US$1.8M mineral mapping project to attract more int’l investors to Guyana
UK offering expertise to advance Guyana’s renewable energy City Hall’s failed Parking Meter Project costing State millions in legal fees – AG
“Late pilots, air navigational officers create accidents” – Edghill …stresses importance of punctuality for all aviation personnel
US drafts list of 60 Venezuelans for possible sanctions over election – sources
Int'l Business Conference to help small companies access foreign partners, markets
President Dr Irfaan Ali bidding farewell to the 19th Chinese Medical Mission, thanking them for their invaluable service at Georgetown Public Hospital and Linden Hospital Complex. He highlighted their role in strengthening Guyana-China relations, showcasing the 'spirit of humanity' that transcends trade and economic cooperation (Office of the President photo)
“We overdid it”
– Norton admits APNU/AFC was wrong to paint State properties in party colours
Leader of the Peoples National Congress (PNC)
Aubrey Norton has admitted that the former A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) administration was wrong to have embarked on a campaign to paint State properties in party colours.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Norton said “I believe when the APNU was in government, we also overdid it with green in some areas. We need to find consensus as to how we remove partisanship from national projects. That, to me, is critical…something as simple as the colour of State build-
ings…for us to have a consensus so that we don’t poltiicise it even by the colour.”
When the PNC-led APNU/AFC government was in power from 2015 to 2020, they came in for heavy criticisms for painting a number of public spaces and State buildings in their party
colours: green and yellow.
Most egregious of all was the repainting of the official residence of the Head of State: State House – a Heritage Building – in green. Despite widespread criticisms, the then President David Granger had justified
the move, claiming that he had broken no law by doing so.
The former APNU+AFC government had also repainted the Ministry of the Presidency (Office of the President) in green and again, Granger had justified this move, saying “we would like to send a message to the rest of the country, to schools, to our hospitals, to other government build-
ings that ‘yes, it is cool to be green’.”
Under the former government, a number of other public buildings and fences were painted green. Several public infrastructures such as park benches were also painted in party colours.
Priya Manickchand, a member of the parliamentary opposition at the time, had expressed concerns over the sub-
liminal message the APNU/AFC government was sending by its actions.
Manickchand, who is now the education minister, had argued that the “greening and yellowing” of Guyana is reminiscent of the days when the flag of the former People’s National Congress (PNC) was flown over the Court of Appeal – a signal of party paramountcy.
State House being repainted in APNU/AFC colours
Office of the President was repainted under APNU/AFC in party colours
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, August 22, 202404:00hrs to 05:30hrs
FERRY SCHEDULE
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Thursday, August 22, 202406:00hrs to 07:30hrs
WEATHER TODAY
Southern Guyana and inland areas may experience cloudy skies with light to moderate showers, with rainfall between 5.0 and 20.0 mm. Other areas can expect partly cloudy to clear skies with no significant rainfall.
Guyana lauded for supporting US calls for Maduro regime to respect, uphold human rights …as int’l community
By Jarryl Bryan
With Guyana among the 20 plus countries recently signing on to a United States (US) led statement calling for the Nicolás Maduro regime to respect Venezuelans and their human rights amid its ongoing crackdown on dissidents, American Ambassador Nicole Theriot has lauded the country for taking a firm stance on the issue.
In recent weeks, the Venezuelan Government has been escalating its crack down on the mass protests following the disputed July 28 elections. This escalation has prompted outcries from human rights groups, civil society and the Venezuelan opposition which maintains that the Maduro regime was defeated by a landslide in the polls.
It also prompted over 20 countries to sign on to a joint US led statement calling for the Maduro regime to respect the human rights of its citizens, as well as to release the thousands of protestors it has already detained. Guyana, as well as neighboring Suriname, were two of those countries signing on, a fact that was lauded by the US Ambassador, in an interview with the media on Wednesday.
“We are very pleased that the Governments of Guyana and Suriname signed on to that statement. Its incredibly important to us that we are all together in defending democracy in this region and globally,” Theriot said.
“And it meant a lot to us to have those partners in this region, especially Guyana becoming a global leader. It meant so much to have Guyana on that statement. We’re very, very grateful and we hope that it will have an impact on President Maduro and his administration, moving forward.”
That being said, Theriot also expressed disappointment that other countries in the region did not sign on. With the
decries Venezuela’s crackdown on election protests
exception of Guyana and Suriname, the remaining members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) were notably absent from the statement.
This includes Trinidad and Tobago, which only last month received a 20-year license from Venezuela to develop its natural gas fields. Also, absent was St. Vincent and the Grenadines, whose Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was a critical player in brokering peace talks between Venezuela and Guyana last year.
“That’s quite disap-
pointing, actually. For us, it seems very clear to support democracy. Certain things need to be done with regard to the elections. And if those other countries chose not to sign on, that is their right. But we are disappointed,” the diplomat added.
The statement
In the joint statement, released by the US State Department last Friday, the countries had condemned the current crack down on dissidents, which has seen thousands arrested and killed, including Venezuelan journalists and opposition politicians.
“We express our deep condemnation of the repression of protesters and the violence that has claimed the lives of many Venezuelans in the post-election context. We urgently call on Venezuelan authorities to end the violence and release all those who have been detained, including opposition representatives.”
“Furthermore, we request the immediate re-
turn of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Venezuela, and call on Venezuela to ensure the necessary conditions for it to fully carry out its mandate,” the joint statement had said.
The countries had also made a number of other calls on Venezuela. These included calls for Venezuela to guarantee the safe conduct of asylum seekers currently trapped at the Argentine embassy, out of the country and in accordance with international law.
As the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) are released, students are displaying immense pride in their outstanding performances.
In the face of challenges, these students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their education, and have navigated the pressures of academic rigour, balanced extracurricular activities, and adapted to the new norms of learning brought about by the global pandemic.
Equally deserving of commendation are the teachers, parents, and guardians, who have each played a role in guiding and supporting these students throughout their educational journey.
The results of these examinations are not just numbers on a paper; they represent the dreams and aspirations of young people. As they celebrate their success, though, the results also reveal a troubling trend, where approximately two-thirds of students who took CSEC mathematics across the Caribbean this year failed the exam. With a pass rate of just 36%, a decrease from the previous year's 43%, the situation demands urgent attention.
The consistent struggle with CSEC Mathematics underscores a broader issue within the region’s education system. Despite slight improvements in other subjects and a general rise in pass rates over recent years, the significant drop in Math performance is particularly alarming. This challenge is compounded by the fact that only 4.9% of students achieved five or more passes, including in English and Mathematics, which is crucial for employability.
CXC CEO/Registrar Dr Wayne Wesley, at the release of the results, said: “So we are in very challenging times…we need to give greater attention to English and Math…we have to sit down and address the serious problem of human capital impacting the region."
Education stakeholders, including the CXC and national education ministers, have recognised the need for reform. The introduction of new strategies, such as enhanced use of artificial intelligence and targeted interventions, is a positive step. However, these measures must be swiftly implemented to address the root causes of the problem, including potential deficiencies in teaching methods and curriculum design.
As policymakers and educators across the region deliberate on solutions, it is crucial to focus on practical, evidence-based strategies that address the specific needs of students. Collaborative efforts to revamp the curriculum, improve teacher training, and enhance student support mechanisms are essential.
Here, in Guyana, as was reported by this publication on Wednesday, in light of consistently declining performances by students in a number of critical subject areas, the Government will soon implement a new appraisal instrument in schools to ensure teachers’ performances are strictly monitored and evaluated.
A breakdown of Guyana’s performance provided by Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain revealed that Guyana’s overall pass rates in the 2024 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination slightly declined from 67.37 per cent in 2023 to 63.23 per cent in 2024.
The current situation should serve as a wake-up call. There must be a collective commitment across the region to address these educational challenges in order to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. By tackling these issues head-on, the officials would strengthen the region's educational foundation for future generations. The importance of continuing to invest in education in the region must be recognized, as this would ensure that every child has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Establishment of the Mohan Nandu Scholarship
Dear Editor,
It is with great pride and humility that we announce the establishment of the Mohan Nandu Scholarship at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan, the private Hindu secondary school at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, Guyana.
This institution took care of the basic needs of this cultural icon in his last years.
Principal of this secondary school, Swami Aksharananda- ji, recently visited Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Toronto, Canada, and received a certificate of appreciation from the Ashram, posthumously recognising the cultural contributions of Mohan Nandu and approving the establishment of the scholarship, after discussions with the director of the ashram, Dr. Lake Singh-ji.
Mohan is known throughout Guyana and the diaspora, and many would like to ensure that his deeds are known for posterity, and this initiative gives them an opportunity to act on that desire. A bank account has been created at the Guyana Bank for Trade and
Industry (GBTI) in the name of: Saraswati Vidya Niketan Scholarship Fund. Account number is: 006459027034. Swift Code: GUTIGYGE. Contact Information: Block H, North Public Road, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Guyana;
On Sunday, June 02, 2024, the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Toronto, Canada hosted a simple but meaningful tribute to the late Indo-Guyanese musical legend Shri Mohan Nandu-ji. The programme was conceptualised by Ramnarine Sahadeo and supported by devotees of the ashram and by friends and family members of Nandu-ji.
A household name not only in the Indo-community in Guyana, but equally in the Caribbean and North American diaspora, Mohan Nandu blazed a musical journey that was second to none, and shared the stage in Guyana with Bollywood playback singer the late Manna Dey, many years ago.
Dr Lake Singh presented a certificate of appreciation of Mohan Nandu to Principal of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Swami Aksharananda-ji
A staff member of the Indian High Commission is seen tying a rakhi on the wrist of Prime Minister Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. This traditional Hindu festival celebrates and reinforces protective and loving bonds that transcend biological ties, being a time to honour relationships that are special and meaningful to each individual (Office of the Prime Minister photo)
Election rigging will not be tolerated
Dear Editor,
The blatant rigging of elections in Guyana must come to an end. The ‘riggers’ are allowed to commit these unpardonable sins with immunity. As for those that are presently before the courts for the 2020 fraud and rigging, it seems as though procrastination is the order of the day. However, we are living in different times, and the entire world witnessed the wicked and brazen attempt to steal the Government. Hence, it is imperative that all persons who are found guilty of this act feel the consequences. A strong, unambivalent message must be sent to all the riggers that election rigging will not be tolerated.
The record is there to show that, on Election Day, all day, the process was smoothly and efficiently executed. All the political parties declared that the Guyana Elections Commission had done a good job. The Election Day staff and the respective political parties’ polling agents completed the day’s activities by doing the counting and signing of the statements of poll.
The GECOM Returning Officers in all the 10 administrative regions completed the counting and signed off, distributed and posted the statements of Poll.
The statements of poll were used to verify the elections in nine of the administrative regions.
However, the riggers went to work in Region Four/ Georgetown. The SOPs were replaced, and the riggers tried desperately to use a well-prepared broadsheet to call the ‘rigging’ numbers in an effort to steal the elections. The entire nation, along with the local and international observers, protested vehemently at the ‘riggers’ blatant attempts to steal the elections.
It took this nation five long months of anxious waiting before the results of the National and Regional Elections were declared, and for the PPP/C to be sworn-in as the elected Government. The open hijacking of the election process was perpetrated in Region 4,
Georgetown. The other nine Regions’ results were tabulated using the SOPs, and were accepted by all the parties that contested the elections.
GECOM’s Command Centre in Region 4 was stormed by a vicious mob spewing vicious threats in a desperate attempt to disrupt the tabulation and declaration of the results. One GECOM official rudely ejected the occupants of the building, falsely declaring that a ‘bomb’ was in the building.
Further, the police commander in Region 4 was sent packing, and was replaced to prevent the riggers from passing instructions and orders. The GECOM staffers had
Investment in seed paddy facilities in Guyana is a boost to the rice industry
Dear Editor,
The rice industry in Guyana has been receiving significant attention from the Government in recent years. With the Ministry of Agriculture spearheading initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring the sustainability of rice cultivation, one of the most notable investments has been in seed paddy facilities.
This is something the Opposition had failed to do during their time in Government, and even in Opposition -- making notable investments. These people were not interested in advancing and expanding the various sectors in agri.
As of 2024, the Government of Guyana has invested approximately GY$200 million in the development of seed paddy facilities across the country. This investment underscores the administration's commitment to modernising the agriculture sector and enhancing the quality of rice production. The seed paddy facilities are crucial
in ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality seeds, which in turn leads to better yields, improved resistance to diseases, and higher profitability for farmers.
The establishment of these facilities is a game-changer for the rice industry in Guyana. High-quality seed paddy is essential to improving the overall quality and quantity of rice production. With better seeds, farmers can achieve higher yields per hectare, which is critical, given the global challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. This investment also aligns with Government's broader goal of increasing rice exports, which is vital for the economy, as rice is one of the leading exports.
On August 10, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a state-of-the-art seed paddy facility in Berbice, one of the most prominent rice-producing regions in Guyana. This facility, valued at approximately GY$50
million, is designed to process and store seed paddy that meets international standards. It is equipped with modern technology to ensure that the seeds produced are of the highest quality, which would directly benefit thousands of rice farmers in the region.
Commissioning of the Berbice facility marks a significant milestone in Government's ongoing efforts to bolster the rice industry.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has emphasized that this facility would play a crucial role in increasing the productivity and sustainability of rice farming in Guyana. The facility is expected to produce enough seed paddy to support over 15,000 hectares of rice fields annually, thereby ensuring the country's rice industry remains competitive on the global stage.
It should be taken into account that when the Hon Zulfikar Mustapha took over the Ministry of Agriculture, he visited the facility in 2021 and had found it to
to flee from the building, and the chairperson was forced to go into hiding.
The strong leadership of PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and a united people with international support led to a national recount.
The 2020 National and Regional Elections victory for the Government must be followed up with determination to put an end to rigged elections.
All the political rhetoric
about bloated voters list and bio-metrics are only obstacles and efforts to make noise. As this country approaches the 2025 elections, genuine efforts must be made to ensure that all election riggers are brought to justice. Strong penalties must be imposed on the guilty. Sanctions must be a deterrent to all riggers.
Sincerely,
Neil Kumar
Some of his friends share intimate stories of their association with this legend. To ensure that his legacy lives on, Ramnarine Sahadeo conceptualized and announced that a Mohan Nandu Scholarship will be established. Ramnarine had already established a track record of ensuring cultural icons are not forgotten when he initiated and contributed to the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Sincerely, Somdatt Ramessar
be overgrown with vines and bush. The various pieces of equipment in the shell of the structure were seized up and rusted, with vines growing in and around them. The facility was in a miserable state because, the fact remains, it was left abandoned during the APNU/ AFC term in government (2015-2020), when rice farmers and their needs were placed on the back burner.
The investment in seed paddy facilities by the Government of Guyana represents a forward-thinking approach to the development of agriculture. By focusing on the foundational aspect of seed quality, Government is setting the stage for long-term growth and sustainability in the rice industry. The recent commissioning of the Berbice facility is a testament to this commitment, and it is expected to have a lasting positive impact on rice production in Guyana.
Sincerely,
Fawaz Harry
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons
07:00 Evening News (RB)
08:00 Stay Woke
08:30 Guy's Grocery Games 09:30 BBC Travel Show 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 Divorce Court 12:00 Movie - The Stream (2013) 13:35 Wheel of Fortune 14:00 The Loud House S4 E12 14:30 Spongebob Squarepants
15:00 From the Pavilion
16:00 Young Sheldon S2 E19
16:30 Secrets of Sulphur Springs S1 E11
17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 President Speech R/B
19:00 The Evening News
20:00 Stop Suffering
20:30 Stand-up Comedy
21:00 Grey's Anatomy S5 E23
22:00 Peaky Blinders S2 E3
23:00 Emily in Paris S3 E3
23:30 Dear White People S4 E10
00:00 Sign off
Page Foundation
We’ll start by exploring examples of the various kinds of music we hear all around us. We hear songs on the radio and music in films. Television shows have theme songs, anthems and songs are played in sports stadiums, shopping centres, schools, churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques. We sing special songs to celebrate important moments and events, but we also sing in the shower. We grow up making music and listening to music – even if we don’t always realise it. We make music to express, to entertain, and to influence.
Use these questions to guide your exploration of music
• What is music?
• Where do we hear music?
• Why do we make music?
• When do we make music?
• What’s the first song you remember learning?
• What kind of music do you make?
• What kind of music do you like?
• What kind of music do you hear at celebrations?
Singers, instrumentalists, composers, and conductors have made music history all over the world.
Supplies
• Examples of actual album or CD covers
• Old magazines to use for collage pictures
• Markers, colo[red pencils, pencils
• Colored construction paper for creating collages
• Scissors
• Tape and glue
• Construction paper cut into 8-1/2-inch x 8-1/2inch squares
Let‘s get started!
Imagine that you are creating an album cover for your favourite musician.
For inspiration them, check images of famous album covers.
What is on an album cover?
• Artwork (can include photographs, abstract or realistic shapes, or hand-drawn text)
• The name of the musician
• The name of the album (sometimes it is just the name of the musician)
Musicians make albums, which are collections of songs. Those albums have an illustrated “cover,” much like a book has a “cover.” The artwork is like the package for the musician and the music. Musicians want that package to showcase who they are and to get the listeners excited about the music they are offering. This same artwork is used with the artist’s music on vinyl records, CDs, and when it streams on iTunes or Spotify. Cut pictures out of old magazines that you like. You can also cut the construction paper into shapes that help express the music of that artist. Use the photos and coloured paper to create a collage.
• Arrange them on your square piece of paper.
• Add the name of the musician.
• Add anything else you think will make the album cover great.
• If you wish, display the album cover in your room.
By Paul laurence DunBar
We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,— This debt we pay to human guile; With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, And mouth with myriad subtleties.
Why should the world be over-wise, In counting all our tears and sighs? Nay, let them only see us, while We wear the mask.
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries To thee from tortured souls arise. We sing, but oh the clay is vile Beneath our feet, and long the mile; But let the world dream otherwise, We wear the mask!
Paul Laurence. Dunbar, ““We Wear the Mask.”” from The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar. (New York: Dodd, Mead and Company )
During movies or TV shows?
Design an album cover
After months of talks Education Ministry, GTU agree on 27% salary increase for teachers over 3-year period
After months of negotiations, the Education Ministry and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) reached an agreement on Wednesday regarding salary increases and other benefits for educators over the next three years. Under the new agreement, teachers will see their salaries rise by 27 per cent by 2026.
The 2024- 2026 multiyear agreement for teachers’ salaries and benefits was signed by Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain, the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, President of the Guyana Teachers' Union Dr. Mark Lyte and its Vice President Julian Cambridge – ending months of intense negotiations.
The agreement mandates that teachers receive a 10 per cent increase for this year, 8 per cent for 2025 and 9 per cent for 2026.
Addressing the nation on Wednesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted that there is also an adjustable clause in the agreement, which stipulates that if a higher percentage increase is announced for the general public service, teachers will also benefit from the difference.
On this point, the Head of State underscored Government’s unwavering support for teacher’s welfare, noting that the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration will continue to set aside resources for development projects.
“My government remains strongly committed to our education sector revolution, modernisation, and transformation. And in that commitment, the development of our teachers, the improvement of their conditions of service, both from an infrastructure perspective
and from a personal development perspective is a priority in the agenda of transforming our education system… This, of course, is important as we expand secondary education in the hinterland, as we build new schools. We will need more teachers to go into remote areas because we want our education system to cover all of Guyana and the children of Guyana to have access to education at every level, regardless of where they live,” Ali said.
Aside from the agreed salary increase, the multiyear agreement also includes several non-salary benefits for teachers.
The Remote Area Incentive (RAI) has moved from $9,000 in 2023 to $23,000, an increase of 156 per cent.
In addition, teachers who hold doctoral degrees will receive $32,000 monthly, while those who have a Master's degree would receive $22,000
Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and President of the Guyana Teachers' Union, Dr Mark Lyte, holding the agreement
monthly, and holders of a Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in education would now receive $7,000 and $5,000, respectively.
Further, scholarships would be increased by 100 per cent annually, which will see 70 educators securing free scholarships for Diplomas in Education and 30 securing Masters in Education through the
University of Guyana.
According to President Ali, these benefits and many more to be provided to teachers are for the first of its kind being offered by any government of Guyana to educators.
“So, looking at the complete package and all that we have given, you can see that our teachers will enjoy a welfare package and that is why we said
it's not only about salary increases, it’s a welfare package that will bring tremendous improvement to not only their salaries, but their comprehensive package that they will receive. We are pleased, as a government, that we have been able, through our commitment to our teachers, our children and education, and the education sector, to work with the Union in arriving at this agreement,” he added. A number of other non-salary issues were addressing including clothing allowance, duty-free concessions, housing benefits, and health coverage.
Earlier this year, teachers across the country had gone on strike for more than 70 days, demanding salary increases and benefits for teachers.
The strike ended on June 21, with the GTU and the Education Ministry agreeing to facilitate talks on the multiyear agreement. (G1)
"Why didn’t they fix it?" – AG slams hypocrisy on Hughes’s pit latrines comment …reminds of AFC’s senior roles in Govt during 2015-2020
The use of pit latrines by people in the interior region has attracted much public discourse after Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Nigel Hughes made a social media post about students in Phillipai, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) using such outdated facilities.
However, Hughes has
come in for criticisms over his apparent “discovery”, with Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall condemning the politician for acting as though his party was never in government and were never afforded an opportunity to fix the very issues he is currently complaining about.
Speaking during his programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday, Nandlall contended that Hughes “for the first time apparently, he is in the interior and is discovering these things.”
“This gentleman goes into the Upper Mazaruni, perhaps for the first time in his life, and he discovers the living condition in those communities, he has never seen this before. You see, he grew up in a privileged household…for the first time apparently, he is seeing pit latrine and he is seeing Amerindians using
pit latrine. He has never, perhaps, used a pit latrine. He doesn’t understand that the entire Guyana, other than a privileged few like himself, were using pit latrine just recently,” the attorney general said.
However, he noted that “I am not saying that we should continue using pit latrine. The use of pit latrine in 2024 by schools or by anybody is a deplorable thing and we have to
change that.”
“And we are working every day to change that. But this gentleman believes with the wave of a magical wand, pit latrine can be converted into a flush toilet,” Nandlall added. According to the Attorney General, “2015 to 2020, his party was in government, didn’t they know that it had pit latrine in Mazaruni? Didn’t they know that it had pit latrine in the Amerindian communities? Why they didn’t fix it?”
He nevertheless pointed out that, “We are now fixing them. But what did they do?”
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes
Recognising…
…High schools
It’s that time of the year again. We got our initial national “rush” when the NGSA marks came out, and now we move up the rankings into CSEC and CAPE. We haven’t gotten to the point of celebrating the rankings from the University of Guyana graduations, but that’s another story, innit!? It might be more about the university that the students, since one would think it’s the same cohort of high school students moving up the ladder.
Do most folks know that the majority of lecturers at UG just have a BA or BSc degree? How are they going to inspire their wards to “look beyond the horizon” when THEIR horizons are restricted by their mediocre training? If you haven’t been on a hill, much less a mountaintop, what’s there to see and pass on?
Anyhow, back to the CSEC and CAPE grades. If you look at the pics and headlines in the press, you’d think there’s only a handful of schools doing well in Guyana. Since Queen’s gets the cream of the crop from the NGSA; and, more to the point, the cream of the funding from the Ministry of Ed, the students are EXPECTED TO DO WELL!! It’s those who don’t who feel a sense of shame. What pleased your Eyewitness was that the top spot at CSEC was SHARED by one kid from Queen’s and one from Anna Regina Secondary!! The latter has been amazingly consistent in recent years – along with its companion, the Abram Zuil.
And this brings your Eyewitness to those mind-boggling numbers of subjects the top students passed – which just keeps increasing. Imagine the two toppers nicked TWENTY-THREE GRADE ONES!! And to increase your Eyewitness’s incredulity, he has learnt that the kid from Queen’s actually wrote TWENTYNINE subjects and additionally copped six Grade Twos!! The ARMS kid wrote 24 subjects and copped 1 Grade 2!! Seriously, your Eyewitness doesn’t want to take away anything from these kids, but every time he hears about these numbers, he must confess, he wonders about the level of difficulty of these exams. But even so, the only thing that could explain writing these numbers of subjects has to be the hope of securing a scholarship.
But what pleased your Eyewitness greatly was that SVN, the private Hindu school on West Coast Demerara, was again in the top bracket. The reason for this is that ARMS also gets the top NGSA kids from the Essequibo Coast – who don’t want to relocate to “town”. But SVN gets mostly the lower cut, who didn’t make the “town schools”. Their performance is consistently absolutely mind boggling!!
In CAPE, it was the same story: Queen’s dominating the headlines, but SVN still sneaking in!!
…the money game
There have been rising concerns about our inflation rate of recent – mostly expressed as “money na do fuh live!!” Our leaders can do worse that look at the experience of the US, that’s been on an inflation roller coaster for decades!! How did they handle matters?? Well, back in 2008 - when their economy tanked and plunged them into a recession, legendary investor Warren Buffet noted, ex-President George W. Bush uttered ‘perhaps the most consequential words on modern economics’: “If money isn’t loosened up, this sucker could go down!”
So, lo and behold, the Fed launched “quantitative easing” - a series of actions that include the purchasing of securities to inject money into the financial system. This lowered borrowing costs and increased the money supply – but inflation also increased!! So, since June 2022, to tame inflation, the Fed have reversed gears and launched “quantitative tightening” –sucking up money from the economy!!
Our Bank of Guyana plays the role of the Fed here. Have they been “tightening” our money supply??
…teachers’ role
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand made hopefully what isn’t a throwaway comment, after observing the overall performance of students at CSEC Math and English. She said that teachers’ remuneration ought to be tied to performance.
Your Eyewitness concurs enthusiastically!!
UK offering expertise to advance Guyana’s renewable energy
…as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner leads
With an already strong diplomatic and trade relationship, the British Government is looking to further expand ties with Guyana especially in the area of renewable energy and is offering its expertise to support local initiatives.
This is according to His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) to Latin America & the Caribbean, Jonathan Knott, who is currently leading a delegation from the United Kingdom (UK) to Guyana to explore business opportunities here.
During a networking reception held by the British High Commission in Georgetown on Tuesday evening, Knott explained to reporters on the sidelines that they are looking at opportunities for collaboration in the areas where Guyana is keen on developing such as transport links, infrastructure, health and education, and especially energy.
In fact, he noted the availability of British experts to assist Guyana in developing its renewable energy.
“We’re interested in supporting what Guyana would like to do in its energy grid to make sure it’s robust, to make sure it’s fit for purpose as the country growths at the rate that it’s growing. We’re also interested in renewable energy and whether there is an opportunity to introduce those sources in Guyana as well because there is a lot of British expertise there,” Knott stated.
According to the British official, while there has been much advancements in the Guyana-UK relationship in recent years, there is much more to be done to further strengthen these ties.
Back in November 2022, the British Government lifted the visa-requirement for Guyanese travelling to the UK and a few months later, British Airways commenced flights to Guyana in March 2023.
Currently, Guyana is the UK’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean, accounting for some 33.4 per cent of all our trade in the region.
Trade in goods and services between Guyana and the UK was £1.9 billion at
business delegation here ceiling to do transactions and to demonstrate there are good business opportunities in Guyana,” the minister stated.
the end of Q1 2024, an increase of 17.7 per cent or £282 million. This includes UK exports to Guyana amounting to £1.4 billion in in Q1 2024, a growth of 102.3 per cent or £699 million, while total UK imports from Guyana amounted to £490 million during this period – a decrease of 46.0 per cent or £417 million.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh lauded the British Government for initiatives taken to improve economic and commercial ties between the two countries.
Key among these, he pointed out, is the increase in the credit lending sum to Guyana. In February of this year, the UK Export Finance (UKEF) announced the increase of the credit ceiling from £750 million to £2.1 billion for both government and private sector in Guyana.
“That represents hundreds of millions of pounds in business opportunities for British companies and we want as many British companies as possible to avail themselves of the room that is allowed by that increased
Guyana lauded for supporting...
Argentine President Javier Milei has been one of Maduro’s strongest critics and has even called for the intervention of Venezuelan armed forces following the disputed elections. Venezuela for its part had ordered the removal of the Argentine diplomats at the facility, which has been protecting six members of the Venezuelan opposition seeking asylum, since March of this year. This had prompted Brazil to step in and offer its protection to the Argentine embassy.
Mention was also made of the fact that the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela is yet to present the electoral records that would verify the declaration it made of Maduro’s victory… a declaration that is at odds with the electoral records published by the opposition, which show that opposition Presidential candidate Edmundo González actually won the elections by a wide margin.
“Consequently, we request the immediate publication of all original records and the impartial and independent verification of
Dr. Singh went onto underscore the importance of these visits by foreign trade missions in exposing potential investors to the opportunities that exists in Guyana and to connect them with local partners. Already, he added, these visits have produced tangible results with several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed and Joint Ventures (JVs) formed.
“We want more British companies in Guyana, doing business in Guyana, forming partnerships with Guyanese companies and delivering good quality goods and services, competitively priced as we advanced this incredibly exciting period of transition in Guyana. Guyana is open for business… In literally every single category of goods and services that you can think of, demand currently outstrips supply in Guyana, and there is room for new entrance to come
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those results, preferably by an international entity, to ensure respect for the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed at the polls. Any delay in this process calls into question the August 2, 2024, official proclamation,” the joint statement had said.
The countries signing on to the statement had included Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Guyana, Italy, Morocco, The Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Suriname, Uruguay, Ukraine, the
United States and the European Union.
Guyana and Venezuela currently have a border controversy being adjudicated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as Venezuela has unjustly claimed two thirds of Guyana, comprising of the mineral rich Essequibo, as its own.
The Maduro regime has also been stepping up its aggressive tactics, including a military buildup on Venezuela’s border with Guyana… a fact that has been roundly condemned by the international community. (G3)
into Guyana and to produce more, and to produce more competitively… There is no shortage of investment opportunities in Guyana,” the finance minister stated.
Meanwhile, the British Trade official outlined that the UK Government and businesses have a tremendous appetite for partnership with their Guyanese counterparts. He further stated that UK has proven to be a good partner for Guyana and Guyanese businesses.
“I think our offer is excellent. I went to other people’s office [and] we think
ours is competitive and with a quality that’s really high. And so, part of my job is to ensure the buyers whether from the government or private sector are aware of that offer. Together with the UK Export Finance as well, I think it makes a really competitive package.”
“Also, we’re looking at how British companies can work in consortium with companies from other countries. There shouldn’t be any exclusivity about a single deal and really, that’s about making the best possible offer to Guyana,” Knott stated.
A recently held memorial for the thousands of Venezuelans detained by the Government
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to Latin America & the Caribbean, Jonathan Knott
City Hall’s failed Parking Meter Project
costing State millions in legal fees
…says already spent over $150M in legal costs
The Government of Guyana is facing a US$100M lawsuit filed by Smart City Solutions (SCS) for damages and compensation following the failed attempt by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to implement parking meters in Georgetown.
The project led by then Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and former Town Clerk Royston King, sought to implement paid parking in the city with the installation of over sixty parking meters in the busy downtown areas. The majority of the meters were installed in 2016 but the project was terminated
due to widespread protests, leaving them to rot.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall on Tuesday evening said over $150 million was spent thus far in legal fees. “We have already paid over $150 million and we have put aside another $100 million to pay legal fees to defend against what APNU+AFC has caused to be filed against us,” he said during his weekly programme of ‘Issues in the News.’
The case is ongoing in the United States (US) before the Washington, DC-based International Centre for Settlement
of Investment Disputes (ICSID)—an arbitration institution established by the World
Bank Group to address legal dispute resolution and conciliation between international investors and States.
According to the AG, the Government has filed its defence which SCS is now penning its response to.
He said the entire scenario is reflective of the APNU/AFC’s mismanagement of public office from 2015 to 2020.
“This is the liability that the mismanagement and corruption of the APNU+AFC Government have exposed us to,” he reminded. Nandlall said the former administration put the country in severe
"Why didn’t they fix it?" – AG slams...
“This gentleman wants you to believe and would like the country to believe that he is not part of the AFC and they were not part of the government up to four years ago,” Nandlall said, reminding that AFC officials held senior portfolios in government such as the then Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo,
the former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, and former Vice President and Public Security Minsiter, Khemraj Ramjattan.
“They were sitting in the government. Why they didn’t fix the pit latrine?”
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, also
addressing the media at an event on Tuesday, explained that a contract has been awarded for some time now to have a modern lavatory facility developed at the Phillipai Primary School. During a question-and-answer segment following the announcement of CSEC and CAPE results, she
FROM PAGE 7
said, “first of all, Phillipai Primary has a block of flush toilets that the kids are not using. Secondly, there is a drawing and its fairly idiot proof and by that, I mean that any fool can pick it up and see what it means, it’s been awarded to a gentleman, the building is about to begin, a 10-toilet block.”
debt during its short time in office.
Guyanese had protested the parking meters since the proposed fees were deemed “exorbitant.” In fact, the initial proposed fee was $570 per hour which was reduced to $250 per hour and later $150 per hour, with $800 to be charged for eight hours.
The contract would have seen SCS carting off with 80 per cent of the metering profits for close to 50 years.
The parking meters were active in January 2017, but this was met with strong resistance from the then PPP/C Opposition, pri-
– AG
vate sector bodies, and ordinary citizens, who formed an organisation called Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) – which went on to hold some of the largest non-political protests ever seen in the city.
Amid public pressure, the then APNU/ AFC Government finally intervened and suspended the bylaws which paved the way for the implementation of metered parking, thus effectively halting the parking meter project.
Meanwhile, Foley Hoag and Associates is the law firm representing Guyana in the US$100 million case.
CXC’s e-Preslip to allow earlier entry into universities – CEO Saddam Hussain
The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has introduced an electronic Preslip (e-Preslip) system which will see graduating secondary students who desire to attend a university immediately, having access to a valid copy of their results.
The platform comes on the heels of calls issued to the Council by
past students of the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
Usually, CXC and CAPE certificates are made available to students in the Caribbean after the official release and verification of results, which is completed around late September or October.
Tertiary Institutions, including the University of Guyana (UG) begin classes in September and as a result, students who miss the registration process will have to wait until January of the following year to apply.
The e-Preslip aims to eliminate this challenge by allowing CSEC/CAPE students to access their grades and submit them to the university of their
choice, just after accessing it through the CXC portal.
During his presentation at Tuesday’s announcement of the 2024 CSEC and CAPE results, Guyana’s Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain explained that this new mechanism will ensure students can begin classes with the first cohort of applicants.
“When you go on to the CXC portal, you put in your information, you will see your results listed there. At the top menu, you can simply click on download e-slip. So, what will happen is that would prompt you to download like you normally download a game or document. So, here is the good thing about the e-slip, if you are going to the University in Guyana (UG) or abroad all you have to do is forward this e-slip. The e-slip comes with a barcode so somebody at the university can simply scan and they go straight to CXC’s database that contains your results,” Hussain explained.
According to the CEO, Guyana’s Education Ministry through its Examination Division plans to take full advantage of this new feature.
“For this year, we will still be printing slips for schools that may not necessarily have this support mechanism at this time but I want to
encourage all of us, let us move ahead with the e-slip. In this way you don’t have to run to school, you have your slip… For those persons who need the slip to apply to universities abroad, you don’t need to come get the slip and scan it and so on, it's right there [online],” he added.
A total of 11,612 students sat this year’s CSEC examination while 721 students wrote CAPE.
The 2024 CSEC top students are Dave Chowtie from Queen’s College, who wrote 29 subjects and copped 23 grade ones and 6 grade twos and Pradesh Dwarka of Anna Regina Multilateral School wrote 26 subjects and secured 23 grade one passes and three grade twos.
The CAPE top student is Aniyah Couchman of Queens College who secured grade 1 passes in 11 units, grade two in two units, and grade three in 1 unit.
Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain
Int'l Business Conference to help small companies access foreign partners, markets
The inaugu-
ral International Business Conference, slated for later this year in Guyana, will provide small businesses with the tools they need to acquire international business partnerships.
This is according to Dr. Vishnu Doerga who is the Chairman of ActionInvest Caribbean and the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Doerga, who is also one of the main organisers of the conference, revealed during a recent interview with the Guyana Times that, unlike other international conferences of a similar nature that have been hosted in the country, the International Business Conference promises to provide a particular focus on small businesses.
He further explained that while many small busi-
nesses are given opportunities to network and grow, these partnerships are often incompatible due to a variety of factors.
“I see this happening frequently, where we bring large international companies, but we put them to sit and talk to a micro business or someone who doesn't have any employees or doesn't have the capital. That mismatch sometimes gives our country and our business community a bad image,” he stated.
On this point, Doerga highlighted that it is the re-
sponsibility of large and medium-sized enterprises to mentor and provide small businesses with the necessary resources that will allow them to establish a firm foundation on which they can build.
“We want to ensure that every Guyanese and Surinamese company has the opportunity to be able to participate at the lowest possible cost. It is the responsibility of our medium and large companies in Guyana to develop their own supply chain, to make sure that they work along with the mi-
cro and small businesses, to give them an opportunity to grow, to give them an opportunity to provide logistic services for them, to provide some level of supply of goods that they can purchase from those type of businesses. So that when a medium or a large company grows, they all grow together,” he explained.
Additionally, the Chairman noted that the local agro-processing sector has tremendous potential to be one of the country’s main economic drivers. He added that this potential is significantly reduced due to high production costs which is a direct result of the high cost of energy.
However, Doerga revealed that with the Government’s model Gasto-Energy (GtE) project that is set to come on stream in 2025, production costs will be significantly
reduced. It is for this reason, he explained, that the International Business Conference will strategically target businesses within the agro-processing sector.
“So, when we took a look at that, we decided okay great, we have a manufacturing association in Guyana, we reached out to them and they were already looking at a similar event and we decided to cooperate. And therefore, the focus is heavily on manufacturing and agro-processing with a focus on what is required for the entire supply chain and what are the opportunities so that we can also, at the end of the conference, be able to come out with a statement to say, these are the areas we investigated, we discussed, these are the proposals and these are the next steps we're expecting,” he stated.
The International Business Conference – a first of its kind in the country – is set for October 15 to 17, 2024 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. The event will provide businesses with a one-of-a-kind experience which allows them to browse a list of businesses and choose which establishments they would like to partner with. Already, over 500 delegates are booked for the event – 300 of which are new international investors seeking business opportunities in Guyana.
A total of US$500,000 was budgeted for the rolling out of the event, as members of the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce and members of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, along with about 10 other business support organisations in Guyana and the Caribbean will be receiving up to 50 per cent off rates.
US$1.8M mineral mapping project to attract more int’l investors to Guyana
…AI technology meets traditional prospecting as contract signed for project
With the government’s signing of a US$1.8 million mineral mapping contract with American company Global Venture Consulting, United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, anticipates that the project will lead to increased interest from international investors in the natural resources sector.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Natural Resources officially inked the mineral mapping contract with the company, Global Venture Consulting. The project, which the government hopes will be a multiyear one, will see the firm producing maps to show, among other things, where gold and other mineral deposits are located around the country.
The US Ambassador, who was present at the event, highlighted the fact that the firm is owned by women. She also spoke of the significance of the project. For instance, it will allow miners to be able to pinpoint locations of mineral deposits. The prospect of reduced prospecting time and expenses is likely to appeal not only to local miners, but foreign investors too.
“Understanding the location and extent of mineral deposits, allows for the design of a more targeted extraction process that minimises environmental impact. It also supports the development strategies, to rehabilitate and restore areas already affected by mining. Ensuring that Guyana’s eco-systems are preserved for future generations.”
“Effective mineral mapping will also attract international investment from the US and from other like-minded countries that value good business ethics and the rule of law. With that investment, Guyana can create job opportunities, develop infrastructure and boost local industries. As the US Ambassador to Guyana, I want to emphasise our commitment to supporting your country in this area,” Theriot also said.
Critical minerals
Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat noted that the project will target not only gold, but other minerals too. As a matter of fact, he believes that one mineral, lithium, can very well overtake gold sometime in the future, as the most sought-after mineral.
“What is also important with this project is identify-
thodical and comprehensive exploration,” King said. She explained that detailed data maps will be created, featuring target mineral zones, across nine key areas. The Guyana Government is looking to reduce deforestation caused by miners with its
mineral mapping exercise, for which some $400 million had been allocated in Budget 2024. The first phase of the project is expected to focus on the main mining districts, such as the Mazaruni, Puruni, and the North-West District.
In addition to Global
Ventures, cabinet had approved a contract for a French company to conduct an oil reservoir audit, in an effort to independently verify how much oil is actually in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana, held by United States (US) oil giant ExxonMobil. (G3)
ing whatever critical minerals may exist in Guyana. And tying this in with our Low Carbon Development Strategy and the whole conversation on climate change and transitioning away from fossil fuels, it means critical minerals will become even more critical.”
“I’ve said it before… I believe at some point in time lithium will probably be the most sought-after mineral, even more than gold probably. As we continue to transition away from fossil fuel and as more and more countries are pressured into transitioning. Which is the right thing to do,” the Minister said.
Lithium is a chemical element that is derived from stone. Said to be the lightest known metal, it is used in rechargeable batteries found in mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, electrical vehicles, pacemakers, toys and clocks.
Its uses extend far beyond rechargeable batteries, but many predict that this application will dominate demand for the metal in coming years. Given the growing importance of energy metals and lithium-ion batteries, securing a consistent supply of lithium is a top priority for technology companies around the world.
Back in 2017, Australian company, Greenpower Energy, and Canada-based Guyana Strategic Metals (GSM) Incorporated, had done some exploration for rare earth minerals and lithium in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), to see if the area has enough deposits to make it profitable for mining.
Another benefit highlighted by the Minister, is the fact that an updated mineral map will help incentivise existing companies to remain in Guyana, where they provide valuable employment opportunities to locals. He gave as an example the Chinese owned Guyana Manganese
Inc. (GMI), which operates in Matthew’s Ridge, Region One (Barima/Waini).
“The manganese company has been producing in region one. Unfortunately, like diamond, the price on the world market hasn’t been too favorable. And we have to work with these companies that are engaged in diamond and manganese production. It is important that we keep these companies in Guyana, and to work with them. Incentivise them.”
“For example, the manganese company employs almost 200 individuals from region one, especially in the Matthews Ridge/ Port Kaituma sub district. Employment in those areas is critical. There aren’t as many opportunities as we have on the coast. So, it’s important that we work with these companies to ensure that they stay in operation and continue to produce and employ Guyanese,” he said.
AI technology
The project, according to Global Ventures Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emily King, will combine traditional techniques with modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence. She noted that Guyana is one of the first countries to do this on a national scale.
“Our team is fully committed to supporting Guyana to better understand its mineral wealth, of both precious metals and critical minerals. Our team will work hand in hand with the Ministry to combine tried and true exploration methods, with cutting edge innovation, blending the wisdom of traditional techniques, with the power of modern technology.”
“Remarkably, Guyana is poised to become the very first country to undertake almost a national scale mapping programme, using, this innovative approach. Establishing itself as a global leader integrating AI and machine learning, into me-
Global Ventures CEO Emily King (left, foreground) and Natural Resources Ministry Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie, holding the contract following the signing
ExxonMobil, partners waive interest on Stabroek investments – Govt
…though entitled to interest under APNU/AFC-signed PSA
To dispel any speculation about
ExxonMobil’s earnings from its investments in the Stabroek Block, the Natural Resources Ministry has clarified that Exxon is not receiving any interest.
According to the min-
istry in a recent missive, Exxon and its co-venture partners CNNOC and Hess Corporation, all agreed to waive receiving interest payments- which they would have been entitled to under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)
they signed with the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.
“Annex C of the PA grants the contractor the right to recover interest and financing costs… as a result, EMGL and the
Stabroek Co-Vs would be within their rights under the PA, to charge interest to the cost bank in one of two ways;”
These ways include charging interest on the costs that have not been recovered, currently standing at US$8 billion. Another method they could have used, according to the Ministry, was to fund their operations and investments through bank or parent company loans.
“However, they have never done this. They have only been funded via equity injections and by cash from operations that was not returned to their parent company. Interest could (also) be charged on costs not recovered. The cost bank could have an interest component, but the Co-V’s have also made the conscious decision not to do this to date,” the Ministry added.
Only recently, ExxonMobil had announced its second-quarter earnings of US9.2 billion while adding that its Cash Flow from operating activities was US$10.6 billion and cash flow from operations excluding working capital movements was US$15.2 billion.
In addition, it stated that shareholder distributions of $9.5 billion included $4.3 billion of dividends and $5.2 billion of share repurchases, consistent with the company’s announced plans.
“We delivered our second-highest 2Q earnings of the past decade as we continue to improve the fundamental earnings power of the company,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods stated.
He further stated, “We achieved record quarterly production from our lowcost-of-supply Permian and Guyana assets, with the highest oil production since the Exxon and Mobil merger. We also achieved a record in high-value product sales, growing by 10 per cent versus the first half of last year.”
“We closed on our transformative merger with Pioneer in about half the time of similar deals. And we’re continuing to build businesses such as
ProxximaTM, carbon materials, and virtually carbon-free hydrogen, with approximately 98 per cent of CO2 removed, that will create value long into the future.”
However, some of the financial highlights include its year-to-date earnings were $17.5 billion versus $19.3 billion in the first half of 2023. The company also stated that it is on track to deliver cumulative savings totaling US$5 billion through the end of 2027 versus 2023.
EEPGL Vice President and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema, had related in July that the oil giant has only recovered some US$20 billion of the US$30 billion investments in Guyana as of the end of 2023 while asserting that the Guyana Government has been getting “the lion’s share of the profits”.
“Under the agreement, you take the revenues that are earned, and then its split between what we call cost oil and profit oil. Cost oil…that is oil that we’re entitled to as the contractor to repay our cost. And so, in the early stage of development, as we are today where we’re investing a lot, up to 75 per cent of the revenues are available for repayment of those costs.”
“Then the remainder is considered profit oil and that’s shared 50/50 between the contractor group and the government. In addition…there’s a royalty of 2 per cent of revenue that is paid to the government and that comes out of the profit oil share of the contrac-
tor group. So, the contract is structured in a way that the Government of Guyana, and the people of Guyana are always going to have the lion’s share of the profit…52 per cent of the profit is for Guyana and 48 per cent for the contractor group,” Rietema had outlined.
The Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two, and Payara projects, which are producing overall more than 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s offshore Stabroek Block.
ExxonMobil has been present in Guyana since 1999 and initiated exploration activities in 2008. According to the provisions of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, 75 per cent of gross revenue goes to cost oil while Guyana gets a total of 14.5 per cent from the remaining revenue and royalty and Exxon gets 10.5 per cent.
Under the new conditions of the model PSA that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has implemented, the cost recovery ceiling has been lowered from 75 per cent to 65 per cent.
This is in addition to including terms for all future PSAs to feature the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to a fixed rate of 10 per cent and the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax. Additionally, Guyana stands to benefit from as high as US$20 million signature bonuses for the deep-water blocks and US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks based on the model PSA.
The model PSA is being applied to future oil contracts, which will likely be signed once the Government reaches agreements with the companies that were successful at Guyana’s inaugural oil block auction last year.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
“Late pilots, air navigational officers create accidents” – Edghill
…stresses importance of punctuality for all aviation personnel
Recognising the important role aviation personnel play in safeguarding the safety of the skies, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill revealed that pilots and air traffic officers should always be punctual. The minister made this comment during the launch of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Civil Aviation Training School air traffic control assistance and aeronautical information training programme.
During his remarks to the students the minister noted that their field of work requires the highest levels of punctuality, as such he explained to students that pilots and air navigational officers who are late do not have the necessary time needed to ensure all safety measures and checks are in place which increases the possibility of accidents.
“My reading tells me pilots and air navigational of-
ficers who are late are the ones who create accidents because when you are late you have to cut corners to make up for time that is lost. The necessary checks, the necessary protocols are not in place when you are late. So, punctuality must become a lifestyle. If you're going to stay you must be here on time before the work starts,” Edghill stated.
Moreover, the minister reveled that to further enhance safety in the skies the government has been working assiduously to acquire new technologies that will enhance sky surveillance as well as equipment that will allow air traffic controllers to undergo more robust training.
“But there have been a number of things that we've been doing as a government. There has been an upgrade of the air traffic management system at Timehri. There was a recent upgrade of the automatic weather
station here at Timehri, everybody knows weather information is very important for navigation. Here they have been an upgrade of the air traffic control training simulator” The Minister stated.
Top priority
Also echoing similar sentiments was Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt Col (ret’d) Egbert Field, who highlighted that safety is a top priority in the work field. On this point he underscored the importance of the learners being passionate about their career choice.
“We want people who are looking for a career that they will call home. Aviation is a very safety conscious item, safety conscious because it doesn’t only include or involve material things like airplanes, desks and benches but lives and lives are something to be trea-
Venezuelan opposition journalist detained in crackdown
Ajournalist working for Venezuelan opposition news site La Patilla has been detained by the country's secret police.
Ana Guaita Barreto was seized at her home near the capital, Caracas, her family said.
The trade union representing media workers say she is the sixth journalist to be detained in the aftermath of the presidential election on 28 July, which the government-dominated electoral authority says was won by the incumbent, Nicolás Maduro.
The disputed result has triggered mass protests and a wave of arrests, many of which human rights groups have described as arbitrary.
Ms Guaita was not told why she was being detained but her trade union said she had been targeted because she works for an opposition news site and both her parents are opposition politicians.
Rights activist Tamara Sujú said Ms Guaita's family had not been told where she had been taken.
The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA)
is among the organisations which has denounced the "systematic repression" of journalists in Venezuela.
It said members of the media faced "aggressions, censorship, and judicial harassment without due process, which leads to arbitrary detentions".
The government says it has detained more than 2,400 people in the aftermath of the election, some of whom it has accused of "terrorism".
Many are being held without access to independent lawyers and without being allowed to contact their families.
matters like guiding those pilots and aircraft through our skies that is serious therefore, I want you to throw away all childish behavior and take up the mantle of safety consciousness” he stated.
The United Nations human rights chief last week warned of a "climate of fear" caused by the arbitrary detentions.
Venezuela's Communist Party (PCV), which broke ranks with the Maduro government last year, said on Tuesday that public workers were being hounded out of their jobs for speaking out against Mr Maduro.
In a news conference, PCV leader Jacqueline López said that workers who had spoken out openly against Mr Maduro or had expressed "reasonable doubts about the results announced by the electoral council" were threatened and persecuted.
She said that they had received reports of illegal sackings and forced resignations at state-run companies such as oil firm PDVSA and the electricity provider Corpoelec.
Ms López also expressed concern about the passing of a law last week which gives the government a tighter control over non-governmental organisations. (Excerpted from BBC)
sured and cherished. when it comes to the important
Meanwhile, a total of 25 persons, many of whom hail from hinterland communities, have commenced training in the area of air traffic control. The programme consists of three months of academic instruction followed by three months of practical, on-the-job training. Successful graduates of this programme are guar-
Satellite Connectivity project
anteed employment with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, with ongoing training opportunities for career advancement.
150 connections established in over 55 hinterland communities – PM …says Guyana on path to successful digital inclusion
The Office of the Prime Minister, through its facilitating agency, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), has completed phase one of the Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) Satellite Connectivity project. This project, which is set to benefit over 250 hinterland, remote, and riverain communities by the end of 2024, aims to provide highspeed internet connectivity to communities with limited or no service.
On Wednesday, a release from the Office of the Prime Minister said that Government's pledge to bridge the digital divide is rooted in recognising the disparities between coastal and hinterland communities. The LEO Satellite Connectivity Project directly responds to these challenges, promising to deliver high-speed internet to over 250 communities by the end of 2024.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips emphasised the importance of this project, stating, "Access to reliable internet connectivity is crucial for accessing vital services, improving education outcomes, and fostering economic opportunities".
Since its launch in July 2024, the LEO Project has already established nearly 150 connections in more than 55 communities. These connec-
tions are strategically aimed at empowering critical institutions such as health facilities, schools, and police outposts, thereby enhancing their operational capabilities and service delivery. The initiative is part of the broader WiFiGY programme, which seeks to expand public internet access across the nation, currently providing free internet in nearly 900 public spaces.
Prime Minister Phillips, said, “The completion of phase one marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance the quality of life in Guyana’s hinterland communities, moving communities from connecting to connected".
Commenting on the importance of this project, NDMA General Manager, Christopher Deen said that, “This initiative will ensure that no community is left behind, regardless of their geographical location. By providing free internet services, we aim to empower individuals and communities to participate fully in the digital economy and improve overall quality of life."
Phase one of the LEO Satellite Connectivity Project focused primarily on Region One and its sub-districts. Phase two is expected to commence shortly and will focus on Region Three, Region Six (Corentyne
River), and the Mazaruni River areas in Region Seven, with the remaining phases scheduled for completion before the end of 2024.
The LEO project not only facilitates communication but also promotes digital literacy and inclusion. By providing access to online resources and e-learning platforms such as GOAL, the government is equipping students and educators with the tools necessary for success in a digital age. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to stimulate local economies by creating job opportunities and fostering innovation, as communities gain access to the digital economy.
In addition to the LEO project, the Office of the Prime Minister is implementing various ICT programmes aimed at enhancing digital engagement and participation among citizens. These initiatives include the establishment of ICT hubs in Indigenous communities, which serve as centres for digital learning and access to e-government services. By combining these efforts with the implementation of renewable energy projects through the Guyana Energy Agency, the government is not only addressing connectivity but also ensuring that communities can access to stable and reliable electricity for essential services.
Ana Guaita Barreto was detained outside her home
Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt Col (ret’d) Egbert Field
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
Regional
US drafts list of 60 Venezuelans for possible sanctions over election – sources
The US has drafted a list of about 60 Venezuelan government officials and family members who could be sanctioned in the first punitive measures following the South American country's disputed presidential election in July, two people close to the matter said.
The proposed list singles out officials from Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), the Supreme Court and the counterintelligence police who have been involved in political chaos, the people said.
The US Treasury Department submitted the draft sanctions list in recent days to the State Department, the people said, adding the number of individuals to be sanctioned could change.
The sanctions would impose travel bans on targeted officials and family members, and would prohibit U.S. entities from doing business with them.
The CNE proclaimed incumbent President Nicolas Maduro winner of the July 28 election without revealing full vote tallies. Venezuela's Supreme Court this month began a vote audit, but experts and electoral observers say it is unlikely to challenge the government.
Washington and other governments have challenged Maduro's claimed election victory. Rival candidate Edmundo Gonzalez also claimed victory, and results from more than 80% of ballot tallies published by the opposition show a resounding victory for him, with about 67% support.
It was not immediately clear when the measures would be announced and if any industry sanctions could accompany them.
The US State Department declined to comment. The US Treasury Department and Venezuela's Foreign Affairs ministry did not reply to requests for comment. U.S. Assistant Secretary for Western
Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols, on Tuesday said on the social media website X that Washington would "hold accountable those who enable electoral fraud and repression."
Venezuela's foreign affairs minister Yvan Gil has in recent days replied to U.S. officials over X, accusing Washington of organizing "a coup" against Maduro.
Neighboring nations and the U.S., Canada, the European Union and the regional Organization of American States have stepped up calls for complete results to be published. However, they have so far shown little sign of tough action over what several condemned as voting fraud. (Reuters)
7 persons shot at wake for Jamaican reggae
artiste Chris Martin’s grandmother
Seven persons were shot at a wake in Point Hill, St Catherine early Wednesday morning. The wake was being held for reggae artiste Chris Martin’s grandmother.
One other person, who was reportedly a few metres away from the wake, was also fatally wounded.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2 am.
It is reported that gunmen invaded the wake and opened fire before escaping on foot.
The identity of the de-
ceased has not yet been ascertained.
The artiste has since commented on the incident in a post on his Instagram account, condemning the heinous act.
“My heart is heavy this morning as I reflect on the tragic events that occurred last night at my beloved grandmother’s wake. She was a woman of deep faith and endless sacrifice, someone who taught me the true meaning of love and community. It’s devastating to see violence cast a shad-
ow over what should have been a moment of peace and remembrance,” Martin wrote.
“I condemn all forms of violence and extend my deepest sympathies to the families affected by this senseless act. I pray for those involved to come forward and for our community to support the authorities in bringing justice. Jamaica, we must do better. Life is too precious to be consumed by violence. Let’s choose peace,” he added. (Jamaica Observer)
J’can Police urge human trafficking safeguards for children
The Police are encouraging parents, guardians and other well-thinking adults to take steps to safeguard children against human trafficking.
They report that children continue to be the main targets of this heinous crime in Jamaica.
Head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit at the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch, Detective Inspector Kimesha Gordon, said that while the actual figure is not high, any child falling victim to this illicit activity is one too many.
“Children have been the target for the past four or five years, [and] we have primarily had children being identified as victims. For example, last year, about 70 per cent or more of the victims identified were children, and the previous year, 100 per cent,” she
informed. Inspector Gordon, who indicated that the Unit receives reports from the National Children’s Registry, said her team investigates all matters referred.
“What we find is that persons will make calls to the National Children’s Registry; these are anonymous calls [that] are referred to the Unit. On average, we receive about 25 to 30 such anonymous
calls per year, and we ensure that we look into every one of these referrals from the National Children’s Registry,” the policewoman explained. As a preventative measure, she said, parents should try to educate their children to be vigilant when engaging in online activities and be mindful of any potential link with human trafficking.
(Jamaica Observer)
T&T refloats mystery oil spill tanker
The mysterious tanker that caused a major oil spill after capsizing off Trinidad and Tobago in February has been successfully refloated, the government said.
The operation was completed on Monday, and the vessel - known only as the Gulfstream - will now be inspected by divers before being towed away, the energy ministry said.
The ship was found with no crew onboard after running aground and overturning off south-western Tobago. No emergency calls were made and local authorities have been unable to find anyone responsible for the incident.
Since then some
50,000 barrels of oil have leaked, damaging the Caribbean island's pristine beaches and prompting the government to declare a national emergency.
In a statement, the energy ministry said the Gulfstream was now afloat in an overturned state 60m (197ft) deep in the sea, secured and supported by tugs.
A team of divers will assess the tanker and remove any hanging debris that could impact its towing to the capital Port-of-Spain in Trinidad.
The government has so far been unable to find who was responsible for the incident, which happened on the eve of the country's carnival celebrations.
Soon after the spillage occurred, the authorities suggested the tanker had originated in Panama and had been towed by a tugboat. They said it appeared "to have been bound for Guyana".
The tugboat was never located.
During a clean-up operation, some 1,000 volunteers worked alongside government staff on Tobago's beaches.
In May, Energy Minister Stuart Young estimated that the overall damage could reach $30m (£23m).
In the first few weeks the oil spill spread hundreds of miles, reaching as far as the island of Bonaire, a Dutch municipality, in the Caribbean. (BBC)
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado addressing supporters during a march in Caracas amid the disputed presidential election, Venezuela August 3, 2024
Head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit, Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigations Branch, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Detective Inspector Kimesha Gordon
Around the World
OIL NEWS
Oil settles $1 down after US job data revised significantly lower
Oil prices settled down by $1 a barrel on Wednesday after the U.S. government revised sharply lower a set of employment statistics closely watched by investors.
Brent crude futures settled down $1.15, or 1.49%, at $76.05 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled $1.24 lower or 1.69% at $71.93.
U.S. employers added far fewer jobs than originally reported in the year through March, the Labor Department said on Wednesday. “The market is now going from pricing in a stronger economy to a potential hard landing, which is why oil prices are reluctant to move higher,” said Phil Flynn, analyst with Price Futures Group.
The department’s estimate for total payroll employment for the period from April 2023 to March 2024 was lowered by 818,000.
“The sting in the scorpion’s tail that hurts worse than anything is that this data helped create a crisis of confidence,” said Tim Snyder, chief economist at Matador Economics. The revised jobs data offset support from a drop in U.S. oil inventories, and recently released minutes from the Federal Reserve indicating a likely September rate cut.
U.S. crude stocks, gasoline and distillate inventories fell in the week ending Aug. 16, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday.
Crude inventories fell by 4.6 million barrels to 426 million barrels in the week, the EIA said, exceeding analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 2.7 millionbarrel draw. (Excerpted from Reuters)
Biden speaks with Netanyahu on Gaza ceasefire talks
U.S.
President Joe Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday about ways to advance a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal, the White House said.
The call followed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s whirlwind trip to the Middle East that ended on Tuesday without an agreement between Israel and Hamas militants on a truce in the Palestinian enclave.
Blinken and mediators from Egypt and Qatar have pinned their hopes on a U.S. “bridging proposal” aimed at narrowing the gaps between the two sides in the 10-month-old Gaza war.
“President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss the ceasefire and hostage release deal and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions,” a White House statement said.
‘Yes she can’: Obama says US ready for a Harris presidency
BarackObama told fellow Democrats in Chicago Tuesday that “the torch has been passed” to Kamala Harris and that the United States (US) was ready for her to become president.
Former president Obama, who was greeted with rapturous applause and cheers at the packed arena hosting the party’s nominating convention, said Vice President Harris would fight for Americans, and called her November poll rival Donald Trump “dangerous”.
“Kamala Harris is ready for the job. This is a
Ukraine launches Moscow drone attack as Kursk offensive continues
Ukraine has carried out one of its biggest drone attacks on Moscow, as Ukrainian troops continue to advance in Russia’s Kursk region, with probing raids on frontline towns and villages.
Vice President Kamala Displaced Palestinians travelling on a cart after fleeing the western part of Khan Younis following an evacuation order by the Israeli army, amid Israel-Hams conflict in the central part of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, August 21, 2024. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)
person who has spent her life fighting for people who need a voice,” he said.
Obama called Harris “someone who sees you and hears you and will get up every single day and fight for you.”
“Yes she can,” Obama said of Harris, prompting the boisterous crowd to repeatedly chant the phrase, recalling Obama’s own “Yes we can” campaign slogan.
Before his stardust performance, his wife and former US first lady Michelle Obama told convention goers “something magically wonderful is in the air”.
“It’s the contagious power of hope,” she said, calling Harris “my girl” and saying that hope — another rallying cry of her husband’s successful 2008 campaign — “is making a comeback”.
Harris will on Thursday in Chicago formally accept the nomination as the Democrats’ presidential candidate for the Nov. 5 election, also joined the call.
The White House was to provide further details of the call later in the day. Biden had been expected to press Netanyahu to soften a new Israeli demand that it be allowed to keep forces along a land corridor between Egypt
and Gaza, a U.S. official said before the call.
Biden is on a family vacation in the Santa Ynez Valley of California, staying on an 8,000-acre ranch.
Getting a Gaza ceasefire deal is a major priority for Biden. A senior U.S. official on Friday described the talks as close to a deal but a final agreement has been agonizingly elusive. (Excerpted from Reuters)
Gaza nurse says whole family, including quadruplets, killed in air strike
Anurse in Gaza has told the BBC his wife and six children - including a group of quadruplets - were killed in an attack in the central Gaza strip.
plets.
The ministry said it had destroyed 45 drones over Russian territory, including 23 in the border region of Bryansk and six over the Belgorod region. Two more were intercepted above Kursk province, where Ukraine launched a surprise invasion just over two weeks ago. Three more were downed over Kaluga. Others were spotted in the northern Murmansk region, apparently heading for an airfield used by strategic bombers.
“This is one of the larg-
Russia’s defence ministry said it had intercepted 11 kamikaze drones before they reached the capital. Several were shot down over the city of Podolsk, 24 miles south of Moscow and not far from Domodedovo international airport. Residents heard a buzzing in the night sky followed by loud explosions.
est attempts to attack Moscow using drones ever,” the city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, wrote early on Wednesday on the Telegram messaging app.
On Monday Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, called for allies to lift restrictions on the use of western weapons against airbases and other strategic objects within Russia. These ballistic and cruise missiles, including the UK’s Storm Shadow, can be used only up to Russia’s border areas. (Excerpted from The Guardian)
His turn amped up the already buoyant mood in Chicago where President Joe Biden delivered his own emotional speech late Monday less than a month after ending his re-election bid.
“They shared with us how they felt, and we were able to resonate with them,” said Mae Beale who wore a hat in the colours of Maryland, her home state.
“They were so real… I could identify with everything they were saying.”
In deeply personal remarks shifting the focus onto Harris’s qualities, her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, told the convention “she is ready”. (Excerpted from AFP)
“My entire family has been wiped out in an instant”, says Ashraf El Attar, “leaving me with nothing”.
The nurse - who works at Gaza’s European hospital - says his family home in Deir-al-Balah was hit in the early hours of Sunday morning. He survived with minor injuries.
Israel has not spoken about this specific attack, but has said its forces were operating in the city. It says it only targets members of armed groups. Killed in the strike were Mr El Attar’s wife - Hala Khattab, a teacher - and their six children - a 15-year-old boy, a oneyear-old girl, and their four 10-year-old quadru-
Speaking to BBC Arabic’s Gaza Today podcast, the nurse says that around 6am on the morning of the attack he was getting ready for work when he “heard the alarm sound and suddenly lost consciousness”.
When he came to, Mr El Attar says he was in “severe pain” and the house “was in ruins”.
All the outer walls of their apartment building were destroyed.
“I desperately called out for my children and my wife, but it was too late.
“My six children, including four twins, and my wife were killed instantly in the attack,” he says.
The strike took them by surprise, Mr El Attar says. The night before, the family had spent time “enjoying a soap opera together”, trying to “escape the harsh reality of war”. (BBC)
DAILY HOROSCOPES
Look at situations thoroughly. Leave nothing to chance. Be responsible and do whatever it takes to ensure you give your all. Be aware of how you feel, and adjust what’s necessary to ensure your safety.
A change will face complexities, but if you are true to yourself, you will weather the storm. Trust your instincts, do your research and don’t infringe on your reputation or financial intake.
Unexpected change will be difficult to control. Distance yourself from what’s unfolding, and you’ll gain clarity. A controlled situation will be easier to navigate. Lead the way, and something good will transpire.
Size up situations, and you’ll turn whatever transpires into something that works for you. A unique approach to an old idea will transform it into something marketable. Put your energy where it counts. Gather all the facts before drawing conclusions. Someone will offer an unrealistic version of a situation. Invest time and effort into something you believe in.
Sit tight, observe and decide your next move. Understanding the dynamics and personalities involved is essential before participating in something that can influ-
A change of scenery will encourage you to see situations differently. Participate in events that stimulate your mind and body. The results will prepare you to make a meaningful move.
Engaging in something you’ve never tried will pique your imagination and encourage a new adventure. Spending time with someone unlike yourself will help change your perspective regarding life, love and happiness.
Share only what’s necessary. The less information you offer, the easier it will be to fly under the radar. Create opportunities, and build a solid base. Trust your instincts and be wary of what others do or say.
Listen and observe. Let your actions be your voice once you have accumulated enough information. Changing your plans will bring you closer to someone you love. Let them come to you.
Consider your financial position and how you can improve by upgrading your skills or using them differently. Don’t let changes distract you. Focus on what you can achieve. A partnership looks promising.
Refuse to get upset or allow anyone to play with your emotions. Set high standards, and you’ll discover that worthwhile people will meet your demands. You can’t buy love, but you can win hearts.
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES
PICKLES
High-performance coach to conduct table tennis training camp
The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has recruited the services of high-performance coach Alexandre Gomes to conduct a top-notch training camp on these local shores from August 22nd to September 4th, 2024.
The training camp will be geared at advancing the skillset of elite level players who possess great technical ability; as, according to a missive from the GTTA, the central objective of this engagement is to further provide and expose Guyana’s national table tennis team members and coaches to high-performance training and
methodologies in order to improve their technical, tactical, and strategic development, and thereby improve their performance and that of the national team in competitions; and to assist the GTTA with the training, mentoring, and preparation.
The training engagement would also allow the GTTA to discuss with Coach Alexandre Gomes, and explore, ways in which a partnership can be built in terms of assisting with the development of Guyana’s players and coaches, or having him here in Guyana for an extended period to help with preparing teams for key tournaments.
These objectives are in addition to assisting with preparing some of our key players: Shemar Britton, Natalie Cummings and Chelsea Edghill, who have qual-
ified to participate in the Pan American Championships, scheduled for October 13th to 30th in El Salvador. Players from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica have also expressed interest in participating in the training camp.
Coach Alexandre is a proven top-level coach who is well respected in the table tennis fraternity globally. He has worked with Nigerian Quadri Aruna, the world’s top 10 player, and with several members of the national teams of the USA, China, Europe and Asia; and has, for several years, led the national team of Peru as head
coach. He has also been one of the lead coaches at the 888 Table Tennis Club in Burlingame and San Diego, a United States’ high-performance training centre.
After concluding a training camp in Barbados, Guyana’s table tennis maestro Shemar Britton, who was instrumental in ensuring this coach comes to Guyana, credited and paid homage to the work of this coach in helping him to qualify for the Pan Am Games in 2023. Coach Alexandre also has always expressed an interest in working with players from Guyana and the region.
Training sessions are scheduled to commence from today, Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, with two sessions being held daily. Meanwhile, Coach Alexandre Gomes was expected to arrive in Guyana yesterday, August 21st.
Lusignan Golf Club gets pleasurable visit from South African cricket team
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) has had the pleasure of hosting the South African cricket team and their guests on Monday, August 19, after the visitors had wrapped up a 1-0 Test series win against the West Indies at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, EBD over the weekend.
The event provided the LGC’s esteemed visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the challenges of this unique sport in a relaxed and scenic environment.
The visitors were welcomed to the club by LGC Secretary Chet Bowling and Club Captain Ayube Suban; and Brian Hackett,
“We were honoured to host the South African cricket team and their guests at the Lusignan Golf Club today. It was a wonderful occasion, marked by family-friendly events and a chance for our visi-
is) a true testament to its challenge,” Hackett said.
Accustomed to the rigours of their own sport, the South African cricketers tested their skills on the golf course, and enjoyed several rounds of play.
LGC Public Relations Officer, speaking on behalf of the club, expressed delight at having such esteemed guests.
tors to enjoy the ambience of our beautiful course. The cricketers provided positive feedback regarding the difficulty of the course, (which
Hackett noted that, despite their impressive athleticism, the visitors were unable to achieve par scores, which highlighted
the demanding nature of the Lusignan course.
“This course is known for its difficulty,” Hackett explained. “It speaks to the level of skill required to navigate it successfully; and we’re pleased that our visitors were able to enjoy the experience, even if it presented a challenge.”
The Lusignan Golf Club boasts a rich history of hosting both local and international athletes, and Hackett recalled previous visits from other cricketing teams, such as the Barbados Royals in 2023. He even recalled an event that occurred more than 50 years ago and featured Lance Gibbs, the West Indies cricketing legend.
“We’ve been privileged to host international teams for decades,” he declared. “The Lusignan Golf Club
has long been committed to promoting the sport of golf;
with international teams.
“We remain dedicated to supporting sports, particularly golf, and will continue to invite visitors from all walks of life to experience the unique challenges of our course,” Hackett has said. “We look forward to working with more international teams and visitors in the future, helping them enjoy all that our club has to offer.”
The South African cricket team’s visit to the Lusignan Golf Club is a testament to the strong ties
not just locally, but on an international scale.”
The executive committee of the LGC has expressed pride in the success of the event, and reaffirmed a commitment to fostering relationships
between sports and cultural exchange. The Lusignan Golf Club remains a premier destination for international guests who are seeking to enjoy a worldclass golfing experience in the heart of Guyana.
High-performance coach Alexandre Gomes
The South African cricket team posing with members of the LGC
Captain of the South African ODI and Test teams, Temba Bavuma, seen standing alongside LGC Secretary Chet Bowling and Captain Ayube Subhan
The players enjoying a light round of golf
U14 Junior Jaguars end CFU campaign with morale-boosting win
Guyana’s national under-14 boys’ team, the Junior Jaguars, have ended their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Challenge Series 2024 Group stage campaign on a high, after picking up backto-back wins on Monday and Tuesday.
came up against St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on Monday, August 19, and Nahshon Fergus gave
the reach of an off-balance Johnson to level the scores at 1-1.
The Cayman Islands encounter
skimmed off the top of his head and flew away from the outstretched arms of his goalkeeper.
Undeterred, the Cayman Islands went on
the SVG the lead in the 8th minute.
Guyana responded with a series of attempts to equalize, but Pharez Noble’s powerful strike was expertly saved by Vincy Heat’s goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the 15th minute; and shortly after, Kevin Bunton’s shot from the right was headed clear by Keson Durant; while Jaden Tasher’s follow-up was blocked. Then just before the half-time break, SVG’S Johnson sprang into action again, making a crucial save to maintain the SVG lead as the teams went into the interval.
The second half saw both teams struggling to find a rhythm, and although Guyana pushed hard for an equalizer, several wellplaced corner kicks went unrewarded.
Then, in the 61st minute, Kafayne Clasp had a chance to extend the SVG lead, but Jackman’s initial save, followed by a second attempt, kept the score at 1-0.
Guyana’s Nyron Barrow had a long-range effort in the 64th minute, but that was comfortably dealt with by Johnson. Beau Hoyte of the SVG also had a chance to score, but Jackman made a clean tackle to deny him.
Guyana’s persistence eventually paid off in the final moments of the game, when Mark Glasglow showcased his skill by manoeuvring past three defenders and placing the ball beyond
match’ performance to lead Guyana to a 4-0 thumping of the Cayman Islands.
With the more purposeful start, Guyana had the Cayman Islands reeling from the time the opening whistle sounded; and early pressure paid dividends in the 4th minute, when Jaden Tasher took a free-kick from far out, and his effort bounced just short of King Caleb Eden, in goal for the Cayman Islands. The goalkeeper misread the bounce, and the ball found the back of the net.
The Cayman Islands pressed on, and in the 10th minute, Charles Morrison, with some intelligent play, collected a throw deep in the Guyana half and flashed his effort across the goal. The Guyana goalkeeper Kerwain Chance was on the wrong foot, but got his hand to it and deflected it away for a corner kick.
The ensuing corner kick was headed away, but fell invitingly for Calum Whiteside at the top of the penalty area. The midfielder sent his volley straight at Chance, but he comfortably collected the effort.
Fortuitously, Guyana doubled the lead in the 19th minute via an own goal by Ja’Dore McLaughlin. Guyana’s Nyron Barrow swung a left-footed corner kick into the near post, and McLaughlin attempted to head the ball away, but it
courtesy of forward Jaden Christian. The substitute reacted first to a bouncing ball in the penalty area, then capitalized on the defensive error by slotting the ball to the left of Eden.
The one-way traffic continued, and Christian menaced the Cayman Islands defense, by then showing signs of fatigue. Things got worse for them in the 62nd minute, when Tasher conjured a superb free-kick: a screamer from 25 metres out that hit the upright before going in to register a brace for his team.
The Cayman Islands were, however, able to score a consolation goal in the 70th minute. Morrison was played through by Cooper Nelson, and the Cayman Islands captain got his shot off from just inside the penalty area. The initial attempt
was saved by Chance, but it went into the path of Levi Jack, and the second-half substitute did not waste the opportunity in his finishing. Morrison had another chance in injury time, but a chipped effort went over the crossbar.
There was still enough time for Jack to have another shot at goal. A blocked clearance fell at his feet, but Chance blocked the attempt, thereby preserving his team’s clean sheet.
The final whistle wasn’t long in coming, ensuring Guyana got their first victory of the competition, thereby securing third position in the group.
Barbados topped Group A of Tier II with a perfect 12 points, and have moved on to the semifinal stage, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines
were second with 7 points, and were booted from a knockout stage berth based on an inferior goal difference.
As Guyana wrapped up their outing in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde expressed his pride in the team’s performance by stating, “Despite a challenging start, each one of you displayed unwavering commitment, and left everything on the pitch, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship and excellence. You have represented The Golden Arrowhead with exceptional character and distinction, making our nation immensely proud. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful journey for each of you as you develop in the coming years.”
ICC Men’s Test bowling rankings…
Seales on the rise
splendid position failed to trouble Guyana’s Chance.
Later, Jahari Reid’s 26th run in the back post was undetected, but his effort failed to beat the goalkeeper.
Murray came close to pulling a goal back, but his 30th minute effort from a distance crashed off the crossbar, and Jahari Reid’s conversion on the rebound was ruled offside.
Boothe got in behind the Guyana defense in the waning stages of the first half, but rushed his effort and shot into the side netting.
The Cayman Islands team continued to put their Guyanese counterparts under pressure, and Morrison again looked to combine with Boothe, this time playing provider; but Chance cut his cross into the box in what proved to be the last act of the first half.
On resumption of play, Guyana again went on the attack. In the 37th minute, Kevin Bunton sent the ball rocketing towards the goal, but Eden pulled off a diving save. The Golden Jaguars, in asserting their dominance, forced the Cayman Islands’ defense to withstand waves of pressure from Pharez Noble and Mark Glasgow -- who made the Cayman Islands’ defense uncomfortable, as they found it difficult to handle Glasgow’s pace and directness.
Guyana extended their lead in the 45th minute,
West Indies fast bowler Jayden
Seales has moved up to a career-best 13th position in the ICC Men’s Test bowling rankings, after finishing as the most successful bowler in the second Test against South Africa in Guyana.
Seales, who finished with nine wickets in a 40run loss that helped South Africa win the ICC World Test Championship series 1-0, has moved up 13 places to become the top-ranked Test bowler in the West Indies.
Spinners Jomel Warrican (52nd) and Gudakesh Motie (64th) have each advanced two spots, while fast bowler Shamar Joseph has progressed 11 spots to 54th in other significant movements for the West Indies players in the bowling rankings.
Player of the Match, Wiaan Mulder, has advanced 27 places to 65th position, after finishing with six wickets for South Africa; while off-spinner Dane Piedt is up nine places to 66th, after claiming two West Indies wickets in the second innings of the match.
In the Test batting rankings, South Arica opener Aiden Markram and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne have advanced after notching half-centuries in the second innings. Markram inched up two places to 21st, while Verreynne has progressed from 62nd to 46th.
Former West Indies captain Jason Holder is up seven places to 60th position in the batting rankings, following his knock of 54 not out in the first innings. He is also up two places to fifth in the list of all-rounders.
In the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings, Scott Edwards of the Netherlands has moved up six places to 26th position, after scores of 72 versus Canada and 65 versus the USA in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. Aaron Jones of the USA (up 11 places to 56th) and Vikramjit Singh of the Netherlands (up nine places to 79th) are others to have moved up the batting rankings, while Aryan Dutt of the Netherlands is up five places to 33rd.
In the ICC World Test Championship, South
West Indies’ Jayden Seales
A look at the action between Guyana (yellow) and St Vincent and the Grenadines
Boxing to become a core sport – Sport Minister Ramson Jr
With one of the best youth programmes among local sporting disciplines, and with vibrant competitions for such, the sport of Boxing is set to soon be inducted into an elite group known as Guyana’s Core Sports.
Despite being one of the more active sports in the country, several factors - such as facilities - have kept Boxing out of that group. However, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, on Monday announced that Boxing would soon become a core sport.
He later explained that this sport, being steered by Steve Ninvalle, has reached the necessary criteria.
“When we went through the session, the public consultation on what would be the criteria of how (a sport becomes) a core sport, Boxing has satisfied that (criteria). And if you check also (on) what has been their success, despite what happened this year
with the absence of the boxers from the Olympics, the question is: have they had a track record of success too? And the answer is yes,” the Sport Minister shared. Elaborating, he asked, “Do they have the
High expectations as CAREBACO tournament serves off today
A20-member Guyanese Badminton team will tomorrow begin their campaign in the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Junior competition, being held in Aruba.
The Guyanese team will compete across Boys’ and Girls’ singles, doubles and mixed doubles from under-11 to under-19 categories.
On eve of commencement of the competition on Wednesday, Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) President Emilia Ramdhani spoke about the team’s preparation and her expectations of what is the largest team Guyana has taken to the CAREBACO tournament in quite some time.
“There’s some bit of anticipation, anxious, happy,” The GBA President said about her emotions on the eve of the tournament. “It’s the first time in a long time that we’ve been able to take 20 persons to CAREBACO. Usually it’s a smaller team, but with the assistance of the parents, friends, a couple of sponsors and the National Sports Commission, we’re able to make this happen, and we’re looking forward to the tournament tomorrow [today].”
Quizzed about the team’s preparation, Ramdhani admitted that it was not ideal, but said adjustments were made to get the team in shape. She related, “We were unable to practice for some
(time), because of the one facility being the Gymnasium and there were, you know, other tournaments that had to happen. And then our programme was pushed back, but it was facilitated somewhat, but it could’ve been a little bit more.
“But I’m happy that the team did what they could. In addition to court training, we had a bit of training in the park, where they did a little agility and stuff like that. So, we’re hoping (that) with what they did, they will push through and we could get some medals,” she disclosed.
In the meantime, the coaching component of the Guyanese team has been getting the young players podium-ready. Ramdhani explained, “The coaches have been national players Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes. They’ve been helping me with the Badminton Academy which was started two years ago at Queen’s College, and we’ve evolved. So, they’re here working with the kids.”
Guyana’s CAREBACO team consists:
Under-11
Joel Rambiriche - Boys Singles, Boys Doubles, Mixed Doubles
Liam Brummell - Boys Singles, Boys Doubles, Mixed Doubles
which means that the potential is there. From the facilities’ standpoint, we’ve already made some big investments in the Sixhead Lewis Gym. We continue to do that, we’re already paying the coaches, so they’ve satisfied the criteria.”
Quizzed about a timeline for Boxing’s induction, the Sport Minister revealed that it will happen ‘soon’.
potential as well? Go this past weekend and see what happened at the Caribbean boys’ and girls’ championships which Steve organized, and you’ll see that’s the biggest show of local talent in the area;
“Essentially, we’re already there. So, in terms of me making a statement today, this is what we’re thinking; this is something that will happen in a short space of time,” Ramson jr. responded to enquiries.
President Steve Ninvalle of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has been very receptive to the development of this sport.
Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Lawn Tennis, Rugby, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Volleyball are the original twelve core sports. Being a core sport has allowed most of those disciplines to benefit from funding and support for their academy, nurseries, tournaments and Elite athletes under the Sport Ministry’s National Sport Academy Programme. The announcement that Boxing would soon become a core sport in Guyana comes on the heels of the Guyanese contingent retaining their Winfield Brathwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/girls and Juniors title, which they have held since the tournament’s inception in 2016. (G6)
Free admission and CPL ticket giveaways at finals of Kares T10
FL Sport, organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10
Tapeball Blast 2024, have indicated in a media release that the Green Stand at the National Stadium at Providence, EBD will be open for patrons on Saturday (August 24) for the finals. And if the Green Stand becomes filled, the Red Stand would be opened.
FL Sport have reminded that admission is free for all matches, patrons can win tickets to Caribbean Premier League matches in Guyana, and smartphones can also be won, compliments of ENet.
According to the Director of FL Sport, John Ramsingh, the tournament has its genesis in the desire to give back to players and fans of the sport, and therefore, whenever corporate Guyana pumps the desired support to that entity, both intended recipients would benefit immensely.
Apart from the $3.4M in cash that would be distributed in various prizes to teams and players, fans at the National Stadium would be in for a treat.
“CPL starts (on) August 28, and this tournament is certainly a jump-start to the Biggest Party in Sport. We will hand out tickets to matches involving the Amazon Warriors, but the only way you can win it is to be in the stands.”
Ramsingh has reminded patrons and players that, while admission is free, glass bottles and firearms would not be
allowed in the stadium.
The first semi-final, set for 15:00h, would be contested between Montra Jaguars and Mahdia (Movements Family), while the match following would be contested between Titans All-Stars and Diamond Gunners at 17:00h.
The exhibition match is from 19:00h, and the final is from 20:30h.
Each of the losing semifinalists on August 24 will take home $250,000, compliments of Premier Insurance.
Second-place, from SuperBet Guyana, is worth $500,000; and the winner pockets $1.5M from Star Rentals.
Moreover, players will vie for the titles of Most Runs, Most Wickets, and Player of the Final. Each winner would receive a Smart TV and a $75,000 cash prize, compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.
Assuria Insurance will present a motorbike, and $85,000 will go to the Most Valuable Player.
Additionally, $100,000 would be split equally between the Kawasaki Super Striker of the tournament (player with the highest strike rate — minimum of 12 balls) and the Most Economical bowler (lowest economy rate — minimum of 24 balls). Admission to the venue is free.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Blast also enjoys the support of Kares Engineering, Banks DIH Limited, Montra Restaurant and Lounge, Demerara Mutual, ETS, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Jacobs’ Jewellery, Digital Technology, First Change Builders Inc, KFC Guyana, Hoosein’s Security Services, NEW GPC Inc., Building Expo 2024, Giftland OfficeMax, Sankar’s Auto Works, ENet, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., Trophy Stall, ANSA McAL Distribution, Camille’s Academy, R. Kissoon Contracting Service, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Samaroo Investments, and Coel’s Boutique.
The sport of Boxing is likely to see more support at the Academy level, after becoming a core sport
Fans in the stands walked away with numerous prizes in 2023
