Partying young men contribute significantly to road carnage – Minister Benn ...mulls reinforcing road safety during weekends
Sod turned for new Trust Company head office
ExxonMobil not doing enough on "the climate side" in Guyana – VP Jagdeo US citizen arrested in Guyana was wanted for shooting 6-yearold boy to death
Caricom, Spain ink cooperation agreement on food & nutrition among other areas for next 5 years
Govt kicks off 2nd phase of “Because We Care" cash grant
US citizen arrested in Guyana was wanted for shooting 6-year-old boy to death
Police in Prince George’s County, Maryland, say a man suspected in the fatal shooting of a 6-yearold boy during a neighborhood July 4 party has been arrested in Guyana — and authorities are still trying to track down at least one other suspect.
Rakeem Gilgeours, 33, has been charged with second-degree murder and is now in Florida, awaiting extradition to Maryland, Prince George’s County police Chief Malik Aziz said during a news conference Thursday.
The boy, 6-year-old Ahsan Payton, of D.C., was struck and critically wounded in the shooting, which happened about 7:50 p.m. near the corner of Akron and Beaumont Streets, just off Raleigh Road in Marlow Heights.
The boy was rushed to the hospital where he died two days later. The police chief called the boy’s death “a senseless act of murder.”
“Call it tragic, call it a gun atrocity. Whatever it is, Ahsan Payton isn’t with us,” he said. “And we believe that this person is the reason why.”
Two adults were also wounded in the shooting — a man who suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening and a woman who was treated at the scene for a graze wound.
Officials credited tips from the community with identifying Gilgeours as a suspect in the shooting.
“The reason we’re here today is because the public stepped up and provided information to the department and the department pursued these leads,” said
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “And we were able to make at least one arrest.”
Police still searching for 1 other suspect Authorities said they are still seeking to identify at least one other suspect in the shooting.
“We know that there are
other individuals out there who also need to be held responsible,” Braveboy said. “And we ask that the public continue to provide information to us. They are our partners.”
Police have said they believe the shooting was spurred by some kind of exchange between two people
near the neighborhood holiday gathering.
Aziz said investigators don’t know exactly why Gilgeours was at the July 4 party but that he may have known some of the people in attendance.
Fled to Guyana
Following the July 4 shooting, Aziz said
Gilgeours took a flight to Guyana “right before we identified who he was.”
“So he was able to get out of the country and seek some cover and shelter in another place,” Aziz added.
Aziz said police believe Gilgeours has family in Guyana, but he is thought to be a U.S. citizen. The country, of 800,000 people, is located on the North Atlantic coast of South America and borders Venezuela and Brazil.
Gilgeours was taken into custody by Guyanese police before being deported back to the U.S. Aziz thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Diplomatic Security Service, the Homeland Security Investigations, and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement with tracking Gilgeours down. (WTOP NEWS)
Ahsan Payton (Prince George’s County Police)
Deported: Rakeem Gilgeours
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, August 3 – 03:30h-05:00h and Sunday, August 4 –04:00h-05:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, August 3 –16:10h-17:40h and Sunday, August 4 –16:55h-18:25h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers are expected during the day, interrupted by sunshine in the morning and late-afternoon hours. Clear to partly cloudy skies and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to Southerly between 0.89 metre and 2.68 metres.
High Tide: 16:06h reaching a maximum height of 2.33 metres.
Low Tide: 09:38h and 21:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.87 metre.
ExxonMobil earns US$9.2B for 2nd quarter of 2024
– credits Guyana, US assets for increased earnings
ECorporation on Friday announced its second-quarter earnings of US$9.2 billion while adding that its cash flow from operating activities was US$10.6 billion and cash flow from operations excluding working capital movements was US$15.2 billion.
In addition, it stated that shareholder distri -
of last year. We closed on our transformative merger with Pioneer in about half the time of similar deals. And we’re continuing to build businesses such as ProxximaTM, carbon materials, and virtually carbon-free hydrogen, with approximately 98% of CO2 removed, that will create value long into the future.”
However, some of the financial highlights include its year-to-date earnings were $17.5 billion versus $19.3 billion in the first half of 2023. The company also stated that it is on track to deliver cumulative savings totaling US$5 billion through the end of 2027 versus 2023.
In addition, the company stated that following the close of the Pioneer transaction, the Corporation increased the annual pace of share repurchases to US$20 billion through 2025. Further, the company stated its intention to repurchase over
ly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.
The Liza Phases One and Two and Payara projects, all of which combined are producing over 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block in waters offshore.
The current production figures will be further buttressed by the Yellowtail and Uaru developments, which are already under -
butions of $9.5 billion included $4.3 billion of dividends and $5.2 billion of share repurchases, consistent with the company's announced plans.
“We delivered our second-highest 2Q earnings of the past decade as we continue to improve the fundamental earnings power of the company,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods stated.
He further stated, “We achieved record quarterly production from our lowcost-of-supply Permian and Guyana assets, with the highest oil production since the Exxon and Mobil merger. We also achieved a record in high-value product sales, growing by 10% versus the first half
US$19 billion of shares in 2024.
The Corporation declared a third-quarter dividend of $0.95 per share, payable on September 10, 2024, to shareholders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on August 15, 2024.
The Corporation declared a third-quarter dividend of $0.95 per share, payable on September 10, 2024, to shareholders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on August 15, 2024.
Exxon, through its local subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator of the Stabroek Block and holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a whol -
way and are anticipated to contribute 250,000 barrels of oil each following their respective start-ups.
An application for the sixth development, the Whiptail Project,
was submitted by the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and its co-venturers. This project is currently under review by the Government, and once approved, will see Guyana producing just over 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027. In addition to at least these six projects offshore Guyana that Exxon anticipates will be online by 2027, it is also eyeing the possibility of having 10 FPSOs operational by 2030. Production has already started on three projects, with the Liza Destiny and Unity and the Prosperity FPSO vessels in operation. The third project – the Payara development – targets an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels, and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.
Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be Exxon’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, has an anticipated start-up of 2025. The Uaru oil development, which will be the fifth one for the company offshore Guyana, is targeting between 38 and 63 development wells, including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells.
Exxon had also previously made known that first oil from the Uaru development is anticipated by late 2026 or early 2027.
Liza Destiny FPSO
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods
Guyana's Family Violence Bill, No 11 of 2024, which replaces the 1996 Domestic Violence Act, marks a significant legislative stride in addressing domestic violence, offering a more comprehensive framework to protect victims and prosecute offenders. While the new piece of legislation replaces the 1996 Domestic Violence Act, it also builds upon the previous Act. One of the most commendable aspects of the bill is its expansive definition of family violence. It includes not only physical abuse but also emotional, psychological, and economic abuse. This broader scope recognises the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, acknowledging that harm can manifest in various non-physical forms. This shift is crucial for a holistic understanding and response to the issue, ensuring that victims of all types of abuse receive protection and support.
The bill introduces several robust legal protections for victims. Notably, it provides for emergency protection orders that can be issued quickly to offer immediate safety for those in danger. These orders can include provisions for the removal of the perpetrator from the home, temporary custody of children, and restrictions on the abuser’s access to the victim. Such measures are essential for offering rapid relief and preventing further harm.
Recognising that legal protections alone are insufficient; the bill also mandates the establishment of support services for victims. These include access to shelters, counselling, and legal aid. By institutionalising these services, the bill ensures that victims have the necessary resources to rebuild their lives. This support is vital for breaking the cycle of violence and enabling survivors to achieve long-term safety and stability. Preventing family violence is a key priority of the bill, which emphasises the need for public education and awareness campaigns. By fostering a societal understanding of the issue and promoting respectful relationships, the bill aims to address the root causes of domestic violence. This proactive approach is essential for creating a cultural shift towards zero tolerance for any form of family violence. While the bill is a progressive step, its implementation will be critical to its success.
Adequate funding and resources are necessary to ensure that the legal and support mechanisms are effective and accessible to all. Training for law enforcement and judiciary personnel is also essential to ensure that the provisions of the bill are enforced consistently and justly. Additionally, the societal stigma surrounding domestic violence remains a significant barrier. Continued efforts to challenge and change these cultural attitudes are required to support the bill's objectives.
Guyana's Family Violence Bill, No 11 of 2024, is a landmark piece of legislation that offers a comprehensive approach to addressing domestic violence. By expanding the definition of family violence, strengthening legal protections, enhancing support services, and focusing on prevention, the bill lays a solid foundation for tackling this pervasive issue.
In presenting the Bill to the National Assembly, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud said: “Now under the one Family Violence Bill, perpetrators could be locked up, they could be kept in custody and not merely restrained from going into a home. And this is a very important thing, because this new bill has the significant achievement of having both criminal and civil remedies and that is underscored by the practical measures to reduce the movement that could occur when one wants to blend this kind of approach under one piece of legislation between the magistrate’s court and the High Court.” The success of the Family Violence Bill, No 11 of 2024, will depend on effective implementation and continued efforts to change societal attitudes towards domestic violence.
The PNC will always remain shackled in Burnham's tyranny
Dear Editor, Yesterday, politics was such an easy game to play for the PNC. That was as at Emancipation Day, 1st August, 2020. But, on August 2, 2020, there was a game change and they needed a new place to hide away. With a shadow hanging over them, they became half of what they used to be.
The PNC now flinch when they listen to “Yesterday,” be it the Beatles version or the Merrymen. At the No-Confidence Motion in December 2018, Charandass’ “yes,” was responsible for that cringe.
The PNC’s troubles are tremendous and they’re here to stay. Now it’s too late for them and their white horse to come around. Their shining armor no longer glitters. They thought they had it made and sorted out during their insensitive reign from 2015 to 2020. With a majority in Parliament, a Speaker of the House in their pocket, Government autonomy, manipulating all public agencies, control over all the armed forces, influence in the court and judiciary, manipulating GECOM and a treasury at their disposal, it was déjà vu again, just like the days with dictator Burnham. But, on March 5, 2020, changed their fate.
Granger and his boys and girls were smiling to the bank with oil in the making and a compromising agreement to make them comfortable for life. An entire Government machinery was at their disposal to ferment autocracy and augment their lifestyle. Painting the Parliament Building with their Party’s colour professed
power, and the only thing that remained, was flying the PNC’s flag above the nation’s flag to portray PNC’s paramountcy, even though they never had the paramount support of the people. The motion was set to make the PPP/C an extinct species and banish them in the wilderness again. Yet, with a fire aflame inside, the PPP/C was ready to fight for their right. The CCJ ensured that righteousness replaced unrighteousness.
PNC lacked foresight and dwelled in hindsight without looking in the rear-view mirror. They learned nothing from the past when they awarded their Ministers more than a 50 per cent increase in salaries and allowances to feed their families while marginalising the small man. They went on a rampage for a walk and traversed over the mass with tax increases in a helter-skelter mood. Blazing a trail of vengeance, the PNC lived in a state of denial with arrogance and ignorance. They failed to declare the US$ 18 million received as a signing bonus. Blinded by greed, they couldn’t see the white light with their color, green.
The PNC/AFC burnt the Berbice bridge they crossed when they literally shut down the sugar industry by closing 4 sugar estates and putting some 7,000 sugar workers on the bread line. During the 2015 Election Campaign, the Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, said “We are not going to close the sugar industry… we will make that industry profitable again… it creates so much employment directly and indirectly….” Moses Nagamootoo,
parroted, “Government will not abandon sugar in troubled times… the focus is to make sugar work. We have too many workers who stand to lose with the collapse of the industry. This government will not allow sugar to sink.” What happened to the sugar levy introduced in 1974 by the PNC, and again, the $30 Billion Bond secured in 2018? “Never Again” is the cry of the sugar workers as they were persecuted, punished and penalised by the PNC.
The PNC tried to recreate history starting with Burnham, when he rode on Alexander the Great’s horse, walked in Hitler’s boots, and wore General Idi Amin’s uniform. He waged a war to conquer, plundered the country’s resources, and plucked the richness for his gains. The aged one was cast in the background as bin Laden, doing the dirty work to secure control. Hoyte could not act as Mandela’s role as he only added contempt by fanning the flame with his, “slo fya, moe fya.” The Ranger of the Forest was no Robin Hood as he styled his Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde role while hiding in Dracula’s castle. But, yesterday is dead and gone and, the PPP/C was determined to rattle the chain and break the cage of autocracy over and over, by whispering the name of democracy.
Someone had to be listening and they did. With the rod of correction, Moses had commanded Ramses 11, to let his people go. While the US contributed towards shutting the PPP out of power in 1964, the Eagle landed in 1992 to help the PPP regain power. The people were set
free after 28 years in shackles and the PNC’s wings were clipped for 23 years. A hurt, haunted, and hungry caged Papillon, was allowed to escape from Alcatraz. Given another break, the PNC was allowed to breathe fresh air again in 2015 but only managed to spoil their luck. While every man deserves a second chance, the PPP/C is riding their third round in office after being hood-winked in their shortlived first round. From 2015 to 2020, it was a case of trials and tribulations as the PPP/C fought their way to emerge, after being submerged under the PNC’s irregularities, illegalities, and illegitimacies. From the no-confidence motion moved and won by the PPP/C in December 2018, the PNC opted to remain in power for some 18 months before calling an election. It was an uphill task, filled with stumbling blocks, pits of quicksand, and hidden holes as laid out by the crafty cunningness of a ruthless PNC, to defy all odds and prevent the PPP/C to be legally sworn in as the legitimate winner of the March 5th, 2020 General and Regional Elections. Perseverance, patience, and potentialities provided the necessary protests that persecuted the PNC and pressured them to collapse, giving way to the will of the people. 4 years ago, a memorable 2nd August danger, will remain a death-defying deed for the PPP/C. The PPP/C tasted freedom when they were emancipated from the shackles of the PNC.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
This Path to Travel photo shows the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge and the new high-rise facility that is under construction. The bridge serves as an important link between the East Bank and West Bank of Demerara and beyond
Partying young men contribute significantly to road carnage – Min Benn
...mulls reinforcing road safety during weekends
Police Commissioner
Clifton Hicken revealed that while one death is too many, there has been a reduction in the total amount of fatal accidents when compared to the same period last year.
The Top cop made this disclosure at the launch of the opening ceremony of the Guyana Road Safety Stakeholders’ Forum 2024 and Road Safety Campaign launch.
The commissioner added that the GPF recorded 74 fatal accidents in 2023 and 56 in 2024. In addition, 84 deaths were recorded in 2023 and 67 in 2024 while 187 serious accidents were recorded in 2023 against 178 in 2024.
Additionally, Hicken noted that with Guyana’s booming economic growth the thoroughfares in the country are being developed significantly, as such he urged members of the public to use the roadways properly.
“The main idea of being responsible is to keep you alive and to keep your colleagues alive. Your irresponsible behavior can only not injure you but can kill the most important resources and that is human resources and so it will create a minus in terms of our development in the country and create a minus in terms of our human capital”
However, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
highlighted that there has been a significant increase in the amount of motor vehicles traversing the roadways over the years.
“If I compare 2020, where we had 5,699 cars registered and mostly, of course, operating on the road, we have, by 2023, a three-fold increase in cars alone on the roads in Guyana, over 15,000. And that number goes true with respect to lorries. They've doubled minibuses by three times compared to last year. Pickups by three times and so it goes. On average, the vehicles registered and using the roads today are three times what it was in 2020. This is a dramatic improvement,” he pointed out.
On this note, the minister explained that young men contributed significantly to the carnage on the roadways, as such he explained that more safety measures should be enforced on weekends since most road accidents occur between Fridays and Mondays.
“Young men, mostly young men, some in the public transportation sector, young men who will go carousing and then become drivers of vehicles, and our statistics perhaps as yet does not discern what the impacts of driving under the influence are in relation to road traffic deaths and accidents. And of significance is the fact that the weekend, the
extended weekend, which I have to note again, from Fridays to Mondays and in the evenings are the times at which we have mostly these serious events. And it behooves us to pay particular attention, the better discernment of what those statistics tell us and respond with measures to
deal with the phenomena which the statistics tell us about” the minister explained.
Meanwhile, during the launch discussions were focused on the United Nations' global imperative for road safety which aims to reduce road-related deaths by 2025.
Emancipation Day: History, Deep Reflection, Freedom
Dear Editor, They suffered such cruelties at the hands of man, for the cause of greed, by the Romans, Arabs, and Europeans, unheard of in history, where tens of millions of the best and strongest, the wisest, among them kings and Princes, were brought into what was called by the Europeans the New World (the Caribbean and West Indies). Stolen and claimed in the names of the Kings and Queens of Europe, though the lands were already inhabited. In what was the Middle Passage, the hazardous, inhuman voyage, in ships laden with living human flesh, made stink.
The Africans were subject-
ed to the slave trade to enrich Europe and its colonists to the so-called New World. The African soul was penetrated, by the preaching against the creed and religions of the ancestors of Africa. Whilst the bible was shared, they stole arid and valuable lands. In the process, building castles, with European styles created European lifestyles, stealing their diamond and goldeven their animals ravaged for export into their zoos and shops, and body parts to enrich the Commerce of Europe.
This is the reality of history, regardless of how they distort it, for as we know the writing of history is in the hands of the victor, victors who can whitewash facts eas-
ily. But closer to home, why this respect for the African ancestors, why this love and appreciation for People of African descent? They taught us so much! Our African ancestors taught us after emancipation, English Language, they assisted in teaching us reality and how to fight for our rights, they took care of us in medicine and at times even protected us from the onslaught of brutalities brought on by the colonial masters.
Emancipation Day as it is celebrated and observed in our country over the many decades has always been one of calm and deep reflection, a period of mature festivities and enjoyment. It is a peri-
od and time I believe that all Guyanese need to respect, applaud, and appreciate for without our African ancestors’ battle through unimaginable pains and torture in these lands, their struggle and quest to regain their honor eventually led to freedom. We the newcomers could never have been able to adjust and adapt to their sacrifices.
To quote Mr. Norma Whittaker “I encourage you to once more get involved and participate in the various activities across our dear Land of Guyana. These would undoubtedly include, cultural programmes aimed at informing the Guyanese people about slavery; African drumming, dancing, masquerade
Let us proceed with this trial, swiftly and condignly
Dear Editor,
The long-awaited Elections fraud case has finally begun, it marks the final chapter of a colossal fraud perpetrated on the people of this country. We waited and watched for five long months while opposition forces at GECOM tried to steal an entire country by falsifying voting results for that election. That fraud group led by Mingo and Lowenfield openly manufactured votes to forge a win for the APNU/AFC Coalition; it was a blatant act of rigging.
Results tallied from the official SOPs of all ten regions showed that The Coalition had lost the elections and the PPP/C were the clear winners, it was at this point that
the complexity of the verification changed. Region 4, a stronghold of the PNC, became the focal point of the rigging crew. This region became the epicenter of their shenanigans. They began inserting fraudulent votes in favour of The Coalition while discarding those of the PPP/C. They fiddled around with figures that revealed a clear path to swing the results that would bring a particular outcome, that is, a win for The PNC Led Coalition. It was only after the intervention of the apex court, that brought an end to this sordid affair.
The fraud trial is a pretty simple case to adjudicate, with the pointed questions being, where did those
figures that Mingo and Lowenfield declared, come from? Certainly, they did not originate from the standard SOPs. Further, whose signature is on the declaration, or who was the authorised signer of the document of declaration, was it GECOM's Chairwoman or some impostor posing as the chairwoman? These are the questions the defense team would have to measure up to, rather than waste the court's time with an endless plethora of nonsensical objections.
If one objects to a statement made, that objection has to be because the witness is misleading the court, or trying to introduce an extraneous item, contrary to the case at hand. However, this is
not the case, instead, we see a diabolical plan to bog down the case or throw it into disarray; the defense is on a delaying tactic trend. In either scenario, the magistrate, should not allow her court to be reduced into a circus. We must have a judicial process that is free and fair to both prosecution and defense, we want a trial that would bring perpetrators of fraud to a speedy end, and let a nation breathe the fresh air of free and fair elections.
Once again, on this emancipation, we can celebrate that we will be emancipated, free from the shackles of rigging.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
bands, and traditional calypso, learning of the history of various villages across Guyana, display of African attire, African dishes; metemgee, foo-foo, drinks like mauby, crafts and artwork”.
We of the RK’s Guyana Security Services and Business Enterprise, wish to applaud and celebrate the sacrifices and the bat
tles of the African ancestors who laid their bones on these shores, so that future generations and those who come after may live in a land of tranquility, and peace and non-enslavement of people.
Sincerely, Dr Roshan Khan
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time
06:30 Cartoons
07:00 Evening News (RB)
08:00 Stop Suffering
09:00 Movie - The Garfield Movie (2024)
10:40 Indian Movie - Mr. & Mrs. Mahi (2024)
13:00 Movie - Mr. Manhattan (2024)
15:00 Movie - Stepsister from Planet Weird (2000)
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 - The Nanny Express (2008)
21:30 Stand-up Comedy
22:00 Movie - Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
00:00 Sign off
Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
Page Foundation
Metric Units of Length
The metric units of length are millimetres (mm); centimetres (cm); metres (m) and kilometres (km).
1 centimetre = 100mm
1 metre = 100cm
1 kilometre = 1000 m
You may have noticed that metric units are based on the powers of 10. So they are easy to work with. For example: 1 metre = 1000mm = 100cm = 0.001km.
Remember
Learn these prefixes:
Milli = thousandth
Centi = hundredth
Kilo = thousand
Example
How many cm = 67m?
Step 1: Think: 100cm = 1m
Step 2: Multiply the number of metres x 100.
You can do this by regular multiplication: 67 x 100 = 6700
However, it is much easier to move the decimal point two places to the right.
1) 200cm = ______m
67m = 6700cm
How many m = 600mm?
Step 1: Think: 1000mm = 1m
Step 2: Divide: 600 ÷ 1000 = . You can also do this calculation by moving the decimal point three places to the left. 600mm = 0.6m
Exercises: Calculate
2) 75km = ____ cm 3) 10cm + 140cm = m 4) 5cm + 500 mm =
Understand how water from lakes, rivers, and groundwater that ends up in their cup gets cleaned and ready to drink when they engineer a water filter.
Supplies
• Clear 2-liter plastic bottles cut into two pieces, about a 1/3 of the way down the bottle
• Thick paper towels
• Gravel
• Sand
• Dirt
Let’s get started!
Think about the importance of water in our daily lives. How many times today have you used water? What would you do if you turned
on the faucet and no water came out? Where else could you find water? Is that water good to drink? What if you couldn’t buy bottled water or get water from a faucet? What would you do?
Brainstorm water sources in your community. Identify local bodies of water. Do they look clean? Would you drink that water? Use it to cook or wash or brush your teeth? Even if it looks clean, is it okay to drink it?
How can a filter help? What does a filter do?
Put some of those ideas to the test. First, pour water into several containers and “pollute” it with dirt, grass, twigs, bits of plastic, cooking oil, food colouring, etc.
Now that there is dirty water ready to be cleaned, it’s time to make a water filter! Turn the part of the 2-litre bottle with the neck upside down and fit it into the bottom half of the bottle.
By Arthur DAvison Ficke
IIt is a little isle amid bleak seas—
An isolate realm of garden, circled round By importunity of stress and sound, Devoid of empery to master these. At most, the memory of its streams and bees, Borne to the toiling mariner outward – bound, Recalls his soul to that delightful ground; But serves no beacon toward his destinies.
It is a refuge from the stormy days, Breathing the peace of a remoter world Where beauty, like the musing dusk of even, Enfolds the spirit in its silver haze; While far away, with glittering banners furled, The west lights fade, and stars come out in heaven.
IIEngineer your filter as you see fit, but start by putting a layer of paper towels into the bottle right above the neck. Layer gravel, sand, dirt, etc. What do you think will happen when the polluted water is poured through these layers?
To avoid flooding the filter – and to get a good look at the filtered water – empty the bottom of the bottle after each test.
You may want to redesign your filters after testing.
Remember: Although water that went through the filter looks “clean” it will still have invisible items, such as bacteria or other contaminants, that need to be removed. An additional chemical process may be necessary to remove those impurities. (Adapted from startwithabook.org)
It is a sea—gate, trembling with the blast Of powers that from the infinite sea—plain roll, A whelming tide. Upon the waiting soul As on a fronting rock, thunders the vast Groundswell; its spray bursts heavenward, and drives past In fume and sound articulate of the whole Of ocean’s heart, else voiceless; on the shoal Silent; upon the headland clear at last.
From darkened sea—coasts without stars or sun, Like trumpet—voices in a holy war, Utter the heralds tidings of the deep. And where men slumber, weary and undone, Visions shall come, incredible hopes from far,— And with high passion shatter the bonds of sleep.
Source: Poetry
ExxonMobil not doing enough on "the climate side" in Guyana – VP Jagdeo
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo was critical of US oil giant ExxonMobil regarding its track record on climate matters in Guyana.
“I’ve been critical of this at the last meeting [with ExxonMobil], I don’t think they’re doing enough in Guyana on the climate side,” Jagdeo told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday, in his capacity as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
“Hess has been doing a great deal but the two other co-venturers are not doing enough on the climate,” he added.
ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited
holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.
ExxonMobil had said last year that it is not keen on buying Guyana’s “high-quality” carbon credits and is, instead, channelling its investment in other areas locally.
“Exxon says they’re investing in carbon capture and storage and therefore, that’s their contribution to the fight against climate change. I’m not defending them, because I think they should do more globally and here. But they have indicated, by the way, that they’re prepared to invest in other things – mangroves and reforestation, and all of that,” Jagdeo had told reporters in October 2023.
Back in December 2022, the Guyana Government signed a historic multiyear agreement for the sale of certified carbon credits to US energy major Hess Corporation to the tune of US$750 million – 15 per cent of which is going di-
rectly towards the development of hinterland communities.
This deal came after Guyana was the first country to receive certification of its carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) on December 1, 2022.
The 33.7 million credits being sold to Hess Corp is just 30 per cent of the carbon sink contained in Guyana’s vast forest. The country’s more than 18 million hectares of forests are estimated to store approximately 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The remaining 70 per cent of Guyana’s carbon credits will be put on the market for future sale agreements.
Providing an update on this on Wednesday, Jagdeo indicated that talks are still ongoing. A carbon credit is a tradable permit or certificate that allows the holder of the credit the right to emit a stated tonnage of carbon dioxide or an equivalent of another greenhouse gas. Countries and companies that exceed their permitted limits can purchase carbon credits from nations that have low emissions such as Guyana.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali had revealed in June this year that the country was in talks with major international airlines on a potential commercial agreement on carbon credits.
Govt to develop strategy to better manage water usage
Although Guyana is the land of many waters, the country needs to develop a modern water strategy that examines its various uses sustainably and practically, according to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday.
With the massive infrastructural development in Guyana inclusive of widening roads which take up critical drainage channels, the country needs a modern water strategy to guarantee clean water.
In light of this, Jagdeo stated that the government in its climate change plan is developing a modern water management strategy.
“We have to step up our plans for the integrated water management strategy and we have a draft term of reference and a draft strategy already. So that is another area that is crucial where we look at water for navigation, water for drinking purposes, portable water, water for irrigation,” Jagdeo ex-
plained.
According to the Vice President, “Although we are a land of many waters, you have to ensure that you don’t have saline intrusion or an overuse of water from the reservoirs.”
The government had launched a study to determine whether the water captured at the Hope Canal facility can be treated to be used as a sustainable source to serve the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor.
It was noted there that this initiative to reuse the Hope Canal water is necessary, as Guyana confronts climate change as well as responds to the growing demands for more service connections.
In 2022, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat had stated that an investor had indicated an interest in exporting Guyana’s freshwater to countries that need the commodity.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), al-
though 70 per cent of the planet is covered in water, freshwater — which is used to drink, bathe, and irrigate farm fields — is incredibly rare.
The WWF said only 3 per cent of the world’s water is freshwater, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or is otherwise unavailable for use. As a re-
sult, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year.
UNICEF has predicted
that half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025.
Meanwhile, while noting that the country’s key vul-
nerability is flooding, Jagdeo said “We are developing a capacity to be able to address larger volumes of water faster because the intensity of rainfall has changed, our storage areas are being reduced because as we widen roads, there’s less storage sometimes.”
“Therefore, our capacity to pump the water out and not wait on gravity flow has to increase,” he added, referring to the government’s investments in the various pump stations across the country as well as the rehabilitation and building of new sluices and the move to build more canals like the Hope Canal in other areas of the country.
“All of this will not only have an impact on the cultivation areas but the dwelling areas or villages or city and other areas,” he noted.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
The noose… …is tightening?
One day after our erstwhile brothers in Caricom – with the exception of Jamaica and Suriname –betrayed the Caribbean solidarity they’d been giving lip service to, the US stepped up to the plate and recognised the Opposition Leader as winner of the Venezuelan elections!! Announced US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken: “Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the US and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election,”
Mad Maduro, who’d been quickly recognised by his communist besties Ralph Gonsalves, Putin and Xi, snapped back pugnaciously: “The United States needs to keep its nose out of Venezuela!” Never mind that he’s been begging the same US to permit its oil companies to bail out the nationalised Venezuelan oil company PDVSA – which spiralled into a financial black hole under his ministrations!! We’ll now have to see how a clearlydistracted US Administration will proceed.
Biden had placed his VP Kamala Harris in charge of dealing with the refugee crisis out of Latin America and flooding their northern cities. She had the bright idea of relaunching the failed ideas of JFK’s 1960’s Alliance for Progress – and focusing on trying to persuade business relocation in the affected states; create jobs and keep the poor down on the farm!! But it failed then and it failed now!! You can’t just tell businesses to set up shop when the conditions are totally unstable!
In Venezuela, she’d relaxed sanctions imposed by Trump; and launched a prisoner-exchange programme that saw Mad Maduro’s henchman AG return to prosecute and persecute political opponents!! Those moves were supposed to end up in free and fair elections – where she expected Mad Maduro to toe the line on an agreement on democracy signed in Barbados – and accept the verdict of the people!! Well, now that Kamala is now the presumptive presidential candidate, we don’t know whether she’s involved in the latest decision – but your Eyewitness hopes she’s wised up!!
So, what next?? With Mad Maduro controlling all branches of the govt, the army, Police, armed militia and justice system, the protests by the Opposition supporters gonna be suppressed far bloodier than the 15 who’ve been killed up to now. The US will have to persuade neighbouring leftist Presidents Lula of Brazil and Petro of Colombia to follow through with their demand for Mad Maduro to produce the tally sheets (equivalent to our SoPs) from the 30,000 voting machines to show who got what votes.
At the OAS vote on the subject, they didn’t go along with the further proposal to investigate the tally sheets. As for our government…they gotta make it clear to Caricom that there will be consequences to their betrayal!!
…is gone??
Emancipation was one of the critical stages in our centuries-long struggle for justice in our dear land of Guyana. Of all the stages, slavery was the most brutal in every respect – physical, social, mental, cultural, economic and by whatever other metric we can evaluate our lives through. But one of the problems is that some folks think with emancipation, everything’s now copacetic!! Sadly, that’s faaaar from reality. In fact, things might be even worse in some areas since the oppression to which we’re now subjected is more subtle. We’ve all heard about “mental slavery” and over the last few days, we have heard Brother Bob’s “Free yourselves from mental slavery” from every street corner.
But have we actually inculcated its significance?? Why is it we only wear “our” clothes for a few days as we commemorate various cultural occasions?? Don’t most of us think that tying a piece of cloth around our necks makes us superior to others who might tie a piece of cloth over their heads??
…slackens
Now, let’s be honest. Weren’t Emancipation celebrations more widespread this year after the Government spread its subventions wider?? Your Eyewitness, however, thinks culture comes out of the lived experience of the people and we shouldn’t depend on Government’s support.
No official action from US authorities indicating any criminal wrongdoing – Tamesh Jagmohan
In light of reports that
US authorities are in-
vestigating alleged corrupt practices by Guyanese businessman, Tamesh Jagmohan, he has since stated that there has been no official communication or action from the U.S. Government or any other body indicating any criminal wrongdoing on his part.
In a missive to the press on Friday, hours after several social media postings, the businessman related that he had never engaged in any illegal activities noting that he has consistently operated within the boundaries of both Guyanese and international laws.
“The allegations of gold smuggling, narcotics trafficking, money laundering,
and funding international terrorism are baseless and defamatory. There is no credible evidence to support these claims,” the release stated.
In addition, he has de-
nied his affiliation or connection with Hezbollah or any other organisation designated as a terrorist entity. “These claims are not only false but also harmful, as they unjustly associate him with activities and groups that I have never supported and will never support.”
Further, he added that he has always cooperated fully with all regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies and remains committed to transparency.
“I am open to cooperating with any legitimate inquiries to clear my name. I will continue to work with my legal team to challenge these false accusations and pursue all necessary legal actions to protect my reputation.”
However, the businessman added that he is aware of the existence of a highly speculative document that has long been debunked and is recklessly being used as the justification for this character assassination.
“I am also aware of efforts to exploit, for financial gain, persons perceived to be wealthy, by a group also motivated by politics and race. I wish to convey to those persons that their efforts will never succeed.”
He urged the public and the media to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information that could harm an individual's reputation.
Mr. Jagmohan is grateful for the opportunity to address these concerns and will continue to focus on his business ventures and philanthropic efforts, which have positively impacted many lives across political lines.
He, however, referenced a statement by the US Ambassador, Nicole Theriot who was recently grilled about the Mohameds during which she stated that the investigation was focused solely on the three individuals - Nazar Mohamed, Azruddin Mohamed and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Mae Toussaint Jr. ThomasMeerabux.
On this note, the businessman stated that the US Ambassador was clear in her statement.
Back in June, the US Department of Treasury issued sanctions against businessman Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, along with Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas, over gold-smuggling and corruption allegations.
Following the imposition of sanctions, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) has moved to revoke the Cambio li-
cence issued to Mohamed’s Enterprise.
This is one of a series of actions taken by the Guyana Government since US sanctions were announced against the Mohameds as well as three of their companies, including Mohamed’s Enterprise, its subsidiary Hadi’s World; and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team. The US Treasury Dept has also alleged that Mohamed’s Enterprise evaded paying Guyana tax on gold exports, and defrauded the Guyana Government of tax revenues by under-declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities. Between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise is alleged to have omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
Owner of El Dorado Mining, Tamesh Jagmohan
AFC flip-flops on calls to reinstate 2 am curfew
– now calls for a national solution to end road carnage
One week after former leader and founder of the Alliance For Change (AFC) – Khemraj Ramjattan at an official party press conference – called for the 2 am curfew to be reinstated as a means to curb road accidents, newly elected leader Nigel Hughes on Friday related that no policy decision on the matter has been taken.
Addressing a press conference at its party’s headquarters, Hughes indicated that a national solution to the road carnage is required.
“The Alliance For Change notes the concerns raised with regards to the statements made on the 2 am curfew at our last press conference and wishes to correct a few misconceptions,”
Hughes started off saying. He added, “Since the advent of our new executive, the 2 am curfew has not yet been discussed and therefore no policy decision has been taken.”
According to the AFC Leader, “It is our hope that a solution that balances our support for private sector entertainment spots to be profitable with safe and responsible practices including a change in the culture of speeding and driving under the influence, might be found.”
Hughes also called for a national solution to the road carnage. This changed position from the AFC comes amid widespread criticisms of its call to reinstate the curfew.
In fact, the AFC had not even received support from its parliamentary opposition partner, the Peoples National Congress (PNC)
Khemraj Ramjattan, as saying that the 2 AM curfew should be re-instated as a measure to reduce road accidents and fatalities. Without any empirical data or statistical analysis, the PNCR cannot support the AFC’s proposal.”
Moreover, the PNCR stated that the road accident crisis could not be resolved by merely one measure but rather, a holistic and data-driven approach, with continuous monitoring.
which expressed in a statement that “the PNCR has noted media reports that quote the AFC, in the person of its former Leader
In addition, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Bharrat Jagdeo dismissed the calls by AFC noting that the party has clearly shown that it has no new ideas.
Referring to the AFC politicians, Jagdeo contended that “these people are worn, out of touch with reality”. The 2am curfew, which was imposed under the APNU+AFC Government, was often relaxed during the holiday periods where there would be higher-than-usual alcohol consumption among persons – thereby defeating the intended purpose of the curfew – to curb road fatalities, especially those caused by drunk driving.
Moreover, the curfew was widely criticised as being anti-business.
“Nobody goes out on a Friday night or a Saturday night before midnight,” he added. “This is our culture. You know how much business is done (during those hours),” the Vice President explained.
AFC’s Leader, Nigel Hughes
Scenes from Guyana's 186th Emancipation
Emancipation Day celebrations
Govt donates close to $88M to celebrate Emancipation – Foreign Secretary Persaud tells NY gathering
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud stated that millions of dollars have been donated over the past four years, ensuring that observances such as Emancipation Day are celebrated countrywide.
He was speaking at the Emancipation Day observance hosted by the Consulate General of Guyana in Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday. Persaud noted that these celebrations are being undertaken by many communities with the government’s support.
Two Fridays ago, several African organisations received grants from the Culture, Youth, and Sports Ministry to spearhead emancipation activities and celebrations.
“Over the last four years, close to $88 million have been donated. And this year alone,
struggles. It gives us an opportunity for the current generation to be reminded how hard it was and the journey that took us where we are today,” Persaud added. He further stated that it
build one in which not only do we squander the sacrifices of our forbearers but we dedicate our energy and be inspired by the contributions they have made, “he affirmed. Guyana is leading the
we had the highest amount in terms of supporting these observances. We must have these observances because it allows us to reflect on our
is important for Guyanese to acknowledge their history and the sacrifices made by their ancestors. “We intend to ensure that as a country we
whole chart for reparations and reparatory justice. He alluded to the CARICOM Reparations Commission which Guyana is robustly
government. And I proudly carry the Guyanese flag. Let us all remember that we are under that one flag,” the Senator noted.
Shifting her focus to reparations, the senator said, “As we are talking about repa-
York.”
Ambassador, Michael Brotherson; Permanent Representative of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Trishala Persaud, and Senator Jabari Brisport also
supporting for people in and out of CARICOM.
“When folks in New York asked why it is that Guyanese are championing the issue of reparations, remind them that our ancestors led the fight for emancipation. They were the ones who set the tone and certainly not only encouraged but inspired all the enslaved to stand up and fight for their freedom.”
Meanwhile, Senator Roxanne Persaud related that Guyanese should reflect on everything their ancestors have done to enable them to be united under one flag.
“We are celebrating the people who paved the way for all of us…I love to remind people in the New York State Senate that I am the first and only person who was born in Guyana and is in the state
rations, the fight is not over. And for Guyana to step up and talk about reparations, is a big deal. You have done it. You are talking about it before we got it signed in New
spoke at the event. Also present at the event was Senator Jumaane Williams and members from the Guyanese diaspora and diplomatic community.
Sod turned for new Trust Company head office
Trust Company (Guyana) Ltd. marked a significant milestone on Friday with a sod-turning ceremony to commence construction of its new office building on Brickdam, Stabroek, in the heart of the city.
With a rich history of over 58 years, Trust Company (Guyana) Ltd. has been a key player in the financial sector, providing a broad range of ser -
vices such as traditional trusteeship, mutual funds, estate planning, stock brokerage, commercial credit, investment, and wealth management.
Chairman of the Board of Directors Komal Samaroo highlighted the new development’s importance. He emphasised that the new building will solidify the company’s market position, and enhance customer experience and em -
ployee convenience. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Samaroo conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Directors and management of Trust Company (Guyana) Ltd. for their crucial role in propelling the project to this exciting new phase, as well as to the employees for their steadfast support of the company over the years.
Officials of Trust Guyana at the sod turning ceremony
A scene from the Emancipation Day event in New York on Wednesday
Ambassador Michael Brotherson, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, Senator Roxanne Persaud, and other stakeholders at the Emancipation Day Observance in New York
Emancipation Day observance in New York
Bethany Village gets 1st guest house to boost tourism
By: Raywattie DeonaRin
Bethany Village which is located along the Supenaam Creek in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful environment opened the door to its first-ever guest house.
The visionary project was initiated by the village council/Toshao Sonia
posing the idea at a village meeting, the residents overwhelmingly supported the initiative.
The guest house features three standard rooms, a spacious living room, hammocks, kitchen and washroom facilities, and a park for relaxation. To ensure convenience, ATV bikes are available for guests who prefer not to walk the distance, and boat services provide easy
Latchman. The guest house was constructed to meet the growing demand from visitors seeking accommodations in the village, drawn by its scenic beauty and tranquil environment.
During an interview with Latchman, she high -
access to Bethany. The village offers a range of activities, including hiking, bird watching, paddling, and swimming in the fresh black water.
The project was funded by the 2021 and 2022 Presidential Grant and a portion of the COVID-19 re -
lighted the community-driven nature of the project, stating that the idea stemmed from recognising the frequent inquiries from visitors about places to stay. After pro -
lief fund. Moving forward, the village plans to utilise the 2024 Presidential Grant for further expansion and enhancements to the guest house.
This initiative is a key component of Bethany’s broader strategy to boost tourism and generate rev -
enue. The guest house is expected to be a significant source of income for the village, promoting sustainable development and creating employment opportunities for residents. By attracting more visitors, Bethany can showcase its unique culture and natural beauty to a wider audience, helping to stimulate the local economy.
Latchman noted that feedback from the first guests has been over -
whelmingly positive, with visitors praising the breezy atmosphere and warm hospitality. She further stated that the positive response has encouraged the village to continue improving and expanding the guest house's offerings.
"Visitors have praised the guest house for its breezy atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the people. They felt comfortable and welcomed, and this positive feedback motivates us to continue im -
proving," she added. Furthermore, she stated that the revenue generated from the guest house will enable the village to undertake additional projects that will benefit the community. These projects include further development of the tourism sector and initiatives to showcase local crafts, providing villagers with opportunities to earn income and promote their cultural heritage.
"This initiative is not just about providing a place to stay; it's a revenue-generating project aimed at sustaining itself and creating employment opportunities for our villagers. It also serves as a platform to showcase our village to the world," Latchman noted.
Toshao Latchman also emphasised that the main goal is to promote tourism in Bethany and help the community progress into the 21st century, ensuring that the village grows and thrives.
The newly-constructed guest house
Toshao Sonia Latchman
Bethany Village
Outdoor hammocks for relaxation
One of the bedrooms in the guest house
Home Affairs Minister supports call for stricter fines for traffic-related offences
ome Affairs
HMinister Robeson Benn on Friday reaffirmed Attorney General Anil Nandlall's call for more harsh punishments for persons who use the roads recklessly.
The minister noted that the recklessness on the roadways is due to the absence of proper law enforcement and indicated his full support in the consideration for increased fines and stricter law enforce-
ment.
Benn was at the time addressing the launch of the Guyana Road Safety Stakeholders’ Forum 2024 and Road Safety Campaign.
“It is my view that we should increase the traffic fines by three times. We intend to put in place the requisite technology, the tracking of the cases at the courts and other places with the effort of the Guyana Police Force to make sure that we make
those people who continue to be reckless and dangerous on the roads that they must pay the requisite fines and sanctions. They could afford it. So, I will Push forward the effort along with the Attorney General to increase road traffic fines by at least three times. I think that will help us to bring the situation under some control.”
Moreover, the Minister
also revealed that bribery of police officers contributes significantly to the lawlessness on the roadways, as such he urged law enforcers not to exploit persons who violate traffic laws.
“The Commissioner of Police may have forgotten to speak about the body cameras which the traffic policemen will be fitted out with, to identify the engagement between them-
selves and members of the public. And we have to get the police from desisting in some cases with road traffic offenders for using the situation to extort them. Well, I have had a few calls and I had the pleasure on several occasions to tell them and to tell the police nearby to them to charge them.”
Attorney General Anil Nandlall had issued the call for harsher penalties for
in the absence of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).
Guyana Times had reported that in a bid to ensure safer roadways, draft amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, as well as the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill were approved by the Cabinet in March of 2022,
persons who use the roadways recklessly.
“The Government of Guyana has decided to take a series of measures to confront this serious problem.
Legislative reform is one of those measures. In this regard, the Government is proposing to strengthen and expand existing legislation and impose more punitive measures,” Nandlall has stated.
One such, was the amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act which makes causing the death of someone through drunk driving, a case of vehicular manslaughter.
Back in November 2022, the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2022, which is aimed at toughening existing laws to prevent drunk driving and the carnage on the road it results in was passed in the National Assembly
to toughen up the penalties for drunk drivers – and the bars that serve them.
The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act sought to amend the Principal Act and put in place a new Section, 35A. This new Section makes causing the death of someone through drunk driving a case of vehicular manslaughter.
The draft Bill also amends Section 39A of the Principal Act – the penalty for driving while over the alcohol limit – replacing the $7500 fine with $200,000, and the sentence of 12 months with 24 months.
It had also been proposed back in March 2022, that the penalty for driving under the influence and losing control of your vehicle be increased from its current $30,000 to $60,000 fine/imprisonment for 12 months to $200,000 for first-time offenders and $300,000 for second-time offenders.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
Attendees of the launch of the campaign on Friday
Govt kicks off 2nd phase of “Because We Care” cash grant countrywide
– grants for Grades 11&12 students set to roll out soon
In a continued effort to ensure everyone eligible receives the "Because We Care" cash grant, the government rolled out the second phase of the initiative countrywide on Friday.
According to the Education Ministry’s Public Relations Office (PRO), Anara Khan, this phase serves as an opportunity for individuals who could not collect their cash grants during the first round.
Khan added, “It's kind of like a mop-up exercise for those who did not get a
chance to collect their grant during the first distribution. Whether it was due to being out of the country, time off from work, or any other reason, today is the day where, in every single region, there is a designated center where parents can go to collect the grant for their child.”
She also announced that after this phase is completed, they will release information on the total number of recipients who received cash grants for the 2024 period.
Furthermore, it was clarified that this second phase should not be confused with the upcoming distribution of cash grants for Grade 11 and 12 students, which will occur on a different date.
“This phase is not part
of the distribution for Grade 11 and 12 students. Those grants will be distributed separately after the CXC results are released. CAPE students will need to be registered in September to be eligible. The ‘Because We Care’ cash grant initiative for Grade 11 and 12 students is completely separate from this current phase.”
The “Because We Care” project started in 2014 under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government and saw parents receiving cash grants of $10,000 per child in the public school system.
However, when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) assumed office in 2015, the party discontinued the grant. When the PPP/C returned to the
Khan further added, “Grade 11 and 12 students will be collecting their grants in October after they have registered at their sixth-form schools for CAPE. We want to ensure that only those pursuing CAPE receive the grant, as not every student will be doing so. Therefore, the distribution for them will take place in October after registration.” This initiative continues to provide crucial financial support to families, ensuring that all eligible students receive the necessary funds to aid in their education.
Government in 2020, they upheld their promise to restore the grant and increase it.
As a result, the grant was increased from $15,000 to $25,000 in 2022 and from $25,000 to $35,000 in 2023 to $45,000 per child in 2024. The “Because We Care” cash grant and uniform voucher are part of welfare measures being implemented by the government to put more disposable income into the hands of parents and increase school attendance of learners, particularly those disadvantaged because their parents could not always afford the necessities.
Caricom, Spain ink cooperation agreement on food & nutrition among other areas for next 5 years
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Kingdom of Spain have signed a new agreement for technical cooperation in food and nutrition security, health, climate change, and disaster risk reduction for the next five years.
These focal areas were approved at the IV Meeting of the Joint Commission of the Spain-CARICOM Fund which was held recently at the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters in Guyana.
The meeting was intended to continue the dialogue between CARICOM and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) to establish priority areas of cooperation and define the strategic objectives for a new cooperation programme, within the framework of the Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement between the two parties.
Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon signed
the agreement on behalf of the CARICOM Secretariat, while Director of AECID, Antón Leis García, signed for Spain.
Solomon stated that the areas were "well-aligned" with the Community's aims of increasing food security, addressing climate change, and strengthening regional health systems.
In terms of health, she said, "CARICOM's strategic focus is centered on addressing emerging health challenges and fortifying health systems in the Region, with specific emphasis on prevention and control of NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs), enhancing maternal and child health outcomes, strengthening health systems to ensure universal access to quality healthcare services, and addressing environmental health threats”.
She also stated that the Community is working to reduce the region's food import bill by 25% by 2025, improve intra-regional trade, strengthen the agri-food system, foster long-term wealth
creation opportunities for potential investors, and ensure food and nutrition security for all CARICOM Member States.
In terms of climate
change, the Assistant Secretary-General stated that the meeting occurred at a time when several CARICOM Member States were working to recover
from the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Beryl. “The storms that impact the Region are becoming stronger and more frequent…The lack of access to
concessional development financing and climate funding affects our ability to adapt to this crisis. Therefore, we must act urgently alongside development partners such as Spain to ensure the Community can face the challenges ahead,” Solomon related.
The AECID Director highlighted the importance and urgency of discussing how to work multilaterally as like-minded partners to address matters such as development finance, climate action, and support for Haiti.
“We are very engaged in Haiti. We never closed our office. We remain engaged. We have contributed three million dollars? to the international mission that is being deployed there. We salute the leadership of CARICOM not only in trying to bring security and stability to the country but also in forging a political solution and we are very encouraged by the developments on the ground,” the Director of AECID Leis stated.
Assistant Secretary General, Elizabeth Solomon (centre left) and Director of AECID, His Excellency Antón Leis García (centre right), sign a new agreement for technical cooperation between Caricom and Spain, during the IV Meeting of the Joint Commission of the Spain-Caricom Fund held recently at the Caricom Secretariat Headquarters
A parent from Buxton Secondary School collects the “Because We Care” cash grant on Wednesday
A parent collecting the grant in Port Kaituma, Region One
The second phase in Region Nine
Regional Brazil, Colombia, Mexico push for progress in Venezuela's disputed election
Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are pushing for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to meet with the opposition candidate in last week's disputed election, a diplomatic source told Reuters on Friday, as increasing numbers of Western Governments reject Maduro's claim to victory.
The trio of leftist-led Latin American countries want Maduro and Edmundo Gonzalez to meet without popular Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado, who spearheaded the Gonzalez campaign after being barred from holding office, the source said.
Venezuela's electoral authority, seen by critics as favouring the ruling socialists, proclaimed Maduro the winner in last Sunday's vote, saying on Monday that he obtained 51 per cent compared to 46 per cent for Gonzalez.
The head of the CNE electoral body reaffirmed a similar margin of victory for Maduro on Friday and said it has now counted 97 per cent of the vote.
However, despite demands from the Opposition and Governments and organisations throughout the region, the CNE has still not released detailed vote tallies.
The CNE's website has been down since Monday, which authorities have blamed on a hack, without presenting evidence.
The Opposition says its own detailed tally shows Gonzalez likely received 67 per cent of the vote, winning by a margin of nearly four million votes, and earning more than double Maduro's
support, a result in line with independent exit polls.
The Opposition has uploaded to a website scanned copies of local vote tallies covering nearly 82 per cent of voting machines, obtained by registered Opposition witnesses after Sunday's election.
Some nations, including the United States and Argentina, have already recognised Gonzalez as the election's winner, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday citing "overwhelming evidence". Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Uruguay also concluded on Friday that Gonzalez received the most votes.
Others, including Russia, China and Cuba, have congratulated Maduro.
The top diplomat for Norway, which has attempt-
ed to mediate past disputes between the Government and Opposition, cited "legitimate doubts" over how the election was conducted in a statement on Friday.
"We expect the Venezuelan authorities to comply with the agreed commitments and to respect the will of the Venezuelan people," said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
The Maduro Government has sought to brush off foreign critiques as interference in its affairs, accusing Washington of seeking to overthrow Venezuela's Government.
Earlier on Friday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil accused Washington of being "at the forefront of a coup attempt".
In a post on social media, Gonzalez thanked the US "for recognising the will of
US pauses humanitarian entry programme for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua & Venezuela
The Biden administration said on Friday it had temporarily put on hold a programme that allows citizens of four countries to enter the US on humanitarian grounds while it reviews vetting and screening processes for sponsor applications.
The programme is part of a Biden Administration effort to increase legal pathways to the United States and discourage illegal border crossings, but has been criticised by Republicans as overly permissive.
The programme allows up to 30,000 persons into the United States each month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela if they have sponsors and meet other conditions. Sponsors must be in the United States legally and have sufficient financial resources to support the per-
son they are sponsoring for the duration of their stay.
The Department of Homeland Security said that it paused the issuance of travel authorizations under the programme "out of an abundance of caution" while it undertakes a review of supporter applications, a spokesperson said in a statement.
A DHS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said new approvals had been halted since mid-July to strengthen screening and vetting, but that the application portal has remained open.
The official said DHS pauses processing "fairly regularly" and expected the approvals to resume in the coming weeks.
On Friday, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group that favours lower
levels of immigration, said it had obtained an internal review that found fraud in the programme, including fake Social Security numbers and many applications listing the same address.
A second DHS official said the draft report featured cases that merited further review and were not necessarily fraud.
DHS said that its screening of US-based supporters is separate from its vetting of programme participants and that it has "not identified issues of concern relating to the screening and vetting of beneficiaries".
As of June 30, some 495,000 people from those nations had entered the United States under the programme, which began for Venezuelans in 2022 and the others in 2023, according to DHS statistics. (Reuters)
the Venezuelan people".
Opposition offices vandalised
The Presidents of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico have traditionally refrained from antagonising Maduro, but their call for detailed tallies is an attempt to resolve the tense standoff that further threatens stability in Venezuela and increases fears of a fresh migration exodus.
Once one of Latin America's wealthiest nations, oil-rich Venezuela has suffered a prolonged economic meltdown and the mass migration of about a third of its population over roughly the past decade. That large-
ly overlaps with the tenure of Maduro, who blames US sanctions for the country's problems.
On Friday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticised the US stance as "an excess" and accused Blinken of "overstepping his boundaries".
Celso Amorim, the main foreign policy adviser for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has cast some doubt on the Opposition's vote tallies, describing them as "informal data," and arguing that parts were "based on quick count mechanisms, exit polls", in an interview with CNN Brazil.
Amorim emphasised that Brazil did not seek to interfere in its neighbour's internal affairs, but wanted to promote "social peace for Venezuela".
Tensions on the ground in Venezuela have been mounting all week.
On Friday morning, Opposition Leader Machado's party, Vente Venezuela, said its headquarters in Caracas was vandalised overnight after six hooded men with guns overpowered its security guards, entered offices and took equipment.
"We denounce the attacks and insecurity to which we are subjected for political reasons," the party said on social media.
Later in the day, an allied Opposition party, Voluntad Popular, said another one of
its national leaders, Roland Carreño, had been arbitrarily arrested. That followed the detention of the party's top leader earlier in the week.
Anti-Maduro protesters clashed with Police this week, and fresh Opposition marches are expected today, which both Gonzalez and Machado are expected to attend.
Maduro warned in a press conference on Friday that his Government had discovered a "terrorist plot" set to take place in Bello Monte, near the Opposition march meeting point.
The President, who characterises the Opposition as fascists and regularly denounces planned attacks and assassination attempts, played two audios and showed a screenshot of a text conversation that he said proved the plot. He added that authorities have received 5000 reports of criminal activities associated with protests via an app it published this week.
So far, at least 20 persons have been killed in post-election protests, according to rights group Human Rights Watch. Some 1200 others have been arrested in connection with the demonstrations, according to the Government.
Relatives of some of those arrested gathered outside police headquarters in Caracas on Thursday to call for their release. (Reuters)
T&T PM receives constitutional reform report
The National Advisory Committee on Constitutional Reform of Trinidad and Tobago has submitted its report on its public consultations to the Prime Minister.
A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said the committee submitted its report to PM Dr Keith Rowley on August 2.
Rowley announced the seven-member committee in January.
Its purpose was to initiate and guide a national debate, generating proposals for legislative and constitutional reforms. The OPM said the committee engaged citizens and stakeholders in T&T and the Diaspora through these consultations.
The report, which contained a summary of the key issues raised during the committee's consultations, will be submitted to Cabinet.
The OPM said Cabinet will subsequently determine a national public consultation on proposals in the report later this year.
Dr Rowley, the OPM add-
ed, will also seek Cabinet's approval to extend the committee's term "to allow for broader discussions on constitutional reform, ensuring a wide population representation".
The committee was chaired by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barendra Sinanan, SC.
Attorney General Reginald Armour, Energy Minister Stuart Young and Housing and Urban Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis also attended.
The OPM said the government thanked former committee member Jacqui Sampson-Meiguel for her service, noting she resigned from the committee when she was recently appointed Ombudsman. (Nation News)
He attended the August 2 meeting with Dr Rowley at Whitehall along with fellow committee members Nizam Mohammed, Dr Terrence Farrell, Raye Sandy and Winston Rudder.
T&T PM, Dr Keith Rowley
Venezuelan citizens take part in a protest against the electoral results that awarded Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a third term and to ask the Brazilian Government to support democracy, in front of Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, August 1, 2024 (Reuters/Adriano Machado photo)
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil settles at 8-month low after disappointing US job numbers
il prices fell on Friday, settling at their lowest since January after data showed the US economy added fewer jobs than expected last month, and weak Chinese economic data added more pressure.
Brent crude futures settled down US$2.71, or 3.41 per cent, to US$76.81 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled down US$2.79, or 3.66 per cent, at US$73.52.
At their session lows, both benchmarks fell by more than US$3 per barrel.
US job growth slowed more than expected in July and unemployment increased to 4.3 per cent, pointing to rising fears of a possible recession.
"We moved from a demand-driven market to a geopolitical one for maybe two days then we absolutely nosedived on all this economic data," said Tim Snyder, chief economist at Matador Economics.
Economic data from top oil importer China and surveys showing weaker manufacturing activity across Asia, Europe and the US raised the risk of a sluggish global economic recovery that would weigh on oil consumption.
Falling manufacturing activity in China also inhibited prices, adding to concerns about demand growth after June data showed imports and refinery activity lower than a year earlier.
Asia's crude imports in July fell to their lowest in two years, sapped by weak demand in China and India, data from LSEG Oil Research showed.
Meanwhile, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil output rose in July, a Reuters survey found, as a rebound in Saudi Arabian supply and small increases elsewhere offset the impact of ongoing voluntary supply cuts by other members and the wider OPEC+ alliance.
OPEC pumped 26.70 million barrels per day (bpd) last month, up 100,000 bpd from June, according to the survey based on shipping data and information from industry sources.
An OPEC+ meeting on Thursday had left the group's oil output policy unchanged, including a plan to start unwinding one layer of production cuts from October.
Oil investors are also watching the Middle East, where Lebanon's Iran-backed group Hezbollah said its conflict with Israel had entered a new phase. Still, analysts noted no material disruption of oil supplies from the region as prices slumped to multi-week lows days after the killing of senior leaders of Iranaligned militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah stoked fears of all-out war.
“Oil has been pumped up on just extraordinary jitters over the Middle East situation, but here we are several days after a significant event,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York. (Reuters)
Slain Hamas leader Haniyeh buried in Qatar amid vows of revenge against Israel
Hamas's top leader Ismail Haniyeh was buried in Qatar on Friday following his assassination in the Iranian capital Tehran, and his possible successor told mourners his death would only make the Palestinian militant group more determined in its struggle against Israel.
Haniyeh's death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month and concern grows that the conflict is spreading across the Middle East.
Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and have pledged to retaliate against their foe. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death nor denied it.
Haniyeh was laid to rest
be the new Hamas leader. Other senior Hamas officials and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani also attended.
Speaking at the mosque, where Haniyeh's body was laid for prayers, Meshaal said his death would only make the group more determined to continue its fight for a free Palestine. There would be no concessions over its principles and no recognition of Israel, he said.
in a cemetery in the city of Lusail after a funeral ceremony at the Iman Mohamed Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab Mosque in Qatar's capital Doha.
His coffin, draped in the Palestinian flag, was carried in a procession past
hundreds of people along with the casket of his bodyguard, who was killed in the same attack in Tehran on Wednesday.
Mourners at the ceremony included Khaled Meshaal, who is tipped to
"Palestine will remain from the river to the sea... and the Zionists (Israel) have no place on the land of Palestine, regardless of how many they kill of us," Meshaal said in a video released by Hamas.
Haniyeh's death was a big loss to the movement but it would not alter their course, he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US to send more warships, fighter jets to Middle East to bolster defences
The US military will deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East, the Pentagon said on Friday, as Washington seeks to bolster defences following threats from Iran and its allies Hamas and Hezbollah.
The US is bracing for Iran to make good on its vow to respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh two days ago in Tehran – one in a series of killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had approved sending additional Navy cruisers and destroyers –
which can shoot down ballistic missiles – to the Middle East and Europe.
It is also sending an additional squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East.
"Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies," the Pentagon said in a statement.
There had been speculation that the Pentagon might not replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the Middle East once it completed its ongoing deployment. But
Kamala Harris chosen as Democratic nominee
US Vice President Kamala Harris has passed the threshold to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination in a vote of party delegates.
Speaking by telephone, Harris said she was "honoured to be the presumptive nominee" as the virtual roll call continues ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago later this month.
Harris is the first black woman and first South Asian woman to become the White House standard-bearer for a major US political party.
If she defeats Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in November she would be America's first female president.
She ran unopposed in the virtual roll call after President Joe Biden stepped aside last month and quickly endorsed her. Several potential rivals followed his lead.
On Friday afternoon, Harris formally became the nominee after securing the support of 2350 delegates, the threshold required to earn the nomination.
"We believe in the promise of America and that’s what this campaign is about," she said in brief remarks by phone as she crossed the benchmark.
"We are in this, we are on the road and it's not going to be easy, but we’re going to get this done."
In total, Democrats have said 3923 delegates –
or 99 per cent of the participants – plan to vote for her.
The roll call began on Thursday and ends on
Austin decided to rotate in the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier strike group to replace it.
The Pentagon statement added it would increase readiness to deploy more land-based ballistic missile defences.
The US military also intensified deployments prior to April 13, when Iran
launched an attack on Israeli territory with drones and missiles. President Joe Biden, in a phone call on Thursday with Netanyahu, discussed new US defensive military deployments to support Israel against threats such as missiles and drones, the White House said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Freed Russian dissidents refused to sign plea for mercy from Putin
Two Russian dissidents released in a prisoner swap on Thursday have said they refused to sign a petition for mercy to be sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin as requested by prison officials.
During a news conference in Germany, Vladimir KaraMurza and Ilya Yashin said they did not admit guilt nor give Russian officials their consent to be removed, and vowed to return home one day.
Kara-Murza said the deal had saved "16 human lives" and that he had been convinced he would die in prison.
He added that many Russians were "opposed to Putin's war in Ukraine".
The two men were released as part of the exchange, which saw 24 persons jailed in seven different countries exchanged.
Those released by Russia included US journalist Evan Gerschkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.
The Russians released by Western nations included convicted assassin Vadim Krasikov, who had been serving a life sentence in Germany for killing a Georgian-born Chechen dissident in a Berlin park.
On Friday, Kara-Murza and Yashin – along with a third dissident, Andrei Pivovarov – pledged to continue working towards a "free" Russia and advocating on behalf of political prisoners still being held there.
Yashin said he had "conflicting feelings" about the swap. While he expressed gratitude for those who worked to free him, he said his first desire when he arrived in Germany was to buy a ticket to return to Russia.
Yashin told the BBC that it was "much more comfortable" for r Putin to have an exiled opposition "because the voice of opposition in prison always has much more weight than the voice in emigration". (Excerpt from BBC News)
Mourners carry the coffin of assassinated Hamas chief, Ismail Haniyeh during his funeral ceremony in Tehran, Iran, August 1, 2024 (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency) Handout via Reuters)
Monday. Harris is expected to name her running mate by Monday. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Atlanta waving to the crowd (Getty Images)
DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
Set a budget and embark on an adventure. Broaden your interests and tailor your skills and physical attributes to fit your needs. Search for activities that relieve stress.
Refuse to let stubbornness stand between you and what you desire. Anger and arguing will lessen your chance of reaching an agreement, so tread carefully. Take the high road.
SUDOKU
Say no to temptation. Too much of anything will set you back. Stand by the people who look out for your best interests, and distance yourself from those who lead you down an unwise path.
Rediscover what makes you happy. Participate in events or activities that put a smile on your face or give you a feeling of accomplishment. Test your capabilities and set new standards and goals.
(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)
The power of persuasion will work wonders. Falling short of your promises will lead to financial trouble or verbal abuse. The best way to shine is to adhere to your word.
Choose your words carefully. It will be difficult for someone to misinterpret you if you are specific. Don't jeopardize your reputation to make a point. Stick to the facts.
Act fast, initiate change and leave the past behind you. Look for opportunities and make things happen, and you will attract valuable support. Stop dreaming and start doing.
Think about what makes you happy and then do it. Embrace projects that stimulate your creativity or get your adrenaline flowing. A positive attitude will lead to personal growth and success.
Pace yourself, keep your eye on your objective and challenge yourself to do your best. Show everyone what you can do instead of talking about your glory days. Let go of the past.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Spend more time assessing your emotional, physical and financial health. Implement changes to improve your lifestyle and domestic functionality. Take responsibility for your happiness.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Consider your needs before you comply with someone's demands. Make equality mandatory, express your thoughts and desires, and participate in what happens next.
Reevaluate your goals and ponder how things have changed and the best way to take advantage of your situation. Don't overestimate the possibilities or take what you hear as gospel.
Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie
At 101 for 5, Sri Lanka were on the verge of an all-too-familiar collapse against India, but they somehow found a way to stay in the contest both with bat and ball and ended up tying the match. Leading Sri Lanka for the first time in One-Day Cricket (ODI) cricket, it was Charith Asalanka who sealed the dramatic result by dismissing Shivam Dube and Number 11 Arshdeep Singh off successive balls on a slow, dry Khettarama turner, with the crowd jiving and grooving to his tunes.
With India needing five off 18 balls with just two wickets in hand, it was anybody's game. Dube was threatening to switch into his Indian Premier League (IPL) spin-hitting mode. He had just picked up a legbreak from Wanindu Hasaranga and whacked it over wide long-on for six. Asalanka had the option to bring on Asitha Fernando or debutant Mohamed Shiraz, but he took the responsibility upon himself on a surface that had already been used for Qualifier 2 in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) last month, and delivered for Sri Lanka.
After playing out the first two balls of the 48th over, Dube flayed the third through the covers and tied the scores. Asalanka pinned Dube lbw next ball with a
slider from around the wicket for 25 off 24 balls. Dube was originally given not out, but a successful review from Asalanka overturned the onfield decision and brought the crowd alive. Asalanka then put Colombo in party mode when he also had Arshdeep Singh lbw for a duck next ball. Asalanka had darted in another slider from around the wicket, and Arshdeep missed a slog sweep and was trapped in front.
Sri Lanka's seam attack has been ravaged by injury and illness – no fewer than
SCOREBOARD
Sri Lanka (50 ovs maximum)
Pathum Nissanka lbw
b Washington Sundar 56
Avishka Fernando c Arshdeep Singh
b Mohammed Siraj 1
Kusal Mendis † lbw
b Dube 14
Sadeera Samarawickrama
c Shubman Gill
b Patel 8 Charith Asalanka (c) c Sharma
b Kuldeep Yadav 14
Janith Liyanage c Sharma
b Patel 20
Dunith Wellalage not out 67
Wanindu Hasaranga c Patel
b Arshdeep Singh 24
Akila Dananjaya c Washington Sundar b Arshdeep Singh 17
Mohamed Shiraz not out 1
Extras (lb 2, w 6) 8
TOTAL
50 Ov (RR: 4.60, 219 Mins) 230/8
Did not bat: Asitha Fernando Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Avishka Fernando, 2.3 ov), 2-46 (Kusal Mendis, 13.1 ov), 3-60 (Sadeera Samarawickrama, 18.3 ov), 4-91 (Charith Asalanka, 23.5 ov), 5-101 (Pathum Nissanka, 26.3 ov), 6-142 (Janith Liyanage, 34.2 ov), 7-178 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 42.6 ov), 8-224 (Akila Dananjaya, 49.3 ov) •
five of their fast bowlers are unavailable – but their spin attack is so well stocked that they could afford to leave out Maheesh Theekshana and still field four spinners, including Asalanka, wristspinner Hasaranga, mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya and left-arm fingerspinner Dunith Wellalage also played their roles with the ball in the win.
It was Wellalage who triggered India's slide by snagging Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in successive overs after they had forged a 75-run opening stand off 76 balls. Dananjaya, who turned the ball sharply both ways, accounted for Washington Sundar, who had been promoted to number four, ahead of both Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. As for Hasaranga, he came away with three wickets, including the big one of Virat Kohli for 24 off 32 balls.
Hasaranga kept Kohli to five off 10 balls before he trapped him with a fizzing skidder. Rahul then repaired
miscue it to midwicket for 31 off 43 balls. Axar then looked to helm India's chase of 231,
India's innings with a 57run partnership for the sixth wicket with Axar Patel. After having played risk-free cricket for the most part of his innings, Rahul tried to slogsweep Hasaranga only to
but Asalanka had him nicking off with a big-turning offbreak for 33 off 57 balls. Dube played a late cameo, but it was not enough for India to get across the line.
India were on track when Rohit, fresh out of T20 International (T20I) retirement and returning to ODI cricket for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup, dominated the powerplay. He charged out of the crease second ball and smashed Asitha over midwicket for six and went on to hit nine more boundaries in the first 10 overs. He was responsible for 54 of the 71 runs India had scored in that phase.
One of those boundaries – a slog-swept six off Dananjaya – took Rohit to a 33-ball half-century. However, when he looked good for more, Wellalage dislodged him for 58 off 47 balls.
In contrast, Sri Lanka had a more sedate powerplay in which they played out 45 dots and scored just 33 runs. Mohammed Siraj and Dube made early inroads for India, but Pathum Nissanka blunted them, and India's spinners, with a 67-ball half-century. India could have cut his innings short on 20 had Siraj not dropped a difficult chance
at fine leg in the powerplay. Wellalage then rallied with the lower order, forging stands of 41 with Janith Liyanage, 36 with Hasaranga and 46 with Dananjaya. Wellalage, who was promoted to number seven, ahead of Hasaranga, countered Washington's offspin, hitting him for 20 off 21 balls. He even got inventive, reverse-sweeping Washington over the two slips and ramping Siraj fine of deep third for fours. When Arshdeep pitched one in his arc, Wellalage showed glimpses of his power, too, clearing Siraj at wide longon. He proceeded to bring up his maiden ODI fifty, off 59 balls.
Washington – picked ahead of Riyan Parag, India's second-most used bowler in the T20I series – though continued to pose a threat with his sharp turn and bounce, as did Kuldeep Yadav. After ripping a couple of deliveries past the outside edge of Asalanka, Kuldeep had the Sri Lanka Captain guiding his stock ball straight to Rohit at first slip for 14 off 21 balls.
It was Axar who had set the scene for the day when he found immediate turn and bounce to have Nissanka checking his drive to extra cover. Axar then got his fifth ball to kick up and rag away past the outside edge like Rangana Herath used to back in the day in Sri Lanka. With the pitch offering plenty of purchase to the spinners, Axar didn't go searching for the magic ball and simply tossed the ball up into the footmarks created by Arshdeep.
Sri Lanka's spinners, though, bested India's and forced an unlikely tie, leaving the visitors needing a strong response if they are to win the ODI series (ESPNcricinfo)
Sri Lanka celebrate Wanindu Hasaranga’s heroics
On comeback, KL Rahul rebuilt for India with 31 off 43
Dunith Wellalage celebrates his maiden half-century
Rohit Sharma started with a six in the second ball of the innings
Tournament a stepping stone for women’s basketball – Slater
…as
GBF
National 3x3 Championship runs off today
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) in an effort to develop women’s basketball throughout Guyana will commence the National Women's 3x3 Championship today at the National Gymnasium, which is expected to be filled with exhilarating basketball action.
The tournament will see five teams – Lady Trojans, Queen B’s, Kwakwani Untouchables, Shooting Stars, and Georgetown, with teams playing in a round-robin format after which the top two teams will advance to the final in an attempt to secure supremacy.
While speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) President Jermaine Slater divulged that consistent tournaments would impact the development and the growth of women's basketball.
“Well, truth be told we did do a 3x3 tournament this year for women and we realised that we need to push a lot more in terms of our female development, so we
have to continue to do tournament-by-tournament like these especially in 3x3 format, because we believe that we have a great advantage to make a dent in basketball in-
Fraser-Pryce 10.92s, Alfred 10.95s lead Caribbean women through to 100m semis
As expected, all the main protagonists from the Caribbean booked spots in the women’s 100m semi-finals as the athletics portion of the Paris Olympic Games got under way at Stade de France on Friday.
The Caribbean women, led by the legendary Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, all safely navigated their respective heats with contrasting performances.
Though she placed second in the eighth and final heat in 10.92s, Fraser-Pryce, in her final appearance at the global multi-sport event, was the fastest of the Caribbean representatives.
The 37-year-old was only bettered by Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith, who clocked a season-best 10.87s to win that heat.
Germany’s Gina Lueckenkemper (11.08s) was third. The quality of Fraser-Pryce and Ta LouSmith was highlighted by the fact that the two fastest non-automatic qualifiers – Rani Rosius (11.12s) of Belgium and Puerto Rico’s Gladymar Torres, with a national record of 11.12s –came from that final heat.
Earlier, St Lucia’s standout Julien Alfred comfortably topped heat two in 10.95s, ahead of New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs (11.08s) and Italy’s Zaynab Dosso (11.30s). The other Caribbean ladies, Michelle-Lee Ahye (11.33s) of Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba’s Yunisleidy Garcia Abreu (11.37s), placed fourth and fifth in the same
heat and missed out on semi-final spots.
Prior to that, Tristan Evelyn (11.55s) of Barbados failed to progress, as she placed sixth in heat one. The heat was won by American World Champion Sha’Carri Richardson in 10.94s, ahead of Patrizia van der Weken (11.14s) of Luxembourg and Australia’s Bree Masters (11.26s).
Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Daryll Neita, with a season’s best 10.92s, led qualifiers from heat three.
American Melissa Jefferson (10.96s) and Hungary’s Boglarka Takacs, who clocked a national record of 11.10s, also progressed.
Jamaica’s debutant Tia Clayton did what was required to advance, as she placed second in heat four in 11.00s. Canada’s Audrey Leduc won in a national record of 10.95s, while Great Britain’s Imani Lansiquot (11.10s) also advanced.
Heat five was won by Poland’s Ewa Swoboda
in a season’s best 10.99s, ahead of Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (11.01s) and Rosemary Chukwuma (11.26s).
The Caribbean duo of Jamaica’s Shashalee Forbes (11.19s), who replaced Shericka Jackson, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Leah Bertrand (11.27s) safely progressed to the semi-finals after placing second and third in heat six. American Twanisha Terry (11.15s) won the event, while Zahria Allers-Liburd (11.89s) of St Kitts and Nevis, who ran the preliminary round earlier in the day, finished out of contention in eighth.
Grenada’s Halle Hazzard (11.70s), who progressed from the preliminary round an hour early, failed to repeat the feat as she placed eighth in heat seven. Gambia’s Miriam Bass Bittaye (11.01s) won that heat ahead of Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji (11.05s) and Delphine Nkansa (11.20s). (Sportsmax)
ternationally in this tournament. We don’t have enough personnel in this Diaspora to create a solid 12 team, but if we continue to do these formats with a smaller number of players, more and more females will develop and they will be able to play so this is just a stepping stone towards our development and our re-commitment to female basketball,” Slater said.
Slater went on to emphasise the need for corporate Support and the importance of athletics and Fitness train-
ing towards women’s development in basketball.
Slater shared, “We have to get more corporate involvement in terms of finances; it is a lot of work to be done. We have already gotten a business owner and a national physical trainer from the TopEnd’s fitness studio and we collaborated with him and we are allotting three females from the tournament to do athletics and fitness training, so not just more basketball. We realise that we need to be more explosive and dynamic in overall
fitness so that therein of itself is part of our initiative to change the narrative and focus more on our females. We have to do much more athletic training and we have to do a lot more in clinics for these females for them to understand the concept of the game and for them to progress.”
The Winning team of the tournament will receive $150,000 along with trophies while the runner-up team will receive $75,000 with trophies and third place will pocket $65,000.
Ugly scenes as France edge out Argentina in quarter-final
France set up an Olympic men's football semi-final with Egypt after beating Argentina 1-0 in a hostile quarter-final marred by ugly scenes at the final whistle.
Players and Coaches from both sides clashed on the pitch at the end as the hosts booked their last-four spot.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta got France's winner when he headed home Michael Olise's fifth-minute corner at the near post.
Argentina's best chance came just before half-time with Giuliano Simeone heading over from close range.
France had a late goal ruled out as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled Maghnes Akliouche had fouled an opponent before Olise found the net with a deflected effort.
There has been recent animosity between the teams, with Argentina players filmed singing a derogatory song about France's black players in the aftermath of winning the Copa America on July 14.
French fans booed the Argentinian national anthem before the match at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, and the fracas at the final whistle highlighted the rivalry and tension.
France, who last won Olympic gold in men's football in 1984, will face Egypt in Monday's semi-final (20:00 BST) after the Pharaohs beat Paraguay 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Argentina, who beat
France on penalties at the 2022 World Cup, were hoping to become the first nation to be both the reigning world and Olympic champions since Italy in 1936.
The result rounded off a brilliant day for French sport with the 2024 hosts winning gold medals in judo, swimming, and cycling BMX earlier on Friday.
Spain set up semi-final with Morocco
Fermin Lopez scored twice as Spain defeated Japan 3-0 in Lyon to move into the semi-finals.
The Barcelona midfielder, who was part of Spain's victorious Euro 2024 squad, opened the scoring early on with a left-foot drive into the right corner and added his second, with a dipping rightfoot shot from 20 yards, after the break.
Mao Hosoya, who hit the post for Japan, thought he had equalised late in the first period, but his effort was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review.
Abel Ruiz's late tapin sealed victory for the European side, who will now play Morocco in Marseille on Monday (17:00 BST).
Morocco dominated from start to finish at Parc des Princes as they thrashed the United States 4-0 to reach the competition's last four for the first time.
Soufiane Rahimi set them on their way, knocking in his fifth goal of the tournament from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark.
Ilias Akhomach doubled their lead with a close-range
finish and Captain Achraf Hakimi extended their advantage with a left-foot effort after a fine run.
Substitute Mehdi Maouhoub rounded off the scoring with another penalty in stoppage time following a VAR review for a handball.
"I felt like I was playing at home in this stadium where I play for my club, but also because our fans were very loud and were here in big numbers," said Hakimi, who plays in France for Paris St-Germain.
"Fans have been following us all tournament, I hope they can follow us all the way to the final. We want to make them proud." (BBC Sport)
Jean-Philippe Mateta heads France into an early lead
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Julien Alfred comfortable in respective heats
Guyana Amateur Basketball Association President Jermaine Slater
Guyanese U15 team touch down in Aruba for CONCACAF Championship
Guyana’s female Under-15 team landed in Aruba on Friday, ready to secure a victory against Anguilla on August 6 in their opening match of the CONCACAF Under-15 Girls' Championship.
Assistant Coach Delon Williams is “very optimistic” about the team’s performance in the regional tournament, which will showcase 28 youth national squads from across the Caribbean from August 5 to 11.
The young players have been in training for over a month, Williams added: “This
bunch has brought so much energy. This is a very talented group.”
The 18-member team feature a mix of local and overseas-based players, including talent from the recently-completed inaugural Guyana Football Federation-Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls' National Secondary School Championship.
Guyana are positioned in League C, where they will face St Vincent and the Grenadines on August 7, followed by a clash with Guadeloupe on August 8 and finally, a game against host nation Aruba on
August 9. All games are set to take place at Compleho Deportivo Guillermo Stadium in Oranjestad.
Women’s Football Federation (WFF) President Andrea Johnson noted that the coaches had a vast pool of talented players to select from, adding: “The girls are ready to showcase the level of talent in Guyana to the region.
“I am absolutely impressed with their dedication to representing themselves, their families, and the country. I am incredibly proud of their commitment so far.”
National players among star-studded teams for Kares One Guyana T10
The 32 competing teams in the second Kares
One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast have completed registration and several notable names in Guyanese cricket are listed to compete this weekend when the tournament commences.
Leon Johnson, Jonathan Foo, Kevlon Anderson, Christopher Barnwell, Assad Fudadin, and Keemo Paul are set to turn out for their respective teams.
More so, seasoned campaigners like Omesh Danram, Trevor Benn, and Damion Vantull, among a host of talented national youth players, will be on show.
“It is hard to pick any clear-cut winner,” said Romario Samaroo, one of the tournament's organisers.
“We are blessed to see so many of the best cricketers in Guyana make time to compete in this wonderful tournament, which can be a platform for budding stars to launch their careers.
“With the quality of play, it was a fabulous tournament in 2023, and we even saw some of the crowd favourites go home early. 2024 should be exhilarating, to say the least,” Samaroo stated.
Several active national players, former West Indies players, and numerous youth players are part of the T10 Blast, which will begin on August 3 at three venues: Queen’s College Ground, Police Sports Club (PSC), and Lusignan Community Centre Ground.
The following day will be the Round of 16 at Police and Lusignan, the quarter-finals will be at Enmore Community Centre Ground on August 11, and the finals at the National Stadium, Providence, on August 25.
The competition promises to be fierce, and a larger prize pool will entice the 32 participating teams.
The champions will receive $1.5 million, while the runners-up will receive $500,000.
The losing semi-finalists each get $250,000.
Players will vie for the titles of Most Runs, Most Wickets, and Player of the Final. Each winner will receive a Smart TV and a $75,000 cash prize, all compliments of Regal Stationery.
Assuria Insurance is not holding back either, offering a motorbike and $85,000 to the Most Valuable Player.
Matches on August 3: MS-13 All-Stars v Team Corruption – QC Pitch 1 at 09:30h; Upsetters v GPL Inc – QC Pitch 2 at 09:30h; Montra Jaguars v Falcons XI – PSC at 09:30h; Street Ballerz v Village Rams –Lusignan at 09:30h; EC Express v Mahdia – Lusignan at 11:30h; Soesdyke XI v Airport XI – QC Pitch 1 at 11:30h; Renegades Cricket Club v Tarmac Titans – PSC at 11:30h; Eccles All-Stars v Eastsyde – QC Pitch 2 at 11:30h; Titans All-Stars v Stripling Warriors – PSC at 13:30h; Premier Insurance v Min. Housing – QC Pitch 1 at 13:30h; Moruca Super Giants v Lil Rams – QC Pitch 2 at 13:30h; The Guards v Mahaica Super Strikers –13:30h at Lusignan; Green
urged
Scorpions v Avinash AllStars – QC Pitch 1 at 15:30h; Brooklyn Youth Strikers v Cotton Tree Die Hard – PSC at 15:30h; Diamond Gunners v TG Titans – Lusignan at 15:30h; The United Crew v Bartica Bulls – QC Pitch 2 at 15:30h.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Blast also enjoys the support of Kares Engineering; Banks DIH Limited; Star Rentals; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Montra Restaurant and Lounge; SuperBet; Demerara Mutual; 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; Ministry of Human Services and Social Security; RS53 RestoBar and Lounge; General Marine; Samaroo Investments and Coel’s Boutique.
ing in to their games and sending encouraging messages through social media platforms. Tuesday’s opening game kicks off at 13:00h (1 pm).
3 Guyanese in Windies Test team to face South Africa
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Friday announced the West Indies squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa, scheduled to take place from August 1-19, 2024. The series will be hosted across two venues, with the first Test being held at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, and the second and final Test match in Guyana at the National Stadium.
The full Test squad for the series is as follows: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain); Joshua Da Silva (Vice Captain); Alick Athanaze; Keacy Carty; Bryan Charles; Justin Greaves; Jason Holder; Kavem Hodge; Tevin Imlach; Shamar Joseph; Mikyle Louis; Gudakesh Motie; Kemar Roach; Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to deliver strong performances: “We are confident about the team selected for this important series against South Africa. The selection process for this squad was led by our Head Coach, Andre Coley, pending the implementation of our new selection
process, which will be rolled out in the coming days and articulated publicly shortly.
This squad reflects a thorough evaluation of players' recent performances and suitability for the conditions we anticipate. We are confident that this team is well-balanced and capable of competing at the highest level.”
Head Coach Coley stated:
“The squad we have chosen for this series is a balanced mix of experience and youth, strategically selected to maximise our performance in the conditions of Trinidad and Guyana. We have decided to rest our Vice Captain Alzarri Joseph for this series. Alzarri has had a considerable workload recently, and this break will allow him to recuperate and return to peak performance. Kevin Sinclair is presently recovering from an injury."
The Team Management Unit for the Series is:
Head Coach: Andre Coley
Team Manager: Rawl
Lewis
Assistant Coach: Jimmy Adams
Assistant Coach: Rayon Griffith
Assistant Coach: Shaun Tait
Physiotherapist: Dr Denis Byam
Strength & Conditioning
Coach: Ronald Rogers
Team Masseuse: Fitzbert Alleyne
Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
The full schedule for the series is as follows:
Test Series
August 7-11, 2024: 1st Test Match – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago
August 15-18, 2024: 2nd Test Match – National Stadium, Guyana
T20I Series
August 23, 2024: 1st T20I –Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
August 25, 2024: 2nd T20I – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
August 27, 2024: 3rd T20I – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
Tickets for the Test and T20I Series against South Africa are available now to buy online from the Windies Tickets service, at tickets. windiescricket.com.
The locally-based bunch will await the arrival of their overseas-based teammates ahead of their first fixture next Tuesday
West Indies will face South Africa in two Test matches, including one at the Guyana National Stadium
Keemo Paul
Omesh Danram
Leon Johnson
Jonathan Foo
She
Guyanese around the world to support the junior Lady Jags by tun-
