Guyana Times - Saturday, July 20, 2024.pdf

Pres Ali lauds “remarkable” defence partnership between Guyana, UK

"Outlaw" gets 15 years for abducting, assaulting ex-girlfriend

11-year-old dies after being dragged by horse in Reg 9 GCCI urges restrictions on importation of sirens, flashing lights Rupununi farmer stabbed to death during row over stolen cattle

Pensioner strangled to death during home invasion Reg 9 farmers suffer heavy losses as flooding persists in several areas

CANU finds 3 assault rifles, ammo & cocaine in operations at Prashad Nagar, ECD

Two persons have been taken into cus-

tody following the discovery of one 7.62 assault rifle and a quantity of cocaine in an unfinished building at Premniranjan Place in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, on Friday during an operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

CANU has said that on the day in question, acting on information received,

its operatives went to the building and discovered the assault rifle and two bricklike parcels containing a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine. These items were escorted to CANU Headquarters, where the narcotic was tested positive for cocaine with a weight of 2.3 kgs. The two persons taken into custody are assisting with the investigations.

Meanwhile, in another operation conducted on Friday in an abandoned house at Lower East Coast Demerara (ECD), two AR-15 rifles, two matching magazines, 25 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, one round of 7.62 ammunition, and one bulletproof vest were found concealed in a black garbage bag. No one was arrested, but investigations continue.

The assault rifle and cocaine found at Prashad Nagar

The gun and ammo found during the operation at Lower ECD

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, July 20 –03:30h-05:00h and Sunday, July 21 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, July 20 –15:55h-17:35h and Sunday, July 21 – 16:40h-18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Light to thundery showers are expected to prevail during the day and at night, with late-afternoon sunshine. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to South South-Westerly between 0.89 metre and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 16:50h reaching a maximum height of 2.53 metres.

Low Tide: 10:21h and 22:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.69 metre.

President Ali lauds “remarkable”

defence partnership between Guyana,

UK

– UK “actively involved” in reviewing capabilities of GDF – High Commissioner

he defence and security partnership between Guyana and the United Kingdom has reached unprecedented levels, with President Dr Irfaan Ali describing the relationship as “remarkable” in a comment he made on Thursday evening during a reception hosted by the British High Commission in Georgetown to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Charles III.

“I want to highlight the growing strength of our relationship at the security and defence level. Never in the history of our relationship would we have had the type of military, security, defence exchanges, training, coordination, collaboration that we have today; and that is remarkable,” President Ali expressed.

While noting that this partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering peace and stability in the hemisphere, the Guyanese leader lauded the British Government for the unwavering support it had given to Guyana in the border controversy with Venezuela.

“I express our nation’s appreciation for the support of the United Kingdom, as rendered for the protection of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. The United Kingdom has always been prompt in expressing such support,” the Guyanese president said.

This support was also referenced by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller, as she reminded of the prompt visit to Guyana by the United Kingdom’s Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories, David Rutley, in December 2023 shortly after Venezuela’s controversial referendum on the Essequibo region.

During that visit, the British minister had met with President Ali to reinforce the UK’s steadfast support for, and solidarity with, Guyana.

While in Guyana, Rutley had expressed the UK’s unequivocal backing for Guyana against Venezuela’s territorial claims. Further, he had expressed that the border between the two countries had been settled over 120 years ago, and that sovereign borders must be respected.

“I am in Guyana, a fellow Commonwealth member, to offer the UK’s unequivocal backing to our Guyanese friends. The border issue has been settled for over 120 years. Sovereign borders must be respected wherever they are in the world,” Rutley had said.

The Under Secretary had also expressed that the UK would continue its collaboration with regional partners and international bodies to help protect Guyana’s territorial integrity.

This unwavering support was further demonstrated when the UK deployed the HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, to Guyana later that month. The purpose was to carry out routine defence cooperation and exercises with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Coast Guard.

Ambassador Miller has since noted that the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom is “actively involved” in reviewing the capabilities of the GDF.

“We will be doing some training alongside engagement with the Department of Business and Trade, and UK businesses, to enhance Guyana’s security and defence,” the High Commissioner had said.

Earlier in the year, Guyana had hosted the United Kingdom and Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference, a two-day event which had seen top security personnel from the region and UK recommitting to continued collaboration and the maintenance of peace in the hemisphere.

Venezuela has, in recent months, intensified its threats and aggression towards Guyana, but the two countries recently signed a joint declaration agreeing not to use force or threats amid the controversy.

On Thursday, December 14, 2023, in Argyle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Presidents Ali and Nicolás

Maduro had held discussions on matters consequential to the territory involved in the border controversy. After more than eight hours of engagement, the two Heads of State had agreed that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, would not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstance, including those consequential to any existing controversy between the two States.

In a joint declaration, the Heads had also agreed that any controversy between the two States would be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966. But in April 2024, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro promulgated “the Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba”, saying this organic law would guarantee that the December 3, 2023 referendum would be fully implemented in the defence of Venezuela and its territory.

Maduro declared that Venezuela does not, and will never, recognize the Arbitral Award, and also reiterated the Spanish-speaking nation’s non-recognition of the ICJ.

In 2018, Guyana moved to the World Court, seeking a final a binding ruling on the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award which settled the land boundary between the two countries.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering on Thursday evening British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Holding contractors accountable

In recent developments, the Government has taken a decisive step towards accountability and efficient governance by terminating several contracts due to persistent delays in project completion. This move, while potentially contentious, underscores a commitment to upholding standards of performance, fiscal responsibility, and timely delivery of public services. Such actions are not only justified, but are crucial for ensuring transparency, fostering investor confidence, and advancing national development goals.

In April, during a visit to several road projects that were delayed, President Ali had said: “We are adopting a nononsense approach in contract management. We are going to have an independent team managing and reviewing project files, so that we have project audits. As project engineers and project managers, you have to ensure that your files are updated (and) your minutes are recorded and signed. As we take action, we have to get paperwork intact”.

A delay in project completion not only undermines public trust, but incurs significant costs to taxpayers. When contractors fail to meet agreed timelines, it often leads to budget overruns, logistical challenges and, most critically, delays in delivering essential services and infrastructure to communities. This impacts citizens directly, impeding socio-economic progress and depriving them of improved living conditions promised by developmental initiatives.

The termination of contracts sends a clear message that the Government values accountability and prioritises the effective utilisation of public resources. It demonstrates a willingness to hold contractors accountable for their commitments, and to enforce contractual obligations rigorously. Such measures are essential not only to safeguard public funds, but also to ensure that development projects contribute meaningfully to national advancement.

Moreover, by taking action against delayed contracts, the Government is setting a precedent for future engagements with contractors. It establishes a framework in which adherence to timelines, quality standards, and contractual obligations becomes non-negotiable. This stance is vital for attracting reputable contractors who are committed to delivering on their promises and contributing positively to Guyana's socio-economic landscape.

Critics may argue that termination could lead to legal disputes or affect contractor confidence. However, these concerns must be weighed against the broader implications of allowing continued delays. Delayed projects not only fail to fulfill immediate community needs, but also perpetuate inefficiencies that can have long-term repercussions on the national development agenda.

Further, the Government's decision to terminate contracts should be viewed within the context of its broader commitment to good governance. Transparent processes for contract termination ensure that decisions are based on clear criteria and due process, mitigating risks of favouritism or arbitrary action. This fosters public confidence and reinforces the rule of law, essential components of a democratic society.

Moving forward, it is imperative that the Government continues to prioritize efficiency in its project management practices. This includes strengthening monitoring mechanisms, enhancing capacity for contract oversight, and ensuring robust engagement with stakeholders to prevent delays and address challenges proactively.

The termination of delayed contracts by the Government represents a necessary and commendable step towards upholding accountability and advancing national development goals. By holding contractors accountable for their obligations, the Government reaffirms its commitment to efficient resource allocation and delivering tangible benefits to all Guyanese citizens. Maintaining these principles would be crucial for future contracts.

Deception and lies continue

Dear Editor,

When I read a letter in the Kaieteur News under the caption ‘Failure of Agriculture’, I had to look at the date, since I thought that the letter writer would be describing what took place during the Coalition’s period in Government, from 2015 to 2020. But I was aghast and stunned when I discovered that the letter writer was referring to the agriculture sector under this Government, and under the stewardship of the most competent Agriculture Minister ever.

The letter in question is not only replete with falsehoods and generalizations, but is malicious, has no merit, and even contains slanderous innuendos. No one in a reasonable state of mind would conclude that there is a ‘failure in agriculture’ under this Government, and what is most disappointing is that the letter is devoid of any data or factual information to substantiate the falsehood peddled. Simply using the word “evident” does not provide evidence, so I would like the writer to refer to the Bank of Guyana Report for the first quarter of this year, and therein he/she would be provided with evidence that rice production grew by 73.3% to 192,269 metric tons, compared to one year earlier.

According to the

Report, ‘this performance is largely attributed to higher acreage cultivated (the writer claimed that land is abandoned), innovative technologies such as the use of drones and geographic information systems (GIS); as well as the high-yielding, bio-fortified, zinc-enriched rice variety’.

The writer claimed that ‘much land is not being planted’, but if that statement is true, then ‘productivity’ has increased a thousandfold; but, according to him/her, ‘productivity has declined everywhere’.

The Report further stated that the fishing industry has recorded a 52.4 percent increase in fish catches and a 4.7 percent increase in shrimp output. Sugar contracted by 46% mainly due to the prolonged dry weather condition (El Nino) which affected the growth of the sugarcane plants.

What the letter writer needs to understand is that agriculture is affected by the vagaries of the weather.

Currently, there is a prolonged and extreme wet condition, and even though the flood water would accumulate quickly, it will recede in a shorter time than before, thanks to the drainage and irrigation infrastructure which the Government has put in place.

It would be elucidating for the writer to reflect on the 2021/2022 floods, the devastating drought in 2023, and yet again the current La Nina phenomenon, and check what the Agriculture Minister has done to ensure proper and timely drainage and irrigation as the case may be, and the financial and other assistance given to all farmers, including livestock.

This Government saved the Agriculture Sector.

Further, the writer seemed oblivious of the massive mechanized transformation taking place in the sugar industry; the transformation of the fields into machine- friendly layouts and the investments in mechanized cane harvesters, etc. The positive results of these will be seen during the second crop this year, and the following year will be even better. The writer needs to keep abreast with the transformation taking place and the plethora of new and non-traditional crops. The construction of the all- weather road at No 58 Village that has created a link to the Canje Creek and has opened up more than 50,000 acres of new lands for various types of crops seemed to have eluded the writer. The writer claimed that such development is a ‘conduit’ for

corruption. That is sheer baloney, since these are tangible developments which even the blind could see.

Ironically, he/she mentioned ‘pump stations’. The writer needs to do some actual site visits. It would seem that he/she cannot recall that the Coalition had bought 12 defective and undersized ‘fire pumps’ to be used in flood situations. Neither could the writer recall the slashing of the Agriculture Budget on an annual basis in an attempt to destroy the sector, which is perceived as belonging to PPP supporters; nor can the writer recall that the Coalition had stated that agriculture is private business. Agriculture was dying under an inept minister and an equally incompetent Coalition Government.

Lastly, every public official has to submit financial statements of assets and liabilities to the Integrity Commission annually, and it is the responsibility of this Commission to make the necessary findings and judgements.

Mr Editor, mischievous, deceptive and malicious statements have no place in our society, and letter writers should do some fact checking before putting pen to paper.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Friday met with Gerardo Noto, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, and they held discussions on strengthening Guyana's health sector

MoU signed for GPS to produce 500,000 concrete blocks for Silica City

The Housing and Water Ministry on Friday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Home Affairs Ministry for the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to produce 500,000 concrete blocks for the development of Silica City, located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Production of the blocks would soon commence at the Lusignan Prison, East

Coast Demerara (ECD), marking a significant opportunity for prisoners to earn an income.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves, and Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot signed the pact at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Brickdam, Georgetown.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal em-

phasised that the undertaking falls under the Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP) initiated by President Dr Irfaan Ali to create jobs within vulnerable communities.

“[It] is a startup, and the prison is also an example where we talk about vulnerability. These are persons who will obviously, when they complete their term, be going back to their respective communities, but they will leave with a skill that they can now go back and form their own group and become entrepreneurs,” he declared.

He noted that these ministries could also collaborate on another initiative, wherein the New Amsterdam Prison can supply blocks for the housing development at Palmyra in Region Six.

In addition, Minister Susan Rodrigues expressed

immense satisfaction with the prison reform initiatives to rehabilitate prisoners.

“This is another example of how we can innovate and use various Government programmes to reform the lives of prisoners, and also to stimulate the economy and employment. This is one of the flexibilities of the housing programme,” she

highlighted.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has said the initiative augurs well for Government’s massive housing drive, and adds to the plethora of undertakings to reform prisoners.

“The fact that we have people in prisons poses a couple of challenges in relation to their rehabilitation,

because being in prison could lead to a breakdown of families and communities for those persons…we have been looking at finding ways to have them more active,” Minister Benn noted.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has stressed that the services provided by the prisoners would be of the highest standards.

Peeping Tom should first lecture Kaieteur News about responsible journalism

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the recent open letter by Peeping Tom addressed to the Guyana Press Association (GPA) concerning the state of press freedom and the conduct of weekly press conferences hosted by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Peeping Tom has completely missed an opportunity to address the critical issue of misinformation and false reporting within our media landscape, particularly the very Kaieteur News, who shades his/her identity.

Peeping Tom should first lecture Kaieteur News about

responsible journalism. The Kaieteur News has been infamous for its numerous apologies, retractions, and clarifications, often due to irresponsible journalism and the dissemination of falsehoods. Such practices not only undermine the credibility of the press, but also erode public trust in the media as a whole.

It is essential for the GPA to take a proactive stance in combatting misinformation and ensuring the highest standards of journalistic integrity. In just a two-month period of 2024, Kaieteur News has issued several apologies for egre-

gious errors:

1) March 16: The newspaper falsely attributed blame for a Tobago oil spill to Guyana, an error that drew condemnation from Prime Minister Mark Phillips.

2) April 12: It misreported figures related to the Government's purchase of planes from India, showcasing a lack of basic fact-checking.

3) May 4: In an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the newspaper made a racially insensitive error, mistaking one Chinese individual for another.

4) May 5: It irresponsibly reported on the potential for a tsunami from the Whiptail oil project, demonstrating a lack of understanding of Environmental Impact Assessments.

These examples illustrate a pattern of carelessness and disregard for factual accuracy. This erosion of trust is detrimental to the foundational principle that press freedom should facilitate the pursuit of truth and the dissemination of accurate information.

Contrastingly, Peeping Tom ought to praise and celebrate the PPP for its commitment to openness with

A place called Guyana

Dear Editor,

It is good to be home in my native land Guyana, to once again breathe the clean tropical air of this carbon sink, rainforest country. It is a truly nostalgic and healthful experience to be here. We are blessed to be in this part of God's Earth, and to experience these natural gifts that we sometimes take for granted. Guyana is God's blessed country.

I am also delighted to see the lush greenery pervading the countryside, and the rice and vegetable crops that have recently been bathed by the rain. The lush green growth is a welcoming relief from the long period of dryness experienced in prior months, which tells us that our future development

in the agricultural sector is good.

I say kudos to Minister Mustapha and his agriculture team for their hard work in drainage and irrigation, as well as the injection of valuable inputs into the sector.

We now take a look at the massive infrastructural development taking place all over this country. Some have been completed already, and as well, some are ongoing works. Completed projects include the Heroes Highway and many of the internal community roads. Soon-tobe-completed infrastructure are The Demerara Harbour Bridge, The Amaila Falls, The Four Lane Highways, and other interconnected major thoroughfares.

In addition, energy generation, water, and telecommunication all lead to a sustained developmental trajectory as this country moves forward. Passing through Georgetown, there are the same sights and sounds. I am talking about the stench that comes from rotting smelly garbage heaps. These small hillocks of garbage are the characteristic sights and accompanying smells that greet you whenever you enter the capital city.

Mayor Mentore is a representation of one of those groups that are demanding that the central government pump more money into the city with nothing tangible to show in return, meantime the putrefaction rises to the

high heavens.

On the political front, the Government has to battle with a plethora of accusations of corruption, both at home and abroad. The Opposition has jumped on these allegations with great enthusiasm, making every accusation a headline news item. The Government, in its effort at transparency and accountability, has mounted its out investigations while requesting external help on others. We will get answers at the end of this patch.

Some of the points raised in this letter will be dealt with in a detailed manner in a subsequent article.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

the media through its weekly press conferences.

These regular interactions represent the proven track record of an open, fair, and transparent administration that is ready and willing to face scrutiny from the media on a weekly basis.

This practice enhances governmental accountability and provides a platform for the media to ask pertinent questions and hold officials accountable that both the GPA and Peeping Tom must appreciate.

Regards, Erin Northe

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves, signing the MoU

Ministers Robeson Benn, Susan Rodrigues and Collin Croal, along with other officials after the signing ceremony

Page Foundation

Negative numbers

Negative numbers are numbers that are less than zero. You identify them by adding a minus sign to the front of a number. So – 1 is 1 less than 0. – 35.5 is 35.5 less than 0.

Example:

Look at the number line. Notice that – 4 is four spaces to the left of 0 on the negative side. Also note that 4 is four spaces to the right of 0 on the positive side. The Property of Additive Inverses: When you add a negative number to its inverse (its exact opposite on the other side of the number line), the total is 0. For example, – 5 + 5 = 0.

Remember...

Zero (0) is neither positive nor negative.

Exercises: Solve

Mix the water, flour, and some food colouring together

Instructions:

Pour mixture on to a thin plate

Place plate on top of a large speaker

Turn on some music and watch your liquid dance to the beat!

of vibrations. These vibrations shake the speaker, which, in turn, vibrates the liquid in tune with the music!

Extra experiments:

BY JOHN LEE CLARK

A Deaf Blind poet doesn’t like to read sitting up. A Deaf Blind poet likes to read Braille magazines on the john. A Deaf Blind poet is in the habit of composing nineteenth-century letters and pressing Alt+S. A Deaf Blind poet is a terrible student. A Deaf Blind poet does a lot of groundbreaking research. A Deaf Blind poet is always in demand. A Deaf Blind poet has yet to be gainfully employed. A Deaf Blind poet shares all his trade secrets with his children. A Deaf Blind poet will not stop if police order him to. A Deaf Blind poet used to like dogs but now prefers cats. A Deaf Blind poet listens to his wife. A Deaf Blind poet knits soft things for his dear friends. A Deaf Blind poet doesn’t believe in “contributing to society.”

Source: Poetry (October 2018) Materials:

How it works: The sound of music is actually made

Try different kinds of music and see how the dancing changes! (Dayna, sciencefun.org)

WORD SEARCH:

Govt likely to end deal with CGX – VP Jagdeo – says awaiting recommendation from Natural Resources Minister

The Guyana Government could end its deal with Canadianbased company CGX Energy, after that company failed to present satisfactory responses on plans to develop its oil block offshore Guyana.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo hinted at this possible outcome during a press conference on Thursday.

Asked for an update on the Government's meeting with CXG, the Vice President indicated that Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat was supposed to present his recommendation to Cabinet, but at the time of the press conference, Jagdeo could not say whether this was done.

"[Vickram Bharrat] told me he did not get answers to the questions that we posed in a satisfactory manner, so I suspect his recommendation to the Cabinet will be not to continue to engage with CGX," the VP said.

Jagdeo had made it clear last month that the Government would not be played by CGX, which has submitted a Notice of Potential Commercial Interest in the Corentyne Block even as the company lags in completing

its Berbice Deep-Water Port (BDWP) project.

CGX and its majority joint venture partner, Frontera Energy Corporation, announced last month that a ‘Notice of Potential Commercial Interest’ had been submitted to the Guyana Government for the Wei-1 discovery, which preserves their interests in the Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana. However, this was seen as a last-ditch move by the joint venture partners to avoid having to relinquish the acreage in the Block.

The Vice President had pointed out that if the joint venture partners wanted to pursue a development offshore Guyana, then they needed to detail that project and prove financing prospects.

“Let me make it clear: CGX will not play the Government of Guyana. For a very long time, they’ve been jerking people’s string – maybe their investors’ - but no longer are we going to be tolerant of any ambiguity. If they are declaring commerciality now, they have to show in specific terms how they intend to de-

velop a project, and where the finances are. I shouldn’t be so blunt, but…we’ve given them time, as per the law, to do all they had to do. But this is the crunch time now,” the Vice President had stated.

In 2023, the joint venture partners successfully drilled the Wei-1 well, the second well in the Corentyne Block, as part of their appraisal programme for the Kawa-1 discovery, which ended on June 28, 2024. That drilling exercise fulfilled the operators’ obligation under Phase Two of the Second Renewal Period of the original 10-year licence.

Based on reports, however, if that notice is approved by the Government, it would allow the joint venture partners to have an appraisal period to conduct an assessment of the commercial viability of the discovery. If it is determined that there is commercial viability, this would be declared to the Government and pave the way for the operators to apply for a production licence before the appraisal period ends.

In their missive, the joint venture partners said they have the support from in-

vestment banks and capital markets experts Houlihan Lokey to continue to actively pursue strategic options to unlock the potential of the Corentyne Block.

VP Jagdeo told reporters at Thursday’s press conference that the Notice of Potential Commercial Interest from the joint venture partners would be taken to Cabinet next week for review. He added that Government plans to engage the operators on the plans for their Guyana operations.

Already CGX has had to give up two other blocks offshore Guyana, along with parts of the Corentyne Block, after failing to develop them as per its agreement with the Guyana Government.

The Vice President’s harsh position with the Canada-based company comes on the heels of the company delaying completion of the Berbice Deep-Water Port (BDWP) project that is being built off the Berbice River in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Previously, the Government had expressed concerns over the slow pace of the BWDP Project, and had made CGX relinquish the Demerara and Berbice exploration blocks offshore back to the State, so that the company could focus on operations in the Corentyne Block, where it has made significant oil discovery, as well as on the deep-water port facility.

Through its local subsidiary – the Grand Canal Industrial Estates (GCIE) - CGX had undertaken the construction of the US$130

million deep-water port in the Berbice River, which includes a wharf facility and a trestle, as well as a cargo terminal. The port facility is being constructed to support oil and gas activities offshore Guyana.

In an update back in March, the company had said cargo operations at the port were slated to start in the second quarter of 2024. However, in its quarterly highlights for the first three months of 2024, which was published on May 8, CGX reported that operationalisation has been shifted to the third quarter of this year.

This is not the first time this highly-touted project has faced delays, with CGX hoping to start operations in 2022. Over the past year and a half, the commencement timeline has been shifted on several occasions.

Being built on about 25 acres of land adjacent to Crab Island on the eastern bank of the Berbice River, and some 4.8 km from the Atlantic Ocean, the BDWP facility is intended to serve as an offshore supply base for the oil and gas industry, and as a multi-purpose terminal to service agricultural import/ export, containerised and specialised cargoes, including aggregates for construction purposes.

The BDW Project is also aimed at enabling the provisioning of oil operators and vendors in the territorial waters of both Guyana and Suriname.

GCIE had also previously reported that there were some minor setbacks with the project, due to revisions that were needed to the design of its wharf and trestle in the Berbice River.

The ongoing construction of the project

An artistic impression of the deep-water port

Still… …PNC rigging?

They say the past is never dead…it’s ain’t even past!! This was proven a couple of days ago when the PPP commemorated the murders of the Ballot Box Martyrs back on July 18, 1973. Almost 50 years later, there could’ve been even more folks killed when the PNC tried to rig the 2020 General Elections. If it weren’t for the presence of the ABCE ambassadors, more extreme measures would certainly have been taken by the PNC than the spreadsheets and (soiled) bedsheets deployed to fudge the count!!

The police commander at the Reg 4 GECOM centre had already been ordered to stand down!!

In 1968 – as was shown by a British Granada documentary – the elections were rigged through “cocking” the overseas votes. Even British horses voted!! In 1973 – commemorated as above - the ever-creative Burnham tried something new; he decided to count the votes of the entire country at Army HQ - Camp Ayanganna in GT. Getting wind of this, unarmed PPP party agents at No 63 Village insisted on accompanying the ballot boxes when the army descended to pick them up. Two were shot and martyred – Bholanath and Jagan. David Granger – then a Major - wrote the army and PNC’s take on the matter in his book “New Road”. He gloated that the “soldiers had performed SPLENDIDLY in the face of provocation”!! Imagine that!! He used the standard excuse –the soldiers were just following orders – to justify the army’s action – but never asked WHY orders to take the ballot boxes to Camp Ayanganna were given in the first place!! But then, that’s why Burnham had moulded an army in his imageafter firing the man the British had picked – Major Sattaur. Armed forces operate on the principle of “unity of command” within a rigid hierarchy. Meaning, that when the fella above you yells “Jump!!”, the most you dare ask is “How high?”!! This orientation has been ground into the army types like Granger for decades, and has become second nature. But in Guyana, this anti-democratic reflex has been augmented by the perspective of the man who “moulded” our Disciplined Forces after he became the leader in 1964 –Forbes Burnham.

Burnham didn’t beat around the bush…he declared openly - recorded in the GDF magazine Purple Beret – that he didn’t expect any “abstract loyalty” from the army, but a personal one wherein they swore fealty to him at PNC Congresses!! So, when those soldiers killed the Ballot Box Martyrs, they did so because they were indoctrinated with the principle of PNC uber alles – including Guyana!! It doesn’t get more anti-democratic than that, does it?

And guess who was in charge of inculcating this antidemocratic perspective in the army? Yep, David Granger!! The past is present!!

…a multipolar world

Even as the tensions are ratcheted up between Russia and the US in a Hot War over in the Ukraine theatre…and a new Cold War gets more and more brittle between China and the US, we can’t ignore the tensions between India and China!! Especially now that we’re getting our 15 minutes of fame because of EXXON finding 11 billion barrels of sweet crude oil off our shores! The point is that this world’s a whole new one – a developing multipolar world emerging out of the unipolar world after the USSR imploded in 1989!!!

China and India have been going at each other ever since they’d fought a short border war in 1962. It’s been on and off, with the latest “off” occurring in 2020 when over 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed in handto-hand fighting during a border clash that forced both sides to fortify positions and deploy large numbers of troops and equipment.

So, what to do?? There’s no neutrality with minnows like us.

…one Big Brother!

Even as we boast about the new interconnectivity of the world, we have just experienced its downside. A Microsoft affiliate company - Crowdstrike, a cybersecurity software firm – merely updated its software and brought down banks across the world!!

Govt offers 100 acres of land to UG, GSA students/graduates for farming – over 140 to benefit from

ground-breaking initiative

While Guyana has experienced exponential growth in its agriculture sector over the last four years, the demand for food in the poultry, aquaculture and cash crop sectors continues to rise. In response to this growing demand, Government has launched a new programme that would see 100 acres of land being offered to young people who have either completed studies or are currently pursuing studies at the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) to work on farmsteads and develop agri-based businesses.

The initiative, which would be spearheaded by the Agriculture Innovation Entrepreneurship

Programme in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), was announced on Friday by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission would also be a partner in this project, which would come on stream in six weeks time and would provide the opportunity for agriculture students to relocate to farms along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

In fact, Government is already in talks with commercial banks to develop financing options in regard to this project.

According to President Ali, it is envisioned that the students would cultivate crops such as breadfruit, co-

conut, and red beans sustainably, and be able to combat some of the effects of climate change.

So, we are targeting at least 500 farmsteads, and we are going to link the production from these 500 farmsteads to a market, so that we are doing it at scale Within 6 weeks, we are hoping to start that program, so some of you will also be deployed on that program, and this program will target the improvement of life for single mothers and single parents especially, so that they can have also an opportunity, the Head of State explained.

For the students who are not interested in relocating to the farmsteads, but are passionate about excel-

ling in the agriculture industry, President Ali has said this new initiative would also group students to work in the poultry and aquaculture in-

dustries. Specifically in poultry, the students can work in farms across the country, where they would gain

knowledge and be exposed to the tunnel house approach to poultry farming, which is known to triple production.

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging agriculture students at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)

A section of the gathering at NAREI on Friday

FML, CAPA training 30 in climate-smart agriculture

Some 30 farmers and agriculture students from across Guyana have recently benefitted from training in various climate-smart agriculture techniques and technologies.

This was made possible through a collaboration between Farfan & Mendes Limited (FML) and USAID-funded Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), with support com-

training aligned with FML's sustainability goals and interest in furthering climate-smart agriculture, as well as CAPA's objectives of improving the productivity and marketability of smallholder farmers.

The programme covered essential topics, such as climate-smart agriculture and its numerous benefits, greenhouse and shade house technologies and their management, effective irrigation

ing from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute and the Guyana School of Agriculture.

Trained

The primary goals of the session were to train farmers in best practices, and introduce new technologies to increase production and productivity. Facilitated by the Agriculture Business Development Officer at Farfan and Mendes, Latchman Bissoondyal, the

systems, pest and disease management, and the importance of record-keeping.

Participants also delved into micro-farming and precision agriculture technologies. These sessions equipped the farmers and students with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, supporting national goals of improved agriculture for economic prosperity and food security.

Participants during in-class training

The participants during one of the training sessions

Time to move from developmental stage to production – VP Jagdeo tells Omai

The Government of Guyana believes that Omai Gold Mines Limited (OMGL), operating in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), has been in the developmental stage for an extended period, and needs to move on to production.

“Omai Gold Mines has been in the development stage for a very, very long time, and we would like to see people moving from proving reserves to actually producing gold,” Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said during his weekly press conference on Thursday.

Omai is a past-producing gold mine that was opened in 1992, and produced approximately 3.7 million

ounces of gold, making it the largest gold mine in South America at the time. The project closed in 2006 due to financial constraints and low gold prices. The operator returned in 2020 when the gold price was over US$1,900 per ounce, and in April 2024, the company announced the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).

The PEA supports an initial open pit mining scenario for production of 1.84 million ounces, averaging 142,000 ounces of gold per year over a 13-year mine life, with peak year production of 184,000 ounces.

The Vice President explained that only after a

company begins production does the Government begin collecting royalties and taxes. “Some people actually sit on companies forever, and they raise funds

to prove reserves and they keep announcing how many ounces of gold are in reserve there without getting into the real production, and it is only in the production stage

that the Government gets its share of royalty and taxes, because the large-scale mines got to pay both the royalty and taxes,” he explained.

Asked whether the company was given a timeframe to commence production, he responded in the negative, noting that “there is no timeframe for the development of the mines.”

In February 2024, the company announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate of 2 million ounces of gold.

“Our new discoveries are along strike, on the flanks, and beneath the past producing gold deposits, with the mineralisation open in

all directions for further possible expansion. This substantial new resource, combined with the many benefits of a brownfields project, is proving that Omai has the potential to rival its historical status as a largescale mine,” the company declared on its website.

For 2024, the Omai team said, it is prioritising drilling to demonstrate the further expansion potential of the new Wenot deposit, drilling on key near-surface high-grade exploration targets, and continuing baseline and engineering studies to determine a path forward towards a development plan for the project.

Omai Gold Mines

Meadow Brook man arraigned with murder of sex worker

– 2nd suspect to make court appearance on Monday

Although police have instituted murder charges against two men for the execution-style killing of 28-year-old Simon Shawn Anthony, only one of those defendants appeared in court on Friday.

Thirty-one-year-old Akeem Gorgan Fraser, of Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer a charge detailing that on July 11, 2024, at South Road, Georgetown, he murdered Simon Shawn Anthony. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. His accomplice, 23-yearold Shaggy Mohamed of East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, is currently on remand for armed robbery. Guyana Times understands that both Fraser and Mohamed are expected to return to court on

Monday to answer the joint charge of murder.

Mohamed has been charged with robbing Alison Suelock of US$400 and one shoulder bag valued at $10,000 on March 25, 2024 at Block ‘M’ Lamaha Springs, Georgetown.

RECAP

Simon Shawn Anthony, also called “Coil Bottle”, was gunned down at about 2:00h on July 11, 2024 at the corner of South Road and King Street, Georgetown by an occupant of a heavily tinted dark grey motor car.

At the time of the fatal shooting, the victim was in the company of other sex workers.

On Thursday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that seven of the spent shells found at the scene had matched those

fired from a P80 9mm pistol, while another four had been fired from an Elite Britain 9mm pistol.

He added that during initial interrogation, one of the suspects told detectives that his accomplice was the lone shooter, but following the recovery of the two types of bullets at the crime scene, investigators are working on the theory that two persons might have been involved in the shooting incident.

In addition, another suspect, during interrogation, reportedly stated that before the killing, he took the two guns in a food box and handed them over to one of his accomplices at a popular bar along South Road.

The motive for the shooting is still unknown, but from all indications, the suspects might have known the victim.

Telsa boss Elon Musk to explore opportunities in Guyana

resident Dr

PAli on Friday held virtual discussions with the founder of Space X and Tesla, tech giant Elon Musk.

A post on the President’s FB page has said “Discussions focused on the advancement of Guyana’s economy, particularly in the areas of innovation and technology, and the opportunities that exist in the respective sectors.”

Musk, according to Ali’s social media page, congratulated the President on the impressive rate of progress and development in Guyana. “He said that his team will examine any potential opportunities.”

Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia NadirSharma, was also part of the meeting.

Tesla Inc. is an American

multinational automotive and clean energy company headquartered in Austin, Texas. It designs, manufactures and sells battery electric vehicles (BEVs), stationary battery energy storage devices from home to gridscale, solar panels and solar shingles, and related products and services.

In 2008, the company began production of its first car model, the Roadster sports car, followed by the Model S sedan in 2012, the Model X SUV in 2015, and the latest Cybertruck pickup truck in 2023. Guyana has been promoting the development of e-mobility, demonstrating potential business opportunities in the electric mobility industry, and signalling the market’s readiness for an electric mobility future.

More so, in keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, the Government of Guyana aims to foster the development of an electric vehicle industry to substitute fossil fuels with electricity. The key to this transition lies in developing a robust infrastructure that can locally support electric vehicle charging.

In support of this policy objective, charging stations have been installed at Amazonia Mall in Providence, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, the Giftland Mall on the East Coast of Demerara, Little Rock Suites in New Amsterdam, S&R Parking Lot in Parika, and outside of the GEA’s Office on Quamina Street, Georgetown.

Charged: Akeem Gorgan Fraser

On remand: Shaggy Mohamed Murdered: Simon Shawn Anthony

President Ali in discussion with Tesla boss Elon Musk

Irfaan

GCCI urges restrictions on importation of sirens, flashing lights

Days after the Traffic Chief (ag), Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, had initiated a rigorous crackdown on the unauthorised use of sirens and “doom lights” by private vehicle owners, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has thrown its firm support behind the campaign.

Guyana Police Force, and ambulances. However, there has been an increase in private vehicles bearing these devices for bypassing areas with congested traffic.

“These actions are not only illegal, but pose a risk to road users, as they can confuse; and use of same by drivers not trained in defensive driving can result in accidents,” the GCCI has said.

practices.

“Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort addressing access to these items. As such, conditionalities must be placed on their importation. The GCCI is therefore urging the Customs Authority to place restrictions on the import of lights and sirens, limiting access strictly to the agencies authorised to use same.”

Clifton Hicken reported decreases in various types of accidents. Fatal accidents dropped from 68 in 2023 to 50 in 2024, marking a 26% reduction.

Singh had related that this initiative is a significant step in ongoing efforts to maintain law and order on the nation’s roads. He said that only fire, police, and ambulance vehicles are authorised to use sirens and flashing lights.

The GCCI, in a release

on Friday, stated that emergency lights and sirens are prescribed for use by the Guyana Fire Service, the

With the growing number of road fatalities in Guyana, the GCCI has said, it applauds the measures being taken by the Traffic Department to curb these

The GCCI further emphasised the importance of responsible use of the roadways by all motorists and pedestrians.

Recently, Top Cop

Deaths resulting from these accidents decreased from 78 in 2023 to 60 in 2024, a reduction of 23%. Serious accidents fell from 176 in 2023 to 158 in 2024, a 10% decrease, while minor accidents declined from 223 in 2023 to 211 in 2024, showing a 5% reduction. The number of damage accidents also saw a decrease from 420 in 2023 to 398 in 2024.

Republic Bank to host “Make Home and Vehicle Ownership Happen” event today

Republic Bank Limited would be hosting its “Make Home and Vehicle Ownership Happen” event today at the MovieTowne Mall parking lot from 9:00h to 14:00h.

This event is part of the RBL “Make Everything Happen” campaign, which runs until September 27, 2024 and aims to meet all of the bank’s customer needs, from vehicle purchases and education financing to mortgages, home repairs, and even travel.

“Our vision extends beyond just personal financ -

ing; as such, we’ve integrated a business component into this campaign, where entrepreneurs can explore options to fuel business expansion and success,” the bank has said in a media release.

The “Make Home and Vehicle Ownership Happen” event offers a unique experience, where new and existing customers can engage directly with banking experts, auto dealers, insurance agents, and real estate professionals all in one location. This interactive environment further supports and empowers

customers to make well-informed financial decisions that align with their longterm goals.

To reinforce its commitment to offering affordable financing options during this campaign, Republic Bank would offer attractive terms, including low to no equity requirements, reduced interest rates, and extended payback periods.

“We encourage everyone to join us at the "Make Home and Vehicle Ownership Happen" event, whether you're looking to purchase a new car, your first home, or expand your

business, Republic Bank is ready to support your journey. Discover how Republic

Bank can help turn your dreams into reality; we’re not just making promises, we’re here to make everything happen,” the statement added.

Pensioner strangled to death during home invasion

By: La’Wanda McaLLister

Apensioner was reportedly strangled to death during an apparent home invasion at Phase Two Hope Plantain Estate, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday.

The dead man has been identified as 72-year-old Michael Soomair who was last seen alive on Thursday evening at about 22:00h. The victim’s grandson lived in the upper flat of the house while he resided in the bottom flat.

The man’s daughter, Nalinie Chowbay told the Guyana Times on Friday that the man’s grandson also cares for his bedridden grandmother who lives in Unity Mahaica, ECD.

“In May he [Soomair] had two massive heart attacks and he was on a life machine, but he came back and made it out. He was home and all of that. He was living upstairs, but because

of the heart attack and him having to climb the stairs, we moved him downstairs… on the day he was found he was supposed to go to a doctor’s appointment. So, when the grandson came home, he told him that he heard something knock at the side of the house and he went to check but he didn’t see anything, so he went to tell the neighbour at the front of the

house,” Chowbay said.

“His grandson left and went to stay with the grandmother in Unity… before he left, he told his grandson to come pick him up at seven in the morning to go to the doctor.”

The woman said her nephew went home just after seven in the morning and noticed that the door to his grandfather's apartment was locked. At that time, he assumed that his grandfather went to the doctor alone.

“They said that he come home, he bathed and he dressed and he said he was going to go to work since his grandfather went to the doctor. While they were coming down back the stairs his wife realized that the padlock was not on the door to his grandfather’s apartment. She turned and told my nephew that his grandfather didn’t go anywhere, he was right in the house. They knocked at the door

Gold Smuggling ring at CJIA

4 slapped with money laundering charges

Four persons who had previously been charged and placed on bail for gold smuggling have been arraigned on money laundering charges instituted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Saffee Ahmad, called 'Chillo', 58; Shameena Ahamad, 52; and Ashiana Salamalay, 33, all of Roraima Scheme at Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD); and Ian Jacobis, 44, of Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara (WCD), were on Friday arraigned before Diamond Magistrate Sunil Scarce, charged separately with the offence of money laundering. These defendants were, however, not required to plead to the indictment, and they have each been placed on bail in the sum of $500,000, with the condition that Saffee Ahmad report to SOCU on the last Friday of every month until the deter-

mination of his matter. These matters have been adjourned to 30th July, 2024.

RECAP

It has been reported that, on June 3, 2024, Customs Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) who were on duty

at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri seized several pieces of gold jewellery from Shameena Ahmad and Ashiana Salamalay (both of whom are US citizens), and Ian Jacobis after they were attempting to leave Guyana on an outbound American Airlines flight for New York.

The seizure was made after Shameena Ahmad, Ashiana Salamaly and Ian Jacobs attempted to smuggle approximately 240 ounces of raw gold disguised as silver-plated jewellery without having the necessary permits and making the necessary declarations to Customs officials.

The gold has been valued at over US$560,000 (G$117,001,604).

A parallel money laundering investigation was conducted by SOCU, and it resulted in the four accused being charged.

but didn’t get any answer,” the dead man’s daughter said.

Chowbay further related that the grandson and his fiancée decided to go to the side of the house where there is a window to his grandfather’s room. At that time, they realized that some of the louver panes were missing.

“They saw four windows were gone. When they looked through the window, they saw him lying face down in the living room and the door was locked from inside. It looked as though the person or persons who went there, went in and come back out through the window,” the aggrieved daughter stated.

The police were imme-

diately summoned, and upon arriving on the scene, Soomair’s lifeless body was found with his hands bound with a rope, his face down in a pillow, and a sheet over his head. His house was also ransacked with his smart television, which was not working, and some of his pension money that he had collected missing.

The family also related that the person or persons who entered the house also rested a sofa on the man’s head to possibly prevent him from getting up.

“The side of the window where they went in from, is wet due to the rain so it has mud and all of that. You can see the footprint and everything, but the front to come out to the gate is con-

crete and if they had walked there, you would have seen footprints and mud… but, it appears as though they came from the back of the house.”

“That same night, about three other homes in the area were robbed and his house was the fourth one… he maybe could not get up because of his heart issue”.

The woman said she believes that her father knew the person who went to rob him, and that is why they killed him. The family said they are shocked by Soomair’s sudden and brutal passing and are hoping that the perpetrator or perpetrators responsible for his death are found soon so that they can feel the full brunt of the law.

Chinese national suspected to be part of gold smuggling ring charged with overstaying in Guyana

Zhong Jin Ziang, a 34-year-old customer service representative, was on Thursday charged with the offence of ‘Overstaying of Person in Guyana’.

She was arrested on Monday during an investigation into a major money laundering and gold smuggling operation in Guyana, and appeared before Grove/ Diamond Magistrate Judy Latchman, before whom she pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her.

She has been placed on bail in the sum of $60,000, and the matter has been transferred to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for calling on August 14, 2024.

The charge stemmed from an investigation ongoing by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into money laundering and gold smuggling operations within and outside of Guyana. This allegation involves Chinese nationals.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Ziang entered Guyana from Suriname on September 7, 2023, and on her arrival at the Eugene F. Correia

International Airport at Ogle, she was issued a visitor’s visa and granted a onemonth stay in the country. However, she started working at a Travel Service in Georgetown, thereby overstaying her time in the country.

The Special Organised Crime Unit are continuing their Investigations into the money laundering and gold smuggling operations. This charge comes more than a week after three Chinese nationals were arrested during an inter-agency intelligence operation at a city hotel. That operation led to the seizure of $39

million and one unlicensed 9mm pistol with 15 rounds of matching ammunition. According to the police, the suspects (two males and one female) were part of a transnational criminal group involved in gold smuggling and other illegal activities.

The female suspect, Ying Xin Su, has since been charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm. She appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The 30-year-old travel agent has been remanded to prison, and the case will continue on July 22.

Dead: Michael Soomair

Charged: Zhong Jin Ziang

Charged: Saffee Ahmad

Charged: Ian Jacobis

Charged: Shameena Ahamad

Charged: Ashiana Salamalay

Head of St Lucia Distillers

re-elected Chair of WIRSPA

Head of St Lucia Distillers, Margaret Monplaisir was re-elected as Chair of the umbrella body of Caribbean Rum Producers at their recently-held Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Barbados.

Monplaisir has been the Chairperson over the past year and spearheaded the project for producers to develop a series of commemorative products to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Caricom.

Thirteen producers in the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA), from virtually all rum-producing Caricom Member States, released specially-developed 50th Anniversary rum blends to celebrate the Caribbean Community’s achievements over the past 50 years. The contribution from the rum industry is part of activities wrapping up the year-long celebrations of Caricom’s 50th anniversary. These products highlight the remarkable diversity of Caribbean rum through the common theme of the Region’s accomplishments over the past 50 years. Several of the special edition rums are unique blends exclusive to

this occasion and will be available only in limited quantities.

A key focus of the meeting was also on promoting responsible drinking and reducing alcohol abuse. The producers discussed how best to support national efforts and enhance their initiatives on this critical area of concern. They also met with international stakeholders to evaluate and agree on best practices.

Additionally, producers exchanged views with Caricom Assistant

Secretary General, Ambassador Wayne McCook and other senior officials on ensuring strong origin rules in trade agreements, market developments, and Geographical Indications (GI) negotiations with the European Union (EU), and strategies for opening new non-traditional markets for Caribbean rum.

Ambassador McCook congratulated the industry, noting that there were lessons to learn from an industry that has shown formidable resilience and in-

11-Y-O dies after being dragged by horse in Reg 9

An 11-year-old child of Hiowa Village in Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) died on Thursday after falling off a horse.

Dead is Cansius Constance, who had been a student of the Hiowa Primary School. Reports are that he had been riding a horse with a rope but without a saddle when he fell off the animal. His foot became entangled in the rope and, as such, he was dragged by the horse for about 500 metres through the savannah.

His 18-year-old sister went to his assistance, but discovered him motionless. A doctor was immediately called into the area, but the boy was already dead. Police have observed on his body multiple bruises which are consistent with being dragged, as claimed.

Statements have been taken, and the body has been transported to the Lethem Hospital mortuary for an autopsy.

Time to move from developmental stage to production...

Currently, mineral agreements entered before the grant of mining licences or commencement of operations offer zero rating on all customs duties, VAT, and excise taxes on the purchase and importation of all equipment supplies, consumables, and spares to be used directly in mining operations.

Those agreements also offers exemption from all excise tax on fuel used in mining operations, 10% rating on consumption tax for aviation fuel, consignment of the incentives to contractors of the company, zero rating on VAT for payments to certain contractors such

FROM PAGE 11

as drilling or mining contractors, offset of the cost of certain infrastructural works of general benefit to Guyana against the mineral royalty, and exemption from withholding taxes on dividends and interest payments to the parent company or other offshore entities, among other benefits.

novation in an extremely competitive field. According to McCook, “the rum industry has advanced in the face of global headwinds which have laid waste other legacy industries and sectors that did not adapt and innovate – finding opportunity in adversity!”

Thanking producers for their continued confidence in her leadership of the grouping, Chair Monplaisir reflected that the relief ef -

forts supported by the industry and the honouring of the Caricom 50th anniversary were evidence of the value of working together and thanked those producers who had contributed.

Monplaisir said, “We are lucky that the industry escaped any significant damage owing to Hurricane Beryl in the Eastern Caribbean and Jamaica; at the same time however, we recognise the impact on staff and the communities

in which we operate. As a result, we spent some time discussing our individual contribution to national and regional relief efforts.”

Producers also honoured N Rhett Harris, an icon of Caribbean rum in Barbados. Harris worked in the local rum industry for 35 years, and over the past decade, he has continued to provide invaluable support to WIRSPA member distilleries across the Caribbean, and internationally.

Govt offers 100 acres of...

When you look at the numbers, what are the tunnel house with 35,000 chickens? It becomes very competitive and very profitable And this is something, I think, that is a model for us here in Guyana, that we can share with the rest of the world, he explained.

We have, for example, I said the opportunity of expanding our poultry production, because the growth in demand for poultry products is exceeding our production quite often, Dr. Ali noted.

The Head of State added that a similar approach would be taken in the aquaculture industry in order to increase the production of prawns and brackish water

shrimp, among other things. The Guyanese Leader noted that while the move would play a crucial role in aiding the country s goal to achieve vision 25 by 2025 , under his government, more emphasis is being placed on motivating students to become agri-business entrepreneurs. So (the programme is) to do three things: One, bring your theory into practice, transfer the theory into results, allow you to earn and build capital formation. Then we are going to help you with the banks also, so that we can create entrepreneurs and agribusinesses. That is what we want, we want to lift you to a higher level And in bring-

ing young people and women into agriculture and bringing innovation and resilience, we still have to be competitive and viable. So, we are working, we have been working on several programmes through which we increase yield, increase productivity, diversify our cropping system, expand our production base, and introduce new forms of crops; all aimed at improving our competitiveness and expanding our market share, while at the same time reducing our imports. And this is important, President Ali added.

The expanded programme aims to empower youths to own their agri-businesses and create other avenues to earn capital.

WIRSPA Chair Margaret Monplaisir, with WIRSPA Chief Executive Officer Vaughn Renwick, and Ambassador Wayne McCook

WIRSPA Office Manager Carolann John presenting N Rhett Harris with his award

The body of the child after being dragged by the horse

An example of a farmstead

UK trade with Guyana tripled since 2022 – Ali

…says major projects being financed by UK

The trade of goods and services between Guyana and the United Kingdom has tripled since 2022, with the UK currently regarded as the largest funder of projects in the country.

This information was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali following his keynote address during the official birth anniversary celebrations of King Charles

III at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Guyana.

According to President Ali, this is the first time in Guyana’s history that most of the ongoing projects are being funded by the UK.

“We have seen the progression in our Private Sector partnership, which has contributed over £1.8 billion total in goods and services between the two countries in 2023… the transformative projects that are in the pipeline and those that are being conceptualised are done so with UK financing and UK support,” Ali said.

On this point, President Ali further revealed that the UK and Guyana were currently working together to enhance the Stabroek area.

Reg 9 farmers suffer heavy losses as flooding persist in several areas

Several farmers from the Rupununi area, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have suffered heavy losses as the rainy season continues.

This was revealed by Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock during a recent interview with Guyana Times on Friday. Allicock explained that farmers had already suffered major losses due to a prolonged dry season which destroyed most of the crops.

These farmers, he noted, were in the process of replanting when the rainy season stepped in, and again, their crops were destroyed.

“We are trying to bring in food aid for the farmers, because they lost everything during the dry season and

currently in the region assessing the situation.

Moreover, he highlighted that as heavy downpours continue in the region, several trails are currently submerged, halting the move-

now that they have planted back, the water come and carry most of it away.”

On this point, Allicock highlighted that the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has deployed a team that is

ment of traffic in the area.

“The rain is falling every day and sometimes two hours in a stretch we get very heavy downpours, but only certain areas are being flooded. It comes (the rain) to wash away the road and go;

“As I speak to you, we have a working group between Guyana and the King's Foundation working on a project that is called the ‘Redevelopment of the Stabroek area” and an urbanisation project that fits into the beatification of our country.”

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller lauded the growth in Private Sector and Government-toGovernment partnerships between the two nations. In fact, she noted that goods and services between Guyana and the UK tripled since 2022.

“In 2023, the total trade of goods and services between the UK and Guyana amounted to £1.8 billion and that’s an increase of 51 per cent compared to 2022; this is tripling over the last three years,” the High Commissioner said.

Additionally, she highlighted various collabo-

that’s how the weather is operating,” he stated.

The Perimico Junction in Yakarinta was completely submerged thus halting traffic.

The Regional Chairman stated that the effects of the washed-out roads and trails of the most important thoroughfares in the region have resulted in an inflation crisis.

“The cost of basic items has gone up, because getting goods into the area is a hassle,” he stated.

He noted that the region was working with other stakeholders to bring some relief to the farmers who daily are crying out for assistance.

Back in June, the water level had forced residents to move to higher ground. Some of the areas that were mostly affected were Potarinau, South Central Rupununi, Aishalton, Parishara and Nappi Village.

In addition to these villages, several bridges and roads were not accessible to vehicular traffic. One such bridge was the Iwokrama Reserve, approximately 15 minutes away from the Kurupukari Crossing. In addition, the Pirara to Lethem Road was completely washed away, leaving scores of passengers stranded on both sides.

rations between the two nations which reaped significant rewards.

“It would be remiss of me not to mention the amazing collaboration that the UK has had with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the Private Sector Commission… these associations continue to be key partners in facilitating dialogue and partnership to promote cooperation between British and Guyanese companies.”

Trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Guyana was £1.8 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2023, an increase of 51.2 per cent or £620 million in current prices from the four quarters to the end of Q4 2022.

In the four quarters to the end of Q4 2023, total UK exports to Guyana amounted to £1.4 billion (an increase of 171.3 per cent or £867 mil-

lion in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q4 2022).

Of all UK exports to Guyana in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2023, £150 million (10.9 per cent) were goods and £1.2 billion (89.1 per cent) were services.

This means the UK reported a total trade surplus of £916 million with Guyana, compared to a trade deficit of £198 million in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2022. In the four quarters to the end of Q4 2023, the UK had a tradein goods deficit of £271 million with Guyana, compared to a trade-in goods deficit of £564 million in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2022. Meanwhile, in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2023, the UK reported a trade-in services surplus of £1.2 billion with Guyana, compared to a trade-in services surplus of £366 million in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2022.

Rupununi farmer stabbed to death during row over stolen cattle

Forty-year-old

Chardson Ernest of Fly Hill, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was on Thursday stabbed to death during an argument with an uncle over stolen cattle.

Based on reports received, the late Ernest, the 47-year-old suspect, and other relatives were consuming alcohol on Wednesday evening at a street corner some 50 metres away from their

home. However, Ernest left for home, leaving the others behind.

At about 2:00h on Thursday, a heated argument erupted between Ernest and the other two men (brothers) over an accusation that he had stolen their cattle. By 2:30h, Ernest reportedly returned home, and was last seen alive sitting on a bench outside.

Ernest’s nephew was awakened at about 3:30h by

Ernest’s cries for help. Rushing outside, the nephew found him lying on the ground while the suspect was seen fleeing the scene with a knife in his hands. The nephew reportedly went after the suspect and managed to take the murder weapon away from him. The suspect nevertheless still managed to escape.

Ernest’s body was taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital mortuary to await a post-mortem examination.

The area where the murder occurred

The flooded Perimico junction in Yakarinta, Region Nine

Region Nine Chairman Bryan Allicock

President Dr Irfaan Ali

$400M Paruima airstrip operational – Edghill

…calls out AFC Leader over false claims

The $400 million airstrip in Paruima, Upper Mazaruni District, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which was commissioned in April 2024 is operational.

This was confirmed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Friday following claims by the newly-elected Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes that this was not the case.

During the party’s weekly press briefing, Hughes told the media that the airstrip was closed and the residents were forced to resort to lengthy boat journeys to neighbouring villages to access essential services.

nothing can land because it is dangerous.

The AFC Leader and Attorney-at-Law stated, “It’s very unfortunate that

He also claimed that residents have no access to air travel heading to Georgetown and urged the Government to address the situation immediately.

after spending $400 million on the airstrip at Paruima, one plane came in, stock on its runway and the airstrip has been closed since… now

"Outlaw" gets 15 years for abducting, assaulting ex-girlfriend

Aman who had previously violated a restraining order from his ex-girlfriend and had been jailed twice for doing so was on Friday jailed for 15 years for abducting her.

Junior Fortune, called ‘Outlaw’ of Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam, Berbice, was charged with abducting Onica Crawford in December 2022. He was also indicted for assaulting the woman with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; or to maim, disfigure, or disable her.

Fortune did not wait for a jury to hear the evidence in the Berbice High Court, but opted to plead guilty before Justice Somone MorrisRamlall and was slapped with a 15-year sentence.

The incident occurred on December 27, 2022. After being injured, Crawford was locked in her Angoy’s Avenue house in an unconscious state and was left for dead.

State prosecutor Cicelia Corbin told the court that Crawford had severed the re-

lationship and had taken out a restraining order against Fortune. The order banning Fortune from going within 50 feet of Crawford was made in November 2022 and is valid for five years.

However, Fortune breached the order and was slapped with a four-month sentence.

Crawford had moved on with her life, and was at a friend’s house on Boxing Day in 2022 when Fortune, armed with a knife, kicked down the door and abducted Crawford.

The woman was also choked, resulting in her being hospitalised for two weeks.

The act was considered a breach of the restraining order, and Fortune was given an 8-month sentence for that.

However, in January of this year, Fortune filed for a restraining order against Crawford, but the court did not grant it.

Before the court passed the sentence on Fortune,

the prosecutor read an impact report from the victim.

The prosecutor told the court that after Fortune had been released from prison a second time, Crawford had had to move from her home and live like a fugitive so that he could not find her.

Crawford spoke about the trauma she had suffered, making specific mention of numerous sleepless nights.

The court was told that several months after the incident, when Crawford was able to move around and was supervising the cleaning of her yard, she discovered that the entire top portion of her septic tank had been chiseled open, and she was of the belief that Fortune had been planning to dispose of her body when the incident occurred.

Justice Morris-Ramlall imposed the maximum sentence allowed; five years for abducting Crawford, and a further 10 years for causing grievous bodily harm. The sentences are to run concurrently.

“We believe that since the Government has such good intentions for the people of Paruima, they should, first of all, commence legal proceedings against the contractor, because clearly he has not delivered an airstrip,” Hughes added.

In an invited comment from the subject minister, he explained that the Paruima airstrip was never closed, however, its structure did suffer minor damage during the May-June rainy season. He said the contractor has already been engaged and works were ongoing by way of provisions made “under the defect liability period of which the contractor must pay the cost” for repairs.

“It was just water lodging in specific areas on the airstrip, which meant we didn't have an even flow and runoff because the airstrip can't have water in it. When rain falls, it wasn't supposed to run in a tapered manner off… However, the contractor is addressing it under the defects liability period. So, the airstrip is operational,” Edghill explained.

Edghill called out the AFC Leader for publicly spreading misinformation.

“The airstrip is only deemed not operational when the GCAA (Guyana Civil Aviation Authority) and the ministry closes it because of some problem that the planes can't land and take off. Mr Hughes is a politician that is looking for

some amount of relevance and if he would like to be a politician that is looking for relevance, at least at minimum, he must get the facts,” the Minister said.

The Paruima airstrip was constructed by International Import & Supplies.

The robust piece of infrastructure, which was once a mere grass patch, now stands as a concrete structure, capable of accommodating the frequent movement of passengers and goods and services.

At the commissioning ceremony earlier in the year, Minister Edghill disclosed that villagers would be contracted to undertake maintenance works on the airstrip, ensuring its longterm sustainability.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Newly-elected Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes

The $400 million Paruima airstrip

Jailed: Junior Fortune, called "Outlaw" Onica Crawford

Brazil secures deal for G20 consensus documents ahead of Rio meetings, official says

Brazil has reached agreement for consensus documents to be approved at the G20 finance meetings scheduled for next week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's Ambassador at the G20, Mauricio Lyrio, said on Friday.

Finance leaders from the world's largest economies failed in February to issue a joint statement amid a lack of consensus on geopolitical issues, despite Brazil's efforts to focus on a short text aligning with its priorities of addressing inequality, poverty, and climate change.

"We will no longer require the inclusion of geopolitical language in ministerial documents," said Lyrio, emphasising that the agreement was endorsed by all G20 members.

(Reuters/Ricardo

According to Lyrio, for each consensus statement produced by the G20 countries, the Brazilian G20 presidency will issue a separate document that will deal with geopolitical issues.

Lyrio, Brazil's sherpa at the G20, had said this month that G20 diplomats had agreed to avoid prickly geopolitical issues during their ministerial meetings, preparing for a summit in November.

Last year, the G20 summit in New Delhi ended with a leaders declaration that avoided condemning Russia for its war in Ukraine, although it highlighted the suffering the conflict had caused and called on all States not to use force to seize territory (Reuters)

Normal operations resume at 23 of 26 J’ca hospitals impacted by Hurricane Beryl— Tufton

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, says normal operations have resumed at 23 of 26 hospitals that were affected during Hurricane Beryl’s passage on July 3.

He said the remaining three hospitals – Black River, Noel Holmes and Falmouth General – are still operating in emergency mode, adding “we are taking all the necessary action to get those back up as quickly as possible”.

Dr Tufton provided the update during a press conference at the Ministry’s

head office in New Kingston on Thursday.

He said approximately 82 or 23 per cent of all health facilities sustained major damage, which were structural issues impacting the institutions’ normal operations.

The minister noted that 41 per cent of the damage sustained by health facilities are related to roofing, “which led to water intrusion within [buildings] and, of course, [contributed] to damage to a number of internals”.

Dr Tufton said windows, doors and electrical

supplies were also identified among the areas impacted.

He indicated that 76 per cent of the total cost for rehabilitating systems impacted was derived from assessments of facilities in Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth, which fall under the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), and Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny, which are overseen by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA).

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Democracy remains at risk in Guatemala, says UN human rights chief

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said on Friday that democracy in Guatemala "remains in danger”, despite election winner Bernardo Arevalo assuming the presidency this year after a post-electoral crisis.

Guatemala had in 2023 one of the most tense electoral processes in its recent history, after the Prosecutor's Office tried to invalidate the election's results and prevent Arevalo from being sworn in as President.

"A human-rights advo-

cate I met with told me: 'Democracy is still in danger. We must do whatever is necessary to change the status quo' and I totally agree with this assessment," Turk said at a press conference in Guatemala City, concluding a visit to the country.

During his visit this week, Turk met with Arevalo, civil-rights representatives, Indigenous leaders and businessmen, and stated that for him it was a "priority" to support the country's efforts to strengthen the democratic system.

"For a State to func-

ODPM helping in posthurricane operations

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) has said it is working with its stakeholders to ensure critical support is provided to Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines following the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl there on July 1.

In a statement on July 19, the ODPM said it has deployed two-person team to Carriacou and Petit Martinique as members of the Caricom Operational Support Team (COST) of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), to assist in recovery operations in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

"Over the past two weeks, this team has been working tirelessly to assist the islands return to normalcy."

The ODPM said the pe-

riod of deployment of these persons will end soon.

"They will be

by

Public servants get July 31 deadline to sign on to new Revenue Authority

Public servants at the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) and the Customs and Excise Division (CED) will have to decide whether they wish to join the T&T Revenue Authority (TTRA) while the Privy Council weighs in on the final appeal over its operationalisation.

After hearing submissions on the substantive appeal at the United Kingdom Supreme Court Building in London, England, five Law Lords were asked by lawyers representing the Public Services Association (PSA) to consider a stay of a July 31 deadline given by the Ministry of Finance for the workers to decide their future employment position.

The undertaking given by the Ministry is that the workers will not be immediately placed based on their decisions, until the appeal is determined when the new law term opens at the beginning of October.

In making the application, Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, who represented the PSA, noted that there was a difference of opinion over a stay granted by the Court of Appeal after his client’s appeal was rejected on June 4. He noted that while the parties initially believed that the operationalisation was stayed, it was subsequently revealed that the Appeal Court’s stay was related to its decision to dismiss the appeal.

“By asking them to pick

an option, it does place public officers in an unenviable position,” Ramlogan said, as he called on the panel to preserve the status quo. Ramlogan’s concerns were rejected by Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, who led the legal team for the authority and the Office of the Attorney General.

UK Supreme Court president Lord Robert Reed, who led the panel, said that he and his colleagues were content with the undertaking.

In a press release issued yesterday evening, the PSA indicated that it was satisfied that the undertaking would protect its members and advised affected workers to comply. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Anti-gang laws way to go, says Thorne

Otion, the three powers must work in consonance. And for now, that is not happening. The polarisation between the institutional bodies is enormous," he added, amid strong clashes between the executive, legislative and judicial powers in the country.

Since taking office in January, Arevalo has lost several battles in Congress, where he only has support from 23 of 160 seats, failing to pass several laws, such as one to expand the national budget and others to declare rain emergencies. (Reuters)

pposition Leader Ralph Thorne has called on Government to introduce anti-gang legislation in response to the surge in homicides across Barbados.

He criticised the Government’s handling of crime, particularly the failure to enact measures that he said other Caribbean nations had successfully implemented.

“I want to give another solution to the Government. If they want leadership on the issue, anti-gang legislation. The other countries have done it,” he said, placing the blame for the lack of movement in this direction at the feet of Attorney General Dale Marshall.

“It is known in this coun-

try that a lot of the crime is localised within gang activity. The logical thing to do is what Jamaica did, what Trinidad did – anti-gang legislation,” he said during

Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, Secretary of Economic and Financial Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sherpa of the G20 of Brazil, talks during a news conference ahead of the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, February 20, 2024

Moraes photo)

a press conference at the Opposition Leader’s Office on Hincks Street, The City, on Thursday. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Barbados Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne (file photo)

replaced

Lt Col Jason Hills of the TT Defence

Force (TTDF) and Carisse Thompson of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)." (Trinidad Newsday)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

US FTC probes Hess, Occidental execs over OPEC communication, Bloomberg reports

The US Federal Trade Commission is probing executives from major oil firms, including Hess Corp, Occidental and Diamondback Energy over their communications with Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) officials, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

All three companies are pursuing multi-billion dollar deals which are currently under FTC review.

The current investigation of communication with OPEC officials is part of the US antitrust regulator's review, the report said, adding that investigators are looking for evidence of collusion over oil market dynamics.

Earlier this year, FTC barred former Pioneer Natural Resources CEO Scott Sheffield from Exxon's Board on allegations that he attempted to collude with OPEC to raise oil prices.

The FTC made the move as it approved Exxon's US$60 billion purchase of Pioneer.

Hess, in an emailed statement, said the allegations of improper communications were "baseless and without merit".

Occidental, Diamondback and the FTC did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Last month, the US Senate budget committee launched a probe of domestic oil producers, including Exxon and Chevron about any efforts to illegally coordinate oil prices with the OPEC. (Reuters)

Democratic calls mount

for

Biden

to

end campaign, but he vows to fight on

President Joe Biden vowed on Friday to continue his campaign for re-election even as more Democrats in Congress urged him to end his floundering campaign, fearing that it could cost the party dearly in the November 5 election.

More than one in 10 congressional Democrats have now publicly called on the 81-year-old incumbent – who is isolating at his Delaware home with a case of COVID – to drop out following a disastrous June debate against Republican Donald Trump that raised questions about Biden's ability to win or to carry out his duties for another four years.

Biden remained defiant, saying he would resume campaigning soon.

"I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week to continue exposing the threat of Donald

Top UN court says Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal

The United Nations' highest court said on Friday that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements there are illegal and should be withdrawn as soon as possible, in its strongest findings to date on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The advisory opinion by Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), known as the World Court, was not binding, but carries weight under international law and may weaken support for Israel.

"Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law," President Nawaf Salam said, reading the findings of a 15-Judge panel.

The court said Israel's obligations include paying restitution for harm and "the evacuation of all settlers from existing settlements".

In a swift reaction, Israel's Foreign Ministry rejected the opinion as "fundamentally wrong" and one-sided, and repeated its stance that a political settlement in the region

can only be reached by negotiations.

"The Jewish nation cannot be an occupier in its own land," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

The opinion also angered West Bank settlers as well as politicians such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose nationalist religious party is close to the settler movement and who himself lives in a West Bank settlement.

The ICJ opinion also found that the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and all States have an obligation not to recognise the occupation as legal nor "render aid or assistance" toward maintaining Israel's presence in the occupied territories. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Global tech outage eases after widespread disruption, new focus seen on risks

Services from airlines to healthcare, shipping and finance were coming back online on Friday after a mistake in a security software update sparked hours-long global computer systems outages, another incident highlighting the vulnerability of the world's interconnected technologies.

After the outage was resolved, companies were dealing with backlogs of delayed and cancelled flights and medical appointments, missed orders and other issues that could take days to resolve. Businesses also face questions about how to avoid future blackouts triggered by technology meant to safeguard their systems.

A software update by global cybersecurity firm

CrowdStrike , one of the largest operators in the industry, triggered systems problems that grounded flights, forced

Trump’s Project 2025 agenda while making the case for my own record and the vision that I have for America," he said in a statement, referring to a policy plan developed by Trump's conservative allies.

The divide among Democrats stood in sharp contrast to the scenes that played out this week at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where former party rivals united around Trump, who accepted the Republican nomination in a rambling speech that featured his familiar mix of grievance and bombast.

So far, 32 of the 264 Democrats in Congress have openly called for Biden to end his campaign, while other senior Democratic leaders have pushed him behind the scenes to do so, according to sources and media reports.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

broadcasters off air and left customers without access to services such as healthcare or banking. Global shipper FedEx faced major disruptions and some moderators who police content on Meta's Facebook were hit.

CrowdStrike is not a household name, but it is an US$83 billion company with more than 20,000 subscribers around the world including Amazon.com and Microsoft.

CrowdStrike Chief Executive Officer (CEO) George Kurtz said on social media platform X that a defect was found "in a single content update for Windows hosts" that affected Microsoft customers.

"We're deeply sorry for the impact that we've caused to customers, to travellers, to anyone affected by this, including our company," Kurtz told NBC News.

CrowdStrike has one of the largest shares of the high-

ly-competitive cybersecurity market, leading some industry analysts to question whether control over such operationally-critical software should remain with just a handful of companies.

The outage also raised concerns that many organisations are not well prepared to implement contingency plans when a single point of failure such as an IT system, or a piece of software within it, goes down. But these outages will happen again, experts say, until more contingencies are built into networks and organisations introduce better back-ups.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Russian missile hits playground, kills 3 in Ukraine; reporter jailed

ARussian missile hit a children's playground in Ukraine's southern city of Mykolaiv on Friday, killing a child and two adults, and injuring five others, officials said.

"A playground near an ordinary house... Every day Russia proves with its terror that pressure on it is not enough," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram.

He posted images from the site that showed two bodies lying on the ground. One was the badly mutilated body of a child, covered in blood, dust, and debris. Part of a missile lay alongside.

The port city of Mykolaiv and the surrounding region regularly come under

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who faces charges of espionage, stands inside an enclosure for defendants as he attends a court hearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia, July 19, 2024 (Reuters/ Dmitry Chasovitin photo)

Russian attacks.

Vitaliy Kim, the regional governor, hailed residents

of the city who rushed to the site to help before medics arrived.

Writing on Telegram, he said another missile had landed elsewhere in the region.

Moscow denies targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure in its invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of people have been killed and injured in its attacks.

Meanwhile, a Russian court found US reporter Evan Gershkovich guilty of espionage on Friday and sentenced him to 16 years in a maximum security penal colony in what his employer, the Wall Street Journal, called "a disgraceful sham conviction".

Gershkovich, a 32-year-

old American who denied any wrongdoing, went on trial in the city of Yekaterinburg last month after being accused of trying to gather sensitive information about a tank factory.

He was the first US Journalist accused of spying in Russia since the Cold War, and his arrest in March 2023 prompted many US and other Western correspondents to leave Moscow.

US President Joe Biden said Gershkovich did not commit any crime and has been wrongfully detained.

"We are pushing hard for Evan's release and will continue to do so," Biden said in a statement. "Journalism is not a crime." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Dust is seen as an Israeli army bulldozer operates during an Israeli raid in Nour Shams camp, in Tulkarm, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, July 9, 2024 (Reuters/Mohammed Torokman photo)

The outage also raised concerns that many organisations are not well prepared to implement contingency plans

SUDOKU

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Avoid emotional encounters. Sort through your feelings and preferences before taking a stand. Take part in uplifting events. Be grateful for what you have.

Socializing can lead to trouble if you overindulge or encounter someone who doesn’t share your beliefs. Patience is necessary to keep the peace and achieve something worthwhile

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

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Communication, participation and self-improvement will lead to positive change. Your resilience will attract attention and suggestions. Be open to advice, but do what’s best for you.

Apply pressure, budget wisely and follow your instincts. Don’t wait for change to come your way when it’s up to you to make it happen. Cultivate what matters to you most.

Expand your interests, participate in meaningful events and discussions, and contact people who understand and share your concerns. Don’t let a change someone makes cost you.

Change your surroundings or visit a place you’ve never been, and the experience will give you a unique perspective. Avoid dealing with institutions or authority figures.

Don’t sit back when you can make a difference. Speak up and participate in discussions, events and activities. Be patient with family members, and you’ll learn something valuable.

Sit tight, watch things play out and refrain from making a premature move. Concentrate on something that helps you develop a skill you need to help further your plans.

Set your plans in motion. Connecting with friends, attending a reunion or traveling will lead to exciting plans. Love and self-improvement will lead to opportunities.

Check your emotions at the door before you engage in something controversial. It’s best to listen and avoid a confrontation. Change what you don’t like.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Put your energy into making changes that can improve your life. Let the people who matter to you know how you feel. Make romance a priority.

Overreacting will lead to trouble. Be resourceful, gather information and discover what’s doable before engaging in anything. Know what you are getting into before you commit to something.

Budhoo, Ram leading strong sides

…as players vie for Guyana U17 selection

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced two teams led respectively by Parmeshwar Ram and Afraz Budhoo after rain severely affected the GCB Under-17 Inter- County Super50 last weekend.

Persistent rainfall during the latter rounds of the GCB Inter-County tournament curtailed the U17 tournament after only one match was completed. As such, the GCB's junior selection panel, led by Andre Percival,

has named a group of talented players which they hope will be able to compete in trial matches over the weekend.

Players like Dave Mohabir, Renaldo Jeffery, Johnathan Mentore, Emmanuel Lewis, Adrian Hetmyer, Romario

78 cricketers benefit thus far from Cricket Gear programme

Anil Beharry and Kishan Das started the "Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers" programme in Guyana with the goal of fostering youth cricket in the country. New or used cricket-related equipment is given away free of charge to young and promising cricket players.

Seventeen gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, thirty-two bats, three boxes, six helmets, nineteen pairs of batting pads, twenty-four thigh pads, one bat grip, thirty-two pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads, and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves have all directly benefited seventy-eight young players – male and female – from all three counties of Guyana to date. Numerous others gained indirect advantages.

Total value of cricket-related merchandise acquired or bought to date: A total of $460,000 was obtained, along

Ramdehol, Jathniel Nurse, and others will be looking to justify future selection to the Guyana U17 team, ahead of the Regional U17 tournament.

Team Afraz Budhoo:

Vikash Wilkinson; Justin Dowlin; Adrian Hetmyer; Afraz Budhoo (Captain); Romario Ramdehol; Govin Persaud; Arvin Sukanand; Navin Budwa; Dave Mohabir; Navindra Sankar;

The GCB has noted that it would be monitoring the weather with the hope of having at least one trial match before selecting the Guyana team on Monday.

Norris tops Hungarian GP practice as Leclerc crashes

McLaren’s Lando Norris set an impressive pace in practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed heavily.

Norris headed Max Verstappen’s upgraded Red Bull by 0.243 seconds, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz third, 0.397secs off the pace.

with thirteen different coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, twenty-five pairs of cricket shoes, thirty-three pairs of batting pads, thirty-five cricket bats, thirty pairs of batting gloves, twenty-five thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, twelve cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one fibreglass bat, thirteen boxes of white cricket balls, three boxes of red balls, and twenty-eight footballs.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, co-founder Beharry divulged on how the programme came to fruition.

“Started several years

ago from a simple initiative with players who were looking for gears and begging around the place and asking people. I did secure some gears for individuals and that is how the whole idea came about. In fact, Kevin Anderson, Gudakesh Motie, even Shamar Joseph all those people have benefited from it. Most of the Berbicians in particular that represented Berbice and Demerara and passed through the West

Indies, they have benefited from it. It started from that, and then I said let me open like a gear bank and open like a trust fund just for these kids and that is how it started,” Beharry said. He went on to talk about the impact of the programme.

Beharry shared, “Generally, if you look at the Berbice team, Guyana team, and the West Indies team, we have a lot of Berbicians in it. This thing is not isolated to Berbice only, it is across the country, but I'm just giving an example; it has helped us in terms of our young cricketers and many of them have developed to represent Guyana, and some of them to represent West Indies. It has made a significant impact in their lives, because gear has been expensive and some of the parents cannot afford it.”

Two used bats were helpful to two clubs in the Pomeroon area. One box of red cricket balls was given to each of the Pomeroon, Leguan, and Wakenaam Cricket Committees as well as Cotton Tree Die Hard.

Cold Fusion Cricket Club received thirteen coloured uniforms, and RHCCCC received six boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping gloves, and a set of stumps and bails. (Omar Mckenzie)

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was fourth fastest, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, whose team-mate Lewis Hamilton was seventh, behind Haas' Kevin Magnussen.

Leclerc lost control at Turn Four, the fastest corner on the circuit, a snap of oversteer taking him on to the exit kerb, from where he spun into the barrier on the other side of the track.

The Ferrari went into the barriers rear-first before the front-left corner also suffered an impact. The car looked fairly undamaged considering the speed of the accident at a 150mph corner.

Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu nearly had a similar accident shortly after the session restarted following a delay of 16 minutes.

He also spun at Turn Four and as his car skidded down the track towards the hairpin of Turn Five, it narrowly avoided collecting Perez’s Red Bull.

Behind Hamilton, RB’s Daniel Ricciardo, Williams’ Alex Albon and Fernando Alonso, in an Aston Martin which also features a major upgrade focusing on the floor, rounded out the top 10.

Norris said: “A good first day. Definitely a bit more work to do to be more comfortable. I feel like we have the speed in the car; it’s just being able to deliver it when you

need to.

“Felt good today but definitely [would like a] bit more from a comfort side so I can deliver a little bit more than one lap a day.”

The second McLaren of Oscar Piastri was down in 13th place after suffering floor damage.

Verstappen said Red Bull had “a good day” with their upgrades. Only he used the revised bodywork and front and lower rear wing. Perez stayed on the previous-spec car all day.

The Mercedes drivers felt they were struggling for pace in the hot conditions, as they did in recent races in Spain and Austria.

Russell said: “Lando was looking really quick. I don’t think Max is too far behind. I think there was probably a power difference between those two on the qualifying laps.

“And then race run, Lando and Max again look a little bit out in front. We need to understand, because in the hot conditions of Austria and Barcelona we were off the pace of those two, and in the cooler conditions of

Silverstone and Canada we were ahead of them.

“[We] will be in the mix for the top four. Checo seems quite quick today, so that might be a bit of a surprise having a fight there.”

However, Russell’s 0.506-second deficit to Norris was explained by his tyres being too cold at the start of his lap, which cost him 0.3secs by the exit of Turn Two.

Mercedes have won the past two races at Austria and Silverstone, albeit Russell inherited the win at the Red Bull Ring following a crash between Norris and Verstappen. But Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said he expected Hungary to be more of a challenge.

“The one area where we still have questions is rear-limited tracks in hot conditions,” Shovlin said. “That’s what we’re working on. I wouldn’t put us as favourites here.”

At Ferrari, both Sainz and Leclerc were running a modified floor aimed at solving the aerodynamic problems caused by a previous upgrade.

(BBC Sport)

The Hungarian Grand Prix is live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website

Beneficiary of the programme, Richard Sewmangal receiving the equipment from Coach Hubern Evans

Anil Beharry (left) and David Harper (right)

Johnathan Mentore; Arun Gainda; Devon Wharton; Darwin Joseph and Arif Khan. Team Parmeshwar Ram: Razam Koobir; Parmeshwar Ram (Captain); Emmanuel Lewis; Renaldo Jeffery; Romesh Bharrat; Marcel Nandu; Udesh Seetaram; Munesh Outar; Jathniel Nurse; Thierry Henry; Jayden Dowlin; Justin Doobay; Dhanesh Persaud; Micah Amsterdam and Ashton Simmons.

Parmeshwar Ram Afraz Budhoo

ExxonMobil powers Youth Relay Festival this Sunday

The ExxonMobil Guyana Youth Relay Festival, hosted by A Record Chance Inc (ARC), will be a thrilling athletic competition focused on relay races, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship among young athletes.

The event will be held this Sunday, July 21 at the National Track & Field Stadium, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and

will commence at 10:00h.

Sponsored by ExxonMobil Guyana, this festival underscores the company's commitment to youth development and community engagement in Guyana. ExxonMobil Guyana’s support has been instrumental in providing resources and opportunities for young athletes to excel in track and field events.

The festival will include

athletes competing in the Under-16, Under-20, and Open age categories. The event will feature finals to ensure a day of exhilarating competition for both participants and spectators.

Special attractions for the festival will include spectator giveaways and much more.

Each of the age categories U16 and U20 will be eligible to compete in the fol-

SuperBet, Metro, Demerara

Mutual offer support to Kares One Guyana T10

SuperBet Guyana, Metro Office & Computer Supplies, and Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited were the latest corporate entities to support the second edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Thirty-two of the top teams in the country

their corporate social responsibility, the companies noted that they were impressed with the quality of the 2023 tournament.

The stakes are higher than ever, with a larger prize pool this year. The winning team will take home a whopping $1.5 million, with $500,000 and $250,000 going to the run-

lowing relay events:

4x100m Relay: Each team consist of four runners, and each runner cov ers 100 metres before pass ing the baton to the next runner.

4x200m Relay: Similar to the 4x100m relay, but each runner covers 200 me tres before passing the ba ton.

4x400m Relay: Teams of four runners each cover 400 metres in this longer relay event, requiring both speed and en

The eight remaining teams will battle at the Enmore Community Centre on August 11 for a spot in the semi-finals and final, which will be held on August 25 at the National Stadium.

Kares Engineering; Banks DIH; Star Rentals; Ministry of Culture, Youth and

will battle at venues in Georgetown and East Coast Demerara next month.

At recent handing-over ceremonies, representatives from the companies expressed delight in supporting the tournament, given it reaches the communities and families and offers a “bottom-up approach” to the development of cricket.

In addition to noting

ners-up and losing semi-finalists, respectively.

The tournament opens on August 3, with matches at the Police Sports Club, Queen’s College Ground, and Lusignan Sports Club.

The round of 16 follows the opening day with matches at Police and Lusignan.

Matches will be played at 09:00h, 11:00h, 13:00h, and 15:00h on both days.

Sport; Montra Restaurant & Lounge; Building Expo 2024; Premier Insurance; Enet; Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc; Trophy Stall; ANSA McAL Distribution; RS53 RestoBar & Lounge; Jacobs Jewellery & Pawn Shop; First Change Builders Inc; General Marine; Samaroo Investments, and Coel’s Boutique are the other sponsors on board thus far.

Teams of four runners, two males and two females, each cover 400 metres in this relay event. The order for this inaugural edition will be left open to the school’s discretion.

Open athletes will compete in the following events: 100m, 800m, 4x100m Relay, Mixed 4x400m Relay. The festival will feature teams from Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo. Mega prizes will be awarded to the top performers.

“A Record Chance Inc is thrilled to host this festival, which brings together young athletes from across Guyana to compete in a spirit of camaraderie and excellence,” said the organisers.

“We look forward to a day of outstanding performances and memorable moments.”

ESPN ranks Bolt as 9th greatest professional athlete since 2000

The fastest man to ever live, Usain Bolt, was ranked ninth on a list of the top 100 professional athletes since 2000 compiled by American sports channel ESPN on Thursday. Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion, 11-time world champion and the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, was the highest ranked of only three track and field athletes in the whole list.

The other two track and field athletes on the list are American seven-time Olympic and 14-time world

champion Allyson Felix at 63 and Jamaican threetime Olympic champion and 10-time world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at 77.

The list was topped by Michael Phelps, with Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, LeBron James and Tom Brady rounding out the top five.

The three names immediately ahead of Bolt are Roger Federer at six, Simone Biles at seven and Tiger Woods

eight

ExxonMobil Guyana’s sponsorship reflects its dedication to fostering the growth and development of young athletes in Guyana. By supporting events like the Youth Relay Festival, ExxonMobil Guyana helps create pathways for the youth to achieve their athletic potential and build valuable life skills.

The event will be livestreamed on Facebook while admission into the venue will be free.

Kobe

durance.

Sprint Medley Relay: 200m, 200m, 400m, 800m

ExxonMobil Community Relations Officer Ryan Hoppie makes a presentation to ARC’s Arinze Chance

SuperBet Guyana Operations Manager Tariq Kerrett (left) and Romario Samaroo of FL Sport

Usain Bolt

Demerara Mutual Sales and Marketing Coordinator Raymond Govinda (left) and Samaroo of FL Sport

Hodge, Athanaze leave England thunderstruck as Wood shoots to thrill

In AC/DC's iconic hit “Thunderstruck”, chants of "Thunder" burst through the opening thrum, building the excitement before that unmistakable highpitched lead vocal kicks in.

On the most picture-perfect day for cricket at Trent Bridge, Mark Wood interrupted the gentle murmur of the first nine overs, in which West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis had eased their side to 32 for nought, with a barrage of fire that had the batters rocking and the packed stands audibly in awe.

Four overs in which his speed never dipped below 92mph went unrewarded – as did Wood all day – but what a curtain-raiser it was to the main performance of the day, Kavem Hodge's maiden international century. Had Hodge screamed "I was caught… In the middle of a railroad track" as he punched a Ben Stokes inswinger for four through long-off to bring up his ton, it wouldn't have sounded out of place, such was the tone as he screeched in sheer joy.

Hodge should have been gone for 16 – to Wood, no less – but Joe Root put down the catch at slip. He and Athanaze both went to tea with half-centuries to their name, having added 123

By the end of the day he had fallen for 120, lbw to Chris Woakes in a decision upheld on umpire's call during the evening session.

By the end of the day, England and their supporters were willing Wood to take a wicket, just one, feeling he deserved it for all his gut-busting effort through his first 14 overs. Instead, he left the field one ball into his 15th, seemingly as a precaution after feeling his hamstring, some 35 minutes before the close.

Hodge formed half of a hugely-exciting partnership alongside Alick Athanaze, worth 175 for the fourth wicket, with Athanaze falling for 82, also in the evening session, but not before playing his part in driving West Indies to within 65 runs of England's first-innings 416. Between them, they have only played 10 Tests, but they played defiantly to put their side in a much better place after an innings defeat in the first Test at Lord's.

runs while England went wicketless in the middle ses-

the helmet, right next to the badge, by a Wood short ball at 91mph. Hodge's reaction at the other end was a mirror image of his batting partner's as he reeled back in shock. Wood was first to ask, "are you ok?" and England's fielders also approached to check on him before the medics arrived to conduct official tests. But he was passed fit to continue and reached his maiden Test fifty just two balls later, with a nudge off the hip for two in Gus Atkinson's next over.

Athanaze went on to unfurl some lovely cover drives, and his slog-sweep for six over midwicket off Shoaib Bashir in the penultimate over before tea was glorious. Ben Stokes, however, prised him out with a century looming in the evening session, as he chased a wider delivery on 82 and sliced to Harry Brook at gully.

Although the rest of his evening's stay would prove

slips cordon and, two balls later, clearing cover where the diminutive figure of Ben Duckett leapt somewhat be latedly and in vain as the ball sailed over his reaching hands and to the boundary.

Wood returned to the at tack and beat Hodge's out side edge with a fantastic outswinging yorker on 92, before giving in to a wry grin when the last ball of the same over swung away again for another near-miss. Hodge forged on, past his century –reached with that punchy drive off Stokes –- and put on 46 runs with Holder before he departed.

Stokes took the second new ball with just one over left in the day. He handed it to Atkinson, who conceded five, Joshua Da Silva pulling four through midwicket to finish the day not out on 32, with Holder on 23.

Brathwaite and Louis weathered Wood's earlier onslaught and after the first hour, West Indies were 48

some swing, which had been non-existent to that point on Friday. But it was his unbridled pace that had everyone transfixed as he twice nudged the 96mph mark and

without loss.

But wickets to Bashir and Atkinson had them 89 for 3 at lunch with the innings of

sion. Athanaze's ears would have been ringing when, on 48, he was struck flush on

to be a bit of an ordeal, Jason Holder got his runs flowing immediately, guiding his first ball for four through the

Athanaze and Hodge in their infancy.

Wood came on in the 10th over and managed to produce

hit 95 twice more in the over.

Wood's second over was equally rapid, clocked at 94mph five times and 95 once, with testing lines as he twice beat Brathwaite's outside edge.

The Trent Bridge crowd gasped in unison as the scoreboard flashed up the speed of Wood's fifth delivery in his third over – a staggering 97.1mph. That was understandably a maiden and after three overs, his figures read 3-1-5-0.

Brathwaite managed to

find the boundary, guiding the ball fine off his ribs, in Wood's fourth over, which still contained some lightning speed.

It was Bashir who made the breakthrough in the 15th over, shortly after the drinks break, as Brook took a nerveless catch running a long way to his right from midon to remove Louis for 21. It was Bashir's first Test wicket from two matches at home after not bowling in the first game of this series.

Bashir could have had his second in his next over when he rapped Kirk McKenzie –on nought at the time – on the pad and appealed but the umpire was unmoved, as were England who didn't seem interested in deferring to the DRS, although replays later showed the ball would have hit the top of leg stump. Atkinson returned for his second spell to replace Wood and he soon removed Brathwaite for 48 trying to turn a short, straight delivery down the leg side, but looping it off the shoulder of the bat straight to Ollie Pope at short leg.

Bashir did take his second wicket shortly before lunch, McKenzie serving up a simple catch to Stokes at mid-on.

But, hours later, you couldn't help feeling that it was England who trudged off just a little bit Thunderstruck. (ESPNcricinfo)

Kavem Hodge celebrates his maiden Test hundred

Mark Wood beat the bat regularly, but went wicketless

Shoaib Bashir struck to remove Mikyle Louis

Kraigg Brathwaite played a big part in West Indies' positive start

Alick Athanaze wasn't worried about keeping his drive down