Guyana Times - Sunday, November 3, 2024

Caricom Energy Month 2024

Guyana making significant progress towards achieving 500MW of clean energy – PM …rolling out of GtE, multiple hydropower & solar power projects

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is celebrating Energy Month 2024 during November and according to Prime Minister, (Ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips, who oversees the energy sector, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is well on its way to developing 500 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.

In his message on the occasion of CARICOM Energy Month 2024, the Prime Minister expressed Guyana’s commitment to continued development of its energy grid and constantly innovating in the sector to keep pace with national needs and global energy trends.

“Our commitment is reflected in our signing of the Paris Agreement, which Guyana embraces through its Low Carbon Development

Strategy (LCDS) 2030. The LCDS 2030 serves as a blueprint for preserving the country’s natural resources, while addressing the climate crisis and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.”

“Through the LCDS 2030, Guyana has moved to implement an Energy Supply Matrix, which will provide an energy mix that incorporates hydropower, solar, natural gas, and wind. This energy mix will lead to more than 500 megawatts of newly installed capacity for residential and commercial users and foster energy transformation,” he said.

The Prime Minister referenced several of these projects, such as the US$761 million Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project which includes the construction of an Integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Plant and a 300-MW combined cycle power plant at

Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), utilising natural gas from the country’s offshore operations in the Stabroek Block. The project is expected to not only provide cleaner energy but also cut the country’s high electricity costs by half.

Hydro Other projects include plans for the development of two major hydropower projects, with the Prime Minister highlighting the well-known example of the 165-MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP).

The AFHP – a brainchild of the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) Administration, has been on the cards since 2011. However, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) Opposition parties, having a one-seat majority in 2014, barred the project from becoming a reality. But the PPP/C resurrected the project when they returned to office and back in December, four companies – Rialma S.A. (Grupo Rialma) from Brazil; China International Water & Elec. Corp; Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc, and a group made up of OEC, GE Vernova and Worley – had submitted tenders to be prequalified for the project. According to the Prime Minister however, the Government is going further in that they plan to have an additional hydropower plant built in the near future… with a location to be settled on by next year.

The 165MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is one of two such major projects planned by the Government

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Brazil-Venezuela Rift

Brazil is proving to be a neighbour acting according to principles that contribute to regional stability, when it comes to Venezuela under Maduro’s whimsical, dictatorial rule. Early last December, after Maduro held the referendum that was supposed to “legitimize” his annexation of our Essequibo, Brazil made it clear that it opposed any use of force by Venezuela to consummate their plan. The Brazilian military had already reinforced the border region through which Venezuelan troops would have to cross into southern Guyana. Additionally, the Brazilian army moved armoured vehicles and more troops to Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state, and additional troops along the Venezuelan border, after the referendum.

Then, after the Argyle Agreement facilitated by regional leaders -- which produced the 11-point declaration pledging both sides to refrain from escalating the Essequibo controversy and pursue technical discussions -- was signed by Presidents Ali and Maduro in St Vincent, Brazil facilitated the first follow-up meeting in January in Brasilia. However, Maduro kept up his hostile actions that were intended to intimidate our country, which precipitated military gestures of support from the US and UK. After its July 16 elections, when Maduro refused to furnish proof to dispute the Opposition’s claim to have won by producing the tallies provided automatically by the voting machines, Brazil also refused to accept the results until the proof was provided. President Lula suggested fresh elections or a coalition government as potential solutions to the country’s intensifying political crisis, which saw opposition politicians harassed.

In the meantime, however, Venezuela kept up its diplomatic offensive in efforts to rehabilitate its image, which had been damaged when it refused to accept the UN Secretary General’s decision, pursuant to the Geneva Agreement it had signed, for the ICJ to be the legitimate forum for resolving its border controversy with us. Supported by Russia and China, which had reaffirmed their friendship, Venezuela vigorously pursued membership in BRICS, which had accepted for new members -- Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE -- in January to become BRICS+. With their economies representing over US$28.5 trillion, or about 28 per cent of the global economy, the bloc was on the verge of becoming a match for the Western nations led by the US, which Maduro’s mentor Chavez had declared to be Venezuela’s mortal enemy.

At the October BRICS+ meeting in Kazan, Russia, Venezuela confidently predicted that its application, along with those of over a dozen other countries, would be accepted. However, while the bloc welcomed 13 new “partner members”, it excluded Venezuela, despite the latter’s intense lobbying being backed by its friends. Venezuela’s application was blocked by Brazil, and since the bloc demands unanimity for its decisions, Venezuela did not even become a “partner member”. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Relations explained that it did advocate for the creation of criteria and principles to guide the choice of the bloc’s new members.

Maduro had attended the Kazan summit, and called for the bloc to lead efforts to establish a “new international financing system”, independent of Western dominance. Since 2017, the US Treasury Department has imposed financial sanctions and an oil embargo on state oil company PDVSA aimed at isolating the country from global markets. The US had eased the sanctions to allow Chevron to resume its relationship with PDVSA on the promise of free and fair elections, and this was also now in jeopardy. Maduro was clearly humiliated at the Kazan BRICS+ summit.

He claimed he had been given assurances by Brazil that it would not block the Venezuela application, and he called the move “a stab in the back”. He carefully avoided blaming Pres Lula for the rebuff, and pointed his finger at Brazilian diplomat Eduardo Paes Saboia, who was involved in negotiations. He claimed the Brazilian Foreign Service was acting independently under the influence of the US. However, with over a week gone, Lula, who had not attended the Summit because of an accident, has not altered Brazil’s position.

For this and Venezuela’s prior actions, our Government should strengthen its relationship with our southern neighbour. Brazil will chair BRICS+ in 2025.

Africa needs a true, progressive partner in the White House

By Tafi Mhaka (al Jazeera coluMnisT)

The upcoming election in the United States will determine the nature of interactions between this leading global power and African countries.

With only four days to Election Day, however, the two main candidates -Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump – are yet to outline any specific multilateral or economic strategies for Africa. Thus, to obtain any insight into their plans for future engagement with the African continent, we have to look at their past actions.

At the commencement of his four-year presidency in January 2017, Trump reinstated and expanded the socalled Global Gag Rule, also known as the “Mexico City policy”, which imposed constraints on $8.8bn in US foreign aid directed at international health programmes that either provide or advocate for abortion services.

He also discontinued funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a worldwide body dedicated to maternal health that offers contraception and pregnancy care to low-income women in 150 countries. Collectively, these actions presented a significant risk to the availability of sexual and reproductive health services in vulnerable communities across Africa.

In November 2020, Trump pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement, a treaty that aims to improve the global re-

sponse to climate change challenges and regulate temperature increases.

Should Trump secure a victory on November 5, the US may withdraw from the Paris Agreement once again. Such a move would drastically impede universal efforts to combat climate change and exacerbate the vulnerability of African nations to extreme weather events.

But the Trump presidency was not all negative for Africa.

On the economic front, the Trump administration advanced trade opportunities between the US and African countries through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Established in 2000, AGOA allows qualifying sub-Saharan African countries to gain duty-free access to the US market for over 1,800 products, alongside more than 5,000 products that are eligible under the Generalised System of Preferences programme.

In 2022, South Africa stood out as the leading beneficiary of this trade arrangement, with exports to the US valued at about R65 billion (approximately $3.6bn).

To complement AGOA, the Trump administration on December 13, 2018, launched Prosper Africa, a government programme intended to facilitate trade between US and African businesses. Beyond its economic implications, Prosper Africa represented a strategic effort to counter China’s largely successful Belt and Road Initiative and the ever-expanding Russian influence in Africa.

Meanwhile, between 2017 and 2021, the Trump administration committed between $7bn and $8bn annually in aid to African countries, primarily intended to bolster US interests while facilitating these nations’ progress towards self-sufficiency.

When President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris took office on January 20, 2021, they moved to either dismantle or revamp a range of policies enacted by the Trump administration. On that day, they immediately annulled the Global Gag Rule. Eight days later, on January 28, they reinstated the US’s participation in the Paris Agreement.

Then, in a pivotal development, the Biden-Harris administration unveiled the Prosper Africa Build Together Campaign on July 27, 2021, effectively relaunching the Prosper Africa plan, but with a focus on energy, climate solutions, health, and digital technology.

Later, in December 2023, the White House announced the successful completion of 547 new agreements, valued at approximately $14.2bn in bilateral trade and investment between the US and African nations. This achievement reflected a 67 percent increase in both the number and value of agreements finalised in 2022.

Prosper Africa is anticipated to persist, irrespective of who becomes the next president.

Throughout its four-year tenure, the Trump administration prioritised a limited engagement with Africa, con-

sistent with its America First principles. Conversely, the subsequent administration adopted a more welcoming approach, seemingly recognising the critical role of African nations as key partners.

In this light, the BidenHarris administration announced a new strategy for sub-Saharan Africa in August 2022 and subsequently convened the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, on December 13-15, 2022, featuring the participation of 49 African leaders.

At the latter event, Biden expressed his strong commitment to future collaborations, stating, “The United States is all in on Africa and all in with Africa.” He also underscored that his country “fully supports reforming the UN Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa”.

To boost trade, the BidenHarris administration also championed AGOA. At the same time, it actively pursued bilateral agreements with selected African nations. On May 23, Biden and Kenyan President William Ruto revealed a series of investments focused on green energy, education, and health manufacturing, as well as a framework to tackle the country’s debt difficulties.

AGOA, unfortunately, is set to conclude in September 2025. Many African countries, including Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa, are seeking to have it renewed for at least a decade.Biden largely agrees with this sentiment.

Children enjoying the Mainstay Lake, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Saturday during the launch of Tourism Awareness Month 2024. The theme for this month of activities is “A PeopleCentred Tourism Product: Elevating our profile.” (DPI photos)

Guyanese were at the 2024 Diwali celebration in Ayodhya, India

Dear Editor,

Guyanese celebrated Diwali at home and in the diaspora last Thursday and/or Friday.

Several Guyanese also celebrated the festival in various parts of India, the ancestral home of the Diwali festivities.

Visiting Guyanese celebrated in Delhi, Jaipur, Benares and Ayodhya. A group of almost five dozen Guyanese on tour celebrated the festival in Ayodhya and Jaipur.

I celebrated Diwali in Ayodhya and Delhi. It was a magnificent festival, with streets, buildings and temples brilliantly illuminated with electronic lights, below which were earthen diyas that were similar to those used in celebrations in Guyana and among Guyanese Hindus in the diaspora, especially in New York and parts of Florida.

Diwali is linked to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Rama, who made his appear-

ance on earth in the city of Ayodhya, one of the holiest cities in India. Several Guyanese trace their roots to Ayodhya and neighbouring areas. I visited Ayodhya at least a dozen times, and have conducted field research in the holy city for the first time in August 1985, as a visiting scholar.

Ayodhya is a Bhojpuri-, Hindi-, and Sanskrit-speaking district. Most indentured Guyanese spoke Bhojpuri, a vernacular of Hindi, which itself is rooted in Sanskrit -- one of the oldest spoken and written languages, and is also a language of computers. Sanskrit is a language of specificity; each word has only one meaning –which is also how computers function.

Ayodhya is tied to Diwali because history has it that when Lord Rama returned from exile after fourteen years, the people of the city lit diyas to welcome their king and his consort, Goddess Sita.

Diwali is a national holiday. Because the dark moon fell on two days in November this year, the festival was observed on two days; not only in India, but in America and in several other countries. Diwali is a major Hindu festival, and is a holiday in over a dozen countries. Though it is not a national holiday in certain places, it is celebrated where large numbers of Hindus are found, including in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Holland, USA, Canada, South Africa, Paris, and Germany, among other places. The official holiday in India was on Thursday, but many businesses also observed the festival on Friday.

At any rate, Diwali, according to the scriptures, is a five-day festival – two days before and two days after the main celebration. It is celebrated similarly everywhere, with lighting of diyas and electronic lights.

Diwali is celebrated in

India as it is celebrated in Guyana and other parts of the Hindu Caribbean and North America.

As I travelled around the urban and rural areas, I noticed that, all over India, people lit diyas in front of residences and businesses. Businesses, including banks and government offices, lit diyas in front of their buildings, and their light was augmented with electronic lights. The place was brilliantly illuminated with the kind of lights never seen anywhere else. Also, there were very elaborate and colourful rangolis (designs made from powder, coloured rice or some other materials) drawings, etc.) at entrances to homes, on the roads and/or near mandirs, and on spots where Pooja was conducted.

I was very fortunate to celebrate pre-Diwali (including Chota Diwali, or the night before the big one) on the banks of the holy Sirju River in Ayodhya

(where Lord Rama ruled) starting the Tuesday. On Wednesday evening, I joined other volunteers to help light some 2.5 million diyas, a record for the Guiness Book of World Records. The banks of the river came to life with brilliantly lit flames, and hundreds of thousands of people descended on the city to visit the newly opened Lord Rama Mandir and to observe the 2.5 million diyas that were lit. A Diwali celebration I attended in 2017 had some 200,000 lit diyas, the numbers have been going up every year since. A new mandir constructed in the city to Lord Rama cost some US$235 million, all obtained by donation. It is a magnificent structure, where work is still ongoing.

The Guyanese touring group, which included popular singers Terry Gajraj and Lake Persaud, visited Ayodhya and then proceeded to observe Diwali in Mathura (where Lord Krishna made his appearance)

and Jaipur. Radio personality Jaskaran Persaud also celebrated Diwali in the holi cities of Haridwar, Rishkesh, and Ayodhya, culminating in a celebration in Delhi on Friday.

The Ayodhya celebration was called the grand “Deepotsav”, the biggest Diwali celebration ever in the town. It was lit up like never before. The 2017 celebration was not even close to this year’s. It was a magnificent spectacle in the evening. Before the evening lights came alive, there was a grand parade of skits (on floats) recreating scenes from the Ramayana. It was awe inspiring, with the lighting and the fireworks each being spectacles to behold. Those Guyanese who observed the celebrations in Ayodhya, Jaipur, Delhi, and elsewhere in the land of their ancestors said it was an unforgettable experience.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

As Guyanese, we stand ready and able to defend our democracy

Dear Editor,

There is a concerted effort by the Opposition to derail the 2025 elections, and one of the strategies advocated is the changing of the voting system from paper balloting to one that would see the imposition of an electronic system.

They, at this late hour, want us to make a definitive change in the electoral system, which in their twisted analogy might hopefully bring about a change in the voting pattern, as well as a change of the results, come next election.

Whatever the diabolical plan is in their arsenal, I must say it would not come to fruition.

Now, if we are to accept their proposal, it would mean a long and protracted peri-

od of voter education for both GECOM officials and the voting public. What about our Amerindian peoples scattered in the hinterland? Would they be able to be properly educated into the new system? I think not; therefore, such a major change in the voting system requires much preparation and proper establishment that is fair to all the people of this great country; no more, no less.

Therefore, because of the above shortcomings, we categorically reject any attempt to change the present system. Paper balloting has been our guarantee for many years; all the civilized countries in Caricom use it, so why should Guyana be an exception? Isn’t this another ploy used to frustrate the clean process of voting? Isn’t this a re-

peat of the “Vote only by ID Card” system that was foisted on us by the PNC in the 90s, which later brought about a partial confusion in the 1997 Election?

We are not going to be pushed into a corner again by the PNC and their shenanigans in 2025. Guyana would not be derailed by a bunch of sore losers; we will have a free, fair, and transparent system like all the other Caricom states. We are in a sisterhood of nations where there exists a system of voting that is free, fair, and free from fear, and we are not letting go of that surety. What the PNC and its acolytes are not telling us is that they are fighting for a process that they can control. They are interested in a system that they can manipu-

late to their own advantage; one in which they can massage the figures to produce an outcome to their advantage. We don’t have to go too far for evidence of this; just taking a look at the 2020 General Election and the blatant acts of Lowenfield and others to steal that election and even a blind person would a clear idea as to the sinister plot the Opposition had hatched.

The actions of Lowenfield and crew show fully well what that party wants to achieve here. So, we can safely conclude that if they cannot get their way, then, as one of their spokespersons said, “We would have difficulties.”

What does he mean by difficulties? Then could I ask the question: is he talking about the difficulties as Hoyte articulated in “Slow fire moh fire”?

Africa needs a true, progressive partner...

On July 23, he urged the US Congress to “quickly reauthorise and modernise this landmark Act” that forms “the bedrock of America’s economic partnership with African nations”. There is reason to believe his current VP Harris would assume a similar position as president.

Trump, meanwhile, has made his intentions clear regarding the adoption of economic nationalism, implying that he could potentially refrain from renewing AGOA.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Savannah, Georgia on September 25, he affirmed his commitment to implement what he termed as “New American Industrialism” and to “bring thousands and thousands of businesses and trillions of dollars in wealth back to the good old USA”. Trump has, in fact, been exceptionally straightforward in his commitment to an aggressive America First agenda, in contrast to Biden and Harris, who have chosen a more in-

ternational approach, particularly regarding Africa.

Biden, who is slated to visit Angola in early December, just weeks before his exit from office, has not undertaken any state visits to Africa, despite assurances he made during the US-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022. He did not engage in meaningful trips to Africa, cultivate partnerships or implement the reforms required to offer definitive proof of the US’s unwavering commitment to Africa and its alignment with the continent’s enlightened objectives. Thus, his administration’s highly vaunted suggestion to grant two permanent seats to African nations in the UN Security Council, albeit without the provision of veto powers, would merely represent a symbolic and ineffective change. Arikana ChihomboriQuao, a former diplomat of the African Union, has labelled the proposal an “insult”.

Therefore, if she triumphs on November 5, Harris will need to transcend mere rhetoric and support the addition of two permanent seats for African nations on the UN Security Council, with equal veto rights. Her administration would have to regard its official relations with African countries with the seriousness they merit, thereby positioning African representation and agency at the forefront of the international agenda.

Specifically, Africans must have a greater and equivalent say at multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council, World Trade Organization, World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

To effectively leverage African contributions, leadership and innovation in addressing global challenges, Harris will need to undertake regular state visits to various African nations. Indeed, unlike Biden, she must strive

FROM PAGE 4

to engage in more than superficial efforts to transform Africa’s place and responsibilities in the current largely US-led world order.

Although the administration to which she belonged for the last four years failed to uphold its stated obligations, it may still be considered, in a very limited or imperial context, as progressive.

Trump is a foul-mouthed, deranged and racist politician with an inward-looking agenda. He cannot and will not deliver for Africa.

President Kamala Harris, on the other hand, could present opportunities for inclusive and productive collaboration with Africa. But she needs to make sure she holds her pledges to African nations, unlike her current boss Biden. (Al Jazeera) (Tafi Mhaka is a Al Jazeera columnist. Mhaka, a social and political commentator, has a BA Honours degree from the University of Cape Town)

Is this the cause for those businessmen lavishing millions in “gifts” to a police commissioner for protection?

Be it know we are in receipt of information that businesses have been threatened that there would be massive protests -- that is, the burning of properties -- should the PPP/C win the next election.

Members of the diaspora team have openly voiced that message, so some businesses are already making preparation in a “property protection bribe” move to safeguard their businesses from destruction by the thugs.

History is replete with such intimidatory tactics having been used by that section of the political divide when a mayor was captured on video soliciting money from the business community to afford them some protection from the mob.

As I close, I sound the alarm: be it known that we are in no way intimidated by the sabre-rattling of our detractors, and their diabolical attempts to derail our democracy will not succeed.

Respectfully, Neil

Adams

POISONS, STINGS AND BITES EMERGENCIES (continued)

Here, in the Tropics, insects and other species of biting/ stinging pests abound and flourish. Most of them are harmless, at least where the infliction of pain and lethal ity are concerned. However, there are those species whose venomousness makes up for the relative harmless ness of their counterparts.

The usual culprits in Guyana are: Insects Marabuntas and sundry wasps.

Bees (not lastly those vi cious, ferocious, and aggres sive Africanised bees).

Ants (we called the real nasty ones “cop-cop” when I was young), including the red ants and the big black ones.

inflict the most painful experience upon our pets)

Spiders (the tarantula springs to mind) Scorpions

out of a hole in the wall or in a mud heap. The very funny walk of a scorpion or a centipede invites a closer look by any curious companion ani-

Non-insects (which can

to investigate a fallen wasps’ nest, or wishes to find out why the insect is going into and

Anyway, before you get the wrong impression, let me hasten to add that most insects, even the biting ones, do not go out of their way to create a confrontation. They would much prefer to go quietly about their own business.

In the case of the bee, for example, once the stinging apparatus (stinger) is lost, the insect dies. Insects, especially the flying/biting kind, attack only to defend, usually their hives. In other words, their action is pro - tective,

and often the dog or cat gets bitten only by a few insects initially. It is not as if hundreds of honeybees or mar-

abuntas would dive-bomb a poor innocent pooch in kamikaze-like fashion — unless they feel the pooch is hell-bent on destroying their home.

Having said all that, let me tell you that the sting from only one wasp or bee can bring about severe pain to the recipient — especially if the animal is particularly sensitive (allergic) to that particular poison. And if the animal is stung often enough, it can exhibit a tox ic shock syndrome which produces a coma, or even death, if professional help is not immediately summoned and relevant therapy intro duced.

SYMPTOMS:

When the animal has received several bites/ stings, it develops a fever (with chill/ague symptoms) and respiratory distress (laboured breathing).

In all cases, the bite site is extremely painful. Usually, there is a local reaction with redness (inflammation). Often, stings and bites are unwitnessed. By the time the animals are pre sented to the vet, they may exhibit clinical signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling on the skin (wheals, hives) and redness in the stung area. Other symp include agitation (restlessness), increased salivation, and weakness of the legs. A total collapse usually follows.

the sting area, try to quickly scrape the area with a flat piece of plastic, the flat surface of a knife, or even your fingernail in an effort to remove the stinger from the animal. Do not squeeze the area, as that would cause the venom to spread. Wash the area and apply a mild Hydrocortisone cream, Calamine lotion, or Zinc Oxide cream to relieve itchiness. A thick paste mixture of Baking Soda and water, or an ice pack (crushed ice wrapped in a cloth) placed on the lesion area, would relieve the swelling.

It be noted that marabuntas can sting multiple times, injecting small quantities of venom with each sting. It would help the veterinarian if you were able to identify which creature did the biting or stinging. Was it an insect, a scorpion, a centipede, a hairy worm, etc.?

Obviously, the caregiver must act expeditiously to remove wasps’ nests and the like from the premises. Conditions that nurture scorpions, centipedes and tarantulas should be eradicated. The pest removal companies and the relevant officials of the units of the Agriculture Ministry can assist.

HOME TREATMENT FOR STINGS AND BITES

If you can actually see

Next week, under the rubric of “Poison-based Emergencies”, we will deal with snake bites and frog poisonings.

Durban Park

Contractors paid millions by APNU/ AFC still cannot be found – Jagdeo

Tversy over Durban park because of the secrecy that surrounded the project. One controversy was the fact that a Government Minister, then Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnarine, was one of the Directors of special purpose company Homestretch Development Incorporated (HDI), an entity that collected money from secret donors to finance the construction of the park and another controversy was the fact that for years, the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) has been unable to audit the project properly owing to missing documents.

ed and they approved, and millions of dollars spent, no public tender.”

he controversial Durban park Project that the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government sunk over $1 billion into has been a recurring line item in subsequent Auditor General (AG) reports. And unfortunately, the contractors that the former Government paid out millions of dollars to still cannot be located.

During his most recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

addressed the issue of corruption and contrasted how accountable the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is currently, when compared to the former Government.

The former Government was embroiled in contro-

Guyana making significant progress ...

FROM PAGE 3

And there are a number of smaller, hydropower projects that are already in the works, including two that are expected to be finished by this year end.

“To diversify its energy mix with the aim of providing reliable and affordable electricity, Guyana is also advancing several small hydropower projects, including the 0.7-megawatt plant at Moco Moco that will soon be online, and the 1.5-megawatt facility at Kumu, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Both projects will be fully operational by the end of 2024. There is also the construction of a 0.15-megawatt project at Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni),” Phillips said.

Solar

He referenced other advances the Government has made, such as how it has advanced solar projects which has resulted in an installed capacity of 14.62 megawatts

in 2023. There is also an initiative that has seen some customers ‘prosumers’ being able to sell back their excess energy into the national grid.

“These customers are required to sign a Standard Offer Contract (SOC) and they are paid 90 per cent of the tariff residential rate for the energy exported to the national grid,’ the Prime Minister explained.

The Government, under its Guyana Utility Scale Solar (GUYSOL) Photovoltaic (PV) Programme, has also embarked on installing a total of 33-MW of utility-scale solar PV farms across the country.

So far, 8-MW will be installed in Essequibo, 10 me-MW in Berbice and 15MW in Linden. These projects, according to the Prime Minister, will help phase out the use of fossil fuels and contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing CO2 emissions.

“There will also be the

installation of four (4) additional solar farms aside from the GUYSOL Programme.

In 2022 a 1-megawatt solar farm was installed in Lethem, Region Nine, and in 2023 a 1.5-megawatt solar farm in Bartica, Region Seven,” he explained.

“Additionally, a 0.65-megawatt solar farm was recently completed at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), while a 0.60-megawatt solar PV plant is under construction at Leguan, along with a 0.75-megawatt solar plant at Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).”

Other major initiatives referenced by Phillips were the solar-powered minigrids installed in hinterland communities, 30,000 Solar Home Energy Systems in remote hinterland and riverine communities, solar powered water treatment plants, the Government’s efforts to grow the electric vehicle (EV) industry and the LED Lighting Project.

“So, this is how it was done in the past. Up to now you can’t find who worked on the stadium that they built by Durban Park. Can’t find the contractors that collected the missing $600 million,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President also highlighted other areas in which the former Government was less than accountable, such as when they spent $135.5 million to conduct forensic audits of various entities, soon after they got into Government in 2015. These audits failed to come up with credible evidence of corruption against the former PPP/C Government, but they were sole sourced to select consultants, in breach of the procurement laws.

“The last Government wanted to do audits after they got in. So called forensic audits. To find corruption against the PPP. So, (these auditors) were called by the Minister. And told that they’re doing these audits and which one (they) wanted. And then (they) selected the ones (they) want-

“These were forensic audits to find corruption against the PPP. Now there’s two things wrong with that. (A) Minister cannot assign an audit. Because under the law we passed, only two entities can approve audits.”

According to the VP, the former Government bypassed the two entities in question- both the AG and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)- in having these audits conducted… another contrast between the two parties.

As a matter of fact, it was President Dr Irfaan Ali who, as the then Chairman of the PAC, utilised the right channels by requesting AG Deodat Sharma to probe the Durban Park Project… which the AG flagged in his 2015 report for having received $36.5 million in Lotto funds that were used for rehabilitative works.

The AOG had unsuccessfully attempted to source important docu-

ments necessary to audit the controversial Durban Park Project for years. And the office had also recommended that Police be called in to investigate the matter.

A special audit by the AG office was conducted into the Durban Park Project since 2018, finding that $1.1 billion was spent on the project. Even then, payment vouchers to account for how millions were spent were not provided to the auditors.

There is also the matter of the $500 million paid by the former APNU/ AFC Government to the special purpose company. This money was supposed to allow the company to clear its debts. According to the Audit Office, however, there was a stark lack of transparency in how this money was used.

Today, Durban park is a vastly underutilised structure with aging wooden beams supporting wooden stands. As a matter of fact, the facility has been used by vagrants as a nightly refuge for years. (G3)

The Durban Park facility

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The Gas-to-Energy project, one of the transformative initiatives cited by the Prime Minister

Sisters arrested in major drug bust at Itaballi Landing

Police at the Itaballi Checkpoint, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), discovered over three kilograms of marijuana near a business place late Thursday night, leading to the arrest of two sisters.

The discovery was made after officers acting on information received, went to the business premises owned by a 53-year-old, at around 22:00h.

A search was conducted on the premises, including areas surrounding the shop, for drugs, firearms, and ammunition. With consent from the woman and her 37-year-old sister, police conducted a search inside the shop, which yielded nothing illegal. However, during an examination of the area outside the shop, about two feet away on the northern side under a water trestle, officers discovered a five-gallon bucket. Inside, they found three compressed par-

cels containing leaves, seeds, and stems believed to be cannabis.

Beaten tracks…

…onrigging

The PNC is at it again. And that could mean only one of two things after 1992: they’re either in the streets creating mayhem after losing elections, or screaming about conspiracy theories of the PPP plotting to rig elections. Never mind that their inaugural post1997 contention was shown - by a “forensic audit” conducted by an eminent Trini jurist - to be a figment of their imagination. And here it is, after all sortsa inquiries, inquests and post-mortems, that the three Opposition Commissioners have cussed out the GECOM Chair – real stink and dutty - for approving two new officials of the Secretariat: a Civic and Voter Education Manager and a Logistics Manager.

The two remain in custody as investigations continue.

Police informed the sisters of the suspected drug-related offence, arresting them on-site. Both women denied any knowledge of the marijuana. They were subsequently transported to the Bartica Police Station, where the substance was weighed in their presence, confirming a total of 3,060 grams.

Now, a behaviour pattern like this, spanning decades and numerous changes in personnel, has gotta be coming from some place deep in the collective PNC psyche. And it does. Fact of the matter is, the PNC rigged for so long – and so creatively!! – since 1968, that its officials and members can’t believe ANY party can win elections without rigging!! So, presenting evidence to the contrary – like showing that the voter education official can’t possibly help in any rigging - doesn’t cut any ice!!

Remember when the PNC Education Officer was in charge of educating all GECOM agents during elections to allow underage PNC members to vote?!! The Logistics Officer would remind them of 1973, when the GDF was given the logistical role of collecting all ballots boxes and transporting them to Base Camp Ayanganna for “counting”!! Or, more to the point – substituting already filled-in ballots!!

The question of how the PPP could rig when theythe present Opposition – were in power and in control of the GECOM just draws blank stares!! They can’t say HOW it was done, but still contend it WAS done. OK!! But we can learn something about our past from the Opposition Commissioners’ present line of questioning. On doubting the professionalism of the Chairman of GECOM – even one whom THEY proposed - like the incumbent Justice Claudette Singh – goes all the way back to the inaugural 1968 rigging by Burnham, when he controlled the Chairman, Justice Bollers, like a marionette on a string!! Demands that the voters’ list be “cleaned”?? That goes back to Burnham creating the National Register of Registrants (NRR), controlled by his people in the GRO back in 1967, from which the list would be extracted. No one could check the veracity of the source NRR!! They demand “Biometrics” - even though the PNC would have their agent at every polling station to confirm the person attempting to vote corresponds to the picture on the ID Card?? Well, ever since that election in 1968, when the PNC was in power, it was shown that even horses could vote!! Biometric THAT!!

…for “outside” interference??

The Opposition parties keep cussing out the PPP something nasty – an “illegally- installed cabal” is the mildest - ever since their fingers were pried from the ship of state’s steering wheel in Aug 2020!! And who installed the PPP?? Even though the whole world condemned their outrageous rigging attempt, they jumped on the US and US Ambassador Sara-Ann Lynch!! They lobbied frantically to get her fired and the PPP unseated, to no avail!!

But even though they condemned the claimed “regime change”, they’ve been working assiduously for the US to oust the PPP!! In the past three years, they’ve been traipsing to the US with alarming regularity to rstle up funds for their 2025 campaign, and, also not so incidentally, to make their calls on Capitol Hill to denounce the big, bad, anti-black, racist PPP and plead for its removal!!

But to what end?? On their outrageous accusations, do they really believe the US won’t ask, “Where’s the beef?”

…for GECOM trial

Well, at long last, a new magistrate’s been selected for the “Case of the Purloined SOPs” by the GECOM 9 –the asst Chief Magistrate herself. Hope no spell’s gonna be cast on her after they “wuk pon she”!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

Building a future

Offering remarks at the Annual National Diya Commemoration, in the midst of our oil-fuelled economic growth, I suggested there are challenges posed by the promise of wealth just as up to now they were by poverty. One of the challenges is how we would use the increased income that would be coming our way. In the past, Indian Guyanese were noted for their willingness to save, as noted by George Lamming.

“They are perhaps our only jewels of a true native thrift and industry. They have taught us by example the value of money; for they respect money as only people with a high sense of communal responsibility can.”

This capacity to save, by people who were at best grubbing out a day-to-day existence from cane cutting, farming or fishing, was sustained by a willingness to delay their gratification. Conspicuous consumption was not a part of their repertoire. The old cultural trait to look to the future to ensure that their children lived ‘better’ was reinforced by the newer immigrant mentality adopted after their arrival in Guyana. They were here to “make it” economically.

Today, this willingness to inculcate self-control, plan for the future, and defer gratification to ensure that the plan gets accomplished in the face of new circumstances is fast disappearing. We are now generally living and consuming for the moment, but still want to see our lives improve over time. We want to “suck cane and blow whistle at the same time.” It can’t be done, so we end up frustrated; sink into despair, or demand handouts.

Some, of course, use force and take what they want.

From whence have we imbibed this new ‘don’t give a damn’ attitude? For one, in any group, there will be some that go against the grain. But, generally, it’s as a result of outside pressures and influences – cultural and otherwise. In the Caribbean, there are aspects of the dominant Creole culture, reinforced by western hedonism, that present some of these pressures and influences.

Back in 1988, there was an International Roundtable in Guyana to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Then PM, Desmond Hoyte delivered an address, “Towards 2034: A Deeper View of the Horizon”, in which he made some pertinent remarks about our Creole Culture. I quote rather liberally from Mr Hoyte’s address.

“…one of the most pernicious consequences of slavery was that it bereft the slave of a vested interest in the future by imposing upon him the need to be constantly preoccupied with the exigencies of the moment. Indeed, the African slave on a WI plantation found himself in a world without horizons. His condition circumscribed within very narrow limits not only his physical, but also his spiritual, being. It deprived of the cohering and creative influences of his social organisation and his culture.

“Uprooted from his natural milieu, no longer able to fulfil his civic and religious duties, he was robbed of his spiritual points of reference. His personality disintegrated and, in a word, he suffered “social death”. It is not to be wondered at, then, that his outlook was little informed by any curiosity beyond the immediate; by any speculation about the distant future.

“And so, lacking a social motive, he developed no interest in, or aptitude for, making long-term arrangements. Moreover, the colonial polity which succeeded the era of slavery did not provide the former slave and his descendants with significantly greater incentive or opportunity for cultivating these pursuits. Thus, there persists in our society, even to this day, a reluctance to focus too intently on the future. It is critically important, I believe, that we should analyse and understand this phenomenon of our lack of interest in the future, and our failure generally to plan in a serious, methodical way with respect to it.”

It is important to note that, while we must start at the individual level, Mr Hoyte’s address focused on the need for planning at the country and international levels. And it is here that, I believe, thirty-six years after his warning, we must begin; especially since, at least for the next two decades, we are assured of an influx of funds from oil.

The question is, “Can we teach ourselves how to live for the future?” As this year’s Nobel Prize in Economics acknowledged, we must have the discipline to create the facilitating economic and political institutions, and, as individuals, live by their logic.

No breaches found as Labour Ministry inspects Liza Destiny FPSO

…inspection conducted to ensure compliance with safety, labour standards

In an effort to safeguard workers’ rights and promoting workplace safety in the oil and gas industry, a team from the Labour Ministry recently conducted a detailed inspection on board the FPSO Liza Destiny.

The physical inspection aimed at ensuring compliance with Guyana’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act 99:06, International Safety Standards, and national labour laws, was spearheaded by OSH Officer Ray Hosannah and Labour Officer Deniese Duncan.

During their recent visit, the team reviewed the drillship’s Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) policies, training and competence of personnel, emergency response systems, risk assessments, waste management, and record-keeping practices.

In a brief interview with this publication, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton disclosed that the inspection is the sixth executed this year as part of the Ministry’s routine visit.

On this point, Hamilton revealed that no breaches have been recorded thus far, which he noted signals compliance.

“The reports that I have seen in the ones that have happened, nothing suggests that there was any infraction as regards to standards at the level of OSH, nothing suggests that there were any labour breaches when I’m dealing with the reports”.

“… nothing suggests to me that there were any labour breaches identified by the staff that they had to intervene or they had to have a conversation with the employer for them to rectify,” the Minister added.

According to Hamilton, the visit further provided an opportunity for the

Ministry’s representatives to engage directly with both management and employees on board, ensuring that all parties are well-informed of their roles and responsibilities under Guyana’s OSH Act, including the National Minimum Wage Order, working conditions, overtime regulations, termination of employment, probationary periods, notice periods for termination, and leave with pay.

“But the officers, they also normally will take time to engage these workers from both departments about our expectation and introduce the legislation to them and all of those issues regarding work standards, the issue about their leave and the issue about their entitlements and all of those things. So, it’s not just visiting, it is also interacting

with people who work on the FPSO,” he added.

Training

As it relates to ramping up the number of trained professionals to conduct inspections, the Labour Minister indicated that Guyana has come a long way from not having any officers spearhead the exercise to now having roughly 16 officers.

He explained that the establishment of the stateof-the-art $20 million petroleum training facility at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Guyanese are no longer required to travel overseas to be certified- something which the Guyana Government is taking advantage of.

“Yes, the training will continue because the intention is to have the officers

have all-round experience in all areas that they have to supervise and they have to investigate. My intention is to develop a cadre of specialist officers in all different sectors, so it’s not just across the spectrum, even though they would have had the training. I want to have officers who are specialists in a deliberate way in a sector,”.

“One of the important things is that now we can do this training in Guyana, so it allows us to train more persons at the time. Because there’s a facility in Lusignan that overseas-based Guyanese has established, so now we don’t have to send no staff to be trained, because we have the same facility in Guyana at the moment, so it allows for us to train more staff.”

(G1)

Ravi Dev

The Labour Ministry’s team aboard the Liza Destiny

Public Works Minister warns against construction in restricted areas

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, has issued a warning regarding the dangers of unauthorised construction on Government reserves. The Minister’s cautionary statement comes as emergency repairs are underway at a damaged bridge in Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara (WBD) where structural issues have led to significant adjustments in the daily routines of residents and commuters.

The urgent reparations, involving the deployment of heavy machinery, underscores the substantial impact of building or vending in restricted areas.

working to stabilise the damaged structure, highlighting the extent of intervention sometimes required to remedy issues that arise when regulations on reserved areas are ignored.

These disruptions have caused unplanned detours and delays for Stanleytown residents.

As repair crews work to restore the bridge, the Public Works Minister has urged the public to respect Government reserves and avoid activities that may hinder access to critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Police have since issued a traffic advisory which states that no heavy load is permitted to cross the sinking

Bridge.

“The Stanleytown bridge on the West Bank of Demerara, which facilitates traffic flowing into and out of as far as Vriesland

and beyond, is sinking. The bridge cannot facilitate laden lorries or heavy loads on any or all vehicles. As such, traffic ranks will support movement and regu-

late compliance. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution. Emergency works to remedy that bridge will be undertaken,” Police said in its advisory.

The bridge repairs in Stanleytown serve as a re-

minder of these potential hazards. Images from the site show heavy equipment and construction crews

Stanleytown

Vendors on the Government reserve

The sinking Stanleytown Bridge

Guyanese among 30 passengers rescued after boat sinks in Corentyne River

Avessel carrying cargo and passengers sank in the Corentyne River on Friday evening.

Waterkant.Net – a Media House in the Dutch-speaking territory reported that approximately 30 adults and 3 children were on board at the time.

The boat was on its way to Apoera from Nickerie (a town in Suriname). The incident occurred at the mouth of the Nickerie and Corentyne Rivers.

Reports are that an SOS was sent out after the boat started taking on water due to an engine failure and slowly sank.

Waterkant.Net reported that the report was received by the Surinamese authorities around 8:15h and the police, togeth -

er with the National Army and boatswains responded.

When emergency services arrived, they managed to get all passengers safely ashore. No injuries were reported.

The vessel, called ‘Blur Boat’, transports cargo and passengers between Orealla – situated fifty miles up the Corentyne River, Siparuta and Corriverton on the Guyana side of the river and between Nickerie and Apoera.

Orealla is located in Guyana, while Apoera is in Suriname. The distance between these two locations is approximately 150 kilometres (about 93 miles). The vessel is owned by a Surinamese couple. (G4)

New Amsterdam Town Day postponed amid beverage shortage

Amid a shortage of beverages on the regional market, the New Amsterdam Town Council has decided to postpone its Town Day activities that were scheduled for Friday.

The New Amsterdam Town Day activity scheduled for November 2 has been postponed to November 9.

This decision was made by the Town Day Committee which includes the Mayor along with several vendors. The committee decided in light of a shortage of beverages on the market.

Several vendors told the mayor that Banks DIH New Amsterdam Branch is out of stock of certain products that are popular sellers on Town Day. “I know banks don’t have stocks,” a business told the Mayor.

“That is a fact,” the Mayor responded at the meeting.

There are reports that one distributor is only limiting those who have made arrangements to vend on the street during the Town Day road fete, to two cases of beer while supermarkets have inflated the price for certain beverages.

“Banks DIH doesn’t have stocks and many persons rely on the beverage companies to provide that stock so that they can maximise their profits. Now, in our wisdom, we are not saying that we are canceling this weekend,” the Mayor assured.

Meanwhile, Coordinator of the Town Day Committee, Quincy Isaacs pointed out that Banks DIH is the largest sponsor for the Town Day list of activities which spans over two weeks.

He said that many small busi-

nesses depend heavenly on them for products during the street fete. He said that the Committee did not want to disenfranchise that company because like all investors they too are seeking to get returns from their investment.

“I spoke with other beverage companies to let them understand the direction that we are taking because they also would have invested big on the road while they may not have invested in the Town Day, they would have invested on the road so as to make the road look better,” Isaacs said while apologising to those who may be adversely affected.

“But from our perspective, it is something out of our hands and that we have no control of but we are trying to make the best of the situation,” he added.

While the event has been deferred for one week, the Mayor said it does not mean that those who were planning to come out for the street fete should change their minds.

“We want to treat this weekend as the street fair warm-up, meaning that we are going to come out this weekend to promote what we have in New Amsterdam, those persons with their music systems and so on, we are going to have a Town Day warm-up. We will not go as late as 4:00 am. We are going to save this extended period for next weekend when we will really and truly go into our investment. So, this weekend will be used as a warm-up and also to recoup our investors,” he explained.

According to Mayor McIntosh, Banks DIH has assured them that the needed stocks would be available next week. (G4)

GDF’s 59th Anniversary

Modernisation, technological advancements highlighted as key to future readiness

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) marked its 59th anniversary on Friday commemorat-

Service at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, bringing together members of the military community

ing nearly six decades of dedicated service to the nation. The celebrations began with a traditional inter-faith Thanksgiving Church

for a moment of gratitude and reflection.

The ceremony began with a solemn display as Lieutenant Shane Blair

led the Colour Party into the auditorium. Warrant Officer Class Two Sherwin James served as the Colour Warrant, accompanied by Sergeants Troy Glenn and Dellon De Abreu, who acted as Escorts to the Colour. The GDF Band and choir performed throughout the service, adding a vibrant musical touch. Corporal (CPL)

Teon Marshall gave a special vocal performance, CPL

Joyleen Fields-Clarke captivated attendees with a dance, and Private Jamal Spencer performed a trumpet rendition.

Bishop Michael Pereira from the Eccles Assembly of God Church delivered an in-

spiring sermon, focusing on themes of gratitude, the significance of anniversaries, and the value of introspection in preparing for the future. His words resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of recognising the milestones achieved by the GDF over the years.

Reflecting on the GDF’s legacy, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, emphasised the organisation’s evolution from its modest beginnings to its current status as a respected institution. Brigadier Khan highlighted the ongo-

ing modernisation efforts, which are guided by directives from the Commanderin-Chief, aimed at equipping the Force to handle contemporary challenges effectively. He noted investments in advanced land, air, and sea capabilities, as well as the acquisition of state-of-theart technology. These upgrades, along with specialised training

in cybersecurity and unmanned vehicle operations, are positioning the GDF as a technologically adept force, ready to face the challenges of the future. Brigadier Khan stressed that as the GDF celebrates this important milestone, it remains committed to continuous development to fulfill its mandate to protect and serve the nation.

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan (GDF photo)

Local Content Secretariat

15% increase in youth-owned businesses registered

The Local Content Secretariat has recorded a 15 per cent increase in the number of youth-owned businesses registered to supply goods and services to the oil and gas industry.

The Local Content Act currently outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyanese-owned companies.

These include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and cater-

ing services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Director of the Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab has indicated that targeted measures will be put in place as Guyana capitalises on this positive trend.

One such measure Dr Pertab noted will see the Secretariat working handin-hand with contractors and subcontractors in the oil and gas industry to find avenues aimed at promoting the utilisation of youth-owned businesses.

“This will ensure that such businesses are afforded the opportunity to gain meaningful experience in the industry and build their capacity. Importantly, this decision by the secretariat will augment efforts that seek to promote the sector’s integration of small and medium-sized enterprises and women-owned businesses” the Director revealed.

Further, he explained that when combined, these actions will make good on the spirit and intention of the Local Content Act.

There are currently 1032 companies registered with the Local Content Secretariat, meaning they are in possession of a Local Content Certificate to confirm they are a Guyanese company and are eligible to supply oil and gas operations.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had noted in April this year that there has been a 20 per cent increase in value through local participation from 2022 to now, representing an increase of US$84 million and a total of US$524 million.

The Guyanese leader had also explained that for this year, the Local Content Secretariat estimates that procurement activities will increase to US$550 million, a 5 per cent increase from 2023 and a 25 per cent in-

crease from 2022.

In December 2021, the National Assembly passed the Local Content Act, which mandates penalties such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.

According to Pertab, the Local Content Secretariat continues to execute its mandate of developing and maintaining measures for the effective implementation of local content by companies operating within Guyana’s petroleum sector as well as the implementation of strategies that will give preference to, or ensure equal treatment of Guyanese nationals and Guyanese companies.

Amendments Back in April, Attorney

General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, assured that the Local Content Act could be put through revisions later this year to expand the carved-out areas of opportunity for Guyanese, following consultations with relevant stakeholders and further data from the Local Content Secretariat.

A review of the sector’s performance was conducted earlier in the year by

the relevant authorities and according to Nandlall, once a report is forthcoming and consultations completed, Government can go ahead with revising the Act.

The AG added that the Act is based on an elastic, build as you go principle so that the legislation remains alive and responsive to changing needs in the industry.

GCCI slams retailers for alarming increase in expired, counterfeit goods flooding local market …calls for urgent crackdown

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Saturday expressed concerns over the practice of non-compliance with Guyana’s laws and regulations by retailers and supermarkets—particularly as it relates to quality and standards of goods being provided to consumers, and the flouting of labour and tax laws.

According to the Chamber, there has been an alarming increase in the presence of counterfeit, expired, and inappropriately labelled goods in the market, which are not only clear violations of lawful standards but also a health hazard to consumers.

In this regard, the GCCI called on the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS and the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD) to ensure that an investigation is conducted and any product that is not within the guidelines be removed from shelves and prohibited for sale.

Further, the GCCI urged the Customs, Excise and Trade Operations of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure that all goods being imported meet the regulatory requirements.

Notably too, the Chamber said, is the need for a closer examination of adherence to taxation laws by these businesses and to ensure the equal application of the rule of law for all enterprises operating in this industry.

In the same vein, the Chamber called for labour laws to be respected. In fact, the GCCI called on the

Labour Ministry to ensure that these businesses are in compliance with the Labour Act, Occupational Health & Safety (OSH) Act and other pertinent Labour laws.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had several weeks ago issued a similar call for equal application of the laws to all businesses, but ruled out banning the establishment of Chinese supermarkets.

His comment came weeks after concerns were raised about Chinese-owned businesses not adhering to regulations and that their ability to attract more customers is putting Guyanese-owned businesses at a disadvantage.

During one of his weekly press briefings in October, the Vice President reiterated that Government is working towards stricter enforcement of regulations in order to create a level playing field for both types of business.

As such, Jagdeo related, regulatory bodies have been instructed to enforce the law “uniformly”, in order to ensure that foreign businesses pay their taxes and adhere to local laws.

Responding to calls for Government to stop the establishment of Chinese businesses within communities, Jagdeo noted that such an action would be against foreign policy.

“It would not only be against WTO (World Trade Organisation), but it would run you into a very difficult foreign policy situation… if the idea is to stop people based on nationality, it will be impossible to do so. What if China says, ‘We’re not going to sell Guyana any of our goods and services anymore because you stopped our people from settling’? You cannot discriminate against people based on nationality, but you can ensure compliance with the country’s laws,” Jagdeo told news reporters. (G1)

“Some of the Chinese entities, if you go in, they sell everything under the sun without the requisite permits; and [Guyanese are] held accountable for getting permits and (are) limited by the regulatory bodies in what they can sell; so, they claim a disadvantage. The people who protesting, they’re right about it. I would have done that myself,” he said at the time.

Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab

Tourism Awareness Month Glamping being introduced in local market to elevate Destination Guyana

While Guyana has made significant progress marketing the land of many waters as a prominent tourist destination in the Caribbean, Government through the Ministry Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MINTIC) is mulling plans to expand the sector by introducing glamping.

The new tourism option which will first be introduced in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) provides a luxurious camping experience that offers a balance between outdoor adventure and the comforts of home, such as beds, electricity, and indoor plumbing.

Guyana’s twist will strengthen the integration of culture, allowing visitors to experience the country’s rich traditions and vibrant festivals, while combining adventure with comfort for nature enthusiasts.

In her Tourism Awareness Month message, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond indicated that a detailed assess-

ment for the introduction of glamping has already been conducted in order to maintain the sustainability of the product.

“We are also excited to introduce glamping as a new tourism option, combining adventure with comfort for nature enthusiasts. Following a detailed assessment, we are launching this initiative in region 2, positioning Guyana

as a premiere destination for glamping. To elevate the profile of Destination Guyana, we are expanding collaboration with regional partners. We have worked with Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic to strengthen cross-border travel and shared tourism experiences. Hosting influencers, attending tourism events, and establishing

Teen stabbed to death by 15-year-old

Police are investigating the murder of an 18-year-old resident of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who was fatally stabbed in a violent altercation on Friday afternoon. The incident took place at Samatta Point Grove, EBD. A 15-year-old boy, who is alleged to have been involved in the fatal stabbing, is currently in police custody.

According to initial reports from the police, the victim, Dowancee Demonick of Lot 657 Kaneville, EBD had a long-standing dispute with the 15-year-old suspect, believed to have started over a football game. Investigators said that the altercation unfolded around 16:30h on November 1, and escalated into a physical confrontation that ultimately led to Demonick’s death.

Accounts from witnesses indicated that Demonick left home on a bicycle around 15:30h, telling family members he was heading out but not specifying his destination. However, about 30 minutes later, he was seen crossing a wooden bridge in the village, reportedly followed by the 15-year-old suspect and the suspect’s brother. Demonick was allegedly carrying a piece of wood, suggesting he might have anticipated a confrontation.

It is believed that an argument broke out between Demonick and the suspect,

Dead: Dowancee Demonick

quickly escalating to violence. During the scuffle, the two reportedly fell to the ground. Police said that at this point, the 15-year-old suspect allegedly used a pair of scissors to stab Demonick multiple times, while his brother, armed with a hockey stick, struck Demonick as he lay on the ground.

The injured Demonick was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Medical personnel noted multiple stab wounds on his body. His remains have been transferred to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.

Following the incident, the 15-year-old suspect was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for treatment of a head injury sustained during the alterca-

tion. He was later arrested at the hospital. Police conducted an initial interview with the suspect, with his father present, and statements have also been taken from other witnesses.

Investigations are ongoing.

This is the second teen who was killed in less than a week during a stabbing incident. On Sunday last, 13-year-old Kareem Durant, was fatally stabbed by an 11-year-old friend during a confrontation at Cummings Park in ‘E’ Field Sophia. Police reports indicate that Durant, a student at Carmel Secondary School, and the younger boy had been friends and often played together in the neighbourhood.

On the evening in question, 13-year-old Durant confronted the 11-year-old suspect sitting on a stack of PVC pipes outside his home, allegedly pushing him off. The younger boy ran to inform his older brother, who then confronted Durant, leading to a heated argument.

Later, Durant returned with a friend armed with scissors, and the friend stabbed the older brother of the suspect in the back.

In retaliation, the 11-year-old pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed Durant in the chest. Durant fled but collapsed outside his home and was pronounced dead at Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). (G9)

connections have enhanced our visibility,” the Minister shared.

In addition to glamping, the Tourism Ministry plans to incorporate Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism

According to Minister Walrond, the concept is a key priority given that several major events are already scheduled for 2025.

“With more hotels opening soon, we expect an influx of MICE events that will benefit the entire tourism ecosystem, from major

hotels to taxi drivers and tour operators… Our accommodation options have expanded as well. The recently opened Aiden by Best Western has added 138 quality rooms and upcoming hotels will contribute over 1,000 more rooms. This growth in room stock strengthens our capacity to host major events and welcome larger numbers of visitors. Over 55 new experiences have been introduced over the past four years, offering diverse activities to attract a variety of travellers,” she added.

November is being observed as Tourism Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “A PeopleCentred Tourism Product: Elevating Our Profile” places emphasise Government’s commitment to crafting experiences that resonate with visitors by understanding their needs and preferences.

The theme also highlights that people are the underlying foundation of the travel and tourism industry and embedded in Guyana’s development must be opportunities for growth and development within our communities.

Through the month, the Ministry and tourism stake-

holders will host various activities and encourage citizens to participate and explore the country’s remarkable destinations.

Growth In his message to the nation, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kamrul Baksh highlighted the progress Guyana has made from 2020 to now, which includes the introduction of seven new airlines, training of over 2,000 locals in birding, first aid, quality service, and eco-lodge management and built out of the eco-lodge product.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond

US-based Guyanese man accused of serial rapes over 11-year period

AGuyanese man, identified as Joshua DaCosta, is facing multiple charges in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, in the United States (US) after being accused of a series of rapes spanning more than a decade, according to Fox23 News.

Law enforcement officials in Tulsa held a press conference on Thursday to announce the charges against DaCosta, who allegedly assaulted several women and teenage girls between 2008 and 2019.

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office worked together with other law enforcement agencies to connect DaCosta, who was living in the US illegally, to four separate cases. Investigators believe he raped four victims: a 20-year-old woman in 2008, a 14-year-old girl in 2013, a 25-year-old woman in 2015, and another 14-year-old girl in 2019.

“Getting this violent offender off the streets has been a top priority,” said Hunter McKee, spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

DaCosta’s connection to these cases was confirmed after a DNA sample collected through a court-ordered paternity test in 2019 was uploaded to a national database, linking him to three unsolved cases.

Tulsa County authorities now plan to pursue first-degree rape charges for the 2013 and 2019 cases. However, the case from 2015 remains in limbo as the victim is not currently cooperating, and the victim from 2008 tragically took her own life several years after the assault.

Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado expressed his condolences regarding the victim who passed away, saying, “Her life was deeply impacted by the trauma she endured, but her voice will

still be heard as we work to bring justice in her memory.”

During the press conference, Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen commended the bravery of the survivors who came forward to assist in the investigation. “Coming forward and reliving these painful memories takes incredible strength,” he stated. “These young people are helping us ensure this man is held accountable for his actions.”

District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler reiterated that law enforcement is committed to pursuing justice for all victims, no matter how much time has passed. “Victims should know that their voices are heard. We are here to help and to seek justice, however long it may take,” Kunzweiler affirmed.

According to Fox23 News, DaCosta is currently being held in the Tulsa County Jail under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody due to his illegal status.

Man who escaped from police custody recaptured

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) confirmed on Saturday the recapture of Kevin Mohamed, who had escaped police custody at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court last Friday. Mohamed, facing a charge of simple larceny, made a swift getaway following his court appearance, setting off an intense search by law enforcement officers.

Police in a statement had urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings of Mohamed, warning that individuals who assisted him could face legal consequences. A photograph of Mohamed was

released to the public to aid in his identification.

Mohamed’s escape echoed a similar incident earlier this year involving

two other detainees, Keon Webster, 31, and Kareem Douglas, 23.

The two men, on remand for simple larceny, had bolted from custody at the Lusignan Prison after arriving with another detainee. The prisoners, handcuffed together, fled toward the public road after seizing an opportunity to escape as officers opened the vehicle doors. They evaded capture for several days before being recaptured.

Following Mohamed’s recapture, police are reviewing security protocols to prevent future escape attempts from court facilities and transport vehicles.

Glamping being introduced to ...

“November is also a time to celebrate our accomplishments. Postpandemic, we have made significant progress in creating a dynamic, versatile, and sustainable tourism product. I am pleased to report advancements in connectivity, new experiences, accommodations, and training over the past four years. Guyana is a country built on diversity, with many cultures and ethnicities coming together as one. We’re proud of our rich cultural heritage, and it’s an honour to witness the invaluable potential of our people as we continue to share all that we have to offer with the world.”

“The tourism experiences we promote today are a direct reflection of our communities’ hard work, creativity, and resilience. Importantly, through ini-

tiatives like the Junior Tourism Cooking Showcase and school engagement sessions, we are preparing the next generation to take ownership of our tourism industry and lead it into the future. Facilitating micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises is crucial for the sustained growth of the tourism and hospitality industry. Our approach has been proactive in facilitating networking, highlighting, and realising the potential of products and services,” he said.

Looking ahead, Baksh indicated that work will continue to expand the sector, but most importantly, Guyanese and the nation’s diverse culture will remain at the centre of all projects.

“So, as we look to the future, the Government of Guyana, through the

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority, will continue to invest in our people, train our workforce, and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly growing industry. The official Tourism and Hospitality Institute will catalyse the tourism industry, providing much-needed training to those who desire to be a part of this sector. We will continue to support the efforts of small business owners, artisans, and cultural custodians, ensuring that their contributions to tourism are recognised and valued on a global scale. Additionally, the Guyana Tourism Authority remains committed to expanding our tourism product through collaboration with local and international stakeholders”.

Joshua DaCosta

Recaptured: Kevin Mohamed

Exxon conducting developmental drilling at Whiptail development

…Noble Don Taylor to finish drilling by month-end

Oil giant ExxonMobil is currently conducting development drilling at its Whiptail development, a project that is expected to come on stream three years from now and, when it does, will increase Guyana’s oil production by approximately 250,000 barrels of oil.

According to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), developmental drilling has started at the WT_2i04 well, using the MODU Noble Don Taylor, which will be supported by a number of other vessels in-

cluding the Gary Rook and Guyana Hero.

It was also explained that these drilling activities, which are being done approximately 110 nautical miles (203.9 kilometres) off the coast of Guyana over 0.29 square nautical miles, will conclude by the end of November.

“All mariners are required to stay clear of these vessels and navigate with extreme caution when in the vicinity. This notice supersedes information provided in Notice to Mariners 128 of 2024. Communication can be

made to these vessels or the Georgetown Lighthouse on VHF Ch. 16,” the notice also stated.

In April, it was announced that the Guyana Government had approved the US$12.7 billion Whiptail Project – the sixth development being undertaken by United States (US) oil giant ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

Guyana had retained British consulting firm Bayphase to review the Whiptail Field Development Plan (FDP) which was sub-

mitted to the Government by Exxon last October. A few months prior, in August 2023, the US oil major had approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to greenlight the project.

Whiptail is expected to add approximately 250,000 barrels of daily capacity by the end of 2027, when it is slated to come on stream, thus bringing the country’s production capacity up to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day.

Currently, ExxonMobil has three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSOs) – the Liza Destiny from the Liza Phase One Project, Liza Unity from the Liza Phase Two Project, and Prosperity from the Payara Project – which are currently operating offshore Guyana and are safely producing more than 600,000 barrels of oil per day.

Additionally, construction is underway on FPSOs for the Yellowtail Project – the One Guyana FPSO, which is set to commence production in 2025; and for the Uaru Project – the Errea Wittu FPSO, which is anticipated to start in 2026. In addition to these six projects offshore Guyana, Exxon is eyeing the possibility of having 10 FPSOs operational by 2030.

Nevertheless, with these six developments to come on stream by 2027, production from the Stabroek block will generate tens of billions of dollars of revenue and significant economic development for Guyana.

Moreover, there are currently 6,200 Guyanese working in support of Stabroek block operations – which is 70 per cent of the workforce. The cumulative spend of ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors with Guyanese suppliers since 2015 surpassed US$1.5 billion at the end of 2023.

ExxonMobil, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production

Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has a majority 45 per cent interest in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, and is the operator; while Hess Corporation holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

However, Hess Corporation has agreed to merge with Chevron, and this deal is expected to be closed in the first half of this year – a transaction that could be delayed after Exxon filed arbitration proceedings to claim pre-emptive rights in the offshore Guyana operations. (G3)

Gun-wielding masked men rob, abduct 4 Guyanese, 6 Brazilians in Rupununi

…victims rescued by Joint

Services

Four Guyanese nationals and six Brazilians were rescued on Saturday morning after being abducted in the Deep South Rupununi region. In a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday, they said police swiftly responded to the situation, leading to the successful rescue of the victims, all of whom were unharmed. The incident occurred around 11:00h at the Bush Mouth Sub-station of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in Marudi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the assailants, described as masked individuals armed with firearms, initiated the abduc-

tion while robbing the group.

Following the incident, a Joint Services team launched a ground pursuit of the suspects. Police said that the abduction vehicle was abandoned by the perpetrators during the chase,

allowing law enforcement to rescue the victims quickly. Police have yet to disclose the registration details of the vehicle used in the crime or the specific location where it was intercepted.

Details surrounding the

escape of the suspects from the pursuing Joint Services personnel remain unclear, as does information about any items that may have been stolen during the incident. Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

The Noble Don Taylor

Map showing the well site

The victims who were abducted

The Bush Mouth Sub-station of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

Exploring Georgetown

Foiled Port Mourant robbery

Family of man arrested in death of bandit protest

Family members of the man implicated in killing a teen bandit in the foiled robbery on a jeweller at Port Mourant Market, are calling for his release from police custody.

Family members and supporters staged a demonstrative protest at the Port Mourant Market on Saturday morning.

As police continue to investigate the broached robbery of a Port Mourant Market jeweler and the alleged unlawful killing of one of the bandits, family mem-

bers of the man arrested for allegedly killing the alleged bandit, are demanding his release.

On October 26, two teenagers, one armed with a cutlass and the other with a firearm attempted to rob a Corentyne jeweller who was plying his trade at the Port Mourant Market.

Police said one of the perpetrators was 18-yearold Parmand Pertab called “Mikey” of Hampshire Village, Corentyne. He was attacked by a group of cutlass-wield-

ing men and was eventually picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he subsequently passed away.

An autopsy performed on the body by Government Phonologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan gave the cause of death as shock and hemorrhage due to multiple incised wounds.

Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus said a man is currently in custody assisting with the investigation into the unlawful killing

$15,000 debt dispute

Cousin arrested for fatal

stabbing in Mashabo

Dinesh Samaroo, a 26-year-old resident of High Hill, Mashabo, has been arrested following a police-issued wanted bulletin in connection with the fatal stabbing of his cousin, 26-yearold Rayandra Abrams, known as “Bruce.”

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the Mashabo Housing Scheme and reportedly stemmed from a dispute over an alleged debt of $15,000.

Witnesses reported that the confrontation between the two men escalated after Samaroo confronted Abrams about the unpaid debt. Armed with a blackhandled knife, Samaroo allegedly threatened Abrams during a heated argument on an access road within the housing scheme.

A relative of the victim, a 25-year-old barber, witnessed the altercation and attempted to intervene by advising Abrams to walk away. However, Abrams refused to heed the advice, and moments later,

the barber heard his cousin calling for help. Turning back, he saw Abrams clutching his neck, which was bleeding profusely, as Samaroo fled the scene on a motorcycle heading south.

Despite immediate assistance from his cousin and the rapid arrival of a doctor from the Suddie Public Hospital, Abrams succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was subsequently transported to the mortuary at Suddie Hospital.

Following the incident, police launched a manhunt for Samaroo, issuing a wanted bulletin that urged citizens to report any information regarding his whereabouts. After a few days of evading authorities, Samaroo was apprehended.

Abrams’s mother, Sonia Abrams, confirmed to investigators that tensions had been brewing between her son and Samaroo over the unpaid debt. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. (G9)

One week after last Saturday’s incident, family members of the man who has been taken into custody staged a protest demonstration calling for his release.

“We out here because thief-man coming and rob people every Saturday at the market and when they gone then is when the police coming. When people take things in their own hands, you on the wrong side,” the man’s sister Seema Nauth said.

The man arrested goes by the alias ‘Chicken Man’

and is a poultry vendor, who operates out of the Port Mourant Market.

“They want charge him for murder and the thief get catch red-handed with the bag with jewel,” Nauth continued.

According to the woman, she encountered bandits firsthand, and none of the perpetrators were apprehended. She too had to take some action.

“I get rob two times and nothing happened. I had to move out from my house and buy a next place in a next vil-

lage all because of thief,” she related.

Meanwhile, the mother of the alleged teen bandit had called for those responsible for killing her son to be brought to justice. The woman had contended that while her son committed a wrong, the law needed to take its course – in that, he should have been charged and brought to the courts to answer for his crimes.

She had argued too that her son was young and was robbed of an opportunity to turn his life around. (G4)

Govt-supported project

Agri Minister urges Corentyne shrimp farmers to lower prices

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has called on Corentyne brackish water shrimp farmers to lower the price they are selling the crustacean.

The Minister who met with the farmers on Saturday at the Albion Community Centre pointed out that the Government has invested in the project and so the cost cannot be so exuberant.

“The Government is using tax payer’s money to help you all, so if you all are producing on a large scale now you have to reduce the price,” Mustapha told them.

Prior to the initiative by the Government to boost the production of brackish water shrimp production stood at 9,000 kilograms annually and it moved up from that figure in 2021, to 548,900

kilograms in 2022 and 815,496 kilograms in 2023.

Back in 2021, the blackish water shrimp was being sold by the farmer at $20,000 per bucket. The price has escalated to $35,000 per bucket.

In 2021, the Government initiated a project to increase inland shrimp production. Between January and November 2023, Guyana produced 815,496 kilograms of shrimp, compared to 548,900 kilograms produced for the same period in 2022.

“You all have to help the Government. The Government is doing this to ensure that people benefit from this; not only you all must benefit – it is for the entire country to benefit. That is the kind of intervention we are making that when we help you, you

would produce more and the price would go down, but you all have the opposite –instead of carrying it down, you all are carrying up the price,” the Minister pointed out.

Back in 2021, there were 80 shrimp farmers along the Corentyne Coast. That number has now risen to 125. Production was 9,300 kilograms monthly. Now the monthly production is 98,000 kilograms. According to Mustapha, the goal is to carry production to 1.5 million tonnes per year.

Meanwhile, brackish water shrimp producers say the increase in prices is a result of demand and supply noting that 75 percent of their catch is sold to overseas territories which they refer to as the diaspora.

Dead: Rayandra Abrams

Arrested: Dinesh Samaroo

of one of the bandits.

The family protesting at the Port Mourant Market on Saturday morning

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the meeting with farmers on Saturday

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine/ enDocrinology

Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isn’t the same as simply feeling tired or sleepy. When you’re fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. Being

severity from mild to serious. It’s also a natural result of some lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise or poor diet.

If fatigue doesn’t get resolved with proper rest and nutrition, or if it is suspected to be caused by an underlying physical or mental health condition, see a doctor. Doctors can help diagnose the cause of fatigue, and work to treat it.

CAUSES OF FATIGUE

There are many potential causes of fatigue. They can be divided into three general categories:

Lifestyle factors

Physical health conditions

Mental health issues

Lifestyle factors

For example, fatigue can result from:

Physical exertion

HEALTH TIPS FATIGUE

stress

Boredom

Grief

Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants or sedatives

Using alcohol regu-

sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but these two terms are not the same.

Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions, and it ranges in

Lack of physical activity

Lack of sleep

Being overweight or obese

Periods of emotional

larly

Using illicit drugs, such as cocaine

Consuming too much

caffeine

Not eating a nutri-

tious diet

Physical health conditions

Many medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Examples include:

Anemia

Arthritis

Fibromyalgia

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Infections, such as cold and flu

Addison’s disease, a disorder that can affect your hormone levels

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia

Eating disorders, such as anorexia

Autoimmune disorders

Congestive heart failure

Cancer

Diabetes

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Have a higher-than-normal body temperature

• Have experienced unexplained weight loss

• Feel very sensitive to colder temperatures

• Regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep

• Depressed

If efforts have been made to address the most common lifestyle causes -- such as lack of rest, poor eating habits, and stress -- without success, and the fatigue has continued for two weeks or more, make an appointment with a doctor.

In some cases, fatigue might be caused by a seri-

on what’s causing the fatigue. To make a diagnosis, the doctor would likely ask questions about:

The nature of the fatigue, including when it started and whether it gets better or worse at certain times

• Other symptoms

• Other medical conditions

• Lifestyle and sources of stress

• Medications use

Several measures can help lessen fatigue caused by daily activities. To help boost one’s energy levels and overall health:

• Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated

ous medical condition. Go to the hospital immediately if you are experiencing fatigue along with any of the following symptoms:

Rectal bleeding

Vomiting blood

Severe headache

Pain in your chest area

Feelings of faintness

Irregular heartbeat

Practise healthy eating habits

Exercise regularly

Get enough sleep

Avoid known stressors

Avoid work or social schedules that are overly demanding

Take part in relaxing activities, such as yoga

Abstain from alco-

• Emphysema

Mental health issues

Mental health conditions can also lead to fatigue. For example, fatigue is a common symptom of anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder.

See a doctor if:

• You can’t think of anything that might account for your fatigue

Shortness of breath

Severe pain in the abdominal, back, or pelvic region

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Thoughts of harming another person

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

A doctor’s recommended treatment plan would depend

hol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs

These lifestyle changes may help ease fatigue. It’s also important to follow the doctor’s recommended treatment plan for any diagnosed health conditions. If left untreated, fatigue can take a toll on one’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Plea bargaining helping to speed up delivery of justice in Jamaica

Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, says the use of plea bargaining has had a positive and significant impact on the justice system, particularly in addressing longstanding case backlogs in the parish courts.

The minister, who was speaking to reporters following a recent Children’s Advocate training seminar at the Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Falmouth, Trelawny, said that over the past five years, the widespread use of plea bargaining has led to a dramatic decrease in outstanding cases, creating a more efficient judicial process.

He noted that these backlogs have historically posed a major obstacle for individuals seeking justice, often delaying their day in court.

“Plea bargaining has proven to be a win-win for our justice system. By allowing for negotiated sentences, we are not only expediting the resolution of cases but also ensuring that justice is served more swiftly,” he pointed out.

Plea bargaining enables an accused individual to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. This approach facilitates quicker resolutions, significantly alleviating the burden on courts that have faced overwhelming caseloads.

Minister Chuck said the use of plea bargaining reflects a broader commitment to reforming the justice system in Jamaica.

He noted that, as the

country continues to navigate challenges within its legal framework, “the successful implementation of plea-bargaining marks a pivotal step towards fostering a more timely and equitable judicial process”.

He said that as the ministry looks to further enhance these practices, the focus remains on ensuring that all Jamaicans have access to fair and expedient justice.

(Jamaica Observer)

Supporters of Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales take about 20 soldiers hostage

Supporters of Bolivia’s ex-president Evo Morales stormed a barracks in the central Chapare region and took about 20 soldiers hostage, military sources said on Friday, marking a dramatic escalation in their standoff with the state.

The hostage situation comes nearly three weeks after backers of Morales – the country’s first Indigenous leader – began blocking roads to prevent his arrest on what he calls trumpedup rape charges aimed at thwarting his political comeback.

Morales, 65, was in office from 2006 to 2019, when he resigned under pressure from the military after elec-

tions marked by allegations of fraud.

Bolivia’s armed forces said on Friday in a statement that “irregular armed groups” had “kidnapped military personnel” and seized weapons and ammunition in the Chapare. A military source told AFP on condition of anonymity that “about 20” soldiers were taken hostage.

In a video broadcast by Bolivian media, 16 soldiers were seen surrounded by protesters holding pointed sticks aloft.

“The Cacique Maraza Regiment has been taken over by Tipnis activists. They have cut off our water, electricity and are keeping us hostage,” a uniformed man is

Jamaica’s export earnings down 8.4% in first six months of 2024 – STATIN

Jamaica’s total exports for the JanuaryJune period this year fell 8.4 per cent to US$944.8 million from the US$1,030.9 million earned in the similar 2023 period.

This downward movement was due primarily to a 64.8 per cent fall in the value of re-exports of mineral fuels according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). STATIN noted that earnings from re-exports declined to US$114.7 million for the January to June 2024 period. It said domestic exports during the review period increased by 9.4 per cent to US$830.1 million due to a 2.0 per cent rise in exports from the manufacturing industry.

“Earnings from domestic

exports accounted for 87.9 per cent of total export,” STATIN said in its latest International Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin. Meanwhile, for the first six months of 2024, Jamaica’s total spending on imports was valued at US$3,687.4 million. The value of imports over the period declined by 1.5 per cent when compared to the US$3,744.4 million spent from January to June 2023.

“This decrease was largely attributable to lower imports of raw materials/intermediate goods and fuels and lubricants which fell by 13.9 per cent and 1.6 per cent, respectively.

Jamaica’s main trading partners for the period January to June 2024 were the United States of America (USA), China,

Brazil, Japan and Trinidad and Tobago. Expenditure on imports of goods from these countries fell by 6.3 per cent to US$2,195.1 million when compared to US$2,341.8 million recorded for the similar 2023 period. This decrease was due largely to a 19.0 per cent decrease in imports of mineral fuels from the USA and Trinidad and Tobago. And the top five destinations for Jamaica’s exports were the USA, Iceland, the Russian Federation, the Netherlands and Canada. Revenues from exports to these countries rose by 23.7 per cent to US$657.0 million. This was due to higher expenditure on exports of crude materials, which increased in value by 76.3 per cent. (Jamaica Observer)

“We need holistic solution on crime fight” – Bahamas CJ

Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder said yesterday that stakeholders need to work together to lower crime levels.

At the scene of a mass shooting that left three men dead in Fox Hill on Monday, Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said 178 men were on bail for murder. He also noted the potential retaliation that could occur due to these accused killers being on the streets.

The next day Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis was asked to respond to the murders and Fernander’s bail revelation. Davis said the number of people on bail for murder was “overwhelming”, adding that the government was working on ways to speed up trials

heard saying in the video.

Tipnis is an Indigenous stronghold of Morales’s.

Despite being barred from running again, Morales wants to challenge his former ally turned rival President Luis Arce for the nomination of the leftwing Mas party in the country’s August 2025 presidential election.

Days after Morales led a march of thousands of mainly Indigenous Bolivians on the administrative capital La Paz to protest against Arce’s policies, prosecutors announced he was under investigation for rape, human trafficking and human smuggling over his alleged relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015. (The Guardian)

through the “overwhelmed” courts.

Yesterday, Sir Ian, who in the past has defended the right of accused people to receive bail, was asked his views on the matter.

“We are always concerned when the young men of our country are tragically taken away,” Sir Ian told reporters in Parliament Square after viewing the body of former parliamentarian Philip Galanis.

“I think the prime minister’s statement is more appropriate in a sense that we all need to work together to find appropriate solutions to this crime problem.

“You know, at the end of the year, when the crime numbers start to tally, this specter of people on bail

starts to come to light.

“At the end of every year we hear it. But the solution has to be a collaborative one where we all take steps to try to resolve the challenges that we have as a society. The two relatives who it is said killed each other, bail had nothing to do with that tragedy.

“So we need to come together [and] find a solution to stop some of these retaliatory killings that are taking place, but it’s a holistic solution.” Yesterday, Sir Ian also expressed optimism that recent legislative changes, such as the Trial By Judge Alone Bill, 2024, and the Supreme Court Amendment Bill, 2024, will lead to cases being heard more quickly.

(The Nassau Guardian)

Argentina cuts interest rate to 35% as inflation outlook eases

Argentina's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate to 35% in a surprise move on Friday, boosting local markets and signaling growing optimism by the government that it can tame the country's triple-digit inflation.

The 500 basis point cut was the seventh time the policy rate has been lowered since outsider libertarian President Javier Milei took office in December when it was 133%. Bond prices rose on average 2% on the news and the country risk index fell.

Milei has targeted the country's inflation rate, long a drag on savings and economic activity. While annual inflation remains above 200%, monthly inflation has dropped sharply to around 3.5% from over 25% at the end of 2023.

"The decision is based on the liquidity context and the drop observed in inflation expectations," the central bank said in a statement, which also pointed to the government's "strengthening of the fiscal anchor."

Milei's government has overturned a deep fiscal deficit with major spend -

ing cuts, but the measures have hit economic growth and deepened a recession, while pushing up poverty rates over 50%.

At 209%, Argentina's annualized inflation rate remains among the world's highest, though it has come down consistently in recent months, reaching its lowest level since late 2021 in September.

Milei has presided over tough spending cuts during his roughly 11 months in office, including the elimination of energy and transportation subsidies.

(Reuters)

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Police clearing roads blocked by supporters of former president Evo Morales in Parotani, Bolivia, on Friday (Photograph: Juan Karita/AP)

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil prices settle up slightly on Iran worries, but prices down for week

Oil prices edged up on Friday on reports Iran was preparing a retaliatory strike on Israel from Iraq in coming days, but record U.S. output weighed on prices.

Brent futures were up 29 cents, or 0.4%, to settle at $73.10 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 23 cents, or 0.3%, to settle at $69.49. At their session highs, both benchmarks were up over $2 a barrel.

Brent posted a weekly decline of about 4% with WTI down about 3%.

On Thursday, U.S. news website Axios reported that Israeli intelligence suggests that Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraq within days, citing two unidentified Israeli sources.

“Any additional responses from Iran might remain restrained, similar to Israel’s limited strike last weekend, hence primarily intended as a demonstration of strength rather than an invitation to open warfare,” said SEB Research analyst Ole Hvalbye. Iran and Israel have engaged in a series of tit-for-tat strikes within the broader Middle East warfare set off by fighting in Gaza. Previous Iranian air attacks on Israel on Oct. 1 and in April were mostly repelled, with only minor damage.

Iran is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and produced about 4 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil in 2023, U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed. Iran was on track to export around 1.5 million bpd in 2024, up from an estimated 1.4 million bpd in 2023, according to analysts and U.S. government reports.

Iran backs several groups that are currently fighting Israel, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen.

A U.S. official asked Lebanon to declare a unilateral ceasefire with Israel to revive stalled talks to end IsraeliHezbollah hostilities, a senior Lebanese political source and a senior diplomat said - a claim denied by both sides. (Reuters)

Thousands of women rally in US for abortion rights and feminist causes

Thousands of women rallied Saturday in the nation’s capital and elsewhere in support of abortion rights and other feminist causes ahead of Tuesday’s election.

Demonstrators carried posters and signs through city streets, chanting slogans such as: “We won’t go back!” Some men joined with them. Speakers urged people to vote in the election – not only for president but also on down-ballot issues such as abortion-rights amendments that are going before voters in various states.

At the Women’s March in Washington, feminist activist Fanny Gomez-Lugo read off a list of states with abortion ballot measures before leading the crowd in a chant of: “Abortion is freedom!”

In Kansas City, Missouri, rally organizers urged people to sign up to knock on doors in a get-out-the-vote push for an abortion-rights measure.

Abortion rights has passed inflation as the top issue in the presidential election for women under age 30 since Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden

as the Democratic nominee against Donald Trump, according to a survey of female voters by KFF.

Ballot initiatives have surged in response to the 2022 US supreme court ruling that ended the nationwide right to abortion and shifted the issue to states.

Nine states will consider constitutional amendments that would enshrine abortion rights: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada and South Dakota. Most would guarantee a right to abortion until fetal viability and allow it later if necessary for the health of the pregnant person.

A proposed amendment in New York doesn’t specifically mention abortion but would prohibit discrimination based on “pregnancy outcomes” and “reproductive healthcare and autonomy”.

Some of Saturday’s rally participants also advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, higher wages, paid sick leave and greater efforts against gun violence. (The Guardian)

FBI issues warning over two fake election videos

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned of two fake videos circulating online that aim to cast doubt around the US presidential election - the latest in a series of alerts by top officials.

BBC Verify found evidence linking the videos to a much larger, Russia-based operation that has produced hundreds of fakes directed at the election in recent months.

In a post on X on Saturday, the FBI said the two videos were spreading

rumours about ballot fraud and about Doug Emhoff, the husband of Democrat candidate Vice-President Kamala Harris.

The fake videos, which purport to be from the FBI and include the bureau’s logo, did not receive a large amount of views from real people on X.

“These videos are not authentic, are not from the FBI, and the content they depict is false,” the FBI statement said.

“Attempts to deceive the public with false content

about FBI operations undermines our democratic process sand aims to erode trust in the electoral system.”

The contents of the clips as described by the FBI exactly match videos that are part of a batch of more than 300 that BBC Verify has found since the start of the year, as part of an investigation conducted with online research firm Logically.

The videos use convincing graphics and text to look like content from US government agencies as well as more than 50 news organi-

sations – including the BBC, France 24 and Fox News.

The videos have been posted online nearly every day for months and have recently focused on the US election, including clips promoting false claims about Harris and messages about unrest and “civil war”.

CheckFirst - an online analytics company based in Finland that independently investigated the network behind the videos - traced them to a Russian marketing agency and a Russian IP address. (BBC)

Israel says Hezbollah operative captured in naval raid

The Israeli military said a senior Hezbollah operative was captured in a naval raid in the northern Lebanese town of Batroun on Friday.

An official said special forces had apprehended the individual and taken them back to Israeli territory, in what was described as a “special operation”.

Lebanon’s state news agency said an “unidentified military force” arrived on the beach at dawn, raided a nearby building, and captured one person before leaving by speedboat.

The raid has prompted anger from Lebanese authorities, with the office for Prime Minister Najib Mikati saying he had instructed the foreign ministry to sub-

mit a complaint to the UN Security Council.

It added the Lebanese army and UN peacekeeping force Unifil were both investigating the raid - and that Mikati had called for “expedited” results.

Lebanese transport minister Ali Hamieh suggested the raid may have violated UN Security Council resolution 1701, which is intended to end hostilities following on from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict of 2006.

“If it is proven that the kidnapping took place via a naval landing, where is the implementation of Resolution 1701?” he was quoted as saying by local media.

Hezbollah did not comment on Israel’s allegation

while Hamieh told local media the man was a captain of civilian ships.

CCTV footage that

Senior Chinese official vows to further ties with Italy

Chinese senior official Li Xi met with Italian leaders this week to deepen strategic ties, marking the 20th anniversary of the ChinaItaly comprehensive strategic partnership and advancing cooperation in areas like green energy and digital technology.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, met with Italy’s Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome during his visit from Wednesday to Saturday at the invitation of the Italian Senate.

During the meetings, Li highlighted the enduring ties between China and Italy, and called on the two

sides to advance the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in July.

Li emphasized cooperation through the “ChinaItaly Action Plan,” which aimed at enhancing politi-

cal trust and collaboration in existing and emerging sectors like green energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges and multilateral coordina-

tion in multilateral arenas such as the United Nations and Group of 20 (G20) to elevate China-Italy relations. China and Europe share extensive common interests in upholding multilateralism, addressing climate change, and promoting global economic recovery, Li said, noting that China advocates for resolving relevant economic and trade issues through consultation based on pragmatic and balanced principles. He urged the Italian side to view China-Europe economic and trade relations “with an open attitude and a long-term perspective,” and play a constructive role in ChinaEurope consultations and negotiations.

China is willing to work together with Italy and other European countries to promote the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations, he noted. (Xinhua)

that the person captured was a member of the group,

emerged online - which the BBC located to Batrounappeared to show a group of soldiers leading a captive between some buildings. (BBC)

CCTV allegedly showing Israeli special forces capturing Hezbollah operative in Lebanon

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meeting with Italy’s Senate President Ignazio La Russa in Rome, Italy on Oct. 31, 2024

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

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

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Get up and get moving. You’ll accomplish plenty with forward-thinking and using your skills diversely. Opportunity knocks; it’s up to you to take advantage of whatever comes your way.

You’ll discover something about yourself and where you are heading if you put your energy into something you enjoy doing. The results you get will help you redefine what you can offer. Don’t sell yourself short.

Unusual people, places and forms of entertainment will capture your attention. Be careful not to indulge or make promises you don’t want to keep. Listen carefully.

Take a break and avoid contact with anyone who riles you. Taking a little time to yourself or doing something that makes you feel good about who you are will be rejuvenating.

Sign up for something enjoyable or spend time with loved ones. Personal gain, growth and gratification are within reach if you do what brings you joy. Do what’s right and best for you.

Make moderation your first choice, and you’ll avoid trouble. Pay attention to what others are going through and offer only what you can deliver. A diversion will distance you from situations.

An open mind will lead to valuable information and an adventure. Travel, communication and learning are your ticket to new beginnings. Use your ingenuity to make your dream a reality.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Push forward to put your goals within reach. You are significantly more influential than you realize. Trust your instincts and do what you do best. Refuse to let insecurity stand between you and what you want.

Someone will mislead you if you give them the chance. Ask questions, and you’ll dodge a bullet. Information is the key to making the best choice. Make your opportunities.

Share only what’s necessary. Protect your assets, possessions and reputation from anyone trying to pry into your affairs. Make last-minute changes if they will spare you from an uncomfortable situation.

Get out, share your thoughts and initiate opportunities. It’s up to you to explore and implement change into your routine. A new look will result in compliments and confidence.

Put on the breaks when in doubt. Don’t feel you must make a snap decision or get on board with something that doesn’t fit into your plans. Change only what would benefit you directly. Protect yourself and prevent loss.

ARIES

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

AQUARIUS

New Zealand tour of India 2024/25: Test 3

of 3…

INDIA HAVE THE ADVANTAGE

–

As Jadeja, Ashwin run through New Zealand

The new and the old of India combined to leave New Zealand effectively at 143 for 9 in India’s quest to prevent their first-ever home white wash in a series of three or more Tests. It wasn’t go ing to be an easy target on a pitch that has consumed 29 wickets in two days, but it was a comeback from the nightmare of the final 10 minutes of first day, which was reminiscent of earlier collapses in the series.

Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant first res urrected the in nings with 90 and 60 runs re spectively, but it took a cameo of 38 off 36 from Washington Sundar to take India’s lead past 25 in the face of a re surgent Ajaz Patel, who took his second five-for in the city of his birth.

get on a crumbling pitch. Having lost his mantle as the new-ball bowler in sec

than the bare minimum to bowl at. India were looking to the youths at the start of the day, having again lost Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply; and Pant and Gill added 96 at better than five an over to arrest the rot that had set in on the first evening.

Ajaz Patel starred with a five-wicket haul

The old firm of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja then combined to take seven wickets between them, to prevent New Zealand from setting India a massive tar-

wicket with a superb catch running back.

However, a serene Will Young’s second fifty in the match and the hitting of Glenn Phillips made certain that New Zealand had more

SCOREBOARD

India 1st Innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal

b Patel 30

Rohit Sharma (c) c Latham

b Henry 18

Shubman Gill c Mitchell

b Patel 90 Mohammed Siraj lbw

b Patel 0 Virat Kohli run out (Henry) 4

Rishabh Pant †lbw

b Sodhi 60 Ravindra Jadeja c Mitchell

b Phillips 14 Sarfaraz Khan c †Blundell

b Patel 0 Washington Sundar not out 38 Ravichandran Ashwin c Mitchell

b Patel 6

Akash Deep run out

(Ravindra/†Blundell) 0

Extras (lb 1, nb 2) 3

Total 59.4 Ov (RR: 4.40) 263

Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Rohit Sharma, 6.5 ov), 2-78 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 17.2 ov), 3-78 (Mohammed Siraj, 17.3 ov), 4-84 (Virat Kohli, 18.3 ov), 5-180 (Rishabh Pant, 37.3 ov), 6-203 (Ravindra Jadeja, 46.5 ov), 7-204 (Sarfaraz Khan, 47.6 ov), 8-227 (Shubman Gill, 53.2 ov), 9-247 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 57.6 ov), 10-263 (Akash Deep, 59.4 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Matt Henry 8-1-26-1

William O’Rourke 2-1-5-0

Ajaz Patel 21.4-3-103-5

20-0-84-1

Glenn Phillips

Rachin Ravindra 1-0-8-0

Ish Sodhi 7-0-36-1

New Zealand 2nd Innings

Tom Latham (c)

b Akash Deep 1 Devon Conway c Shubman Gill

b Washington Sundar 22

Will Young c & b Ashwin 51

Rachin Ravindra st †Pant b Ashwin 4

Daryl Mitchell c Ashwin b Jadeja 21

Tom Blundell † b Jadeja 4 Glenn Phillips

b Ashwin 26 Ish Sodhi c Kohli b Jadeja 8

Matt Henry b Jadeja 10

Ajaz Patel not out 7

Extras (b 12, lb 4, nb 1) 17

Total 43.3 Ov (RR: 3.93) 171/9

Yet to bat: William O’Rourke Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Tom Latham, 0.5 ov), 2-39 (Devon Conway, 12.5 ov), 3-44 (Rachin Ravindra, 13.6 ov), 4-94 (Daryl Mitchell, 27.5 ov), 5-100 (Tom Blundell, 29.3 ov), 6-131 (Glenn Phillips, 32.5 ov), 7-148 (Ish Sodhi, 37.5 ov), 8-150 (Will Young, 38.6 ov), 9-171 (Matt Henry, 43.3 ov) • Bowling O-M-R-W Akash Deep 5-0-10-1 Washington Sundar 10-0-30-1 Ravichandran Ashwin 16-0-63-3 Ravindra Jadeja 12.3-2-52-4

Pant in particular was severe, not letting lead spinner Ajaz bowl at all. Overnight 1 off 1, Pant began as he meant to go. Ajaz was too full first ball of the day, which Pant push-drove straight to midoff, who moved deeper after the boundary. To the second ball, Pant stepped out and drilled it straight to that deep mid-off, who now moved to long-off. Gill joined him with an inside-out chip over extra cover in Ajaz’s next over.

Then Pant played the lap shot for four to push forward short leg to behind

Jadeja triggered a second-innings collapse for New Zealand

day for a six, but ended up skying it to long-on, where substitute fielder Mark Chapman gave him a reprieve.

That turned his innings around, and he proceeded to put his head down and take only the boundaries on offer. He was on 45 off 57 when he was dropped, and his remaining 45 came off 89 balls.

Matt Henry also dropped

misbehave even more, and the results followed. More than 10 overs went without a boundary, and brought the wickets of Ravindra Jadeja and Sarfaraz Khan, the latter for a duck at his home ground. Both of them fell to the forward-defensive without reaching the pitch of the ball.

Gill decided he was not going to be a sitting duck. He upped his intent by tak-

R Ashwin getting the accolades after his stunning catch dismissed Daryl Mitchell

square, promptly offering what could have been catches for the forward short leg in the following two balls.

It was Pant’s attacking mindset that forced New Zealand to choose one of the two areas to man, and Pant rubbed it in with two sixes in Ajaz’s next two overs.

Not wanting to be left behind, Gill tried to hit Phillips’s first ball of the

Pant, but this miss cost New Zealand only seven runs, as Pant fell lbw to a short ball from Ish Sodhi, who came on to bowl with only 84 runs left in the bank. Phillips, the unlucky bowler, was arguably the steadiest spinner of the three, and was instrumental when Ajaz found his groove after lunch with a spell of 8.4-2-27-3.

Ajaz had found the good length, the pitch started to

ing on Phillips, but Ajaz eventually got one to turn from a good length and take the edge for another catch to Daryl Mitchell at slip.

India were still 8 runs behind, but Washington took over now, scoring 14 in a 20-run stand with R Ashwin and all of the 16 runs in the final stand with Akash Deep, to take the lead past 25.

Washington was given

a bigger vote of confidence as he opened the bowling ahead of Ashwin, but it was Akash Deep whose aroundthe-wicket angle and seam movement got rid of another left-hand opener. India proceeded to operate with the combination of Washington and Ashwin, who each got a wicket: Devon Conway on the forward-defensive, and Rachin Ravindra stumped trying to hit a six.

Once the two righthand batters, Young and Mitchell, got themselves in, all eyes went to Jadeja. Ashwin volunteered to have Jadeja bowl from his end, the end from where Jadeja and Ajaz had taken wickets. Rohit, though, wanted Ashwin to carry on bowling. The partnership swelled, ends were changed, and Jadeja got Mitchell out with more than just a hand from Ashwin, who ran back from mid-on to take a diving catch.

Tom Blundell didn’t survive long, but Phillips hit three sixes in no time at all, two of them off Ashwin, who proceeded to pull out the carrom ball from his back pocket after a long time, knocking back the off stump. It was a surprise that top-order Test batters were not picking the carrom ball: even the accomplished and settled Young was out caught-and-bowled to one. Henry and Ajaz each hit a six, but Henry was bowled by an unplayable Jadeja delivery, which turned out to be the last one for the day.

(ESPNCricinfo)

Ravindra

Yorke appointed head coach for senior Soca Warriors

Dwight Yorke, former striker for Soca Warriors and Manchester United teams, has been appointed head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago senior men’s team, the Soca Warriors.

According to Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards, Yorke’s appointment marks a new chapter for football in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as his primary focus would be on upcoming World Cup qualification efforts.

“With World Cup qualification in our sight, we’re thrilled to welcome Dwight Yorke as the new head coach of our men’s national team,”

Edwards said in making the announcement on Friday.

“Dwight’s experience, leadership and commitment to the red, white and black are exactly what we need to inspire our players and our nation,” he added.

Expressing delight at the opportunity, Yorke has said,

“I am proud and privileged to receive the honour of leading the Trinidad and Tobago national team. The opportunity to work with this talented, closeknit group of players is something I look forward to. Having helped Trinidad and Tobago to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000, captained the side at the 2006 World Cup, and

been assistant manager, my love and commitment to my national team are well documented.

“I saw firsthand, as a player, how working together to achieve our targets brought joy, and united our country. I see that same ambition and desire at all levels of the current set-up. So, I look forward to building on the work of someone who I played alongside with for a number of years, from youth level right up to senior team; a good friend and former teammate, Angus Eve, and the current interim head coach Derek King. As a player, I experienced some incredible moments in a Trinidad and Tobago shirt. With this squad, I hope they

Deonandan spearheads RHT Farfan and Mendes to BCB/Dr Dukhi U15 semis

The Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Ltd

Under-15 team have marched into the semifinals of the Berbice Cricket Board/ Dr Amarnauth Dukhi Under-15 tournament, having defeated archrivals Tucber Park Cricket Club by 84 runs at their base, the Area H ground.

They would now face Rose Hall Canje this weekend, whereas Albion have already reached the finals of the tournament.

Having won the toss in very humid conditions, the Rose Hall Town team quickly lost opener Munesh Rampersaud by way of LBW to Rohlehr for 2 runs, and were at 11 for 1 in the 3rd over. Opener Bisram Narine and Akash Sukhall were then dismissed by national left arm spinner Gilbert Griffth for 12 and 6 runs respectively, to leave the home team shakily placed at 34 for 3 in 13 overs.

As vice-captain, national player Sohil Mohammed and the talented Matthew Perreira then produced a crucial partnership of 51 runs for the fourth wicket, before luck seemingly deserted Mohammed after his well composed 32, and he was given out LBW to medium pacer Beaton.

With the team struggling at 85 for 4 in the 22nd

over, national under-15 player Perreira was joined by national under-13 player Tameshwar Deonandan, and they added 101 for the 5th wicket.

Perreira struck 8 delightful boundaries in his wellplayed 49 before he was caught behind off medium pacer Ramnauth, while the free-scoring Deonandan hit nine boundaries in his majestic 55 before Rohlehr took his wicket with the score being at 190 for 6.

National under-13 player Leon Reddy was left unbeaten on 12 not out, having struck two boundaries, while Raffel McKenzie was left on 2 not out as the Rose Hall Town team ended their innings on an impressive 212 for 7 off the allotted 45 overs.

Needing to score 213

can continue as head coach,” he shared.

One of the nation’s most celebrated football figures, Yorke brings to his new role his extensive international experience as both player and leader in the sport. Known for his tactical insight, passion and dedication, Yorke’s appointment aligns with the TTFA’s mission to elevate T&T football to new heights.

“Dwight’s journey from a standout player to a seasoned leader in football brings a unique vision that aligns with our ambitions. We are confident he will guide us forward with purpose and pride as we work to make Trinidad and Tobago’s presence felt on the world stage once again,” Edwards remarked.

Yorke’s tenure as head coach begins immediately, with plans to energize the team’s training and development in preparation for the rigours of international competition. As the TTFA continues its commitment to advancing football standards in Trinidad and Tobago, Yorke’s leadership is anticipated to bring new energy and dedication to the national team.

He was captain of the Trinidad and Tobago 2006 World Cup squad during an illustrious playing career that saw him enjoy playing spells at Manchester United, Aston Villa, Birmingham

City, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, and Sydney FC.

Yorke also served most recently as head coach of Australian Premier Club Macarthur FC, and assistant coach at Sunderland for a brief period in 2008/2009. He also served as assistant coach of T&T in 2009.

On 25 May 2022, Yorke managed the Australian A-League All Stars in their 3–2 loss to a star-studded Barcelona.

Appointment welcomed Trinidad and Tobago’s captain Aubrey David and Greece-based striker Levi Garcia have welcomed the appointment of former player Dwight Yorke as the new senior Soca Warriors head coach. They both believe Yorke’s appointment augurs well for the future of

the Soca Warriors setup, and both have pointed to his experience and knowledge of the game as key components to nurture young talent, and by extension drive development.

“I’m excited about Dwight Yorke’s appointment. His experience and knowledge of the game would be a massive plus for us. He has played at the highest level, and led our country to our first World Cup, so he surely knows what it takes to get us there again,” Guatemalabased defender David has said. “I am very hopeful that his leadership will inspire a new era of success and development in Trinidad and Tobago football,” he added. Garcia has echoed similar sentiments while pointing out that the former Manchester United star also has the huge task of qualifying the Twin Island Republic to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

“I wish him all the best. I think he can get the job done. I really and truly believe that with the experience that he has had and all that he has done, hopefully, it could work out with his coaching career, and we could come together as one and give the country that boost,” Garcia has said.

“Hopefully, he will be able to bring out the best, not only in the team, but in some of the youngsters, to secure their future,” he noted.

(Sportsmax)

Anacondas defeat Jaguars by 25 runs in GCB/BetCageSports

T20

tournament

runs from 45 overs in order to advance to the semifinals, Tucber Park lost openers Kuten and De Jonge for 02 and 01 respectively through the pacy bowling of Raffel McKenzie. Reduced to 12 for 2 in the 3rd over, the Tucber team never recovered, and were eventually dismissed for 120 scored in 27.2 overs.

Mc Pherson produced a solid, unbeaten 43 runs which had five boundaries, while Sinclair’s 20 offered some resistance at the end.

McKenzie, with figures of 2 for 23; Munesh Rampersaud, who took 2 for 20; and Dinesh Singh, who took 3 for 7, were the best bowlers for Rose Hall Town, while medium pacer Reddi’s 1 for 18 and off spinner Balraj Narine’s 1 for 19 were also reasonable contributions.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ BetCAGESports’ National T20 League witnessed some exciting action on Friday, as the Essequibo Anacondas got the better of their county- mates Essequibo Jaguars by 25 runs in a match played at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

Batting first, Essequibo Anacondas posted 154/7, with Kevon Boodie jumped-starting the innings with 19 runs scored from 8 deliveries. Richie Looknauth and Orin Gibson also got starts of 22 (from 17) and 35 (from 23) respectively. Captain Anthony Adams produced a run-a-ball 26, and Sagar Hitiramani’s 25 came from 18 deliveries. These were the other notable scorers, after Kevon Boodie had fallen to Joshua Jones in the 3rd over, when the score was at 30/1.

Richie Looknauth and Orin Gibson then controlled the innings with a 40-run partnership after Abdul Ramsammy and Quentin Sampson had gone cheaply, before Adams and Hitiramani shepherd the Anacondas with a 48 (37)- run partnership to their eventual score of 154/7 off 20 overs.

Bowling for Jaguars, former national allrounder Rajiv Ivan collected 3 wickets for 20 runs off his 4 overs, while

Jones, Adams and LaFleur each grabbed one. In reply, Essequibo Jaguars lost Tomani Caesar in the first over, then Joemal LaFleur and Leon Andrews in the 3rd, when the score was on 20-3. The in-form Zeynul Ramsammy and Rajiv Ivan tried to rebuild the innings after a shaky start with a 44-run partnership from 42 balls; but the impressive Ramsammy went for a responsible 25(27) in the 11th over, when the score was on 64-4; and Ivan departed for 29 in the 15th over.

Kandaiya Ramkarran tried to keep the Jaguars hunting with a top score of

38(28), which included (5×4) and 1 maximum, but the Anacondas were already firmly coiled around the Jaguars, and eventually squeezed them to 129/8 off the allotted overs. Quentin Sampson eventually took the Player of the Match accolade with 3 wickets for 10 runs off his 4 overs, while Abdul Ramsammy and Garfield Phillips ably assisted with 2 wickets each, and Richie Looknauth took a scalp.

The National T20 League, powered by BetCAGESports, was scheduled to continue with a double header on Saturday at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) ground, ECD.

Player of the match, Quentin Sampson, receiving his award

Matthew Perriera Tameshwar Deonandan

(from left) Levi Garcia, Dwight Yorke, and Aubrey David

New Soca Warriors Head Coach, Dwight Yorke

In the battle of captain's centuries, there was one clear winner: Liam Livingstone's devastating 124 not out from 85 balls trumped Shai Hope's far more sedate 117, as England sealed victory in the second ODI by five wickets.

That it was Livingstone's maiden 50-over century is one thing; but leading an inexperienced group -- the responsibility he assumed to see England home in a chase of 329 -- and squaring the series at 1-1 in such jaw-dropping fashion, is worthy of the highest praise.

The tourists had looked ‘up against it’ after Phil Salt's 59 and Jacob Bethell's 55 - his maiden international half-century - had been the only scores of note in the top four. But a watchful stand between Livingstone and Sam Curran (52) evolved into a match-twisting epic of 140 from just 107 balls.

The acceleration at the end, which brought victory with 15 balls to spare, is best showcased in the breakdown of Livingstone's approach into

ENGLAND WIN SQUARES SERIES

– Liam Livingstone trumps Shai Hope in battle of captain's hundreds

Earlier in the day, Hope’s 17th century had seemingly done the main graft to put West Indies in a commanding position at the halfway stage with 328 for 6, meaning England needed to complete the second-highest ODI runchase in the Caribbean.

Hope arrived at the start of the fourth over, and batted through to the end of the 47th. There was vital support from Keacy Carty, whose 71 came in a third-wicket stand of 143; and from Sherfane Rutherford, whose punchy 54 provided the majority of 79 for the fourth. Cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and Matthew Forde helped ransack 93 from the final 10 overs, even if Livingstone's final flourish make that look well below par.

Livingstone's decision to bowl after winning the toss was immediately vindicated by the removal of both West Indies openers in the first 19 deliveries. John Turner was responsible for both initial strikes as he took his first wickets in international crick-

the final 10 overs, with 100 still to get. He headed into this period on 46 from 57, before striking 78 off his final 28 deliveries.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie - 4 for 41 in the first ODI - was taken down for 14 and 16 at the start of the back straight, to nurse his worst figures of 0 for 71.

Jayden Seales was carted for 26 in an over, before debutant Shamar Joseph was thumped for 24. No one was safe. All in all, Livingstone thumped nine sixes among his 14 boundaries.

Aside from a hacked edge from Livingstone on four, which flew between Hope and a wide first slip, there was little Hope could do to turn back the tide.

et. The second wicket was the prized one of Evin Lewis, the hero of the first ODI, who was snared down the leg side for just four following Thursday's match-winning 94.

But things unravelled, characterised by England's use of nine bowlers for only the second time in ODIs. That they could have dismissed Hope on 60 also cut them deep.

From 12 for 2, consolidation was the initial aim of Hope and Carty, who could have been removed on eight. An English squeeze involved three fielders at backward point, but Bethell - the middle of them - could only palm a skewed drive from Carty, which would have given Turner a third dismissal.

The pair made it out of the Powerplay on 41 for 2, a figure bumped up in the 10th over by Hope's first boundary - a stunning back-foot launch over extra cover for six off Turner. A brace of straight drives off Saqib Mahmood - the only change to the XI from the first ODI, with Jamie Overton sitting out - and a second six, lofting Adil Rashid over cover, was then followed by some quiet rotation.

Once satisfied the early losses had been offset, risks were taken to lift the run-rate. However, having cleared midwicket, after Bethell dropped short, to bring up his 42nd fifty-plus score from 66 deliveries, he made a botched defensive push that should have brought his innings to an end on 60, but an edge off Bethell bounced out of the hands of Salt behind the stumps.

Carty was soon moving to his fourth ODI fifty from 62 deliveries. He was then given two lives when a top-edge took Turner over the boundary at deep fine leg, then the fielder dropped a far simpler chance off the very next ball. Both came as Archer nailed his short-ball plans.

That miss, however, cost only three runs, as Rashid returned to bowl Carty through the gate at the start of the 31st.

But that brought Rutherford to the crease, and he ended up striking seven boundaries - three of them sixes - for a fifth half-century from just 35 deliveries. Though he was dismissed a ball latercaught at deep cover in attempting to replicate the six over the same region that took him to fifty - Hetmyer's breezy 24 off 11 kept the pressure on. He was also dropped on 2 by Will Jacks down at long-on.

Once Hetmyer was dismissed, caught by Archer at gully off a Rashid googly, Hope pressed down on the accelerator. After leaning into a drive off his 118th delivery to move to 100, he smeared Rashid for a four and six to wide long-on as 13 was taken off the 36-year-old's final over.

Hell-bent on throwing his bat at everything sent his way, Hope misread a slower delivery from Archer and it was well-taken by Livingstone charging in from long-off.

Forde then carried the baton for the final straight, striking three successive sixes off Mahmood in the final over to lift the hosts to 328 for 6.

England shot themselves in the foot with four dropped catches, and were also guilty of spurning opportunities

to make immediate amends with the bat. Salt looked on his way to redemption, carrying the start of the innings on his back, shrugging off the loss of Jacks in the fifth over to contribute 36 of England's first fifty runs.

When Shamar Joseph, making his ODI debut with his namesake Alzarri rested, bounced out Jordan Cox for an agonising 4 off 19 deliveries, Bethell arrived to take England to 107 for 3 by the 20over mark.

Both were to be blamed

for relinquishing control. Salt skied the first ball of Forde's new spell at the start of the 21st for 59, then Bethell dumped Roston Chase into the hands of long-off, after reaching a maiden international fifty.

But the duo of Livingstone and Curran, players still with much to prove despite their experience, refused to panic. Curran initially took the reins as the aggressor, starting smartly with a six off Motie,

having noticed an extra fielder in the outfield meant the umpires would call it a noball. He contributed 31 of the initial 50 for the fifth wicket, before Livingstone, after five overs without a boundary heading into the final 10, decided it was going to be all on him.

The starter’s pistol was set with a charge off Motie down the ground to bring up Livingstone's fifty from 60 deliveries, before he signed off the 41st over with a slogsweep over deep midwicket off the very next delivery. Backto-back sixes in Motie's next over - the second bringing up the century stand from 92also found the grass banks. Pace was then put back on the ball, which played further into Livingstone's favour. When Curran was dismissed a ball after the skipper had nudged his 77th ball down the ground to move to 100, Dan Mousley played his part to a tee by simply dabbing singles. The most important came at the start of the 48th over, giving Livingstone the strike for the honour of hitting the winning run. (ESPNCricInfo)

Sam Curran 3-0-17-0

Dan Mousley 2-0-17-0

England (T: 329 runs from 50 ovs) Phil Salt †c Motie

b Forde 59

Will Jacks c Lewis

b Forde 12

Jordan Cox c †Hope

b Joseph 4

Jacob Bethell c Seales b Chase 55

Liam Livingstone (c) not out 124

Sam Curran c Hetmyer b Forde 52

Dan Mousley not out 4

Extras (b 2, lb 8, nb

O-M-R-W

Jofra Archer 9-1-40-1

John Turner 6-0-42-2 Saqib Mahmood 8-0-56-0 Adil Rashid 10-0-62-2 Liam Livingstone 7-0-56-1 Jacob Bethell 3-0-20-0

Will Jacks 2-0-16-0

8.3-0-48-3

Jayden Seales 8-0-66-0

Shamar Joseph 10-0-72-1

Gudakesh Motie 9-0-71-0

Sherfane Rutherford 2-0-9-0

Roston Chase 10-0-53-1

Liam Livingstone scored a maiden ODI century

Shai Hope's 17th ODI hundred underpinned West Indies total

Phil Salt's half-century underpinned England's run-chase

John Turner claimed Brandon King as his maiden international wicket

IMemorial International Championships slated for next year

and weight divisions.

GBA

thrown the fraternity into a state of mourning.

n an effort to honour his legacy following his unexpected passing, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) would be staging the inaugural Terrence Poole Memorial International Boxing Championships in October 2025.

Intended to be an annual affair, the event would feature participation from several Caribbean nations, and would be open to all age categories

Technical Director Terrence Poole passed away unexpectedly on October 2 at the age of 60. According to reports, Poole complained of feeling unwell following the conclusion of his routine morning jog, and was rushed to the hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing. His unfortunate passing had

Republic Bank U18 League continues today

While there aren’t as yet any clearcut leaders, several schools have already displayed their prowess as the Republic Bank Under-18 Schools’ Football League heads into Round 2 today at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Round 1 ended with

Dolphin Secondary triumphing over West Ruimveldt Secondary in a nail-biting 3-1 encounter. Collen Frank David and Shaquile Dalrymple netted for Dolphin, while Donavon Welcome pulled one back for West Ruimveldt for a consolation goal.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle has said, “Terrence Poole’s legacy and contribution to boxing are unquestionable. This is a simple but significant step in immortalising Poole’s legacy, which has been instrumental in the devel opment of the sport, and which in the long term has afforded the associ ation, and by exten sion the nation, the platform to dominate to the Englishspeaking Caribbean.”

sport. He is convinced that administrators of Poole’s ilk are hard to find in the sport’s fraternity, and has said this lends further credence to the important place Poole had been accorded within the sport.

Ninvalle further said,

According to Ninvalle, Poole was an exceptional administrator, who was able to provide the necessary support and guidance to the community, given his experience, overall knowledge, and love for the

“As an administrator, his love for the sport was second to none, and this was evident not only in his work ethic, but in his interactions and relationships with the local and regional fraternity. He will certainly be hard to replace, not only locally, but also regionally, given his contributions towards the development of the sport in the region. Poole’s passing leaves a massive hole

that simply cannot be filled overnight. He will surely be missed, both inside and outside the squared circle. He was boxing.”

The 60-year-old boxing stalwart had been heavily involved in development of the sport in Guyana and the Caribbean Region, and had worked for decades as a Boxing Coach in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) -- factors which had landed him a National Award, the Medal of Service, back in 2019.

During his own Boxing career, which began back in 1982, Poole claimed bronze and gold medals at the Caribbean Championships, Central American and Caribbean Games, and Pan American Games; and he had also featured in the quarterfinal segment of the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

Excitement builds for Superbike showdown at ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions

TSuperbike category on November 10, with a thrilling lineup of rid ers competing across the Super Stock A, Super Stock B, and Street Bike classes at the South Dakota Circuit.

Round 1 ended with defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation, Bartica Secondary, Waramuri Secondary and Dolphin Secondary on the winners’ side.

Today’s action will kick off at 12:00hrs with West Ruimveldt and Bartica Secondary going head-to-head, while East Ruimveldt and Dolphin Secondary will lock horns at 13:30hrs.

President’s College would be looking to bag their first three points of the League when they take on Waramuri Secondary from 15:00hrs, and the day’s action would end with a tantalizing clash between Chase’s Academic Foundation and South Ruimveldt Secondary, slated to commence at 16:30hrs.

Based on the results of Round 1, Chase’s Academic Foundation and Bartica Secondary are both ahead of their counterparts, and each has three points and a goal difference of 4.

Dolphin Secondary follow with an equal 3 points and a goal difference of 2, while Waramuri also have three points but lag behind on account of a goal difference of 1.

The Republic Bankpowered League is set to span 7 weeks, with the 7th and final round tentatively scheduled to be played on Sunday, December 1st. the tournament is also sponsored by Guyana Beverage Inc (GBI) under their Busta brand; MVP Sports and Tiger Rentals, with support from the Ministries of Education, and of Culture, Youth and Sport.

aiming for a strong finish and a chance to shake up the leaderboard. In the Street Bike class, championship leader Adrian Mohab would feel the heat from contenders like Jermaine Chattersingh, Fitzpatrick Augustus, Elwin Chase and Ray Cappell. These riders are prepared to make Mohab's path to victory a challenging one. Fresh talent would also join the fray as new riders line up for their first taste of competition — a sign of the sport's continuous growth and commitment to bringing new talent into the arena.

In the Super Stock A championship, all eyes will be on the intense rivalry between Matthew Vieira and Kevin Persaud as they battle for the top spot.

Adding to the excitement, British Superbike rider Dan Linfoot has been confirmed to compete at the local circuit, along with Guyana's own Stephen Vieira, who is making the final preparations. Together, they promise fans a fierce and dynamic competition.

Nicholas Boodram, defending his title in Super Stock B, is currently leading the championship, but faces intense competition from Alain Hopkinson, who is determined to take the top spot on race day. Dowayne Caesar, Shem Chattersingh, and Leroy Cort are joining the group, and each

The ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions promises high-speed action, intense rivalries, and the spirit of fierce competition as these skilled riders aim for the podium. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere and a day packed with unmissable Superbike action.

For next Sunday’s action, a general admission ticket is priced at $4000, while a child’s admission ticket is priced at $2000. A ticket to the DJ Stress Fan Zone Hospitality Suite costs $5000 for adults and $3000 for children. On the other hand, a ticket to the AJM Elite Zone is priced at $25,000, and an exclusive race day experience is offered. General tickets are available at the GMR&SC Office, while interested patrons can contact DJ Stress at 609-5100 or AJM Elite Zone at 722-3201 for hospitality tickets.

Action in the Republic Bank League continues today

GBA President, Steve Ninvalle