The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, September 30 –03:00h-04:30h and Tuesday, October 1 – 03:30h-05:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, September 30 –15:25h-16:55h and Tuesday, October 1 – 15:55h-17:25h.
WParika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Sunshine is expected during the day, interrupted by light to thundery showers in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon hours. Clear to partly cloudy skies, along with light to thundery showers, are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East South Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres
High Tide: 15:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres.
Low Tide: 09:00h and 21:15h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.74 metre.
ith the world’s dependence on fossil fuels expected to continue well into the future, President Dr Irfaan Ali has highlighted Guyana’s unique position to be the world’s leading producer of oil with the least amount of environmental damage, thanks to the Government’s environmental policies.
The Head of State was at the time being interviewed at the 2024 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting’s “Fireside Chat”. Asked if there was a future for Guyana as an oil producer when the world is transitioning away from fossil fuels, President Ali predicted that there would still be demand for oil beyond 2050 – even if it was just 25 per cent of the energy mix.
“We all know that petroleum and the petroleum industry will still have a space in the energy mix and the energy mix of the future, long into the future. In my view, long beyond 2050,” the President declared. “Now, let us say, even if that (energy) mix is 25 per cent of the global energy mix, who is going to produce the 25 per cent? Who will determine who will produce the 25 per cent? And if it is that the climate equation is the most important equation in determining who produces the 25 per cent, then guess what?
“The leading country will be Guyana. Because we’ll be producing the 25 per cent globally with the least damage to the environment. We’re not going to even utilise 20 per cent of the sequestered carbon. I’m not talking about the 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon that the forest stores. So, it’s who sets the agenda? If we look at the US and when there is greater demand, what do you do? You issue more licences.”
President Ali questioned
where the developing world would get capital from to transition to renewable energy. And when comparisons were made by the interviewer between the tax regime implemented by Norway for taxing oil companies and Guyana’s, the Head of State immediately dismissed the comparison.
“You’re talking about a country that is new in oil and gas versus Norway, which has decades of oil and gas experience and revenue. Norway has decades upon decades of oil and gas revenue, which they utilise to make their economy competitive, to diversify their economy, to expand services, to open up opportunities.
“We are now into this. So, what is our priority? Our priority is to do exactly what Norway did. To invest, to ensure every single family prospers. We must have world-class healthcare, world-class education, world-class infrastructure. We must have the opportunity to invest in much-needed infrastructure that will expand our eco-tourism.”
Priorities
Further, Ali noted that they would now have the opportunity to ensure that Guyana can become the breadbasket of the Caribbean. This in-
cludes the country investing in drainage and irrigation, farm-to- market roads and other supporting infrastructure.
“When we get to that point, that Norway had the opportunity to get to, after decades of revenue earned from oil and gas, then we can implement anything Norway implemented and even do it better,” he further said.
Only recently, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had released longterm projections for the global oil industry, predicting that global demand for oil will reach 118.9 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2045.
This increased growth rate for demand, according to OPEC, will be fuelled by growth in India, Africa and the Middle East, coupled with the lagging transition to electric vehicles and clean energy.
In Guyana, ExxonMobil and its partners are producing oil in the Stabroek Block with the help of three Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels – the Liza
Destiny, the Liza Unity and the Prosperity via the Liza One, Liza Phase Two, and Payara projects.
To further develop the nascent oil and gas industry , the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government held an auction last year for eight oil blocks – two deep-sea blocks and six shallow-water blocks, with plans underway for a second such auction.
Those awarded oil blocks were a Guyanese female-led company, Sispro Inc; Total Energies EP Guyana BV in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia); Liberty Petroleum Corporation of the US and Ghana-based Cybele Energy Limited; International Group Investment Inc of Nigeria; the Stabroek Block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited and Delcorp Inc Guyana, which comprises Watad Energy and Communications Limited and Arabian Drilling Company of Saudi Arabia.
Editor: Tusika Martin
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The recent racial slurs cast on the sculptor Ivor Thom bring to the fore, once again, the lingering effects of racism that was born out of African enslavement by Europeans back in the 15th century. We need to interrogate why racism has been so long lasting, if we are to ever hope to eradicate it. The sources of racism are not only external: some have been interjected into the psyches of peoples the world over, so that even if the external constraints are removed, these internal shackles will deliver their invidious effects. These shackles go to the issue of identity that eventually translates into group worth.
For instance, there was the denudation of the culture of the Africans during slavery and the forcible imposition of practices designed to convince them that they were sub-human. There is no question that Africans opposed these pressures, but the logic of the power differential in the master-slave relationship determined that the early Euro-African “Creole” culture was never going to be positive for the slave. The docile, happy-go-lucky Quashie was the ideal end product that the ruling class wanted to perpetuate.
With the final abolition of slavery in 1838, the colonists were not prepared to leave the construction of a docile work force to chance. Not coincidentally, the British had begun crafting an alternative method of domination to exchange the metal chains holding the colonised people with mental chains for which the people clamoured. The centrepiece would be through “Education” – with a capital “E”. In the words of Lord Macaulay, the chief architect of the scheme, which began in India: the graduates of the schools to be established would be “Indian in blood and colour, but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in intellect.” The stated objective would be to create a class of clerks, who would serve the British commercial and governmental interests, but the effect would be to create mental chains for the new elite for which they and the rest of colonised people would clamour.
The strata that aspired to become the elite was taken into newly-established schools and bombarded with “Knowledge”. This classificatory power to define what was “knowledge” was crucial since the rulers could establish a scale of value on all knowledge. This process operated at several levels. Firstly, knowledge would only be transmitted in the language of the hegemon – ensuring that all other concepts from other paradigms had to fit within the procrustean bed of his paradigm. Secondly, Knowledge was to be transmitted only within the approved schools. The fisherman, farmer, yogi, medicine man or village elder is by definition, not “knowledgeable” and thus inferior.
Thirdly, the particular historical experiences of the hegemon is untethered from its parochial origins and universalised as applicable for all places and all times. For the transmission of knowledge, the hegemon’s curriculum is deemed complete i.e. it is universalised as “Education”. The “graduated” colonial is taught that he is “Educated”, period, not that he is educated to keep records. The Bible is “Scripture”; “Literature” is English literature. In fact, one of the ironies of the new dispensation was that “English Literature” as a subject was taught for the first time in India – in England, there were only Latin and Greek.
The successfully imparted or imbibed paradigm creates an identity system for all those within it – including both the ruler and the ruled. Within this system, the identity of the dominated is the negative mirror image of the dominator, of which the latter is akin to perfection, if not perfection itself. The identity-set of the hegemon is the ideal while that of the hegemonised is deficient in all respects. In accepting this inferior identity, the hegemonised individual automatically assumes a low self-conception – and selfesteem – and of his group vis a vis the hegemony. The precursor, of course, to this identity set – was the slavemaster relationship created during African slavery.
If we are to abolish racism, we must cleanse its foundations in our “Education”.
Sri Lanka’s new President faces a problem shared by too many developing countries: austerity imposed by the West
By AhilAn KAdirgAmAr
Sri Lanka is at a historic juncture. Faced with its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and having defaulted on its external debt for the first time, the country recently saw unprecedented protests demanding systemic change. The former President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was literally chased away in 2022, as protesters stormed his residence and swam in his pool. The political parties and their offshoots that have ruled the country since independence are unravelling. Take Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He polled just 3.8 per cent of the vote during the previous presidential election in 2019. This week, he was sworn in as President.
The new President belongs to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party and leads the new centre-left National People’s Power (NPP) coalition. The JVP engaged in two major insurrections in the early 1970s and late 1980s, which resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives – mass violence was committed by both the JVP and the State. But the party has come a long way from its mix of revolutionary Marxist-Leninism and Sinhala ethno-nationalism, having moved into the centrist mainstream. From its roots in the rural south of the country, the party remoulded its base in the suburbs and small towns and even wooed the middle classes by taking up the issue of corruption. Its electoral capture of State power was contingent on the unprecedented economic crisis, as it
waited patiently for the political winds to turn.
Yet its victory comes during unenviable times, as the bankrupt country is subject to severe austerity measures in line with the conditions of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Washingtonbased financial institution that has long promoted social welfare cuts on developing countries in the name of the free market.
The previous Government did not even consider negotiating terms with the IMF. It was all too willing to grovel before the global powers and ran the economy adhering to the benchmarks and recommendations of Western institutions. These economic policies benefited the elite in the country, while the burden from the rise in VAT, the market pricing of energy, the halving of real wages for many and the cost of living doubling have all hit working people. Domestic debt restructuring, pushed by the international bondholders – consisting of large hedge funds and other financiers – was also needed to satisfy the IMF’s debt sustainability analysis (DSA). This now means the retirement funds of working people, such as garment workers and tea pluckers, over the next 16 years are going to lose half their value. Meanwhile, wealthy investors in the financial sector have got away scot-free, with their investments untouched.
The central challenge before Dissanayake is getting a better IMF agreement. And it is this tension between a new President who seeks social change and the old IMF,
which remains committed to the interests of global finance and markets, that is likely to play out in the weeks and months ahead.
Sri Lanka is heading for parliamentary elections in seven weeks, and it is Dissanayake’s strength in parliament, and the national consensus he can forge, that will determine his bargaining power with the IMF and the extent to which he can keep the elite in the country at bay.
At the heart of any renegotiation are the IMF’s targets. According to these, Sri Lanka must get its public debt down to 95 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and must spend 4.5 per cent of GDP annually in external debt servicing once the IMF programme is finished. This amounts to 30 per cent of all Government revenue going on servicing debt – a great scenario for Sri Lanka’s creditors, particularly international bondholders to whom US$12.55 billion is owed. But with little debt relief, the reality is that Sri Lanka could end up defaulting again.
In this context, there is mounting pressure on Dissanayake to stay the course with the IMF. From the elite in the capital, Colombo, to the Western media, there is much talk that a former Marxist cannot work with the IMF and manage the economy. This amounts to a kind of sabotage. It is important to point out here that while the so-called “IMF bailout” amounts to just about US$60 million a month for the duration of the programme, Sri Lanka’s foreign earnings (exports, service
earnings and worker remittances) every month now are about 30 times that amount, at US$1800 million. In other words, the President will not be sticking to the IMF programme for its funds, but due to international political pressure and the fear of isolation. There are lessons to be learnt from elsewhere here –notably Kenya. Its President, William Ruto, was elected in 2022, a year after an IMF agreement, and the red carpets were eventually rolled out for him in Washington for sticking to the neoliberal programme. Yet within two years, massive protests against austerity and State repression have marred the country. In Sri Lanka, as in about 70 developing countries around the world in debt distress, the same questions arise. Do they continue to mortgage their national policies to the bondholders and the IMF, or do they seek alternative avenues of development finance and negotiate their way out of the crippling IMF programmes?
Dissanayake is going to have to walk a tightrope. For a country and people that are going through the worst phase of dispossession since independence, international solidarity should mean providing space for rebuilding the country. For if Dissanayake fails to carry the citizenry, the xenophobic and polarising forces that ravaged Sri Lanka for decades will be waiting in the wings. (The Guardian) Ahilan Kadirgamar is a political economist and senior lecturer at the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
F
oreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd has reiterated Guyana's commitment to supporting efforts of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) of the United Nations (UN) to enhance global peacebuilding.
Minister Todd recently participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission of the UN, held on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week in New York, a post on his ministry’s social media page stated.
Minister Todd stated that Guyana sees the PBC as an essential bridging entity within the UN.
The ministerial-level meeting provided an opportunity for the whole UN membership to exchange views on their expectations and priorities regarding next year's Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) process. Building on conclusions that may emerge from the Summit of the Future, the meeting should be able to offer high-level political guidance and create momentum as the review is prepared.
The minister further underscored that enhancing
communication and coordination between the General Assembly; the Security Council; the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the secretariat would enable a unified approach to peacebuilding.
Minister Todd also reaffirmed Guyana's commitment to supporting efforts that enhance the PBC’s role and impact in global peacebuilding. The minister noted that strategic collaboration, innovative financing, the fostering of mutual learning, the development of indigenous peacebuilding capacities, and countering threats before they arise will promote a more effective, coordinated, and integrated approach to sustaining peace
and security.
The primary aim of the PBAR is to thoroughly assess the Peacebuilding Commission’s current impact on peacebuilding across the world. The assessment seeks to determine the successes and shortcomings of these initiatives, particularly in how well they support national governments and local actors.
While in New York, the Guyanese foreign minister participated in a number of similar ministerial forums hosted on the sidelines of the UNGA.
He attended a ministerial meeting on the political and humanitarian situation in Venezuela convened by United States (US)
Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic, Diana Mondino.
He also delivered a statement during the high-level meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear-Weapons, where he stated that Guyana remained committed to promoting and advancing the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation agenda as a non-nuclear weapon state and as part of a nuclear weapon-free zone.
Minister Todd also attended the IV Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Brasilia Consensus during which leaders evaluated the Roadmap for the Integration of South America that was approved by the Presidents of South America in October 2023 to give shape to a flexible South American dialogue in an effort to advance regional integration and promote cooperation.
The Guyanese foreign affairs minister also delivered remarks at the meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the “maintenance of international peace and security: leadership for peace –
Seven persons including children are now homeless after a fire destroyed their West Coast Berbice (WCB) home late Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred just after 17:00h at the lot 115 Mc Calmon Street, Number 22 Bel Air, WCB in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) residence.
The two-storey concrete and wooden building was occupied by at least two siblings and their families.
Yanson, who operates a hair salon at the premises, related to this publication that she had just returned home and went into the sa-
lon, where a client was waiting. Shortly after, the woman recalled hearing shouts of fire.
“When I go upstairs, the fire was on the wall,” she stated.
Yanson further explained that she was about to disconnect the main switch but heard a loud explosion and immediately vacated the building.
At the time, her sister along with her husband were in the back of the yard.
Yanson’s nine-year-old son and his nine-year-old friend were sitting in the lower flat, watching television when the fire alarm was raised.
While the woman insisted that the children had nothing to do with the Saturday afternoon blaze, investigators believe the fire was caused by ‘child playing
with matches’.
It was reported that the report of the fire was made at around 17:15h on Saturday. Further investigations are ongoing.
united in respect of the UN Charter, in search of a secure future,” as well as the UNSC briefing on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine (Political and Security).
He also participated in a ministerial roundtable on strengthening multilateralism by upholding the UN Charter, where he called on member states to advance the cause of humanity in fulfilling their obligations to the Charter.
At the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Guyanese minister further urged the international community to work towards a lasting solution to the Palestinian conflict. He also attended the Alliance of Small States (AOSIS) Leaders’ Meeting on behalf of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during which the Declaration of the Heads of State and Government of AOSIS On Sea-Level Rise and Statehood was adopted.
In addition to these events, Minister Todd also held a series of bilateral engagements with a number of officials from countries around the world while in New York.
These included were with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Elmer Schialer. The two Ministers addressed the strengthening of the cooperation agenda and partnership between Guyana and Peru, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels. Emanating from those discussions is an anticipated political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries to advance a co-
operation framework to promote collaboration.
Then Todd and the Minister of External Affairs of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during their meeting, reaffirmed their strong commitment to the continued strengthening of the bilateral cooperation agenda between Guyana and India. Minister Todd and Minister Jaishankar also addressed common multilateral areas of interest to further advance collaboration.
The Guyanese foreign affairs minister also met with the Secretary General of INTERPOL, Jurgen Stock, and they noted the longstanding partnership between Guyana and INTERPOL, and further discussed possible areas of cooperation on matters related to global security, law enforcement, and combating transnational crime.
Meanwhile, Minister Todd signed a Joint Communiqué with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, establishing diplomatic relations between Guyana and Serbia. The Foreign Ministers also engaged in a bilateral discussion on areas of mutual interest to initiate a cooperation agenda between the two countries, including food security and agriculture, Information and communications technology (ICT), and also training and capacity building.
Minister Đurić conveyed his government’s support to Guyana on the border controversy case with Venezuela currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Modular origami is a technique that can be used to build some pretty interesting and impressive models of mathematical objects. In modular origami, you combine multiple units folded from single pieces of paper into more complicated forms. The Sonobe unit is a simple example unit from modular origami that is both easy to fold and compatible for constructing a large variety of models. Below is a cube model that is easy to make using this unit.
Materials and Tools
Paper (square origami paper is preferred as it folds much better)
Scissors (if paper isn't square)
How to make square paper
All of the instructions
below assume square paper is being used. If you need to make square paper, here is a fast way to do it. Take an ordinary piece of paper and fold it diagonally. Cut off the remaining strip.
Unfold your square piece of paper. The square created above is 8.5 inches on a side. I like using smaller paper so I usually fold in half vertically, and then horizontally. This makes crease marks that I cut along to make 4 square sheets that are 4.25 inches on a side. This seems to be a good size for modular origami.
How to make a Sonobe unit take a square piece of paper If you are using coloured origami paper, flip it so it is
coloured side down. Fold in half horizontally.
Unfold. You should have a horizontal crease in the middle. Now you are going to fold the paper in fourths. Start by folding the top down to meet the crease in the middle. Fold the bottom up to meet the crease in the middle. Unfold the top. Fold the bottom corner up to meet the upper crease. Unfold. Rotate 180 degrees. Fold the bottom flap up to meet the middle crease. Fold the bottom corner up to meet the upper crease. Fold the top down. Refold the top corner down along the previously-formed crease. Tuck it into the bottom flap. Flip the paper over. Fold the corners over. Fold the corners in to form a square. First, one corner. Now the other corner. Flip the unit
over. It is complete. There should be two triangular pockets that you can use to insert other units into.
How to make a cube from 6 Sonobe units
Insert one Sonobe unit into the pockets of another unit. Insert another Sonobe unit.
Now fold the squares together to form right angles and connect the units. You should have 3 faces of the cube and one corner.
Continue forming the cube. It should look like this before inserting the last unit (top right photo).
Finished cube. They can be fun to number as large dice.
(mathcraft.wonderhowto. com)
By Ovid
“You with your fishing tackle, hiding your barbs
In tiny gobbets of bait––may you have good weather
And plenty of silly fish that never notice
The hook till it’s caught them!––can you tell me
“Where is the girl who was here a moment ago?
Her hair loose, and dressed in the cheapest things,
She was standing right here where her footprints––
Look––stop, and go no further. Where is she?”
The girl guessed what the god had done for her.
She smiled to hear herself asked where she might be.
Then to the man parted from his money:
“I’m sorry, my attention has been fixed
“On the fish in this hole. But I promise you, By all the help I pray for from Neptune, Nobody has come along this beach
For quite a while––and certainly no woman.”
Guyana’s continuous economic growth, projected to be 42.3 per cent this year, is being driven by the improved investment climate in the country. This is according to Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Komal Singh. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, the PSC Chairman shared his thoughts on Guyana’s economic growth in the first half of the year, as recorded in the 2024 Mid-Year Report. The first half of 2024 saw the economy recording economic growth of 49.7 per cent. Singh also pointed out a crucial fact. The non-oil economy has been contributing significantly to this growth.
“There’s been continuous growth and those growth will continue to take place, because of what is happening in the country. The very important thing in that Mid-Year Report is that the growth is not just coming from oil and gas,” Singh highlighted.
“We’ve seen growth in almost every single sector. And the projection is to continue seeing those growth rates, with the next six months coming ahead of us. And it’s strictly because of the investment and investment climate that we currently have in Guyana,” he explained.
The PSC Chairman pointed out the attractiveness of Guyana as an investment destination, to foreigners who visit. And according to Singh, who is also the Managing Director of GAICO Construction and General Services, Guyana being able to maintain that investors’ confidence will be key to the country’s continued economic growth.
“We have a very high investment climate. It’s a destination; we have seen investors from all over the world come into Guyana and want to invest. And as long as we can maintain that investor confidence level, our investments and trajectory to growth, to development will
continue to see those (growth rates) increasing.”
In the first half of this year, Guyana’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by an estimated 49.7 per cent, with the non-oil economy continuing its growth trajectory with an estimated 12.6 per cent growth.
In his 2024 budget projections, Senior Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had put Guyana’s GDP growth at 34.3 per cent for the full year. However, as a result of this half-year performance, the country’s fullyear forecast for real GDP growth in 2024 was revised to 42.3 per cent – an almost 10 per cent increase from initial projections, and the nonoil economy was now projected to expand by 11.8 per cent.
This would represent the fifth consecutive year in which the Guyanese economy would be growing at more than 20 per cent, and would result in Guyana growing at an annual av-
erage of 38.8 per cent over those five years.
The country’s non-oil economic growth was earlier this year branded by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat as the second fastest in the world, making it clear that Guyana does not depend on just oil for its economic growth.
For instance, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are estimated to have grown by 8.7 per cent
in the first half of the year. According to the report, this was driven by growth in other crops, rice, fishing, and forestry.
Growth in these subsectors, the report explained, outweighed the declines that were recorded for livestock and sugar. Meanwhile, the rice sector grew by 17.9 per cent in the first half of the year. The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reported produc-
tion of 362,030 tonnes of rice equivalent, compared with 302,295 tonnes in the first half of 2023.
When it comes to other crops, this is estimated to have expanded by 8.8 per cent in the first half of 2024, mainly due to increased production of vegetables, root crops, fruits, beans and cereals, and spices.
According to the report, production from these subcategories expanded by 14.2 per cent, 12.7 per cent, 7.1 per cent, 57.7 per cent and 3.3 per cent, respectively. Notably, corn production grew by nearly 400 per cent in the beans and cereals subcategory when compared with output in the first half of last year.
The fishing subsector also grew, by an estimated 27.7 per cent in the first half of the year, with growth recorded in both fish and shrimp production. It is also estimated that the forestry sector expanded by 13.2 per cent in the first half of this year.
…businesses also have option to seek trusted trader’s status
The clearing of goods by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is one of the many aspects of doing business in Guyana. As part of the many improvements being made by the tax agency, businesses importing goods have been enjoying expedited clearing of those goods, thus improving the ease of doing business.
This was revealed by GRA Comptroller Rohan Beekhoo, who, in a recent presentation to a seminar on illicit trade organised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), revealed that the agency
toms brokers also play a huge role in trying to serve as a deterrent (to illicit trade). They can advise their clients accordingly, about the proper rates, the proper classification.
“The value, the process of clearing the goods. We have removed the red tape from clearance of goods. At one time it used to be one month. We have moved that to clearance within three days,” the GRA official explained.
Beekhoo also spoke of the trusted trader’s status that compliant businesses could apply for, which would not
ed trader’s status that GRA offers. The trusted trader’s status would basically, if you meet the requirements, it brings your business up to a point where we now have that confidence in you to reduce the number of checks, reduce the frequency of checks, the type of documentation that we need.
“But not only that. By bringing you on board as a trusted trader, we’re now building our database and our intel on your products, so that when the competition, or the smuggler or other people, try to bring those items
has been able to cut down on the length of time it takes to clear goods, so much so that goods can be cleared within three days.
“We have also been training the customs brokers, because we recognise that cus-
only improve their ease of doing business even more, but also help protect legitimate businesses from those seeking to benefit from illicit trade.
“We also urge you, as I’m here, to apply for the trust-
to undervalue, we have the relevant information we need to address, and at the very least, to level the playing field,” Beekhoo further said.
Earlier this year, the government had won plaudits when the Investment
Climate Report (2024) on Guyana was released by the United States (US) State Department. In that report, it was noted that Guyana continues to make strides in attracting international investors. One of the factors for this was the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business, including the launch of the single-window system.
“Guyana aims to provide a welcoming business environment for international investors and has already shown some success. Business registration times have been reduced from three weeks to less than one week, and the Government of Guyana is developing a single-window programme for permits,” the report, which evaluated the investment climate of over 160 countries around
the world and whether they have adopted Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) norms, had said.
This is particularly the case with the Housing Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) single-window system, which will see agencies such as the Central Board of Health; the River and Defence Board; the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Guyana Fire Service (GFS); the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); the National Trust of Guyana; Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), and the Deeds Registry also getting on board.
The single-window system features five key elements including one-window
access to allow the CH&PA to be the point of entry for planning and building applications as well as a dashboard to show the status of individual applications and generate progress reports, which can also be accessed by applicants. Another feature of the system is a time-bound element by which the relevant agencies will have to respond to applications, otherwise they would automatically be considered approved.
In 2022, GRA collected a total of $176 billion in revenue. This included $27.1 billion in import duties, which were collected and paid into the Consolidated Fund. Meanwhile, export duties collected amounted to $84.4 million, stamp duties were $72.6 million, and environmental levies were $2.7 billion.
A52-year-old gold miner was arrested after being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition during an operation conducted by the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) at Five Stage Back Dam in the North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini).
David Phillips, a resident of Fitzburg, Port Kaituma, accompanied by two oth-
er miners, Allan John and Kester Peters, was driving a Hilux pick-up truck on Friday when Police stopped the vehicle based on intelligence received.
Officers requested to search the vehicle and its occupants, prompting Phillips to identify a pink and grey haversack as his.
Upon inspection of the bag, Police discovered a 9mm
pistol, a magazine, and six live rounds of ammunition. Additionally, Phillips claimed ownership of a bottle of quicksilver and a grey jacket found in the vehicle.
When questioned about being the holder of a firearm licence, Phillips admitted he did not have one. He told officers, “Boss Man, this is back dam; I got this gun for my personal protection.” Officers also
noted that the firearm’s serial number and manufacturer’s mark had been filed off.
Phillips was taken into custody, along with the firearm and ammunition, and transported to the Matthews Ridge Police Station before being moved to the Port Kaituma Police Station. He is currently assisting law enforcement, as authorities continue their investigations.
Lytton Daniels, a 51-year-old labourer from Kanaballi Village, Santa Cruz, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) was remanded to prison after being charged with unlawfully wounding a 75-year-old farmer.
Daniels appeared before Magistrate Ravindra
Mohabir on Friday at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with unlawfully wounding Russell Baptist, a farmer from the same village. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday.
Daniels pleaded not guilty to the charge, which falls under Section 50 of the Criminal Law
(Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. After hearing the case, Magistrate Mohabir ordered that Daniels be remanded to prison. The case has been postponed until October 8, 2024, when statements are expected to be presented.
The court’s decision comes as the investigation continues into the circum-
The Opposition’s kept up a steady drumbeat of complaints about the “bloated voters’ list” that’s gonna be used for the 2025 elections. But they know fully well any “bloating” is from the hot air they produce by their kvetching – which is simply to lay the ground for protests – with the usual accompanying violence after losing those elections. In warfare – of which their politics is merely a continuation – this move is known as a preemptive strike!!
The procedure to produce an “Official List of Electors” (OLE) here was painstakingly worked out after the PNC used every trick in the book – and then some – to rig elections between 1968 and 1985. Basically it’s extracted from a National Register of Registrants Database (NRRD) – which was initiated in 1967 by the PNC – and maintained by the General Registry Office (GRO). It contains a list of all Guyanese 14 and over who’d been registered since the last House-to-House (HtH) Registration in 2008.
According to the law, the NRRD’s been updated ever since by having youths register when they become 14 in a process of “continuous registration”. So, there’s no reason for “house-to-house” registration before every election. The alleged “bloating” isn’t some nefarious plot by the PPP, but arises from those thousands who emigrate to “foreign”. Their names remain on the register – since they can be removed by the GRO only after they receive death certificates. Barbados’ voters’ list is just as “bloated” – for the same reason – and no one complains!! The other objection is that there are “dead” persons’ names on the OLE – and individuals can vote for them with their IDs. Which challenge was to be handled by party agents at voting centres!!
Usually, when elections are in the offing – Local or National - a “Preliminary List of Electors” (PLE) is extracted of everyone who’s 18 or older and GECOM then engages in a “Claims and Objections” (C&O) process. Here everyone who can prove they should be on the list makes a “claim” and those who detect dead persons can make an “objection”. There was a C&O done in January and another done in July –even though election’s a year away – presumably to allay the Opposition’s hysteria!! In the C&O, there are usually about 5000 claims for including but less than 20 objections.
The PNC in Opposition had insisted the “bloating” had to be fixed before they participated in elections – ‘cause it helps PPP rigging. Yet the latter LOST the 2015 elections!!
The PNC attempted a HtH exercise in 2019 to “debloat” the list, but the Court ruled it was unconstitutional to remove overseas citizens’ names – just because they weren’t resident in Guyana!!
Your Eyewitness wonders why the Opposition don’t ask to constitutionally de-enfranchise overseas Guyanese??
…the electorate
One popular strategy used in politics was interestingly coined (yes “coined!) by PT Barnum, the circus shill!! He said promise folks everything and they’ll believe it ‘cause “a sucker’s born every minute”!! So in Guyana, in addition to as the WPA’s “Declaration of Buxton” – studiously echoing Burnham’s “Declaration of Sophia” – which called for the Government to hand over US$5000 EVERY year to EVERY Guyanese family, we now have the PNC’s Aubrey Norton promising that if they get into Government, they’ll be building a new fertiliser plant to utilise associated gas from the oil producers and to distribute that FREE to farmers!! Now if that wasn’t designed to bring voters into the WPA and PNC camps, what is??
Problem is, there’s around 224,000 families in Guyana so to fulfil that promise would take over US$1.1 billion annually for immediate consumption and delay our strategic, longterm infrastructural development !! Now we hope that Guyanese are not as dumb to believe the PNC can “suck cane and blow whistle at the same time”!!
…new servant mentality?
There’s a big push on tourism here. Your Eyewitness feels tourism’s OK for “developed” countries where tourists gawk. In the Third World, they come to examine us as exotic specimens. And we’re trained to perform as such!! Masquerades and limbo??
Region Two Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, urged the public to keep alive the memory of the sugar workers who were killed during the Devonshire Castle Strike
mony held on Sunday at Cabbage Dam, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Five sugar workers –Kaulica, Baldero, Ackloo, Maxidally, and Beccaroo – were shot dead by colonial police while striking
event featured religious songs, poems, and tributes honoring the sacrifices made by the five fallen workers.
Oodit reflected on their bravery, stating that their actions continue to inspire a society that values justice, social equality and freedom from oppression. He emphasised that these workers died standing up for the rights of the working class, challenging the oppressive labour conditions of their time.
The Region Two Chairman also expressed pride in seeing school children actively participate in the ceremony, helping to foster a connection between the younger generation and their rich ancestral legacy.
Retired headmaster and lecturer, Sir Parmeshwar Lall, noted that the
on September 29, 1872. He made these remarks during a remembrance and wreath-laying cere-
against the working conditions on the sugar plantation.
Sunday’s remembrance
Devonshire Castle Strike marked the first major protest in which Indian inden-
tured laborers lost their lives while fighting for justice, and underscored the grave injustices they faced under colonial exploitation.
Lall further explained that the workers’ courage to stand up against their oppressors and demand better conditions should remain a key historical milestone, serving as a reminder of the strength of collective action.
In her closing remarks, Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack emphasised the historical significance of the 1872 uprising, stating that the sacrifices
of these workers continue to fuel the ongoing struggle for social and economic justice. She highlighted how their actions paved the way for better conditions for Guyana’s working class and contributed to the nation’s progress.
Wreaths were laid at the base of the monument by representatives from the Region Two Administration, religious organisations, students from 8th May Secondary, and other well-wishers, who paid tribute to the legacy of the fallen heroes.
The Devonshire Castle Strike of 1872 was the first major protest in which Indentured servants protested against the unfair systems that were being used to exploit them, according to the National Trust of Guyana. The estate workers were dissatisfied with the working conditions on the sugar plantation and complained bitterly about the unfair manner in which the indentured system was managed. Their complaints included poor wages, long hours of work, administrative abuse; the manner in which tasks were assigned to them and the numerous deductions from their pay.
Agroup of female scholars of the University of Guyana (UG) has published a ground-breaking book on a multifaceted approach to teaching chemistry.
Titled “Post-secondary Chemistry Education in Developing Countries: Advancing Diversity in Pedagogy and Practice,” the book was officially launched on Friday at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) of UG’s Turkeyen Campus.
The publication was co-authored by three senior academics led by award-winning chemist and Head of the University’s Chemistry Department, Dr. Dawn Fox; Chemistry Lecturer and Former Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Chemistry Educator, Medeba Uzzi, and Education Methodology Specialist and Director of UG’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), Dr. Jacqueline Murray.
The 220-page book was published by the internationally renowned Routledge Press under its research in STEM education imprint.
According to a statement from UG, the publishing of the book is viewed as
a significant achievement in academic publishing as it advocates a multifaceted approach to holistically transform chemistry education within developing countries.
In her remarks, UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, praised the collaborative efforts of the authors in bringing this important work to fruition.
“This publication dispels the myth that the University of Guyana does not contribute to research. It is a testament to our commitment to advancing academic discourse. I cannot say how proud I am of your achievement. You are truly going to change lives and the face of teaching of subjects in STEM with this work.” said Prof. Mohamed Martin.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the book, which was published on March 25, 2024, “not only serves as an educational resource but also reflects our ongoing dedication to research-based teaching.”
The VC further thanked the UG Press, though it did not publish the book, made all the necessary arrangements in Guyana for the excellent launch of the book.
Dr. Dawn Fox, one of the co-authors, shared that the inspiration for the book came from her experiences as both a student and a teacher, highlighting the importance of early engagement. She shared that the central message of the book, named the “3P approach” advocated diversity in pedagogy, programming (strategic extra and intra curricular activities), and people: embracing and supporting diversity in the students and teachers engaged in the teaching/learning experiences. Dr. Fox expressed gratitude to all the persons, including the authors’ immediate family, who have supported the project noting that without their contribution, publishing of the book would not have been a reality.
In her remarks, co-author Dr. Jacqueline Murray emphasised the interdisciplinary nature of the project, noting that adaptability and constructive criticism among the authors were vital to its success. “This book encourages a rethinking of tradition-
al chemistry curriculum and the activities used in the teaching and learning of chemistry. The book promotes collaboration across disciplines and the creation of teaching strategies and activities which align themselves with students’ learning preferences. For example, collaborative research projects between finance and engineering students can enhance interdisciplinary learning.”
Dr. Murray explained that in the twenty-first century context, soft skills are desired traits sought after by employers and not just technical skills. “Our next step is to operationalise the contents of this book, ensuring that its principles are applied effectively in educational settings,” Dr. Murray added.
Ms. Uzzi noted the book is not only important for persons who are teaching post-secondary chemistry but the pedagogical diversity outlined within
tion for sustainable development.
The authors plan to publish results from the implementation of the “3P approach”, and invited education practitioners to collaborate.
Many of the persons who spoke including world renowned alumnus of UG’s Chemistry department, now senior researcher at Pfizer, Dr. Vidya Roopchand and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Engagement Prof. Emannuel Cummings, expressed the view that the publication marks a significant step forward in enhancing chemistry education and promoting diversity in teaching practices across the region.
Dr. Roopchand pointed to the many renowned alumni who have emanated from the Chemistry department of UG. Prof. Cummings lauded the appearance of the book and noted that “everything” is chemistry and as such the
the book could transform any post-secondary classroom. She referenced the “3P approach” likening it to a buffet where it is advisable to sample one or two items rather than everything at once. This analogy encapsulates the book's philosophy of gradual implementation of innovative pedagogical strategies. She further beckoned for education policy makers and administrators to recognise the importance of funding innovative STEM educa-
application of the work to not only the sciences but to general educational pedagogy should be noted.
Copies of the book were presented to the ViceChancellor’s Office, UG Library and the Government Technical Institute (GTI). Additionally, a copy will be gifted to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
The book is presently available at: Routledge, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart.
at Pakuri Village (St Cuthbert’s Mission) on Saturday
Guyana has reached a major milestone in the fight against hunger, with undernourishment levels falling below 2.5 per cent.
Statistics also show that this figure was significantly lower than the regional average of 6.6 per cent and the global average of 9.1 per cent, which ultimately positions Guyana as a leader in food security across the Caribbean and Latin America.
During a recent HighLevel Dialogue: Reflections on the fight against hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean., Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the country’s success in reducing hunger, attributing it to deliberate interventions.
"This achievement has not been accidental, but as a result of deliberate policy interventions aimed at enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food," Mustapha stated.
He added, "It is a moral imperative, and that is why we are here today – to share our experiences, learn from each other, and renew our collective commitment to eradicate hunger and malnutrition as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal Two."
In addition to reducing undernourishment, Mustapha highlighted that Guyana has made substantial progress in addressing food insecurity.
While the new figure is an improvement in comparison to previous times, Mustapha acknowledged that it still means that many Guyanese are affected by food insecurity.
He also emphasised that Guyana’s strategy is built around two main goals: expanding the agricultural sector and becoming a leading exporter of agricultural products within the Region.
These initiatives fall under the Vision 25 by 2025 plan, which aims to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.
"Our focus remains on ensuring that no one is left behind," Mustapha said, explaining the need for regional food self-sufficiency through enhanced domestic production.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that Guyana has been expanding agricultural production across key sectors such as crops, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture.
On this point, the Minister pointed out that the Government’s swift response to the devastating 2021 floods – Guyana's worst on record – was a clear example of its commitment to food security.
"The 2021 floods affected 130,000 acres of farmland and approximately 1.3 million animals. The
Government responded swiftly with $7 billion in financial support to farmers, and within six months, food production had rebounded," he noted.
Mustapha also highlighted Guyana’s leadership role in regional food security efforts under the guidance of President Dr Irfaan Ali, who serves as the lead head on agriculture and food security within Caricom.
"Since President Ali has taken that mantle, we have seen a renewed interest in food security across the Caribbean," Mustapha said.
He added, "Economies that were built on tourism and other industries are now aggressively pursuing food production, and Guyana is leading the charge. We are offering technical advice and cooperation around the Caribbean to help countries
that now have to produce their own food."
In closing, Mustapha reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in regional food security.
"We have shown our commitment through targeted investments in agriculture, and as a region, we must continue to work together to ensure that we are prepared for future challenges," he said.
Daniel Rodrigues, a 31-year-old miner from Port Kaituma in the North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) has been charged with possession of narcotics and assault.
He pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined a total of $40,000 at the Vreeden-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh informed Rodrigues that he faced fines of $20,000 for
each offence, with the alternative of a two-month prison sentence if the fines were not paid.
The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred around 20:20h on Wednesday, when Rodrigues and 22-year-old Anita Henry were drinking alcohol at the Port Kaituma waterfront.
After Henry left to visit her sister, Police said Rodrigues became agitated, followed and assaulted her by slap-
ping her multiple times. Following the assault, Henry reported the incident to the Port Kaituma Police Station, which led to Rodrigues’s arrest on Wednesday.
During the arrest, authorities discovered a haversack in his possession containing 27 zip-lock bags filled with cannabis, weighing a total of 23.4 grams. He was immediately arrested and subsequently charged.
In response to multiple complaints from residents regarding noise disturbances, a team of Police ranks from Regional Division #3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) conducted a noise nuisance enforcement exercise early Saturday morning at Eclipse Sports Bar, located in Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
The exercise, led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, occurred between 00:01h and 02:23 hrs.
Residents had previously reported the bar as a source of ongoing noise pollution, prompting Police to assess the situation. Upon their arrival, officers noted that the establishment, owned by Surendra Dasai, also known as “Jerry”, did not present significant evidence of excessive noise levels. According to their observations, the
bar’s structure is designed to contain sound, with a tightly sealed building and a double-door system that minimises noise escape.
Officers noted that while the music could only be faintly heard from outside when the doors were opened for patrons, other concerns persisted, including the behaviour of patrons after leaving the establishment.
Residents reported patrons drinking outside the bar, urinating publicly, and gathering at nearby food outlets, which sometimes led to conflicts and altercations.
To address these issues, the Police have committed to regular patrols in the area to maintain order and prevent further disturbances. Authorities also aim to ensure that patrons leaving the establishment behave responsibly and do not engage in disruptive activities
that could affect the surrounding neighbourhood.
In Guyana, the law on noise nuisance concerning individuals is contained in Sub-section 1 of Section 174A of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, as amended by Act No. 1 of 1989: “No person shall, in any road, street, public place or land, or in building or premises, by operating or causing or suffering to be operated any stereo set, jukebox, radio, wireless loudspeaker, gramophone, amplifier, automatic piano or similar instrument of music, or by any other means whatsoever, make, or cause or suffer to be made any noise which shall be so loud and so continuous or repetitive as to cause a nuisance to occupants of any premises in the neighbourhood.”
In fact, back in 2022, the Guyana Police Force signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tackle noise nuisance. Owing to the collaboration with the EPA, the Police Force has implemented heftier fines for noise nuisance.
“The fine for the first conviction is very small – $7500 to $10,000 and to $15,000. For the second offence, $10,000 to $20,000. Under the EPA Act, it is much heftier. It starts at $80,000 to $750,000,” the new fine structure stated.
Over the years, there have been many complaints by citizens from all across the country about noise nuisance. It is clear that the law has not served as a deterrent; and there have been calls, all the way up to a committee in the last Parliament, for amendments to encompass the present circumstances.
In response to recent drownings, the Creeks and Waterways Task Force on Friday launched a comprehensive risk assessment exercise to improve safety at local creeks and waterways.
The task force, which includes representatives from the Home Affairs Ministry; Culture, Youth, and Sport Ministry; Guyana Tourism Authority; Labour Ministry and the Environmental Protection Agency, began on-site evaluations at popular recreational spots along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, focusing on potential hazards and safety improvements.
This initiative follows a series of fatal incidents, including the recent tragic drowning of 10-yearold Akira La Rose and 11-year-old Joylyn Jack at Enchanter Creek in July. Their deaths, and the lack of safety measures at many creeks, have spurred calls for more robust safeguards, including better warning signs, lifeguards, and public awareness.
The girls were part of a family outing, playing in the creek when they went missing around 15:30h on the day in question. Their life-
less bodies were later pulled from the creek.
After the incident, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and other officials,
were instructed to implement improvements within a week, including installing trained lifeguards, posting clear signage, and creating designated areas for children.
He also criticised the overall state of safety, noting the absence of basic infrastructure and the presence of inappropriate behaviours such as drinking and fighting. Minister Benn recommended the closure of businesses that fail to meet these essential safety standards.
On Friday, creek operators during the assessment received life rings to improve emergency prepared-
during a meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, convened creek operators and water activity providers. The meeting, which included numerous participants via Zoom, focused on addressing the urgent safety deficiencies in these facilities.
Minister Benn stressed the need for immediate action, pointing out the lack of adequate safety measures at many locations. Operators
ness, and data collected from these assessments will inform future policy decisions.
Public education on water safety is a key part of the task force’s initiative. The gathered data will help shape awareness campaigns to educate children and adults about the risks of open-water swimming and the importance of supervision.
The task force is also
seeking collaboration between Government agencies and the Private Sector to ensure that recreational areas are monitored, particularly during peak times like weekends and holidays. Local businesses, event organisers, and volunteers are encouraged to help create a safer environment at these spots.
Residents from the Mabaruma sub-district in Region One (Barima-Waini) will soon have the opportunity to access a new set of technical skills, as the Labour Ministry in collaboration with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) gears up to roll out their six-month Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator (HDEO) training programme in the region.
This announcement was made by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton during a meeting with Region One officials at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom. During the engagement, Hamilton emphasised that this initiative aims to equip residents with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to support local development. Moreover, it aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing skills training and providing a qualified workforce for employers.
Looking ahead, BIT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, plans to implement a series of skills training programmes in the sub-district for 2025.
Minister Hamilton encouraged the members to propose various training ini-
$3.6B
tiatives, prioritising each to address community needs.
Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, expressed gratitude to the government and BIT for their commitment to improving the lives of residents, particularly in tackling social issues like teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. He noted that this training initiative will enhance employment opportunities for the community.
To date, the programme, which was developed to address the lack of heavy-duty operators in the country, has trained nearly 100 persons in heavy-duty equipment Operator in Georgetown alone this year and has a duration of four
to six months. The programme covers various topics, including equipment Operator techniques, safety procedures, maintenance practices, and industry regulations.
Notably earlier in August, some 292 additional heavy-duty equipment operators were added to the country’s skilled workforce following a graduation ceremony in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) for HDEO trainees.
The HDEO training programme is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Ministry of Labour’s BIT and allows for public and
private sector employment of all trainees in the respective field, especially with the country currently on a fast-paced development trajectory.
The graduation ceremony saw 247 males and 45 females graduating from the programme, further demonstration the government’s aim to include women in all fields of employment as well as empower them through access to education, training and employment. It comprised graduates from New
Amsterdam, Hampshire and Upper Corentyne as well as persons who hailed from the outskirts of these communities.
Since taking office in August 2020, the PPP/C Administration has successfully trained over 12,000 skilled Guyanese, a testament to its dedication to empowering citizens. Moreover, since its reassumption to office in August 2020, the government was able to create approximately 60,000 new jobs. The 60,000 new jobs
created by the PPP/C surpasses its 2020 manifesto promise of 50,000 new jobs. Now, with the economy booming and expanding at an exponential rate in all sectors, the country is experiencing labour shortages in which the government is partnering with the private sector, training institutions and other agencies to fill those shortages. Minister Hamilton expressed confidence that these efforts will positively impact the lives of the Guyanese people.
Government is pushing ahead to deliver on its promise of 90 per cent treated water for all coastal residents by 2025 as work advances on the $3.6 billion Caledonia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) water treatment plant.
The scope of the work includes resuscitation of the old storage tank, construction of a new storage plant, pump room and three filter systems, creation of a chlorine room and a room for blowers, and the drilling of a new well.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal told Guyana Times on Friday that the project was about
80 per cent complete and would be commissioned by the end of October.
Additionally, he disclosed that the new well, which is within close proximity to the water treatment plant, is 90 per cent complete.
“So, obviously we also drill wells to be able to supply the treatment plants so that you can have a reliable supply. And so, areas such as Good Success; Craig; Garden of Eden; Land of Canaan; Caledonia, of course, those are the areas that are benefiting from this treatment plant. And then all of the persons in that vicinity, when this
plant comes into being, will be getting treated water to their house.”
“The significance is that the well will be used to be the source for the treatment plant so that we can have the output that is desired…,” Croal disclosed.
When completed, the plant, which is being constructed by Sigma Engineering Limited, will serve over 18,000 residents of New Hope, Friendship, Garden of Eden, Supply, Relief, Support, Land of Canaan, Coverden, Pearl, Caledonia and Soesdyke.
Moreover, Croal explained that the Caledonia plant would complement
the Covent Garden well, which was completed this month and is serving over 10,000 persons.
“The Covent Garden well, that is complete now, and in Covent Garden, what we're dealing with right now is the enhancement on the distribution, because some of the areas previously that were not getting it within the Little Diamond area now is getting water. So, we're dealing with a lot of leakages though, because we have some that are first-time ac -
cess, especially in our housing areas or where we have built our houses. So, the Covent Garden (well) is operational and work is currently being done to ensure that all the residents who are going to get from that well are able to be supplied. There's another well that is being done at Grove, that is currently in progress,” he added.
The contract for the Caledonia water treatment plant, along with six others, was signed in October 2023 to the tune of $8.5 billion. The government has been making several interventions to ensure that citizens can easily access treated water across the country, and the construction of these plants is being done under the Coastal Water Treatment Programme, which is being monitored by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI).
To support these efforts, new wells are being developed and inline filters are being installed at 15 smaller existing plants.
Assuria on Thursday launched its Home of Comforts Promotion which will run from October 1 to December 12, 2024 and offers its customers a chance to win luxurious home furnishings and major appliances in time for the festive season.
The Grand Prize includes a three-piece recliner sofa set, a brand-new television, a refrigerator, a washer and a microwave.
The second and third-
place winners will also enjoy some of the same fantastic home essentials, and five lucky consolation prize winners will receive washing machines.
To enter, active policyholders simply need to visit any Assuria office and fill out a coupon, while being eligible for up to 10 entries max based on total premium. The grand drawing will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024 at
Assuria’s Highrise Head Office on Church Street, Georgetown.
“Assuria is committed to delivering peace of mind to our customers while always trying to provide new and better experiences and services. Last year we gave away a car, motorbike and electric bike, and this Christmas, we’re excited to contribute towards comfortable and stylish homes,” Managing Director at Assuria, Yogindra Arjune.
Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the embryo settles anywhere other than in the womb’s inner lining. This can lead to life-threatening complications, and may be fatal without prompt intervention. Treatments can include surgery or drug therapy. Most ectopic pregnancies involve an embryo settling in a fallopian tube, but it can also happen in an ovary or in the abdominal cavity. without prompt intervention, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal for the pregnant person. The fallopian tube, for example, may burst, leading to shock and serious blood loss. Swift treatment is crucial. It cannot, however, preserve the embryo.
Around 1–2% of all pregnancies are ectopic. This issue is the cause of 3–4% of pregnancy-related deaths.
RISK FACTORS
The following factors can lead to a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy:
Previous ectopic pregnancy: Anyone who has had an ectopic pregnancy
has a higher risk of having another.
• Age: The older a person is, the higher becomes the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Infection: A history of inflammation and infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries can increase the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
Sexually transmitted infections: Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Having PID can increase the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
• Smoking: This may also increase the risk.
Damaged or irregularly shaped fallopian tubes: Changes in the structure of a fallopian tube, or an irregular structure, can make it harder for eggs to travel through them. This may increase the risk of an embryo being implanted outside of the womb.
Previous surgery: Having a past Caesarean delivery or fibroid removal increases the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. A person can, however, have an ectopic pregnancy without any of these risk factors. In fact, up to one-half of all diagnosed ectopic pregnancies occurs in people who have no known risk factors.
SYMPTOMS
There may be no early indication that a pregnancy is ectopic. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may develop as early as week 4, and as late as week 12 of the pregnancy, though they are more
common in weeks 6 to 9. The symptoms may include: Pain in the abdomen: This often occurs in the low pelvis area.
Vaginal bleeding: The blood may be lighter or darker than the fluid of a menstrual period. It may also be less viscous.
• Shoulder pain: This can indicate internal bleeding. The bleeding may irritate the phrenic nerve, which causes the pain.
• Fainting or collapse: This medical emergency can result from significant bleeding.
COMPLICATIONS
Without swift diagnosis and treatment, an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening for the pregnant person. Treatment cannot save the pregnancy. Possible complications for the person include:
Internal bleeding: This can lead to shock and
serious outcomes. The risk is higher when treatment is delayed.
• Damage to fallopian tubes: This can lead to difficulty becoming pregnant in the future. The person’s other fallopian tube may function sufficiently for pregnancy.
• After the removal of one damaged fallopian tube, pregnancy remains possible in the future. If both are removed, in-vitro fertilization remains an option for people hoping to become pregnant.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy can be difficult, because early symptoms can resemble those of other health issues.
First, a healthcare professional assesses the symptoms and tests for pregnancy. They then order a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. This involves using sound waves to produce
images of the uterus and surrounding areas.
If it is too early to detect an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor may order blood tests to monitor the person’s condition. This will continue until the doctor can confirm or rule out the ectopic pregnancy.
The options depend on the progression of the pregnancy and any complications that may have developed.
Surgery
A surgeon may perform a laparoscopy, a type of keyhole surgery, to remove the ectopic pregnancy. It involves making a small incision in or near the navel and inserting a small camera and a thin tool.
If the ectopic pregnancy causes a rupture of the fallopian tube, a surgeon would perform emergency surgery to repair the damage. If
that is not possible, the tube would be removed.
Drug therapy
When a healthcare professional diagnoses an ectopic pregnancy early, drugbased treatment may be an option.
This may involve methotrexate, a drug that stops the cells of an embryo from rapidly dividing and growing. Adverse effects of methotrexate can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and possibly mouth sores.
It is not possible to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, and up to one-half of these pregnancies occurs in people with no prior risk factors. However, a person can reduce their risk of PID, which can damage the fallopian tubes and increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
• STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are a cause of PID. Using barrier methods of protection during sex, such as condoms, can help prevent the transmission of these infections.
• Quitting smoking may also reduce the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Anyone who has had an ectopic pregnancy has an increased risk of experiencing this again. Someone in this situation needs to use a reliable form of birth control until they are ready to conceive, particularly if one fallopian tube has been removed.
It is important to let doctors know about past ectopic pregnancies. This can help them detect any future ectopic pregnancy more quickly.
Police patrol a neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, September 4, 2024 (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol photo)
The United States has dropped a push for the United Nations Security Council to ask for a plan to transform a security mission helping fight armed gangs in Haiti into a formal UN peacekeeping operation, a move some diplomats said was made to appease Russia and China.
A senior US Administration official, however, pushed back against that assessment, saying Washington changed its strategy to support a call last week by the head of Haiti's transition council, Edgard Leblanc, for a UN peacekeeping mission.
"It is not at all that we are bowing to those who might not have the best interests of the Haitian people at heart," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We are being strategic about how we're going about this and building on the shot of momentum that we heard from the Haitian president."
The 15-member Security Council will vote today on a draft resolution to extend the mandate for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission until
October 2, 2025. The UN first approved the mission a year ago after the Caribbean country asked for assistance.
Diplomats say Russia and China did not want the council to ask for a plan to transition the UN-backed security force to a formal UN peacekeeping operation, so the US removed that language from the draft resolution, seen by Reuters.
Russia wants to allow more time for the security force to establish itself, Deputy Russian UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Sunday, adding: "We don't want to prejudge MSS's outcome. Too early to make conclusions."
"Full success"
Haitian leaders speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last week warned of worsening insecurity in the country despite the partial deployment of the security force.
Powerful gangs, armed with weapons largely trafficked from the United States, have united in the capital under a common alliance and now control most of the city and are expanding to nearby areas.
The UN General Assembly was told on Thursday: "I am convinced that this change of status, whilst recognising that the errors of the past cannot be repeated, would guarantee the full success of the mission in Haiti."
The senior US official said Washington would "work with partners over the coming weeks to support that call
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken raised the issue of transforming the security force into a UN peacekeeping operation during a visit to Haiti earlier this month.
Many Haitians are wary of an armed UN presence after previous missions left behind a devastating cholera epidemic and sex abuse scandals.
The current Kenyan-led international security mission, while authorised by the UN Security Council, is not a United Nations operation. Countries voluntarily provide money and personnel.
The mission has made little progress toward helping Haiti restore order with only 400 Kenyan Police Officers on the ground so far and a shortfall in funding.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said earlier this month that establishing a UN peacekeeping force would not be the best solution for Haiti, which faces a humanitarian crisis with mass displacements, sexual violence, and widespread hunger.
Gang violence has displaced more than 700,000 persons in Haiti, according to UN estimates.
(Reuters)
Chile's President proposes 2.7% spending increase in 2025 budget
Chile's Government is proposing a 2.7 per cent annual increase in its 2025 budget, President Gabriel Boric said on Sunday, saying the Government will boost pensions and health care and focus on increasing national security.
Boric said the budget would focus on increasing safety for Chilean citizens, with a budget for justice and security US$1.5 billion higher than this year's, helping put more Police on the streets, raise pay for officers
and invest more in prisons.
"Guaranteeing your right to security is the first priority for my government," Boric said on national television, adding that with this proposal the budget for security would be up 15 per cent in three years.
The South American Government would also look to limit migration, he said. Boric has hardened his tone on illegal migration in recent months, saying he will expel migrants who have not attended the official biometric registration process.
Boric had raised concerns this week at the United Nations General Assembly over the crisis in Venezuela, which has seen a quarter of its population emigrate in 10 years, and said his country was not in a condition to receive more migrants.
The 2025 budget, Boric added, will also help boost pensions, the health sector, education and culture. Resources for Chilean immunisation programmes would be up 42 per cent, he said.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
The 69th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Lima, Peru, concluded on Thursday with victories for whale conservation efforts, thanks in part to local activism.
Antigua and Barbuda withdrew its controversial resolution that aimed to undermine the decades-old ban on commercial whaling. This decision came after six local environmental groups sent a joint letter to Prime Minister
Gaston Browne and Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez, urging the country to reverse its pro-whaling stance.
Whaling Commissioner, Ambassador Daven Joseph, announced the withdrawal, stating, Antigua and Barbuda and a number of interested governments and NGOs met, and we were not able to move the resolution forward in terms of receiving consensus. The intention of Antigua and Barbuda is
to withdraw the resolution at this time.
Martha Watkins Gilkes, who spearheaded the coalition of environmental groups, expressed relief at the outcome. It is heartwarming to see something positive happen regarding the marine environment with all the negative things around us. Anything that can be done to protect the marine environment is a win-win, she said. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
Trinidad and Tobago s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne may have ruffled some diplomatic feathers at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 29, when he stood in defence of women, children and aid workers being killed in Gaza by Israeli forces.
Browne, who led a six-person delegation from Trinidad and Tobago, delivered an impassioned halfhour-long speech, during which he criticised the hypocritical response by world powers to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Browne said clear dou-
ble standards have been applied to Palestinian victims of the war, who are often viewed as collateral damage and less deserving of protection than other victims of conflict.
Browne stressed that he, T&T, and the Caribbean opposed this world-view.
Mr President, T&T is deeply troubled by the escalation of conflict and tensions in the Middle East.
We remain distressed by the ongoing war on Gaza and by the chilling flash points or expansion that are being deployed (daily).
Palestine s diplomatic representative looked on, slowly nodding her head in agreement as Browne
alluded to the collective punishment being applied to Palestinians in the aftermath of the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. About 1400 innocent persons were killed in Israel during an attack by Hamas, a militant group based in Palestine.
In May 2024, International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Kharim Khan requested arrest warrants for Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leaders Yahiya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
A57-year-old inmate who was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital after he was reportedly beaten in Police custody, died at the institution Sunday morning.
The now-deceased, Patrick Perry, from Long Bay in Portland, Jamaica reportedly succumbed to the injuries he received. He had been at the hospital since
September 21, 2024. Information reaching Observer Online indicated that two Saturdays ago, Perry was found unresponsive in his cell and taken to the Annotto Bay Hospital.
He was reportedly transported to KPH on the same day, the Police said.
Examinations by doctors revealed that Perry had extensive injuries to the ribs,
lungs and head and a laceration to the kidney which suggested he was badly beaten.
He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. The Independent Commission of Investigations has been informed of the matter and has launched an investigation, the Police confirmed. (Jamaica Observer)
Israel's continuing air strikes may have already forced as many as one million people from their homes across Lebanon, the country's Prime Minister has said.
"It is the largest displacement movement that may have happened," Najib Mikati said.
il prices edged higher today on increasing concerns of potential supply disruptions from the Middle East producing region after Israel stepped up attacks on Iranian-backed forces.
Brent crude futures for November delivery increased 16 cents, or 0.22 per cent, to US$72.14 a barrel as of 0043 GMT. That contract expires today and the more-active contract for December delivery gained 10 cents, or 0.14 per cent, to US$71.64.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures added eight cents, or 0.12 per cent, to US$68.26 a barrel.
Last week, Brent fell around three per cent, while WTI fell by around five per cent as demand worries increased after fiscal stimulus from China, the world's second-biggest economy and the top oil importer, failed to reassure market confidence.
However, prices today were supported by the possibility of a widening Middle East conflict involving Iran, a key producer and member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), after Israel increased its attacks on the militant groups Hezbollah and the Houthi that Iran backs.
"The recent escalation of attacks in the Middle East is increasing the likelihood of Iran being directly dragged into the conflict, putting a significant risk around supply disruptions at the OPEC producer," ANZ Research said in a note.
Israel said it bombed Houthi targets in Yemen on Sunday, expanding its confrontation with Iran's allies two days after killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an escalating conflict in Lebanon.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has authorised the military to reinforce its presence in the Middle East, with the Pentagon saying on Sunday that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies target US personnel or interests, Washington "will take every necessary measure to defend our people".
Later on today, markets will be waiting to hear from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for clues on the Fed's speed of monetary policy easing, and seven other Fed policymakers are due to speak this week, the ANZ's note added.
Still, prices remain under pressure as OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, plan to raise output by 180,000 barrels per day in December and oil exports from Libya are also expected back. (Reuters)
Russia pounds Ukraine's
Russia hit the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia with multiple guided bombs on Sunday, wounding at least 16 persons, and damaging railways, infrastructure, and residential and commercial buildings, Ukrainian officials said.
Ivan Fedorov, the governor of the Zaporizhzhia region, said that Russian forces hit three city districts with a total of 13 guided bombs between 05:00h (0200 GMT) and 07:00h (0400 GMT). The strikes injured at least 16 persons, including two children aged 8 and 17 years old, he said.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a post on the Telegram messaging app that several residential buildings, the city's infrastructure, and railways were damaged in the strikes.
He posted pictures from
the sites of the attacks, showing charred cars, a hole blown through a residential building, and rescuers battling fires. Local officials said trains were delayed and diverted while rescuers cleared up the debris.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow on Sunday's strikes.
The highly-destructive guided bombs are difficult for Ukrainian air defences to intercept.
The southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, an important logistical and industrial hub located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the frontline, has been the target of intensified Russian-guided bomb strikes in recent weeks. Moscow's troops partially occupy the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, which is also home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Lebanon's Health Ministry reported more than 50 persons killed in Sunday's strikes – two days after Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. Meanwhile, Hezbollah fired more rockets into northern Israel.
In a separate development, Israel said it had carried out "large-scale" air strikes on military targets of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
Hezbollah confirmed on Sunday that top military commander Ali Karaki and a senior cleric, Sheikh Nabil Qaouk, had also been killed in the Israeli air strikes.
"We need to keep hitting Hezbollah hard," Israel's military chief of staff Herzi Halevi said.
Lebanon's Prime
Minister Mikati said the air strikes had forced people to flee from Beirut and other parts of the country, including the southern border areas. The local authorities are struggling to assist everyone in need, with shelters and hospitals under growing pressure, BBC correspondents in Lebanon report.
Aya Ayoub, aged 25, told the BBC she had to flee her house in Beirut’s southern Tahweetet al-Ghadir suburb with her family of six as it was too dangerous to stay.
Around her house, she said, "all the buildings are completely destroyed", and she was currently staying
At least 30 persons have died and scores more are unaccounted for in just one county in North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene tore across the state and caused catastrophic flooding.
A clearer image of the damage the storm inflicted after barrelling through Florida and Georgia emerged throughout Sunday, with Buncombe County appearing to be the hardest hit area.
“We have biblical devastation,” said Ryan Cole, an emergency official in the county, which contains the mountain city of Asheville. "This is the most significant natural disaster that any one of us has ever seen."
At least 105 persons have died nationwide since the hurricane made landfall in Florida on Thursday, according to the BBC's US partner CBS, and that figure is
expected to rise as officials reach more areas.
Helene began as a hurricane – the most powerful on record to hit Florida's Big Bend, and moved north into Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. The majority of deaths have been confirmed in North and South Carolina where Helene landed as a tropical storm.
On Sunday evening, officials in North Carolina said 30 people had died in Buncombe County alone. Crews across the state are battling power and mobile service outages, downed trees and hundreds of closed roads.
Some residents returned to find their homes entirely destroyed on Sunday. And with some 1000 persons still unaccounted for in Buncombe County, relatives are working to locate family members with limited mobile service. (Excerpt from BBC News)
with another 16 persons in a house in Beirut.
"We left on Friday and had no place to go. We stayed until 02:00 in the streets until a group of people helped us get into a residential building that was under construction. We are living on candles at night, and have to get water and food from outside”.
Sara Tohmaz, a 34-yearold Journalist, told the BBC she had left her house near Beirut with her mother and two siblings last Friday.
It took them almost 10 hours to reach Jordan through Syria by car, she said.
“I think we are lucky enough to have a place to stay in Jordan, where my mother’s relatives are based. We don’t know what will happen next, and don’t know when we will be back," Tohmaz added.
The previously sporadic cross-border fighting escalated on October 8, 2023
– the day after the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip - -when Hezbollah fired at Israeli positions, in solidarity with the Palestinians.
Since then hundreds of people, including many Hezbollah fighters, have been killed, while tens of thousands have also been displaced on both sides of the border.
Also on Sunday, Israel said it carried out air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, striking power plants and a port in Ras Isa and Hudaydah.
Footage later emerged showing a huge explosion at the port.
Israel says it targeted the sites in response to recent missile attacks from the Houthis, as well as to destroy facilities being used to transport Iranian weapons.
The Houthis, a Shia group controlling large areas of Yemen, condemned the Israeli strikes as a "brutal aggression".
They said four persons were killed and 33 injured, vowing revenge.
There are mounting international fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Washington warned Israel against an all-out war with Hezbollah or Iran, saying a major conflict would leave Israelis unable to return to their homes in the north.
(BBC News)
Austrian voters handed a first-ever General Election victory to the far-right Freedom Party on Sunday, preliminary results showed, illustrating rising support for hard-right parties in Europe fuelled by concern over immigration levels.
The Eurosceptic, Russiafriendly FPO held a slim lead in opinion polls for months over Chancellor Karl Nehammer's ruling conservative Austrian People's Party (OVP) in a campaign dominated by immigration and worries about the economy.
Led by the 55-year-old Herbert Kickl, the FPO won 28.8 per cent of the vote, ahead of the OVP on 26.3 per cent, and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPO) on 21.1 per cent, according to a projection based on nearly all the vote by pollster Foresight for broadcaster ORF, a slightly bigger victory margin than final polls had indi-
cated.
"We've made Austrian history because it's the first time the Freedom Party is Number 1 in a parliamentary election, and you have to think how far we've come," Kickl said after the party's record showing, which came seven decades after its foundation in the 1950s under the leadership of a former Nazi lawmaker.
The party has worked to moderate its image and broaden its appeal, but Kickl remains a provocative and polarising figure, roundly disliked by the other party leaders, who immediately united in rejecting the notion of forming a coalition with him.
If Kickl cannot persuade another party to ally with him, it could end the FPO's hopes of forming a government and open the door to a coalition of more moderate parties. (Excerpt from Reuters)
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Let your creative mind lead the way, and you’ll come up with ideas that will lighten the load. Your dedication and tenacity will encourage others to give you the space necessary to complete your mission.
Communicate with experts, adjust your timetable to fit your agenda and follow through with your plans. A give-all, take-all attitude will give you the edge you need to succeed.
Consider what you want to accomplish, and you’ll find a path that helps you reach your anticipated destination. Put time aside for a heart-toheart talk with someone you want to help excel.
Use your imagination to flourish. Put a strategy in place and follow through. Have faith in yourself and your ability to get things done. Refuse to let what others do, think or say bother you.
Show off your skills, embrace what’s available and use your imagination. A passionate display will garner attention. Hold your head high and let your actions lead the way.
Approach each job with the intention to do your best. How you handle matters will affect how others perceive you. Don’t time in inconsequential things that leave you empty and frustrated.
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Take better care of yourself and your meaningful relationships. Let others know how you feel. An investment opportunity looks good if you put in the time necessary to maximize its potential.
Slow down, consider the desired outcome and determine how to make it happen. Refuse to agree to something indulgent or unnecessary. Be willing to do the work yourself and save money.
Australia warmed up for the defence of their International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup crown with a 33run victory over England.
Beth Mooney grabbed a half-century as Australia came out on top in Dubai, a good sign as they look to make it four consecutive titles in this tournament.
Elsewhere, New Zealand laid down a marker with a comprehensive eight-wick-
et victory over South Africa, Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr starring with the ball to set up the win.
And in the final warm-up match of the day, India withstood a West Indies fightback to earn a 20-run victory.
India too strong for the Windies
A strong all-round showing from India saw them earn a 20-run victory over the West Indies.
Having lost the toss and
India Women (20 ovs maximum)
Shafali Verma c †Campbelle
b Henry 7
Smriti Mandhana c Mangru
b Matthews 14
Harmanpreet Kaur (c) c Munisar
b Matthews 1
Jemimah Rodrigues run out (Ramharack/Mangru) 52
Yastika Bhatia
b Matthews 24
Richa Ghosh † run out (Mangru) 7
Deepti Sharma not out 13
Arundhati Reddy c Henry
b Matthews 3 Pooja Vastrakar
c & b Munisar 9
Shreyanka Patil not out 4
Extras (b 4, nb 1, w 2) 7
Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.05) 141/8
Did not bat: Dayalan Hemalatha, Renuka Singh, Sajeevan Sajana,
Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav
Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Shafali Verma, 2.5 ov), 2-21 (Harmanpreet Kaur, 3.5 ov), 3-23 (Smriti Mandhana, 5.2 ov), 4-73 (Yastika Bhatia, 13.4 ov), 5-94 (Richa Ghosh, 15.6 ov), 6-113 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 17.1 ov), 7-128 (Arundhati Reddy, 18.5 ov), 8-137 (Pooja Vastrakar, 19.5 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Chinelle Henry 4-0-11-1
1-0-10-0
Zaida James
Hayley Matthews
Karishma Ramharack
Afy Fletcher
Shamilia Connell
Ashmini Munisar
Aaliyah Alleyne
West Indies Women (T: 142 runs from 20 ovs)
Hayley Matthews (c) b Renuka Singh 0
Qiana Joseph c Kaur b Vastrakar 1
Shemaine Campbelle † b Sobhana 20
Chedean Nation b Vastrakar 4
Chinelle Henry not out 59
Zaida James c Patil b Sharma 1
Aaliyah Alleyne c Vastrakar b Sharma 0 Afy Fletcher c Reddy b Yadav 21
Nerissa Crafton b Vastrakar 1
Mandy Mangru not out 1
Extras (b 4, lb 3, nb 3, w 3) 13
Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.05) 121/8
Did not bat: Deandra Dottin, Shamilia Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack
Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Qiana Joseph, 1.2 ov), 2-8 (Hayley Matthews, 2.4 ov), 3-13 (Chedean Nation, 3.2 ov), 4-70 (Shemaine Campbelle, 12.3 ov), 5-71 (Zaida James, 13.2 ov), 6-71 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 13.4 ov), 7-99 (Afy Fletcher, 18.2 ov), 8-112 (Nerissa Crafton, 19.2 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W
4-0-17-4
1-0-10-0
3-0-23-0
2-0-14-0
4-0-33-1
1-0-19-0
Renuka Singh 3-0-15-1 Pooja Vastrakar 4-1-20-3
Arundhati Reddy 2-0-9-0 Deepti Sharma 3-0-11-2
Shreyanka Patil 3-0-27-0
Asha Sobhana 3-0-7-1
Radha Yadav 2-0-25-1
been put in to bat, the Indians found themselves in trouble when Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana all fell early.
Hayley Matthews took two of those wickets, on her way to figures of four for 17, leaving India at 23 for three.
But Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia (24) responded by putting on 50 runs before Matthews removed Bhatia.
Rodrigues continued to provide the foundation, eventually falling for 52 when she was run out, as India ended up making 141 for eight.
The Windies then endured an even worse start than India, slipping to 13 for three, including a five-ball duck for Matthews.
They responded through Shemaine Campbelle (20) and Chinelle Henry (59 not out), who put on 57 for the fourth wicket.
But once Campbelle had departed, Deepti Sharma (2/11) stepped up with two
but Tahlia McGrath (31) and Georgia Wareham (18 not out) both scored quickly to push Australia to a more than com-
wickets in an over and the Windies ended up on 121 for eight, 20 runs short.
Champs hit the ground running
Australia delivered a strong first outing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they warmed up for the defence of their crown.
Having been put into bat, the Australians made 162/6 from their 20 overs with Beth Mooney giving them the perfect start. She needed just 30 balls to crack a half-century, helping set the platform despite Alyssa Healy (12) and Ellyse Perry (7) not firing.
A partnership of 50 with Ashleigh Gardner (21) was broken by Charlie Dean (1/16)
petitive total.
Lauren Bell was the pick of the England bowlers, taking two for 29, including Healy early.
England showed plenty of intent in their chase, Maia Bouchier hitting a quickfire 17 before she was the first to depart, caught behind off Darcie Brown.
That brought Alice Capsey to the crease, and she impressed on her way to 40 from just 34 balls.
She did not get a huge amount of support however, with wickets falling at regular intervals, McGrath grabbing three of them including the all-important Nat SciverBrunt on her way to figures of
three for 18.
Spin twins set up Kiwi success
Three wickets apiece for
Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr had South Africa in all sorts of trouble as New Zealand won by eight wickets against last year’s World Cup runners-up.
Eden Carson made the early inroads as South Africa were bowled out for just 92, although they did play out their full 20 overs.
Carson removed Tamzin Brits with just the second ball and ended up with figures of two for 21 from her four overs.
Laura Wolvaardt provided
the only real resistance, scoring 33 before she became the first of Kasperek’s (3/7) three victims.
From the other end, Kerr (3/13) was just as accurate, as the pair combined for eight overs, six wickets and just 20 runs conceded.
The chase was a formality for New Zealand, with Suzie Bates run out for 17 before Kerr and skipper Sophie Devine added 36 for the second wicket.
While Kerr eventually departed for a run-a-ball 37, Devine finished unbeaten on 35 as she and Brooke Halliday saw New Zealand home. (ICC)
New Zealand battled on day four, with overnight batters Glenn Phillips, and Tom Blundell completing half centuries, before Mitchell Santner struck 67, batting partly in the company of the tail. But this fight only served to throw into relief their abysmal 88 in the first innings, rather than provide any serious hope of avoiding even an innings defeat.
In the end, having played out 40.4 overs on day four, they lost their final wicketSantner - still 154 runs behind Sri Lanka. The hosts had only batted once. For Sri Lanka, it was their third Test win in a row. With four matches to go in their World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, they are now on the hunt for one of those final two spots, though they must hope for
other results to go their way too, to have a better chance.
Sri Lanka will be buoyed too by the six-wicket haul achieved by debutant off-spinner Nishan Peiris, even if he was expensive as New Zealand's batters went hard at him. He finished with figures of 9 for 203 in the match, having taken 6 for 170 in the second dig.
Peiris dismissed each of the three half-centurions
In the 22nd Annual Victor Macredo Memorial Cycle Road Race on Sunday, Briton John again showed his class as he achieved the ultimate glory, winning the senior race championship with a strong sprint that left his rivals chasing shadows.
With a few meters' difference, Jamual John came in second, followed by Aaron Newton, both of whom demonstrated their increasing riding prowess.
Alexander Leung rode his way to a commanding firstplace finish in the junior competition, grabbing the lead early and never looking back. Alex Neuton and Daniel Jaing, who were just behind him, came in second and third after a tough struggle.
Meanwhile, Mark Spencer's experienced legs helped him cross the finish line first in the over-50 division. Ian Jackson came in third, while Deon David came in second.
Robin Persaud peddled his way to first in the Masters 45+, forcing Quami Ridley into second place and Sequn Hubbard in third.
The race took a rolling start at the intersection of Peter Rose and Lance Gibbs Streets, Queenstown, and finished at Liliendaal on the downwards journey.
on day four. Blundell was out on the third over of the morning, when he missed a reverse sweep (he was trying his second one in a row, having nailed the first for four), and been struck in front of the stumps. Later, Phillips attempted to launch Peiris over the straight boundary, but found Dimuth Karunaratne at long on.
After lunch, Peiris had Santner stumped when the batter had allowed his back
the latter with a vicious one
He himself finished with 9 for 181 from the game.
Santner were New Zealand's best day four batters. However, Phillips' main strategy was to
foot to slide out of the crease - the last New Zealand wicket to fall.
In between, Prabath Jayasuriya had bowled both Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel,
forcing bowlers to go fuller to him, presenting scoring opportunities down the ground. He completed his fifty off 66 balls, and would go on to be involved in a 64run seventh-wicket stand with Santner to follow the 95run stand he'd shared with Blundell. Santner, meanwhile, was not quite as proactive as Phillips, but found the offside productive. Occasionally, he would dance down the track and look to hit Peiris in particular down the ground. He collected two sixes and a four this way, and completed his half century soon after lunch, off the 97th ball he faced. He was out of the third delivery Sri Lanka bowled with their second new ball. (ESPNcricinfo)
get on the back foot as often as possible, and play off the surface. This frequently worked - allowing him to pounce on even slightly short deliveries, while
powerplay. His was the only quiet over of the powerplay, however, as the remaining pace options that the captain opted for suffered badly against the wrath of Pooran.
Pooran came into the game in the second over, after Tahir removed Shaqkere Parris on the last ball of the first rotation. The Trinidadian raced to a half-century in the blink of an eye, bringing up the achievement in 23 balls to send a deafening hush throughout the Guyana National Stadium.
An all-round performance from the Trinbago Knight Riders at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday night almost cost the Guyana Amazon Warriors the coveted number one spot on the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) points table, but a late resistance from the home side ensured they would have ‘two bites of the cherry’ when the playoffs begin
on Tuesday.
Trinbago Knight Riders Captain Kieron Pollard, playing to his team’s strengths, opted to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that paid off greatly when Nicholas Pooran slammed a century.
GAW Captain Imran Tahir opted for a change of sorts, bowling the first over of the innings rather than his usually introduction outside the
Shai Hope †lbw b Hosein 28
Shimron Hetmyer c Pollard b Waqar Salamkheil 9
Keemo Paul c †Pooran b Hinds 1
Moeen Ali c †Pooran b Hinds 5
Romario Shepherd c Carty b Hinds 0
Dwaine Pretorius lbw b Waqar Salamkheil 0
Gudakesh Motie not out 26
Imran Tahir (c) c Carty
b Edward 20
Shamar Joseph
b Edward 0
Extras (lb 1, w 10) 11
Jason Roy had, at that point, taken a back seat to Pooran’s fireworks, hitting just 9 from 11 deliveries. However, he was able to flex his muscles with a boundary off the last ball of the sixth over, as he started to keep up with his teammate.
The usually-animated crowd at the National Stadium were enraptured in despair as over after over, Pooran and Roy combined to send the Guyanese bowlers over the boundary ropes, keeping their run-rate ticking at a rapid pace.
brought some needed
Joseph was the standout amongst the Amazon Warriors’ bowlers, claiming three wickets for an expensive 50 runs in his spell, while both Tahir and Pretorius had one scalp each. The chase certainly did not go the way the defending champions had envisioned, with a slow start and doublewicket strikes from Terrence Hinds and Waqar Salamkheil completely changing the complexion of the game.
After only accumulating 10 runs in the first two overs and losing Kevlon Anderson to a leg-before decision, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Shai Hope took a liking to Akeal Hosein and Andre Russell’s bowling, pushing the Amazon Warriors up to a healthy 63-1 in six overs.
Dwaine Pretorius 4-0-33-1
Romario Shepherd 4-0-42-0
Shamar Joseph 4-0-50-3
Moeen Ali 3-0-27-0
Gudakesh Motie 2-0-18-0
Guyana Amazon Warriors
(T: 212 runs from 20 ovs)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz c Roy
b Waqar Salamkheil 36
Kevlon Anderson lbw b Edward 1
Total 18.5 Ov (RR: 7.27) 137 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Kevlon Anderson, 1.2 ov), 2-64 (Shai Hope, 6.6 ov), 3-75 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 8.4 ov), 4-76 (Shimron Hetmyer, 8.6 ov), 5-76 (Keemo Paul, 9.1 ov), 6-76 (Romario Shepherd, 9.5 ov), 7-81 (Dwaine Pretorius, 10.3 ov), 8-88 (Moeen Ali, 11.2 ov), 9-137 (Imran Tahir, 18.4 ov), 10137 (Shamar Joseph, 18.5 ov) • DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Akeal Hosein 4-0-24-1
Nathan Edward 2.5-0-19-3
Andre Russell 2-0-33-0
Terrance Hinds 4-1-17-3
Waqar Salamkheil 4-0-26-3
Tim David 1-0-5-0
Kieron Pollard 1-0-12-0
the 100 for TKR and locked in their 100-run partnership by the ninth over. Not too long after, Pooran, who had been entertaining the smattering of
Riders fans in the venue, brought up his century in 57 deliveries.
It wasn’t until Baracara’s very own Shamar Joseph came into the attack that the breakthrough came for the home side. Joseph’s family in the green stand, like the rest of the patrons at the National Stadium, broke out in jubilant screams when the fast bowler had Roy caught behind by Shai Hope for 34 runs.
Some more relief went the Warriors’ way as Dwaine Pretorius was able to send Andre Russell back to the dugout early and then absolute scenes followed when Joseph returned for his second over and executed a double strike, removing Pooran for 101 and Tim David for a duck in back-toback deliveries.
The Amazon Warriors had done an excellent job at bringing down the Knight Riders’ staggering run rate, however, with Pollard still at the crease, there was still much to fear.
Pollard, along with Keacy Carty did as they were expected, trying the big shots in order to get past the 200-run mark. Eventually, the duo got the visitors up to 21-5 in their 20 overs.
However, Hosein has his revenge in the seventh, frustrating Hope before trapping him lbw for 28 runs. From there on out, it all fell apart for the defending champions. Both Gurbaz and Shimron Hetmyer fell prey to Salamkheil in the ninth, while Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd fell to Hinds in the following over to plunge the Warriors into hot water at 76-6. By then, scores of visiblydisappointed fans began making their way out of the stands, the dwindling crowd only adding to the Amazon Warriors’ woes.
Warriors’ collapse meant that they would need at least 104 runs to still maintain a good enough run- rate to maintain their top spot. As such, at 88-8, trepidation overtook not only the Amazon Warriors but their worrying fans.
Motie and Tahir, the unlikeliest of duos, were the ones to get the Amazon Warriors past their hurdle in what turned out to be a nailbiting 49-run partnership.
There were sighs of relief, loud as a chorus, when Motie got the single that would trickle away to the boundary to get the defending champions past 104. From there on out, it was bonus runs for the home side who were eventually bowled out for 137 in 18.5 overs.
The Warriors will take on the St Lucia Kings in Qualifier 1 on Wednesday, while the Knight Riders battle Barbados Royals in Eliminator 1 on Tuesday.