Guyana Times - Thursday, June 13, 2024.pdf

Ministry, GRA team up to go after companies engaged in ‘rent-a-citizen’ practices

…8-hour power outage scheduled for Friday to fix issue GDF’s

“Child labour should not be confused with chores” –Minister

Russian warships enter Havana harbour under Washington’s watchful eye

250 lbs of ganja destroyed at Victoria Backlands

Curaçao secures associate membership in Caricom

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, June 13 –23:00h-00:30h and Friday, June 14 – 23:30h-01:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, June 13 –08:25h-09:55h and Friday, June 14 – 09:30h-11:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with late afternoon sunshine. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 09:16h and 21:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.22 metres and 2.16 metres.

Low Tide: 15:21h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.

Birds disrupting electricity supply from power ship – GPL

…8-hour power outage scheduled for Friday

The recent instances of blackouts experienced across the country were as a result of the disruption of power supply from the 36-megawatt floating power plant to the national grid.

This disruption was caused by birds.

In order to permanently address the issue, electricity will be off for some eight hours this Friday to facilitate the necessary work.

It was only recently that the 36-megawatt power ship that is docked at Everton, East Bank Berbice was connected to the national grid, with a promise of significantly reducing instances of blackouts and other forms of power disruptions countrywide.

However, for this week alone, there have been numerous cases of power outages throughout the Demerara Berbice InterConnected System.

The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) said that these disruptions were caused by damaged to its transmission lines, some of which were caused by birds.

One affected line is the L21 line, which transmits power between the Canefield and Onverwagt Power Stations. It is the same line that has been connected to the power ship to supply power to the national grid.

Berbice Zone Manager for GPL, Ravindra Jagnanan said the birds are believed to be vultures, with a 3-foot wing span that caused the line to trip.

“We would have experienced some of our recent trips on these transmission lines and of recent on the L21 line where vultures plucked the wooden structures or they actually plucked the transmission tower which is located on the West Bank of the Berbice River. When these vultures do that, they come in contact with the live component of the tower which are the conductors and they cause power diversion from the lines to the metal frame,” Jagnanan explained.

He noted that this causes breakers to trip, resulting in power outages.

The GPL official said an overseas-based company, with experience in building

tower shields and bird deterrents has been contacted to provide assistance.

GPL has since purchased conductor shields and bird deterrents and they have already been shipped.

“We are at the point where we are going to have those items installed on the tower at West Berbice where are seeing most of the birds. Once we would have tested them and we are sure that all are properly fitting on the tower, we will be ordering the rest for the other three towers.” TURN TO PAGE 7

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Child labour vs chores

In conversations about child welfare and upbringing, the terms "child labour" and "chores" often emerge, sometimes creating confusion due to their seemingly similar context of children performing tasks. However, the distinction between these two concepts is both critical and profound.

Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. It typically involves activities that are excessively strenuous, dangerous, or inappropriate for the child’s age, and often interferes with their schooling. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines child labour as work that: 1) Is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful to children; 2) Interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school, obliging them to leave school prematurely, or requiring them to attempt to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work.

Conversely, chores represent a valuable aspect of a child's upbringing, instilling responsibility, discipline, and essential life skills. From tidying their rooms to helping with household tasks, chores teach children the importance of contributing to their family and community. When assigned age-appropriate chores within a supportive environment, children learn autonomy, time management, and the satisfaction of completing tasks independently.

In observing Child Labour Day 2024, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud said: “Child labour…should not be confused at all with chores. We all grew up doing chores and in our culture that exists in Guyana, we do not want to be in conflict with that sensitivity that really permits some discipline in the home setting and the school setting. I say that because if we are not conscious of those settings, then we will, I would say, engender in children a resistance to many things that can help in their self-development.”

Quite often, however, the line between chores and child labour can blur, especially in contexts where economic hardship compels families to rely on their children for income or domestic help.

Moreover, cultural norms and attitudes towards child labour vary widely across the globe, complicating efforts to eradicate this scourge. While some societies view child labour as a necessity or even a rite of passage, others vehemently condemn it as a violation of children's rights. Bridging these divergent perspectives requires a concerted effort to promote universal values of child welfare, education, and human dignity.

As a global community, we must prioritise the eradication of child labour through comprehensive measures that address its root causes. These include investing in education and social welfare programmes, and enforcement of labour laws to protect vulnerable children from exploitation. Simultaneously, we must empower families with the resources and support they need to provide for their children without resorting to child labour.

In delineating between child labour and chores, we here in Guyana must uphold the fundamental principle that every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation, and chores, when approached with sensitivity and balance, can nurture a child's sense of responsibility and self-worth. However, the exploitation of children for economic gain or convenience is an affront to our shared humanity and must be unequivocally condemned.

Ultimately, the distinction between child labour and chores lies not only in the tasks themselves, but in the context in which they are performed and the impact they have on a child's well-being. Let us in Guyana strive to create a country where every child can flourish in safety, dignity, and freedom.

Trump was hoping for a slam dunk, but Hunter Biden’s trial has only highlighted his father Joe’s dignity

By Emma BrockEs

If you didn’t know better, you might think the jury that found Hunter Biden guilty this week knew precisely what they were doing. The evidence against the president’s son – that he lied about his drug use on a firearms form six years ago –was overwhelming, but so too was the impression of a trivial, overegged charge. But by finding him guilty, the jury in this area of solid Democratic support have potentially done more injury to his father’s political rival than if they had found him not guilty on all counts.

For those of us watching, the entire spectacle has at times been an uncomfortable exercise in flushing out biases. Like the Trump children, Hunter Biden has the demoralised air of a scion struggling to escape his father’s shadow, albeit in a different style. If the Trump boys are chinless dimwits, Hunter has about him the seedy air of a second- or third-tier Hollywood actor clamped behind aviators and accompanied seemingly everywhere by his much younger wife.

In September, the 54-year-old will face nine federal tax charges, and the business of the recovered laptop rumbles on (Biden’s laptop, which he accidentally left at a repair shop and the contents of which ended up in the hands of the New York Post, is still the subject of dispute. The Post’s claim that the machine contained evidence of incriminating emails was dismissed by liberals at the time as part of a Russian disinformation campaign – a claim that has never been substantiated).

And yet, when he was found guilty this week, I found myself

thinking: poor Hunter, what a ridiculous verdict.

As an exercise then, I went back over the coverage and tried to read it as if he were one of Trump’s sons. The charges against Hunter Biden were widely regarded as trivial. Still, a lie is a lie, and as Biden confessed in his memoir, while addicted to crack cocaine, he was an inveterate liar.

After the verdict, the president wrote that he was proud to see his son “so strong and resilient in recovery” –a pathetic diversion, surely, from the trouble at hand. Hunter Biden, meanwhile, remarked that “recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time” – a clear appeal not only to give him a free pass, but to find him inspiring because he’s an addict.

This is a man, remember, who while dating his own late brother’s widow, got her on crack cocaine, too. There’s addiction, and then there’s being an arsehole.

The odd thing about the business of trashing Hunter Biden this week is that Republicans have largely avoided it. In a plan they must have arrived at through strategic consensus, several leading Republicans spoke after the guilty verdict with degrees of sympathy for the president’s son. Senator Lindsey Graham, of all people – a man who fought for Brett Kavanaugh to be confirmed to the supreme court, and has sucked up to Trump relentlessly – said: “I don’t think the average American would have been charged with the gun thing. I don’t see any good coming from that.”

Matt Gaetz, the Republican Congressman from Florida, tweeted: “The Hunter Biden gun convic-

tion is kinda dumb tbh.” And other Republicans twisted themselves inside out to applaud the verdict while maintaining their insistence that the justice system under President Biden is rigged.

This is the problem they face in the wake of a verdict that, after only three hours of deliberation, came in even quicker than Trump’s 34 guilty counts last month: exactly how to sustain the narrative that US justice is untrustworthy. If Trump’s efforts to get the phrase “Biden crime family” off the ground haven’t flown the way “crooked Hillary” or “lyin’ Ted” did, it is partly because it doesn’t scan, partly because Hunter seems so slight and pathetic a figure, and partly because “Biden” doesn’t have the ring of a dynastic mafia name about it.

My own efforts to see past my own biases, meanwhile, foundered when the president, who had earlier stated that if his son were found guilty he wouldn’t pardon him, doubled down on Tuesday with the statement that he would “continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal”.

Gets me every time, Joe Biden’s loving but strong-boundaried support of his son. Hunter Biden has, in some ways, had a very hard life, losing his mother and infant sister in a horrific car accident in childhood, and his brother to a brain tumour in 2015. But when the president stands firmly behind him, urging him on, one understands he is the beneficiary of something Trump’s kids have never had, and that should perhaps increase our sympathy for them: a decent, loving parent. (The Guardian) (Emma Brockes is a Guardian columnist)

Children at the Leonora Police Day Care, Rose Hall Police Day Care and Juliet Griffith Day Care joined in celebrating the United Nations’ International Day of Play on Tuesday (Guyana Police Force photos)

GTU has flagrantly flouted labour laws

Dear Editor,

Recently, I was in conversation with a friend in Guyana when I asked him how are conditions in the workplace. His answer was, “Very bad”. He is employed in the private sector, so I asked him, “Why not get the workers to carry out a strike for better pay and better conditions, just like the teachers?” His answer was, “No,” because the boss would withhold his pay.

And this is exactly the point: the Teachers’ Union, by their continued strike action, mistakenly believe that they can hold out in a strike ad infinitum, and force the Government to pay them at the same time. This is unrealistic, un-

reasonable, and against civil justice. At the beginning of this strike, they were informed by the employer that the strike was illegal, and that there would be consequences. They were not satisfied with that caution, hence they took the matter to court. The court ruled that they have skirted around basic labour rules, and need to return to the bargaining table in the true spirit of collective bargaining. They returned to the bargaining table, but were obstinate in their resolve, not willing in any way to engage in clean negotiations; hence, that procedure floundered into a stalemate.

The GTU then, in

belligerent style, returned to court, where an obviously confused judge granted them a convoluted judgement. That judgement is the subject of an appeal right now. It is subject to an appeal based on the fact that the judgement did not come close to anything the union is harping on; that is, unlike the interpretation of the union's lawyers, Justice Kissoon's ruling did not mean they were given the right to a never-ending strike.

Secondly, Kissoon's ruling never addressed benefits and salaries, on which the union's president is now belligerently making demands. Matters of salaries and benefits cannot be dealt with in a court of law;

they have to be done between the two parties around a negotiating table.

I must inform Dr Lyte that he should have courted proper legal advice on the pertinent labour laws before calling the teachers out on a prolonged strike. Proper advice on industrial matters would have alerted him to the finer details of industrial action, but members of the union leadership are so consumed with an Opposition political agenda that they have misdirected themselves on these important labour rules.

Another labour law that has been flouted is that you cannot hold the employer under duress while making de-

Need for transit system

Dear Editor,

As it is, every day our roadways are plagued with:

1. New vehicles and

2. Accidents

This is evident on the roadways: that most persons in Guyana probably only know or understand that they need to mash the ‘x’, without even acknowledging their vehicle has a braking system.

Almost every day, there's an accident, whether it's in Georgetown, or Berbice, or even Essequibo.

Now, there are things to penalise drivers for, but I would leave that to the Police Force as well as our policy makers to implement new measures. However, we can eliminate traffic build-up and, in some cases, accidents by implementing an urban-style transit or transportation system.

Many times, in traversing the East Coast Demerara corridor, I have to be extremely cautious when I see minibuses, as they drive on the parapet to undertake

you. And this occurs not only on the East Coast Demerara corridor, but in the city itself. If we could implement a system that is in keeping with sustainable development, we can have safer roadways.

For example, we can look at solar-powered buses, and phase out the minibus system that's in place. In this regard, we'd have actu-

al bus stops for designated routes. Additionally, this can create employment, and even bring in revenue for the state, by having a bus card system wherein a person can top-up their card for a month or on a weekly basis. Even if we cannot use solar-powered buses, we can look at trolley buses.

Sincerely

Tanya Niamatali

mands at the same time. It is the other way round; you first have to cease all hostilities, then sit down to negotiate. There is no bargaining negotiation that can take place under duress.

Further still, bargaining is not a winnertake-all on either side. It means that you meet each other on common ground, you will gain in some areas while in others you will see decreases in your demands. simply put, you must agree to disagree.

The GTU are also guilty as charged, because they have called the teachers out on a prolonged strike and are showing no indication that they are willing to compromise. This puts them in a bad light. The Government cannot reward an employee for be-

ing off the job indefinitely. that's the law, there must be resumption before negotiation. Arbitration, which is a nice sounding word, is also light years away, because the legal steps leading up to that point have not been met.

Finally, to mitigate their circumstances, the GTU should quickly get back to the table to negotiate a settlement. The longer the strike goes on, the more dire would be the consequences, and this is not good for the students, who are caught in the middle. Our children are our future, and due consideration must be given to them. At this juncture of our development, we cannot afford the learning loss.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

Power Up Maths

Page Foundation

A whole number can always be expressed divide a fraction by a whole number, you reciprocal. So

Power Up Maths

Power Up Maths

Power Up Maths

Dividing numbers by fractions

Divid

Divid

Divid whole numbers by fractions

Power Up Maths

Dividing whole numbers by fractions

To divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is a fraction turned upside-down. For example, 2 3 is the reciprocal of 3 2 , and 3 2 is the reciprocal of 2 3 . To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction

To divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is

To divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is a fraction turned upside-down. For example, 2 3 is the reciprocal of 3 2 , and 3 2 is the reciprocal of 2 3 . To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction Set in box

To divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is a fraction turned upside-down.

Dividing whole numbers by fractions

To divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is a fraction turned upside-down. For example, 2 3 is the reciprocal of 3 2 , and 3 2 is the reciprocal of 2 3 . To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction Set in box

Example: Divide: 4 ÷ 1 2 Step 1: Find the

Remember

A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 8 = 8 1 . When you divide a fraction by a whole number, you are really multiplying the fraction by the whole number’s reciprocal. So

A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 8 = 8

Exercises: Multiply

A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 8 = 8 1 . When you divide a

A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 8 = 8 1 . When you divide a fraction by a whole number, you are really multiplying the fraction by the whole number’s reciprocal. So 1

A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 8 = 8 1 . When you divide a fraction by a whole number, you are really multiplying the fraction by the whole number’s reciprocal. So

You’ll need:

Multiply

Exercises: Multiply

Small plastic containers

Paper bags

Access to nature

Sounds pretty easy, right? That’s because it is. This activity is all about slowing down, getting into the moment and embracing mindfulness through our senses.

To start, go outside and collect items for the senses detective challenge. These can be flowers, leaves, rocks, whatever natural object you want to collect. Just make sure the items will fit into the containers.

As you collect each item have the children take a moment to explore the item. Touch it, smell it, study it. The idea is to have them slow down and pay attention to things they

likely race past every day.

We literally want them to stop and smell the roses!

This sensory exploration activity is a wonderful way to get outside, get into nature and embrace a few moments of mindfulness.

Once you have all your items, bring them inside and place one item in each container. Then place each container into a paper lunch bag. With live plants it’s best if this is all done in the same day so they don’t get too wilted.

For the challenge, you need one person to be the detective and one will be the assistant.

Have the assistant use a blindfold or close their eyes. Now the assistant’s job is to open one paper bag at a time, pull out the container

inside, and take off the lid. Then they should hold it under the nose of the detective and the detective tries to guess what the item is strictly from the smell.

If they can’t guess from smell, it’s time to move onto another sense. Perhaps shake the container to see if they can identify it based on sound.

Or, if it’s harvest season and you have edible plants, ask them to use their sense of taste to try and identify a fruit or vegetable.

They can also use their sense of touch to explore the item.

Finally, if they are still struggling to identify the item, you can have the detective take off the blindfold and use their sense of sight.

Obviously sight is the easiest sense to use for identification, so we want to leave that one to last. Now before you start the next paper bag have the detective and assistant switch roles. It’s very important that a responsible adult supervises this activity. Not everything is safe to explore through the sense of taste (we left taste out completely from ours, because none of our items were edible) and you also need to be careful with allergies or anything that might be considered dangerous. This of course will vary based on where you live and what grows in your area. Ensure you are using common sense and keeping everyone safe. (Adapted from www.steampoweredfamily. com)

Pres Ali to address Afreximbank meeting in Bahamas today

…as Bank’s Senior VP calls for strengthening of trade, investment flows between Africa, C’bean

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday travelled to The Bahamas and is expected to deliver the keynote address today at the 31st Annual Meetings (AAM) of the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) and the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), which are being held simultaneously in Nassau.

The Guyanese leader, who will be speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will be joined by his regional colleagues, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, as well as Ghanaian President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as the top headliners at the meeting being held from June 12 to 14.

The three-day AAM and ACTIF, which is being held under the overarching theme ‘Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa’ will also see numerous other high-profile speakers from Africa and the Caribbean including Central Bank Governors, CEOs, industry

leaders, trade practitioners, trade finance experts, members of the academia, senior public figures, celebrities, and more.

During a soft opening ceremony on Wednesday, Senior Executive Vice President of the Afreximbank, Denys Denya, posited that the holding of the bank’s annual meeting in The Bahamas – the first in the Caribbean – is historic in shaping the course of Africa’s and the Caribbean’s shared vision and aspirations.

He noted that despite being endowed with an abun-

dance of natural resources, Africa’s quest for sustainable development has been a perennial struggle – something which the Caribbean, though not identical, experiences when it comes to its development.

Against this backdrop, the banks Senior VP underscored the need for the two regions to unify their forces in the context of ‘Global Africa’ for a better future.

“In our unity, we have the number, we have the voice to sit at the table when decisions are made. Our combined imagination and resources should create a vi-

Electricity supply from power...

8-hour power outage

Meanwhile, in order to have the shields and deterrents installed, power will have to be disconnected from the power lines.

Jagnanan said it will be off for eight hours on Friday, affecting locations countrywide.

The utility company will be using this downtime to also carry out maintenance to other aspects of its network.

Speaking of another challenge confronting the power company, the zone manger pointed out that the L 22 which is situated offroad connects Canefield and Number 53 Power Stations. This, Jagnanan said, has created a lot of challenges for GPL. Accessibility to the network is one of the major challenges.

Currently some lines are inaccessible since lorries and even tractors cannot get the crew, they can only get to them by foot.

According to him the challenge this also poses is by machines working in close proximity to the transmission lines, most of which

are excavators and farming equipment.

“When there are contractors cleaning the canals or we have this cultivation machinery; grain carts, combines and so forth, they would come in contact with the network and that would cause some trips also,” he added.

Those issues Jagnanan pointed out are the main challenges affecting the transmission network across the Berbice area.

Floating power plant

The floating power plant arrived in Guyana on May 1 and was docked at Everton on the East Bank of Berbice in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), where it will be stationed for the next two years as it sends electricity into the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

In April, GPL signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Qatar-based Urbacon Concessions Investments, W.L.L (UCI) for the rental of the 36-MW floating power plant for two years in a move to add much-needed capacity to the grid. While the rent-

FROM PAGE 3

al deal was signed with UCI, the power ship is owned by Turkey-based Karpowership International.

As part of this agreement, GPL has already paid a US$1 million mobilisation fee. The power company also has to pay a fee of US 6.62 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as a monthly charter fee for the power ship and a monthly operation and maintenance fee of US 0.98 cents per kWh based on electricity generated. GPL is also required to provide Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the generators onboard the vessel.

The State-owned power company has been experiencing generation shortfalls due to an unprecedented rise in electricity demand coupled with challenges from its aged equipment. In March, two of GPL’s engines failed disrupting power generation across the country.

Before this vessel was connected to the grid, GPL was generating about 165 megawatts of power. However, the peak demand is about 180 megawatts. (G4)

orate, reenergise and equip stakeholders with a pragmatic strategic option in their quest for development and economic prosperity.

“We have come to a point where we cannot afford to rely on the generosity or pity of others to continue to wait for non-maturing promissory notes in the form of aid and grants. The imperatives for our unity are enormous,” he said and while further quoting Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, Denya added “…we must unite or we perish.”

able force for a competitive edge,” Denya stated.

The Afreximbank official went onto highlight that despite its close relations, trade between Africa and the Caribbean remains exceptionally low compared to intraregional trade in other regions.

Consequently, he pointed out that “…strengthening trade and investment flows amongst ourselves is a crucial step towards generational wealth creation. Also, deepening trade and investment flows will promote and enhance interconnectivity while contributing our capacity to withstand global shocks.”

He added, “It is time to change the narrative. I know the task is enormous but so is our resolve and courage… We must unite and change the course of our destiny and economic fortunes.”

Reinvigorate, reenergise

According to Denya, the three-day meeting will provide the platform to deliver outcomes that will reinvig-

AAM and ACTIF are attended by business and political leaders, banking industry professionals, trade and trade finance practitioners and other parties involved in economic development from across Africa, the Caribbean and beyond. The Meetings, which have been ranked among the most important gatherings of economic decision makers in Africa and CARICOM, are covered by the African, Caribbean and international media.

Only last year, Guyana hosted the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF23) from October 30 to 31, 2023 in Georgetown, where President Ali challenged the regional private sector to collaborate with their African counterparts to develop a consortium, to solve some of the perennial challenges facing the region, including transportation.

President Ali emphasised to the Heads of Government and delegates in attendance that “Every single state of CARICOM

has made it clear that we will give all the incentives necessary to facilitate the building of a regional transport infrastructure system to solve the problem of regional transportation… All the governments in the region, we have made it clear, we will support such a consortium on investment through incentives and promotion. The private sector must get up and put that consortium in place, partner with Afreximbank and end this problem.”

His remarks came as he noted that the south-south trade potential between Africa and the Caribbean is estimated at US$16 trillion, and there are multiple opportunities on which the countries of the regions can capitalise.

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

Afreximbank opened a Caribbean office in Barbados in August 2023 and has provided a USD 1.5 billion line of credit to the region.

Meanwhile, earlier this year in April, a delegation from the Afreximbank, led by its President Professor Benedict Oramah, visited Guyana and met with President Ali and other senior government officials.

During that engagement, discussions were held on exploring investment opportunities in various areas. (G8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali arrives in Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday for the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings & the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum

All work…

…and no (PNC) play

As your Eyewitness described in some detail yesterday, these PNC Congresses ain’t no child’s play!! The mold was set by their founder leader Forbes “Fat Boy” Burnham himself and since all his successors feel compelled to vow to continue his legacy, we already know they’ll begin right at the beginning – General Congress!! Even before he’d split the PPP - in which he’d been given a squeeze -he’d showed up at the Metropole Cinema Congress having already packed the pit and the stage with his supporters - who duly elected him Leader of the Party!! That, of course, led to the split in the PPP and Burnham’s rump became the PNC with it’s DNA hard-wired in rigging!!

So when Roysdale Forde complained in the press that Norton had done the same thing - to stack the deck in his favour as your Eyewitness had predicted but with a concrete example – it was just another day in the life of the PNC!! What else could Norton do? He HAD to “follow the leader” - as his band of supporters boisterously belted out in their march to Congress Place on Nomination Day!! So what can we predict going forward??

Will Forde call in the self-appointed “Elder” of the party – Hamilton “Bilal” Greene?? If “he who knows it, feels it” then the latter certainly knows how Forde feels since he was maneuvered out of the party by his bete noir Desmond Hoyte. There’s no love lost between Norton and Green since both of them believe they are “man crabs” – and we know two of them can’t live in the same hole. Here the hole being the PNC!! The question, of course, is whether Green commands the respect of those who’ll be coming to Congress. And if - as Forde says - these were mostly handpicked by Norton, there’s precious little gained by bringing in Greene!!

Now, we understand Forde is backed by Granger and Harmon. These worthies, of course, have men who’re trained in intimidation – as was displayed by that fella with the gun at the Congress where Granger was pitchforked into the PNC’s leadership!! Ironically, that was when Norton had led a walkout with his Linden comrades - protesting the entire elections process!! What goes around came around, for Norton?? So, will we see some muscle to support Forde?

Your Eyewitness believes more likely, there’s gonna be a fracas or two since tempers will be frayed! As for Carl Greenidge, he’s gonna make the Shermanesque declaration: "If drafted, I will not run; if nominated, I will not accept; if elected, I will not serve."

So the contretemps will be launched by fringe nominees who can only get attention if they behave big and bad.

…in war

Burnham practiced politics in the spirit that it was “war by other means”,. And in war one shows no quarter!! Today is the 44th anniversary of the assassination of Walter Rodney on the orders of Burnham. At the 1979 August PNC Congress, Burnham had publicly declared the WPA as the “worst possible alternative” and asked them to write their will. He knew they’d infiltrated the army –even though the officers swore their loyalty to him at the Congress – he took no chances.

He flung down the gauntlet and ominously announced his ‘steel was sharper”! Rodney and Roopnarine had been accused of burning down the PNC Headquarters but had been freed by the Courts. Burnham was livid and as a Commission of Inquiry found in 2014 – 34 years after Rodnay was assassinated – his hand was behind the dastardly act.

Your Eyewitness echoes Martin Carter: “Now from the mourning vanguard moving on dear comrade/I salute you and say/ Death shall not find us thinking that we die.”

…and some play

Tuesday, June 11, was the first International Day of Play. Imagine that!! It was followed by the World Day against Child Labour. The theme was "Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour". So, kids should only NOT work, but MUST play!!

250 lbs of ganja destroyed at Victoria Backlands

Police in Regional Division 4C destroyed 250 pounds of cannabis found on a farm in the Victoria Backlands, East Coast Demerara (ECD), during an operation on Tuesday.

Acting on information received, officers ventured some three miles from the Victoria access road into the backlands. There, they discovered two plots of land, about two acres each, being prepared by a 33-year-old resident of Victoria.

Upon spotting the police, the suspect fled southwest into dense vegetation, successfully evading capture.

Adjacent to the land under preparation, officers found a makeshift camp containing several large black plastic bags filled with partially dried leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Additionally, they discovered clothing, a mattress, a hammock, an iPhone, a BLU cellular phone, a Digicel Wi-Fi connector, a National Identification card belonging to the suspect, an electronic tablet, and food supplies.

A further search around

the camp revealed two suspected cannabis plants in a small bucket, each about two feet tall. When weighed, the total estimated weight was approxi-

mately 250 lbs.

The police destroyed the partially dried cannabis and the camp by fire, retaining samples along with the plants for fur-

ther investigation. These items were transported to the Cove and John Police Station.

Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

GDF’s int’l partnerships at highest peak since establishment – Defence Chief …cites

importance

of collaboration to create safer, more stable region

The Defence partnerships that Guyana enjoys with the rest of the world, are at their highest peak ever in the 59-year history of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), according to Chief of Defence, Brigadier Omar Khan.

The GDF’s capacity building efforts was on Tuesday highlighted by the Defence Chief, during the commissioning of the GDFS Shahoud. According to Khan, Guyana’s Defence partnerships with the international community have never been as extensive as they are today.

“Notably, the acquisition of an asset does not guarantee its capability. We must continue to leverage the experiences and training offers from our partners across the region. This forms an integral part of enhancing our capacity and consolidating our capability.”

“And I must say, we

have been doing just that, to the point where our existing partnerships are at their highest peak in the history of our Defence relations. Already for this acquisition, the United States through the office of the military liaison officer, has begun talks with us on training and spares for the GDFS Shahoud,” Khan said. According to Khan, this has been facilitated through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative

Platform. As such, he made it clear that the GDF was looking forward to continued discussions on the matter.

“Partnership is vital. And in this dynamic environment, we must continue to work and operate together, for a safer and stable region. And importantly, to vigorously promote shared values we hold so dear. For none of us is better than all of us,” he added.

The GDFS Shahoud

billion, has gone towards building the technical capability and assets of the local security sector.

Efforts are already underway to procure four new helicopters that will not only be used by the GDF but also the Guyana Police Force. Back in October 2020, the US State Department had approved the sale of four helicopters and related equipment to Guyana to the tune of US$256 million.

was designed by Metal Sharks’ in-house engineering team and constructed at the company’s Franklin, Louisiana, production facility. It now joins the ranks of seven other Metal Shark vessels currently serving in the Coast Guard fleet. It is understood that ranks from the Coast Guard will have to undergo a period of training before the vessel is formally handed over and commissioned into service.

The Guyana Government has been heavily invested in boosting the country’s defensive capacity. In fact, a significant portion of the $1.146 trillion Budget 2024, from which the GDF alone received $42.2

Guyana enjoys military partnerships with a number of countries including the United States, through US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), France and Brazil. On Military Partners Day, where Guyana’s military collaboration was celebrated, these countries, as well as China, India, the United Kingdom, and Canada, were in attendance.

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

The event also emphasised the collabora-

tive endeavors undertaken by the GDF alongside its international partners. Representatives from each collaborating nation were present, fostering diplomatic ties and deepening the understanding of shared objectives.

Also in November, the leaderships of the United States Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the GDF had met as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military-to-military partnership. The two military partners discussed upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.

The U.S. and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership, marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF, and focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, Defence and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime. (G3)

Senior military officials from the last Military Partners Day

74 of 100 young professional homes under construction at Silica City – Croal

…Govt to soon identify allottees

Atotal of 110 housing units are slated to be developed at Silica City, the country’s first smart, urban centre, situated along the LindenSoesdyke Highway.

During a recent site visit by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, it was revealed that construction has started on 74 housing units.

In the next two weeks, works will commence on additional structures.

Croal disclosed that approximately $3 billion has been invested in the project thus far and government is satisfied with the pace at which infrastructure works are progressing.

In addition to the housing units, he said works are also ongoing on the first phase infrastructure for the city, including the installation of the electrical network, roads, and drainage.

“The soil type is sandy so we had to add additional expenditure in terms of concrete drains… Obviously when we finish building the houses we will move into a different level… We will be drilling an independent well for here to source so we are currently going through the procurement process and then we’ll start,”

The young professional homes will be constructed in four distinct styles, comprising two flat units valued at $25 million and two elevated units priced up to $33 million.

According to Croal, the agency is in the process of qualifying persons who have indicated their interest in the properties.

“We do have a list of persons who have indicated an interest, so we’re first of all going through the pre-qualification phase, that’s where we are at now… but no, we have not allocated these units we’ll be moving to the next stages with regards to that,” he added.

The concept of Silica City was first introduced by President Dr Irfaan Ali and the idea was born out of the pressing need for a complementary urban center to alleviate the challenges posed by non-coastal urban settlement development and the impending threats of climate change and rising sea levels.

With its potential to become the nation’s most sought-after location for contemporary, environmentally eco-friendly living, Silica City would serve as an innovative solution, offering a resilient haven for residents in a changing world.

In addition to green areas and other facilities, the state-of-the-art development will include smart homes outfitted with the newest energy-saving technologies.

In February 2023, some $2.1 billion worth of contracts were signed to expedite these efforts.

Croal disclosed.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal engaging contractors at Silica City

“Total disregard” – Reg 2 Chair on speedboat operators overcharging passengers

Asignificant number of speedboat operators plying the Parika-Supenaam route continue to overcharge passengers, even though the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has defined the pricing structure.

As a result, the Regional Administration of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is re-engag -

ing central government, particularly the Public Works Ministry, to ensure there is compliance as well as penalties for defiance.

This is according to Regional Chairperson

Vilma De Silva, who told this publication that regional officials met on Tuesday to discuss the issue of continued exploitation of citizens by the speedboat operators.

“I’m very much dis -

satisfied, the reason being is because senior ministers were on the ground and said to them that they cannot increase without the approval of government. Because the government has reduced all the taxes on fuel, to relieve passengers of high cost of travelling with the speedboat,” the regional chairperson informed this publication. It was only in April this year that Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill led a team to meet with speedboat operators plying various routes, including the Parika-Supenaam route.

Edghill had made it clear that the authorised fare structure provides for travel from Bartica to Parika or vice versa to be $2500 while from Parika to Supenaam and vice versa is $1300.

However, operators plying the ParikaSupenaam route are insisting passengers pay $1500.

“They showed a total disregard to the minister’s intervention and I’m not satisfied with that, so I said I will engage our minister to look into it, because apart from charging the extra $200, they also charge the passengers if they have an additional bag, they would also charge for that bag. I was seated in a speedboat and saw the operator charged a passenger $1500 for a carry-on hand luggage,” the regional chairperson expressed. She also indicat -

ed that many operators would overload their boat, posing a safety threat to the travelling public.

“Their service are very poor, untidy jackets, leaking boat, broken down engines, leaving passengers on many occasions in the middle of the river, even transferred from one boat to another, after waiting for hours,” De Silva added.

“If owners and operators don’t want to comply, then they will not be allowed to operate, because they are putting lives at risk…either they comply or quit the service. Operators were bold to me to say that ‘this boat is not owned by Edghill or Indar’… but I want them to know that this service belongs to the government.”

Meanwhile, during April’s meeting with speedboat operators, it had been announced that impromptu inspections will be conducted on all boats to ensure they are safe and river-worthy.

Operators who fail to comply with inspections or lack up-to-date certification will be prohibited from operating until they rectify their status. Additionally, operators were instructed to revive their association to ensure compliance and order within the industry.

Another key measure being implemented is the random testing of boat operators for alcohol and drug consumption, with licenses to be terminated for those who test positive.

Supenaam stelling, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

President Dr Irfaan Ali arrives in Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday for the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings & the 3rd Africaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (Office of the President photos)

“Child labour should not be confused with chores” – Minister

The Human Services and Social Security Minister, Vindhya Persaud on Wednesday stressed the importance

signing chores to a child cannot be considered as child labour. She asserted that these tasks help with the development of children and establish-

More measures

Persaud also underscored that the theme for Child Labour Awareness Day 2024 hints that more measures should

of being able to identify child labour, stating that chores should not be confused with child labour.

The minister made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the annual child labour awareness day walk which was conducted by the Labour Ministry and Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

Persaud said that to effectively deal with child labour persons must be able to identify it, as such she stressed that not all forms of labour can be categorised as child labour. She highlighted that parents or guardians as-

es some form of discipline in the home and at school. “Child labour, as was mentioned, should not be confused at all with chores. We all grew up doing chores and in our culture that exists in Guyana, we do not want to be in conflict with that sensitivity that really permits some discipline in the home setting and the school setting. I say that because if we are not conscious of those settings, then we will, I would say, engender in children a resistance to many things that can help in their self-development” she asserted.

be established to combat child labour. In this regard she highlighted the significant strides Guyana has made to protect its children from this scourge. With children being the pillar of society, the minster noted that the government over the years has been working assiduously to protect its children by implementing initiatives such as conventions and the crafting of various pieces of legislation to develop an encompassing framework which will uproot child labour in Guyana.

“This year's theme speaks to the core issue

of acting on our commitments, and Guyana has made many commitments over the years through the ratification of various conventions and also through the enactment of multiple pieces of legislation, all of which are very robust and give us the opportunity to craft an all-encompassing framework to ensure that we root out child labour wherever it exists,” she stated.

Additionally, Persaud revealed that the discussion was held to identify ways in which the Labour Ministry and the Human Services and Social Security Ministry can be more impactful

to identify if they are a victim of child labour and what being a victim takes away from them.

Committed

Meanwhile also delivering remarks at the closing ceremony was Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine, who highlighted that the government is committed towards sustainable development. As such Deonarine made reference to sustainable development goal eight and identified the important role in which target 8.7 of this goal plays in protecting the children of the nation from child labour.

in their operations. One measure outlined is the training of officers which will allow them to be more impactful when engaging with children and families in the community. She also stressed the importance of educating children on the matter so that they will be able

“We are indeed committed to the Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 8 aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. As this relates to children, target 8.7 of this goal aims

to eliminate the worst forms of child labour including the recruitment and use of child soldiers as well as to end all forms of child labour by 2025” he stated. He further noted that the Ministry of Labour is committed to eliminating child labour and has been working assiduously since 2020 to implement the national action plan for the elimination of child labour across Guyana. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2020, 160 million children were victims of children labor worldwide with majority working in the agricultural sector. This combined with the 28 million people that are enforced labourers, reveals that globally a total of 188 million people are engaged in forms of work that should be abolished. The Walk commenced from Parliament building and concluded at the forecourt of the Ministry of Labour. The event was part of their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the issue of child labour, and to engage the community in meaningful dialogue and action. Child Labour Awareness Day 2024 was celebrated under the theme “Lets Act on our commitment end child labour!

The child labour awareness day walk on Wednesday

“It’s

good what the Government is doing”

–

core home recipient

…as more houses handed over to low-income families along East Coast corridor

The living condition of six families from the East Coast of Demerara has been boosted following the provision of Core Homes from the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).

The beneficiaries who were previously renting, living with family, or occupying dilapidated structures in the communities of Haslington, Non Pareil, Lusignan, Good Hope, and Cummings Lodge, received the keys to their new ‘Core Homes’ and Certificates of Inspection on Tuesday.

Each home features two bedrooms, a kitchen unit, an indoor sanitary facility, and each home is valued at $5 million. The homeowners have each made a contribution of $100,000 to the realisation of their dreams.

Beneficiary Sonita

She told journalists that despite being a land owner for several years, she lived in a dilapidated wooden structure prone to flooding.

Describing her financial situation, Sonita explained that she and her family have been relying on public assistance for some time now, however, she believes her new home is a sign of a new beginning and advancement for her grandchildren.

In an emotional state, 53-year-old Sonita (only name given) expressed her happiness at finally having a safe place to call home.

“Thank God… because me can’t afford for build one (home) and we would have still remained in the one over there. I live 20 years over there and it was very bad,” Sonita shared.

Another beneficiary, Nigel John shared similar sentiments, expressing his happiness at gaining independence and a place to call his own.

He also expressed his gratitude to the InterAmerican Development Bank, the Government, and the ministry’s team, whom he said were relentless in seeing the project to the end.

“Because of the development of the country, it’s not everybody could afford and it’s good what the government is doing for people who can’t afford it, you know, so, they can live a happy life,” John expressed.

Meanwhile, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal at the

handing-over ceremony congratulated the firsttime homeowners, noting that he is pleased to see the programme meeting its intended target audience.

Croal disclosed that there were a few hiccups during the construction of the homes, nevertheless, the Ministry was able to complete this cohort of homes.

The Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Program is a main feature in our housing programme, and targets the most vulnerable population; and that is through the Core Home Support component, and this allows families to acquire a home almost free of cost, he explained.

“On the Adequate Housing itself is about $23 million so that would mean that in our remit to be implemented would be about 74 per cent and so we want to move quickly to complete this project. We

want to thank too the beneficiaries for their patience because here these persons would have been engaged two years ago … It’s not easy living with other persons, living in an environment that you don’t necessarily own,” Minister Croal said.

Under the Core Home Support initiative, a total of 323 beneficiaries have been selected in Region Three and Four. To date, some 110 homes have been handed over, 188 are in

the procurement phase, and several others are under construction. Since the start of the programme in 2017, a total of one hundred and five families have to date each received keys to their homes. Under the Core Home Support initiative, a total of 323 beneficiaries have been selected, with 96 Core Homes occupied, 16 being under construction, another eight to soon be handed over, and 188 being at the procurement stage. (G1)

A recipient happily receiving keys to her new home

Nigel John and his family at their new home

Guyana open to investments from all international companies – Pres Ali …says Hess-Exxon arbitration a matter for existing partners

The international community was on Tuesday reminded that Guyana is very much “open for investments”, particularly to companies that are global leaders in their respective sectors, by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The Head of State was at the time responding to questions related to an article published by the Financial Times, titled ‘Guyana’s president welcomes Chevron’s bid to buy into $150 Billion oil project’.

According to President Ali, Guyana is keen on attracting the world’s largest companies in all sectors to develop its resources and contribute to the robust development of Guyana and its economy.

When it comes to the matter between Hess Corporation and Exxon Mobil, President Ali noted generally that any proposal to bring in a major new partner into the consortium was a “matter for existing partners”.

The President also added that while his government is of the view that the current partnership “works well”, healthy competition from companies can be beneficial to all parties, including the Government and people of Guyana.

In October 2023, Chevron offered $53 Billion to purchase Hess’s 30 per cent stake in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. The proposed deal eventually erupted into a clash after Exxon Mobil filed an arbitration claim arguing it had a right of first refusal to purchase Hess’s interest in Guyana’s Stabroek

Block.

Exxon is claiming a right of first refusal on Hess’ assets in Guyana under a joint operating agreement that governs a consortium that is developing the South American nation’s prolific oil resources. The oil major filed for arbitration in March at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris.

The arbitration court will ultimately decide the timeline of the proceedings, but Hess has asked the panel to hear the merits of the case in the third quarter with an outcome in the following quarter. Chevron CEO Mike Wirth told

analysts during the company’s first-quarter earnings call in April that this timeline should allow the parties “to close the transaction shortly thereafter.”

“We see no legitimate reason to delay that timeline,” Wirth said.

If Exxon prevails in the case, Chevron’s deal with Hess would break up. Woods has said Exxon is not mak-

giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being held in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) at the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

EEPGL is the operator

ing a play to buy Hess, but wants to defend its right in the interest of shareholders and find out what value is being placed on Hess’ Guyana assets.

Guyana, with US oil

and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd still holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of

CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Since last year, Guyana has been recording weekly lifts in the Stabroek Block with oil production now at 340,000 barrels per day from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels. With EEPGL making weekly lifts, Guyana’s crude entitlement of one million barrels occurs monthly from the two FPSOs.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027. In fact, Exxon has already received approval for their sixth project, Whiptail. In addition to at least these six projects offshore Guyana that Exxon anticipates will be online by 2027, it is also eyeing the possibility of having 10 Floating Production Storage Offshore (FPSO) vessels will be operational by 2030. (G3)

Ministry, GRA team up to go after companies engaged in ‘rent-a-citizen’ practices

The Natural Resources Ministry has teamed up with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to intensify efforts to clamp down on “rent a citizen” and “fronting” practices being undertaken by companies in the oil and gas sector. The ministry on Monday announced that, through the Local Content Secretariat, it has intensified its tracking for practices known as “rent a citizen” or “fronting” by companies within the oil and gas sector.

“Rent-a-citizen” or “fronting” refers to the

unethical practice where foreign companies use local individuals or local entities as mere fronts to meet local content requirements, while the actual control and benefits remain with the foreign entity

The government said it has so far identified these practices in cases of joint ventures undertaking. According to the government, “This practice undermines the ob-

jectives and spirit of the Local Content Act, which aims to ensure that the citizens of Guyana benefit meaningfully from and participate actively in the nation’s natural resources sector.”

To address these issues, the government revealed that the Natural Resources Ministry is actively pursuing measures to curb such instances. One of the steps being taken is enhancing its collaboration with the GRA.

The government said: “This closer working relationship aims to identify and penalise those engaging in

fronting, ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to the legal and ethical standards set forth by the Local Content Act.” In this regard, the Ministry – which is headed by Minister Vickram Bharrat – said it remains committed to fostering a transparent and equitable petroleum industry that benefits all Guyanese.

Meanwhile, the government is in the process of reviewing the Local Content Act, with a view of increasing the areas in which companies are mandated to utilise Guyanese goods and services. The Act currently

mandates companies to utilise Guyanese goods and services in 40 sectors. Moreover, the Local Content Act mandates penalties such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act. Attorney General Anil Nandlall has explained that the Act is based on a ‘build as you go principle’, so that the legislation remains alive and responsive to changing needs in the industry.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Curaçao secures associate membership in Caricom 3 charged, remanded over robbery of Chinese Supermarket

Curaçao has been confirmed by Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett for its successful bid for associate membership in the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

The decision was reached on June 4, 2024, following extensive negotiations between the Curaçao delegation and the Caricom secretariat.

Curaçao’s integration into the Caribbean community is being deepened, and Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas is set to sign the accession treaty in Grenada on July 3.

As Curaçao moves towards formalizing its Caricom membership, legal procedures in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are being finalized.

The Kingdom Government is set to endorse the draft treaty that Prime Minister Pisas will sign.

Curaçao will join Caricom as its sixth associate member, alongside the existing 15 member states and 5 associate members.

Associate mem-

bership will provide Curaçao with benefits such as participation in regional integration initiatives across various sectors, economic activities, regional security measures, environmental projects, and socio-cultural development. (St Vincent Times)

Three men appeared in court on Monday, jointly charged with the robbery of a Chinese supermarket in the Providence community on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

The trio—22-yearold Brian Stevens of Haslington, 20-year-old Cladius James of South Ruimveldt, and 21-yearold Ronaldo Allicock — appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, who read the joint robbery charge to them.

All three men pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on June 3, they attacked and robbed the owners of a Chinese supermarket in Providence, stealing an undisclosed sum of money.

Following the not guilty pleas, Magistrate Latchman denied bail and remanded the trio to jail. The case will continue on June 26.

This alleged robbery is part of a rising trend in attacks and robberies targeting Chinese

supermarkets across Georgetown and other communities. The situation recently prompted a meeting between the Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan who expressed concern about the ongoing issue.

About a month ago, three men armed with a gun and knife invaded the Good Life Chinese Supermarket at Grove, EBD and escaped with $2M. (G9)

Bath Regional Hospital 40% complete – Finance Minister

With scores of construction workers laboring around the clock, the new modern Regional Hospital at Bath, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), is currently 40% complete. This information was revealed by Finance Minister Ashni Singh during a site visit to check on the progress of the ongoing project on Monday morning.

The Bath Regional

Hospital is one of six state-funded regional hospitals being constructed across the country by Chinese companies Sinopharm Int. and China CAMC Engineering Company Ltd. A total of $40 billion will be spent on these six facilities.

According to Minister Singh, the project has been progressing smoothly without any obstructions.

“As you know this is

part of a series of six hospitals in total that are under construction. As you can see, construction is progressing rapidly. The engineers estimate that they’ve completed about 40% of the construction work,” he confirmed.

He added that the new hospital is expected to be completed before the end of 2024.

“This is one of a series of hospitals. We're building six of these, including one in region 6,

one in Essequibo, and others. You can see that the physical structure is up. We are targeting this and the other hospitals that should be completed before the end of 2024,” Singh stated.

Meanwhile, at the recent commissioning of a new digital X-ray unit in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), Health Minister Frank Anthony highlighted the ongoing hospital construction efforts across Guyana.

“We are building a

world-class health sector.

I don’t know of any other country in the Caribbean, in the Americas, or maybe in the world that is currently building twelve new hospitals. That’s the magnitude and scale of what we are doing right now. We have six regional hospitals under construction, and that by itself is a remarkable story,” he said.

The minister emphasised that these will be reformed hospitals with advanced features, in-

cluding cardiac surgery. Additionally, he pointed out the developmental works as various hospitals are being built within the interior of Guyana.

“In addition to all of these hospitals, we are building hospitals within the interior of Guyana. It is a huge undertaking. We need to care for what we have. It’s not just about improving but investing to ensure quality care throughout the country,” he stated. (G2)

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during the site visit at the new Region five Hospital

A section of the hospital under construction

Charged: Brian Stevens, Cladius James and Ronaldo Allicock

Regional

Russian warships enter Havana harbour under Washington’s watchful eye

ARussian navy frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine churned into Havana harbour on Wednesday, a stopover the US and Cuba said posed no threat but which was widely seen as a Russian show of force as tensions rise over the Ukraine war.

Curious onlookers, fishermen and Police lined the Malecon seafront boulevard under grey skies to welcome the ships as they passed the 400-year old Morro castle at the harbour’s entrance.

Cuba – a long-time ally of Russia – saluted the ships’ arrival with cannon fire from the harbour, while Russian diplomats waved small Russian flags and took selfies as the vessels passed the harbour’s historic fortresses.

The <<<Admiral Gorshkov>>> frigate, and later the nuclear-powered submarine <<<Kazan>>>, half submerged with its crew on deck, were accompanied by a tugboat and fuel ship that had arrived earlier in the morning.

The four Russian vessels sailed to Cuba on Wednesday after conducting “high-pre-

cision missile weapons” training in the Atlantic Ocean, Russia’s Defence Ministry said Wednesday.

The submarine and frigate carry Zircon hypersonic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles and Onyx anti-ship missiles, the ministry said.

Cuba said last week that the visit was standard practice by naval vessels from countries friendly to Havana.

The communist-run Government’s Foreign Ministry said the fleet

carried no nuclear weapons, something echoed by US officials.

The US has been monitoring the Russian vessels as they skirted the nearby Florida coast, but has said they pose no threat.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday such naval exercises were routine.

“We have seen this kind of thing before and we expect to see this kind of thing again, and I’m

Milei reform bill hangs in balance as riots rage outside Argentine Congress

Argentina’s Senate began debating a sprawling bill on Wednesday that is key to libertarian President Javier Milei’s economic reform plans, while protesters set fires and clashed with Police in the streets outside Congress.

The Upper House, which is divided almost down the middle over the bill, which is designed to boost investment by privatising state entities and providing incentives for businesses, is set for a marathon debate. The bill passed the Lower House of deputies in April following many changes after it was

rejected in a first vote in February.

Milei’s Government, which controls only a minority of seats in both chambers, has been bargaining to win over allies. It knows the bill will be modified, but is hoping to at least get general approval. Outright rejection would be a major blow.

Local legislators and media outlets estimated that Senators were evenly split. The bill needs 37 votes out of the 72 total legislators in the chamber to get a majority.

The main left-leaning Peronist Opposition bloc, closely allied to the unions,

is likely to vote down what is known as the “bases” bill and a separate fiscal package. The main bill includes plans for privatising public firms, granting special powers to the President and spurring investment.

“Argentine people’s lives are at play. We’ve drunk this poison several times: to have zero inflation with zero economic activity,” protester and social leader Luis D’Elia said as thousands protested the planned reforms.

“This poison has failed several times in Argentina and we won’t allow this to carry on.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

the visit – as the Biden Administration ponders how far to go in helping defend Ukraine against Russia – suggests more than “standard practice,” said William Leogrande, a professor at American University.

“The visiting Russian warships are Putin’s way of reminding Biden that Moscow can challenge Washington in its own sphere of influence,” Leogrande said.

The stopover coincides with Cuba’s worst social and economic crisis in decades, with shortages of everything from food, medicine, and fuel and growing discontent on the streets.

not going to read into it any particular motives,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said there was no evidence of Russia transferring any missiles to Cuba, but the US would remain vigilant.

“We do not expect anything like that to occur.”

Power play

Havana is just 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Key West, Florida, home to a US Naval Air Station. The timing of

“This ... has echoes of the Cold War, but unlike the first Cold War, the Cubans are drawn to Moscow not by ideological affinity but by economic necessity,” Leogrande said.

History looms large in Cuba, especially when it comes to Russia and its predecessor, the Soviet Union.

The Cuban missile crisis erupted in 1962 when the Soviet Union responded to a US missile deployment in Turkey by sending ballistic missiles to Cuba, sparking a standoff that

brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

The two countries are once again strengthening ties.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the fourth time in May, when he attended a military parade, wished Russian forces well in Ukraine, and said Moscow could always count on Havana’s support.

Russia in March delivered 90,000 metric tonnes of Russian oil to Cuba to help alleviate shortages, and has promised to help Havana in projects ranging from sugar production to infrastructure, renewable energy and tourism.

The history between the two nations was not lost on many of the Cubans who watched the Russian ships’ arrival.

“I have never seen a ship of that size so close,” said María Isabel Quesada, 50, of nearby Old Havana. “As a Cuban I feel safe, I feel satisfied ... confident in having a very beautiful relationship between our countries.”

The Russian ships are expected to remain in Havana until June 17.

(Reuters)

Haiti names new Cabinet, in strong shift from previous Government

Haiti’s Administration picked new Ministers on Tuesday, rounding out the new Prime Minister’s Cabinet, in a stark departure from the previous Government as the country battles a deep humanitarian crisis fuelled by armed gangs.

The Cabinet, announced nearly two weeks after Prime Minister Garry Conille himself was named to his post, trims the number of Ministers while replacing all who served in former Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s Cabinet. Many of the new picks were drawn

from outside Haiti’s political class altogether.

Haiti’s prolonged social and political crisis has deepened since a presidential assassination in 2021 threw the Caribbean nation into upheaval. Gangs have expanded their control over the country while displacing thousands of civilians.

In the new Cabinet, the Prime Minister will also serve as Interior Minister, controlling much of Haiti’s security forces as well as intelligence gathering.

Conille returned as Prime Minister after a brief stint in the role

more than a decade ago. He was most recently a top official with the UN children’s agency, UNICEF.

The Justice Ministry will be headed by Carlos Hercule, a lawyer who formerly headed the Portau-Prince bar association along with serving as a member of an electoral council set to pave the way for Haiti’s next elections.

He will oversee a paralysed judicial system and the country’s embattled Police, who have been fighting the powerful gangs. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A tug boat manoeuvres Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine Kazan as it docks in Havana’s bay, Cuba, June 12 (Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini photo)

Around the World OIL NEWS

S&P 500, Nasdaq post closing record highs after CPI, Fed

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted record closing highs for a third straight day on Wednesday after inflation data came in softer than expected, but the indexes ended off the day's highs as the Federal Reserve projected only one interest rate cut this year.

The Fed's March projections included three quarterpercentage-point reductions. The US central bank, in a statement at the end of its June 11-12 meeting, also said it left its policy rate unchanged, as expected.

Stocks were choppy following the news and press conference with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq paring gains late and the Dow finishing near flat.

Stocks opened higher after the Labour Department reported that the US Consumer Price Index was unexpectedly unchanged in May due to cheaper gasoline.

"The CPI number was certainly cooler than estimates and drove optimism to start the day, but that was only half of today's menu," said Michael James, managing director of equity trading at Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles.

James said he would have expected the market to end weaker after the Fed's update, noting that "the commentary was hawkish and rate cut (expectations) were trimmed from three to one."

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 35.21 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 38,712.21. The S&P 500 rose 45.71 points, or 0.85 per cent, to 5421.03 and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 264.89 points, or 1.53 per cent, to 17,608.44.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the world’s Top 3 oil producing countries, met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the 37th OPEC and nonOPEC Ministerial Meeting. The group reaffirmed their commitment to the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) and extended oil production levels until the end of 2025. They will continue using independent sources to guide 2026 production levels.

Although the decision extends voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million bpd announced last November into the next year, it gradually eases some reductions starting in October 2024.

This decision, aimed at stabilising crude prices and balancing market demands, reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reconcile diverse member interests. The alliance will continue to monitor market conditions and adjust strategies accordingly. Notably, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will see a 10 per cent boost in its production target next year, following intense negotiations.

The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) will meet bi-monthly to monitor market conditions and compliance, with the authority to call additional meetings if necessary. The importance of full conformity to production agreements was emphasised, and the next OPEC and nonOPEC Ministerial Meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2024.

Although OPEC+ cuts and Middle Eastern tensions reduced global crude supply by nearly six per cent, oil prices have dropped roughly 10 per cent since peaking in early April. Brent crude, the global benchmark, has fallen from US$91 in April to US$82 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped from nearly US$87 to US$78.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Saudi Arabia needs Brent crude at around US$81 per barrel to balance its budget. But OPEC has had an increasingly difficult time controlling prices due to the ongoing expansion of US crude production. (Excerpts from Reuters and oilprice.com)

“Immense” scale of Gaza killings amount to crime against humanity, UN inquiry says

Both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes in the early stages of the Gaza war, a United Nations inquiry found on Wednesday, saying that Israel's actions also constituted crimes against humanity because of the immense civilian losses.

The findings were from two parallel reports, one focusing on the October 7 Hamas attacks and another on Israel's military response, published by the UN Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which has an unusually-broad mandate to collect evidence and identify perpetrators of international crimes committed in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel does not cooperate with the commission, which it says has an anti-Israel bias. The CoI says Israel obstructs its work

Palestinians fleeing north Gaza move southward as Israeli tanks roll deeper into the enclave, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip in November (Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa file photo)

and prevented investigators from accessing both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel's diplomatic mission to the UN in Geneva rejected the findings. "The CoI has once again proven that its actions are all in the service of a narrow-led politi-

Biden will sign new security agreement with Ukraine during G7 summit

US President Joe Biden will sign a new security agreement with Ukraine today to pledge America's long-term support to the country, during his meeting with leaders of the Group of Seven democracies in Italy, a top US official said.

Biden departed for Italy on Wednesday to increase pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine and on China for its support of Moscow and excess industrial capacity.

The agreement will make clear "our support will last long into the future... particularly in the defence and security space," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One.

"By signing this we'll also be sending Russia a signal of our resolve. If Vladimir Putin thinks he can outlast the coalition supporting Ukraine, he's wrong," Sullivan said.

Fifteen countries have

signed their own security agreements, which will strengthen Ukraine's "defensive deterrence capability", he said. The US agreement will include a commitment to working with the US Congress on funding Ukraine going forward, but will not commit to using US forces on the ground, Sullivan added.

The White House had said earlier that Biden will meet again with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the summit, followed by a joint press conference. The US also expects Biden to meet India's Narendra Modi, who was sworn in as Prime Minister for a third term, and is waiting for India to formally confirm Modi's attendance at the summit.

The G7 leaders arrive at the summit confronting myriad woes at home even as they seek solutions for many of the world's most pressing problems.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

cross-border attacks that sparked a military retaliation in Gaza that has since killed over 37,000 persons, by Palestinian tallies.

The reports, which cover the conflict through to end-December, found that both sides committed war crimes including torture; murder or wilful killing; outrages upon personal dignity; and inhuman or cruel treatment.

cal agenda against Israel," said Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva.

Hamas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By Israel's count more than 1200 persons were killed and 250 taken hostage in the October 7

More

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that Hamas had proposed numerous changes, some unworkable, to a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza, but that mediators were determined to close the gaps.

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan denied that the Palestinian Islamist group had put forward new ideas. (Excerpt from Reuters)

than 80 dead in DR Congo after boat capsizes

More than 80 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have died after the boat they were travelling on sank, President Felix Tshisekedi has announced.

The accident on Wednesday occurred on the Kwa River, about 70 kilometres (43 miles) from the city of Mushie in MaiNdombe province.

“The President of the Republic is calling for an investigation into the true causes of this unfortunate incident, to prevent such a disaster from happening again in the future,” the presidency said in a statement posted on X. Tshisekedi “sends his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the statement said, adding that he directed authorities to take measures and help those affected.

The incident was caused by night sailing, Rita Bola Dula, MaiNdombe province governor, told Reuters news agency, adding that the investigations continued. Deadly boat accidents are common in the DRC, where vessels are frequently loaded well beyond their capacity. The central African country has few tarred roads across its vast, forested territory, and river travel is common. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Deadly boat accidents are common in the DRC [File: Luke Dennison/AFP]

21-April 19)

21-July 22)

23-Aug. 22)

Reach out, gather information and learn as you navigate your way forward. You'll discover an unusual path that will encourage more innovative investments and money management.

Board the express train and make your way to the finish line. Keeping a steady pace and finessing any situations that may threaten your plans will pay off. Be aware of rules and regulations.

Don't play games. Stick to the truth and what you do best. Trying to make a big splash will hinder your ability to convince others of your sincerity and prevent you from gaining support.

Keep tabs on those closest to you. An emotional incident will get blown out of proportion if you aren't aware of what loved ones are experiencing. The truth will be necessary.

Call on everyone you know to help you reach your destination. Learn from your mistakes and eliminate a potential problem that might arise. There will be no room for anger. Call in favors if necessary.

24-Nov. 22)

23-Dec. 21)

Work hard until you are satisfied with the results. Discipline is your ticket to outmaneuvering anyone who gets in your way. Trust your instincts, not what others try to convince you to believe.

Gather enough information to outsmart anyone looking for a debate. Dismiss negativity and people trying to push you in a direction that you don't want to go. Look out for your own interests.

Appeal to people in a position to help you further your agenda. Change is necessary, but using force isn't the answer. An innovative idea, charm and persuasion will win you support.

Be careful who you trust with your secrets, money and heart. Not everyone has the same agenda as you. Listen, ask questions and be clear about your intentions and the results you want to achieve.

22-Jan. 19)

Don't get angry; get moving. Your actions will speak volumes regarding who you are, what you want and how you plan to live up to your expectations. Don't lollygag.

20-Feb. 19)

Watch what others do and stay out of the line of fire. Opportunities will come from doing what you do best. Look inward, set goals and refuse to let emotional interference get in your way.

Make decisions based on your needs. Be aware of what others are trying to do, and counter any attempt that may hinder your chance to reach your target. Speak up when necessary.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ICC Men’s T20I World Cup

2024…

– USA had several things going against them

The conditions: Before today, the USA had never played at Nassau County Stadium; this was India's fourth game at that venue.

Personnel: Monank Patel, the designated captain, was out injured.

The toss: Rohit Sharma called correctly, and asked USA to bat in seaming conditions.

Experience: USA were a motley crew with day jobs playing against cricketing royalty in India.

This match had all the makings of a one-sided affair, except it was anything but that. At one stage, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both

screaming fans, many of them Indian-Americans, gave more wings to those dreams. This was now

Netravalkar's Gibbs moment?

Fifty-three were needed off 45. USA were bowling cutters into the pitch. Suryakumar was struggling to hit the ball off the square, and was trying to manufacture strokes. Most times it comes off, here it wasn't. An over after nearly getting bowled in trying to sweep Corey Anderson off his length, he tried to open the face of the bat to play his trademark loft, only to slice the ball high.

Saurabh Netravalkar circled under it, after doing exceedingly well to get to the ball running back from

USA's game to lose.

Suryakumar, Arshdeep architects of hard-fought India win

Rohit turning the face of the bat to take the leading edge. At mid-off, Harmeet Singh, Rohit's school ju nior by a few years, ran back and held on.

dismissed by Saurabh Netravalkar and India at 15 for 2 in chase of 111, USA dared to dream. When Rishabh Pant was castled by Ali Khan, thirty thousand

India were shellshocked at 15 for 2, which soon became 44 for 3 when Rishabh Pant was out to one that skidded low and through his defence.

Suryakumar, Dube dig in to allay nerves

off. It could so easily have been another knock that had Dube's self-doubts spiralling, but that he dug in to remain unbeaten on 31 in what was a hard scrap should give him lot of confidence.

Arshdeep's career-best has USA hobbling

The day began with a two-wicket opening over in which Arshdeep Singh swung the ball back in.

Shayan Jahangir, replac-

But, in Suryakumar Yadav, India had a crisis man who bailed them out of choppy waters. He was helped along by Shivam Dube during the course of a half-century stand that proved to be a game-changer.

India are now through to the Super Eights, but USA are still very much masters of their own fate; a win over Ireland, even a washout, would see them through, ahead of Pakistan whom they famously beat in a Super Over thriller last week.

short third; but he couldn't hold on to the chance! The superhero who could not put a foot wrong until then was human, after all.

Netravalkar's dream beginning

Virat Kohli first. Rohit Sharma next. The ball that felled Kohli in the first over was a dream delivery. The batter nicked off with a perfect away-going delivery that had him jabbing. It was only Kohli's second golden duck in T20Is.

The ball that got Rohit was somewhat similar, except it was a lot closer to the stumps, and had

It was almost as if the reprieve of Suryakumar had deflated USA. Suddenly Aaron Jones was switching fields every ball, running up to have a chat between deliveries, all of it playing into the hands of the batters. Twice USA were warned about delaying the game by not beginning their next over within their 60-second allowance. When they erred for a third time, the umpires awarded five penalty runs to India.

From 35 off 30, India now needed a run-aball 30. It didn't matter then that Dube had at one point been struggling on 5 off 14, or that Suryakumar was far from his 360-degree mode. In the 17th over, India truly broke the stranglehold when Suryakumar picked Shadley van Schalkwyk's medium pace for a lofted six over extra cover, and a trademark flick over his shoulder for four came off back-to-back deliveries.

Off the first ball of

United States Of America

(20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R

Shayan Jahangir lbw

b Arshdeep Singh 0

Steven Taylor b Patel 24

Andries Gous † c Pandya

b Arshdeep Singh 2

Aaron Jones (c) c Mohammed

Siraj b Pandya 11

Nitish Kumar c Mohammed

Siraj b Arshdeep Singh 27

Corey Anderson c †Pant b Pandya 15

Harmeet Singh c †Pant b Arshdeep Singh 10

Shadley van Schalkwyk not out 11

Jasdeep Singh run out (†Pant/ Mohammed Siraj) 2

Extras (lb 1, w 7) 8

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.50) 110/8

Did not bat: Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan

Fall of wickets: 1-0

(Shayan Jahangir, 0.1 ov), 2-3

(Andries Gous, 0.6 ov), 3-25

(Aaron Jones, 7.2 ov), 4-56

(Steven Taylor, 11.4 ov), 5-81

(Nitish Kumar, 14.4 ov), 6-96

(Corey Anderson, 16.5 ov), 7-98

(Harmeet Singh, 17.3 ov), 8-110

(Jasdeep Singh, 19.6 ov) •

ing Monank Patel, was out lbw, and Andries Gous picked out mid-off in attempting to pull a skiddy short ball. It wasn't until Nitish Kumar and Corey Anderson added 25 off 18, heading into the final overs, that USA had some injection of momentum that gave them a chance of getting towards 120. However, overs 16-18 scuppered those plans. Hardik bowled a wicket-maiden in the 17th, dismissing Anderson for his second wicket, and Arshdeep had Harmeet Singh - who had top-edged Bumrah for a six to get off the mark - caught behind. USA ended up with 110, and it’s likely they'd look back and wonder what could've been had they only got 10 more. (ESPNCricinfo)

BOWLING

Jasprit Bumrah

Hardik Pandya 4-1-14- 2 Shivam Dube 1-0-11-0

Steven Taylor hit Axar Patel for a six, but was out next ball

Arshdeep Singh returned his best T20I figures

Saurabh Netravalkar sent back Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in his first two overs

Mohammed Siraj held on to a superb catch in the deep to send back

Nitish Kumar

Grimmond to steer Guyana U19 Women in CWI tournament

Realeanna Grimmond has recently been named Captain of the Guyana Women’s U19 Team ahead of the CWI Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Regional Championships.

It has been revealed in a missive from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) that Grimmond, a West Indies under-19 player, will take over from former U-19 skipper Ashmini Munisar, and will have spinner Niya Latchman as her deputy.

The pair will lead an imposing unit that performed at a high level during the last edition of the regional tournament.

The Guyanese finished 2nd overall last year, missing out on the title after being edged out by eventual winners Jamaica, despite being tied on 16 points.

This year, experienced players like Trisha Hardat, Naomi Barkoye, Tiea Isaacs, Crystal Durant and others will have an opportunity to showcase their talents, adding to their ex- ploits last year.

Inaugural GSA Indoor Volleyball Extravaganza deemed a success

On Sunday last (June 9th, 2024), history was created among the local volleyball fraternity when eight teams participated in an inaugural Volleyball Extravaganza on the indoor court of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).

Among those competing teams were the Berbice Female Academy team, Demerara Female Academy team, D’Edward Male Academy team, Berbice High School(BHS) Male Academy team, GSA Male Academy team, Classic Ball Blasters (CBB) Male Academy team, CBB Senior Female team, and the Berbice Senior Female team.

After a 30-point round-robin playoff in the male academy segment, D’Edward and GSA advanced to the finals, where D’Edward defeated the GSA 25-19, 25-12 in a best of three games and received the winning trophy and 12 medals, while GSA received the runners-up accolade.

The most valuable player (MVP) award went to Harold Booker of the D’Edward team.

Meanwhile, in a thrilling encounter, the Demerara female academy defeated the Berbice female academy 25- 22, 19-25, 14-16. Demerara

Meanwhile, with the Women’s tournament running from July 2-14, the ladies will wing out for Trinidad and Tobago on June 30. Guyana Women’s U19 Team reads: Captain Realeanna Grimmond, Vice- Captain Niya Latchman, Naomi Barkoye, Tilleya Madramootoo, Trisha Hardat, Laurene Williams, Denelle Lindee, Crystal Durant, Brianna Samaroo, Shonette Belgrave, Tiea Isaacs, Danellie Manns, Tremaine

KFC Elite League Season Six… Ann’s Grove drub Buxton, Monedderlust share points with Den Amstel

Marks and Latoya Williams. Manager is Treymayne Smartt

Coach is Clive Grimmond

Standbys are: Aaliyah DaSilva, Qzel Sampson, Daniela Hicks, Areah Ally, Aneesha Chetram and Cianna Barkoye.

CLASSIFIED ADS

ASTROLOGY/SPIRITUALITY

Fingall, President of the Berbice Volleyball Association; Rodney Fredricks, President of the Demerara Volleyball Association; and Leame

females received the winning trophy and medals. The MVP award went to Saskia Butters of the Demerara Academy.

The senior female playoff saw CBB defeating Berbice Females 2519, 25-22 in a best of three playoffs. The winning trophy went to CBB, while the MVP was awarded to Eureka Dennis of CBB. Presentations were made by Yannick

Davis, Demerara Academy Coach. Prizes came with the compliments of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) President.

According to the GVF, the turnout to the games at the GSA indoor court was tremendous, while comments made about the venue were very encouraging.

Den Amstel and Monedderlust battled to a goalless draw, while Ann’s Grove secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Buxton United on Monday evening in Round Two play in the KFC Elite League Season Six.

In the June 10 opening fixture, Den Amstel and Monedderlust played relentlessly for a breakthrough, yet neither side could find the decisive goal at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara. However, each team secured a well-deserved point following their hard-fought draw.

In the evening’s final showdown, the first half remained goalless, but the tide was turned when Quincy Barry of Ann’s Grove broke the deadlock in the 58th minute; and this was followed by Shaquan David’s goal in the 73rd minute, and Travis Williams finally sealed the deal with a goal in the 90+3rd minute.

The league was streamed live on the FIFA+ platform for the first time this season, and a global audience was captivated. Round Two was kicked off on 25th May, and is set to conclude after forty-five matches.

The ten elite clubs, which include: Guyana Defence Force, Slingerz, Guyana Police Force, Western Tigers, Santos, and Fruta Conquerors, are competing for $2,000,000 for the champions, $1,200,000 for the runners-up, $800,000 for the third-placed team, and $500,000 for the fourth-placed team.

With competition now fiercer than ever, action in the KFC Elite League 2024 will continue today: Thursday, June 13, with Fruta Conquerors clashing with Buxton United at 18:30hrs, followed by Santos going head-tohead against Den Amstel at 21:00hrs. Thursday night’s double header is also scheduled to be contested at the NTC at Providence.

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VACANCY

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Guyana U19 Women’s Captain, Realeanna Grimmond

Guyana U19 Vice- Captain, Niya Latchman

Ann’s Grove picked up three points after defeating Buxton United

The prize winners after Sunday’s Volleyball action took a photo opportunity

D’Edward’s Harold Booker receiving his MVP accolade

‘An important result’ – Shabazz

…As Golden Jaguars pick up three points in World Cup Qualifiers

It was a comeback straight out of a fairytale for the Golden Jaguars on Tuesday evening at the Wildey Turf in Barbados, as they rebounded from a loss to Panama last week to keep their FIFA 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

In what was supposed to be a home game for the senior men’s national team, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz opted for a starting XI that consisted of Captain Elliot Bonds, Goal-keeper Quillan Roberts, and Leo Lovell, Terrence Vancooten, Jalen Jones, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Liam

Guyana women’s hockey team to attend PAHF Challenge in Bermuda

The Guyana women’s hockey team is scheduled to compete in the 2024 PAHF Challenge set for Hamilton, Bermuda from 20th to 28th September, 2024. The Challenge is a qualifier for the PAHF Cup scheduled for Uruguay in 2025, and is Guyana’s only path to qualifying for a World Cup.

Six teams will be vying for the single available spot in the PAHF Cup, and those are hosts Bermuda, Brazil, Guyana, Jamaica, Peru and Mexico. Of these six teams, Mexico is the highest ranked team, listed as #37 in the world; followed by Peru at #41, Brazil at #54, Jamaica at #67, Bermuda at #68 and Guyana at #70.

A squad of 25 players has been selected to commence training for the Challenge. The squad sees several new faces, mostly emerging from the country’s 2023 Under-21 team that competed in the Junior Pan American

Championships that year. Among the seasoned players in the squad are the Xavier sisters, Gabriella and Alysa; full back Trisha Woodroffe and right winger Chantelle Fernandes.

Fourteen-year-old phenomenon Makaylah Poole is the youngest in the squad, which features thirteen under-21 players, including overseas-based Sarah Klautky, Charlia Webb and Madison Fernandes. The squad would again be guided by national coach Philip Fernandes. Guyana last competed in the PAHF Challenge in 2011, when they finished runners-up to Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Only four players remain in contention for selection from the previous squad.

The sport continues to struggle with the lack of an artificial surface, and was recently crippled by the closure of the major cricket grounds in preparation for the World Cup. Fernandes has indi-

Gordon, Daniel Wilson, Deon Moore and Omari Glasgow.

Guyana was clearly the hungrier side from the onset, and it was evident in their constant possession of the ball. However, the Guyanese build up and finishing was just not clicking in the first 45 minutes.

The Golden Jags’ first real chance came in just the 15th minute, when the Belizean keeper Woodrow West got some fingers to a shot across the face of the goal from Omari Glasgow. About 7 minutes later, Glasgow was again a main character in a shot on target, which a deflection off a Belizean defender gifted the Jaguars nothing but a set

first strike the right way.

Deon Moore broke the ice in the 66th minute after a lengthy build up in the box, while Liam Gordon made it

piece from the

cated that creative measures have to be taken in order to prepare a squad for such an event without a fullsized pitch, as this remains the biggest challenge to improved international performances.

The full Guyana squad reads:

Goalkeepers – Alysa Xavier, Empress Charles, Jessica Mittelholzer, Keziah Johnason, Sarah Harry; Defenders – Julia Gouveia, Kezia Chinian, Kirsten Gomes, Kazaquah Uzzi, Makeda Harding, Tekeisha Deleon, Trisha Woodroffe; Midfielders - Charlia Webb, Clayza Bobb, Gabriella Xavier, Kenisha Wills, Madison Fernandes, Sarah Klautky, Temmara Clarke; Strikers - Abosaide Cadogan, Carolyn Deane, Chantelle Fernandes, Makaylah Poole, Princessa Wilkie, Samantha Fernandes.

Another set piece almost brought the Golden Jaguars’ bench to their feet, when a short-pass play sent the ball ballooning into the air in the box, but the header from the Guyanese was unsuccessful.

In the time that the Guyanese outfit kept Belize’s West on his toes, their opposition had but one clear chance at the goal - a shot which ricocheted off the post and back into play. As such, the half ended in a stalemate.

Instead of going for the early substitute in the second, Coach Shabazz opted to persist with his initial eleven, and it eventually paid off.

Guyana would’ve had their first goal around the 55th minute, when a brilliant finish from Glasgow off a Deon Moore assist was witnessed. As the Golden Jags celebrated what could’ve been, the referee determined Glasgow was offside, and as such, overruled the goal.

But the taste of celebration was the ultimate motivation for the Guyanese outfit, and they soon found their

a 2-0 affair just 1 minute later, as he sprinted down the right wing to slot one into the corner of the goal.

Then a giveaway by the Belizean defence allowed Glasgow to gain possession of the ball, and he sent it rocketing to the other side of the goal, where it was met

brought a spark back to the hungry Jaguars with a few powerful shots on target. However, time expired with the scores still locked at 3-1.

Following the encounter, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz spoke exclusively with <<Guyana Times Sport>> to relate how important Tuesday night’s victory is for their campaign. Shabazz told this publication, “I think it was an important result for us. Difficult first half, but we stuck to the task and got the result, got the goals in the second half; and we are very, very pleased, both with the performance and the result.”

The Head Coach, explaining why spirits dropped in the side after conceding a solitary goal to Belize, detailed how crucial that might turn out to be. He said, “It was a sore point for us, because it could come down to goals next year, when you’re battling for a spot. So, it was a little sore

by Moore, who needed only to tap the ball into the nets to add to his personal tally and Guyana’s in the 71st.

However, spirits fell in the 88th, as a mix-up in the Guyanese box caused goal-keeper Roberts to concede a goal off the boots of Carlos Roberto Bernardez Garcia.

In spite of this disappointment, the introduction of Ryan ‘Bom Bom’ Hackett

point for us; but for now, we focus on the positives, that we still come out on top, but it is something that hasn’t gone down too well,” Shabazz explained.

The Golden Jaguars will have to wait almost another year for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, as they are scheduled to take on Nicaragua on June 6, 2025 and Montserrat on June 10.

Story and photoS by Jemima holmeS in barbadoS

A look at the Guyanese team that will compete in the PAHF Challenge this September

corner.

The Golden Jaguars picked up their first 3 points of the World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday

The smattering of Golden Jaguars fans celebrated their goal- scoring advances

Liam Gordon (13) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring Guyana’s second goal

Stephen Duke-McKenna taking a shot at the goal

‘An important result’ – Shabazz

Omari Glasgow has his shot tipped over the crossbar by the Belizean goalkeeper