citizen, and the wider environment. The theme for WED 2024 is “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”.
Over the past five decades, the Day has grown to be one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach. Tens of millions of people participate online and through in-person activities, events and actions around the world. According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 percent of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population, and threatening roughly half of global GDP (US$44 trillion). The number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 per cent since 2000; and without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world's population by 2050.
Land restoration is a key pillar of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030): a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world, which is critical to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Guyana is known for leading the region in taking a bold stand for the protection of the environment. In this regard, EPA aims this year to highlight the country and agency’s position on land restoration, preservation and protection, while ensuring environmental sustainability and development. Activities will commence with the signature Green Walk, which would bring together all categories of stakeholders to renew their resolve to protect the environment and display their commitment by means of “land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”. In addition to the media programmes, the Agency would be partnering with agencies such as the GLSC, GGMC, CDC, GFC and MNR to educate the public on projects and traditional knowledge embarked on by these agencies to restore, protect, and conserve our land resources.
Currently, Guyana, as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, has been actively working through its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the national focal point, to fulfill its commitments. The EPA has been pivotal in developing and implementing National Biodiversity Action Plans, including aligning the NBSAP 2015-2020 with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted in 2022. This framework sets 23 global targets for biodiversity protection by 2030, focusing on restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, and enhancing sustainability in agriculture and forestry, as outlined in Targets Two and Ten.
The EPA has worked diligently to develop standards for restoring and reclaiming degraded lands, preventing the release of contaminants, and conserving and managing associated resources. Additionally, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund-US, the EPA is the executing agency for the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Project (ASL), which is aiming to strengthen landscape connectivity through improved management of the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area, and exploring management strategies for the North Rupununi Wetlands. This collaboration exemplifies the EPA’s commitment to land restoration and preservation.
In this spirit of partnership, we urge the public to remember that, together, we can make a difference and preserve our planet for future generations. The environment is everyone's responsibility. In line with this year’s World Environment Day theme, let's do our part to restore our land and promote drought resilience throughout Guyana.
The Environmental Protection Agency, as part of the celebration of World Environment Day and its 28th Anniversary, hosted the Green Walk on June 2nd, 2024 in Regions 2, 4, 6 and 7. This was done with the aim to strengthen the Agency’s presence within those regions. The Agency will continue that trajectory as we conduct our monthly visits in those regions.
EPA also held its “Green Theatre 2", a theatrical production that was performed for a diverse audience, which included members of Government, the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and schools from across the country. The audience was treated to a production of drama, dance and poetry that provided a better understanding of the crucial role and importance of environmental protection.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN; or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Regional
Beryl, earliest Category 4 hurricane on record, brings perilous winds to Caribbean
The "extremely dangerous" Category
Four storm Hurricane Beryl barrelled across the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday afternoon toward the Caribbean's Windward Islands, where it is expected to bring life-threatening winds and flash flooding on Monday, the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said.
The first hurricane of the 2024 season was located about 400 kilometres (250 miles) southeast of Barbados on Sunday afternoon, with maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometres per hour (130 mph), the NHC said in an advisory.
The centre of the hurricane is expected to travel across the Windward Islands this morning as a
Category Four storm, the second-strongest level on a five-step scale.
"Potentially catastrophic wind damage is expected where the eyewall of Beryl moves through portions of the Windward Islands, with the highest risk of the core in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada," NHC said in its most recent advisory.
PNM party group chairman hospitalised after alleged beating by members
Anton Lynch, Chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Moruga/Tableland party group 26, is now warded at the San Fernando General Hospital after losing consciousness following an alleged beating.
He was allegedly attacked by fellow PNMites on the conclusion of a heated constituency meeting last Thursday.
“I’m worried. I just came from a whole night at the hospital,” said Lynch’s wife Saturday. “It was an unfortunate incident that occurred, and we’re hoping he’ll be alright.”
She said there has been some party support.
“Our coordinator has been in touch with me, and one or two members of the constituency executive reached out,” she said.
Police at the Moruga Fifth Company Baptist School hall after party group chairman Anton Lynch was allegedly attacked by fellow PNMites last Thursday
It is rare for a major hurricane to appear this early in the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. On Sunday, Beryl became the earliest Category Four hurricane on record, beating Hurricane Dennis, which became a Category Four on July 8, 2005, according to NHC data.
Hurricane warnings have been issued in Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada and
A tropical storm watch has been issued for Dominica, Trinidad, and parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Authorities and residents on the Caribbean islands were preparing for the storm's arrival.
Tobago has opened shelters, closed schools for today, and cancelled elective surgeries in the hospitals, authorities said.
The hurricane is expected to bring 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches ) of rain
Large, dangerous swells are also expected to batter the southern coasts of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. In May, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic in 2024, in part due to near-record warm ocean temperatures. (Reuters)
Lynch was among Moruga/ Tableland PNMites who attended last Thursday’s annual general meeting at the Moruga Fifth Company Baptist School auditorium for the unit’s constituency executive elections. Those were postponed following strong complaints from members about alleged voting “irregularities” and names not listed.
After the meeting, Lynch left the hall, but told Guardian Media he was attacked and beaten by some upset fellow PNM members, prompting the Police to be called. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Uruguay holds primary elections as Opposition left gains ground
Uruguayans took to the polls on Sunday in primary elections ahead of October's presidential race, in which the leftwing Opposition is seen edging ahead according to opinion polls with voters concerned about rising inequality and public safety.
Polls show voters cooling on the centre-right coalition of President Luis Lacalle Pou, despite its successful steering of the farming economy of 3.4 million persons through the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic setbacks following the war in Ukraine.
Lacalle Pou, 50, has struggled to back up a pledge to tackle drug crime which is hurting Uruguay's reputation as a beacon of stability in turbulent South America. A perceived weakness of the welfare state and rising corruption has also hurt his party.
That has seen the centre-left Broad Front coalition, which ruled from 2004 to
2015, edge ahead of the main centre-right parties, latest opinion polls showed.
Uruguayan pollster Cifra in May predicts the Broad Front getting 47 per cent support, some 15 points ahead of Lacalle Pou's National Party, the main force within the rul-
ing coalition. The wider conservative bloc combined, though, would get around 43 per cent.
Around 10 per cent remain undecided suggesting that October's presidential election will be tight. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Haiti PM visits US to meet with White House official
Haiti’s new leader was in the United States on Saturday for a visit set to include meetings with international financial institutions as well as a White House official, his office and a National Security Council spokesperson said.
The trip by Prime Minister Garry Conille, heading the country’s transitional government, and other officials comes days after Kenyan Police finally arrived in violence-ravaged Haiti, on a long-awaited mission to help stabilise the Caribbean nation, upended by powerful gangs.
Washington has promised generous funding for the United Nations-backed mission, but ruled out sending American troops. Conille was to meet with Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer on Monday, a National Security Council spokesperson said.
Conille, along with his Economic and Foreign Ministers as well as other officials, were scheduled to also hold “important working meetings” with the heads of international financial institutions, according to his office.
They were also scheduled to visit Haiti’s Embassy in Washington and travel to
New York, it said.
Haiti has long been rocked by gang violence, but conditions sharply worsened at the end of February when armed groups launched coordinated attacks in Portau-Prince, saying they wanted to overthrow then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Henry announced in early March that he would step down and hand over executive power to a transitional council, which named Conille as the country’s interim Prime Minister on May 29.
The violence in Port-auPrince has affected food security and humanitarian aid access, with much of the
city in the hands of gangs accused of abuses including murder, rape, looting and kidnappings.
The multinational Kenyan force, green lit last year by the UN Security Council, had been held up for months amid challenges to its deployment in Kenyan courts before the first Police Officers arrived last Tuesday.
The spike in gang violence has forced many people to flee the country, and last Wednesday more than 100 Haitian migrants arrived by boat in the US state of Florida and surrendered to border authorities.
(Excerpt from AFP)
Tobago.
across Barbados and the Windward Islands throughout today , which the NHC warned could cause flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
People shop before the arrival of Hurricane Beryl, Bridgetown, Barbados, June 30, 2024 (Reuters/
Nigel R Browne photo)
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille (AFP photo)
Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou attends a meeting during the 63rd Summit of Heads of State of MERCOSUR and Associated States, at the Museu do Amanha (Museum of Tomorrow) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 7, 2023 (Reuters/Pilar Olivares)
Around the World
FOIL NEWS
US energy production chalks up another record
or decades, the United States has been a net consumer of energy, using up more energy than it produces.
However, a sharp increase in oil and gas production following the shale boom as well as the ongoing renewable energy revolution has helped change the energy trajectory over the past 15 years. And now the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported that US energy production exceeded consumption by record amounts in 2023.
According to the EIA, US energy production rose four per cent to nearly 103 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) in 2023, a record for the country. On the other hand, energy consumption fell one per cent to 94 quads during the same period, implying production exceeded consumption by nine quads, the widest margin since 1949.
Dry natural gas production increased four per cent in 2023 and 58 per cent since 2013 while crude oil production has grown nine per cent since 2022 and 69 per cent since 2013. Meanwhile, renewable energy production rose one per cent compared to the previous year and a 28 per cent increase since 2013, hitting eight quads of energy. Solar energy production recorded an impressive 15 per cent yearon-year growth in 2023 while wind production fell two per cent.
On the flip side, US energy consumption fell one per cent largely driven by a 17 per cent decline in coal consumption. Coal demand has been on a tailspin for years to its lowest level in more than a century thanks in large part to its shrinking role in electricity generation due to a high carbon footprint.
"Natural gas production has continued to increase despite lower prices, because natural gas is produced as a byproduct of crude oil production. That’s especially true in the Permian Basin, which accounts for almost half of US crude oil production," said Chris Higginbotham, an EIA spokesperson.
The oil price rally that had reversed course in recent weeks on demand concerns is now back on track. Brent crude price had increased to US$86.39 per barrel on Friday’s intraday session from US$77.52 on while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude has increased from US$73.25 per barrel to US$91.58 with oil demand exceeding expectations. According to commodity analysts at Standard Chartered, global oil demand in April averaged 101.77 million barrels per day (mb/d), 470 thousand barrels per day (kb/d) higher than earlier forecasts. StanChart has reiterated its forecast that oil demand will hit an all-time high in June, with May demand projection revised 0.2 mb/d higher to 103.3 mb/d while the June projection has been revised 0.3 mb/d higher to 104.1 mb/d.
Meanwhile, the big natural gas rally that kicked off in late April has now taken a breather. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)
Russia says it took over 2 villages in Ukraine's Donetsk region
Russian forces have taken over the villages of Spirne and Novooleksandrivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Sunday.
The Ministry, in a brief statement on the Telegram messaging app, said its forces have also improved their positions along the frontline around the villages.
Spirne is located in the east of the Donetsk region, close to the border with Ukraine's Luhansk region. The village of Novooleksandrivka lies
Israeli tanks advance into areas in north and south Gaza
Israeli forces advanced further on Sunday into the Shejaia neighbourhood of northern Gaza and also pushed deeper into western and central Rafah in the south, killing at least six Palestinians and destroying several homes, residents said.
Israeli tanks, which moved back into Shejaia four days ago, fired shells towards several houses, leaving families trapped inside and unable to leave, the residents said.
Speaking at a weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his stance that there is no substitute for victory in the war against the Islamist militant group Hamas.
"We are committed to fighting until we achieve all of our objectives: Eliminating Hamas, returning all of our
hostages, ensuring that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel and returning our residents securely to their homes in the south and the north," he said.
While the offensive focused on Gaza, in the Israelioccupied West Bank, one
man was killed and five were wounded in an Israeli strike near the city of Tulkarm, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The dead man was a member of militant group Islamic Jihad, the group said. The Israeli military issued no comment.
Hours after Netanyahu's comments about Gaza, the armed wing of Hamas released a video purporting to show weapons-making, in a show of defiance.
The video, which was not immediately verified by Reuters, showed fighters preparing anti-tank rocket warheads. In the background a large TV screen showed recent news events to indicate the video was recent.
"Our preparation is continuing," said writing at the end of the short film.
The Israeli military said forces operating in Shejaia had killed several Palestinian gunmen over the past day and found military infrastructure inside a United Nations school as well as dozens of weapons and "valuable intelligence documents". (Excerpt from Reuters)
Top Democrats rule out replacing Biden amid calls for him to quit 2024 race
Top Democrats on Sunday ruled out the possibility of replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee after a feeble debate performance and called on party members to focus instead on the consequences of a second Donald Trump presidency.
After days of hand-wringing about Biden's poor night on stage debating Trump, Democratic leaders firmly rejected calls for their party to choose a younger presidential candidate for the November 5
election.
Biden, 81, meanwhile, was huddling with family members at the Camp David presidential retreat on Sunday.
The New York Times cited people close to the situation as saying that Biden's family were urging him to stay in the race and keep fighting. The paper said some members of his clan privately expressed exasperation at how his staff prepared him for Thursday night's event.
A drumbeat of calls for Biden to step aside has con-
France's far right celebrates lead and seeks majority
France’s far right is in pole position after the first round of parliamentary elections that confirmed their dominance in French politics and brought them to the gates of power.
Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally (RN) cheered as she said the President’s “Macronist bloc has been all but wiped out”.
RN was on course to win 33.2 per cent of the vote, with a left-wing alliance behind on 28.1 per cent, and the Macron alliance on 21 per cent.
about 130 kilometres (80 miles) west of Spirne.
Ukraine's General Staff said in its daily statement on the situation on the battlefield that "heavy fighting" was taking place in the area around the villages, but it did not report any losses.
Donetsk is one of four regions in Ukraine's east and south that Russia claimed to have annexed in late 2022 in a move condemned as illegal by most countries at the United Nations General Assembly. Russia does not fully control any of the four regions (Reuters)
“I aim to be Prime Minister for all the French people, if the French give us their votes,” said 28-year-old RN party leader Jordan Bardella.
Never before has the far right won the first round of a French parliamentary election. The simple fact that it has become possible is historic, says veteran commentator Alain Duhamel.
What Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella want is an absolute majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.
Seat projections for next Sunday’s second round run-
off votes suggest they may fall short.
Without an absolute majority, France will have a hung Parliament and RN will be unable to push through its plans for immigration, tax cuts, and law and order.
There was no need for Emmanuel Macron to call this election, but after RN’s victory in European elections, he said it was the “most responsible solution”.
It was a gamble that now threatens to throw out the political order on its head.
Turnout was the highest for a parliamentary first round since 1997, reflecting the pivotal nature of a vote that came after a lightning-quick campaign of barely three weeks.
Hundreds of left-wing voters gathered in Place de la République in Paris to voice their anger and shock at RN’s success.
President Macron left the talking to his Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, but he did issue a statement, saying the time had come for a “broad, clearly democratic and republican alliance for the second round”.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
tinued since Thursday and a post-debate CBS poll showed a 10-point jump in the number of Democrats who believe Biden should not be running for president, to 46 per cent from 36 per cent in February.
"The unfortunate truth is that Biden should withdraw from the race, for the good of the nation he has served so admirably for half a century," the Atlanta JournalConstitution said in an editorial on Sunday. "The shade of retirement is now necessary for President Biden."
Democratic leaders reject-
ed this.
"Absolutely not," responded Georgia Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, one of several Democrats seen as a possible replacement for Biden.
"Bad debates happen," he told NBC's Meet the Press programme. "The question is, 'Who has Donald Trump ever shown up for other than himself and people like himself?' I'm with Joe Biden, and it's our assignment to make sure that he gets over the finish line come November." (Excerpt from Reuters)
South Africa's Ramaphosa announces Cabinet that includes ex-Opposition Leader
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed former opposition Leader John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture on Sunday, bringing the Democratic Alliance and other parties into his new coalition Cabinet.
Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) was forced to join forces with rival parties to stay in power after losing its majority for the first time in three decades in a May 29 election.
The announcement of the new Cabinet of the government of national unity followed weeks of protracted and at times acrimonious negotiations.
Ramaphosa retained the ANC's Enoch Godongwana as Finance Minister while Ronald Lamola was appointed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, replacing Naledi Pandor.
Gwede Mantashe stayed on as Mineral and Petroleum
Resources Minister, but the President removed energy from his portfolio. The combination of mineral resources had been seen by many as creating a prejudice in favour of coal as a source of power generation.
Energy will now fall within the portfolio of Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
"These men and women we have appointed to the executive ... reflect the diversity of our nation," Ramaphosa said. "In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, the incoming government will work together."
Wrangling over who gets what cabinet seat was the last hurdle to setting up a government, which now faces the task of reviving a moribund economy, fixing crumbling roads and power stations and creating jobs for the third of South Africans out of work. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Near the Israel-Gaza border, June 27, 2024 (Reuters/Amir Cohen photo)
SUDOKU
DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
Look at the big picture before you step in and take the lead. Understanding the ramifications will be essential. Hit the reset button and determine what you can do differently for better results.
Start a dialogue that will help you get your point across and the approval of those who can make your journey easier. A change at home will give you breathing room.
(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)
Question anything that goes against common sense. Make decisions based on sound evidence. Any discrepancy should be a red flag. Don’t rely on secondhand information.
(June 21-July 22)
(July 23-Aug. 22)
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Participate, speak up and make a difference. Pay attention to detail. Use your money or experience to help others. Change begins with you. Now’s the time to get moving.
An opportunity someone presents will lack substance. Don’t believe everything you hear or let anyone push you into something you don’t need. Take your time and learn all you can.
Don’t veer off course. Repetition will lead to success. Make a name for yourself among your peers. Discipline and hard work will be crucial. Don’t be afraid to strut your stuff.
Let your ideas flow. Refuse to let what others think deter you from following the path that excites you most. Be open to suggestions, but do things your way.
Put your money in a safe place while you figure out your next move. A partnership will affect how you proceed. Communication can be your ticket to a better lifestyle or improved surroundings.
Be open to suggestions but ultimately cautious. A change is in order, but it must be compatible with your plans, lifestyle and bank account before you engage.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
A domestic change will make your surroundings more accommodating. You’ll save money if you make an efficiency upgrade or team up with someone who can ease your overhead.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Look at your choices. An emotional situation will escalate if you aren’t stern regarding your wants and needs. Look out for your interests.
Speed things up and take advantage of a chance to try something that interests you. The people you encounter through networking events will give you plenty to consider.
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES
Jadeja retires from T20Is a day after India's triumph
Ravindra Jadeja has become the third senior cricketer to retire from T20 Internationals (T20Is)at the end of India's triumphant run at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Following the announcements from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Jadeja "bid farewell" to the format through a post on his Instagram account.
"With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals," Jadeja wrote a day after India's win over South Africa in a thrilling World Cup final in Bridgetown. "Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride,
“A little bit desperate” – Norris fumes at Verstappen move
Lando Norris accused Max Verstappen, his friend and now closest rival, of unfair driving that was “just a bit reckless” and “a little bit desperate”, after a no-holds-barred battle for victory at the Austrian Grand Prix ended in a collision that wrecked both their races.
Norris, who was challenging the world champion for the lead in the closing laps after the Red Bull driver had been delayed by a slow final pit stop, felt Verstappen had several times moved under braking when defending his position.
The pair have become the dominant forces in Formula 1 since the Miami Grand Prix in early May, but until this weekend at the Red Bull Ring they had not disputed the lead wheel to wheel on track.
Their first duel, in the sprint race, ended with Verstappen on top and Norris admonishing himself for being “pretty stupid”. A little over 24 hours later, their battle finally boiled over in a frenetic 12lap scrap.
“I expect a tough battle with Max,” Norris said. "I expect aggression and push-
ing the limit. I respect Max a lot, but there are times when he goes a little bit too far.”
Before their crash on lap 64, which gave both a puncture, Norris had already complained a number of times about Verstappen changing his line in the braking zone or “moving under braking”, as it is known in F1 parlance. Because of the danger this involves as drivers are right on the edge in an overtaking move, this is very much frowned upon.
“All three times he was doing things that can easily cause an incident,” Norris said. “And in a way just a bit reckless; seemed a little bit desperate from his side.
“He doesn’t need to be. He has plenty of wins. I expect a fair, respectful onthe-edge bit of racing and I don't feel that’s what I got.”
Verstappen inevitably did not agree – but was given a 10-second penalty for the move at Turn Three in which he crowded Norris to the edge of the track. It led to the McLaren’s retirement because of damaged bodywork – which may yet have repercussions for Norris in terms of parts availability at this coming
weekend’s British Grand Prix. Verstappen managed to recover to finish fifth.
Will this affect their friendship?
The two men are friends off-track – even if Norris has bristled at suggestions in the past that this would affect his approach on it – but it remains to be seen how their relationship will be affected by this.
“It depends what he says,” Norris said. “If he says he did nothing wrong, then I will lose a lot of respect for that.
"If he admits to being a bit stupid and running into me and being a bit reckless in a way, then I will lose only a small amount of respect for him. It's a tough one to take when fighting for the win, I was trying to be fair from my side and he just wasn't."
Verstappen said: “We will talk about it. Not now. It is not the right time. Better to cool down.
“We are racing drivers. Lando and I, we have a little age gap and that is why we never really raced against each other in lower categories unlike some of the other drivers. But we will move on.” (BBC Sport)
I've always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats.
"Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 international career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support."
Jadeja retires after 74 T20I appearances, including every match in India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. He didn't have too big a role to play at the World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, though, facing just 22 balls
in five innings, in which he scored 35 runs, and sending down 14 overs, picking up one wicket at an economy rate of 7.57. Overall, Jadeja has 54 wickets in the format at an economy of 7.13 and 515 runs at a strike rate of 127.16.
Jadeja, 35 is a much-decorated player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has won four titles, three with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and one, in the inaugural season in 2008, with Rajasthan Royals (RR), which was before he had made his international debut, which came in 2009. One of a handful of cricketers who have been part of all three international sides for India for a while now, Jadeja will continue to be available for Tests and OneDay Internationals (ODIs), where he has turned out 72 and 197 times respectively. In Tests, he has 3036 runs (average of 36.14) and 294 wickets (24.13), and in ODIs, he has 2756 runs (32.42) and 220 wickets (36.07), and is considered one of the finest all-round fielders in the world. (ESPNcricinfo)
Reggae Boyz hunt positive
result
against Venezuela
…to end Copa America on high
With no shot at progressing beyond the group stages, Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz will at least be hoping to salvage some pride from their final Group B contest to possibly end another failed Copa America campaign on a high in Austin, Texas.
The Boyz, who lost 0-1 to Mexico and 1-3 to Ecuador, will now have group leaders Venezuela to contend with, which means their task of securing an historic point or win at the prestigious CONMEBOL tournament that much more difficult.
However, the feat is by no means beyond the Jamaicans, and with Michail Antonio already accounting for their maiden goal at the tournament, it should lift their confidence significantly.
In fact, if the head-to-head statistics are anything to go by, then they put the Boyz in good stead, as Jamaica has won two of six meetings with their South American counterpart, with one ending in a stalemate. This will be their second meeting in the Copa America, with the first being in the Centenario 2016 (USA), where Venezuela registered a 1-0 win.
Knowing very well that his team can compete at this level, Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson pointed out that the aim was for nothing less than a win. But, to
achieve the feat, they will require a more compact display in the midfield, fluent passing, and certainly more creativity in the attacking third.
“We are going for, for the win in this game,” Hallgrimsson declared in a pre-game press conference.
“Of course, we hoped and wished that we were in a different position than where we are, but it is what it is. There is good morale and the players are happy and together, and I give them a lot of credit for the atmosphere still in the camp. So we go into this match wanting to win for a lot of reasons that are important for us to get a win,” he added.
The Boyz are rooted at the foot of the standing without a point, with Venezuela on maximum six points from two games, while Ecuador and Mexico, on three points each, will do battle for the second spot to the quarter-finals.
Despite Venezuela’s current vein of form, Hallgrimsson believes they are by no means infallible.
“Well, they are the surprise package of the tournament, I would say. We have analysed them before and we knew they are a hard-working, honest team with great individuals. But, how they have performed, especially with the confidence they have displayed now, is impressive
to see,” he said of the opponents.
“For the players, it is just margins that we can control that made it that we don’t have a point today. We go into this match knowing that we can get a win for sure, but there is balance,” he noted. Still, the Icelandic coach pointed out that regardless of the outcome, the Boyz have shown glimpses of their potential to prove formidable at the highest level. This, he believes, is a significant positive, especially as they target a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
“No matter what the result will be, I think this is a really important tournament for Jamaica in working towards qualifying for the World Cup 2026, and probably the closest thing to the World Cup that we can participate in,” the tactician reasoned.
“There has been a lot of questions about whether we are good enough to qualify for the World Cup. With how we’ve played Mexico and how we’ve played Ecuador, who played in Qatar World Cup, we’ve matched them in some areas. So, if anyone were to doubt if Jamaica can qualify for the World Cup 2026, I hope that some doubts are gone,” Hallgrimsson stated. (Sportsmax)
Ravindra Jadeja has followed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma into T20I retirement
Max Verstappen was accused of driving a ‘bit’ reckless
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz
Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson
Team India dominate as ICC names “Team of the Tournament”
…Pooran only West Indian in team
Six players from the title-winning Indian squad have been named in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 team of the tournament.
Rohit Sharma Runs: 257, Average: 36.71, Strike-rate: 156.7, Fifties: 3
Setting the tone at the top of the order, Rohit Sharma embraced India's new approach in T20Is and showed the way with his brilliant ball striking. Scoring at a rate of 156.7, the Indian skipper made 257 runs in the tournament, the second most by any player. With three fifties in eight games, Rohit showed consistency as well while maintaining a brilliant strike-rate. His best came against Australia in the Super Eight, when he bludgeoned one of the best attacks in the tournament for 92 in just 41 balls. In the semi-final, he once again made an impact with a 57 off 39 balls. Rohit also led the side admirably as a leader, taking the side to a historic International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup title win after 17 years.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Runs: 281, Average: 35.12, Strike-rate: 124.33, Fifties: 3
Alongside Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz forged an impressive opening partnership, scoring 446 runs as a pair, including three century stands and was critical to Afghanistan's run to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Gurbaz shone with exceptional knocks against Uganda (76), New Zealand (80), Australia (60) and Bangladesh (43). He finished as the leading run-scorer in the tournament and was Afghanistan's star with the bat at the top of the order.
Nicholas Pooran Runs: 228, Average: 38.0, Strike-rate: 146.15, Fifties: 1
Nicholas Pooran established his status as one of the best batters in the format with 228 runs in the tournament, scoring at a rate of 146.16. The next best West Indies batter made just 140 runs. Pooran finished as the sixth-highest run-getter despite his highrisk batting, and his knock of 98 against Afghanistan guided the team to an excellent
the tournament has ever witnessed in a pivotal moment in the final.
Marcus Stoinis Runs: 169, Strike-rate: 164.07, Wickets: 10, Economy: 8.88
Marcus Stoinis was Australia’s x-factor player in the T20 World Cup, standing out with exceptional knocks against Oman and Scotland. In the game against Oman, he also delivered a crunch performance with the ball, taking
win. It was also the highest score recorded by a player in the tournament.
Suryakumar Yadav Runs: 199, Average: 28.42, Strike-rate: 135.37, Fifties: 2
With two half-centuries and a vital 47 in the semi-final against England, Suryakumar Yadav had a good tournament from the middle order despite playing on some difficult batting wickets. He made his presence felt in both the knockout games, first with a crucial 47 with the team in trouble in the semi-final against England, and then with one of the best catches
3-19. Despite Australia’s exit before the semi-finals of the tournament, Stoinis stood out with his ability to deliver under pressure.
Hardik Pandya Runs: 144, Strike-rate: 151.57, Wickets: 11, Economy: 7.64
Hardik Pandya made impactful cameos down the order with the bat and made breakthroughs with the ball when the team needed him to. But his most important contribution came in the final, when he stopped a rampaging Heinrich Klaasen, deceiving him with a slower ball outside off-stump. Hardik went
on to deliver an excellent final over to lead India to their title victory. Leading up to the final, he scored more than 20 in four successive matches from down the order, including a half-century against Bangladesh.
Axar Patel Runs: 92, Strike-rate: 139.39, Wickets: 9, Economy: 7.86
Vital cameos with the bat, one of the best catches in the tournament, and crucial spells with the ball, Axar Patel did it all through the T20 World Cup. His ability to adapt to different roles and make impactful performances proved critical to India's title-winning charge. In the final, promoted up the order, Axar made a brilliant, counter-attacking 47 that helped Virat Kohli settle in and play the anchor role. In the semi-finals, he produced a Player-of-the-Match performance against England, taking 3-23 with the ball.
Rashid Khan
Wickets: 14, Average: 12.78, Economy: 6.17, Best: 4-17
Rashid Khan led the Afghanistan team brilliantly, producing impressive performances with the ball as the team created history with a semi-final entry. Rashid took 14 wickets in the tournament, bowling at a brilliant economy rate of 6.17. The Afghanistan spinner finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with his clutch performance against Bangladesh (4-23 and 19*) helping the team reach the semi-final. He also took 4-17 in their win over New Zealand earlier in the tournament to inspire the team past the group stage.
Jasprit Bumrah
Wickets: 15, Average: 8.26, Economy: 4.17, Best: 3-7
The Player of the
Tournament and India's trump card in their title win, Jasprit Bumrah was unstoppable. More than the 15 wickets he took, his impact in restricting the scoring rate of teams made Bumrah India's most important player right through the tournament. His economy rate of 4.17 is the best ever by any bowler in a single edition of the men's T20 World Cup.
Arshdeep Singh
Wickets: 17, Average: 12.64, Economy: 7.16, Best: 4-9
Arshdeep Singh finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 wickets in eight matches. The left-arm fast bowler was the perfect foil for Jasprit Bumrah with the ball and shone with his early powerplay spells. In the final, Arshdeep played a vital role in India's win, taking the big wicket of Quinton de Kock at a crucial point in the match and then went on to bowl a brilliant penultimate over, conceding just four runs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Wickets: 17, Average: 9.41, Economy: 6.31, Best: 5-9
The joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament, Farooqi played a major role in guiding Afghanistan to a
England announces squad for 1st 2 Test matches versus West Indies
England’s men’s team selection panel have named a 14-strong squad for the first two Test matches of the three-match Test series against West Indies starting at Lord’s on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
The squad reads: Captain Ben Stokes (Durham); James Anderson (Lancashire) (First Test only); Gus Atkinson (Surrey); Shoaib Bashir (Somerset); Harry Brook (Yorkshire); Zak Crawley (Kent); Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire); Dan Lawrence (Surrey); Dillon Pennington (Nottinghamshire); Ollie Pope (Surrey); Matthew Potts (Durham); Joe Root (Yorkshire); Jamie Smith (Surrey) and Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
Two players have been selected for the first time at
this level – Nottinghamshire seamer Dillon Pennington and Surrey batter Jamie Smith, who will also be available to keep wicket. Both have been standout performers in the Vitality County Championship Division One this season. Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson is the only oth-
er uncapped player. He was part of the squad for the Test tour of India earlier this year.
Pennington, 25, who joined Nottinghamshire this year from Worcestershire, has been showing his promise with the ball, taking 29 Championship wickets at an average of 23.03 in the top-
flight.
The attacking right-hand batter Smith, who has been in spectacular form this campaign, helping Surrey consolidate their top spot in Division One, has scored 507 runs at an average of 76.93. He is set to be rewarded with his Test debut next week at Lord’s and add to his England OneDay International (ODI) credentials when he debuted last summer against Ireland.
Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes returns to the Test squad for the first time since July 2023, when he was adjudged the Player of the Series during the Ashes series against Australia.
Commenting on the selected squad, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Managing Director for England Men's Cricket, Rob Key, said:
"The first Test of the summer is always a special moment, but it will be extra poignant with it being Jimmy’s (Anderson) last Test before he retires. He has given everything to the sport since his Test debut in 2003. We all would like to wish him well as he walks out at Lord’s for the last time for England.”
"We are looking forward to getting the season underway against a strong West Indies side in what will be an excellent Test series.”
Series Schedule:
1st Test: England v West Indies, July 10-14, 2024, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London*
2nd Test: England v West Indies, July 18-22, 2024, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
3rd Test: England v West Indies, July 26-30, 2024, Edgbaston, Birmingham
historic first semi-final appearance. His 17 wickets came at a brilliant economy rate of 6.31 and the left-arm quick made early inroads into the opposition line-up to put Afghanistan on top in several games. He took 5-9 against Uganda in the best spell of the tournament and also helped Afghanistan beat New Zealand with a four-wicket haul.
12th man: Anrich Nortje Wickets: 15, Average: 13.4, Economy: 5.74, Best: 4-7 Anrich Nortje had a brilliant tournament with the ball, using his pace and extra bounce to keep batters quiet. Nortje began the tournament with a brilliant 4-7 against Sri Lanka and took at least one wicket in all but one match. In the final, he was the pick of South Africa’s bowlers with figures of 2-26 in his four overs. (ICC)
England will host West Indies for a threematch Test tour this month
Nicholas Pooran was the only West Indian named in the team
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan were amongst three of their players in the team of the tournament
Guyana Cup 2024 to be biggest horse race event ever
…more than $40 million to be won
he Jumbo Jet
TThoroughbred Racing Committee will continue to rewrite history in Guyana’s horse racing when the 2024 Guyana Cup race meet runs off on August 11 at Rising Sun Turf Club.
This year’s Guyana Cup, which will be the 16th running of the event, will see more than 40 million Guyana dollars in cash being paid out, and the top horse for the feature race will be rewarded a whopping sum of $11,625,000.
Last year’s Guyana Cup saw a total purse of $24 million across all races,
while the top horse in the feature event won $10 million.
The 2024 Guyana Cup will certainly be the biggest, and the day will be packed with side attractions. The first-ever fun park is set to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club, where kids will witness a parading bar on spot, and multiple stages will be set up across the venue.
Guyana’s most influential horse racing promoter, Nasrudeen Mohamed Junior is urging fans to come out in their numbers, despite there being an absence of the usual enter-
tainment show after the races. The biggest DJ competition will be hosted this year.
The fun park and the horse racing combined will provide the perfect recipe for a fun-filled day for the entire family. “This is something Guyana has never witnessed,” Mohamed said.
While the side attractions will be major, the horse racing itself promises to be exhilarating with defending champion Easy Time coming back for more glory. More horses have been imported across various stables, and two new horse owners will make their entry at this year’s Guyana Cup.
ExxonMobil U14 semifinals on today
The Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown will come alive today as the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 football tournament is staged.
While placement games are scheduled to kick off at 12:00h, the first semi-final, in the girls’ division, is set for 14:00h.
Then, last year’s thirdplace finishers Bartica Secondary will come up against the defending cham-
for while Erika Harris and Brentia Marks are two to watch for, for Waramuri.
The second semi-final at 15:00h will see Chase’s Academic Foundation and Leonora Secondary battling in the boys’ division. These two teams met in the very first round of the group stage in the 2024 tournament and were unable to one-up the other, with the clash ending in a stalemate. With the stakes higher this time around and a clear result needed, the battle is expected to be an excit-
On the other hand, PC’s girls have continued to find the net often and it will be interesting to witness whether these two teams can score as prolifically against each other’s defence.
The curtains will come down on the semifinal stage with Dolphin Secondary taking on South Ruimveldt Secondary from 17:00h, for the last spot in the boys’ final. While playing good football, both teams have surprised the competition getting this far, making today’s battle a proverbial clash of the underdogs.
pions Waramuri Primary Top. The clash will certainly be an entertaining one as both teams have displayed their strengths in the tournament thus far. On both sides, team efforts have been able to get them through the tournament, but there are still a few individual talents to look out for.
In Bartica’s case, Nerismar Williams is one to look out
ing one.
The second girls’ semi-final is scheduled for 16:00h and will feature last year’s runners-up, President’s College, pitted against the new kids on the block, Santa Rosa Secondary girls. Throughout the tournament, Santa Rosa have been a goal machine, but they were tamed in the quarter-finals, registering their narrowest victory yet (3-0).
Ten races are listed on the provisional programme, and entries will open from July 27 and close on August 3. No late entries will be accepted at this year’s Guyana Cup.
With this year’s Guyana
Cup purse being the biggest in the Caribbean, horses from various countries will be compelled to travel to Guyana and battle for supremacy.
In addition to the feature event, which will run at approximately 1800 metres, other races on the provisional card include: the 1600-metre derby, 1000-metre Sprint Classic, the 1000-metre two-yearold, 1000-metre F1 class, the 1600-metre H1 class, the 1400-metre J & Lower, 1400-metre K Class, 1400-metre L Class and 1400-metre non-earners.
The ExxonMobil U14 tournament is also supported by Stenna Drilling Inc, MVP Sports, and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) under its Pepsi Brand.
The first to fourth-place finishers in the ExxonMobil tournament (both boys and girls) will cart off $400,000, $200,000, $100,000 and $75, 000 respectively for a school project of their choice.
“We played very well defensively” – Captain Ronoko commends teammates …as
FBounty Colts clinch GABA U-23 championship
ree throws win games, as the unbeaten Bounty Colts, led by Ronoko Vaughn, were able to demonstrate when they pierced Kwakwani Untouchables’ defence to win the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under-23 Basketball Championship on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
Bounty Colts came out with vengeance on their minds in the first quarter, as they managed to penetrate their opponents’ defence to grab an early 1716 lead, setting the tempo of the game.
The second quarter saw the Colts again showing their ability to penetrate their opponents’ defence as they scored 19 points in that session to elevate their score to 36 points, while Kwakwani scored 14 points to take their total to 30 at the end of that quarter.
Third-quarter action saw the Upper Demerara outfit keeping their composure as they erased Colts’ lead. As Kwakwani managed to come out on top of proceedings, they scored 24 points elevating their score to 54 while the Colts were restricted to 17 points and their total points to 53 at the end of the quarter.
With seconds to go in the game, the Bounty Colts outfit pounced on Kwakwani as Colts’ Camelo-Man -SonHing from the spot netted two free-throws to secure their victory with the scoreline reading 76-75.
Charles Williams led the offence again for Bounty
Colts as he top-scored with 23 points, while CameloMan -Son-Hing contributed 17 points, with Shannon Wilson producing 14 points.
On the losing side with 21 points was the Kwakwani Untouchables’ Kelon Phillips as he continues to be consistent. He received assistance from Kadeem Dover with 20 points and Travis Lewis with 10 points.
In individual accolades, Charles Williams with his ability to control the offensive end for Bounty Colts helping them maintain an unbeaten streak, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Finals while Carmelo-Man – SonHing copped the MVP-ofthe-Tournament award.
In an invited comment to media operatives, Bounty Colts’ Vaughn expounded on the motivation towards Saturday night's victory and the key to their success.
“Defence, they were giving us the easy way to go and we were able to execute on the offence, having a bit.. we played very well [in] defence and that was what stopped them the most. Well, we didn’t win the VPL, the big league so that was one of the motivations, and some of the guys never won the championship, I have never won a championship ever in my life so this is my first and that is what drove us and pushed us to excel and to want to give others a championship and also to have the feeling again,” Vaughn explained.
This league was proudly sponsored by Wilson Plumbing Services and General Supplies and supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC), through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS).
Easy Time will return to defend his Guyana Cup title on August 11
A glimpse of what to expect during the ExxonMobil U14 semi-finals today
Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Finals, Charles Williams
