The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 7 – 04:30h-06:00h and Monday, July 8 – 04:00h-06:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 7 – 04:50h-06:20h and Monday, July 8 – 05:20h-06:50h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
AG Chambers has said.
The Government of Guyana has scored an important victory against the attempts by CLICO Investment Bank Limited (CIB) to obtain US$20 million lodged in an escrow account, with the High Court not only denying their request, but barring them from filing similar applications without the court’s leave.
The judgement was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh, who dismissed CIB’s judicial review against the Registrar of Deeds.
CIB, registered in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), had claimed it is entitled to the US$20 million by virtue of an agreement between Bosai Minerals Guyana Services and Bosai Minerals Guyana Group Inc. However, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC., who appeared on behalf of the Registrar of Deeds, argued in his submissions that Section 330 of the Companies Act prevents companies not registered in Guyana from maintaining legal proceedings locally.
Section 330 reads, “An external company that is not registered under this Act may not maintain any action, suit, or other proceeding in any court in Guyana in respect of any contract made in whole or in part within Guyana in the course of, or in connection with, the carrying on of any undertaking by the company in Guyana.”
Since this is the fifth time CIB has unsuccessfully instituted legal proceedings in Guyana’s courts, Nandlall also made an oral application that CIB be barred from instituting a sixth such proceeding.
“The Attorney General argued that the Registrar of Deeds, though represented by the State, does not have inexhaustible resources to defend these multiple unmeritorious challenges being filed against her; and that the Registrar is entitled to the protection of the Court in respect of these abusive applications filed by CIB,” a statement from the
“The Attorney General further submitted that any similar further proceedings would amount to an abuse of the court’s process, and invited the Court to protect its process from further abuse by making appropriate stay orders.”
The AG’s application was granted, with Justice Singh ordering CIB to pay $500,000 in costs, and that CIB be barred from instituting any further applications before the High Court of Guyana, unless leave from the court is obtained, and until all the costs awarded against CIB to the Registrar of Deeds in all the matters are paid.
In addition to Nandlall, the Registrar of Deeds was represented by Assistant Solicitor General Shoshanna Lall, and State Counsel Laurel Dundas and Shania Persaud. Meanwhile, CIB was represented by Attorney-at-Law Nikhil Ramkarran of the law firm
of Cameron & Shepherd.
It was pointed out by the AG Chambers that when CLICO collapsed in 2009, the Guyana Government took on the responsibility of compensating local policyholders. As such, the AG Chambers made it clear that court action would be filed for the state to claim the US$20 million.
The Government of Guyana intends to file fresh legal proceedings to claim these monies as compensation for monies paid out by the Government to creditors of CLICO Life and General Insurance Company (South America) when that company collapsed in 2009. CIB is a subsidiary of that company,” the AG Chambers said. Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) is a T&T financial company that had policyholders throughout the region. When CLICO experienced a region-wide financial meltdown in 2009, many policyholders in various Caribbean states were
unable to receive the monies they had invested at face value.
CLICO Guyana had approximately $6.9 billion invested in the regional insurance company when it collapsed. Among the local investments was $5.2 billion by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
In Guyana’s case, the Government of the day committed to return every depositor’s money at face value. At the time, the Government had seized local properties from CLICO in Guyana to help pay policyholders, after it became clear that the regional insurance giant was in dire financial straits and was unable to return monies to all its depositors.
Reports indicate that some 7744 policyholders were paid a total of $4.1 billion. Additionally, the Guyana Government received a $15 million grant from Trinidad and Tobago to assist with the repayment. (G-3)
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We have to accept the challenges that ethnically plural societies like ours pose to the British Parliamentary System we inherited, which, even though modified, still forms the framework of our governance structures. More specifically, our Parliamentary Democracy and Electoral System have been altered continuously to address local plural conditions. The problem was that the changes were too often to allow power to be retained in the hands of the few.
For instance, before Independence, our First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system was changed to Proportional Representation (PR) ostensibly to allow smaller groups to gain representation in Parliament. But actually, the colonial power had succumbed to the lobbying of Burnham’s PNC and the Americans to use it as a device to remove the PPP Government.
After the 1964 elections under PR, Burnham’s PNC coalesced with one of those parties representing smaller groups – the UF – and succeeded to power, but Burnham promptly kicked his erstwhile partner to the curb to rule on his own. He introduced an Executive Presidency that gave him more powers than the monarchs of yore, because he asserted that Parliamentary Democracy with a governing Prime Minister (PM) in Parliament fielding questions from Opposition MPs was inappropriate for Guyana.
He introduced a new constitution, which was totally his concoction by having the Constituent Assembly accept no suggestions from other groups. It described the cooperative socialist ethos and teleology that he foisted on the country, but, more to the point, described in mind-numbing detail the powers he had gathered unto himself, along with the impossibility of removing him. The ruling PNC was declared as “paramount” over the government – and indeed the state.
In 2000, there were massive constitutional changes, following massive riots by the PNC geared towards empowering the Opposition, such as Parliamentary Sectoral Committees and a Parliamentary Management Committee. However, calls by the Opposition for “power sharing” continued unabated.
Two proposed methods to achieve the latter goal are consociational and centripetal power sharing, but we hear only about the former. Ironically, centripetalism has already been adopted by both the PPP and APNU/AFC, but it just has not been given its name. Consociationalists generally try to solve claims of exclusion by establishing a regime of agreed guarantees, including proportional group participation in government and minority vetoes of ethnically sensitive policies. Their solution is to replace the adversarial democracy of government and opposition with a grand coalition of majorities and minorities.
However, consociationalism presents insurmountable challenges in the real world, and in most places it was tried and broken down. For instance, where robust guarantees, including minority vetoes, are adopted, immobilism is a strong possibility, since the parties would still be competing for votes, and when in Government, would seek to score points. We see this in the present veto over the appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice. Total gridlock will be inevitable with wider vetoes. By contrast, centripetalists do not propose to substitute a consensual regime for majority rule, but attempt instead to create incentives, principally electoral incentives, for moderates to compromise on conflicting group claims, and to establish a regime of interethnic majority rule.
In Guyana, demographic changes since 2006 have fortuitously created built-in conditions for centripetal power sharing, which the PPP is exploiting. We are now a nation of minorities with no one group having a clear majority. Rather, we have an array of groups contending for power, which can form shifting alliances. Alternatively, rational group party leadership would accept that they have to accommodate outside groups’ demands to gain office by moderating their ethnic claims. Consociationalists aim at post-electoral grand coalitions of all parties, which are as rare as fist-sized diamonds. On the other hand, centripetalists like the PPP initiate and maintain national programmes for all groups, or aim for pre-electoral coalitions, as the APNU/PNC and AFC did in 2015. It was APNU that fatally damaged their pre-electoral centripetal coalition model by shuttering four sugar estates and alienating Indian Guyanese the AFC had brought into the coalition.
Dear Editor, The facade about putting in place an oil and gas committee and experts to advise the party on oil and gas matters, and that you will have nothing to do with that committee, is nothing but a red herring. Experts don’t make the final decisions in policymaking; it is the political leaders that ultimately make those decisions.
If you are elected President and your so-called “undertaking” that you will relinquish ties from the law firm, of course you will, because that appears to be the mission or the end goal of your client.
What is unfolding here is potential meddling in Guyana’s domestic politics by ExxonMobil, your client, and obviously it would be to facilitate Exxon’s wishes if the “forces that be” are ever to succeed in having you installed as President of this dear land of ours. As such, you will not be a President for Guyana, you will be a puppet President for ExxonMobil et al, thus betraying the Guyanese people and by extension your country.
Accordingly, the concern for all Guyanese to ponder is that should you become the President of Guyana, your client’s interests will become your number one priority and/or your party’s interest over Guyana’s interest.
This is the crux of the matter; you are compromised and therefore cannot be trusted by the Guyanese people to lead Guyana towards advancing the best interest of the country, and by extension the people of Guyana.
Let me give you a few examples. When the APNU+AFC was in gov-
ernment, they conceded to Exxon’s wishes by not implementing a local content law.
The local content policy that the APNU+AFC drafted was a policy drafted by an ExxonMobil-hired consultant, and it was not a local content policy. It was a foreign policy. Exxon was also opposed to the Gas-toEnergy project (GtE), and the coalition had no intention of implementing the GtE. You and David Patterson barefacedly lied about the feasibility study for the GtE. The feasibility study was done under the coalition, and it is a public document. Both of you are well aware of this.
Another good example worth noting is the issue of expert advice that you claim you will rely on. The coalition Government that you were a part of ignored their own expert advice. Case in point, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the sugar industry. The COI, headed by none other than Dr. Clive Thomas, which cost the taxpayers $50 million in three months, never recommended the closure of a single estate. Yet, the coalition Government completely disregarded the COI recommendations to pursue their political agenda, inter alia, the closure of the estates and sacking of more than 7,000 sugar workers, placing their families on the breadline. What was even worse is that your party campaigned on sugar, promising that it would turn around sugar and that it would not close any estates, that the party had experts from Brazil and other places.
Nonetheless, it was the AFC, when they were in Government, that put up the fiercest defence and jus-
tification for that very callous political decision.
And you dare to attempt once again to seduce voters with the same rhetoric, albeit in a different form?
Altogether, the core issue is that you are highly compromised, hence you cannot be trusted. ExxonMobil, your client, is yet to respond.
And as I have demonstrated previously, Exxon has so far violated their anti-corruption policies and US laws to finance a political candidate here in Guyana. The whole of Guyana and the world is looking to see
how ExxonMobil responds, whether they will take the necessary actions to come into compliance with their anti-corruption policy, or whether they will ignore and continue to operate as per the norm. As you continue your disingenuous and insincere campaign, just be mindful that you are insulting the collective intelligence of the Guyanese people, and that they are unlikely to be fooled on this occasion.
Yours sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin
Dear Editor,
As a young father and concerned citizen, I would like to express my deep concern about the negative impacts that betting and gambling shops are having on communities across Guyana.
My observations, both upon visiting these establishments and simply passing by them, lead me to believe that they are contributing to a rise in crime, drug use, and even the current labour shortage.
The prevalence of betting shops, particularly their abundance and the high volume of customers they see on Mondays, the very beginning of the work week, suggests that they may be draining finances away from households and hindering productivity. This, in turn, could be a contributing factor to the labour shortage currently being experienced in Guyana.
Furthermore, there is a growing worry that these establishments are fuelling a rise in crime. The allure of potentially winning quick money can
lead some individuals to resort to desperate measures to fund their gambling habits. This can create a dangerous cycle that not only harms the individual, but also disrupts the peace and safety of our communities.
There is also a concern that these shops might be encouraging the use of drugs. The addictive nature of both gambling and drugs can create a vicious cycle, with one feeding into the other. This can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole.
I would like to urge the authorities to consider the negative effects that betting and gambling shops are having on our communities. I implore them to take action to mitigate these problems, whether through stricter regulations, limitations on the number of such shops, or increased public awareness campaigns about the dangers of gambling addiction.
Sincerely,
Hemraj Vishaul Kissoon
Dear Editor
According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is preventable and curable, provided it is detected early and managed effectively. The big shock is that it is the 4th most common form of cancer among women worldwide, with the disease claiming the lives of almost 350,000 women in 2022.
And get this: Few diseases reflect global inequities as much as cancer of the cervix. The stats show that nearly 94% of the deaths in 2022 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. This is where
the burden of cervical cancer is greatest because access to public health services is limited and screening and treatment for the disease have not been widely implemented.
This is where I make my point and heap kudos on the Government of Guyana, as some 211,000 women are set to be screened for the said cervical cancer by 2030. Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, heralded this great venture, explaining that it is “in keeping with the commitments made in Budget 2024, (and thus) several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
(were signed) with various partners to provide targeted members of the population with vouchers for cervical cancer and eye tests (as) this Government-led initiative is aimed at enhancing access to healthcare for citizens.”
From my reading, I see that it is a twin package, coming “Under the agreement (of) two programmes, the National Eye Screening Programme and the HPV Screening Programme, which will soon be launched. And staying with the Cervical Cancer Screening, the Health Minister noted that approx-
There has to be an investigation into the election of the new PNC/R Executive
Dear Editor,
Now that the so-called Returning Officer, Vincent Alexander has finally produced all the results of last week’s election at the PNCR 22nd congress, I would like to say there are more questions than answers and more than meets the eye.
Firstly, this congress was badly executed and planned. It was not a congress but a gathering of Norton’s supporters and members who had outlived their usefulness in the party. It was one of the hastily pulled-together Congresses in the party’s history. I think the PNCR founding leaders would be ashamed of the big four: Norton, Sherwin Belgrave, Vincent Alexander, and the Congress Committee.
Nowhere could there be found a member who was honest enough to come publicly and say that the Congress was excellent in its execution and form.
From the nightmarish security arrangement, foods and snacks, to seating arrangements, audio, broadcast, and pre-congress arrangements, the order was chaos and confusion. Do you know where the Amerindian delegates slept, and what they ate? I could tell you it wasn’t on the bed in an A/C environment, and there certainly was not a healthy diet. The Congress programme was disrespectful to the MC, who tried but failed miserably to the lengths of journeys into oblivion, just to say that there was a lengthy programme. This was not the PNC I have come to expect. There was no class, glitz and glamorous Congress. The congress was low budget and should be dubbed ‘Norton’s get-together’.
Secondly, Norton’s speech was big on words
and familiar lyrics, but I ask you: where was the substance? It was boring, and despite the forced applause, it was no call to action. It should have served in general elections and the future of the PNC. Norton should have told us what he has done to ready the party to go into battle with the PPPC.
He should have talked about the levels of disunity and mistrust within the walls of Congress Place, giving the public a bite into the workings of APNU-AFC and coalition politics.
Instead, delegates were treated to the same old, humdrum and outdated verbiage that I, sadly, have come to expect of this type of autocratic leader like Norton. He did not even try to disguise like his founding leader did many times. It was unfortunate, and Norton missed a big opportunity to read the Riot Act to the PPPC and Government. The confused and perplexing look on the faces of many as Norton read from his speech was priceless. This was not a congress but ‘Norton’s get together and praise’.
Oh, and no real leader would let a young woman say that horribly crafted and structured introduction to the leader of a party. No one!
Thirdly, I wonder what is GECOM doing with Vincent Alexander there. I mean, a week to produce ‘credible results’ for 1300 delegates. I could wonder what GECOM had to do if he had to declare the winner of the 2020 polls.
Let me say it clearly: there should be an investigation into the results. It was not done correctly. There was no transparency and accountability. It was rigged in Norton’s favour,
and that is the Norton’s Executive, not PNCR. I, for one, do not know many of the people or have never had the opportunity to see them work. And I have been in the media proper for 13 years.
Also, no Amanza Walton-Desir and Roysdale Forde? No Christopher Jones? Vanessa Kissoon? No one from PNCR past of right thinking and objective MPs or members?
This could never be accurate, and I heard that the voting system was flawed. Give us the stats of how delegates voted, and give the actual records to an internal body as part of the probe. How many polling agents did you have, and how many were volunteers of Norton’s choosing? Where were the delegates listed? I think that Alexander knows he teamed up with Norton to rig the Congress, and I expect that he would have a lot to say in some form. Shameful and spineless!
I call for the PNC Elders to come to the fore and question the legitimacy of the ballots cast. Let there be a recount, because it seems to lack transparency and accountability. I am side-eyeing Alexander and Norton. Finally, Norton should have read the mood of the public, since he chose to do like the PPP-C and have the opening streamed live. The level of dishonesty and thievery that took place is enough the make Desmond Hoyte turn in his grave. No wonder, out of regret, the late Hoyte had removed Norton when he was his GS after one year. He saw into the future, and the harm Norton is doing to coalition politics is unforgivable.
Yours truly, Michael Younge
imately 211,000 women between the ages of 21 and 65 will be facilitated for screening by the Government’s provision of a voucher worth $8,000 for each woman.
Adding to this largesse is the quality and expanse of the programme, as “…the Ministry has partnered with several private agencies to administer the HPV tests, which include diagnosis and treatment plans aimed to cover 70 per cent of the female population.” The injection to make this a reality will come from the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital, Eureka Labs, and Woodlands Hospital.
Editor, this moment must not be lost. Cervical cancer
The Guyana Times inadvertently published a photo of another child instead of that of Junior Anderson who perished in a fire at Sophia, Greater Georgetown on Friday. This publication is expressing its apologies for the genuine mistake. The photo published is that of a child who died about two years ago.
is serious. The Government is making the effort, and it stands to reason that the women must capitalise. I recall in May 2018, the World Health Organization DirectorGeneral announced a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer, underscoring renewed political will to make elimination a reality and calling for all stakeholders to unite behind this common and very important goal.
Then, in August 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Strategy for cervical cancer elimination. Indeed, “Now is the time to act to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.” To do so, all countries must reach and maintain an incidence rate of below 4 per 100,000 women.
Achieving that goal rests on three key pillars and their corresponding targets: vaccination, screening and treatment. As I said before, cervical cancer is generally viewed as treatable and curable, particularly if it is diagnosed when the cancer is in an early stage.
Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh
Vanessa Kissoon’s allegations would negatively impact the PNC campaign in Linden
Dear Editor,
When Vanessa Kissoon came public with her revelations of the Opposition Leader, one would have thought that the party would have at least sat down with her and tried to settle the matter amicably.
However, this was not the case; instead, the top brass in her party threw her under the bus and left her there to die. They then savagely launched an attack, maligning her in every way, and finally throwing her down in the dumps as a mad woman.
Further denigrations placed her as an insane attention-seeker and someone who was up to no good. Well, for starters, I can inform them that she is not insane. However, she was very instrumental in getting attention to her cause, enough to have shaken the party right to its foundation. In just the same way Nagamootoo and Ramjattan could have roughed up the PPP/C in its stronghold, the same could be said of Vanessa Kissoon in Linden.
To stand up to a bully like Norton takes grit and determination, and to come out public to make it a headline issue is tremendous. So, if Norton mistakenly believed that his party comrade was an easy walkover, he needs to think again. Her confessions were at a surgical point of the party, that is, at Congress deliberations, leaving a bad stain on everything that took place there. Certainly, her coming out epitomizes the strength of a woman, something not seen by that gender in her party. I am speaking of a historical trend from their founder Leader Burnham to the present generation, women are seen as chattels or easy shove overs, beings that should be docile and subservient at all times. Well, at least The Bam Bam Alley Guy would have enhanced that notion.
Even Red Thread with its glorified bunch of “layout guanas” kept their mouths shut, never to utter a word of condemnation or lend a helping hand to the sister who was violated. Her efforts were not in vain though, because she singlehandedly put an entire congress in a head spin, the two lone candidates suddenly withdrew twenty-four hours before Congress, thus giving Norton an open highway to the leadership position. He was the lone banjo man on the range. If the PNC thinks this
would have gone down well in the party line, then I ask them to do some critical thinking. There will be a shakeup in Linden come the next election. That’s for sure, because the fault lines of doubt are widening by the day. The captive vote mentality held by that party would be called into question when the time comes. I say the people of Linden are wiser now, and will speak again; it’s a foregone conclusion!
Respectfully, Neil Adams
Over the last few weeks, I have been attempting to dissuade pet caregivers /owners from requesting medication (both prophylactic and curative) from their veterinarian(s). I am mindful (though wary) that certain medicines have relatively harmless side effects, or none at all, and are sold over the counter without prescription. Dewormers, for example, can be given to the pet owner for him/her to administer to the companion animal at home.
If an animal really does not travel well, and has anxiety attacks when going from its home to the vet’s clinic, the veterinarian might relent and give the pet owner certain relatively harmless (no harmful side effects) medication(s) for that pet.
an animal’s immune system (which could result in an anaphylactic shock – a dangerous systemic and over-sensitive reaction).
In this regard, I advise (and commonsense dictates)
However, I cannot, and would not, advocate the provision of vaccines, sedatives, anesthetics, or those drugs known to threaten
that after administering a drug for the first time –(for example an antibiotic), the animal should remain in the clinic for at least 15
minutes, to observe its reaction and to ensure that there is no immediate side effect.
Veterinarians, many of whom have companion animals of their own, do understand the existential dilemma associated with travelling with one’s pet – whether for a relatively short distance in a car, or when a plane ride (even overseas) is involved. Vets recognize that pets are part of a family. Leaving them at home with a neighbour or with a specialized caregiver (pet sitter) can be very agonizing. In addition, there is such great happiness and enriching togetherness when the canine companion accompanies the family. Dogs, in particular, have no inhibitions in exhibiting their excitement for going with the family on an appro-
priate vacation.
Within this latter context, I would like to suggest that some planning must be involved. If the length of the drive entails stopovers at hotels, then the pet caregiver must ensure that the hotel accepts pets as part of the familial accommodation; and whether there is an extra fee demanded. Moreover, you may wish to enquire on the on-feed options. Hotel foods are notorious for adding spices/ condiments/flavour enhancers to their meals. Such additions to the diet can result in visible discomfort (vomiting, diarrhoeas, etc.) to your pet. For this reason, you may wish to carry enough of the food that your travelling companion is accustomed to.
road stops (for your pet’s urinating and defecating, as well as some road walks with your pet on a leash).
What about medica-
Drinking water must always accompany long trips. Actually, a feeding and exercise schedule can be prepared before the trip.
Further, where lengthy overland drives are contemplated, ensure you build in
tion? “Bugs” (ticks, lice, mites, worms, etc.) are ubiquitous in the tropics. If you are proceeding on a lengthy overland trip, I would suggest that the dog be medicated against endo- and ectoparasitic creatures.
surroundings – the views, the smells, the cars, etc. When they are tired of visually engaging with the novel surroundings, they’ll curl up in their blankets and relax and sleep.
Of course, it is imperative that you take your pet’s accustomed paraphernalia, viz favourite blanket and toys.
Lastly, it is not a good idea for you to allow your pet to put its head out of open vehicle windows. I see that so often as I drive along Guyana’s roads. It looks cute, and other motorists give supportive gestures to this novelty. The air dries up the necessary defensive fluids that cover the eyeball, making the eye surface much more conducive to eye infection. Of course, flying debris (sand, insects, etc.) from the road can actually damage the eyeball. And you may well experi-
These medications would have an efficacy period of at least three weeks in the animal’s body, protecting your pet from a host of parasites and their life cycles.
The aforementioned recommendations are specific to road travel. I maintain that there is really no need for sedation of your pet when it is travelling with the family. My own experience is that dogs love partaking in the environment as it whizzes by. They are interested in the changing
ence the worst, where the dog becomes agitated by seeing a walking dog/cat or some other excitable object, and jumps out of the car and is knocked over by another vehicle.
I must also plead with reader to never let your children place their heads outside the car’s open window.
Next week, we will address airline travel. That’s a totally different ball game, which needs special attention.
– urges members to come forward & report forex challenges – following exit of major player in foreign currency market
With reports continuing to emerge of businesses having to wait long periods for foreign currency needed for their businesses, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is highlighting the need for the Bank of Guyana (BOG) to be proactive in the way it deals with the issue.
Foreign currency is used by businesses for importation and other transactions. This publication has been informed by persons in the business community that they have had to wait extended periods for foreign currency, and even of being on a two-week waiting list to obtain same.
Some local businesses have also been struggling to purchase US dollars from several banks, but to no avail.
When contacted, Bank of Guyana Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga declined to comment on the issue.
However, GCCI President Kester Hutson acknowledged that there have been complaints about this shortage as recently as some weeks ago. Further, he noted that this is a longstanding issue for which a lasting solution needs to be found.
“We’ve been dealing with the challenge, and the latest that we know of (is that) our members would have cited some challenges probably about a month ago. And thereafter, through the representation of the Vice President, he was talking about the injection of a certain amount of US dollars into the economy to ease that shortage.”
This is a reference to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s comments made earlier this year, when he had said that should a foreign currency shortage exist, the Government could take steps to inject foreign currency into the market. According to Hutson, this is a solution that would be monitored by the chamber.
“We are monitoring that to see if that will resolve the issue. I have some concerns about that, as in how long that will last. I think it's much deeper than that in terms of the inter-bank relationship and how the influx and the outflow of forex (is taking place),” he said.
“I also believe that the Bank of Guyana has a greater role to play in terms of monitoring and reporting that issue. It’s been going on for far too long, and it needs to be addressed, because it would only get worse. We continue to ask our members to report on their challenges when it comes to forex,” Hutson has said.
Exit of the Mohameds
The latest reports and complaints of the foreign currency shortage come on the heels of the recent sanctions that were levelled by the United States (US) against local businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed.
Specifically, those sanctions have led to the Bank of Guyana (BoG) revoking the Mohameds’ licence for their Confidential Cambio located on Lombard Street in Georgetown. This action re-
sulted in the exit of a major player from the foreign currency market.
As is known, the Cambio which was operated by the Mohameds was the first to secure a licence from the Government years ago. Since then, the company has been transparent in its operations – a notion that can be verified by the Bank of Guyana.
Nevertheless, the announcement of the revocation of the licence was made last month, after which a copy of the formal letter issued by the BoG – dated June 13, 2024 – was circulated, confirming that the licence had been revoked in accordance with the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act 1989.
Sanctions were imposed on the Mohameds last month by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Their companies have also been sanctioned: Mohamed’s Enterprise; its subsidiary Hadi’s World; and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team, for their al-
leged roles in public corruption in Guyana.
The US Treasury Dept also alleged that Mohamed’s Enterprise evaded paying Guyana tax on gold exports, and defrauded the Guyana Government of tax revenues by under-declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities.
Late last month, the Guyana Government was asked by the US Government to have its Attorney General write the US Department of Justice (DoJ) for the information it requested in relation to the gold smuggling and public corruption allegations against the Mohameds and a senior Government official.
To date, all commercial banks have ceased doing business with the Mohameds. The closure of the Mohameds’ accounts has undoubtedly added to the foreign currency shortage, since that company was a major gold trader whose payment would have been wired to their accounts in foreign currency. This, in turn, would have been made available for the Guyanese public.
<<Guyana Times>> understands that revocation of this cambio licence has not only affected the circulation of foreign currency, but is also affecting some 250 workers who were employed by Mohamed’s Enterprise and its sister companies.
The company remains confident that the sanctions would be lifted, and intends to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities.
In the past, the private sector had been complaining bitterly about a shortage of foreign currency on the local market – something which the Guyana Government as well as the Central Bank has denied.
Back in April, some US$54 million was in the local banking system, and it was stated that this amount was adequate to meet the demands for US dollars to meet local needs.
“The BoG would like to reiterate that the banking system, with an average monthly turnover of over USD500 million, has an adequate supply of US dollars to meet demand,” the Central Bank had said in an advertisement published in the state-owned newspaper back in April.
The Central Bank had explained that, while available funds are not evenly shared among the commercial banks and there may be a short waiting period for the transfer of funds, there is enough foreign currency
to cover the cash flow needs of transactions arising from businesses in Guyana.
According to the BoG, it has also been injecting US dollars into the banking system, and would continue to do so as necessary. The BoG had also noted that it is aware that some businesses are seeking funds to meet the same payments from more than one institution, and there is a speculative queue for foreign currency because of a perception that there is a shortage of foreign currency. Moreover, it stated that there is some hesitancy by commercial banks to tender invoices as required by the BoG in order to monitor the legitimate use of funds.
“Cash flowing to the banks is cyclical. As such, there will be periods of excess liquidity and periods of limited supply. The Bank continues to monitor the foreign currency position in Guyana to ensure there is no disruption nor adverse impact on economic activities,” the Central Bank noted. (G-3)
Well…the countdown has begun…the countdown to Emancipation Day, in case you’ve been on Mars!! This is a seminal event in our history, and all groups in our dear ole Mudland should know about August 1, 1838.
Some folks say the year we should start counting from when it all started is the “Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 -- which Britain passed to abolish African slavery in their colonies. This received Royal Assent on August 28, 1833 -- but took effect on August 1, 1834!
So, you’d think it’s a no-brainer to say slavery was abolished on Aug 1, 1834, no?? NO!! Damon over in Essequibo thought so…and for acting upon that assumption, he was hanged. What happened?? Well, the British Parliament only announced that “the owning, buying, and selling of humans as property” was outlawed throughout its colonies as of that date!! They paid the owners of the more than 800,000 slaves big time, but decided the owners needed time to adjust to the new situation!! The fact that the slaves had provided labour for hundreds of years without payment is the basis for the present Reparations Claims Pressie supports!
Fearing the slaves would just walk away from being legal property and being treated like cattle – chattelthe Brits decided that the freed slaves had to serve a period of “Apprenticeship” to wean them into their new circumstances. In Guyana, this “Apprenticeship” was to last from Aug 1st 1834 to Aug 1, 1838. So, for us, Emancipation Day starts from Aug 1st 1838. In some countries – like Antigua - where the Brits figured the freed slaves had no option but to remain on the plantationsslavery DID actually end in 1834.
So, what happened here…did the British fears of mass walk-out happen?? No really, while some did when they bought the villages that are now Victoria, Buxton, Dartmouth, etc…, the ex-slaves were more strategic on plantation work. They saw the planters bringing in replacements for them from Barbados and the other WI Islands – and also Portuguese from the impoverished island of Maderia – now from India. They formed themselves into gangs, and went from plantation to plantation bargaining for better wages!! None of these imported workers could match the ex-slaves’ production!! Finally, in 1842, they decided to go on strike. And won!!
The planters were humiliated, and they stepped up importing indentured labourers. So, when they lowered wages and the ex-slaves struck again in 1847, they were able to break the strike. But this didn’t mean the exslaves’ spirit was broken – more than half of them now walked off the plantations to make a life on their own.
This insistence on determining how they’d live was as important as “Emancipation”: it gave the latter announcement meaning!!
…and work
Becoming “free”, we saw, meant the planters were now free to look for the cheapest form of labour to perform the work the slaves used to do. So, from then on, the so-called “free workers” have been agitating and striking to improve their wages and conditions of work. We all know the indentured labourers who replaced the slaves – in a “new form of slavery”, according to some – protested and were killed throughout the 79 years of indentureship.
Against that background, it was rather shocking to your Eyewitness to discover thousands of work permits have been issued to foreigners to take up employment here!! That there are tens of thousands of applications in the pipeline is even more worrisome!! Did anyone realise there were so many furriners working in jobs that demanded work permits – meaning they weren’t your minimum-wage gigs – in our fair land??
There’s gotta be more than twice that number of jobs at the lower end filled by Venezuelans and Haitians etc.
Where are we headed?
…for Britain
Ain’t it something else that a fella whose parents are of African-Guyanese descent – hence descended from emancipated enslaved Africans back in 1838 – is now the Foreign Minister of Britain!!
Is he supporting reparations for us back home??
The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
Some 14 small business owners in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara have been compensated under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme’s (AHUAP) Livelihood Restoration Plan.
These persons, who are deemed project-affected persons (PAPs), all operate businesses which have been affected financially as a result of infrastructural works ongoing in their community.
In a simple ceremony held on Friday at the Housing and Water Ministry, the PAPs were presented with cheques that reflected their cash entitlement. Friday’s disbursement stood at approximately $2.5 million.
In the ceremony, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, expressed satisfaction with this component of the AHUAP, and noted its importance in the overall rollout of the programme. She alluded to the fact that all components of this programme cater to the most vulnerable groups, and each component has been meeting the intended target group. The minister added that this component of the programme should never be overshadowed by the infrastructure development that is simultaneously taking place.
Similar sentiments were
expressed by Minister Collin Croal, who urged the business owners to make the best of their entitlements and, more importantly, the training which would be offered to them.
He said the 14 persons will be benefitting from training in the areas of Entrepreneurial Awareness, Financial Management and Record Keeping, Small Business Development and Taxation and Business Regularization. The training will be facilitated by
the Small Business Bureau and the Guyana Revenue Authority.
“Giving the cheques will indeed help you to further your business. However, the training will aid you in doing so in a more sustainable way, and it will help you in better managing your finances”, Croal expressed.
Reference was also made to the $3 billion investment made in the West Bank Demerara area under the programme, which included upgrading of community
roads, and drainage.
The Livelihood Restoration Plan falls under Component 1.2: Consolidation of Existing Schemes of the AHUAP.
The aim is to maximize the likelihood of ensuring that any individual economically displaced by the Programme’s activities have their socio-economic conditions re-established or improved, and that the implementation of the LRP itself is undertaken in a transparent, consistent, and equitable manner.
With general elections that have been dominated by ethnic voting only a year away, the political parties have been getting their “A” teams in place via internal party elections.
The PPP held their 32nd Congress in early May, and elected a 35-member Central Committee (CC) along with 5 “candidate members” with no voting rights. The CC in turn elected a 15-member Executive Committee (ExCo) that will run the day-to-day affairs of the party, with VP Jagdeo as Gen Secretary. What was very noticeable and commented on was that both the CC and ExCo were overwhelmingly drawn from the PPP’s Indian Guyanese membership. However, the Civic component of the PPP/C, which was introduced in 1992 to introduce individuals in civil society but outside of its membership, to broaden the ethnic and social representativeness in Government, was retained.
Since then, their Presidential Candidate has been an IndianGuyanese from the PPP, while the PM Candidate is an AfricanGuyanese from the Civic.
At the PNC’s 22nd Biennial Congress, they elected their Leader, Aubrey Norton, and four Executives consisting of a Chair, two Vice Chairs, and a Treasurer. They were all AfricanGuyanese. A 15-member Central Executive Committee was announced almost a week later, and included 4 Indian-Guyanese. Simultaneously, the AFC held their 8th National Conference, and elected their leader, Nigel Hughes, Chair; Vice Chair”; Gen Sect. and 12 members of the National Executive Council (NEC).
In terms of strategies to agglomerate the necessary crossover votes outside of their core constituencies, the parties, which all maintain they are “multi-ethnic”, have to place on centerstage the fact that, unlike in 1980, when the PPP’s Indian-Guyanese base was 50% of the population, Guyana is now a nation of minorities. While the 2022 census results have not been released, if we follow the population trends since 1980, IndianGuyanese should now be around 36%; African Guyanese 29%; Mixed-Guyanese 22%, and Indigenous-Guyanese 12%.
After free and fair elections were introduced in 1992, the PNC retained a solid 42.3% of the vote, even though it had brought Guyana to perch precariously above Haiti as the poorest country in the hemisphere. This would have come primarily from its African-Guyanese base (32% of the population in 1992); Mixed-Guyanese 12% and some Indigenous-Guyanese, 6.5%.
The WPA, which had thought it had destroyed ethnic voting and would win the elections -- probably on the reflected glory of the PNC-assassinated Dr Walter Rodney -- barely got 2%, while the UF scraped together 1%. The PPP, with its Civic component, garnered 53.5% of the higher turnout of votes from its IndianGuyanese base (48.6%) and a smattering from the other groups.
In the following elections, the PNC was drubbed, and in 2001, the PNC tried to broaden its appeal by appending a “Reform” component formed with individuals from outside the PNC membership. Their support decreased marginally. The PPP also maintained its support base as the overtly Indian-based ROAR barely squeezed out .93%. The WPA coalesced with a newly formed Indigenous-based party, GAP, and they together received 2.4%. Ethnic voting retained its hold.
In the 2006 elections, the PNC-R was expanded to PNCR-1G –PNC Reform One Guyana – but lost support to the newly-formed AFC, formed by Raphael Trotman (a Mixed-Guyanese from the PNC who had unsuccessfully vied for leadership); Ramjattan, an Indian ExCo member from the PPP, whose ambitions were stymied within the PPP; and a Mixed WPA member, Shiela Holder. They secured a record for a third party in Guyana - 8.4%, which came mostly from the PNC, which dropped by 8% to 34%.
The PPP’s strategy of asserting development for all ethnic groups saw their share rise to 54%. GAP merged with ROAR and they secured 1.26% as the WPA exited electoral politics.
In the 2011 elections, the PNC morphed into a “kinder, gentler” APNU, in coalition with several micro-parties under the leadership of David Granger. With its African/ Mixed base reinvigorated, it rebounded to 40.8%, while the AFC increased by 10.2%. The PPP, with its incumbent-weary base bleeding to the AFC, secured only 48.6%. Because of our pre-election coalition rule, the PPP secured the Presidency with its plurality, but its governance was checkmated in the National Assembly when APNU and AFC voted together. That prompted APNU-PNC to woo the AFC, and in 2015 the APNU/AFC Coalition secured 50.3%; the PPP was decimated to 49.2% and lost the Government. (to be continued)
project would impact every single Guyanese
The Gas-to-Energy project, of which oil giant ExxonMobil is playing a crucial role, is likely to attract businesses, including manufacturers, to Guyana’s shores as one of its many benefits, according to Exxon Guyana Vice President Phillip Rietema.
During a recent appearance on Energy Perspectives Podcasts, ExxonMobil Guyana Vice President and Business Services Manager Phillip Rietema spoke of the rapid development of the oil and gas industry in Guyana.
One of his company’s crowning achievements, he said, would be the Gas-toEnergy project, for which it is laying down critical pipelines. According to him, it is apparent that this project would be a transformational one for Guyana.
“Just ten years ago, there were very few people working in the industry (and) there were very few businesses. So that’s all value. In the region, the oil is in demand. It is
needed in the region, it is providing reliable energy in the region and, really, throughout the world,” Rietema declared.
“And the other thing I will highlight is the Gas-to-
Energy project that is being developed for the country. To me, as someone who has come from outside, it’s truly a transformational project for the country,” Rietema said.
– next shipment of essential items to depart today
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Friday received over $1 million in items from the Rotary Club of Georgetown to support relief efforts for Caribbean countries in wake of the devastating passage of Hurricane Beryl.
The items included 5 tons of rice from NAND Persaud and Company, 50 boxes of mackerel, tuna and sausages donated by DeSinco Trading, 2 Stihl chainsaws donated by Farfan and Mendes, and 50 mosquito nets.
The donation was accepted by CDC Director General Colonel (ret’d) Nazrul Hussain.
In a press release, the Rotary Club noted that the CDC’s request for assistance was announced at a meeting on July 3rd, after which members immediately took action, gathering financial contributions, food supplies, and other necessary items for the donation.
Rotary President Natasha Vieira commended this swift action taken by members to contribute. According to the release, this donation is a testament to the Club’s unwavering commitment to service and community support.
“We stand with those affected by the hurricane, and pledge to continue our efforts to bring relief and hope,” the press release stated.
This shipment is expected to leave on Sunday, and is bound for Grenada.
In addition, on Saturday, the CDC accepted Hurricane Beryl relief items from the Central Corentyne
Chamber of Commerce, as CCCC members pledged their continuous support through this difficult time. Members of the Chamber donated rice, milk, pumpkin, hygienic items, solar lamps, and other supplies that would go directly towards those affected by the ongoing hurricane.
Deputy Director General of the CDC, Lt. Colonel (ret’d) Mark Thomas, received the items at the Chamber’s Rose Hall Town location.
Some 50 cot mattresses and 50 pillows were also donated by Kissoon’s Furniture Store to support this action.
Beryl has made history as the first Category 4 storm to be formed in the Atlantic Ocean in June.
Hours after making landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, Hurricane Beryl strengthened into a Category 5 storm and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Guyana’s response efforts have been spearheaded by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who has coordinated with multiple agencies, including the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Civil Defence Commission, and private sector groups, to assist affected countries.
On Tuesday, July 2, the first shipment of relief aid was handed over to Hon. Kerryne James, Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy. It consisted of vital items such as generators, water purification tablets, batteries, hy-
giene products, and other necessities critical for immediate relief and recovery efforts.
On Friday, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) announced that Hurricane Beryl has weakened to a tropical storm and is no longer a threat to Caribbean states.
The governments of Jamaica and Belize, who were among the latest to be threatened by the storm, have also discontinued their Hurricane Warning and Tropical Storm Warning respectively.
CDEMA had stated that following the passage of
Beryl and its impact on the 10 states, focus will now be placed on assisting Grenada and the islands of Carriacou and Petite
and the
As Rietema put it, there’s a high likelihood that among the benefits of the Gas-toEnergy project will be an increased influx of businesses coming to Guyana and looking to set up manufacturing facilities.
“The revenues are really nice, but the Gas-to-Energy project, it’s clear that is going to impact every single individual in the country. Cheap, reliable power is really fundamental to development,” he disclosed.
“And you can only imagine the different businesses that are coming here and looking to use that for further manufacturing, job creation, etc. So, that will be another exciting way that value is being generated for
the country,” Rietema has posited.
The Gas-to-Energy project will see the construction of a 300MW combined cycle power plant and a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant. Earlier this year, when he addressed the recently concluded Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, President Ali had said there is a possibility of a second NGL plant.
The pipeline and transmission network will be completed by this year. This will see the power plant and NGL facility being operational by next year, when electricity rates could potentially be slashed by 50 per cent.
The scope of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project con-
sists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in
the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil. It features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL Plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.
In last year’s national budget, the project received a $43.3 billion allocation in addition to the $24.6 billion injected into the start-up of the transformational project for the construction of the NGL Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant at Wales, WBD. This year, a whopping $80 billion was budgeted to advance this project and its associated infrastructure, including transmission and distribution upgrades to offtake the power and be able to feed it into the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) grid.
In March, two of GPL’s engines failed, disrupting power generation across the country. At the time, GPL was generating about 165 megawatts of power. However, the peak demand was about 180 megawatts. But with the power demand expected to grow to 232 MegaWatts (MW) by the end of this year, the need to increase power is a pressing one. The cost of energy has long been cited as a roadblock for the private manufacturing sector. The Guyana Government, which has plans to expand value-added production through the establishment of several manufacturing plants, is also cognizant of the fact that these plans will be dependent on reliable power generation.
– only child from hinterland in top 1%
Zephon Sobers, the only student from a hinterland school who secured a position among the top 1 per cent of high-flying performers at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), has defied all odds and proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
The lad was born and raised in Mabaruma, which is considered the regional capital of Region One (Barima-Waini). As the third sibling of three boys, he attended the Mabaruma Primary School, where he has always excelled at his studies.
With the highest obtainable mark at this year’s NGSA being 504.24, the 11-year-old earned 495.48, and was awarded a place at Queen’s College - one of the better-funded public educational institutions in the country.
In fact, it was his goal to earn a spot at the prestigious school, and he was elated that his hard work paid off.
“I feel very proud of myself because I worked hard and tried my best,” the young man told Guyana Times.
He is excited at the opportunities that would become available by attending a school in the capital city, but simultaneously does not want to leave his family behind.
“My home is my happy place, so going to Queen’s College would be nice, but leaving my family is not what I wanted to do, especially being separated from my little brother who is four years old.
a difficult one, except for some internet challenges here and there and not having access to the learning channel; but I made the best of whatever resources and textbooks I had. I attended private lessons every day of the week after school, except on weekends. I never pressured myself or have been pressured by my parents to study, but did so willingly in my own time…,” Zephon explained.
Determined to break barriers, he would ensure he
reads any chance he gets.
“I take every opportunity I had to read anything, from my textbooks, bible storybooks, newspaper, and any other books I can put my hands on,” he disclosed.
In addition to reading, Zephon enjoys cycling, playing football, and spending time with his family.
He dreams of one day becoming a pilot, “because I’m very obsessed with airplanes and how they operate!”
I can hardly go a day without him,” the lad explained. His mother Loreen Sobers - a staff nurse midwife and nursing supervisor at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital - admits it would be a tough decision to send her son to Georgetown to attend his dream school.
Nevertheless, she and her husband, an officer enlisted in the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard, are extremely proud of their son’s accomplishment.
“I am more than proud of my son’s accomplishment, because I was there every step of his success journey, despite the challenges I faced
myself, especially when it came to always being at work and having less family time. Despite all that, I made my kids my priority,” the woman noted.
Zephon is the first person in his family to have performed exceptionally when it comes to educational endeavours; or, as his mother terms it, the first in the family to get a “top school”.
Challenges
However, his successful journey was not without challenges, as the child had to battle with limited resources.
“My preparation was not
Education gap
Educational disparities between the hinterland and coastal regions have long existed, but it is something Government has been working aggressively to address.
“Performance in the hinterland continues to not measure up to the performance on the coast…For a variety of reasons, we have not been able to catch the gap there,” Education Minister Priya
Manickchand had told reporters at last year’s NGSA results announcement ceremony.
This year again, she acknowledged that inequality persist, but emphasised
that more investments are being made to bridge the gap.
“What are we doing to change that? We’re building out schools right now. We have more than 50 schools going up in hinterland communities,” the Minister revealed.
Once completed, these new schools would help to reduce the distance that learners in remote areas have to travel to access education.
Additionally, she
explained that the Government is working to have every teacher in the education system trained, to ensure the level of teaching is of a high standard.
Already, last year, some 1700 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) - the largest cohort in the history of the country. And this year, just under 2000 are currently being trained.
Moreover, Manickchand said, efforts are continu-
ously being made to ensure more resources are pumped into the education system, and that parents are better equipped to help their children in their educational journeys.
She referenced initiatives like the school feeding programme, the provision of textbooks, and the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant which currently stands at $45,000 and is expected to increase to $50,000 next year.
Additionally, Government has launched a programme to give each school teacher a cash grant to utilise for their classrooms.
For the hinterland regions, it is stipulated that teachers will receive $5,500 per student per term.
“That is how you get results, and that is what we’ve begun to do in the hinterland,” Manickchand explained.
But until such time that the education gap is diminished, little Zephon is encouraging other young ones to never give up on their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.
“I just want to say your achievements depend on you. So read a lot, go over your school work, and make the best of what you have; and anything is possible,” he assured.
By Raywattie DeonaRine
In the heart of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), a group of remarkable young students has distinguished themselves by excelling in the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) 2024. These bright minds, hailing from various communities, have not only topped Region Two, but also emerged as some of the country’s top performers. Their stories of dedication, resilience, and unwavering support from their families and teachers are truly inspirational.
Roshine Deonarine: A Journey of perseverance
Roshine Deonarine of Onderneeming Sandpit, known for her quiet and easygoing nature, is Region Two’s top student with 502.1 marks. Preferring solitude, she often finds comfort in her own little world.
Her educational journey began at Maria’s Lodge Nursery School, followed by Suddie Primary School, where she studied from Grades 1 to 5.
Recognizing the need for an environment better suited to her academic growth, her parents transferred her to Huis’t Dieren Primary School. This change marked a turning point in her academic career, as she consistently emerged as a top performer.
Deonarine's aspirations extend beyond her current achievements; her ultimate career goal is to become a journalist. This ambition reflects her desire to explore the world, tell compelling stories, and perhaps bring light to untold narratives. However, the journey
toward this goal has not been without its challenges.
Preparing for the NGSA, a pivotal examination in the Guyanese education system that determines secondary school placement, has been a significant hurdle. The rigorous preparation for the NGSA has been a source of considerable stress for Deonarine. The pressure of extra lessons and latenight studying often left her feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, sometimes to the point of tears and resistance to attending classes.
Despite these difficulties, Roshine demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience. Her perseverance, fuelled by her dream of becoming a top performer, kept her pushing forward through the most trying times.
Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “My dedication to education and hard work are beyond commendable. I am immensely proud of my achievements, and even my parents are proud. I am grateful for the support of my teachers and family members, especially Roberts and my aunt Seemangal, who played crucial roles in my success."
Davanie Raghoobar: The future Fashion Designer
Her passion for reading and problem-solving has driven her aca demic success. Aspiring to become a fashion de signer, Raghoobar's top performance at Aurora Primary and her ac ceptance to Queen's College mark signifi cant milestones in her journey. She secured 499.32 marks.
Davanie's parents ex pressed their gratitude, "We are im mensely thankful to the teach ers and fam ily members who have support ed Davanie. Her achievement is a testa ment to her hard work and the guidance she has received," they said.
Matthew Mohabir, an 11-year-old from Abrams Creek, Upper Pomeroon
River, is a well-rounded student who actively participated in school activities,
school life after the pandemic was difficult, but his perseverance and the unwavering support of his teachers and family helped him overcome those
Expressing his gratitude, Matthew said, "I want to thank my Grade 6 teach-
ers, Sir Corey Jabbar and Sir Vishnu Sookram, and my mom for their guidance throughout this journey. Their support was instrumental in helping me achieve this success."
TURN TO PAGE 17
Eleven-year-old Davanie Raghoobar, who hails from the beautiful village of Hibernia, started her educational journey with a strong foundation from her parents, who both as teachers further developed her skills at Hibernia Nursery and Aurora Primary School.
By Andrew CArmiChAel
The Cumberland Primary School in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has produced five of that region’s top ten students at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). What’s more impressive is that four of those top students came from one teacher’s classroom.
Sherilee Samuels-Reid, a 46-yearold graduate deputy headmistress, spent approximately three decades shaping young minds with dedication and passion. Recently, her impressive career bore fruit as four students from her class emerged among the top ten at the NGSA for Region Six.
The teacher said she must thank The Almighty for the school's success. Miss Samuels-Reid did not want to take the credit for the students’ success, but said it was a team of teachers who worked with the students.
Apart from the prolonged teachers’ strike, she pointed out, one student from her class died, posing challenges for the students. Nevertheless, she was confident in the potential of the students.
“I would have supported my union, but also had my children’s interest at heart. I would like to thank the teachers at Cumberland Primary. We are a team, especially the Grade Six teachers. We would have worked as a team; we had very supportive parents, and the children were very motivated. We would have motivated them so they were eager to excel- that is what gave us our success. We were a team: parents, pupils and teachers. We worked as a team,” the humble teacher said.
Samuels-Reid has been a Grade Six teacher for most of her 30-year career. She says dedication has led to her success. Over the years, she has guided many students in the top bracket for the region and the country at national exams.
“In 2022 we topped the country, so we are accustomed to these kinds of achievements,” she boasted.
“It was not anything new. We always try to excel in the region. It is a blessing, so that children could be blessed by our knowledge,” she added.
In offering advice to fellow teachers, she highlighted the importance of innovation, resourcefulness, and commitment.
“For these children's success, we would have worked beyond the call of duty. I used to call in my class at 7:30 in the morning up to midday, when they take their lunch; and then we would work in the afternoon. It is a lot of work for those who can afford it - some people have family commitments, but I am a grandmother now, so I can afford to do it. Even when I was young, I used to be doing it. I have a heart for teaching; I love it, and it brings joy. So, it is a lot of
commitment and it takes a lot out of you,” Samuels-Reid explained.
The five students from the school in the Region’s top ten are Khadeja Ramsammy, Jenna Phillips, Moneesha Naresh, Emma
and Shavish Jaikaran.
Ramsammy, who gained 501.41 marks and secured a place at Queen’s College, related that she was pleased with her performance and was happier that she did not disappoint anyone.
Noting that both of her parents are teachers, the top performer said that in preparing for the exams she did what is normal. “I did not really study much. I went to school and went to lessons, and that was about it,” she revealed.
Ramsammy said she struck a balance and included exercise in her routine. According to her, the teachers’ strike did not affect her, since she was able to study on her own.
“I used to do that a lot off of my own, without the help of anybody,” she explained.
She is advising future NGSA students
not to overwork themselves, and to have a healthy routine that they must stick to, and one that has balance.
“If you have questions, ask your teachers and ensure that the questions are answered – just don’t overwork yourself,” she advised.
Meanwhile, following closely, Jenna Phillips, who secured second place with 500.45 marks, shared her journey and her
expectations in adapting to a new school environment. The COVID-19 pandemic which saw schools being closed was one of the challenges she had to overcome.
Initially, she was attending Sheet Anker Primary, but took a transfer to Cumberland Primary. “The reason I transferred is because Sheet Anchor was not doing a lot of work that I could have relied on. When I got to Cumberland, I did not do very well because at that time I was out of school for two years and did not remember a lot of stuff…but I picked up well and I couldn’t have done badly, because I had my favourite teacher Miss Sherilee,” she said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Shaneka Narine: The aspiring Pediatrician Shaneka Narine, from Perseverance, gained the top six spot with 497.32 marks, securing a place at Queen's College.
Known for her dedi cation and positive atti tude, Shaneka is deep ly involved in school activities, from danc ing and singing to sports. Despite fi nancial struggles, her family’s un wavering support and her love for learning have propelled her to great heights. She dreams of be coming a pediatri cian, and this is driven by her af fection for babies.
Her aunt Nichola proudly shared, "We are so proud of Shaneka for allowing us to experience this wonderful feel ing. Her deter mination and
Sereena Allen: A balanced approach
Sereena Allen of Queenstown Village attended Queenstown Primary School. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, which included social isolation and disrupted schooling, Allen maintained her high academic standards.
A well-rounded student, she enjoys dancing, participating in sports, and engaging in various school activities.
side at Golden Fleece on the Essequibo Coast. My educational journey began at Bacchus Nursery, and continued at Fisher Primary, where my interest in technology grew and inspired me to become a software engineer.
"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was forced to develop a consistent study routine, balancing my time between different subject areas," Manav explains. "My main focus was on understanding concepts rather than memorizing them. This approach, though challenging, proved to be crucial in my preparation."
The journey presented many challenges, but Manav overcame them, thanks to his strong, encouraging and consistent support system. He recalls, "I experienced moments of doubt and anxiety, especially as the assessment dates approached. Seeking help was essential, and it guided me to stay on track."
On the day of the assessment, Manav experienced mixed emotions, but quickly reminded himself to remain calm and focused. "July 4, 2024 is a day I will never forget," he says with a smile. "When I heard the minister announce my name among the top 10 pupils in Region 2, I was overcome with joy."
marks.
Manav Dwarka: Aspiring Software Engineer, shines in NGSA
“Scoring in the top 10 for Region #2, with 496.42 at the National Grade Six Assessment, was a defining moment in my academic journey. My name is Manav Dwarka, and I re-
Manav attributes his success to his parents Jerome and Navina, for their undivided attention and many sacrifices. "I couldn't have done it without them," he emphasizes. He also praises his amazing teachers, Padminie Pitamber and Thameeka Singh, who played significant roles in his achievement, as well as his exceptional lessons teacher Rohan Sukhlall.
"Sir Rohan's support was invaluable," Manav notes. Additionally, he
thanks Parbattie Singh for her guidance, as well as his encouraging grandparents and wonderful aunts, especially Aunty Uma and Aunty Amrita.
To other students pre-
paring for their assessment, Manav offers this advice: "Always trust your abilities. Remain dedicated and remember that it is okay to seek help. Your efforts will be rewarded."
During the teachers’ strike, Phillips said, she stayed at home and worked on past exam papers. “I played a lot of games during the strike. I took it like a break,” she said with a chuckle.
She said her goal was to get a place at the highest school and to make her parents proud, and she is happy to have achieved them both. “I wanted to make my teacher proud and to show her that if she works
with me enough, I can do anything,” she added.
Phillips said she also had a goal of doing better than her brother had done at a previous NGSA, and she was also able to do that. Her family was very supportive and gave her the push she needed.
In advising those to follow, Phillips says if they want to succeed, they would need to work hard.
Moneesha Naresha, who achieved 499.31 marks, highlighted the effective preparation facilitated by her teachers at Cumberland Primary, and her grandfather. She stated that studying was tough for her, but past exam papers which her teacher used assisted greatly.
“Although the teachers were on strike, some of our teachers made an effort to come out to school and be with us. They gave us work to do. I would like to thank Miss Sherilee-Reid who pushed us a lot, and I would like to thank my grandfather who helped me with my math skills. I wasn’t really great in math, (but) whenever I worked
past papers, he would always help me and make me understand things better.” Naresha is advising students who want to succeed to revise every day.
Shavish Jaikarran, who secured 497.43 marks, said consistent study habits
and supplemental lessons were his success strategy. However, the teachers’ strike was one of the major challenges he faced while preparing for the exams.
“Grade Five did not have school, but we had the option to go if we wanted,” he said.
Discussing his study habits, Jaikarran said he always started with English, then moved to Mathematics before moving to Science and Social Studies. “I did a lot of revision at home from about 4 in the afternoon to like 8 in the night,” he said.
Jaikarran is encouraging future students to stay calm when they enter the examination room. “It is a big day, so I would advise them to take lessons; lessons help a lot,” he stated.
Completing the top ten are Calcia Narain (Rose Hall Primary, 499.5 marks), Vincent Newyear (All Saints Primary, 499.38 marks), Emma Ramcharan (Cumberland Primary, 499.22 marks), Ezra Harry (Cropper Primary, 498.52 marks), Faith Narsingh (Massiah Primary, 497.38 marks), and Noorisha Harrinarine (Rose Hall Primary, 496.53 marks).
Notably, all ten top-performing students have secured places at Queen’s College.
Adevastating fire which occurred at East La Penitence, Georgetown on Saturday at about 10:00h has destroyed three houses and left several people homeless
The fire is suspected to have been started by a man of unsound mind, whose house was among those gutted by the mid-morning blaze.
When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, Ruby French, one of the occu
pants whose homes were destroyed, recounted her harrowing experience. French said she was asleep when the smell of smoke woke her. Upon looking outside, she saw smoke emanating from the house of her neighbour, a man of unsound mind, and she quickly alerted everyone in her household, and they all evacuated the house. Within minutes, her home and the two other neighbouring houses were engulfed in flames. The Fire Service was summoned, but unfortunately could not save the homes.
“I don’t know what to do! I don’t even know where I will sleep! This is very difficult!” the woman said in exasperation.
French and the four other occupants of her house have lost everything in the blaze. She estimates her losses to be in the millions.
Meanwhile, witnesses have said this is not the first incident involving this man, since on multiple occasions residents have had to extinguish fires started in his house. The man has since been arrested, and an investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.
Atotal of 43 students and 11 teachers from several secondary schools in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Saturday graduated from the Civic Engagement and Leadership Training Programme at the Abram Zuil Secondary School.
The students and teachers were from Anna Regina Multilateral, Abram Zuil, Charity, Johanna Cecilia, Cotton Field, and Aurora Secondary Schools.
This training was done through the partnership between the Guyana Center for
Civic Engagement (GyCCE) and the US Embassy in Guyana.
The “YOUthEngage592 Leadership Training Programme” is a pioneering effort designed to empower Guyanese youth with essential skills in civic engagement, democratic participation, ethical leadership, and volunteerism.
Over the past two months, students underwent comprehensive training in key areas such as civic engagement, voting education, conflict resolution, and project planning, instilling a strong ethos
of volunteerism within their communities.
This transformative programme aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are knowledgeable about civic responsibility and equipped to effect real change in their communities.
In line with the objectives outlined by GyCCE, the “YOUthEngage592” programme seeks to increase civic engagement among high school students in Guyana, empower students to actively
participate in the democratic process, develop leadership skills among high school students, and foster a sense of volunteerism and community service.
Commenting on the initiative, the President of GyCCE emphasised the importance of investing in youth empowerment.
“Our goal is to nurture a generation of leaders who are not only passionate about civic engagement, but also equipped with the skills and commitment to drive positive change.”
He added that the success of the “YOUthEngage592” programme underscores GyCCE’s commitment to fostering youth development and promoting democratic values in Guyana.
In addition, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Adrienne Galanek
highlighted the Embassy’s initiative that was launched in 2022 aimed at engaging civic leaders to address economic and environmental issues.
Through the partnership with the Civic Engagement Programme, they launched “YOUthEngage592” in October 2023, to train 100 students across five key skills.
“We have seen remarkable progress and dedication from the participants. Their enthusiasm and commitment to civic engagement are truly inspiring,” the US diplomat added.
Galanek also mentioned the positive outcomes of the Youth Ambassador Program, which involved youth aged 15 to 17.
She referenced the opportunities for students to spend three weeks in the United States through a sponsored
programme, saying, “This exchange will provide invaluable experiences and broaden their perspectives.”
Meanwhile, University of Guyana Vice Chancellor Paloma Mohamed Martin shared valuable insights on leadership, emphasising that leadership is present in all sectors, including religious institutions, schools, and hospitals. Also attending the graduation ceremony were Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva; Member of Parliament, Juliet Coonjah; Headteachers, and other regional executives.
Certificates and special awards were presented to the students and mentors who successfully graduated from the program, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward becoming future leaders of Guyana.
usinesses wheth-
Ber small, medium, or large in Guyana and around the world are being urged to get on board as 85 per cent of booth space for this year’s International Building Expo has already been allocated.
The event, which will be held under the theme “Building on the Foundation of Sustainability and Unity”, is slated for August 8-11, at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
During an inspection of the venue on Friday, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal disclosed that preparations for the event were advancing rapidly, and considering its significance, so was the booth space.
Among the booth holders are several international
companies from neighbouring countries such as Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, as well as from distant markets such as India, the United States, and Italy.
In fact, Croal disclosed that the remaining exposition booths available are primarily for businesses within the food service industry, however, he added that other opportunities still exist.
“That means there is only 15 per cent left and some of that will be the food court area. It means that the serious side of the business has been allocated. Overall, we are looking at about 341 spaces or booths for persons to occupy or to be made available… we want to encourage the large sponsors and the large corporate companies to come on board. There are still opportunities for them,”
Croal highlighted. The International Building Expo stands as a testament to the Guyana Government’s unwavering dedication to excellence in the housing and building sector. It also serves as a forum where leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders converge to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore innovative solutions to address the evolving demands and challenges as the economy expands through the Government’s transformational programmes.
According to Croal, this year’s event is not limited to construction companies but extends to various service providers in the sector, given that it is a platform for networking and building collaborations with partners from
the regions as well as around the world.
“Raising the bar is in the sense of what are we showcasing; that’s why we are encouraging new companies to come. So, you have persons who are in the sector because there are a whole host of things when you’re talking about homeownership and construction. So, we have various persons in the sector who are providing an opportunity for you to network and to see new products and new services that are being offered in this sector,” Croal said.
As customary, the Ministry will host its “Dream Realised” Housing Drive at the event, which will see thousands of Guyanese receiving homes, house lots,
and land titles.
“We have a number of titles that will be available for uplifting and these are in a number of those new areas particularly… one night we will target Region Four and the other night is Region Three, so those are the two regions we have, allocation exercises will be done for,” the Minister added.
Additionally, there will be a special presentation
to highlight Guyana’s first smart and urban centre, Silica City. The master plan for Silica City, designed by the University of Miami, will be unveiled at the event.
Further the Ministry’s staff has put together an experience that includes the introduction of new technologies, and one-on-one interaction topped with entertainment, which together promise a great experience.
Just over three months after that body was established by President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) is finally set to have its first meeting in the new week.
In a post on his Facebook page, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, S.C., disclosed that he has been invited by the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Carl Singh, to attend the CRC’s first meeting on Tuesday, July 9, at the Commission’s Middle Street, Georgetown office.
The 21-member Commission is tasked with reviewing the Constitution of Guyana and holding widespread stakeholder consultations on areas to be reformed.
The 2022 Constitutional Reform Commission Act has outlined several areas for potential reform, including Indigenous peoples’ rights, fundamental rights, children’s rights, eradication of discrimination, enhancement of race relations, and electoral reform, among others.
While 18 of the 21 members were initially sworn-in by President Ali on April 3, the remaining members did not take their Oaths before the Head of State until May 28. This was among the factors that prevented the Commission from holding its first meeting.
Another major issue was the state of readiness of the building that would house the Commission.
However, AG Nandlall, who is one of the 21 members that constitute the Commission – representing the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), earlier this week said those issues have since been resolved.
“The site of the Commission is ready. Some minor adjustments had to have been completed in the building where the Commission will conduct its business, and those works have been completed,” the minister stated.
According to Nandlall, his role in this entire process was a directive from the President to make the office of the
Commission available; have it furnished and equipped so that the Commission can start its work; and ensure that the members are appointed. All those tasks, he pointed out, has been completed.
“The Commission has a Chairman, and the Commission will determine when it will sit and will regulate its business. I am only a member of the Commission,” the AG stressed.
In addition to Nandlall, the other PPP/C representatives on the Commission are: Ministers Gail Teixeira, Dr Frank Anthony, Pauline Sukhai, and Kwame McCoy.
The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) parliamentary Opposition is represented by Vincent Alexander, Sherwood Lowe, Ganesh
Mahipal, and Nigel Hughes.
The other political appointee is Timothy Jonas, who is the representative of the joinder parties that hold an Opposition seat in the National Assembly.
Labour Movement Representative Aslim Singh, National Toshaos Council Representative Derrick John, Private Sector Representative Ramesh Persaud, Women’s Representative Kim Kyte-Thomas, Youth Representative Dr Josh Kanhai, Muslim Representative Imran Ally, Hindu Representative Radha Krishna Sharma, and Farmers’ Representative Adrian Anamayah are the other members sworn-in by the President.
The other CRC members are the Guyana Bar
Association Representative, Kamal Ramkarran; and Christian Representative Keoma Griffith.
The highly-anticipated Constitution Reform Commission Bill 2022 was first tabled in the House back in August 2022, and was subsequently passed in November of that year. The Act sought to establish a 20-member Commission to review the country’s supreme laws.
These 20 members have to be drawn from political parties (five from the ruling party, four from the main Opposition, and one from the joinder parties), while the 10 remaining persons would be drawn from the three main religious groups, the Private Sector, the Guyana Bar Association, the National Toshaos Council, the Labour
Movement, women’s organisations, as well as nominees representing farmers and youths.
the Act has also contained provisions for the President to “act in accordance with his/ her own deliberate judgement and appoint a chairperson…” The Head of State had appointed Justice Singh to chair the CRC.
But with this provision, the complement of appointed members of the Constitution Reform Commission has been taken to 21, hence the need to amend the law. As a result, in May, the Government returned to the National Assembly to change the law and correct the numerical composition of the Commission.
Nevertheless, the 2022 law outlines the key areas that should be considered for potential reforms by the Commission. These include the fundamental rights of citizens, Indigenous peoples’ rights, rights of children, the eradication of discrimination, enhancement of race relations, promotion of ethnic security and equal opportunity, safeguarding minority rights, electoral reforms; economic, political, and cultural rights; fiduciary responsibility, bolstering integrity in public office, as well as the functioning of the National Assembly and local government.
TURN TO PAGE 28
The Health Ministry kicked off its eye-testing and spectacles programme in Cane Grove along the East Coast of Demerara on Saturday which saw over 70 persons, including children, receiving free eye tests.
The initiative was done in keeping with the Government’s commitment to early detect and treat eye conditions such as myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia among children while ensuring that elderly persons across the country are provided with the necessary assistance.
The exercise was conducted by specialists attached to Miracle Vision Care and other partnering entities.
Of the total number of persons seen, some 40 individuals were provided with spectacles on the spot while others received a $15,000 voucher to source instruments independently.
These eyecare vouchers are valid at Da Silva’s Optical, Miracle Vision Care, Regina’s Optical, Courts Optical, Optique Vision Care, Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, Doobay-Gafoor Medical & Research Centre, Eye Max
Optical, Bhagwan’s Optical, Optical Works, Mings Optical, and Eye Care Guyana, among other facilities.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who was present at the exercise, said that the programme would only accelerate from this point.
He noted that while many healthcare facilities with eye-testing capabilities were based in Georgetown, several had affiliate branches in different regions and the Health Ministry would be travelling to those regions to provide screening services where they were not available.
“We see a lot of older per-
sons coming out to get their eyes tested and most of them require spectacles, so I think it’s a helpful thing for the community. Next week, we will probably go to another community so we want to do this every weekend where we are going out to different communities. So, rather than people having to travel to where these companies are located, we are trying to get the services to come within the community.”
The Minister reminded everyone that the Government aimed to offer 115 different interventions at the primary healthcare level. He fur-
ther emphasised the importance of engaging the Private Sector to ensure that more individuals can access these services.
“The general response has been fairly good, especially in and around Georgetown, but because this is a countrywide programme we want in every region to do similar things like this, so that is why we are working with the companies that are doing the eye testing and doing the glasses (spectacles),” Dr Anthony added.
One recipient, Bhagwandin Ramsarran expressed relief at this intervention as he can now get eye care.
“I feel this initiative by the Ministry of Health – in general, the Government –has been doing quite a good job and this eye assistance and vouchers would assist us greatly in this area, especially the elderly and the children. Financially, they will be saving money, because they don’t have to go to private organi-
sations,” Ramsarran shared. Another beneficiary, Chandroutie Ramnarine commended the Government’s proactive approach to health care. She expressed gratitude for the level of attention being paid to senior citizens’ well-being, stating “we use to do these outreaches long ago and it’s beneficial to everybody’ because it’s ease the transportation cost when parents have to go with their children to the doctor as well as the elderly, so it’s very good”.
Just last month, the Ministry signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several private healthcare providers for this, and the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme. These initiatives are fuelled by the sum of $840 million that was allocated through the 2024 National Budget for the eye tests and approximately $995 million, which was allocated to subsidise spectacles cost.
AVenezuelan miner was, in the wee hours of Friday, hacked to death during a drunken argument at Quartzstone Landing, a Cuyuni riverine community in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The dead man has been identified as 21-yearold Adrian Williams, a miner from San Martin in Venezuela.
According to information received, the perpetrator is another Venezuelan national called “Pellupa”.
Police have said that at about 23:30h on Thursday evening, Williams was imbibing at a shop in the area with the suspect and another Venezuelan national called ‘Barber’. The owner of the shop told police
that he closed his business and retired to bed at about 23:00h. However, about 30 minutes later, he heard a loud noise emanating from the front of his shop.
Upon investigating, he saw the deceased and ‘Barber’ involved in a scuffle, but they were eventually separated by onlookers. After they left, the shop owner returned to bed.
However, another resident in the area related that, around the same time, he also had heard a loud noise, and upon venturing outside, he observed the suspect (Pellupa) standing over an injured Williams with a cutlass, attempting to chop him further. Pellupa was nevertheless deterred by onlookers, and
made his escape, leaving an injured Williams in the middle of the walkway in a pool of blood.
Police were summoned to the area, and they found the body of the 21-year-old man on the ground, clad in short pants and wearing neither footwear nor top. The ranks examined the body and observed several chop wounds to the right-side chin, throat, the left side head, and the right shoulder. A small bottle of alcoholic beverage was found in the dead man’s pants pocket.
Efforts are being made to apprehend both suspects with whom Williams had last been seen alive, even as investigations are ongoing.
During the April 3 swearing-in ceremony, President Ali told the Commission members that while these areas are wide-ranging, they are not exhaustive in their scope of work. He further noted that the Constitution must be drafted in clear and accessible language that is comprehensible to the average individual. This, according
to the Head of State, would ensure that all citizens understand their rights and obligations, thereby facilitating active participation in the democratic process, and reinforcing the mutual understanding between the Government and the governed. The PPP/C Government has already assured that the public would play an in-
tegral role in deciding what reforms would be undertaken.
Constitutional reform was promised in the PPP/C 2020 Manifesto, where it was further outlined that consultation with the populace and important stakeholders and a broad-based Constitutional Reform Commission would drive the process. (G-8)
India's post T20 World Cup party hit a snag as Zimbabwe handed them their first defeat in T20 Internationals (T20Is) in 2024. Having been restricted to 115 for 9, the Zimbabwe bowlers came out with gusto, picking up wickets at regular intervals to bowl India out for 102 in 19.5 overs. This, of course, was India's second-string T20I line-up –the first-choice squad is getting some time off a week on from the World Cup final in Bridgetown.
Tendai Chatara and Sikandar Raza starred with the ball, picking three wickets apiece as India collapsed in a hurry much to the delight of a Harare crowd –Harare Sports Club was packed to the rafters.
India handed debuts to Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel and had no hesitation in bowling first after winning the toss. Zimbabwe started well, but Ravi Bishnoi with a T20 career-best of 4 for 13 and Washington Sundar (2 for 11) orchestrated a collapse. At the halfway stage, it seemed like an easy enough chase, but the Zimbabwe bowlers had other ideas.
Abhishek fell for a fourball duck, Ruturaj Gaikwad for 7, Parag's debut lasted three balls and Rinku Singh lasted all of two, as India lost four wickets inside five overs. And when Raza cleaned up Shubman Gill for 31, the whole of Harare believed.
India needed 16 off the final over with one wicket in hand, but still hoped to get through with Washington still around. Chatara, however, bowled a nerveless 20th, conceding just two runs off four balls and claiming Washington off the fifth to spark wild scenes in Harare. This is the lowest total ever defended against India in a T20I, and the lowest against anyone in Harare. It was Zimbabwe's first against India in any format since 2016.
The beginning of the take-down
Not many would have given Zimbabwe much of a chance at the halfway stage, but the bowlers found their lengths from the get-go. Raza opened the bowling with two spinners – Brian Bennett and Wellington Masakadza – and his decision was vindicated immediately; Abhishek top-edged Bennett in the first over to deep backward square leg.
Blessing Muzarabani then got Gaikwad to edge a back-of-a-length ball to slip before Chatara picked two wickets in three balls to really unsettle India. Parag's onthe-up drive only went as far
as mid-off while Rinku could only manage a top-edge to a well-directed bouncer that ballooned straight up for short fine leg to take a simple catch.
At 28 for 4 after six overs, India were already staring down the barrel.
Zimbabwe finish the job
Gill began the repair work with Jurel, but run-scoring remained an arduous task with Raza shuffling his bowlers, who stuck to their lengths. India managed just two fours between overs six and ten, but also lost Jurel at the end of this period; he was caught at extra cover, deceived by Luke Jongwe's slower ball.
Raza then landed the big
blow, beating Gill all ends up. He got the carrom ball to land on a length and had the Indian Captain playing down the wrong line with the ball smashing into off pole. India were reduced to 47 for 6 in 10.2 overs, which soon became 61 for 7 in the 13th.
Avesh Khan and Washington then eased the nerves briefly with an 18-ball 23-run stand, but when Avesh smashed a knee-high Masakadza full toss to long-off, Zimbabwe could already taste victory.
Raza castled Mukesh for his third, and even though Washington took Jongwe for 12 in the 18th over, the odds were in favour of the hosts.
With Washington turning down singles, Muzarabani only conceded two off the
Zimbabwe (20 ovs maximum)
Wessly Madhevere
b Ravi Bishnoi 21 Innocent Kaia
b Mukesh Kumar 0
Brian Bennett
b Ravi Bishnoi 22
Sikandar Raza (c) c Ravi Bishnoi
b Avesh Khan 17
Dion Myers
c & b Washington Sundar 23
Johnathan Campbell run out (Washington Sundar/Avesh Khan) 0 Clive Madande † not out 29 Wellington Masakadza st †Jurel
b Washington Sundar 0 Luke Jongwe lbw
b Ravi Bishnoi 1
Blessing Muzarabani
b Ravi Bishnoi 0 Tendai Chatara not out 0
Extras (lb 1, w 1) 2
TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.75, 101 Mins)
115/9
Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Innocent Kaia, 1.1 ov), 2-40 (Brian Bennett, 5.1 ov), 3-51 (Wessly Madhevere, 7.5 ov), 4-74 (Sikandar Raza, 11.5 ov), 5-74 (Johnathan Campbell, 11.6 ov), 6-89 (Dion Myers, 14.2 ov), 7-89 (Wellington Masakadza, 14.3 ov), 8-90 (Luke Jongwe, 15.1 ov), 9-90 (Blessing Muzarabani, 15.3 ov) •
BOWLING O-M-R-W
Khaleel Ahmed 3-0-28-0
Mukesh Kumar 3-0-16-1
Ravi Bishnoi 4-2-13-4
Abhishek Sharma 2-0-17-0
Avesh Khan 4-0-29-1
Washington Sundar 4-0-11-2
India (T: 116 runs from 20 ovs)
Abhishek Sharma c Masakadza
b Bennett 0
Shubman Gill (c)
b Sikandar Raza 31
Ruturaj Gaikwad c Kaia
b Muzarabani 7
Riyan Parag c sub (B Mavuta)
b Chatara 2
Rinku Singh c Bennett
b Chatara 0
Dhruv Jurel † c Madhevere
b Jongwe 6 Washington Sundar c Muzarabani
b Chatara 27
Ravi Bishnoi lbw
b Sikandar Raza 9
Avesh Khan c Sikandar Raza
b Masakadza 16
Mukesh Kumar
b Sikandar Raza 0
Khaleel Ahmed not out 0
Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4
TOTAL 19.5 Ov (RR: 5.14, 98 Mins)
102 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Abhishek Sharma, 0.4 ov), 2-15 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3.3 ov), 3-22 (Riyan Parag, 4.4 ov), 4-22 (Rinku Singh, 4.6 ov), 5-43 (Dhruv Jurel, 9.5 ov), 6-47 (Shubman Gill, 10.2 ov), 7-61 (Ravi Bishnoi, 12.5 ov), 8-84 (Avesh Khan, 15.5 ov), 9-86 (Mukesh Kumar, 16.6 ov), 10-102 (Washington Sundar, 19.5 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W
Brian Bennett 1-1-0-1
Wellington Masakadza 3-0-15-1 Tendai Chatara 3.5-1-16-3
Blessing Muzarabani
Wessly Madhevere drove Khaleel Ahmed straight down the ground for four. Their joy was short-lived though, with Mukesh Kumar uprooting Innocent Kaia's leg stump with the first ball of his spell (the second over of the innings).
Bennett and Madhevere, however, took Zimbabwe forward swiftly. Bennett started off with a screeching square drive and then got a thick outside edge past second slip for four more. Khaleel was then taken for 17 off the fifth over between both batters, albeit in streaky fashion. Bennett first got a – fortunate – boundary over slips before Avesh made a meal of a relatively straightforward chance at deep third. Madhevere then pumped Khaleel through the mid-
penultimate over before Chatara closed out the game. This was just Zimbabwe's third win in nine T20Is this year.
A first-ball wicket, a slew of boundaries Zimbabwe had the perfect start to their innings when
wicket and then got another edge over slip as Zimbabwe raced to 40 for 1 after five.
Bishnoi's wrong 'uns
flummox Zimbabwe
Bishnoi, with his variations, was always expected to be a tricky customer for
the Zimbabwe batters and he was among the wickets straight away. Almost exclusively bowling wrong 'uns – 22 of his 24 balls were wrong 'uns according to ESPNcricinfo's logs – he started by cleaning up Bennett for a 15-ball 22. It was a bail-trimmer. In Bishnoi's next over, it was Madhevere sent back – he missed a slog sweep and his off stump took a beating. Raza struck a delightful six, straight down the ground off Avesh, while adding 23 off 24 balls for the fourth wicket with Dion Myers. But his wicket brought about a collapse of epic proportions. From 74 for 3 in the 12th over, Zimbabwe slipped to 90 for 9 in the 16th, with Bishnoi and Washington the wreckers-in-chief.
A rush of blood got the better of Raza, who holed out to deep midwicket off Avesh. A complete breakdown in communication saw Johnathan Campbell run out first ball before Washington picked two in two. He first had Myers caught and bowled before having Masakadza stumped first ball. Jongwe survived the hat-trick ball, but fell in the next over, lbw to Bishnoi. Bishnoi picked up his fourth wicket by removing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe losing six wickets for 16 runs in 23 balls. That Zimbabwe reached 115 was down to an unbroken last-wicket stand of 25 between Clive Madande and Chatara –and how useful those runs would eventually prove.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Sharima Khan, affec-
tionately known as the “Speed Queen”, is set to make a thrilling return to motor racing at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions on November 10. Known for her prowess behind the wheel of her iconic Honda Del Sol, aptly nicknamed the “Pink Beast”, Khan and her comeback are eagerly awaited by fans and fellow racers alike.
Khan took a hiatus from racing to focus on starting a family, during which time she got married and welcomed two boys. Now, feeling that the timing is perfect, she is ready to reignite
Dakota Circuit will not be a walk in the park. The circuit has seen significant changes since her last race, and
her passion for racing. “The November international event is the biggest in the Caribbean, and I can’t think of a better time to make my return,” she said. Her return to the South
she acknowledges the need to adapt to the new track layout and regain her seat time in a race car. Despite these hurdles, Khan remains optimistic and determined, a testament to her
unwavering spirit.
“I know it won’t be an easy return, but I’m very optimistic about this,” she shared. “I’ve always loved the thrill of racing, and I believe I still have what it takes to compete at a high level.”
Khan is the only female Guyanese driver to have competed in circuit racing in Guyana over the last couple of decades, a testament to her skill and determination. Her return adds a layer of excitement to the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions, promising a spectacular display of speed and competition.
Fans can look forward to seeing the “Pink Beast” back on the track, driven by the indomitable spirit of the “Speed Queen”. Khan’s return is more than just a comeback; it’s an inspiring story of passion, resilience, and a love for racing.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has proudly recognised two of its longstanding Board Directors for their exemplary service at a prestigious reception held in Barbados on Friday, June 28, 2024, the eve of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup.
The ceremony celebrated the remarkable contributions of CWI Directors Enoch Lewis, President of Leeward Islands Cricket Board, and Conde Riley, President of Barbados Cricket Association.
Lewis has dedicated over 18 years to CWI while Riley has committed more than 15 years to the organisation. Both men have played pivotal roles in the development and success of West Indies cricket. The awards were presented by Dr Kishore Shallow, President of CWI, and Azim Bassarath, Vice President of CWI.
Dr Shallow praised the awardees, stating, "Mr Lewis and Mr Riley have shown unwavering dedication and
leadership within Cricket West Indies. Their contributions have been instrumental across regional cricket from junior to senior levels, and we are honoured to recognise their service. The task of service in public life is not an easy one; it requires immense commitment, sacrifices, integrity, and a passion for making a difference. Directors Lewis and Riley have embodied these qualities throughout their ten-
Defending champions Ballerz Empire, Showstoppers, West Side Ballers and Jetty Ballers advanced to the quarter-finals when the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” West/East Bank Demerara Championship commenced on Friday night at the Pouderoyen tarmac.
Ballerz Empire downed Sunshine Ballers 2-1 to send a strong message to the remaining participants.
Solomon Austin and Adrian Alexander scored in the sixth and 22nd minute each. For
the losers, Neron Barrow netted in the 25th minute.
On the other hand, threetime former champions Showstoppers dispatched Goal Getters 3-0. Marvin Josiah scored in the seventh minute and then netted a Guiness Goal (GG), which counts for two goals, in the 30th minute.
Likewise, Jetty Ballers downed No Mercy 2-0. Jermin Junior recorded the fastest goal of the event in the opening 30 seconds. He then sealed his brace in the 16th minute.
Also, West Side Ballers edged Boom Bang 1-0. Darrell Abrams scored in the fifth minute.
Meanwhile, Cayenne Massive was disqualified for fielding an ineligible player during their victory against ESPN after the latter lodged an official protest.
and 28th (GG)
Luiroy Nieuelder – 8th
Seon Stephen – 13th
Up Like-7 scorer
Sebastian Edwards – 17th
Game 2
Bagotstown Warriors 2 v Epic Touch Family 6
Epic Touch scorers
Devin Gaskin – 1st, 23rd and 24th
Donte MacAulay – 6th
Shaquille DosSantos – 7th
Trevon Cornell – 17th
Bagotstown scorer
Junior Bobb – 28th (GG)
Game 3
West Side Ballers 1 v Boom Bang 0 Darrell Abrams – 5th
Game 4
ure.”
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley; Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J Pierre; Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne; President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Chairman of the International Cricket Council, Greg Barclay. (CWI)
An investigation was launched by the tournament coordinator and at the conclusion, it was revealed that the player competed in the Georgetown zone which is an infraction of the rules, resulting in the disqualification of the team and a three-year ban for the player.
The event resumes on Friday with the quarter-final segment.
Complete results
Guinness Goal (GG) = 2 goals
Game 1
Up Like-7 1 v Pouderoyen
Brothers 5
Dwayne Peters – 1st
Team Family 0 v Street Ballers 0 Team Family won 3-2 on sudden penalty kicks
Game 5
Jetty Ballers 2 v No Mercy 0
Jermin Junior – 30th second and 16th minute
Game 6
ESPN 0 v Cayenne
Massive 5
Cayenne Massive disqualified for fielding ineligible player
Game 7
Showstoppers 3 v Goal Getters 0 Marvin Josiah 7th and 30th (GG)
Game 8
Ballerz Empire 2 v
Guyana’s Under-19 Women’s team kept up their winning streak in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 tournament with an 81-run drubbing of Jamaica’s Women.
Guyana won the toss and elected to bat first, after which Naomi Barkoye got off to a flyer, but missed out on a half-century.
Barkoye slammed 46 runs in 34 balls, including eight fours and one six, but her opening partner Laurene Williams failed to fire, contributing five from 12 deliv wickets in relatively quick time.
Grimmond’s innings consisted of 31 runs in 30 balls. With a few more single-digit scores down the scoresheet, Guyana ended their 20 overs with 133-7.
Abigail Bryce was outstanding among the Jamaican bowlers, claiming 3-22 from four overs, while Jaunel Deers supported with 2-26 from her four overs.
Jamaica’s chase got
off to a nightmare start as Guyana’s Trisha Hardat and Grimmond combined to send back Jamaica’s top order to the dugout in no time.
Judeen Ebanks, Chrishana McKenzie, and Deers contributed 1, 0 and 4 runs to the tally, before Bryce attempted to start a rebuild.
Abigail Bryce hit 13 in 16 deliveries while Moniqueca Reid contributed 12 in 23 balls. However, that was the start and the end of the double digits for Jamaica as
The Kares One Guyana T10 Blast is back for a second season, with several top tapeball teams confirmed to return to the action starting August 3.
The tournament will continue on August 4 with the Round-of-16 matches, followed by the quarter-finals on August 11 and the grand finals and Cricket for Charity match on August 25 at the National Stadium, Providence.
Defending champions Eccles All-Stars will be looking to repeat their title run, facing stiff competition from familiar names like Village Rams, Mahdia (Movements Family), Tarmac Titans, Team Corruption, and The Guards.
Tournament organiser John Ramsingh expressed his excitement about the returning teams, highlighting last year's high level of play and anticipating even fiercer competition.
scores of 3, 3, 0, 0, 5, and 0 followed before they were eventually bowled out for 52 in 15.2 overs.
Danellie Manns was the star of the Guyanese bowling unit, claiming a 4-fer for 15 runs from four overs. Nyla Latchman ably assisted with 2-8 from 3.2 overs. Hardat also claimed 2-11 from two overs.
Guyana will take on Barbados today, Sunday, July 7 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Today’s game will kick off at 10:00h.
Guyana Under 19
Naomi Barkoye c AC Bryce
b MA Reida 46
Laurene Williams st KL Sutherland
b ASK Miller 5
Denellie Lindee WK
b AC Bryce 8
Tilleya Madramootoo c KL Sutherland b AC Bryce 7
Realeanna Grimmond C
b JB Deers 31
Nyia Latchman lbw JB Deers 9
Crystal Durant not out 4
Tiea Isaacs lbw AC Bryce 2
Tramaine Marks not out 1
Did not bat: Trisha Hardat, Danellie Manns
(DV Lindee, 8.3 ov),
The highly-anticipated KFC Summer Showdown, which promises to change the game for how table tennis tournaments are hosted in Guyana, served off on Friday night and saw its official opening on Saturday morning.
With just under 50 athletes scheduled to compete in the Under-15, Under-19 and Senior categories, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) will be a hive of activity as it hosts the event.
Sharing remarks during the opening ceremony was
"Our vision is to create a platform for both private and public sectors to invest in local cricket, benefiting players and bringing exciting entertainment to fans," Ramsingh said.
"While we haven't reached our ideal player reward structure yet, we're on the right track. This tournament can potentially become a major regional event, with international aspirations down the line.
Fans will have to wait longer to see the full list of participating stars, as squad submissions close on July 28.
The prize pool has gotten even more enticing, with the winner taking home
$1.5 million, followed by $500,000 for the runners-up and $250,000 for each losing semi-finalist. Individual accolades will also be awarded for Player of the Final, Most Wickets, Most Runs, and Most Valuable Player.
He is particularly pleased with the involvement of private companies like Premier Insurance and Montra Jaguars, who have formed their own "franchises".
Star Rentals has committed to the first-place prize, while the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport will support the tournament for the next two years.
The Ministry of Housing and Water and Demerara Mutual have also signed on.
Confirmed teams: Airport XI, Avinash All-Stars, Bartica Bulls, Brooklyn Youth Strikers, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Diamond Gunners, Eastsyde, EC Express, Eccles All-Stars, Flacons XI, GPL Inc, Green Scorpions Cricket Club, Lil Rams, Mahaica Super Strikers, Mahdia (Movements Family), Ministry of Housing and Water – One Guyana, Montra Jaguars, Moruca Super Giants, MS-13 AllStars, Premier Insurance, Renegades Cricket Club, Soesdyke XI, Street Ballerz, Stripling Warriors, Tarmac Titans, Team Corruption, TG Titans, The United Crew, The Guards, Titans All-Stars, Upsetters, and Village Rams.
organiser Chelsea Edghill of Edge Sports Management (ESM), who related that it was well worth it to be able to contribute to the development of sport.
“Edge Sports Management started about six months ago, with the thought of having better tournaments and you know, helping with development of sports in Guyana and this is
one of the ways we see fit to do it. It takes a lot of planning, but it is worth it and I hope you guys enjoy the tournament,” Edghill related.
In highlighting how important such tournaments are for the sport, Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) President and GOA President Godfrey Munroe expressed his gratitude to the event’s sponsors.
Munroe remarked, “Tournaments are key for us in table tennis, because it gives us the opportunity to practise our skills, I’s a sport of repetition and we need the competition to finetune. Now that’s an area that we’ve been very weak in and we’d want to thank our sponsors – KFC, the Guyana Olympic Association, ANSA McAL under the Lucozade brand, National Sports Commission and the Guyana Table Tennis Association.”
I know a lot of you are raring to go for the tournament to see who can match skills, but I want to urge you: play in the spirit with sportsmanship, with camaraderie, with competition and let all the rivalries finish at the end of the day on the table.”
While the younger athletes will be rewarded with trophies and vouchers, the seniors are competing for a $250,000 cash prize in the male and female categories.
