Guyana Times - Sunday, June 2, 2024.pdf

After 78 years, Guyana-born daughter of British surgeon visits place of birth

2 teens, 1 adult nabbed with 18lbs ganja

Region 6 Police urge public’s patience during investigations

2 single mothers receive newly-built homes from MOM initiative

50-year-old dies after being struck by car Bandit shot during robbery at Chinese supermarket

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

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 Sunday, June 2 – 13:05h-14:35h and Monday, June 3 – 14:05h-15:35h. Sunday, June 2 – 01:00h-02:30h and Monday, June 3 – 02:00h-03:30h.

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthEasterly between 1.78 metre and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 06:49 and 19:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.74 metre and 0.76 metre.

GPL moves to prequalify contractors, financiers for upgrades to grid

…EOI invited from companies, Joint Ventures

In an effort to ensure that it has options for financing and doing upgrade works on the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is now seeking to prequalify potential financiers and contractors.

According to the call for Expressions of Interest (EOI), companies, including consortiums, have been invited to indicate their interest. Among the projects the staterun company is looking to work on is to construct a total of 10.45km of 69kV lines across the Demerara and Berbice rivers.

Other works include the supply of two mobile substations, hotline maintenance, supply and installation of 30MW, and the upgrade and expansion of two existing 69/13.8kV substations. Additionally, the company is looking to prequalify a supplier of 20,000 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters.

It had been announced earlier this year that GPL would be installing an additional 70,000 AMI meters this year to replace the old terminal meters. In 2023, almost 100,000 terminal meters were placed with AMI devices, and of that number, approximately 700 terminal devices were defective.

This had been revealed by GPL’s Divisional Director of Loss Reduction, Parsram Persaud, who made this disclosure while speaking at a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) meeting that was reviewing GPL’s 2023 Operating Standards and Performance Targets.

While GPL recorded a loss reduction of 25.5 per cent in 2023, Persaud had revealed that the agency recovered millions in losses by replacing defective meters. He said the programme ensures that citizens have reliable access to electricity, and addresses GPL’s loss reduction challenges.

Minimal requirements

Meanwhile, the document makes it clear that the call for EoIs is not an invitation to tender. They emphasised that only bidders deemed qualified at

this stage will receive details on the next stageRequest for Bid (RFB).

Bidders will also be required to demonstrate a track record of successfully financing or completing similar projects in the last 10 years. They will also be

required to demonstrate their ability to finance and complete the projects within a maximum timeline of two years after receiving the contract. The EoI must be submitted by June 20, 2024.

GPL has already ap-

proached Government with a proposal for ‘emergency priority funding’ to the tune of US$180 million to upgrade its distribution and transmission network. Already, the state-run power company has been allocated some $95.7 billion in the 2024 National Budget.

Last month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that the Guyana Government would be seeking massive supplementary funding to upgrade GPL’s aged Distribution and Transmission Network.

The Guyana Power and Light CONTINUED

Editor: Tusika Martin

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China and debttrap diplomacy

Over the last decade, China has played an increasingly important role in providing loans to countries across the globe – but especially in the Global South, which, in conjunction with its Belt and Road Initiative (B&R.I.), is tied in to infrastructural development. It has however been accused of practising “debt-trap diplomacy”. This “is a term to describe an international financial relationship where a creditor country or institution extends debt to a borrowing nation partially or solely to increase the lender’s political leverage. The creditor country is said to extend excessive credit to a debtor country with the intention of extracting economic or political concessions when the debtor country becomes unable to meet its repayment obligations. The conditions of the loans are often not publicized. The borrowed money commonly pays for contractors and materials sourced from the creditor country.” (Wiki.)

The term was introduced less than a decade ago by a global strategist in discussing China’s loans to several African countries, and was quickly picked up by the US Administration. The writer claimed, “Through its $1 trillion ‘one belt, one road’ initiative, China is supporting infrastructure projects in strategically located developing countries, often by extending huge loans to their governments. As a result, some of these countries are becoming saddled with debt, leaving them even more firmly under China’s thumb.” It was even suggested that these countries were being “recolonized”.

As to whether there is truth in this claim is very important, since we have received (comparatively) massive loans from China (for example, the CJIA Modernization and the Demerara Harbour Bridge) with more in the offing, such the Corentyne River Bridge.

American eyebrows have been raised about this source of financing, and President Ali had to point out that alternative financing has not been forthcoming, even now that Guyana is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and is the beneficiary of rising oil revenues.

There is no question that, historically, countries with economic or military advantage would attempt to leverage that strength to influence other countries to further their own interests. This was true of Athens millennia ago, and true of the United States for over a century, but more so after WWII, when it played an outsize role in establishing and influencing the policies of the Breton Woods Institutions – the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For instance, when the PNC under Desmond Hoyte resorted to the IMF for loans to deal with our US$2.1 debt burden, we were forced to sign on to a Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) that was based on the premises of the Washington Consensus, that reflected the US ideological position as opposed to the socialist premises of the “Cooperative Republic”.

China is now the largest bilateral lender in the world, and clearly its influence has increased. Since 2005, China Development Bank and China-Export Import Bank have provided more than $136 billion in loan commitments to Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries and state-owned firms. After the COVID hiatus, in 2022 alone, there were US$813M in new debts; this time from Chinese commercial banks which are in any case majority owned by the Government. We owe China US$540M, in comparison to its biggest debtor, Venezuela, with US$60 billion.

And we return to present charges that China is not just vying for influence vis a vis the US, in which it is evidently locked in an emerging new Cold War, but is practising “debt-trap diplomacy”. Since the accusation was made in 2017, rather than calling in their debt, so that the country has to declare a de facto bankruptcy, China has been renegotiating the loans on quite generous terms. Recent research shows that the Chinese debt-trap accusation is a myth, since there are no winners in such a strategy, as the debtor, trapped with unsustainable debt, leaves its creditor out of pocket.

Basically, it is up to borrowing countries like Guyana to follow prudent borrowing practices to ensure their financial flows are sufficient to service debts acquired, regardless of the source of the funding.

Expel Israel from the United Nations

Dear Editor,

The Israeli genocide against the people of Palestine in general and those in Gaza in particular is now in its eighth month. In that time, more than 36,000 Palestinians are confirmed to have been killed, and thousands of others still uncounted are lying dead under the mountains of rubble caused by the tons of bombs that were dropped on the people. It is estimated that more than 100,000 have been seriously injured, most having lost one of more of their limbs.

In addition to the known dead, many mass graves, each with more than two hundred bodies, have been found in almost every area from which the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) had withdrawn. Many of the victims had their hands tied behind their backs, and gunshot wounds were evident to their heads. Doctors have confirmed that some had even been buried alive.

This is the level of inhumanity that is occurring in this 21st century. Apart from the direct killings, thousands are dying from wounds sustained as the IDF is making sure that medical services are unavailable.

Hospitals are being

deliberately destroyed. Almost all have been bombed, and those where the IDF soldiers enter are made dysfunctional by the deliberate destruction of medical equipment. Wounds are being infected, leading to death.

Professional persons such as medical personnel, journalists, and workers involved in the search-and- rescue are all prime targets for the fascist regime in Israel. More than one hundred journalists and some 500 medical personnel have been killed by the IDF.

Despite two international courts: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), having pronounced on the industrial scale murder that is taking place and urging an immediate halt, the IDF continues the relentless killings, disregarding those court rulings.

The Israeli racist/fascist regime has even threatened to arrest the chief prosecutor of the ICC, Mr. Karim Khan, and his staff. In this lawless attack on the ICC, the Israeli regime has been joined by US Congress and Senate members. They have expressed their intention to withhold funding from those international bod-

ies unless the call for Netanyahu s arrest process is stopped.

The US Administration is in full support of the Israeli regime. They continue to pour billions of dollars to keep Israel s economy afloat, and continue to supply the bombs and other military equipment to kill Palestinians.

The US administration is supporting Israel s regime in all of their murderous genocidal actions. They have remained deafeningly silent to Netanyahu government s designation of the UN body, UN R.W.A., as a terrorist organization. That is a direct attack on the relief effort of the UN. Starvation has become another weapon in the hands of the racist regime.

It is indeed nauseating to look at the press briefings being done by US officials Matt Mathews and John Kerby. They have reduced themselves to being chief defenders of the murderous regime. The mask has fallen from the face of the US Government. It is now clearly seen as being complicit with genocide. It is even attacking at universities its own young people who are actually representing the conscience

of the American people.

It is time for the world community to expel Israel from the United Nations for the terrible crimes against humanity. Israel does not belong to the civilised world! The horrors committed by the apartheid regime in South Africa decades ago pale into insignificance in the face of this barbarism taking place in Gaza. Yet, South Africa was severely sanctioned by the United Nations, and was even suspended. Incidentally, it was the US & UK that prolonged the apartheid regime in South Africa by the staunch support which they gave to the racist regime.

We must demand that the US in particular stop its total support for the butchers of Israel! It must also be called upon to respect international law, and to show some sympathy for the human rights of Palestinians.

Eight months of the wholesale slaughter is far too much!

Any person or state with a modicum of humanity must demand a ceasefire now!

Finally, the call for Israel s expulsion from the UN bears repeating!

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar Former President

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks engaged students at St Rose's High School during their Annual Career Fair on Friday. The students were given a glimpse into military careers and the various tasks carried out by soldiers (GDF photos)

Guyana-born daughter of British surgeon visits place of birth

was her favourite fruit. “I love genips. I used to buy on the way home (from school) from the women at the side of the road; and there was an Indian shop where I would go and buy a sheet of roti and munch all the way home. I love pepperpot and my curries.”

By Michael Jordan

For 88-year-old Sheila Robbins, the mem-

ories are vivid: the family’s chatty macaw, the manatees in the Botanical Gardens feeding on grass clutched in her hands, snacking on a roti she had bought at a shop, or sneaking off to the pantry for delicious fufu soup.

Born in British Guiana, Robbins left these shores when she was only ten. However, she got a chance to reflect on those cherished memories when she returned to the place of her birth in May 2024 for a brief vacation. It was her first visit ‘home’ in 78 years.

Robbins is the daughter of the Georgetown Hospital’s first Surgeon Specialist, Dr. John Darbyshire Greison, who was appointed to this prestigious position in 1927.

Her mother, Margery Grierson, was a registered nurse, who met her future husband while working in the operating theatre at the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

“Everything has changed,” she said as she relaxed in the scenic compound of the Cara Lodge Hotel with her son Simon Robbins. “I thought I was going to see (just) a few surprises, but (almost) all the places that I knew are gone. I had wanted to do this (visit) some years ago. My husband and I chatted about it, but he had wanted to go back to Singapore, where he’d done his national service, and I didn’t want to go.”

Robbins was born at the Georgetown Hospital in 1936, and she was the youngest of three children. Her sister Margaret was born in 1930, and her brother Ian in 1932.

She still has photographs of the houses in which the family had lived, including the surgeon’s resi-

dence - a large, two-bedroom building which was located in the hospital compound.

“We moved there around 1928, but had lived somewhere else. We had a little monkey, and when we moved to the big house, we had a lovely talking macaw named Robert. He would look for my sister and say, ‘Where is Margaret? Where

Flying kites at the seawalls with her brother was one of her childhood pastimes, as well as picnics in the Botanical Gardens. “We used to go for picnics under a tree at the far end of the gardens. We would also feed the manatees. You had to whistle for them to come. The zoo was not there yet.

“I remember going to the Bank of Guyana with my father. He would lift me up onto the counter to sit,”

is Margaret?’ He would go into the kitchen, and the cook always used to say, ‘Outside, Robert,’ and so he started saying ‘Outside, Robert, outside,” and he would turn and walk out. When Robert died, we go another macaw, but it was wild and pecked us.”

There was a garden, two mango trees, a papaw tree, banana plants and a tennis court in the hospital compound. There were also chickens. “My father raised chickens, and I had to hold them down while he castrated the young roosters.”

She remembers her outings to the Stabroek Market with ‘cookie’ (their cook) for fruits and vegetables. Genip

Christmas there was an enormous cracker on the ceiling, and when we pulled the cracker, it was full of peanuts,” she said.

“One of the things I remember is the chauffeur taking me to school on the crossbar of his bike if my father had taken the car for some reason. My father had a Jowett (a British-made car), with a ‘dickie seat’ (located on the exterior of the car). I was never allowed to go in that seat, because I was too small,” she reminisced

Dr. John D. Greison, her half-Scottish dad, was born in 1899, and served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during the First World War. Robbins recalled that he sometimes wore a kilt, and was ‘strict’.

rite pastimes was to travel up the Abary on weekends to fish for lukanani.

He would stay at a lodge that the English and the Scots had built in the area.

“He was very strict with us.

I was surprised the nurses liked him so much,” she said.

Dr. Grierson is said to have revolutionized surgery in then British Guiana, and had been “extremely popular for his cheerful disposition and sense of humour.”

On his retirement in 1949, after 22 years of practising surgery, the gifts the staff presented him included a large scroll in which they lauded his professionalism and demeanor.

The family returned to England in 1946, a year after the war ended. That journey, she said, was by “a bauxite boat to Trinidad, a banana boat to Jamaica, and then to Bristol, England.” During their stop in Trinidad, she accidentally locked her dad out of his hotel room, and the staff had to remove some louvre panes to get him in.

She went swimming in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where they stopped for three days.

England

After several days at sea, they finally arrived in England to a sight that made the 10-year-old yearn for British Guiana’s sunny climes. “It was wet; really cold. I stood at the station and said, ‘If this is England, then I want to go back’,” she disclosed.

However, it was in England that she eventually met her future husband. They exchanged wedding vows in a Presbyterian church in September, 1959. By then her father’s health had deteriorated.

she disclosed.

She also remembers the United Kingdom Bookers Company, which included Bookers Sugar Estates and Bookers Stores (now Guyana Stores). “We got all our fizzy drinks from Bookers, and Bettencourt’s used to be a big store,” she declared.

“Those were lovely days, and I didn’t notice the heat then. I can’t recall trains at all.”

She attended St. Margaret’s Primary until she was six, then she attended Bishops’ High School. Back then, the compound housed a separate section for primary school pupils.

“I remember one

“He never discussed his patients, but if he had a patient in one of the wards, he would say to me, ‘You can get some flowers from the garden and you can go and see this person.’ (And) I was to speak to them nicely, and find out what they had done to make them ill. It was an education to me to don’t do that (what the patient had done),” she explained. “I loved it. I preferred to visit those people in the Seaman’s Ward.”

Left after World War 11

Having lived during the time of the Second World War, she recalled that they were not allowed to travel back to England. Events about the war were monitored on the radio.

“When my parents went out, my father would say, ‘You must listen to the six o’clock news and tell me what they say’.”

One of her dad’s favou-

Sheila Robbins in Georgetown after 78 years

The hospital house

VACCINATIONS

Over the past months, we have been writing about ailments and treatments of puppies and young dogs (also referring from time to time, to young cats and kittens). Today we will begin discussing the prevention of the acquisition of various illnesses that affect canines and felines of any age.

As you would have noted by now, I tend to give the subject being discussed a definition/an explanation of the topic. My best and most easily un-

cluding humans) of microorganisms, which have been previously treated to make them harmless, for the purpose of inducing

derstandable definition of Vaccination is “the introduction into animals (in-

the development of antibodies which create an immunity against specific

diseases. I must now give a definition for Immunity: a condition whereby the animals develop a security against agents that are injurious to the animals’ health and wellbeing. Simply put, Immunity is the body’s resistance to a disease.

We must also define Antibodies. These are simple proteins that are found in the blood with special characteristics, about which we do not need to get into any details other than to say that they are the essential element of the fight against diseases.

There are different types of immunity, namely:

Active Immunity

Adaptive Immunity

Acquired Immunity

Natural immunity

Passive Immunity

ACTIVE IMMUNITY

This condition results when exposure to a disease agent (pathological organism, germ) causes the animal’s body to produce defences against that particular invading disease-causing organism /germ.

ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY

Adaptive Immunity involves specialized immune cells/antibodies that wage war and destroy foreign “invaders” (disease causing agents). Subsequent to the battle between the foreign invaders and the body’s specialized defence cells, according to which disease-causing agents in the animal’s body are capable of producing antibodies which prevent the disease, in case of future attacks, by establishing a specific memory bank which identifies what those new attacking sub-

stances/germs look like, and then mounting an appropriate defensive immune response.

ACQUIRED IMMUNITY

The better name should be ACTIVE ARTIFICIAL IMMUNITY, because it is when resistance to a disease is the result of antibodies being produced as an especial response to a disease- causing foreign substance, or when an animal produces or receives antibodies (see above) from another source.

NATURAL IMMUNITY

This is sometimes called Innate Immunity. It is the inborn resistance against infections. This resistance is possessed by the animal from birth, be-

when an animal is given (by injection or orally) antibodies rather than producing the antibodies by itself through its own immune system. For example, PI occurs when a newborn pup/kitten receives the antibodies from a vaccinated mother dog/cat through the mother’s milk when they are nursing. In such cases, however, the antibodies are short-lived (often only for a few months, because the “Memory Cells” mentioned above are not produced or retained by the new born kitten/puppy.

Dear reader, I think I have belaboured you enough with the science this week. However, this above text is necessary if

cause of its genetic background. I should mention that the liver is such an organ which possesses predominant Natural Innate Immunity capabilities.

PASSIVE IMMUNITY (PI)

This is a type of Immunity that occurs

we are to understand the concepts of Vaccination. It seems that such knowledge will help in your decision to vaccinate your pets, notwithstanding the vocal positions of the antivaxxer movement.

More advocacy for vaccination will be offered next week.

2000 new small contractors registered, bidding for contracts since 2020 – VP

Since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s return to office, as much as 2000 new small contractors have been registered and become involved in the procurement system as part of a new eco-system of contractors that continues to grow.

This revelation was made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent press conference in which he responded to claims of discrimination. For instance, allegations have been made that contractors have been denied work on the basis of race and political affiliation.

According to Jagdeo, however, nothing could be further from the truth, and even more contractors of diverse races are now benefitting under the PPP Government than under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government; some 2000 more small contractors, to be exact.

“What did we do to ensure that more people now are part of the procurement system? So, you have about 2000, new small contractors since we took office. We have more Afro-Guyanese companies now than ever before, including under five years under APNU. And that is a fact, and we can list the companies. So contrary to

what they say.”

Jagdeo also detailed the steps the Government took to encourage this growth in the contractor pool. These steps include the removal of the two per cent bid bond requirement, allowing contractors working on projects below $15 million more opportunities to bid.

“When the PPP got into office, the biggest problem to small contractors entering the system was the two per cent bid bond. They had to go to the bank if they won a contract, and put up a bid bond. Now, many small contractors don’t have the capability to do that. We removed the bid bond for contractors below $15 million.

“If you tender for above $15 million, you have to get a bid bond from the bank. But below, you don’t have to. So that encouraged a large number of small contractors to be a part of it. And if you’re supplying goods that’s for civil works, you don’t need a bid bond up to $3 million,” Jagdeo further said.

Small contracts that fall below the $15 million margin range from weeding and cleaning to civil works and even the construction of roads. Among the criteria the PPP Government had changed to grant more opportunities to small contractors had been the requirement of three-to-five-years’ ex-

tries will soon have a unit tasked with assessing the performance of contractors across the various sectors. These units will be supported by a Contract Compliance Unit within the Legal Affairs Ministry to provide guidance and file legal proceedings where necessary.

This move followed strict orders by President Dr Irfaan Ali that penal-

perience.

The PPP/C Government has said that it has been hiring new contractors to keep pace with the ongoing rapid development in the infrastructure sector. During a previous press conference, Jagdeo had noted that this has sometimes meant compromising on experience.

“You have to have new contractors. We are building nineteen pump stations and you have very few people with the capacity to build all nineteen… so, often, you have to bring new contractors who may not have the full experience, but you have to see if they have the comparable skills, and have rigid supervision of the contracts,” the Vice President said.

While experience may be subject to compromise, quality work is not. Only recently, it had been announced that all Government minis-

ties outlined in a number of Government contracts be enforced for companies that continue to default on their contractual obligations. The President’s comment was made at a meeting with engineers and project managers of the Public Works and Housing ministries to discuss the status of major infrastructure projects.

Attorney General Anil

Nandlall had cautioned contractors to ensure that they execute their contracts diligently and deliver projects that cannot be deemed substandard.

He noted that this move by the Government is a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to move condignly against contractors who are negligent in the discharge of their duties. (G3)

GPL moves to prequalify...

“There is…a component running between US$180 million to maybe US$250 million that would lead to critical upgrades in the Distribution and Transmission System to ensure that once we have more power, that we take this power to Berbice and everywhere else, and that the poor transmission system and the weak distribution system wouldn’t affect us. So, then we [won’t] have more power but still have blackouts because of the weak transmission system,” he had stated.

This upgrade to the distribution and transmission network is just one component of the planned efforts to enhance the capability and capacity of the state-run power company. As it is, GPL is now generating some 165 megawatts of power, but the current peak demand for electricity

is 180 megawatts.

Given the ongoing heightened frequency of power outages, Jagdeo had noted that the financial paper will be tabled in the National Assembly shortly, since the upgrades have to start “almost immediately.”

Only recently, GPL signed a two-year contract with Qatar-based Urbacon Concessions Investments (UCI) for a power ship to generate 36 megawatts (MWs) into the national grid.

The floating power plant has since arrived in Guyana’s waters and works have been carried out to set up the infrastructure to connect the vessel to GPL’s distribution system at Everton on the East Bank of Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

As part of the multi-

million-dollar deal, GPL has already paid a US$1 million mobilisation fee for the power ship, which was previously used in Cuba. The power company has to pay a fee of 6.62US cents per kWh as a monthly charter fee for the vessel, as well as a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) based on electricity generated. GPL is also required to provide Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the generators onboard the vessel. In addition to the 35MW from the power ship, the capacity of the national grid will be further bolstered when the 300MW power plant – a major component of the Gasto-Energy Project – comes onstream next year, using natural gas from offshore oil production activities in the Stabroek Block. (G3)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

What’s…

…in a name?

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) was formed in 1839, and has since been using the word “Negro” to describe the formerly enslaved people. So, all has been going along quite fine up to now, thank you. Until a micro-party fella was charged for allowing his social media platform to be used to threaten four top officials of the Government – the Pres, VP, AG, and Fin Minister, who were named to be taken to the seawall and executed. The police described the fella as a “negro”. Well, who told them to do that!! Something must’ve snapped, because the fella’s attorney immediately fired off a peremptory letter to the ERC to instruct the GPF to cease and desist from ever using that word!!

Now, in Guyana during the post-slavery era, it was fightin words if you called somebody “African” – it was taken to mean the person was considered to be “savage”. “Negro” – which came from the Spanish and Portuguese -- meant “Black”, and was considered acceptable. In the modern era, usage started following the American custom, where “Coloured” was the preferred term until W.E.B. Du Bois - following the lead of Booker T. Washington - advocated for a switch to Negro in the 1920s.

We had the United Negro College Fund formed - which still bears that name!! In Britain, the League of Coloured People was formed in the 1930s, and a branch formed in Guyana was very influential – cause it had a lot of Mixed folks with some white “blood”! - till they merged with the PNC!! Burnham was a member of the LCP in England!!

Anyhow, never once during the 28 years of the PNC – while they had complete control over the GPF – was it ever suggested that the word “negro” be dropped. And this was even after Stokley Carmichael had introduced the term “Black” as the preferred designation in 1967 with his book “Black Power”. By then in Guyana, “African” was becoming more popular, with one group in the early 60s calling itself African Society for Racial Equality (ASRE) and introducing “African” rather than slave names. Over in the United States, the Black Power Movement gradually faded, and by 1988, Jesse Jackson followed the Guyanese example and suggested that the proper term should be “African American”. But it never really took hold.

In the meantime, Black gradually became popular in Guyana with the spread of Black Power in the seventies…but co-existed with African-Guyanese. So which term’s the Police being advised to use going forward?? We’ll wait for the ERC to pronounce – maybe after conducting some hearings into the matter??

In the meantime, amidst all the fluidity, your Eyewitness thinks it’s a “Black thing”!! But watch out for those who’re “Blacker than thou!!”

…with Cricket World Cup?

The Yanks play their version of “football” – where the ball touches a foot maybe five times in a game!! – and yet speak of “world champions”!! American exceptionalism!! But this year, they’ll be taking part in T20 Cricket World Cup – which has always been more global, but is now getting more so!! Today, Cricket World Cup starts off with two matches symbolizing that expansion – the US will be taking on Canada, while our West Indies will be taking on Papua New Guinea!!

The US-Canada game’s gonna be played in Grand Prairie Stadium in (where else?) the great state of Texas, while we take on Papua New Guinea at Providence! We suspect that most of the players from the US and Canada will actually be from their huge immigrant populations from the major cricketing nations. But did you, dear reader, even know Papua New Guinea played cricket?? Thought not!! But it just goes to show that where’s there a will, there’s a way. Next year, China?? And China vs USA?

…with Mad Maduro?

The Madman across our western border - yes, OUR Essequibo - just refused to accredit the EU to observe his July 28 elections. If he ain’t planning to rig the elections, why’s he afraid of skeptical scrutiny??

After 5 days of flooding, non-working pump at Adventure replaced …cash crop farmers counting losses

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Fseverely.

The outfall channel from Adventure to the Atlantic Ocean has been blocked for several months. Authorities had been waiting on the rainfall to commence the desilting exercise, but when it started to rain, there was still not enough water in the system to flush the outfall

ive days after the cultivation area and some sections of the homesteads at Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) had been under flood waters, authorities have finally installed a pump to replace the non-functional equipment.

Installed at Adventure, the pump would assist with the drainage of the entire community of Lesbeholden in Black Bush Polder. However, the drainage process is still slow, as both rice and cash crops are being affected. Notwithstanding this development, residents and farmers have said the intervention

channel. However, the Independence weekend rainfall left more water in the system than it could have handled.

Siltation levels in the outfall channel had made it impossible for water to be drained by force of gravity, and the situation had been compounded by the pump at Adventure being out of operation. A mobile pump was only installed on Saturday,

may be too late, as they are already suffering losses.

Heavy rainfall over the Independence weekend and into the new week had left sections of this farming community inundated. Cash crop farmers have said they had experienced more rainfall in a shorter period of time and it did not impact their crops this

Kevin [his nieghbour] bring a pump and pump out the water; he is a good neighbour,” the elderly man, who lives alone with his wife, told this publication.

Others have not been that fortunate, and rice farmers have been

A farm which is under water

by which time many of the farmers had already been counting their losses.

Sections of the residential area had also been inundated, with Khemraj Deonarine of Lesbeholden South saying that water had been in the lower part of his home for two days.

“It had about four inches of water, but

contending that they have been the ones most affected. Many of them have recently sowed paddy for the autumn crop, and they say the young rice plants cannot survive in the high levels of water that currently exist, thus they are dying.

TURN TO PAGE 27

Desilting of Adventure outfall channel is ongoing

Jettison exclusive narratives

Last Sunday, we celebrated another Independence Day, but are we any closer to becoming a nation than on that fraught night in 1966 when we received all the symbols of “nationhood’ – flag, national motto, pledge of allegiance, etc. after a virtual racial civil war? I say not for several reasons, not least because we have been unwilling to craft a national narrative on which we all agree.

Benedict Anderson said nations are “imagined political communities”, and every nation that has amounted to something has a narrative that captures its essence and holds the people together. The nation “is imagined as a community because, regardless of the actual inequality and exploitation that may prevail in each, the nation is always conceived as a deep, horizontal comradeship”

Americans, for instance, have their “American Dream” narrative –their firm belief that if they work hard and play by the rules, the sky is the limit as regards their upward mobility. They are a “can do” nation in which their constitution defines and protects their equality. All of which leads to their “exceptionalism” as “God’s country”.

Narratives are the “ideologies” that guide ordinary folks, but ours divide rather than unite.

To say that the nation is “imaginary” is not to suggest that the narrative is a tissue of lies; but, as the historian Ernst Renan noted, it is about what we choose to remember as well as to forget. Fifty-eight years after Independence, each group still holds on firmly to its own narrative, which ever so often clash on particulars. And it is these contending assertions that we in Guyana have to re-examine and arrive at some sort of modus vivendi over what to remember and what to forget if we are to ever end our tragic internecine war and become a nation.

Hegel’s view of tragedy might be particularly apt to our situation. In this narrative, both “sides” are morally right: the conflict is not between good and evil, but between “goods” on which each is making exclusive claim. Have we not all contributed to the building of our nation, but also to pulling it apart? Isn’t this the tragic situation that our mutually exclusive narratives of victimhood with their facile binary oppositions have delivered us into?

Invariably, our nodes of disagreement have to do with one or the other group proffering reasons why they are exceptional, and therefore must be exempted from the universal norm of equality that should be guaranteed to all citizens of the state. Some of our clashing claims are about “who suffered more”, “who arrived first”, or “who did more to build Guyana” etc. Such assertions buttress claims of preferential treatment that create tensions among our several groups in Guyana – but especially the two larger groups: African and Indian Guyanese, who are contesting for power in our democracy.

In noting the importance of narratives in the task of nation building, Benedict Anderson had identified the importance of newspapers –dubbed the “fourth estate” - that are read every morning in constructing those “Imagined Communities”. “The significance of this mass ceremony – Hegel observed that newspapers serve modern man as a substitute for morning prayers – is paradoxical. It is performed in silent privacy, in the lair of the skull. Yet each communicant is well aware that the ceremony he performs is being replicated simultaneously by thousands (or millions) of others of whose existence he is confident, yet of whose identity he has not the slightest notion.” But as this era of the press mediating the news to attract the broadest readership morphed into “the media” with the arrival of radio, television, the internet, and now social media, the formal and informal rules of the game have now been thrown overboard, and the narratives are now customized to fragment rather than consolidate our communities.

In Guyana, our separate narratives have become weaponized on social media to further polarize our already fractured nation. We have literally lost the plot within our narratives that should suggest compromise rather than a battle of one side overcoming. This would be a constructive narrative for our time, place and circumstances. My suggestion is that we – our leaders and our people - have to craft a common narrative which accepts that, for instance, we have all suffered and contributed to the creation and building of Guyana. With new horizons opening up with oil revenues, we can at long last have the opportunity for all to be rewarded equitably based on merit.

Ravi Dev

After 78 years, Guyana-born daughter of...

“He lost the use of one of his legs, and he thought they would cut it off, because in those days they didn’t give you blood thinners if you had thrombosis. He was going into hospital and he said, ‘The worst they could do is take me leg off’.”

He passed away on February 23, 1961, aged 62. Her mother Margery Grierson died in 1991, aged 89.

Robbins studied catering, ran a number of restaurants, and also supervised the kitchen staff at a large secondary school in England.

She spent the rest of her working life with the Ministry of Defence for the

Royal Navy. One of the highlights of that period was the day she “drove a nuclear submarine for about five minutes.”

“The captain sat me down and said, ‘Would you like to have a go?’,” she recalled.

She remained married for 63 years, until her husband’s passing last year.

Returned to Guyana

Her husband’s passing was one of the motivating factors for her making the journey to Guyana. “My brother and sister are dead; that was another reason. I was the only one left, so I had

to come back. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s the first holiday I’ve had in years,” she declared.

Among places she visited were the Stabroek Market, the Botanical Gardens and the seawalls, despite the heat that caused her to “almost collapse” on her first outing. She posed for photographs, lots of them.

“I made lots of friends. I bought a pair of shoes here in the market,” she said.

She had also looked forward to savouring genips, but was told that they were out of season.

One of the friends she made is street artist Brian Van Russum, who carves de-

signs on calabashes. He presented her with a gift of his costume jewellery. She also tried to locate relatives of her first nanny, one Lydia BobbSemple. Bobb-Semple, aged around 53, had accompanied the family to England. She had reportedly resided in Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

Robbins admits quite calmly that this is likely the last time she would set foot in her beloved place of birth.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be returning to Guyana. I’m too old, I will be 90 in two years,” she said.

…tells her story of resilience, desire for academic growth

Having some 600 academic certificates, qualifications in accounting, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management along with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Aviation Management may seem excessive for some, but for 27-year-old Rohanie Beeram, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Growing up in Number

Four Village on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB), Rohanie was not surrounded by many who had seen value in education, but,

from a young age, she was determined to break barriers and prove to herself and others that “education nah spoil”, as her mother would say to naysayers.

The elder of two children to her parents - a shopkeeper mother and an auto electrician fatherRohanie explained that life had not always been easy, but her parents’ hard work and determination ensured she and her younger brother enjoy a good life.

Rohanie attended the Cotton Tree Primary School and then the New

Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary, before she became CAT/ACCA-certified as an accounting technician, after which she studied at the University of Guyana and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Distinction) in 2019.

Rohanie had always dreamed of a career in aviation, but life had other plans for her. In 2021, she signed up for an MBA programme through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), in a bid to finally pursue her passion of working in a leadership role in aviation and to help with her battle with depression.

“I needed something to focus on, something that could help me redirect my mind and energy. I believed that once I got accepted and the classes started, I could channel my attention towards my studies. Learning and exploring new subjects have always been my escape from the struggles of the world,” Rohanie told <<Guyana Times>> during

an interview.

Signing up for GOAL was not at all daunting, and the process was seamless, according to Rohanie, who expressed, “It was not hard at all.” Navigating the online learning platform was also simple, Rohanie admitted, explaining that her “extensive experience” with online courses through Coursera helped in her journey with GOAL.

It was through Coursera that she had studied some 600 different courses, ranging from personal development to finance and management.

Not an easy journey

The GOAL programme she was studying, MBA in Aviation Management, was being offered through JAIN University of India. “It was not an easy journey,” Rohanie admitted. “Since the programme was entirely online, it required significant time and dedication”.

While she was undertaking her academic journey, Rohanie was also helping her mother manage the

shop which they operated from their home. One of the biggest challenges she faced in her GOAL studies was the poor internet connection.

According to her, it would “get on my nerves!”

“It was acting up, especially during exams, and if GPL felt a little nice, even they would play a role. In my area, ten consecutive villages struggle with internet connectivity despite being on the public road. GTT does not offer internet services to us, despite villagers raising their concerns numerous times. To complete exams, I often had to rely on my mobile data, which was a struggle,” Rohanie bemoaned.

“Trying to finish exams on time while dealing with connectivity issues was very frustrating, especially when I started to panic,” the young woman further lamented.

However, her mother’s

love and support through it all was like a beacon of light in some of her darkest times.

“She would keep me company until midnight when I had exams, and I will always remember that,” Rohanie fondly expressed.

Despite having only a high school-level education, Rohanie’s mother saw extreme value in her daughter’s academic pursuits, and would often stand up against detractors.

“Once I had gone to a family function because of my mom, and we had to leave a little early due to a revision class, and it’s not like those classes were being recorded so that I could’ve watched it back at a later date; but they did not understand that,” Rohanie disclosed. “…and I was told ‘what will I do with so much of education?’, and my mom looked at them, smiled, and said, “Education nah spoil,” and we left,” Rohanie explained.

“Most of the negative remarks came from extended family members. I believe the reason for this is that they don't value education, and don't realise the pace at which the world is moving today and the importance of getting yourself qualified…,” she added.

In fact, Rohanie has aspirations to further advance her academic journey.

“I actually wanted to pursue another MBA in finance. When I mentioned this to my mom in the final semester, she encouraged me, saying, ‘Go for it! But you need to get married as well, I'm getting old’ – typical mom concerns. However, that plan is currently on hold,” Rohanie expressed.

GOAL valedictorian Rohanie Beeram

Mother’s death

Rohanie’s mother: her rock, her sister, her best friend, passed away shortly after she finished her exams, causing her whole world to come crashing down.

“My mom ‘took in’ less than a week after I wrote my final exams. She was getting dressed to go to a wedding, and I would normally set her dupatta, so I told her to give me a call when she was ready for me to do so, as I was in the shop. When I heard her call, I knew something was wrong because of the tone of voice, and I immediately ran to her, and she told me she would not be able to make it to the wedding, and I asked her what happened? She was already fully dressed. At that time, it was just the two of us home. And she told me she wasn’t feeling well, and I quickly wrapped my arms around her and hugged her, and placed her on a chair to sit because she began to lose her balance, and I immediately called my dad and my brother, and we rushed her to the hospital, but she had slipped into a coma. She woke up and was recovering slowly after spending three weeks in the hospital, and we brought her home, and a few days after, she passed peacefully early morning,” Rohanie recalled.

“Life itself felt unbearable. I wanted to give up, because my entire world came shattering down that morning when

they declared her gone,” she added, using the opportunity to call on hospital staff to do better in delivering soul-crushing news to family members.

“The hospital staff showed no empathy nor sympathy. God forbid, only when they experience such a loss it might change their attitudes when talking to grieving families,” Rohanie contended.

Mom’s legacy

The death of her mom took a serious toll on Rohanie. Sher did not even want to go to the GOAL graduation ceremony, and more so to deliver the valedictorian speech.

With her mother’s passing, the young woman’s life plans, including her wedding, are currently on hold, as she focuses her time and energy on ensuring her mother’s business flourishes.

“It is not something I had seen myself doing, but I choose to do it because I cannot let my mom’s years of hard work go down just like that; and by doing so on a daily basis, it helps me to cope with my grief a little, because it feels like she is right there with me,” Rohanie expressed.

“While my immediate goal is to honour her legacy by ensuring the business thrives, I still hold my passion for aviation management close to my heart,” she explained. “What keeps me going are the numerous memories my mom and I built, which I will always cherish dearly…I am just taking it one day at a time, trying to get better and cope with the loss of mommy. Will I ever be able to fully cope? I'm not too sure, but as everyone keeps telling me, I can't give up, I have to live for her.”

“…because the two of us had a lot of plans for it [the graduation], and I felt it was wrong to even be there without her. But my dad, my brother and my boyfriend encouraged me to go, because they knew what I went through during the programme, and if mommy was here, she would’ve wanted the same. And despite agreeing, I was not able to bring myself to do my hair and nails or anything, because I’m still mourning for my mom, and only God knew where the courage came from to stand on that stage and give the valedictorian speech without breaking down,” Rohanie explained.

Rohanie Beeram along with her father and now late mother during her UG graduation in 2019

Region 6 police urge public’s patience during investigations

Police in Regional Division Six

(East BerbiceCorentyne) are asking for the public to be patient as they conduct investigations into complaints and crimes based on their capabilities.

During a recent episode of the “Police and You” programme, Crime Officer in Region Six, Assistant Superintendent Rawl Nedd, emphasised that real-life investigations are not as swift as those portrayed in forensic television shows.

He highlighted that the investigation process is intricate, and requires significant time and effort.

As a result, he sounded calls for patience from the public, in light of numerous pleas for swift justice voiced by citizens nationwide.

The desire for quick resolutions to crimi-

nal cases, according to Nedd, is likely influenced by the dramatized efficiency of forensic investigations in popular media.

“Every matter reported is investigated,

and information is funnelled to you when the investigation is being done. Nothing is swept under the rug, not by this administration or by the Guyana Police Force,” Nedd said.

“This is not a CSI programme (where) it is all completed in an hour. What you see on CSI or forensic shows that capture an in-

vestigation within an hour is not the same. Investigations take time”, he admonished.

Nedd further underscored the significance of public cooperation, not just within the investigative process, but overall, when he said, “Crime is important. It is a concern for all of us, and it is only by investigating matters, prepar-

ing files, and sending them for legal advice that’s when we can see results. But we should not focus more on solving crime, our main focus should be preventing crime…”.

Ranks of the Region Six Police Division have said they would continue working tirelessly to address and resolve complaints. (G9)

Crime Officer in Region 6, Assistant Superintendent Rawl Nedd

2 teens, 1 adult nabbed with 18lbs ganja

Police have arrested three persons, two of whom are teenagers, after unearthing more than 18 pounds of marijuana at Port Kaituma, NorthWest District in Region One (Barima-Waini).

The discovery was made at a makeshift camp at Washbay Creek in Port Kaituma during an intelligence-led operation conducted at about 21:00h on Friday.

The police have said that, acting on information received, ranks went to Washbay Creek, and upon arrival at the camp, the ranks observed the two teenagers, both 18, and a 33-year-old male, all of whom are from Imbotero, NWD.

When they saw the Police, one of the teenagers reportedly picked

up a five-gallon jar and ran, but the ranks pursued him and caught him about 25 feet from the camp. When the ranks took possession of the jar, they found that it contained eight parcels, and when the parcels were opened, seeds, leaves, and stems suspected to be cannabis were found.

The trio were arrested and escorted to the Port Kaituma Police Station, where the narcotic was weighed in their presence and amounted to 8,232.9 grams, or 8.23 kilograms. They remain in custody, pending charges. (G9)

The marijuana that was found during the operation

The jar the teen was found with

Kamal Ramkarran returns as President of Bar Association

…Chase, Housty 1st and 2nd Vice-Presidents

Attorney-atlaw Kamal Ramkarran has been elected as the new President of the Guyana Bar Association – returning to the position after having served two terms previously.

The 45th Annual General Meeting of The Bar Association of Guyana was held on May 31 via Zoom. As part of the proceedings, the Bar Council for the 2024-2025 fiscal year was elected.

Ramkarran was elected unopposed as

the association’s president. He had previously served as president of the association from 2017 to 2019, and will replace Attorney Ronald Birch-Smith, who previously served in the position.

Meanwhile, Pauline Chase and Teni Housty were re-elected unopposed as the first and second vice-presidents respectively. Yashmini Singh, who served during the last term as treasurer, was elected unopposed to the post of secretary. Gabriel

Benn was elected unopposed as the new assistant secretary, and Collette Marks was also elected unopposed as treasurer of the association.

The other members also elected unopposed to the Bar Council are Robin Stoby, SC; Jamela A. Ali, SC; Keoma D. Griffith, Everton Singh-Lammy, Horatio Edmonson and Arudranauth Gossai. Kashir A. Khan served as the returning officer during the elections.

Attorney-at-Law

Kamal Ramkarran

Teni Housty, second Vice-President

Pauline Chase, first Vice-President

Car attempting U-turn slams into motorcycle, kills cop

Police sergeant Ronaldo Brummel died on the Montrose public road, ECD at about 00:30h on Saturday after a car attempting a ‘U’ turn slammed into the motorcycle he was riding.

Investigations revealed that the white Premio motorcar, PNN 3100, being driven by a 27-year-old resident of Montrose, slammed into Brummel’s Black Honda motorcycle, CM 9530, after the driver, who was travelling east on the northern carriageway, attempted a ‘U’ turn westward and collided with Brummel’s motorcycle, which was travelling on the southern carriageway.

Dead: Sergeant Ronaldo Brummel

Brummel was thrown onto the road, having sustained severe injuries, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The 25-year-old Sergeant Brummel

had been stationed at Traffic Headquarters, and had been attached to the Secretariat of the Commissioner of Police.

The driver of the car is currently in custody, assisting with the investigation. (G9)

50-year-old dies after being struck by car

Barrat Persaud, a 50-year-old man who has been described as a vagrant because he had had no fixed place of abode, has lost his life following an accident that occurred on the public road at New Road Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara on Saturday at about 01:30h.

The vehicle involved in the accident is motorcar HD 3236, which was being driven by a 45-year-old man. This driver is alleging that he was travelling west along the southern side of the public road when the pedestrian, who had been standing on the southern edge of the road, suddenly walked across the road

(from north to south) and into the vehicle's path.

The driver has reported that the left front portion of the car collided with Persaud, causing him to sustain injuries to his head and body; and public-spirited persons placed the unconscious pedestrian into his car and he was transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where

he was pronounced dead on arrival. Persaud's body is currently at Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyzer test conducted on the driver detected no trace of alcohol in his system. However, he has been taken into custody to assist with the investigation. (G9)

Massy’s expansion in Guyana is testament to robust economy – Labour Minister

…as location is opened at Giftland Mall

Labour Minister

Joseph Hamilton

has hailed the new branch of Massy Stores at Giftland Mall as a significant testament to Guyana’s robust economy.

He was at the time speaking at the opening of the new branch, and according to Hamilton, Massy’s decision to expand in Guyana underscores the nation’s economic growth.

“The fact that Massy has decided to invest in their sixth store informs us as Guyanese that our economy is strong and continually growing. No business, and certainly no company, invests in a country that isn’t going anywhere, or where they aren’t confident they can profit. This investment demonstrates that Massy conducted thorough research before laying the bricks for this

Labour Minister Joseph

establishment,” he has said.

Hamilton also emphasised the importance of local support for this initiative, highlighting the employment opportunities it creates.

“The Government supports these initiatives, and the public should as well. Most importantly, this new store will provide jobs for dozens of people,” he noted.

Massy General

Manager Robert Singh has expressed that the inauguration marks the fulfillment of a vision to enhance the shopping experience in Guyana.

“As I walk through the aisles of our magnificent supermarket, I couldn’t help but feel joy at the sight of our shelves stocked with the finest products, showcasing the richness of our local offerings,” Singh said.

Further, he articu-

lated that this momentous occasion signifies not just the opening of a new store, but the realization of a revolutionary shopping experience, which has become an integral part of the Massy business strategy.

Singh is encouraging the public to visit and shop at the new Massy Store at the mall, located where Giftland’s FoodMaxx Supermarket

was previously housed. Massy Stores is a regional supermarket chain with over 50 locations across the Caribbean. (G2)

Shoppers at the new Massy Stores branch at Giftland Mall

Hamilton

2 single mothers receive newlybuilt homes from MOM Initiative

As the Men on Mission (MOM) Initiative continues to deliver to the vulnerable, two single mothers in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) have been handed newly-constructed homes.

Bhagwattie Ghirao and Bibi Arjune, who have faced immense challenges, are the latest beneficiaries of the MOM Initiative, a brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali.

In Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara, 64-year-old single parent and cancer survivor Bibi Arjun received the keys to her new home during a handover ceremony attended by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC.

Bibi, who works as a domestic worker, lost her home over a year ago after it collapsed. She reached out to the Men on Mission Initiative for assistance, and they responded favourably to her request.

On the verge of tears, Bibi thanked MOM for her new home, and expressed deep gratitude for the support.

Minister Nandlall, in commending the MOM Initiative for its impactful work across the country, has said, “Men are showcasing their talent while making a philanthropic and charitable contribution towards the upliftment of our society.” He added, “I would like to recognise the Men on Mission for the sterling work they have done throughout the length and breadth of our country. Today marks another remarkable accomplishment of the MOM.” Minister Nandlall further extended his congratulations to the single mother, acknowl-

edging the significance of this gesture.

“Congratulations to Ms. Arjune for being the beneficiary of this simple but important gesture,” he remarked.

After 5 days of flooding...

Rice farmers told this publication that they have been pumping out water from their fields, but as they do this, more water is entering the fields. They say that because the outfall channel is blocked, the water remains in the community and just goes around in circles.

However, with the mobile pump put into use on Saturday, water levels are dropping, although very slowly. This, cash crop farmers say, is likely to worsen an already bad situation.

One cash crop, farmer Harrynarine Bridgelall, has said he cultivates one acre of land with leafy vegetables and peppers. “They all duck!” he said in referring to the level of water in his farm.

This farmer has said his pepper trees are bearing, but cannot withstand the prolonged period of immersion in water. He said his entire crop has been destroyed,

FROM PAGE 9

and this means big losses, because the current price for peppers is very encouraging.

Jairam Ramlakan, another cash crop farmer, who contends that he has had to walk through two feet of water to get into his farm, has described the situation as being very bad.

“I get bora and pepper (under cultivation), and the water raise very high and duck them. I lost about 500 root of bora and 400 root pepper,” he said.

He said it had been four days since his crop has been under water. “The rain fall and

the water raise. It is the drainage, man; the drainage they ain’t get right,” he added in explaining that the drainage system needs to be addressed.

The canal which drains the community takes the water to Adventure, and desilting of the outfall channel at Adventure is ongoing.

Lesbeholden is one of four polders that comprise the community of Black Bush Polder.

The polders of Mibicuri, Johanna and Yakasari are also experiencing water levels which are negatively impacting crops.

Meanwhile, at Belle West (Canal #2) on the West Bank of Demerara, 47-year-old Bhagwattie Ghirao received the second house.

Bhagwattie has also faced significant hardships. Having lost both her husband and son, she currently lives with her two daughters and works as a domestic worker to support her family. Her late husband had helped her purchase the land, and she had managed to build a fence around it. When she learned about President Ali’s promise to provide housing for single parents and mothers, she wrote a letter to him, which her daughter delivered.

The woman was overjoyed when she was contacted to have a house built for her by the Men on Mission.

MOM representative Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Souvenir, speaking at the handover ceremony, congratulated Ms. Ghirao on her new home, and assured her, “We are here to support you, the Men on Mission

is happy to support you.”

These new homes symbolise not only personal triumphs for both women, but also stand as a testament to the collective efforts of men dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women in Guyana.

On Mother’s Day last month, 47-yearold single mother Nicole Fraser was presented with a brand-new two-bedroom furnished house at Farm on the East Bank of Demerara. Under the MOM Initiative, similar homes are being built in Regions Two, Five, Six and 10.

In 2023, some $500 million was allocated for this initiative, resulting in the construction of 50 homes for vulnerable persons, including the elderly and single mothers. This year, another $500 million has been allocated to the MOM Initiative.

Launched in October 2022, the Men on Mission Initiative aims to combat toxic masculinity while fostering a supportive environment for men. Through mentoring and humanitarian engagement, the initiative promotes integrity, productivity, and accountability within communities. Since its inception, Men on Mission has been dedicated to constructing homes for vulnerable persons, including the elderly and single mothers. The beneficiaries have to be landowners in order to qualify for a newly- built house.

Bibi Arjune alongside AG Anil Nandlall, SC, and representatives from the MOM Initiative at Saturday’s handing over of a new house at Mon Repos, ECD

Bhagwattie Ghirao receiving the ceremonial key to her new home at Belle West, WBD on Saturday

Debt-for-climate, nature swap initiatives agreed upon at SIDS4

…amid calls from Guyana for climate financing initiatives

Among developments coming out of the 4th international conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), recently concluded in Antigua and Barbuda, are agreements to implement debt-for-climate and debt-for-nature swap initiatives.

These agreements came amid calls from Guyana for increased climate financing efforts. During the closing press conference of SIDS4, Tumasie Blair, Deputy Permanent Representative of Antigua & Barbuda to the United Nations (UN), revealed some of the outcomes from the conference. He explained that the need for such initiatives tailored for SIDS, a group Guyana counts itself among, was agreed on during the event.

“The need for tailored solutions to allow SIDS to reach their obligations while pursuing climate action and sustainable development is also essential. A number of debt-for-climate and debt-for -nature swap initiatives have already been completed and are underway in SIDS, creating much-needed fiscal space,” Blair said.

“Several MDBs (multilateral development bank) and bilateral lenders have already incorporated climate resilient debt clauses into loan contracts, to provide relief for SIDS when hit by shocks,” Blair explained.

Further, he noted that during a high-level meeting among delegates from various SIDS, it was agreed that the Mutidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) could help these countries to access concessional financing.

“Despite their significant vulnerabilities, many

SIDS do not have access to concessional financing.

High- level meeting participants highlighted that the multi-dimensional vulnerability index offers great promise to change this by integrating vulnerability into eligibility criteria,” Blair explained.

In February, Guyana presided over a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on the impact of climate change and food insecurity on the maintenance of international peace and security.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who had chaired the proceedings, delivered a statement in which he called for a targeted approach to tackling climate finance, food insecurity, and for the world to be bold in confronting these threats.

“We believe strongly that a very targeted approach must be adopted. The Security Council must take into account the consequential effects on food security and climate in addressing the issues of conflict and war. And these issues are intricately linked to the rule of law, democracy, and governance,” he said.

“We must adopt measures in our procedures to deal with the effects on food and climate. At a min-

imum, we must be bold enough. We have the ability, we have the political will, we must now incorporate measures at the UN Security Council to deal with climate and food as it relates to war and conflict,” President Ali had said.

Guyana’s stance for more to be done on the climate change mitigation and food security front had found strong support among other UN high officials. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, there is indeed a need for more climate financing. Stiell, who hails from Grenada, a Small Island Developing State, reminded the council of commitments made during COP28 in Dubai.

It was a view also supported by Deputy Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Beth Bechdol, who endorsed President Ali’s call for more action. According to her, there is clear evidence that climate change increases the risks of conflict and instability. In turn, conflict contributes to climate change vulnerability.

Guyana has already been trading its carbon,

and in fact, by February 2024, had earned US$37.5 million for the sale of high-quality carbon credits for the year from the multi-year agreement with United States energy-major Hess Corporation, which carries a total value of US$750 million.

Last year, Guyana received US$150 million from this deal, where 33.7 million credits are being sold to Hess Corp, amounting to 30 per cent of the carbon sink contained in Guyana’s vast forest cover.

Hess Corporation, which is one of the partners operating in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, had agreed to buy 2.5 million credits per year for the period 2016 to 2032, valued at US$750 million.

The deal with HESS came on the heels of Guyana being the first country to receive a certification of more than 33 million carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) on December 1, 2022. (G3)

Bandit shot during attempted robbery at Chinese supermarket

Abandit was shot on Thursday during an attempted robbery committed at the Good Luck Chinese Supermarket in C-Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. According to the police, two armed men entered the supermarket through its western door at around 16:50h. At that time, a security guard contracted to a private security service was stationed in a guard hut, and he was armed with a 12-gauge

shotgun. One of the suspects, armed with a handgun, approached the teller and demanded the money and phone cards from a drawer.

The teller’s screams alerted the security guard, and he confronted the suspects and discharged a round that hit one of the suspects. The two suspects then fled the supermarket, firing several rounds as they escaped.

The injured suspect later appeared at the Georgetown Public

Hospital with gunshot wounds to his right middle finger and the right side of his lower jaw. He was arrested by police, and is currently receiving medical attention under police guard.

Following the incident, police recovered one cartridge casing and two .32 spent shells from the scene.

The police have said they are diligently searching for the other suspect, and the investigation is ongoing. (G9)

A scene from the closing press conference of SIDS4

CCTV footage showing the bandits exchanging gunfire with a security guard outside the Chinese supermarket in Sophia

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Pour your energy into something you feel passionate about, and progress will be yours. Get in touch with people who share your interests or concerns, and you’ll gain access to valuable information.

Don’t be afraid to change your mind or head in a more suitable direction. You don’t have to follow the crowd or bend to someone’s whims. Put your energy where it makes the most sense.

Put a plan in place, pace yourself and enjoy your day. Putting your energy where it counts will bring you satisfaction and interesting opportunities. Learn as you go.

Proceed with caution when dealing with emotional matters or demanding individuals. Don’t second-guess yourself; follow your gut feeling and protect yourself and your reputation.

Evaluate the changes happening around you and think twice before following the crowd. Put your faith in yourself and your ability to do things in record time.

Don’t be fooled by smooth talkers or someone offering the impossible. Take precautions; don’t share personal information or leave valuable possessions in vulnerable places.

Check your options before deciding what to do. Travel, communication and educational pursuits are favored. Follow your instincts when dealing with relationships. Try something new.

Social events will be stimulating. Don’t hesitate to sign up for something you enjoy doing. Activities that help you stay in shape or live a healthy lifestyle are favored.

Explore your options and engage in social events that offer mental and physical excitement. Interacting with people who make you think will lead to conversations and opportunities.

Don’t let anger take control. Less angst and more action will lead to peace of mind and new opportunities. Think big and leave the past behind you. Give yourself a deadline if needed.

Put your energy where it counts. Take care of yourself and what interests you; it will improve your emotional well-being. Share your feelings, and you’ll get support. Invest in yourself.

Changing your routine, space or location will pay off. Look at your options through a clear lens, and you’ll know what to do next. Take charge of your happiness.

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

Real Madrid beat Dortmund to win Champions League at Wembley

Real Madrid rode their luck and overcame an outstanding challenge from Borussia Dortmund to win the Champions League at Wembley.

Carlo Ancelotti wrote more history with his fifth win as Coach in the competition, while Real claimed the crown for the 15th time in trademark fashion as they survived a torrid first half and several missed opportunities from Dortmund before coming out on top.

Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi missed two firsthalf chances and striker Niclas Fullkrug hit the post, with recalled Real keeper Thibaut Courtois also providing a formidable barrier.

Real, inevitably, raised the stakes, with Dani Carvajal glancing home a header from a corner 16 minutes from time before Vinicius Jr raced clear on to Jude Bellingham's pass to add a second nine minutes later.

It crowned a glorious first season at Real for England's Bellingham, but it was a night of disappointment for compatriot Jadon Sancho, on loan to Dortmund from Manchester United.

Ruthless Real Madrid masters again Real Madrid's late surge to claim another victory in Europe's elite tournament carried an air of inevitability as they proved they are a ruthless winning machine when it comes to the Champions League.

As they have done previously in the competition this season, and in seasons before, Real stumbled along in the first half as they were pinned back by the intensity of Borussia Dortmund’s approach.

Real barely put together an attack worthy of the name while hanging on by the skin of their teeth at the other end, with Dortmund creating chances, but crucially wasting them.

When that happens, as Liverpool and others have found before them in Champions League finals, there is normally only one outcome.

And so it proved as Real, with keeper Courtois fully justifying Ancelotti's decision to pick him ahead of Andriy Lunin, picked up a head of steam to strike those two late blows to the heart of brave Borussia.

Many will wonder quite how Real Madrid do it when they seem out of sorts so often. But muscle memory kicks in with these great players, as the departing Toni Kroos, Carvajal, Nacho and late substitute Luka Modric claimed Champions League winners' medals for the sixth time.

As for the peerless Ancelotti, as impassive as ever, he continued his incredible record at the helm of this great club.

It was a quiet night for Bellingham, who missed a big chance before setting up Vinicius Jr for the second. But what a campaign he has had since joining Real from Dortmund.

England will hope this sets up their young superstar perfectly for Euro 2024.

GFF appoints interim Committee...

Additionally, on June 24, 2023, GFF President Wayne Forde and Vice President, Brigadier (Retired) Bruce Lovell held a meeting with the clubs of the WDFA.

During the candid discussion, a series of serious allegations and complaints were raised, including poor management of funds raised during the Association’s 2022 Senior Men’s League, lack of disclosure of these funds to members, disappearance of football development equipment provided under the Member Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP), and the unreported theft of the total bar income on the night of the league final.

Alves stressed that the "GFF will undertake an extensive investigation into these allegations and reports, in addition to conducting a comprehensive audit of the Association".

He added that the Committee’s mandate includes the management of the "day-to-day affairs of the WDFA in accordance with the Constitution of the WDFA and the GFF Statutes; review, update, and align the WDFA Constitution with the GFF statutes, regularise the management structure of the clubs of the WDFA and supervise new elections.

According to Alves, “in the coming days, the GFF

Administration will schedule a General Council Meeting with the clubs of the WDFA to provide further updates on the work of the IMC”.

In addition to the WDFA, there are eight other GFF Member Associations: Bartica Football Association (BFA); Berbice Football Association (BFA); East Coast Demerara Football Association (ECDFA); East Bank Demerara Football Association (EBDFA); Essequibo-Pomeroon Football Association (EPFA); Georgetown Football Association (GFA); Rupununi Football Association (RFA) and Upper Demerara Football Association.

Dortmund pay price for missed chances

Borussia Dortmund went into this Champions League final as heavy underdogs, but played well enough, and created enough opportunities, to make a mockery of that tag in a superb first 45 minutes.

Adeyemi faltered as he raced clear in the early stages, choosing to go around Courtois, but ending up too wide, wasting the opening. Courtois then saved well from Adeyemi before Fullkrug’s low shot rolled agonisingly against the inside of the post.

Courtois saved well from Fullkrug's header after the break, but the longer the game went on there

was a sense that Dortmund would pay the ultimate price for not taking their chances, with Real experts at making their own opportunities count.

Dortmund were backed magnificently by their noisy and colourful fans, who gave their gallant team a rousing ovation after the final whistle, a reward for all their efforts.

But it was all to no avail as they lost their second Champions League final at Wembley after missing out against Bayern Munich in 2013.

When Coach Edin Terzic reflects on this year's events at Wembley, he will do so with a sense of what might have been.

(BBC Sport)

UGSS pivotal in promotion of extracurricular activities

As the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) works to promote the growth of extracurricular activities on campus, the University of Guyana Basketball Team have been receiving a lot of support from students.

Despite a large turnout of support, UG Trojans plummeted to defeat by Prospect Kobras in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under-23 Tournament on Wednesday, facing a 2-point deficit.

Speaking to media operatives, UGSS President Shaquawn Gill highlighted the phenomenal work that the Society has done, to-

ward the promotion of extracurricular activities.

“The University of Guyana Students always supports us and I think the University of Guyana Student Society as well has been playing an instrumental role in making sure that extracurricular activities are promoted and so once we promote those activities and for these activities to be known and so all the students know what's happening, so they come out and support us whether we win or lose, we expect them to be back at our next game and support us,” Gill said.

He went on to divulge the impact of students’ support for the team and their liking of the team’s style of play.

Gill divulged, “Well, I don’t think there is anything as too much support, the more support we get the better and I think the University of Guyana students love the basketball we play as we have; this is not our first rodeo and we have had two or three championships in the bag already, so they know the style of defence and the style of game that we play, so I think they enjoy.”

The University of Guyana will take to the court of the National Gymnasium in the Tertiary Basketball League today, Sunday, June 2 in their quest to defend their title against a yet-to-be-defeated Linden Technical Institute. (Omar Mckenzie)

Real Madrid celebrate their Champions League triumph

The University of Guyana U-23 Team

Squad announced for West Indies Women's Tour to Sri Lanka

The West Indies Women’s Selection Panel have named a squad of 15 players for the eagerly-anticipated series against Sri Lanka.

This exciting series, which starts next month, will feature three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), with the first match taking place on Saturday, June 15 in Galle.

The team is once again led by Captain Hayley Matthews, who has been in exceptional form, supported by Vice Captain Shemaine Campbelle.

Lead Selector Ann Browne-John stated, “The ODI series serves as a crucial stepping stone towards automatic qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup, providing an essential opportunity for the team to gain more valuable points in the Women’s Championship. The tour also allows the squad, during the T20I series, to continue to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which takes place in September in Bangladesh. The similar Indian subcontinental conditions will help the team to refine their skills strategies, build synergy, and assess their strengths and areas for improvement against quality opposition. The experience gained here will be invaluable as they progress towards the T20 World Cup, ensuring they are well-prepared and in peak form for

the challenges ahead.”

The ODI series in Galle from June 15 to June 21 is part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women's Championship, with the top five teams and hosts India automatically qualifying for the Cricket World Cup in 2025. The West Indies Women are currently sitting seventh in the table, with Sri Lanka eighth but level on points.

KFC Elite League… Monedderlust claim 3 points; Den Amstel, Ann’s Grove draw

Monedderlust FC defeated Buxton United FC while Den Amstel FC drew with Ann's Grove FC on Thursday evening in their opening matches of Round Two in the KFC Elite League Season Six at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Monedderlust overpowered Buxton United with a 2-1 scoreline on May 30, with Atlyn Brown opening the scoring for the Berbice team in the sixth minute of the game before adding another goal just 20 minutes later.

In the second half, Buxton United's Daniel Talbot attempted a comeback with a goal in the 67th minute. Despite several close attempts, Monedderlust's defence denied them any further goals.

In the final match of the night, Den Amstel drew 2-2 with East Coast Demerara team Ann's Grove.

Den Amstel's Akeem Dublin and Anthony Benn

found the net first, scoring in the 47th and 76th minutes respectively.

However, Kenroy Alfred of Ann's Grove levelled the score with two goals in the 78th and 90th minutes respectively.

Round Two of the KFC Elite League Season Six commenced on May 25 following a two-week hiatus, allowing clubs to regroup after completing 45 games in Round One.

The 10 Elite League teams – Guyana Defence Force FC, Slingerz FC, Guyana Police Force FC, Western Tigers FC, Santos

FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Den Amstel FC, Ann's Grove FC, Monedderlust FC, and Buxton United FC – are battling for prizes totalling $2,000,000 for the champions, $1,200,000 for the runners-up, $800,000 for the third-placed team, and $500,000 for the fourthplaced team.

The KFC Elite League was scheduled to continue on June 1. Western Tigers FC were scheduled to face Fruta Conquerors FC at 18:30h, followed by the Guyana Police Force FC taking on Santos FC at 21:00h, both at the NTC.

• Assistant Coach –Damien Wright

• Team Analyst –Gary Belle

• Physiotherapist –Tajay Grant

• Strength & Conditioning Coach –Antonia Burton

• Performance Coach – Dr Nadine Sammy

• Team Manager –Sheena Gooding

The full match schedule for the series is as follows:

Sri Lanka Women v West Indies Women

Saturday, June 15

The full squad for the tour of Sri Lanka consists of:

Captain Hayley Matthews, Vice Captain Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams and Kate Wilmott.

The team management unit for the series is as follows:

• Head Coach –Shane Deitz

• Assistant Coach –Ryan Austin

– 1st ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle

Tuesday, June 18 – 2nd ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle

Friday, June 21 –3rd ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle

Monday, June 24 –1st T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

Wednesday, June 26 –2nd T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

Friday, June 28 –3rd T20I at the Mahinda

GFF appoints interim Committee to stabilise WDFA

An Interim Management Committee (IMG) has been appointed by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to bring stability to the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA).

The Committee, headed by Chairwoman Grace Burgess, was made official on May 31 in accordance with Article 51 of the Federation’s statutes.

The appointment of Burgess, along with Committee Members George Adolph, Danneze Lovell and Joseph Prescott, took immediate effect.

This team will serve as the stabilising body for the WDFA for a maximum period of 12 months.

GFF General Secretary Ian Alves explained in correspondence sent to CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio, Caribbean Football Union (CFU) General Secretary

Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

The West Indies Senior Women's team depart the Caribbean today, Sunday, June 2 for a seven-day training camp in Colombo to prepare and acclimatise ahead of this important tour.

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Camara David, and GFF Member Associations that the decision was made "due to the prolonged unexplained absence of Mr Trevor Williams, who served as the Association’s President, and the subsequent resignation of Mr Adrian Giddings, who served as Secretary of the Association".

The West Indies Women are heading to Sri Lanka, boosted by recent series wins in Pakistan

Monedderlust FC bettered their points standing with a win against Buxton United

GFF General Secretary Ian Alves

guyanatimesgy.com

While the International Cricket Council (ICC)

Men’s T20 World Cup got going in Texas, USA on Saturday evening, the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) will be a hive of activity today, as West Indies and Papua New Guinea get things going in Group C.

With an eye on securing their third T20 World Cup title, West Indies Captain Rovman Powell shared just how important starting with a win today would be for their campaign.

group and it’s important for us to start on a winning note,” an optimistic Powell shared.

The West Indian Captain added, “That’s definitely something high on our agenda, so, hopefully, tomorrow [today] the rain can stay away and West Indies can play close to a pretty good game.”

Quizzed about the conditions at Providence, Powell revealed that recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) conditions here have given them some optimism about what to expect.

“Any World Cup campaign you play, you want to start off with a winning note, you want to start off with getting your feet wet from a winning perspective. You know, winning drives confidence, winning the

The West Indian player responded during a pre-match press conference on Saturday morning, “I think, five years ago, it would’ve been such a spinning ground, it would’ve been spin-based, but over the last two or three years,

Providence would’ve become a place where batters start like batting. So, we expect that. We also have a lot of faith in the groundsmen that they will prepare good wickets. They’ve prepared good wickets here for CPL, where you get scores close to 200 or just over 200.”

“This is a World Cup, we expect them to continue to provide good wickets, not just for us as West Indians, not just for Papua New Guinea tomorrow [today], but for the whole duration of the World Cup. You know it’s West Indies on show and we’d want to put on a proper show from a curator’s standpoint or a cricketing standpoint,” Powell went on to explain.

On the other hand, Papua New Guinea Captain Assad Vala expressed an intention to challenge the ‘powerhouses’

Golden Jags wrap up Brazil training camp with positive feedback

especially with their new arsenal in Phil Simmons.

Vala told media operatives on Saturday, “Looking forward to the game against West Indies tomorrow [today]. We’ve been working really hard on our game to test ourselves against one of the powerhouses of

cricket, in West Indies. The boys are really looking forward to that opportunity.”

“Like he [Simmons] asked about the conditions and stuff, he’s a legend of West Indies cricket, he’s been working in CPL and coached some of the great teams, coached West Indies to the World Cup in 2016. So, having him, getting tips from him, he’s been working with the players and individually on how to play on this wicket. So, really happy to have him on our team,” the Papua New Guinea Captain further stated.

As they head into their tournament opener, Powell highlighted how special a World Cup win would be at home and the benefits it would have for the Caribbean side.

“It’s very special to be honest, not just for me, but for the other players and the

people of the Caribbean. The possibility of winning a third World Cup title in front our own people in the Caribbean is something very, very, special. If you should look on it from all perspectives, it’s very important for us as players; it’s a legacy,” Powell related.

The West Indian allrounder further stated, “Also from a financial standpoint, you know, we know the standard of West Indies cricket and it would be a massive boost for us to win the World Cup for West Indies so that all that money that comes with winning the World Cup could be filtered down into our youth programme and to help the benefit of West Indies cricket.”

The battle between West Indies and Papua New Guinea will bowl off at 10:30h today at the National Stadium.

Guyana Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz shared that he was happy with the players' focus and commitment during the twoweek training camp in Rio de Janeiro which concludes today, Sunday, June 2.

On May 24, Flamengo FC, one of Brazil's premier clubs with the second-largest global fanbase, defeated the Guyanese squad 2-0.

Four days later, the Golden Jaguars faced another 2-0 loss, this time to Second-Division club CAXIAS FC.

However, they bounced back on Friday, May 31, with a 2-2 draw against Fluminense FC, the reigning champions of Brazil's National League and Copa Libertadores winners. They then concluded their test matches with a 7-0 victory over

The Golden Jaguars will depart neighbouring Brazil today with positive feedback after four matches against local teams, including powerhouses Fluminense FC and Flamengo FC. These games were part of the team’s preparation for their first 2026 World Cup qualifiers match on June 6 against Panama in Panama City. They lost two matches, drew one, and won the fourth.

Tigres Academy.

Twenty-eight players have been in the Brazilian capital since May 19. The games were a valuable opportunity for the coaching team to assess the players' skills and readiness for the World Cup journey.

Summarising the trip, Head Coach Shabazz stated that "the results were not as important as the physical output from the players, and we are happy it worked out".

He explained that at least 20 players had 90 minutes of playing time during the May 31 matches, which were played with a one-hour rest period.

“We wanted at least 20

players to get 90 minutes of playing time so playing the backto-back matches afforded us the opportunity,” he said, adding that “it’s a big plus to have sports scientists of the calibre of Chris Riley of Tottenham Under-18 team and Dylan Palmer, who formerly worked with Coventry City. Their advice

helped us navigate playing these two matches one hour apart.”

The goal scorers for the Golden Jaguars were Stephen Duke McKenna, Deon Moore, Kadel Daniel, Ryan Hackett, Kelsey Benjamin, Miguel Scarlett, and Chris Macey. The training camp focused on tactical strategies, fitness

drills, and game readiness, and was facilitated by

After their match against Panama, the Golden

11.

State Transport Secretary of Rio de Janeiro, Washington Reis and Guyanese businessmen Faizal Khan and Kabir Khan.

Jaguars will face Belize in Barbados on June

The Golden Jaguars will wrap up their training stint in Brazil today

Papua New Guinea Captain Assad Vala

West Indies T20 Captain Rovman Powell during the pre-match press conference