Guyana Times - Sunday, December 22, 2024

Govt has invested more than $115B in GDF since 2020 – Ali

Magistrate dismisses fraud case against pensioner

17-year-old bandit shot dead in robbery of mother, daughter

Govt eyeing early 2025 for tabling of oil spill legislation – VP …confirms decommissioning fund will

Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase completed, set for January handover to ExxonMobil

Shoreline Estates unveils luxury condos with premium amenities at Enmore …says every soldier

Venezuelan envoy applauds Guyana’s compassionate support for migrants

The Guyana

Government has come in for high praise from its Spanish-speaking neighbour, which has expressed gratitude to Guyana for its support and treatment of migrants from Venezuela.

This was related by Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, during a high-level meeting with Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, in Georgetown last week.

According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Perez Silva took the opportunity during the engagement to thank Guyana for its commitment to international humanitarian law and human rights law in its treatment of the migrants from Venezuela.

“[The Venezuelan diplomat] stated that Caracas is aware of the tens of thousands of migrants from Venezuela fleeing economic hardship, which he classified as economic migrants, and noted the additional cost to the Government of Guyana [in supporting the Venezuelan citizens],” the missive from Takuba Lodge in Georgetown added.

In response, Minister Todd alluded to Guyana’s national policy initiative facilitated through the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on Migrants from Venezuela, which provides humanitarian assistance and social support to the migrants.

Currently, there are approximately 25,000 Venezuelans, including returning Guyanese, living in Guyana after fleeing the economic hardship in the Spanish-speaking nation under the Nicolás Maduro administration.

The Guyana Government has been providing support to these groups, especially the most vulnerable persons, in key areas such as healthcare, education, employment, sanitation, shelter, food and clothing as part of effort to integrate them into the Guyanese society.

Only recently, a group of Warrau people from Venezuela travelled from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) to Georgetown

Referring to the AFC Leader Nigel Hughes’ move to “dump” the group at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Jagdeo said this is typical of the AFC.

“Typical of the AFC, because it doesn’t come from their heart; typical of the AFC. He [Hughes] took the Warraus and dropped them off at a Ministry. He deposited them and disappeared, sped off. That is the love that they had. They lost their love from the night before in a short period. In eight hours, they lost all their love for the Warraus and they disappeared once again…,” the VP stated.

seeking help from the Government.

The group showed up at State House where President Irfaan Ali through his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Colonel Earl Edghill, assisted them by providing hampers, meals and transportation to return to Essequibo.

With support from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, the Warraus were eventually transported to Parika using a bus from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Whilst at Parika, they were fed and housed for the night before being provided with breakfast

the following day and then transported to Essequibo to return to their homes.

The visit of these Warrau people to Georgetown had been widely publicised and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has called out the Alliance For Change (AFC) using them to gain political mileage.

AFC had claimed that the group of people were invited to Georgetown by President Ali and were abandoned by the Government.

However, according to the Vice President, the minority opposition party sought to politicise the issue and cover up its tracks.

Jagdeo added, “once he realised that there was nothing to be gained politically from it, he just dumped them again, like how they did their supporters in the 2015 to 2020 period. This time, the Warraus was the unsuspecting victims.” It was reported that approximately 25 to 30 Warrau migrants, including children, were left outside of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry two Fridays ago. The group was taken under the wings of the Ministry, which provided them with food, hampers, Christmas toys and money.

The migrants being tended to by Government officials last week

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd met with Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, in Georgetown on Thursday

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Five years of oil

While oil was struck right before the 2015 elections, the Exxon/Hess/CNOOC partnership that worked the Stabroek Block concession deep off our Atlantic shores started pumping the “black gold” by the end of 2019, a record in the oil industry. That, of course, means we have now been an oil producer for five years, which is enough time for the initial euphoria to have worn off and for us to start making preliminary assessments on how we have been dealing with the challenges identified at the time.

First, there were the technical challenges to get to the oil itself, and here it was rather serendipitous that, back in 1999, when the first exploration contract was signed, it was with Exxon. They, along with their present partners -- Shell had walked away after dry holes were initially struck -- not only had the deep pockets, but the technical capabilities to reach the first oil in the 5719-foot ultra deep waters of Lisa 1. The 295 feet of high-quality Brent Light oil - in sandstone reservoirs - had to be reached by drilling through 12,106 feet of the earth’s crust.

The conglomerate has since made 30 strikes, and estimates the petroleum reserves to be in excess of 11 billion bpd.

The second challenge was to negotiate a new contract, since the initial one would have expired in 2016, and this task fell on the APNU/AFC coalition government that had won not just the 2015 elections, but the oil bonanza. ExxonMobil is probably the only entity on the planet that would adjudge the production sharing agreement (PSA) signed by the coalition’s Raphael Trotman to be “good”, since all of the terms are in its favour compared to the industry norms for comparable fields. For Guyana, there was a meagre US$18M bonus; 2% royalties; 75% allowable annual expenses; and a 50-50 split of the subsequent profits, which meant that our share of the revenues was 14.5% overall.

This has led to an ongoing challenge from a segment of commentators, including some elements of the present Opposition which had formed the government that negotiated the contract, for the latter to be “renegotiated”. Government has pointed out that, by the terms of the contract itself, there can be renegotiation only if both parties were to be in agreement. In the absence of such agreement, the international arbitrators to which recourse must be sought do not look favourably on those who violate the “sanctity of contracts”. In the meantime, with the agreement of the Government, the oil operators have embarked on an accelerated development programme such that present production is 650,000 bpd. 500M barrels have been produced over the past five years, to deliver US$5.5 billion to the Government. It is projected that the rate of production would rise to 1.3M bpd by 2030, and then to 1.7M bpd to make us the fourth largest offshore oil producer in the world.

Another challenge identified early on was whether we would be able to absorb such an influx of funds in a country of less than 800,000 inhabitants and a GDP of only US$4.8 billion before oil started flowing. Government created a sovereign wealth fund -- called the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) -along the lines that were established by other oil producing countries like Norway to ensure that the funds were used based on agreed-to rules that were also sensitive to the need for the creation of inter-generational wealth. In the case of Guyana, Government embarked on a massive physical infrastructural drive, that focused on roads and bridges that would tie together our massive country and facilitate the transportation of people and agricultural and manufactured goods.

Numerous modern schools and hospitals have been built, and training programmes have been launched to deliver the services to the populace. Directly and indirectly, employment has skyrocketed, and the Government has been forced to give serious consideration to importing labour – even as we have had to absorb almost 30,000 refugees and economic migrants from Venezuela. This is not to suggest that there are no challenges remaining; and for one, inflation – which is a bugbear internationally - has pushed the cost of living upwards.

Adams’s continued attempts to mislead

Dear Editor,

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken note of an article published in the media on December 20, 2024 under the headline, “EPA shamefully omitted sections of Exxon Permit to argue against unlimited parent company guarantee for oil spills - Dr Adams.”

The EPA has carefully reviewed the article, and hereby offers the following comments:

1. The EPA is cognizant that Dr Vincent Adams is a former political appointee as Head of the EPA during the administration of the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU + AFC) Government, and appears to have relevance in only one particular media entity.

2. Notably, Dr Adams has continued to use this avenue in his attempts to mislead the people of Guyana by suggesting that ExxonMobil had, in the past, agreed to an unlimited parent company guarantee; and further, that this provision was reversed by the present Administration, resulting in ExxonMobil now being reluctant to provide this coverage.

3. In this latest article, Dr Adams accused the EPA of deliberately not stating the entire clause of the section of the Permit for the “Liza Phase 2 Development Project – Stabroek Block, Offshore Guyana”, which is being referenced. In turn, the Kaieteur News, in quoting Dr. Adams, fails to mention that a screenshot of the entire section was included in the media release for Dr. Adams to review, if he so desired. The screenshot is again included.

4. For clarity, the full section reads: “The permit Holder must, as soon as reasonably practicable, provide from the Parent Company or Affiliate Companies of Permit Holder and its CoVenturers (“Affiliates”) one or more legally binding agreements to the EPA, undertaking to provide adequate financial resources for the permit holder and its Co-Venturers to pay or satisfy their respective environmental obligations regarding the Stabroek Block if EEPGL or its CoVenturers fail to do so.”

5. The question which therefore arises is on what basis does Dr. Adams ascribe false equivalency to the meaning of the words

“adequate” and “unlimited”? Is it a legal interpretation? Or is it a literal interpretation? The Agency invites Dr. Adams to clarify.

6. The EPA maintains that Financial Assurance, as provided for in the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05, requires the Agency to set an amount in any form of financial assurance required of any Permit Holder.

7. The Agency then requested that an estimate of the reasonably credible cost for responding to and cleanup of worst-case oil spill be estimated in the case of financial assurance required for oil and gas operators to inform us of an amount to be required.

8. This means that an estimate had to be arrived at, as per the conditions of the law. In this regard, the EPA reviewed guidelines used by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) as well as authorities in the United Kingdom, USA and Canada.

9. International guidelines require conducting an exercise to arrive at an estimate of the reasonable

credible cost of an oil spill. This would then be used as a guide on what the parent company guarantee would be, hence US$2 billion was arrived at for the Stabroek Block.

10. The US$2 billion is the floor. With increasing developments, that estimate can increase. So, it is not the ceiling, it is the floor. If the cost is more, there is a clause that says the EPA and the guarantor can negotiate fulfilling that increase, while the polluter stands the full cost.

11. The EPA requires ExxonMobil and its partners – Hess and CNOOC –to provide authorities with an annual declaration of their liquidity. This ensures that, at all times, the Agency is aware that the companies can cover their liabilities.

12. In keeping with the Environmental Protection Act, the EPA remains committed to ensuring that Guyana’s interests and the environment are protected, and will continue to do so at all times.

Sincerely, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

A man has set up a Christmas tree amidst the rubble of the Melkite Church which was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Oct 9, in the southern Lebanese village of Derdghaya (AFP)

17-year-old bandit shot dead in robbery of mother, daughter

…toy gun, stolen cellphone found on crime scene

of Carl Rolland Reid was found at the robbery scene

Arobbery on Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown, on Friday night ended in death when a 17-year-old ban-

dit was fatally shot, and his accomplice fled the scene. Reports indicate that the robbery took place around 21:10h near Kaikan Street,

North Ruimveldt, where two victims—a mother and her teenage daughter—were accosted by armed robbers.

Dead is 17-year-old Carl Rolland Reid, also known as “Carloo Reid,” of Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown.

The victims, a 45-yearold food vendor from Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and her 15-year-old daughter, were standing on the northern side of Aubrey Barker Road, waiting for transportation to get home.

As they stood there two men on a black motorcycle, approached them armed with handguns and ordered the victims to remain silent and hand over their belongings.

Frightened for their safety, the victims complied. The robbers took a cellphone valued at $65,000, a handbag worth $5,000, and $12,000 from the mother. From her daughter, they stole a cellphone worth $200,000, a gold chain valued at $35,000, a handbag worth $5,000, and

$4,000.

At the time of the robbery, a 30-year-old supernumerary constable was on duty in a nearby guard hut, providing security for a supermarket located on the southern side of Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown.

Armed with a 9mm pistol containing 15 live rounds, the constable observed the robbery unfold. When he stepped out of the guard hut to intervene, one of the suspects fired four shots at him. The constable responded by discharging all 15 rounds in the direction of the suspects.

The exchange of gunfire resulted in Reid being struck multiple times. He collapsed in the centre of the road, motionless in a pool of blood. His accomplice, however, managed to escape on the motorcycle, riding west along Aubrey Barker Road.

Police arrived at the scene and found Reid’s lifeless body and a black toy gun lying nearby. Further searches revealed that the 15-year-old victim’s sto-

len cellphone was hidden in Reid’s clothing. Detectives also recovered seven 9mm spent shells scattered across the roadway. Reid’s body was subsequently transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, the police anti-crime patrol was alerted, and two officers on motorcycles gave chase after spotting the fleeing suspect in Nutmeg Street, Festival

City. The suspect abandoned the motorcycle and escaped on foot through an alleyway. The motorcycle was recovered and has been lodged at the East La Penitence Police Station.

CCTV cameras in the area are being reviewed. Statements have been taken from the victims, the supernumerary constable, and several witnesses. The supernumerary constable’s gun has been lodged with Police. (G9)

“Life hard; you have to work” – single mother of 3 struggling to make ends meet ...says husband died, living in shack

For over 13 years, Yamanie Bepot has called a dilapidated zinc shack in Ordnance Fortlands, East Canje, Region Six, home. The 35-year-old mother of three struggles daily to make ends meet, often facing days with no food to put on the table.

As the rainy season intensifies, the leaks in her roof and walls only worsen the dire conditions. What was once a move made in hopes of a better life has instead left her battling constant hardships, with no end in sight.

“Life hard; you have to

work. I used to live in a rented house and I tell my husband that we can’t keep living and paying rent all the time. Ah tell him that we got to try to get our own place and then his uncle get this land and give it to him and then the uncle dead and me and my husband wuk and make this lil house and start living in it. He get sick and then he died, so me alone left with my children,” the woman explained.

Previously, Bepot worked by cleaning crab, doing domestic work to make ends meet but became pregnant with her third child and had to stop

toll on her income working at a Chinese restaurant for the past year and according to her

work. I does have to work. When my daughter start to go to nursery school, I start to

working.

She said skyrocketing prices for groceries has taken a

the money she earns is just not enough. On many occasions, rain-

water seeps into the house leaving puddles on the floor.

“When me wuk me does save lil money; the floor didn’t have concrete, it was mud so I save some money and concrete it but still when the rain fall snake and so does come in my house. When my husband use to live he did buy things to start build the house but he didn’t get the tittle so he couldn’t do nothing, because his uncle dead and he didn’t have the papers. They say that we had to wait for a couple years and then go in, and then my husband end up dying,” she said.

Despite all of the adversity, Bepot said she tries to ensure that her children are happy.

Although just being in an old zinc shack, it is kept clean but the woman said she still has a longing.

“The only thing that me need is a house. I need a nice

want

The toy gun that was found at the crime scene

The lifeless body

The house in which Yamanie Bepot and her 3 children reside

Yamanie Bepot

THE SPECIAL HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND - AND ENSURING TENDER LOVING CARE (TLC) AT CHRISTMAS

Pets, or companion animals, have been with us since the dawn of civilisation. Dogs have been our friends for over 50,000 years. Our association with cats has been shorter, about 5,000 to 7,000 years. When humans began domesticating wolves thousands of years ago, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Many dog lovers say their pets seem to know what their masters are thinking. A study published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests that this line of thought might be at least partially right. Something about the process of domestication seems to have given dogs the ability to “read” certain human social behavioural patterns — something wolves and even

chimpanzees cannot do. Some scientists argue that, at least sociologically speaking, dogs (not chimps) are more like humans.

give a companion animal, we get it back many times over.

Experts have proven that, in addition to being fun and fulfilling, the special friendship between animals and humans actually can benefit a person’s health. When an affectionate greeting from your dog at the end of a hard day seems to lift your spirits and ease tensions, it is not just your imagination. Your pet is good for you, both physically and mentally.

That simple act of petting a cat or dog consistently lowers the blood pressure of heart patients.

Companion animals are just that: our companions. Since domestication, cats and dogs have lived in close contact with humans, and we must co-exist peacefully and lovingly. And we are lucky! Any TLC which we

Chimpanzees may share many of our genes, but dogs have lived with us for so long that they offer a good model for understanding human social behaviour.

Many studies have since been embarked upon which show the significance of pets in

owners have always known) that the presence of pets simply makes you behave in a more relaxed and open manner. Pet owners are happier, smile more readily, communicate better,

our lives. Researchers say that such studies are like exploring a new frontier, and they are only touching the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The fact of the matter is (what we pet

all of which lead to improved general health — our own.

The loyalty and friendship (very pronounced in the case of dogs) that pets offer to us humans are many times more valuable than any bit of TLC we give to them. Irrespective of how we associate with animals: whether as pets, or for the show arena, or as working dogs (hunters, guards, pullers

often, or feed them chocolates and spices. You may well consider such acts as TLC on your part, but I can assure you that they are not, and are in fact inimical to the pets’ health.

One Senator George Vest wrote, in 1870, a tribute to a dog. I share it with you as a reminder of that special human–animal bond and the joys that we encounter, not just at Christmas, but 365 days a year from the love and devotion of our faithful furry companion.

“The one absolute unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. A man’s dog stands by him, in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come from an encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take

of sledges, or rescuers, etc.), expressions of love have to be offered to them. This love of animals must not be based solely on emotion; rather, it must be an educated love.

For example, we may be judgmental of persons who starve their dogs, while we commit an equally hurtful act by overfeeding ours, especially at Christmas. Or we may feel compelled during the festive season to bathe them very

wings and reputations fall to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey thru the heavens.”

Please enjoy this festive season with your family, which includes your companion animals. Please continue to dissuade your friends and other family members from using squibs and other explosive devices in any environment shared with pets. Merry Christmas!

Govt has invested more than $115B in GDF since 2020 – Ali

…says every soldier must be upskilled for upgraded GDF

t has been revealed that

Ithe People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has invested more than $115 billion in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) since 2020, with President Dr Irfaan Ali also stressing the need for all soldiers to become upskilled to complement the improvements being made.

While addressing the army at the GDF’s recent Christmas Luncheon at Base Camp Ayanganna, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force made it clear that the Government is intent on optimising not only the GDF’s infrastructure and equipment, but also human capital development.

“As we build partnerships with many different countries, you’ll be exposed to greater training. Greater opportunity. And importantly, to greater technology that will allow us to optimise our human assets. That will allow us to optimise our human assets, in defence of our country. The Chief of Defence Staff mentioned to you, the increases in the bud-

getary allocations.”

“In the last four years, we’ve invested more than $115 billion, to ensure that not only you’re prepared and equipped, but to ensure we have the right infrastructure, the right equipment to enable you to be the best you can be, and to ensure our defence architecture and our defence infrastructure is ca-

pable, adaptable and flexible, to meet every requirement of the future,” President Ali said.

President Ali also listed some of the areas the Government is looking to improving when it comes to GDF’s functionalities, including in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber security. He also noted the

importance of soldier’s pursuing self-development, not only to better contribute to the GDF, but also to prepare themselves for post GDF careers.

“This vision we’re investing in, must be able to train you and prepare our assets and infrastructure, to deal with threats from AI, improve our cyber resilience,

Collapsed utility poles

improve our intelligence gathering, improve our border security through technology and surveillance, build our human assets and capital and integrate our defence infrastructure and architecture, all around the country,” President Ali said.

“These are essential elements we’re investing in, that will require us to upskill each and every one of you, to improve your competency and make you much more valuable than you are today. The investments we’re making in you, also gives you an opportunity to live a life after the uniform. Because that is important also. How we build your human capacity to live a life after uniform.”

In October, the Government of Guyana had signed a US$16 million contract with American company, Bell Textron Inc. for the supply of two advanced rotary wing aircrafts. In addition to company support for the two helicopters under contract, the United States (US) Embassy, in coordination with US Southern Command, approved fund-

ing for a US Air Force team to provide operations, logistics, and maintenance training to the GDF Air Corps to strengthen their ability to sustain the air fleet.

Meanwhile, France has publicly expressed its willingness to expand military cooperation with Guyana in technology and other areas, with a Joint Working Group to soon meet to discuss ways of going about expanding bilateral ties.

And already, dozens of Guyanese officers have benefited from various Police and Military training courses offered by the Indian Government under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.

In addition to training, India has also been assisting the local army to boost its resources. Back in April, as part of a US$23.27 million Line of Credit that the Government of India had extended to Guyana, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the GDF. (G3)

VP warns of severe penalties for negligent contractors, Ministry staff

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated that contractors and Ministry staff, who fail to adhere to project guidelines will face severe penalties, including termination of contracts.

Addressing his frustration during a weekly press conference last Thursday, Jagdeo condemned the negligence plaguing several public projects, which he said continues to disrupt communities and waste public resources.

The Vice President cited a recent incident on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where alleged improper installation of utility poles led

However, he indicated that the matter will be investigated further and the relevant personnels will face consequences, if found that they did not comply with contractual guidelines.

“So, I'm told now… they were not laid according to specifications. They were not put down according to specifications. So Public Works need to say who designed this? Who was responsible for what was the contractor paid for? Whether it is a design fault or the contractor did not comply with the design and who supervised this?

Which engineer supervised this and allowed this to happen? And it's time that

to a catastrophic collapse, leaving over 2,000 households without electricity for more than 24 hours.

Jagdeo disclosed that his investigation revealed that the concrete poles were not laid according to specifications. He is unsure whether this is as a result of a design flaw or the faulty execution of the project.

either the contractor didn't do their work properly, and if the contractor didn't do their work properly, they had to do this with the complicity of the person who's supervising the work. And there should be consequences,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President explained that these steps aim to curb mismanagement, ensure compliance with contractual obligations, and restore public trust in infrastructure development initiatives.

He added that strategies must also be utilised when executing works to ensure citizens are not severely affected.

“And then why would

we start terminating people who are not doing their work, who've been paid by the Government to oversee work that should have been done properly.”

“Because just imagine if that didn't happen there, we would have never known that these poles were not placed according to specs. Because someone,

you allow the road contractor to dig out the entire stretch of drain that would discomfort people getting into their yards? Why couldn't they just do it by two blocks at a time and then build the concrete drains? This is all ridiculous. So, it happens routinely. I see it everywhere. We have a bunch of engi-

neers who just go down, walk around the road, and they discomfort people all the time when they could work differently.”

“So, it's something

that bothers me personally, and I'm going to watch this. Because I think we're reaching a stage now where people have to face consequences, including staff of the Government, who are responsible for designing things or supervising things,” he disclosed.

The concrete electricity poles were erected following the relocation of the power lines to facilitate the ongoing expansion of the Aubrey Barker Road. Similar works are ongoing across the country, and the VP is also cautioning contractors to desist from causing discomfort to people for long periods.

President Dr Irfaan Ali at Base Camp Ayanganna last Thursday

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Some of the collapsed GPL poles

Magistrate dismisses fraud case against pensioner

Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Friday dismissed a charge of obtaining money by false pretence against 75-year-old Vishnu Mungal, ruling that the matter was a contractual dispute rather than a criminal offence. The decision came after testimony from the complainant, Karan Singh, and a detailed submission from Mungal’s attorney, Bernard Da Silva.

Mungal, a resident of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was accused of collecting $14,040,000 from Singh on March 2, 2023, under the al-

leged false pretense of owning a barge capable of delivering 5,000 tons of stone. Singh claimed the payment was made based on Mungal’s representations. However, during cross-examination, Singh admitted that he never paid Mungal directly nor transferred any money to an account owned or controlled by him. Singh testified that the funds were wired to a bank account in Trinidad under the name of New World Transport, as directed by a proforma invoice. He also acknowledged that the invoice did not originate from Mungal.

Singh further stated that he had a prior business relationship with New World Transport and had successfully completed previous transactions with the company, facilitated by Mungal. He admitted to being familiar with Brian Balfour, a representative of New World Transport, and had spoken to him on numerous occasions regarding the transactions. Singh also revealed that Balfour had expressed a willingness to return the funds, which suggested a contractual disagreement rather than fraudulent intent.

TURN TO PAGE 22

A friend…

…or foe?

For all our history, we, Guyanese, have been taught we were all one happy British imperial family…on which the sun never set. Oldsters would remember looking with pride at those splotches of red across the globe that signalled our “togetherness”.

As Independence loomed, the Brits lumped our colonies into one conglomeration or another, supposedly for easier administration. There were, for example, the Federation of Malaya (1948-1957) and our Federation of the West Indies (1958-1962).

In our case, since we all came out of slave plantations and were ruled and schooled by the same iron fist, we developed a strong bond of “West Indianness”. But that didn’t last too long. It all fell apart in 1962, when Jamaicans felt they were carrying the “small islanders” on their backs, and voted to leave the Federation.

Trinidad soon followed, when Eric Williams snorted, “One from ten leaves zero!!” While you may think the Oxford grad was mathematically challenged, the point he was making was that, with all our WI “oneness”, the different territories would be weighing the benefits versus the burdens of remaining together. As such, he was channelling Plato – whom he’d swotted at Oxford!! – that “there can only be real friendship between equals”!!

Trinidad duly left in 1962!! And, of course, from then onwards - even though his old friend Arthur Lewis begged and cajoled - he left the “Little 8” on their own as his burgeoning oil industry made Trinis live high off the hog!

The only place left for the “West Indian Family” was on the cricket field; and even then, there was constant squabbling about why players from some countries were never picked!! In the new millennium - looking at us -Trinidad complained that the now “Caricom Region” looked at them as an ATM machine!

And we arrive at the present, when certain Caricom PMs are splitting all sorts of hairs when it comes to Venezuela!! Some insist that we “keep the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace”, even in the face of Venezuelan threats to our sovereignty. Who among them has condemned that bridge to Ankoko as a “Bridge too Far”?? Even before the Argyle Meet, last December, your Eyewitness had also noted that some were sucking up to Mad Maduro of Venezuela as their “socialist friend”!! So, socialists are ipso facto incapable of bullyism?? Plato’s student Aristotle reflected on his master’s aphorism and concluded there are actually three types of friendship. The first two – based on usefulness and pleasure given – are based on self-interest, while “true friendship is only between good people similar in virtue”!

So, does Ralphie think Mad Maduro’s his friend due to sharing similar “virtues”, or because of cold self-interest, as in PetroCaribe??

Your Eyewitness says, “Show me your company….”!! …at the ballots

The courts have affirmed that the recount of the March 2020 elections is constitutionally valid. But your Eyewitness notes the Opposition and their camp followers ain’t quitting with their nonsense about an “illegally installed regime” in power!! However, with them courting the same Yanks, whom they accuse of “installing” the PPP, aren’t they revealing they’re just “tryin’a t’ing”, like with the 33 vs 34 “majority” BS??!!

But, simultaneously with their insistence that the PPP rigged the elections – from the outside! – some of them have then jumped on the limb that claims the (now legal) recount uncovered enough “discrepancies” to show that the PNC won in any case! They claim the recount showed “150 stuffed ballot boxes; 47 ballot boxes without papers; 1278 missing oaths of identity; 61 dead voters; 4687 absent voters”!!

So, how did Mingo suddenly have an epiphany about these “discrepancies” – when all had complimented the conduct of the elections - to move from SOPs to Spreadsheets to announce the votes??

…on state friendships

The defining elements of friendship between states are: “setting aside grievances, escaping geopolitical competition, and constructing a relationship that precludes the prospect of armed conflict”. Brazil has qualified for quite a while now!! Venezuela has failed. But what about Suriname??

Vishnu Mungal

Venezuelan hybrid war continues

VShoreline Estates unveils luxury condos with premium amenities at Enmore

Shoreline Estates is poised to revolutionise modern living in Guyana with the introduction of 89 meticulously designed housing units.

and a focus on sustainable living, ensuring a harmonious balance between urban luxury and eco-conscious living.

enezuela under Nicolas Maduro continues its inexorable hybrid war against us. The latest salvo is last week’s inauguration of the bridge to Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River, construction of which was started last May. As we have emphasized, as opposed to the “kinetic” wars going on in Ukraine and Gaza, in modern times, wars are resorted to only after the “hybrid” war tactics have foundered. The latter includes political, diplomatic, economic, and financial initiatives, along with the spreading of propaganda, criminality, infiltration by fifth columnists, or attacking important computer systems.

Lest some have forgotten, Ankoko Island formed part of the border with Venezuela consequent to the “full and final 1899 Arbitral Award”. We were awarded the eastern half of the island, which was duly demarcated by a Mixed Commission between 1901 and 1905. However, in October 1966, five months after our independence, and eight months after the Geneva Agreement was signed by Venezuela to chart the way forward to resolve their border controversy, Venezuelan troops invaded our half of Ankoko Island, established a military base, and have been illegally occupying it since.

When the bridge to Ankoko was completed, six months had not even elapsed since the time that Maduro had signed the Dec 14, 2023 Argyle Agreement that committed Venezuela and Guyana not to resort to force over the border controversy. That Agreement was supposed to defuse a claimed successful December 3rd referendum held by Maduro to authorize the annexation of “Guayana Esequiba”. Yet, in April, he signed the referendum decision into law, and in May, satellite images revealed that a bridge had been built from the Venezuelan mainland to Ankoko.

The Venezuelan Strategic Operational Commander of its National Armed Forces (FANB), Major General Domingo Hernández Larez, revealed that the move was the start of operations to implement the annexation of Essequibo: “Engineers of the territorial defensive system complied crossing the Cuyuni River through the campaign bridge to bring harmony and progress to our territory of the Guyana Essequibo State. Machinery will pass, we will build schools, universities, health centers, supply centers, interconnection tracks, commerce and many other productive projects in favour of our fellow Essequibans”.

Venezuela’s inauguration of the bridge must be seen for what it is: Venezuelan affirmation that it continues to aggressively pursue its annexation of Essequibo. President Ali saw it as that, and, addressing the GDF at Camp Ayanganna, declared, “As (Venezuela) seeks to further their illegitimate claim to our territory…we do not take lightly (to the provocation) and condemn the bridge that they would have built on territory that is not theirs.” Moving beyond condemnation, he offered a glimpse into our strategy to counter Venezuela’s aggression – diplomacy and defence capabilities: “We will continue to engage our friends and allies, we will continue to build our resilience.”

In the first “friends and allies” prong, the incoming Trump Administration is expected to take a much firmer stance against Maduro and Venezuela than his predecessor. This is not necessarily only because of our friendship, which has been strengthened immeasurably after March 2020; there are the common interests on hemispheric security, oil and democracy.

Earlier this month, Pres Ali visited SOUTHCOM’s Florida Headquarters and met their Director of Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Air Force Maj. Gen. Julian C. Cheater. Luckily for us, former US Ambassador Sara-Ann Lynch was at the meeting in her present role as “Civilian Deputy to the Commander and Foreign Policy Advisor, US SouthCom”.

On our “resilience”, we have been steadily and strategically augmenting our physical and manpower capabilities. While we may not be able to defeat Venezuela’s far larger military on our own, at a minimum, we can make them think twice by waging the type of asymmetric warfare we have seen deployed with success in the Mid East theatres. We have recommended establishing a military base in Essequibo.

In September, Pres Ali launched the “National Defence Institute” (NDI) which, he said, in partnership with the US National Defense University and The Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, is part of a much larger plan aimed at protecting and safeguarding Guyana’s national interests, particularly its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In reference to Venezuela’s hybrid warfare against us, in its inaugural “CEO Cybersecurity Workshop”, NDI Assistant Director Dr Seon Levius delivered a hard-hitting exposé on Venezuela’s orchestrated cyber operations targeting Guyana.

We would have to also counter Venezuela’s diplomatic efforts. In our own Caricom, fifth columnists like St Vincent’s Ralph Gonsalves have been cultivated to subvert initiatives like the agricultural “25 by 25” with its AgroAlba initiative.

The project is expected to provide a fresh, dynamic approach to residential living, offering both luxury and practicality in one of the country’s most promising neighborhoods.

The Shoreline Estates project launched by Buddy’s Housing Development and Atlantic Builders Incorporated is a response to the growing demand for high-quality, contemporary housing options in Guyana.

Located in Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), the development promises to offer residents unparalleled comfort, convenience, and security.

Each of the 89 units has been thoughtfully designed with modern architecture

According to Shoreline Estates, residents will enjoy access to a grand lobby, 24-hour concierge service, a state-of-the-art gym, an on-site café, and a stunning rooftop terrace complete with an event space and pool. Meanwhile, family units will comprise a play area for children and a host of services such as housekeeping, laundry, and transportation options, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a streamlined, hassle-free living experience.

“As the developers of Shoreline Estates, we are revolutionising the way we approach housing in Guyana,” Managing Director of Buddy’s Housing Development, Ryan Shivraj

said.

Shivraj explained that by leveraging Guyana’s newly updated Condominium Act, the developers are introducing a lifestyle focused on convenience, services, and premium amenities.

“We understand that maintaining a house can often be a source of stress and frustration, so this project is designed to alleviate those concerns, offering res-

idents a more streamlined, hassle-free living experience. Shoreline Estates will set a new standard for modern living, making life easier and more enjoyable for our homeowners,” Shivraj added.

Shoreline Estates will open for occupancy in January 2025, with several pricing options available, starting with a 25 per cent down payment.

Ravi Dev

Architectural design for modern housing units

Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase completed, set for January handover to ExxonMobil

All three phases of the US$300 million Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc (VEHSI) have been completed, with VEHSI Director Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer revealing that they are looking to officially hand over the facility to ExxonMobil in January of 2025.

A few days ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali was given a tour of the VEHSI facility, during which he was updated on the progress of facility. For instance, it was revealed that Phases one, two and three of the projects were

completed in June, August and this month respectively.

It was also explained that the shore base will support petroleum operations, including offshore subsea equipment installation for capital projects, the storage and preservation of emergency response equipment such as capping stacks, and the fabrication of critical equipment like Pipeline End Termination (PLETS) and Flowline End Termination (FLETS) in Guyana.

In an interview with this publication, VEHSI Director Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer,

who represents National Hardware Guyana Limited which is part of the consortium developing the multi-billion-dollar project, gave further insight on the progress. For instance, the project is expected to be formally handed over to ExxonMobil next year January.

“We expect to do a formal ceremony in January. And the journey has been a very interesting one. And we’ve all learned a lot. So, you have, within that journey, we have VEHSI which is comprised of NRG hold-

ings, the local partners, Jan De Nul our contractor and partners and then you have our clients, ExxonMobil and the Stabroek Block consortium,” he explained.

He described the journey towards completing the artificial island as an interesting one, adding that they are looking to expand operations on the shore base. This expansion is expected to include a multi-purpose berth for commercial cargo, a fuel terminal and dry dock.

“I think for all involved, it’s been an interesting jour-

ney. We’ve learned a lot; we’ve accomplished a lot. And I think we’ve really grown stronger as a result of the experience. We are definitely hoping to expand to have a multi-purpose berth in the future, where we can receive commercial cargo,” Boyer added.

In April 2022, ExxonMobil Guyana and VEHSI signed a 20-year agreement for shore base services to be provided at the port of Vreed-en-Hoop facility to support the US oil

the MV Virtuous Striker. Additionally, with a cargo of over 26,900 metric tonnes, it was one of the largest payloads to ever be offloaded.

The docking and offloading of the vessel marked a major milestone for the facility. At 190m long, this vessel was the longest to ever enter the Demerara River at the time. It was described by the consortium as a milestone that took them closer to becoming fully operational.

In March of this year,

giant’s operations offshore Guyana. The sod was subsequently turned in June on the US$300 million facility.

VEHSI is a joint venture between a fully-owned Guyanese consortium –NRG Holdings Incorporated, and Jan De Nul Group, the Belgium-based company undertaking the project that specialises in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and project development.

The consortium includes among others, Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited, and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc.

Located in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the Vreed-enHoop facility occupies some 40 acres of coastal land.

Phase One of the project saw the deepening, widening, and dredging of the access channel, as well as land reclamation.

It also included work on an offshore terminal, dry dock facility, and fabrication yard spanning 65 hectares. Meanwhile, Phase Two involved deepening the dredging of the access canal and expanding reclamation. The mega-port will centralise multiple shipping and logistic services in one location.

Last year November, the Shore Base received its first commercial ship,

VEHSI had received financing to the tune of US$25 million, approved through the New Hayven Merchant Bank for the landmark project. This financing had also marked a significant milestone in facilitating VEHSI’s first-of-a-kind oil and gas infrastructural project.

Collaborating closely with an external financial entity, New Hayven Merchant Bank spearheaded the structuring and deployment of this financing arrangement, tailored specifically to meet the unique requirements of VEHSI’s project.

The Bank had meanwhile also said that its commitment extended beyond this collaboration, as it would continue to actively engage with other providers of risk capital to deliver bespoke financing solutions and deploy capital across diverse sectors within Guyana.

According to the bank, by facilitating access to capital and fostering strategic partnerships, it aims to catalyse growth and drive economic prosperity throughout the Region. Floyd Haynes, the Founder and Chairman at New Hayven Merchant Bank, had described his bank’s partnership with VEHSI as an example of their commitment to sustainable development.

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his tour of the VEHSI facility

VEHSI Director Nicholas-Deygoo Boyer during the tour of the facility

The spirit of Christmas is synonymous with the aroma of freshly baked cakes, and in Aurora Estate in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), one name stands out for bringing festive joy through delightful confections — Val’s Creative Cakes.

Founded in 2020 by Chandrawattie RamnarineTillackram, who is affectionately known as “Valenie”, this small business has

quickly become a household name for its signature black cakes, cupcakes, and other festive treats; and for Tillackram, baking is more than a business, it’s a cherished tradition passed down from her mother.

“Growing up, I used to help my mom with Christmas baking… My favourite part was always eating the scrapings from the basin,” Valene recalled.

This childhood joy grew

into a lifelong passion, and during the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown, Valene transformed that passion into a thriving enterprise. The journey was not without its emotional moments. With her two daughters leaving home to pursue higher education at the University of Guyana and Hugh Wooding Law School respectively, Valene had found herself grappling with feelings of emptiness.

“Even though I had my husband and two sons, I was still de pressed letting go of my girls,” she disclosed. It was her daughters who

ing became her solace. Today, Val’s Creative Cakes is re nowned for its moist, flavour ful black cakes which are a must-have for any Guyanese Christmas celebration.

Valene takes pride in using the finest ingredients and in preparing her fruits months in advance in order to ensure perfection of the

end product.

“I start soaking fruits from August. The aroma of baking cakes fills my surroundings and makes everyone feel like Christmas is truly here,” she shared.

Aside from her exquisite cakes, Valenie’s dedication to her customers sets her apart. She creates affordable packages to ensure that every family, regardless of income, can enjoy the holiday tradition of consuming black cake.

“We offer packages starting from quarter-pound cakes, and we give cookies, cupcakes and wine as appreciation gifts. Seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they receive their Christmas cupcakes brings me pure joy,” Valene has said.

Her generosity doesn’t stop there. Through the BIT programme and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport,

heart with joy,” a gratified Valene has said.

This holiday season, Valene is anticipating a truly special celebration. With her daughters returning home to join her husband and sons, the family would be reunited under one roof.

“Christmas is a magical time for me, especially with all my children home,” Valene has said.

The artistry of cake-making is, for Valene, not just a matter of business, but a symbol of love, resilience, and joy in giving back to her community. From its signature black cakes to its beautifully decorated cupcakes, Val’s Creative Cakes brings a taste of Christmas to every home they touch.

And as the aroma of cakes fills Aurora Estate on the Essequibo Coast, Valene continues to spread sweetness and joy, reminding us all of the true spirit of Christmas — family, tradition, and sharing happiness with others.

Christmas cakes produced by Val’s Creative Cakes

Cupcakes produced by Val’s Creative Cakes

Chandrawattie RamnarineTillackram, aka Valene

“It started in just a regular packaging. But then I attended a training sponsored by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) where we were told to observe how people handle our products. When I observed the handling of the product, I did not like it, and then I switched to the boxes”, she explained.

“It is Pepperpot, as we all know what Pepperpot is. It has the cassareep, and it is made just like how the traditional Pepperpot is made where you cook and add your spices and stuff like that”, Parris added.

For consumers who are concerned about the preservatives added to the products, Parris explained that the prod ucts are naturally preserved through agro-processing; there fore, there are no added preser vatives to the instant meals. She likened the product to other canned food imported and sold on the local market, noting that her product is safe and has a shelf life of one

With in creasing de mands for the products this Christmas sea son, the busi nesswoman in dicated that the

reviews have been good.”

Parris said, getting her products certified under the Permit to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme has significantly increased her sales. Speaking about her decision to pursue certification, she added: “Well I believe in standards; my product is a traditional product, every Guyanese knows what it is…and so to my mind, that Made in Guyana brand gave me a marketing tool for people to say it is Guyanese, and it is local and made to a particular standard.”

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufac

“The process was smooth, and I would say quick. The certification also equipped me with the know-how to address the increased demand for my products without losing quality. Let’s make the ‘Made in Guyana’ a standard that we can be proud of. It is a seal, a logo that is recognisable, and you know that the product with the seal is a quality product. No need to wonder if it was made in less than perfect conditions,” she emphasised.

The Made in Guyana certified Instant Beef Pepperpot (100g), Instant Veggie Pepperpot (100g) and Instant Plantain Porridge, along with other certified products can be found in

Proprietor of Ashdel’s Enterprise, Grace Parris

US-based Guyanese launches NGO to help Caribbean women with mental health

Having witnessed many cases of women suffering from mental, verbal, physical and emotional abuse, a US-based Guyanese doctor has launched a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) geared towards helping women with mental health issues in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Dr Sheneze Madramootoo was raised in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (east BerbiceCorentyne) and now resides

in Texas, United States (US). In April 2024, she launched ‘ZenFem Care’ to provide resources and care through collaborative efforts, community assistance, and research.

Having witnessed cases of women close to her being abused, she said “For years, I knew that this was something I wanted to do but this year everything aligned and God told me that it was time - and ‘ZenFem Care’ was born.”

At 31, she holds a doc-

torate in Developmental Psychology from Walden University, specialising in the emotional and social changes individuals undergo due to trauma and aging. Her academic achievements also include two Master’s degrees from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Houston.

Leveraging her academic and professional expertise, Dr Madramootoo said she aims to make a mean-

ingful difference in the mental health landscape for Caribbean women.

She told Guyana Times of instances which broke her heart throughout her life, leading to her realising her calling.

“Someone I was very close with had a failed suicide attempt. This was a 23-yearold woman, and her family did not know how to support her. She was depressed but lacked the knowledge and support to get treatment and I witnessed how the assistance I rendered changed her life - today she is doing better for herself,” she said.

The Founder of the NGO pointed out that mental health issues in the Caribbean are often compounded by stigma, lack of education, and concerns about confidentiality. These barriers she said, frequently prevent individuals from seeking the help and support they need.

“In many of our communities, mental health is not widely understood or openly discussed. Women, especial-

ly, face unique challenges that can leave them feeling isolated and judged,” Dr Madramootoo explained.

She noted that ‘ZenFem Care’ aims to break these barriers by providing education, resources, and a strong support network.

Referring to another case, she related that: “I witnessed another woman very close to me giving up everything for her kids and was solely dependent on her

‘ZenFem Care’ is committed to building trust and upholding strict confidentiality standards.”

The organisation’s objectives include collaborative efforts with local mental health professionals, community leaders, and organisations to enhance the reach and effectiveness of mental health services. Further, there will be Community empowerment through outreach programmes, work-

partner for financial support. She endured physical, verbal, and emotional abuse and consequently became extremely withdrawn from the world and everything she loved, even considering suicide.”

The NGO is supported by a team of highly skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds in mental health, public health, and trauma-informed care. Together, they are dedicated to making a tangible impact in the lives of women across the Caribbean.

“Confidentiality is crucial,” Dr Madramootoo said, adding that “in small communities, fears about personal struggles becoming public knowledge can deter women from seeking help.

shops, and awareness campaigns to create solidarity and reduce feelings of isolation among women.

Supported by research and tailored resources and care, the interventions which will be unveiled soon are designed to be both culturally sensitive and impactful, ensuring that women receive the care they need in a way that resonates with their lived experiences.

While ‘ZenFem Care’ does not yet have a physical office, plans are underway to establish a location that will serve as a hub for its initiatives. In the meantime, the organisation is actively working to expand its reach through virtual programmes, workshops, and partnerships.

Dr Sheneze Madramootoo

ry-legged friend is neat ly groomed just in time for Christmas—one clip at a time.

Paws and Claws, de spite being in just its sec ond year of business, is ex periencing a jam-packed Christmas season and has expressed a strong commit ment to supporting animal welfare.

meets the grooming, trimming, and accessory needs of local pets.

Co-owner Travell Blackman highlighted the important role the business plays in promoting the well-being of dogs. He expressed enthusiasm for

encourage adoption, persons who would adopt from institutions, we usually give them a 20 per cent discount on essential products for the first time.”

On that point, he recounted the genesis of the business, explaining that he and his sister shared a deep love for dogs. However, pet care items for their pets were not readily available in Guyana.

“Okay, so myself and my sister are pet owners, and we love spoiling our pets. We love spoiling our pets with more than just the essentials. So, before Paws and Claws, whenever we wanted anything outside of essentials, we would most often have to go online to purchase it…of course, we couldn’t find the essentials in Guyana,” Blackman explained.

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Co-owner Travell Blackman in Santa Clause outfit posing with a groomed dog

Better salaries for health professionals – Anthony

…as $881M Suddie Nursing School offers specialised training

The $881 million Suddie Nursing School under construction in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is set to transform the healthcare landscape, with specialised training programmes that aim to provide advanced skills to nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, while also promising significantly better salaries and career opportunities for graduates.

The campus is part of a larger initiative being undertaken by the Guyana Government to tackle critical healthcare workforce

shortages, particularly in specialised fields, including midwifery care, laboratory sciences and medex as well as X-ray technicians training.

Delivering the feature address on Friday at the graduation ceremony for 100 students from the Public Hospital Suddie Training Centre, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony disclosed that with modern facilities, advanced simulation labs, and access to experienced faculty, the school is designed to equip its students with the skills needed to excel in the most demand-

ing areas of healthcare.

“Not so long ago, you didn’t have as much doctors as you have now on the Coast [Essequibo Coast]. You didn’t have as much nurses you have now on the Coast, there were just a few people required to do all of the functions being done right now… But we have been adding staff almost on a yearly basis to make sure that we can function at a different level.”

“The mandate of the President [Dr Irfaan Ali] is that he would like to see a world-class healthcare system, but if we are going to

Paws and Claws pet...

They then saw the need to bridge the gap between essential pet needs and the more specialised products.

“We thought it would be good to offer something where pet owners could access products beyond just essentials, because we were pretty sure that since we were experiencing it, other pet owners were facing the same issue. So, we started with the idea of bringing in supplies and products, which eventually grew into offering a grooming service. And the rest is history, basically,” he stated whilst humbly chuckling on the progress the business has made.

This passion for pets transitioned into a deeper love for dogs and their grooming needs which led them to start to groom animals professionally.

“So we treat them with a lot of care and love. Whenever an owner brings in their dog, they can be reassured that it will be taken care of with great attention to detail. I’m sure other businesses offer similar services, but the difference with Paws and Claws is that we are not just a grooming

service or a pet spa—we also offer a variety of other services,” Blackman said.

He also highlighted that whether it’s grooming services or pet care products, the business is continually working on other initiatives to further contribute to the industry. Additionally, they are open to collaborating with another veterinarian, as their services are primarily focused on cosmetic care.

He also mentioned that the business could easily be separated into two: a pet shop offering supplies and a grooming service.

“So we’re more of a onestop shop in this industry. Those could easily be two separate businesses.”

An in-depth understanding of consumer needs drives the business, especially when it comes to grooming for the fuzzy creatures

“We understand what the consumer wants because, again, we are consumers as well. We know how much we love our animals—our dogs, cats, and so on,” Blackman shared. “So, for example, if someone brings their dog to be groomed, they can also pick up a variety of things

at the same time, which is more convenient for them.”

When asked about the upcoming Christmas season, Blackman reflected, “For the Christmas season, we have been pretty busy. It’s been a great time for us, and yes, people can buy gifts for their pets too. There’s a lot in store for the business this Christmas season.”

Blackman also provided an insight into the process of grooming, sharing the challenges and joys involved.

When Guyana Times reporters visited, the squealing and barking of furry puppies could be heard as they were being bathed.

“You would think that the big dogs, as we call them, would be the scary, vicious ones. But you’d be surprised to know that it’s the little ones that are the most difficult to groom. They’re the ones that bite and make the most noise. The bigger dogs, 95 per cent of the time, are calm, loving, and the easiest to groom. The ones that give us the most work are usually the small ones. And in most cases, it’s even the smallest dogs.” (G2)

build a world-class healthcare system. It would mean that in every region we have to develop the right facility and get the right people trained so they can deliver,” the Minister said.

Graduates of the Suddie Nursing School will be eligible for highly competitive salaries, reflecting the advanced skill sets they will acquire. The focus on specialised care aims to fill gaps in these high-demand areas.

According to Dr Anthony, since assuming office in August 2020, nurses and other healthcare professionals have benefitted from major salary increases, making

health sciences an attractive option for those pursuing a career in healthcare.

“I see people when they graduate their starting salary is probably a $105,000 or $120,000. When I came back and start working as a medical doctor in the system, my salary then was a $120,000… We have come a long way, we have increased salaries, we are making sure that other facilities people get will make them want to stay and work in the system,”

“When we look at neighbouring countries now, we are gradually becoming on par with them and in some cases, we are going to exceed what they are offering for different categories of people,” he added. Sod for the $881 million nursing school and training complex being constructed by Rupan Ramotar Construction was turned in January of this year. The school’s emphasis on hands-on, real-world training ensures that students will gain practical experience that directly translates to better patient outcomes. The programmes are also designed to foster a culture of collaboration among healthcare professionals, encouraging teamwork and interdisciplinary learning. (G1)

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony addressing graduating class and officials at Abram Zuil Secondary

School

Govt eyeing early 2025 for tabling of oil spill legislation – VP

…confirms decommissioning fund will be co-managed

While the original aim had been to table the upcoming oil spill legislation by the end of 2024, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said that if this does not materialise then persons can expect the bill to be laid in the National Assembly early next year.

During his recent press conference, Jagdeo explained that he was still waiting on the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers, which is the Government’s primary repository for legal drafts. With little over a week left before 2024 is concluded, it is looking increasingly likely the bill may be tabled next year.

“I’m still waiting for the AG’s chambers. It was my hope to table the bill before the end of the year. The oil spill legislation. They’re notoriously slow in the AG chambers. I’ve spoken to them many, many times. They just can’t get the final draft out. But I’m still hoping that if I can’t make it before the end of the year, it can be there early next year,” the Vice President said.

In September, Jagdeo had dropped some crucial insight on the much-anticipated oil spill legislation. For instance, it is expected that the bill will mandate compensation to individuals and entities for economic and

other losses incurred as a consequence of any oil spills.

Jagdeo had spoken on Government’s plan to legislate better oil spill coverage earlier this year, as Guyana observed difficulties faced by the Trinidad and Tobago Government in dealing with the catastrophic oil spill that ensued after a mystery vessel ran aground and released approximately 50,000 barrels of oil.

This incident underscored the urgent need for comprehensive legislation covering all potential parties responsible for oil spills. The oil spill in Tobago left severe damage to the island’s beach, with the Government declaring the situation a national emergency, and estimating that the damage could reach as much as US$30 million.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo at his press conference also talked about the groundbreaking work the PPP/C Government has already done, when it comes to strengthening the oil and gas provisions. This includes the work they’ve done implementing a new model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and fiscal regime.

Decommissioning fund

Then there is the decommissioning fund, which, according to the Petroleum Activities Act

2023 that repealed the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 1986, requires the licensee to establish it. The Minister of Natural Resources is also empowered to approve the decommissioning plan and budget submitted by the licensee.

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge had previously said the company was willing to collaborate with the Guyana Government on setting up. During his press conference, Jagdeo confirmed that the fund will, in a manner of speaking, be co-managed with the oil company for the next Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

“For example, the decommissioning fund for all the projects in the past, prior to the passage of the Petroleum Activities Act. Those decommissioning funds were kept by the oil and gas companies. For the next FPSO licence under the new Act, that will come to an account that we will co-manage, basically. That’s a major change, in the way those funds are treated,” Jagdeo said.

Seismic survey

Other areas the Government has improved on include seismic surveys. In June 2024, the Government had issued a

Flaring is one of the areas in which the PPP/C Government has successfully strengthened laws and policies

tender after seeing expressions of interest from companies to do seismic survey.

Out of the eight bidders who were originally in contention for the contract to conduct the 3D seismic survey on Guyana’s oil resources, four of them were subsequently shortlisted by the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTAB). Meanwhile, in addition to the seismic surveys the Government has also sought to strengthen provisions related to flaring.

“We’re getting more seismic (surveys) done. And there’s lots of other provi-

sions, there was a no flaring policy when we were not in office. We enhanced the policy, strengthened all the provisions of the environmental permits in terms of the quality of released water, the cradle to grave management of waste, not just no flaring beyond commissioning period but now a tax.”

“A carbon tax on unscheduled flaring, from which Exxon has had to pay millions of dollars already. All of those provisions have been strengthened. So, more resource flows, but also strengthened provision,” Jagdeo also said.

Court of Appeal overturns rape conviction, orders retrial

The Court of Appeal on Friday overturned the conviction of Sheldon Lynch, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl in Region One (Barima-Waini) on August 22, 2015.

The decision was made on the grounds that prejudicial evidence had been improperly admitted during his trial, significantly impacting the fairness of the proceedings. A retrial has been ordered for the next session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, scheduled to begin next month.

Lynch, who is in his 50s, was convicted in July 2016 after a trial by judge and jury at the Demerara High Court. Following his conviction, he received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

It is alleged that Lynch engaged in sexual penetration with the child at his residence. Reports are that the girl’s mother entered and allegedly caught him in the act. The incident was reported to the Police, leading to Lynch’s arrest and the subsequent charge.

Unhappy with the trial’s outcome, Lynch, through his attorney Nigel Hughes, he filed an appeal challenging the conviction. Hughes ar-

gued that Lynch’s trial was unfair due to the admission of prejudicial evidence, specifically allegations of a prior sexual assault for which Lynch had not been charged. He contended that introducing such evidence improperly influenced the jury’s perception of Lynch’s character and undermined his right to a fair trial.

Additionally, Hughes argued that the trial judge’s references to previous convictions of a similar nature also constituted “bad character evidence”. He submitted that the judge’s instructions to the jury—that Lynch’s previous convictions should not affect the credibility of his testimony in the current case—were insufficient to mitigate the prejudice caused.

The appeal further argued that Lynch’s life sentence was excessive and disproportionate to the circumstances.

On Friday, the appellate panel, led by Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, upheld Hughes’ arguments. Justice Cummings-Edwards stated that the trial judge erred in allowing the jury to hear evidence regarding Lynch’s previous convictions and uncharged allegations of sexual misconduct.

Lynch

“We believe that this evidence was prejudicial more than it was probative. Evidence of previous convictions, evidence of previous encounters, and evidence of the character of the appellant [Lynch] cannot be wished away by the trial judge giving the jury directions. Therefore, we believe that the trial judge erred in the circumstances,” Justice Cummings-Edwards remarked.

She concluded that this error compromised the integrity of the trial and rendered the conviction unsafe.

The panel, which also

included Justices Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud, unanimously ruled that the evidence was inadmissible and should not have been presented during the trial. As a result, Lynch’s appeal was allowed, his conviction overturned, and a retrial ordered.

The court stated that given its findings on the prejudicial evidence, it was unnecessary to rule on whether the life sentence imposed on Lynch was excessive.

Attorney Nigel Hughes sought bail for Lynch pending the retrial. However, the Court of Appeal direct-

ed that such an application be made before a judge in chamber. The retrial is expected to take place during the upcoming session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, which begins next month.

Assistant Director of

Public Prosecutions Lisa Cave appeared for the State. This is not Lynch’s first experience with an overturned conviction. Last year, he was acquitted of two separate child rape charges during a retrial.

Magistrate dismisses fraud...

In his no-case submission on Friday, Da Silva argued that the prosecution failed to establish the elements of the offence. He highlighted that Singh’s testimony demonstrated that Mungal did not obtain any money directly or indirectly, and the payments were made voluntarily to New World Transport. Da Silva contended that since Mungal had no control over the funds and there was no evidence of false representation on his part, the charge could not be substantiated.

Da Silva further argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution was manifestly unreliable and failed to meet the prima facie standard required for the case to proceed. He emphasised that the complainant’s admissions undermined the allegations of fraudulent intent and pointed instead to

a contractual dispute between Singh and New World Transport. He cited case law to support his argument that the absence of evidence proving dishonesty or control over the funds by Mungal was grounds for dismissal.

Magistrate Scarce agreed with the defence’s submissions, ruling that the matter did not constitute a criminal offence. He concluded that the evidence supported the existence of a contractual relationship, not fraudulent conversion, and dismissed the charge against Mungal. Following the ruling, Da Silva remarked that the court’s decision reaffirmed the principle that allegations must be supported by credible evidence. Mungal, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, expressed relief at the outcome.

Sheldon

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

CANCER

(June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Consider your options before beginning a touchy conversation with someone close to you. A shopping spree will be fun but expensive if you neglect to set a strict budget before leaving the house.

Don’t take risks that can lead to insult, injury or illness. Protect your reputation and home from those trying to outmaneuver you. Learn from experience and keep your secrets to yourself.

Be demonstrative, express your thoughts and feelings and put things in motion. Taking a leadership position will enhance your appeal and attract opportunities.

Use your skills diversely, and the outcome will unleash all sorts of possibilities. Offer what you can to an organization that can use some help. Fix up your space to reflect your needs.

You know the rules; don’t get angry if someone catches you trying to smudge the line between right and wrong. Stick to the script, make a difference and start working to solve a nettlesome problem. Manage your money to avoid debt or falling short. Participate in a social event or activity that teaches you about who you are and how lucky you are. Be careful how you handle your money.

As you enter a new year, communication, asking questions and experiencing people, places and pastimes will shape your perspective. A change at home can be the answer to a financial or emotional problem.

Participate in charitable events without jeopardizing your health, financial situation or reputation. Spend money only on what’s necessary. Don’t fall prey to sudden impulses.

Don’t hold back; if there is something you don’t like, speak up. The longer you let things linger, the harder it will be to reverse any damage done. Protect your rights, your home and your reputation.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Keep life simple, stick to the facts and refuse to let your emotions prevent you from doing what’s right. Learn through observation and refuse to participate in someone else’s drama.

Put your energy into something that will pay off. Keep tabs on your money and expenditures, look for hidden costs and commit only to something you can afford.

Don’t let uncertainty set in when what’s required is direct contact and a reasonable conversation. Pay attention to gestures and implications to ensure you don’t neglect someone’s needs.

ARIES

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

AQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

Afghanistan Tour of Zimbabwe 2024/25: ODI Series, Game 3 of 3…

AFGHANISTAN CLAIM ODI SERIES

– as Ghazanfar’s five-for destroys below-par Zimbabwe

Sean Williams slogswept Rashid Khan in the 24th over of Zimbabwe's innings, but the ball ballooned off the top edge for Hashmatullah Shahidi at midwicket. Shahidi looked to catch it with a reverse cup, but dropped the ball - possibly because of the sun in his eyes - and invited the loudest cheers until then from the sparse crowd at Harare Sports Club.

The crowd didn't have much going for them really, since Zimbabwe were 89 for 8 at that stage. Williams, on 33 at the time, went on to score 60 at just under a run a ball, and dragged his side to 127 in 30.1 overs.

Afghanistan wiped out the target of 128 with eight wickets and 23 overs in the

bank. Sediqullah Atal fol lowed up a knock of 104 from the second ODI with 52 off 50 balls in the third, hitting four fours and two sixes on the way, and Afghanistan completed a 2-0 series win over Zimbabwe, after the first ODI was washed out.

That gave Afghanistan their sixth successive series win over Zimbabwe, who are yet to beat them in a bilateral series in sev en attempts. The first at tempt, back in July 2014, had been shared 2-2.

The chase began with just 15 runs from the first six overs, as Zimbabwe kept it tight. But Atal drove and got a top edge for four off Richard Ngarava in the seventh over, and that got Afghanistan go

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe (50 ovs maximum)

Joylord Gumbie c Bilal Sami

b Ghazanfar 3 Ben Curran lbw

b Ghazanfar 12

c †Ikram Alikhil

b Azmatullah Omarzai 5 Sean Williams c Mohammad Nabi

b Rashid Khan 60

Sikandar Raza lbw

b Rashid Khan 13

Brian Bennett lbw

b Rashid Khan 9

Tadiwanashe Marumani †

b Ghazanfar 0 Wellington Masakadza

b Ghazanfar 0 Newman Nyamhuri c Mohammad Nabi b Ghazanfar 7 Richard Ngarava c †Ikram Alikhil

b Fareed Ahmad 10

Trevor Gwandu not out 1

Extras (lb 3, w 4) 7

Total 30.1 Ov (RR: 4.20, 151 Mins) 127

Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Joylord Gumbie, 6.5 ov), 2-24 (Craig Ervine, 7.4 ov), 3-24 (Ben Curran, 8.4 ov), 4-60 (Sikandar Raza, 15.4 ov), 5-70 (Brian Bennett, 17.5 ov), 6-71 (Tadiwanashe Marumani, 18.4 ov), 7-71 (Wellington Masakadza, 18.5 ov), 8-89 (Newman Nyamhuri, 22.5

over. The stand ended at 83, when Ngarava had Malik chopping on for 29, before Brian Bennett took a blinder, running and diving to his left, to send Atal back. Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, however, didn't have any

most magically turned the ball both ways. Eight of the ten wickets went to Ghazanfar and Rashid, who got 3 for 38. That, though, was a result of both batters not reading them well, and the on-field

Zimbabwe's innings featured a mini-collapse as well as a big crumble. But before either of those, the new-ball bowlers of Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed and Azmatullah kept a tight leash on opening batters Curran and Joylord Gumbie. Twenty-two of the first 28 balls were dots, and there were four more to start the seventh over; after which Zimbabwe lost three wickets for five runs in next to no time. It started with Gumbie top-edging an attempted sweep off Ghazanfar to short fineleg. Next over, Omarzai got one to seam away from Ervine, who was squared up

Ghazanfar then got two more wickets in back-to-back deliveries almost in identical fashion. He cleaned up both left-hand batters Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza in the 19th over of the innings, and each time, going around the wicket, the carrom ball did the trick. Both batters swung across the line and left a big gap between bat and pad for the ball to hit the off stump. On the hattrick ball, Ghazanfar beat Newman Nyamhuri on the outside edge, with Shahidi placing as many as three slips for the right-hander. Williams continued ticking at the other end, even as he kept running out of partners. He whacked Rashid for four over midwicket, and slogged him for six over square leg, while Ghazanfar completed his five-for by

ov), 9-119 (Sean Williams, 27.4 ov), 10-127 (Richard Ngarava, 30.1 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Fareed Ahmad 3.1-0-11-1 Azmatullah Omarzai 6-2-17-1 AM Ghazanfar 10-0-33-5 Bilal Sami 3-0-25-0 Rashid Khan 8-0-38-3

Afghanistan (T: 128 runs from 50 ovs) Sediqullah Atal c Bennett b Gwandu 52 Abdul Malik b Ngarava 29 Rahmat Shah not out 17 Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) not out 20 Extras (lb 1, w 12) 13

Total 26.5 Ov (RR: 4.88, 122 Mins) 131/2 Did not bat: Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil †, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad, Bilal Sami Fall of wickets: 1-84 (Abdul Malik, 18.3 ov), 2-96 (Sediqullah Atal, 21.1 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Richard Ngarava 7-1-32-1

Trevor Gwandu 7-2-27-1

Newman Nyamhuri 6-0-44-0 Sikandar Raza 3-1-8-0

Wellington Masakadza 3.5-0-19-0

bother finishing the job. Afghanistan's win on Saturday was set up by 18-year-old off-spinner AM Ghazanfar. He bowled his quota of ten overs unchanged, starting from the seventh, and finished with 5 for 33, his second ODI fivefor in just 11 games. Afghanistan's Shahidi chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and his bowl-

umpires making debatable calls - perhaps not reading the bowlers well either. In a series wherein teams don't have DRS to turn to, Craig Ervine and Ben Curran walked back unhappy. Even Sikandar Raza shook his head on being given out lbw off Rashid, but whether he did that because he was disappointed with the umpire or with himself is

as the ball went past. Ervine was given out caught behind, but there was no visible nick. Ghazanfar then got his second when he trapped Curran in front for 12 in the ninth over, although the first impression was that the ball was heading down leg side.

Senior hands Raza and Williams briefly rebuilt thereafter. Williams made 21 runs off his first 22 balls, including three fours and a six, after 14 overs. But come the 16th, Raza's wicket triggered a period in which Zimbabwe lost five wickets for 29 runs.

Raza was hit on the back leg by one which turned in from Rashid, and was adjudged lbw for 13. In his next over, Rashid had Bennett lbw, with a googly as well, as Bennett played down the wrong line.

having Nyamhuri top-edge to slip in-between.

Williams added 30 for the ninth wicket with Ngarava, and brought up his 36th ODI fifty when he hammered debutant seamer Bilal Sami to deep backward point. Williams had also bashed birthday boy Sami for a four and six off consecutive balls in the 14th over, but when he went for a reverse sweep against Rashid in the 28th, he ended up tickling one to slip, where Mohammad Nabi caught him.

Zimbabwe's innings lasted only another 15 balls, in which Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu added eight runs. The defeat capped off a year in which Zimbabwe's collective batting average was at its lowest at 14.22 (with a minimum of nine batting innings). (ESPNCricinfo)

AM Ghazanfar has now taken two five-fors in his 11 ODIs

Sean Williams was the only Zimbabwe batter to take the fight to Afghanistan

Sediqullah Atal got Bangladesh off to a good start in the chase

Rashid Khan, who took three wickets, played second fiddle to his junior colleague AM Ghazanfar

CWI Board approves addition of domestic T20 tournament in 2025

Cricket West Indies

(CWI) Director

of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, has confirmed there are plans to introduce a domestic T20 tournament to the regional cricket calendar in 2025.

During a CWI quarterly press conference on Monday, Bascombe, former West Indies batsman, said preparations would be advanced after the CWI Board officially green-lights the addition of the tournament, aimed at emerging T20 players. He detailed that the tournament would have a window of April to May 2025, and would not be limited to a specific age-group.

“Now, I can confirm that the CWI Board of Directors have agreed to move forward with a domestic T20 league aimed at emerging T20 players, and we will be doing that with the support of the CPL, and we are targeting April to May 2025,” Bascombe said.

“Following the approval of the Board, preparations for that tournament will definitely step into high gear, and I am quite excit-

ed about that. The intention for this T20 tournament is for it to be at a very high standard. So, in every sense, these emerging players will get a taste of what it is like to play top-flight T20 cricket,” he added.

Asked about the possibility of age limitations, Bascombe said, “There will be some limitations, to ensure that we target the players whom we are really trying to develop, which is an emerging group of players. I can tell you that it is not under-25 simply because of the cycle in terms

of having a T20 World Cup every two years. You can very well find a player in very short order being able to turn around, as the coach said, and have the skill-sets to fill a role that is needed in the team.”

Bascombe added that players with more than 10 matches’ worth of international T20 experience may not be eligible for the tournament, and there possibly may be other limitations placed on players with ‘List A’ T20 experience.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has welcomed the addition of this tournament, which he has said would expose more players and increase the talent pool for the regional side in the shortest format.

“Since the Caribbean T20, we’ve found a gap in discovery of players,” Sammy said. “I think this addition will broaden the pool of local players. International players are always easy to get, but it will give more local players an opportunity to showcase their talent,” he added. (Sportsmax)

“I’m just grateful”

Crooks overwhelmed by support after historic World Aquatics Swim

Cayman Islands’ standout swimmer Jordan Crooks has been overwhelmed with gratitude as he returned home from a successful outing at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships and was met with fanfare.

Crooks, who won gold and bronze at the championships in Budapest, Hungary, along with his sister Jillian, was greeted by hundreds in the arrivals hall of the Owen Roberts International Airport earlier this week. While he welcomed the attention, Crooks, who also clocked a 50m freestyle World record at the event, has said he believes the celebration is not just about the medals or the records, but about the collective spirit of a nation that stood behind him and fuelled his confidence and drive.

“I’m not the biggest social media person, I’m not super active and I’m pretty bad at responding to messages, but I could see and feel the support,” he said. The 22-year-old has credited the unwavering support from his home nation as a driving force behind his success.

Jamaica rewards Paris Olympic heroes with JM$45M

The Jamaican Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, has announced a significant initiative to reward the nation’s delegation to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange on Friday confirmed that JM$45 million in appreciation grants would be disbursed to the accounts of 66 athletes and 21 athlete-support personnel in a gesture intended to demonstrate Government’s gratitude for these persons’ dedication and representation of Jamaica on the global stage.

In a ceremony held at the Ministry in Kingston, symbolic envelopes were presented to several athletes, officials and coaches, among whom were shot put bronze medalist Rajindra Campbell, Shanieka Ricketts, Tajay Gayle, Traves Smikle, Samantha Hall, Roshawn Clarke, Malik JamesKing, Orlando Bennett, Jevaughn Powell, Shian Salmon, Janieve Russell, Kemba Nelson, Lloydricia Cameron, Deandre Watkin, Theodore Thomas, and Zandrian Barnes. Russell also collected on behalf of Tia Clayton.

Notable absentees included Roje Stona, Wayne Pinnock, Romaine Beckford and Rasheed Broadbell.

who went to the Olympics will have funds deposited to their accounts as our appreciation for their participation,” she said.

Further, she highlighted that this initiative is in addition to the JM$20 million disbursed under the Athletes Assistance Programme to aid in preparation for the Paris Games.

Minister Grange also announced an additional gesture for junior athletes competing in the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, who would receive gift vouchers totalling JM$760,000.

Veteran coach Glen Mills, in expressing gratitude for the historic initiative, has said, “I want to thank the minister for the love she has shown the sport and the efforts that she has made to recognize the efforts of the athletes, coaches, masseurs and administrators. It’s a wonderful thing. I think this is probably the first in history that such a wide recognition has been made.”

Mills has also lauded the achievements of Jamaica’s field-event athletes.

“For the first time in the history of Jamaica’s track and field, they have outdone the sprinters and saved us from coming home without a gold medal,” he said.

Government for the initiative.

The grants highlight a growing recognition of Jamaica’s athletes across various disciplines, celebrating not just their performance, but their effort and dedication to representing the nation on one of the world’s biggest stages.

“It definitely played a huge role in (me) not just being confident, but remaining confident; because, to go from the semis and then to finals, you have to have confidence, and it takes a lot of mental power. So, just knowing that the whole island was behind me and supporting me, it’s really cool to rely on,” he noted.

Crooks has admitted that his achievements are still yet to really sink in.

The electrifying performances Crooks put in at the championships saw him rewrite the World record in the 50-metre freestyle twice — first clocking 20.08s and then an unprecedented 19.90s — before clinching his second World title in the event on December 15. That 19.90s clocking saw him become the first swimmer ever to go sub20 seconds in the event, and

“I definitely think it is an amazing experience. It is hard to put into words,” he declared. “There were times when I was younger (that) I thought I wasn’t going to be swimming anymore; so, the main thing that I can feel throughout all of this — getting on the podium, getting a record, and even getting back home and feeling the support from the Cayman people — I’m just grateful,” Crooks ended. (Sportsmax)

Coaches and officials who received grants included veteran coach Glen Mills, Michael Frater, Julian Robinson, AnnMarie Smith, Ian Forbes, Dr. Noel Brown, Oral Thompson, Okele Stewart, and Ludlow Watts. Underscoring Government’s commitment to supporting the nation’s athletes, Minister Grange said, “We have started the process which will lead up to the disbursement of JM$45 million that the ministry is giving as appreciation grants to every single member of Jamaica’s team to the recent Olympic Games. Every individual

Rajindra Campbell, who made history with his shot-put medal, also shared his appreciation for Government’s gesture.

“There have been a few whispers around that the track athletes didn’t perform as they should, ignoring the significance of what we have accomplished for the country. Regardless of the medal I had won, it is still a Jamaican that did it. I’m still a member of the Jamaican team,” he remarked in emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of all athletes.

Olympic triple-jump silver medalist Shanieka Ricketts has joined Campbell in praising the

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe

Jordan Crooks of the Cayman Islands

Revenge was a dish best served with goals on Friday night at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue, as Chase’s Academic Foundation of Guyana flipped the switch on Jamaica’s Clarendon College to oust the defending champions from the Petra Organised-KFC Goodwill International Football Tournament in the semifinals.

Conversely, St. Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago held their composure to defeat Guyana’s Annai Secondary in the other semifinal.

St. Benedict’s were the first team to book their spot in the final, getting past Annai 3-1. Jelani Scott opened the scoring for the Trinidadian side in the 8th minute, and followed up with a 20th minute strike to double St. Benedict’s lead.

Guy Moses found the back of the net in the 44th minute to ensure Annai pull one back just before the half, but try as they might, Annai could not find the equalizer, while St. Benedict’s Captain Derrel Garcia found the back of the net in the 65th to put out of reach any comeback notions the challengers might have been entertaining.

Then Chase’s Academic Foundation, losers to Clarendon College in last year’s semifinals, turned the tables on the defending champions by administering them a 5-4 defeat in a highly entertaining encounter.

Clarendon struck first through Ramario Thompson in the 6th minute, and Chase’s Academy took some time before they could find

again in tonight’s final

the equalizer. Eventually, Neeiaz Baksh headed an assist from Bryan Wharton into the back of the net. That assist had come across the face of the goal in the 23rd minute, and the goal levelled the scores.

Two minutes later, another advance in the box from Baksh was handled by the Jamaican defense, and it resulted in a penalty for Chase’s Academy.

Captain Wharton made no mistake in placing the shot into the farleft corner to give his side the lead.

Later, a cheeky shot chipped off the boots of Omar Sam surprisingly found the back of the net when Clarendon’s keeper had advanced out of his area. It gave Chase’s Academy an unassailable 3-1 lead at the half.

The second segment started with an infraction in the box that gifted Clarendon a penalty opportunity. Nicholy Forbes stepped up to connect the penalty in the 49th, but not long after, another Bryan Wharton assist resulted in Chase finding the back of the net. This time around, Omar Sam tucked the ball in for the goal in the 61st, and another penalty for Chase was also connected in the 67th by Sam to complete their five.

A blunder by Chase’s goal keeper Flavio LaRose cost his team their third goal, conceded to Chevon Richardson in the 71st; and later, Joshua Thom found the back of the net for Clarendon in the 90th, but by then it was a little too late for the defending champions, who will now have to contest for the third-place trophy.

Championship Trophy. Hosted at the title sponsors’ Vlissengen Road location, KFC Finance Controller Marlon Chetnarine had words of praise for the tournament, and said he anticipates an exciting final.

“Supporting initiatives such as this allows us to contribute to the development of our community and the broader Caribbean, and to be a part of something truly impactful. We commend Petra Organisation for their dedication and hard work (in) organizing such an exciting and well-structured event. The competition so far has been an excellent showcase of sportsmanship, talent, and the unyielding spirit of the players, coaches and supporters,” Chetnarine said.

Prepare for an exciting final

Meanwhile, prior to the grand finale today, the captains and coaches of the two teams met on Saturday for a face-off with the

AThe coaches and captains of today’s competing teams also had their say on the final.

St. Benedict’s Coach Lewis shared, “We’re expecting a tough game, because it’s the champions of Guyana, and we will respect our opponents.”

Oronde Chase of Chase’s Academic Foundation said, “Tomorrow, we expect a great game. Tomorrow will be the third time that we’re playing this opponent, so we have quite an understanding of the type of game that they’ll play. So, we’re expecting to have a tough but a fair game as well, and an exciting one for the crowd.”

As for the players, Chase’s Captain Bryan Wharton has said they are focused on the big prize. “We come out to play our football; we didn’t come out to study nobody. So, we’ll just go, play we game, and do what we do best,” he explained.

St Benedict’s Captain Derrell Garcia, a man of little words, said: “We will respect the team, it’s a good team.”

The KFC Goodwill final, featuring Chase’s Academy and St. Benedict’s College, will be contested at the same venue this evening. It commences at 19:30hrs, while the third-place playoff between Clarendon College and Annai Secondary will get going at 17:30hrs.

lauds Minister, GoG for Horseracing Bill

s preparations continue to situate the sport of horse-racing into a new and advanced age of regulation, those responsible for these massive developments are coming in for praise.

One person commending this development is Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle, who has lauded Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, for tabling the landmark Horse Racing Authority Bill in the National Assembly last Wednesday.

This historic legislation, aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for the sector, has now been introduced in the National Assembly, and according to those who have been able to peruse its contents, the bill provides for establishment of a Horse Racing Authority and a governing board to act on its behalf.

That board would have a minimum of five and a maximum of seven members, chosen from among those with backgrounds in business, law, horse racing, or other related disciplines.

The board members would elect the vice-chairperson, while the chairperson would be appointed by the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport.

Provisions to address infractions, increase the number of members of the Authority, impose term limits, and establish licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers are important components of the bill.

It is anticipated that this development would significantly advance formal recognition and regulation of the horse-racing industry in Guyana by providing clarity, structure, and oversight.

“The tabling of the Horse Racing Authority Bill by Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. marks a historic moment for the industry and the local sports ecosystem. It brings clarity, structure and oversight, propelling the formal recognition and regulation of horse-racing in Guyana. Based on empirical data, the horse-racing industry, guided by this historic legislation, now has the capacity to emerge as an even bigger and more significant spectator sport and contributor to sports tourism in the same vein as cricket, football, and motor racing.

“Beyond the economic and regulatory aspects, horse-racing also serves as a cultural touchstone in many societies, uniting community members in a shared passion,” the Director of Sport has shared.

Ninvalle went on to divulge, “Known as ‘the sport of kings,’ horse racing has enthralled spectators for centuries. This is no different in Guyana, where the sport has evolved and grown, albeit at a slow rate given the lack of requisite legislation. With the necessary reforms and infrastructure set to be implemented, the advancement will occur at an even faster pace. After all, the discipline has evolved into a popular sport and entertainment industry enjoyed worldwide. Initially, races

were informal contests between local horses, but as interest grew, the need for standardised rules and regulations became even more evident. While the standards have improved over the years, the establishment of legislation, structure, and a regulatory body, which will now become a reality due to the tabling of the bill, was a necessary step in the right direction for the sport’s immediate and future sustainability.

“Minister Ramson must be lauded for spearheading this process, which will have historic implications. This is a legacy-defining moment.

The significance of developing horse-racing, both as a sport and an industry, extends beyond mere entertainment; it encompasses economic, cultural, and social dimensions.

“Economically, the horse- racing industry generates substantial revenue, contributing significantly to local and national economies. Furthermore, the establishment and evolution of horse-racing laws play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and ethical management of the sport.

“These regulations govern every facet within the competitive realms of the discipline, while more importantly maintaining its ultimate objective of promoting fairness and transparency,” Ninvalle has detailed.

Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr tabled the Horseracing Bill last Wednesday

St Benedict’s College Captain Derrell Garcia and Chase’s Academic Foundation Captain Bryan Wharton shared a moment with the Championship Trophy ahead of today’s final