Mabaruma woman busted with cocaine, ganja during police raid
DDL announces entry of Savannah Milk into Barbados market Touring South America on bicycle: Chilean rider Carlos Borquez amazed by scenery & people Japanese tourist robbed at knifepoint along Cemetery Road Teen on attempted murder charge remanded to Juvenile Holding Centre Mother who delivered stillborn recounts unpleasant experience at N/A hospital
Sunday, October 13 – 00:30hrs - 02:00hrs and Sunday, October 13 –12:00hrs - 12:45hrs
Sunday, October 13 – 13:10h-14:40h and Monday, October 14
Auditor General 2023 Report Govt recovers almost $300M in overpayments on 74 contracts
– most regions able to recoup prior year overpayments
The Auditor General’s 2023 report has highlighted progress made not only by regional administrations but also by Ministries when it comes to addressing issues related to overpayments of salaries and contracts, with almost $300 million in overpayments recovered.
According to the AG report, as many as 752 contracts totalling $47.4 billion were examined by the Auditor General and his team. Of these, there were a total of $299.1 million in overpayments on 74 contracts.
“Sums totaling $212.800 million were in relation to forty-one Contracts under the Ministries, while $86.300 million, under thirty-three Contracts, were recorded under the Regional Democratic Councils (RDC),” the report stated.
“At the time of reporting in September 2024, all overpayments were recovered
Board (NPTAB) to Trinidad company Kalco Guyana Incorporated, had to be terminated in May 2024 by the Ministry of Public Works.
This was after the contractor failed to complete the works within the contractual timeframe. At the time the contract was terminated, advance payments had also not been fully recovered, resulting in the Ministry valuing the sums owed by the contractor at $152 million. A decision was taken to seize the contractor’s assets, to recoup this sum.
“It was noted that the Ministry by way of a mutual settlement agreement, which was prepared in conjunction with the Attorney General's Office, took ownership of the Contractor’s equipment as part of the settlement for sums of money owed to the Ministry. The equipment, with a total estimated value of $153.600 million was inspected
pleted its lot on time to the tune of some $1 billion.
Back in April 2024, during a meeting with representatives of Ministries and agencies responsible for awarding and monitoring government contracts, President Dr Irfaan Ali ordered that penalties out-
by repayment of sums overpaid, and by Contractors completing unfinished or outstanding works for which payments had already been received.”
Perhaps one of the most well-known cases where money had to be recovered from a contractor, was the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street contract. That contract, which was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration
and valued by the Senior Mechanical Engineer from the Ministry of Public Works,” the report states.
The contract has meanwhile since been given to S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Incorporated, which was applying the final touches to the project as of last month.
S. Jagmohan Construction had already been working on the first lot of the $1.8 billion project and had com-
lined in several government contracts be enforced for companies that continue to default on their contractual obligations.
In the case of overpayments on salaries, at least one Ministry has taken this issue by the horns in order to eliminate such lapses. According to the report, the Ministry of Health has been having weekly contact with supervisors to ascertain staff attendance.
Further, supervisors have been tasked with reporting resignations and job abandonment, in order to ensure faster reporting and action. When it comes to its ongoing efforts to recover overpayments, the report noted that assistance has been sought from both the Solicitor General and Accountant General.
The report states that progress has also been made at the level of the regional administrations when it comes to recovering overpayments. For instance, in Region One (Barima/ Waini), the regional administration had fully recovered overpayments on salaries that were flagged in the 2022 report.
Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) overpayment on construction, as flagged in the 2022 report, was also recovered. In Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), overpayment on salaries for staff was one of the recommendations that had been fully implemented, meaning the monies recovered.
In Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni), overpayments on contracts were recovered by the region. Meanwhile, in Region Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni), overpayments on salaries and three instances of overpayments on contracts were also recovered. In Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the region managed to recover two overpayments on contracts. (G-3)
Dennis Street to Conversation Tree at the time of termination of the contract earlier this year
With the contract having been awarded to another company, this was the progress as of last month
We were the supposed location of Manoa, the “City of Gold”, where Walter Raleigh led an expedition in 1595 to find El Dorado (the Gilded One), who covered his body in gold. But it was not until the 1890s that gold was discovered and exploited in commercial quantities here. Instead, from 1621, agriculture – primarily sugar, but also cotton and coffee – was the raison d’etre for our existence as colonies of first the Dutch, and then the British. As with most colonial powers, Guyana was a producer of primary products in agriculture - for instance, brown sugar. This was shipped to Europe, where its refining into value-added white sugar helped kick off the Industrial Revolution. To this day, Guyana does not have a sugar refinery - epitomizing our deliberate “underdevelopment”.
The production of sugar for consumption in Europe, however, created the first agri-business: large acreage dedicated to producing a crop with organized labour – first slave, then indentured – under a centrally directed administration that also owned factories to process the product for export. Towards the end of the 19th century, Indian indentured labourers brought in to replace African slaves on the sugar plantations introduced a second commercial crop – rice. With Independence, the PNC government took control of the rice industry in the 1960s by mandating it purchase all production. It nationalized the sugar industry in 1976, after imposing a levy on all exports. These actions ruined both industries by the 1980s.
The return of a free market economy, in 1989, via an IMF Structural Adjustment Programme allowed these two mainstays of the economy to readjust. However, the long years of undercapitalization of the sugar factories took their toll. Coupled with the loss of preferential European markets after 2006 and the failure of the Skeldon Modernization Project, sugar continued its nosedive. The PNC’s 2015 unilateral decision to ignore its COI recommendation: to inject funds into the industry to bring it to a point of sale in three years and close four estates, was the death blow. The PPP government, assuming office in Aug 2020, has done yeoman labour to salvage it, but sugar will never occupy the place it once did on the agricultural charts.
Government has, meanwhile, taken the bold step to take the lead in Caricom to reduce food imports by 25% by 2025. The global crisis in the food supply chain has finally convinced regional leaders that they must address the US$6 billion annual food import bill. This will be a Herculean task, but our government has launched a plethora of initiatives, funded by hundreds of billions in the last few years, to achieve this goal. It hosted a Regional Agri-Investment Forum where four areas were identified for priority action: Food insecurity, transportation, trade barriers, and women and youth in agriculture. This attracted regional and extra-regional interest and participation, not only in our primary production potential of soya, corn and other crops in our Intermediate Savannahs, but also in the vibrant, local, value-added, agro-processing capabilities. The central thrust of the agricultural drive is to diversify production away from the colonial mono-crop model through greater use of innovations in the agricultural sector.
The war in Ukraine disrupted the supply of wheat - and as such, flour - and this has spurred efforts to introduce new varieties that can be successfully cultivated under our tropical conditions. The privately run rice industry, however, has been exporting around 600,000 tonnes of rice annually, and the Government has challenged them to reach 800,000 tonnes by 2025. They have assured that higher-yielding and more climateand-pest-resilient crop varieties would be supplied, along with the infrastructural D&I and farm-to-market roads.
Guyana always had the potential, not only to be selfsufficient in beef and milk production, but to also supply the Region, and new breeds are being introduced to realize this potential. The introduction of Black Belly sheep from Barbados illustrates the drive for diversification in all facets of agriculture. Forward to the 21st century with agriculture again at the forefront!!
on Saturday, October 12
Call for a public cultural programme during Modi’s visit
Dear Editor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Caribbean in November, and Guyana has been chosen as the host country. As has been a tradition in every country he visits, the PM should be given a public diaspora programme.
Modi-ji has had a lifelong history of engaging the diaspora. He did not engage the diaspora when he was a student meeting visiting Indians in Delhi and elsewhere in India during the 1970s, and engaging Shri Raviji-Maharaj and Indrani Rampersad of Trinidad and Swami Aksharananda of Guyana as well as students from other countries. He engaged the diaspora when he was a pracharak (volunteer) in the 1980s and 1990s, and as assistant to BJP leader LK Advani (1990s), as General Secretary of BJP (1998-2001), as Chief Minister (2001-14), and as Prime Minister (from 2014).
In visits to New York and New Jersey, he engaged Guyanese and Trinidadians. Ditto at international conferences in Washington and Trinidad, and his private visit to Guyana (2000). He and Ravi Dev exchanged ideas when they sat on the same dais at a 1993 conference in Washington. He and Dr Vijay Naraynsingh held discussions in Washington, and again in Trinidad. He engaged Swami Aksharananda and Ravi Dev, and met other Guyanese, including me, in Trinidad.
In all of his global conferences, in the USA and
Trinidad, and in his visit to Guyana, he has cherished mingling with and engaging diaspora people, and he has always looked forward to those experiences. He has yearned to know about the diaspora experience, and has yet to turn down a public engagement with the diaspora in all of his travels.
Meeting the diaspora has energized him. He expressed how pleased he was when he travelled abroad and saw Indian culture being embraced in other countries. He has lauded foreigners for embracing Indian culture, and the diaspora for maintaining ancestral culture and links to India.
Wherever Prime Minister Modi visited overseas, the diaspora felt honoured to host him. Modi’s engagement with the Indian diaspora has become a regular feature when he travels abroad, deepening ties with the motherland. He was hosted for a conclave with the diaspora in so many countries, including Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Singapore, Seychelles, Malaysia, and other countries that received indentured Indian labourers.
Modi also had diaspora engagements in developed countries like Australia, the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Holland, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, among others. In all of his travels, the PM has been known to captivate large audiences. The largescale diaspora events have become a significant part of his
diplomacy. The engagements have had a huge impact on the diaspora, building up their morale and confidence, and cementing with India the connection which should never be broken.
He has always emphasized unity with other groups in the countries where Indians have settled. He also saluted them for the pride they have shown in India in their identity, and in the host country where they reside. He praised their optimism in their future and in the future of India and that of the countries where they have lived.
The PM always acknowledged the global influence of Indian culture, yoga and cuisine, that attracts the interests of non-Indians or foreigners. Modi is also known to extol the great work of the diaspora in strengthening relations between India and the adopted or host country, and for their contributions to the development of the host country. He often refers to the diaspora as “Rashtradoot” (ambassadors of India). He always praised their “unmatched” skill, talent, work ethic, investment in, and contributions to their adopted countries, and their abiding commitment to Mother India and countries of domicile.
Modi (as PM) is yet to visit Caribbean countries that experienced indentureship. A visit to Guyana is being finalized as the PM travels to Rio for the G20 Summit in November (18, 19). Caribbean people are looking forward for a visit that is long overdue.
It would be an honour to have a public diaspora programme for the visiting PM to showcase to the 1.4 billion Indians in India our Guyanese and Caribbean hospitality and culture. Modi’s fever is being echoed in the Caribbean diaspora as they eagerly look forward for Prime Minister Modi’s much-anticipated visit. The last time a Prime Minister of India had visited was Indira Gandhi in October 1968, over 56 years ago.
Caribbean community organizations should come together and plan a public programme for the PM. A public programme or outreach with the Indian Caribbean diaspora, at which all (regardless of ethnicity) are invited locally and around the region, would add to the elegance and tradition of the PM’s visit. Such a programme would give impetus to India furthering ties with the Caribbean, especially towards investment and towards cooperation in development.
A diaspora programme would continue as a signature act whenever he visits another country as a part of India’s foreign policy.
The Modi visit and a diaspora programme would be a testament to a renewed commitment by New Delhi to bridging the gap between the potential and reality of Delhi’s reach in the Caribbean, boosting the prospect of soft power and political influence.
Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram
Isaac Thompson, a 63-year-old resident of Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo, is now the proud owner of a two-bedroom home, courtesy of the Men on Mission (MOM) initiative. He received the key to his new home from Minister Deodat Indar and members of MOM
A flustering Opposition is still fussing, fuming and frothing
Dear Editor,
It was Desmond Tutu who stated, “Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely to realize our need for one another.”
From a Caribbean nation born and bred from one race, the Indigenous people, explorers came to this land and created the foundation to accommodate the eventuality of six races, with the existential reciprocity of time and tide.
Historically, this land of many waters evidentially became British Guiana as England laid a final stake to claim it as her colony. As people gravitated to a new way of life after being imported forcefully and/or voluntarily, their interconnectivity produced a network to provide the advent of mixed races to augment the compilation of a newly popu-
lated status quo.
Independence in 1966 gave birth to Guyana, and the freedom of cementing differences along with the opportunity of meshing indifferences. From an impetus of direct and controlled mischief, the intrusion of power-drunk strides, industrial strikes and political strife, a seed was planted to ferment a nation of perpetual antagonism, bedded by the might of a Burnham dictatorship.
But 33 years of calamity under the gruesome PNC high-handed insolence massacred the suppressed people of Guyana to divide and control the masses. Burnham, Hoyte and Granger failed miserably to educate and inform Guyanese, so that they could be really free. The motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” was their party’s
dream, and not a reality.
This drama played out until 1992, when the centurion Jimmy Carter made the impossible possible and the father of the nation, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, was able to reclaim his rightful portfolio as President of Guyana. With his capable characteristics and culpable charisma, he was able to forge the beginning of the end of segregation. Followed by Janet Jagan’s short-lived torment by the antagonist PNC, the protagonist crosses the boundary of financial barriers, the youthful Bharrat Jagdeo blazed a trail of the fiery path to out the flame of bankruptcy, insolvency and autocracy.
His successor manifested in the form of an Olympic champion to continue the marathon race, bearing the blazing fire from a bright torch and shouldering the burden of
ensuring the baton is kept in possession and maintained towards the finishing line.
No other than the Leonorian Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali was identified to be the leader to lay the foundation for an unprecedented future, an unparallel path, and an unexplored adventure to rewrite the political, economic and sociological future for the country, the people, and by extension the Caribbean neighbours.
Entrusted with the vigour, vitality and veracity of confidence, Dr Ali rose to the expectation of his party, surpassed his anticipators, and quieted his naysayers with his outstanding performances.
The indomitable President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the persuasive dynamism which keeps the candle of hope lighted, the wheel of production
PNC and their unrealistic proposals
Dear Editor,
The PNC’s proposal that only those earning above GY $400,000 monthly will pay taxes on the difference (i.e., only on the portion above GY$400,000) seems appealing on the surface, but it’s economically unsustainable, and may result in serious consequences for the country.
Taxes form a significant part of Government revenue, which is crucial for funding public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security. By exempting a large portion of the population from paying taxes, Government would face a massive shortfall in revenue. This means less funding for essential services and national development, which can
lead to increased debt, cuts in public services, and even inflation if the Government tries to print more money to compensate.
The PNC’s proposal creates unrealistic expectations that the Government can function effectively with a reduced tax base. In practice, this is an empty promise because the Government would eventually need to either raise taxes in other forms (such as VAT or tariffs) or borrow heavily, which would hurt the same people they’re trying to help by increasing the cost of living.
Alternatively, critical services would suffer, leading to poorer quality of life, especially for the most vulnerable.
If only high earners are
taxed on a small portion of their income, the system becomes overly reliant on a shrinking tax base. This places an excessive burden on a small group of individuals and companies, which could discourage investments, drive talent away, or force businesses to relocate, further weakening the economy. A broad and balanced tax system ensures that all citizens contribute to national development according to their means, spreading the burden more equitably.
The proposal suggests a short-term political strategy rather than a well-thoughtout economic plan. It’s easy to promise tax cuts to win votes, but in practice, a country needs stable, predictable revenue streams to fund develop-
ment. This policy would lead to budget deficits, higher national debt, and potential economic instability in the long run. In conclusion, the PNC’s promise to tax only income above GY$400,000 is an unrealistic proposal aimed more at attracting votes than creating sustainable economic growth. While it might sound appealing, it would hurt the country by reducing essential revenues, creating unrealistic public expectations, and harming future development. It is a classic case of making empty promises without considering the long-term consequences.
Sincerely, Robert Allicock
President’s announcement of goodies is a step in the right direction, Opposition boycott regrettable
Dear Editor,
President Ali may go down in Guyanese history as the President who has accomplished the most in a first term of office. He is on the right track with the various measures announced for the ongoing development of Guyana.
I guess the Opposition knew they couldn’t take all the good news that would be announced, so jealousy led them to boycott the good news session.
Free UG education and free GOAL scholarships would resonate with everyone, especially the young folks. Even the mighty USA does not give free higher education!
Who can argue with $200,000 per household, health vouchers, and $10,000 tax credits per child?
The announcement that most excites me is the President’s commitment to fixing the lingering problems of the NIS (National Insurance Scheme) that had bedeviled the
General Manager and Finance Minister to fix. However, going forward, NIS needs a fundamental review, massive overhaul, and urgent reforms.
The Constitutional Commission must address the outdated operations, policies, and practices of the NIS, whose current form is rooted in a bygone era which has created numerous victims, many of whom have died not receiving the NIS promise of security in their most vulnerable years when they need it most.
Brickbats to all those who denied those victims their benefits – the various tribunals, the NIS Boards, the Finance Ministers, and NIS top brass. The President has done what all these folks have not done in decades.
I hope my almost 90-yearold cousin would finally get his payday. He had been pushed around for 30 years waiting to get his pension, despite appeals to the higherups. NIS missed a year of contribution
on his records. After initially telling him he never worked at Bermine, they subsequently said he had 740 contributions, but they were missing one year’s contributions.
Although we don’t have all the details of the plan, we trust the President’s intervention would remedy this decades-old wrongdoing by the NIS.
Now that the President is fixing NIS, the right thing will be for his government to withdraw the appeal of the Zainul case, where that poor working-class carpenter has been denied benefits although the court ruled in his favour. I ask the President to get the NIS folks to withdraw that appeal and pay the man and others their money.
I trust that as Government focuses on digitisation and modernization, funds would be allocated for reliable, highspeed Internet across the whole campus in schools, and funds would be allotted for a computer for every child and
teacher in educational institutions. Put funds in the 2025 budget so that every classroom has air conditioning and a big screen TV for integrating technology in instruction. That is critical for improvement, and would be a tipping point for education reform.
Finally, I appeal to the President to increase the minimum pay to $150,000 a month, instead of $100,000 as proposed. Mr. President, our most vulnerable are catching hell; poor people are punishing bad; cleaners, janitors, small vendors, security guards, domestics, landscape workers, clerks, secretaries, receptionists, sales, restaurant, and fast-food workers, among others, cannot survive on $100,000. That is why there is a revolving door of these types of workers in our ministries and businesses.
Mr. President, put poor people first!
Sincerely,
Dr Jerry Jailall
spinning, the scale of justice balancing, and the fire of zeal burning.
A restless personality, always on the hunt for perfection and prowling the field for hidden evidence, he sniffs in every nook and cranny to personally determine (not discover), the shortcomings of any adversities affecting any resident personally or any community holistically.
As the President faces the nation, he stands tall in making the case with the Guyanese dialogue as he addresses issues in the news. His perpetual “President’s Outreach” program solidifies this quantified fact and qualifies his robust enthusiasm. His busy schedule is sensitized to visit all the regions and communities without fear or favour.
As the President spends invaluable time with all Guyanese, the critics will observe that there is no room to plant the seed of discrimination or room to vocalize the voice of disparity. He leaves no stone unturned and Dr. Ali’s humility does not preclude him from mixing, meeting and mingling with anyone.
President Ali’s unswerving loyalty to the people of Guyana is a testament to his continuous leading by example; leaning towards the man in the street; spending time listening to men, women and children; learning about the problems encountered by the citizens, community and country; lecturing as a grass roots teacher; levelling with the people and always leaving a satisfied audience with immediate remedial solutions.
It is because he mingles with the masses and does not stay in his office that he is in touch with reality, on top of
his administration, and is able to relate efficiently and effectively. Thus, his relief package presented last Thursday at the special 86th sitting of Guyana’s Twelfth Parliament came as no surprise, but one that was anxiously awaited by the people and promptly.
Notwithstanding its enormity, it is convincingly conceived as the tip of the iceberg, with a bigger package carefully wrapped for a later revelation. The appetizers are teasing, and the main course will be saturating. Guyanese will be able to devour a sumptuous holiday dinner as Guyana will not be denied a happy Christmas.
Carols are already in the mainstream to hit the air earlier than usual, but the Three Stooges, Ben, Bur and Brey, are busy bribing Mr Scrooge and Mr Grinch to work a miracle so that snow will storm its way to Guyana and snuff out the season! But that type of whiteout will be welcoming! The flustered Opposition was left fussing, fuming and frothing as they fizzled in a charade to parade their bamboozlement, befuddlement and bewilderment! While the PNC is concerned with the crowning effect that Guyanese will gobble up this handout and jump the ship next year, they are more worried with the thought that the PNC will be left out in the cold for another 28 years. That is not the Christmas gift they wrote to Santa for. But then, Guyana’s Father Christmas is President Irfaan Ali, Santa Clause himself. He unites One Guyana with peace, love and happiness.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
Over the last few weeks, under the rubric of “EMERGENCIES”, we have focused on various types of skin burns (and their causes) which could result in your pet’s death, if not treated immediately and with great urgency, even while you seek to involve professional help. We have dealt with emergencies related to electric shocks, and the harmful effects of excessive sun rays.
Today, we will specifically cast our attention to the pet’s confrontation with toxic (poisonous) agents and materials. As with skin burns, many of the poison episodes experienced by companion animals are caused by caregivers inadvertently placing them in harm’s way; that is to say: toxic substances have inadvertently
POISONS EMERGENCIES (continued)
been placed in a location where they can easily be available for ingestion by the pet.
Additionally, pets encounter toxic compounds which are
rubbed and sprinkled onto the skin via the usage of shampoos, oils, and powders. All poisons do not have the same/similar courses of action after entering the animal’s
body. Some poisons may attack either the blood or its circulatory system; while others may decrease/ destroy the function of the Central Nervous System.
PLACING TOXIC SUBSTANCES ON THE PET’S SKIN TO REMOVE ECTOPARASITES
(e.g. ticks, mites, fleas, lice, etc.)
It is imperative that I stress that dogs do not need constant baths. (Cats clean themselves thoroughly without your assistance). Every time you complete the bathing exercise, you will notice that the first thing that your dog does, after the bath, is to rub itself in the grass/sand/soil probably to remove the intolerable scent that you have just placed on the
poor animal. For you, the smell is pleasant. After all, you don’t want your pet pooch to “smell like dog”. I am sorry to inform you that it is a dog, and regardless of what you do, it will
have the odour of a dog, and it will find the scents you place on it repulsive, disgusting, and unacceptable.
The message of this contention is that dogs must not be bathed often; rather, they must be combed and brushed at least every other day. This type of grooming stimulates the blood circulation in the skin, and has a lot more positive values relative to the skin’s /hair’s health. It also allows you to bond with your pet and be more attentive to the condition of the skin (lesions, hair matting, growths, and the presence of ectoparasites such as ticks, fleas, lice and mites).
Because we live in the tropics, ectoparasites abound - many of which are blood-sucking and diseasetransmitting agents. You cannot leave these parasites on the animal’s skin. You must take positive action in trying to remove them. And you may very likely turn to insecticides and dangerous chemicals which
bury themselves deeper into the superficial skin layers. This creates an itch, which the pet tries to counter by biting at its own skin - thus ingesting the poison. So, you have a double whammy – ingestion as well as the poison itself being absorbed by and through the skin and getting into the bloodstream.
If enough of the poison (chemical) gets into the bloodstream, it is then carried to all of the cells, tissues, and organs of the body. You see where we are going with this! Your well-meaning intention has led to the poisoning of your pet.
The physiologically important functions of the body begin to shut down - and death is approaching.
Pet owners often tell me that the sellers should have told them about the dangers of the chemicals. Well, you are dealing with a dangerous substance with a potentially deadly end effect. Perhaps you should ask your vet about the
are easily obtainable over the counter.
The advice on the usage of these over-the-counter products is often given by the vendor, who is more than likely non-knowledgeable of the
chemicals, dosage rates, and dangers before purchasing and administering them.
I swear organophosphates (Sevin dust, Supona, etc.), Triatox and Jeyes Fluid, and old engine oil kill more home
consequences of the properties of the chemical.
Or you might follow the dosage rate which is printed on the container and then inopportunely add a little more than what is recommended. Or you might overlook the fact that the chemical may not be safe for puppies.
The problem arises when the toxic chemical begins to act by killing, say, the fleas.
The fleas, in an attempt to escape the poison, tend to
animals than any of the terrible canine diseases, like Distemper or Parvovirus or Leptospirosis. Do not assume that the vendor has in-depth knowledge of the chemical you have purchased. Your vet is your best bet!
The antidote for organophosphate poisoning is a drug called Atropine. Only your vet would have the product and be qualified to administer it. Next week, we shall deal with other poisons, e.g. “Rat Bait”.
E-gates installed at CJIA to streamline processing of passengers
– will cater to facial recognition, security checks for watch-listed persons
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)
Government has installed new e-gates at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which will not only help to streamline the process for passengers traversing the facility but also enhance security checks to international standards.
The announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali, on his social media page, where he noted that these new electronic gates will “streamline processing for incoming and outgoing passengers” and will be up to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
According to the Head of State, the key features of these e-gates include autonomous immigration processing that performs security checks on passports worldwide; validation of chip passports according to ICAO standards coupled with future support for Guyana’s e-ID and facial recognition technology for identity verification using an advanced algorithm.
“It is also integrated with the ABIS (Automated Biometric Identification System) for real-time passenger updates, with automated checks for ED form correct-
ness. It can process six passengers simultaneously with oversight from a single officer,” the President said.
“The enhanced security measures will prevent unauthorised access and allow complete visibility for officers through glass panels. It also features a monitoring station for effective passenger flow management and automatic detention of watch-listed individuals. These improvements aim to reduce processing times and enhance overall airport efficiency significantly.”
The installation of these e-gates comes on the heels of the Guyana Government
Exxon’s combined investments in Guyana will hit US$55B by 2027 – Routledge
– work on ‘ONE GUYANA’ FPSO to be completed by year-end
ExxonMobil Guyana has said that its combined investments in Guyana, where it is currently producing oil in the Stabroek block, will hit US$55 billion in 2027 by which time its fifth and sixth projects will come on stream.
ExxonMobil Guyana currently has several projects in the development phase in Guyana, such as its Yellowtail project which will be serviced by the ONE GUYANA Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. During a recent press conference, the company’s President Alistair Routledge, spoke of these investments and the collective value they bring.
“Next up of course is the Yellowtail Project, which develops the Yellowtail, some Tilapia reservoirs. That is on course, as planned, by the end of 2025. The FPSO is in Singapore. All of the modules have been fabricated and installed on the topsides of the FPSO.”
“And the company over there is integrating all those modules, so they are fully integrated. Both from a controls point of view and then, of course, fluids that flow between the different units and modules on the FPSO,” Routledge said.
According to the oil executive, work on this FPSO is expected to conclude by this year’s end, followed by the vessel being christened in January and arriving in Guyana in the 2025 second quarter. When the ONE GUYANA FPSO, comes on stream, it will produce as much as 250,000 barrels of oil per day. Taking Exxon’s next fourth, fifth and sixth projects into account, the company’s investments offshore Guyana will be US$55 billion by 2027.
“We anticipate that work will be concluding around the end of this year. We’re looking forward to a naming ceremony and christening of the vessel, in early January, prior to the vessel setting sail in the first quarter. And it should arrive in Guyana in the second quarter of 2025. A lot of the subsea installation activities have been ongoing. Drilling, the production development wells, all of that is on course so we’ll be able to bring everything together and then integrate installation campaigns through the summer.”
“So very much on schedule and you’ll recall this FPSO is the first one that starts with a planned capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. We’re also moving on schedule for the Uaru Project, The fifth project and development, and the Whiptail Project. Both of those are slated for the 2027 start-up. The teams continue to work towards earlier dates if possible. But the good news is that those are feasible. Those collective six projects bring the combined investment commitment in Guyana to some US$55 billion.”
Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Exxon’s local subsidiary, is the operator of the Stabroek Block, and
holds a 45 per cent interest then, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd 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.
At present, Exxon is producing oil from three developments offshore Guyana… the Liza Phase One and Two, which use the Liza Destiny and Unity FPSO and the Payara Project, which uses the Prosperity FPSO. All these projects are located in the Stabroek block.
The Prosperity FPSO vessel started pumping oil in November of last year and so far, its daily production rate has risen to above 200,000 barrels of oil. Combined, the Liza Destiny, Unity and Prosperity FPSO vessels produced over 625,000 barrels of oil per day.
Guyana is expected to pump out over 220 million barrels of oil for the entirety of 2024. It is estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production will climb to 810,000 barrels per day by 2027. Additionally, Exxon has already received approvals for and is advancing preparatory works on its fifth and sixth projects, Uaru and Whiptail. (G-3)
moving to have the CJIA go paperless as part of a broader digitalisation vision for public services across the country. Only last month, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed plans to implement an automated border management system at the CJIA and then at the other ports of entry across the country.
This automated border management system, part of the PPP/C Government’s digitalisation programme will allow persons entering the country to fill out customs and immigration forms online.
This system will be rolled out at the CJIA in the initial stage before being expanded to the other ports of entry across the country including the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle. Currently, a printed customs declaration form is used at all of Guyana’s ports of entry for arriving passengers.
But with the new automated border management system, all arriving passengers’ information will be directed to a central database which can be used to track foreigners who overstay their time or are seeking employment without a permit among other immigration-related offenses.
According to Jagdeo, this new system will further allow for self-check-in with the use of a new form of identification or passport to be issued to citizens and some visitors thus removing the hassle of joining long queues to clear immigration at the airport.
Back in March 2023, the Guyana Government signed a $34.5 million contract with German company Veridos Identify Solutions for the implementation of the electronic identification system, which was expected to be launched in the second quarter of this year.
Some $783.4 million was allocated in Budget 2024 for this project and it was reported at the time that the finalisation of the requisite policies and design was in progress. However, there has been a setback in the issuance of these cards with VP Jagdeo stating at a June 6 press conference that, “there is a delay with the issuance of the e-ID cards but it’s a project that is alive and it’s going well.”
This new electronic card will be issued to Guyanese residents for the conduct of a wide array of transactions as well as to monitor the issuance of work permits in the country. President Ali had previously stated that the rollout of this resident electronic ID card will promote the ease of doing business and personal transactions in Guyana. Key to these e-ID cards would be its internationally-recognised features.
The newly installed E-gates at the CJIA
The ONE GUYANA FPSO
Getting ready…
W…for Mad Maduro
ith all the frenzied excitement over every household getting $200,000 in their pockets just as the Christmas Season of spending begins, it would seem that no one noticed that Pressie also mentioned spending on some more strategic areas in his address to Parliament!! He specifically mentioned his expansion and complete retooling of the GDF as he emphasized, “Our investment in cyber-resilient infrastructure ensures robust protection against cyber threats”!!
This threat from Mad Maduro cannot be allowed to fade from our view, and only be resuscitated when the Madman rattles his sabres to take over our Essequibo. The point of the matter is that, sadly, the threat from Venezuela emanates from their entire political spectrum, and while the Opposition might appear to be more moderate than the madman - they also see Essequibo as their own. As does every Venezuelan man, woman and child – including those “refugees”!!
So, while some might be depending on the Yanks doing the honours for us to take out Mad Maduro - since they’ve decided he welshed on his deal to hold free and fair elections - note that they’re playing a “hold me- loose me” game. They’ve announced that the Opposition won the elections, but yet haven’t recognised them as the new government! And Chevron’s still pumping Venezuelan oil to fill Mad Maduro’s coffers – and war chest!! So, ultimately, we on we own!!
And so, while our Opposition’s quibbling over how the money being doled out to the citizenry might be distributed, it’s a good sign they haven’t questioned the spending on the military. Cause the only thing that’s gonna dissuade Venezuelans from invading is if they’re convinced we won’t be a pushover – like in 1966, when they annexed Ankoko - and they’ll get a bruising. So, how do we convince them, when the Venezuelans have overwhelming superiority in land, sea and air forces?
Well, boost our capacity in these areas with the new, technologically-advanced weaponry; and, as Pressie noted in Parliament, focus on the new war domain of Cyberspace. Take, for instance, armed drones. These can neutralize Mad Maduro’s advantage from the air with his Russian fighter jets and all that!! And as Pressie promised, we’ll soon be getting some fighter jets of our own!! We’ve already started boosting our marine capabilities to protect our valuable 300-mile deep-sea resources!
So, as we get into the Christmas spirit - boosted by that $200,000 infusion – let’s spare a thought for the big picture, in which Mad Maduro is lurking to seize two-thirds of our country. And let us not begrudge the additional bonus our armed forces will be getting; they may be called upon at any moment to put their lives on the line for all of us!!
…to travel
A lotta folks were excited when Britain announced we didn’t need visas to travel there. Guess there’s still some sorta nostalgia to visit the “Mother Country”?? Even when we’re hearing so much about their opposition to “immigrants”!!
Your Eyewitness knows visitors aren’t the same as immigrants, but from the experience of that fella who landed at Gatwick without a wad of pounds to pay for his stay, it would seem the authorities assume that visitors DO wanna become immigrants!!
In the Pre-Brexit days, one could enter any of the EU Schengen countries on a British visa, but that was nixed after Brexit. And so, Guyanese who want, say, to enjoy Gay Paris, gotta get a visa from an EU country’s embassy. In our case, the Dutch Embassy in Suriname.
Well, to the footloose world traveller, worry no more - you can access Schengen visas right here for travel to Europe at the newly established French Embassy!!
But, sadly, this can only be done twice monthly, and the papers still gotta be sent to Suriname!! Still second tier!!
…for elections 2025
Whether valid or not, every initiative of the Government going forward will be seen as pandering to the electorate. Your Eyewitness considers this par for the course in any democracy.
Police destroy $392M worth of ganja during exercise along Berbice River
As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues its narcotics eradication exercise, approximately $392 million worth of ganja was discovered and destroyed at ‘Old Vigilante’ along the Berbice River.
Based on reports received, the 19-hour exercise on Friday led to the discovery of a plot of land measuring approximately four acres and contained about 12,000 plants ranging from three to seven feet in height.
In addition, a makeshift camp approximately 40x20 feet in size that consisted of a kitchen and drying area.
Some 950 lbs of dried cannabis was found in the dry-
ing area which is estimated at $387,821,160. Further, the narcotics plants were estimated
to be worth approximately $4,065,600. At the time of the exercise, no one was arrested.
Cuban national stabs ex-lover to death, takes own life
ACuban national has reportedly stabbed his ex-lover to death at their Station Street, Kitty apartment before taking his own life. The woman was identified as 25-year-old Junie Florida but the identity of the alleged killer was not immediately known.
The incident occurred early Saturday evening at the apartment where the two foreigners resided despite the woman ending the relationship a few days ago.
Guyana Times understands that the man returned home on Saturday afternoon and found his ex-lover on her phone. This reportedly angered him and an argument erupted between them.
In a fit of rage, he reportedly armed himself with a knife and stabbed the woman several times to her chest in the presence of her brother and a female friend.
The brother and the friend rushed to her aid and in response, the man went into the apartment where he was later found hanging.
One neighbour told media operatives that the couple had a fight on Friday but it seemed that things had settled by the following day.
“She tell he she didn’t want nothing to do with he, so they separated. She stayed in [one] room and he stayed in [another] room. So, everybody say ‘well everything normal’,” he related.
However, late Saturday afternoon, the neighbour said he heard shouting in the yard.
“When I come out, I see he... with the girl right there and he stabbed the girl,” the man recalled.
The area where the incident occurred was enclosed with grills, which the male suspect had padlocked. According to the neighbour, he along with others tried to break the lock to get into the grilled area.
“A couple of we tried to break and by the time he hear that, he gone inside. And me ain’t know he hang himself,” the man added. Police are continuing their investigations.
The ganja set on fire
Cannabis being dried for transport
The house where the incident took place
Conference on Hindu Issues
A“Conference on Hindu Issues in the Caribbean and the Diaspora” is scheduled to be held next Saturday at the National Convention Center.
The theme of the conference is "Challenges Facing Caribbean Hindus and Proposed Solutions."
Within the Hindu community – now 28% of the population at the last census, and dwindling unrelentingly to Christian proselytization from its high of 43% - the mood is sombre. Whether it is suicide, alcoholism, domestic violence, or other dysfunctional responses to societal pressures, Hindus are the ones most affected. We cannot pussyfoot around this fact. Their challenges are also national challenges, so Hindus would have to take the lead in dealing with them.
I suggest that, firstly, we would have to engage in a reinterpretation, reformation, reaffirmation and re-grounding of our Dharmic (religious, cultural, educational and social) institutions and traditions in order to deal with the present place (desh), time (kaal), and circumstances (parishtiti) in which we find ourselves.
Brought to these shores as indentured labourers (Girmitiyas) between 1838 and 1917, Hindu Dharma was subverted through the regime of “discipline and punishment” on the sugar plantations. As such, there must be a constant unmasking of the “social maya”, or hegemonic structural forces, that keep us entrapped by their various champions and promulgators.
The "Dharma for the age", relaunched many times in our long history by applying eternal principles to present challenges, can be summarized in four SUTRAS (maxims): LOK SANGRAHA, LOK SANSKAR, LOK VIYAWASTHA and LOK KALYAAN. When their principles are fully implemented within concrete circumstances, they lead to the Hindu vision of the ideal society - RAM RAJYA.
LOK SANGRAHA: to gather the people together. Hindus have to see themselves as one family. In the words of Swami Vivekanand: "Then, and then alone, you are a Hindu, when every man who bears the name from any country speaking our language, or any other language, becomes at once the nearest and the dearest to you…when the distress of anyone bearing that name comes to your heart and makes you feel as if your own son were in distress…when you will be ready to bear anything for them". The Hindu believes that, ultimately, the whole world is one family - VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM; but understands that love, like all other relationships, must begin at home.
LOK VIYAWASTHA: to organize the people. For us in Guyana, coming overwhelmingly from the Eastern UP-Western Bihar, this was reinforced by Sant Tulsidas in his magnum opus Ramcharitmanas. “SANGHA SHAKTI KAL YUG”: in this age, “organisation is power”.
While there were many negatives, the plantation experience produced an unintended consequence when it united the Girmitiyas against their common oppressor - the colonial power. For Hindus, many of the abuses of the jati system (status by birth, incorrectly dubbed the "caste system"), for instance, were eradicated in Guyana.
LOK KALYAAN: the welfare of the people. Guyanese Hindus have many organizations, but they are ill-equipped with the resources needed - human, material, ideological, et al - to effectively serve the needs of the community. This is one main reason why there is a lethargy in the community's activities and responses to challenges. The “Purohit”, or ritual expert of the sixteen life sacraments, for instance, has been transformed into the “Pandit”, but has he/she been trained for this role by institutions created for this purpose? Hindu organizations have to become much more activist-oriented and focused. One glaring lacuna to be filled, for instance, is the need for social counselling against alcoholism, wife battering, and suicide attempts.
Hindu organizations and leaders have also to become more outspoken when Hindu interests and rights are threatened. This is their duty: Hinduism does not end in the Mandirs; it does not even begin there.
Our organizations have also to expose others to the Hindu vision; not in an aggressive, offensive, proselytizing manner, but in the Hindu tradition of sharing without asking for conversion. We must teach as well as learn… we who were Jagad Janini (world teachers) cannot be students only.
Hindu organizations must stop blaming, and start helping Hindus to craft their destinies. A great deal of responsibility lies with the sadly still-hegemonized professional class, who are ashamed to even acknowledge their Hindu names. They are respected in our community because that is part of our tradition, but they have a reciprocal duty to share what their common Hindu Dharma has bestowed upon them.
Security firms pay over $200M in backdated contributions to NIS
The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has collected over $200 million in backdated contributions for employees of security firms who fail to remit payments deducted from salaries to the agency.
Back in June, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo announced that the Government would clamp down on security companies engaging in such acts and terminate contracts with the State for those who fail to clear the backlog within a specific time frame.
On Thursday, during his weekly press briefing, Jagdeo announced that several entities have come forward with their employees’ NIS contribution and the administration is engaging others as the issue is prevalent among security service providers.
“We spoke with them in the security sectors and if you don’t pay in a particular period, you will lose your contract and secondly, we will put it before the police. So far four persons we have already had them pay over
$200 million. They had to bring it up to date all their back payments. Four of the
forward.
Further, he explained that the Government will very soon launch an investigation to collect outstanding payments from other security firms within the private sector, as a means of ensuring that all Guyanese have access to all the benefits when they retire.
“You can’t be making the deductions or not paying the NIS and your employees can’t secure benefits if they fall sick. So that is something that we will insist in Government and even for private employers,” he added.
For years, security officers have been complaining bitterly about companies they work for making NIS deductions but are not paying these over to the scheme as well as the late payment of their salaries.
The Ministry of Labour
although $3427 was deducted from their salaries.
More recently however, security officers attached to the New Amsterdam branch of Sentinel Security Inc made similar allegations in January 2023. In addition, some of the officers were forced to work extra hours and were not paid overtime but on the other hand, several days’ pay was deducted from their salaries if they reported sick for one day.
Several of these officers had told the Guyana Times last year that they made a number of reports to the Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) office of the Ministry of Labour in New Amsterdam but they were penalised for doing so.
contractors who were supplying security service in a matter of three months because we said to them that you are going to lose your contract,” Jagdeo stated.
Against this backdrop, the VP announced that NIS is reviewing security firms providing services to the State and there will be consequences for those that engage in this practice going
has had reasons in the past to State security firms reminding them of the rights and entitlements of security guards, whether or not they are nationals of Guyana.
Back in 2019, security officers attached to the Radar Security Service and Supplies in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) had spoken out about their NIS contributions not being paid
Some of them provided copies of documents from NIS which indicate that no contributions had been paid to the Scheme for the period they claimed to have been working with the security firm.
Meanwhile, the National Insurance Scheme has been taking persons to court for non-compliance which includes not deducting NIS contributions from workers. They are also taken to court for not paying deducted contributions over to the Scheme.
Ravi Dev
National Insurance Scheme
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Battling depression, financial constraints & the agony of separation, SHELLY KHAN details her journey as a breast cancer survivor for 27 years
Shelly Khan has been a breast cancer survivor for the past 27 years.
In 1997, the 57-year-old Shelly, at the time a mother of one, had felt an unusual lump in her breast, and had decided to visit her local physician. The doctor recommended that she visit the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) to have the lump examined; and she made the trip and was informed that she needed to have a biopsy performed on her breast. When the results were returned, Shelly said, it felt like “the world came crashing down”.
Shelly had known noth-
ing about breast cancer, nor did she know anyone who had experienced anything similar, thus she felt all alone in this world. Nevertheless, she followed the advice of her doctors and did a round of chemotherapy before undergoing surgery to have a unilateral mastectomy, the removal of one breast. Thereafter, she needed to do two more rounds of chemotherapy, but could afford only one. After the chemotherapy treatment, she had to stick to a rigid schedule of doctor checkups.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
TWorld Food Day 2024: Securing the Right to Food for All
he Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that the world's farmers produce enough food to feed the global population. Yet, 733 million people still face hunger due to various factors, including repeated climate shocks, conflicts, economic downturns, inequality, and the lingering impacts of the pandemic.
World Food Day 2024 is being observed under the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” This theme underscores the fundamental human right for everyone to access diverse, nutritious, affordable and safe food. Despite the abundance of food produced globally, barriers such as poverty, inequality, inefficient food distribution and the escalating effects of climate change prevent millions from enjoying this basic right. Addressing these challenges demands a concerted global effort to build more resilient and sustainable food systems that leave no one behind.
Collaboration among governments, organizations, communities, and individuals is essential to prioritize food security and address the root causes of hunger. Key to overcoming these obstacles are innovative solutions, investment in agriculture, climate-smart practices, and policies that ensure fair access to resources.
By empowering local farmers, strengthening supply chains, and reducing food waste, we can work towards a future in which everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.
Guyana's Commitment to Food Security through LCDS 2030
Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, prioritizing economic growth while protecting the country’s rich natural resources. At its core, LCDS 2030 seeks to transform Guyana's economy by reducing carbon emissions, preserving biodiversity, and creating new opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and climate-resilient agriculture.
By promoting a green economy, LCDS 2030 not only balances economic growth with environmental protection, but also strengthens the foundation for food security.
Through innovative agricultural practices, efficient use of natural resources, and support for local food production, the strategy directly addresses the challenges of building a resilient food system.
Here’s how it tackles critical aspects of food security and agriculture:
1. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: LCDS 2030 emphasizes the importance of developing climate-resilient agricultural systems that are capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, as floods and droughts. The strategy aims to protect agricultural areas and support farmers in adopting techniques that reduce the impact of climate change on crop yields, ensuring a stable food supply despite climate uncertainties.
2. Sustainable use of Natural Resources: The strategy highlights the need for sustainable management of natural resources to support agriculture. By promoting the responsible use of resources like water and soil, and integrating agroforestry, Guyana aims to enhance local food production while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
3. Promoting Local Food Production and Community Involvement: LCDS 2030 promotes local food production and encourages active community participation. By leveraging local resources and reducing dependence on imported foods, the strategy seeks to make nutritious and diverse foods more accessible. Efficient water resource management is a key aspect, ensuring the sustainability of agriculture. Additionally, the strategy fosters collaboration among local farmers, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders, promoting knowledge-sharing and strengthening local economies.
4. Agricultural Innovation and Research: Innovation is vital to improving crop yields, resource efficiency, and resilience to climate change. Research and technological advancements help farmers adopt sustainable methods such as drought-resistant crops, precision farming, and eco-friendly pest control. LCDS 2030 prioritizes these innovations to ensure that food production becomes more efficient and environmentally responsible, benefitting both the economy and the planet.
A Call For Collective Action
Achieving global food security requires a united effort from all stakeholders to address the underlying challenges of climate change, inequality, and economic instability. World Food Day 2024 emphasizes the need for every person to have access to diverse, nutritious, and affordable food. Strategies like Guyana’s LCDS 2030 play a crucial role in this fight by prioritizing sustainable agriculture, local food production, and innovative solutions.
Guyana sets an example of how nations can integrate environmental sustainability with economic growth to build resilient food systems. The success of these efforts depends on collective action from governments, communities, and individuals to break down barriers to food access and ensure a better life and future for all.
We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: "Our Earth, Our Environment," c/o Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown. You can also email us at communications@ epaguyana.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on EPA’s efforts.
Battling depression, financial... from page
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used to call on God a lot,” she noted.
It wasn’t until Shelly had met other women who had gone through similar experiences that she slowly began to feel like herself again. After scrolling through Facebook, Shelly came across Bibi Hassan, President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation.
“I commented under her post. At that time, I was about 15/16 years a survivor, and she messaged me and said she would like to have me on board,” Shelly disclosed.
Shelly said that being around such a group of strong, passionate women changed her life. “That motivated me!” she noted. “It gives you courage that you’re around people like yourself.”
In fact, Shelly expressed that sometimes “it’s not the cancer that kills you, it’s the support that you don’t get from your loved ones that depresses you.”
As a breast cancer survivor, Shelly is urging other women to take their health seriously. “Early detection saved my life, and it would do the same for anyone. Don’t take a lump for granted,” Shelly advises.
in 2022. In 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Approximately 99 per cent of breast cancers occur in women and 0.5–1 per cent of breast cancers occur in men.
The WHO notes that certain factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including increasing age, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age that menstrual periods began and age at first pregnancy), tobacco use, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.
in its early stage, hence the importance of early detection. Breast cancer can have combinations of symptoms, especially when it is more advanced. Symptoms of breast cancer can include: a breast lump or thickening, often without pain, change in size, shape or appearance of the breast; dimpling, redness, pitting or other changes in the skin; change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola); and/or abnormal or bloody fluid emanating from the nipple.
through her toughest times. “I
The Ministry of Health said last year that it had diagnosed 161 persons with breast cancer. This accounted for 17 per cent of all cancers diagnosed that year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer caused 670,000 deaths
Approximately half of all breast cancer cases develop in women who have no identifiable breast cancer risk factor other than gender (female) and age (over 40 years). Most people will not experience any symptoms when the cancer is
In a global effort to raise awareness of breast cancer, October has been designated as Pink Month. Pink Month is a month wherein efforts are made to educate those concerned about the disease, including early identification and signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer.
MTouring South America on bicycle Chilean rider amazed by scenery & people Carlos Borquez
any people use a pedal cycle to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ -- usually a relatively short distance; however, one man is using a bicycle to travel from his point ‘A’ — his home country Chile, to his point ‘B’ — any of the several different countries in South America.
This phenomenal adventure of traversing countries with simply a bicycle and loads of courage is being undertaken by 47-yearold Carlos Borquez, a Chilean who departed his home country some 10 months ago on a tour of South America.
Given the remarkable opportunity to interview this father of one, <<Guyana Times>> was told of the inspiration behind his undertaking, which has ultimately led him into this great land of Guyana.
According to Borquez, the main reason for his wanting to travel is his realization that the
South American route is challenging to traverse.
“Yes! I’ve been travelling for several months. I wanted to cross the Amazon and reach the Caribbean because it is a challenging route,” he revealed.
Leaving his beloved country and only child behind, he embarked on an adventure that has become a remarkable journey.
Many people have voiced their opinions on social media about how remarkable his journey has been. Others have also asked the Chilean traveller how he had managed to traverse the huge countries of South America while leaving his wife and child at home.
In response, he told this newspaper that he is willing to travel because he knows that his family is safe. However, many people have found it hard to fathom undertaking such an adventure while leaving their families behind.
“This is not easy to cope with.
Fortunately, my family is well, and I don’t mind spending time outside the country,” Borquez has said.
Reminiscing on some of his most remarkable moments in some South American countries, he said he has been most impressed by the serenity of those countries.
“I enjoy the quietness and solitude of the road trips. So, to me, the most remarkable moments arise when I find stunning natural landscapes, usually near mountains, valleys, or waterways,” he disclosed.
Borquez has said there are both great and challenging experiences while travelling; and he noted that loudness of music at times hampers his peace of mind.
“I’ve got nothing against people, but I try to avoid the noise,” he explained, adding that he focuses on not getting mad about anything, and keeping peace in whichever country he is in.
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Carlos Borquez after arriving in Guyana earlier in the month
Touring South America on bicycle
Fortunately for Borquez, he visited many of countries at the right time, as many cultural events were taking place upon his arrival there. He also mentioned that most of those countries are very big.
“Most of the countries I go to have big cities, so the deserts, jungles, valleys, farmlands and rivers are normally the best picks in each country. Argentina was surreal, very good for biking, and (my) arrival coincided with the presidential elections, so there was a lot of risk and uncertainty. This was in December,” he said.
“I also enjoyed a religious ceremony that I participated in in Brazil, close to the border with Peru,” he disclosed.
He is advising those
who desire to travel but are postponing the experience to consider abolishing fear and commencing their travel. “Good advice is: to plan ahead of time, have no fear, and enjoy the trip,” he says.
Although his first language is Spanish, and he commonly greets people with “Hola,” the Chilean has since learnt some words in English.
After travelling through Argentina and Brazil, he has arrived in Guyana. He says that in each city he visited, he took the time to connect with locals, who have offered him encouragement and support, and his experience in Guyana was no exception.
During his week-long sojourn in Guyana, he met various businessmen who
... FROM PAGE 16
were inspired by his mission and passion for exploration. As a gesture of appreciation, those private business owners have presented him with financial aid towards his journey back home, and he has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to them for their generosity.
The two wheels of Carlos Borquez’s bicycle have rolled in several countries, and according to the traveller, he does not plan to stop his journey just yet. He plans to leave for Suriname later this week, then continue on to French Guiana before making his way back to Brazil, and finally returning home.
Guyana Times wishes Carlos Borquez bon voyage and a safe return to his home country.
GFS observes 67th anniversary with parade
The Guyana Fire Service
(GFS) hosted a parade in observance of its 67th Anniversary and of Fire Prevention Month 2024 on Saturday, October 12, and some 120 ranks drawn from fire stations across the country participated.
The parade was led by Divisional Officer (ag) Suresh Persaud, with Assistant Divisional Officer (ag) Patrick Daniels serving as his second-in-command.
The grey-and-black contingent was commanded by Station Officer Travis Grannum, with the female contingent, led by Sub-Officer Franka Thomas, following.
The Indigenous contingent was headed by Station Officer Relton Johnson, with the Marine contingent led by Sub-Officer Steve Manniram following.
The Emergency Medical
Services contingent was led by Station Officer Jermaine Fraser, while the fire kit contingent was led by Station Officer Dwayne Meredith. The sports contingent led by Cadet Officer Desmond Kursattie fol-
lowed, along with appliances of the GFS, including the hydraulic platform, water tenders, ambulances, and support vehicles.
The parade assembled on High Street, be-
tween Hadfield and Princes Streets, from whence it moved down Hadfield Street and turned left onto Sendall Place, then left again onto Brickdam, passing the Home Affairs Ministry where sub-
ject Minister Robeson Benn, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dwayne Scotland, and Divisional Officer Haimchandra Persaud received the ‘Eyes Right’ salute.
After a 180-degree turn, the parade proceeded down Brickdam, took a left onto Vlissengen Road, then a right onto Homestretch Avenue, and concluded at the Fire Service Headquarters there.
In brief remarks, Minister Benn congratulated the Guyana Fire Service on its anniversary, and commended the ranks for an excellent parade.
He acknowledged the challenging circumstances under which the Fire Service operates, referencing periodic surges in fires on the coastland as well as fires in hinterland regions, where there are limited resources.
Minister Benn has urged business and home owners to equip their properties with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and buckets of sand; or to ensure water is readily available in case of a fire.
Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham reflected on the 67year history of the GFS, and expressed gratitude to those who had laid the foundation for what the organization has become today. He also highlighted that the Fire Service is celebrating 50 years of fire prevention efforts, and that ranks are actively participating in activities to raise awareness of, and prevent, fires. He renewed his appeal to the public to ensure their premises are properly equipped to prevent fires, and reiterated his advice that clear and accessible exits must be maintained for evacuation in case of a fire.
Mother who delivered stillborn recounts unpleasant experience at N/A hospital
A36-year-old wom-
an who delivered a stillborn at the New Amsterdam Hospital recently is recalling the unpleasant experience she had at the public health institution and hopes her story results in serious reforms at the facility.
Jasodra Singh of Number 36 Village, Corentyne, Region Six had the baby removed from her three days after it was discovered dead inside her. Singh, a mother of a teenage daughter attended the high-risk clinic at the New Amsterdam Hospital during her pregnancy.
On October 7, she had a clinic appointment. There she was told that the heartbeat of the unborn child was not detected and as such, an ultrasound was ordered which later revealed no movements thus the baby was diagnosed as stillborn.
“When I see the doctor, he ask me if I am feeling movement with my baby and I tell him ‘yes’, that I am feeling all movement – the kick and everything. He said well the
baby is no more in you. He said that the ultrasound machine show that the baby not breathing and the baby died,” the woman told the Guyana Times.
Even though in disbelief, the woman was admitted as a patient to have the dead fetus removed from her. At the time, she was already over eight months pregnant. The following morning, she was taken into the labour room where she was examined by a doctor.
“She take a tube and push it up in me. They say they would put water in it to swell it a little bit to get the baby to come down. While they were putting the tube, it was painful and I was screaming a lot when the pain was there.”
According to Singh, at about 18:00h on that day, a tablet was inserted into her to induce labour and at about 23:00h the process was repeated.
“About 1 O’clock the next morning they take out the tube and she inserted her hand into me; her whole
hand went up into me. I was screaming,” she revealed. Singh, in recounting the horrible ordeal, said she was told that the fetus was small and that she did not need to go to the operating theatre to have a caesarean.
At about 6:00h on Thursday, a third tablet was inserted to induce labour. “After she inserts the pill I see a lot of blood and I say maybe because they put their hand. When they put their hand they had it inside
me turning it – I was screaming in pain. While she was turning her hand I was feeling a lot of pain. I keep telling them that I couldn’t open my legs more and it was paining,” the woman detained.
Singh said she informed the doctor that she could not deliver the baby using a normal procedure and needed to have a cesarean noting that she had a caesarean for her daughter who is now 16 years old.
“She tell me that the baby was not big and I could push out the baby. I didn’t say anything because they were harassing me and hollering on me.”
However, at 9:30h, that same day, a male doctor came to her bedside and after checking her, explained that they were going to take her to
the operating theatre to deliver the baby by way of caesarean.
“I hear when one of the doctors asking ‘time of birth’ but I couldn’t understand everything that they were saying because they were talking in a different language. I hear the doctor say the time of birth at 10:35 and I listening to hear if the baby would cry or anything but about 15 to 20 minutes after a lady doctor come with the baby and told me that the baby was no more – baby was dead.”
The grieving mother said she was told and shown that the child was carrying was a girl. She named the child Mohanie Davi Singh.
Singh expressed dissatisfaction at the manner she was being handled by the fe-
male doctors. The woman also accused the doctors of using indecent language towards her during her stay at the medical facility. The child’s cause of death was given as insufficient placenta due to high blood pressure.
“I know that I have suffered from high blood pressure for about 18 years now,” she explained. Meanwhile, while not blaming the hospital for the child’s death, the woman said she hoped no one else would have to ensure the unpleasant experience as she did. Singh calls on the hospital staff to treat patients, especially those going through traumatic and sad experiences, with more care and consideration.
(Andrew Carmichael)
Minister Benn and other officials taking the salute
Jasodra Singh
Guyanese delegation showcases CALIPSEO data system in Tanzania
Making a strong impression at the Blue Food Forum, a Guyanese delegation showcased its newly launched data management system, CALIPSEO in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This is according to a release from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
During the two-day forum and exposition which was held in September, the Guyana team showcased the innovative CALIPSEO tool, which was jointly de-
veloped by FAO and the Fisheries Department.
This online platform captures real-time data, supports informed decision-making, and promotes sustainable practices that will help Guyana to manage its fish stock.
CALIPSEO can also support stakeholders with accurate, up-to- date information on fish abundance, seasonal variations, and market trends.
The mobile data collection app within CALIPSEO
streamlines data gathering, reduces errors, and improves efficiency for both fishers and fisheries authorities. Meanwhile, the comprehensive database offers valuable insights to policymakers, aiding the development of evidence-based regulations that promote sustainable fishing practices.
The presentation by the Guyana contingent to the Forum, sparked interest among other countries exploring similar tools for
their fisheries sectors.
By sharing this innovation and its experiences, Guyana demonstrated its commitment to advancing global efforts in sustainable and resilient fisheries management, serving as a catalyst for other nations seeking to balance economic growth with sustainable environmental management.
Meanwhile the Guyana delegation included an artisanal fisher and a proces -
sor, an industrial fisher and a staff from the Department of Fisheries, Agriculture Ministry.
The Blue Food Forum was hosted under the FISH4ACP programme, which works to promote good practices in aquatic value chains. The forum fostered discussions on shaping national and international policies to tackle global challenges such as malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation
within the African, Pacific and Caribbean countries. Participants were able to share experiences, learn best practices from each other and build relationships for future collaborations. This event builds on the momentum of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021, where a global movement to transform food systems was launched in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda
A Guyanese team showcased innovative data management tool for fishing industry at Tanzania forum
Over 40 projects executed countrywide to address biodiversity conservation, climate change
Over 40 ambitious projects have been executed across Guyana, the Small Grants Programme (SGP) is to tackle major environmental issues, such as biodiversity conservation and climate change among others.
During her presentation, Kellman highlighted how community-level initiatives can help combat environmental problems.
“Today’s theme, Building Synergies for Community and Environmental Action with Global Impacts, highlights the vital role of grassroots initiatives in addressing environmental challenges. Change often starts at the community level, and each of us can influence our surroundings
This was revealed by the Head of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Department at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Felicia Adams Kellman on Friday during the first-ever SGP Knowledge Fair at the Regency Suites Hotel, Georgetown.
through local projects, sustainable practices, and educational outreaches.”
In this regard, Kellman highlighted that through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), several innovative projects were executed in various regions.
“Since launching the SGP Programme in 2013, the UNDP has executed over 40 grassroot projects in 9 of our 10 administrative regions. Notable projects include the conservation and sustainable use of more
than 10,000 hectares of forests on indigenous lands, and the introduction of upland rice planting in the savannah to combat desert deforestation. A chemical waste project that promotes recycling, and sustainable agricultural projects such as the construction of vertical farms and shade houses to increase food security.”
She added that these projects are vital to Guyana’s implementation of our national trajectory as outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Also present was UNDP’s Country Representative for Guyana and Suriname Gerardo Noto, who highlighted the importance of countries working together to tackle global issues.
“In a world in which all problems are global, as we know, there is no way coun-
tries can handle issues by themselves. We need global responses. By building, piece by piece, from the local, national, regional, and global levels. It is upon this notion and idea of collective immediate action that the GEF (Global Environment Facility) Programme was founded”
The Country Representative revealed that recognising the various environmental benefits that can be obtained through initiatives of a similar nature whilst also supporting sustainable livelihoods.
“UNDP’s engagement in the world has proven that civil society-led initiatives can generate environmental benefits while supporting sustainable livelihoods, gender equality, and civil society empowerment. UNDP continues to assist countries in designing and implementing activities consistent with the GEF Mandate and national sustainable development plans. The environment remains essential and strategic for sustainable human development.”
Additionally, Noto reaffirmed the UNDP’s commitment towards working with stakeholders in the fight against climate change among other issues.
“Through active partnerships with the Government, civil society, academia, diplomatic corps, communities, and other stakeholders, we have committed to maintaining the momentum in the achieve-
ment of our development objectives and goals. Your participation today in sharing those achievements is our pleasure to engage all stakeholders and work together as partners for the development of the communities and people of Guyana and the protection of the environment and human rights”
The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) provides financial and technical support of up to US$50,000 to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods. In Guyana the Programme is implemented by the UNDP. This year’s Fair was celebrated under the theme “Building Synergies for Community Environmental Action with Global Impacts”
UNDP Country Representative Gerardo Noto
Head of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Department at EPA, Felicia Adams Kellman
Mabaruma woman busted with cocaine, ganja during police raid
Arrested: Jarrette Singh
Forty-nine-year-old
Jarrette Singh from Kumaka Stretch, Mabaruma, North West District (NWD) was taken
into custody on Saturday for having a quantity of cocaine and ganja.
The unemployed woman was arrested during a police raid which led to the discovery of two transparent plastic bags containing cannabis next to a cupboard in the kitchen area of her home. Upon questioning, she reportedly told police, “It’s mine. I use it for my illness.”
However, a further search of the home led to the discovery of several small transparent Ziplock plastic bags, three small digital scales, a small coffee plate with a razor blade, and a small whitish substance suspected to be co-
caine, along with two marijuana crushers and a pack of Bamboo (paper used for smoking ganja).
and Singh was arrested and taken to the Mabaruma Police Station where the
PK businessman arrested with 2.1g of ganja
Fifty-eight-year-old
Robin Madison was arrested on Friday at the Port Kaituma Waterfront, North West District (NWD) with a small quantity of marijuana.
The arrest followed a routine patrol by police ranks who noticed Madison behaving suspiciously.
As such, he was approached by the officers who requested permission
to search him to which he agreed.
During the search, a quantity of cannabis was found in his left hand and upon questioning he stated, “Is me weed for smoking.”
Madison was arrested and taken to the Port Kaituma Police station where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 2.1 grams. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
cannabis was weighed and amounted to 41 grams. The weight of the suspected cocaine was not established. Singh remains in custody pending charges.
Teen on attempted murder charge remanded to Juvenile Holding Centre
A17-year-old boy from Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was on Friday slapped with an attempted murder charge and was remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre at Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court where the charge was read to him. Police stated that on October 3, at Tuschen, EBE, he attacked and stabbed another 17-year-old. It was reported that on the day in question, the victim was allegedly stabbed multiple times by the accused and another suspect.
Investigations revealed that the altercation began after the victim exit -
ed a minibus at Tuschen New Scheme, with the suspects following closely behind. The victim fled into a nearby yard, where the suspects allegedly chased him and dealt him several blows before escaping. The injured teen was treated at the Leonora Cottage Hospital and later transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where his condition remains critical. The teen was arrested and charged while another suspect was later taken into custody but was released on $200,000 bail. At the court on Friday, the suspect denied any involvement in the stabbing incident. He will nevertheless, make his next court appearance on November 28, 2024.
The items were seized
The items found during the operation
The marijuana that was found in the man’s possession
DDL announces entry of Savannah Milk into Barbados market
The Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) on Saturday announced that the Savannah branded milk products which are produced at its TOPCO Plant, Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) have entered the Barbados market.
The entry of Savannah Milk to Barbados is a result of concerted efforts by DDL, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), and the Barbados Special Envoy to Guyana and Suriname, Althea Wiggins, which comes at a time when there is a shortage of milk in the Barbados Market.
Speaking in Guyana after the announcement, DDL Chairman, Komal Samaroo, said that “as DDL continues to diversify its portfolio of products, the company remains focused on the commitment of Heads of Government of CARICOM to work together towards food security in the region, and the ambitious but necessary reduction in the regional food importation bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025. As such we are very satisfied that we can begin our supply of milk products to Barbados at this critical time.”
The Chairman added that “the authorities in Barbados and the regimes that are in place made it as easy as it should be for a
CARICOM company to enter and operate in that market. As we continue to seek to supply other CARICOM markets, we hope that Barbados will serve as a model.”
At a Media Conference in Barbados to launch the Savannah Milk products, Wiggins, the Special Envoy said, “In terms of a separate bilateral arrangement that was signed with Guyana, we are now introducing Savannah Milk, imported from DDL to Barbados through local distributor Grady Marketing.” In addition, Managing
Director of Grady Marketing, Roger Bannister, said that “the entire first shipment has been sold to supermarkets across the island, a testament to the demand for high-quality milk among Barbadians.”
Chief Investment Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, commenting on the new market for Guyana’s milk said, “We are proud to be part of this partnership, which demonstrates the value of working together as a region to support each other’s economies.” Dr Ramsaroop added, “This initiative not only
brings a high-quality product to the Barbadian market but also strengthens ties between Guyana and Barbados, a relationship that has been significantly enhanced through the St Barnabas Accord.”
The St Barnabas Accord, signed by His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley has been instrumental in deepening the trade relationship between Guyana and Barbados, fostering greater economic co-
operation, and facilitating initiatives like this one that benefits both countries. This agreement has paved the way for increased trade of goods and services, ensuring that essential commodities such as milk can be readily available to the Barbadian market.
Guyana Consul General Geneva Tyndall; Go-Invest Officer Gavin Bovell; Managing Director of Grady Marketing, Roger Bannister; Special Envoy to Guyana and Suriname Althea Wiggins and Director of Commerce, Bertram Johnson
Students in Barbados sampling the Savannah-branded milk
UNICEF launches “Hear Me Out” mental health campaign in Guyana
UNICEF Guyana, in collaboration with the First Lady of Guyana, Arya Ali, the Health Ministry and the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), on Thursday launched the “Hear Me Out” mental health anti-stigma campaign.
The campaign aims to foster open discussions about mental health and highlight the importance of seeking treatment among young people.
At the launch event held at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, Region Six (East Berbice-
Corentyne), the First Lady stated, “This is an area of health which we continue to mobilise support around and one which is continually evolving, thus making it a more complex issue. In our fast-paced world, we often overlook mental health in favour of other goals and pursuits of life. But it is very important that we deploy stress management techniques. and find what works for us best.”
Further, she noted, “But beyond ourselves, we also have a responsibility around us, our family and friends. Their mental health also matters. We must begin by destigmatising mental
health. In a society like ours, that can be challenging, but an allyship like ours will ensure we overcome this challenge, we have the power to stabilise, and we must never forget. That is why today’s activity is so important.”
UNICEF Country Representative Nicolas Pron underlined the importance of mental health in overall well-being. “Mental health is as important as our physical health,” he continued, “By encouraging conversations and practices to protect mental health among young people, we can create a society where no one feels ashamed to ask for help.”
In addition, the Director of the Ministry of Health - Mental Health Unit, Dr Timothy Morgan in his remarks stated, “The Ministry of Health, through the Mental Health Unit, has been actively collaborat-
ing with our partners to improve the mental health of our Guyanese children and adolescents. We will continue to partner with PAHO/ WHO, UNICEF and other like-minded organisations and Government agencies to holistically improve the mental health of our Guyanese children and adolescents and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.”
The “Hear Me Out” campaign will include a variety of activities, such as schoolbased programmes, television and radio broadcasts, and social media initiatives. UNICEF encourages everyone, from students and parents to teachers and community members, to take part and contribute to the campaign. According to WHO’s global statistics on suicide rates, Guyana is among the countries in the world with significantly high suicide rates.
Globally, one in four people are affected by poor mental health with approximately 280 million people in the world living with depression. Reports have revealed that more than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year, with suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
UNICEF remains committed to ensuring good mental health and well-being for every child, everywhere. Through the “Hear Me Out” campaign, UNICEF aims to empower young people to prioritise their mental health and seek the support they need.
Japanese tourist robbed at knifepoint along Cemetery Road
Police are on the hunt for two suspects involved in the brazen robbery of a Japanese tourist,
on Friday evening at Cemetery Road, Georgetown.
Nakata, who is staying at Freeman Street, East La Penitence was reportedly attacked while walking along Cemetery Road around 19:00h on the day in question. According to police, Nakata was searching for a restaurant when two un-
identified men approached him - one wielding a knife. The suspects reportedly threatened him before relieving him of his black one-strap bag, valued at $5,000, which contained his Japanese passport, a Huawei cellphone, and a black Canon camera. The suspects later made good their escape.
The shaken tourist proceeded to the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost where the matter was reported and an investigation was launched.
First Lady Arya Ali, representatives from UNICEF, PAHO/WHO & MoH with students at the launch of the ‘Hear Me Out’ Campaign
Yuki Nakata
India vs Bangladesh T20I series 2024:
Game 3 of 3…
Bangladesh handed shellacking in Hyderabad
– through Samson's epic century, Suryakumar's innovation
India handed out one final shellacking to Bangladesh on their final night of the tour, but this was one for the ages. The second-highest T20I score, three short of 300; Sanju Samson's silken 40-ball century, Suryakumar Yadav's improvisation and power; and then the finish by the powerful lower middle order.
There was no respite for Bangladesh: 22 sixes (joint-highest for a Testplaying side) and 25 fours combined for the most runs in boundaries in a T20 innings, a record 18 overs went for ten runs or more, one of them went for five sixes, and three bowlers conceded 50 or more. Two of the 26 dot balls turned out to be no-balls, a catch went down, and a run-out was missed.
Samson, Suryakumar stun Bangladesh
When Tanzim Hasan got Abhishek Sharma out with a bouncer first ball, little would Bangladesh have known that would be their last moment of joy for the evening.
Samson had already messed around with Taskin Ahmed's lines by backing away and hitting four successive fours in the second over. The new batter, Suryakumar, took only one ball before hitting his first six.
Samson wasn't to be left behind. He backed away and got the better of Mustafizur Rahman too with a six and a four.
Suryakumar then capped off the powerplay with shots that should be considered audacious, but are the norm for him. He manages to pull balls well behind square when most batters would be happy going just behind. The last of those was a pull over midwicket, taking India to their joint-highest powerplay score, 82.
Suryakumar unfurled a carved six over backward point that he had no right sending there, but the most memorable shots came from
Samson. Some of his eight sixes were audacious, but they were not muscled. His control percentage for a strike-rate of 236.17 was a high 81.
SCOREBOARD
India (20 ovs maximum)
Sanju Samson † c Mahedi Hasan
b Mustafizur Rahman 111
Abhishek Sharma c Mahedi Hasan
b Tanzim Hasan Sakib 4
Suryakumar Yadav (c) c Rishad
Hossain b Mahmudullah 75
Riyan Parag c †Litton Das
b Taskin Ahmed 34
Hardik Pandya c Rishad Hossain
b Tanzim Hasan Sakib 47
Rinku Singh not out 8
Nitish Kumar Reddy c Mahedi Hasan
b Tanzim Hasan Sakib 0
Washington Sundar not out 1
Extras (b 5, lb 6, nb 3, w 3) 17
Total 20 Ov (RR: 14.85) 297/6
Did not bat: Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi
With another former WI captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan, serving in the very important position of Chairman of Senior Selectors, the GCB can justifiably boast that it has on it 13-member Executive Committee two (2) former WI captains and six (6) other former first-division cricketers, including Andre Percival who captained the West Indies Youth Team.
This is a composition that has no parallel in regional cricket, and also is indicative of the GCB’s commitment to developing the game by engaging the services of former cricketers.
Sir Clive’s illustrious ca-
reer included induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2019; Knighthood by the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, in January 2022; recipient of the Order of the Caribbean Community in July 2024; appointment as an ICC Match Referee; serving as Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee, and as captain winning the inaugural ICC One-Day Cricket World Cup in June 1975.
In his international playing days, Sir Clive Lloyd blazed a trail of outstanding achievements from 1966 to 1985, during which he played 110 Test matches, was captain in 74 of the matches, winning 36 of them, thus making him the
most successful captain in West Indies Cricket. This includes a sequence of 26 Tests without a loss, including 11 consecutive victories. His highest score of 242 not out was among his 19 Test centuries. As a prominent batsman, he played cricket across the world, including at various times for the Demerara Cricket Club, Demerara County, Guyana, West Indies, Lancashire, Australia State Cricket, and a World XI.
The President, Executives and members of the GCB hereby congratulate Sir Clive Lloyd on his appointment, and wish to record appreciation for his willingness to once again serve Guyana cricket.
The most incredible of Samson's sixes was when he almost stepped on the stumps to create a short length on a Mustafizur slower ball, and drove it off the back foot over extra cover. Legspinner Rishad Hossain, who went for 55 in the last match, was just short. He kept erring in length, starting the first over with a short ball, but in his second he kept letting Samson hit him for sixes down the ground without having to use his feet. Some of it was the pitch, but a lot of it was his lengths: too full. In the end, Rishad's two overs went for 46 runs.
The innings was a monkey off the back for Samson, whose talent had yet to translate into numbers in international T20s. It showed in his extravagant celebrations on reaching both the fifty and the hundred, India's second-quickest. For a change, Suryakumar had to be content with being the support act in the 173-run second-wicket stand.
Punishment continued Usually, you expect a bit of relief when you break such a long stand, but Riyan Parag and Hardik Pandya had other ideas. Parag took three
balls to hit his boundary, and Pandya did the same. Between them, they scored 81 off 31 balls, each hitting four sixes. Pandya managed to outdo the Samson back-foot-six over extra cover when he made his off Tanzim even bigger. Again, a good, slower short ball with no room, but it still sailed over extra cover. Two wickets in the final over made sure India didn't get to 300, but that was hardly any consolation for Bangladesh.
Final rites It could still get worse,
and it did for Bangladesh. The chase began with a brute of a bouncer from Mayank Yadav for a golden duck for Parvez Hossain. Mahmudullah's last outing in T20 International went at 8 off 9 to go with bowling figures of 2-0-26-1. Ravi Bishnoi, playing his first match of the series, showed off India's spin riches with three wickets. Towhid Hridoy's half-century, at a strike rate of 150 with three fours and five sixes, did manage to prevent the biggest T20I defeat for a Test-playing team, but it was Bangladesh's biggest loss in terms of runs. (ESPNCricinfo)
Sanju Samson flexed his muscles in hitting his first T20I century
Towhid Hridoy posted his highest T20I score of an unbeaten 63
Déjà vu as Golden Jags suffer second 3-1 loss at home
Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, have sunk deeper into the proverbial mire in Group A of League A in the CONCACAF Nations League, following another 3-1 defeat on home soil, this time at the hands of Guatemala.
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz opted for a number of changes in his starting XI, which included handing the captain’s armband to Colin Nelson. Quillian Roberts manned the nets, while Leo Lovell, Terrence Vancooten, Jalen Jones, Nathan MoriahWelsh, Stephen Duke-
Ryan Hackett, Isaiah Jones and Omari Glasgow comprised the remainder of the starting XI.
It was déjà vu for the Golden Jaguars at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, with an intense start that just couldn’t materialize in good finishing and goals.
Guatemala, however, were the first to find the back of the net, as Oscar Santis benefitted from a brief buildup in the box to tap the ball into the left corner in the 17th minute. Then, in the 31st, a similar build-up from the Guyanese saw Stephen DukeMckenna receiving the assist from Isiah Jones to curl the ball into the right top corner of the goal. Hunting the lead, the Golden Jaguars assaulted the Guatemalan goal, but nothing would stick, and the half finished 1-1.
In the second session, the Guatemalans appeared well- adjusted to the Guyanese game plan, and, as such, were able to compose their defense while finding two easy goals.
First Oscar Castellanos was
able to escape the reach of Roberts in the 61st, while a defensive error from the home side saw Guatemala reclaiming possession in the 68th as Santis went on to complete his double off the opportunity.
Following the match, Duke- McKenna expressed his disappointment with the result, revealing the need for a big win against Suriname to stay in League A.
Duke-Mckenna said about the clash, “Obviously disappointed, because I thought we dominated the game a lot; but obviously we need to be more, like ruthless in the box and finish our chances.
“It makes it very tough for us, because goal difference has killed us as well. So, we need to put on a big performance next game,” the midfielder added about next Tuesday’s Suriname clash.
Quizzed about their performance in League A, McKenna admitted that the Golden Jaguars have what it takes, albeit there is need to tighten up some areas.
“I think we’re more than enough for competitiveness. I think we’ve got more than enough. I just think it’s the fine margins that we need to tighten up on. Like I said, being ruthless in the box and finishing our chances, cause we dominated,” DukeMcKenna explained.
The Golden Jaguars will take on Suriname in their next game, on Tuesday October 15 from 20:00hrs in the neighbouring nation.
2024 CAC Body Building & Fitness Championships…
Guyanese athletes aiming to improve medal haul
Guyanese athletes scheduled to appear at the 2024 Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Body Building & Finess Championships, slated to be staged right here at the National Cultural Centre, have all been expressing confidence of making this country proud.
The c/ships, to be held on October 19-20, would attract over 250 participants from 20 countries as they battle each other for supremacy, and the overwhelming feedback from the local contingent is that no compromise would be considered in their quest to secure top honours.
Three such athletes are Christina Ramsammy, Julio Sinclair and Yusuf Khan, who have all signalled their intent on upstaging their regional rivals.
Ramsammy, who will be competing in the Bikini category, has said that even though a back injury had sidelined her from training for almost two and a half months, she has returned to the gym, and it feels great to be back.
“I had a rough start after injuring my back, but despite that, I was able to get back on track, and (am) working
hard in trying to surpass my last showing,” Ramsammy divulged.
She revealed that she is ahead of schedule, and the little time she has left is being used to finetune her work of art (Physique).
Ramsammy has so far competed twice at the CAC, before finishing second in 2022 and seventh last year; so, she would be eager to improve on her last performance.
Working under the tutelage of her husband and coach (3-times Mr. Guyana, Darious Ramsammy), she opines that she is in the best shape possible, and cannot wait to take the stage in front of the home fans.
“I cannot wait to hear my fellow Guyanese screaming down their support for us, and I believe that we will get the kind of support of all Guyana beyond our wildest dreams,” Ramsammy has said.
She said the growth of the sport is undeniable. According to her, more and more athletes are gravitating to the sport, so its future seems bright.
Meanwhile, Sinclair and Khan are both exuding similar confidence of doing well at the c/ships. Sinclair, a twotime medalist in the Body
Building category, having won gold in 2022 and silver in 2023, would no doubt be eyeing gold in front of the home crowd.
He, too, disclosed that training has been going well, and competing in from of home fans has given him an added impetus to train hard to exceed last year’s result. Khan has been similarly complementary about his training and confidence ahead of the big event. He said the mere fact that he could represent his country at the most prestigious body building competition in the Region is added incentive for him to produce an outstanding performance.
“I have a few more days to get dialed in. My preparations have been good, and going according to plan, and I must commend my fellow teammates who’ve all been very supportive in their guidance and advice throughout the journey,” Khan has said. He has expressed thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport; the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, and all the other corporate entities that have contributed to making the championships a reality.
Sir Clive Lloyd appointed GCB Special Technocrat
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced the appointment of Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd as Special Technocrat to the GCB with immediate effect.
Sir Clive’s appointment was successfully concluded after a high-level engagement with GCB President Bissoondyal Singh. The outstanding former Guyana and West Indies captain has ex-
pressed willingness to serve and to have the opportunity to contribute to cricket development in his native land.
On behalf of the GCB, Singh has conveyed his delight at this appointment, and has noted that Sir Clive would be value-added to the Board with his wealth of cricket experience garnered from over sixty years of association with the game as a player, official, and administrator.
Singh has said the GCB
stands to benefit considerably from Sir Clive’s immense knowledge of the game, and would be paying close attention to his advice, guidance and recommendations.
Yusuf Khan
Julio Sinclair
GCB President, Bissoondyal Singh
Sir Clive Lloyd
Christina Ramsammy
Stephen Duke-McKenna netted Guyana’s lone goal of the contest (Newsroom Photo)
The De Surinaamsche Bank Golf Open teed off in Paramaribo with high energy, and golden sunshine that radiated the day’s play as 12 talented golfers from the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) made their mark on Day One of the prestigious tournament.
At the end of Day 1, Brian Hackett and Carlos Adams led the pack in Group B and the Senior Category, while Patanjilee Persaud was tied for second place in Group A up until press time.
The fairways came alive with the Guyanese contingent delivering stellar performances, each golfer demonstrating skill, precision, and determination on the international stage.
The golfers representing the Lusignan Golf Club were Avinash Persaud,
Hackett, Adams storm ahead in respective Categories on Day 1
Orson Ferguson, Mohanlall Dindanauth, Vishal Harry, Patrick Prashad, Carlos Adams, Kishan Bacchus, Brian Hackett, Lakeram Ramsundar, Feroze Barkat, Troy Cadogan, and Patanjilee Persaud; all of whom took full advantage of the course’s challenging layout.
The day's action was packed with thrilling drives, pinpoint putts, and a sense of camaraderie as team members rallied behind each other. LGC Public Relations Officer Brian Hackett captured the mood perfectly at the close of play when he noted, “Today was very sunny in Suriname; the weather was perfect for golfing. The temperature was very high, (and) we played in some very hot and humid conditions, but these are the conditions golfers dream
of. The Guyana team so far looking good. I performed outstandingly. I think I played according to my plan in getting to the green in three, and not trying to get there in two. It's a very tricky course, and if you're not accurate, you're either in the rough or in the water.
Today I managed to stay out of most of the penalty. And I finished the game on the par today. So, I do look forward to tomorrow, which is another exciting day for golf and golfers in Suriname this weekend.”
The standout performers for the day were:
1st Brian Hackett Group B - Gross 84, HC 18, Net 66 (Overall Net -3)
1st Carlos Adams Senior Category - Gross 91, HC 22, Net 69 (Overall Net 1)
sending competitive players to the Suriname Open, and several top performers have made their mark over the years. Notably, Guyanese golfers have consistently ranked among the top, showcasing their skill and
Carlos Adams is leading the Senior Category
2nd Patanjilee Persaud Group A - Gross 84, HC 13, Net 71 (Overall Net 2)
Lusignan Golf Club has a longstanding tradition of
sportsmanship on this regional stage. The local contingent is urging Guyanese fans to stay tuned, as they are optimistic of bettering their results on Day 2.
Brian Hackett is leading Group B
Patanjilee Persaud in full swing
It was a trip back in time on Friday for Guyana, West Indies and Amazon Warriors’ all-rounder Kevin Sinclair and Guyana Harpy Eagles pacer Nial Smith, who took some time out of their busy schedules to ‘pay it forward’ to their alma mater, Canje Secondary, at Cumberland, East Canje Berbice.
These two outstanding local cricketers have presented a quantity of cricket gear to the Canje Secondary School.
Sinclair, Smith give back to alma mater Canje Secondary
Sinclair, who developed a passion for the sport by playing in the school compound on a daily basis, felt it was important that they support the dreams of students at the institution similar to how they had received a helping hand years ago.
The 24-year-old Sinclair said a student of Canje Secondary, 16-yearold fast bowler Jearmin Singh, reached out to him for assistance to secure a pair of cricket sneakers, and that prompted him and Smith to add a few more items so that other students could benefit.
In presenting the footwear to Singh, Sinclair said it brought back memories of the days when he was in need of gear to pursue his passion.
Singh, a Form Five student of Canje Secondary, who started playing hardball cricket five months
ago, is a member of the Rose Hall Community Centre Club.
Among the items presented to the school are balls, a cricket bat, a full set of stumps, batting gloves and pads, protective guard, and a helmet.
“It’s a pleasure to come back to Canje Secondary and make this little donation,” Sinclair, who recently played for Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2024, told the gathering of students. “I hope you use this equipment to get better at the game; but also remember your academics is important.”
Reflecting on his time at the school, Sinclair, who made 50 on Test debut for West Indies against Australia in January, told the students of honing his skill in the school compound, and later refining it by joining structured clubs like Young Warriors and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.
He told the students that, once they have a
dream, they should pursue it, but they must be prepared to work hard and be determined in their approach.
It is equally important, he reiterated, that they apply those same principles in their academic pursuits.
Sinclair also played a motivational video coach Floyd Reifer had them watch during the West Indies Emerging Team title run in the Cricket West Indies’ Super50 Cup in 2019.
Sinclair played a crucial role in that success, scoring 132 runs and taking 13 wickets with his offspin. He also had the tournament’s best economy rate of 2.87 runs per over.
The brief ceremony wrapped up with Sinclair presenting one of his signed Test match shirts to a young female student who was successful in answering a question.
Kevin Sinclair and Niall Smith paid it forward at their alma mater Canje Secondary
A look at some of the equipment presented, and at students who stand to benefit
Kevin Sinclair presented a pair of cricket shoes to 16-year-old fast bowler Jearmin Singh
