Govt eyes producing organic sugar, developing cassava flour mill by leveraging science & technology
WHAT'S INSIDE:
US citizen who attempted to smuggle $6.7 million in raw gold charged, remanded to prison
Challenging year ahead as GAWU foresees shortfall in sugar production
GFS launches investigation into arrest of fireman with illegal liquor – distances itself from illegal activity by ranks
Caricom States sign on to agriinsurance initiative to recover from climate-related disasters
Govt distributes cash grants to several organisations ahead of Emancipation Day celebrations
US citizen who attempted to smuggle $6.7 million in raw gold charged, remanded to prison
Fifty-two-year-old Ivan Anthony Scipio, a US citizen from Durban Street, Georgetown was Thursday charged for exporting gold without the relevant documentation.
Scipio was arrested on July 3, 2024, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport as he was attempting to smuggle several pieces of gold jewellery and raw gold to the tune of $6.7 million.
Upon questioning, Scipio failed to make a 'customs declaration' to Customs Officials, as well as produce the necessary licences to legally export gold.
Charged: Ivan Anthony Scipio
During the investigation, it was proved that Scipio has been allegedly involved in this racket for some time now
Construction worker remanded on break & enter & larceny charge
Atwenty-one-yearold construction worker of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Thursday remanded to prison on a break and enter and larceny charge.
Navindra Nauth was arrested on July 19, 2024, for breaking into the dwelling house of Ryan Niranjan, of Grove Housing Scheme (EBD).
Nauth is accused of stealing $80,000 cash; one gold ring valued at
Remanded: Navindra
$150,000; one haversack valued at $6000; two decks of 'Yu-Gi-Oh' cards valued at $130,000; and two Brazilian gold chains valued at $30,000 – total of $396,000.
However, Nauth appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrate's Court and was remanded to prison after pleading not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
The case was adjourned to August 9, 2024.
since there is a link showing that he allegedly made several exports previously but was not caught.
However, he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was grant $800,000 bail with the condition that he report to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) the last Friday of every month until the determination of the matter.
He is expected to return to court on August 19 where possible money laundering charges will be instituted against him.
Back in June, Shameena
Ahamad, 52; and Ashiana Salamalay, 33, of Roraima Scheme at Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and Ian Jacobis, 44, of Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara (WCD), were charged with attempting to smuggle 240 ounces of raw gold disguised as silver-plated jewellery estimated at US$560,000 (G$117,001,604).
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 cit-
izens), and Ian Jacobis after they were attempting to leave Guyana on an outbound American Airlines flight for New York.
Later in the month, US based, Guyanese businessman, Saffee Ahmad also of Roraima Scheme at Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was charged for his involvement in the matter. They were each granted $600,000 bail.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the quartet were arraigned on money laundering charges instituted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). In this matter, they were each placed on $500,000 and the matter will be called up again on July 20.
EBD fisherman charged for attempting to commit a felony
Twenty-threeyear-old Shivraj Persaud, a fisherman from Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Thursday was charged and remanded to prison on an 'Attempt to commit a Felony'.
Persaud was arrested in the wee hours Monday while attempting to commit a felony in a shop
Charged: Shivraj Persaud
However, he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrate's Court where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and bail was refused. He will make his next court appearance on August 9, 2024.
Nauth
owned by Petula Angoy at Buzz Bee Dam, Craig, EBD.
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, July 27 – 22:00h-23:30h and Sunday, July 28 –22:30h-00:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, July 27 –08:45h-10:15h and Sunday, July 28 – 09:50h-11:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
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: 09:03h and 21:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.50 metres and 2.48 metres.
Low Tide: 14:58h reaching a minimum height of 0.76 metre.
Govt eyes producing organic sugar, developing cassava flour mill by leveraging science & technology
resident Dr. Irfaan
Ali has revealed that the Guyana Government intends to use science and technology to advance the agricultural sector. This includes initiatives such as developing an industrial cassava flour mill, producing refined and organic sugar, and establishing a regional data facility.
During the launch of the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP), the Head of State mentioned that these initiatives are being pursued in collaboration with partners such as the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and others.
He explained that these initiatives are aimed at enhancing Guyana’s research capabilities to support decision-making and poli-
new variety. We have increased production by a 100 per cent,” Ali told the gathering.
In addition, he announced that Guyana is working to create a regional situation room, a center
cy development, as well as to improve the viability of products and crops.
“For too long we’ve been without data, we’ve made decisions without having the right research on soil type, on what is the best possible utilisation of land, best possible utilisation of our waters. So, research and development are a critical part of this whole infrastructure and eco-system that supports sustainability and resilience… We’ve been able to increase cassava by just investing in research and development. The FAO has worked with us but IICA has been strong with us on this to bring in
He added, “Years ago, we were experimenting with cassava flour but we never had enough production to support it. We’ve increased production now to the extent that we have enough production to justify a full cassava flour mill in the country,” he said, adding that this can be developed on an industrial scale.
“We want that cassava flour mill to do two things. One, production differentiation, you can have 100% cassava flour or you can have 50/50 and it goes to niche markets internationally…,” the President outlined.
of excellence, and a data facility.
“We’ve already set aside resources for this. We are
building this situation room and this regional data center that will house progressive data and will also analyse future trends. The center of excellence that is linked to the data room will be linked to farmers directly. So, by an app, the farmers can open up and see what the next twenty days look like based on the analysis. We also cater for if a farmer reports a pest in the region we could do tracking and traceability and we can do education programmes through the centre of excellence.”
Ali also stressed the importance of using technology to expand Guyana’s sugar industry, especially as the country moves to capitalise on refined sugar.
“We already have a proposal on hand for the refining of brown sugar and we’re working with the private sector on the establishment of a refinery to have the white sugar and also looking at the possibility of liquid sugar… Important to this is now we’re looking at an experiment of organic sugar and to see how organic sugar is a niche market that carries a different pricing mechanism,” he added.
Guyana is currently chairing the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security, which has been driving the ‘25 by 2025’ initiative seeking to boost food production within the region to reduce food imports. Vision 25 by 2025 aims for the Caribbean to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in the Region’s food import bill by 2025. Owing to the Region’s dependency on imported foods, it faces hardships when disruptions occur.
In light of this, the intention was to formulate a sense of food stability and security… country by country, with Guyana playing a key role in helping other countries achieve greater food security.
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the launch of the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP)
Albion Sugar Estate
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Addressing trauma within our society
Over time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many were brutally killed in some instances. Unfortunately, it continues despite awareness efforts and the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse about the lodging of complaints.
There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge despite the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem is much larger than what appears in the news, including the social media outlets, as many cases go unreported. This, therefore, gives much credence to the appearance of an underestimated reality.
Many reasons have been made known for what can deter an abuse victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them, in no specific order of impact, are aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some and the lack of confidence in law enforcement itself precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.
One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask the question of the other factors that subvert the heeding of educational messaging. While the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.
As that is contemplated, the magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults on their mothers and to a lesser extent, their fathers. Those ghastly images, especially for some who watched as life was snuffed out, are not only lasting but profoundly traumatising.
When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that it is erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated thereby aiding in better shaping of lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms.
While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for the benefit of all to know the extent of what is available and offered. Realistically, expectations cannot be for what is obtained in developed nations, however, there must be something tangible in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.
This is not in any way suggesting that there isn’t an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some depending upon the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities and support systems becomes more pertinent.
Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorising, some aspects had made news internationally, prompting a local organisation to call for suicide to be made a national priority given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives.
It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus, but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.
It wasn’t going to be a panacea to stop suicide, but effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximise effectiveness of information gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system, to help break social inhibitors where necessary and to better edify.
It is no different from domestic violence. While there is a disadvantage in being unable to accurately quote figures, based on extensive research if available on the number of people lost, injured and disfigured and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, it must be extremely high in proportion to our population. The highest number would be those who are left traumatised.
This, therefore, must be seen as a serious cause for concern and a compelling reason for consideration to be declared a national priority. This is an apolitical issue and is not confined to any one group thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout and away from just the families.
Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated.
We must urgently address child abuse, domestic violence & mental health-related issues
Dear Editor,
Several days ago, I had the gruesome displeasure of witnessing a harrowing incident of child abuse observed in the most distressing video shared on several social media platforms.
As distasteful and uncomfortably painful as it was, it underscored a profound and urgent need for much more societal and governmental actions to be taken to address this matter and other issues with a greater degree of urgency and seriousness.
As a society, we have to move beyond the rhetoric and invoke much-needed action to put an end to or drastically reduce such unwanted societal ills and scourge.
The sight of an adult male, purportedly the child's father, inflicting such grievous harm on a child, no older than three years old is an affront to humanity and love.
It is a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues of all forms of abuse within our communities that must be addressed frontally, especially those that affect our children, women, and the elderly.
It was clear for all to see as you observed, the anguish and trauma made evident on the child's face, mingled with his constant 'tattooed' tears. A picture, too painful to bear, reflecting the depths of cruelty
one human can inflict on another, especially upon an innocent child.
Such brutality raises pressing questions about the nature and psyche of the perpetrator. What drives a person to descend into such a depraved mental abyss, to engage in an act of satanic evil against their own flesh and blood, or anyone else for that matter?
One shudder to consider the possible history of violence this man may have inflicted upon others, including the child's mother or other women.
The deeper question to ask is, was he himself a victim of abuse, perpetuating this vicious cycle of violence and abuse? Or does he suffer from untreated and undiagnosed mental health issues?
This horrifying act shines a spotlight on the critical importance of addressing mental health, suicide, and domestic violence issues in and around different communities in Guyana. Mental health services must be given the attention and resources they urgently need. The government must implement robust mental health support systems, ensuring that individuals who need help can access it before they resort to violence.
Mental health, domestic violence, and child abuse are interlinked issues that
require a coordinated and comprehensive strategic approach to be implemented.
Moreover, this incident reiterates the timeless adage: "It takes a village to raise a child." In a truly supportive community, such severe cases of child abuse and parental neglect would have been more likely noticed and addressed promptly. Community members have a moral and social responsibility to be vigilant, to look out for signs of abuse, and to intervene when necessary. We must foster environments where children can grow up safely, with the support and protection of the entire community. We all need to be our brother's keepers irrespective of race, religion, or political persuasion.
Government intervention is crucial, but it must be complemented by active community involvement. Laws and policies must be enforced rigorously, with "stringent and firm penalties" for those who commit acts of violence and abuse. At the same time, community programmes should be developed to educate and empower residents to play an active role in safeguarding the welfare of children, women, and the elderly.
It would be remiss of me not to state, that creating safe spaces for children is not just about removing
immediate threats; it involves nurturing environments where children can thrive, free from fear and harm. This requires a concerted and deliberate effort from all sectors of society, including government, religious organisations, non-profits, and local communities. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a loving, supportive, and safe environment.
In conclusion, I must reiterate that the brutal act of child abuse witnessed in that shared video is a call to action for all of us.
Firstly, I call on the government and make the demand for justice, for that innocent victim and for a collective commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future.
Secondly, as a society, as Guyanese people, we must prioritise mental health, tackle domestic violence head-on, and foster a community spirit where everyone is responsible for the well-being of our children, women, and the elderly.
Only then can we hope to build a society where such horrific acts are a thing of the past, and every child can enjoy a safe and nurturing upbringing.
Yours respectfully, Hon Jermaine Figueira MP
Representatives from the various Ministries and Public Sector Agencies participated in a three-day forum organised by the Gender Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, to discuss issues affecting women in Guyana. Also in the photo are Dr Vindhya Persaud and other officials
Challenging year ahead as GAWU foresees shortfall in sugar production
Guyana's sugar targets for 2024 are projected to fall short due to various factors including the recent drought condition that severely impacted production.
This was according to Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) Anslim Singh, during a recent interview on the Guyana dialogue.
“So, last year the target was 60,000 tons and they produced 60,200 tons, so they surpassed the target. This year will be a little bit more challenging because they did a lot of tilling and replanting, but what happened because of the drought situation, is fresh water became a major challenge, especially in the earlier part of this year.”
Singh added that due to the irrigation process sugar canes endure, which relies on gravity, water levels tend to decline which poses a big threat to the production of
sugar canes as well.
“Normally, canes are usually irrigated by gravity. It became so acute because the water levels declined so much that they had to mechanically use pumps to irrigate cane plants. Of course, that in itself was insufficient because they did not have the volume of water they required, so it will become a bit difficult,” he stated.
However, Singh noted that the May/June rains
have somewhat alleviated the situation, allowing the canes to grow but this will not allow the production rate to hit the presumed target.
“Having come out of this drought and the rain coming maybe the latter part of May, early June. The plants are now in an active growing stage, and that is maybe, we're still having some rains here and I think they're trying to maximise as far as
possible the rains to get a maximum rainfall.”
When asked about the likelihood of reaching this year's target due to the poor irrigation system, Singh responded, “Well, it will have an impact. However, on the positive side, they would have planted a lot more cane and therefore there should be a greater volume of cane available. Whether it will reach their expectations, I mean, that is not too clear as yet. There are various numbers.”
Meanwhile, in terms of pursuing better-yielding cane with higher sucrose content, Singh revealed, that there are various attempts to import cane from Cuba and neighboring countries.
“There were two attempts or two plans. One, to bring canes from Cuba and to bring canes from Brazil. The Cuban canes, I don't think they have arrived yet but there were some Brazilian canes brought earlier this year and that has
been planted, I think, at Rose Hall Estate.”
He added that the increased importation of cane is a way of embracing innovation.
“So, there are also those elements taking place because innovation has to be a part of the industry. Apart from that, the industry itself, as you know, would do cane breeding and they also are examining some varieties which they have been producing at an experimental level for release at the commercial level to also enhance sugar production.”
With an investment of $8.1 billion in 2023 to advance the revitalisation efforts of the sugar industry, Guyana saw a massive 28 percent or 13,155 metric tonnes increase in sugar production, compared to 47,049 metric tonnes in 2022.
This was highlighted by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during the ministry’s year-end review on Saturday.
Guyana bucks the global trend with SDGs
Dear Editor,
In a recently published editorial concerning the global performance towards reaching the targets of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals correctly observed that “only 17 percent of [those] … targets are on track.”
That is correct. Yet, we need to take stock of what might be the main stumbling blocks, and where we might find some bright spots.
For those who have not followed the SDGs (2030), there are seventeen goals that have been targeted. They are as follows - no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life below water, life on land, peace justice and strong institutions, partnership for the goals.
Most of these targets are aspirational, meaning that they are more symbolic than material. No one, for instance, can reasonably expect that in a matter of a decade and a half we could arrive at “no poverty” or “zero hunger”.
Some goals (used here interchangeably with targets which are more specific and measurable) are not realisable because they are liter-
ally impossible. Apart from “no poverty” and “no hunger” as unreachable, others such as climate action are deeply political. For instance, while COP 28 adopted a measure to provide “loss and damage” funding to poor countries due for adaptation and mitigation. The estimated cost is around 400 billion dollars annually. Yet, so far, only about 700 million have been raised to date. The NorthSouth divide is structural, and it is doubtful that a multilateral agreement can bridge the gap.
The same can be said for overconsumption, although here, modernity itself is the problem. One of the chief markers of success in the modern world is more and more consumption.
It goes without saying that a more proximate cause for the poor performance in pursuit of the SDGs goals is COVID-19 and its aftermath. In monetary terms alone, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated a global loss of between 8.8 and 15 trillion (US) dollars. Economic growth plunged and unemployment skyrocketed worldwide. Quantitative studies done by the NIH show the following – “Relative to a scenario without the pandemic (the No COVID scenario), the COVID Base scenario increases global extreme poverty … by 63.6 million in 2030 (range: 9.8 to 167.2 million) and 57.1 million in 2050 (range: 3.1 to 163.0 million).
In the context of the poor global performance in meet-
ing the SDGs’ targets, the people of Guyana should be proud of what has been accomplished in this country. We are among the very fastest growing economies in the world. Step level (and measurable) improvements have been recorded in health, education, infra-
structure, gender equality, decent work, and in most of the seventeen SDGs categories. Additionally, while most countries have been plunged into further debt, Guyana has slashed in debt obligations. In January 2024, Ralph Ramkarran noted that Guyana’s debt-to-
GDP ratio is among the 10 best in the world (Oil Now, 1/10/2024).
That said, there are troublesome areas, most of them due to political and cultural drivers. Our political institutions need strengthening, and sanitation needs to be revolutionised. The debacle of the 2020 election fraud attempts really hurt Guyana’s democratic institutional outlook. All told, however, Guyana bucks the global trends in the SDGs poor performance.
Sincerely Dr Randy Persaud
SATURDAY,
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) Secretary, Aslim Singh
Foundation
Customary Units of Liquid Volume
=
You can compare these units to each other.
How many cups are in a gallon?
Step 1: You know that there are 4 quarts in a gallon, and there are 2 pints in a quart. So multiply the number of quarts x 2 to find out how many pints are in a gallon.
Step 2: 4 x 2 = 8 pints in a gallon.
Step 3: You know that there are 2 cups in a pint. So multiply the number of pints x 2.
Step 4: 8 x 2 = 16 cups in a gallon.
Remember:
You do not have to add the plural s when you abbreviate units of measurement.
Exercises: Convert
In this fun and easy magic science experiment, we’re going to use science to make a super-cool magnetic magic wand.
Materials:
Long piece of insulated copper wire
Screwdriver
Paper clips
Tape Battery (AA, C, or D size)
Instructions:
Wrap the copper wire around the screwdriver about 10 times being sure to
leave about three inches on either end.
Tape one end of the wire to the negative end of the battery. Pick up the screwdriver and use your free hand to touch the other end of the wire to the positive end of the battery.
Point the screwdriver at the paperclips and see how many you can pick up using your magic magnetic wand.
Try adding more loops of wire around the screwdriver to see if you can pick up more paperclips.
By RoBeRt FRost
How it works:
While we are not making an actual magic wand, we are using science to magnetise the screwdriver and give it abilities we cannot see. When electricity from the battery flows through the copper wire, a magnetic field is created that enables the screwdriver to pick up metal items.
Make this a science project:
Try a large nail. Try different sized batteries. Try different gauges of copper wire. (sciencefun.org)
There were three in the meadow by the brook, Gathering up windrows, piling haycocks up, With an eye always lifted toward the west, Where an irregular, sunbordered cloud Darkly advanced with a perpetual dagger Flickering across its bosom. Suddenly One helper, thrusting pitchfork in the ground, Marched himself off the field and home. One stayed. The town-bred farmer failed to understand. What was there wrong?
Something you said just now. What did I say?
About our taking pains. To cock the hay?-because it's going to shower? I said that nearly half an hour ago. I said it to myself as much as you. You didn't know. But James is one big fool. He thought you meant to find fault with his work. That's what the average farmer would have meant. James had to take his time to chew it over Before he acted; he's just got round to act. He is a fool if that's the way he takes me.
Source: Poetry (February 1914)
The standard units of measurement that should be used in Guyana are the metric measurements. It is necessary to know customary units of length to convert them to metric units.
Liquid volume is the amount of liquid a container can hold. The customary units of liquid volume (that is the units commonly used) are cups (c); pints (pt); quarts (qt); and gallons (gal).
Hughes’ ‘lofty cash transfer proposal’ would see citizens earning $35,000 per year – Jagdeo
... says petroleum earnings are spent on developmental projects to benefit all
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has scoffed at the proposal by Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Nigel Hughes for the direct transfer of 10 per cent of annual earnings from the oil and gas sector to citizens of Guyana.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said political parties such as the AFC often make lofty-sounding promises that have no merit. “They don’t have a [plan] to generate wealth as yet, to generate diversification, to create future income for our people but he has a plan on how to distribute money, spend money.”.
Hughes in a social me-
dia post demanded that the government table legislation which mandates that every adult receives direct cash transfers of a payment not exceeding 10 per
cent of the annual transfer to the Natural Resource Funds. He added that another minimum of 10 per cent must be saved.
But according to Jagdeo, the cash transfer is little compared to what is spent on public servants’ salaries, health, education, and other sectors. He said “If you take $300 billion today and you take 10% of it which is $30 billion and you divide by 850,000 people you will probably get about $35,000 per year. That’s what he wants transferred to us.”
“And next year, if we double, you get $70,000, and he believes that that is the great proposal we must implement,” Jagdeo contended.
While he noted that more than 10 per cent of
the earnings will be saved in 2-3 years, he said spend-
ing or transferring monies irresponsibly is not sustainable. “What about the years we don’t have any money...what if the price for oil drops as predicted?” he questioned. Jagdeo noted that the sum being earned from Guyana’s petroleum sector is only a fraction of the cost of ongoing development projects. He pointed to the ongoing investments into improved roads, drainage and irrigation infrastructure, cheap and reliable electricity, security, and other sectors along with the payment of wages and salaries.
“The money that we’re getting at this stage from the oil and gas sector is a fraction of our development needs as a country,” he said.
The Vice President further explained that “all of our people want their roads fixed, they want to be safe from flooding so they expect you to spend money on kokers, pumping capacity, etc…they want cheap and reliable power, they want security…they want leisure time, they want sporting facilities built so that people can have a leisure time…
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
The Gas-to-Energy Project is expected to come on stream in 2025
One of the major infrastructural projects
What’s on…
…the oil horizon?
From the time it took over in late 2020, the PPP made our country’s policy on oil production crystal clear: we’re gonna pump the black gold as fast (and furious!!) as possible!! Drill, baby, drill!! And why not?? As every conclave of political leaders – and think tanks – have reminded us, the world’s gonna keep on using fossil fuel for decades into the future. That’s the fact, Jack – don’t let no one tell you differently!! Does anyone remember the grand promises made at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties?? Well, in case you forgot – not a SINGLE one of them was fulfilled by the biggest transgressors. And that’s the way the (oil) cookie’s gonna continue to crumble, budday!!
So, somebody gotta be supplying that market, no?!! And what should we do with our 18 billion barrels of oil –and counting?? Leave it under the Atlantic and have others reap windfall profits – while we suck salt and remain a poverty-stricken shithole country with half our population living below US$2 daily? You can’t even buy a veggie fried rice – much less a sweet drink to wash it down!! Ah… what the heck!! Your Eyewitness just doesn’t understand the kind of thinking that demands we sacrifice our first chance to live in dignity after four hundred years of slavery and indentureship. During that time, the countries we’re following used THEIR fossil fuels and – more to the point –ours – to enjoy luxurious lifestyles!! We were the kids with our noses pressed on shop windows – looking in at their ostentatious debauchery!!
Don’t these woke folks who wanna halt our oil production think the countries that did the most damage to bring on global warming have THE responsibility to make it right?? Or even cut their own oil production?? Why hasn’t any of them stepped up to the crease to make us that offer we just can’t refuse – for our lost “opportunity cost” being proposed?? The problem with these “oil leavers” is they aren’t living lives of barely hanging onto sanity by their fingernails. And that’s so even though there’s a word for that condition – PRECARITY!! This, of course, allows them to ignore those who experience it – by ignoring the wages of “poverty” which is a slow, lingering death.
What the “oil leavers” who want justice should be doing is investigating the circumstances surrounding our oil contract signing. Have you ever wondered why there’s been that studied silence on that suggestion?? Now, that the fella who signed away our birthright and got away with murder – is back in the political realm as a big one in the AFC, the matter is now of national import!!
...with Cricket
Surely you don’t have to be reminded, Dear Reader, that your Eyewitness wears his cricket mania on his sleeves. “What do they know of cricket that only cricket knows?” asked CLR James. For us West Indians, its influence goes way “beyond the boundary” and indeed permeates our very soul. Your Eyewitness is sceptical of the loyalty of anyone who claims to be “West Indian”, but isn’t besotted by cricket.
And this brings us to the Test series our boys are playing over in old Blighty. We are, of course, in one of the interminable “rebuilding” phases since the 1990s. And to be honest, things don’t look so bright. After being humiliated in the first Test by England beating us by an inning and 114 runs!! – there was a brief hope we might pull off a win in the second Test after besting England’s 1st inning 416. It was not to be…
Wish our PLAYERS could rally round the WI in the 3rd Test!
...with the Teachers?
The streets are getting to be dangerous places. So, your Eyewitness is happy the teachers came off them. But with the Govt responding to the GTU’s demand for 39% and 35% hikes with 7% and 6%, is going back in August an option??
The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
VP Jagdeo proposes quality of court rulings impact judicial promotions
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the Executive arm of the Government has no power to intervene in the work of the Judiciary while adding that the quality of judgements handed down by Magistrates and Judges should be used to influence their promotions.
Referring to a practice in other parts of the world, Jagdeo stated “Sometimes in our system, people believe that it’s how long you’re on the bench, the number of years that you’re on the bench that would serve as the basis for your promotion. So maybe the Judiciary –the (Judicial Service Commission) and the Chancellor and the Chief Justice – when they promote people...[can] look at the quality of their judgement.”
He, however, defended Judges and Magistrates who deliver rulings based only on the facts presented in court, noting that “there are many people in the Judiciary who work really hard and... we can all be proud of their work.”
However, as it relates to others, he said there have been many inconsistencies that “Lead me to conclude that the cases and decisions made cannot be supported by the facts before the judicial officer.”
He referred to many of the rulings issued during the 2020 elections period that were later appealed at the Caribbean Court of Justice and reversed. As it is, he directed citizens to turn to the CCJ for help if they were displeased with the rulings of the local courts.
“While you had some bright shining stars in the judiciary who stood out based on their integrity and the decisions that they made, had it not been for the CCJ, APNU would have been in office today,” he highlighted.
One of the most famous cases was following the passage of a no-confidence motion against the APNU-AFC Government on December 21, 2018.
The then, Attorney General, Basil Williams had requested the court to rule on whether the Speaker’s decision on the December 21, 2018 motion was indeed carried by a majority of all elected members and whether or not the 33 to 32 breakdown means it was validly passed.
In his petition, he argued that the current total elected members of the National Assembly are 65 and the majority of members legally prescribed by Article 106 (6) of the Constitution is tantamount to an absolute majority that legally requires a vote of 34 or more.
Under the Constitution, on the passage of a no-confidence motion, elections must be called within three months or at a time agreed to by two-thirds of the National Assembly. The then Opposition, PPP/C believed that the APNU-AFC
validity of the No-confidence Motion against the coalition Government, saying this now paves the way for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to start preparation for the hosting of General and Regional Elections, which is constitutionally due in March.
However, this decision was challenged in the Court of Appeal by the APNUAFC.
In March, the CoA ruled that an “absolute majority” of 34 votes is required to validly pass a no-confi-
dence motion. The Court of Appeal by majority decision of 2-1 disagreed with the reckoning that 33 Members of Parliament (MPs) can effectively pass a NoConfidence Motion against the Government.
The matter was taken to the CCJ by the PPP Opposition and in June, the highest court for Guyana ruled that the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) that toppled the APNU-AFC Government on December 21, 2018 was validly passed.
The court found that 33, and not 34 as the APNU-
AFC and supporters had argued, was the majority PPP/C needed out of 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) to pass the motion. Meanwhile, since returning to office in 2020, the PPP has commenced a programme to improve the court system and the time taken to adjudicate matters.
Several legislations have been updated, new courts opened in Georgetown and other regions, and more Judges appointed are among measures taken to address delayed trials and related issues.
was using the argument to buy time in office.
In March, Chief Justice Roxane George upheld the
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Caricom States sign onto agri-insurance initiative to recover from climate-related disasters
As the Caribbean Community (Caricom) rebuilds from the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl which wreaked havoc in five Member States, the region has collectively signed on to the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP).
REAP is managed by Lynch Caribbean Brokers - a consortium of insurance companies that provide agricultural insurance for crop, livestock farmers and fisherfolk.
The new initiative allows agriculturists to safeguard and recover smoothly from the adverse effects of climate change and dangerous weather patterns such as drought, excess rainfall, pest infestation and fishery interruption among other climate disas-
ters.
The insurance programme is facilitated through direct payouts to cover production costs and business interruptions, paving the way for business continuity.
REAP’s primary objective is to ensure financial resilience, bolster food se -
curity, and promote healthier dietary habits across the Region, which aligns with the key deliverables of the Caribbean Community’s Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security.
During the launch at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Friday, Managing Director of Lynch Caribbean Brokers, Damien Bowen disclosed that REAP leverages technology to transfer the risks of climate change from the public sector to the private sector.
“One of the fundamental functions of REAP is that the government is going to fund year one but equally we are developing parallel to that a funding mechanism that ensures the self-sustainability of the programme over time
in reducing the burden on the state. We are going to leverage the power of our regional collective to bring the best price into the market and equally important is our leveraging of technology.”
Farm insurance gives farmers the peace of mind to focus on their business without worrying about potential risks and financial loss.
Bowen added that
REAP’s database monitors weather conditions in insured areas by satellite stations to assess the extent of damages and promptly provide relief to agriculturists.
He added that this intervention allows governments to pump resources into policy decisions after environmental disruptions while farmers return to fields.
“The claims process is important and given that it
is a parametric, it requires that our teams constantly monitor the satellite databases in the insured locations. The debts are calculated to define if the predetermined payment thresholds are met or if they have been surpassed… the coverages are then activated, payouts are calculated. Typically, payouts occur within a twoweek to four-week radius maximum,” Bowen added.
Hughes’ ‘lofty cash transfer proposal’ would see citizens...
These are legitimate needs of people and with all those needs, what we get now is a fraction of that.”
He pointed out that $90 billion has been the wage increase from 2020 to present and “if you add health and education [budgets], it is gone.”
This he said is the current situation but will change in the future as the country repay for loans taken to complete its infrastructure projects.
Even as the AFC Leader calls for direct cash transfers now, the Vice pres -
ident highlighted that the position is inconsistent. He referred to an April 18, 2017 article in which the then Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman dismissed the notion of cash transfers from oil revenues.
In that article, Trotman is quoted as saying “People just sit back and don’t believe they need to do anything but receive and spending habits go bad.” Trotman is a co-founder of the AFC.
On Wednesday, The Government withdrew
$62.3 billion from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), marking the third tranche of the $329.8 billion in withdrawals approved by Parliament for the year. This was under the NRF Act 2021, as amended by the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Act 2024. This Act had seen parliamentary approval being granted for the total withdrawal of $329.8 billion. This transfer brings the accumulated withdrawals to date in 2024 to US$850 million (equivalent to G$176.782 billion).
Managing Director of Lynch Caribbean Brokers, Damien Bowen
Newly-commissioned $565M Greenwich Park pump station to support 5000 acres of farmland
The newly commissioned $565.3 mil-
lion Greenwich Park Pump Station in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will significantly improve the lives of residents in the area, particularly paddy farmers who rely heavily on proper drainage and irrigation systems.
This is according to the Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Board of Directors, Lionel Wordsworth.
“This project will benefit approximately 5000 acres of farmland and we all know Greenwich Park area doesn’t have an independent sluice and now we have a pump station that will link the drainage canal
that runs to the farms. To give it added drainage capacity.”
In addition, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the tremendous economic growth the region has seen over the years.
“And your region, Region 3, is one of the fastest growing regions in our country. This region is making a tremendous contribution. As you know, although we have seen a depression from 2015 to 2020, today we have seen renewed hope. We have seen renewed investment. We are seeing new projects coming and streaming to Region Three. Many people are now migrating to Region Three.”
Moreover, the Minister highlighted that the region
has been a significant contributor to the country’s Gross domestic product (GDP) noting that approximately some 16,000 acres of rice are being cultivated within the region, similarly, he noted that the region has ramped up fruit and vegetable cultivation.
On this point, the minister affirmed the government’s commitment to further bolster the region’s economic growth by investing in additional pumping stations throughout the region which will significantly improve their drainage and irrigation systems.
“We recognise the value that this region brings to
signed was one for the construction of a pump station at Greenwich Park/ Barnwell on the East Bank of Essequibo. It was signed to the tune of $597,851,578 and awarded to Roopan Ramoutar Investments.
The pump station was completed in 2023 however the commissioning of the station was subsequently delayed resulting in the facility being inoperable for several months. The delays were due to issues with the site as well as design changes that were made to
our country’s development. We have seen the contribution that regions like these are making to our country’s GDP. Several other pump stations that we are constructing now are in Region Three. And in another year from now, Region 3 will have approximately seven operable pump stations, so that we can get proper drainage in this part of the country Your government will continue to make the necessary investment. This region, as I said, is a mainstay for us in terms of development. But all the regions in our country are experiencing massive growth, massive development” the minister stated.
Meanwhile, in 2021 the Agriculture Ministry signed over $665M in contracts for works to be done to improve the agriculture sector as the end of the Ministry’s project cycle. Among the contracts
extend the lifespan of the structure.
The mechanically driven station is equipped with two pumping units with a capacity to facilitate 100 cubic feet of water per second.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
Pumping units in action
Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Board of Directors, Lionel Wordsworth
GBTI Bank launches “Drive Into Your Dream Home With a Home Loan” campaign with as low as 3.8% interest rate
The Guyana Bank
paign will have the exciting opportunity to win a brandnew Toyota Raize SUV.
The Drive into your dream home with a GBTI home loan Campaign is open to all eligi-
ble customers looking to purchase, build a home, or switch their mortgage to GBTI.
Customers can visit any GBTI Bank branch, apply online through our secure portal, or contact our home loan advisors for more information.
The bank’s revised rates are 3.8% up to $9 million; 5.50% for loans between $9 million and $20 million; 6% for persons acquiring young professionals’ homes for $20 million to $25 million and 6.99% for loans $25 million and above.
Customers are required
to contribute as little as 5% of the project cost and benefit from up to 30 years to repay.
“At GBTI Bank, we understand that buying a home is a monumental step in our customers’ lives and as the largest 100% owned Guyanese bank we think it’s our duty to ensure that we do our part in making home ownership a reality,” Marketing Manager of GBTI Bank, Pernell Cummings stated.
He added that the GBTI team will offer not only the best rates, but the best advice and customer service offering
guidance throughout the process of homeownership whether buying or building.
“Our Drive into to Your Dream Home with a Home Loan from GBTI Campaign is not only committed to providing exceptional home loan options but also adds an exciting opportunity to win a brandnew Toyota Raize SUV.”
“We believe this campaign will not only help our customers achieve their dream of homeownership but also add an extra element of excitement to the process,” he added.
Rajendra Kellawan – GBTI Drive Home 2023 winner, second from left; Pernell Cummings – GBTI Marketing Manager, right; Nadia Sagar – GBTI General Counsel, second from right; Akeem Morris –GBTI Marketing and Communications Officer
“Come out of your offices” –Min Parag tells NDC officials
... urges them to be visible, proactive in executing duties
Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) officials across Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) were on Friday urged to be visible and proactive in executing their duties.
The call was issued by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag during a one-day training workshop aimed at retooling the officials with the skills needed to execute their function effectively.
According to Parag, re-
cently, the government received numerous complaints about community representatives’ inability to address issues affecting their constituencies, with some citizens even stating that they are not aware of who their councillors or overseers are.
“You can’t sit in your office and decide that you know how to fix a problem or somebody comes to your office and describes a scenario and you understand it. Come out of your office. It’s a lot of you on the council, visit the community… It’s amazing
what you can discover and it’s amazing how the people you will not be able to engage with at a bottom house can come out there and explain to you when you are on the ground to see what happening. It gives you a firsthand experience and it gives you an idea of how you can help far better than sitting in your office,” Parag instructed.
It is with this in mind that the Minister is to reeducate these officials and remind them of their responsibilities as stipulated in the
Local Democratic Organs Act 12 of 1980.
The training focused on financial management and accountability to promote and maintain transparency and good governance across all Local Democratic Organs.
The Minister explained that the initiative’s primary aim is to reinforce the importance of community engagements, which is lacking in the regional system.
“This training is to allow you the opportunity to strengthen and possibly reveal to your roles and functions that you didn’t know that you possess or you didn’t know you’re supposed to carry out in this particular way. So, it is to give you that capacity to carry out your duty in the best way possible with the resources that you have to ensure satisfaction in the communities,” she explained.
Further, Parag instructed the NDC Councillors and Overseers to get their offices in order, starting with the timely submission of monthly reports and minutes of meetings.
“Let us pay keen attention to transparency and accountability because it is very easy for those who hold offices to slack off and to be accused of many things. And so, we must at all times again understand that the people hold you accountable.
So, everything you have a statutory meeting just don’t do things routinely do meaningful things… You cannot gain the confidence or maintain the confidence of the residents if you do not appear steady with transparency and accountabili-
Underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency, she added that the government will no longer tolerate mismanagement and disorderly conduct among officials.
ty,” the Local Government and Regional Development Minister said Neighbourhood Democratic Councillors upon election are tasked with managing and providing services to individuals within small geographic areas while Overseers are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the office and assisting in the execution of the council’s decisions.
Community services include sanitation, garbage disposal, road/dam maintenance, market facilities, burial grounds and drainage, among others.
Over 500 hectares of mangroves restored through NAREI mangrove restoration project
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) under its Mangroves Restoration Project over the years has successfully restored over 500 hectares of mangroves – nature’s natural sea defenses.
This is according to NAREI project coordinator Kene Moseley who spoke with the Guyana Times on Friday at the Kingston Sea Wall Esplanade during the mangrove exhibition.
The initiative was held by the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) in collaboration with NAREI in observance of World Mangrove Day 2024.
“We at NAREI are collaborating with EMC foundation with support from the Guyana Conservation Initiative to bring more awareness about the importance of mangroves given that we are a coastal population in terms of the coastal protection mangroves provide the biodiversity they support as well as the community lively hoods that are supported by mangroves” Moseley stated.
In this regard, the project coordinator noted NAREI, under its Mangrove Restoration Project has
been working assiduously to restore this vital sea defense across the country.
“NAREI has been rolling out a number of innovative restoration interventions. Our current approach is what we call the Green Gray infrastructure approach where we have been investing in the construction of breakwaters to create a suitable mangrove environment and where possible that the environment is suitable, we have been working with local communities to plant nursery-grown seedlings.”
As such, the project coordinator revealed that these initiatives have significantly bolstered the mangrove population across the country by restoring hectares of these vital sea defenses.
” These initiatives so far have resulted in the restoration of over 500 hectares of mangroves that’s adding to the carbon storage capacity of mangroves in Guyana as well as increasing the areas to support biodiversity as well as increasing the areas that communities can take advantage of.”
National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) project coordinator Kene Moseley
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag addressing Neighbourhood Democratic Councillors and Overseers at ACCC
Section of participants engaged in training workshop
Govt distributes cash grants to several organisations ahead of Emancipation Day celebrations
ory and cultural heritage, reverberating with the pride and reverence across our entire nation”
Moreover, the minister noted that Afro-Guyanese citizens have experienced significant socioeconomic advancements over the years.
“As I said, with increased access to housing initiatives, scholarships, vocational training opportunities, and all, every single measure and policy of the government has been able to reach every part of our society, including Afro-Guyanese. So, when we talk about pension increase, it’s not one group versus the other, it is every Guyanese, inclusive of those who are African.”
The Government of Guyana on Friday distributed several cash grants to Afro-Guyanese business owners ahead of Emancipation Day at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy told the gathering that these donations were made to organisations who will be spearheading emancipation activities and celebrations across our country and reaffirmed the government’s support.
“This year, we have been confronted with attempts by divisive elements in our society and we all know they exist, some of them exist for profiteering purposes, who wrongly felt that the emancipation celebrations should be monopolised and that the government should restrict access to funding to just one group and just a few people. The Government of Guyana has consistently recognised the critical importance and the expansive magnitude of Emancipation Day celebrations as not merely events, but they are part of the lifeblood of our collective mem-
Additionally, the minister stated that the government’s commitment to inclusive growth is highlighted in the administration’s commitment to providing cash grants whilst also ensuring that a greater number of Afro-Guyanese groups have increased access to financial support under the United Nations Decade of People of African Descent initiative.
“Our government is committed to the holistic development of all Guyanese, as evidenced by our policies designated to foster an en-
GFS launches investigation into arrest of fireman with illegal liquor
– distances itself from illegal activity by ranks
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has issued a strong statement distancing itself from any involvement in illegal activities following the arrest of Station Officer Clayton Pantlitz who was recently busted with a quantity of illegal alcoholic beverages.
The Fire Service emphasised its commitment to integrity and its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct by its ranks.
On July 18, Pantlitz was intercepted by police at Melanie, East Coast Demerara. A search of his vehicle uncovered a substantial quantity of illegal liquor. Following the discovery, Pantlitz was taken to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Bond to lodge the confiscated alcohol and subsequently escorted to the Brickdam Police Station.
The GFS management stated, “The management of the Guyana Fire Service outrightly separates itself from any form of illegal activity by ranks within the organisation, including the smuggling of illegal alcohol,
and is actively investigating a recent incident involving Station Officer Clayton Pantlitz.”
The Fire Service said it is determined to uncover all details related to the case and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken in accordance with its regulations.
“The Guyana Fire Service is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all details,” the administration declared. “Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate actions will be taken to ensure the officer is penalised according to the regulations governing the conduct and operations of the
Fire Service.”
In its statement, the GFS administration unequivocally condemned Pantlitz’s actions, stressing that such behavior tarnishes the reputation of the entire Service.
The GFS has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining public trust and ensuring that all officers adhere to the ethical and professional standards expected of them.
“The Guyana Fire Service remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the people of Guyana with integrity and will take all necessary measures to uphold the highest standards within the Service,” the statement concluded. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
vironment where every individual, regardless of their background, can prosper and contribute meaningfully to the development of our country. We continue, as a government, we have been
at the forefront of the global calls and will continue to call for reparatory justice, the frameworks to be enacted by the colonial legacy countries to help overcome generations of exclusion and discrimination.” Also present at the ceremony were several Government Ministers including Dr. Frank Anthony, Robeson Benn, Ashni Singh, and Sonia Parag.
Over 500 hectares of ...
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha in observance of International Mangrove Day 2024 stated “Guyana’s mangrove restoration efforts significantly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By restoring over 500 hectares of mangroves, we support SDG 14, which focuses on the sustainable management of oceans and coasts. Our initiatives also align with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13
(Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). Mangrove conservation efforts help to combat climate change, support livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the resilience of our coastal zones.”
Moreover, since the inception of the mangrove restoration programme in 2010, the Government of Guyana has invested over 1.9 billion Guyana dollars in enhancing the resilience of our coastal regions.
These efforts have led to the restoration of over 500 hectares of mangroves
across more than 35 sites in regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This year alone, an additional 275 million dollars has been allocated for restoration projects in regions 2 and 5. The exhibition saw support from various organisations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) among others. World Mangrove Day 2024 was celebrated under the theme ‘Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding Our Coastal Guardians for Tomorrow.’
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy presenting the grant to one of the recipients
Representatives from the various groups that benefitted from the grant
‘We are moulding you into the best citizens’ –
Pres Ali tells youth camp –
170 children to be exposed to social and
life skills
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali assured the 170 children participating in a national youth camp organised by Men on Mission (MoM) that the government is dedicated to moulding them into exemplary citizens.
The second youth camp at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, Linden-Soesdyke Highway facilitated by volunteers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), aims to equip children from six administrative regions with essential life skills and values necessary for their personal growth and decision-making.
Through this camp, the children will learn problem-solving skills, discipline, mutual support, and the significance of hygiene, environment, and ethics.
In his address to kickstart the camp on Friday, President Ali emphasised the impor-
Brazilian
tance of learning from each other, fostering support, and collaborating to glean valuable life lessons.
He encouraged the children to familiarise themselves with different regions and make new friends, highlighting the role of discipline, life skills, and a positive environment in their development.
“This camp is about building character. It’s about supporting each other, it is about understanding the importance of life [and] understanding how to make good decisions in life. It’s understanding how you can support each other, and how to live in love,” he said.
President Ali also underscored the significance of this opportunity for the children to build themselves and envisioned them as future contributors to society.
“This is what Men On
Mission is all about, building positivity and ensuring that we develop the next generation to be the best possible citizens of our country,” the head of state stressed.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, motivated the children to seize the chance to become better citizens, emphasising the importance of the MOM Mentorship Programme.
Meanwhile, Camp Director, Lt. Col Bhageshwar Murli highlighted the camp’s role in the realisation of the MOM Mentorship Programme and its ultimate goal of shaping future generations and leaders.
The MoM’s mentorship programme, conceived by President Ali, aims to shape future generations and leaders for the nation’s development and prosperity while addressing pressing societal ills.
duo charged with failing to keep gold records after busted with raw gold
Two Brazilian nationals were charged on Friday, by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for failing to maintain and produce the necessary gold transaction records as required by the Guyana Gold Board Act.
Brothers and business operators, Orisvaldo De Oliveira Moura and Sabastiao De Oliveira Moura appeared in separate sessions at the Georgetown Magistrates Court. Orisvaldo appeared before Magistrate Rabindra Nauth Singh and pleaded not guilty to the charges. As such, he was granted $100,000 bail.
His case has been transferred to the Port Kaituma Magistrates Court for August 15.
On the other hand, his brother, Sabastiao appeared before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty and also entered a not guilty plea and was released on $50,000 bail. His case has
been adjourned until August 16. According to SOCU, the Moura brothers operated under a registered business with locations in Georgetown, Eyelash Backdam, and Port Kaituma Water Front, North West District, Region One.
An investigation revealed that these locations were involved in purchasing precious metals without keeping the required records. In a coordinated ef-
GPF to crack down on misuse of trade plates
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is intensifying efforts to combat the illegal use of trade plates on Guyana’s roadways as such, the head of Traffic Education at the Traffic Headquarters in Eve Leary, Sergeant Richard Trotz has issued a stern warning to vehicle dealers and operators.
According to Trotz, there are over 200 vehicle dealers in Guyana, and a significant number of trade plates are being improperly used.
“According to section 21 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, a trade plate or dealer’s license is issued to the owner of an auto sale once he is registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). He pays a prescribed fee of $150,000 with an application and he is being issued a dealer’s license which he is authorised with a dealer’s book and also four licence plates for his dealership,” Trotz empha-
workshop. On public holidays, dealers should be the only persons driving these vehicles, and there should be no other occupants. If you are having a potential sale where you are going for a test drive, if there are other occupants in the vehicle, there should be no more than four occupants, including the driver.”
He also highlighted that some individuals in the con-
sised.
Trotz elaborated on the regulations governing trade plates: “Some rules are, that you can only move your vehicles from the showroom or to register either for the purpose of repairing, and to take it to a
fort, SOCU, along with officials from the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), conducted raids on their business premises. During the search, a significant quantity of gold and cash was discovered. The brothers were unable to provide the necessary documentation to verify their purchases, leading to their arrest and the seizure of the discovered items.
struction sector have been found using trade plates on lorries to transport heavy loads such as goods and materials, which is in direct violation of the dealer licenses.
“It is only for the purpose of testing. Unregistered motor
lorries should only be used for testing purposes and must adhere to specific weight limits.”
Trotz warned that the police would be vigilant and prosecute those who breach these regulations.
“We will be on the lookout for them and we will prosecute them for these offenses. Each dealer is allowed only four trade plates per year by the Guyana Revenue Authority,” Trotz reminded. “We must ensure that we uphold the law and put the right measures in place.”
Recently, the GRA issued warnings over the use of unregistered vehicles and the misuse of trade plates on vehicles traversing the country’s roadways. In notices published in the media, the GRA noted that it has observed with concern the increase in the number of unregistered motor vehicles traversing the public roadways.
It has reminded importers, investors, and owners of unregistered vehicles of the terms and conditions of the release of these vehicles from the city wharves, which restrict their use until after registration.
Persons were given 14 days to take corrective actions and engage the customs, excise, and trade operations, and the license revenue office to have those motor vehicles duly entered and registered. If the vehicles don’t comply, GRA announced that they will work with the police to have them detained.
According to GRA, the use of these plates is restricted to weekdays—Monday to Friday from 06:00h (6 am) to 18:00h (6 pm)—and must not operate on weekends or public holidays. Further, it stressed that the use of trade plates beyond official hours and for an excessive amount of time is an offense.
Sergeant Richard Trotz, head of Traffic Education at the Traffic Headquarters
A vehicle using a trade plate
The youths at the camp in Kuru Kuru
Charged: Orisvaldo De Oliveira Moura
Charged: Sabastiao De Oliveira Moura
T&T PM –
Stop chasing away investors
Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley knocked critics for accusations of corruption against potential investors to Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr Rowley, in responding to questions from the media on one potential investor in particular – Naveen Jindal – admonished critics for chasing away potential investors.
“There are some people who believe that the country must fail for them to succeed…because they can only succeed, because their conversation is about negatives and failure,” Dr Rowley said at the post-Cabinet press conference on July 25.
Jindal, Chairman of the Jindal Steel and Power Ltd in India, made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister in June, during which he expressed interest in the Petrotrin refinery.
Dr Rowley said the refinery had been mothballed for six years, but Government kept the refinery preserved in the hope that it would at-
tract an investor.
According to a biography on oneindia.com, 54-yearold Jindal is known in India for his advocacy for women’s empowerment and was recognised by the World Economic Forum, when he was ranked among the top 25 Indians on its annual list of 250 global young leaders.
He was also elected MP for Haryana state in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
But in 2013, he was charged by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation after allegations of cheating
and graft.
News of allegations of corruption in India quickly began circulating in T&T, prompting fiery criticisms from the Opposition and the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU).
“I would have thought that people who were interested in the well-being of the people of TT… would have been happy to know that there were people who, at least, are looking to see if there is an interest,” Dr Rowley said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
Panama says flights operating normally after Venezuelan plane blocked
Authorities from Venezuela and Panama on Friday said normal air travel had resumed between the countries after Panama had earlier accused Venezuela of blocking a plane carrying ex-Presidents en route to Caracas to observe Sunday's election.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said on social media earlier on Friday that the plane had been denied permission to take off as long as the former Presidents were on board.
One of the passengers, former Mexican President Vicente Fox, shared a video from Tocumen Airport in Panama, in which he said: "(Venezuela President) Nicolás Maduro has caused all Copa flights heading to Caracas and Venezuela to be suspended."
Flights had since resumed, Panama's Foreign Minister Javier MartinezAcha said later on Friday.
"The Venezuelan government blocked the airspace of its country to Copa Airlines for several hours," he said.
Among the passengers on the plane, as well as Fox, were Panama's Mireya Moscoso, Costa Rica's Miguel Angel Rodriguez and Bolivia's Jorge Quiroga.
They said at a press conference that they would like to be in Venezuela, but did not specify if they would still seek to travel there.
Venezuela's state aerospace authority and the country's Transportation Minister said Mulino's earlier assertion was false and posted photos of Copa Airlines operating in Venezuelan airspace from flight tracking website FlightRadar.
Last week, Venezuela issued a decree closing border movements by land, air and
sea from midnight on Friday. The Government said it was an attempt to maintain security and protect the presidential election on Sunday, in which Maduro is pursuing a third term in office.
Senior US officials told reporters on Friday that Washington found it concerning that Maduro had taken steps to restrict international monitoring, and urged him to reconsider the apparent decision to prevent regional ex-Presidents from travelling to observe.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Venezuelan Opposition seeks to end 25 years of socialist power in Sunday vote
Venezuelan Opposition
Leader Maria Corina Machado and her coalition's candidate Edmundo Gonzalez have commanded enthusiastic crowds during their campaign to unseat President Nicolás Maduro and end 25 years of ruling party dominance.
But uncertainty remains about how Sunday's election will play out, with Maduro – whose 2018 re-election is considered fraudulent by the United States, among others – sounding a confident note and Opposition figures and analysts warning of possible underhandedness.
Gonzalez has attracted significant support, even
from former supporters of the ruling party, but the Opposition and some observers have questioned whether the vote will be fair, saying decisions by electoral authorities and the arrests of some opposition campaign staff are meant to create obstacles.
Gonzalez and Machado have urged voters to cast ballots early and hold "vigils" at polling stations until they close. They have said they expect the military to uphold the results of the vote.
Venezuela's military has long supported Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chávez. Defence
Minister, General Vladimir Padrino has said the armed forces will respect the outcome of Sunday's election. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 and is seeking his third six-year term, has said the country has the world's most transparent electoral system and has warned of a "bloodbath" if he were to lose, comments rejected by his Latin American counterparts.
Members of the nearly eight million-strong Venezuelan Diaspora say they found it difficult to register to vote. Fewer than 68,000 look set to be able to cast ballots. (Excerpt from Reuters)
PM Holness commends Police for tangible and proactive operational improvements
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has commended the improved operations of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as the Police move to strategically deal with crime in the country.
In a statement on Friday, Holness said the operation in Negril, Westmoreland where officers confronted alleged robbers is the result of improved intelligence work by the Police.
Four of five suspected robbers were killed during
an alleged confrontation with members of the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) in Negril Square. The deceased have not yet been identified, but Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey said the suspected robbers were believed to be part of a criminal organisation that has been targeting Beryllium Limited.
Speaking after the incident, Holness said, “We could say that this is a warning to all the criminals
that the JCF of today is not the JCF of ten years ago. The JCF of today is more strategic, it has an enduring force; it is using intelligence, information, cyber and all kinds of intelligence and it is putting it all together in an operational plan which is not just targeted at gangs, but it is targeted as masterminds, it is targeted at street level and in my opinion, it is very effective and we are seeing the results.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Brazil, US to work together on climate partnership, says Yellen
The US and Brazilian Governments announced a climate partnership agenda on Friday, seeking to deepen ties on an issue they seen as key but treated as secondary by Opposition in both countries.
Speaking on the sidelines of a G20 finance leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that "advancing work on climate and on nature and biodiversity can bring benefits not only
to both of our economies but also to the region and to the global economy."
"We want to be more close," said Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, adding he expected these guidelines to turn into concrete actions very quickly.
The joint work between the US and Brazil, the two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere, will focus on four key areas, including efforts to facilitate countries' ease of access to multilateral climate fund re-
sources, a priority for Brazil during its G20 presidency this year.
Yellen also mentioned as pillars of this agenda the aim to bolster clean energy supply chains and efforts to improve the integrity and effectiveness of voluntary carbon markets.
Efforts to mobilise finance and develop innovative solutions to conserve and restore nature and biodiversity, including through multilateral development banks, are also on the agenda. (Reuters)
Arrest of drug leaders “direct strike” against cartels – US Ambassador to Mexico
The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar said on Friday that the arrests of Mexican drug kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and a son of his former partner, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, were a "direct strike" in efforts to combat transnational crime groups.
"The arrest of Ismael Zambada García "El Mayo" and Joaquin Guzman Lopez is a direct strike in our efforts to dismantle the transnational criminal organisations that foment the poison of synthetic drugs that kill so many of our people and cause so much violence in our communities," the Ambassador said in a statement. He added that the US would continue its "collaborative efforts" with Mexico on issues including fentanyl, arms trafficking, and human smugglers. (Reuters)
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley (Ayanna Kinsale file photo)
Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino shakes hands with Mexico's former President Vicente Fox during a meeting with former Latin American Presidents who were en route to observe Sunday's Venezuela election and had not been allowed to take off due to a blockade of Venezuela's airspace, in Panama City, Panama, July 26, 2024 (Presidencia Panama/Handout via Reuters)
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil falls 1.5%, ends week lower on China demand fears
il futures fell about 1.5 per cent on Friday, finishing the week lower on declining Chinese demand and hopes of a Gaza ceasefire agreement that could ease Middle East tensions and accompanying supply concerns.
Brent crude settled down US$1.24, or 1.5 per cent, at US$81.13 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended US$1.12, or 1.4 per cent, lower at US$77.16 a barrel.
For the week, Brent was trading down more than one per cent while WTI fell beyond three per cent.
"Yesterday’s better-than-expected US GDP growth figures initially supported the crude market," said George Khoury, global head of education and research at CFI. "However, these gains were overshadowed by concerns about declining Chinese oil demand."
Data released last week showing that China's total fuel oil imports dropped 11 per cent in the first half of 2024 have raised concern about the wider demand outlook in China.
"The Chinese demand situation is going down the tubes here and crude oil prices are going down with it," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York.
China's economy is threatening to enter a deflationary cycle, where prices will fall because of falling demand, Yawger said.
"And that is about the worst possible scenario for a country that is the largest importer of crude oil on the planet," he said.
Meanwhile, demand from the world's top oil consumer was also expected to ease as US refiners are preparing to cut back production as the end of the summer driving season in early September nears.
The nation's second largest refiner, Valero Energy said on Thursday its 14 refineries would run at 92 per cent of combined capacity in the third quarter. Valero's refineries ran at 94 per cent in the second quarter.
In the Middle East, hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza have been gaining momentum.
A ceasefire has been the subject of negotiations for months, but US officials believe the parties are closer than ever to an agreement for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release by Hamas of female, sick, elderly and wounded hostages.
Baker Hughes' count of US oil drilling rigs, an early indicator of future output, increased by five to 482 this week and by three in July, raising the number of rigs for the first month since March. (Reuters)
France’s train network hit by arson attacks hours before Olympic ceremony
Saboteurs struck France's TGV highspeed train network in a series of pre-dawn attacks across the country, causing travel chaos and exposing security gaps ahead of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony later on Friday.
The coordinated sabotage took place as France mounted a massive security operation, involving tens of thousands of Police and soldiers to safeguard the capital for the sporting extravaganza, sucking in security resources from across the country.
Paris puts on a dazzling display for Olympics opening
Despite hours of rain, the Paris Olympics executed an Opening Ceremony on Friday that dazzled the crowds and the world.
It combined can-can dancers, tributes to French history and acrobatics with drag, jet flyovers, and rap.
Surprise performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion were highlights.
Nerves ran high beforehand because of the complexity of the spectacle and arson attacks that disrupted French rail traffic and heightened security concerns.
The show, years in the making, for the first time ever focused activity on a river, the Seine, which flows through the heart of Paris. The country delegations floated along a route nearly four miles long in
craft ranging from barges to motor boats (for the small teams).
The producers sought to showcase a vision of a modern and inclusive France. Performers included Mali-
born singer Aya Nakamura, whose hip-hop inflected hits have been targeted by racist campaigns, while drag queens joined a runway show highlighting French fashion.
The action then moved to the Eiffel
– which glittered with lasers and strobe effects – and the
a green space across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.
The flame travelled to the Trocadero by a relay that included athletic greats on a boat in the Seine then running past the glass pyramid at the Louvre under dark and rainy skies.
French President Emanuel Macron officially declared the Games open as the Olympic flame lighted a cauldron with a hot air balloon on top, that floated away, a reference to French achievements in science. Dion, who hasn't performed in four years due to a neurological disorder, then brought the house down with an Edith Piaf song on the Eiffel Tower. (Reuters)
CIA chief to meet Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials for Gaza talks, source says
CIA Director William Burns will meet this weekend in Rome with his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts and Qatar's Prime Minister for talks on a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.
The source, who requested anonymity, said Burns would meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the Egyptian and Israeli intelligence chiefs
on Sunday. Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 39,000 persons, mostly civilians,
The CIA declined to comment
The meeting was first reported by Axios.
It comes as Israel seeks changes to a plan for a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas, complicating a final deal to halt more than nine months of war that has devastated the enclave, according to a Western official, a Palestinian and two
Egyptian sources.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops battled Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and destroyed tunnels and other infrastructure, as they sought to suppress small militant units that have continued to hit troops with mortar fire, the military said on Friday.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said troops had killed around 100 Palestinian fighters since Israeli troops began their latest operation in Khan Younis on Monday, which
continued as pressure mounted for a deal to halt the fighting.
It said seven small units that had been firing mortars at the troops were hit in an air strike, while further south, in Rafah, four fighters were also killed in air strikes.
The Islamic Jihad armed wing said it fired rockets toward the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon and other Israeli towns near Gaza. No casualties were reported, the Israeli ambulance service said.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump vows return to site of assassination attempt, Obamas endorse Harris
RThere was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks on the highspeed rail network, which is a source of national pride for many in France. Two security sources said the modus operandi meant initial suspicions fell on leftist militants or environmental activists, but they said there was not yet any evidence.
The Paris prosecutor's office said the probe would be overseen by its organised crime office, with the anti-terrorist sub-directorate (SDAT). (Excerpt from Reuters)
SNCF, the state-owned railway operator, said vandals had damaged signal substations and cables along the lines connecting Paris with cities such as Lille in the north, Bordeaux in the west and Strasbourg in the east. Another attack on the Paris-Marseille line was foiled.
epublican presidential nominee Donald Trump said on Friday he will return to the Pennsylvania town where he narrowly survived an assassination attempt, while Vice President Kamala Harris capped her week-long bid to become the Democratic presidential nominee with former President Barack Obama's endorsement.
"I WILL BE GOING BACK TO BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA, FOR A BIG AND BEAUTIFUL RALLY," former President Trump wrote on his Truth Social site, without providing details on when or where the rally would take place.
Harris, the first Black woman and first Asian American to serve as vice President, swiftly consolidated Democratic support after President Joe Biden tapped her to succeed him on Sunday. A handful of public
opinion polls this week have shown her beginning to narrow Trump's lead.
Obama and his wife Michelle endorsed Harris on Friday, adding their names to a parade of prominent Democrats who coalesced behind Harris' White House bid after Biden, 81, ended his re-election campaign under pressure from the party.
"We called to say Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office," Obama told Harris in a phone call posted in an online video by the campaign.
Smiling as she spoke into a cellphone, Harris expressed her gratitude for the endorsement and their long friendship.
"Thank you both. It means so much. And we're gonna have some fun with this too," said Harris, who
Tower
Trocadero,
The Trocadero venue with the Eiffel Tower looming in the background during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, July 26, 2024 (Francois-Xavier Marit/Pool via Reuters photo)
would also be the nation's first female president if she prevails in the November 5 election.
Meanwhile, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the
former president's Florida resort on Friday, a day after Netanyahu sat down with Biden and Harris in separate meetings in Washington. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on the phone with Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, July 26, 2024 (Handout via Reuters)
SUDOKU
HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
Incorporate what you love and how you make extra cash into your daily routine. Promote what you can do and you will gain interest and opportunities. Trust your instincts.
Set an example by doing for yourself, and self-advertising will prompt a following. Having a low-key attitude will leave you more time to implement what you do best. Protect against illness and injury.
(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)
An open mind will help fill your head with information. See what works best and use the process of elimination to direct your energy strategically. Don’t trust others to make decisions for you.
You may not agree with everyone you encounter, but if you listen carefully, you’ll spare yourself finding out the hard way whom to trust. Physical improvements will attract positive attention.
You’ll create opportunities when you realize where your efforts will have the most significant effect. Make your presence felt. A physical improvement will prompt a positive emotional influence.
Knowing where you stand will help you conclude your next move. Don’t try to please everyone at the expense of not following your heart. Change begins with you; make it play in your favor.
Engage in pastimes that bring you joy, and share your insight into life, love and prospects with those who share your vision. Exercising your rights will lead to contentment. Romance is favored.
Consider what makes you feel passionate and what your convictions are before you start a crusade. Note that you are better off considering the consequences and fallout before you begin.
Take a break; do something physical that eases stress. Opportunities will come to you, and being ready to act will make the difference when it comes to how much success you encounter.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Choose your words wisely, and don’t bring up touchy subjects that can turn a happy event into something less enjoyable. Joint ventures will pose problems. Honesty is essential, but so is understanding.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Conversations aren’t in your best interest; however, using your energy to create improvements at home will make you feel good about your life. Make physical improvements and love your priorities.
You will avoid interference if you keep your plans a secret until you are ready to launch. Patience, attitude, moderation and discipline will lead to your desired success.
CALVIN AND HOBBES
Johnson deems Table Tennis Camp building ground for champions
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports/National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Guyana Table Tennis Association, got the Nursery Table Tennis Sports Academy Summer Camp underway, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue on Monday last.
The camp will conclude on August 16, 2024. It runs daily from 10:00h to 14:00h, focusing on helping players with the basic skills. For instance, helping players to be better prepared for future tournaments training and introducing students to the basic techniques of the game; discovering the skills of children (talent Identification); amusing children with sports skills; and developing habits for healthy competition.
The programme is tar-
geting players 16 years and under. More than 60 players (boys and girls) will be exposed to the sport of table tennis in a fun way.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport , National Table Tennis Coach Linden Johnson discussed the impact of the camp over the recent years.
“The favourite is
Johnson explained,
“This camp has been in progress for the last 21 years since I have been employed with the National Sports Commission, but the camp hasn’t been going on for quite a long time, but I continued this camp in 2003. The purpose of this camp is to get the best players from this camp; for example, Chelsea Edghill – she is now going to the Olympics twice and
Thompson” Boldon highlights Jamaican champion as man to beat in 100m in Paris
Trinidadian four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon has named Jamaican sprinting sensation Kishane Thompson as his favourite to take 100m gold at the Olympic Games in Paris. Thompson, 23, is currently the world leader in the event after running a personal best 9.77 to win the 100m title at the JAAA/Puma National Senior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston in June.
The MVP Track Clubtrained sprinter also produced times of 9.82 and 9.84 in the heats and semi-finals, respectively, at those national championships and, most recently, ran 9.91 shutting down to win at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Hungary on July 9.
“Thompson is the favourite,” Boldon said in an interview with LetsRundotcom on YouTube on Friday.
“I know Noah (Lyles) is the world champion. I think Noah made it a little bit more interesting by running that 9.81 into a headwind which kind of almost converts to a 9.77, but there’s no way you can look at the way in which Thompson ran that 9.77 and just go ‘Oh Noah will beat him.’ Noah has his hands full with that guy,” Boldon said.
Blazing speed acknowledged, one thing that Thompson lacks that his competitors don’t is experience competing at the highest level of the sport with this, being his first time representing Jamaica at any level.
If there is anything to prevent Thompson from delivering on the form that he’s shown so far this season, Boldon believes that would be this lack of experience on a stage like the Olympic Games compared to his peers.
“There are things which I see people completely ignoring. Kishane Thompson has not been under the microscope
of Olympic favourite. Rounds are a great equaliser. Noah has the medals that he does because of how well he runs rounds. Is Noah suddenly a lock for the silver? No, but he does have his hands full,” he said.
“There are others who are going to be in the 100m that are used to the pressure and pressure is a big thing. If he’s able to pull this off, you write books about stuff like that,” he added.
Thompson's quest for Olympic glory will begin in the heats of the men's 100m beginning on Saturday, August 3. (Sportsmax)
Kyle Edghill, Jonathon Van Lange, and Nigel Bryan and that was in my time from 2003. But before 2003, they had a lot of Caribbean champions, for example, Ellie Louis and Dennis France.”
He went on to expound on the areas of development the camp is focused on.
“We are looking for some new table tennis players, because we know … the players that we have presently now, discipline is one of the most important things for them and some we find not so disciplined and they become limited to the game. So, this camp is
now back in progress. We try to do the fundamentals, with the players leaving here with the right fundamentals, so that if they go to join a club or want to continue playing here, they must have the right foundation, so we could build on that and make champions,” Johnson stated.
The panel of coaches includes certified International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level 1 and Level 2 Coaches, with participants only receiving certificates if they have an attendance of 90 per cent and higher. (Omar McKenzie)
Giftland pledges $100,000 to support
592TIP Ball competition
Giftland OfficeMax, a prominent supporter of community and social causes, has thrown its support behind the 592TIP Ball Competition, organised by the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, by making a generous contribution of $100,000.
This donation underscores Giftland's commitment to supporting significant initiatives aimed at raising awareness and combating human trafficking.
Notably, the competition will be played with high-quality balls sold exclusively by the retail giant.
The 592TIP Ball Competition is set to be a dynamic showcase of talent and teamwork, featuring at least 18 teams across three competitive categories in an exciting five-a-side format. The action kicks off on July 28, 2024, at the Police Sports Ground, Eve Leary, starting from 13:00h. In each 10-minute match, two games will be played simultaneously, ensuring an exhilarating experience for both players and spectators.
The competition will not only offer thrilling football matches but also provide a platform to raise awareness about human trafficking.
As part of the Ministerial Task Force’s month-long activities in recognition of World Trafficking in Persons Month, the CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit will be present with a booth to educate and sensitise the public on this crucial issue.
Among the teams com-
peting for the coveted titles and significant prizes are Sophia Unstoppable, Plum Park Warriors, Sparta Boss, Progressive Warriors, E Field Dynamic Ballers, Tucville Terrace, Back Circle B, Sophia B, CPCE Eagles, Festival City, A Field Warriors, Street Vibe, Herstelling Raiders, North Ruimveldt, Policing, Canal #1, Bosco Boys, Fruta Conquerors, and Show Stoppers.
The competition will culminate with the top team in each category taking home $100,000, while the runners-up will receive $60,000. The straight knockout format promises high-stakes excitement and fierce competition.
Tanisha Williams-Corbin, Coordinator of the CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit,
expressed her gratitude for Giftland’s support: "We are deeply thankful to Giftland for their generous contribution to the 592TIP Ball Competition. Their support not only enriches the competition but also amplifies our efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking. This partnership is a testament to the power of community engagement in the fight against this global issue."
Giftland’s sponsorship highlights its dedication to not only fostering community engagement through sports, but also supporting vital causes that impact society. The 592TIP Ball Competition represents a unique intersection of athleticism and advocacy, offering a powerful platform to address and combat human trafficking.
she started playing in this young camp in 2006 at the National Sports Hall. Not only Chelsea Edghill, but had some other good players like Shemar Britton,
Giftland OfficeMax’s Pawankumar Kumkaran presents the company’s sponsorship to Marina Thomas of the CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security
National Table Tennis Coach Linden Johnson
Kishane Thompson crossing the finish line ahead of Botswana's Letsile Tebogo at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Hungary on July 9
GFF names 18-member National U15 Girls’ team
…WFA President says
team is “well-rounded”,
ready to impress
Women’s Football Association (WFA) President Andrea Johnson says the 18-player squad representing Guyana in the upcoming CONCACAF Under-15 Girls’ Championship is well-rounded and equipped with the skills to make a strong impression at the regional competition.
The tournament, taking place in Aruba, features 28 youth teams from across the Caribbean, with matches scheduled from August 5 to August 11.
Guyana are placed in League C, Group G, alongside Anguilla, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Aruba All Stars. Their opening game is set for August 5 at 09:00h in Oranjestad against Anguilla.
The junior national team have nine locally-based players and nine international youth players.
Most of the local players recently participated in the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF)Blue Water Shipping Girls’ Under-15 Secondary School Championship. A total of 46 girls, including standout performers from the hinterland regions, were in camp from July 10, working closely with the coaching staff in preparation for the selection process.
WFA President Johnson noted that the selection process was challenging, as the players demonstrated high skill levels.
“Due to the girls' performances, selecting the final squad was a challenging task for the coaching staff. Our encampment focused on delivering high-quality training, team-building activities, and fostering camaraderie among players from across Guyana.”
“We have selected a well-rounded team, and I am confident that Guyana will perform admirably,” Johnson shared. Additionally, she explained that two additional players will be accompanying the team as part of their developmental process, gaining valuable international exposure. However, they will not take part in any of the matches.
The fifth edition of the regional competition will also be hosted simultaneously in Costa Rica and Trinidad
and Tobago. All three venues will feature a group stage followed by a knockout stage, with each league crowning its own champion.
GFF President Wayne Forde added, “This is the core purpose behind the launch of the GFF-Blue Water Shipping Girls' Under-15 Championship. We have successfully established a registry of the top youth girls from across Guyana to represent the country on the international stage.”
“They are the future of football, and based on their performance in the tournament, I have absolute confidence in the squad and wish them all the best,” he shared.
The tournament was last held in 2022 in Tampa, Florida, USA, where 20 teams competed. Selected Team
Appadu enjoys slim lead as Guyana’s leading jockey
…Ross closely trailing
The rivalry between jockeys and horses will be boiling hot on Sunday, August 11, at the Rising Sun Turf Club, in the 16th running of the Guyana Cup.
Jockeys are eagerly awaiting the big pay day, but the rivalry for the top jockey for 2024 is also on the line. Ronaldo Appadu is Guyana’s leading jockey for 2024, with 79 points, while veteran Colin Ross is trailing on 70 points.
Ross was dominant in 2023 where he secured the Jockey of the Year award, and he is fresh from a crushing win with Easy Time at the last race which was held at Port Mourant Turf Club.
Appadu has 28 starts for the year thus far, with nine first places, eight second spots and four thirdplace finishes. Ross also has nine first places, six second places and three third-place finishes.
Yovin Kissoonchand, with 24 starts for the year, has six first place wins, four seconds and one third. He sits in third on the jockey standings with 45 points.
GMR&SC Drag Wars
3 set for August 4
The highly-anticipated Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) international drag racing event, dubbed Drag Wars 3 has been announced for August 3-4.
The Club earlier this week announced to competitors that the event will see ‘dial-in’ (qualifying) done on Saturday and strictly knockout runs on Sunday.
According to the Club, Saturday, August 3 will be used as the qualifying day for all competitors with the slower class of cars (1612 seconds) getting things started from 10:00h to 13:00h.
Following that, the faster machines (11 seconds to unlimited) will have their moment in the sun.
poses no imminent threat to drag racing, but essentially means that the braking distance of the cars after the quarter mile has been shortened by close to 600ft.
This means that the faster cars under normal circumstances would be able to stop before the construction area, but any malfunction in equipment (parachute or brakes) would mean that buffer zone to stop before the area under construction would be reduced.
International competition
Meanwhile, the Club has also confirmed that it was in the process of garnering international competition for the locals, with a Trinidadian team already en-route to Guyana.
their cars and thus missed the shipping date.
Tickets for the August event are set at $3000 for adults and $2000 for kids, and will be pre-sold from next week.
Patrons desirous of entering the venue on the day are asked to use the airport route.
After the event, spectators will be allowed to meet and greet the drivers.
Kissoonchand had a bright race day at Port Mourant at the Caricom race meet, where he secured 14 points. The young jockey had two wins and one second place at Port Mourant.
in Guyana’s history, and it will be the perfect place for the jockeys to leave their legacy.
Meanwhile, Trinidadian jockey Kiran Razack is in fourth, with 44 points while Nicholas Patrick (29) and Kevin Paul (27) complete the current list of the top five jockeys in the standings for 2024. The 16th running of the Guyana Cup will be the biggest horse-racing event
Ten races will be on the Guyana Cup card, and registration has already been opened. It will close on August 3, and no late entries will be accepted at this year’s Guyana Cup.?
With this year’s Guyana Cup purse being the biggest in the Caribbean, horses and jockeys from various countries will be compelled to travel to Guyana and battle for supremacy.?
Shortened strip
Meanwhile, at a recent competitor briefing, the decision was taken to shorten the racing distance from the full quarter mile (1320ft) to 1000ft, owing to ongoing upgrades at the track.
The GMR&SC was hoping to complete a new, flat surface for drag racing running in the opposite direction, but inclement weather has stalled any further progress in that regard.
According to the Club, the area under construction
The team will be led by Sheldon Bissessar and his railcar along with returning crowd favourite “The Fish Van”.
Suriname have also indicated that a team would be there to represent their interests on a weekend where more than 100 competitors are expected to be on show.
The GMR&SC had reached out to Barbados which had confirmed participation. However, when Hurricane Beryl hit the island, those competitors were not able to do any work to
13. Tanya Devair 14. Erin Peneux
15. Mariah Woolford 16. Allia Henry
17. Sabana Simon 18. Veronica Chatta Developmental Players:
Sonia Simon
Lehiana Bengamin
The South Dakota Circuit will come alive on August 4 for Drag Wars 3
Jockey Ronaldo Appadu is Guyana’s leading jockey in the points standings with 79 points
The U15 squad is “well-rounded”
A portion of the U15 team was selected through a Talent I.D showcase
Flashes of West Indies fight saw them end the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston just about even with England, but the tourists' challenge is to turn the glimmers of hope they've shown since the start of the second Test into match-turning moments.
Fifties from Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Holder led what appeared to be a below-par first innings 282 in the face of some excellent bowling by Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes. But then Jayden Seales grabbed two of the three England wickets to fall late on a day that yielded 13 in all to level things up.
West Indies' spirited first innings at Trent Bridge, which put them narrowly in front of England, momentarily erased memories of their capitulation at Lord's. But their second-innings collapse in the second Test relegated all their good work to hope-for-thefuture status and much of this first day's play of the third Test felt like mini versions of that story.
Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis' 76-run opening stand preceded a collapse of 5 for 39 in 7.2 overs. Then there was the sixth-wicket union between Holder and Joshua Da Silva, worth 109, undone by Woakes and Atkinson rediscovering the swing which had disappeared for part of the day.
But there was a twist,
13-wicket opening day between Windies and England in final Test
with both England openers removed with consecutive balls and nightwatcher Mark Wood also falling as the home side went to the
sponsive, Woakes conjured enough movement to be hopeful with a fuller one angling down the leg side which beat Da Silva and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who parried it away for
Indies had recovered from 115 for 5.
From there, Woakes had the ball properly swing ing again, and he grabbed his third wicket with an outswinger which Alzarri
close on 38 for 3, trailing by 244 runs.
Seales had Zak Crawley out edging to Holder with his 12th ball and Alzarri Joseph, who had spilled a return catch off Ben Duckett in the previous over, had him out chopping onto his stumps with the first ball of his next. Wood followed, edging Seales to Holder at second slip as England were given plenty to think about overnight.
With the ball 61 overs old and the pitch unre-
SCOREBOARD
West Indies 1st Innings
Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c †Smith
b Wood 61 Mikyle Louis c †Smith
b Atkinson 26 Kirk McKenzie
b Wood 12 Alick Athanaze
b Atkinson 2 Kavem Hodge
b Woakes 13
Jason Holder
b Atkinson 59 Joshua Da Silva † c †Smith
b Woakes 49
Alzarri Joseph c Stokes
b Woakes 15
Gudakesh Motie c Root
b Atkinson 8 Jayden Seales not out 7
Shamar Joseph c Crawley
b Shoaib Bashir 16
Extras (b 4, lb 6, nb 3, w 1) 14
four byes. With the next, he rapped Da Silva's front pad with another fullish delivery that looked as though it was going down the leg side.
Then, bingo. Woakes
Joseph skied straight to Ben Stokes at mid-off.
Atkinson chimed in with his third, a beauty to remove Holder, the ball pitching on middle and swinging away as the batter tried
the ball sailing over a jumping Smith as Joe Root took a stunner diving across from slip and flinging out his hand, where the ball miraculously stuck.
Shoaib Bashir, the off-spinning star of England's second-Test victory took the last wicket when Shamar Joseph hit high down the ground and Crawley, running round from long-off, took the catch.
Earlier, Louis had faced 22 balls to get off the mark, striking Atkinson through cover point and running two. But, after the first hour, West Indies were 49 without loss, having won the toss.
Brathwaite moved to 49 guiding a full Stokes delivery past point and brought up his half-century with a single next ball. It was his first fifty in nine Test innings since July last year.
Wood's pace wasn't quite what it was at Trent Bridge, but it caused West Indies enough problems.
Brathwaite was left doubled up after a nasty knock to the box by a short ball. Then, after Kirk McKenzie had struck three boundaries in four Atkinson deliveries, Wood removed him for 12 in his next over, flattening his middle stump with a 91mph inswinging yorker.
Atkinson grabbed his second wicket on the stroke of lunch as Alick Athanaze bottom-edged a short ball which stayed low onto his off stump and West Indies went to lunch at 97 for 3.
TOTAL 75.1 Ov (RR: 3.75) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-76 (Mikyle Louis, 21.5 ov), 2-93 (Kirk McKenzie, 24.3 ov), 3-97 (Alick Athanaze, 25.6 ov), 4-115 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 28.5 ov), 5-115 (Kavem Hodge, 29.1 ov), 6-224 (Joshua Da Silva, 61.6 ov), 7-244 (Alzarri Joseph, 67.6 ov), 8-246 (Jason Holder, 68.5 ov), 9-259 (Gudakesh Motie, 70.2 ov), 10-282 (Shamar Joseph, 75.1 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W Chris Woakes 18-3-69-3 Gus Atkinson 20-1-67-4 Mark Wood 16-2-52-2 Ben Stokes 11-0-29-0 Shoaib Bashir 10.1-0-55-1 England 1st Innings Zak Crawley c Holder b Seales 18 Ben Duckett b AS Joseph 3 Mark Wood c Holder b Seales 0 Ollie Pope not out 6 Joe Root not out 2 Extras (b 4, lb 5) 9
TOTAL 8 Ov (RR: 4.75) 38/3
Yet to bat: Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith †, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Zak Crawley, 3.6 ov), 2-29 (Ben Duckett, 4.1 ov), 3-31 (Mark Wood, 5.6 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W Alzarri Joseph 4-2-10-1 Jayden Seales 4-1-19-2
enticed a loose waft from Da Silva with a back-of-alength delivery that pitched outside off and then moved away from the right-hander as he looked to thread it through backward point, but instead edged to Smith one run shy of his half-century. It was a crucial wicket for England after West
to play across the line and had his off stump dislodged. Holder's slow-motion trudge off the field was the perfect illustration of West Indies' mood at that point.
Atkinson then removed Gudakesh Motie with a short ball which had the batter ducking and thrusting his bat above his head,
But Atkinson made the initial breakthrough, drawing an edge with a short ball that was moving away as Louis prodded behind to Smith. For the fifth time in as many Tests innings in his fledgling career, Louis reached double figures, but he is yet to pass the 27 he made on debut in the first match of this series at Lord's.
Two early wickets in the afternoon session kept the hosts on top. Brathwaite had added just five runs after lunch before he was caught behind down the leg side attempting a pull shot off a Wood shorter ball. Adding to West Indies' woes, replays suggested that the catch had come off Brathwaite's right glove, which was off the bat handle at the time.
Just two balls later, Kavem Hodge errantly left a Woakes delivery which angled in towards middle and off stumps and straightened slightly to crash into the top of off. (ESPNcricinfo)
Jayden Seales rattled England’s top order with two wickets late in the day
Kraigg Brathwaite survived a few testing moments against the short ball
Jason Holder raised a battling half-century
Ben Duckett played on off Alzarri Joseph
Gus Atkinson ended a stubborn opening stand of 76
centre stage as Olympic Games open
Team Guyana were smartly decked out in Paris, France on Friday afternoon as they participated in the Parade of Nations, which preceded the official opening of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
For the first time in the Games’ history, the Parade of Nations was hosted outside of a stadium, as the athletes sailed down the Seine River in Paris. For the event, Chelsea Edghill and Emanuel Archibald were Guyana’s flag-bearers.
Winding their way from east to west in the boat parade, the 10,500 athletes competing at the Games crossed through the centre of Paris, the overall playing field for the Games in which these competitors will display their sporting prowess over the next 16 days. The parade came to the end of its six-kilometre route in front of the Trocadéro, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and show took place.
Prior to Friday’s opening ceremony, athletes Aleka Persaud, Edghill, and Archibald, along with their coaches Idi Lewis, Sean Baksh and Mark Scott, participated in the Mulhouse high-performance training camp. The camp was arranged by Pan Am Sports and geared to aid the athletes in getting acclimatised to the French conditions. The Mulhouse training camp was held from July 14-21, 2024 for table tennis and swimming and July 22-29, 2024 for athletics.
The other two athletes, Raekwon Noel and Aliyah Abrams chose to undergo their final preparations with their coaches, Peter Holcroft and Alleyne Francique at their respective training venues in the USA.
With all members of the Guyanese delegation arriving in Paris, the athletes have commenced training with their respective coaches at the various competition venues.
Today, Edghill will be the first of the Guyanese contingent to go into competition mode. The former Caribbean champion and second-time Olympian is drawn in the first round against Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou and will compete at 15:00h Paris Time (09:00h local time) today. The table tennis tournaments at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are scheduled to run from July 27 to August 10 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles venue.
Persaud begins her Olympic
competition with the women’s 100m freestyle heats today, while her colleague Noel also hits the pool today, commencing his Olympic quest in the men’s 400m freestyle.
The swimming competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are scheduled to run from July 27 to August 9, 2024 at the Paris La Défense Arena, Pont Alexandre III.
Meanwhile, Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games gold medallist and Pan Am bronze medallist Archibald gets into action on August 2, in the men’s 100m heats commencing at 17:50h Paris Time (11:50h Guyana time).
Abrams will later begin her Olympic quest on August 5 in the women’s 400m event, the heats for
which will begin at 17:50h Paris Time (11:50h Guyana time).
The members of the Guyana Delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are as follows:
Chef de Mission – Garfield Wiltshire
Team attaché/admin staff –Nalini Mc Koy
Physiotherapist – Vanessa
Wickham
Table Tennis
Athlete – Chelsea Edghill
Coach– Idi Lewis
Athletics
Athlete (women’s 400m) –Aliyah Abrams
Athlete (men’s 100m) –
Emanuel Archibald Coach – Mark Scott
Swimming
Athlete (men’s 400m freestyle) –Raekwon Noel
Athlete (women’s 100m freestyle) – Aleka Persaud
Coach – Sean Baksh
Coach – Peter Holcroft
Attendance at International Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Federation, Pan Am Sport, OSESUR and other meetings:
GOA [Guyana Olympic Association] Executive President Godfrey Munroe
GOA Secretary General Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon
GOA Vice President Steve
Ninvalle
GOA Vice President Cristy Campbell
Emanuel Archibald and Chelsea Edghill were the flag bearers for Guyana at the 2024 Games opening
A look at the Guyanese team sailing down the Seine River for the Parade of Nations