Guyana Times - Saturday, August 24, 2024.pdf

youth arm targets massive membership growth nationwide

900 new members in Region 1 following successful youth camps

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) – the youth arm of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

– is looking to grow its membership across Guyana.

Currently, the PYO is hosting a series of youth camp throughout Guyana. The most recent activity was held on Friday at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, where scores of young people participated in the event. Earlier in the week, another youth camp was hosted at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Prior to this, the PPP youth arm was in Region One (BarimaWaini), where, according to General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the party is looking to boost its youth membership by at least 900.

Last weekend, Jagdeo attended the PYO youth camp held at the Moruca Sub-District in the Barima-Waini region. According to the PPP General Secretary, upwards of 300 youths from the Moruca sub-dis-

trict joined the PYO and this number is expected to grow when similar camps are held in the Matakai sub-district next Thursday and then at Mabaruma the follow-

ing day.

“So, we anticipate about 900 young people from Region One [to join the PYO] … about 300 from each sub-district. Maybe Matakai would have a little less but Mabaruma would have more, and not all of them – the members – would get to come to the meetings because it’s a representative group. We can’t bring everyone out from the villages,” Jagdeo explained during his weekly press conference on Thursday at the party’s Freedom House head office on Robb Street in Georgetown.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo sharing a light moment with some young people

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 24, 202406:30hrs to 07:30hrs

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Saturday, August 24, 2024 - 7:35 hrs to 9:05 hrs

WEATHER TODAY

Southern Guyana and inland areas may experience cloudy skies with light to moderate showers, with rainfall between 5.0 and 20.0 mm. Other areas can expect partly cloudy to clear skies with no significant rainfall.

Govt injected US$400M into Gas-to-Energy Project to date – VP …says Guyana could fund entire initiative

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that government has already spent some US$400 million on the highly anticipated Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project and could potentially fund the entire initiative if the US$650 million loan from the United States ExportImport (US EXIM) Bank does not come through.

It was announced in April 2023 that Guyana had applied for the loan from the US EXIM Bank to finance the US$761 million GtE Project, which includes the construction of an Integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara, utilising natural gas from the country’s offshore operations in the Stabroek Block.

During a press conference on Thursday, VP Jagdeo provided an update on the project.

“Because of the delay of the loan [approval], we have, from our own resources, paid about US$400 million. So, more than half of the project [was paid] from our own resources,” he disclosed.

The Vice President explained that the aim was to borrow approximately US$650 million from the US Bank to fund the GtE initiative. The Guyana Government was expected to put up the other US$100 million, as advanced payment, to support the initiative.

However, with Guyana already injecting more than half of the project cost into advancing the works, Jagdeo said this augurs well for the country.

“That’s even better for us. [With] the loan from EXIM, we can get reimbursed for [the money we spent] because of the way it’s structured. But just to tell you, the project will be done and whereas, even if it means carrying it from our own budget. And the country should even be happy about this; that we managed to carry [the works done so far] from our own budget and still do all the other developments we’re talking about,” he contended.

VP Jagdeo had previous-

ly explained that the loan can fund retroactive expenditure hence government could use bridge financing to get the works going. Bridge financing is a short-term financing option in order to fund a project before the financing is expected.

Visit to Washington

Nevertheless, the Vice President noted that Guyanese officials have been in constant engagement with the US Bank and Government remains confident that the loan will be approved.

“[Finance] Minister Ashni Singh will be going to Washington soon and so, he will be meeting with the [bank] executives there,” Jagdeo added.

Back in June of this year, a technical team from the US financial institution was in Guyana and completed technical and environmental assessments.

A model of Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Project

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Renewable energy projects

In recent years, Guyana has made significant strides in the pursuit of sustainable development with renewable energy projects. As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, Guyana’s commitment to a long-term strategy to harness natural resources for clean energy is timely.

One of the most notable projects is the Gas-to-Energy project, which marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards energy security. As the nation experiences rapid economic growth, largely driven by its burgeoning oil sector, this project represents a strategy to diversify and stabilize the energy supply. This initiative is poised to dramatically reduce the cost of electricity for households and businesses, addressing one of the longstanding challenges in Guyana’s energy sector. By shifting away from expensive imported fossil fuels, the country can achieve a more affordable and reliable energy supply, boosting industrial growth and improving the quality of life for all Guyanese.

Equally impressive is the Government’s push for solar energy, particularly in remote and hinterland communities, where access to the national grid remains limited. The ongoing deployment of solar farms and microgrids across the country is a commendable effort by the administration to ensure that all citizens, regardless of location, benefit from clean and reliable energy. These solar initiatives not only reduce the carbon footprint, but enhance energy security and create economic opportunities in underserved areas.

Moreover, the Government’s collaboration with international partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU) has been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. Through these partnerships, Guyana has secured funding and technical assistance to implement projects like the expansion of the Mabaruma Solar Farm and the installation of solar-powered water pumps in agricultural regions. These initiatives not only contribute to the reduction of energy costs, but also promote sustainable agricultural practices, thereby boosting food security.

The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which builds on the successes of its predecessor, is another key pillar in Guyana’s renewable energy agenda. The strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to transition to a green economy, with renewable energy playing a central role. By leveraging the country’s vast forest resources through carbon credits, the LCDS aims to finance further investments in hydropower, solar, wind, and biomass energy.

Another notable project is the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Government’s renewed commitment to this project signals a clear understanding of its potential to transform the country’s energy landscape. Once completed, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is expected to generate 165 megawatts of electricity, significantly reducing Guyana’s reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1.5 million tons annually. However, while these efforts are laudable, they must be met with sustained political will and robust governance to ensure their success.

Education and awareness are also critical components of this energy transition. As Guyana moves towards a more sustainable future, it is imperative to educate citizens about the benefits of renewable energy, and encourage adoption of energy-efficient practices in their daily lives. This cultural shift is essential for the long-term success of the nation’s green agenda.

Guyana’s renewable energy projects represent a bold and commendable step towards a sustainable future. As the nation continues to develop its energy infrastructure, it is setting a positive example for the region and the world.

Suriname has higher royalty and profit sharing than Guyana, but no oil production

Dear Editor,

A recent visit to Suriname heard complaints by politicians, businesspersons, and the public about the terrible state of the economy, and how Guyana is doing financially better in oil production and in its monetary proceeds.

After more than a decade of poor governance, the present Surinamese Government had pinned its hopes on turning around the economy on oil production, but faces delayed production of oil and gas. First oil in Suriname is projected in 2027, even though discovery of oil in Suriname predates Guyana’s.

Unlike in Guyana, Suriname has, over the last four years, faced a financial crunch. In multiple trips I had undertaken there over the last two years, the Surinamese people complained about the state of the economy and the high cost of living. President Chandrikapersad Santokhie had a most difficult task to steady the ship, and the economy only now seems to be on a mend, to enable the reversal of a decade of poor governance under his predecessor, Desi Bouterse.

Lack of oil revenues has hurt Suriname’s developmental plan, and Santokhie’s re-election prospect in May 2025. Lack of oil production has severely handicapped planned economic development and growth, in addition to weakening the external accounts of the country and its debt rating and ability to borrow money, which is in short supply.

Unlike Suriname, Guyana started producing oil since late 2019, starting with 100K barrels a day; which is now at about 640K. Critics of

Guyana’s oil production and Exxon investments point to Suriname’s higher royalty (6.25%) as opposed to Guyana’s 2%; lower (60%) cost recovery, as opposed to Guyana’s 75%; 20% profit sharing, as opposed to Guyana’s 12.5%; and higher bonus signing incentive. Guyana got US$18M in bonus, and Suriname got double that.

Suriname has not produced a single barrel of oil, and has not earned a dollar from oil production, whereas Guyana has earned billions. Suriname’s oil production has been deferred until 2027. With election in May 2025, President Santokhie has no windfall to ride on in his campaign. Critics are reminded that in mathematics, 6.5% of zero royalty is zero; and the same applies to 20% of zero profit sharing.

Meanwhile, Guyana has earned several billion American dollars as royalty and profit sharing over the last five years. Clearly, Guyana is financially much better off than Suriname, which has better terms of oil production from investors. It does not mean that the terms signed in the agreement with Exxon are ideal, but, compared with Suriname, Guyana is much better off today than it was five years ago, when it had no revenue stream from oil.

Those who advocate against oil production and/or object to expediting and increasing it are on the wrong side of energy development. Guyana should, and must, maximize oil and gas production because of an expected decrease in use of fossil energy that would lead to lower prices.

Currently, Guyana’s oil fetches about US$80 (varies over time) per

barrel. Oil has stabilized our foreign exchange reserves, and has enabled us to purchase foreign products – a situation which is relatively good in comparison to Suriname and neighbouring countries. Massive investments come with oil income, as observed all over the country.

Guyana has been attracting more oil investment than Suriname, as well as more foreign direct investment and, obviously, more income or revenue; and there is job creation from overall investments. It is not known why this is the case, when Suriname’s economy was doing much better than Guyana’s prior to oil production.

Also, oil companies (Chevron and others) don’t seem to be in a hurry to produce oil in Suriname. It is unknown why there is a delay in oil production in Suriname, whereas Guyana’s was fast-forwarded much sooner than expected; beginning in December 2019 rather than in 2020. Is it because Guyana offers oil companies better investment opportunities and benefits than Suriname?

In economics and international business, capital follows locations where cost of doing business is minimal, and where return on investment is maximum. Guyana seems to be offering better terms on oil investment than Suriname, and therefore oil development momentum is on the side of Guyana for now, unless another country offers better terms. Therefore, Guyana should maximize its production of oil and gas.

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

A worker painting numbers on the wall of the Ankerville Nursery School at Port Mourant, East Berbice, as rehabilitation efforts progress steadily towards completion before the start of the new academic year (RDC No 6 photo)

Maybe a ‘national conversation’ should be initiated

Dear Editor,

Without doubt, I'm sure all would agree, the traffic situation existing in Guyana is shouting from the rooftops for there to be sanity on the roadways.

Let me, first of all, say I'm convinced that the police, under the capable leadership of the Traffic Chief and ranks under his leadership, are doing a commendable job, especially taking into consideration the blatant disregard for law and order on the roadways.

I traverse the East Bank and East Coast corridors and Georgetown almost every day, and have seen firsthand the lawlessness that goes on (in addition to posts with expressions in video format of incidents in other parts of the country) in these places. I may be wrong, but, along with others I've spoken with, I get the impression that we're intent on committing suicide by means of traffic incidents.

Actually, I've seen some improvement in the "motor cycle brigades", who, a few months ago, formed their own "lanes" between designated lanes. A slight shift on either side by a motor vehicle could easily end the life of an errant, helmetless motorcyclist. I'm convinced

that our motorcyclists can compete in, and win with "flying colours", any OLYMPIC competition for daredevil riding.

In regard to motor vehicles in Georgetown, it would annoy any responsible road user to experience traffic congestion, whether at known busy spots or at peak periods (neither of which follows the pattern established just a year or two ago. Every hour of the day or night is now peak time) to come up to a vehicle double parked, with its hazard lights on as if this gives them licence to park wherever they want to.

Regrettably and unfortunately, vehicles owned by the state are also guilty of this travesty.

I often wonder why many more vehicles blatantly breaching traffic laws, resulting in frustrating traffic inconveniences, are not "clamped". The "clampers" MUST know the hot spots, and police these areas much more often. Not enough clamps? Surely, they can be built locally.

When found guilty of certain traffic offences, drivers of minibuses, hire cars, trucks, and I suggest any category of motor vehicle using our roads, should suffer the loss of use of their

vehicles for up to two weeks, depending on the severity of the offence; hurting them where it means most, in their pockets.

I understand that truck drivers are now driving in excess of TWELVE, and in some cases SIXTEEN, hours continuously; as they earn "per load", as minibus drivers do. It is debatable which category of these drivers is now more dangerous on the roads: trucks, mini buses, hire cars (and MANY are private cars "wukking" hire), motor cyclists, or any other category of road user.

I had a personal experience a few days ago, when a "container truck" nearly ran me off the road at the roundabout with the Jaguar, the driver cussing me up in the process. I have the number, possibly with one digit incorrect.

Another suggestion is that errant users of the roads should be rounded up and taken to the hospitals to "visit" those who were lucky enough to survive an accident. Maybe taking some of them to the funerals of those not so lucky to survive would bring home the message in a more profound way. It is past the time we in Guyana can continue to just "fret" when using the roads. URGENT action is essential to

bring an end to the carnage.

I wish to ask a few brief questions in this regard:

Is there still a law requiring motor cyclists and their pillion riders to wear helmets?

Are ANY and All vehicles NOW permitted to "tint" their windows and windshields without the requisite authority?

Are there emergencies at a particular time every morning, to have ambulances and police vehicles on particular roads with their sirens on? A few mornings ago, to my utter amazement, I saw an ambulance with sirens on stop to pick up someone on Heroes Highway who was not sick.

Why are obviously "private" vehicles permitted to have and use sirens and security lights?

I am just wondering, but maybe a ‘national conversation’ should be initiated, since no one is the font of wisdom in this regard; and hopefully, implementable suggestions would flow from such an initiative.

Regards,

Harry N Nawbatt

Page Foundation

By Edward Baugh

The morning shimmers in its bowl of

crystal.

Me, underneath my mother’s bed. I delight in dust and bunnies.

Connoisseur of comics and the coolness of floorboards,

I prolong my life’s long morning.

But the blue sky broke. The warner-woman, bell-mouthed and biblical she trumpeted out of the hills, prophet of doom, prophet of God, breeze-blow and earthquake, tidal wave and flood.

I crouched. I cowered. I remembered Port Royal.

I could see the waters of East Harbour rise. I saw them heave Caneside bridge. Dear God, don’t make me die, not now, not yet...

blue

Govt will not regularise new squatting areas – Rodrigues

While noting that the government has made tremendous efforts over the past four years in regularising existing squatting areas, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues highlighted that the government will not condone the establishment of new illegal housing areas. She made the comment on Thursday during a recent broadcast of The

Guyana Dialogue, where she made reference to a study which was conducted in the late 1990’s. The study revealed that they were over 200 identified squatting areas across the country at that time.

The minister noted that the high number of informal settlements in the country was due to the lack of a proper housing programme and legislation. As such Rodrigues noted that through the government’s efforts, a majority of these informal settlements were regularised.

“We found over 200 squatter settlements across the length and breadth of Guyana and there is a report to that effect. During the 10 years of the PPP/C from the 90’s to date we

PPP youth arm targets massive ...

This figure is expected to further grow when similar exercises are held in all the regions across the country.

Only last week, the PPP General Secretary told reporters that the PYO member was boosted with more than 600 new members from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and several hundred more from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

“These are kids from every community and from every race… Our party is the only multi-racial party in this country and the largest

Amerindian party too because we have a massive amount of members who are Amerindians.

The last congress, onethird of the delegates were Amerindians who came to the [PPP’s] Congress. We have in our leadership, a number of Amerindians,” he stated.

According to Jagdeo, the PPP is working to build its future cohort of leaders by not only targeting youths from across the country but also prepare them to takeover leadership roles both within the party and at a national level as well.

have regularised about 175 of those just over 200 communities,” she stated.

However, the minister noted that the establishment of new squatting settlements within the country will not be tolerated by the government.

really need to put an end to squatting, squatting is illegal,” she explained.

Moreover, the minister noted that, with the government’s aggressive housing drive which seeks to allocate thousands of house lots to Guyanese citizens across the country, there is no need for persons to engage in squatting.

“At the last Delegates Congress when I spoke, I said by the time we have our next congress, we will have a 5000-strong youth movement all in line with preparing the next generation of PPP leaders who will emerge in the next, maybe, 10 years or so as the leadership of this party and the country. And we are working to prepare them,” the General Secretary stated.

“There are areas that keep popping up around the country sometimes with squatters and we have the unpleasant task of removing those people especially when they’re located in a zero-tolerance area. We have been very clear that we are not tolerating any new squatting so if a new area was to popup overnight somewhere across the country that area would not be regularised because we

The PPP’s Congress, which is due every two years, was last held in May of this year saw several new and young members elected to the 40-member Central Committee of the party.

(G8)

“With the extensive nature of the housing drive and our target of distributing 50,000 house lots in our first term in office there really is no need for Guyanese to go and squat and live in inhumane conditions without water and electricity and so on,” she stated.

Meanwhile, some 1644 lots in 13 squatting areas in

several regions have been regularised, benefitting hundreds of households between 2020 and 2023. For this year alone, eight squatting areas have been earmarked for regularisation in Regions Three and Four, benefitting 479 households. These areas include 16 lots in Philadelphia Railway, 18 lots in Barnwell Railway, 34 lots in De Willem, and 71 lots in Vergenoegen/Tuschen in Region Three. Meanwhile, 51 lots will be regularised in DeEndragt Railway, 52 Lots in Vigilance/Bladen Hall/Strathspey Railway, 15 lots in Beterverwagting Railway, and 222 lots in Mocha/Arcadia in Region Four.

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues

GPF better equipped to deal with road accidents

…as Police Force receives 20 high-technology

Roadways all across the length and breadth of Guyana will soon experience better management of road accidents with the new implementation of some 20 high technology tablets.

These tablets were provided via loan from the Inter Development Bank (IDB).

As part of that loan agreement there was a component that dealt with road safety, thus purchase of the equipment.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Friday said, police can use the tablets to sound judgment following accidents.

“These tablets are in-

tended to be used in a collaborative effort for us to be able to capture, the information as it relates to accidents. It would help us to formulate policies, bring the necessary chang-

es and ensuring that we have a safter road use and safer communities,” the minister said at the handing over ceremony which was held at the ministry’s boardroom, Wight’s Lane,

Kingston.

tablets

“The provision of data, because decision making is based on empirical data and once we have empirical data it will be able to guide us, that means that we will not be guessing,” he pointed out, while exemplifying the benefits of the devices by using practical references stating how it can also save lives.

“Let’s say in a six months period you have accidents happening in a particular spot, this information will direct and show you that you might make geometric improvement in the road in one area or it might show you that there is a blind spot we might need to make certain interventions to save a spot, because once you save one life, you saved a lot….no one deserves to die on our roadways.”

On this note, Head of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), Superintendent Brian Lowenfield, who received the tablets on behalf of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated that this new implementation comes in a great time where Artificial Intelligence is prevalent – alluding to the fact that they will be able to handle accidents swifter with the help of technology.

Before these devices are handed over, there will be a training on August 27 teaching officers how to properly use the devices.

In the unprecedented case of any possible accidents that may happen on the roadways, and once there is a Police officer with one of these tablets in his or her possession, they will be required to input the type of accident into the device’s database, its severity and loss of life if any.

Upon reaching back to the police station and once connected to the WIFI, tabulation can be undertaken.

From this tabulated info the Guyana police Force will formulate engineering measures to further protect the specified area in terms of road safety. (G2)

Security…

…in energy

Over the last decade, there’s been a lot of talk about “food security” across the world – especially with the world now topping 8 billion and counting. Here, we’ve taken the lead in Caricom’s 25 by 25. Nothing’s wrong about that, cause a man’s gotta eat, doesn’t he?? That’s as primal as you can get…no food, no life!! Some say that “in the beginning was the ‘word’,” but, as far as your Eyewitness is concerned, in the beginning had to be food!! But why food? Food, dear reader, is our “fuel” to give us energy, without which we wouldn’t be able to even lift an eyebrow!! And in Guyana, as we all should know, eyebrows have to be lifted all the time on food!!

This long windup is to emphasize that, projecting from our own lives, everything that moves needs energy. And the more energy we have, the more we can do. So, we started taming animals like oxen and horses, and using them to do work we didn’t have the energy to do on our lonesome. Hence the word, “horsepower” augmenting “manpower”!! After thousands of years, some wise guy thought about using the energy from wind and running water to turn wheels that ground our grains and such like for us to eat. Then came the big breakthrough - steam engines that burnt coal to turn the water into steam to turn all those gears that moved whatever contraption we could think about!! Like ships and trains etc!!

Anyhow, two things happened. We started to burn all sorts of fossil fuels in addition to coal – like petroleum of various grades, and natural gases to move the machinery now placed in “factories”, to make all sorts of things to “improve our quality of life. But, in the last few decades, we realized the hard way that all actions have reactions. Burning all those fossil fuels increased the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and this led to global warming, which now threatens our survival – even though we desperately want to catch up with the “developed countries” which became so by burning fossil fuels. Catch 22, innit?

So, what to do?? Well, to your Eyewitness, there’s only one solution - the developed countries gotta quit burning all those fossil fuels!! Those of us in our sh*thole countries can catch up with the developed countries by getting as much energy as we can from running water, wind and solar – but use fossil fuels to fill any gaps. This is especially true for our country, with an ocean of oil and gas sloshing around off our Atlantic Coast!!

It’s ridiculous for some demented wokes to demand we leave our oil in the ground - while we’re still in the (relative) Stone Age!!

…and cheap energy

After decades of promises, we’re about to get electricity cheap enough so we won’t have to worry about keeping our lights on or eating bread!! Remember when Burnham hocked all the money in the land and shanghaied the youths to give us hydro-power up the Mazaruni?? We got HYDRO all right!! Anyhow, during an earlier PPP incarnation, all the pieces had been put together – plans, financing, contractors, etc – to deliver cheap power from the Amaila Falls. But guess who torpedoed that plan?? The PNC, of course!!

But you gotta hand it to the PPP…they never give up on a noble goal. And securing cheap energy is as noble as you can get. So, the news that the Govt is pressing ahead with the O&G project to construct a 300MW power plant – using our own natural gas - is fantabulous!!

AT a minimum, we’ll match TT’s manufacturing strength, since it’s all built on cheap energy!! Especially when some of the gas would be used as feeder stock to start a petrochemical industry!!

…vs lassitude

Yep…energy keeps a body goin’, and, lord knows, we need energy to keep the body going to make the better half happy!! Didn’t the late Dave Martins sing about Wong Ping and the Chinese Blush??

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill handing over tablets to Superintendent Brian Lowenfield and another officer

APNU/AFC’s Green State strategy earned not a cent – Jagdeo contrasts with visionary LCDS

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has rejected the Opposition's criticism of the government's financially successful Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), contrasting it against the Opposition’s replacement Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), which he noted failed to make any impact during the APNU/AFC’s tenure from 2015 to 2020.

Jagdeo reminded on Thursday that the LCDS can boast of having already enabled Guyana to earn almost

US$1 billion in deforestation incentives and contributing to Amerindian land titling, Amerindian community development projects, climate adaptation initiatives, and renewable energy projects. In comparison, nothing was ever earned or accomplished under the GSDS, conceptualised by the APNU/AFC, he told members of the media at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

“Under the Green State Strategy in five years they [APNU+AFC) earned not a cent,” Jagdeo underlined. His comment came in

response to remarks from Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, that 50 per cent of Guyana’s earnings from carbon credits should go towards indigenous communities. Indigenous communities are scheduled to receive an increased 26.5 percent of this year's incremental payout from Guyana’s US$750 million deal with Hess Corporation.

“Norton said he would’ve given 50 percent but 50 percent of zero is zero. Because under the Green State Strategy in five years they earned not a cent,” Jagdeo

said.

Under Guyana’s carbon credit payments in 2023 US$22.5 million (GUY$4.7 billion) was dispersed across 242 indigenous villages in Guyana’s hinterland region accounting for 15 percent of the 2023 payment that the government received. In 2024 the communities are on schedule to receive another $4.8 billion.

Defence to GSDS lack of accomplishments

Meanwhile, on Friday at his weekly LOO press conference, Norton defended the GSDS lack of accomplish-

ments given that the APNU Government took four years to finish the document and was not able to publish it until 2019, months after the APNU/AFC Government fell to a No Confidence Motion. Norton said that notwithstanding the GSDS lack of track record should the APNU be returned to government that party will be turning back to the GSDS, albeit creating a revamped version that borrows from the LCDS.

“Nobody is saying no to the LCDS… As to the question of moving forward we

will embrace the Green Strategy… we will have to revisit it and determine what elements we move forward with and what new elements we will put. There are elements of the LCDS that are useful and can be continued but have to be widened,” Norton said.

First launched in 2009, the Low-carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) sets out the government’s vision for inclusive, sustainable development that creates a model low-carbon economy.

Govt injected US$400M into Gas-to-Energy...

President Dr. Irfaan Ali had subsequently said that there were no fatal flaws arising from those assessments and that the loan should be approved in the coming months.

With this due diligence completed, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a June 20 press conference, said government expects the loan proposal to be submitted to the EXIM Bank’s Board of Directors before the third quarter of 2024.

According to the Head of State, based on feedback from the technical team that was here, there should be no hindrances to the approval of the funding for the GtE Project.

“The technical team has advised that there are no fatal flaws arising from the technical and environmen-

tal due diligence,” Ali had noted.

This was in response to a question about local and international lobbying efforts to block the funding for the GtE Project by the US EXIM Bank.

Earlier in June, it was reported that Friends of the Earth United States, an NGO with over 16,000 members, wrote Chairman of the US EXIM Bank, Reta Jo Lewis, demanding the institution does not fund the GtE Project.

But the Guyanese Leader assured that, “We have never found ourselves in any situation where there was any objection that is fatal to any aspect of the project.”

While Guyana awaits funding from the US EXIM Bank, construction works

on the project continues with Government expecting the power plant to come on stream in the first half of next year.

In fact, VP Jagdeo had said at a June 6 press conference that Guyana would still pursue the project, with or without the US Bank’s loan, noting that there are alternatives available to ensure that this transformative initiative is completed.

“So, it’s moving forward. We’re not desperate or at a point where we have to stop this project because the loan is not coming through. And we have several alternatives too. We’re not a party or a government that doesn’t have contingencies,” Jagdeo contended.

He added, “So, this project will be built. The Gasto-Energy Project will be

completed. It will deliver 300 megawatts of power; it would produce stable, cheaper electricity for the people of this country; and also, from that project. We’ll start becoming an exporter of cooking gas from an importer now, and we will be able to pay back for this project even from the proceedings of the sale of the liquids. And we are firm in that, and it’s going to happen.”

The Guyana Government has set aside a whopping $80 billion in Budget 2024 to advance the GtE initiative this year and its associated infrastructure, including transmission and distribution upgrades to offtake the power.

Thus far, the marine offloading facility has been completed, and 26 kilome-

tres (km) of onshore pipelines are being installed by US oil major, ExxonMobil.

But even as Exxon has assured of delivering the pipeline by year-end, when it will be sealed until it is ready for use, the construction of the power plant and NGL facility has been delayed by at least six months.

Government had initially envisioned the startup of the GtE Project by this year end. However, the contractor, a US-based consortium – Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc. (LNDCH4) – is engaged in a disagreement with the Government over the timelines of the project and associated costs. LNDCH4, which was awarded a US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the power plant and NGL facility, is making finan-

cial claims to the tune of US$50 million over delays from other components of the project which were overseen by Exxon, saying that the late handover would affect its delivery according to contractual timelines.

In light of the delays, the Government has extended the deadline, but the contractor is not satisfied, and wants more time. Moreover, the Guyana Government has rejected the claim, resulting in the contractor moving to a dispute resolution mechanism that would see a three-member board set up to mediate between the two parties.

Government has already assured that this dispute is not affecting construction works, which continues uninterrupted. (G8)

Driver dead, 4 injured after car crashes into bridge rail

Police are investigating an early morning accident that claimed the life of a Georgetown woman on the Number 43 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is 34-year-old Melena Stephen, a resident of Lot 65 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown.

Injured are four passengers ages nine, 28, 41, and 54. The crashed car

APNU/AFC’s Green State...

At the centre of the strategy is the objective of creating economic incentives for Guyana’s forest preservation, in order to offset loss of income that would have otherwise been gained from the clearing of the forests for agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and other uses. Essentially, ensuring that forests are worth more alive than dead.

The strategy was looked at as a global model for promoting broad-based economic development while also avoiding deforestation-led development. The strategy places em-

phasis on investments in indigenous communities, job creation, sustainability planning and initiatives that seek to protect the coast and Hinterland from climate change. In the first major accomplishment under this initiative Guyana and Norway signed a US$250 million agreement enabling Guyana to earn payments for forest climate services.

In 2022 the LCDS 2030 was laid in the National Assembly following seven months of consultations. In December 2022 another landmark achieve-

ment was accomplished under the LCDS when Guyana inked the historic US$750M multi-year agreement for the sale of high-quality carbon credits to Hess Corporation.

Meanwhile, launched in 2019 the GSDS was touted by the APNU+AFC as providing a comprehensive set of strategic action lines to guide public investment, seeking to reflect a holistic view of social, economic and environmental well-being, in line with the country’s commitments to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Goals (SDGs).

Reports are that the accident occurred at about 04:00h as Stephen was driving the car, PAF 8289 and crashed into a bridge rail on the western drive lane of the road.

According to reports, the car was traveling south at a high speed when Stephen lost control, leading to the fatal collision. Stephen was pinned inside the wrecked vehicle and had to be extricated by members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). She was unconscious when pulled from the vehicle and was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital but despite the efforts to save her, Stephen was pronounced dead on arrival. Her body was transported to Anthony’s Funeral Home, where it will remain pending a post-mor-

tem examination.

The four passengers were also rescued by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital. After initial treatment, they were transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further medical attention.

The nine-year-old has been admitted for observation, while the 54-yearold and 28-year-old have been admitted with fractures to the leg and pelvis, respectively. The 41-year-old suffered chest injuries and has also been admitted.

The police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

China-Guyana friendship Joe Vieira Park project unmatched in C’bean – Indar

Works are progressing on the US$12 million Joe Vieira Park modernisation project on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), which is being funded by the Chinese Government to mark Guyana and China’s celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, who is leading the initiative, conducted a site visit on Friday to inspect the ongoing works being executed by the Qingjian Group Co Ltd

(CNQC) from the Shandong Province in China.

Joined by the contractor, technical officials, and representatives from the Protected Areas Commission, Indar noted the PPP/C Government is working with the contractor “to deliver a park that is unmatched anywhere in the Caribbean.” Works on the park commenced last year and was slated to be completed in January 2026. During Friday’s visit, Indar disclosed that government is eager to have this project

completed and is working with the contractor to move forward the deadline to the end of 2025.

The minister had since asked the contractor to extend their working hours in order to accelerate the proj-

commodate a basketball court, tennis court, football field, an elevated walkway through trees, and a roundabout with a fountain, among other key features.

In 2022, the Guyana Protected Areas

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, during an inspection of the China-Guyana friendship Joe Vieira Park

ect.

The US$12 million modern recreational space under construction is the brainchild of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and it will ac-

Demerara) into a modern green space.

Prior to that the Joe Vieira Park, located at Schoonord, WBD, had been in an abandoned state for years. It was donated to the regional government by businessman Joe Vieira, and falls under the National Parks Commission. The green space was designated a park on March 24, 1982.

and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Hanming Hu, signed the agreement committing some US$10 million to the upgrading of the park.

In a previous interview, Ambassador Guo Haiyan had said at the time that the park would be renamed the Guyana-China Friendship Joe Vieira Park. She had said that the park

Commission and the Chinese Embassy had signed an agreement to transform the Joe Vieira Park in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West

In 2022, Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission and the National Parks Commission, Jason Fraser, along with the Economic

would be built with the aim of providing a public place for families, and would not only host recreational activities, but cultural events as well.

An artist impression of the China-Guyana friendship Joe Vieira Park

NTC reaffirms support for Govt’s LCDS 2030

The National Toshaos Council (NTC) on Friday reaffirmed its support for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 by passing a resolution endorsing the government’s premier plan to aid in combatting climate change.

The resolution, signed onto by majority of the Toshaos attending the NTC Conference in Georgetown, states that the NTC is the collective voice and representative body of Indigenous Peoples across Guyana.

The endorsement signifies a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and preserve Guyana’s rich natural resources.

The resolution noted that the NTC recognises the crucial role of sustainable development in the well-being of Indigenous communities and has emphasised that LCDS 2030 is a critical framework aligned with their aspirations.

The strategy promotes economic growth while ensuring the protection of forests, ecosystems, and cultural heritage, all of which are of paramount importance to Indigenous communities.

The resolution acknowledges that the LCDS 2030 is in harmony with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international climate commitments.

By endorsing this strategy, the NTC positions Guyana as a leader in sustainable development and climate change mitigation, with Indigenous communities playing a pivotal role in the stewardship of the country’s forests and the implementation of traditional knowledge and practices to combat climate change.

The endorsement is also a critical part of the government’s Carbon Credits Scheme, leading to over $9 billion in funds going directly to Indigenous com-

NTC passed a motion to reaffirm support for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 (DPI photo)

munities.

The NTC’s resolution has also recognised the direct benefits that the LCDS 2030 will bring to Indigenous communities, including opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, improved infrastructure, enhanced education and healthcare services, and the preservation of cultural heritage. These benefits are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples across Guyana.

2030. This endorsement by the NTC is a clear demonstration of the Indigenous communities’ commitment to sustainable development and their integral role in shaping Guyana’s future in a low-carbon economy.

In a show of solidarity and commitment, the NTC has resolved to fully support the LCDS 2030, including participation in the national carbon credits programme under ART TREES and the benefits-sharing mechanism established under the strategy. The NTC has also pledged to actively collaborate with the Government of Guyana, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the LCDS

On Monday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the government has already decided to increase the indigenous people’s share of the carbon credit sales, to 26 per cent. This move is to ensure Indigenous communities continue to benefit from the US$750 million carbon credits deal with Hess Corporation that was signed in December 2022. When the Government signed the deal with Hess Corporation, it was with the understanding that 15 per cent of all revenue would go to the indigenous communities. Guyana is set to earn US$87.5 million this year, a reduction from the US$150 million it earned in 2023.

On Tuesday, Vice

President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said at the NTC Conference that the increase is in addition to the government’s intentions of spending significant sums from their own share, on projects that will also benefit the indigenous community.

“This year, we have about (US$87.5 million), the second tranche. And you would have been eligible for $2.7 billion, for this year’s distribution. The President graciously agreed to increase this so we reduce the government’s amount that we were gonna use for adaptation measures and a lot of them back into Amerindian communities too.”

“The remaining 85 per cent would be spent all across Guyana, including Amerindian communities. But we decided that 15 per cent will go directly to the villages and the villages will decide how they spend the money. The President increased it to $4.8 billion.”

Extradited US-based Guyanese remanded on manslaughter, other charges in NYC court

SOUTH OZONE PARK, Queens

(WABC) -- A five-year search for a driver who fatally struck a 67-yearold man on Christmas in Queens ended with his arrest in Guyana.

Police say Ravindra Dharamjit, 26, fled the scene and the country, where he was tracked down by detectives in the years following the

December 2019 crash.

He was arrested by Guyana Police Force (GPF) at a recent horse racing event. After a long process, U.S. Marshals brought the suspect to Miami earlier this week. He flew back to Queens overnight. He was arraigned in court in Queens on Friday morning on a slew of charges including man-

slaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and reckless driving.

Dharamjit pleaded not guilty to all charges and was not granted bail after the defense requested he be put in protective custody.

The victim, Ainsley Dalrymple, was crossing Rockaway Boulevard at 114th Street after a Christmas gathering at his eldest son’s house when he was hit by a driver who never stopped.

Prosecutors say the defendant was speeding and traveling 74 mph in a 25 mph zone.

His family said they learned Thursday that the suspect was found and brought to Miami -- they said it’s a day they believed would never come.

“We just hope that justice will be served and

His attorneys also claim he didn’t know he was under investigation.

Dalrymple was a Jamaican immigrant, loved his family and was a hard-worker. His family said Friday was difficult but it’s just the beginning of getting justice.

“The first piece of this journey, and totally relieved, his family, his kids and my sister as well, that there’s a little bit of peace right now until the final decision, so there is a god and we will get what we are due,” said sister-inlaw Jean Washington.

The defense says he went there to work and eventually got married and started a life there.

my dad will finally rest in peace, and he’s not going to come back to us, but at least we know that the person who took him from us is going to pay,” his daughter Sherrice Dalrymple said. The prosecution says he bought a one-way ticket to Guyana just three weeks after the crash and only came back due to the efforts of the NYPD.

The victim’s family said they will be there for every single court hearing.

MovieTowne complex seized by PoS infrastructure company

The Port of Spain Infrastructure Company (POSINCO) has moved to retake possession of MovieTowne.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, POSINCO said, "This re-entry exercise was undertaken as a consequence of breaches of the terms and conditions of the existing Deed of Lease between POSINCO and TCDC."

POSINCO said it has been in discussions with TCDC for several years regarding the breaches in an effort to avoid Friday’s outcome, while maintaining its rights under the Deed of Lease to re-enter. "Those discussions have not borne fruit," the statement said.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024

06:00 (Sign on) President Speech R/B

07:00 Evening News (RB)

08:00 Stop Suffering

09:00 Movie - A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures (2010)

10:30 Indian Movie - Jug Jugg Jeeyo (2022)

13:00 Movie - Touchback (2011)

15:00 Movie - Best Player (2011)

16:30 Explained 17:00 Payless Power Hour 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Pastor Alvin Teaching 19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Movie - Thunderstruck (2012) 21:30 Stand-up Comedy

22:00 Movie - Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)

00:00 Sign off

The statement concluded, "POSINCO has endeavoured to conduct the re-entry exercise peaceably and in a manner that would be the least disruptive to the tenants and other stakeholders of TCDC, and it assures that it will continue to treat the matter with the sensitivity required and in accordance with the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago."

The move taken by the Port of Spain Infrastructure Company to take over the premises of Movietowne, Port-ofSpain through bailiffs, is in a bid to collect over $10 million in rental arrears, sources at the scene have told Guardian Media.

Guardian Media has been told that the amount accrued during the period 2021 to present.

Bailiffs arrived at the Invader's Bay location at Mucurapo around 10 am and proceeded to lock down the administrative office and banquet hall.

Guardian Media understands that Movietowne's executive has a grace period to make necessary payments and rectify the situation. (T&T Guardian)

Ravindra Dharamjit (Photo: WABC)

Dead: Ainsley Dalrymple (Photo: WABC)

High rate of accidents

Speed bumps “aren't the solution”, a cultural shift is needed - Edghill

Through careful evaluation of speedbumps built along the roadways of Guyana, it has been deduced that the creation of these bumps will not entirely stop accidents from happening on the nation’s roadways.

This was underscored by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Thursday afternoon during a distribution of several high technology devices to the Guyan Police Force (GPF).

His assertion came following views by citizens voicing their opinion, stating that speed bumps would stop accidents.

His point came on a recent severe accident that took place on the newly built Cemetery Road.

In response to this the minister said that the true answer for road accidents is a change of culture –highlighting that persons should look at the bigger picture and cause for road accidents.

“Everybody seems to think that speed bumps are the solutions we need to have a change of culture, and change of behavior,” Edghill remarked. Meanwhile, he noted that an accident has already occurred on the newly built Cemetery Road, highlighting the urgency for cultural change and expressing concern that a life could have been lost.

“You know we already have an accident on cemetery road? That accident

on Cemetery Road could have been a serious one because the car crashed into a pedestrian bridge, it was under construction at the time so if people were walking on that bridge, it would’ve been dangerous…we have to enforce the law.”

He added, “I’m taking this opportunity to remind the GPF that perhaps we need to take some strong measure become the example and let the message get across and let us get a

change in the culture.”

Meanwhile, whilst on the topic of alleviating road accidents, he pointed out, that there are scores of heavy-duty truck drivers that are driving through community neighborhoods, deteriorating the road, whilst also causing disruption to villagers.

“Truckers must know that they cannot abuse small community streets

because they want to get to their destination faster when there is a traffic diversion,” Edghill stated.

He pointed this out as the road between the Rupert craig highway and the railway embankment on Ogle Road will be closed to facilitate the ongoing construction.

“We will need the help of the police force because part of the trouble that

people are having is that whenever there is diversion of traffic, trucks are going into the smaller streets from this road that is closed trucks are supposed to go on the UG road, take the embankment and continue east and they could get back to the east coast highway,” he stated whilst giving other roads alternatives for this traffic diversion. (G2)

Around the world UK must curb rise in racist hate speech by politicians and public figures – UN

The UK must act to curb a sharp increase in the use of racist hate speech by British politicians and high-profile public figures, a UN body has said.

Ministers must “adopt comprehensive measures to discourage and combat racist hate speech and xenophobic discourse by political and public figures” and ensure that such cases are “effectively investigated and sanctioned”, the UN committee on the elimination of racial discrimination recommended in a report.

The committee members declined to name which politicians or public figures had made comments triggering the committee’s concern, but added there were “so many credible reports” of racist comments by high-profile individuals that there was

Thousands of people gathered at an anti-racism rally in Belfast earlier this month in response to the far-right riots (Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images)

“no doubt that the issue is a serious one in the UK”. Presenting the report on Friday based on a fouryear review into Britain’s record on tackling race discrimination, the committee highlighted “very troubling” manifestations of racism within the UK, flagging particular concern about racial profiling in stop and search practices, and the “excessive and

deadly” use of force by law enforcement.

Committee members were “particularly concerned about the high number of strip-searches carried out on children, especially children of African descent, by law enforcement officials, and at the increase of police presence in schools with higher proportions of ethnic minority children”.

4 dead in hostage-taking in Russian jail

Four prison employees have been killed after several prisoners staged a revolt in a remote Russian penal colony and took hostages, federal authorities say.

Special forces stormed the IK-19 Surovikino facility in the southwestern Volgograd region after knife-wielding prisoners, who identified themselves as Islamic State (IS) militants, claimed to have taken control of the sprawling complex.

Authorities said the special forces operation had freed some hostages and "neutralised" all the attackers, but later confirmed that four prison employees had died. An unverified image posted on social media appeared to show an inmate holding a knife standing above a bloodied prison guard during the revolt.

In an unverified video posted on social media, a man was shown holding a knife apparently in a courtyard within the IK-19 Surovikino facility

Russia's Rosgvardia National Guard said snipers shot four attackers in the rescue operation.

Heavily armed troops were filmed arriving at the prison in footage posted to the Telegram messaging app by the National Guard.

The attack began during a disciplinary commission meeting, Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) said in a statement. The attackers were said to have slashed guards and wounded several prison staff.

The FSIN said eight prison employees and four convicts had been taken hostage. Some re-

The government should “take steps to address the over-policing of schools with higher proportions of ethnic minority pupils and adopt and strengthen legislation and other measures to explicitly prohibit strip-searches on children”, the report advised.

Officials sought to identify trends where the UK’s record on eliminating racial discrimination had deteriorated since 2016, when the UN body last published its research. It noted new concerns about “recurring racist acts, violence and hate speech against eth-

ports in Russian media suggested that the prison's director and deputy director were among those seized.

"The criminals inflicted stab wounds of varying severity on four employees, three of whom died. Another four who resisted were hospitalised, one of whom died in the hospital."

The FSIN denied that the attackers had taken control of the entire prison, saying: "The criminals took hostages and occupied one single room on the territory of the colony." (BBC)

nic and ethno-religious minorities, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers by extremist far-right and white supremacist individuals”. It was concerned about a rise of xenophobic rhetoric in the print and broadcasting media and on social media. (The Guardian)

US, 10 Latin American states reject

Nicolás Maduro’s vote certification

Ten Latin American governments and the US have said they “categorically reject” the Venezuelan supreme court’s decision to confirm Nicolás Maduro’s widely contested claim to have won re-election, with Chile’s president declaring: “I have no doubt this election has been stolen.”

Thursday’s verdict from Venezuela’s top court, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, has been widely questioned internationally from across the political spectrum.

In a joint statement published on Friday, the governments of Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay and the US called for an “impartial and independent audit” of the vote.

They also voiced “profound concern” over human rights violations committed during Maduro’s post-election crackdown, which activists say has resulted in more than 1,600 people being detained and at least 24 others killed.

Strikingly, the communique was endorsed not just by conservative governments that have long been hostile to Maduro’s purportedly socialist movement, but also by the administration of Chile’s progressive president, Gabriel Boric – now one of the Venezuelan’s most outspoken leftwing critics – and that of Guatemala’s centre-left leader, Bernardo Arévalo.

“We are dealing with a dictatorship that falsifies elections,” Boric said after the supreme court ruling, rejecting the idea that Maduro’s regime was leftwing.

“The Maduro regime is not democratic and we do not recognise its fraud,” tweeted Arévalo.

The US added its voice to the condemnation on Friday claiming the ruling lacked “all credibility, given the overwhelming evidence that [Maduro’s rival Edmundo] González received the most votes” in the 28 July election.

“Continued attempts to fraudulently claim victory for Maduro will only exacerbate the ongoing crisis,” Vedant Patel, a state department spokesperson, told reporters.

The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, told reporters its 27 member states would not recognise Maduro’s re-election without seeing “a verifiable result”.

Brazil and Colombia – whose leftwing leaders both have warm, historical ties to the political movement Maduro inherited

from Hugo Chávez – have also refused to recognise his re-election without seeing detailed voting tallies. Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, whose diplomats have been exploring possible ways of defusing the growing crisis, are expected to issue a joint statement later on Friday.

Earlier in the day another leading Latin American leftist, Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, told reporters he also wanted to see detailed voting tallies before recognising the official result.

Maduro and his allies have rejected international criticism, with Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yván Gil, calling Boric the “laughingstock” of Latin America and a “submissive pawn of North American imperialism”.

As things stand, Maduro, who retains the support of Venezuela’s military as well as the governments of Russia and China, will be sworn in for his third six-year term as president on 10 January.

(The Guardian)

Nicolás Maduro

SUDOKU

Think out loud and turn your promises into a reality. A unique idea will change how you live. Implement a source of new income. Spend less, make more and strike a balance between work and play.

21-June 20)

23-Oct. 23)

Actions speak louder than words. Make a statement by following through with your plans, and you’ll draw respect. Someone will try to sabotage your efforts if you are too accommodating.

Research will reveal something that motivates you to change. Refrain from relying on others to do the work for you. Think big, but keep an eye on the budget and work diligently to make your dream a reality.

Magical moments are within reach, but you must recognize them and be receptive. Dispel negativity from your mind and engage in positive pastimes that put a smile on your face.

Surround yourself with go-getters. Explore the possibilities, examine the information you gather and summarize your plans. Your ability to lead and excite people will play in your favor.

Move forward with your eyes open. Test your dreams and don’t fear change. Act with the intent to make adjustments as you go. Control the outcome instead of letting it control you.

Getting together with old friends, attending a reunion or exploring new places and possibilities will help you stop daydreaming and start doing. Patience will be necessary when learning something new.

Pay attention to detail, costs and feasibility. Look for what makes sense to you and move forward with new ideas and the desire to make a difference. Your input will resonate with more people than you expect.

Confusion will occur if you are too open. If you seek a diversion, keep your plans private. The less interference you encounter, the easier it will be to stay on track.

Assess how much disposable cash you have and how you can improve your life. Revamp your look and market your talents. Making home improvements, socializing and finding new interests are favored.

Volunteer and make a difference. How you spend your time will give you a unique perspective regarding what’s possible. Find people who care about what matters most to you.

Don’t let confusion or emotional spending take control. Be grateful for what you have. It’s time to look at who’s on your team and who isn’t. Be careful of your assumptions.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

Massy WCPL 2024…

Matthews hits back-to-back

fifties to keep Royals unbeaten

Another batting masterclass from captain Hayley Matthews has seen the Barbados Royals overcoming the Trinbago Knight Riders and registering a comfortable seven-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare in the second match of the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

After her decisive in-

nings of 61 not out against Guyana Amazon Warriors in the first game of the competition last Wednesday, the in-form opener

Matthews again demonstrated why she is one of the world’s best cricketers in the white ball format when she struck twelve boundaries to finish unbeaten on 67 off 56 balls and see her side to a comfortable victory. Matthews started the evening well, and never looked back. She won the toss for the second night in a

row, and chose to insert the opposition -- her decision being vindicated when Chinelle Henry bowled Knight Riders opener Kycia Knight for a duck with the very first ball of the match. It was a sign of things to come, as wickets fell in a procession soon after, and the Knight Riders’ total of 113/9 never looked enough to challenge the Royals’ stellar batting card; and so it proved when Matthews hit the winning four off Shikha Pandey from the first ball of

the 18th over.

The Royals, champions in the 2023 tournament, have two wins from two games, and look the team to beat in the early stages of this year’s WCPL. They obliterated the Knight Riders’ top order to leave them reeling on 57/6 at the halfway stage of the innings, and it was thanks to Shikha Pandey and Zaida James that the Knight Riders reached the total that they did.

A partnership of ex-

Trinbago Knight Riders

Women (20 ovs maximum)

Kycia Knight †

b Henry 0

Harshitha Samarawickrama c Wellington b Henry 3

Jemimah Rodrigues c Matthews

b Alleyne 16

Deandra Dottin (c) lbw

b Wellington 28

Jess Jonassen c Matthews

b Joseph 0

Chedean Nation run out (Alleyne/Wellington) 2

Shikha Pandey c Joseph

b Wellington 30

Zaida James

b Matthews 22

Anisa Mohammed not out 4

Jahzara Claxton

b Matthews 1

Samara Ramnath not out 1

Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.65) 113/9

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Kycia Knight, 0.1 ov), 2-14 (Harshitha Samarawickrama, 2.3 ov), 3-28 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 4.2 ov), 4-31 (Jess Jonassen, 5.4 ov), 5-37 (Chedean Nation, 7.4 ov), 6-57 (Deandra Dottin, 9.6 ov), 7-107 (Shikha Pandey, 17.4 ov), 8-107 (Zaida James, 18.1 ov), 9-111 (Jahzara Claxton, 18.6 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W

actly 50 runs off 47 deliveries for the seventh wicket helped Deandra Dottin’s side bat out their allotted overs and post a total of 113/9. Pandey, in particular, played well, top scoring for her side with 30 runs, her deft cuts and manipulation of the ball into the gaps being impressive in the face of tight bowling.

Matthews took a fine diving catch in the outfield, and topped off a sparkling Player of the Match per-

‘Greatest of the Streets’ 2024 tournament…

Chinelle Henry 2-0-14-2

Barbados Royals Women (T: 114 runs from 20 ovs)

Hayley Matthews (c) not out 67

Chamari Athapaththu lbw

b Jonassen 5 Qiana Joseph c Nation

b Mohammed 16

Aaliyah Alleyne b

formance by bowling both Zaida James and Jazhara Claxton to take 2-21 with the ball.

For the second match in a row, the Royals bowlers have impressed with their bowling and shared the wickets around; Henry, Matthews and Wellington each picking up two wickets, and Qiana Joseph and Aaliyah Alleyne each pocketing one. This Barbados side is firing in all departments. (CPLT20)

Bartica Zone kicks off tonight

…Nationals set for Sept 6

Following four years of inactivity due to the COVID pandemic, the increasingly popular Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ futsal tournament has returned with a bang this year; and evident massive support is seen in all the communities that hosted the competition.

With tournaments having been played in Georgetown, Berbice, Linden, Essequibo, and East Bank/West Demerara so far, attention is now being focused on the Bartica community, the final stop in the Zone segment, before the staging of the highly anticipated National Championship, set for the Pouderoyen Tarmac on September 6.

Unrivalled in popularity, a win of this tournament has developed into the most-sought-after acco-

lade among street teams, and bragging rights are the main motivator for teams within the communities where the tournament is played.

This motivation is then carried over to the national finals, where the winning team can boast of being the best in the country, an achievement that lasts for one year.

Fans in the Bartica area will tonight witness the start of two days of fierce competition, set to culminate tomorrow with the final, wherein the winning team would be crowned zone champion and earn the right to represent that community at the national tournament.

Sixteen teams have earned the right to participate in the competition for prize money totalling in excess of $600,000. The win-

ning team would receive $300,000, while second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers would take home

$200,000, $100,000, and $80,000 respectively, along with trophies.

According to a member of the organising committee, all systems are in place for two nights of intense rivalry, as teams battle for the right to represent the community on the biggest stage, the national final.

Meanwhile, the buzz surrounding this year’s national finals has been reverberating throughout the country, and according to feedback, the organisers are pulling out all the stops to make that event a memorable one-night wonder. Cash prizes for the winners have been increased substantially, with a total of over $2 million in cash and trophies being up for grabs; while

fans would also be rewarded with special giveaways throughout the night.

In a comment invited by this publication, Guinness Brand Executive Lee Baptiste has said he is pleased with support received from the teams and fans this year, and is encouraged to make things even better next year.

“The support this year

has been extremely encouraging, especially since we were returning after a four-year absence. This just shows how popular the tournament is, and we will continue to take this feature into our deliberations when we meet at our internal meetings,” Baptiste has said.

He added that introduction of Essequibo as one

of the new areas in the annual event, and the support enjoyed from that community have enhanced the company’s resolve to continue the competition.

Meanwhile, the national champion will collect $1 million and the winning trophy; while second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers would receive $500,000, $350,000, and $200,000 respectively.

The fans have come in for high praise for their support throughout the tournament’s history, and according to Baptiste, this tournament continues to grow in popularity. He disclosed that while availability of suitable venues remains an obstacle in some communities, the organisers are contemplating a reversion to the initial concept of playing the game in various communities.

The Bartica Community Centre is looking set and ready for the two-day showdown in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Hayley Matthews has crafted another half century on the way to her team’s second win

Shikha Pandey top-scored for the Trinbago Knight Riders

Excitement looms at Kares T10 Blast final showdown tonight

The Kares “One Guyana” Tapeball T10 Blast will come to an exciting close tonight, and a grand showdown is anticipated between the country’s best tapeball teams at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

First there will be the semifinals, featuring Montra Jaguars taking on Mahdia (Movements Family) at 15:00hrs, followed by Titans AllStars taking on Diamond Gunners at 17:00hrs.

The grand finale is scheduled for 20:30hrs; but before that begins, a Cricket for Charity match

featuring President Dr Irfaan Ali, Lennox Cush, and several other topranked officials and athletes would be held from

19:00hrs. In that match, top-notch players would get the opportunity to showcase their cricketing skills.

Rusty Seunarine & family donate uniforms to Cotton Tree Die Hard Club

The Cotton Tree Cricket Club of West Coast Berbice, Region Five, has become a beneficiary of 35 sets of coloured cricket uniforms from rice farmer Rusty Seunarine and his family.

The uniforms, which included shirts, trousers and hats to suit, were presented to the club during this week.

This club has made great strides in recent youth tournaments, and has produced cricketers for Berbice and Guyana youth teams. Recognising the talent inherent in this club, the Seunarines, who hail from Cotton Tree,

have found it fitting to give back to a club that is close to their hearts. Additionally, the Seunarines have undertaken to cover the expenses of a qualified coach to provide knowledge with training sessions to the Cotton Tree youths.

Winston Smith of the Berbice Cricket Board is the coach who would perform this duty at Cotton Tree.

Right-arm fast bowling sensation Arif Khan is the most recognized youth player the club has produced in recent years. He represented Berbice and Guyana at youth levels, and is expected to

play for the national team in the near future.

Among the club’s players who have participated in inter-county tournaments are Rashad Gaffur, Arif Bacchus and Shoaib Gaffoor. Besides its achievements in terms of youth tournaments, this club has dominated senior inter-club cricket in the West Berbice area in recent times. Popularly known as the Cotton Tree Die Hard Club, this club was victorious at the 2024 AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament, which was witnessed by a sold-out crowd at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice.

a time! So that’s it!”

Each of the losing semi-final teams on August 24 would take home $250,000, compliments of Premier Insurance. The team placing second in the tournament would take home $500,000, compliments of SuperBet Guyana, and the winning team would be awarded $1.5M, compliments of Star Party Rentals.

During a Tapeball T10 Blast pre-final press conference held this week, representatives of the four teams in the final shared their expectations and disclosed whom they would like to see in the grand T10 final.

Dinesh Bissessar of the Montra Jaguars said, “Cricket is a funny thing. On the said day, anything can happen. What I would like to see is two good teams playing in the final. We’re all good teams here, and I’d like to see two good teams playing in the finals; inclusive of the Montra Jaguars, that is.”

Deonarine Seegobin of Mahdia (Movements Family) shared, “It doesn’t matter which team; any team that comes through to play, we’re confident, confident to take down any team.”

Christopher Barnwell of the Titans All-Stars related, “As for me, it’s not a matter about which team to play. You know if you want to win the title (that) you gotta prepare to play anybody to win the championship. So, we just want to take one step at a time: finish the job in the semifinals, and then whoever is in front of us in the finals, just take care of the business. As simple as that!”

Diamond Gunners’ Damion Vantull said of his troops’ expectations, “Basically, we do not have a preference, we’re taking it one step at a time, as Christopher said. That’s our same team motto; that’s how we’ve been planning throughout the tournament: one game at

Admission to the venue is free; and tickets for the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ (GAW) Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League matches are expected to be among the prizes for fans in the stands.

Players would also vie for the following titles: Most Runs, Most Wickets, and Player of the Final. Each winner would receive a Smart TV and $75,000 cash prize, compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre. Assuria Insurance Company is donating a motorbike as a present, and $85,000 will go to the Most Valuable Player.

Additionally, $100,000 would be split equally between the Kawasaki Super Striker of the tournament (player with the highest strike rate after a minimum of 12 balls) and the Most Economical Bowler (lowest economy rate from a minimum of 24 balls).

The Kares “One Guyana” T10 Tapeball Blast is being supported by Kares Engineering Limited, Banks DIH Limited, Montra Restaurant and Lounge, Demerara Mutual Insurance, ETS, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Jacobs’ Jewellery, Digital Technology, First Change Builders Inc, KFC Guyana, Hoosein’s Security Services, NEW GPC Inc, Building Expo 2024, Giftland OfficeMax, Sankar’s Auto Works, ENet, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., Trophy Stall, ANSA McAL Distribution, Camille’s Academy, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Samaroo Investments, and Coel’s Boutique.

The semifinalists are (from left): Damion Vantull (Diamond Gunners); Christopher Barnwell (Titans All-Stars); Dinesh Bissessar (Montra Jaguars), and Deonarine Seegobin (Mahdia Movements Family)

Some of the young cricketers of the Cotton Tree Die Hard Club showcasing the new uniforms donated by the Seunarine family

South Africa tour of West Indies 2024: T20I series, game

West Indies demolish South Africa

– Led by efforts of Pooran and Forde

The West Indies have pulled off the highest successful chase in T20s at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, and have taken the lead in the three-match series against South Africa with a comfortable 13 deliveries to spare.

After deciding to bowl first moments before the onset of heavy rain delayed the start of play by an hour, West Indies took control of the game, and had South Africa on 42 for 5 after 8 overs.

The Proteas recovered, thanks to a sixth-wicket partnership of 71 runs off 50 balls between Patrick Kruger and Tristan Stubbs, before Stubbs and Bjorn Fortuin shared a seventh-wicket stand of 60 off 25 balls to give the innings much-needed acceleration. However, Matthew

He took successive fours off full deliveries from Forde on either side of the wicket, then brought up his fifty off 33 balls when he hit Joseph over cover point. He scored 23 runs off the last six balls he faced, and was going for six more when he holed out to long-on on the penultimate ball of the innings. But with 174 on the board, he had given the SA

Athanaze, opening the batting in his second T20I, swept Fortuin over long leg, then Hope deposited Ottneil Baartman over long-off and through deep-backward square leg.

However, the real damage was done in the fifth over, when Athanaze plundered 20 runs off Nandre Burger, including two sixes over deep square leg and a gorgeous late

balls, two of them being down -on-one-knee sixes over long-on and longoff respectively, to help West Indies complete an impressive 75-run powerplay.

Pooran on the rampage

With 70 runs required off 54 balls for the win, Pooran saw an opportunity to end things quickly when Burger was brought back in the 12th over. After Hope got off strike, Burger tried a slower ball to Pooran, who had more than enough time to hit him straight over long-off for a 77-metre six.

Forde, playing in his third T20I, equalled his career-best figures of 3 for 27, and the West Indies, in response, were always in control of the chase. Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze put on 84 in 49 balls for the opening stand, before Hope and Nicholas Pooran's 54-run partnership off 33 balls broke the back of the target.

Pooran was particularly severe on the South African attack, and scored his fastest T20I fifty off 20 balls to finish unbeaten on 65 runs off 26 balls.

Without the core of their attack, especially as Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the series with a calf strain before the match began, South Africa's depth was tested. They fielded their youngest-ever debutant, Kwena Maphaka, who is 18 years and 137 days old, and he picked up his first international wicket when he had West Indian captain Rovman Powell caught at extra cover.

By then, however, the West Indies needed just three runs to win, and Roston Chase finished things off with a four off the next ball. West Indies won the match with 13 balls to spare.

Early triple-strike

Powell's decision to bowl first paid off almost

immediately when, after an impressive threerun opening over from Akeal Hosein, Forde made the first incision as Ryan Rickelton reached to cut a short, wide ball but toe-ended it to Pooran.

Aiden Markram countered with a strong reverse sweep and pull of Hosein, but then hit Forde straight to Gudakesh Motie at midon.

Two balls later, Reeza Hendricks got a leading edge to Shamar Joseph's first delivery, and it swirled to Hosein at deep third, thereby continuing a miserable run for the South African opener. Hendricks has gone past 20 in only two of his last 11 T20I innings.

South Africa struggled through their powerplay, and ended on 33 for 3. Rassie van der Dussen was strangled down leg as soon as the fielding restrictions were lifted, and Joseph had his second wicket.

Sensational

Stubbs

South Africa were in trouble on 42 for 5 after eight overs. All their recognised batters - except Stubbs - were back in the dugout; and Stubbs initially played out-of-character and had just 13 runs off the first 16 balls he faced. His first sign of intent came when he sent Motie over long-on for the biggest six of the innings, but it was only after Kruger's innings ended that Stubbs took control.

bowlers something to defend.

Hope, Athanaze give West Indies dream start

It took ten deliveries before West Indies scored their first boundary, but when they did, the floodgates were opened.

cut that went for four and forced South Africa to turn to a fifth bowler within the powerplay.

Markram himself bowled, but his efforts were even more expensive, as his opening over went for 21. Hope scored 16 of those runs off three

SCOREBOARD

South Africa (20 ovs maximum)

Ryan Rickelton † c †Pooran

b Forde 4

Reeza Hendricks c Hosein

b Joseph 4

Aiden Markram (c) c Motie

b Forde 14

Tristan Stubbs c Powell

b Shepherd 76

Rassie van der Dussen c †Pooran

b Joseph 5

Donovan Ferreira c Motie

b Hosein 8

Patrick Kruger c Athanaze

b Forde 44

Bjorn Fortuin not out 11

Kwena Maphaka not out 1

Extras (lb 1, nb 4, w 2) 7

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.70) 174/7

Did not bat: Ottneil

Baartman, Nandre Burger

Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Ryan Rickelton, 1.2 ov), 2-23 (Aiden Markram, 3.5 ov), 3-23 (Reeza Hendricks, 4.1 ov), 4-33 (Rassie van der Dussen, 6.1 ov), 5-42 (Donovan Ferreira, 7.6 ov), 6-113 (Patrick Kruger, 16.1 ov), 7-173 (Tristan Stubbs, 19.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

4-0-22-1

Akeal Hosein

Matthew Forde 4-0-27-3

Shamar Joseph 4-0-40-2

Romario Shepherd 3-0-39-1

Gudakesh Motie 4-0-31-0

Roston Chase 1-0-14-0

West Indies (T: 175 runs from 20 ovs)

Alick Athanaze c Markram

b Baartman 40

Shai Hope lbw b Baartman 51

Nicholas Pooran † not out 65

Rovman Powell (c) c Kruger

b Maphaka 7

Roston Chase not out 4

Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 7) 9

TOTAL 17.5 Ov (RR: 9.86) 176/3

Did not bat: Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph

Fall of wickets: 1-84 (Alick

Athanaze, 7.6 ov), 2-138 (Shai Hope, 13.3 ov), 3-172 (Rovman Powell, 17.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Nandre Burger 3-0-47-0

Bjorn Fortuin 3-0-24-0

Kwena Maphaka 3.5-0-25-1

Ottneil Baartman 4-0-30-2

Aiden Markram 1-0-21-0

Patrick Kruger 3-0-28-0

Burger's next ball was also pace-off and ended up being a full toss, and Pooran helped it over midwicket and into the stands. The next two balls were faster and still full, but Pooran had his eye in, and hit Burger down the ground for two more sixes to take the equation down to 45 off 48 balls.

In the end, although West Indies lost a couple of wickets, they reached the target comfortably. (Adapted from ESPNCricinfo)

Nicholas Pooran smashed four sixes off Nandre Burger in the 12th over

Tristan Stubbs helped steady South Africa's innings

Shamar Joseph celebrating the wicket of Reeza Hendricks

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) had a busy day on Friday while checking out the Box Office and Merchandise Store located at 233-234 Camp Street, Georgetown. Lucky fans were able to get photo opportunities and autographs from the Warriors, who are preparing for the 2024 season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Here’s a look at Friday’s interaction.

Several lucky fans had the opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team after the team made a pop-up appearance at the Merchandise Store and Ticket Office on Friday morning.

With a wide variety of merchandise on sale at affordable prices, GAW Captain Imran Tahir is urging fans to check out the store and ticket office, which was the place to be on Friday morning, as the team -- encamped ahead of the Republic Bank CPL bowling off next week -- made a surprise appearance at the Camp Street venue.

While numerous fans jumped at the opportunity to meet their favourite players, the cricketers were also quite taken aback with what the merchandise store had to offer. As such, Captain Imran Tahir is urging fans to get their hands on the team merchandise, which includes replica team shirts.

“We encourage the fans, they’ve been lovely and supportive over the years, and we have no words to say thanks to them. We’re here at the Box Office, and I want to encourage the fans to come and get their merchandise.

It’s on (sale at) a very reasonable price, and they’ve a wide range of clothing, everything you need to get from here. We’re all wearing, and wearing it very proudly, just like you can do,” Tahir said in a word to the Amazon Warriors fans.

The GAW captain later shifted his attention to the team’s preparation for the upcoming CPL season, touching on replicating the positive mindset that played a part in last year’s championship run.

The championship-winning Captain shared, “Amazing feeling, yeah! It’s just really nice to be back, and I hope that we go into the competition with obviously the same mindset, how we did it last year. This is a new year,(with) different challenges, but I think Guyana Amazon Warriors, as a family, we love challenges and we’re ready for it.”

While defending their title is a top priority for the Warriors, Tahir also highlighted ‘playing good cricket’ and keeping a close- knit team as other objectives.

“Look, it is different. What happened, I think it was amazing. I think amazing things obviously won’t happen easily, so you have to work hard for it. We’re not going in a mindset that we have to defend, but I think that we’re going in a mindset where we have to play cricket; which we love to play, and our supporters and the whole country appreciate that. That’s the aim really, because we want everyone to enjoy the brand of cricket we play,” Tahir shared.

He went on to add, “Yes, we do like to defend out title. We don’t want it to go away, and for that we need to work hard and just gel together like we did last year. We have a very good family, all the players know each other, we’ve been playing together for long.”

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will begin their CPL 2024 campaign next Friday, August 30th, in a clash against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons that would take place at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium. The tournament would have bowled off the day prior with the Falcons taking on the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the same venue.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Imran Tahir has relished the support of the GAW fans thus far

Members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team checked out the Merchandise Store and interacted with fans on Friday