Guyana Times - Monday, June 17, 2024

Single mother receives new home from Men on

Bartica man confesses to stealing from church 2 Guyanese fishermen arrested for illegal entry into Suriname

Govt to expand categories obligating foreign companies to offer Guyanese workers 1st preference Vagrant killed during argument at Stabroek Market

Single mother of three, Yogeita Bhagwandeen wiped away tears of joy as she received the keys to her brand-new home in La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara on Sunday. The home, courtesy of the Men on Mission (MoM) programme, represents a fresh start for 39-year-old Bhagwandeen and her children after years of hardship (Office of the President photo)

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, June 17 –01:30h-03:00h and Tuesday, June 18 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, June 17 –12:45h-14:15h and Tuesday, June 18 – 13:45h-15:15h.

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 during the day and at night, with sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to South South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 13:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.26 metres.

Low Tide: 06:43h and 19:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.92 metre and 0.95 metre.

Unity, solidarity among workers have always been cornerstones of our progress – PM Phillips …on 76th anniversary of Enmore Martyrs

Sunday marked 76 years since five sugar workers – the Enmore Martyrs – made the ultimate sacrifice in their fight for better working conditions under plantocracy and according to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, such unity and solidarity displayed by the workers have been the key to Guyana’s progress.

PM Phillips made these remarks during the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Enmore Martyr’s Monument in Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

Faced with severe social and economic hardships, the oppressive “cut and load” cane harvesting system, and the denial of a representative union, sugar workers were compelled to protest under the plantocracy. During that protest, Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi, and Harry were shot dead on June 16, 1948 by police.

According to the prime minister, the five slain sugar workers left a proud legacy that teaches the power of collective action can ignite change and that every voice, no matter how small, contributes to the larger call for fairness and dignity.

“Unity and solidarity among workers have always been the cornerstones of our progress. The Enmore Martyrs fight was not just for themselves but for the collective good of all workers. It is a powerful reminder that we can all achieve great things when we stand together. Their legacy calls on us to continue to work in unity to support one and another, and to fight for the rights and dignity of every worker in Guyana,” he said to the gathering at the annual commemoration ceremony.

In remembering the Enmore Martyrs, Phillips reminded that the struggle for a better life is continuous and must be carried forward by each generation.

“As we honour their memory, we must also reflect on our citizens’ responsibility to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. This means advocating for fair labour practices, supporting workers’ rights and striv

ing to create an environment where every citizen can thrive without fear of exploitation,” he noted.

Progress

The prime minister went onto highlight the progress made over the years in labour rights and improv-

ing working conditions, and more recently, under the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Despite this progress, however, Phillips underscored the importance of also reflecting on the ongoing challenges that workers face today including harsh conditions and unfair treatment. He said the PPPP/C Government is committed to continuing the fight for justice and equality, ensuring that every worker is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“The impact of the Enmore Martyrs extends far beyond the Labour Movement.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips about to lay a wreath at the Enmore Martyrs Monument during Sunday’s commemoration ceremony

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544

223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Desiderata for US on Guyana

The June edition of the Washington-based online news magazine, “The Diplomat”, offers a useful summary by a research associate of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on the recent roles of the US and China in the present conflict initiated by Venezuela in its century-long pursuit of our Essequibo. Basically, it enumerates a score of instances by both countries concerning the controversy that Venezuela has escalated and recommends a more robust role for the US since it shows China is running with the hares and hunting with the hounds when it comes to our interests. The writer cautions:

“These incidents underscore the fact that while China may appear to be playing both sides of the Essequibo dispute, it remains too important of a partner for either Venezuela or Guyana to dispense with. A more robust US strategy for engagement with Guyana is needed not only for Washington to better compete with China, but also to allow Guyana to engage on more even footing with both Beijing and Caracas.

“A starting point for this strategy should be doubling down on US core competencies in the security and defence sector. While recent moves to help modernise the GDF are encouraging, China has also made inroads in military cooperation with Guyana, having sold a Y-12 patrol aircraft and donated some US$2.6 million worth of vehicles to the GDF and Police since 2017. In fiscal year 2021, just 30 members of the Guyanese armed forces received training from the United States, none of them at US service academies or regional centres. Meanwhile, year-over-year, dozens of officers of the roughly 4500-strong GDF have received training in China.

“As Guyana looks to modernise and upgrade its defence capabilities with a much-expanded budget for the GDF, the United States should be at the forefront in providing assistance through Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military Education and Training programmes.

“Argentina’s recent purchase of F-16 fighter jets with FMF is a particularly instructive example here. The deal was the first time Argentina received equipment through FMF in more than 20 years, and was important in countering China’s efforts to increase defence ties by marketing its own fighters to Buenos Aires. Increasing FMF to Guyana is a clear avenue through which the United States can maintain itself as a defence partner of choice and help Georgetown to maintain deterrence against its neighbour.

“Beyond security, the United States should leverage its development tools to compete with China on infrastructure and energy projects, where it has thus far been largely absent. Crucial to these initiatives will be the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which has been heralded as critical to spearheading the counteroffer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. But the DFC’s reliance on World Bank country income classifications means it has limited ability to operate in Guyana, which was recently elevated to high-income status as a consequence of its oil boom. This label overlooks still-dramatic income disparities within Guyana and developmental needs in the energy transmission, transportation, health, and sanitation sectors. A more ambitious agenda from the DFC for Guyana can pave the way to allowing US companies to compete for contracts in these sectors instead of ceding them to Chinese firms.

“Finally, the United States should work to shore up the Argyle accords signed by Venezuela and Guyana, committing the two to peaceful resolution of disputes regarding Essequibo. Drawing attention to Venezuela’s escalatory rhetoric and compellence strategy toward Guyana is critical to demonstrate the international community is watching and invested in maintaining interstate peace in the region.

“Sustained US attention and support will also help to demonstrate the contradictory approach China has taken, and reinforce the value of the US-led rules-based international order at a time when such support is under pressure from all corners. Indeed, failure to maintain extended deterrence against Venezuela will carry far-reaching implications for all countries counting on Washington to support them in the face of pressure by revisionist powers.”

Lack of knowledge to locate data, credible information to inform analysis

Dear Editor, Reference is made to Dr CK Hunte’s letter of June 16, 2024, referring to my letter in response to him regarding the accounting treatment of the royalties.

The goodly Professor concluded that my responses are “red herrings” and irrelevant, and asked that I complete a table which he constructed with missing data for the number of barrels of crude extracted, sold, price per barrel, total revenue, royalties, and exchange rate for the year 2023.

The learned professor believes that my previous responses were irrelevant because [ExxonMobil Guyana Limited] EMGL did not provide those explanations in the notes of their financial statements.

With the greatest of respect, I am afraid that Dr Hunte continues to expose his deep lack of knowledge on these matters.

Whether there was a note included in the financial statements or not, anyone conducting a proper analysis of the activities in the oil and gas sector and the earnings derived therefrom – ought to be knowledgeable of the Petroleum Agreement (2016), the relevant pieces of legislation that govern the sector, and ought to examine the financial statements in conjunction with the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) reports published by the Bank of Guyana.

Dr Hunte completely ignored the fact that I pointed him to Article 15.6 of the Petroleum

Agreement, which establishes the form of payment of royalty, the accounting treatment of royalty, the calculation of royalty, and the stipulated timelines by when royalty ought to be deposited following each “lift”.

How could this be irrelevant when this is the established authority that governs the oil and gas production activities, which include the fiscal terms? One has to be of a “rare calibre” of intellectualism to discern such a conclusion that my responses thereof were red herrings and irrelevant.

Anyone who is a practising economist, financial analyst or researcher, ought to know the sources of credible data that they would require to conduct their work – and be able to independently locate that information directly from the authoritative sources. Dr Hunte has been writing on the oil and gas industry for the past three years and still appears to not know where to locate data and credible information to inform his analysis.

I say this, because, with regard to his table that he has asked me to fill in the blanks, I don’t need to do that. But I can certainly point him to the relevant authoritative report and the source with the data he has requested of me – for his own edification and future reference.

In accordance with the Natural Resource Fund Act (2021), the Bank of Guyana has been designated the responsibility for the operational management of the NRF.

Accordingly, the Bank is mandated to publish monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on the activities of the NRF.

As such, the data Dr Hunte requested as per his table, those can be found in the NRF Quarterly Report as of December 31, 2023, which is publicly available on the Bank of Guyana website. The report contains the market value of the fund, the total receipts paid into the fund (profit oil and royalties), a chart with the oil price for each month of the fiscal year, the average price, the exchange (Bank of Guyana Rate), total revenue deposited from the inception, total number of lifts for the year (each lift is equivalent to 1 million barrels), transfers to the Consolidated Fund and the note that Dr Hunte dismissed as irrelevant since it was not in the financial statements of the oil companies, that note, which I explained in my previous letter, is actually explained in the footnotes of the NRF report.

With that said, I do hope that Dr Hunte will now familiarise himself thoroughly with all the abovementioned reports, the Petroleum Agreement (2016) and legislation – namely the Natural Resource Fund Act (2021), the Petroleum Activities Act (2023), the Local Content Act (2021), so that we can engage in more meaningful discussions or debate going forward.

Sincerely, Joel

Bhagwandin

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips leading the Men on Mission (MOM) countrywide walk against violence on Sunday (Office of the President photos)

Attributes of Eid-ul-Adha invaluable in a multi-religious society – PPP

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends heartfelt Eidul-Adha greetings and best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Guyana and the Diaspora.

As a national holiday, Eid-ul-Adha symbolises profound humil -

ity and the willingness to make selfless sacrifices in obedience to God. Its message is significant for the spiritual upliftment of all humanity, promoting peace and unity. The holiday coincides with the annual Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, which exem -

Let us not forget lessons of sacrifice – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission

(ERC) extends warm Eid–ul–Adha greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters, and all Guyanese as we observe this significant occasion.

Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, Eid-ul-Adha marks the culmination of The Pilgrimage to Mecca or the Hajj. The event amplifies a profound message of humility and serves as a poignant reminder to all to extoll the values of dutifulness, obedience to God, and selflessness.

The significance of the sacred rituals of the Hajj and the celebration of Eid-ulAdha is an opportunity for all Guyanese to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, regardless of our ethnic or religious backgrounds. In our generosity and kindness with our less fortunate neighbours, friends, and members of our community, we showcase the essence

of Eid-ul-Adha and reinforce the spirit of humanity that binds us together.

During this national holiday, as we gather with our loved ones to offer prayers, share meals, and exchange warm wishes, let us not forget the lessons of sacrifice and empathy that Eid-ul-Adha and the Hajj teach us.

May this occasion inspire us to be more compassionate, understanding, and forgiving towards one another.

It is the view of the Commission that our celebration of Eid-ulAdha, as with other religious observances, serves as a testament to the peaceful coexistence and religious freedom that we cherish in Guyana. It serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the collective efforts required to build a society grounded in respect, tolerance, dignity, and decency.

Eid Mubarak from the Ethnic Relations Commission!

plifies sacrifice in fulfilling religious duties and underscores the teachings of equality.

The observance of Eid-ul-Adha highlights humane qualities such as generosity, morality, and love for others,

especially the less fortunate. In a multi-religious society like Guyana, these attributes are invaluable in fostering and strengthening bonds among our people, enhancing understanding and appre -

ciation of our diverse cultures.

As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate in traditional ways, the Party urges everyone to reflect on the profound messages of the occasion

and the numerous sacrifices Guyanese have made over time for self-advancement and nation-building, all aimed at achieving a better life and future for all.

Eid Mubarak!

Take a moment to remember the less fortunate in our society

In every lifetime, humanity is frequently faced with the decision to make major sacrifices. Whether it's an individual, a family, a community, or a government, some sacrifices offer no alternatives. Something cherished deeply must be relinquished for the greater good. This is the fundamental essence of the Eid-ul-Adha festival, which Muslims observe to honour Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) relates to this story of obedience to God and joins Muslims in their observance of Eid-ul-Adha 2024.

In a powerful re -

sponse to God's request, Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael were tested with the ultimate trial of faith, submission, and sacrifice. Ibrahim successfully demonstrated the strength of his belief and his willingness to submit to God.

As we commemorate this significant day on the Muslim calendar, let us take a moment to remember the less fortunate in our society. While our nation progresses and achieves new heights, it's important to acknowledge that there are individuals among us who require our support and assistance. These individuals are our fellow brothers and sisters, and it's our responsibility to ensure that we all progress together

– GAWU

and that no one is left behind. This enduring message of unity is one of the most important aspects of the Eid-ulAdha observance. Let's make this Eid-ul-Adha a time to share love and blessings with our friends and families.

Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak to all Guyanese. GAWU trusts that the inspiration embedded in the festival of Eid-ul-Adha can result in early rewards for all.

A blessed Eid-ulAdha to all from GAWU.

Page Foundation

Ratios

Example

Rainfall and erosion

Water the pans gently so the force of the water pouring on the dirt does not push the seeds around. You will have to use your judgment when watering the plants. You want the soil to be wet, but not flooded. If water starts to collect in the cake pans, this means you may be over-watering. Drain the cake pans and reduce the amount of water you apply.

Make sure you water the bread pans with seeds and the bread pans without seeds. This will ensure that your experimental control (the bread pans without seeds) received the same amount of water throughout the experiment as the bread pans with seeds. This

also simulates real-world rainfall conditions (a hill without plants would receive the same amount of rainfall as a hill with plants).

Make two vertical cuts halfway down the short side of each bread pan, then fold down the top half of that side to expose the soil. This will allow soil to flow out of the pan for your erosion test.

Empty and dry out the cake pans, if necessary.

Prop up one end of a bread pan on a shallow plastic container that is roughly 3–5 cm high; place the cut end of the bread pan into the cake pan to simulate plants on a hill. Fill up your watering can. It is important to have the same amount of water in the

watering can at the start of each trial. Use the watering can to simulate “rain” on the bread pan by carefully following these steps: Hold the watering can up high enough that you can pour water onto the entire bread pan at once. This simulates even rainfall across the entire area. Note that this will result in some water landing outside of the pans, which is why you need to do the experiment outside.

Do not hold the watering can too close to the bread pan so the water only hits a concentrated area. You want to make sure the water hits the entire bread pan at once.

Count to five slowly while pouring water onto the bread

1) A group of 15 nations has $100 million to share. What is each country's share.

2) Sammy rode his bike 75 kilometres in 3 days. How many kilometres did he ride every day?

3) Mom uses 5 pounds of butter in a recipe for 15 loaves of bread. How much butter did she use for each loaf?

4) It took three truckloads of sand to fill Diana's 40-square-metre backyard. How much sand was used for each square metre?

5) Aparna puts seven litres of gasoline in a 23-litre tank. How much of the tank did she fill?

pan. Pay close attention to how much you tilt the watering can, and how hard the water falls on the bread pan. You will need to use the exact same method for each of your trials.

After the test, you should be left with a cake pan filled with soil and water. Carefully drain the water out of the cake pan, without spilling any of the soil, so you are left with only the soil in the pan. This is the soil that was eroded from your “hillside” (the bread pan) by “rain” from your watering can. Note that a small amount of soil suspended in the water may also drain out of the pan, but it should be a small enough amount that it does not impact your results.

Use your kitchen scale to measure the mass of the cake pan and soil. Subtract the mass of an empty cake pan (which you should have measured earlier) from the combined mass of the soil and pan, to calculate the mass of the soil alone. Enter this value in your data table.

Repeat steps 4–10 for each of your remaining bread pans. Be sure to simulate rain for each pan as consistently as possible. Refill your watering can each time, even if you do not empty it all the way. This will allow you to apply consistent water flow for each trial.

Analyse your results

Calculate an average value

of the mass of the eroded soil for the pans with seeds and the pans with no seeds. Record the averages in your data table.

Make a bar graph of your results, with the type of pan (seeds or no seeds) on the x-axis (horizontal line), and the average mass of eroded soil on the y-axis (vertical line).

Looking at your data, would you conclude that plants helped reduce the amount of eroded soil due to rain?

How do you think plants can be used to help reduce erosion in the real world? How do you think real-world situations might be similar to, or different from, your experiment?

(Adapted from Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies)

6-year-old hospitalised with suspected gunshot wound, in critical condition

…parents’ hands tested for gunshot residue

Police on the East Coast of Demerara are investigating an incident in which a six-year-old child sustained suspected gunshot injuries at her home in Mon Repos, ECD.

Reports are that the incident occurred sometime between 10:30h on Saturday and 05:30h on Sunday. Investigations reveal that the child resides with her parents and sister. According to Police, the child’s mother said that she put her daughter to bed at around 10:30h on Saturday. However, at about 05:30h on Sunday, she awoke to use the

washroom and heard her daughter groaning. Upon checking, she discovered the child’s head and clothing drenched in what appeared to be blood.

The parents immediately rushed the child to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was examined and a

Computed Tomography (CT) scan was performed. The child is scheduled for surgery, and her condition is listed as critical.

According to Police, a team from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters visited the home, a flat wooden building after a report

Unity, solidarity among workers have...

Their sacrifice has shaped our national consciousness and has become the symbol of resilience and determination. They have inspired generations to stand up against injustice and strive for a better future. Today, we honour their memory by renewing our commitment to these principles… I call upon all of us to draw inspiration from the Enmore Martyrs. Let their legacy guide us and guide our action as we continue to fight for justice, equality and the protection of workers’ rights,” the PM posited.

Struggles

Meanwhile, also making a tribute at Sunday’s commemoration was President of the Guyana

Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, who said the brutal gunning down of five sugar workers ignited the consciousness of people to confront the exploitative and oppressive colonial system. He noted that those killings inspired several exciting chapters and successes that followed to protect workers’ rights in Guyana.

“The Enmore incident and the martyrdom served in many quarters as an awakening call… Unlike the past, the brutally of Enmore 1948 did not cower the workers nor dampen their spirit but rather awaken them that their struggles can bring a better tomorrow for other generations to enjoy,” he stat-

ed.

Narine recalled that foremost amongst the struggles was the call by the protesting workers to be represented by a union of their choice – a right was finally won in 1976. He said more than three-quarters of a century later, the sacrifices of those martyrs were not in vain as the sugar industry continues to make meaningful contributions to Guyana’s economy and its people.

He said GAWU, the leading union representing sugar workers, remains optimistic about efforts to revitalise the sugar industry.

“The GAWU remains firm in its belief that the sugar industry has brighter days ahead. The strug-

was made. Detectives reported that upon inspection, they observed a suspected gunshot entry hole in the zinc roof above the child’s bed and found reddish stains, suspected to be blood, on the bed. No spent shell was found in or around the dwelling.

FROM PAGE 3

gle of the Enmore Martyrs remains internalised from what it represented and the gains it brought to our people and country. Enmore 1948 represented a new beginning, a changing of the tide and the first step to our self-determination. Today, our country owes an eternal debt to the Enmore Five and their comrades who stood valiantly in defence of their self-worth and dignity… The enduring lessons of Enmore remain that in our togetherness, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Let us collectively work together, hand in hand to develop our great nation and ensure better days for this and future generation of Guyanese,” the union’s president urged. (G8)

The police swabbed the hands of the child’s parents for gunshot residue. Several individuals were questioned, but no one provided relevant information or reported hearing a gunshot, Police said.

The investigation has been launched. (G9)

Bartica man confesses

to stealing from church

A37-year-old construction worker of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), was arrested on Sunday morning after confessing to stealing several items from a local church.

Reports are that the theft occurred at the Good News Fellowship Full Gospel Church located at Fourth Avenue, Bartica between 20:00h on Saturday and 07:30h on Sunday.

The suspect confessed to stealing four cases of Banks Malta valued at $20,000, three cases of Thrill soft drinks valued at $7,800, and a music box worth $150,000, totaling $178,000.

The 60-year-old pas-

tor of the church reported that he secured the building at 20:00h on Saturday and discovered the theft upon returning at 07:30h on Sunday. Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage shows the suspect leaving the church with the stolen items.

Police apprehended the man at his residence at 11:00h on Sunday and he subsequently admitted to the crime. He later led police to 7th Avenue Bartica, opposite a burial ground, where the stolen music box was recovered. He claimed he shared some of the stolen beverages with friends. He is currently in custody at Bartica Police Station, pending charges. (G9)

Vagrant killed during argument at Stabroek Market

A33-year-old man is in police custody following a fatal altercation on Saturday evening, where he struck a vagrant with a piece of wood, resulting in the man's death.

Dead is Munilad Persaud, known as “Roach,” a homeless individual with no fixed abode. The incident occurred around 18:35h behind the Stabroek Fire Station on Water Street, Georgetown.

According to Police,

the suspect reported that his 35-year-old brother, a known drug addict, frequents the Stabroek Market area and explained that he often visited the market in search of his brother and had seen Persaud in his brother's company on previous occasions.

On Saturday, the suspect said that he arrived at the Stabroek Market around 17:00h in search of his brother but was unable to find him. He claimed that he encoun-

tered Persaud on Water Street, behind the fire station, and offered him $2,500 to help locate his brother. About 30 minutes later, Persaud returned, stating he could not find the suspect’s brother.

An argument ensued between the suspect and Persaud, during which the suspect picked up a piece of wood lying nearby and allegedly struck Persaud in the chest. Persaud staggered a few steps before collapsing

and becoming unresponsive.

The suspect, employed as a sales assistant at a prominent business, fled the scene, taking a speedboat from the Georgetown Ferry Stelling to Vreed-enHoop, where he was subsequently arrested by the police.

Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned and Persaud was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation has been launched. (G9)

Police hunting Venezuelan who set miner on fire

Law enforcement officers in Essequibo are actively searching for a Venezuelan man, who allegedly set a miner

on fire after accusing him of having a relationship with his wife.

Reports are that the injured man, 32-year-

old Valon "Doug" Evans of Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) reportedly left his camp around 20:00h

on Saturday to celebrate his birthday with drinks at Wenamu Backdam landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to police, Evans later went to the camp of the suspect, known as "Manuel," and fell asleep there but at about 04:00h on Sunday, the suspect returned to his camp, found Evans sleeping, and became enraged. He accused Evans of having an affair with his reputed wife. The man then threw a flammable substance on Evans and set him alight before fleeing the scene.

Evans managed to reach the Wenamu Health Post, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition is listed as stable. An investigation has been launched as police search for the suspect. (G9)

Gold, gold…

…everywhere

It was in the 1890s that it was discovered “there’s gold in them, thar hills” in our interior!! It created a revolution in our landuse since up to then, we were all clinging on for dear life – like ants on a string with honey – that was our single public road from Charity to Crabwood Creek!! Following the lure of the precious metal, thousands left their families on the coast and rushed into the jungles to become prospectors – or in our local parlance, “pork-knockers”, because they would hunt, roast and eat the “wild hogs” in the said jungles!!

A whole new culture developed when these pork-knockers returned to the coast with their earnings or findings in solid gold. The phrase “wine, women and song” barely described their life as they literally had money to burn – as one named Fredrick Mahaica famously did to light his cigars!! Their notoriety spread across the land as they spread their wealth around liberally! Sadly, most of these pork-knockers would repeat the cycle and die penniless and unmourned.

Well, fast forward to the 21st century and gold’s once more in the news – but for a whole new reason – and on a scale few would’ve thought possible back in the day!! Wealth from gold back then was seen in the Portuguese – who got involved in larger-scale gold mining, jewellery stores and pawn brokerages they opened up in Georgetown. Today, the Americans have accused a SINGLE operator of evading royalties of US$50 million in smuggled gold!! If the 8% royalty amounted to US$50 million that means the total value of the smuggled gold was a cool US$625 million!!

So we’re talking of US$BILLIONS circulating in a few hands. No wonder these modern-day pork-knockers have taken Fredrick Mahaica’s profligacy to a whole new level by giving away houses, cars, money and whatever!! But the world has also moved on to a whole new level…much more intertwined than when Britannia ruled the waves. Today, it’s the Americans who run what really determines rulership – the global financial system.

The US dollar is the primary currency to fund global trade and this gives the Yanks the rationale to track shipments of gold that would’ve been paid for in US$!! As your Eyewitness has emphasised, they could care less about us losing revenues!! What they ARE concerned about is that some of the US$ could be funnelled to finance terrorists in the Mid East where the gold’s being shipped!!

So now that the Yanks have made their findings public, believe your Eyewitness – this ain’t going away until somebody –or some bodies – are put away!! Remember how one fella was “renditioned” to face trial in the US?

That could be in the offing!!

…and old memory

In politics, candidates will go to extreme lengths to distinguish themselves from their opponents: public record, who’s more experienced and in the Caribbean with our “doctor politics” –who’s more educated!! But in the run-up to the November US presidential elections, we’ve got a real doozy between Biden and Trump. No…not who’s more embroiled in legal troubles, but who’s the most senile!!

The 81-year-old Biden’s forgetting where he is or what he’s supposed to be saying at public events has become more than embarrassing. Basically, his speeches are a bunch of non-sequiturs strung together from speeches he made decades ago – and which rises to the top of whatever’s now his “mind”!! At the Normandy landing commemoration, he was accused not only of “spatial disorientation” and “appearing confused” – but of pooping in his pants!!

Meanwhile, when the 78-year-old Trump suggested that Biden should take a “cognitive test” – like he did – in the next sentence he confused the name of the doctor who administered the test!!

…and bling

Your Eyewitness is very troubled that a brother – openly wearing his bling – was stopped at CJIA and accused of smuggling gold. This is nothing less than cultural oppression and persecution – equivalent to using the “N” word!!

Govt to expand categories obligating foreign companies to offer Guyanese workers 1st preference

The government has made its determina-

tion clear to push beyond the 40 carved out areas in the Local Content Act, in an effort to provide more opportunities for locals, something the Private Sector Commission (PSC) will be working closely on with the administration.

While the Local Content Act has already accelerated the opening up of opportunities for Guyanese, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat was adamant that the government will continue to work on improving the act.

Bharrat noted that Government is looking to expand the categories from which foreign companies are legally obligated to give Guyanese first preference work.

“Clearly, Guyana’s oil sector is not just about extracting resources; about building a sustainable future with our people at the helm. Our local content leg-

islation has already set the stage for Guyanese to thrive in 40 categories of work, but we are pushing further. Guyana is on a path to unprecedented growth, and we are ensuring that every citizen benefits from this prosperity,” Bharrat said. Meanwhile, representatives from the Natural Resources Ministry also met with the PSC on Friday, during which they discussed the Local Content Act and ways in which the private and public sector can work together to improve it.

Chaired by PSC Chairman Komal Singh, the meeting featured presentations from Chair of the PSC’s Local Content SubCommittee Shyam Nokta, and other members of the Committee which included representatives of the PSC Council.

“Principal among the issues raised and discussed was the need to revisit and expand on the 40 areas in Schedule I of the Local Content Act that have been set aside for Guyanese suppliers of goods and services,

in light of increasing capacity and investments by Guyanese businesses; the process and lengthy delays in receiving payments from some oil and gas companies,” a statement from PSC read.

“Greater transparency in the procurement processes and the need for unbundling; more information and forecasting of the future needs of the oil and gas sector so as to guide local investments; among others,” the PSC stated.

During the meeting,

Bharrat who was present, expressed the government’s “strong interest in expanding local content and examining all the proposals made by the PSC. Further, he pointed out that the government has previously collaborated with the private sector on local content, leading to much success. A commitment was made for the two sides to have monthly meetings, in order to jointly address local content challenges.

“It was agreed that the PSC’s Local Content Sub Committee and the ministry’s Local Content Secretariat will meet monthly to discuss the issues facing the private sector and also to come up with recommended actions to advance local content,” the statement said.

“The PSC wishes to commend the Government of Guyana for its firm stance on local content and for enacting Local Content Legislation which has facilitated, in a significant

way, Guyanese participation in the oil and gas supply chain.”

In December 2021, the National Assembly passed the Local Content Act which outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyaneseowned companies.

These include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Local Content Act mandates penalties such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.

The PSC team that engaged Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat (5th from left). Standing to his immediate right is PSC Chairman Komal Singh

Pres Ali makes pitch for Afreximbank to finance renewable energy projects, EV in region

…says Caribbean offers comparative advantages, opportunities

With the natural advantages that the Caribbean possesses, President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is also the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), recently made a call for the African Export Import (Afreximbank) to finance renewable energy projects and initiatives in the region.

President Ali was the main speaker at the recently held Afreximbank's 31st annual meeting in Nassau, the Bahamas. During his address, President Ali spoke of the renewable energy potential in the region, as compared to continental Europe.

“When you look at this region, you would notice that in renewable energy our region has the advantage of high sunshine radiation, with an average of 2,755 hours of sunshine

per year. This offers an interesting opportunity, in solar energy. For a matter of fact, in this region.”

“With the measurement of wind intensity showing an annual average wind speed of more than eight meters per second in some ter-

potential for African investors and the Afreximbank to finance these projects. President Ali made a specific pitch for financing so the region can become a major manufacturer of Electric Vehicles.

“Imagine, if Africa can come together, mobilise the capital and manufacture. We have the lowest environmental impact in the world. Imagine if we manufacture all the EV vehicles in the region with the lowest environmental impact. What marketing impact that would have?”

“Imagine, if Africa can come together, mobilise the capital and manufacture. We have the lowest environmental impact in the world. Imagine if we manufacture all the EV vehicles in the region with the lowest environmental impact. What marketing impact that would have?” – President Dr Irfaan Ali.

ritories. Compared with continental Europe wind farms, where the annual average wind speed is 5.5 meters per second. Those are advantages that we possess in this region,” President Ali further said.

He further noted the

“You have the technology; you have the capital. Through Afreximbank, we will design this. And we can make the world understand that there must be a value in manufacturing EV’s in the lowest environmentally impacted region in the world,” President Ali said.

Guyana itself has upped imports of Electric Vehicles, along with various changes to policies. With more than 200 electric vehicles now on Guyana’s roadways, the Government of Guyana has implemented several policies and initiatives to further enhance low-carbon transportation.

Currently, electric vehicles, regardless of the power rating, attract zero rates of duty and taxes, and there is an increase in the write-down allowance applicable to all-electric vehicles to 50 percent annually, to support businesses that decide to invest in eco-friendly cars.

Additionally, there are six publicly accessible EV charging stations, and a total of 50 persons have been trained to service EVs. The continuous uptake of electric vehicles demonstrates the country’s gradual shift to eco-friendly transportation, and highlights the importance of fostering electromobility growth in Guyana.

In Guyana, efforts to advance renewable wind energy has been largely private. Under the PPP/C Government in 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had approved construction of a private, US$45M Hope Wind Farm Project.

The project was earmarked to be located on 27 acres of land leased

from the state at Hope Beach (HB), and private leases at Chapman’s Grove (CHG), respectively some 28km and 30km southeast of the centre of Georgetown.

In 2023, Dr Frederick Sukhdeo, a consultant with Hope Wind Energy Incorporated, had stated that the project would be a publicly traded venture that would open up opportunities for anyone in Guyana to buy shares.

The PPP Administration has, however, made significant investments in solar energy as well as in hydropower. When it comes to hydropower, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) has dominated local conversations for years, and despite setbacks, the current administration is still actively pursuing investments in that project.

Between 2020 and 2023, investments have also been increased in clean renewable energy. Some 173 per cent increase in installed solar PV capacity – from 5.3 megawatts to 14.6 megawatts – has been recorded throughout Guyana.

And for this year, work will commence on a 10-megawatt solar farm in Berbice, an eight-megawatt solar farm in Essequibo, and a 0.6-megawatt solar farm in Leguan. The Government would be spending $4.8 billion to finance these projects. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

3 Guyanese companies providing fabrication services on 5th FPSO

…numerous other opportunities for locals – Govt

As more and more Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels continue to be added to Guyana’s oil and gas sector, so too does the opportunities for local companies. So much so that three Guyanese companies have been contracted to do fabrication work on the fifth FPSO.

The three companies in question are Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSSI), Asequith Guyana, and ZECO Group of Services.

According to MODEC, a Japanese company with the contract for the Errea Wittu FPSO in the Uaru project, these three Guyanese companies have been contracted to provide fabrication services.

“It will be one of the most sustainable FPSOs in the world, using an energy production system with a combined cycle turbine on board,” MODEC recently said. Additionally, there is the possibility of additional local cooperation, partnerships, and numerous spin-off benefits for local companies.

In a statement, the Ministry of Natural Resources explained that Guyanese are also being considered for work on Uaru and Whiptail–the two largest oil projects

in the ExxonMobil-led Stabroek Block.

“The Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for these two projects acknowledge that there will be opportunities for Guyanese support during the drilling and installation stage. Those documents also note that Exxon is working closely with its contractors and subcontractors in identifying additional suitable opportunities for Guyanese workforce development.”

“This is evidenced by the efforts of its FPSO contractors—MODEC and SBM Offshore. For the Uaru Project, the fifth development in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil has contracted MODEC to build an accompanying FPSO named, Errea Wittu. The FPSO will be designed to produce approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day in 2026.”

It was pointed out by the Ministry that the Local Content Act also provides for Guyanese to be considered for jobs that involve structural fabrication. This ensures that local content opportunities for Guyanese in the oil and gas sector are not only limited to non-technical, but the technical jobs as well.

Mention was also made of the Whiptail proj-

ect, which will be serviced by the Jaguar FPSO currently being built by SBM offshore. In May, SBM had issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking Guyanese companies capable of contributing to the building and fabrication of the Jaguar FPSO, to provide design, manufacturing, and supply services.

“Building on the experience to date of FPSOs Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and ONE GUYANA, SBM Offshore continues to commit to local content development in Guyana by sourcing fabrication scope locally and integrating Guyanese engineers into the execution and operational teams,” the Ministry said.

“Additional opportunities are also emerging for Guyanese, too, as ExxonMobil Guyana recently published a request for information (RFI) to identify engineering and construction suppliers who can provide pipe fabrication and assembly, engineering, drafting and installation procedure development services.”

Additionally, the Ministry pointed to Exxon’s plans for a multiyear agreement to fabricate and assemble carbon steel and thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) well jumpers- two important components for its oper-

ations offshore Guyana, right in Georgetown.

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

The Liza Phases One and Two and Payara projects, all of which combined are producing over 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three floating, production, storage and offloading

(FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block in waters offshore.

When it comes to the Prosperity FPSO, Exxon has been eyeing the possibility of increasing production there. EEPGL President Alistair Routledge had previously explained that they are going through reviews with government ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

An application for the sixth development, the Whiptail Project, was submitted by the Stabroek Block operator to the Guyana Government last year, and has already received the necessary approvals, with Exxon making its Final Investment Decision (FID) in April. This project will see Guyana producing just over 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

In addition to at least these six projects offshore Guyana that Exxon anticipates will be online by 2027, it is also eyeing the possibility of having 10 FPSOs operational by 2030.

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

2 Guyanese fishermen arrested for illegal entry into Suriname

Two Guyanese fishermen were apprehended in Surinamese waters on Wednesday morning. According to reports from the neighbouring country, a joint team comprising police and the Navy of Suriname's National Army arrested the men at about 05:00h.

Law enforcement officers in Suriname reported that they observed a green-painted wooden fishing vessel, identified as SK, with

four crew members navigating from the direction of Gabadoe.

The vessel's captain was ordered to halt at the confluence of the Suriname and Commewijne rivers. During the inspection, the captain was unable to present the vessel's documents and the required fishing license, claiming that these documents were with the vessel's owner.

The captain along with one other crew

member of Surinamese descent, did possess their personal documents. However, two other crew members of the crew were found without any documentation and were arrested.

The authorities directed the vessel and its crew to the New Amsterdam jetty. Subsequently the two fishermen were handed over to the Maritime Police base in Suriname for further investigation. (G9)

The Errea Wittu FPSO

Ranks of the Suriname National Army in Surinamese waters (Waterkant photo)

Interventions have dramatically improved child nutrition – Govt …says

UNICEF child poverty report used outdated info

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, in responding to a United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) report that painted an unflattering picture of Guyana’s child nutrition status, has revealed that it has in fact dramatically improved child nutrition between 2020 and 2024 and that the report used outdated data.

UNICEF published its report titled ‘Child Food Poverty-Nutrition deprivation in early childhood’, earlier this month. In the report, it was claimed that 20 per cent of children in Guyana are in severe food poverty.

However, in a recent statement, the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry debunked this, noting that the UNICEF report used data from Guyana that came from the 2019 and 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) reports.

“These 2019 and 2014 figures were also being compared to data going back as far as 2000 to assume trends. As a result, the findings of the report

are regrettably inaccurate,” the Ministry said.

Another factor working against Guyana, is the fact that the report considers data from five year and 10-year-old reports. However, because the report was published this year, Guyana was consistently listed as a ‘High income country’ in the datasets that were published.

“This is an undoubtedly unfair and flawed analysis, as in 2019 Guyana was considered by the World Bank to be an upper middle-income country and in 2014, long before the onset of oil revenues, Guyana was classified on the World Bank’s economic index as a lower middle-income country,” the Ministry explained.

“This cannot be ignored, as economic classifications in surveys are generally intended to aggregate and analyse data from groups of similar economies or similar countries… therefore it is fair to say that utilisation of dated statistics in tandem with an up-todate income classification without adequate con-

sideration for the significant economic shifts that have occurred over the past four years inherently places Guyana at a disadvantage.”

Another concern raised by the Ministry is the report’s lack of consideration for Guyana’s cultural diversity, which extends to food. According to the Ministry, the report did not adequately consider the nuances of diets in countries such as Guyana, noting that social-cultural variances while differing from other parts of the world, do not always mean bad.

“UNICEF, like many other UN agencies, relies extensively on data that they have collected themselves. This practice intentionally disregards the availability of more up-to-date administrative data in national agencies. For example, the Ministry of Health through its various programmes, including its epidemiological unit, has been able to provide current data in compilation of various reports at the local level.”

“However, such administrative data is re-

grettably not considered in the compilation of reports such as the 2014 and 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, as these rely wholly on data that UNICEF itself collects through surveys they conduct locally.”

Guyana’s approach

In Guyana, the PPP/C Government has introduced a number of initiatives to ensure the country’s children are properly fed. The Ministry of Education’s National School Feeding Programme is targeting some 126,000 students in 2024 for which some $4.9 billion was budgeted.

Last year, some 85,000 school children benefitted from this initiative.

This school Feeding programme targets all nursery schools and all primary Schools in Grades 1 and 2. It is implemented in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, 10 and in Georgetown, where children are given locally made biscuits and juices.

Regions Seven, Eight and Nine are targeted separately.

Under this initiative, the National Breakfast Programme was also launched in 2022, providing a daily meal to Grade Six students along the coastal regions that are Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. These programmes are in addition to the Education Ministry’s Hot Meal Programme which serves meals to primary and primary top students in Regions One (Barima-Waini); Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands -West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine, and 10.

UNICEF defines child food poverty as children’s inability to access and

consume a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood. It said children living in severe child food poverty are missing out on many nutrient-rich foods, while unhealthy foods are becoming entrenched in the diets of these children.

Globally, one in four children are living in severe child food poverty in early childhood, amounting to 181 million children under five years of age, the report states.

According to UNICEF, children who receives 0–2 food groups per day are living in severe child food poverty; 3–4 food groups per day are living in moderate child food poverty, and 5 or more food groups per day are not living in child food poverty.

In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, there is a 38 per cent of total child food poverty prevalence. The report had stated that the LAC region has the lowest percentage of children living in severe child food poverty with country estimates ranging from as low as three per cent in Costa Rica to 32 per cent in Haiti. (G3)

Prisoners reunite with children for Father's Day

An initiative by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) saw children of incarcerated fathers given the opportunity to spend quality time with their dads through the “Father’s Day Bonding Visits” program.

This event allowed children and other family members to share a meal and precious moments with their loved ones behind bars, fulfilling a long-held hope for many inmates.

GPS Director Nicklon Elliot acknowledged the complex emotions these fathers face, emphasising the profound impact of such visits.

“These sad realities highlight the importance of Father’s Day in

prison – an opportunity to re-solidify the bond between parent and child each year. And although it is a uniquely difficult time for many incarcerated fathers as they confront their limited role as caregivers, the day is celebrated nonetheless,” Elliot stated.

Elliot further underscored the significance of maintaining fami -

The inmates who were given the opportunity to see their children

ly ties for the well-being and rehabilitation of both prisoners and their families.

“It is moments like these that remind us of the importance of these relationships. When offenders remain connected to their families, it not only benefits their children but also en-

hances public safety by reducing recidivism,” he added.

The prison director further posited that family preservation is a priority in the prison system’s correctional approach.

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes

Male pattern baldness refers to a loss of hair on the scalp in males. It is not always possible to prevent it, but various treatments can reduce or reverse some of the hair loss. Male pattern baldness affects half of all men by the age of 50. It occurs as hormone levels change over time, especially as a person gets older.

Although a natural part of the aging process for many, hair loss can be distressing. Sudden hair loss can sometimes indicate a health condition that may need medical attention.

CAUSES OF MALE PATTERN BALDNESS

Many people find they lose their hair fullness as they age. This is because hair growth slows down over time. What leads to male pattern baldness is a combination of this slower growth and genetics. People who inherit certain genes are more susceptible to male pattern hair loss.

Research has linked several genetic changes to this type of hair

HEALTH TIPS

MEN’S HEALTH MONTH - HAIR LOSS

loss, but, so far, scientists have only confirmed one of them. This gene is known as the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The AR receptor gene controls how sensitive cells are to androgens or male sex hormones. These hormones influence the hair growth cycle.

Male pattern hair loss affects up to half of all white men by the age of 50 years, and up to 80% of men in the same group by the age of 70 years. Male pattern hair loss is less prevalent in other groups, such as among Chinese and Japanese people. If a person has first- and second-degree relatives who lost their hair due to age, they may have a higher likelihood of experiencing male pattern hair loss.

Male pattern hair loss also has associations with some medical conditions, including:

* Hypertension, or high blood pressure

* Obesity

* Diabetes

* Enlarged prostate

* Coronary heart disease

* Prostate cancer

Some of these conditions may result in elevated androgens, which could explain the link.

SYMPTOMS OF MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS

There are different types of hair loss, and they can manifest themselves in different ways. In male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, hair loss typically begins at the hairline or on top of the head. Slowly, the hairline recedes, and the hair thins. For some, the hair

loss stops there, leaving the hair on the sides and back of the head intact. Some people lose more hair, some less. Hair loss that occurs suddenly, in patches, or with additional symptoms could be a sign of a different condition that requires treatment.

TREATMENT FOR MALE PATTERN BALDNESS

For some, male pattern hair loss can be a typical part of growing older. Some people embrace the change and do not perceive a need for treatment. In others, hair loss can trigger negative feelings, such as low self-esteem. For people who do want treatment, there are ways to reduce hair loss, or, in some cases, reverse it.

The available options include topical treatments, medicated shampoos, oral medications, hair transplants, laser or light therapy.

Medication for male pattern baldness

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of drug treatment for male pattern baldness.

dutasteride

Finasteride is an oral medication available only on prescription. It is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that works by blocking the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that plays a role in male pattern hair loss.

* Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical treatment. It is available over the counter at pharmacies, usually as a lotion or foam. Scientists originally developed minoxidil to treat blood pressure, but some people noticed additional hair growth as a side effect while using it. It is

Treatment involves taking a daily pill, which people can use alone or in combination with minoxidil. It can take around 6 months for results to appear. If a person stops the medication, the effects would be reversed.

Finasteride can slow down hair loss in around 80–90% of males who take it. It can also result in some regrowth, particularly when people begin finasteride as soon as

unclear exactly how it works. It can take 6–12 months for results to appear. To maintain the effects, a person must use the medication indefinitely. Potential adverse effects can include itchiness, irritation, and headaches. Rarely, people can have more serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions.

* Finasteride and

they notice signs of hair loss. In some, finasteride causes side effects such as: reduced sex drive, difficulty maintaining an erection, breast tissue tenderness or enlargement, depression. This could indicate androgen levels are too low.

Shampoo for male pattern hair loss

There is some evi-

dence that certain medicated shampoos can reduce male pattern hair loss. Ketoconazole is an antifungal and antiandrogen medication present in dandruff shampoos such as Nizoral. A 2019 review of past studies found evidence that it can increase hair shaft thickness and improve hair loss.

However, it is worth noting that one of the researchers was on the medical board for Janssen Biotech Inc., which produces Nizoral shampoo. As a result, there may be a conflict of interest.

Hair transplantation

Hair transplantation involves taking hair from elsewhere on the body and grafting it onto the scalp.

Laser treatment for hair loss

Laser therapy may have promise for slowing hair loss, but the evidence supporting this option is not as strong as the evidence for other treatments.

If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or occurs with other symptoms, people should contact a doctor. These symptoms could include:

* Itchiness

* Inflammation

* Dry, flaky scalp

* Tiredness

* Unexplained weight loss or gain

* Persistent stress, anxiety, or low mood

A doctor would be able to check a person’s symptoms and medical history to look for potential explanations. If necessary, they can also perform diagnostic tests.

OIL NEWS

80 more years of oil: The big attraction of carbon capture

Over the past few years, Big Oil has been heavily investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, ostensibly to offset CO2 emissions from the energy commodities they produce.

Environmentalists have largely dismissed these efforts as mere greenwashing, with experts warning that CCS technology is so far unproven at the scale needed for meaningful decarbonisation. Well, maybe environmentalists have been right all along, with new research revealing that carbon capture can extend the productivity of near-depleted oilfields for many decades.

Calgary-based senior geological advisor Menhwei Zhao has conducted an AAPG Bulletin study regarding the use of CCS in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). He analysed more than 22 years of production data from the Weyburn Midale oil pool in Saskatchewan, which since 2000 has been receiving carbon dioxide injections thus making it the world’s longest-running EOR project. Zhao concluded that the pool would have stopped producing oil by 2016 without CO2 injection, but that “enhanced oil recovery could extend the pool’s lifespan to 39 or even 84 more years”. Although Zhao acknowledges that he focused on a specific project in Canada, he says he would expect to see “similar results” for large-scale CCS projects around the world.

Zhao’s claims might not be exaggerated: The Wasson Field’s Denver Unit CO2 EOR project resulted in a nearly seven-fold increase in crude production after injecting CO2.

These findings come at a time when Canadian and Alberta Governments are lining up more than $15.3 billion in tax credits to the country’s largest oil sands producers for CCS projects. Canada is not alone. The UK government is promising £20 billion in CCS subsidies while US oil and gas producers can obtain a tax credit of US$85 for every tonne of carbon dioxide they bury in underground geological formations (the credit is lowered to US$60 per tonne if the CO2 is used for EOR).

Last year, E&P giant ExxonMobil acquired the developer of CCS solutions, Denbury Inc in an all-stock transaction valued at US$4.9 billion. Denbury recycles CO2 through its EOR operations, and uses it to produce environmentally-friendly, carbon-negative Blue Oil. Now one of Exxon’s subsidiaries, Denbury owns the largest CO2 pipeline network in the US at 1300 miles, including nearly 925 miles of CO2 pipelines in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, as well as 10 onshore sequestration sites. Last year, ExxonMobil signed a long-term contract with industrial gas company Linde Plc that involves offtake of carbon dioxide associated with Linde’s planned clean hydrogen project in Beaumont, Texas. Exxon will transport and permanently store as much as 2.2M metric tons/year of carbon dioxide each year from Linde’s plant.

Meanwhile, Exxon’s oil field services peer Schlumberger Ltd recently formed SLB New Energy unit that invests in five niche segments, including CCS. According to Gavin Rennick, President of SLB New Energy, each of these segments has a minimum addressable market of US$10 billion per year.

CCS for EOR

Crude oil production in US oil fields frequently encompasses three distinct phases: primary, secondary, and tertiary (or enhanced) recovery. During the primary recovery phase, gravity, the natural pressure of the reservoir and artificial lift techniques are used to drive oil into the wellbore. This initial phase typically recovers only about 10 per cent of a reservoir's original oil in place (OOIP). Secondary recovery techniques are used to extend a field's productive life usually by injecting water or gas to displace oil and drive it to a production wellbore, typically resulting in the recovery of 20 to 40 per cent of OOIP.

However, much of the easy-to-produce oil has already been recovered from US oil fields, forcing producers to turn to several tertiary, or enhanced oil recovery (EOR), techniques. EOR technologies offer prospects for ultimately producing 30 to 60 per cent, or more, of a reservoir's OOIP.

Three major categories of EOR have been found to be commercially successful: gas injection, chemical injection and thermal recovery. Gas injection is the most common EOR technology in the United States, accounting for nearly 60 per cent of EOR production in the country. Gas injection uses gases such as CO2, natural gas, or nitrogen that expand in a reservoir to push additional oil to a production wellbore while other gases dissolve in the oil and help to lower its viscosity and improve its flow rate. CO2 injection has been used successfully throughout the Permian Basin of West Texas and eastern New Mexico, as well as in Kansas, Mississippi, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Alaska, and Pennsylvania.

The U.S. DoE is currently researching novel techniques that could significantly improve the economic performance and expand the applicability of CO2 injection. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Military ‘pause’ on Gaza road inflames divisions in Israeli Government

When is a ceasefire not a ceasefire?

According to the Israeli army, when it’s a “local, tactical pause of military activity for humanitarian purposes”.

Israel’s humanitarian aid coordinator for Gaza set out the details of the scheduled daily pause, announced on Sunday, in fighting between 08:00 and 19:00 local time, along a key route running north from the Kerem Shalom crossing point, where aid is waiting to be delivered.

The announcement almost immediately triggered a furious political assault from far-right government Ministers – and a rapid defence from Israel’s army, insisting that it did not signal an end to the fighting in southern Gaza, or any change to the entry of humanitarian aid.

The fact that this announcement has proved so explosive highlights the increasingly fraught situation of Israel’s Prime Minister, caught between the costs of his vague and so far unattainable military goals of dismantling Hamas and bringing home the hostages, and the political allies he relies on to stay in power.

Agencies will still need to coordinate their movements with the Israeli army, and the Gaza director for the World Food Programme, Matt Hollingworth, said the test would be whether that coordination became smoother and faster as a result.

But he also said that coordination was only part of the obstacle agencies faced in delivering aid inside Gaza.

Sunday's announcement "doesn’t resolve the issue of insecurity and criminality,” he said. “And this is the most dangerous area of the Gaza Strip right now for moving aid.”

Aid agencies reported over the weekend that the continuing war was fuelling

acute malnutrition in parts of Gaza.

Israel is under pressure to get more aid into Gaza.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces stiff opposition from two far-right Cabinet colleagues, who say they will bring down his government if he agrees to end the war, and who see aid deliveries as delaying Israel’s victory.

But pressure over the costs of that war are rising at home too. Israel’s parallel conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon has escalated in recent days, highlighting the broader risks of continuing the war with their Hamas allies. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Peace talks tomorrow if Russia leaves Ukraine – Zelensky

Kyiv will hold peace talks with Russia tomorrow if Moscow pulls out of all Ukrainian territory, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

But speaking at the close of a summit for peace in Switzerland, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin would not end the war and had to be stopped "in any way we can", whether by military or diplomatic means.

Western aid was not enough to win the war, he added, but the summit had shown that international support for Ukraine was not weakening.

The meeting concluded with dozens of countries committing to Ukraine's territorial integrity.

A final document was ad-

opted which blamed the war's widespread suffering and destruction firmly on Russia.

However, several countries attending including India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia did not sign it.

The summit was aimed at creating the broadest possible backing for a process that could help end the war in Ukraine.

More than 90 countries and international organisations attended the summit.

Russia was not invited, and its biggest backer China was not present, leading some to cast doubt on the summit's effectiveness.

Some of those gathered in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock were not Ukraine's closest support-

ers, including Saudi Arabia, whose Foreign Minister has warned that Ukraine will have to make difficult compromises, and Kenya, which spoke out against recent sanctions on Russia.

The final document calls for Ukrainian control to be restored over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.

It also refers to Russia's invasion as a "war", a label which Moscow has rejected. It called for the exchange of all prisoners and the return of children abducted by Russia.

The most contentious topics, like the status of land under Russian occupation, will be left for later.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Women search the rubble of a destroyed dress shop in a residential building hit by Israeli bombardment, in the Daraj neighbourhood in Gaza City on June 14, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas [Getty Images]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Increase the pace and broaden your awareness. What you learn will help put your life in perspective. Distance yourself from anyone offering misinformation. Take a passionate approach.

Choose brain over brawn. Think about where your cash goes and how you can save or make more money. Don’t shy away from change. Distance yourself from iffy situations and pushy people.

Work toward your goals. Initiate a change that encourages learning and developing something of interest. Listen to your intuition, not to someone trying to take your cash.

Feel the love, embrace the moment and enjoy life. Take a step back from situations that make you uncomfortable or test your patience. Observation will lead to positive change.

You have time to ponder what you want to do next. Refuse to let anyone pressure you into something that isn’t right for you. Put your energy into self-improvement. Promote positive domestic changes.

Branch out and discover new things. A change can positively impact what you do next, but don’t buy into something you cannot afford. Get out there and mingle.

Home improvements will be costly. Doing some research will help you make the most of a situation that requires knowledge and skills. A chance to barter with someone with expertise you lack will pay off.

Let your passionate attitude lead the way, and success will follow. Envision how you want things to unfold. Refuse to let anyone interfere with your plans. Build opportunities.

Think big, but take baby steps. Protect your home and meaningful relationships from harmful influences. Think about how you spend your time and energy. Romance is in the stars.

Money and partnerships will go hand in hand. Respect and cooperation are necessary if you want to achieve your goal. A change at home will require positive energy and enthusiasm.

Take your time and do things right the first time. Making your surroundings more functional will keep you occupied and help you stay out of trouble. Trust your instincts.

Change begins with you, so don’t let someone else step in and take control. Put some effort into getting things done. Discipline and hard work will pay off.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES PICKLES

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Shaheen and Babar seal Pakistan's nervy win against Ireland

Pakistan made it more complicated than it needed to be, but Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi led them to a nervy three-wicket win to sign off their T20 World Cup campaign.

Shaheen led the way with the ball with three early wickets and finished the contest off with two sixes, while Babar shepherded a chase that he watched fall apart with an unbeaten 32.

Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf joined Shaheen among the wickets as Ireland were reduced to 32 for 6. At that stage, an early-afternoon finish appeared likely, but Gareth Delany and Mark Adair gritted their way through a 44-run partnership off 30 balls. Imad Wasim took care of the lower order with figures

of 3 for 8 in four overs, in what is likely his last game for Pakistan, but a cameo of 22 from Josh Little took Ireland to 106.

SCOREBOARD

Ireland (20 ovs maximum)

Andy Balbirnie

b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0

Paul Stirling (c)c †Mohammad

Rizwan b Mohammad Amir 1

Lorcan Tucker †c †Mohammad

Rizwan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 2

Harry Tector lbw

b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0

Curtis Campher c Saim Ayub

b Haris Rauf 7

George Dockrell

c & b Mohammad Amir 11

Gareth Delany c Shadab Khan

b Imad Wasim 31

Mark Adair c Shaheen Shah Afridi

b Imad Wasim 15

Barry McCarthy

b Imad Wasim 2

Josh Little not out 22

Ben White not out 5

Extras (lb 6, w 4) 10

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.30) 106/9

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Andy Balbirnie, 0.3 ov), 2-2 (Lorcan Tucker, 0.5 ov), 3-4 (Paul Stirling, 1.4 ov), 4-15 (Harry Tector, 2.6 ov), 5-28 (George Dockrell, 5.4 ov), 6-32 (Curtis Campher, 6.3 ov), 7-76 (Gareth Delany, 11.3 ov), 8-79

(Mark Adair, 13.3 ov), 9-80 (Barry McCarthy, 13.6 ov) •

DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-0-22-3

Mohammad Amir 4-1-11-2

Haris Rauf 4-0-17-1

3-0-31-0

Abbas Afridi

Shadab Khan 1-0-11-0

Imad Wasim 4-0-8-3

Pakistan (T: 107 runs from 20 ovs)

Mohammad Rizwan †c Adair

b McCarthy 17

Saim Ayub c †Tucker

b Adair 17

Babar Azam (c) not out 32

Fakhar Zaman c sub (GR Adair)

b Campher 5 Usman Khan c Tector

b McCarthy 2

Shadab Khan c †Tucker

b McCarthy 0

Imad Wasim c Tector

b Campher 4

Abbas Afridi c sub (GR Adair)

b White 17

Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 13

Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4

TOTAL 18.5 Ov (RR: 5.89) 111/7

Did not bat: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir

Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Saim Ayub, 4.1 ov), 2-39 (Mohammad Rizwan, 5.5 ov), 3-52 (Fakhar Zaman, 8.1 ov), 4-57 (Usman Khan, 9.1 ov), 5-57 (Shadab Khan, 9.3 ov), 6-62 (Imad Wasim, 10.6 ov), 7-95 (Abbas Afridi, 17.4 ov) • DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mark Adair 4-0-24-1

Josh Little 3-0-17-0

Barry McCarthy 4-1-15-3

Ben White 2-0-11-1

Curtis Campher 4-0-24-2

Gareth Delany 1.5-0-19-0

Pakistan were cruising through the chase after eight overs, with Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar doing their bit to take any sting out of Ireland's bowling attack. But a frenetic phase in the middle overs, when Curtis Campher and Barry McCarthy took four wickets for 10 runs, left Babar alone with a relatively long tail.

But Abbas Afridi swung his way through a happy-golucky 17 to bring the target down to 12, while a calf injury for Little meant Ireland had to bowl spin at Shaheen. He finished with two heaved sixes to seal a win that gave Pakistan relief rather than satisfaction.

Shaheen back in love with first overs

After going eight successive T20 Internationals (T20Is) without a first-over wicket – his longest dry spell in his T20I career –Shaheen finally snapped the streak on Sunday, his third ball a perfect illustration of why he has historically been so effective up front. The new ball swung and seamed back in to pierce Andrew Balbirnie's defences and crash into the stumps. Two balls later, Shaheen got one to shape the other way, kissing Lorcan Tucker's outside

edge on the way to Rizwan. There was nearly a third when Pakistan reviewed one that clipped Harry Tector's pad, and though

first ball for six and Adair pulled the last one for four. They attacked Abbas Afridi, who had not played a competitive game since his in-

that wasn't given, Shaheen trapped Tector in front in his next over.

Ireland's recovery

When Pakistan had Ireland at 32 for 6, any prospect of recovery was distant. But Ireland understood that continuing to attack was the most direct route to runs. In the 10th over, Delany hit Shadab Khan's

clusion in Pakistan's World Cup squad, for 16 runs in the 11th.

It kept Ireland on track for three figures, and when another slump came – from 76 for 6 to 80 for 9 – Little and Ben White batted the remaining six overs, adding an unbeaten 26 for the last wicket. An hour later, they were almost rewarded for it.

Pakistan's jitters

Pakistan securing a straightforward win would have been an inauthentic end to the campaign they have had, and duly, the collapse came. If Pakistan felt they were sitting pretty halfway through the chase against India, it was nothing compared to the impregnability of their position against Ireland. Pakistan needed 55 in 12 overs with eight wickets in hand, with Babar and Fakhar Zaman batting, when Zaman drilled one to mid-off. It was the catalyst for flutters through the whole of the Pakistan camp as Usman Khan was deceived by McCarthy's extra bounce in the 10th over.

The memories of the chase that fell apart last Sunday were fresh as Shadab, to whom cricket is offering no hiding place at the moment, flicked his second ball to the wicketkeeper. Imad finally connected with the cut shot he's been trying since Ravindra Jadeja bowled against him, but straight to the man at point. An unassertive top order and a non-existent middle order won't get you out of the first round at many World Cups, and this game was the perfect illustration of the point. (ESPNcricinfo)

Quarterfinals on today...

Eon Williams was the lone marksman for New Amsterdam in the 34th minute.

Then Marian Academy and Bush Lot Secondary found themselves locked in a 2-2 battle after regulation time. Nyhl George netted a double for Marian in the 4th and 23rd minutes, while Gary Blair and Ronaldo Mohabir staged Bush Lot’s comeback in the 27th and 39th minute respectively. Bush Lot eventually prevailed, on account of penalties 7-6. Another 2-2 draw

was witnessed between Waramuri Primary Top and Westminster Secondary. Waramuri’s 2 came by way of goals from Bradley Williams (33rd) and Ricardo Lewis (40th) while Germine Garrett (35th, 41st) had a brace for Westminster. The game was decided on kicks from the penalty spot and Westminster prevailed 5-3.

The following encounter between Santa Rosa Secondary and Christianburg-Wismar Secondary also went

down to the wire, with Christianburg-Wismar winning 3-1 on penalties. Earlier in the encounter, Jeremiah Piggot netted for CWSS in the 18th minute while Santa Rosa’s Lando Williams evened things up in the 30th.

With a brace from Gowan Adams (3rd, 36th) and one from Damani Hardy (16th), Dolphin Secondary closed the day with a 3-0 victory over West Demerara Secondary. Quarterfinal action is slated to kick off at 12:00h today at the same venue.

Imad Wasim offered very little pace to work with and finished with 3 for 8

Gareth Delany and Mark Adair put on 44 off 30 balls for the seventh wicket

Time for Johnson Charles to put

There are eight men who have played in the winning side in multiple T20 World Cup finals and one of them is targeting a third in two weeks' time. Johnson Charles contributed a combined 1 off 12 balls in West Indies’ victories in the 2012 and 2016 finals, but now has the opportunity to become the most decorated player – alongside Andre Russell – in men's T20 World Cup history.

Charles' batting relies mainly on power, but more broadly, his timing has been perfect. He has only played 54 T20Is in a 13-year West Indies career, but 18 of them have come at World Cups, including 13 across two winning campaigns. He did not play any international cricket for almost six years between 2016 and 2022, but is back in the picture for a tournament on home soil.

At every World Cup, certain players have the rare opportunity to feature in a major event in front of a local crowd, but it is even more significant for West Indies in this tournament. They will play at five different venues and at each of them, at least one player will be representing their country as well as the Region.

Tonight, it is Charles' turn in St Lucia when West Indies face Afghanistan –

with Coach Daren Sammy in the unprecedented position of coaching his team at a stadium named after him. Charles has had a quiet start to the World Cup, with a 42-ball 44 against Uganda bookended by ducks against Papua New Guinea and New Zealand; he also dropped a straightforward catch off Jimmy Neesham, which burst through his hands and went for six. He will welcome the opportunity to play at home, especially at one of the best grounds for batting in the Region. "That's the beauty of the Caribbean," Rovman Powell, West Indies' Captain said on Sunday. "When we go to those islands, traditional-

ly, we have someone in the team that is from those islands, so the crowd generally come out and support West Indies. We're going to need the support not just of the St Lucians here, but when we move on."

St Lucia has a tiny population –- around 180,000 –and its economy is geared around tourism. It is not a traditional cricketing hub and until 20 years ago, it had never produced a West Indies men's player. Mindoo Phillip was the island's most celebrated player of the 20th century, but was never picked by West Indies: "It remains a raging debate even to this day why he was never, ever chosen," the St Lucia Star reported in 2019.

In that context, it is truly extraordinary that St Lucia has produced two of the eight men to have won multiple T20 World Cup finals, and even more so that they could combine to win a third this month. "It must be a surreal feeling for Daren," Powell said. "It's an opportunity for us to put on a show for the St Lucians."

If Sammy is the local celebrity –- he has a designated parking space at the stadium and was in the

Charles splits opinion among West Indies fans more generally and West Indies' unique position as a multi-national team means that whispers of cronyism and regional politics are never far away – no matter Charles' form in franchise cricket, or the fact that his recall predates Sammy's appointment as Head Coach. Some supporters are already calling for Shai Hope to replace him.

But West Indies' bet is that Charles will come off at

crowd for Australia's win over Scotland on Sunday night – then Charles is not too far behind. At the same time that the Beausejour Cricket Ground was rebranded in Sammy's honour, the main stand on the west side was named the Johnson Charles Stand.

least once in the World Cup and win them a game, as he did against South Africa in Jamaica last month.

"It's just a case of us telling him to be Johnson Charles, be his natural self," Powell said. "If he's an aggressive player, we expect him to play aggres-

Ravens end group stage with a win

Action in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association Under-23 Club Championships continued on Wednesday night at the National Gymnasium, on Mandela Avenue with Ravens closing off their group stage with a win.

The Ravens, coming off a loss in their previous game, came out with their peak ability to counter to the basket as they pounced on Stabroek Eagles. Starting the game on a high, the Ravens led the first quarter with the scoreline reading 11-5.

The Ravens retained their lead in the second quarter by scoring 15 baskets and restricting the Eagles to only seven points, ending that quarter with a score of 26 points compared to the Eagles' 12 points.

Both teams missed

out on quality in the third quarter as they did not manage to score double digits with the Ravens scoring 7 points and the Eagles scoring 5 points as the scoreline read 31-17.

In the fourth session, the Ravens went on to secure the win, with the

The

Stabroek Eagles

scoreline reading 53-34.

Alroy Nurse was pivotal in the offensive, top-scoring with 16 points. Omar Headley supported the effort with a phenomenal 12 points, and Kofi Hassanah added 13 points.

In an interview with media operatives, Ravens

Captain Atilla Williamson spoke about the key areas contributing towards the win and the improvements needed.

“Well, you know we are thankful for this win; you know, we owe our win to our defensive efforts. I think our next game is

show

sive. We know with that aggression, at some point, he will fail and at some point, he will come good. We know that Johnson is definitely a match-winner for us."

He will continue to open alongside Brandon King, who is more of a touch player. "It's for us now to support him," Powell said. "It's for us to give him that additional backing that he needs, and I think everyone is behind him to come good tomorrow, or when he gets the opportunity in future games."

Nobody has scored as many runs as Charles at the Daren Sammy Stadium in T20 cricket and after struggling on slow, low surfaces in Guyana and Trinidad, West Indies' batters are relishing the prospect of a flatter pitch. "When we looked at the schedule, all the batters were excited to come to St Lucia," Powell said. It is ominous for their Super Eight opponents –England, USA and South Africa – that West Indies have qualified without putting together a complete performance and with nothing riding on today's match, it is an opportunity for players to build confidence before the second phase. Powell wants them to make use of it: "Now it's time for Johnson Charles to put on a show for his fellow St Lucians," he said. (ESPNcricinfo)

against Kwakwani and I know that will be a highpace game, so I guess we have to up the tempo of our game offensively. Well, our defence has been working for us, so I say good defence and composed offence,” Williamson shared.

Stabroek Eagles Head Coach Courtenay Taylor said that inexperience played a part in the team’s loss.

Taylor expounded: “It’s a bit to do with inexperience and discipline and with the inexperience, some of the guys were a bit flustered, not too sure how to react to some of the things that were going on, on the court and with that, they got indiscipline as they didn’t stick to what they were supposed to do or stick to the game plan and with that, it let the game slip.”

Johnson Charles is part of an exclusive club of multiple T20 World Cup winners

A view of the Johnson Charles stand at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia

ExxonMobil U14 tournament… Quarter-finals on today after exciting round of 16

The ExxonMobil Under14 Boys’ and Girls’ school football competition will head into the business end, beginning today, as the quarter-finals are staged at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

A thrilling quarterfinal round was set up for today, following exhilarating action in the Round of 16 on Saturday last.

The days began with last year’s third-place girls’ team, Bartica Secondary drubbing Abram Zuil Secondary 4-1. Nerismar Williams was responsible for Bartica’s full complement of goals, netting in the 12th, 14th, 35th and 39th minutes, while Maxine Rodrigues netted Abram Zuil’s consolation in the 7th.

Charity Secondary were the next girls’ team to punch a ticket to today’s quarter-finals after needling Three Miles Secondary. Donelle Smith netted the solitary goal of the game in the 21st minute. After a stalemate at the end of regulation and extra time, Tucville Secondary prevailed over Cotton Field Secondary on account of kicks from the penalty spot (2-1).

Then, a brace from Amara Peneu in the 6th and 25th minutes led New Amsterdam Secondary to a 3-0 victory over New Central High. Seairra La Cruz netted New Amsterdam’s third goal in the 27th minute.

Marian Academy’s girls then eased past East Ruimveldt Secondary 2-0. Ashley Walton (12th) and Skyler DeNobrega (19th) were the goal scorers for Marian Academy.

Defending champions Waramuri Primary

Top whipped Bush Lot Secondary 7-0 in their encounter. The team effort saw Brentia Marks (10th); Erika Harris (20th, 25th, 32nd); Shenesa Thomas (29th); Tina Williams (38th) and Lillianna Bacchus (39th) adding their names to the scoresheet.

Another goal fest was witnessed when President’s College’s Kimore Edwards (1st, 5th, 8th, 20th, 26th, 31st) netted six goals to lead her team to a 12-0 victory over IAE. Adding a hat-trick of goals to the tally was Sharmel Blake in the 21st, 27th and 30th minutes, while Reyanna Gounga (10th, 29th) registered a brace and Nesa Andrew (16th) netted one.

In what was intended to be the final girls’ game of the day, Santa Rosa Secondary picked up a walkover over Christ Church Secondary.

Defending boys’ champion, Bartica Secondary followed in the footsteps of their girls’ team, pulling off a 3-1 victory over St John’s College. Garfield Jones opened the scoring for Bartica in the 33rd minute , after which Jadan Christian netted a brace in the 38th and 50th for Bartica’s 3. For St John’s College, Joshua Phillips had earlier opened the scoring in the sixth minute.

Chase’s Academic Foundation were the next boys’ team to book their spot in the next round, after a thrilling 3-2 win against Hope Secondary. Mark Glasgow (10th), Ranny Yaw (34th) and Akeel Young (40th) shared the spoils for Chase’s while Hope’s goals came compliments of a Quashawn Campbell (26th, 38th) brace.

On the back of a Quincy

the 23rd, 25th, 35th and 36th minutes, Leonora Secondary executed an exciting 6-1 win over West Ruimveldt Secondary. Keon Grant (12th) and Abdul Kendel (40th) also added to Leonora’s tally, while Alex Stanton scored West Ruimveldt’s lone goal in the second minute.

South Ruimveldt Secondary cruised past New Amsterdam Secondary 4-1, as a result of goals from Devonte Game (3rd, 4th), Rickford Toney (6th) and Jahim Hart (31st).

CONTINUED ON PAGE

Fraser helmet trick in

A look at the Round of 16 action on Saturday last

21