Guyana Times - Saturday June 22, 2024.pdf

70+day teachers’ strike ends again

Govt examines viability of 2nd gas project; technical team assembled

Pomeroon man busted with over 3kg cocaine jailed for 3 years

Jamaican sentenced to time served for planting ganja in Guyana

Traffic crackdown in Region 7 records 291 violations 398

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, June 22 – 04:30h-06:00h and Sunday, June 23 –04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, June 22 –16:50h-18:20h and Sunday, June 23 – 05:00h-06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

70+day teachers’ strike ends again

…as GTU agrees to same agreement put forward by Government before industrial action

A70-plus day strike action by teachers from across the country has finally come to an end, as the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union have decided to have conciliatory talks on the parameters of a new multi-year agreement.

The Agreement of Resumption, which was shared by Education Minister Priya Manickchand on her Facebook page, was signed on Friday. Only Thursday, President Dr Irfaan Ali told reporters during a press conference that the parties were nearing an “initial agreement” to end the strike.

Among the terms of the agreement are that the strike must end and there must be full resumption of work by all teachers/educators within two working days. There will be no discrimination against, or loss of service for, or transfer of, any teacher who was on strike; and the status quo would prevail pending the outcome of legal proceedings in the courts.

The eight-point agreement also states that, upon full resumption of work by teachers, conciliation would commence forthwith to determine whether the timeframe proposed by GTU – 2019 to 2023 – or the ministry – 2024 and onwards – should form part of a new multi-year agreement.

These talks will be held in accordance with the 1990 Memorandum of Agreement, which followed a breakdown of talks between the ministry and the union and resulted in the intervention of the Labour Ministry to mediate between the two parties.

The MOE and GTU have since met numerous times under the supervision of the Labour Ministry to embark on negotiations to determine a Multi-Year Agreement which would be beneficial to all parties involved. The process adheres to the guidelines outlined in the 1990 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) titled “The Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes”, as well as the Labour Act, Chapter 98:01 of the Laws of Guyana.

The MOE and GTU

will meet next Wednesday, June 26, to continue conciliation talks regarding the parameters of the Multi-Year Agreement.

Children to resume In a statement on Friday, the Labour Ministry said this agreement not only puts an end to the strike and ensures full resumption of work, but also allows children to resume their academic endeavours.

During the signing, Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine, who served as conciliator during the engagements between the two parties, voiced satisfaction that this issue of the strike has been peacefully resolved, and talks are now moving towards a solution that would be in everyone’s best interest.

“We are very happy that we were able to meet an agreement; and, of course, given where we started and how we were going, it is good to see that the words that we constantly hear — trust and good faith — eventually came true in the end. And the fact that we are about to sign this agreement is evidence of that,” Deonarine has said.

He also stated that the Chief Labour Officer (CLO), as well as the Ministry of Labour, remain committed and will continue to be available to facilitate the advancement of the process.

Govt always committed Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, reaffirmed that Government has always

been committed to ensuring what is best for the children, the teachers, and the nation.

Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine (centre) overseeing the signing of the Agreement of Resumption by GTU President Mark Lyte and Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Harnessing Guyana's solar potential

The importance of solar farms in Guyana cannot be overstated. As a nation gifted with hundreds of thousands of square kilometres of land and an average daily insolation that far exceeds the global average, Guyana possesses a renewable energy resource waiting to be fully tapped. Solar farms harness this potential by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic panels, offering a clean and inexhaustible alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation.

We noted an article published in the local press which states that solar farms are to add 18MW to the national grid by January 2026.

According to the article, 50 women are expected to receive jobs on the five solar farms that are expected to be established in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The solar farms are expected to produce 35 megawatts of solar power, with the first 18 megawatts to become available by January 2026.

The Government, through Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), has already acquired the land in the respective regions. The solar farms will be constructed by Chinese state-owned conglomerate SUMEC Co Ltd, the article has said.

The adoption and expansion of solar farms, even though not on a major level, as the correct approach to energy production, not only promises to reshape Guyana's energy landscape, but also holds the key to fostering sustainable development and global environmental stewardship.

One of the primary advantages of solar farms lies in their environmental impact. Unlike coal or oil-fired power plants, solar farms produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants that contribute to climate change and air pollution. In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon footprints and mitigating environmental degradation, Guyana has positioned itself as a regional and global leader in sustainable energy practices.

Moreover, the development of solar farms in Guyana aligns with broader economic imperatives. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, the nation can continue diversify its energy mix. This adds to Guyana’s transformative gas-to-energy project, which would use the gas previously flared or left untapped to generate electricity.

This diversification not only stabilises energy costs over the long term, but also creates new job opportunities in construction, maintenance, and research within the renewable energy sector.

Coming back to the issue of solar farms, they have the potential to catalyse rural development in Guyana. The deployment of solar installations in remote and underserved regions can extend access to electricity, thereby improving quality of life, supporting education and healthcare services, and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level. This democratisation of energy access is not just a matter of convenience, but a cornerstone of equitable development.

However, the realization of Guyana's solar potential requires a concerted effort from both public and private sectors. Already, Government has put in place measures that incentivise renewable energy investments. Simultaneously, private sector involvement through partnerships and investments can accelerate the deployment of solar technologies and drive down costs, making renewable energy more accessible to all.

As Guyana looks towards a future that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship, the importance of solar farms cannot be overstated. By harnessing abundant solar resources, we can reduce our carbon footprint, enhance energy security, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

We reiterate Prime Minister Mark Phillips’s words, which he had said at the commissioning of two solar mini-photovoltaic (PV) farms: “One of the things we promised to do is to bridge the energy divide, and what we are doing today is implementing another project that will ensure that. No longer will the people on the coastline only get the benefits of good energy supply, but today and onwards, the people in the hinterland and in the riverine areas will also benefit.”

Embracing solar energy is not just an option, but a strategic imperative.

Guyana’s game-changing Gas-to-Shore project

Last year, the famously aggressive

Stephen Sackur (Jamaicans will remember his interview with former Prime Minister Bruce Golding), host of the BBC programme HARDtalk, went to Guyana. In an interview with Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Sackur observed that US$150 billion of oil and gas will be extracted off the Guyana coast, ultimately producing two billion tonnes of carbon.

Guyana’s President Ali sharply rebutted that Guyana had kept “a forest the size of England and Scotland combined alive” that held 19.5 gigatons of carbon that you “don’t pay us for”, with “the lowest deforestation rate in the world”, and even with all the oil and gas to be extracted, “we will still be at net zero”.

It was therefore very topical that the head of Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Task Force, Winston Brassington, provided an update on the Gas-toShore project at the recent Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) organised by Matthew Perks at the end of April in Miami. Brassington noted that, “Guyana is already net carbon-neutral, and will be for the foreseeable future”; and has “numerous strategies to ensure the standing forest” remains, including carbon credits for sale on the carbon market

-- for example, to the Hess Corporation -- with “still significant credits available on the market”.

Phase one will see the construction of a 250-kilometre, 12-inch diameter pipeline to transport 50 million cubic feet of natural gas from the two existing floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) oil platforms offshore Guyana, Liza Destiny and Liza Unity, or roughly 40 per cent of the pipeline’s actual capacity of 120 million cubic feet, at an estimated cost of US$1 billion.

Exxon Guyana will fund the initial cost of the pipeline, which the Government of Guyana will pay back at an annual rate of US$55 million over a 20-year period, based on a US$2.40/MMBTU price per unit of gas for the power plant, the “effective” price for the Government’s guaranteed 50 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Currently, as is the normal practice worldwide, the gas produced as part of the oil extraction process would be flared, which is both highly environmentally unfriendly and a waste of what is now regarded as the key transition fuel to the net zero future.

What Exxon CEO Alistair Routledge last year described as “no-cost” gas will be sent to a new natural gas-to-liquids plant, which would separate the gas that would then be

used to power a 300-megawatt combined cycle plant.

Brassington projects that the first half of 2025 would see the first phase as a 200-megawatt-plus, single-cycle power plant (one expert observed these normally operate at a 35 per cent energy conversion ratio) with the full capacity combined cycle (steam recovery boiler normally allows a plant to operate at a higher conversion ratio of around 65 per cent) of 311MW, greater than 2,600GWH per annum, available in the second half of 2025, or just below peak load of 327MW estimated by Guyana Power and Light for the year 2026 (the current 2023 peak was 181MW).

The power plant and associated gas-to-liquids facility would cost US$759 million, which the Government hopes to finance at 3 per cent (they have been in discussions with a number of lenders, including the US Government’s Development Finance Corporation, according to Vice-President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo) and the transmission line substations would cost US$160 million. One key issue will be the split in costs between the power plant and the gas-toliquids plant, which the Government suggests could be split 60/40 (liquids are a valuable by-product of the gas condensation process).

The punchline is that

the Government hopes to reduce the cost of electricity generation in Guyana to five cents per kilowatt hour, based on a cost of generation from gas estimated at three cents per kilowatt hour for the fuel and two cents for operations and maintenance at 95 per cent of power generated, compared with the current 17 cents for heavy fuel oil and 29 cents for light fuel oil. We will leave the last word to former Caribbean regional Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) head Gerard Johnson (2010 to 2016), who worked closely with the Guyana Government on the Amaila Falls Project, also mentioned by Brassington in his presentation as one of the projects the Government is again working on. According to Johnson, “Guyana’s development strategy has climate change at its heart. Nevertheless, it would miss a unique opportunity to develop if it failed to exploit its blessing of hydrocarbon reserves. The pragmatic strategy of preserving forests and promoting renewable energy, including the emblematic Amaila Falls Hydro Project, while gleaning the windfall from oil and gas exploitation is laudable.” He adds, “Since China is a joint venture partner with Exxon, it would be interesting to know whether they will also participate in the gas-to-shore pipeline.” (Jamaica Observer)

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Burman, enjoying a playful hockey moment, striking court at the 157th Anniversary Reception of Canada's Confederation, hosted in Guyana at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre on Thursday evening (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

The legacy of Hari Prashad

Dear Editor,

“One senses that Prashad Nagar is a uniquely organized yet slowly changing community struggling to maintain an architectural balance between its original historical design and a pushback against the incursion of modern technology that lends itself to a higher standard of living. It is a built environment with a relatively short but fascinating history.”

Those are the words of Professor Baytoram Ramharack, taken from his recent book, “One, One Dutty Build a Village in Guyana”.

The Story of Hari Prashad and Prashad Nagar

Hari Prashad (18981987), a second-generation descendant of Indian indentured labourers, grew up in poverty and had become accustomed to “the harsh reality of a tough life and poor conditions.”

Hari’s entrepreneurial journey began as a woodcutter who sold firewood. Still, he worked himself to become a real estate mogul and captain of industry, leaving behind Prashad Nagar, his most important legacy.

Hari’s sense of cultural awareness and education was elevated throughout his life through understanding and interpretation of the stories depicted in the Ramayana. The Ramayana, he wrote, “contained all the driving force and comfort for those who sought after the truth.”

Hari was obviously wedded to a cultural and religious faith deeply rooted in Indian culture, tradition, history, values, and dharma (one’s duty). He gave generously to community leaders who sought assistance from him.

A major turning point in Hari Prashad’s life was his decision to migrate to India with his wife and six children, leaving behind their home at Barr and Alexander Streets, Kitty in August 1952. Although he had initially decided to reside in India permanently, Hari returned to Guyana in 1953. He was fascinated with the organization, central and local planning that

went into the construction of towns and villages he had visited while residing in India, and was determined to construct his own modern-day urban village in Guyana; one resembling those that graced the cultural landscape of his ancestral India.

He purchased 76 acres of land from the Bookers conglomerate in 1958-59 as a first step towards building the post-World War II private housing scheme. The housing estate that became known as Prashad Nagar was parcelled out into 404 house lots of various sizes, ranging from 124’ X 60’ to 53’ X 80.’ The scheme was designed and approved for construction in May 1957. The lots were sold within a price range of 1,800 -3,500 dollars to accommodate Guyanese of various economic backgrounds. The geographical location of the area, formerly referred to as “Area H,” was primarily used for cultivating rice and as a pasture for raising animals.

The agreement of sale for the land on which Prashad Nagar was to be built was drafted by Hari Prashad and his friend B.O. Adams. It became a much-sought-after residential area. The Georgetown enclave became home to some well-known Guyanese, including David Chanderballi, Justice Rishi Persaud, Minister Vincent Teekah, Minister Vindhya Persaud, Justice Prem Persaud, Dr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen, and Reepu Daman Persaud.

Dr. Vivian Rambihar, a prominent cardiologist living in Canada, shared his vivid childhood recollections of Prashad Nagar: “Prashad Nagar is the neighbourhood I knew best, especially our street, Munipur Street. Trinidadian Literature

Nobel Laureate Vidya Naipaul had written a book, Miguel Street, around that time, and we sort of thought of our street as having colourful characters as his Miguel Street and deserving of a book too.”

Hari named all the streets in Prashad Nagar after members of his family and friends, including Delhi Street, Shantinikatan

Street, Amla Avenue East, Amla Avenue West, Rohintal Street, Bombay Terrace, Damanbir Terrace, Jasmatbina Terrace, Sachibazaar Street, Kaka Street, Bisessar Avenue, Purshottam Street, Santram Street, Deobirana Street, Agra Street, Munipur Street, Cheddi Street, Shribasant Street, Chandranagar Street, Premniranjan Place, Rampersaud Street, Puna Street, and Ganges Street.

The empty plots were named Nehru Park and Gandhi Park.

Santram Street was named after Hari Prashad’s father. Two areas, Amla Avenue East and Amla Avenue West, were named after Hari’s wife, demonstrating Hari’s love and appreciation for his companion, who bore him eight children (eleven altogether). Hari owned lots 9 and 10 on Delhi Street, opposite those of his son-in-law, former Justice Prem Persaud, who owned lots 11 and 12.

The fact that most of his village bore “Hindu names” was an affirmation of the important value Hari placed upon his Indian culture and religion.

This fascinating story of Hari Prashad, written by Dr. Baytoram Ramharack, a Guyana Prize winner, will be launched virtually at a ZOOM public meeting on Sunday, June 23, by the Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre.

Dr Kumar Mahabir Anthropologist, University of Guyana

NRF Report contains sufficient information for public consumption

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to Dr. C.K Hunte’s letter of June 21, 2024 with the caption “Bhagwandin misleads when he suggests that the NRF Report has disaggregated data for the EMGL, Hess and CNOOC”.

Dr Hunte contends that my answer is the usual “red herring”, in which I once again attempted to divert attention from the real issues he raised in his letter(s) on the “shortage of royalty”. He goes on to argue that the data in the Natural Resources Fund NRF) Report is not disaggregated for ExxonMobil Guyana (EMGL), HESS and CNOOC.

The term “red herring” means to “divert attention away from the real problem; misleading”. The problem at hand is that there is no problem. There is no diversion of attention, I am simply trying to help readers and Dr. Hunte understand how to properly reconcile and analyze the publicly available data on the oil and gas sector. It’s very simple, but Dr. Hunte seems fiercely determined to complicate simple matters.

It would be remiss of me not to highlight that the issue of disaggregated data -- that is absent in the NRF Report, according to Dr. Hunte -- is an issue that he failed to raise in his previous letters. If the readers were to revisit his original letter in the Stabroek News edition of June 12, 2024,

and his subsequent letter published in the Stabroek News edition of June 16, 2024, readers would find that, on both occasions, Dr. Hunte’s concerns were premised on the aggregated data. At no point did he illustrate in his “tables” disaggregation of the production data and revenues.

So, who is diverting attention now by introducing a new dimension to the argument after I had fully addressed his original concerns? Is this not a case of “red herring”, Dr. Hunte?

Further, the absence of disaggregated data in the NRF Report is totally irrelevant and inconsequential. The reason for this, again, is very simple: Pursuant to the Petroleum Agreement (2016), there is only one operator, whereby Article 2.2 (a) of the Petroleum Agreement states that, “Esso shall be the Operator charged with conducting the dayto-day activities of the Contractor under this Agreement. No transfer of operatorship to another Party not comprising the Contractor shall take effect unless it has been approved by the Minister, (whose) approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

The Minister shall be notified of any change of operatorship to another party comprising the Contractor in writing”.

The operator referred to herein is ExxonMobil Guyana.

Of note, the

“Contractor” is comprised of EMGL, HESS and CNOOC (HESS and CNOOC being the CoVenture partners). And as far as I am aware, there has been no change in operatorship among the parties that comprise the Contractor. Accordingly, for the reason stated above, there is no disaggregation of production data, revenue, royalty, and profit oil as per the NRF Report. It is one operator.

With respect to preparation of the financial statements, however, each party has to prepare its own financial statement in accordance with the joint-ownership structure of the operations. In other words, it is not a case where HESS, CNOOC and EMGL are operating their own FPSOs; in which case, each company would have been subjected to individual reporting. That is not the case; one company is the operator, and therefore one company is responsible for all reporting in an aggregated format.

Finally, with regard to the report that Dr. Hunte would like for me to prepare, that is also not necessary. The NRF Report contains sufficient information for the public consumption; and, in fact, contains far greater details than those highlighted in Dr. Hunte’s “table”.

Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

Page Foundation

Adding and subtracting money

You may not realise it, but you work with a great many decimals in your life. Look at this problem: $98.20 + $10.80

A dollar is divided into 100 hundredths, each of which is called a cent. Adding and subtracting money is done exactly the same way as adding and subtracting decimals.

Example:

Add $98.20 + $10.80

Step 1: Line up the decimals $98.20 +$10.80

Step 2: Add, just as you would any other decimals: $98.20 +$10.80 $109.00

Remember

You can add placeholder zeroes to money , too. Doing this does not change its value! For example, $40 = $40.00

Have fun exploring friction with this easy science experiment. All you need is a clear plastic bottle, a bag of rice, a pencil, and a funnel.

Materials:

Clear plastic bottle

Funnel Rice

Pencil

Instructions:

Place the funnel in the bottle. Fill the bottle all the way with the rice. Insert the pencil straight down into the bottle. Try to lift the pencil.

If your pencil slips free, gently tap the bottle on a table to settle the rice around the pencil.

How it works:

The friction between the rice grains and pencil become so strong that you can lift the bottle without the pencil slipping free.

Make this a science project: Try different items in the bottle to see if the friction is strong enough to hold onto the pencil. Try different-sized bottles. Try items other than pencils in the bottle to see if they work. (sciencefun.org)

WORD SEARCH:

Norton to still contest for PNC Leader as party ‘elders’ probe allegations of sexual assault threats …

APNU

says failure to address allegations could “adversely affect” performance at 2025 polls

Agroup of senior Executives of the People’s National Congress (PNC) has been called in to probe the sexual harassment allegation made against incumbent party leader Aubrey Norton by another party stalwart, Vanessa Kissoon.

Earlier this week, Kissoon, a former PNC Member of Parliament for Region 10, confirmed in a video recording on social media that Norton had threatened to rape her at gunpoint while they were in his vehicle – a claim which the Opposition Leader has denied.

However, while no formal report has been made to the party or the police, given the serious nature of the allegations, the PNC’s Council of Elders will be probing the claims with the aim of seeking the truth and giving guidance on the way forward.

The allegation against Norton surfaced on the heels of the PNC’s 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress which will get underway on Friday, during which Norton is expected to contest for re-election to the leadership post. From all indications, no decision has been taken for Norton to step aside from the leadership race

amid the allegations. In fact, Volda Lawrence, Chair of the National Congress of Women, the PNC’s women’s arm, told reporters at a press conference on Friday that they have no control over the business of the upcoming congress.

“The Elders have been asked to investigate and make recommendations on the particular issues regarding Mr Norton and Ms Vanessa Kissoon. This has nothing to do with Congress. There is a Congress Committee, there is a leadership in place; and so they will still continue with their work, as they are required to do by constitution,” Lawrence has said.

Moreover, PNC Executive

Hamilton Green, one of the party’s Elders, when questioned about Norton being asked to step down from the leadership post, would only

and the implications therefrom, coupled with the parties involved – that is, the leader and a senior party member –Green has assured that everything that can be done would be done to can to bring this matter to a speedy conclusion.

However, while he has promised to have provisions made to expedite the probe, it is highly improbable that this would be done before next weekend’s Delegates Congress.

of the consequences that could befall the Opposition party at the upcoming 2025 polls if the PNC fails to address the serious sexual harassment allegations.

The PNC, which has been embroiled in a series of in-fighting among members, is the largest party in the APNU coalition.

Adversely affect In a letter sent by APNU General Secretary Tabitha Sarabo-Halley to General Secretary of the PNC, Dawn Hastings, the coalition of parties – Guyana Action Party (GAP), Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Justice for All Party (JFAP), National Democratic Front, Equal Rights and Justice Party and Guyana Nation Builders Movement – noted that while APNU does not get involved in the internal operations and conflicts of its members’ political parties, it cannot remain silent on an issue of this nature, especially since it involves the PNC Leader.

70+day teachers’ strike ...

Further, she expressed optimism that the Multi-Year Agreement with the GTU would be amicably resolved.

“The Ministry of Education, and by extension the Government, is very happy that we have come to an agreement, and that we can conclude this first step in the conciliation process… We look forward to the continued commitment of the GTU, as we are committed to bringing a conclusion to this matter, so that at the end of it, we can have a Multi-Year Agreement that benefits all parties,” she has said.

President of the GTU, Mark Lyte, echoed similar sentiments by saying, “GTU is committed to the process to ensure that we continue to negotiate in good faith, and at the end of it, we arrive at a position that would be beneficial to the children, the teachers and the nation as a whole… I hope that we can find common ground and see the big-

ger picture as we go forward.”

Following the engagement, the GTU President explained to reporters that the decision to end the strike was based on a consensus by teachers across the country during recent consultations.

Initially, GTU was demanding a 20 per cent across-the-board increase before resuming conciliation talks – something which the Education Ministry had rejected, saying that it would not negotiate under duress.

Lyte disclosed that the GTU membership have changed their stance on this, hence the union went ahead and agreed to resumption without pushing for this increase.

“Us coming back here to sign minus that clause [for interim payment or a cash grant] is a direct result of new consultations that took place, and the members have agreed that they are prepared to forego that to allow the

FROM PAGE 3

conciliation process,” Lyte explained.

Moreover, he noted that many were concerned about the requirement that teachers ought to show up on the first and last day of the school term in other to avoid being struck off the payroll. He explained that while this is not a documented policy, some teachers had faced this consequence in the past if they did not report to work on the first or last day.

“This is something that a lot of teachers were concerned about, and they raised that during our consultations. So, many of them had indicated that whether the strike was called off or not, they were going to resume duty on or before the last day of school,” the GTU Head related.

Lyte went on to urge teachers to return to classrooms on Monday and Tuesday, so as to allow for the activation of the conciliation process on Wednesday. (G8)

say that the Council of Elders is concerned about the involvement of two senior party members, hence their role in probing the matter. According to Green, while they are keen on delivering a “swift, impartial and proper” inquiry, they are also cognizant of the circumstances in which the allegation has surfaced; that is, leading up to the party’s congress, when Norton is being challenged for the leadership post by Parliamentarians Roysdale Forde, S.C., and Amanza Walton-Desir, both of whom have already called for a thorough investigation into the serious claims being made against the Opposition Leader.

Based on reports, other PNC Executives were also nominated for the leadership position, but declined the nomination. In fact, given the serious nature of the allegation

“It is unlikely to assemble the logistics before Congress to deal with this matter… The Council of Elders are elders… and therefore may not operate with alacrity of a 20-year-old… From what I have heard, there are two divergent stories, and I don’t know that that can be settled quickly,” Green has said.

The longstanding PNC member went on to dismiss assertions that the probe is a “face-saving” exercise by saying, “…you ought not compromise the procedures for justice and equity at a speed convenient or that would coincide with an event that takes place just over a week after. We understand the need for some conclusion, but…we won’t rush to judge without a thorough investigation.”

On this note, Green has pleaded with party members to steer clear of assumptions.

Meanwhile, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition has warned

“We thus believe this allegation should be treated with utmost seriousness, consistent with our approach to previous instances involving public officials. Accordingly, we urge our partner, the PNCR, to swiftly initiate an independent investigation into this grave matter. This, we believe, is a reasonable response to put the PNCR on the best footing, as we are deeply concerned that failing to address these allegations promptly could adversely affect the forthcoming Regional and General Elections,” the correspondence detailed.

Only earlier this month, the parties within the coalition held a meeting and elected a new Chairman of APNU – a move which the PNC had deemed “null and void”, since that party was not aware of the elections, wherein Norton was booted as Chairman and replaced by GAP’s Vincent Henry. (G8)

Hamilton Green and two other members of the PNC’s Council of Elders, along with National Congress of Women’s Chair, Volda Lawrence, and another representative at Friday’s press conference

PNC Leader Aubrey Norton PNC member Vanessa Kissoon

Pomeroon man busted with over 3kg cocaine gets 3 years

– Venezuelan duo remanded

Fifty-four-year-old Gavin Adams, who was busted with a quantity of cocaine last month, was on Friday sentenced to three years imprisonment after pleading guilty to a narcotics’ possession charge.

Adams, who initially

posed by the magistrate.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) had reported that on the day in question, officers conducted an operation at Cummings Lodge where they arrested Adams and two Venezuelan nationals – Jose Gregorio Gomez,35, and Kevin De

pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that, on May 19, 2024, he had 3.348 kilograms of cocaine, reportedly changed his plea to guilty when he appeared before the Sparendaam Magistrate on Friday. As such, the sentence was im-

Jesus Figueira, 22 - following the discovery of one black haversack containing three black brick-like parcels with cocaine, which later weighed 3.348 kilograms.

However, Gomes was released during the preliminary investigations, but De

Jesus Figueira was remanded to prison after changing his plea from guilty to not guilty when he appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on June 19, 2024.

In addition, CANU officers subsequently visited Adams’s home at Grant

Woodland, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where another Venezuelan national, Sergio Ortiz Rafael, was arrested with 5.6 kilograms of cocaine. He, too, was remanded awaiting trial.

Man gets bail on obstruction charge, remanded for possession of narcotics

Mark Anthony Thomas was on Friday placed on $60,000 bail on an obstruction charge, but has been remanded to prison on a possession of narcotics charge after his arraignment before Sparendaam Magistrate Abigail Gibbs on charges of having 4.5 grams of cannabis in his possession, and obstructing a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer from executing his duties. He will make his next court appearance on August 2, 2024.

Charged:

Still roiling…

P…the PNC’s chances

NC stalwarts must be ruing the day they got rid of the “one-man rule” in their party - as practised by Fat Boy Burnham. In the then PNC Constitution, the Leader held the supreme power of Congress between congresses!! Of course, he later adopted those powers over the country!! Now, if Norton had those powers, he could’ve declared that all those party members baying at his heels were out of line - and banished them into oblivion!! In this area, Burnham had centralized decision-making in his party, even more than the PPP had done with their “democratic centralism”. You don’t get more “centralized” than with a dictatorship!!

Anyhow, Norton’s becoming even more beleaguered by the minute, and no one sees him as the ‘second coming’ of the Kabaka. If he thought party members would accept his word as the leader – and as a PNC gentleman – he thought wrongly. Seems that the females of the party are pledging their loyalties to their gender ahead of their loyalty to the party – which had always been placed supreme. Several MPs – including Anette Ferguson and Halley – have demanded that there be a full and transparent inquiry into Kissoon’s allegations of sexual harassment!!

Ah…the times have certainly changed!! What next?? PNC members demanding leaders place country above party?? Oy vey!! The example that Burnham set when he connived with the US and UK to sell out democracy will be abandoned.

Anyhow, what’s ahead for Norton?? No matter what they might profess in public, all of the challengers to his leadership will be supporting the Kissoon smear campaign. The truth about her claims is irrelevant!! So, if Norton goes ahead and brazens out the charges, those leaders will see it as their best bet to back a “consensus” candidate, for which Norton can throw his hat into the ring. This might be a way for him to save face, and not be a lame-duck leader going into the 2025 elections. He could now say he was stepping aside for the greater good of the country; and he'd already floated this proposal before the “proposition” scandal!! But there’s already been a wider call for a “consensus” candidate - championed by a lapsed member of the AFC, everyone thought! – Nigel Hughes. So, the question arises: will Norton put his money where his mouth is and back Hughes to take on the PPP in 2025?? The smart money says Hughes is a much more attractive candidate than Norton –POLITICALLY, that is, smart alecks!!

Your Eyewitness, however, doesn’t think Norton would step aside. He’s waited too long and paid too many dues for this chance at the top rung. That it’s a long shot is irrelevant – he’ll figure it’s at least a shot!!

…the outbidding

It’s expected during campaigns that the contestants would try outbidding each other. Remember the song “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better”? The geriatric party -Burnham’s Worst Possible Alternative” - were first off the blocks with their strategic signalling “Buxton Declaration”, Remember Burnham’s “Sophia Declaration”? It’s an annual cash transfer from the Oil Revenues of $100,000,000 – see all those zeroes??!! – annually to every family in Guyana!! Since there are more than 235,000 families here, that would mean doling out $23,400,000,000,000 EVERY YEAR!! Your Eyewitness can’t even say how many billions that amounts to!! Trillions??

This is unlike the PPP, who’re doling out $40,000 monthly or $480,000 annually to several thousand persons - but demanding they work 10 days monthly!! Other handouts are targeted at schoolchildren, etc. They’re trying not to develop a dependency mentality, but encourage Guyanese to grasp the opportunities sprouting all around. The small transfers are to help them bear strain while the expanding economy gradually absorbs them as selfsufficient workers!!

It's a fundamental difference in world views!!

…the conspiracy theorists

After 2020, the Opposition’s been accusing the Yanks of a “regime change” for the PPP. But with the breaking goldsmuggling scandal, they’re now screaming the same Yanks never trusted the PPP - before 2015!! So, which is it??

Remanded: Sergio Ortiz Rafael

Sentenced: Gavin Adams

The cocaine that was found at Cummings Lodge

The cocaine that was discovered at Adams’s home

Remanded: Kevin De Jesus Figueira

Mark Anthony Thomas

Gold smuggling

GGDMA calls on Govt to use US findings as “launching pad” to prosecute ‘bad actors’

…concerned about hints to remove mining concessions

Recent findings by the US Department of Treasury have resulted in sanctions subsequently being imposed against prominent players in the gold industry; thus, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is reiterating its calls for the Government to address smuggling, and, more importantly, to take the findings as a launching pad to prosecute the bad actors.

The GGDMA, in a release, has said it has always been anti-smuggling, and has welcomed the findings and the Government’s commitment to pursuing a full investigation into the matter and prosecuting those involved.

“The GGDMA has always urged members to sell only to licensed dealers or the Guyana Gold Board. The gold mining industry has a long history in Guyana, and has been a pillar of the economy long before oil was discovered. Miners have stood with Guyana, and the industry has persevered through all the ups and downs of Guyana’s economic growth,” the organization has stated.

Moreso, the GGDMA is urging Government not to use the recent disclosure by the US as a broad brush to paint all miners as smugglers.

“The majority of miners are not engaged in smuggling. They are in the business of mining, and have

worked hard for their place in society. There are undoubtedly smugglers in the industry, and we will continue to support the Government to root them out”, the GGDMA has said.

The GGDMA is expressing concern at hints to remove certain incentives and concessions that it has fought for on behalf of the industry.

“We urge the authorities not to give in to this knee-jerk

majority of miners. It added that, due to massive labour shortages at all levels in the sector, legitimate operators are also suffering from low production, due to their inability to operate normally. Consequently, the total production of gold from the miners who are selling to legitimate channels has also been greatly diminished. As such, benefits to these compliant organizations should not be

reaction and to “throw out the baby with the bathwater”, as this would be unacceptable. The mining industry has fought long and hard to get concessions which have helped bolster the industry through the many tough times”, that body has said.

The GGDMA is contending that it would be grossly irresponsible to hold the actions of a few against the

taken away.

The GGDMA is imploring all miners to sell their gold to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or to licensed gold dealers.

The body is also reminding miners to ensure they properly document all their activities, and that they receive a periodic statement of their transactions from the authorized gold dealers.

“This statement should be with the gold dealer’s records presented to GGB. This verification is important, since it will ensure that your gold is properly accounted for and that your taxes are being correctly paid to the Government”, that body has cautioned.

Last week, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned prominent businessman Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, along with their company Mohamed’s Enterprise, and former Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae Thomas, for their alleged roles in public corrup-

Guyana Government of tax revenues by under-declaring gold exports to Guyanese authorities.

Between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise is alleged to have omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms of gold from import and export declarations, and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.

tion in Guyana.

The US Treasury Dept has also alleged that Mohamed’s Enterprise evaded Guyana’s tax on gold exports and defrauded the

In addition, US authorities have stated that the company bribed customs officials to falsify import and export documents, as well as to facilitate illicit gold shipments.

Following the release, the Government of Guyana stated that the Finance Ministry and relevant statutory agencies, including the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), would be requesting additional information on the matters highlighted, in order to aid local law enforcement agencies in their investigations.

Several days later, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) moved to revoke the cambio licence issued to Mohamed’s Enterprise – one of the companies fingered in gold smuggling and corruption allegations along with their owners. This is one of a series of actions taken by the Guyana Government since US sanctions were announced against the Mohameds as well as three of their companies, including Mohamed’s Enterprise. Meanwhile, as recently as Thursday, President Dr Irfaan Ali further stated that all transactions between the Guyana Gold Board and other Government agencies with the US-sanctioned businessmen and businesses have been suspended.

Businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin

Mohamed’s Enterprise

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during an informal engagement on Thursday Canada. The Vice President is in Canada for a Diaspora/business meeting which

evening at the Windies Restaurant and Sports Bar, Scarborough, Ontario, which will be held on Sunday at the Pearson Convention Center, Brampton

President photos)

Govt examines viability of 2nd gas project; technical team assembled …EoI

for new project concluded

The Government of Guyana has assembled a technical team to examine the viability of a second gas project to supplement the much-anticipated Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project.

This has been disclosed by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a press conference on Thursday, wherein he noted that an Expression of Interest (EoI) for this new project was recently concluded.

He explained that Government, along with operators in the petroleum industry: ExxonMobil and its partners, is expected to look at a model for this major gas project.

“For us, the technical team has been assembled. We have identified a technical team to work with the stakeholders in coming up with a model, and to negotiate an agreement and look

at the viability –technically and financially –of the project,” he told reporters. Asked about financing for the project, he said that is not yet being discussed.

The President said that, in the new project, Government has to examine various possibilities, including the exportation of energy. There is “the development of the energy corridor to northern Brazil and Suriname as one oppor-

tunity…then integrating that into the regional energy programme…and then, of course, we have the marketing of the by-products and the use of the natural gas in other jurisdiction…it also speaks to the development of a shorebase facility and additional power plants that can be used to export gas and power,” the Head of State has said.

It is estimated that approximately 17 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources, mainly associated gas and condensates, exist in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where exploration is ongoing. Aside from gas being reinjected to maintain reservoir pressure, approximately 50 million standard cubic feet of

gas per day would be transported to shore and used to generate 300 megawatts of electrical power as part of the Gas-to-Energy project.

Providing an update on the GtE, located at Wales on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), the President said the loan being sought from the United States ExportImport (EXIM) Bank would be submitted to its Board of Directors in or before the third quarter of 2024.

The project includes a subsea pipeline to be installed on the seafloor to transport natural gas from the Liza field to an onshore pipeline. The onshore pipeline would deliver the gas to an integrated facility at Wales, WBD. At this facility, a natural gas liquids (NGL)

processing plant would treat the gas to remove NGLs for commercialization, and a 300 megawatts (MW) power plant would use the dry gas to generate electricity for domestic use.

The NGL plant is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.

To install the pipeline, it is required that the Demerara River be dredged. On this note, the President has said, “They are looking to see how we can [find] a viable, sustainable, long-term plan in relation to the dredging of the Demerara River to meet the needs of the development that is taking place.”

The President has said that Government would soon advertise for a marketer for its NGL.

Jamaican sentenced to time served for narcotics possession

Winston Thompson, a 48-year-old Jamaican national, was on Friday sentenced by Vigilance Magistrate Fabayo Azore to time served for narcotics’ possession and cultivation of prohibited plants (marijuana).

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) reported that Thompson was arrested after a marijuana plantation had been discovered on a half-acre of land following an operation conducted at Nabaclis Village, East Coast Demerara

(ECD) back in 2022.

During that operation, 298 grams of cannabis, 5000 marijuana seedlings, one shotgun, one crossbow with several arrows, and several types of live ammunition were discovered.

The Jamaican was charged, but pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison, and a trial was initiated at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

That trial, which ended on Friday, found Thompson guilty of the offence; and, as such, he was sentenced to time served.

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

The items found during the operation

Jamaican national Winston Thompson

Guyana battles rising cervical cancer with HPV voucher programme …

I91 cases of cervical cancer recorded last year

n light of the increase in cervical cancer cases in Guyana, the Health Ministry has launched a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) voucher distribution programme, which is bolstered by a $2.8 billion allocation in the 2024 budget.

This initiative is timely, as incidents of cervical cancer have surged significantly. Reported cervical cancer cases in Guyana have climbed from 56 in 2020 to 91 in 2023; and despite a minor decrease in cases between 2020 and 2022, the Health Ministry has highlighted, the recent uptick is a call to action for enhanced preventive measures.

The current cervical cancer mortality rate stands at 8%, which, although lower than the rates for uterine and ovarian cancers, underscores the critical need for early detection and regular screening. Thus, the HPV voucher programme is projected to screen approximately 211,000 women aged from 21 to 65 by 2030.

Each voucher, valued at $8,000, will cover the cost of HPV testing, and can be redeemed at participating institutions such

as New Vision Medical Centre, Woodlands Limited, HUIAQI Health Service, Eureka Medical Laboratory, and Dr Balwant Singh Hospital.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony emphasised that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and the third most common cancer overall in Guyana, as he described the voucher initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern. This strategy includes wide-

cancer from developing. We want to ensure early detection and intervention to increase survivability, and that is the essence of this programme,” Minister Anthony explained.

high-risk HPV infections can lead to the development of abnormal cells, which may progress to cancer.

Director of NonCommunicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Latchmie Lall, has noted that this ambitious target requires collaboration with the private sector to ensure testing is conducted safely, securely, and promptly. Test results are expected to be available within 72 to 96 hours.

“We have partnered with hospitals and private facilities to not only identify the presence of the virus, but also determine the specific HPV strain in patients,” Dr Lall explained. This information is crucial to determining the appropriate next steps in patient care.

The minister has also urged members of the public to vaccinate their children and relatives against HPV in order to prevent infections that could lead to cancer. Despite the availability of HPV vaccines in Guyana for over a decade, vaccination rates remain surprisingly low, he disclosed.

In a recent series of enforcement exercises, the Regional Police Division 7 (CuyuniMazaruni) has documented an alarming 291 traffic violations within the region.

The concerted efforts by the traffic ranks have revealed a troubling pattern of infractions among motorists. Dangerous driving topped the list with 14 cases recorded, highlighting the ongoing threat to road safety posed by reckless behaviour. The issue of unlicensed drivers also emerged, with 12 individuals found operating vehicles without the necessary permits. One of the most concerning findings was the high number of safety

Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr Latchmie Lall the implementation of effective interventions to reduce mortality rates.

spread HPV vaccination, increased early detection, and

Traffic crackdown in Region 7 records 291 violations

helmet violations, with 51 motorcyclists caught without this crucial protective gear.

Additionally, the enforcement exercises uncovered numerous cases of vehicles lacking proper certification and insurance. There were 16 instances of uncertified motor vehicles and 18 cases of uninsured vehicles, both of which are critical for ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards, and that drivers are financially protected in the event of an accident.

The police also noted a variety of other infractions, including 21 cases of obscure identification marks on vehicles, 11 instances of motorists failing

to comply with police directions, and 21 cases each of unlighted motor vehicles, both front and rear.

The enforcement exercises also highlighted issues related to vehicle maintenance, with 19 cases of vehicles not being properly maintained, and seven cases concerning tyre maintenance.

As part of the strategy to curb traffic violations and enhance road safety, Regional Police Division#7 plans to continue these enforcement exercises and increase their frequency. The Division is also exploring partnerships with local organizations and community leaders to promote a culture of safe and responsible driving.

“In the very early stages, if we see any changes on the cervix, then we can intervene early to prevent

HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection, often shows no symptoms, but can cause severe illness if left untreated. Persistent

During the launch event, representatives of NGOs and various ministries and agencies received vouchers for distribution to eligible women. However, vouchers will be available throughout the country by Monday. Last week, the Health Ministry formalized its partnership with private healthcare providers by signing several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to support the cervical screening programme. (G9)

Traffic ranks conducting traffic enforcement exercises in Region Seven

Representatives of various organisations with their vouchers

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

CA$350M in trade recorded between Guyana and Canada in 2023

Guyana and Canda continue to strengthen their business and diplomatic relationship with over CAD$300 million worth of trade being recorded between the two countries last year. This is according to Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Burman, who, in observance of 157th Canada Day, delved into the two countries’ trade relationship.

The long trade relationship between Guyana and Canada goes back to 1966, when Guyana gained independence, as Canada was one of the first countries to develop a relationship with Guyana.

The two countries have since established a mutually beneficial trade partnership. In this regard, Canadian High Commissioner Burman lauded the deep trade rela-

tions between the two countries, and noted that it is poised to be improved drastically in the coming years.

He highlighted that in 2023, trade figures between the two countries reached some CAD$350 million, and declared at the 157th Anniversary Reception of Canada's Confederation, hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Guyana at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre on Thursday evening, “Canada continues to be a reliable partner in many lines of business, including agriculture, energy, education and infrastructure, just to name a few. With regard to trade in 2023, bilateral trade figures reached almost $350 million. These numbers, whilst showing an opportunity for further growth, have been driven by our shared commitment to economic development.”

Moreover, the High Commissioner highlighted that the mining industry has been a key pillar in the Guyana-Canada economic relationship. As such, he revealed that the Canadian Government has been eying the Guyanese mining industry, and that several Canadian mining companies are currently investing in the country.

According to him, “The mining sector remains a cornerstone of our economic relationship. Canadian mining companies have invested heavily in Guyana, contributing to the development of local infrastructure and communities. Just recently, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh announced that Guyana’s greenstone belt will eventually be home to four producing mines by 2026, all of which are Canadian mines.”

Additionally, the High Commissioner highlighted that the Canadian Government is committed to helping Guyana obtain its economic and social development goals. Canada has contributed some CAD$9.5 million to the Office of the President’s One Guyana Digital Initiative to train 2000 young Guyanese in the emerging digital skills technology sector. Canada is also supporting the local education sector through its CAD$19M Skills to Access the Green Economy TVET training

project, supporting the modernisation of the services offered by the New Amsterdam Technical Institute and other institutions across Guyana.

Meanwhile in 2022, Guyana exported $454M to Canada. The main products exported from Guyana to Canada were gold ($164M), hard liquor ($26.3M), and aluminium ore ($12M).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips emphasised at the reception the enduring partnership between Guyana and Canada. He outlined the multifaceted relationship between the two nations, and touched on diaspora connections, shared values, economic cooperation, mutual respect, and joint efforts in addressing global challenges.

Prime Minister Phillips

spoke about the significant Guyanese diaspora in Canada, and underscored how these personal connections have strengthened the bond between the two countries.

He added that the countries have a shared commitment to international principles and to maintaining peace and stability in the hemisphere, including through strengthened CaricomCanada relations.

He stressed the countries’ commitment to environmental stewardship, praised Canada's leadership in global climate initiatives, and reaffirmed Guyana's "commitment to enriching the bilateral relations between our two countries, and to leveraging the opportunities for mutual benefit which lie ahead.”

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Burman, and Mrs Berman; Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd sharing a toast at the 157th Anniversary Reception of Canada's Confederation on Thursday evening

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips at the reception

UNHCR Guyana calls for refugee integration

"UNICEF has also worked hard, spending quite a bit of time and funds to address this issue. I hope it has made it all the way into law, and not just sat on a piece of paper. Maybe today someone will remember

As World Refugee Day

was celebrated on Thursday, UNHCR Guyana advocated for refugees, stating that they should be given a chance to showcase their various skills and talents.

Associate Protection Officer for UNHCR Guyana, Jenel Greene, championed this cause during a collaborative panel discussion on Thursday.

"Let’s not leave refugees in the shadows; instead, let’s give them a chance to use their skills and talents and contribute to the communities that welcome them. This is the message we would like to send to all of you, it starts with us,” she stated.

Greene pointed out

UNHCR Guyana’s goal, stating that they are envisioning long term resolutions. "Our aim, the goal, the ultimate thing we want, is long-lasting solutions, durable solutions. In order for us to achieve global solutions, it’s a part of UNHCR’s global approach to include, to partner with civil society organizations, other NGOs, and, most importantly, to work with the Government."

Meanwhile Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohammed Martin, relayed various instances when the University of Guyana included migrants into educational sessions.

"The university was asked to create a short

course program for forensic artists so that children could have artistic impressions of migrants," she relayed.

She also expressed her fervent wish that anyone who crosses Guyana's borders be treated fairly. "I have this interest in making sure that whoever touches their feet into our country, no matter how they got here, we find a way to make sure they become legal, integrate and are treated in a human and proper way," she highlighted.

On this point, she commended the UNHCR by stating that it has been playing its role in ensuring that respective legal implementations are structured for migrants.

Police find ganja in abandoned shop

Law enforcement officers have discovered 195.9 grams of marijuana contained in a plastic bag and hidden in an abandoned shop at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara during a search exercise

conducted between 05:30 and 06:00h on Friday.

A statement from the Police detailing the discovery has said: "The ranks searched an abandoned shop on the Tarmac at Pouderoyen, and found a

bulky plastic bag in a heap of grass containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis." The cannabis has been lodged at the Leonora Police Station.

it and say, 'Hey, we need to deal with this’," she expressed.

Guyana hosts 24,500 refugees and migrants from Venezuela, as well as 206 refugees and asylum seekers from other nationalities, including Cubans and Haitians. The event aims to recognize the strength of the refugees who have fled conflict and persecution in their countries in hope of finding sanctuary and living a better life.

398 persons hospitalised with dengue so far this year – Health Minister

Guyana is facing a dengue fever outbreak, with 398 individuals having been hospitalised this year, according to recent information from Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

In an interview with reporters on Friday, Dr Anthony reported that the Health Ministry has conducted over 18,000 tests this year to monitor and control the spread of this dangerous mosquito-borne disease. Out of those tests, 4,700 individuals were found to be positive for dengue. Despite these efforts of the Health Ministry, four fatalities have occurred from dengue-related complications.

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. However, there are signs that the situation may be improving in the country, and according to Dr Anthony, in the past week, there have been fewer than ten new hospital admissions, indicating a possible decrease in new cases. As such, public health officials

are intensifying their efforts to combat the outbreak.

“We have been working with the Regional Health Officers. In each region, they have a schedule for fogging… We have been using some chemicals that will kill the larvae,” Dr. Anthony explained.

These vector control activities, including fogging and public awareness campaigns, are crucial in reducing the mosquito population and spread of the virus, he explained.

The Health Minister also highlighted that many

of the individuals testing positive for dengue had previous infections.

“This is what people need to know. The treatment is very symptomatic…There are four strains of dengue. The first time you get infected with any of them, it would be mild; but if you get infected a second time with a different strain, there can develop complications,” he said.

The Health Ministry is urging residents to take preventive measures seriously. These include eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, using mosquito repellent, and ensuring homes are properly screened to prevent mosquito entry.

The ministry has said that early detection and treatment are key in managing dengue. Residents who experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, or mild bleeding are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Health Ministry has said it is dedicated to managing the outbreak and protecting public health. (G9)

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohammed Martin

Associate Protection Officer for UNHCR Guyana, Jenel Greene

The marijuana that was found at Pouderoyen

At least 30 dead as torrential rains lash Central America

2 killed in alleged shootout with security forces in St James

At least 30 persons have died and thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes as storms and heavy rainfall continue to lash Central America, according to local officials, with the constant downpours flooding rivers, destroying homes, triggering landslides and cutting off entire communities.

Salvadoran authorities on Friday said the death toll had now reached 19, among them six children, while over 3000 persons remain in temporary shelters.

"We must save people's lives," Luis Amaya, who heads El Salvador's civil protection agency, told reporters Friday. "Material goods come and go, but now we must focus on protecting lives."

Guatemalan authorities on Friday reported 10 deaths, nearly 11,000 evacuated, close to 380 still in temporary shelters, 300 se-

verely damaged buildings and four bridges destroyed.

Neighbouring Honduras meanwhile reported one death and over 1200 persons evacuated – some 300 in the last 24 hours. They said the rains had cut off 180 communities and destroyed 22 houses.

In Mexico, authorities forecast strong rains across most of the country and torrential downpours across sections of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, as well as further inland, bringing lightning, strong winds, possible hail, and flooding around rivers.

The rains caused authorities to evacuate some 80 persons from a children's hospital in Oaxaca state on Thursday, but also brought welcome replenishment to drought-hit reservoirs across the country, currently at around a third of their capacity.

Mexico's Conagua water authority warned of wind speeds of up to 70 kilome-

tres per hour (44 mph) and waves of up three metres (10 ft) around the Gulf and Caribbean coasts. Equally strong winds on the Pacific side, it added, could cause possible tornadoes.

The rains were due to a low-pressure channels interacting together across much of the country, as well as a monsoon trough drawing in moist ocean air from well into the North Pacific, the US National Hurricane Center said, boosted by remnants of Alberto, the Atlantic hurricane season's first named tropical storm.

Alberto caused at least four deaths as it passed over north-east Mexico this week.

The US National Hurricane Centre predicted the heavy rainfall would continue through Friday across southern Mexico and northern Central America, bringing thunderstorms and showers as far south as Costa Rica and Panama into the weekend. (Reuters)

Guerrilla fighters luring Colombian schoolchildren on TikTok

Fighters belonging to breakaway groups associated with Colombia's largest rebel movement are posting videos on TikTok to entice young people to join them.

The BBC has investigated the growth of guerrilla "recruitment" videos, with dissident factions yet to agree to a peace deal with the Colombian Government.

“One or two start the trend and it becomes fashionable in the classroom,” says Lorena (not her real name), a 30-year-old teacher in Cauca, a rural region in south-western Colombia.

She says as she enters her class, she is often met by students filming themselves on their smartphones, drawing symbols inspired by the now-demobilised Revolutionary Armed

Forces of Colombia guerrilla group (Farc) on the blackboard, or dancing to revolutionary tunes.

Lorena, who asked to remain anonymous for her own security, says this kind of pro-guerrilla behaviour has become increasingly common among pupils.

“It used to be more secretive... [but] it has become completely normalised,” she said in an interview with the BBC over Zoom.

“Sadly, it’s one or two [students] that start to see the clips [on Tiktok] in one classroom – and then it becomes trendy.”

She said students then often disappear, and the next time she sees them they are appearing in TikTok videos – armed and dressed as fighters.

Three screenshots taken

from TikTok videos showing young girls dressed in army fatigues, luxury cars, money emojis, and a young man in army fatigues looking over a green mountain range while carrying a rifle

In Cauca, children and adults alike have grown up alongside the FARC, which has had a strong presence in the region since the leftist armed group was created in 1964.

The group, which had over 20,000 members at its height, officially demobilised and signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016.

Yet some dissident factions have yet to lay down their weapons, and some of the most powerful of those armed units are currently active in Cauca. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Two men are dead and a manhunt has been launched for others following an alleged shootout with Police forces in Rose Heights, St James on Thursday night.

According to Deputy Superintendent Linroy Edwards, Operations Officer in St James, armed men engaged the Police in a gun battle during a joint Police/ military operation in the Sean Crescent community of the parish about 21:40h.

Police say a group of men, who had converged at a section of the community, opened gunfire at law enforcers. The fire was returned and when the shooting subsided, two of the men were found suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where they were pronounced dead upon arrival. Two firearms were recovered at the scene.

Edwards said the gunmen fired at the Police from

rooftops, trees and neighbouring premises in an intense battle that lasted between 45 minutes to an hour.

No member of the security team was injured during the gun battle. It is reported that lawmen were still on site at daybreak as they continued their search for other

suspects involved in the incident.

Edwards also reported that earlier that day in another joint Police/military operation, two women were arrested on reasonable suspicion of being in possession of a prohibited weapon. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T PM brushes off JTUM alliance threat

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley is unworried and unsurprised by the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) endorsement of the United National Congress (UNC) for the next General Election.

He made the comment a day after JTUM President General Ancel Roget during Labour Day observances in Fyzabad on Wednesday, said the trade union umbrella body planned to form an alliance with the UNC to get the People’s National Movement (PNM) out of government.

Asked via WhatsApp if this development concerned him, the Prime Minister replied, “What’s new?”

Inferring that this same thing happened when the People’s Partnership gained power in 2010, Dr Rowley added, “We tasted that flavour in 2010, with great anticipation on the part of many. The only predictable outcome was chaos, confusion, lavish corruption and

bitter disappointment.”

Rowley said following their support for the Partnership, “none of the country’s problems were addressed, far less to be successfully solved”.

Comparing his party’s conduct with the Partnership’s performance, the Prime Minister continued, “The PNM Administrations which I lead did the opposite. We dutifully engaged many of the

burning issues and treated with them within the best options available to the population.”

Dr Rowley admitted, “Not all solutions were or are painless, so it is not surprising to hear or see others who are looking for opportunity misrepresent our national circumstances as failures, even as they can present no credible or reasonable alternatives.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazil keen to elect new CDB President

Brazil, the incoming Chair of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is keen for the institution to elect a new President following the controversial departure of Dr Hyginus “Gene” Leon.

The South American nation, represented by its Governor on the CDB Board, Secretary for International Affairs and Development, Dr Renata Amaral, also wants the Governors of the bank to “close the void that current-

ly exists between us”.

Amaral put these issues on the table Thursday evening while stating that the Barbados-based CDB was “navigating a challenging period and it’s our responsibility to move forward”.

With Leon having resigned from his leadership of the bank in April, following a contentious period during which he was sent on administrative leave, Dr Amaral said it was time to look to the future. (Excerpt from Nation News) Dr

A municipal worker observing a tree that fell on a public transportation unit due to the heavy rains in San Salvador, El Salvador June 20, 2024 [Reuters/Jose Cabezas photo)

Renata Amaral (GP)

Deputy Superintendent Linroy Edwards, Operations Officer in St James

T&T PM Dr Keith Rowley

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil prices ease on strong dollar, mixed global economic news

Israel pounds Gaza, killing dozens, as fighting rages

Israeli forces pounded Rafah in southern Gaza on Friday, as well as other areas across the enclave, killing at least 45 Palestinians as troops engaged in close-quarter combat with Hamas militants, residents and Israel's military said.

Crude prices eased about one per cent on Friday on worries that global oil demand growth could be hit by a strong US dollar and negative economic news from some parts of the world.

Prices declined despite signs of improving US oil demand and falling fuel inventories that helped boost crude prices to a seven-week high a day earlier.

Brent futures fell 47 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to settle at US$85.24 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended 56 cents, or 0.7 per cent, lower at US$80.73.

The decline pushed WTI out of technically-overbought territory for the first time in four days, while Brent futures remained overbought for a fourth day in a row for the first time since early April.

For the week, both crude benchmarks were up about three per cent after gaining about four per cent last week.

The US dollar rose to a seven-week high versus a basket of other currencies with the Federal Reserve's patient approach to cutting interest rates contrasting with more dovish stances elsewhere.

The Fed hiked interest rates aggressively in 2022 and 2023 to tame a surge in inflation. The higher rates boosted borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, which can slow economic growth and reduce demand for oil.

A stronger US dollar can also reduce demand for oil by making greenback-denominated commodities like oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

In the world's biggest oil consumer, US business activity crept up to a 26-month high in June amid a rebound in employment, but price pressures subsided considerably, offering hope that a recent slowdown in inflation was likely to be sustained.

US existing home sales, however, fell for a third straight month in May as record-high prices and a resurgence in mortgage rates sidelined potential buyers.

Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Thursday showed total product supplied, a proxy for oil demand, rose by 1.9 million barrels per day last week to 21.1 million barrels per day.

Despite the decline in crude prices, US gasoline futures climbed for a fourth day to a one-month high on rising demand during the summer driving season and a drop in inventories.

Mixed global demand signals

In India, refiners processed nearly 1.3 per cent more crude oil in May than a year earlier, provisional government data showed, while the share of Russian supplies in imports to India, the world's third biggest oil consumer, increased.

"Signs of stronger demand in Asia also boosted sentiment. Oil refineries across the region are bringing back some idled capacity after maintenance," analysts at ANZ Research said.

But in the eurozone, business growth slowed sharply this month as demand fell for the first time since February.

In China, the world's second biggest oil consumer, Beijing warned that escalating frictions with the European Union over electric vehicle imports could trigger a trade war.

Geopolitical tensions added to the mixed picture.

Ukraine's military said its drones struck four oil refineries, radar stations and other military objects in Russia.

The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah this week pledged a fullon conflict with Israel in the event of a cross-border war and also threatened Cyprus for the first time.

In Ecuador, State oil company Petroecuador has declared force majeure over deliveries of Napo heavy crude for exports following the shutdown of a key pipeline and oil wells due to heavy rains. (Reuters)

Residents said the Israelis appeared to be trying to complete their capture of Rafah, which borders Egypt and has been the focus of an Israeli assault since early May.

Tanks were forcing their way into the western and northern parts of the city, having already captured the east, south and centre.

Firing from planes, tanks, and ships off the coast caused more people to flee the city, which a few months ago was sheltering more than a million displaced people, most of whom

have now relocated again.

The Gaza Health Ministry said at least 25 Palestinians had been killed in Mawasi in western Rafah and 50 wounded. Palestinians said a tank

US Supreme Court upholds federal domesticviolence gun ban

The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a federal law that makes it a crime for people under domestic violence restraining orders to have guns, handing a victory to President Joe Biden's Administration as the Justices opted not to further widen firearms rights after a major expansion in 2022.

The 8-1 ruling, authored by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, overturned a lower court's decision striking down the 1994 law as a violation of the US Constitution's Second Amendment right to "keep and bear arms".

The law was challenged by a Texas man who was subject to a restraining order for assaulting his girlfriend in a parking lot and later threatening to shoot her.

The New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of

Appeals had concluded that the measure failed the Supreme Court's stringent test set in 2022 that required gun laws to be "consistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation" to comply with the Second Amendment.

But Roberts wrote that since the nation's founding, firearm laws have targeted people who threaten physical harm to others.

"When a restraining order contains a finding that an individual poses a credible threat to the physical safety of an intimate partner, that individual may consistent with the Second Amendment be banned from possessing firearms while the order is in effect," Roberts wrote.

Biden's Administration defended the law as critical to protect public safety and abuse victims, who often are women.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

shell hit a tent housing displaced families.

"Two tanks climbed a hilltop overseeing Mawasi and they sent balls of fire that hit the tents of the poor people displaced in

the area," one resident told Reuters over a chat app.

The Israeli military said that the incident was under review. "An initial inquiry conducted suggests that there is no indication that a strike was carried out by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) in the Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi," it said.

Earlier, the military said its forces were conducting "precise, intelligence-based" actions in the Rafah area, where troops were involved in close-quarter combat and had located tunnels used by militants.

Over the past week, the military said, troops targeted a university that served as a Hamas headquarters from which militants fired on soldiers and found weapons and barrel bombs. It did not name the university.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US, China hold 1st informal nuclear talks in 5 years

The United States and China resumed semi-official nuclear arms talks in March for the first time in five years, with Beijing's representatives telling US counterparts that they would not resort to atomic threats over Taiwan, according to two American delegates who attended.

The Chinese representatives offered reassurances after their US interlocutors raised concerns that China might use, or threaten to use, nuclear weapons if it faced defeat in a conflict over Taiwan. Beijing views the democratically governed island as its territory, a claim rejected by the Government in Taipei.

"They told the US side that they were absolutely convinced that they are able to prevail in a conventional fight over Taiwan without using nuclear weap-

ons," said scholar David Santoro, the US organiser of the Track Two talks, the details of which are being reported by Reuters for the first time.

Participants in Track Two talks are generally former officials and academics who can speak with authority on their Government's position, even if they are not directly involved with setting it. Government-toGovernment negotiations are known as Track One. Washington was represented by about half a dozen delegates, including former officials and scholars at the two-day discussions, which took place in a Shanghai hotel conference room.

Beijing sent a delegation of scholars and analysts, which included several former People's Liberation Army officers. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Putin warns South Korea against arming Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned South Korea it would be making "a big mistake" if it arms Ukraine in the war against Russia. His comments come after Seoul said it was considering such a possibility, in response to Russia and North Korea's new pact to help each other in the event of "aggression" against either country.

Moscow "will... [make] decisions which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea" if Seoul decides to supply arms to Kyiv, Putin told reporters on Thursday.

The Russian leader was speaking in Vietnam, shortly after a lavish visit to Pyongyang where he signed a mutual defence agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Putin also warned that Moscow is willing to arm Pyongyang if the US and its allies continue supplying Ukraine with weapons.

"Those who supply these weapons believe that they are not at war with us. I said, including in Pyongyang, that we then reserve the right to supply weapons to other regions of the world," Putin said.

Seoul had earlier condemned the Russian-North Korean agreement as a threat to its national security, and national security adviser Chang Ho-jin had said his country planned to "reconsider the issue of arms support to Ukraine".

Following Putin's remarks, South Korea's presidential office said on Friday it would consider "various options" in supplying arms to Ukraine and its stance will "depend on how Russia approaches this issue".

It also summoned the Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to protest the pact, demanding that

Moscow "immediately ceases" military cooperation with Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, Russianinstalled officials said on Friday that Ukrainian drone attacks had put out of action two electricity substations in Enerhodar, the town serving the Russianoccupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and cut power to most of its residents.

But an official at the occupied Zaporizhzhia station, Europe's largest nuclear plant with six reactors, said it was unaffected by the military action.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

A woman and a girl react following an Israeli strike that hit a tent camp, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in AlMawasi area in western Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 21, 2024 (Reuters/Mohammed Salem photo)

SUDOKU

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Be aware of what you must do, and don’t let anyone talk you into spending or doing more than necessary. Budget wisely and call in favors. Put your energy where it will bring the highest return.

You have too much at stake to put up with someone’s shenanigans. Be a good listener. You can’t spare feelings when dollars are involved, or you’ll end up paying for someone else’s mistake.

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

Pump up the volume and create opportunities that put you in the spotlight. How you present yourself and what you have to offer will draw attention. Don’t take the first offer that comes along.

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

A passionate attitude will get you where you want to go. Embrace life, participate in events that make you feel good and spend time with those who offer insight and valuable information.

Go about your business. Keep your thoughts and intentions to yourself. Work behind the scenes until you are satisfied with the results. There will be no room for error or time to argue.

A steady pace and an even temperament will pay off. You can make positive changes to your life as you move toward your goal. Don’t waste time contemplating when it’s time to make waves.

Be honest with yourself. Spend more time going over your options and less time on trivial matters. Free yourself from drama, unnecessary expenses and procrastination.

Don’t sit back; explore the possibilities. Set a budget, verify information and set sail on a new adventure. Don’t let others choose for you or drag you into drama or awkward situations.

Abundance will find you if you put your energy to good use. A partnership looks promising and could lead to possibilities that have eluded you in the past. Pick up the pace.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Shake the tree and see what falls to the ground. High energy, enthusiasm and excitement will have an impact on those you encounter. Romance is favored.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Stick close to home and protect your reputation, documents and personal belongings. Be cautious about anyone pressuring you to donate to a cause or respond to an offer. Look around.

Preparation will put your mind at ease. Delve into the possibilities. Your effort and skills can save you a bundle if you lock in your plans. Spend time with a loved one.

Is it too early to say it? That it looks like South Africa's time has come?

They beat defending champions England in a thrilling encounter, overcoming several scares in Saint Lucia to remain unbeaten in T20 World Cup 2024, and have one foot in the semi-finals.

South Africa didn't seem to have enough runs, having scored 63 in the power play, but only another 100 in the next 14 overs. They seemed to have got their selection slightly wrong on a slower-than-expected pitch by picking only one specialist spinner, who they had bowled out by the 13th over of England's chase. And their quicks did not appear to have fully bought into pace-off, giving away 52 runs in three overs between the

15th and 17th over to leave England needing only 25 runs off the last 18 balls.

SCOREBOARD

England (T: 164 runs from 20 ovs) Phil Salt c Hendricks b Rabada 11 Jos Buttler (c)† c Klaasen b Maharaj 17

Jonny Bairstow c Nortje b Maharaj 16

Moeen Ali c Maharaj b Baartman 9 Harry Brook c Markram b Nortje 53 Liam Livingstone c Stubbs b Rabada 33 Sam Curran not out 10 Jofra Archer not out 1 Extras (lb 2, nb

South Africa hold nerve against England to continue unbeaten march towards semis

3-0-29-0

Adil Rashid 4-0-20-1

Mark Wood 2-0-22-0

But then, Kagiso Rabada had Liam Livingstone caught at deep backward square off a full toss – and celebrated in his face – and he only gave away four runs in his final over. Marco Jansen sent down a phenomenal penultimate over, bowling into the pitch and taking pace off, and conceded only seven runs, leaving Anrich Nortje with 13 to defend off the last over. His first ball was hit down the ground by Harry Brook, in search of six, but Aiden Markam ran back from mid-on and took the catch over his shoulder. That was the moment the game was won, but Nortje still had five deliveries and he kept it together, bowling full, and restricting England to six runs in the 20th over.

The drama aside, England may not too be unhappy after the close defeat. Their spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were impressive, taking 2 for 45 in 7 overs; Reece Topley conceded only 23 in his four overs; and Harry Brook brought up his first T20 World Cup fifty. The shot selection from the top order may come under scrutiny, but with a positive net run-rate and a game against the USA to come, England will still fancy their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

De Kock wins match-ups and gets a life England's planning against Quinton de Kock was spot on as they chose to open the bowling with Reece Topley and Moeen, both of whom have had the better of de Kock in the past. Topley had dismissed him four times in six meetings, and Moeen six times in 15, but neither got the early breakthrough in this game. Instead, de Kock opened the boundary count with a four and a six down the ground off Moeen and then punished Jofra Archer with a series of pick-up shots over the leg-side. Archer's

opening over cost 21 and de Kock scored 17 of them, including successive sixes. De Kock went on to bring up fifty off 22 balls, equalling Aaron Jones for the fastest half-century of the tournament, but could have been out two overs later, on 58, when he slogswept an Adil Rashid goo gly to deep back square. Mark Wood had to reach forward to take the catch, which appeared clean until TV um pire Joel Wilson deter mined the ball had burst through his fingers and hit the ground.

en more runs before Archer got his revenge. He banged in a short, slower ball, de Kock edged and Jos Buttler leapt one-handed to his left and hung on to a humding er. And that was the entree. Buttler's main course came when Heinrich Klaasen, on 8, responded late to the non-striker David Miller's call for a run, after a short ball from Wood had deflected off the wicketkeeper's pad to wards short fine leg. Klaasen was slow between the wickets and Buttler pounced, showing incredible awareness and aim to throw the stumps down at the non-striker's end with Klaasen well short.

Hendricks leapt two-handed to his left to hold on to a spectacular catch. Rabada should have had a second when Bairstow slashed him to deep third, but Klaasen was unable to hold on.

The drop only cost South Africa six runs due to an-

Klaasen was able to redeem himself when Buttler tried to take Maharaj on and was caught at deep mid-wicket. None of those catches, however, compares with what Markram did in the final over when Brook, set on 53, tried to hit Nortje down the ground. He ran back from mid-on and took the catch over his right shoulder; it was the final turning point in the game.

Rabada, Baartman miss their lengths

England needed 77 runs off the last six overs and with Maharaj bowled out, it was up to the seamers to defend, starting with South Africa's most experienced, Rabada. Tasked with the 15th over, Rabada bowled pace-on and conceded six first up when Liam Livingstone hit him over square leg. He ended up giving away 18 runs in the over to take some pressure off England. But it was Baartman's third over, the 17th, which was the most disappointing from a South African perspective. He tried to find a yorker length, but sent down four full tosses in a row, which Livingstone hit

my beer, said South Africa, as Reeza Hendricks grabbed on to the first chance they were given. Phil Salt was tempted into an aerial drive off Rabada, but did not hit it as well as he hoped and

Jofra Archer picked up three wickets to restrict South Africa

Aiden Markram picked a stunning catch to send back Harry Brook in the final over of the chase

Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook added a quick fifty-run stand to bring England back into the game

David Miller was key for South Africa in the death overs

GABA U23 Championships… Phillips guides Kwakwani

Untouchables to maintain unbeaten streak

Action in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association’s Under-23 Club Championships continued on Thursday night at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with the Kwakwani Untouchables maintaining their unbeaten streak.

With their unique ability to counterplay to the basket, the Kwakwani Untouchables defeated the Wortmanville Pacesetters as they secured their third

win of the tournament. The Untouchables got off to a strong start, leading 24-14 in the first quarter.

The Kwakwani outfit maintained their lead in the second quarter, scoring 27 points while holding the Pacesetters to only 25 points, finishing with a score of 51 points to the Pacesetters' 39.

Class was on full show during the third session when the Kwakwani outfit scored another 26 points for a total of 77 points while

holding the Pacesetters to only 22 points for 61 points. With the scoreline reading 77-68 at the beginning of the fourth session, the Untouchables went on to secure the win, with the scoreline reading 103-88.

Kelon Phillips continues to be pivotal in the offensive attack for the Untouchables, top-scoring with 36 points, with Kimol Grimmond swishing the ball for 27 points and Royon Shortt contributing 24 runs.

Trini Jockey Dillon Khelawan hoping to bring success to Guyana

Renowned Jockey

Dillon Khelawan is enjoying a purple patch in Trinidad’s horse racing this season.

Khelawan has shown his winning abilities with champion horse Hello World, who won the last three races.

The talented jockey said he is hoping to bring his A game to Guyana when he returns for the July 14th Port Mourant Turf Club race and the August 11th Guyana Cup at Rising Sun.

Khelawan is no stranger to Guyana’s horse racing, since he made his debut riding in 2014. He will return and ply his trade for the Jagdeo Racing Stables.

In a recent interview, Khelawan noted that horse racing in Trinidad is returning towards its glory days after the drastic fall during COVID-19.

“We have a lot more people coming into racing. As it relates to the level of horse racing in Trinidad, everything is going back up, slowly but surely,” the

Trinidadian jockey said. Khelawan will pilot Hello World in a field of eight horses to compete in the President's Cup today, Saturday, June 22 at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. Khelawan will ride the John O'Brien-trained Hello World out of Gate 6 in the Grade III event.

Hello World has won its last three races and will take on the likes of Pawan Putra, In the Headlines, Princes

National Women’s U19 team wrap up encampment with fitness test

…as CWI Regional U19 tournament looms

With the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-19 Women’s Super50 Cup just weeks away, the Guyana National U19 team endured a fruitful fitness test on Thursday as part of their encampment.

The ladies entered camp this week ahead of the upcoming CWI Regional U19 Women’s Tournament, as preparations heightened on a physical level.

Thursday’s fitness test, held at the National Gymnasium, was a success-

ful run for the young women who will be looking to go all the way this season.

The team, under the watchful eyes of their coach Clive Grimmond as well as former national player/manager Tremayne Smartt, engaged in the mandatory YoYo, shuttles and other areas of endurance-related assessments.

Following the run, players spent time engaging with their coaches as they gained further knowledge of the sport as well as other aspects of the encamp-

ment which helped to further build the mental aspect needed for regional and international cricket.

With a stacked team, most of whom featured during last year’s campaign coupled with their current progression and preparations, the young Guyanese ladies could easily return home with the title this year.

Meanwhile, the players will continue their training sessions as they gel and do some fine-tuning as they prepare to break camp soon, ahead of their departure.

GDF, Slingerz add 3 points...

They then surged ahead with goals from Marcus Tudor in the 36th minute and another by Beckford in the 41st minute before halftime.

Despite Western Tigers' effort to mount a comeback with Jermain Beckles scoring in the 66th minute, Beckford completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute.

Aruna, Crown Prince, Stroke of Luck, Super Bird, and Leonardo Angel in the race. With his recent form and exposure to competitive racing in Trinidad, Khelawan will be one of the jockeys to beat in the upcoming races in Guyana.

Khelawan confirmed that he will be in Guyana for the July 14 race, and the much-anticipated Guyana Cup on August 11.

Sheldon Holder and Bryan Wharton added two more goals in the 87th and 89th minutes respectively to secure Slingerz's victory.

There has been no change in the points table standings since last weekend. Guyana Defence Force continue to lead with 31 points, boasting 10 wins and one draw, alongside an impressive goal tally of 47.

West Demerara squad Slingerz remains in second place with 29 points, secured from nine wins, two draws, and 44 goals scored. Guyana Police Force FC hold third

place with 25 points, having played 11 matches, winning eight, drawing one, and losing two.

Santos FC sit in fourth position with 21 points, achieved through seven wins and five losses, while Fruta Conquerors FC follow in fifth place, accumulating 16 points from five wins, one draw and six losses.

Meanwhile, Western Tigers FC remain in sixth place with 15 points from five wins and six losses after 11 games, and Den Amstel FC are in seventh place with 12 points, recording three wins, three draws and seven losses.

Ann's Grove United FC hold eighth place with 11 points, having won three matches, drawn two, and lost seven, followed by Monedderlust FC, representing Berbice, closely trailing in ninth position with nine points from two wins, three draws, and seven losses.

and

The KFC Elite League continues today, June 22, with Buxton United FC facing off against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC at 18:30h, then Ann’s Grove FC take on Santos FC in the subsequent match at 21:00h at the NTC.

A look at the Women’s U19 team’s preparation at the National Gymnasium

Marcus Tudor added another goal to his lengthy personal tally

Buxton United FC remain at the bottom of the table in 10th place, securing one point from a solitary draw

11 losses.

The Kwakwani Untouchables

Jockey Dillon Khelawan is hoping his success in Trinidad will be transferred to Guyana from next month

Olympic qualification a target as AP Invitational on today

The track and field fraternity will be a buzz today as the Aliann Pompey Invitational is staged for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A certified bronze medal event on the World Athletics Continental tour, the AP Invitational is slated for the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) with the first gun sounding off at 16:30h.

Speaking during a preevent press conference on Friday morning, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr expressed his commitment to making the AP Invitational a marquee event, while its namesake, Olympian Aliann Pompey co-signed the need to build a legacy for the event.

“We are making a longterm commitment to this event, so that it becomes a marquee event in our calendar for our sports events for the country and that it remains so, even long after I would’ve departed from here. So, we’re going to make sure things are in place so that that remains so,” the Sport Minister shared.

On that premise, Pompey expressed, “I think at the core of what the Minister was talking about is legacy. This is the first time you’re having a competition since the pandemic hit and I’m happy to say there hasn’t necessarily been a drop-off

ExxonMobil U14 tournament…

Teams to battle for semifinal spots today

The ExxonMobil Under-14 Boys’ and Girls’ Schools’ football tournament will continue today after being postponed earlier this week.

Following the exhilarating Round of 16 last weekend at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue last Saturday, the quarterfinals were slated to be hosted on Monday last (June 17), but were postponed due to inclement weather rendering the ground unplayable.

However, the nail-biting action will continue today, with Waramuri Primary Top and Charity Secondary Girls locked in the first battle of the day from 12:00h today.

Then at 13:00h, Bartica Secondary and Leonora Secondary Boys will clash while South Ruimveldt and Bush Lot Secondary Boys will go head-to-head at 14:00h.

Then, all eyes will be on the Girls division as New Amsterdam Secondary and

President’s College battle at 15:30h, while Marian Academy and Bartica Secondary lock horns at 16:00h. In the final girls’ game of the day, Santa Rosa Secondary and Tucville Secondary will battle for a spot in the semi-finals. At 17:00h, Chase’s Academy and Christianburg-Wismar Secondary will meet on the battleground and then the quarterfinal round will conclude with Dolphin and Westminster Secondary facing off from 17:00h.

The teams in both the Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions are vying for a $400,000 first prize while second place will receive $200,000. The third- and fourthplace finishers will pocket $100,000 and $75,000 respectively, with all the prizes going towards a school project.

Aside from the title sponsors, the tournament is also supported by Stenna Drilling Inc, MVP Sports and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) under its Pepsi Brand.

of anything. At least, in the quality if the event thanks to the contribution of the Minister and the Ministry.”

“As much as you hope that you put measures in place that whenever you decide to depart the position we can continue to have this event, it’s the same for me. The name might change, but the idea is we continue to have this instrument for our athletes, for our young people and for Guyana,” the Guyanese Olympian went on to state.

While a number of international athletes like Trinidad’s Michelle LeeAhye, Colombia’s Melany Balono and Dominican Republic’s Lidio Feliz and Alexander Ogando are lined up to compete. Guyana will have its fair share of local stars on show.

One such, Emmanuel Archibald, who broke the National 100m record last weekend, spoke of his expectations and confidence.

“Because of the calibre of the meet, I just believe that

running nine seconds is going to be key out here and about three of us are going to qualify for Olympics,” an optimistic Archibald expressed.

The Guyanese 100m record-holder added, “Yeah, I’m 9. and we didn’t have much competition last week and there’s at least 2 nine-second runners in this race, especially Joseph and the Colombian who has run 9.9 last year, breaking the South American U20 record. So them, as well as the Dominican that ran sub20, I know he’s a 10.0 guy. So, competing with them will bring out the best in me and we’ll qualify for the Olympics.”

Fellow sprint athlete Jasmine Abrams, who fell just four milliseconds short of the Olympic qualifying standard at the National Seniors last week, expressed similar expectations while detailing her preparation.

“From AP Invitational I’m expecting to, of course, qualify for Olympics and

have a healthy race, have a fast, strong race and hit the qualifying standard of 11.07,” Abrams related.

The female sprinter went on to state, “So, my preparation has been a little different from my previous years. Usually, I’d be more speedbased by my coach, I’ve switched coaches and he’s had me do more speed endurance, a lot of 400 work, a lot of 300 which is not in my realm’ cause I’m a short sprinter.

“It’s a lot of speed endurance to make sure that I can finish the end of my race and be strong in that part,” the elder Abrams concluded.

Meanwhile, Abrams’ younger sister, Aliyah also expressed confidence in her stringent preparation.

Aliyah revealed, “We’ve been hitting it hard at practice and also, I’ve been competing a lot, just making sure I have the right rhythm and so, all the preparations to come home and really be able to put together a good race and potentially get the standard.”

“I’m within a second, less than a second and I’m there. I’m confident, simply because I know I’ve been training well and I know I’ve been giving it all that I have. So, it’s just really comes down to racing on that day and putting it together,” the younger Abrams expressed.

The AP Invitational will provide the opportunity for athletes to qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, with a prize structure that pays up to US$3000 for first place in headline races.

KFC Elite League…

GDF, Slingerz add 3 points to tally

The top two teams of KFC Elite League Season Six delivered exceptional performances on Thursday evening, clinching victories against Den Amstel FC and Western Tigers FC to consolidate their positions atop the points table.

Defending champions Guyana Defence Force secured a 3-0 win over Den Amstel in the opening match on June 20 at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)

National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The army team seized control in the first half, with Kelsey Benjamin scoring in the 34th minute. Maintaining a solid defence, they added two more goals through Ryan Hackett in the 57th minute and Stephen McDonald in the 60th minute to seal the victory. In the second match, second-placed team Slingerz

FC defeated Western Tigers 6-2 in a thrilling encounter. It marked a strong comeback following their surprise draw with Monedderlust FC the previous weekend. Western Tigers took an early lead with Andrew Murray's impressive goal in the 28th minute, but Slingerz equalised through Kemar Beckford in the 32nd minute.

100m record-holder Emanuel Archibald

Pan Am Games 2023 silver medallist Jasmine Abrams

A glimpse of what to expect during the ExxonMobil U14 quarterfinals today

Stephen McDonald slots one past the keeper for GDF