Guyana Times - Sunday, June 16, 2024.pdf

US support for Guyana on border controversy with Venezuela “ironclad” – US diplomat

“The joy and happiness of being a father made me see life differently” – Lurenzo Pearson

Homeless man allegedly shot by occupants of ‘Pitbull’ minibus

8 Indian nationals deported to Suriname after illegally entering Guyana Truck driver slapped with firearm, ammo & cannabispossession charges

“Music makes me forget my disability” – Edon Singh

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

Sunday, June 16 – 11:45h-13:15h and Monday, June 17 – 12:45h-14:15h. Sunday, June 16 – 00:30h-02:00h and Monday, June 17 – 01:30h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

WEATHER TODAY FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the early morning and late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 12:17h reaching a maximum height of 2.21 metres.

Low Tide: 18:12h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.

The practice of fronting, which has seen foreign companies using local ones to bypass laws, is one the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government intends to crack down on; including on the local end of this unethical practice. This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday.

According to the Local Content Act, a company wanting to present itself as a local one must have Guyanese in at least 75 per cent of its executive and senior management positions, and at least 90 per cent in non-managerial and other positions. Guyanese must also have beneficial ownership of at least 51 per cent of the company.

To bypass these provisions, however, some companies have resorted to “fronting”, by placing Guyanese in specific positions to create a façade of compliance. Jagdeo has made it clear that local companies and individuals who are complicit would face the consequences.

“The foreign companies…are using locals as a front, this is particularly as it relates to registration under the Local Content Act (LCA). That’s where it makes sense, so that they can enjoy benefits that are reserved for our people, in the Act for our people. And so, the local companies that are complicit in this will face consequences also, not just the foreign companies,” he said.

“A lot of those…soon we’re going to start checking on this issue, and we have to. In the update of the Local Content Law, we will plug some loopholes and strengthen the enforcement and penalties for doing so. But right now, the GRA is looking to add some of these companies because, by fancy accounting, they’re defeating the purpose of the Act and, with the complicity of local individuals, defeating the purpose of the Act -which is to give preference to our people,” he explained.

According to Jagdeo, the Government has already started discussions with the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, on how best to proceed.

He also highlighted one loophole that companies are using. “So, we’ve started. We had a discussion with

the Commissioner General about this matter. We’re looking at it carefully, because you have to show ownership of the company, more than 50 per cent ownership of the company. Some of the foreign companies coming in, they’re giving notionally a 50 per cent ownership, but then they’re getting paid all sorts of fees for the services they provide, so it’s not a real benefit for those Guyanese,” Jagdeo further said.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Father’s Day responsibilities

As we commemorate "Father’s Day" today, let us consider the object of our attention: fathers of Guyana. The headlines of the last few years have not been kind to them. Almost daily, one or another member of that group has been accused of chopping, hanging, stabbing, battering, or finding some other means to injure their putative "better halves". Last week, one admitted to beheading his “child mother”. Attention is rarely given to the other dyadic relation they share, and is immanent in the word "father” - their children.

Father, mother, and children, of course - dubbed the "nuclear family"comprise the paradigmatic "family" in Guyana, and this in itself sheds much light on the present status and position of "fathers" today. Dragged from Africa and sold as slaves, the African male was denied his role of being a father to his children. He, along with his mate and children, were all chattel, to be sold, bought, whipped, killed or bred as the owner saw fit. We used the term "mate" advisedly, since there was no legal relationship between the male and female beyond the instruction to "mate" and produce new slaves.

It is easy to say that, after over a hundred and eighty-six years since the abolition of slavery, those relationships ought to have been transcended, and the ideal "nuclear family" be adopted. Human socialisation, however, is not as simplistic as that, even if there was not the added complexity of the fact that, in Africa, the nuclear family was not the dominant family structure.

Just as with the Indian indentured labourers, later brought to replace African labour in the sugar plantations, the extended family: that included grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, was the norm in Africa. This form of social organisation was destroyed by the imperatives of the plantation's total institution.

In modern Guyana, therefore, we have the institution of the "child father", with the maternal grandmother taking the pivotal role of the father in the nuclear family - all descended from the slave experience. The practice is now spreading into the cultural repertoire of other groups. From the slave days also, we have retained the image of the ideal male as a "stud", which he was back then. The male was valued by the number of females he could impregnate - which still strikes a responsive chord in males.

We then ended up with a situation wherein many men did not take responsibility for their children very seriously, since there was an existential situation in many homes where the children were not their biological “own”. After slavery, this practice was coupled with the complementary ruling class’s patriarchal premise that women were the "property" of men - to be possessed at will. This patriarchy also fits right in with the mores of the Indian immigrants, who, however, did take the responsibility for their children rather seriously. What it meant was that while men in general might now boast about "sowing their wild oats", they did not take too kindly to being "cuckolded". As the dictionary advises, such men are "objects of derision".

And this, to a large extent, explains - but certainly can never excuse - the exploding violence by husbands against wives, where the "best interests" of the children are seldom taken into account.

What we would like to advise on this Father’s Day is that fathers, mothers, and children are inextricably linked as a family that would sink or swim together. While the exact roles of each would inevitably be impacted by larger forces in society and evolve, the family would always remain the earliest and most important locus of socialisation of the young - the children.

Efforts to introduce communal rearing have always collapsed. It therefore behooves both fathers and mothers to take their roles as parents much more seriously than is evident today. While the emphasis of "me first" might sound attractive, ultimately, if it means neglecting our children, we are all doomed.

Happy Father’s Day!!

a prolonged dry season, the rains are finally here, and the Kaieteur

World Blood Donor Day

Dear Editor,

Each year, on June 14, World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) is celebrated. The day is set aside to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products in order to save lives. This year, the World Blood Donor Day slogan is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!”

It commemorates the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, and the profound impact of blood donation on the lives of patients and donors. The campaign serves as an opportunity to express gratitude to blood, plasma, and platelet donors in the world, for their lifesaving donations. Moreover, it calls for action, motivating more individuals to join the global movement of blood donation.

Many of us have had firsthand experience regarding the need for blood. Perhaps it was a medical/ surgical procedure or an accident. Blood is critical to our survival. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood is not. In many countries, blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available while also ensuring its quality and safety. Lack of access to safe blood and blood products, especially in low- and middle-income countries, impacts all patients, including those requiring regular transfusion.

Every single blood donation is a precious lifesaving gift, and repeat donation is the key to building a safe and sustainable blood supply.

Blood Donation

In Jamaica, donations of whole blood are made, and the blood is subsequently separated into its components according to demand. One pint of blood can therefore be used for more than one person.

Blood is given to patients with burns, sickle cell, traumatic injuries, cancers, some chronic diseases, and in childbirth. Interestingly, pregnant mothers are asked to have a pint of blood donated for them before they give birth, as there is a risk of significant blood loss during or after delivery. Persons who donate blood need to be healthy, over the age of 18 years, and weigh 110lbs or more.

In preparation for donation, there is an interview in which health and travel histories are taken and the donor’s hemoglobin or blood count is checked. The person’s blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are also checked. It is advisable to get a good night’s sleep the night before, and to hydrate with lots of water or any non-alcoholic drink before and after the pint of blood is donated.

The donor should have a non-fatty meal before giving blood. The entire process from interview to departure would take about one hour, with 10-15 minutes being the actual time for collection of the blood. Note should be taken that all the equipment used is sterile and being used only once. The donor is given a drink, and is allowed to relax before leaving the collection site. A regular blood donor can give a pint 4-5 times yearly. This donation is from the kindness of the donor’s heart, as there is no monetary compensation.

Debunking common myths about blood donation

• I have a tattoo, so I can’t give blood

In the majority of states, you may give blood immediately after getting a tattoo, if you got it in a shop that is state-regulated. Otherwise, you must wait three months to donate.

However, if you get your tattoo in Idaho, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming, or the District of Columbia, you must wait three months, no matter what.

• It will hurt to donate blood

Only for a moment. You will feel the first stick of the needle, but you should not feel any pain after that. Some of our loyal repeat donors even tell us they have gotten so used to the feeling that they barely notice the needle anymore.

• I have high blood pressure

You can donate blood as long as your blood pressure is 180 or below systolic (top number) and 100 or below diastolic (bottom number) at the time of donation. When you come in to donate, a staff member would check your blood pressure as part of the mini-health assessment conducted before donating. Taking medication for high blood pressure does not disqualify you either.

• I can only donate once per year

Your blood replenishes itself, but not all at once. Your body replaces the plasma you lost within 24 hours. Red blood cells take about four to six weeks to be completely replenished. That’s why you must wait at least 56 days between donations of whole blood.

On this World Blood Donor Day, let us be reminded that a blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. The blood bank is always in need of blood. Please donate today.

Sincerely,

Wayne Campbell

After

Falls has returned to its former glory.

This ‘A Path to Travel’ photo, taken a few days ago, shows water gushing fiercely from the one-drop falls

No ‘special’ investigation was done by APNU/AFC into gold smuggling – MNR

– requests Trotman to disclose parties involved in ‘intelligence-led operation’

Contrary to claims made by former Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, the Ministry of Natural Resources has clarified that no “intelligence-led operation” to tackle gold smuggling was ever carried out by the former A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC) government.

Following USinstituted sanctions against Guyanese gold dealers, coupled with the recent arrest of three smugglers at the country’s main international airport, Trotman had been quoted as claiming that a special operation initiated by the former regime to curb gold smuggling had been shut down by the PPP.

According to the Ministry, however, nothing could be further from the truth.

“For the public record, no such operation/investigation (was) discovered at the Office of the President in August 2020; and logically, there was no “shut down” of any such operation within five days of the Government taking office three and a half years ago, or at all. In the circumstances, we are forced to conclude that Raphael Trotman is enduring another flight of his usual fantasies,” the Ministry said in a statement of its own.

Earlier this month, two US citizens and one Guyanese were intercepted with US$560,000 worth of raw gold at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri. They have subsequently been charged for exporting gold without a licence, in contravention of Section 8 of the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01, and contrary to section 23

“Mr. Trotman cannot leave the nation in such suspense. He must disclose who was involved in this intelligence-led operation. Which law enforcement agency led this investigation? Why was no one charged in five years while they were in Government? Why has no report, or any information whatsoever in respect of this investigation, ever been made public? Why only now, nearly a decade after, the public is hearing of this information and investigation?

(a) of the said Act. They have each been placed on $600,000 bail.

During a recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo gave assurance that the trio would also face charges under Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) law.

Further, in recent sanctions imposed against Guyanese businessmen and gold dealers Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed and their associated businesses earlier this week, the United States has alleged that some 10,000 kilograms of gold had been smuggled out of this country between 2019 and 2023. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of

Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which announced the sanctions on Tuesday, has alleged that by under-declaring their gold and evading the payment of taxes on exports, the Mohameds have defrauded the Guyana Government of more than US$50 million in duty taxes.

Held accountable

In the article that had featured Trotman, it has been claimed that former Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had been briefed by the United States about gold being smuggled out of Guyana. According to the Ministry, however, officials from the former Government

The list of achievements under Minister Manickchand’s leadership is too long

Dear Editor, I have noticed discussions in the press on education, in particular the exchange between veteran trade unionist Mr Lincoln Lewis and Minister of Education Ms. Priya Manickchand. The exchange sometimes got heated and went into unnecessary personal criticism.

One sentence caught my attention, and I think it needs to be put in proper context. At the beginning, Mr. Lewis said, “While Minister of Education Priya Manickchand is no Winifred Gaskin or Cecilene Baird in intellect and performance…” Mr. Lewis is very wrong. Minister Manickchand is intellectually at least equal to those two previous Ministers of

Education, if not superior. However, talking about performance, it is clearly no contest; Minister Manickchand is head and shoulders above both of the abovementioned women. If we leave out emotions and look at the facts, we cannot escape the reality that the achievements of Education under Minister Manickchand dwarf those of Ms. Gaskin and Ms Baird. When Minister Gaskin took over from Cedric Vernon Nunes, Guyana was leading the Caribbean in Education achievement. The country (then a colony) was on the verge of having universal secondary education. Recall that the country had converted primary schools into all-age schools, so children were moving seamlessly from primary to

secondary education. After Fourth Standard, children moved to Form One.

It was under Ms. Gaskin that that process was stopped, and a reversal stepped in. Thousands of working people’s children were denied secondary education. By 1974, the situation had become so horrible that Ms. Baird is on record as saying that children were leaving schools and could not read or write properly.

Contrast those records with Minister Manickchand’s. More children are in school than at any other time. We are again at the threshold of universal secondary education. Ms. Manickchand has worked very hard to bring us to this stage. Moreover, the quantity and quality of education is far superi-

should be held accountable if they had indeed been briefed and had done nothing.

“The news article further stated that former Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, was also made aware of a briefing from law enforcement agents out of the United States about gold smuggling out of Guyana. If indeed these former senior Government officials were made aware of the severity of the issue, then they should be held accountable. Mr. Trotman now wants to change the narrative with respect to the source of gold allegedly smuggled by referring to an operation involving Guyana, Venezuela and Colombia, although he mentioned the source as local gold production in the very news article in 2016,” the Ministry further said.

The Guyana Government has already indicated it is looking to strengthen its laws in or-

der to institute stiffer financial penalties as a deterrent to gold smuggling.

During his press conference, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that under the current Gold Board Act, the penalty for gold smuggling is “small”, and does not deter perpetrators. Jagdeo recently explained that smugglers are currently only asked to pay the estimated taxes they evaded by smuggling the mineral resource, but this is a small amount compared to the value of the gold smuggled.

“In this case, it’s estimated that the US$50M we lost is 7% of the total value of the gold, because that is the royalty, and tax rates amount to 7% of the value of the goods. If you had to pay triple the value on that, you’ll probably have to pay a penalty of 24% of the value of the gold, something of that nature [the government is looking to impose],” he has said.

or today than at any time. Look at the distribution of the passes. It is no longer confined to a few schools in Georgetown, but children in all parts of Guyana have been outstanding.

The Government is expending considerable sums of money to ensure that interior students can catch up with those on the coast. Progress here is also significant. The list of achievements under Minister Manickchand’s leadership is too long for this short letter.

For Mr. Lewis to try to diminish her outstanding services and achievements can only be explained by his prejudice and anti-PPP/ Civic position.

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar, Former President

06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Gospel Hour 07:00 A TVG Father's Day 08:00 Shekinah Ministry 08:30 Evening News (RB) 09:30 Old is Gold 10:30 Cartoons 11:00 Prem's Electrical Religious Program 11:30 Blippi Education 12:00 Movie - Benji (2018) 13:30 Movie - JL Ranch (2016)

Movie - Father of the Year (2018) 16:30 A TVG Father's Day R/B 17:30 The Healing Touch 18:00 Explained 18:30 Week-in-Review 19:00 Supergirl S1 E10 20:00 Arrow S6 E12

Riverdale S6 E11

Movie - Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) 00:00 Sign off SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

Former Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

VACCINATION SCHEDULES FOR DOGS AND CATS

Last week, within the context of delineating comments on the acquisition, administering and the efficiency of the vaccines against diseases which companion animals (puppies, kittens, adult dogs, and cats), can contract, we promised to share the important aspects of the vaccine delivery schedule.

Today (see below), we are presenting the proposed schedules which, over the years, have proven to be the most efficient way of inoculating our canine and feline wards.

Please understand that when we write about “Poly valent Vaccine”, we mean that the Vaccine which is given to the animal, offers protection against several diseases - all listed on the vials containing the vaccine.

You will notice that your veterinarian will pull up from one vial a liquid and inject the same into a second vial containing a solid. Having combined and mixed the contents in the second vial, the vet will

pull up the mixture which is then ready to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the animal. The animal’s immunity against the stated diseases will begin to kick-in within one week of it being vaccinated. Please note that your vet may administer the vaccine into the animal’s muscle. Also, it must be

recognized that if the animal has already contracted the disease but is not as yet exhibiting the specific disease symptoms as described in previous Pet Care columns, the expected immunity from the vaccine will not occur, and the vaccination may even precipitate the onset and severity of the disease.

N.B.

If there is a high incidence of the disease in a particular area, the vet might advise that the dog receives a fourth vaccination and thereafter an Annual Booster shot.

The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th vaccinations over a period of 16 weeks represent the “Primary Course”.

Certain diseases are not covered by vaccination in

Guyana, because they have never appeared - as far as the scientists and veterinary practitioners have ascertained. These include Lyme Disease, Bartonella and Rabies.

N.B.

If an adult cat is being vaccinated for the first time, it will require at least two vaccinations preferably three weeks apart. Thereafter, Annual

Rabies vaccinations is required for international travel. The animals must be at least 3 months of age, before the Rabies Vaccine can be administered. The Rabies vaccine manufactures may offer a product for one-year or three-year protection duration.

Booster vaccinations are recommended, after consultation with your veterinarian.

The vaccination schedules proposed above rely greatly on advice documented by the American Veterinary Medical Association and are consistent with tested and proven global practices.

Please also note that if there are “waves” of a disease suddenly occurring or if there are known endemic areas or conditions where certain diseases (against which the animal is being vaccinated), are prevalent, your vet may alter the vaccination schedules documented above.

sisters!

Eid al Adha Greetings to our Muslim brothers and

US support for Guyana on border controversy with Venezuela “ironclad” – US diplomat

…reiterates 1899 Arbitral Award determined land boundary

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, has reiterated the United States' unwavering support for Guyana in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

Ambassador Jenkins, who was on a four-day visit to Georgetown, met with Prime Minister Mark Phillips and other senior Government officials on Wednesday, and discussions included regional security, multilateral cooperation, and Guyana’s role as a leader in the Caribbean.

This visit by Ambassador Jenkins reinforces the US Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Guyana, including supporting the

country’s sovereignty. This was related by this US official during a press conference with local media in Georgetown on Friday.

“I want to say very clearly that we’re very supportive of your Government and Guyana, and very much support the sovereignty of your country. We very much want to make that very clear: that our commitment to you is ironclad, and this is an issue that we are working with you on a regular basis,” the ambassador declared. She reaffirmed the position of the United States: that the 1899 Arbitral Award determined the land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana, and added that the US Government sees this as a model for a peaceful resolution of the

decades-old controversy.

“We want to see a peaceful resolution, but we are very committed to your Government on this important issue,” the Under Secretary has reassured.

In recent months, tensions between Guyana and Venezuela have been

Gov’t will go after locals...

“Rent-a-citizen”, or “fronting”, refers to the unethical practice in which foreign companies use local individuals or local entities as mere fronts to meet local content requirements, while the actual control and benefits remain with the foreign entity. Only a few days ago, the Natural Resources Ministry had announced it was teaming up with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to intensify efforts to clamp down on “rent-a-citizen” and “fronting” practices being undertaken by companies in the oil and

gas sector. The Ministry, on Monday last, announced that through the Local Content Secretariat (LCS), it has intensified its tracking for practices known as “rent-a-citizen”, or “fronting”, by companies within the oil and gas sector.

In December 2021, the National Assembly passed the Local Content Act, which outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyanese-owned companies. Those include 90 per cent of office space rental

FROM PAGE 3

and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Local Content Act mandates penalties such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act. (G-3)

heightened with reports of the Spanish-speaking nation increasing its mobilisation of troops at the borders. This is a move that has sparked unease not just among Guyanese, but in the region as well. The US official has said that not only are they looking at all the different issues and factors that can create instability in Guyana, but those that threaten security in the region as a whole.

“Those are some of the things we’re looking at in terms of making sure that we are very committed to Guyana’s sovereignty regarding Venezuela, but also other things that could be creating problems for that sovereignty,” Ambassador Jenkins has posited.

Warships

More recently, however, reports of Russia sending combat vessels to the Caribbean with possible stops in neighbouring Venezuela have again reignited concerns about regional security. Based on international reports, the fleet of Russian warships, which docked in Havana last Wednesday after drills in the Atlantic Ocean, includes a frigate, a nuclear-powered submarine, an oil tanker, and a rescue tag.

Cuban officials had previously said this exercise with the Russian warships is not a threat to the region, and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had earlier this month said the Guyana Government is not worried about this development, but is keeping a close watch.

Jagdeo told Guyana Times at a June 6 press conference that Guyana would nevertheless remain vigilant, and is engaging regional partners on this matter.

“The President [Dr Irfaan Ali] has spoken to several people in the region, and the view shared by some of our partners is that it’s not something that we should worry about; that it doesn’t represent a direct threat

to Guyana or Guyana’s interest. Nevertheless, we’re vigilance and we’re keeping this issue firmly in our policy radar,” Jagdeo had said.

This position has been echoed by the US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security on Friday. In response to questions about the Russian warships in the Caribbean, Ambassador Jenkins said the US is always concerned about how Russia is engaging other countries.

“We also are aware of the sub that's been in the region, and what I can say about that is that we've been aware that they're working with Cuba, and had these kinds of naval exercises in the region in the past. This is something they actually did in 2020 as well, so we are aware of that. We don't see that as a threat to the US, but we are tracking it. We’ve got Congress on it…so, [we’re] keeping track of what's going on there,” the US diplomat noted.

Only last month, the Guyana Government had had cause to inform international bodies, allies, and other partners about Venezuela’s threatening actions at the border.

US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control & International Security, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins

Remembering…

…fathers in families

While in school, your Eyewitness was forced to plough through DH Lawrence’s “Sons and Lovers”. He soon realized it could’ve well been named “Sons, mothers and fathers”. What with Paul’s intense relationship with his mother, which supposedly prevented him from ever “committing” to his girlfriend! Your Eyewitness had a blast regurgitating Freud’s “Oedipus Complex” theory and nodding knowingly!! Even though he thought the supposed desire to kill one’s father ridiculous, and Freud a loony!

With “Father’s Day” today - your Eyewitness received two bottles of his favourite vino, which of course he had to test for quality control! - his mind wandered over these supposedly seminal relationships in his life. Note that we dub them “seminal”, rather than “germinal”. You didn’t get that? “Seminal” from dad’s “semen” - male and authoritatively assumed to be the “foundational” element in life, while the female “germ” needs to be “seeded” to produce anything!!

In Guyana, life sadly hadn’t progressed far beyond Hobbes’s “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short” life that was slavery and indentureship, where the male was emasculated. Our independence was supposed to change all of that, but has actually made it worse; but the hunger, homelessness and nakedness Burnham delivered made fathers more frustrated.

If you didn’t do your chores with alacrity, you earned some well-deserved slaps behind your ears! Your Eyewitness suspects that, with all this new “woke” insistence on denouncing those blows as “child abuse”, things are different for fathers. The present generation might be experiencing Freudian turmoils that make them hate their fathers because they’re “competitors for their mothers’ love”. As you can tell, your Eyewitness always found Freud to be a fraud!

But seriously, folks, aren’t the “hands that rock the cradle” supposed to “rule the world”? Meaning, if mothers rear children, aren’t they the ones who should have the greatest influence on how they behave later in life? Even if we concede that nature (inheritance) also plays a role… surely, father’s influence is quite diffuse. Will he go back to the caveman days and start bopping folks over their heads with clubs!? And maybe this is what is going on with all the wife abuse, choppings and beheadings going on?

So, how exactly does Father’s Day do to improve relations within the typical Guyanese family – when fathers are still absent? How different are those husbandwife dynamics from the ones in “Sons and Lovers”? Like Mrs Morel, do Guyanese wives have real respect for their husbands – who’re forced to demean themselves in their everyday lives to cope with the “big ones” in society? Does the bonhomie and good cheer of fathers give them respect - when they can’t deliver the “fine things in life” with savoir-faire?

…Enmore

As your Eyewitness predicted, not much attention was paid to the Enmore Martyrs this year. Some will say sugar is gone from Enmore, and ain’t doing so well elsewhere – but that completely misses the point, innit?? Cuffy fought those Dutchmen 261 years ago in the Canje coffee plantations, but we still commemorate his feat annually at his monument, don’t we? What’s the connection, you ask, dear reader? Well, even though the rebellion was defeated - and we don’t grow that much coffee any longer - it set an example for us through the ages: that we should stand up for our freedom. And isn’t that what was done at Enmore? The workers there were standing up against the sugar barons - who were the power behind the Guyanese colonial state. By taking that stance – even though they knew they were gonna be shot – they forced Britain to send the Waddington Commission, which eventually led not just to improvement in sugar workers’ living conditions, but to the universal franchise and our independence!!

Let us all now praise Enmore!!

…South Africa

Coalition’s the word in South Africa – as in India - after their elections. Their inability to improve the lot of the poorest led to their governments losing their majority. Will DA joining the ANC lead to greater equity?

Afreximbank in talks with Caricom to establish C’bean Exim Bank – Professor Oramah

– says initiative will bolster

trade, investment between Caricom & African nations

The African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) is in talks with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to establish, in one of its territories, a Caribbean Exim Bank with the main aim of boosting trade and investment opportunities.

This is according to Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, who has said that the initiative would explore partnerships between African countries and those within Caricom. He was at the time delivering remarks at the 31st Annual Meeting (AAM) of the African ExportImport Bank and the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), held in The Bahamas on Thursday. Several Heads of State have been in attendance.

Oramah explained that Afreximbank already has a presence in countries such as Guyana, Barbados, Bahamas, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis; however, despite its close relations, trade between Africa and the Caribbean remains exceptionally low compared to intra-regional trade in oth-

er regions. On this point, he disclosed that establishment of the Caribbean Exim Bank would allow Governments and Finance Ministers from Caricom states to communicate directly, and collaborate with Afreximbank on transformational projects in the areas of tourism and hospitality, oil and gas, goods and services, as well as transport and logistics.

“We have laid the foundation on which progress can be made. We must now pool our strengths and resources to pursue investments that will remove the wedge between Africa and the Caribbean. We must create the conditions that will support the expansion

of inter-Caribbean air shipping lines and maintain incentives that will enable us to begin to fly from Africa to the Caribbean and vice versa; and also ship goods from Africa to the Caribbean,” Professor Omarah has said. He also disclosed that the Caribbean Exim Bank has the potential to adopt the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) in Caricom Member States in order to promote African Caribbean payments; and explained that Afreximbank stands ready to work with partners to support this and similar projects as the organization accelerates efforts to serve all People of African Descent.

US support for Guyana on...

This was after it was reported that Venezuela’s national armed forces had built a bridge connecting Venezuela and Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River as it allegedly advanced towards Guyana’s Essequibo region. Ankoko Island is shared by the two countries, with each owning half, but Venezuela illegally took over the entire island, and also established a military base there in 1966, after Guyana gained independence.

Venezuela’s mobilisation at the border is seen as a breach of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace, signed with Guyana in December 2023 in St Vincent and the Grenadines. That declaration states, inter alia, that the two countries would not threaten or use force against each another. The Presidents of both coun-

tries have also engaged each other in hopes advancing bilateral relations outside of the substantive border controversy.

Border case

Guyana and Venezuela are currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague to determine a final resolution to the ongoing border controversy, in which the Bolivarian Republic is seeking to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory and a portion of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which almost 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered over the past nine years and oil production activities are ongoing.

Last week, the World Court held a meeting with agents of both countries, during which it was agreed that a second round of sub-

“We should also begin to consider initiating a free trade agreement negotiation between Africa and the Caribbean. We recognize that these will only make sense if we begin to build strong business links and promote tourism flows between our two regions,” he added.

Only last year, Guyana hosted the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF23) from October 30 to 31, 2023 in Georgetown, where President Dr. Irfaan Ali challenged the regional private sector to collaborate with their African counterparts to develop a consor-

FROM PAGE 7

missions would be made.

The meeting, which was overseen by ICJ President Justice Nawaf Salam, was to determine the way forward, since Venezuela had submitted its counter-memorial on April 8, 2024.

The Court is expected to issue an order setting times for the two parties to deliver their submissions after they differed on the deadlines, with Guyana asking for six months; that is, until October 8, 2024, while Venezuela requested 12 months from Guyana’s October Reply to adequately prepare its submission.

A statement from the Chambers of Guyana’s Attorney General pointed out that the Spanishspeaking nation’s request is “excessive”, and cited the fact that the case has been pending for six years before the World Court. (G-8)

tium to solve some of the perennial challenges facing the region, including transportation.

President Ali emphasized to the Heads of Government and delegates in attendance that “Every single state of Caricom has made it clear that we will give all the incentives necessary to facilitate the building of a regional transport infrastructure system to solve the problem of regional transportation…All the governments in the region, we have made it clear we will support such a consortium on investment through incentives and promotion. The private sector must

get up and put that consortium in place, partner with Afreximbank and end this problem,” Dr Ali had said. His remarks had come as he noted that the south-south trade potential between Africa and the Caribbean is estimated at US$16 trillion, and there are multiple opportunities on which the countries of the region can capitalise.

The Guyanese Leader had disclosed that his Government has approached Afreximbank for a US$500 million bridge financing that can be used to fund the Administration’s massive infrastructure programme.

Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman on the Board of Directors of the Afreximbank

Heads of States at the recently concluded Annual Meetings (AAM) of the African ExportImport Bank in The Bahamas

Sod turned for construction of $326M Waramuri Secondary School

Asod-turning exercise was held on Friday for the construction of the much-anticipated Waramuri Secondary School in Region One (BarimaWaini), which is pegged at $326 million.

The contract was awarded late last month to Trevon David Construction Services, one of five companies that submitted bids, and the event marks the beginning of a new chapter

in the educational journey of the region, promising enhanced learning opportunities and facilities for local students.

Speaking at the ceremony, Education Minister Priya Manickchand emphasized the Government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and ensuring quality education for all.

“Two weeks ago, I told you I would be back, and I told you that because

we were gonna be building a secondary school here. So that is why we’re here today: to turn the sod with the contractor, who is here to build the secondary school here in Waramuri so that you can stay and get a sound, solid secondary education. Not from your primary top, but from a secondary school with labs and all the other things you need in a secondary school,” Minister Manickchand has said.

The new Waramuri Secondary School is designed to accommodate up to 350 students, and would feature state-ofthe-art classrooms, science laboratories, a library, and sports facilities. The project aims to create an environment conducive to academic excellence and holistic development.

Local community leaders, regional officials, educators and students gathered at the site

to witness the groundbreaking event have expressed their excitement and support for the project.

Construction of the Waramuri Secondary School is part of a broader initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Education to enhance educational infrastructure across the country. This ambitious project underscores Government’s commitment to fostering educational development and

supporting the academic aspirations of its youths.

The project is expected to be completed by March 2025, with the first intake of 350 students anticipated for the 2025/2026 academic year.

The Waramuri Secondary School is one of five schools being constructed in Region One. The others are at North West, Kwebanna, Matthew’s Ridge, and Horosoro.

Minister Manickchand, regional officials and students at the sod-turning exercise

Regional Chairman Bretnol Ashley addressing the gathering

Whither Burnham’s totalitarian legacy?

As has been the case with all of Burnham’s successors, the present contestants for PNC leadership have announced their commitment to “fulfilling Burnham’s legacy”. Deciding to return to Guyana in 1988, I concluded Burnham had created a totalitarian, racialised state, and repeatedly but unsuccessfully asked his successors to address my contention that some systemic continuities: like ethnicised, deprofessionalised state institutions and an authoritarian leadership style, still bedevil us.

I used Friedrich and Brezinski’s “six-point syndrome”, which distilled the experiences of Stalinist Russia, Hitler’s Germany, and Mussolini’s Italy, to offer the most authoritative exposition on totalitarian regimes, and applied them to Burnham’s rule. In his 1979 paper, “People’s Power: No Dictator”, which I had not read in 1988, Walter Rodney also dissected Burnham’s “megalomaniac” dictatorship, but noted: “Hitler’s megalomania was backed by the powerful German economy and the might of the German army. Burnham’s megalomania is closer to comedy and farce.” His assassination by Burnham proved otherwise.

The explicated syndrome was: <A single mass party, led by a dictator.>

While Burnham allowed other parties to exist during the electoral-rigging era, those parties were never even allowed to compete effectively to threaten the PNC’s rule. Guyana was effectively a one-party state. If they ever posed a real threat to the regime, as the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) did briefly by 1979, the totalitarian “sharper steel”, in the words of Burnham, was borne. In 1980 (not coincidentally when Rodney was assassinated), a new Constitution “legally” sanctioned Burnham’s absolute control over Guyana.

A near monopoly control over the “coercive” apparatus of the state

The Guyana Disciplined Forces — Army, Police Force, Fire Service, National Service, People’s Militia, and National Guard Service — were expanded exponentially and staffed with a ninety percent African membership.

The ICJ’s recommendation to increase Indian recruitment was ignored. All top brass swore personal loyalty to Burnham at PNC Congresses, intensifying their historic role of protecting the ruler, rather than the people. David Granger was in charge of their ideological training.

A system of terroristic control

The House of Israel; “Kick down the door” bandits; arbitrary search and seizures by the police; police informers in every locale; assassinations; ostentatious marches by the army through opposition strongholds, etc. kept the opposition under control, and their supporters in terror.

Indians responded to the pressure by mass migration; joining the earlier wave of migrants – primarily Portuguese and Chinese – who had fled the “communist” P.P.P. government during their 1957-1964 terms. Soon half the country was abroad. For those who remained, corruption was institutionalised, and “lines” became the avenue of relating to, and dealing with, the regime. Corruption was power, and absolute corruption became absolute power.

A near monopoly control over mass communication and education

The Government’s nationalization of, and PNC control over, the media (radio and newspapers; television was not permitted), and establishment of the GPSA in tandem with a program of harassment of the opposition newspapers through libel suits and bans on newsprint, consummated this imperative.

The Government decided what the people should know. Private schools were all nationalized, and Mass Games were introduced from N. Korea for schoolchildren to feed Burnham’s megalomania.

The central control and direction of the economy

By the PNC’s boast, they nationalized eighty per cent of the economy – including banks - by 1976, and gave their middle-class supporters sinecures. PNC membership and support for the party’s position became prerequisites for getting and keeping a job.

The Ujama-inspired co-operative, supposedly the cornerstone of the economy, was to make the African Guyanese “small man” into the “real man”. Profits were sucked from the rice, sugar, and retailing industries to develop other sectors.

A near monopoly over all civil organizations

Trade Unions, religious organizations, schools, cultural organizations and social bodies were all either subverted or controlled by PNC intimidation through buying off compliant leadership (like the Maha Sabha) or creating paper organizations that were given official recognition and a place at the Government’s trough.

Indian Guyanese tokens were placed in highly visible but essentially powerless positions to create a façade of a “non-racial” Government.

An official ideology

The PNC announced in 1974 it was a Marxist-Leninist party, and was reorganized as the “vanguard of the masses”, with paramountcy over the state. While there have been interminable discussions as to the “sincerity” of Burnham’s avowal, at a minimum, Marxism-Leninism gave the PNC a vocabulary and methodical postulate for its experiments and excesses.

Will the new PNC leader fulfill this legacy, or help the PNC join the democratic world?

Ravi Dev

T“The joy and happiness of being a father made me see life differently”

oday we celebrate the multifaceted roles fathers play in society, more specifically in their respective households: to nourish, protect, and provide a comfortable life for their families. Today we pay tribute to the many fathers who go ‘above and beyond’ to ensure their families have the basics despite the challenges, and even if it means them staying without.

One such exemplary father is 30-year-old Lurenzo Pearson, a dedicated farmer and successful businessman whose story encapsulates the essence of hard work, determination, and familial love.

Pearson is the proud

father of two offsprings, seven-year-old Luther Pearson and four-yearold Summer Pearson, for whom he caters with the assistance of his 28-yearold wife Nichola Atkinson.

Born and raised in the community of Mainstay/ Whyaka, situated along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Pearson spent most of his days farming with his father, Leyton Pearson Jr., both for fun and financial purposes. As a result, the love for farming and family was instilled in him from childhood to adulthood, providing him the opportunity to share similar memories with his children.

Lurenzo Pearson and his family

In a remarkable leap towards technological advancement, 3D Lee Hub has emerged as the leading 3D printing business in Guyana, with the potential to transform several sectors by providing cutting-edge 3D printing technology to boost Guyanese innovation and encourage economic growth.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and owner of the Hub, Ackeem Thomas, has said, “3D Lee Hub was an idea born in 2022 at home, which came to fruition in March 2023 when the company (was) first launched. My wife, who named the business, adores little trinkets like keyrings and figurines, so I looked for alternatives to replace buying them.

“And I was always in-

trigued by 3D printing. I invested in my first 3D printer and basic filaments, (and) for weeks I spent hours designing prototypes for animal figurines. And I printed her an owl - which took 14 hours - because she finds them strangely fascinating.

I kept playing around with designs, and created du-

al-letter illusions; which took off after I recorded a few TikTok videos of them, and (they) quickly became our bestseller.

“Today we print personalized presents: key rings, company signs, figurines and more, for small and large businesses. We can print anything you imag-

ine,” he boasted. Using software such as Fusion 360 and Blender, 3D Lee Hub designs 3D models from scratch, or based on the client’s re-

3D printing and its benefits is one difficulty. Many people are unfamiliar with the technology and its applications. The company tried to do this with its launch at a

quest. According to the young entrepreneur, “With Fusion 360, what you measure is what you get. It is the most precise when it comes to remodelling clients’ ideas, and (it) is quite versatile; whereas Blender is the most ideal for creating in models. Using this software, we print the designs from companies Creality and Bambu Labs.

“Using calibrated calipers and rules, we can get precise measurements; and to ensure quality, we use the best type of filament: Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, or PETG material,” he explained.

He proudly stated that PETG is the most economical recyclable filament, with balanced mechanical qualities that make printing easy.

Like any business, 3D Lee Hub has faced obstacles. Raising awareness of

public event, the Fairre of the Ages, a few months ago. However, sourcing equipment and supplies remains difficult, as the company must source filament online, which is expensive.

How 3D Lee Hub can change manufacturing in Guyana

Thomas has proudly declared that 3D printing can enable rapid prototyping, lower production costs, and allow customization. In healthcare, for instance, it can provide affordable prosthetics, custom implants, and anatomical models for surgical planning and education.

3D Lee Hub makes complicated, unique things with outstanding quality and efficiency, using additive manufacturing. This capability benefits small enterprises and entrepreneurs who had previously faced high costs and long lead times from traditional manufacturing. The company is encouraging artists, designers, and virtually anyone to realize their ideas. Making elaborate and personalized pieces allows for artistic expression and design research. As Guyana’s leading 3D printing company, 3D Lee Hub represents growth, and possibly more than a business. The company’s 3D printing technology is ushering in a new era of creativity, industry, and economic progress in Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and owner of the Hub, Ackeem Thomas, and wife Chelsea A. Lee, displaying their work

“The

joy and happiness of being a father made...

With sweat on his brow and soil under his nails, he works tirelessly to ensure the land thrives and yields a bountiful harvest year after year. Notwithstanding, he does not view farming as a profession.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Pearson shared that his dedication to providing for his family doesn’t stop at the farm gate. On this point, he revealed that in addition to pursuing an agricultural route, he has also carved out a successful career as a businessman. This inspiration sprouted from the need to diversify his income and secure his family’s future. Hence, he ventured into the service industry by opening a food franchise dubbed “Lurenzo Lake View Restaurant and Bar”.

The young father shared insights into balancing the demands of farming and running a business, while fulfilling his role as a father who, when called upon, is there. When asked about his reaction upon the birth of his first child, he said, “Oh, definitely! It was one of the happiest moments…I have become a father, and I know the role that I have to play: to support my child until he is big, or, I should say until he becomes an adult. I was very

happy to take on the responsibility and challenge of raising a child. When I looked at my first child, it encouraged me right away to have another. The joy and happiness of being a father made me see life differently.”

His first child was born when he was 23 years old, and according to him, he was fully prepared for fatherhood. “I was prepared! I had my own house, and that was the main thing, and I was in a job where I could have maintained my family. I had no problem.”

He advises young potential fathers to ensure the foundation is set. “The most important thing is that a child can put their head to rest and be comfortable. With every opportunity, you should grasp it to make yourself financially stable, especially for

the babies. Always be prepared, and not just have a child and neglect that child of their needs and comfortable childhood; but also be prepared for the challenge,” he advises.

Pearson hopes that his children learn from him to be honest, loving, and hardworking in achieving their goals. The young father nevertheless complimented his better half, who supports him 100 percent.

“She is always there with me. Together we manage the home, business, farm and kids. She is my rock, and I am extremely happy to have her in my life. No matter the circumstances, she is always there for us,” he disclosed.

One of Pearson’s biggest challenges as a father is leaving his family for long periods. “It was not always

easy,” he grinned, while adding, “At that time, I knew I had to set the foundation so that my children could have a life that even I didn’t have when I was a child.”

For him, Father’s Day is not just a time to receive accolades, but a time to reflect on the values he instills in his children: hard work, integrity, and resilience. “I want my kids to understand the importance of perseverance and passion,” he says.

He is not religious, but would ensure that his kids learn the basics in life. "Whether they choose to fol-

low in my footsteps or forge their own path, I hope they carry these lessons with them,” he has said. He says that, as a businessman and a father, there are certain demands and responsibilities. Daily, he would assist in taking the children to school, attend to his farm, and then manage his business in the evening, which most times would carry him late into the evening or even in the wee hours of the next day.

“No matter the challenges, my family is a priority, and that would not

change,” he has said.

Asked what he loves most about being a father, he posited, “My children motivate me to get things done… The happiness and joy a family brings is overwhelming. I couldn’t ask for anything more or nothing less; I have all that I need, and seeing the smiles on my children’s faces lights up my world. I love them to the moon and back.”

He intends to have a quiet Father’s Day filled with fun, laughter, and pure love with relatives and his own family.

Pearson and his children

Pearson and his family

“Music makes me forget my disability”

…as he highlights his singing journey was marred with challenges

In the heart of Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, there resonates a voice so powerful that it brings tears to the eyes of its listeners. That voice belongs to 19-year -old Edon Singh, who, despite being born without arms and legs, captures the hearts of many and transforms any audience he encounters.

In an interview with Guyana Times, this talented singer revealed his journey of singing while being disabled. According to Singh, his journey into

the world of music began in the most natural way possible: through his mother. A gifted singer herself, his mother frequently graced the stage with her melodious voice.

From an early age, he said, he would watch her sing, captivated by her passion and the way she poured her heart into every note. And one day, as he sang along with her, she noticed his remarkable voice. Encouraged by her praise, he began to learn the art of singing under her guidance.

“My mom was my first teacher and my biggest inspiration. She believed in me from the start, and always pushed me to keep going, no matter the challenges,” he recalled.

If Singh’s voice is the instrument of his success, his mother is the conductor who has guided him every step of the way. Regarding her as more than just a parent, he says she is his hero, his mentor, and his firm supporter. Her love for music and ability to sing with her heart has been the guid-

ing light during his musi cal journey.

“My mom is every thing to me. She inspires me every day to keep going and to fulfill my dream of becoming a great singer,” he said with heartfelt gratitude. “She always tells me that one day I will be something big; and I believe her.”

others,” he shares.

“In every song, there is a message about how God has brought me through the toughest times.”

Triumph on the big stage

The struggle and the joy

However, learning to sing and perform on stage came with its own unique challenges for this young, physically challenged artiste. Every trip to a concert or a performance venue has required meticulous planning and assistance. Transporting himself, navigating the venue, and even simple tasks such as using the washroom demand a level of support that most people take for granted. Yet, these hurdles have never belittled his spirit.

“It can be very difficult to move around, especially in new places,” he admits. “But with the help of my mom and others who believe in me, I manage. They encourage me to never give up, even when it feels like too much.”

Despite these difficulties, singing has become his refuge. It is a way to transcend his physical limitations and connect with something greater. When he sings, he feels a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment that washes away the sadness of his disability.

The performances of this former Charity Secondary School student are not just about showcasing his vocal talent, they resonate with a message of hope and perseverance. Each song he sings tells a story of his life, his struggles, and the grace he has found through his faith in God.

“Singing helps me to be happy again, and to move away from the sadness. Music makes me forget about my disabilities. It reminds me that even though I don’t have hands and legs, I have a voice, and I can use it to inspire

One of the proudest moments of his life came when he performed at the ‘One Guyana’ Patriotic Concert at the National Cultural Center. The magnitude of this achievement was not lost on him, he said; it was a testament to his hard work, determi-

that my message is reaching them,” he disclosed. “Seeing people sing along with me gives me even more motivation to keep going.”

Role model and dreamer

To many, he is a beacon of hope and a role model, especially for others with disabilities. His message to them is clear and emphatic: “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes or how hard it seems. It may take

nation, and the support of those who believed in him.

“I never thought I’d make it there, but I did,” he says with pride.

“Standing on that stage, I felt proud of who I had become and the journey I had taken.”

Preparing for performances involves a blend of prayer, meditation, and practical steps like staying hydrated. His mother is always there, providing the moral support he needs to face the audience with confidence.

“When I sing, I usually keep my eyes closed. But when I do open them and see the tears in the audience’s eyes, I know

time, but you must keep going strong. Never quit,” he said, and added passionately, “Your dreams are worth fighting for.”

Looking to the future, Singh envisions a life in which he can travel the world, share his music with diverse audiences, and collaborate with other artistes. Opportunities may be scarce now, but whenever they arise, he makes the most of each moment.

He is presently a guidance counsellor at his alma mater, and also performed before a hometown audience during Guyana’s 57th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Anna Regina. (Mishael Henry)

Edon Singh participating in Independence observances in Anna Regina

Edon Singh alongside Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud

8 Indian nationals deported to Suriname after illegally entering Guyana

Eight Indian nationals were on Friday deported to neighbouring Suriname after they had illegally entered Guyana via the Number 63 Beach in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to the police, shortly after 00:30h on Friday, ranks on a mobile patrol at Number 63 Beach entrance observed

two motor cars, PAB 9258 and HD 26, heading north, and these cars stopped suddenly. As a result, the ranks approached the two vehicles, and observed each vehicle had four occupants along with a driver.

The occupants were taken to the Springlands Police Station, where their names were giv-

en as: 22-year-old Saurab from India; Rathee Sahil, 26, a farmer from Delhi, India; Rahul 23, a farmer from Chandigarh, India; Sagar, 23, a farmer of Chandigarh, India; 19-year-old Gurlall Singh Bajwa of Bareilly, India; Hardeep Singh, 36, a farmer of Chandigarh, India; Baldev Singh, 23, a farmer of Dehradun, India; and Gurjit Singh, a 22-year-old farmer of Jalandhar, India.

Upon checking their Republic of India-issued passports, it was observed

that the nationals had arrived in Suriname between May 18 and 27, 2024, and had entered Guyana without presenting themselves to a Guyana Immigration

officer.

This publication understands that the men had made arrangements that would see them eventually travelling to the United States. However, none of their passports had a US visa.

According to Divisional Commander of Region Six, Senior Supt Shivpersaud Bacchus, the foreigners were handed over to the Immigration Department, and were subsequently sent back to Suriname –the last country they had legally visited.

Commercial activities resume in Kwakwani following repairs to barge

Commercial activities have been resumed in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) following repairs to its barge, a vessel crucial to the community’s mining and logging sector.

Work conducted by a technical team of 39 men from the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) took approximately 100 hours to be completed, according to a report from the Public Works Ministry.

During this period, the

Government of Guyana had implemented measures to maintain economic activity and minimize disruption.

Contrary to rumours that the barge had sunk, it was found that the flat-bottomed waterway vessel had needed urgent repairs;

specifically, the deck had massive holes that had contributed to leaks. As a result, the crucial piece of equipment was isolated to allow for a parallel bulkhead to be welded onto it, while pumps were installed in the meantime to control the major intake of water.

During his follow-up visit on Thursday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill underscored that the rehabilitation of the barge reflects Government’s dedication and investment towards the continuous development of Kwakwani and

other areas.

“This [barge] that you have here is a major investment. You have a barge here right now with minimum maintenance for the next five years…This shows the nature of the PPP/C Government and the urgency with which we responded to this situation,” he told those present.

In response to requests made to procure a barge, the minister explained that the Government is considering procuring a new barge.

On this point, he noted that multifaceted mea-

sures would ensure that the main commercial activities in Kwakwani are not affected in any form.

“After the Baramani is here, (there) is a call that the Cabinet will make when I discuss with them the details on whether we’re leaving that or buying another barge; because, obviously, this one has outlived its life, and you’ve been trying your best with it,” Edghill had previously said. In the meantime, funds would be set aside for the maintenance of the barge in the future.

Logs being transported on the barge

A new vision dawns for St Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri)

…as vibrant 30-year-old Simon elected Toshao

Securing a whopping 405 votes and outshining four formidable candidates, vibrant 30-yearold Alvoro Simons has emerged as the new Toshao of Pakuri Village, ushering in a new era of transformation.

This victory marks the highest number of votes any Toshao has ever received, and Simons is poised to transform the village. With a vision aimed at reducing dependency on Central Government, Simons articulated his plans in an interview with Guyana Times.

“We’ve worked hard, and we knew it was going to come this way, but last night’s victory wasn’t expected to be this great. Working hard in the field with the people has been a rewarding experience, and it definitely paid off,” Simons has said. The residents need reassurance, and Simons is committed to providing it.

“We just won yesterday (Friday), and putting all of it together today (Saturday) is still a work in progress. It’s been less than 24

Amidst the overwhelming feelings following the June 14 elections, he expressed great plans for the Amerindian community during his 3-year tenure.

hours, and we’re still trying to work through the details,” he explained.

Highlighted the direction in which he plans to take the village, Simons has said, “We want to make sure the village can progressively develop, with a sustainable approach to how we do things.”

He emphasized that, under his tenure, he intends to focus on infrastructural improvements that would bring relief to residents, and explore the potential of the tourism sector. He added that his administration would focus on the community’s agricultural sector, and he acknowledged that many meet -

ings and transitions are still ahead.

“We still have a lot of meetings to attend. We have to officially take over from the previous council, which will happen on Monday,” he noted.

Simons is committed to steady consultation with residents on various projects, as he highlighted that he would give back power to the people of Pakuri. “My approach is to give back the power to the people, allowing them direct input into the development of the community. That’s my approach for the next three years with this new council,” he concluded.

Located along

the Soesdyke- Linden Highway, Pakuri Village, once called St Cuthbert’s Mission, is the only Amerindian village in Region 4. Meanwhile, other contenders for the po -

sition of Toshao included Timothy Andrews, Timor Ferreira, Ernest Dundas and Ricky Kissoon. They received 182 votes, 87 votes, 36 votes and 18 votes respectively.

Newly-elected Toshao of Pakuri, Alvoro Simon

Housewife busted with ganja in home gets $150K bail

Jasodra Muriall, a 26-year-old housewife of Long Dam, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has been placed on $150,000 bail after being charged with possession of narcotics.

Muriall was arrested on June 13, and charged on June 14 with possessing 667 grams of marijuana with intent to traffic. She appeared before Principal Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty as charged.

ECD construction worker nabbed with ganja during police operation

A41-year-old construction worker of Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Friday evening arrested following the alleged discovery of 895 grams of marijuana in his possession during a cordon-and-search exercise conducted in that community.

Police have said that, acting on intelligence, ranks

proceeded to Haslington New Housing Scheme, ECD and observed a man standing in front of a yard holding a plastic bag. Upon seeing the ranks, the man allegedly attempted to flee into the yard, but was quickly apprehended. The plastic bag he was carrying was found to contain a compressed parcel and ten small transparent Ziplock bags with cannabis.

He was told of the offence committed and cautioned. A subsequent search of his home and yard revealed no additional narcotics.

He was taken to the Cove and John Police Station, where the marijuana was weighed in his presence and amounted to 895 grams. He remains in custody pending charges.

Police have said that acting on information received, officers from Regional Division 4C conducted a cordon-and-search operation at her residence and unearthed, in a plastic barrel in the upper flat of the house, a bulky plastic bag that contained a quantity of ganja.

custody. She was transported to the Mahaica Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 667 grams, or 1.47lbs.

Homeless man allegedly shot by occupants of ‘pitbull’ minibus

AThe housewife was informed of the allegations, cautioned, and taken into

This case has been adjourned for further proceedings.

64-year-old man is now nursing a gunshot wound after he was reported shot during an incident along Water Street, Georgetown on Friday evening.

Based on reports received, Joseph Singh, a labourer of no fixed adobe, was walking in the vicinity of Muneshwers Limited

when he was attacked.

Initial investigations reveal that Singh noticed a grey ‘pitbull’ bus with a trade plate carrying two unidentified men. One of the men allegedly fired several shots at Singh before the bus sped off in a northerly direction.

Singh sustained a gunshot wound to his hand

and was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Police said upon visiting the scene they found no spent shells, but they are reviewing footage from several CCTV cameras in the area as part of their ongoing investigation.

The ganja that was found in the barrel

53 traffic cases made out during ‘White Light’ operation along ECD corridor

A‘White Light’ operation along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor on Friday evening has resulted in 53 traffic cases being made out against errant drivers.

The operation was conducted at Beterverwagting, Vigilance, and Cove and John.

The traffic violations recorded included breaches such as failure to maintain vehicle fitness, unlit motor vehicles, bicycles without bells and lights, obscured identification marks, failure to produce a driver’s licence, and failure to wear a safety helmet.

The ‘White Light’ exercise underscores the Police’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations.

Since 2021, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has intensified its campaign against vehicles with co-

loured lights nationwide, resulting in several charges against offenders.

There has been a noticeable increase in vehicles equipped with coloured lights, which pose a danger to other road users due to their blinding and

distracting effects, potentially leading to major accidents.

Only recently, it was reported that the Police in Division 4C have intensified measures against rampant traffic violations and increasing reports of reckless driving and pedestrian carelessness, which have raised concerns about road safety.

Sergeant Kevin Leitch of the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station during a televised programme had highlighted several critical issues and pointed out that minibus drivers frequently stop abruptly to pick up passengers,

ignoring traffic signs and signals.

This unpredictable behaviour, he said, not only disrupts the flow of traffic, but also poses significant risks to other road users.

“I advise drivers that once you see the signs, adhere to it and encourage your passengers to adhere to it.

“Drivers, where they see passengers, they just stop anywhere on the road. I must remind you guys that not you alone using the road,” he declared.

A particularly-troubling trend identified by the policeman is the minibus drivers’ disregard for

traffic lights.

Additionally, speeding has become a common occurrence along the ECD roadway, and this is compounded by instances of drivers consuming alcohol at bus parks before embarking on the journey to their destinations.

Leitch is urging passengers to report such dangerous behaviours, but has lamented that such reports are rare, as passengers often condone these actions.

“Without reports and statements from passengers, the police can’t do anything about it,” he warned.

GDF enhances tactical, logistical capabilities through US engagements

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recently wrapped up a series of strategic discussions with the US Logistics Company Advising Team 1610 (LCAT 1610), aimed at significantly enhancing its logistics, supply operations, and tactical capabilities.

Future priorities for the GDF, as outlined in these discussions, include training management, long- and short-range planning, and engineering support for mobility and counter-mobility operations. These initiatives are intended to ensure enhanced adaptability and

The sessions addressed critical areas including ammunition storage, supply chain management, weapons maintenance, and tactical combat casualty care.

Additionally, LCAT 1610 provided valuable insights into NonCommissioned Officer (NCO) development and training management. The team also engaged in productive discussions with the Force Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Raul Rodney.

resilience within the GDF.

The US team was led by Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Hetteberg, who played a key role in facilitating these important discussions.

As part of the activity, several officers who had benefitted from training opportunities facilitated by these partnerships conducted presentations that acknowledged the diverse areas of training received.

The event also emphasised the collaborative endeavours undertak-

en by the GDF alongside its international partners. Representatives were present, fostering diplomatic ties and deepening the understanding of shared objectives.

Also in November, the leadership of the United States Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the GDF met as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military-to-military partnership. The two military partners dis-

cussed upcoming engagements to include strate-

gic planning sessions and processes to enhance both

countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.

The US and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership, marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF, and focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, Defiance and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime.

A member of the Guyana Defence Force receiving a certificate from a US Army Logistics Compliance Assessment Team member

Members of the Guyana Defence Force alongside members of US’ Army Logistics Compliance Assessment Team

GPHC clarifies circumstances surrounding death of patient

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

(GPHC) has completed an investigation in response to allegations made on social media by the mother of Deandra Liverpool, a 31-year-old woman from Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who recently passed away at the institution.

The investigation aimed to bring clarity to the public regarding the circumstances surrounding Liverpool's death.

The GPHC’s findings indicated that Liverpool first sought treatment at its Neurosurgery Clinic on May 20, 2024, under the care of Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Dr Amarnauth Dukhi.

Liverpool was allegedly evaluated and several tests were ordered, which were pending from a previous visit to a private institution. In fact, it was Dr Dukhi, who treated her at that private facil-

ity.

Despite being informed about the necessity of these test results for surgical intervention at GPHC, the hospital said Liverpool returned on June 10, without all the required test results.

Tragically, she experienced a seizure and, despite immediate medical intervention, was pronounced dead in the hospital’s emergency room.

The investigation also addressed the request for a letter to facilitate overseas treatment. GPHC explained that such a letter was not provided, because the surgery could potentially be performed at GPHC once all necessary tests were completed.

The hospital stressed that Liverpool's medical condition and the suspected high-risk nature

of her case required careful planning and investigation before any surgical intervention.

However, Liverpool's mother, London, had presented a contrasting narrative. In a video posted on social media, London claimed that her daughter was not informed about the tests during her visit to GPHC, despite prior consultations with Dr Dukhi at another medical facility.

She also asserted that all prescribed medications were administered to her daughter as directed.

However, the GPHC's investigation found that Liverpool had been informed of the necessary

tests and their importance for her treatment.

The investigation revealed that there were delays in scheduling appointments and obtaining test results, which contributed to the tragic outcome. Furthermore, the investigation noted that London had not been contacted by the hospital, acknowledging a lapse in communication.

Regarding the necessity of a mammogram, the investigation confirmed that logistical challenges in obtaining the test results within the hospital's timeframe did exist. The investigation also reviewed the accuracy of Liverpool's diagnosis, finding discrepancies

between the initial diagnosis of a brain tumour and the death certificate, which cited the cause of death as a cerebral cyst.

GPHC, in a press release, has expressed its deepest sympathies to Liverpool's family and acknowledged the issues raised by the investigation, particularly the communication lapses and delays in scheduling and testing.

The hospital has also urged the public to use the established HELP DESK system for addressing concerns or complaints and remains committed to improving its processes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Guyanese man shot during robbery in Suriname

Two men, including a Guyanese national, were victims of an armed robbery while smoking at the Goliath site on Drambrandersgracht, in Suriname, on Thursday evening.

The incident resulted in the unidentified Guyanese man suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

According to reports from Surinamese

authorities, two robbers, one of whom was masked and armed with a handgun, approached the men suddenly. As one of the victims attempted to flee, he was shot in the left leg. The assailants stole a Guyanese passport, 4000 Surinamese dollars, 400 euros, and mobile phones from him.

From the second victim, the robbers took rings, a French pass-

port, and a wallet containing 600 euros. After the robbery, the perpetrators fled the scene.

The Nieuwe Haven Police in Suriname responded promptly to the report and are currently investigating.

The injured man was transported by ambulance to the Emergency Department of the University Hospital. As of now, the perpetrators remain at large.

Truck driver slapped with firearm, ammo & cannabis possession charges

Twenty-sevenyear-old Shakeil Grant, a truck driver of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Friday remanded to prison after being charged with the illegal possession of a firearm, ammunition, and a quantity of narcotics.

Grant appeared before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam

Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were read to him and he pleaded not guilty on all counts.

As such, bail was denied and he was remanded to prison until July 17.

Police stated that Grant was arrested on June 11 by an officer from the Sparendaam Police Station following the discovery of the items.

Charged: Shakeil Grant

Dead: Deandra Liverpool

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Heartbreak for Nepal as Shamsi scripts stunning turnaround

It was heartbreak for Nepal and their fans in Kingstown, as they fell short by only one run against South Africa in a nail-biting encounter.

Fans and players alike were in tears since the result also eliminated Nepal from Super Eight contention at the International Cricket Council (ICC)

down to two off two balls. But Ottneil Baartman bowled two dots as Nepal failed to get bat on the ball both times, and a desperate attempt at a last-gasp run left them inches short in the end.

SA's overly-cautious start

Possibly scarred by their earlier outings in the tournament, South Africa began the game a touch too cautiously, and in the process batted conservatively when conditions for batting were at their best. While their 38 for 1 in the power play was their

that dragged them back with a stunning 18th over.

But for so very long, the game seemed Nepal's to lose. Their spinners had spun a web to limit South Africa to a subpar 115 for 7 – even on a difficult, turning track – and then with the bat had brought the equation down to 25 needed off 30 balls, with seven wickets in hand.

Shamsi though, in for Keshav Maharaj, turned the game with a double-wicket 18th over, including that of the set Aasif Sheikh (42 off 49). The dots that followed raised the required rate, but two powerful late strikes from Sompal Kami and 18-year-old Gulsan Jha took the game

best of the tournament, South Africa were guilty of waiting for loose deliveries instead of putting the bowlers off their lines early on. Nepal, for their part, rarely strayed in their lines and lengths and once the spinners took hold, they never looked back.

Nepal spinners make

SA crumble

Sandeep Lamichhane's first delivery spat 6.2 degrees as it gripped and turned past Reeza Hendricks' defence, and that set the tone as South Africa rarely looked comfortable against the turning ball from that point on. While Lamichhane would end wicketless, his prob-

ing spell went for just 18 runs in his first outing of the tournament in Nepal's first game outside the USA. But in Dipendra Singh Airee (3 for 21) and Kushal Bhurtel (4 for 19), Nepal had enough overs of spin to exploit the conditions, with the pair accounting for all seven South African wickets.

South Africa did their best to negotiate the conditions with a steady approach, but despite run-aball stands of 22 and 46 for the first two wickets, they struggled to up their gears. Only Tristan Stubbs, who scored 27 in 18 balls from No 8, scored at a strike rate of over 100.

In all, Nepal bowled

Africa roaring back into the game. After seeing out Shamsi's next over, both Aasif and Anil Sah sought to rebuild. Sah was the first

spin for 14 overs, including the final over of the innings. There, Bhurtel grabbed two wickets for nine runs, and Nepal had conceded only 58 runs in the back end for six wickets, after conceding only 57 in the first 10.

Sah, Aasif steady the chase Nepal were provided an early reprieve when Kagiso Rabada dropped a catch. After that, Nepal opted for risk-free cricket as they lumbered to 32 at the end of the power play without losing a wicket. With spin playing such a pivotal role though, Shamsi's introduction was always going to prove critical in the game and so it proved.

In just his first over, he disturbed the stumps of both Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel to bring South

to raise the ante as a pair of boundaries off Anrich Nortje boosted their rate, before a six off Shamsi brought about genuine belief of a win. Sheikh joined in an over later taking Rabada for six and four, with the pair reaching their fifty partnership off just 36 deliveries.

Shamsi's 18th-over heist With just one frontline spinner in the XI, South Africa knew they'd have to time Shamsi's reintroduction perfectly. Aiden Markram, with his parttime offbreaks, had ended the Sah-Sheikh stand, but Airee was determined to stick in with the set Sheikh. But enter Shamsi. His third delivery of the 18th turned down the leg side, but Airee's attempted pull got a feather touch to

Quinton de Kock. So light was the touch that Airee reviewed thinking he hadn't touched it. Shamsi then grabbed the big fish off his final delivery, ripping one through Aasif's bat and pad to clatter into the stumps. By the time he was done, Nepal needed 16 off 12.

Baartman holds his nerve Shamsi's over was backed up by Nortje, who bowled four consecutive dots to start the penultimate over – including one which took off the top

of Kushal Malla's middle stump. That left Nepal needing 16 off eight, with them needing at least one big hit before it got too late. Kami then unleashed a monstrous 105-metre pull that sent the ball sailing out of the stands to bring the equation down to eight off the final over. When the teenager Jha found a boundary over cover to make it four runs off three balls, the Nepal fans stood up, with their phones out, to capture a potentially-historic moment.

A hard-run two off the next delivery showed that Nepal understood the brief precisely, but a pair of expertly-executed slower bouncers by Baartman off the final two deliveries proved too good to get away.

A desperate run off a bye off the final ball might have led to a Super Over, but as the ball deflected off Jha, it was picked up by Heinrich Klaasen lurking near the stumps and he flicked to the non-striker's end. Jha was short and Nepal were out. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

South Africa (20 ovs maximum)

Reeza Hendricks

c & b Airee 43

Quinton de Kock †

c & b Airee 10

Aiden Markram (c)

b Bhurtel 15

Heinrich Klaasen c Karan KC

b Bhurtel 3

David Miller c Lamichhane

b Airee 7

Tristan Stubbs not out 27

Marco Jansen c Sah

b Bhurtel 1

Kagiso Rabada st †Aasif Sheikh

b Bhurtel 0

Extras (lb 6, w 3) 9

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.75) 115/7

Did not bat: Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi

Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Quinton de Kock, 3.4 ov), 2-68 (Aiden Markram, 11.2 ov), 3-74 (Heinrich Klaasen, 13.2 ov), 4-82 (Reeza Hendricks, 15.3 ov), 5-97 (David Miller, 17.3 ov), 6-115 (Marco Jansen, 19.5 ov), 7-115 (Kagiso Rabada, 19.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Sompal Kami 2-1-6-0

Dipendra Singh Airee 4-0-21-3

Karan KC 1-0-9-0

Kushal Malla 2-0-17-0

Sandeep Lamichhane 4-0-18-0

Kushal Bhurtel 4-0-19-4

Abinash Bohara 3-0-19-0

Nepal (T: 116 runs from 20 ovs)

Kushal Bhurtel

b Shamsi 13 Aasif Sheikh † b Shamsi 42 Rohit Paudel (c)

b Shamsi 0

Anil Sah c Jansen

b Markram 27

Dipendra Singh Airee c †de Kock

b Shamsi 6

Kushal Malla

b Nortje 1 Gulsan Jha run out (†de Kock/Klaasen) 6 Sompal Kami not out 8

Extras (b 4,

Gulsan Jha is consoled by Sompal Kami after Nepal came agonisingly close

Kushal Bhurtel spun a web around South Africa

Tabraiz Shamsi's late strikes brought South Africa back in the game

Khan retains NEW GPC-sponsored National Chess Championship

National Chess Champion Taffin Khan successfully defended his title for the second consecutive year after facing nine opponents in the recently-concluded NEW GPC INC 2024 Championship at the National Racquet Centre.

The top nine finalists to compete against Khan, included two junior players. The top nine were FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton, Justino Da Silva, Roberto Neto, Candidate Master (CM) Ronuel Greenidge, 2023 Junior Champion Keron Sandiford, Sachin Pitamber, Loris Nathoo, Kyle Couchman, and Ethan Lee.

Khan faced his best-performing challenger, Drayton, in a final-round match which ended in less than 30 moves. The defending champion secured an early advantage by trapping his opponent's bishop and obtained a decisive position. Drayton conceded his loss to Khan on move 27, long before the endgame, usually with fighting kings and few pieces remaining.

Anthony Drayton had to settle for the runner-up position

Khan also gained two wins automatically following a no-show by opponents Da Silva and Neto earlier in the championship.

Second-place contender Drayton drew his matches with reigning National Junior Champion Sandiford and seasoned player Greenidge. Drayton's match with Sandiford ended in an even rook and pawn endgame that resulted in a draw.

The Greenidge-Drayton duel ended in 34 moves as a drawn encounter in the endgame. But Greenidge remained a pawn up when

that match ended.

Khan obtained wins over eight of his opponents, but 21-year-old Lee was the ninth and only challenger who drew his match with the defending champion.

Pitamber gained 5.5 points. Greenidge and Sandiford took fourth and fifth place with 4.5 points each. Nathoo and Couchman finished with four points each. Eighth to tenth place went to Lee, Neto, and Da Silva, respectively.

The championship was contested in a single round-robin format, with scheduled games played on June 1, 2, 7, and 8 and the final rounds on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) thanked NEW GPC INC for sponsoring the event. The GCF also extended gratitude to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for facilitating the tournament at the National Racquet Centre.

Games were livestreamed on lichess.org and view.livechesscloud. com under the guidance

KFC, ESM combine to introduce ‘Summer Showdown’ Table Tennis tournament

The stakes have been raised in the table tennis fraternity with the introduction of a new KFC-powered tournament that will bring an international flair to local competitions.

The KFC Table Tennis Summer Showdown is set to get underway in a little over two weeks, and promises to change the game for the sport locally, with a collective prize purse of $1.1 million.

The brainchild of Guyanese Olympian Chelsea Edghill, the tournament is set to mirror the execution and organisation of the Caribbean Championships but for local players.

Speaking at the launch on Friday at the Guyana Olympic Association’s Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown headquarters, Edghill shared one of the driving factors that led her to organise the tournament.

“As an athlete and competing abroad, I often marvelled at the type of events that were hosted locally in those regions. I wondered why the effort was so great for something that was local. The answer was to have athletes be comfortable to compete at the highest levels when they’re abroad. My hope today, by hosting and launching this event, is to have athletes in Guyana be comfortable in competing internationally,” Edghill expressed.

Meanwhile, KFC’s Marketing Director, Sadia Strand was on hand to articulate the fast-food giant’s support of the upcoming event.

Strand related, “What you can expect from this tournament is that yes, KFC we stand behind it 100 per cent, we’re very excited. But it is going to be of an international, excellent calibre. So, don’t miss the opportunity to sign up,

of Technical Manager and Chief Arbiter John Lee.

Presentation of trophies and prizes is scheduled for a later date this year after the 2024 National Junior Championship concludes. Honours will also be presented to the top performers in the already-contested 2024 Women’s

Championship. The fourth and final Grand Prix competition will be held on June 22, 23, 29, and 30, 2024 in the Open Category.

Persons wishing to join the Guyana Chess Federation can visit the website on guyanachess. gy.

Star Rentals increases support for One Guyana T10 Tapeball

Star Rentals, Guyana's leading event rental company, has cemented its commitment to the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast by returning as a major sponsor for the second season.

register as soon as you can. We’re excited to be a part of it and we’re looking forward to supporting Chelsea’s and her team’s endeavours going forward with ESM.”

The Summer Showdown’s junior competition will run from July 5 to 7, while the senior competition will be contested July 13-14.

With registration now open, interested players can sign up at www.edgesmgy. com.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, Star Rentals has significantly increased its support by sponsoring the $1.5 million first prize for the upcoming season.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the company expressed its delight at partnering with the tournament again. "We were thrilled with the marketing value generated in 2023," the statement read. "Taking a chance on an unknown venture proved to be an excellent investment, not just for us as a company, but for the entire community. Witnessing young talent flourish and the enthusiastic crowds, particularly at the finals, was truly special. We're excited to be even more involved this year."

Star Rentals has also pledged to play a leading role in the popular Cricket for Charity match. Last year's event, championed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, successfully raised over $20 million for worthy causes.

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The second season of the fast-paced T10 tournament kicks off on August 3. Matches continue on August 4 and 11 and culminate in the finals on August 25.

The National Stadium will once again host the championship match.

Thirty-two teams will vie for glory in a straight knockout format. The first two days will see the Round-of-32 and Roundof-16 matchups, followed by the quarterfinals on August 11.

Beyond the top prize, there's something for everyone. The runners-up will take home $500,000, while the losing semi-finalists will each receive $250,000. Individual accolades will be awarded for Player of the Final, Most Wickets, Most Runs, and Most Valuable Player.

Last year, Eccles AllStars emerged victorious, defeating V-Net Vipers in the finals. Team Corruption and Tarmac secured the losing semi-finalist positions.

Fans are encouraged to visit the One Guyana T10 Blast Facebook page for the latest updates and information on team registration.

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West Indies v Sri Lanka Women ODI series…

Kumari and Dilhari bag threefors as Sri Lanka go 1-0 up

Three-wicket hauls from Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari set Sri Lanka up for their first women's ODI win over West Indies since 2015, the hosts going 1-0 up in the three-match series in Hambantota on Saturday. Since that last win in 2015, Sri Lanka had lost their last six ODIs against West Indies going into this match. Sent in, West Indies

stand between Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle. They lost steam after left-arm spinner Kumari broke that partnership in the 19th over, losing their last eight wickets for 120 runs. Matthews (38) apart, only Stafanie Taylor (33) got past 30, as the spinners, led by Kumari and Dilhari, chipped away.

Sri Lanka's top five managed the chase perfectly, with four of them getting past 35. Captain Chamari Athapaththu (38) and Vishmi Gunaratne (40) got them off to a solid start, putting on 88 in

13.2 overs, before Sri Lanka stumbled briefly, losing three wickets for 13 runs, with two of them falling to the me-

dium-pace of Aaliyah Alleyne.

Harshitha Samarawickrama (44*) and Hasini Perera (43),

however, ensured there was not any more major hiccups, putting on 63 for the fourth wicket to all but seal victo-

West Indies Women (50 ovs maximum)

Hayley Matthews (c) c Madavi

b Kumari 38

Rashada Williams † c †Sanjeewani

b Kulasuriya 6

Shemaine Campbelle lbw

b Kumari 27

Stafanie Taylor run out (sub [S Nisansala]/Athapaththu) 33

Chedean Nation c †Sanjeewani

b Dilhari 6

Chinelle Henry c Silva

b Dilhari 13

Aaliyah Alleyne lbw

b Athapaththu 14

Afy Fletcher run out (Madavi) 5

Zaida James c Madavi

b Kumari 7

Karishma Ramharack not out 14

Shamilia Connell

b Dilhari 9

Extras (lb 3, nb 2, w 18) 23

TOTAL 47.1 Ov (RR: 4.13) 195

Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Rashada Williams, 2.3 ov), 2-75 (Hayley Matthews, 18.1 ov), 3-76 (Shemaine Campbelle, 18.4 ov), 4-109 (Chedean Nation, 26.4 ov), 5-127 (Chinelle Henry, 32.1 ov), 6-149 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 37.2 ov), 7-149 (Stafanie Taylor, 37.4 ov), 8-170 (Zaida James, 40.4 ov), 9-170 (Afy Fletcher, 40.6 ov), 10195 (Shamilia Connell, 47.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

ry, before Afy Fletcher picked up a consolation wicket late in the game. (ESPNcricinfo)

Sugandika Kumari picked up 3 for 30 (File Photo)

Stafanie Taylor plays a shot during the encounter with Sri Lanka (Photo Credit: Sri Lanka Cricket)