Guyana Times - Monday, June 24, 2024

25 to be trained to provide dental health services in Reg 6

63 sluices to be rehabilitated countrywide –Mustapha

Murder convict with underlying medical conditions dies Several Berbice homes, businesses under water due to heavy downpour

Murder convict with underlying medical conditions dies

Niron Yacoob, a convicted prisoner serving a 66-year sentence at Mazaruni Prison for the murder of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt, died on Saturday at the Bartica Hospital.

The 44-year-old, who had several underlying medical conditions, passed away at approximately 02:00h.

According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Yacoob complained of shortness of breath around 12:26h on Saturday. He was promptly taken to the infirmary and attended to by the medical officer and other staff members.

Despite their efforts, Yacoob became unresponsive

and was subsequently transported to Bartica Hospital under medical supervision. He was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The GPS has informed Yacoob's wife, who acknowledged his underlying medical conditions. Arrangements are underway to transport the body to Parika and then to the West Demerara Regional Hospital Mortuary.

In January of 2023, Yacoob and three others were convicted for the 2016 murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt and were each sentenced to 66 years in prison. His co-defendants, Orlando Dickie (Rastaman), Radesh Motie (Rado), Diodath

Datt (Brukhand), and Harri Paul Parsram (Lloydy), were also found guilty and are eligible for parole after serving 25 years.

The case, which drew significant attention, involved Narinedatt being beaten and left for dead on the road at Number 70 Village, Berbice, near the home of businessman Marcus Bisram. It was reported that the men placed Narinedatt’s body into a car trunk, dumped it on the public road, and attempted to run it over to stage an accident.

Bisram, initially implicated in the murder, fled to the United States but was extradited to Guyana and charged.

On June 1, 2020, a magistrate freed Bisram due to lack of evidence, a decision later challenged by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack.

The High Court ruled Bisram's incarceration unlawful, but the Court of Appeal overturned this ruling. Bisram subsequently appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which restored the magistrate’s decision to dismiss the charge.

The CCJ stated that Bisram could not be committed for trial based on the existing evidence, though the DPP could re-arrest and charge him if new evidence emerged.

The men who were charged for Faiyaz Narinedatt's murder

Dead: Niron Yacoob

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, June 24 – 04:00h-05:30h and Tuesday, June 25 –04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, June 24 –05:45h-07:15h and Tuesday, June 25 – 06:30h-08:00h.

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. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to Southerly between 0.89 metre and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 18:30h reaching a maximum height of 2.49 metres.

Low Tide: 12:01h reaching a minimum height of 0.55 metre.

Contractors to pay $3B in liquidated damages for delayed State projects – Pres Ali

As the Guyana Government continues with efforts to clamp down on delinquent contractors, President Dr Irfaan Ali has revealed that approximately $3 billion in charges for liquidated damages have been instituted over delays in public projects across the country.

The President made this disclosure during a recent press conference at the State House.

“Letters have been sent out to contractors…to the value of about three billion dollars in liquidated damages, that is, projects that are going beyond their timeline,” the Head of State announced.

Liquidated damages refer to a provision allowing for the payment of a specified sum in the case of a breach of contract. Based on the value of the contracts, the percentage of the liquidated damage is calculated. This can range from 0.1 per cent up to 10 per cent of the contract sum.

According to President Ali, instructions have been given to charge the maximum value of liquidated damages from those delinquent contractors.

“So, the [state] institutions and the agencies have been advised that they must ensure that liquidated damages are charged on projects that, without justification… [have asked for an] extension of time. So, once there is no justifiable reason for the extension of project time, liquidated damages must be charged,” the Guyanese Leader declared.

Guyana Times understands that several state agencies have embarked on recovering liquidated damages, the Ministries of Public Works, Housing and Water, and Agriculture are the main entities with defaulting contractors.

The Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) has issued letters to contractors for some 365 projects that have been experiencing unjustified delays. According to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, the liquidated damages being sought from these contractors amount to a staggering $934.65 million.

Edghill explained that the liquidated damages formula on these contracts ranges from 0.25 per cent up to per cent.

While the minister opted not to divulge who some of these contractors are or what some of these projects are, this newspaper understands that Avinash Construction and Metal Works, which is executing the controversial $475 million Cemetery Road Expansion project is one.

It was previously reported that the Government would pursue liquidated damages from the contractor

for the prolonged delays suffered in the execution of the contract.

The multi-million project will see the two-lane carriageway being extended into four lanes and was initially expected to be completed in July 2023. However, those works are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Times was unable to get any information from the other two Ministries that account for a large portion of the $3 billion sum being sought

fault on their contractual obligations.

It was subsequently announced that all Government ministries will soon have a unit tasked with assessing the performance of contractors across the various sectors to go after those delinquent ones. These units will be supported by a Contract Compliance Unit within the Legal Affairs Ministry to provide guidance and file legal proceedings where necessary.

Attorney General and

Government is a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to move condignly against contractors who are negligent in the discharge of their duties.

Only recently, the Government moved to terminate the contract with Trinidadian company, Kalco Guyana Incorporated, which had abandoned its works on sections of the Conversation Tree Road Expansion Project.

Earlier this month, Minister Edghill disclosed that Kalco has since settled the outstanding mobilisation costs while the Government has paid the Trinidadian company for works done so far on the incomplete road.

Meanwhile, the Government has since retained S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc., which has already completed another section of the Conversation Tree Road, to finish the abandoned works.

from delinquent contractors.

Back in April, President Ali had issued strict orders that penalties like liquidated damages outlined in contracts be enforced for companies executing public projects that continue to de-

Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, had cautioned contractors to ensure that they execute their contracts diligently and deliver projects that cannot be deemed substandard. He noted that this move by the

However, as the Government goes after these delinquent contractors, banks, and insurance companies that issue performance bonds to contractors could find themselves facing the consequences of delays in public projects.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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The search for justice

While the recent actions of some politicians have caused us to question our premise, we hope all political groups are seeking justice since this might help make the political outcome "variable sum", rather than "zero-sum". Another neglected consideration would be the nature of the political institutions in this push for "justice".

When the political philosopher John Rawls declared: “Justice is the first virtue of social institutions as truth is of easy systems of thought”, it was because justice goes to the content of political action and its outcome. Justice is the paramount value of political activity.

But what about the need for "truth" in the paradigms within which we struggle for justice in social institutions?

Today, neoliberalism appears to have swept the field as our ideology of choice by "all the sides". While some approaches have been highly criticised, we believe that liberalism’s stance on “truth and reason” in the variant dubbed "deliberative liberalism" offers us a practical approach towards a democratic process that can deliver "justice" in our social institutions.

As in science, deliberative liberalism holds that truth is to be found through reason, but the “truth” unearthed is never held as the “TRUTH”. It is always held provisionally, conceding that this “truth” may be overturned based on some new evidence. The outcomes of deliberative liberalism are indeterminate and are based on empirical practice. Truth claims must be fact-based. We commend this approach to those who are engaged in the ongoing attacks on the Government for “justice” in the distribution of the national patrimony.

Liberal democracy rests on deliberation utilising “reason” – not screaming – as the yardstick for evaluating differing perspectives. The institutions, however, would only be democratic to the extent that the citizens themselves determine their precise nature. Such a deliberation, therefore, would have to be made as open as possible to all citizens, who recognise each other as citizens – that is recognise their common political identity. We are all Guyanese citizens with equal rights and responsibilities, and the upcoming deliberations on constitutional change offer a forum for reaching consensus on essentials.

Only public reasons should be proffered in such deliberations. That is, assertions rising solely on faith or dogma would not be accepted as “public reasons”. This requirement would obviously place burdens on some groups, but such burdensomeness itself would be evaluated by reason for its “degree of burdensomeness” caused by arbitrariness, etc. We cannot escape the fact that there will be aspects of some identity that will have to be withheld from the public realm. In most cases, these are the ones that stem from beliefs that are in deep, fundamental conflict with similarlyheld beliefs of others. We will have to agree to disagree on such nettlesome issues and not insist on placing them on the national agenda.

For instance, we will have to be committed to democratic practices as we have enshrined in our Constitution to achieve our ends. The constitutionally-guaranteed “equality of opportunity” should be coupled with “equity” as values that we can all agree on in light of our common history of slavery and indentureship. However, some groups may have differing views: we will have to deliberate with each other on whether such values would be prioritised. The bottom line is whether citizens would be committed to such a process of deliberation. We believe so. The problem lies in some political leaders who have evidently abandoned our democratic process and descended into political nihilism. They will have to be practical, and ensure that their proposals have incentives for the politicians sitting across from them.

We will have to be prepared to deliberate with each other in every available forum – and then some. Letters pages of the newspapers, community meetings, town-hall meetings, call-in talk shows, books, etc. But we have to respect each other as citizens with equal rights. We should avoid debate in vocabularies and ideologies that force us to consider issues only in black and white.

Understanding the AML/CFT framework, Enforcement of the US sanctions

Dear Editor,

Let me establish at the outset that I am no legal expert, but I have had a working knowledge and experience with the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism law and regulations in Guyana. This was during >10 years of working experience in the banking sector, including at the Bank of Guyana, where I participated in the drafting of AML/ CFT and other financial sector regulations. During that time, I was exposed to a series of AML/CFT trainings.

More recently, I was part of a multi-stakeholder panel, which included experts from the United Nations, to conduct a country review for one of the Latin American countries on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. This is the vantage point from within which the hereunder viewpoint is framed.

Last week, members of the media questioned the President, His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, as to what basis was the Cambio License revoked from Mohamed’s Enterprise, which followed almost immediately after the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of Treasury

had announced the imposition of sanctions on that entity. To this end, sections of the media et.al, propagated the view, albeit implicitly, that the Government should not have moved so swiftly to revoke the Cambio, and other licenses held by that entity, since the U.S authorities have not yet released the requisite information to the Government to conduct its investigation.

Be that as it may, it is important to note that crimes involving AML/ CFT—and actions imposed thereof are not restricted to only domestic laws and investigations. This is in keeping with the United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention, thus adopted in the domestic and international AML/CFT legal framework.

Within this respect, Part VI of Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (2009) (hereinafter referred to “AML/CFT Act”), deals with “International Cooperation (see sections 76 – 78 of the AML/CFT Act), which conforms with Articles 43-50 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Notably, Section 78 of the AML/CFT Act establishes that—

(1) “A document pur-

porting to be issued by or on behalf of the Government of a country or territory and purporting to state the terms of a corresponding law in force in that country or territory shall be admitted in evidence, in proceedings under this Act, on its production by the prosecution without further proof, and such document shall be conclusive evidence that-

(a) it is issued by or on behalf of the government of that country or territory;

(b) the terms of such law are as stated in the document;

(c) any facts stated in the document to constitute an offence under such law do constitute such offence.

(2) "Corresponding law",

(a) in relation to proceedings relating to drug trafficking has the meaning given in section 2 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control)Act 1988 and;

(b) in any other case, means a law that corresponds with a provision of Guyana law that creates a relevant offence.

Furthermore, within the AML/CFT legal framework, the failure by the local authorities to enforce the US sanctions domestically would have exposed the domestic financial sector to

very serious threats—that could potentially cripple the financial sector and by extension the economy. For example, domestic banks have correspondent banking relationships with several U.S. banks. As such, if the Bank of Guyana had failed to act on those sanctions, the local banks would have been at risk of losing their correspondent banking relationships.

This, in turn, would have effectively cut off the economy from the international payment system, which means that importers would not have been able to pay for imported goods from abroad, and exporters would not have been able to receive payments for their exports.

Therefore, the Bank of Guyana acted within its powers towards immediately moving to revoke the Cambio License, inter alia, invoking due process pursuant to the AML/CFT Act and the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act 1989. More importantly, the effect of the sanctions, by way of enforcement domestically, is absolutely necessary in order to safeguard the domestic financial system.

Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

Shequana Holder outshone nine other delegates to cop the title of Miss Guyana Culture Queen when the pageant was hosted at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. She was crowned by the 2023 queen, Shemina Peroune

The Black Supremacist ideology runs deep in PNC/APNU

Dear Editor,

When Black Guyanese Patriot Samuel Archibald Hinds assented to be the running mate with Dr Cheddi Jagan, there was a plethora of ugly comments coming from the opposition. I am talking about downright nasty criticisms of the man, some of these went like this, a House Slave, a Black J......ss, and a sellout of The Black Race; every negative

thing one can think about. However, in a dramatic turn of events, when Dr Cheddi died and Mr Hinds was elevated to the position of president, the very same PNC suddenly changed their position of a castigation to one of praise and adoration for him, he was showered with platitudes such as "Awee bai now," and Black Man "Pon tap." All of that praise comes

from a backdrop of the Black Supremacist idea, coined and fashioned by the PNC. This dogma was further enhanced when they demanded that he remain firmly planted in the seat of the presidency and not move an inch. According to them, he was never to give up his seat for the more senior, PPP Candidate Janet Jagan so that she could move up, all of that reasoning bound up in the age-old PNC

Dogma of an Afro-Guyanese being at the helm of power for all times.

That Black Supremacist idea is still being practiced today, played out on various platforms by that party, done in that trademark passive-aggressive style, that is, play the victim in a "pity the race" and "nobody likes us stance," changing that position to one where all matters of national development

Duties and taxes in motor vehicles

Dear Editor,

While I stand by the goal of improving transportation accessibility for all Guyanese, I must express my growing concern regarding the current structure of duties and taxes levied on motor vehicles.

The current tiered system, while attempting to offer some level of affordability, ultimately hinders the very aspiration it aims to promote. The high rates disproportionately burden average Guyanese citizens,

forcing them to choose between newer, safer vehicles and financial security. This, in essence, creates a classed society where ownership translates to the ability to afford a potentially unsafe, older car.

Furthermore, the system’s complexity in calculating these costs is a cause for frustration. The lack of transparency and justification for these exorbitant rates only exacerbates the feeling of unfairness amongst the citizenry.

It is particularly disheartening to witness expats and a significant portion of the political class benefitting from exemptions on these very costs. This fuels the perception of a system rigged against the very people it should serve.

Therefore, I propose a thorough reassessment of the current duty and tax structure for motor vehicles. We must prioritise affordability and safety while ensuring a transparent and fair system for all Guyanese.

I am confident that by working together with relevant stakeholders, including industry experts and citizens, we can create a system that promotes responsible vehicle ownership, improves road safety, and aligns with the vision of a nation where prosperity is attainable for all.

I'm looking forward to discussing these concerns further.

Sincerely, Hemraj Kissoon

Contractors to pay $3B in liquidated...

During a June 6 press conference, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo explained that as part of their contracts, contractors are required to put up a performance bond that the State can draw down on should they fail to complete their work on time or at all.

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

“So, I want to urge the banks and the insurance companies too that if you’re giving a performance bond,

you better make sure that your client is doing the work too because, at the end of the day, we will come against the bond that you have issued. And therefore, the insurance company or the bank will be called upon to perform and because we will draw down on the bond from them.”

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

The Vice President indicated that clear instruc-

tions have already been passed to all ministries and state agencies to look into cashing in the performance bonds.

According to Jagdeo, in the past, there was a “lax

FROM PAGE 3

view” in instituting liquidated damages against contractors who had not completed their work within the contractual timeline –something that will no longer be obtained. (G-8)

should be reserved for Black Communities only.

Prime Minister Sam Hinds never bowed to PNC Pressure but maintained a dignified appearance in the way he carried out his duties. He conducted himself with decorum at all times, whether he was in parliament or meeting the people in the community. Well done Prime Minister Hinds, thank you for a job well done.

This same ruse is being worked on our current prime minister, he is constantly being bombarded with the racial epithets of "House slave and a PPP Stooge," among other derogatory remarks. However, Prime Minister Phillips refuses to be drawn into a mudslinging fight with the lowly PNC, he has set his goals high, and is working along those dignified lines. He too has asserted himself on The Guyana Landscape.

Now, I make mention of an incident that took place when he and Gail Teixeira were on a trip to New York.

On that occasion, The PNC Party Hack Rickford Burke took the opportunity to try to embarrass the prime minister. He organised a protest at the entrance to the conference hall where Prime Minister Phillips and Ms Gail Teixeira were scheduled to hold a meeting.

The PPP/C activist Ossie Rodgers then advised the prime minister to divert to the back entrance to avoid

the mob, Prime Minister Phillips' response to that backdoor entrance option was a definite no, he said "I am going through the official front door as was planned."

The paltry mobsters could only muster a faint "House Slave," to which the prime minister kept on his way unperturbed. When the agitators entered the hall, they were most disciplined and drank first-hand information about their home country. Thus, a hostile gathering that was riled up to create a scene, was tactfully reduced to one that was calm and attentive to the prime minister's educated address.

The point I am making is, that the race that leads, is of little importance to anyone looking at the politics of Guyana today because just like the American System there are set rules and guidelines with which a leader has to follow. Whoever the individual chosen to lead must do so with equity and justice, that individual would have to govern for the good of all Guyana. There will be no tribalizing of our country, as set plans and policies are made and carried out as a team.

So, while The PNC drifts backward with their race politics, The PPP/C moves forward in a "One Guyana" theme

Respectfully, Neil

Adams

Page Foundation

Decimal place value and rounding

Sometimes you will be asked to round a number with a decimal to the nearest whole number. You need to look at the number on the right side of the decimal point. If that number is less than five, keep the whole number as it is. If that number is 5 or greater, add 1 to the whole number. Tens Ones Tenths Hundredths Thousandths

1 1 . 7 2 3

In other exercises, you might need to round a decimal to the nearest tenth, the nearest hundredth, or the nearest thousandth. Always look at the number to the right of the place you are rounding to. For example, if you are rounding to tenths, look at the hundredths place. If the number you look at is less than 5, keep the original number, but only to the place you need. If that number is 5 or greater, add 1 to the number in the tenths place.

Example:

Round 11.723 to a whole number

Step 1: Look at the number to the immediate right of the decimal point: 7

Step 2: Ask yourself: Is that number 5 or greater? It is.

Step 3: Add 1 to the whole number: 11 + 1 = 12

Example:

Round 11.723 to the nearest hundredth

Step 1: Look at the place to the right of the hundredth place. (It will be the number in the thousandths place.)

Step 2: Ask yourself: Is that number 5 or greater? It is not.

Step 3: Keep the original number, but only to the place you need: 11.72

Exercises:

Round to the nearest whole number:

Did you know that some rocks can glow? In this quick geology demonstration, we will explore quartz and its unique and outrageous ability to glow.

Materials:

Two pieces of quartz big enough to hold in your hand and rub together.

Instructions:

Find or source two pieces of quartz that are as clear as possible.

Make sure you can hold a piece of quartz in each hand in a way that you can rub them together vigorously.

Orient the flattest sides of each piece of quartz towards each other.

Find a dark room and rub the quartz together to observe the real glowing rocks.

Notice the smell coming from the real glowing rocks.

How it works:

The light produced when rubbing the quartz together is a phenomenon

called triboluminescence which make the quartz appear to glow and sparkle.

Make this a science project: Try rubbing many different types of quartz together and observe any differences. Does heating or cooling the quartz produce noticeable changes? Are there other ways to observe the triboluminescence phenomenon in quartz that does not involve rubbing the quartz together? Hypothesise what causes the smell associated with triboluminescence. (sciencefun.org)

BY JAKE SKEETS

After CD Wright the sun fails to make sense anymore an insect buzzes in overgrown red brome butterfly whistle spark of beetle or wire rush cattle choke wide sage in late weather a field of big grass and red sky small water amiss through words and wind and a faded scar like the one I trace on your wrist sometimes and man the day fell hours ago and you ask me to slow down something shifts in the bushes a rabbit an eternity a bull snake there is a meteorite in my hand a bird in yours

Source: Poetry (November 2023)

WORD SEARCH:

Border enforcement, presence of mining officers in gold camps to be stepped up

– as part of Govt efforts to track gold production, clamp down on smuggling

With the gold industry facing challenges such as gold smuggling and suspected under-declarations, the government has already made efforts to step up its enforcement not only at the border but in mining camps as well where it is tracking production.

During a recent event where his Ministry engaged with stakeholders, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat spoke of the Government’s efforts at enforcement. He acknowledged that gold declarations have faced a range of setbacks, from weather to more man-made reasons such as persons preferring coastal work to jobs in the interior.

“We’ve been speaking about climate change and global warming for years now, but we’re seeing the impact of it today. In 2021, when I first took over, we had a flooding in the mining district. I personally went down the Mazaruni.”

“The shops, there were about 10, 15 feet of water in the shops on the landing. In 2024, you know the issue. There’s flooding again. So, the weather hasn’t been kind over the last four years,” Bharrat said.

Minister Bharrat spoke of the resources that have gone into stepping up protection at the border, as well as tracking gold production. This has included having mine officers visit gold mining camps, though the challenges regarding labour remain.

“It’s been one extreme

to the other. And we have worked and put a lot of resources, personnel and effort into protecting the borders so that we don’t have any infiltration from the border. We have put systems in place too, to ensure that we can track production at every mining operation in the country.”

“And we can have our mines officer visit these mining operations and record their production. Almost every month. So, all of these systems that we put in place, but yet we’re faced with the challenge of labour and importantly, the weather as well.”

During his recent press conference with the media, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that all local gold exporters are being probed by the state, in light of the recent

US sanctions against a wellknown gold exporter. This is to ensure accurate gold declarations are being made.

Earlier this month, two US citizens and one Guyanese were intercepted with US$560,000 worth of raw gold at the airport at Timehri. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) reported that customs officers, with the support of officers attached to the Natural Resources Ministry and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), unearthed 240 ounces of pure (raw) gold disguised as silver-plated jewellery on outgoing passengers on an American Airlines flight to JFK Airport in New York.

The gold was confiscated after the three passengers were unable to produce the required permit and declaration

to customs officials. Saffee Ahmad, an overseas-based Guyanese businessman, was also arrested and charged last week for exporting gold without a license.

A few weeks ago, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had also sanctioned prominent businessman Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, along with their company Mohamed’s Enterprise, and former Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae Thomas, for their alleged roles in public corruption in Guyana.

The US Treasury Dept has also alleged that Mohamed’s Enterprise evaded Guyana’s

tax on gold exports and defrauded the Guyana Government of tax revenues by under-declaring gold exports to Guyanese authorities.

Between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise is alleged to have omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.

In addition, US authorities have stated that the company bribed customs officials to falsify import and export documents, as well as to facilitate illicit gold shipments.

Following the release, the Government of Guyana stated that the Finance Ministry

and relevant statutory agencies, including the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), would be requesting additional information on the matters highlighted, to aid local law enforcement agencies in their investigations.

Several days later, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) moved to revoke the cambio licence issued to Mohamed’s Enterprise – one of the companies fingered in the allegations along with their owners. This is one of a series of actions taken by the Guyana Government since US sanctions were announced against the Mohameds as well as three of their companies, including Mohamed’s Enterprise. (G-3)

A mining camp in Guyana

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

ExxonMobil conducting deep-water development in Yellowtail, Liza & Payara fields

– work in Stabroek Block to continue until year-end

Oil giant ExxonMobil is conducting deep water developments in a number of its projects, both existing and future, in the Stabroek Block, including the Yellowtail project which has a 2025 start-up.

According to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), deepwater development activities will be conducted not only in the Yellowtail project but also the Liza and Payara fields, which are currently producing oil in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“The exercise is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2024, and will incorporate the use of OSV Home Run P which will display the international signal for vessels engaged in such activity,” the department said.

“The area is situated approximately 107.4 and 97.1 nautical miles (198.9 and 179.8 kilometers) off the coast of Guyana and covers an area of 25.4 and 136.8 square nautical miles (88.6 and 469.3 square kilometers,” MARAD added, further urging mariners to steer clear of the vessel.

Since March 2024, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has been conducting deepwater de-

velopment in the Liza Field within the Stabroek block… an exercise MARAD has said will be completed by December 31, 2024.

The oil company has also been conducting deep water development on the Payara project using the Passenger Vessel Dan Swift. MARAD had announced that this operation would conclude on November 30, 2024.

When it comes to the Yellowtail project, Modu Bob Douglas has been spearheading drilling… activities that are expected to be completed by July

31, 2024. Yellowtail, which will be located 126 miles offshore of Guyana, was sanctioned in April 2022.

The project includes up to three drill ships drilling up to 67 wells, the FPSO vessel, and the SURF production system, with tankers taking the oil to global markets.

The Yellowtail Development Project is set to commence production in 2025 using the ‘One Guyana’ Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which will yield the largest production of 250,000

barrels of oil per day (bpd) during a 20-year period that will generate at least 1300 direct jobs.

The US$10 billion development project will target an estimated resource base of about 900 million oil-equivalent barrels and will be the largest single investment in the history of Guyana’s petroleum sector.

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

The Liza Phases One and Two and Payara projects, all of which combined are producing over 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three FPSO vessels operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block in waters offshore.

The current production figures will be further buttressed by the Yellowtail and Uaru developments, which are anticipated to contribute 250,000 barrels of oil each following their respective startups. Additionally, Exxon has already received approval and has made a Final Investment Decision (FID), for its sixth project, Whiptail, scheduled for a 2027 start up.

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

The Uaru oil development, which will be the fifth one for the company offshore Guyana, is targeting between 38 and 63 development wells, including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells. Exxon had also previously made known that first oil from the Uaru development is anticipated by late 2026 or early 2027.

Watching…

…the western front

The shindigs in the PNC have been distracting most folks from following what’s been going on out west, where Mad Maduro continues his “war by other means” to take over our Essequibo. Your Eyewitness pointed out the bolstering of his alliances with his mentor Putin of Russia and his moneybags backer Xi of China. What with the former demonstrating that the annexation of parts of a neighbouring territory – Ukraine – has been normalised –notwithstanding the West pumping arms into the country –Mad Maduro has been emboldened.

How can we depend on the United Nations to ‘manners’ Mad Maduro after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules in our favour on the border controversy – when they sat still at the Russian invasion under Putin and their grinding war of attrition against the Ukrainians?? Xi and China have been propping up the Venezuelan economy with their purchases of Venezuelan oil and supplying other inputs for oil production.

Our other ace in the hole was the Yanks looking to get Mad Maduro thrown out of office so they could control those 300 billion barrels of oil sloshing around below Venezuela’s soil. The methodology, of course, has been free and fair elections which Mad Maduro fears more than Dracula fears garlic!! Not so easy to win elections in which folks are allowed to vote freely after SEVEN MILLION of your friends and relatives had to flee because of what Mad Maduro did to the economy!! Every Venezuelan – even those who might’ve profiteered as Mad Maduro’s cronies – knows that every day Mad Maduro remains in charge, millions more will have to flee and try to make it to the US that he cusses out!!

Well, the Venezuela elections are due in five weeks or so and – as was to be expected – Mad Maduro has done everything he could to cut the real opposition off at the knees. He arranged for the most popular Opposition Leader – Machado who’s always been described as “far right” – to be stricken off the ballot!! He thought he was clever to have inserted in the Barbados Agreement he signed for free and fair elections that all candidates must’ve complied with “the laws of Venezuela”. The courts justified Machado’s exclusion by noting she’d called for the US to remove Mad Maduro!! Never mind that the same Mad Maduro has violated the Venezuelan Constitution by smuggling drugs!!

His latest ploy is to have his Elections Commission demand all 10 political groupings contesting the elections sign a pledge that they’ll accept the results of the elections. The two major Opposition groups – including Machado’s –have refused to buy this “pig in a poke” – for which they were denounced by the Elections Commission: “This indicates that they want to disregard, destabilise and sabotage the electoral process”!!

…earthquakes

Well, by now most of us in Guyana know about the tremors on midnight Saturday!! From your Eyewitness’ anecdotal survey, seems that most folks slept through it so they won’t be boasting to their grandchildren about how they were stoic and brave during the “great earthquake of 2024”!! But then over time, events do change in the minds of people, don’t they??

Anyhow, we’re told it wasn’t Mad Maduro playing around with ballistic missiles that caused the tremors, but an earthquake off Venezuela’s north coast. It was felt much more substantially in TT and some of the southern Caribbean islands – who are much more experienced with this sort of thing. But there was another seismic event around the same time – Afghanistan beating Australia in their T20 match-up!! This, of course, is poetic justice after the Aussies' dramatic come-from-behind win against the Afghanis in the last World Cup.

An injured Maxwell came in at 91/7 and went on to score a DOUBLE CENTURY to win the match!!

…the (PNC) mudslinging

Some are suggesting the PNC postpone Congress until the Kissoon allegations against Norton are investigated. But will ANY investigation satisfy those whose minds are already made up? Which is everybody on both sides. Thought not!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

One of the ships working offshore

Mother of 3 brutally stabbed to death by reputed husband

Amother of three was brutally stabbed to death on Saturday evening by her drunken reputed husband after she reprimanded him for his frequent alcohol consumption.

The lifeless body of 34-year-old Anuradha Khatoon, also known as "Mama," a fruit vendor was found in the living room of her Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home. The suspect has since gone into hiding.

Based on reports received, Khatoon and the suspect—a 30-year-old fisherman—had been in a common-law relationship for the past five years, living together in Khatoon’s house along with her three children from a previous relationship.

On Saturday evening, the suspect returned home under the influence of alcohol and was scolded by Khatoon to “ease on the alcohol drinking."

This resulted in a heated argument during which the suspect became enraged, armed himself with a knife, and stabbed Khatoon in the throat. As such, the injured woman collapsed in the living room area.

The woman’s 12-yearold son who was awakened by his mother’s screams immediately raised an alarm. She was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

During an inspection of the body, one stab wound was observed to the throat. A blood-stained knife suspected to be the murder weapon was found at the scene.

When the Guyana Times visited Khatoon’s home on Sunday, her mother, Shashikala Lall, shared that the suspect was in the constant habit of abusing her daughter.

Lall recounted that the suspect had been arrested twice for abusing Khatoon but was subsequently released on both occasions. Despite the abuse, Khatoon had forgiven him and allowed him to move back in.

“He works sea, and he drinks and smokes every time he comes back. He doesn’t give she no money.

He would drink out all the money that he made at sea. When he is done, he would come home and abuse her. He would cuss her out, pick up a knife, sometimes he would get her and her children running out of the yard,” Lall said.

“Every time he got arrested, he would come and beg her and tell her that he is sorry and then she would forgive him, he would stop for some time and do the same thing again.”

Lall recounted that she often rescued her daughter from the suspect's violent abuse. “All those times she was spared. Last night she was home by me preparing her stuff to sell and she left to go home. That was around 7:00 pm. I think she went to bed and around 11:00 pm, my grandson called me on the land phone and told me to come and see what happened to his mommy. He said she had stuff coming from her mouth.”

Lall said she hurried over to her daughter’s house and found her lying face down in a pool of blood, with her tongue out of her mouth. She said she notified other family members, and Khatoon was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

“When I turned her over, I saw a bore by her neck but it was after I realised that it was bigger like a slash. I kept calling for her and she was not responding… her son said that he heard his mother calling for him while he was sleeping but thought he was dreaming. He said

after waking up and going outside he saw his mother lying on the floor and his stepfather was nowhere around.”

Khatoon’s son related that his mother and stepfather had been arguing earlier in the day. “They were back and forth and then he came back and killed her,” Lall said.

Further, the now-dead woman’s mother revealed that when she found her daughter’s motionless body, she used the land phone in the house to alert the police but they never came.

“I called them and they never showed up so we put her in a car and took her to the hospital. Then we had to go to the police station and that is when they came and they found the knife and everything in the house.”

She described her daughter as a hardworking woman whose death has left her children without a mother and their entire family heartbroken.

“My daughter was very humble, kind-hearted and hard-working. He killed my daughter and gone roaming free. I need justice for my daughter. She has a little child who still nurses from her. The whole day since my daughter died, the baby crying. Her 12-year-old son was crying too and he told me not to worry and that everything will be alright, but I don’t think everything will be okay. My daughter was my right hand. I need justice for my child”, the tearful Lall told this publication. (G-9)

The house where the murder occurred

Dead: Anuradha Khatoon

UN Public Service Day

GPSU urges increased focus on human capital, workers to achieve growth

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing United National Public Service Day, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) calls on the Government of Guyana to reprioritise its growth and modernisation agendas to include adequate accommodation for the human capital and public service workers.

“Development and Progress must be inclusive of the workers that manage and implement the system in delivering Quality Public Services for a better future,” the union stated in a release.

It further stated that while cumulative wealth is created for some, precarious work continues for others.

“Stop the hemorrhaging of much-needed resources that can provide adequate

pay for workers. It is just a political will that is needed to change the circumstances of poverty.”

The Union reiterated that public service workers deliver the core of Government services and lack the recognition for the value created while noting that their development is stymied by poor responsive mechanisms to strengthen them in preparation for a better future, for themselves and that of their families. “The time to act is now,” GPSU added.

However, the union salutes all workers and calls on them to be mindful of their values, roles, and the impact of the services provided to the communities that benefit and depend on these facilities for their survival.

“As Public Servants providing Health Care,

Building Infrastructure, Ensuring Safety, Delivering Education, Air Navigation Services, Revenue Collection, Environmental Health, and Protection Services you are the foundation upon which growth and development take place. The power of progress is in the hands of the Public Sector Workers to shape the innovative advancements that propel progress in societies.”

Notwithstanding, the Guyana Public Service Union also urged its membership to continue to strive for excellence despite the many inequitable situations faced daily.

Just last week, statistics released showed that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government from 2020 to now, public servants benefitted from as

much as $83 billion in increases annually, which is significantly more than the $43 billion in increases they received under the APNU/AFC administration.

The statistics further disclosed that in 2014, the public sector wage bill increased by $77.6 Billion encompassing central government, public enterprises, and statutory bodies. In 2015, the year APNU/AFC took power, that number was $87.7 Billion. In 2016, the wage bill increased to $94.4 Billion, in 2017 by $103.3 Billion, in 2018 by $111.9 Billion and in 2019 by $121.2 Billion.

The Public Sector wage

bill increased in 2020 by the PPP/C Government, marking an increase of $126.8 Billion. In 2021 that increase was $135.2 Billion, in 2022 it was $155.3 Billion, in 2023 it was $181.5 Billion and in 2024 it had reached $210.7 Billion.

However, the percentage stats reflect that from 2014 to 2019, wages increased by 56.1 per cent, while in 2020 to 2024 they increased by 66.1 per cent.

Additionally, the Government raised the income tax threshold from $65,000 to $75,000 in 2022 and then to $85,000 in 2023 and $100,000 in 2024.

It also reinstated the one-month tax-free bonus that was given to members of the Disciplined Services at the end of the year.

In November 2023, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced salary increases, incentives and allowances for teachers, a $25,000 one-time bonus for all public employees and pensioners, and a oneoff $35,000 cash bonus for persons with disabilities (PWDs), all to be paid in December.

Approximately 67,000

public employees are estimated to have benefitted from this one-time bonus including teachers, employees of semi-autonomous organisations, and members of the Disciplined Services. A total of 19,000 PWDs and as many as 72,000 pensioners are expected to have benefitted.

Other initiatives taken by the PPP government that have benefitted Guyanese, including public servants, are increased allocations to the education sector, expanded school feeding programme, increase in Because We Care vouchers for children, and provision of more than 21,000 scholarships under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning, of which 20 per cent have gone to teachers.

They have also distributed more than 30,000 house lots and initiated a part-time jobs Programme that is placing incomes into the hands of 15,000 workers. These measures, the Government has noted, are aimed at empowering workers, enhancing the well-being of their families, and contributing to the flourishing of the nation.

Workers during the Labour Day parade

Digitising health records

12 companies submit bids to install system – Dr Anthony

– says 4 to be shortlisted soon

As the Health Ministry forges ahead with the implementation of electronic health records in Guyana, Dr Frank Anthony on Sunday stated that 12 companies have bid to install the new system.

He made this revelation during an event to observe Commonwealth Pharmacy Week at the Pegasus Hotel on Sunday while adding that of the 12 companies, only four of them will be shortlisted.

While he did not divulge any other information about the companies, Guyana Times understands that once the final four are selected, there will be a rigorous process in selecting one that will install the system.

He nevertheless, stated that the Health Ministry is currently finalising the necessary measures and systems needed for the implementation of the new electronic health record system.

However, he referenced the Data Confidentiality Bill which is one of several pieces of legislation that the Health Ministry is currently working on creating and implementing to enhance healthcare delivery across the country.

He highlighted that

while the Ministry is currently moving towards digitalising patients’ health records, the risk of leaking or stealing confidential information is high and as such, the Bill was developed to hold persons who steal data accountable.

The Data Protection Bill intends to protect the privacy of individuals and regulate the collection, keeping, processing, use, and dissemination of personal data.

“As we move to electronic systems, if people steal people’s confidential information, then there are some very severe penalties in that law. For individuals, it starts at $20 million and for a corporate entity, it stands at $100 million. We need to start treating peoples’ data appropriately and put the necessary protection to ensure that their confidentiality is not breached.”

The electronic health records system, upon which the data protection legislation lays the foundation, aims to assign each patient a unique identifier so that their records can be easily accessed within healthcare facilities across the country.

Earlier this year, Cybersecurity Director at the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Muriana

McPherson, sounded a call for organisations to put systems in place to ensure that personal data is protected including regular training for employees.

She explained that data protection is important to both reduce risk and enable a proactive response to associated threats. This, she added, is especially crucial given the current age of targeted cyber-attacks aimed at stealing personally identifiable information including financial and health data. On this note, the Cybersecurity Director offered some steps that organisations and individuals can implement to protect personal data.

These include: managing data access by establishing

and enforcing policies surrounding levels of access granted to data users, with regular oversight; promptly applying vendor-released patches and software updates to systems given that attackers commonly take advantage of unpatched computer systems and software to gain access to personal data among others.

In August 2023, Guyana passed its first Data Protection Act to regulate the handling of personal data to protect the privacy of individuals concerning their data.

The Cybersecurity Director implored organisations to get familiarised with the Data Protection Act of 2023.

She also asked that they keep an inventory of the type of personal data they use, know where it resides, and how it is accessed and managed. Then, McPherson added, organisations should apply appropriate protection mechanisms to safeguard personal data and maintain privacy.

The Data Protection Bill was created to regulate the collection, keeping, processing, use, and dissemination of personal data. It sets a statutory framework, moving away from the current construct of the country’s

legislation, which does not safeguard against rights to data protection.

Personal data has been defined as any information relating to an identified or identifiable person, about private and public life as well as professional activities.

The Bill prescribes that a body be established and recognised as the Data Protection Office, which shall be responsible for the administration and implementation of the Act. The new law also contains sanctions for data protection breaches. A person who fails to comply with the enforcement notice, an information notice, or a special information notice commits

to an office and can be fined $1 million or imprisoned for three months.

Any person who intentionally obstructs the execution of a warrant, fails to provide the Police with required assistance, or makes false statements under certain subsections can be fined $1 million- or six months imprisonment. There are penalties for data controllers, which are persons who determine the manner and purpose of which personal data is processed. It is a criminal offence for such officers to operate without being registered or without nominating a representative, carrying a fine of $10 million- or two months imprisonment.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

A section of the gathering at the event on Sunday

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo met with worshippers and other attendees Rexdale Blvd, Toronto, Canada on Saturday when he was presented with He also attended Guyana's 58th Independence Anniversary Festival at

attendees at the International Muslims Organization (IMO) of Toronto Mosque on with a Luminary Distinction Award in recognition of his global leadership. at the Malvern Family Resource Centre, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

25 to be trained to provide dental health services in Reg 6

The first Dental Assistant Programme in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was on Saturday launched and will see 20 students being trained for one year.

These students hail from the riverine areas of Orealla, Sierra Acara, and Baracara. After completing their training, these pioneering dental assistants are expected

to return to their communities to provide oral and dental health services.

During his keynote address, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony informed the students that this is not just a one-off opportunity but a career path with potential for advancement in health-related fields.

He added that the Ministry will be adding

The students who will undergo the Dental Assistant Programme

two dental X-ray units in New Amsterdam and Port Mourant to expand service delivery. "Until recently, we didn't have proper dental X-ray units. We have now brought in two units, one in New Amsterdam and one in Port Mourant."

In closing, he indicat-

ed that the government is continuing to improve the healthcare system for better service delivery.

"We are working to improve the system, not only by adding chairs but by making qualitative improvements in imaging and diagnosis. You will continue to see these kinds of improvements."

Meanwhile, the Principal Dental Officer at the Ministry of Health, Dr Marvin Monize, congratulated the region on being the first to be inducted into the decentralised Dental Assistant Programme in the country.

The Rotary Club of Garden City recently appointed a new board that will serve from 2024 to 2025. The new board was officially commissioned on Sunday at the club’s Handing Over Ceremony at Olympic House.

The new board consists of Melissa De Santos as President; Risa De Santon as President-Elect; Pearson Burch-Smith as Vice President; Erwin Chapman as Secretary and Onieca Dennis as Treasurer.

the Regional Executive Officer, Narindra

the Director General

the MoH, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo; the Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Vishalya Sharma among others.

Among those present at this historic launch were the Regional Chairman of Region Six, David

Rotary Club of Garden City appoints new Board

new board will lead with vision and determination, building on our successes and tackling new challenges with enthusiasm.”

In her acceptance speech, Incoming President Melissa De Santos expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and emphasised the club’s ongoing dedication to service above self.

“I am honoured to lead this dynamic and passionate group of Rotarians. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in our community and beyond, upholding the values and mission of Rotary.”

On the other hand, outgoing President, Alvina reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and extended best wishes to the new board.

“It has been a privilege to serve as President, it was truly a rewarding year, filled with lots of learning. I am confident that the

She acknowledged her directors and members who contributed to making her year successful. The club was able to achieve all of the Rotary International and District 7030 goals. The club also received the District 7030 Titanium Award for its excellent work.

Assistant Governor, Elizabeth Cox, also spoke at the event thanking the outgoing President and congratulating the incoming President and her Board of Directors.

The Rotary Club of Garden City - Georgetown is in its 4th year of existence, with numerous projects under its belt focused on safeguarding the environment, education, and mental health. Under

the leadership of the new board, the club aims to expand its outreach and implement innovative programs that address current community needs.

The Handing Over Ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to Rotary’s core principles of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. The Rotary Club of Garden City - Georgetown looks forward to another year of meaningful contributions and impactful initiatives.

The ceremony witnessed the transition of leadership as the outgoing board, led by President Alvina Rambarran, handed over the responsibilities to the incoming board. The event was attended by Rotarians, and guests who gathered to celebrate the club’s achievements and to welcome the new leadership team.

Armogan;

Persaud;

of

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and other officials along with the selected students

The Directors are Ronald Burch-Smith; Ariane Mangar; Natasha Backer; Cindy Maloney;

Outgoing President Alvina Rambarran receives a token from Incoming President Melissa De Santos

The New Board of Directors Schemel Patrick; Mischka White; Lisa Foster; Ladonna Kissoon; Arron Fraser and Roger Harper.

Several Berbice homes, businesses under water due to heavy downpours

Several homes at Glasgow, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are inundated following heavy downpours on Saturday evening into Sunday.

Some residents woke up to several inches of water in their homes while some small businesses have suffered loses.

Some residents related that already a shower on Friday night had resulted in some flooding but the downpours on Saturday evening and Sunday morning worsened the situation.

Most of those affected re-

Ellieanter Peters recalled that at about 6:30h on

side on the western side of the village while some houses on the eastern side also experienced the water in their homes.

Sunday, she recognised that water was covering the floor.

“This is since yesterday [Saturday], the flood was there but not so much but

this morning when we got up the water was so high... Everybody has to walk in shared water. By business place did not have so much of water but the water was all over the shop because the water rose from the trench,” she told the Guyana Times.

She said there were blockages to the drainage network which caused the flooding.

“They have not been doing anything in this village. No backhoe don’t come and dig the trenches even if it is once or twice per year. They just pass this village and go to Edinburgh and other villages,” the woman noted.

Another businesswoman, Anstay Williams who lives on the eastern side of the village stated that on Saturday the water started seeping into

the lower flat of her house.

“For two days we’re walking in water.”

She and other residents have blamed a local contractor who they say constructed a driveway across the drainage system causing some amount of blockage.

“Since they dig the thing this morning after I go and talk to them all the water runoff, but for two days we were walking in water from your bed,” Williams added.

“The water was up to your ankle. The carpets and vacuum cleaner and a few other things were damaged

because they were in the water.”

In addition, Hemchan Surgim pointed out that with the recent rainfall, there has been an accumulation of water on the land.

“We noticed that where the old sawmill was, there was a construction service there; he had tubing that he rest in the drain and with the heavy-duty vehicle passing on it, it mashed the tubing in and caused the drain to block; we spoke to him a few times and nothing was done.”

Sugrim said the water in

his house was about one foot thus resulting in damages to several pieces of furniture.

New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh and other councilors visited the area on Sunday to conduct an assessment and to determine the scope of work to be done to ease the flooding.

Meanwhile, residents of Blairmont and Rosignol, Region five on Sunday received cleaning hampers from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in response to recent flood impacts in the communities. (Andrew Carmichael)

New Medicine Regulation Bill being drafted to strengthen Guyana’s FDA

– pharmacies issuing antibiotics without necessary prescription will face penalties

The Health Ministry is currently in the process of drafting a new Medicine Regulation Bill that will bolster the standards of the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) among other benefits.

This was revealed by subject Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during his address at an event to observe Commonwealth Pharmacy Week at the Pegasus Hotel on Sunday.

He stated that the Ministry has been working assiduously with various stakeholders to develop the new Bill while adding that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is assisting with the draft.

“When we look at our current Food and Drug Administration, if we want to move from where we are now to a level three administration, it would mean that we have to meet about 169 different indicators and if we want to go to a level four it means that we would have to do even more. So, we are aiming to move this country's Food and Durg Administration to a level three” the Minister added.

He further stated that

the development of this new Bill is one of the first pieces of framework needed to raise the standard of the FDA. Pharmacovigilance, he noted is one area that the new legislation will target

“When we are using medication in our population, we have to be able to register if there’s any adverse reactions, very often we bring in these products, we use them in the population but we don’t check to see whether there’re adverse reactions.”

According to the

Minister, these drugs are sometimes tested in homogeneous settings which does not cater to the diversity in the different types of populations. As such he emphasised the importance of continuously monitoring these drugs to identify possible side effects or adverse effects that weren’t detected during clinical trials.

With the implementation of this new bill, importers of these drugs will be mandated to conduct separate monitoring for adverse reactions and report the necessary information

to the Ministry.

Similarly, the Minister noted that the Ministry is clamping down on the importation of counterfeit drugs which is a prominent global problem in the health sector.

“We also want to take a firmer stand on the falsification of medications, one of the challenges if you have counterfeit medication in the system, it can create problems in the management of patients and so this is something that we want to ensure that we are removing from our system or reducing it substantially.”

Additionally, he stated that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), some seven million people die from anti-microbial resistance.

On this note, he stated that there have been cases of anti-microbial resistance in Guyana as such related to that with more stringent laws being developed, pharmacies and doctors who issue antibiotics without the necessary prescription will face serious penalties.

“As we move to put stricter supervision in place, if you don’t change

this type of behaviour then we might have to close you down and use the full force of the law. We have had cases in this country where we have seen patients who have developed resistance to many of the medications that we have. We’re not saying that we shouldn’t be using antibiotics but we should use them appropriately.”

In observance of Commonwealth Pharmacy Week, the Guyana Pharmacist Association (GPA) hosted its 21st annual convention at the Pegasus Hotel which saw over 300 pharmacists, tech-

nicians, and students in attendance.

During the convention, discussions were held to educate pharmacists on current affairs happening in the pharmaceutical field.

Additionally, the GPA conducted several countrywide campaigns to educate the public on issues of safe medication use and donated hundreds of pill boxes.

This year’s Pharmacy Week is being celebrated under the theme, ‘Empowering Pharmacists through Collaboration to Elevate Pharmaceutical Care and Promote Healthy Lifestyles.’

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Region 5 residents with hampers

Teen stabbed, chopped after accidental bumping into man at Chinese supermarket

A17-year-old male is now hospitalised with multiple chop and stab wounds following an altercation at a Chinese supermarket in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The victim, identified as Chris Chand from Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), sustained severe injuries, including two chops to his head and a stab wound to his left lung.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon around 16:30h. According to the victim’s father, Chris was visiting family mem -

bers in South Ruimveldt and stopped at the Chinese supermarket to purchase a drink.

The father recounted that his son accidentally bumped into the suspect twice. Following the second bump, the suspect allegedly turned to the teenager while he was at the counter and said, "Is just so," to which Chris responded, "Is wham to you."

At this point, the suspect whipped out a machete and started chopping and stabbing Chand before fleeing the scene.

The young man was

Georgetown

where he

3 found dead in minibus stuck on Mabura trail

63 sluices to be rehabilitated countrywide – Mustapha

The lifeless bodies of three people were discovered on Sunday in a minibus that was stuck in a pothole along the Mabura Trail in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Two of the persons have been identified as the driver, Leon Achee of Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Refa Bovell of Linden. The third victim is yet to be identified, according to police reports.

Based on reports received, the discovery was made at approximately 09:40h on Sunday at 28 Miles, Mabura Trail. The scene was visited by Superintendent Guy Nurse, Commander of Regional Division #10, along with a team of police officers.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the minibus, bearing registration number BAC 7350, appeared to have been stuck in a deep pothole with its rear submerged. The vehicle's engine was running, and all windows were locked at the time of discovery.

Police suspect that the victims may have slept on the bus overnight. An examination of the bodies showed no visible marks of violence, and authorities have indicated that no foul play is suspected.

However, further investigations are ongoing.

In a significant step to improve Guyana’s drainage infrastructure, the Government will soon embark on a major project to rehabilitate 63 sluices across the country.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, announced a community outreach in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday, according to the Department of Public

that approximately US$40 million will be expended to execute these critical works through funding from the World Bank, benefitting about 320,000 residents.

The Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Project aligns with the Government’s broader initiative to increase flood mitigation and climate resilience efforts.

“There are several sluices that are in Berbice…

Information (DPI).

The Minister met with farmers and residents from Number 52 and 74 Villages, Korthberaadt, and Lesbeholden.

During the engagements, persons were informed about the Government’s plans to enhance the region’s drainage system and improve their livelihoods.

The Minister highlighted

The Pepper Sluice in the Cumberland-Canefield area will be rehabilitated. That is a major drainage area,” the agriculture minister stated.

In addition to the national project, several sluices in New Amsterdam, Upper Corentyne, and along the coast will also be rehabilitated.

With an allocation of $72.3 billion aimed at en-

hancing Guyana’s drainage and irrigation (D&I) network this year, multiple interventions are being made countrywide.

These include the rehabilitation and construction of several drainage systems, boosting food production for thousands of farmers.

For Region Six alone, three Hope-like canals, each equipped with pump stations, will be constructed.

Work has already begun on the flood embankments and high-level sluices for these waterways in the region.

Additionally, several farming communities are set to benefit from desilting and maintenance works on critical canals. The pump station at Adventure Village, which has been completed, will be commissioned soon.

Back in May, about 24 tractor-driven water pumps were distributed to various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in the region. During his visit, Minister Mustapha was joined by the Director General of the Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj; Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, and other officials.

rushed to the

Public Hospital,

received treatment for his injuries. His family is now pleading with anyone who can identify the suspect to contact the nearest police station.

The suspect who allegedly stabbed and chopped the teen

The suspect confronting the teen at the supermarket

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha addressing farmers and residents from Korthberaadt and other areas

The eight-door sluice at the Hope Canal

Dead: Refa Bovell

Dead: Leon Achee

The bus where the trio was found dead

D r . T ariq J agnarine F amily m e D icine , e n D ocrinology /D iabe T es

It’s natural to sometimes lose interest in sex, but long-term low libido may have an underlying cause. It may stem from low testosterone, lack of sleep, depression or stress, substance use, and more. If changes in your sex drive concern you, a physician can offer more guidance.

Low libido describes a decreased interest in

HEALTH TIPS

MEN’S HEALTH – LOW SEX DRIVE IN MEN

Association (AUA).

When your testosterone level decreases, your desire for sex also decreases. Decreasing testosterone is a normal part of aging. However, a drastic drop in testosterone can lead to decreased libido.

* Medications

Taking certain medications can lower testosterone levels, which in turn may lead to low libido. For example, blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors (Ramipril, Enalapril, etc.) and beta-blockers (Atenolol, propranolol) may prevent ejaculation and erection.

Other medications that can lower testosterone levels include:

* Chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer

* Hormones used to treat prostate cancer

* Corticosteroids

* Opioid pain relievers, such as morphine and oxy -

sexual activity. It’s common to lose interest in sex from time to time, and libido levels vary throughout life. It’s also normal for your interest not to match your partner’s at times. However, low libido for a long period may cause concern for some people. It can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying health condition.

CAUSES

* Low testosterone

Testosterone is an important male hormone. In men, it’s mostly produced in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for building muscles and bone mass, and for stimulating sperm production. Your testosterone levels also factor into your sex drive. Normal testosterone levels will vary. However, adult men are considered to have low testosterone, or low T, when their levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), according to guidelines from the American Urological

codone

* An antifungal medication called ketoconazole

* Cimetidine (Tagamet), which is used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

* Anabolic steroids, which may be used by athletes to increase muscle mass

* Certain antidepressants

* Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. A study found that men with RLS are at higher risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED) than those without RLS. ED occurs when a man can’t have or maintain an erection. In the study, researchers discovered that men who had RLS occurrences at least five times per month were about 50 percent more likely to develop ED than men without RLS. Also, men who had RLS episodes more frequently were even

issues.

more likely to become impotent.

*Depression

Depression changes all parts of a person’s life. People with depression experience a reduced or complete lack of interest in activities they once found pleasurable, including sex.

*Chronic illness

When persons are not feeling well because of a chronic health condition, such as chronic pain, sex is likely low on their list of priorities. Certain illnesses, such as cancer, can reduce sperm production counts as well. Other chronic illnesses that can take a toll on your libido include type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure

*Sleep problems

A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that nonobese men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience lower testosterone levels. This in turn leads to decreased sexual activity and libido. In the study, researchers found that nearly one-third of the men who had severe sleep apnea also had reduced levels of testosterone. In another recent study in young, healthy men, testosterone levels were decreased by 10 to 15 percent after a week of sleep restriction to five hours per night.

The researchers found that the effects of restricting sleep on testosterone levels were especially evident between 2:00pm and 10:00pm the next day.

*Aging

Testosterone levels, which are linked to libido, are at their highest when men are in their late teens. In older years, it may take longer to have orgasms, ejaculate, and become aroused. Erections may not be as hard, and it may take longer for your penis to become erect. However, medications are available that can help treat these

confidence, and poor body image can take a toll on your emotional health and well-being. If men feel that they're unattractive or undesirable, it’ll likely put a damper on sexual encounters. Not liking what you see in the mirror can even make you want to avoid having sex altogether. Low self-esteem may also cause anxiety about sexual performance, which can lead to issues with ED and reduced sexual desire.

*Stress

Being distracted by situations or periods of high pressure may decrease sexual desire. This is because stress can disrupt hormone levels. Arteries can narrow in times of stress. This narrowing restricts blood flow and potentially causes ED. One study published in Scientific Research and Essays supported the notion that stress has a direct effect on sexual problems in both men and women. Another study of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that the stress disorder increased their risk of sexual dysfunction more than threefold.

Stress is hard to avoid. Relationship problems, divorce, facing the death of a loved one, financial worries, a new baby, or a busy

Over time, self-esteem issues can result in larger mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol abuse — all of which have been linked to low libido.

*Alcohol

Heavy alcohol drinking, or more than 14 mixed drinks in a week, has also been linked to a decrease in testosterone production. Over a long period, excessive amounts of alcohol can reduce your sex drive. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that men who consume more than three or more alcoholic beverages regularly should consider drinking less. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that an average adult male should have two or fewer alcoholic beverages daily; any more than this can lead to longterm health deterioration.

*Too little (or too much) exercise

Too little exercise (or none at all) can lead to a range of health problems that can affect sexual desire and arousal. Getting

work environment are just some of the life events that can greatly affect the desire for sex. Stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and talking to a therapist, may help.

In one study, for example, men who were newly diagnosed with ED showed significant improvement in erectile function scores after participating in an 8-week stress management program.

*Low self-esteem

Self-esteem is defined as the general opinion a person has about self. Low self-esteem, low

regular exercise may reduce your risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are associated with low libido.

Moderate exercise is known to lower cortisol levels at night and reduce stress, which can help increase sex drive.

On the other hand, over-exercising has also been shown to affect sexual health. In one study, higher levels of chronic, intense, and lengthy endurance training regularly were strongly associated with decreased libido scores in men.

*Drug use In addition to alcohol, the use of tobacco, marijuana, and illicit drugs such as opiates has also been connected to a decrease in testosterone production. This can result in a lack of sexual desire. Smoking has also been found to hurt sperm production and sperm movement.

Physical and emotional side effects of low libido

A decreased sex drive can be very unsettling for men. Low libido can lead to a vicious cycle of physical and emotional side effects, including ED — the inability to maintain an erection long enough to have satisfactory sex.

ED may cause a man to experience anxiety around sex. This can lead to tension and conflicts between him and his partner, which may in turn lead to fewer sexual encounters and more relationship issues. Failure to perform due to ED can trigger feelings of depression, self-esteem issues, and poor body image.

Treating low libido often depends on treating the underlying issue. If low libido is caused by an underlying health condition, you may need to switch medications. If your low libido has psychological causes, you may need to visit a therapist for relationship counselling.

Trinidad and Tobago rocked by powerful earthquake

Apowerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 rocked Trinidad and Tobago near midnight on Saturday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said that the quake was felt at 23:58h (local time) on Saturday night.

It was located at Latitude: 10.83N, Longitude: 62.37W and at a depth of 46 kilometres (km).

The quake was felt 97 kilometres west north west of the capital, Port of Spain and 119 km north west of San Fernando, south of here.

The SRC said that it was also felt 97 km east north east in Carúpano, Venezuela.

The Trinidad and Tobago Weather Centre reported that the earthquake was felt as far north as St Vincent to as far south as northeastern Guyana.

It said while there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, power outages were reported across northwestern Trinidad.

“The largest quake to strike within 20 kilometres of tonight’s quake occurred on October 11th, 2013, at magnitude 6.0,” the Centre added.

Some people took to social media to report how they

felt with one person saying 6.2 earthquake, worst I have felt in ages,” while the group Tobago Observers posted on Facebook “6.2 according to UWI Seismic Research Centre subject to adjustment. WOW!”.

Another person wrote “Just Felt a Pretty Long Earth Quake in Trinidad…6.1 on the Richter…All is Well,” while one person said “I was watching T20 World Cup… Afghanistan had just won their game vs Australia and I was clapping…next thing I feel the ground shaking… followed by stuff moving on a coffee table..”

The quake came four days after the country recorded a tremor of 3.9. (Nation News)

Ocho Rios to be redeveloped, says Jamaican PM

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is looking to redevelop the tourist resort town of Ocho Rios in St Ann to accommodate its rapid growth.

“In terms of the size of the investment we are looking to make, it’s in the billions of dollars so it is a huge investment – and the reason for that is because the entire town of Ocho Rios is being looked at for redevelopment,” Holness told vendors and other stakeholders during a tour of the Ocho Rios market last Friday.

“I know you [the citizens] see that your town is growing, a lot of people are coming into your town, a lot of housing developments are going on around the town; and just outside of the town we see some other areas developing as well,” he added.

“The infrastructure that is here cannot carry all the activities that you have so we are going to have to do some really serious investments — and the first investment that we need to make in improving your town is improving the market,” the Prime Minister added.

Holness said the plans to upgrade the market and transportation centre would be put into effect in short order.

IICA creates Special Fund to support C’bean’s efforts to reduce food imports, strengten agriculture

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) will create a special fund for the Caribbean to promote initiatives and actions aimed at assisting countries in the Region in meeting the goal of reducing their multimillion-dollar food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

According to an IICA press release, the Special Fund for the Caribbean, announced by IICA Director General Manuel Otero, is one of the priorities of the Institute, which will be working closely with the Region to strengthen food and nutritional security for the population.

Strengthening the climate resilience of the Caribbean agriculture sector is crucial given that the Region is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

Through the creation of the Fund in the amount of US$250,000, the agricultural development and rural well-being agency of the Americas will promote a series of activities aimed at enhancing the resilience of producers and the capacities of the public and private sectors.

“This decision will enable IICA to facilitate greater integration among Caribbean countries through hemispheric partnerships and South-South and triangular cooperation projects that promote food and nutritional security. We are also deepening our commitment to improving the quality of life of people in the Caribbean,” stated Otero in announcing the initiative.

Most Caribbean countries are net food importers and at least seven countries import more than 80 per cent of the food they consume. It is estimated that the food import bill amounts to US$6 billion per year.

For this reason, countries of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), led by Guyana,

have made progress on a project entitled “Vision 25 per cent by 2025”, which seeks to reduce the Region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

This initiative addresses the need to strengthen food and nutritional security in the Caribbean in an effort to increase local food production, improve intra-regional trade ,and foster the creation of wealth and economic opportunities in the agriculture sector of countries in the Region.

Capacity building

Through the Special Fund, IICA developed a programme aimed, among other things, at promoting climate-resilient agroecological systems and mechanisms; building capacities for integrated water and soil management; managing agricultural disaster risks; fostering digital technologies; delivering training on clean seed production and strategic crops such as pineapple and potatoes; driving the adoption of sustainable animal production models to replace and reduce animal protein imports; and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship for young people and women through business incubators.

As part of these initiatives, training workshops, training activities and events will be organised to dissemi-

nate good practices related to various crops, sustainable livestock farming, caring for soil health and climate change adaptation.

Regional agreements

Last August, Caricom and IICA signed an agreement to prioritise their joint actions in the Caribbean, with a view to achieving joint progress in developing agricultural and rural development policies, bolstering production systems, strengthening value chains, enhancing the resilience of the agriculture sector and improving land use.

The agreement was signed by the Director General of IICA and Carla Barnett, Secretary General of Caricom.

Additionally, the President of Guyana, Mohammed Irfaan Ali, visited IICA Headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica last October.

IICA is also working together with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) to support key technological actions in the Region by means of a financing fund.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is one of IICA’s partners in addressing the challenges posed by food security in the region.

(Antigua Observer)

“My tour here is to see the actual physical conditions on the ground so that I can reconcile what we have on paper versus what actually exists,” Holness added, and assured stakeholders that they will start to see significant changes soon.

“We have a comprehensive plan which we are going to start to put into effect very shortly to do some simple

“For the last five years we have been refining a plan which will see the upgrade of the market [and] the upgrade of [the] transportation centre — and not just the clothes and the food [market] but we also have to do something for the craft markets,” he said.

things: First to improve the sanitary facilities in this market, and then to improve some of the street areas to create exclusive pedestrian zones,” he said.

The tour of the market formed part of a working visit to the parish by the Prime Minister which included a tour of a new classroom block being constructed at Exchange AllAge School and a tour of the Ocho Rios Pier to examine recent damage.

He also visited Pimento Walk Road to look at road work in the area, and toured Little Dunn’s River. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Triple murder in Matura, 1 injured

Three men are dead and a fourth wounded in an attack early in the morning on June 23 in Matura, Trinidad.

Police said around 01:15h on June 23, Andre Maloney, 20; Malcolm Richardson, 21 and Sherwin McFarlane, 17, were at a house on Mendoza Street when four gunmen opened fire hitting them.

Residents reported the gunshots and Matura Police responded.

Rick Sookdeo, 30, was

also shot in the attack.

Officers from the Eastern Division Task Force and Matura took Sookdeo to the hospital where he was treated for two gunshot wounds to his chest.

The District Medical Officer was called and declared Maloney, Richardson and McFarlane dead.

Police from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region II and the Special Evidence Recovery Unit (SERU) visited the scene

and are continuing enquiries.

Over the past 72 hours, the Eastern Division has experienced a noticeable uptick in violence – four dead and four injured.

On the night on June 21, three persons were shot in Damarie Hill, Sangre Grande while a man identified as 36-year-old Dominic "Saskie" Callender was gunned down in KP Lands, Valencia. (Trinidad Newsday)

IICA Director General Manuel Otero and Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) and Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda discuss plans for Ocho Rios during a tour of the Ocho Rios market in St Ann on Friday. The tour formed part of a working visit to the parish by the Prime Minister

Around the World

COIL NEWS

Citi forecasts oil price drops to US$60s by 2025

iti predicts that oil prices will plummet to the US$60s range by 2025 as inventories build following a tight market this summer, signalling a bearish outlook despite current robust demand and higher prices.

Oil has recouped the losses from early June when the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies ( OPEC+) group's indication that it could begin returning some supply to the market in the fourth quarter sent bearish signals across the market.

Early on Friday, the international benchmark, Brent crude, traded above US$85 per barrel, while the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, was above US$82 a barrel, as signs of tightening physical markets started to emerge.

The market expects solid summer demand in the third quarter, but fears that the quarterly consumption growth will start waning in the fourth quarter, pressuring oil prices downwards.

Citi is one of the most prominent bears among major banks, expecting oil to drop into the US$70s range later this year and further down to the US$60s range in 2025 due to solid inventory builds.

"Global inventories will be building a lot next year," Citi's global energy strategist Eric Lee told Yahoo Finance in an interview this week.

"We do think that there is a bit of a tight stretch [with supply] through the summer, so we do see prices staying in the low- to mid-80s for a little longer," the strategist added.

"But as we're looking through the second half of the year into 2025, we really see markets getting a lot weightier."

Citi also expects global oil demand growth to slow down as "oil demand can grow at a slower and slower rate relative to GDP and in fact peak before the end of this decade," Lee told Yahoo Finance.

Citi holds one of the most bearish near- and long-term views on oil prices and demand.

Goldman Sachs, for example, said in a report this week that "Peak oil demand is still a decade away."

Earlier this month, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said that global oil demand would peak before 2030. This forecast drew criticism from OPEC, whose Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said that "peak oil demand is not on the horizon," and that IEA's forecast "is a dangerous commentary, especially for consumers, and will only lead to energy volatility on a potentially unprecedented scale".

Goldman's analysts, for their part, said, "While some prominent forecasters have predicted oil demand will peak by 2030, our researchers expect oil usage will increase through 2034."

"We think peak demand is another decade away, and more importantly, after the decade it takes to peak, it plateaus, rather than sharply declines, for another few years," write Nikhil Bhandari, co-head of Asia-Pacific Natural Resources and Clean Energy Research, and analyst Amber Cai in the team's report.

In the near term, Goldman Sachs sees Brent crude at US$86 per barrel this summer amid strong consumer demand, which will put the market into a sizeable deficit in the third quarter.

The investment bank also sees a floor of US$75 per barrel under Brent due to physical demand for crude, which tends to rise amid lower prices, including in China and in the US for the refill of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

Most banks expect oil prices to hold above US$80 a barrel this summer and decline in the fourth quarter and early next year into the US$70 range.

JP Morgan expects oil prices to average US$75 a barrel next year, sliding from an expected range of US$80-US$90 this summer.

Commodity analysts will monitor trends in interest rates and global economic growth to use as assumptions for their forecasts later this year, but they will also closely watch OPEC+'s next move.

Israeli air strike kills 8 at Gaza aid centre, witnesses say

Eight Palestinians were killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on a training college near Gaza City being used to distribute aid, Palestinian witnesses said, as Israeli tanks pushed further into the southern city of Rafah.

The strike hit part of a vocational college run by the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA that is now providing aid to displaced families, the witnesses said.

"Some people were coming to receive coupons, and others had been displaced from their houses and they were sheltering here. Some were filling up water, others were receiving coupons, and suddenly we heard something falling. We ran away, those who were carrying water let it spill," said Mohammed Tafesh, one of the witnesses.

A Reuters photographer

Heat

saw a low-rise building completely demolished and bodies wrapped in blankets laid out beside the road, waiting to be taken away.

"We pulled out martyrs (from beneath the rubble), one who used to sell cold drinks and another who used to sell pastries and others who distributed or received coupons," Tafesh said. "There are about four or five martyrs and 10 injured. Thank God, the condition of the injured is good."

The Israeli military said the site, which it said had served in the past as a UNRWA headquarters, has been used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. It added that precautionary measures were taken before the strike to reduce the risk of harming civilians.

"This morning (Sunday), IAF fighter jets directed by IDF and ISA intelligence

struck terrorist infrastructure in which Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were operating," the military said in a statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the phase of intense fighting against Hamas in the Gaza Strip would end "very soon", but that the war would not end until the Islamist group no longer controls the Palestinian enclave. (Excerpt from Reuters)

wave scorches US East Coast as dangerous temperatures expand to West

More than 100 million people across the US were under heat warnings on Sunday, with cities on the East Coast bracing for record-breaking temperatures as the heat dome causing the dangerous conditions expands to the West Coast.

Baltimore and Philadelphia are forecast to touch records near 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday, while temperatures rise into the 90s F in states like Idaho, Montana

and Wyoming, as much as 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. The extreme heat will then shift to Nebraska and Kansas today, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

Officials are warning of dangerous conditions in the Philadelphia region where high humidity could drive heat indices above 41 C (105F), making it feel even hotter than the actual temperature.

"It likely means we'll be seeing periodic periods of excessive heat across a

China and EU to hold talks on electric car tariffs

The risk of soaring Chinese electric car prices in the European Union could be easing after both sides agreed to negotiate a planned series of import taxes.

Top officials from both regions spoke about the tariffs on a call on Saturday and agreed to discuss them further, though frictions remain.

The call marks the first time the two sides have agreed to negotiate since the EU threatened China with electric vehicle (EV) tariffs of up to 38 per cent.

Valdis Dombrovskis and his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao was “candid and constructive”.

They said the two sides would “continue to engage at all levels in the coming weeks”.

However, the spokesperson also doubled down on the EU’s opposition to how the Chinese EV industry is funded.

They said “any negotiated outcome” to the proposed tariffs must address the “injurious subsidisation” of Chinese EVs.

decent part of the country into July," NWS meteorologist Marc Chenard said. "Not continuous at any one spot, but the overall pattern will continue to favour these above normal temperatures."

Climate change is driving dangerous heat waves across the Northern Hemisphere this week and will continue to deliver dangerous weather for de -

cades to come, research shows. Extreme heat is suspected of causing hundreds of deaths across Asia and Europe as it has taken over cities on four continents. More than 1000 have died during Haj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, amid sweltering temperatures this year, according to a Reuters tally. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Criminal charges recommended for Boeing

US Prosecutors are recommending to senior Justice Department officials that criminal charges be brought against Boeing after finding the plane maker violated a settlement related to two fatal crashes, two persons familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The Justice Department must decide by July 7 whether to prosecute Boeing. The recommendation of Prosecutors handling the case has not been previously reported.

In May, officials determined the company breached a 2021 agreement that had shielded Boeing from a criminal charge of conspiracy to commit fraud arising from two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 involving the 737 MAX jet.

ment. It has previously said it has "honoured the terms" of the 2021 settlement, which had a three-year term and is known as a deferred prosecution agreement. Boeing has told the Justice Department it disagrees with its determination that the company violated the settlement, Reuters reported this month.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment.

The two sides are in discussions over a potential resolution to the Justice Department's investigation and there is no guarantee officials will move forward with charges, the two sources said. The internal Justice Department deliberations remain ongoing and no final decisions have been reached, they added.

While the group has signalled willingness to begin unwinding part of the current supply cuts, the cartel and its non-OPEC allies led by Russia are unlikely to leave oil prices lingering in the low US$70s and plunging to the US$60s, as none of the alliance's producers can balance their budgets at these relatively low prices.

The EU said Chinese EVs were unfairly subsidised by its Government. In response, China accused the EU of protectionism and trade rule breaches.

(Oilprice.com)

An EU spokesperson told the BBC the call between Trade Commissioner

China released a similar statement on Saturday and made clear it still disagreed with the EU.

Wentao also met with German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck on Saturday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Under the 2021 deal, the Justice Department agreed not to prosecute Boeing over allegations it defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration so long as the company overhauled its compliance practices and submitted regular reports. Boeing also agreed to pay US$2.5 billion to settle the investigation. Boeing declined to com-

Criminal charges would deepen an unfolding crisis at Boeing, which has faced intense scrutiny from US Prosecutors, regulators and lawmakers after a panel blew off one of its jets operated by Alaska Airlines mid-flight January 5, just two days before the 2021 settlement expired. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The strike hit part of a vocational college run by the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA that is now providing aid to displaced families

SUDOKU

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Think before you act or speak. Make sure you have your facts straight and a practical plan in place. The outcome of a situation will depend on what you contribute.

Check your emotions at the door and proceed with dignity. Channel your energy into activities that help you present your attributes in a positive and helpful manner.

(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)

Live and learn. Being a good listener will help you understand what you are up against. Refuse to let situations escalate, and work to prevent a negative response.

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You’ll shine in situations that require innovation. Don’t shy away from change when taking a unique approach will separate you from any competition you encounter. Choose a healthy lifestyle.

Take charge and get the ball rolling. Embrace change, chances and creativity with enthusiasm, and dazzle anyone you encounter. Spread joy instead of trying to get what you want with force.

Think big, but live within your budget. Coming up with a functional and financially sound plan will lead to stability and approval. Personal growth is favored.

Rearrange your space to suit your needs; you’ll have more time to do things that bring you joy. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something that benefits them more than you.

Travel, educational pursuits and getting involved will help you determine what to do next. A change will introduce you to people who have something unique to offer.

Rein in your spending and rethink how you choose to win approval. Trying to buy favors will send a false message. Focus on personal growth. Assess what’s working for you.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A domestic change can save time and money. Look for the best way to use your cash to help you gain freedom. A partnership looks promising and will spark your imagination.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Home improvement projects will encourage you to enjoy what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. You’ll gain the most from what you have created for yourself and your loved ones.

Simplifying your life will lead to contentment. Make a list of your responsibilities and consider how to lighten the load. Concentrate on enjoying what you have.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Naib orchestrates Afghanistan's historic win over Australia

With a semi-final spot on the line, Australia's top order was wiped out by Afghanistan's seamers.

Glenn Maxwell then pulled off one trick shot after another to counter Afghanistan and leave them feeling a sense of déjà vu. One shovelled four off Azmatullah Omarzai had Maxwell grinning from ear to ear. After he brought up a 35ball half-century, Maxwell put his thumbs-up to the Australia dressing room and looked set to secure their place in the final four and KO Afghanistan once again.

Gulbadin Naib, though, combined with Noor Ahmad to stop Maxwell on 59 off 41 balls and keep Afghanistan alive in this International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s

SCOREBOARD

Afghanistan (20 ovs maximum)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz †c Warner

b Stoinis 60

Ibrahim Zadran c Marsh

b Zampa 51

Azmatullah Omarzai

b Zampa 2 Karim Janat c David

b Cummins 13

Rashid Khan (c) c David

b Cummins 2 Mohammad Nabi not out 10

Gulbadin Naib c Maxwell

b Cummins 0 Nangeyalia Kharote not out 1

Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 4) 9

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.40) 148/6

Did not bat: Noor Ahmad, Naveenul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi Fall of wickets: 1-118 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 15.5 ov), 2-121 (Azmatullah Omarzai, 16.3 ov), 3-122 (Ibrahim Zadran, 16.6 ov), 4-126 (Rashid Khan, 17.6 ov), 5-141 (Karim Janat, 19.1 ov), 6-141 (Gulbadin Naib, 19.2 ov) • DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Ashton Agar 4-1-17-0

Josh Hazlewood

Pat Cummins

Adam Zampa

Glenn Maxwell

4-0-39-0

4-0-28-3

4-0-28-2

2-0-12-0

Marcus Stoinis 2-0-19-1

Australia (T: 149 runs from 20 ovs)

Travis Head

b Naveen-ul-Haq 0

David Warner c Noor Ahmad

b Mohammad Nabi 3

Mitchell Marsh (c) c Mohammad Nabi b Naveen-ul-Haq 12

Glenn Maxwell c Noor Ahmad

b Gulbadin Naib 59

Marcus Stoinis c †Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Gulbadin Naib 11

Tim David lbw

b Gulbadin Naib 2

Matthew Wade † c Karim Janat

b Rashid Khan 5 Pat Cummins

b Gulbadin Naib 3

Ashton Agar c Gulbadin Naib

b Naveen-ul-Haq 2 Adam Zampa c Mohammad Nabi

b Azmatullah Omarzai 9

Josh Hazlewood not out 5

Extras (b 2, lb 6, nb 1, w 7) 16

TOTAL 19.2 Ov (RR: 6.56) 127 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Travis Head, 0.3 ov), 2-16 (Mitchell Marsh, 2.3 ov), 3-32 (David Warner, 5.1 ov), 4-71 (Marcus Stoinis, 10.3 ov), 5-85 (Tim David, 12.2 ov), 6-106 (Glenn Maxwell, 14.4 ov), 7-108 (Matthew Wade, 15.1 ov), 8-111 (Pat Cummins, 16.3 ov), 9-113 (Ashton Agar, 17.2 ov), 10127 (Adam Zampa, 19.2 ov) • DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Naveen-ul-Haq 4-0-20-3 Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-0-21-0 Azmatullah Omarzai 1.2-0-10-1 Mohammad Nabi 1-0-1-1

T20 World Cup. After Naib hid one away from Maxwell's swinging arc, Noor pulled off a spectacular, low catch at backward point. Maxwell's exit left Australia at 106 for 6 in the 15th over, still needing 43 off 32 balls on the St Vincent pitch that offered sharp turn and variable bounce.

Naib used those conditions to his advantage to come away with career-best T20I figures of 4 for 20 to help bowl Australia out for 127. Brought in as their eighth bowler, Naib took out Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Pat Cummins to headline Afghanistan's famous victory, their first over Australia across formats.

Earlier, Cummins had bagged a hat-trick in consecutive World Cup games, and almost got four in four, but this was indeed Naib and Afghanistan's day.

The opening act

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struck up their third century stand in this tournament – they became the first pair to do so in any T20I series – to set Afghanistan up for a competitive total.

Both openers made half-centuries, leaving Australia waiting until the 16th over for a breakthrough. Never have Australia had to wait that long for a wicket in T20Is.

Gurbaz and Ibrahim had played out 21 dots in the first four overs in which they managed only 17. But in the next two overs they more than doubled the score, ending the powerplay on 40 for 0.

Gurbaz then jumped out of his crease and pumped Adam Zampa for a straight six while Ibrahim manufactured swinging room and crunched Ashton Agar over cover-point for four. Australia had picked the left-

arm fingerspinner, ahead of Mitchell Starc, to match him up with a right-hander heavy Afghanistan line-up on a spin-friendly surface, but he went wicketless (4-1-17-0).

Gurbaz and Ibrahim largely played percentage shots to counter the conditions and Australia's attack. Ibrahim could've been dismissed on 11 had Zampa not dropped a difficult chance in the outfield; he ended up parrying it

in St Vincent, he dismissed Rashid Khan, Karim Janat and Naib across the 18th and 20th overs. When he performed the feat against Bangladesh, Cummins said that he forgot he was on a hattrick, but on Saturday against Afghanistan, he was aware of it, putting his hands up in celebration even before Maxwell had caught the ball. Cummins could've well had four in four had David Warner not dropped Nangeyalia Kharote off the next ball. From 118 for 0 in the 16th over, Afghanistan finished with 148 for 6, and it was anyone's game at the halfway mark.

Naveen's double-strike Afghanistan have become used to Fazalhaq Farooqi

a 108kph slower ball that would've done Dwayne Bravo, the Afghanistan bowling consultant and Naveen's teammate at Texas Super Kings, proud.

Hello again, Maxwell Australia were 16 for 2 in three overs. Enter Maxwell. He set to work with two fours off Omarzai in the space of three balls and then dumped rookie left-arm spinner Kharote out of the attack. He first reverse-swept Kharote past slip for four and slogswept him powerfully over midwicket in a 13-run over. Kharote was done with the ball after just one over. Maxwell also took some calculated risks against Rashid and kept Australia in touch

striking repeatedly in the powerplay, but here it was Naveen-ul-Haq who wrecked Australia's top order. After taking

return catch. Australia continued to be uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, and Afghanistan capitalised on the many missed chances.

The comeback Cummins led Australia's comeback at the death by claiming his second hat-trick in three days. On Saturday

the first two balls away from Travis Head, Naveen threatened to bring one back into the batter with the angle from around the wicket, but the ball swung and seamed away wickedly to make Head look silly and crash into the middle stump. In his next over, Naveen had Mitchell Marsh slicing a catch to mid-off with

with the asking rate. When he reached his half-century with a six off Naib, the ghosts of Mumbai 2023 might have resurfaced for Afghanistan.

Naib flexes his muscles Naib, though, helped them exorcise the ghosts. Australia were 94 for 5 in 13 overs, with Maxwell and finisher Wade in the middle. Naib had already removed Stoinis and David in his first two overs. He wasn't even part of Afghanistan's Plan A. With the spinners erring full, especially against Maxwell, Rashid turned to Naib, who responded with two more wickets. Naib doesn't have high pace, but he kept hitting the surface and had the ball react differently off it. After getting rid of Maxwell in his third over, he flexed his muscles and let out an almighty roar that might have been heard in Kabul. The Afghanistan fans in St Vincent roared with their hero and waved the flags. In his final over, Naib fooled Cummins with a slower cutter before Naveen and Omarzai sealed the deal for Afghanistan. (ESPNcricinfo)

Afghanistan celebrate their first ever win over Australia

Gulbadin Naib flexes his biceps after getting the big fish Glenn Maxwell

Pat Cummins dismissed Gulbadin Naib to complete his second T20I hat-trick

Rahmanullah Gurbaz acknowledges his fifty

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Jordan, Rashid, and Buttler lead England's charge into the semis

England have booked their place in the semi-finals of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding 10-wicket win over USA in their final Super Eight match. Using just 9.4 overs to chase down 116, thanks to Jos Buttler's 83 not out from 38 deliveries, the defending champions have boosted their net run rate (NRR) to 1.992 for good measure.

Such a dominant win was set-up by Chris Jordan, who became the first England player to take a men's T20I hat-trick. Jordan, brought back into the XI for Mark Wood, took four wickets from his final five deliveries – joining Ireland's Curtis Campher as the only other bowler to achieve that feat at a T20 World Cup – as the USA collapsed from 115 for 5 to 115 all out.

The co-hosts had started well enough in Bridgetown, reaching 48 for 2 in their first six overs. But Adil Rashid continued a stellar campaign with a mi-

two consecutive sixes off Saurabh Netravalkar.

He saved his most brutal assault for Harmeet Singh's second over – the ninth –getting the strike for the second ball and striking five sixes. The first took him to his first half-century of the tournament, from

serly 2 for 13 from his four overs. Aaron Jones, one of the USA's stronger players of spin, and top-scorer Nitish Kumar were bowled by Rashid, who equalled Stuart Broad's tally of 30 dismissals in T20 World Cups. Both Rashid and Livingstone ensured only 25 runs were scored in the six overs after the powerplay.

The target of 116 needed to be chased down in 18.4 overs to ensure England's NRR would go ahead of South Africa's and ensure they had a firm grasp on second-place in the group. Buttler, however, was aiming higher.

After a quiet start, Buttler raced to 44 from 26 deliveries at the end of the powerplay – in which England scored 60 – which included cracking a solar panel with the first of

32 deliveries. An over later, Buttler's late cut took England over the line with 62 balls to spare. It means England will finish top of the group if West Indies beat South Africa in Group 2's final fixture by a margin fewer than 52 runs. A South Africa win, taking them to six points, will see England finish second.

Jordan gets his moment Jordan did not expect to be at this World Cup. A back injury to Jamie Overton handed him what is probably one last shot on the biggest stage. He seized it with both hands with that hat-trick and overall figures of 4 for 10 that took him to 105 T20I wickets. The crescendo of the hat-trick was dripping with emotion. Jordan is not ex-

actly the biggest celebrator, but who could begrudge him this moment? The Bajanborn cricketer grew up watching plenty of cricket at the Kensington Oval before making the move to the United Kingdom on a scholarship to Dulwich College. The locals in the stadium cheered him as one of their own.

Jordan was actually at home in Barbados when he heard of his call-up to the provisional squad at the end of April. Later that day, he was training in the nets with Jofra Archer, who initially put the session live on Instagram before taking it down.

Having started in the XI for the washout against Scotland and loss to Australia – both in Bridgetown – Jordan returned for the final Group B match against Namibia before sitting back on the bench for the start of the Super Eights.

Even after this display, he may find himself sidelined once more if Buttler opts for Mark Wood's extra pace, depending on England's opponents and semi-final venue. Either way, Jordan's place in history has been secured.

Rashid's wrong 'un so right

Like Lionel Messi shifting onto his left foot and Steph Curry pulling up from long range, everyone knows Adil Rashid has a googly. The problem with all three is doing something about it.

Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar were both felled by the legspinner's delivery that goes the other way. The former tried to combat it with his trusty slog sweep. The latter opted to blaze up and over extra cover. Both had their stumps rearranged.

That's now five of Rashid's nine wickets that have come from googlies at this World Cup. Their menace is disguised by full lengths and outsideoff-stump lines, similar to

where he looks to land his leggies.

Rashid has been England's standout whiteball bowler for some time, and, aged 36, has been at his best throughout this tournament despite coming into the summer with little competitive cricket.

In Bridgetown, he was unplayable, with just 10 runs conceded from his four boundary-less overs.

nament has been a footnote on a valiant campaign.

Anderson was averaging 13 coming into this final fixture. With six overs to go, he looked relatively set on 24, especially after breaking a boundary-less run of 34 deliveries in the previous by heaving Liam Livingstone for six over gully with a reverse-sweep. Now was his time to show why he was once one of the most

It was hard not to feel sorry for USA's batting line-up as he tied them in knots. If it's any comfort, more seasoned batters, with plenty more exposure to Rashid, have been made to look just as clueless.

Underwhelming Corey Anderson

A lot was expected from Corey Anderson. Having made his debut for the USA in April, the former New Zealand international was meant to bring nous and X-factor to the team after 93 caps and three World Cups as a Black Cap. Things have not panned out as such

It is as much a credit to the rest of the squad that their highest-profile cricketer coming into this tour-

sought-after all-rounders on the circuit.

While there was a hurry-up, it came at the other end as Harmeet Singh struck 21 in a 27-run stand between them, with a couple of fours and a six of his own.

Singh would fall at the end of the 18th over, leaving Anderson on strike for the penultimate over. Jordan bowled a full toss, and Anderson swung for the hills. Alas, he could only find Harry Brook, who did not have to move an inch from his position a good 10 yards in front of the sponge at long-on.

Off he walked for 29, his highest score of the competition, taking his overall tal-

ly to 66 from 72 deliveries. A tournament to remember for the USA is perhaps one to forget for Anderson.

Buttler peaking at the right time for England?

It has been an odd tournament for the England Captain. Barring one or two tactical errors – the costliest being his gut decision to bowl Will Jacks in the second over against Australia – his captaincy has been sound. Behind the stumps, he has been immaculate. In front of them, however, he hadn't quite launched.

A 28-ball 42 in the defeat to Australia and 24 off eight deliveries in the shellacking of Oman was tempered by a duck against Namibia. Across the first Super Eight matches against West Indies and South Africa, he managed just 42 from as many balls.

As such, you could attribute this unbeaten 83 – Buttler's second-highest score in T20 World Cups – to a release of frustration. That's certainly how it seemed by the end, even if Buttler attributed the boundary bloodlust as merely the pursuit of a surer path to the knockout stages. His takedown of Harmeet Singh saw him become the second player in a T20I World Cup to strike five sixes in an over after Yuvraj Singh lit up the Durban skies against Stuart Broad in 2007. Having started the month in a foul mood, fed up with addressing the 50over shambles in India last winter, Buttler looks far more at ease. And why not – after a few bumps, this title defence remains on track.*(ESPNcricinfo)

ov), 9-115 (Nosthush Kenjige, 18.4 ov), 10-115 (Saurabh Netravalkar, 18.5 ov) •

DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Reece Topley 3-0-29-1

Jofra Archer 3-0-16-0

Sam Curran 2-0-23-2

Adil Rashid 4-0-13-2 Liam Livingstone 4-0-24-1 Chris Jordan 2.5-0-10-4

England (T: 116 runs from 20 ovs)

Phil Salt not out 25

Jos Buttler (c)†not out 83

Extras (nb 1, w 8) 9

TOTAL 9.4 Ov (RR: 12.10) 117/0

Did not bat: Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley

DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Saurabh Netravalkar 2-0-21-0

Harmeet Singh 2-0-36-0

Chris Jordan celebrates the wicket of Saurabh Netravalkar to complete his hat-trick

Sam Curran celebrates snagging Steven Taylor

Phil Salt and Jos Buttler finished off the chase of 116 themselves

Boys’ defending champions ousted as tournament intensifies

Upsets and commanding performances were on the cards on Saturday afternoon, when the ExxonMobil Under-14 Boys’ and Girls’ Schools’ football tournament headed into its quarterfinal stage.

When the dust settled at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, eight teams had secured their spots in the boys’ and girls’ semi-finals, all in thrilling fashion.

The first game of the day set the tone for what was to come, with Leonora Secondary pulling off a major upset against boys’ defending champions Bartica Secondary.

The defending champions

Lot Secondary 2-0. Bush Lot defended well in the earlier part of the game and it was

were actually ahead, following a brace from Garfield Jones in the 10th and 18th minutes; however, Quincy Fraser later pulled one back for Leonora Secondary in the 23rd minute. Then, as the game wound to a close, Huan Culley found the equaliser for Leonora in the 32nd minute pushing the game into extra time.

The contest eventually had to be decided on kicks from the penalty spot, in which Leonora sent the defending champions packing 4-1.

The following boys’ game saw South Ruimveldt Secondary easing past Bush

only until the 23rd minute that Aaron Archer broke the ice for South Ruimveldt. Two minutes later, Devonte Game netted South’s second goal.

Then Chase’s Academic Foundation pulled off a 3-0 victory over ChristianburgWismar Secondary. Chase’s win came compliments of a team effort in which Mark Glasgow, Jashan Haynes and Akeel Young netted one goal each in the 13th, 28th and 33rd minutes to book their ticket to the semi-finals.

The last boys’ quarterfinal saw Dolphin Secondary defeating Westminster Secondary by the same 3-0

margin. Tyler Abrams found the back of the net early for Dolphin in the fourth minute, but it wasn’t until the 48th that they secured their second goal through Christian Sam. Sam went on to complete his brace in the 50th to seal the 3-0 win for Dolphin.

Over in the girls’ competition, it continued to rain goals from the more experienced teams.

Defending champions Waramuri Primary Top began the day’s proceedings with a thumping 7-0 victory over Charity Secondary. Erika Harris led the charge for the Region One side with a helmet- trick in the 11th, 17th, 23rd and 31st minutes while her teammate, Brentia Marks registered a brace in the 4th and 37th minutes. Shenesa Thomas (32nd) added another strike to complete Waramuri’s 7.

In the following girls’ game, Marian Academy were able to put up little resistance against Bartica’s Secondary’s girls, as the latter demolished their opponent 7-1. Marian Academy’s Ashley Walton opened the scoring in just the second minute of the game, after which Bartica’s Nerismar Williams equalised in the fourth minute. Thereafter, it was the Bartica show as Williams went on to complete her hat-trick in the 17th and 31st minutes, while

DCC honours Tevin Imlach

Ahead of his threeTest tour to England for West Indies in July, Tevin Imlach, one of the proudest members of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) was honoured by its Executive members.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who is yet to make his Test debut, was given numerous trophies for his stellar exploits for the club in 2023. More so, in recognition of his superb leadership in captaining Guyana Harpy Eagles to the Regional FourDay title this season, he received a specially-crafted gold chain and pendant.

Club President Roger Harper charged Imlach with making the most of any opportunity he gets on tour after he was in the Test squad

for the previous series against India and Australia. Imlach expressed gratitude for the continued support of his boyhood club

and thanked all who have played an integral part in moulding his career to date. The first Test at Lord’s is on July 10.

her teammate Kelys Williams also registered a triple in the 11th, 30th and 37th minutes. Vilerky Simon was also amongst the scorers with one goal in the 16th.

The usually high-scoring Santa Rosa Secondary were hindered in their contest with Tucville Secondary, but the Region One side still managed to prevail 3-0. Maria Atkinson netted a brace in the 7th and 20th minutes, while Veronica Chatta added another in the

12th for the victory.

The final girls’ game of the day was another goal fest from President’s College, who defeated New Amsterdam Secondary 8-0. Kimore Edwards got things going with the opening goal in the eight minute and went on to find the back of the net again in the 20th. While Reyanna Gounga scored in the 14th minute, Nadinie Xavier netted a hat-trick in the 26th, 30th and 37th minutes. The

complete team effort also saw Teshana Abrams and Jessica Henry adding one goal each to the massive tally in the 28th and 36th minutes.

The ExxonMobil U14 tournament is also supported by Stenna Drilling, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) under its Pepsi brand and MVP Sports. The Under-14 boys’ and girls’ action is expected to continue next weekend at the same venue with the semifinal round.

Unbeaten Bounty Colts and Kwakwani Untouchables to contest final

…as Grimmond and Rankin shine in semis

Unbeaten sides Bounty Colts and Kwakwani Untouchables booked themselves a spot in the 2024 Guyana Amateur Basketball Association U-23 Championship Finals after riveting semi-finals at the National Gymnasium, with contrasting wins on Saturday, June 22.

The Kwakwani Untouchables overwhelmed powerhouse North Ruimveldt Ravens in the first semi-final as they enter the final with a phenomenal unbeaten record with their unique ability to counterplay to the basket. Starting the game on a high, the Untouchables led the first quarter with the scoreline reading 23-15.

The Untouchables retained their lead in the second quarter by scoring 16 baskets and restricting the Ravens to only 15 points, ending that session with a score of 39 points compared to Raven's 30 points.

Their class was on full display during the third session when the Untouchables netted another 30 points for an accumulated 69 points while restricting the Ravens to a mere 11 points for a total of 41 points.

With the scoreline reading 69-41 at the beginning of the fourth session, the

Kwakwani Untouchables went on to secure the win, with the scoreline reading 102-60.

Kimol Grimmond was once again pivotal in the attack for the Kwakwani Untouchables, netting 15 points, and was supported by Kadeem Dover with 20 points and Royon Short with 15 points.

Demarcus Adams, the Captain of the Kwakwani Untouchables, spoke exclusively with Guyana Times Sport about the important work that led to the triumph.

Adams shared, “Is a very lovely feeling after a very commanding win. I am very happy that all our work is paying off. The defence, we put our best foot forward; came together as one, played as a team, trusted everybody and we did it, we overcame all the teams.”

On the other hand, Bounty Colts managed to continue their winning ways as they annihilated Prospect Kobras in the second semi-final of the evening. The Colts used the jump ball to grab an early 24-17 lead, setting the tempo of the game.

The second quarter saw the Colts showing their ability to penetrate their opponent’s defence as they scored 12 points in that ses-

sion to elevate their score to 36 points, while the Kobras scored 9 points in that session to take their total to 26 at the end of that quarter.

Third-quarter action saw the Kobras keeping both their composure and control of the game, as both teams managed to tie on points scored with 11 points.

With seconds to go in the game, the Colts pounced on the Kobras to seal the deal by breaking through their defence.

Domitre Rankin was pivotal in the attack for the Bounty Colts , top-scoring with 12 points.

Also giving an exclusive comment to this publication was Bounty Colts’ Ronoko Vaughn as he expounded on the key areas that contributed towards the win. Vaughn explained, “It feels great, we still have a lot of work to do, but it feels great going to the finals. I think we still have to push and practice and put more into it. Defence, for sure, we played well and also we weren’t excluding a lot, but we were able to play defence and close down the team.”

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Association’s Under-23 Club Championships will conclude at the same venue on Saturday with the final.

The Bounty Colts

Tevin Imlach is part of a 15-member squad that will take on England in a three-Test tour

A look at the clash between South Ruimveldt (orange) and Bush Lot Secondary

President’s College’s girls enjoyed the biggest win of the quarterfinals with goals Nadinie Xavier (3); Teshana Abrams (1); Jessica Henry (1); Reyanna Gounga (1) and Kimora Edwards (2)