Niche community of Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiasts gets their game on with hopes of entering World Championship P 14
Pres Ali advocates for Private Sector to establish electric vehicle manufacturing plant
– challenges Banks DIH to leverage its financial power, market position to exploit idea
2nd major gas project likely to come on stream in Berbice
– VP Jagdeo
LCA led to successful collaborations between int’l firms & Guyanese businesses – US State Dept report
Wanted murder suspect shot while attempting to evade Police Guyana reiterates urgency for Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages & boost in humanitarian aid to Palestinians
Govt to launch homestead agri programme targeting single mothers
Teen charged for assisting suspect after Land of Canaan night club fatal shooting
Santa Aratack residents to receive training in bamboo weaving techniques
Police threaten bar owners with stricter penalties in attempt to curb alcoholrelated incidents
Banks DIH executive urges Govt to reduce taxes on
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 28 – 22:30h-00:00h and Monday, July 29 – 23:30h-01:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 28 – 09:50h-11:20h and Monday, July 29 – 11:00h-12:30h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
WEATHER TODAY
Pres Ali advocates for Private Sector to establish electric vehicle manufacturing plant –
challenges Banks DIH to leverage its financial power, market position to exploit idea
ith Guyana’s carbon-negative footprint and access to multiple markets, President Dr Irfaan Ali has pitched the idea for the private sector to look at the potential for an electric vehicle manufacturing plant here.
During Friday’s launch of the Banks DIH subsidiary Banks Automotive and Services Inc. (BASI), which has started to order electric vehicles for local consumers, President Ali has thrown out the challenge to the local private sector.
President Ali highlighted Guyana’s comparative advantages, including its carbon-negative environment and access to diverse markets. Added to this is the upcoming Gas-toEnergy (GtE) project which will see a drastic reduction in energy costs when it comes on stream next year.
“I say to manufacturers of EV’s. And this is where my thinking is. Why should we have EV’s imported, in a country that is carbon negative. Just imagine if the sole purpose of the EV’s is to develop a social consciousness
in purchasing a vehicle and caring for the environment at the same time.”
“Then the environment must be the driving force to push the EV market. And if
“Here is where the local private sector, I think Banks DIH must leverage its power, its brain power, its financial power, and its market position, to go to the
that is the case, just imagine the brand potential of selling EV vehicles that are manufactured in a carbon-negative country like Guyana,” the Head of State said.
Large companies
The Head of State also zeroed in on large companies such as Banks DIH, which he noted has the financial and technical capacity to pursue such a project.
manufacturers of EVs and say listen, you come here, you have access to markets of over 300 million people.”
“Because those are markets, we have trade agreements with for goods and services. So, this is the type of thinking that would evolve the way we do business and broaden and create the opportunities that would position Guyana in a better place globally,” the president added.
He also referred to a trade house in Trinidad, which owns the rights to numerous fast-food franchises. He emphasised the importance of Guyana investing in its own local brand and securing ownership of multiple strategic franchises and brands.
“I believe that, from the little market research that I’ve done. We have Volvo, Ford, KIA, Nissan, Jeep, and Toyota…all of these brands are here. And now with this additional brand. The environment is becoming more and more competitive. What actually is the problem, is not the size or quality of the market.”
“As Mr. Reese and I discussed months ago, it is who owns the agency and rights to the market. And countries around us, when they were developing, they bought out the rights for almost every single franchise you can think of. So, you would find that a lot of major brands, the rights to those franchises are owned by persons in the region,” the Head of State pointed out.
Today, Venezuela goes to the polls and Nicolás Maduro is vying for his third term since he succeeded his leader Hugo Chávez, when the latter succumbed to cancer in 2013. Chávez, of course, had led an unsuccessful coup in 1992 and on his release from prison won the election of 1999 and led an even more profound revolution with the Socialist Party he founded. He was immensely popular with the poor and powerless as he upended the social and political order with a new constitution that emphasised a bottom-up socialist development path.
He trenchantly criticised the older political leadership as “oligarchs” and took on the US, which he claimed had buttressed their rule even as they benefitted from Venezuela’s oil reserves. He would go on to nationalise the oil industry that had created the wealthiest country in Latin America, but that then led to the unravelling of the economy. He killed the Golden Goose.
Maduro is a product – a “Chavista” – of the idiosyncratic socialist “Chavismo” political ideology created by Chávez. He inherited the goodwill of the latter, but soon dissipated it along with the economy and replaced the populism with authoritarian measures that exacerbated the meltdown. Inflation skyrocketed – even as unemployment followed suit with the closure of businesses that could not remain viable. The middle class collapsed into a black hole and resorted to fleeing to all the surrounding countries as refugees. As Guyanese did during the Burnhamite dictatorship. Today, eight million Venezuelans – one-quarter of the population – are refugees – with Colombia bearing the brunt. There are estimated to be 60,000 Venezuelan refugees in our country, along with 600,000 who have trekked through Central America to the US.
While couching its policies within the framework of protecting democracy, the US supported the Opposition to the Maduro regime in their 2018 elections, which were widely condemned as being rigged in favour of the incumbent, even as the Opposition boycotted. The US imposed sanctions, which exacerbated the internally-driven contradictions of the Chavismo policies, but allowed Maduro to reiterate Chávez’s criticism of the US as “the Great Satan”. The Western nations eventually declared the Opposition Head of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó as President, but the manoeuvre ultimately failed.
All of these issues dominated the present campaign between the united Opposition – led by a 74-year-old retired diplomat Edmondo Gonzales – after the Maduro-dominated Supreme Court banned the most popular Opposition Leader, Maria Corina Machado, from participating. This move, however, did not dim the popularity of the Opposition as Machado campaigned assiduously for Gonzalez who is seen as her place-holder. Most of the polls show that the Opposition is leading Maduro’s socialist party by at least 20 percentage points. It would thus appear that Maduro’s “rally round the flag” tactic to raise the Venezuelan border controversy and annex our Essequibo to bolster his support has failed miserably.
However, most analysts doubt that Maduro will relinquish power through the ballot box and this is where we could be dragged back into the mess as Maduro calls upon his allies in the army to put down the Opposition supporters who would be protesting the rigging. Maduro, in a preemptive move, has already declared that it would be the Opposition who would launch violence in the streets. He warned of a “bloodbath” to which President Lula of Brazil was forced to confess this “frightened” him. Obviously, this was not a personal feeling of fear for his own person, but fear of any conflagration within Venezuela spreading through the region.
This is where we could be affected since Maduro has already set the stage for an incursion into Essequibo through the annexation now authorised by Venezuelan law. By the Constitution of Venezuela, the army is mandated to protect the territory of Venezuela. The voting will be completed by this evening and because voting machines are being used, the results should be declared tomorrow morning. We have to be on guard and our defence forces must be prepared for any eventuality.
Who will ever buy the PNC/ AFC/APNU “honesty, integrity and decency” pitch again?
Dear Editor, No one will ever feel safe with the PNC again. The PNC has never cried over spilled milk. Come 2nd August, it will be four fabulous years since Guyana was saved from further tyranny of the PNC. The PPP/C were legitimately sworn in to legally govern Guyana after duly winning the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. It was a close encounter as the PNC band of renegades attempted to rig the election in their favor. Many of them are facing charges and are in court. Who will ever approve of the PNC again?
In 2015, it was former President Granger who said, “…we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world; against spiritual wickedness in high places…” He vilified all principles as his PNC Party illegally squatted for 153 days before conceding to President Ali being sworn in. It was the PNC who ‘decriminalised’ obeah and witchcraft and wanted to “wok pon she.” Granger further warned, “Life in Guyana could become nastier and more brutish,” if the PPP were to be returned to office. True to his words, that’s exactly how life became when the PNC ruled
from 2015 to 2020. Who will ever favour the PNC again?
A party well known to be wrong and strong had Sampson Burnham as their founder/ leader. He taught them to use any means to be in power and, once in power stay in power. Armed with a new constitution kidnapped from a defenseless nation, Burnham paved a nation’s path of destruction rather than construction. Had it not been for the help and support of foreign agencies, including his Caribbean counterparts, such a monstrous making would not have materialised. It was a costly lesson executed by the trilogy of bullishness, force, and hindsight which unfolded a travesty of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” Who will ever trust the PNC again?
Linden Burnham’s rule (and others), destined Guyana to die a slow death from 1964 to 1992 under his tyranny of dictatorship, a tapestry of delusion and his tormented destiny. A sophisticated, systemic, and sinuous exercise, executed without the exaggeration of being authoritarian due to the support of all the armed and military forces, sadly restricted the programme to “feed, clothe, and house the nation.” The establishment of the Social Impact Amelioration Programme
(SIMAP), following the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), both failed to eradicate the deteriorating social and economic downturn. Who will ever join hands with the PNC again?
Guyanese should have known better, yet they allowed themselves to be conned and swept off their feet in 2015 when they believed the PNC and the AFC. “We must ask ourselves what kind of country, what kind of future are we building if we tear each other down in the process? How can we lead a nation if we cannot even lead ourselves with dignity and respect? The answer is clear, we cannot.” Those were the embarrassing words of a disdained Opposition Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir, consciously spoken with clarity and conviction, before withdrawing her candidacy for the leadership of the PNC Party at their 22nd Congress. Who will ever trust the PNC/ APNU/AFC again?
She was not apologetic but rather apoplectic with events casting aspersions on the party. If you cannot run a cake shop properly, profitably, and peacefully, then, you will certainly run a county into ruin as the PNC track record confirms two eras of chaos and corrup-
tion, economic and financial bankruptcy, and social and livelihood instability, under the PNC stewardship. The Opposition was chastised and castigated in the cemetery, as their hopes for a rigged election victory were crucially cremated in March 2020. But 2020 was different when the writing was on the wall for the AFC who became “dead meat,” and the APNU who was caught pants down, and the PNC with hands in the kitty. Who will ever believe in the Coalition again?
From 1964 to 1992 and again from 2015 to 2020, those agonising 33 years have left Guyanese angry and anguished as the PNC aspired to author a state of autocracy, despite changing leaders from Burnham to Hoyte and then to Granger. They pursued a purposeful campaign contaminated with crime, corruption, mismanagement, propaganda, lies, deceit, discrimination, violence and racism. But the Guyanese woke up and began to see the living daylight as they crossed the floor to join the PPP/C. Who will ever accept anything the PNC says again?
The final nail in the coffin was the 2023 Local Government Election when the PPP/C made more than 90 % in-roads in the Local Authority Areas.
American singer Lady Gaga performed the French 1961 classic “Mon Truc En Plume” on a set of stairs along the River Seine during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday. The 38-year-old singer sang the song in French
Guyana reiterates urgency for Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages & boost in humanitarian aid to Palestinians
Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Trishala Persaud, recently addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the situation in the Middle East.
Ambassador Persaud reinforced that at the outset, Guyana stresses the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) amidst the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and urges the Council’s strong support for the Agency as it faces ongoing attacks.
She reminded that “we are approaching 300 days of Israel’s war on Gaza”, noting that for those civilians dwelling in the beleaguered enclave, the days since 7 October 2023 have been characterised by destruction and decimation of an unprecedented magnitude.
She expressed too that Guyana has taken note that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) continues its aerial, land and maritime bombard-
ment across the Gaza Strip.
“Civilians, who have been ordered to evacuate multiple times and relocate to so-called humanitarian safe zones, have not been spared these bombardments, since the IDF has not been distinguishing between civilians and legitimate military targets. In fact, we continue to witness a deliberate targeting of schools and shelters housing displaced persons on the pretext that the IDF is targeting Palestinian fight-
ers,” Ambassador Persaud explained.
“Were the thousands of children killed and maimed in Gaza by Palestinian fighters? Were any measures at all taken to spare these little ones from harm?” she asked while reinforcing that Guyana condemns in the strongest terms the wanton killing of civilians.
The Ambassador noted too that Guyana calls on all parties, including the IDF, to uphold their obligations
under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.
Moreover, she said Guyana is concerned about the frequent attacks on humanitarian personnel, including those travelling in convoys utilising clearly marked vehicles.
“We have too frequently heard the complaint that even though movement coordinates were shared with the Israeli authorities or approval given for passage, convoys have still been shot at, endangering the lives of humanitarians. We condemn these attacks and call on Israel to respect the humanitarian nature of the work that these personnel are undertaking in response to the catastrophic, manmade humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Further, there must be accountability for these violations of international law,” Ambassador Persaud emphasised.
Additionally, she said Guyana has taken note of how the breakdown of law and order in the Gaza Strip has become a prominent fac-
Who will ever buy the PNC/AFC/APNU...
In addition, the Opposition failed to contest any seats in 291 out of the 610 constituencies which represent 48 %, all automatically going to the PPP/C. The PNC hid behind excuses but left their front exposed to reveal their back as they sat on their derriere knowing that the end was approaching. The PPP/C went on to win 66 of the 80 Areas, a resounding victory representing over 75% for a majority. Who will ever have faith in the PNC again?
Not once has any of the members, be they the seniors from the ancient school, the middle-aged from the modern school, or the young ones from the new school, attempted to even vaguely admit guilt and ask for forgiveness for all or any of their wrongdoings. They have boldly confessed to rigging elections as a criterion to grab and maintain power illegally. But no one has expressed an intent to amend their way. They have vehemently pledged to uphold Burnham’s legacy which has always spelled doom and gloom for the country. Who will ever support the PNC again?
The values of transparency, fairness, decency, and integrity are certainly not within the realms of the Opposition. As Norton continues to “blow hot, blow
cold,” his elected status lacks transparency. Hughes rides as a “knight in shining armor,” as he battles the war of reality and imagination in quest of integrity. Hinds chooses to live in the Land of the Brave but wages a duel far from near for fear of showing his stained hands. His next-door neighbors, Burke and Benschop, all have others doing their dirty jobs, knowing that fairness is not a composite in their backyards. The lost cause, Henry, is left to blow a soundless trumpet, knowing that his troupe lacks the morale of decency. He coordinates a group that is stigmatised for life with the words “election riggers.” Who will ever pay heed to the PNC and the joint riggers again?
In 2015, Nagamootoo said, “Our children, like Little Red Riding Hood, are given a modern-day glimpse of the big bad wolves with new, brighter, but bigger teeth to laugh at our people’s pains and miseries.” Indeed, the vampiric PNC did not fail to suck the blood from the children when they stopped the “Because We Care Programme,” and denied the children their much-needed money to purchase their uniform. How hypocritical can the PNC get?
David Patterson had said in 2015, ....... “We have nothing to hide… I want to know; will the PPP do the
same?” Yet the PNC failed to show their SOPs, even up to this day and age. The PNC did say that there would be no apology for their actions. Who will ever
tor inhibiting the delivery of aid across Gaza.
“According to OCHA, this is engendered by desperation stemming from slow and inadequate delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and is perpetuated by the lack of civil authority created by the unprecedented nature of the war. This could likely create persistent challenges even after a ceasefire is achieved and Guyana stresses the need for this Council to begin considering how these potential challenges could be staved off,” Ambassador Persaud noted.
Against this backdrop, Ambassador Persaud stressed that “consensus in this Council on the critical matter of mandating the end of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is key to ending this decades-long conflict.”
Secondly, she said consensus in this Council on the equally critical matter of enforcing such a mandate is also key to ending this decades-long conflict.
“Third and final, consensus in this Council is key for the injustice against Palestinians to be remedied. The key, Mr. President, is consensus in this Council,” Ambassador Persaud added.
In concluding her presentation, the Ambassador reiterated the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
buy the PNC/AFC/APNU “honesty, integrity, and decency” pitch again?
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall FROM PAGE 4
Meanwhile, the Guyanese representative reminded of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered on July 19 which states “The precise modalities to bring to an end Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a matter to be dealt with by the General Assembly… as well as the Security Council. Therefore, it is for the General Assembly and the Security Council to consider what further action is required to put an end to the illegal presence of Israel… The urgent necessity [is] for the United Nations as a whole to redouble its efforts to bring the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, which continues to pose a threat to international peace and security, to a speedy conclusion, thereby establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.”
“Guyana also calls for an immediate halt of settlement activities and the accompanying violence in the West Bank. These are the immediate, short-term measures needed. The solution, though, is to take the collective feet off the back of Palestinians, paving the way for them to exercise their right to self-determination,” Persaud pointed out.
She added that achieving a free and independent State of Palestine is the international community’s responsibility and Guyana remains committed to doing its part.
Cartoons
Riverdale S6 E17
SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2024
Deputy Permanent Representative at United Nations Trishala Persaud
VETERINARY MEDICAL KITS
Over the last few weeks, PET CARE has been focusing on caregiver acquisition, use and abuse of medications destined for pet usage. I hope that loyal readers do not misinterpret the advice to mean that no medicine/ instruments should be kept at home, especially when needed during an emergency situation.
Next week, we will expend comments on what emergencies can arise in the household and what treatments can be implemented immediately, even as the caregiver attempts
safeguards and be kept out of the reach of children.
• A thermometer. It is imperative that families with children/pets have a thermometer in the house.
Please note that the manner of use depends on the type of thermometer. If it is a Mercury thermometer, please place it, via the anus, at least one inch into the rectum. Do not place the Mercury thermometer under the tongue or in the armpit of the pet. If you have a digital thermometer, place it gently in an ear. Hold the head/
to contact his/her veterinarian. This means that every home with a companion animal should possess and maintain one Veterinary Medical Emergency Kit.
The list below is compiled in no order of importance:
• A sturdy (plastic/ wooden) container (15” long X 15” wide X 8” deep) for the many things you may need, if a “situation” arises. A large cooler would suffice. This container should have child-proof
pet the forehead and wait for the final reading.
If you suspect that your pet is running a temperature, record it and repeat the procedure at least every 4 hours. Later, you will share the data with your vet.
• Roll of cotton wool. Keep some sterilised (achieved by boiling in water for at least five minutes) cotton balls in a small air-tight container. Readymade sterile cotton balls are available in pharmacies.
• Rolls of various sizes (3”, 6”) of gauze.
• A roll of Duct Tape.
• Tweezers (such as those used for removing hairs from the eyebrow)
• Syringes (3ml, 5ml, 10ml) with 21-gauge needles. Please note that I am not advising you to inject the animal. That is your vet’s job. Of course, if the animal has swallowed
a poisonous substance such as a herbicide, pesticide, or insecticides (containing organophosphates), for which speed is of essence, it may be necessary to inject the animal with the antidote, after you would have called your vet for advice. Syringes are also useful to flush wounds or administer oral medication. I will be dealing with this topic when
discussing “EMERGENCIES”.
• Q-Tips. Really, I do not want you delving into the dog’s (or cat’s) ear canal. But sometimes the outer ear flap (the Pinna) is so dirty, you must clean it. Cotton balls soaked in ordinary sterilised water are effective. We truly don’t want any liquid chemical rolling into the ear canal. The animal will react uncooperatively.
• Hydrogen peroxide –which really is only water with an extra loosely-linked oxygen atom. It is this extra oxygen atom that releases itself on contact with the skin surface, and which you see bubbling up, taking with it any dirt/dust from the surface of the wound. Do not use the hydrogen peroxide on a raw and bleeding wound. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to induce vomiting, for example, if your animal has ingested rat bait.
• Pepto-Bismol/ Kaopectate/Gravol/activated charcoal/Milk of Magnesia These items can be used for
of your veterinarian. The methodology of administering liquids, tablets ,and creams will be dealt with separately.
• Vitamin K tablets. I have been informed by one of biggest pharmacies in Guyana that this compound can be sold over the counter.
It is not a product which should be used willy-nilly, but may assist to reduce internal bleeding associated with ingestion of toxic substances or curb heavy bleeding from external lacerations. Again, veterinary advice is imperative.
• A muzzle or a one-footlong, one-inch-wide durable fabric. These can be used to wrap around the animal’s jaws, should you need to carry out a manipulation which could elicit pain and aggressive behaviour from your pet.
• Anti-allergy (antihistamines) tablets or liquid. These are over-the-counter drugs sold at pharmacies. Piriton and Benadryl are the most commonly-supplied
your companion animal – BUT ONLY UNDER VETERINARY GUIDANCE.
• Rubber band (1cm diameter) or a rubber tube (½ cm). These serve as tourniquets. We will discuss the uses of tourniquets when dealing with bleeding emergencies.
• One safety razor with a new (unused) razor blade. Needed to shave the hair around an open wound – before topically applying medications contained in ointments, creams, and liquids.
• Antibiotic and antifungal ointments/creams/ eye drops. To be used only under the advice and guidance
antihistamines in Guyana. Use only as prescribed by your vet.
• Methylated Spirits/ Dettol/Savlon for antiseptic and disinfectant purposes. Never use Dettol or Savlon on cats! Do not use Methylated Spirits on open wounds. It burns.
• Eye Drops/Eye Droppers/Eye Wash – for use in removing a foreign body from the surface of the eyeball. Let me emphasise that the items documented above are essentials for an animal emergency kit. They have been listed for use as a firststep intervention, while you are simultaneously contacting your vet.
LCA led to successful collaborations between int’l firms & Guyanese businesses – US State Dept. Report
– firms also partnering with locals to purchase, lease land
Since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government enacted the Local Content Act in 2021, many international firms have successfully partnered with Guyanese companies to explore investment opportunities in Guyana, according to the recently released Investment Climate Report 2024.
The report that was published by the United States (US) State Department evaluated the investment climate of over 160 countries around the world and whether they have adopted Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) norms.
“The GoG passed the Local Content Act (LCA) on December 31, 2021, which establishes baseline requirements for foreign and local firms operating in the country’s oil and gas sector to hire Guyanese and source local materials. The legislation lists local quotas for 40 business services and material inputs, which must come from Guyanese businesses,” the report states.
“The targets range from near total local sourcing (90 to 100 per cent) for services like ground transportation of personnel, local accounting and legal services, and pest control services to lower levels (between five to 25 percent) for more technical items like dredging services, engineering and machining, borehole testing, environmental services and studies, and aviation support services,” the report adds.
Further, it stated that many international firms have been able to find success
partnering with local companies. At the same time, however, the report notes that some firms have expressed concerns over local capacity in Guyana and possible changes to the Act.
“Many firms have found success in partnering with local companies. Patience, good legal counsel, and a registered accountant have been critical success factors. However, local firms involved in joint ventures or subcontract relationships with foreign companies have expressed concerns over the capability of local partners and the possibility of a stricter LCA, which could delay their operations and create conditions for undue influence and rent-seeking behavior.”
“Guyana remains open to public-private partnerships for the development of several large infrastructure projects, but firms may need to
seek financing from outside of Guyana due to the country’s shallow financial markets,” the report adds.
Another observation the report makes is that international companies have been partnering with local ones to acquire land for investment purposes. The report states that business support organisations and specialised consultants can help these foreign firms with the process of entering the market.
“Under the Status of Aliens Act, foreign and domestic investors have the same rights to purchase and lease land. However, the process to access licencing can be complex and many foreign companies have opted to partner with local companies, which may assist with acquiring a licence.”
“The Investment Act specifies that there should be no discrimination between for-
eign and domestic private investors, or among foreign investors from different countries. The authorities maintain that foreign investors have equal access to opportunities arising from privatisation of state-owned companies,” the report states.
In December 2021, the National Assembly passed the Local Content Act which outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyanese-owned companies.
These include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry, and catering services; 95 per cent of pest control services; 100 per cent of local insurance services; 75 per cent of local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.
Pres Ali advocates for Private Sector to...
Banks DIH
Meanwhile, at the event where President Ali spoke, local beverage giant Banks DIH Limited expanded into the automotive sector by launching a US$13 million subsidiary, Banks Automotive and Services Incorporated. This new venture will offer a variety of vehicles and air conditioning units.
Banks Automotive will operate from a new six-storey facility at Plantation Ruimveldt. The company has established several interna-
tional partnerships, including with Sportrak for tires, UniCarriers for forklifts, and Keeway for motorcycles.
Additionally, Banks is collaborating with Daikin Global to offer residential and commercial air conditioning systems, among other products.
When it comes to the motorcycles, Banks’ DIH Engineering Services Director, Shabir Hussein, explained that hundreds of these motorcycles have already been sold, demonstrating the demand for the prod-
uct. A major selling point for their vehicles, according to Hussein, is the guarantee that customers can expect at least ten years of reliable performance from their brandnew vehicles, with minimal to no defects.
Hussein assured that Banks is prioritising Electric Vehicles (EVs) and has already placed an order for them in response to President Ali’s call for the local business community to invest in EV technology.
Meanwhile, Hussein re-
The Local Content Act mandates penalties such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.
In April of this year, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, had said that the Local Content Act could be put through revisions later this year to expand the carvedout areas of opportunity for Guyanese, following consultations with relevant stakeholders and further data from the Local Content Secretariat.
FROM PAGE 3
vealed that the company is discussing possible collaboration with General Motors (GM). He also addressed the issue of why Chinese vehicles, noting that Banks DIH has also had talks with other brands, who all were hesitant over the size of the Guyanese market. (G-3)
Local workforce
Trouble brewing…
…in Mad Maduro-land
Your Eyewitness was just thinking of how, even though we live next to each other, Venezuela hasn’t learnt anything from Burnham’s disastrous example. After he attempted a coup in 1992 – just as we had our first free and fair elections in three decades – Chávez spent a couple of years in prison and was then freed. He organised a socialist movement (like Burnham); was feted by Castro (like Burnham); then won the 1999 elections (not like Burnham – who liked the niceties of elections but not the counting!!) He rewrote the Venezuelan Constitution to make himself Supreme leader (like Burnham) and changed the name of Venezuela to the “Bolivarian Republic like Burnham’s “Co-op Republic. He then promised to make the Venezuelan small man the “real man” – like Burnham – by nationalising the economy (like Burnham). And, of course, it all collapsed under the contradictions – but mostly through abuse of power (like Burnham) and died from cancer (like Burnham).
Now you’d think his successor Maduro would’ve learnt from Burnham’s successor Hoyte – to change course from the disastrous socialist nationalisations, etc. But noooo!! He was determined to earn the sobriquet “Mad Maduro” as he imitated the captain of the Titanic and screamed “Full steam ahead!!” And sure enough, he slammed the good ship Venezuela into the iceberg of economic, political, and social disasters.
And then it was a case of every man jack for himself and the devil take the hindmost – as everyone tried to jump off the sinking ship!! By now almost EIGHT MILLION Venezuelans –a quarter of the population – have fled their country. But still not as much as we Guyanese fleeing Guyana under Burnham – more than 100%!! There’s more Guyanese OUT than in!! But Mad Maduro still hasn’t learnt anything. Like Hoyte after Burnham, he rigged the first election he faced – and the US bashed him in the head, but he survived.
Now that another election’s going on today, your Eyewitness is sure Mad Maduro’s gonna try a rig once again – just like the PNC in 2020!! What can you say?? It’s in their blood!! Or as our old people say, once dog learns to suck egg, they just can’t stop!! So, since all the polls show the Opposition is waaaay far ahead of Mad Maduro, the question is what the Opposition will do. Mad Maduro’s been saying (like Burnham) that they’ll be unleashing violence – and we all know he’s just projecting what’s on his mind!!
So, will the army be killing some Opposition supporters (like Burnham in 1973) or will they go quietly like Hoyte?? Your Eyewitness figures that for the latter road, the Yanks gonna have to apply some real pressure on him!!
Did your Eyewitness hear, “Invasion, anyone?”!!
…against corruption
Way back in the day, VP Jagdeo had admitted no government’s immune to corruption. Greed being what makes the world go round – it then becomes a case of how best to try keeping it within limits. But while one might’ve suspected an increase because of the explosion in money pouring into the economy through our oil share, it’s clear that the PPP didn’t expect the scale to which corruption has ballooned.
And the unkindest cut of all is that – as VP Jagdeo pointed out poignantly – a helluva lot of the corruption’s coming from members of the government. They’re busy setting up their friends and relatives as contractors, etc, to get Government contracts. The problem is, they’re not qualified to do these jobs and as a result, the shoddy work performed is giving the Government a bad name!!
So what to do, comrades?? (Your Eyewitness is trying to think PPP. Even though the party’s dumped references to Marxism in their constitution, they’re still using “comrade”!!)
Simple: off with their heads!!
…in PNC land?
Once again your Eyewitness raises his hands to the heavens and asks for Justice for Vanessa Kissoon. Surely the paragon of virtue that’s Elder Green should’ve finished their investigation by now and come to a decision??
Venezuela’s elections will not end well
Today, July 28, Venezuela votes. The date, chosen by the National Electoral Council (CNE), signals their orientation: it is the birth anniversary of Hugo Chávez, 61-year-old Nicolás Maduro’s predecessor, mentor, and promulgator of the present Constitution; the name of the country (the Bolivarian Republic) and the guiding philosophy of the United Socialist Party he founded –dubbed “Chavismo”. In similar moves by other State institutions loyal to Maduro, his most powerful opponent 56-year-old Maria Corina Machado was banned from contesting the elections by the Supreme Court, forcing the selection of the virtually unknown 74-year-old Edmondo Gonzales, as her replacement. Machado, however, shared the platform with him.
Machado has complained that security forces hampered her mobility with roadblocks while also seizing sound equipment. Dubbing the Opposition, “fascists” Maduro declares constantly that they will reject the results that will show him winning and will unleash post-election violence. In one of his closing rallies, he incitingly asked, “Who asked for the criminal sanctions against Venezuela? Who asked for Venezuela to be invaded by the US army? Who brought the guarimba [violent street protests] to the whole country? Do you want a president of the extreme fascist right?” At another rally, he declared ominously, “The destiny of Venezuela depends on our victory. If we want to avoid a bloodbath or a fratricidal civil war triggered by the fascists, then we must guarantee the biggest electoral victory ever.” Brazil’s President Lula reacted vehemently to Maduro’s “bloodbath” prediction: “I got frightened with Maduro’s statement saying there will be a bloodbath if he loses. When you lose, you go home and get ready to run in another election.” Maduro mockingly scoffed that Lula should “drink chamomile tea”.
The polls have been widely divergent, but most of them show the Opposition ahead by a large margin. However, it is widely suspected that the Chavista-led CNE will manipulate the results of the elections to show Maduro winning and of course, this will force the Opposition to protest. Venezuela has no exit polls. The Opposition plans to deploy some 90,000 “witnesses” at electoral centres but ominously, one CNE official said last week they are having difficulties in authorising them. There are supposed to be public audits performed in randomly-chosen voting machines after polls close and the Opposition has asked its supporters to witness these.
According to Venezuelan authorities, there will be electoral observers from 65 countries, and the Carter Center, the UN, the AU, and the Latin American Council of Electoral Experts (CEELA). CNE withdrew its invitation to the EU, citing its sanctions policy against Venezuela. It is widely believed the army, led by Vladimir Padrino Lopez, a Maduro ally, will play the key role in any post-elections dispute that descends into violence. Over the years, Maduro has cultivated the loyalty of this key institution through various stratagems. For its part, Opposition leader Gonzales said hopefully, “We are going to win and we are going to collect, and we trust that our Armed Forces will make our people’s will be respected.”
The US has committed itself to supporting democracy in Venezuela and after judging the 2018 elections to be rigged in favour of Maduro, has imposed a wide range of sanctions on the country and specific individuals. But with the failure of those policies to remove Maduro, they have since adopted a “hold me; lose me” attitude; vacillating between threats while easing sanctions to gain access to Venezuelan oil, which then provides a lifeline to Maduro. During the campaign, now acknowledging that one-quarter of the population has fled, Maduro blamed Venezuela’s woes on the sanctions and claimed that the stratospheric inflation has been reduced and the economy stabilised. In my estimation, Maduro will lose the elections since even many of the erstwhile Chavistas have conceded that misguided leadership and corruption have played an even greater role in the destruction of their country. Maduro, however, will not go quietly into the night and the US, even if it were not preoccupied with its own election challenges, will not intervene directly. Speaking anonymously, American officials opined noncommittally, “The US is prepared to calibrate our sanctions policy vis a vis events as they may unfold in Venezuela.” As one Caricom PM predicted presciently during our own 2020 elections fracas, “This will not end well” and we can be dragged in as a distraction during post-election violence.
2nd major gas project likely to come on stream in Berbice – VP Jagdeo
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that the government’s second major gas project is expected to launch in Berbice, as he highlighted that the oil and gas sector will gradually shift to the East Berbice-Corentyne region (Region Six) over the coming years.
“Maybe if the second monetisation of the gas project comes on shore, it will come onshore in Berbice,” the Vice President told reporters during his weekly press briefing on Thursday.
“…because that’s the ideal location given that more of our gas finds have been in the Haimara area and Pluma,” he added.
In the Stabroek Block, some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas have already been found, with the Pluma and Haimara wells being proven gas fields. The government is seeking to develop this gas.
One way it is doing this is through the Gasto-Energy project which will feature approximately 220 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
Upon landing on shore, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed in Wales. The pipeline would be 12 inches in diameter and is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but can push as much 120 mmscfd.
The main feature of the gas-to-shore initiative is a power plant that will generate 250 to 300 megawatts of power using natural gas from offshore, which will significantly reduce the cost of electricity in Guyana.
The aim is to deliver rich gas by the end of 2024 for the power plant while the NGL facility is slated to be online by 2025. The gas-to-shore project, which has a 25-year lifespan, is expected to employ
up to 800 workers during the peak construction stage, as well as some 40 full-time workers during the operations stage, and another 50 workers during the decommissioning stage.
In addition to this, the government is looking at a second major gas project for which a technical team has already been assembled to examine its viability.
“We have identified a technical team to work
portunity…then integrating that into the regional energy programme… and then, of course, we have the marketing of the by-products and the use of the natural gas in other jurisdiction…it also speaks to the development of a shorebase facility and additional power plants that can be used to export gas and power.”
Meanwhile, the Vice President also explained that the government does not intend to participate
Guyana were published both locally and internationally.
In response, 17 companies, including the U.S. energy firm Fulcrum LNG, submitted proposals. The U.S. energy firm was identified as the most responsive and compliant bidder, ranking number one. As a result, Fulcrum LNG was selected as the company that will support the government and the Stabroek Block operator ExxonMobil in utilising the non-associated gas.
The Guyana Government has openly stated that one of its primary objectives in the oil and gas sector is the development of the country’s natural gas resources, with a gas monetisation strategy already developed.
With this drive to push gas development, the government has already informed ExxonMobil that it would have to relinquish the gas fields if it does not seek to develop the gas.
with the stakeholders in coming up with a model, and to negotiate an agreement and look at the viability –technically and financially –of the project,” President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced last month.
The President had said that, in the new project, the government has to examine various possibilities, including the exportation of energy, noting that there is “the development of the energy corridor to northern Brazil and Suriname as one op -
financially in the second gas project.
“At this stage, we don’t have any intention to participate financially as owners, because that means putting aside large sums of money into the venture, which we don’t have; and secondly, it’s a risky undertaking,” Jagdeo had explained at a press conference.
Request for Bids (RFB) for the design, financing, construction, and operation of essential gas infrastructure to support upstream developments in
It was reported in May that the company’s drill programme for the year includes plans to further appraise two well sites, to gauge the commercial potential for gas in the Haimara gas field.
Back in 2019 and 2023, ExxonMobil had drilled for gas at the Haimara-1 and 2 wells, though with varying degrees of success. The oil giant is now gearing up for further appraisal drilling, this time at the Haimara 3 and 4 gas wells. (G-11)
Ravi Dev
The route for the Gas-to-Energy Project at Wales
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
small but vibrant community of YuGi-Oh! enthusiasts in Guyana is ready to get their game on with hopes of participating in a World Championship someday.
Yu-Gi-Oh! is an exciting
universe based on a card game played with Monsters, Spells, and Traps. The YuGi-Oh! franchise includes manga series, television series, several video games, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game (TCG), and more.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, which has aired in more than 90 countries, has
shown itself to have a broad cross-cultural appeal.
The card game is played around the world, but mostly in Japan, North America, Europe and Australia. It is considered one of the most popular trading card games in the world, with over 25 billion cards sold.
In Guyana, there are
about 50 active members partaking in duels, most of which are hosted by Cosmic TCG and Electronics – the only official Yu-Gi-Oh! store in the country.
It is owned by 35-yearold Goswami Parmesar, who has been a fan of the universe since 2003.
"Since then, I’ve been col-
lecting, playing, buying and selling cards and Yu-Gi-Oh! decks, trading with friends which has spanned 21 years in the Yu-Gi-Oh! scene. This interest is still very strong today with a desire to play at a competitive level," Parmesar told Guyana Times
In his mid-20s, the young man had migrated to Canada, where he observed just how big the Yu-Gi-Oh! fandom can be.
"Attending store events and tournaments in Canada while living there was where I learnt the structure and business of Yu-Gi-Oh! as well as how tournament card shops operate," he explained.
In 2019, he returned home and upon observing a small community of enthusiasts like himself in the country, he decided to start importing products to host tournaments.
Eventually, Parmesar took it upon himself to seek out the official Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise owned by Konami, to have what is known as an Official Tournament Store (OTS) established in Guyana.
"In March 2023, I signed the official deal with YuGi-Oh! partners and finally got Guyana registered. It was through the partnership, I was able to bring to Guyana all benefits of being a partner store for YuGi-Oh!. These benefits include exclusive prizes and special Yu-Gi-Oh! products that cannot be accessed anywhere except in an OTS," Parmesar explained.
The store, Cosmic TCG and Electronics, has an upcoming tournament on August 3, for which persons are encouraged to sign up to duel or simple spectate.
Parmesar is hopeful that one day, Guyanese can participate in a World Championship.
He explained, "The upcoming World Championship Qualifier (WCQ) has different tiers and we have been selected to host a regional event. Most of these WCQ – OTS Championship, Regionals, Nationals & finally YCS (Yu-Gi-Oh! Champion Series (ranked from lowest to highest) – are part of an ongoing tournament season where players can attend, enter tournaments, and depending on the tournament placement, earn points.
"As you earn points, you can level up your world ranking and once you have earned enough qualifying points, you can be invited to the main stage to play in a World Champion tournament to be crowned best in the world."
Parmesar added the goal is to have his store selected from the YuGi-Oh! partners to host as many events that allow players to earn these qualifying points.
"While all players can travel and attend tournaments worldwide, having it accessible in our own backyard can benefit a lot of people, especially those who can’t freely travel overseas to attend a tournament for the weekend," he explained.
Currently in Guyana, tournaments are held weekly or bi-weekly for a variety of prizes and occasionally, every few months, the official YuGi-Oh! partners would request that the store
Apart from
that, duellists would meet up at various locations for casual fun duelling or practice matches.
But the community is more than just Yu-Gi-Oh!-focused,
Parmesar noted.
"We have members who are also actively involved in the Pokémon TCG card game, members who play Magic The Gathering and, recently Disney’s very own Lorcana TCG card game," he explained.
He added that for the anime fans, "we have started to research One Piece TCG card game to eventually introduce this".
Meanwhile, Parmesar noted that the following and upkeep of the Yu-GiOh! game and culture was not only on his shoulders.
"Over the years, there have been many import -
ant individuals who have kept the game alive, and kept the community very much alive after I left for Toronto. It has always been a dream for players in Guyana to experience these special events
and many have often expressed interest, I’m just happy I was able to facilitate this.
"And with an OTS registered in Guyana, more members are making an effort to be a part of it, as they are rewarded with perks and exclusive products among other things. Outside of tournaments, there is still a large community of collectors who seek to have the ultimate collection of the rarest cards, many who I believe are right in Guyana, but just haven’t heard of our store as yet," he added.
Parmesar admitted that there were challenges in trying to access new players and bring younger folk into the community.
"Some of these challenges still exist, but are becoming less and less, as I do spend a decent amount of time getting the word out there and having friends try to get their friends in the game," he noted.
"I eventually plan to have the tournament store more well-known in Guyana and hopefully pass down to future generations the game of YuGi-Oh!, especially to new players who are looking for a hobby. After all, YuGi-Oh! and other trading card games are meant to be a hobby, to have fun among friends, and if the desire is there, compete at the highest level,” he added, with much optimism.
By Romanee R KalichaRRan
The Shri Maha Kali Devi Mandir in Brooklyn, NY celebrated its silver anniversary with the first-ever Karagam Puja in North America.
The three-day event was held between July 19 and July 21, 2024, and was a multi-ceremony public event. The puja was centred around the Karagam (vessel pot), which is built, decorated, and carried to bless and heal the community with the energy of the Goddess.
new terrain did not sway spiritual custodians from persevering. Mariamman temples were eventually erected in these new lands.
Devotees seek Amma’s healing from near and far. The late Pujari Basdeo Mangal, a child at the time, was entrusted to carry on the teachings by the elders and served as a Karagam boy carrying the sacred vessel on his head during the Karagam Pujas. He was respected as a notable pujari in Blairmont village and across Guyana, Trinidad, the US, Canada, and England, throughout his lifetime.
and devoted members. They celebrated the moment in history when their temple broke barriers at a time of cultural misunderstanding and marginalisation among the larger Hindu community.
For them, the 25th Karagam Puja signifies more than just the anniversary of the divine ceremony, but a remembering of how their presence as a people was finally solidified and became a springboard for similar mandirs to follow.
It was his migration to New York that led to the establishment of the Shri Maha Kali Devi Mandir Inc and in 1998, it became the first registered
This Karagam Puja followed the same spiritual protocols as it was passed down from the gurus. Active participants such as Thappu players, pujaris/pujarins, decorators, etc, followed a strict 21-day home-cooked vegetarian fast, gathered grains
es, songs, speeches, and drumming from the temple youth, a certificate cer-
Although there are 17 main deities worshipped in the temple, Mariamma, the Universal Mother/ Goddess of Rain is the central deity, and Kamaskhi and Meenakshi Amma are represented by the two Karagams.
This worshipping has been called “Kali Mai Puja”, “Madrasi Hinduism” and “Shaktism,” interchangeably as many of the IndoCaribbean hail from both South Indian and North Indian ancestry. The Karagam Puja itself originated in Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras) and surrounding areas and was transported to Guyana and across the Indian Diaspora due to Indian indentureship. Harsh conditions and
Caribbean “Amma Kovil” or Kali Temple in NY, USA. This led to the first-ever Karagam Puja in that part of the world in August 1999. With the cooperation of the parks and police departments, SMKDM In. initiated beach cleaning initiatives, has been granted permits, police escort, and street closures, for peaceful execution of the puja since then.
Today, the non-profit organisation is run by Pujari Bhoopchand Anil Mangal (spiritual educator), the executive board,
to include the community effort in the sacred Kanji rice (a type of soup made from grains, grated coconut, onions, and spices) and joined hands in deep cleaning the mandir and redressing all the temple murtis (statues) for its opening ceremony. The puja activities included waterside puja to Ganga and Kateri Amma, Hanuman Jhandi by Pandit Indar Singh, street procession, and spiritual healing for devotees in need.
The puja programme produced by Romanee Kalicharran features danc-
emony honouring over 80 key members, and four lifetime achievement awards for elder traditional bearers, including the founding pujari’s widow, Shrimati Rajdei Mangal.
Highlights were shown of archival footage/photos by researchers/filmmakers: Stephanos Stephanides, Manauvaskar Kublall, and Gaurika Mehta whose collective work covers over four decades. Queen Borough Director Kevin Morris and South Asian Liaison Sookrani Dhanpat of the NYC Mayor’s Office
addressed the congregation with words of recognition and support.
Social and Cultural
low, white, and red clothing made for an ebb and flow of shakti (energy) in a wave of harmonious move-
Pioneer of Guyana, Ravi Dev sent a message of historical recounting and congratulations.
The event was a multisensory experience of music, bells, drumming; fragrances of incense, sambrani, and colours of turmeric, sindoor, neem, fruits, flower garlands, coconuts, among the many natural elements essential to the worship.
Trance dance and yel-
ment. It was a proud moment for the ancestors and Mariamman temples overall that these ancient practices twice transmigrated have a prominent place. As the 25th Karagam Puja came to a close, the flag of Mariamma continued to fly above the temple building until the next big puja and so it continues for future generations.
Devotees making their way to the Brooklyn Bay
Devotees outside of the Shri Maha Kali Devi Mandir in Brooklyn, NY
Hindu Goddess Mariamman sits inside the Shri Maha Kali Devi Mandir in Brooklyn, NY (Photos by Gaurika Mehta, Kevin Sookram, and Yogendra Naipaul)
Reepudaman Dhanrajh, employed with the Times Media Group as a Production Supervisor in the Television and Radio Departments, has recently concluded training in Kolkata, India. He was mesmerised by its culture and learning environment.
In this article, Dhanrajh reflected on his journey…
In a vibrant blend of
tradition and modernity, I embarked on a remarkable journey in the heart of Kolkata, the City of Joy, studying news and current affairs at the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC), organised by the Government of India, through the Indian High Commission of Guyana, offered a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of media using state-of-the-art tools while soaking in the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal.
This intensive course attracted participants from 11 countries, creating a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, all united by a shared passion for media and storytelling. Cuttingedge education at SRFTI, the curriculum was meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of audiovisual news. Utilising advanced technology and
the dynamic landscape of modern media. The faculty, comprising seasoned professionals and industry experts, guided us through hands-on projects and interactive sessions. Their insights into the evolving media industry were invaluable, offering us a glimpse into the future of journalism. We had access to stateof-the-art studios and editing suites, where we honed our skills in news production for live broadcast, sound design, and insights into artificial intelligence-based news.
Discovering West Bengal’s rich heritage beyond the academic realm My time in West Bengal was a cultural immersion like no other. With its bustling streets and historical charm, Kolkata served as the perfect backdrop for my exploration. The city’s architectural marvels, including the iconic Howrah Bridge and the majestic Victoria Memorial, were awe-inspiring testaments to its
A class in session
The participants along with trainers
One of the highlights was visiting the Birla Mandir, a stunning temple known for its intricate marble work and serene atmosphere. Another spiritual retreat was the Parshwanath Jain Temple, where the peaceful surroundings and exquisite carvings offered a respite from the city’s hustle. The culinary journey through West Bengal was a highlight of my stay. From the delectable street food to traditional Bengali dishes, every meal was a delight-
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depth. Their stories, perspectives, and resilience painted a vivid picture of life in West Bengal.
A global exchange of ideas
The programme at SRFTI was made even more special by the diverse group of participants. Coming from 11 different countries in South and Central America, Africa, and Asia, we brought varied perspectives and experiences to the table, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and cultures. This global
– one of several
ful adventure for the taste buds. The hospitality and warmth of the locals made these culinary experiences even more memorable.
Navigating Kolkata’s busy streets was an experience in itself. The city’s eclectic mix of people, from street vendors and artisans to professionals and students, created a dynamic and lively atmosphere. The loud mix of sounds, the bright colours, and the bustling energy of the city were so exciting, making my time in Kolkata a real adventure. The daily interactions with the people of Kolkata, known for their intellectual fervour and
camaraderie not only enhanced our learning experience, but also forged lasting friendships. My time at SRFTI and in West Bengal was a transformative journey, both professionally and personally.
The programme not only sharpened my skills in journalism and media, but also broadened my cultural horizons. The Government of India’s initiative to host such a diverse and immersive programme is commendable, as it promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional growth.
Reflecting on my experiences in Kolkata, I am grateful for the knowledge gained and the connections made. This journey was not just about academic advancement, but also about celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of West Bengal and the indomitable spirit of its people. The lessons learned and memories created will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours.
The Birla Mandir
As Guyana gears up for Emancipation Day celebrations in 2024, Main Street in Georgetown has been transformed into a vibrant celebration of African culture. The air is filled with an energetic ambiance, complemented by colorful outfits, intricately beaded displays, and a variety of traditional crafts.
From savory African delicacies to intricate sculptures and refreshing drinks, Guyanese from all walks of life are flocking to the avenue daily to purchase that special piece of African jewellery, outfit, or even delicious delicacies.
The Guyana Times wandered through the lively Main Street and chatted with a range of exhibitors, from
young to old, who were enthu siastic about sharing their sto ries.
David’s Creative Design Sherica Ambrose, Miss Heritage Queen 2015 who hails from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) spoke passionately about a 16-year-old business, David’s Creative Design, which she re cently joined.
Ambrose, who is of Indigenous descent, expressed joy in exploring and integrat ing African culture into her work.
“Some of my pieces are mostly beads and are made out of wood…these take about a week to create,” Ambrose shared while emphasising her fondness for the craft. She also highlighted the similarities between Indigenous and African cultures.
13-year-old Onivea Arthur
Deon Jessamy’s clay earrings
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Main Street exhibition kicks off...
“Indigenous culture is very similar; we share similar designs in our beadwork and woodwork. The main difference is the size of the beads, but our traditional dress codes are very much alike. Traditional African beadwork is very similar to Indigenous designs.”
Working alongside her was Natasha David who serves as her mentor. David explained that leading up to and on the Emancipation is a pivotal time for her business.
“We make handmade jewelry made from natural
er.” She added, “This means a lot because we showcase what we can do and we manage to gain a lot of customers during this time.”
Clay earrings
Mere inches away from David’s Creative Design was Deon Jessamy, who specialises in crafting Africandesigned earrings out of bare clay, a process marked by patience and precision.
“With polymer earrings, we have to first condition the clay and then create the patterns. You can make it in
seed, bamboo or whatever local I can put my hands on, I can make it for my custom-
whatever pattern you want. After that, you have to bake it, sand it, polish it, and
then assemble it. It’s a tedious task, but it’s worth it,” Jessamy explained.
Reflecting on the laborious process of making the beads, she noted that, despite the effort involved, their creation holds significant importance for her business at this time.
“It means a lot because our foreparents fought for us to have this freedom and the ability to be free and creative.”
13-year-old making beaded chains
Meanwhile, this publication also caught up with 13-year-old Onivea Arthur, who is learning the art of weaving beads to make creative hand bands, necklaces, and chains from her sister, Oneca Yaw - the owner of Hummingbird Design and Decor.
Speaking about her younger sister, Yaw revealed
learning the art form, but she is also getting to sell some of her creations.
“She was the one who made the bands, and I am the one who ordered the beads for her. When she goes back to school, she can start a little business for herself and sell to her friends. These beads are ordered online, and she uses her own creativity to blend them together beautifully,” Yaw said.
Highlighting the various intricate patterns created through rigorous handwork, June Ann Taylor pointed out the importance of handmade crafts over imported goods.
her pride in teaching Onivea the craft of making beaded chains. Not only is Onivea
“I think this should be a part of the Emancipation celebration, where people make their own items and bring them out to sell. People would see the different designs and craftsmanship. But lately, many are just bringing in stuff from
different countries to sell, and I think it takes away from our Emancipation culture,” Taylor expressed. On this realisation, she offered some advice for businesses. “To be truthful, I can’t force businesses and tell them what to do because many people don’t know how to sew or assemble pieces correctly. They prefer to order from online or import goods to Guyana. But to me, the essence of the business should really be about putting together your craft and handiwork.”
The exhibition on Main Street Georgetown, with its array of crafts and jewelry, not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Africa but also highlights the interconnectedness of various cultures, fostering a sense of unity and creativity as Guyana commemorates Emancipation.
David’s Creative Design crafters Sherica Ambrose and Natasha David
Deon Jessamy alongside a co-worker
Santa Aratack residents to receive training in bamboo weaving techniques
SThe initiative which is facilitated by the Tourism, Industry & Commerce
ome 30 residents of Santa Aratack in Kamuni Creek, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) will be trained in bamboo weaving techniques.
Ministry in collaboration with the International Center for Bamboo & Rattan through the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
was officially launched on Friday.
Subject minister, Oneidge Walrond during the launch expressed appreciation to the Government of China and noted that the training is more than just learning a craft.
“It’s about empowering our people and building a foundation for self-sustainability. Our government recognises the immense potential in our Indigenous communities and we are dedicated to enhancing the human resource capacity across the nation, by investing in training programmes like this we aim to equip our citizens with the skills and knowledge, needed to thrive independently.”
She noted that the community boasts a rich legacy in crafting and promoting indigenous items, which are among the finest in the country.
The minister further related that the initiative will allow for diversifying that product offering, by utilising locally sourced bamboo.
Further, she noted that this project is a testament to the broader commitment to sustainable tourism development, and promoting local craftsmanship and sustainable tourism preserves cultural heritage and creates economic opportunities.
The tourism minister encouraged people to broaden their perspective of the potential outcomes and benefits.
“There is a significant demand for authentic Indigenous products within our country, with visitor arrivals continuing to climb, more tourists are actively seeking memorabilia to take back with them, additionally there is a growing community of expatriates who wish to incorporate local craft in their homes, highlighting the diverse markets for these products.”
She is confident that the investment will be fruitful and yield remarkable results fostering economic growth and cultural preservation.
“This training will enable
participants to turn bamboo, a readily available resource, into products that can be marketed locally and internationally, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth within the community having an outlet for these products is critically important to attain full value chain organisation we will work to have them available at leading hotel brands and other strategic partners in Guyana and overseas.”
and broader scope thereby producing more household items since Guyana has vast land spaces suitable for growing bamboo.
The diplomat added that bamboo and rattan products can effectively replace the consumption of wood and plastic so pollution and environmental damage can be reduced.
Additionally, Toshao Christopher Gouveia urged the participants to grasp
She noted that the Santa Aratack community is recognised for its craft and tourism potential.
“This government is committed to ensuring that the locals are provided with the opportunities needed to advance their livelihoods and is continuously seeking ways to support and enhance the capabilities of our people.”
However, the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana H.E. Guo Haiyan said the training course would benefit the village tremendously and help them maintain the environment.
“Chinese bamboo weaving masters will teach bamboo and rattan weaving techniques, here I strongly believe that after training, Chinese craftsmen would be able to develop more bamboo and rattan tourism products and promote further development of local eco-tourism in the future,” the Chinese Ambassador stated.
She expressed the hope that it will help Guyana better utilise bamboo and rattan resources on a larger scale
the opportunity. “I want to thank the Guyanese and Chinese Governments for their full support in this new initiative.”
The training introduces modern techniques and technology to enhance traditional knowledge while maintaining their unique cultural identities.
China is known as the bamboo kingdom with bamboo forests accounting for one-fifth of the world’s bamboo land area, forty per cent of the world species are grown in China while trade in bamboo and rattan products exceeds US $2 billion, accounting for 60 per cent in the total global trade.
China has close cooperation in the bamboo industry with many countries in products including bamboo furniture and utensils, bamboo textiles, and bamboo tourism etc.
The training is being conducted by the International Organisation on Bamboo and Rattan through the Chinese Embassy.
The group of young people to be trained in bamboo weaving techniques
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan inspecting the craft pieces
The officials being entertained by a group of dancers during the launch on Friday
Banks DIH executive urges govt to reduce taxes on new vehicles
...says newer vehicles have a 10-year lifecycle ...as company opens US$13M automotive dealership & parking facility
As Banks DIH Limited ventures into the automotive industry, one of its executives has urged the Guyana Government to consider lowering taxes on new vehicle imports to make them more affordable for the public.
Engineering Services Director, at the beverage giant, Shabir Hussein made the call on Friday during the commissioning of the company’s newest subsidiary, Banks Automotive and Services Incorporated (BASI).
“Perhaps it would be worth considering a revision of the tax laws by reducing the taxes on new vehicles and increasing the taxes on old
the country’s roadways.
He argued that used vehicles generally have a life cycle of six months, after which, they can become unreliable and result in owners spending large sums of money on spare parts. He added that used vehicles can become environmental and road hazards.
“…smoking heavily, breaking down on the roads, or on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, causing serious pains to those commuters in line behind the wreck…,” he outlined, adding that “the only happy partners in the used car business are the spare parts businesses.”
In contrast, he said new vehicles have a minimum
and used vehicles,” Hussein suggested while explaining the advantages of increasing ownership of new vehicles on
of a ten-year life cycle and bring several benefits including “no stress, great comfortability”.
But President Dr Irfaan Ali, who delivered the feature address at the event explained that the situation is quite the opposite by stating that the used vehicle industry thrives because of their affordability.
“There is an affordability index…we also have to see how companies who are bringing new vehicles…can integrate your product into the affordability frame of the population at this point,” he said.
He also indicated that the government has to carefully consider its revenue base.
“Someone could come in and say, well, ‘now you’ve reduced the cost of energy by 30 percent, with all the investment you’re making, your production cost will go down. So, you want to reduce the cost of beer?’ But things are not so simplistic,” President Ali pointed out.
He continued, “Just translate that to being in government and looking at everything that we’re doing to reduce cost, increase disposable income, and then you might be of the mistaken belief that when you build competitiveness, automatically you can make certain decisions that erode the revenue base of the country.”
“And yes, whilst we’re having a lot of revenue coming in, and we will have a lot of revenue coming in from oil and gas, that has to be used to expand the competitiveness of the rest of the economy, so you widen and diversify the revenue base and stream of the country and then address vertically all the other issues which include the taxes, and
all of that will get better,” the Head of State said.
US$13M facility
Meanwhile, at the launch of BASI, the company unveiled its US$13 million six-storey parking facility situated at Plantation Ruimveldt, Georgetown which was constructed by Kares Engineering Company Limited and is considered the first of its kind in the region.
The facility, which measures 208, 000 square feet, will now allow 350 of the company’s employees to park freely and comfortably. It will also house the automotive dealership on the ground floor while the sixth floor is
earmarked for a fine-dining restaurant.
The company is the official dealer for UniCarriers forklift trucks, Daikin Air Conditioning Units, SWM vehicles, Shineray vans and buses, Sportrak tyres, and Keeway motorcycles in Guyana.
The company is also in talks with General Motors on potential collaboration. General Motors is an American multinational automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The company is primarily known for owning and manufacturing four automobile brands, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. Hussein stated that the company had reached out to other brands but none were in favour of entering the Guyanese market, citing its small size.
“Yet we have over 12,000 used vehicles being imported into this country every year, what you tell me (how) is this market too small?” Hussein expressed.
The brands that were hesitant to enter the Guyana market included Range Rover, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mazda, Volvo, Volkswagen, Tata, and Isuzu.
Nevertheless, the new automotive company will also venture into selling electric vehicles, for which there is no tax on importation. (G-11)
Engineering Services
Director Shabir Hussein
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Chairman of Banks DIH Ltd Clifford Reis share a light moment after unveiling the plaque
The Banks Automotive and Services Inc building
Govt to launch homestead agri programme targeting single mothers
– commercial banks to provide financing package
resident Dr Irfaan
PAli has signaled the impending launch of a bold homestead agriculture programme that will see single mothers being provided with low-income homes that will come with permanent crops and shade houses, maximising their earning potential and aiding Guyana’s food security agenda.
The President was at the time speaking during the launch of the Regional Economic Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP), where he also referenced plans for establishing a regional data facility that would be directly linked with farmers and allow them to make more informed farming decisions, through the use of technology.
“We’re now moving a step ahead. How do we integrate livelihood programmes with the technology? So, we’re launching the first homestead agriculture programme, especially with single mothers. And what we’re doing? We’re building a low-income home. We’re getting the banks; the government already subsidises the low-income housing.”
“We’ll get the banks to finance a package that includes the low-income home. We’ll have solar panels to power these homes. So, it reduces their cost of energy and then, we’ll have at the front of the homes where people would normally plant a few trees, permanent crops that would give them revenue, four to five years from now.”
According to President Ali, this bold initiative will tackle several issues at once, including home ownership, building community wealth, and food security.
“If we have five coconut plants, hybrid coco-
nut plants in a year, that will give you yield in three years, you will be surprised to see the value it creates. And then at the back of the yard, we’ll put a small shade house that is dedicated,” the Head of State outlined.
“So, you’ll have 500 homes on 100 acres of land. And 500 shade houses, dedicated to specific products that we linked to the market. And when you reap and get the value, (you’ll be able) to repay that low-income loan every month. So, this is how we’re going to integrate the livelihood programme with technology and home ownership.”
Only recently, the government launched a programme that would see 100 acres of land being
offered to young people who have either completed studies or are currently pursuing studies at the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) to work on farmsteads and develop agri-based businesses.
Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the National Agricultural
and Extension
(NAREI), was announced by President
The initiative, which would be spearheaded by the Agriculture
Innovation
Research
Institute
Dr Irfaan Ali.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
An example of a homestead
Trucks, heavy-laden vehicles restricted from using small community streets
n a move to main -
Itain tranquility within residential areas, trucks, articulated, and heavy-laden vehicles are now restricted from traversing narrow community streets.
Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill announced this measure during a meeting with Georgetown councillors and residents of Lamaha Gardens on Friday while addressing their concerns about traffic disruptions.
“The ministry will put up signs that ‘no heavy vehicles, trucks, and articulated vehicles to go through the small community streets.’ We will reduce the speed limit and signs to that effect will be put up in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force,”
Edghill assured the residents. He disclosed that these
new regulations would be officially gazetted soon.
Responding to a suggestion to restrict access
articulated vehicles but extended to all traffic. The language that was used is that the thieves were coming from Sophia which I found offensive”.
We should not stigmatise a community because someone from the community would have had a brush from the law.
Thieves do not live in special places, thieves live everywhere where the mind is perverted and the appetite for wealth is greater than their ability to work and earn,” he affirmed.
Consequently, Garnett, Duncan, and Dennis Streets will remain access roads, while other streets in the area will be restricted to heavy vehicles. The Guyana Police Force (GPF)
like Sheriff Street. He emphasised the need for better judgment and consideration.
“Avoid using community roads as diversions to beat traffic, escape traffic lights, and shortcuts whether day or night. You are damaging the roads and affecting the health, peace, and well-being of citizens with the noise.”
The minister noted that the effectiveness of these measures would be reviewed within a month to assess their impact on community relief.
Meanwhile, Edghill reported that Lot Two of the ongoing Conversation Tree Road project is progressing well, with works advancing from Conversation Tree
for residents of Sophia through Dennis, Garnett, and Duncan Streets, the minister deemed it unreasonable and offensive.
“This suggestion was not limited to trucks and
will patrol these areas to ensure compliance.
Edghill also appealed to truck owners and operators to stop avoiding traffic lights by diverting through residential areas
West to Sheriff Street.
“He [contractor] is accelerating his work, it is well advanced and we want to get that completed in the shortest possible time,” the minister stated.
Govt to launch homestead agri programme targeting single...
The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) would also be a partner in this project, which would come on stream in six weeks’ time and would provide the opportunity for agriculture students to relocate to farms along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
In fact, the govern-
ment is already in talks with commercial banks to develop financing options in regard to this project.
According to President Ali, it is envisioned that the students would cultivate crops such as breadfruit, coconut, and red beans sustainably, and be able to combat some of the effects of climate change. Such an initiative comes at a time when the demand for food in the poultry, aquaculture and cash crop sectors continues to rise, even though Guyana has experienced exponential growth in its agriculture sector over the last four years.
With this expanded programme, the government is targeting at least 500 farmsteads. Additionally, the government will seek to link the production from these 500 farmsteads to a market.
“Within 6 weeks, we are hoping to start that program, so some of you will also be deployed on that programme, and this programme will target the improvement of life for single mothers and single parents especially, so that they can have also an opportunity,” the Head of State had explained.
Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill addressing concerns of residents on Friday
Works ongoing on Dennis Street
Police threaten bar owners with stricter penalties in attempt to curb alcohol-related incidents
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has sternly warned bar owners who continue to violate the Intoxicating Liquor Licencing (Amendment) Act 2022 to revoke their licences and hefty fines as it attempts to curb alcohol-related incidents.
The GPF reiterated the critical role of bar owners in maintaining order and safety. This initiative aims to curb alcohol-related incidents, especially traffic accidents, which often have fatal consequences.
The Intoxicating Liquor Licencing (Amendment) Act of 2022 outlines specific responsibilities for bar owners to ensure the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol. These measures are designed to prevent alcohol misuse and its associated risks.
ed, “If the person asks [for more alcohol] in a drunken state, he/she shall be told to desist from this behaviour and they should be cut off from having more alcohol.”
Sergeant Trotz emphasised the dangers of over-serving alcohol, which not only endangers the individual but also increases the risk of accidents and violent incidents. Police investigations have revealed that many individuals involved in accidents had been drinking at bars before getting behind the wheel.
staff awareness and training. He reiterated that employees should not be under the age of 18 and must be knowledgeable about their responsibilities under the Act.
Verification of patrons’ legal drinking age, typically 18, is another critical responsibility for bar owners, achievable through valid identification checks. Additionally, signs and announcements discouraging drinking and driving must be prominently displayed
brother’s keeper, our sister’s keeper. Let us try to do the right thing,” urged Sergeant Trotz, calling for compliance with the Act to ensure safer communities. The GPF said it remains dedicated to assisting bar owners in their compliance efforts, offering regular educational sessions at liquor establishments. Violations of the Intoxicating Liquor Licencing (Amendment) Act come with steep penalties, starting at $100,000 for a first offence and esca -
Sergeant Richard Trotz of the Traffic Headquarters recently addressed the public on radio Eve Leary, highlighting the increase in traffic accidents and their devastating impact. He stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the new regulations and amendments.
clude recognising signs of intoxication and refusing service to visibly intoxicated individuals.
According to Sergeant Trotz, the Act requires bar owners and staff to be trained in responsible service practices, which in-
“Bar owners or persons who own liquor establishments have a responsibility to ensure that if a person is consuming alcohol at their establishment… has a designated driver,” Sergeant Trotz explained. He add -
Man granted $1.3M bail on firearms, ammo & narcotics charges
Edinho Lewis, a 37-year-old unemployed man, has been granted bail totaling $1.3 million after facing multiple charges of possession of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics.
Following an initial remand to prison after his arraignment last month, Lewis’s attorney, Bernard Da Silva, renewed the bail application during a court appearance on Friday. Lewis is facing two narcotics charges and three charges for possession of firearms and ammunition. He has denied all charges.
Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty presided over the case and set bail for the narcotics charges at $300,000 each while he was granted bail for the firearms and ammunition-related charges at $250,000 each thus totaling $1,350,000.
Charged: Edinho Lewis
The charges stem from a June 8, 2024, incident when police, acting on information, searched Lewis’s residence at Lot 126 Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown. The search revealed a significant cache of weapons and narcotics.
26 pistol, 830 live 7.62 ammunition, four live .223 ammunition, nine live 9mm ammunition, two live .32 ammunition, three AR-15 magazines, one AK-47 magazine, three Glock magazines, one scale used for weighing narcotics, one gun
The case has been adjourned to August 9 for further reporting and fixture.
According to the police report, officers discovered one AK-47 rifle, one Glock
silencer, a quantity of ecstasy, 107 grams of cocaine, and 544.3 grams of cannabis.
Bar owners are also required to inform the nearest police station if they know a drunken person is attempting to drive or is in charge of a vehicle, requesting immediate assistance.
“You have to consume alcohol responsibly because you have to ensure that there is a designated driver. And if you drink, you drink below the limit of (35 micrograms),” Sergeant Trotz advised.
Speaking directly to bar owners, Sergeant Trotz underscored the importance of
on the premises.
“Let us be responsible citizens. Let us be our
lating to between $200,000 and $500,000 for subsequent infractions.
Sergeant Richard Trotz, Head of Traffic Education at the Traffic Headquarters
The firearms, ammunition, and narcotics found at Lewis’s home
41 potential prison officers to commence BRTC on Monday
Anew batch of 41 prison officers is set to commence a 12-week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) on Monday at the Prison Training Centre in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The 12-week training course will provide the recruits with theoretical and practical knowledge essential for effective prison management. The curriculum includes basic recruit training, the historical development of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), legal status,
basic security procedures, and basic wing working amongst others.
This comprehensive approach aims to equip the recruits with the skills necessary to maintain order and promote positive change within the prison system.
This initiative is part of the GPS’s intensified efforts to bolster its ranks with high-quality officers from various nationwide regions.
The GPS Recruitment Board recently conducted multiple recruitment drives across the country, attract-
ing a significant number of candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot welcomed the recruits and emphasised the importance of their role in the prison service. He encouraged others to consider joining the profession, highlighting the critical need for dedicated individuals committed to upholding justice and improving the correctional system.
Elliot expressed optimism about the future with the inclusion of the recruits upon completing the training programme. By continuously enhanc-
ing its recruitment and training processes, the GPS intends to build a robust and effective workforce capable of meeting the evolving challenges of prison management. As the new batch of recruits embarks on their training journey, the GPS remains committed to providing them with the necessary tools and support to succeed.
The ongoing efforts to recruit and train high-quality officers reflect the GPS's dedication to maintaining a safe, secure, and rehabilitative prison environment for all.
Teen charged for assisting suspect after Land of Canaan night club fatal shooting
Charged: Jobo Keion Singh
As police continue to hunt for the prime suspect in the execution-style killing of Sherwin Hamilton also called “Nastyman”, 18-yearold Jobo Keion Singh of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Friday slapped with an 'Accessory After the Fact to Murder' charge.
An accessory after the fact is a person who helps another person after that party commits a felony. In this case, Guyana Times understands that Singh was the driver of the motorcycle that aided the escape of the alleged shooter.
Singh however, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates Court and was not required to plead to the charge when it was read to him. As such, he was remanded to prison until August 16.
It was reported that Hamilton, a 49-year-old resident of Sarah Johanna, EBD was fatally shot during an altercation at a popular bar at Land of Canaan, EBD two Saturdays ago.
Dead: Sherwin Hamilton also called “Nastyman”
Based on reports received, at about 02:30h on the day in question, Hamilton and the suspect, referred to as “Popsicle man brother”, had a heated exchange of words in the bar, resulting in the suspect being thrown out of the facility.
However, at about 03:00h, the DJ turned off the music and informed the patrons that it was time to leave the bar. As such, Hamilton also had to exit the facility. As he exited the bar, the suspect and another man confronted Hamilton.
The suspect reportedly whipped out a handgun and shot Hamilton in the left upper thigh, before he jumped onto an XR motorcycle and sped off the scene. Hamilton reportedly fell to the ground and was attended to by a female nurse, who had also been a patron of the club.
The injured man was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police found a 9mm spent shell at the scene.
The recruits with officials from the Guyana Prison Service
Wanted murder suspect shot while attempting to evade Police
Quacy Jamal Craig who was wanted for the shooting to death of Dexter Hersham at West Ruimveldt back in August 2023 was on Friday evening shot while attempting to escape from Police.
Based on reports received, Police were on mobile patrol duties in Georgetown intercepted a black Allion motor car bearing registration number PAC 9713 along Kingson Seawall Road.
The vehicle was at the time being driven by Craig, 36, a supervisor from West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme,
Georgetown, who was wanted by the Police for questioning about his alleged involvement in the murder of Hersham.
Police stated that Craig’s reputed wife was also in the vehicle at the time. A search of the vehicle did not find anything of evidential value.
As such, the Sergeant on duty reportedly instructed Craig to drive his motor car to the Ruimveldt Police Station as two other ranks followed behind on motorcycles.
However, upon reaching in front of the Ruimveldt
The wanted man reportedly drove to a spot where he couldn’t proceed further. In another attempt to evade the ranks, he exited the vehicle and started to run.
Despite the ranks calling on him to stop, Craig continued his bid to escape by jumping into a nearby trench.
The police retaliated by discharging a round in his direction which struck him to the buttocks. He was arrested and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where was treated and admitted under guard.
It was reported that
Horsham, 43, was fatally shot and chopped while he was trying to protect a soldier from a mob of men who came to evict him from the house he had been occupying with his young son and pregnant wife.
The incident has also left the now-dead man’s cousin, Corwyne Abrams, a 38-year-old taxi driver from Charlestown, Georgetown, injured.
Meanwhile, 34-year-old Anthony LaRose of Kuru Kururu Soesdyke-Linden Highway was arraigned for the murder of Horsham.
Trump tells Christians they won’t have to vote after this election
Republican presi-
dential candidate
Donald Trump told Christians on Friday that if they vote for him this November, “in four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not going to have to vote.”
It was not clear what the former President meant by his remarks, in an election campaign where his Democratic opponents accuse him of being a threat to democracy, and after his attempt to overturn his 2020 defeat to President Joe Biden, an effort that led to the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Trump was speaking at an event organised by the conservative group Turning Point Action in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump said: “Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine, you
won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians.”
He added: “I love you Christians. I’m a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again, we’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote,” Trump said.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung did not directly address Trump’s remarks when asked to clarify them.
Cheung said Trump “was talking about uniting this country,” and blamed “the divisive political environment” on the attempted assassination of Trump two weeks ago. Investigators have yet to give a motive for why the 20-year-old gunman opened fire on Trump. In an interview with Fox News in December, Trump said that if he won the November 5 election he would be a dictator, but only on “day one”, to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling.
Democrats have seized on that comment. Trump has since said the remarks were a joke.
If Trump wins a second term in the White House, he can serve only four more years as President. US Presidents are limited to
two terms, under the US Constitution.
In May, speaking at a National Rifle Association (NRA) gathering, Trump quipped about serving more than two terms as President.
He referred to the presidency of Franklin D
Roosevelt, a Democrat, the only president to serve more than two terms. The two-term limit was added after Roosevelt’s presidency.
“You know, FDR, 16 years – almost 16 years –he was four terms. I don’t know, are we going to be
considered three-term? Or two-term?” Trump asked the NRA crowd.
Trump’s remarks on Friday pointed to the need for both parties to energise their base voters ahead of what will likely be a closely-fought election. Trump has enjoyed loyal support from evangelicals in the past two elections. The race has abruptly tightened after the decision by Biden to end his re-election bid and with his Vice President, Kamala Harris, becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Recent opinion polls show Trump’s significant lead over Biden has been largely erased since the torch was passed to Harris. Jason Singer, a Harris campaign spokesperson, in a statement did not directly address Trump’s remarks about Christians not having to vote again.
Singer described Trump’s overall speech as “bizarre” and “backward looking”. (Reuters)
Russian warships make visit to Cuba CARPHA: Suspected dengue cases
Havana residents watched from shore on Saturday as Russian warships arrived for the second time in as many months, in a visit that Cuba called routine.
Cuban authorities fired shots into the air to signal their welcome, while curious fishermen watched from Havana’s waterside promenade as the ships advanced up the bay. Russian residents were also among the few up early to see the fleet’s arrival.
The patrol ship Neustrahimiy , training vessel Smolniy and sup -
port vessels, all from the Baltic Fleet, are scheduled to depart on Tuesday.
A brief statement by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces described their arrival as routine.
A Russian nuclear submarine, frigate and support ships in June also flexed Moscow’s muscles in the port of Havana, less than 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Florida.
“Russia’s deployments in the Atlantic pose no direct threat or concern to the United States,” a US Northern Command spokesperson said, adding the command monitored
all approaches to North America.
Tensions between the United States and Russia have increased since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Russian naval activity – though routine in the Atlantic – has ratcheted up because of US support for Ukraine, US officials say.
Simultaneously, relations between Cold War allies Russia and Cuba have markedly improved as the Communist-run country battles an economic crisis it charges is due mainly to US sanctions. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Aspokesman for the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) claimed on July 26 that the world has seen a 200-fold increase in suspected cases of dengue this year compared to last year.
Dr Horace Cox, Acting Director of Surveillance, Diseases Prevention and Control, made his startling claim at a hybrid briefing at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Port of Spain, held between local Journalists present in person and regional Journalists interacting virtually via Zoom.
Later, he told report-
up 200-fold
ers the data was for the Americas.
“I know many persons have been looking at the media across the region, also looking at what obtains globally, and they would have seen that we have spikes of cases of dengue.
“It is to say that this was sort of forewarned at the beginning of the year. We understood due to the climatic changes, we should brace in 2024, because it is likely that cases in 2024 will significantly surpass cases in 2023.
“Setting that aside, what we have seen from the data
reported so far globally is that you have about a 200fold increase in suspected dengue cases in 2024 as of the first six months, as compared to the similar period in 2023. So that kind of puts it into context as to what is happening.”
Cox blamed an upsurge in dengue on climatic change, frequent inter-island travel, the fact of the Aedes aegypti mosquito being endemic to the region, and a lack of knowledge as to who were the pockets of the population susceptible to dengue. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Police Station, Craig made a sudden left turn and drove off at a fast rate into Yarrow
Dam thus resulting in the motorcycle ranks giving chase.
Murdered: Dexter Hersham
Charged: Anthony LaRose
Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump attends The Believers Summit 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida, July 26, 2024 (Reuters/Marco Bello photo)
Around the World OIL NEWS
Oilfield service firms struggle amid mega-mergers in oil sector
TIsrael says Hezbollah rocket kills 12 at football ground; at least 30 dead in Gaza school strike
Arocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 persons, including children on Saturday, Israeli authorities said, blaming Hezbollah and vowing to inflict a heavy price on the Iran-backed Lebanese group.
Hezbollah denied any responsibility for the strike, the deadliest in Israel or Israeli-annexed territory since the start of the conflict in Gaza.
in an Israeli air strike on a school housing displaced people in Gaza on Saturday, Palestinian health officials said, an attack that Israel said targeted militants who were using the compound.
he series of megadeals in the oil and gas space in the United States that started last year and continued into this year has had an impact on oilfield services.
The pool of clients oilfield services have now is much smaller than it was two years ago.
It’s a buyers’ market in oilfield services, and it is likely to remain a buyers’ market for the observable future as the consolidation among producers continues.
SLB and Halliburton reported second-quarter results last week, and both noted strong international business and weaker performance at home. Baker Hughes, which posted its report on Thursday, also noted the strength of its international business –and didn’t boast of the performance of its business at home. It’s a trend that’s strengthening.
“When customers combine, you might have a guy who was running seven rigs, and a guy who was running five rigs, that adds together to 12. But when they come back, they run 10,” Chris Wright, chief executive of Liberty Energy, told Reuters. Liberty, by the way, had better fortunes last quarter and exceeded expectations with its bottom line. Yet the outlook both for the company and the oilfield services sector remains rather gloomy, per Zacks.
The latest Dallas Fed Energy Survey, which was published in June, revealed a deteriorating picture in the industry, with its equipment utilisation index slipping below zero and the same thing happening to OSPs’ operating margin index. The price index for oilfield service firms remains positive, but dropped precipitously, from 25 to 3.9. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)
Huge California wildfire tears through 5000 acres every hour
The Park fire, which started on Wednesday in a suspected arson attack, has burned more than 348,000 acres of land north-east of Chico, and was zero per cent contained on Saturday, the state’s fire agency Cal Fire said.
About 2500 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has been fuelled by steep terrain and wind gusts.
A 42-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of starting the fire by rolling a burning car into a gully near Alligator Hole in Butte County.
The attack sharply escalated tensions in the hostilities which have been fought in parallel to the Gaza war and has raised fears of a full-blown conflict between the heavily-armed adversaries.
The rocket struck a football pitch in the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, territory captured from Syria by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and
annexed in a move not recognised by most countries.
“Hezbollah will pay a heavy price, the kind it has thus far not paid,”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a phone call with the leader of the Druze community in Israel, according to a statement from his office.
In a written state -
ment, Hezbollah said: “The Islamic Resistance has absolutely nothing to do with the incident, and categorically denies all false allegations in this regard”.
Hezbollah had earlier announced several rocket attacks targeting Israeli military positions.
Meanwhile, at least 30 Palestinians were killed
The Hamas-run Government media office said 15 children and eight women were among those killed in the strike in the central town of Deir AlBalah. More than 100 persons were wounded, the media office and the Gaza Health Ministry said. Israel’s military said it had targeted militants operating there and that it had taken steps to reduce the risk to civilians.
Israel says Hamas uses Gaza’s civilians as human shields by operating within densely populated areas, humanitarian zones, schools and hospitals, which Hamas denies.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Venezuelan elections on today: Uncertain outcome, huge impact
Authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is running again in this Sunday’s election. His time in office so far has been dominated by severe economic problems, political instability, and international sanctions.
This election is also taking place in controversial circumstances.
“These are neither free nor fair elections. The opposition was not able to freely nominate its candidates,” Luis Carlos Diaz, a Venezuelan Journalist and digital rights defender, told DW.
candidates, and censoring the media.
Ana Soliz de Stange, a political scientist at Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, explained the concerns shared by observers. “These obstructions include the repeated detention of members of the Opposition, which also sends a clear signal to the population,” she told DW. “Added to this is the Government’s control of the media and the lack of credible election observers. [Venezuela] revoked its invitation to the EU to send election observers.”
Hoping for a miracle
duction, once the backbone of the economy. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country in search of better living conditions.
“Although this is neither a fair nor transparent election, the alliance of Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is confident they can win the election and, with the help of civilian election observers, prevent the electoral authority from announcing a result that does not correspond to the wishes of the population,” Carlos Diaz says.
Career diplomat turned politician
skills were his forte. “He is not a political leader who makes big speeches or is out for confrontation,” he said. “He is the opposite of a Latin American populist. But paradoxically, that is precisely his strength at the moment. He is not a threat to the Opposition alliance and not a hostile figure for those Government supporters who would prefer to live in a democracy.”
Maduro win will exacerbate regional problems
Cal Fire incident commander Billy See said the fire has been spreading at a rate of 5000 acres an hour.
Speaking at an operational briefing, See said there were almost three times the personnel fighting the fire on Saturday compared to Friday, and “we still don’t have enough”.
Scott Weese, a fire behaviourist with Cal Fire, said that there was a high fuel load in the area with an abundance of grass.
It is now the largest fire in the state this year, and has consumed an area more than 1.5 times the size of New York City’s five boroughs.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
He said that Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado could have posed a threat to Maduro, but she was barred from taking part in the election by Venezuela’s Supreme Court in January. Machado is known for her harsh criticism of Maduro’s Government and her demands for far-reaching reforms.
Criticism of Maduro’s hold on Judiciary
The right to a free vote is a key issue in the upcoming ballot. International observers and human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised the restrictions on political freedom. The Maduro Government is accused of controlling the Judiciary and electoral authorities, disqualifying Opposition
Yet there are several reasons to believe that a miracle could still happen today, July 28. After years of internal discord, the Opposition has become more united under Machado’s leadership. Though she cannot take part in the elections herself, the Opposition was able to agree on an external candidate: Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a prominent businessman and former diplomat, who is currently polling ahead of Maduro.
If Urrutia wins, he has promised to introduce economic reforms, fight against corruption ,and restore the country’s democratic institutions.
The economic situation in Venezuela is catastrophic. The country is suffering from hyperinflation, widespread unemployment, and a drastic decline in oil pro-
Who exactly is Gonzalez Urrutia, a friendly-looking older gentleman who almost came out of the blue but who could end up being elected President?
“Gonzalez Urrutia is a career diplomat who took on the responsibility of replacement candidate in view of the Opposition’s emergency. His candidacy has actually favoured the opposition’s chances,” said Soliz de Stange.
She explained this was due to his very conciliatory messaging which stresses the unity of Venezuelans and rejects polarisation. She said this could appeal to disappointed supporters from the Government camp and also point the way to a democratic transition in the country.
Carlos Diaz agreed that Gonzalez Urrutia’s soft
Some analysts have argued that, despite polling, Maduro could still win because of the unequal conditions and the repression of the Opposition.
The international community is keeping a close eye on the polls in Venezuela. The United States, Canada and several EU member states have not recognised Maduro as the legitimate President. At the same time, Russia, China and Cuba all support Maduro and have spoken out against foreign interference.
If Maduro is re-elected, Carlos Diaz fears that the consequences will extend beyond Venezuela. “The election is of great importance for the continent,” he said. “If Maduro wins again, there will be a further increase in migration from Venezuela. Eight million Venezuelans have already left their country. That’s a quarter of the population.” (DW)
Palestinians inspect a school sheltering displaced people
following an Israeli strike amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, July 27, 2024 (Reuters/Ramadan photo)
An enormous wildfire has grown by 8 sq miles an hour (20 sq km) as it spreads across parts of northern California
GDF suffer 6-2 loss in CFU Club Shield opener
Grenades FC of Antigua and Barbuda enjoyed a comfortable 6-2 victory over the Guyana Defence Force FC when the teams met in the 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield in Willemstad, Curaçao on Friday.
There were early defensive woes for Grenades when Abumchi Opara had the better of Jordan Britto down the left wing. Opara manoeuvred his way past Britto, inviting the defender to make a challenge in the area in minute 16 that referee Okeito Nicholson deemed a penalty.
Kelsey Benjamin stepped to the spot, but his right-footed effort went to the right of Zaieem Scott and into the upright.
The lifeline handed to Grenades was soon withdrawn as Opara continued his menacing runs down
the left-hand side, leaving Britto exposed once again. A last-attempt tackle by the Grenades defender caused the referee to point to the spot for a second time.
Benjamin stepped up and made amends, sending Scott the wrong way and giving the Guyana Defence Force a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.
Long-range efforts
GFF Kool Kidz Summer Festival returns on August 3
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF)Kool Kidz Summer Festival is back for another exciting camp.
The partnership between the GFF and Guyana Beverages Inc will see boys and girls from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara and West Demerara benefit from free weekly football sessions on Saturdays, led by professional coaches from August 3 to 31.
At the launch ceremony on July 26 at the GFF headquarters in Georgetown, GFF President Wayne Forde revealed that the programme would have two phases, the first will focus on teaching the fundamentals of football and the second will be a mini U11 boys and girls tournament.
“We will be focusing primarily on kids between the ages of 7-11, but will also accommodate older children, everyone will be welcomed,” remarked President Forde.
He shared that the first instalment in 2022 was such a success that "many parents have reached out to the Federation over the past few weeks, eager to find out when their children can come and experience the fundamentals of the game."
A three-year partnership was signed in 2022, initially centred around a futsal training programme at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, which saw participation from over 200 children.
However, the camp was not held in 2023 due to renovations at the sports facility. This year, the programme has been moved to the openair setting of the Federation's National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.
"This is a key part of our early talent identification programme," said Forde. "Young boys and girls with potential and aptitude for the game will be identified for further development."
This grassroots initiative offers a fun and safe environment, giving all participants the chance to build friendships and develop their skills.
Guyana Beverages Inc General Manager Samuel Arjoon noted that his company's relationship with the GFF has been ongoing for years and praised President Forde and his team for their "management of the affairs
of football in Guyana".
He said the core value of Guyana Beverages Inc is “human capital and this sponsorship of the Kool Kidz Summer Festival aligns with that, because it helps with the development of our human resources in the form of sports.”
Arjoon added that the Kool Kidz brand “encourages kids to keep moving to have a healthy lifestyle and, as you know, football... [is] more than a sport, it’s part of a lifestyle that brings about discipline with kids. It helps them to be resilient, communicate better, teaches life skills, and so much more.”
Under the guidance of a coaching staff trained in child safety, the youngsters at the camp will play multiple matches, with teams consisting of four players to allow coaches to provide focused instruction and support.
from Blake of Grenades didn’t trouble Jamain Cumberbatch, the Defence Force custodian. Scott, meanwhile, was busy in goal, snuffing out attacks from the opponents, coming off his line several times, and putting his body on the line to keep the game within reach for his team.
Malcolm Stewart mus-
cled off Cedric Osborne on the right-hand side, dribbled into the box, and unleashed a right-footed shot that keeper Cumberbatch couldn’t hold on to. Sherman Augustin was first to the loose ball and made no mistake in his efforts to equalise for Grenades in minute 36.
The teams went into the half 1-1.
Scott was tested early in the restart by a freekick from left-footed Ryan Hackett in the 49th minute.
Diving to his left, Scott got hands to a well-hit shot to keep his team in the hunt for a go-ahead goal.
The game was evenly matched going down the wire until a sudden turn of events. Barrington Blake, receiving a cross from Tony Sanchez, opened his body and placed his side-footed shot into the goal to make it 2-1 in favour of Grenades in the 65th minute.
Stewart extended the lead in the 71st minute after latching on to a throughpass and, with time and the keeper at his mercy, calmly
slotted home his effort from close range to make it 3-1. Sanchez got in on the goal spree when he went around his marker and slotted home into an empty goal to make it 4-1 in the 74th minute.
Substitute Rakeem Henry extended the lead for Grenades with his first touch of the game. A Kenneth Goulbourne corner kick was headed back across the goal, and he met it with a glancing header, taking the score to 5-1. Guyana’s Shemar Scott found himself with time and space in the box and made his right-footed effort to decrease his team’s deficit, making it 5-2.
Grenades second-half substitute Daryl Massicot added his name to the scoresheet after latching onto a through-pass and lifting his shot over the head of Cumberbatch to make it 6-2. As such, Grenades FC have advanced to the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to play SV Real Rincon of Bonaire today, July 28. (CFU)
Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” West Side… Ballerz Empire reign supreme
again
In what was a rematch from the previous year’s final, holders Ballerz Empire successfully defended their Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” West/East Bank Demerara title, defeating three-time winners Showstoppers 2-0 on Saturday evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.
The contest, which was witnessed by an enormous crowd, was settled in the extra-time interval after regulation time failed to produce a winner.
Nicholas MacArthur proved to be the difference on the night as he record -
ed a Guinness Goal (GG) – a goal scored in the final three minutes of normal time or the final two minutes of extra time, which counts as two – in the 48th minute.
With the win, Ballerz Empire walked away with $400,000 and the championship trophy. They also earned an automatic berth to the national championship. Showstoppers pocketed $300,000 and the runners-up accolade.
Meanwhile, Cayenne Massive defeated the Pouderoyen Brothers 1-0 on penalty kicks after reg -
ulation time ended scoreless in the third-place playoff. Due to the outcome, Cayenne Massive walked away with $150,000 and the corresponding accolade, while the Pouderoyen Brothers pocketed $100,000 and the respective trophy.
The Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” season will now move onto the Bartica leg, which is pencilled in for August 24–25. Meanwhile, the national championship will be staged at the Pouderoyen Tarmac on September 6.
The Guyana Defence Force FC’s starting XI on Friday evening
GFF President Wayne Forde
The victorious Ballerz Empire team receive their prizes after successfully defending their Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” West/East Bank Demerara title
Smith stars as England turn the tables after West Indies’ flying start
ho wore it best?
WOpinions may well be divided on the Paris Olympics opening ceremony’s acid-dream catwalk, but the answer was clearer at Edgbaston.
While the gracefully ageing supermodels Joe Root and Ben Stokes set out to show how it’s done, an assured, new young thing swept the runway in their wake and stole much of the attention. There were no diva strops from either man along the way, however, nor any smug satisfaction when Jamie Smith tripped over before he could strike his ultimate pose.
Instead, Stokes threw his head back and his arms into the air in dismay, feeling Smith’s pain as Shamar Joseph’s off-cutter stayed low and dipped under a pull shot – up until then such a stand-out feature of his innings – and pegged back off stump. Smith was five runs shy of his maiden Test century, playing just his third match.
That it was his second half-century already was cause for celebration. So too, for England fans at least, was the fact he had guided his side past West Indies’ 284 and played a huge role in taking them to a 94-run lead on first innings.
Huge credit was already due to Root and Stokes, who shared a 115-run partnership for the sixth wicket after England lost two key batters in as many overs to be 54 for 5 within the first half-hour on Saturday, having resumed on 38 for 3. Also to Chris Woakes, who scored 62, the majority of them during a century stand with
umpire’s call after he was left splayed on all fours by a Mark Wood yorker that struck him flush on the boot. By stumps on
holed out to deep midwicket 13 balls later to end England’s innings, but not before thrashing 21 off 16 balls, including consecutive and they did courtesy of Woakes, who rattled Kraigg Brathwaite’s off stump for a six-ball duck, and Atkinson, whose scrambled-seam delivery outside off lured a prod from Kirk McKenzie, with Smith – unable to stay out of the spotlight – taking a simple catch. It could have been three down, but Mikyle Louis survived a close lbw
ease for four to bring up his half-century, having gone to lunch on 48 not out.
Root reached the 12,000run milestone off a similar delivery pulled to the boundary three balls later. But the short-ball tactics paid off in Alzarri Joseph’s next over, this one getting slightly higher up around chest height as Stokes launched into a cramped pull just in front of square leg where Brathwaite was stationed and took a sharp catch leaping with both hands stretched above his head.
At that point, England still trailed by 113 runs, but Smith was soon into his stride. If his attempted hook off Alzarri Joseph looked ungainly as the ball looped off
ders had left the England cause after Root’s excellent 87, which comprised his 95th score of fifty or more in Tests, and took him past 12,000 runs, in the process cementing his status as seventh on the alltime run-scorers’ list ahead of Brian Lara. Stokes was equally resolute in scoring his 46th such score, and while both had departed long before tea, Smith, the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who scored 70 on debut in the first Test of this series at Lord’s, had reached 57 not out.
The afternoon session started ominously for West Indies as Alzarri Joseph conceded 10 off the first over, including a short ball right in Stokes’ hitting zone which he pulled away with
his glove over keeper Joshua Da Silva and to the boundary rope, his next shot –pulled onto the roof of the Hollies Stand never to return – was stunning.
Just as he had in the first Test at Lord’s, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie denied Root his century, on this occasion with one that kept low and slid onto the inside-edge of the front pad as the batter stepped forward to defend.
Smith brought up his fifty punishing a full Jason Holder delivery wide of longon for four, one of 12 for his innings to go alongside that emphatic six. He struck three fours in one Alzarri Joseph over which went for 17 runs in all, two sublime pull-shots bookending a steer through fine leg.
Woakes was excellent too, raising his half-century not long after Smith was removed, the 106 runs they put on together pivotal to England’s lead.
Root and Stokes had steadied England after the home side’s first-day collapse spilled into the second morning.
Ollie Pope, who had been 6 not out overnight, added just four more via a boundary edged wide of second slip before he was bowled
Alzarri Joseph 17.4-2-122-4 Jayden Seales 19-1-79-3
Shamar Joseph 13-0-63-2
by a Shamar Joseph delivery, which kept low as he attempted to cut and deflected onto his stumps.
Harry Brook faced just three balls before he fell driving at a Jayden Seales delivery which moved away slightly, brushing the edge as it did so and landing in the gloves of Da Silva behind the stumps.
Root had survived on 3 when, in the second over of the day, Seales struck him on the pad and, despite hearty West Indies appeals for lbw, they neglected to review when he was adjudged not out. Replays later showed that, according to ball-tracking, it would have hit leg stump.
Root shrugged it off to set about his rebuilding effort, striking Alzarri Joseph for back-to-back fours to move to 25 and he brought up his fifty with a single off Holder.
Stokes’s punch down the ground for four off Holder shortly before lunch was the embodiment of his determination and he slogswept Motie into the Hollies to move within one more boundary of his fifty, only to have the shot bettered by Smith. (ESPNcricinfo)
Ben Stokes played a number of attacking strokes
Jamie Smith reached fifty as England recovered from a top-order wobble
Joe Root was England’s key on a tough morning for batting
Shamar Joseph is thrilled after dismissing Ollie Pope
Noel, Edghill get Guyanese campaign underway at Olympic Games
Guyana’s medal quest at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games began on Saturday morning with two athletes in action. Over in the pool, Raekwon Noel shattered his own national 400 metres freestyle record.
The teenager clocked 4 minutes, 2.29s for second place in his heat. However, the time was not good enough to help Noel advance to the final, consequently ending his outing at this year’s Games. The previous 400m freestyle record of 4 minutes, 3.57s was set by
and I’m so thankful for every opportunity 1 get. I get to spend the rest of my time here in Paris supporting the great Guyanese athletes. My mission is to make Guyana even more proud in the future. I am excited to get to work with some of the best coaches in the world at Indiana University this fall. Thank you all for believing in me in moments when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you to God, the South Jersey Aquatic Club, Dorado Speed Swim Club, GDF, GOA and to my friends and family for al-
Noel at the 2023 CARIFTA Swimming Championships.
Noel shared in a written statement following the end of his Paris 2024 campaign, “It has been an absolute pleasure to represent Team Guyana at the 2024
ways supporting me. I love you all. See you again in 4 years.”
On the other hand, Chelsea Edghill went down to Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou 4-1 in a hardfought battle, during the
Paris Olympic Games. My games have come to an end today, and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. I am so grateful for the support of the Guyanese people at this time. Being an Olympian is an honour and a privilege,
preliminary round of the women’s table tennis singles.
Hanffou won the first set 11-6, but the Guyanese fought back, taking the second set 9-11. The third set was a close one, but Hanffou
again prevailed, 11-9 ,and won the remaining sets 11-3 and 11-8.
Edghill shared on her social media platform after the loss, “Today’s result was definitely not the one we wanted. But sometimes you win some and other times you learn.
“All in all, I wanna say thank you to every single one of you who supported the journey (coaches, physiotherapists, doctors, psychologists, performance coaches, friends, family, mentors & sponsors). Either by cheering for me, com-
ing to my matches, words of encouragement, being that shoulder to cry on and even my voices of reason and even telling me when I’m full of it (delulu if you will). Today, I am happy and filled with contentment for all that you’ve done, all you’ve given, all you’ve sacrificed and all that I am because of it.
“To the GTTA, GOA and the GOG , thank you for allowing me to live out my childhood dreams of representing Guyana at the highest levels. I hope that my performance allows for more of your confidence moving forward and I hope we can achieve more together in the future!
“To all of the fans of
#teamchelo and #teamguyana, you guys are the truth!
Very positive and great energy always! In times of doubt, your kind words are fuel for continuing to represent this great country.”
Guyana’s next competitor at the Games will be
swimmer Aleka Persaud on Tuesday, July 30 in the women’s 100m freestyle.
Raekwon Noel rewrote the National 400m freestyle record in his time at the Olympic Games
Chelsea Edghill competed in her second Olympic Games in table tennis, a first for the English- speaking Caribbean
