President Ali hails deep connection, exceptional relationship with Canada
6300 house lots distributed so far in 2024 – Croal
AG rejects ‘autocratic’ claims, shows functioning democracy in Guyana
Mahaicony hit and run “I couldn’t believe it” – injured girlfriend of man killed in accident
Part-time worker arrested, stripped during dispute with NDC over payment
…accredits new High Commissioner to Guyana Probe ordered into irregularities at GMC Victim remanded by Judge after refusing to testify in attempted murder trial
Fmr Norwegian Environment Minister praises Guyana’s visionary use of climate funds, forest management …on 15th anniversary of landmark agreement
Guyanese murder suspect arrested in Suriname for robbery-murder
Region 1 gets new Police Commander
700 students engaged annually through VYC’s STEM programme
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, September 12 – No retraction and Friday, September 13 – 00:15h-01:45h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, September 12 –10:45h-12:15h and Friday, September 13 – 12:40h-14:10h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
President Ali hails deep connection, exceptional relationship with Canada …accredits new High Commissioner to Guyana
WParika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly
ith Guyana and Canada already sharing a strong bilateral relationship, President Dr Irfaan Ali has noted that these ties are grounded in the deep connection between the two hemispheric states and their peoples.
The Guyanese Head of State made these remarks on Tuesday when he accepted the Letters of Credence from the new High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin.
According to a post on his Facebook page, President Ali, during his brief remarks, lauded the “exceptional relationship” between the two countries, which he said has been built on shared culture, value systems and respect for law and democracy.
He further underscored that the relationship between the two countries is not only defined by trade, investment, and project planning but also by a deep connection between people and states.
Last month, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced the diplomatic appointment of Sigouin, who will serve as High Commissioner (Designate) to Guyana, Ambassador (Designate) to the Republic of Suriname, and Plenipotentiary Representative (Designate) to the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
High Commissioner Sigouin is replacing Mark Berman, who wrapped up his four-year tenure in Guyana last month and will now serve as Canada’s High Commissioner in Jamaica.
According to Global Affairs Canada’s website, Sigouin (LLB, University of Sherbrooke, 1993; PhD and LLM [International Relations], Graduate, Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, 2002) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1997 as a human rights and humanitarian affairs adviser.
At Headquarters, he has also served as manager of the International Program and Director of Policy for the Canadian
Human Rights Commission (2002 to 2010). He was also Director of Strategic Planning and Operations for Canada’s development assistance programming (2010 to 2015), Deputy Head of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States (2015 to 2018), and Executive Director responsible for relations with Central American countries, Cuba and the Dominican Republic (2018 to 2022). Most recently, he was Executive Director of the Haiti Division.
Guyana and Canada established diplomatic ties on May 26, 1966 and have enjoyed a close working relationship over the past 50 plus years. Currently, Canada is home to a Guyanese diaspora of close to 100,000 persons.
In terms of trade relations, Guyana is one of Canada’s largest trading partners within Caricom.
Based on information on the Government of Canada’s website, merchandise trade between the two countries totaled CA$272.7 million in 2023. Exports for 2023 were valued at CA$59.1 million and imports were valued at CA$213.5 million.
Currently, Canadian mining companies are actively exploring in Guyana while Canadian companies are seeking joint ventures in Guyana’s oil and gas market.
In December 2020, a Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) was launched and an Air Transport Agreement is being finalized between both countries.
Moreover, Canada’s in-
ternational assistance supports Guyana’s efforts to foster climate resilience, economic growth, and inclusive governance. Gender equality is at the forefront, in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
In February 2024, at the 46th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, Canada reiterated its commitment to the region by announcing CA$39.2 million in further funding for four new international assistance projects aimed at advancing climate action, biodiversity conservation, food security, economic resilience, sustainable and inclusive governance, health, and gender equality.
Canada also announced a new partnership with the Government of Guyana to contribute up to CA$9.5 million in support of their One Guyana Digital Skills Development Programme. This initiative will promote economic opportunities and gender equality by empowering thousands of young Guyanese with skills and training for the digital economy.
Further, Canada announced CA$120 million in
funding to the Government of Guyana, which will be provided over 10 years through a policy-based loan with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This Canada-led development loan initiative will strengthen the protection of marginalized populations by enhancing the capacity of Guyana’s Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to efficiently deliver social programs and promote gender equality. The loan will include a climate-resilient debt clause, which automatically defers debt payments if Guyana experiences a climate incident, natural disaster, pandemic or epidemic.
Meanwhile, at the 2023 Canada-CARICOM Leaders' Summit held in Ottawa, Canada made several multi-million-dollar announcements that also benefit Guyana.
In addition, Canada is extending its support to Guyana through innovative programmes, encompassing essential Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health services for Indigenous communities and remote hinterland populations lacking access to quality healthcare. (G8)
President Dr Irfaan Ali receiving the Letters of Credence from the newly-appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin
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Restoring Georgetown as the Garden City
Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, was once celebrated for its lush greenery, pristine streets, and vibrant colonial architecture, earning it the illustrious title of “Garden City of the Caribbean.” In recent decades, however, Georgetown has faced numerous challenges: clogged drains, inadequate waste management, and a decaying urban landscape.
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent announcement at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre unveils a bold and transformative vision under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. With support from the UK-based King’s Foundation, the government intends to revitalise Georgetown through sustainable urban development. President Ali’s background in urban and regional planning adds further credibility to this endeavor, as he leads the nation towards modernizing Georgetown while preserving its rich history and green spaces.
The years have not been kind to Georgetown, which has long struggled under inefficient management the cash-strapped Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC), which has not only lacked management skills but manpower and equipment to maintain basic services like garbage collection and drainage. These deficiencies have led to flooding and other challenges that have marred the city’s image and functionality.
But the current administration recognises these issues and according to President Ali is committed to overcoming them. The transformative projects set out under the LCDS will tackle some of the most pressing concerns: restoring drainage systems, addressing flooding, and implementing proper waste management. These essential infrastructural upgrades will not only improve the quality of life for Georgetown’s residents but also enhance the city’s appeal to tourists and investors.
Central to the government’s vision is its partnership with the King’s Foundation. The British-based organisation brings international expertise in sustainable urban development, which will be instrumental in Georgetown’s transformation. This collaboration promises not only a physical renewal of Georgetown but also a more comprehensive approach that includes environmental sustainability, urban planning, and historic preservation.
At the heart of this lies a respect for Georgetown’s unique heritage. Known for its colonial-era architecture and wide-open green spaces, the city’s historic charm will be preserved through a heritage conservation plan spearheaded by the National Trust of Guyana. By blending these historical elements with modern infrastructure and technology, the government hopes to create a cosmopolitan city that reflects both Guyana’s past and its future.
The vision for Georgetown’s future will unfold through several key initiatives, starting with the development of a sustainable urban framework. This framework will include an Urban Development Vision for Greater Georgetown: This will guide the city’s expansion and renewal, ensuring a balance between modernisation and historical preservation; a smart code for building design: aiming for more energy-efficient and sustainable architecture, this will foster both innovation and environmental consciousness in georgetown’s urban landscape; pilot neighborhood plans and a greenway strategy: these will incorporate green spaces and sustainable communities into the city’s master plan, ensuring that georgetown remains livable, walkable, and environmentally friendly.
The ongoing master plan for Silica City, a new development to relieve pressure on Georgetown, will also feature prominently in the broader urban development strategy. This vision will create new “growth poles” in Guyana, as outlined by President Ali, decentralising the population and fostering regional economic hubs.
While some have compared Georgetown’s future to cities like Dubai or Miami, President Ali envisions something distinctly Guyanese. The transformation of Georgetown will reflect the country’s values, blending modernity with a strong connection to its village-based heritage. In a country where community ties and rural life remain important, this blend of history and modernity is essential.
The focus on environmental sustainability, historical preservation, and cutting-edge infrastructure sets Georgetown on a path to becoming a world-class city once again. The President’s vision is not just about urban renewal but about reclaiming Georgetown’s identity as a “Garden City” in the truest sense. This identity will emerge through the careful blending of past and future, making Georgetown a city that both honors its history and embraces its future potential.
Harris clearly beat Trump – not that you’d know it from the rightwing media
By Emma BrockEs
Short of sticking two pencils up his nose and muttering the word “wibble”, Trump’s appearance on the debate stage on Tuesday night was never going to prove, decisively, to those on the fence, that he is unfit for high office. Unlike Biden’s disastrous turn two and a half months ago, chaos is part of Trump’s appeal – and if his thoughts are garbled, it signifies nothing beyond business as usual. And yet, even for Trump, aspects of his debate performance in Pennsylvania came so close to the edge on Tuesday that the next day what seemed most astonishing wasn’t that Harris had performed so well but that so many apparently sentient human beings were still shilling for her unhinged opponent.
Heading into the encounter, one had the strangest sense both of the height of the stakes and also of the sheer entertainment value of the encounter. I found myself wondering about Harris’s nerves – how a person handles them in such a unique situation. In the debate’s opening moments, the vice-president did indeed seem nervous. But she settled, and about 15 minutes in, it started to happen: while Harris’s keenly controlled anger rose to a point, Trump, mouth bunching, eyes disappearing into his head, unravelled.
A reference by Harris to her endorsement from Trump’s alma mater, the Wharton School, and some senior Republicans including –confusing for liberals! – Dick Cheney triggered a volley of “she”s from Trump. She, she, she, he said – always a sign he is losing it against a female antagonist. “She copied Biden’s plan and it’s like
four sentences, like Run Spot Run!” And off he went on his downward spiral.
The next day, consumers of American rightwing media were partially apprised of Trump’s performance, but it was pretzeled around a lot of excuse-making. Even this very mild acknowledgement of Trump’s weakness, however, was a departure from the full-throated support of the Murdoch press in 2016.
In the pro-Trump New York Post, the paper admitted that Trump had been “rattled” but bleated about unfairness from the debate moderators on ABC News. (They pulled Trump up on his lies about immigrants eating American pets and Democrats legalising infanticide – there were times, on Tuesday night, when the task of debating Trump looked a lot like trying to debate a copy of the National Enquirer.)
Over on Fox News, there was a lot of glum post-debate punditry. Brit Hume said sadly of Harris: “She came out in pretty good shape.” The most Sean Hannity could manage was that the “real loser” was ABC. Jesse Watters said: “This was rough,” pronounced that most people watching wouldn’t think “any of these people won”, and observed: “All the memorable lines were from Donald Trump.” Which, of course, technically was true. (Apart from the pet-eating thing, my two favourite Trump lines were “Venezuela on steroids” and “I told Abdul: don’t do it any more!” – an absolute corker from Trump on the subject of how he stuck it to the Taliban.) Then Trump himself popped up on the network to accuse the debate of being “rigged” – a sure sign, whatever the competition, that he had in fact lost.
On X, eugenics fan and world’s richest man Elon
Musk admitted Trump had had a bad night and that Harris had “exceeded most people’s expectations”. This was grudging but had the advantage over the reaction of other Trump supporters of actually acknowledging reality. He followed up with: “We will never reach Mars if Kamala Harris wins” – a fact that, assuming Musk himself plans to undertake the journey, would be one drawback to a Harris win indeed.
In the rightwing British press, meanwhile, there were various milquetoast attempts to mitigate Trump’s failure, including the Daily Telegraph’s post-debate assertion that it was “difficult to crown Harris the victor when she said so little about her own platform”. Was it, though? Was it really that difficult to pick a winner between the woman who, if she loses in November, we can be fairly certain won’t refuse to accept the decision versus the guy shouting “Execute the baby!” and citing Viktor Orbán as a character witness? And yet the conclusion in the Daily Mail was: “Pathetic, both of them.”
Given the evidence before us, these moments of cognitive dissonance are becoming increasingly hard to process. Because the truth, of course, is that Trump looked like a lunatic on Tuesday night. As he got angrier, his shoulders slumped, his body twisted and certain familiar phrases started to pop up in his speech. “I’m not, she is”; repeated use of the word “horrible”. Of Biden he said, referring to Harris: “He hates her; he can’t stand her.” For my money, however, his craziest moment wasn’t any of this, or even the pets thing, but when he wandered off on a diversion about the horrors of solar energy, then said: “You ever
see a solar plant? By the way I’m a big fan of solar.” During some of these rants, Harris, despite the tremendous pressure of the moment, actually succeeded in looking bored.
Much has been made of how calm she was, and of how her smirk – what the New York Post disapprovingly called her “dismissive laugh” – goaded Trump to greater depths of incoherence. But I think the best parts of the debate were when Harris, too, grew angry. As a candidate, she has had the problem of being tricky to read and has been accused of being too scripted. But in the abortion section of the debate, one felt she jumped beyond the rehearsed remarks, and you could feel the engine of her conviction roaring to life.
She was angry – seething, in fact – when she delivered the line about a miscarrying woman “bleeding out in a car in the parking lot” because an emergency doctor might be too frightened to treat her. I got that same flash of genuine outrage when, in relation to Russia’s expansionist ambitions, she said to Trump: “You adore strongmen instead of caring about democracy.” She was, one felt, a beat away from taunting him with: “You want to kiss Putin on the lips, you do.”
And then her language changed register, moving into a realm generally more favoured by Republicans than Democrats. “That is immoral,” Harris said of Trump making decisions about women’s bodies. It was a striking moment, this use of a word that might apply equally to all the high-information Americans and their allies in Britain continuing to excuse Trump this far into the game. (The Guardian) (Emma Brockes is a Guardian columnist)
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha with Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley at the commissioning of the White Water Agroprocessing facility in Region One (Barima-Waini) on Wednesday. (DPI photo)
VP affirms youth, Indigenous communities & other groups involvement in LCDS 2030
…says inclusive consultations adopted from inception
When the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was initially developed, consultations with youths, indigenous communities, and other stakeholders were conducted at the highest level. As of 2024, President Dr. Irfaan Ali continues to uphold this inclusive approach for LCDS 2030. During a discussion on LCDS 2030 at the Arthur Chung Convention Center (ACCC) on Tuesday, a significant concern raised by the audience was the matter of consultations, specifically questioning the government’s efforts to involve youths in these discussions.
According to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, however, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has always practiced an inclusive approach. This approach dates back to the time when he, as the then President of Guyana, spearheaded the development of the first LCDS.
“Right from the beginning, when I set up the multi-stakeholder grouping, we had on that the indigenous NGO’s, we had miners, people in the forestry sector, young people, women, all the people in academia. And once a month we used to meet, chaired as President. And we discussed the LCDS throughout. That’s how the model was built,” Jagdeo said.
“The money that we earned; we’ve dedicated it to different sectors. And if you look at the growth in these sectors, for example indigenous people and the ICT (Information and communications technology) programme. We’ve done that. Land titling was another one. Some adaptation measures. Some people got small loans from the LCDS funds. Some of it will go towards
the solar farm the President is speaking about, just from the first set of resources. The second set, it will go mainly towards adaptation.”
According to Jagdeo, young people were integrally involved in the consultations that came up with these strategies for using the LCDS funds. According to Jagdeo, even now with President Ali at the helm, young people continue to be integrally involved in the consultations for using the funds. As a matter of fact, Jagdeo pointed out that many of the Toshaos themselves are youths, as well as village leaders along the coast.
“Young people are part of our strategy overall. And they were involved at the highest level. And until now, President Ali still has retained that structure. And he meets with this similar group, with young people involved,” Jagdeo explained.
“So, they’re still having that high level discussion on the expanded LCDS and the implementation of the programmes. So young people are fully involved. If you look at the village level, in the Amerindian communities, it’s unbelievable how many young people are involved.”
Dialogue
Meanwhile Erik Solheim, who as the then Norwegian Minister of the Environment signed the Norway agreement with Guyana in 2009, also emphasised the need for consultations. He used as an example his own time in office, when it came to implementing important environmental changes.
The consultations Solheim did on behalf of the Norwegian Government, helped smooth things over with local populations… that and the fact that communities clearly saw how it would
benefit them.
“When I was Minister of Environment in Norway, a much richer country than Guyana, if you tried to implement national parks above the head of the local people, it always failed. Because they were up in arms. They protested and didn’t accept the rules. You can’t send the police or army to put them in place.”
“So, you need to have a dialogue with them. And many times, I made some compromises with, say, the local farmers. And then they said yes, with these compromis-
es we’re all on board. This is something good for our community,” Solheim said.
First launched in 2009, the LCDS sets out the government’s vision for inclusive, sustainable development that creates a model low-carbon economy. At the centre of the strategy is the objective of creating economic incentives for Guyana’s forest preservation.
This is in order to offset loss of income that would have otherwise been gained from the clearing of the forests for agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and other
uses. Essentially, ensuring that forests are worth more alive than dead.
The strategy was looked at as a global model for promoting broad-based economic development while also
avoiding deforestation-led development. The strategy places emphasis on investments in indigenous communities, job creation, sustainability planning and initiatives that seek to protect the coast and Hinterland from climate change.
In the first major accomplishment under this initiative Guyana and Norway signed a US$250 million agreement enabling Guyana to earn payments for forest climate services. Meanwhile, the Dr. Irfaan Ali led Administration launched the more updated LCDS 2030 in 2022.
This document which was laid in the National Assembly following seven months of consultations. In December 2022 another landmark achievement was accomplished under the LCDS when Guyana inked the historic US$750 million multi-year agreement for the sale of high-quality carbon credits to Hess Corporation. (G3)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
6:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 6:30 Cartoons 7:00 Evening News (RB) 8:00 Stay Woke 8:30 Food Network 9:30 BBC Travel Show 10:00 Stop Suffering
Divorce Court 12:00 Movie - Love Locks (2017) 13:35 Wheel of Fortune
The Loud House S4 E29
Spongebob Squarepants 15:00 From the Pavilion 16:00 Young Sheldon S3 E13 16:30 Secrets of Sulphur Springs S3 E7 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 The Evening News
19:00 CPL Match 14
20:00 Stop Suffering
23:00 Emily in Paris S3 E6
23:30 Arrested Development S1 E3
0:00 Sign off
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former Norwegian Environmental Minister Erik Solheim and Climate Economist Pradeepa Bholanath during the discussion
Venn Diagrams Page Foundation
Example:
The left circle shows distinctive characteristics of apples. The right circle shows distinctive characteristics of oranges. The overlap shows characteristics both apples and oranges have. Using the data shown in this diagram, identify the skin-related difference. In this case, the skin-related difference is apples have smooth skin whereas the skin of oranges are usually rough.
Exercises: Interpret
Take inspiration from the photo above to create your own nature painting using leaves, stems, fruits and other parts of plants to form the images.
By Emily Dickinson
Who robbed the woods, The trusting woods?
The unsuspecting trees
Brought out their burrs and mosses His fantasy to please. He scanned their trin kets, curious, He grasped, he bore away.
What will the solemn hemlock, What will the fir-tree say?
WORD SEARCH:
A Venn Diagram is used to show groups of data and can show if and when some of the data can be placed in more than one group.
Popular fruits
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1) What are the characteristics of humans according to the diagram above?
Fmr Norwegian Environment Minister praises Guyana’s visionary use of climate funds, forest management
…on 15th anniversary of landmark agreement
The former Norwegian Minister of the Environment, Erik Solheim who, on behalf of his country, signed the Norway agreement with Guyana way back in 2009, has returned for a visit during which he praised Guyana’s visionary use of the funds it received from that agreement.
The former minister, who is presently on a visit to Guyana, was given a tour of communities in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). In addition to Solheim, the three-day visiting delegation comprised of Representatives of the King’s Foundation, Ben Bolgar, Jeremy Cross and Savini Rajapakse.
During his visit to the village of Annai in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), Solheim reflected on the last time he was in Guyana 15 years ago, to sign the Guyana/Norway agreement.
“Fifteen years ago, I was honored to sign an agreement between Norway and Guyana, with then President Bharrat Jagdeo, right here in the interior. And now I’m so glad to be back, to see how well the money has been spent. And how much development there is,” Solheim said.
“Because if people cannot encroach upon the forest, of course there must be livelihoods. And the money has been used to make community centres where people can come together, discuss… there is water management, and there is a lot of ecotourism bringing in people who can bring some money and some jobs to this part of Guyana.”
That agreement would lead to the disbursement of over US$200 million and according to Solheim, based
on how much things have changed for the better, that money was well spent. He also praised the government’s management of the forests, noting that Guyana is a success story in forest preservation.
“No nation in the entire world has protected its rainforest as fantastic as Guyana. I can see how this marvelous rainforest is absolutely intact. This greatness does not come by itself, it comes by hard work by the Government of Guyana and all the leaders here, most of them from indigenous groups,” Solheim said.
“This is a shining success story the rest of the world can learn from. How to provide alternative livelihoods to people. So that we protect the most wonderful of all eco-systems. The rainforest,” the former Minister added.
Development
Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, who accompanied
Solheim on the trip, gave further details on the developments the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been able to bring to hinterland communities.
“Today, all of our hinterland communities, we have communication to the coast, we have Wi-Fi, we are building the new hubs now, which will have even more or improved bandwidth so that the people in the hinterland can benefit from the GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) scholarships and all the other programmes that the government is doing too,” he said.
Additionally, the residents themselves also spoke of some of the ways they have been spending not only money from the LCDS, but also revenue from the sale of carbon credits. Annai’s Toshao Michael Williams explained the various uses the villages made of the carbon credit funds.
“We were advised to focus on three main things.
Food security, income generating programmes and welfare. What we did, with the first tranche, that bus is the first thing we bought. Under the food security, we were thinking about fishermen and employment for people. So, what we did now, we bought two outboard engines.”
“One for fishermen and one for tourism purpose. And then we had to buy two boats as well. And then we were talking about farming, so we bought a chainsaw and a mill. And we knew we were going to tourism and we needed energy, so we bought a generator as well,” he explained.
The Guyana/Norway agreement provided for Guyana to get up to US$250 million by 2015 for avoided deforestation, once cer-
tain performance indicators were met. And met they were, with Guyana receiving around US$220 million over the course of the agreement.
President Ali recognised that Solheim, who was present at the discussion, had the vision to see the potential for Guyana under the agreement.
The Norway agreement came to an end in 2015 with failure by the previous Coalition Government to have it renewed. Nevertheless, when the current PPP/C Administration returned to office in 2020, it expanded the LCDS and sought certification of some 33.7 million carbon credits from the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) on December 1, 2022.
The Guyana Government subsequently signed a his-
toric multi-year agreement for the sale of its certified carbon credits to United States (US) energy major Hess Corporation to the tune of US$750 million.
The expanded LCDS 2030 meanwhile recently received renewed support from the National Toshaos Council (NTC), comprising of leaders of the indigenous community from all around the country who passed a resolution endorsing the government’s premier plan to aid in combatting climate change.
The resolution, signed onto by majority of the Toshaos attending the NTC Conference in Georgetown last month, states that the NTC is the collective voice and representative body of Indigenous Peoples across Guyana. (G3)
Former Norwegian Minister of the Environment, Erik Solheim greets the Toshao of Annai
One of the livestock farming projects visited during the delegation’s trip to Region 9
Victim remanded by Judge after refusing to testify in attempted murder trial
…released from custody hours later
Alegal drama unfold-
ed on Tuesday at the High Court when Justice Peter Hugh remanded Compton Charles, a virtual complainant, to prison after he refused to testify in a trial stemming from a brutal wounding incident.
Charles, who was the virtual complaint in the case, had initially recounted a harrowing experience on November 1, 2013, when he was viciously attacked at Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The accused, Shawn Embleton, has been charged with the attempted murder of Charles.
Charles had told investigators that on the day of the incident, he was moving out of his rented residence in Graham’s Hall with $1.7 million his possession. As he walked towards a near-
by corner, Embleton, known to Charles, allegedly drove up and rammed his car into Charles, knocking him down.
Charles claimed he was
further attacked from behind as he lay on the ground. Embleton allegedly kicked him repeatedly while shouting abusive language.
In his testimony, Charles
said he was stomped on the chest, desperately trying to shield himself as his assailant picked up a piece of wood and began striking him, breaking bones in his hand and finger.
Charles said he lost consciousness during the attack and later awoke at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on November 8, 2013. The extent of his injuries was severe, requiring surgical intervention to remove bone fragments from his hand. The physical assault left him with a deep psychological impact as well.
When the trial resumed on Tuesday, however, Charles informed the court that he will no longer give evidence, a move that prompted Justice Hugh to warn him about potential imprisonment for not cooperating with the proceedings. Despite the judge’s warnings, Charles remained adamant in his refusal, leading to his remand to the Lusignan Prison. However, just an hour later, the judge reversed the decision, allowing Charles to leave.
Prosecutors Delon Fraser and Mikel Puran are continuing the case, with nine witnesses already testifying against Embleton. The case, which centers on the attempted murder charge under Section 103(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, continues today. (G9)
Destroying…
A…democratic norms
fter democracy was adopted in the 18th century –as a mode of governance to replace the monarchical system that had dominated for millennia – in hindsight, it has been constantly evolving to deal with the world it finds itself in. But it’s always a two-way street –democracy changes with the world and the world changes with democracy!! Democracy now ain’t what democracy used to be!! This was on full display Tuesday night when Donald Trump – a former President of the USA – debated Kamala Harris – a sitting VP of the USA – in their runup to their presidential elections less than two months away!!
In which world one would’ve thought a debate that could decide who runs the most powerful nation on earth would descend into name calling and lie-telling that would make a bunch of fisherwomen blush?!! The format of these debates that’s now become standard in American democracy is one or more moderators – from the broadcasting house transmitting the debate – pose burning questions of the day on domestic and foreign issues. The two candidates –representing the Republican and Democratic parties – are expected to answer these questions to give voters looking on an idea on their stances to help them when they vote in November.
That’s the theory!! What happened Tuesday night was anything but that!! The biggest takeaway from Trump on his party’s burning issue on controlling immigration was that Haitian illegal immigrants were eating the cats and dogs of law-abiding citizens in Springfield, Ohio!! And this was in response to a question on immigration put to Harris which she dodged by claiming that the crowds at Trump’s rallies were embarrassingly small and folks walked out before they ended!! An enraged Trump spent most of his time boasting about the size of his crowds – and towards the end made his pet-eating claim!!
And that exchange typified the evening as Harris goaded Trump with outrageous non-sequiturs and Trump took the bait to segue into shouted responses – as she smirked behind her podium!! For instance, to Harris’s dig that world leaders see Trump as a laughing stock – Trump boasted that the strongman ruler of Hungary sees him as a leader who could save the world!! Your Eyewitness knows that in the present state of the world, democracy’s under attack and there’s been a wave of populism rising on the backs of “strongmen”. But if America’s the country that’s pushing a “rules-based order” tethered to democratic rule, is this the best we can do??
It's clear they’re going through a serious crisis as they face a challenge to their half-a-century of world hegemony. They may be allowed their “fling”, but we should stick to the straight and narrow.
…Garbage City?
President Ali is clearly one of the most optimistic human beings alive. Every day we see him at different parts of our far-flung country –- launching one project or another to improve conditions for we Guyanese. From rejigging our armed forces to counter threats to our sovereignty; to building schools and hospitals to deal with the threat to our life conditions, the man’s been indefatigable!! But your Eyewitness thinks he’s bitten off a bit more that he can chew when he announced he’d be attempting to have Georgetown reclaim its old title of “Garden City of the Caribbean”!!
Knowing the title was earned during the British colonial days, maybe what convinced Prezzie the job could be done, was he’s been promised help from the King Charles Foundation. But in your Eyewitness’s opinion, NOTHING can pull Georgetown from the morass into which it’s placed itself! In refusing to deal with the PPP Govt – they’ve cut their noses to spoil their faces.
Actions have consequences!!
…Twin
Towers
Yesterday was 9/11…the day NYC’s Twin Towers were felled by some fellas armed only with Box Cutters. It changed not only the airline industry but America’s feeling of impregnability. In rage, it’s spent over a trillion dollars in war – but found no peace.
Justice Peter Hugh
Part-time worker arrested, stripped during dispute with NDC over payment
… “It was embarrassing” – woman
Agovernment part-time worker was on Monday arrested and stripped naked after the payee for the 10-day part-time workers at the 52-63 NDC Office claimed that the woman was paid $40,000 instead of $20,000
Drupwattie Deenarine called ‘Kavita’ of Number 56 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) told this publication she only worked five days for the month instead of 10 and on Monday when she went to collect her salary was given $20,000.
“(Name withheld) give me $20,000 (4 $2,000 bill and 12 $1,000 bill). I check the money in her presence then I leave and catch a car and go back to my workplace,” the woman recounted.
However, a few hours later she was told that there was a problem with payment and she should return to the office with the money she collected.
Deenarine calimed that she told the caller that she had already paid the canteen lady the $5000 and another she owed $4000.
She was instructed to collect the money and return to the office, which she said she did.
“I work 5 days, they paid me $20,000and an hour later they called back and say that they paid me $40,000 and let me return the $20,000 which I did not get extra money from them,” she explained.
The woman was subsequently arrested and humiliated at the Springlands Police Station.
“I feel very bad about it because it is hurtful; they stripped me naked while nobody was there – like my family members. I have big children and I have grandchildren. It was embarrassing. I am from a respectful family. People are
doing worst that this and this don’t happen to anybody,” the woman said.
She said that she was made to lodge the money she had collected as her salary at the station. Additionally, she was placed on $30,000 bail after
spending several hours at the police station. When contacted for a comment on the matter and why the woman was stripped, a police official said that the matter is an active investigation. After the story was aired on Evening News chan-
nel 28, Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent
Shivpersaud Bacchus contacted this publication to say that Deenarine was not striped and searched at the police station. However, the woman is standing by her story. (G4)
Drupwattie Deenarine
Springlands Police Station
Probe ordered into irregularities at GMC
The Agriculture Ministry has debunked claims made by known Oppositionaligned activist Mark Benschop regarding the purchase or sale of chicken or eggs at its office.
In a Facebook post, Mark Benschop alleged that fraud is taking place at Agriculture Ministry with regards to the sale of “$150M worth of chicken and eggs”.
According to Benschop, the discovery was made during a recent audit report and fingers are allegedly being pointed to the Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Director General Madanlall Ramraj and others connected to the minister’s office.
agency.
According to the statement, it is important to note that this is a transparent process to ensure accountability and rectify any administrative lapses.
The ministry went on to say it believes that the timing of the misleading post is unfortunate, as it seems intended to distract from the ongoing investigation at the GMC.
However, on Wednesday, the ministry issued a statement, refuting these claims, noting that ministry and its head office are not involved in the purchase or sale of chicken or eggs.
aged by General Manager, Teshawna Lall.
The ministry outlined that responsibility for these matters falls under the jurisdiction of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), which is man-
Nonetheless, the ministry said in recent weeks, Mustapha had ordered an audit and investigation into certain irregularities and discrepancies within the
In this regard, the ministry urged members of the public not to be swayed by baseless accusations and to await the outcome of the official investigations, which it assured is being conducted with the highest level of integrity.
When contacted by this newspaper for more information on the investigation, the call with the GMC General Manager was disconnected. Efforts to contact her again proved futile.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Guyana Marketing Corporation General Manager Teshawna Lall
AG rejects ‘autocratic’ claims, shows functioning democracy in Guyana
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister
Anil Nandlall has rejected claims from former Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr. Bertrand Ramcharan, that the government operates in an autocratic way.
During his weekly programme on Tuesday “Issues in the News”, Nandlall used the platform to respond to the assertions made by Dr
Ramcharan in a local newspaper.
He highlighted that the three branches of government – the executive, parliament and judiciary – are all functioning democratically.
He reminded that the PPP Administration was democratically elected into government and this was so declared by the highest court and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
“So here you have a pronouncement that rejects Ramcharan’s classification and that’s coming from the highest court in the country,” Nandlall said.
Speaking to the doctrine of separation of powers, Nandlall turned his attention to the functions of the Parliament.
“Is Parliament performing its scrutinising function of the accounts of the gov-
ernment? Certainly!”
“Budgets are approved by the Parliament, supplementary provisions are approved by the Parliament… decisions are made by vote…,” he added.
He also spoke about various parliament committees, reminding that many of them are chaired by Members of the Opposition.
Nandlall also reminded that the Public Service
Commission, Police Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, and Judicial Service Commission are all appointed through a parliamentary process where all the parliamentarians have a say.
“So where is the autocracy?” he questioned.
Regarding the judiciary, the Attorney General said judges are appointed through a transparent and fair process and that the chancellor and chief justice are appointed by an agreement between the president and leader of the opposition.
He added that the judiciary enjoys financial independence.
Nandlall also contended that the judiciary is functionally independent, as he defended his and the government’s right to criticise certain rulings. “That is a democratic right of a government,” Nandlall said.
“The judiciary is free to rule how it wants. The government is free to criticise the judiciary,” he added, noting that such criticisms
must be respectful.
The attorney general also referred to the country’s constitution, saying “it meets all the international requirements in respect of constitutions that govern other countries.”
He added that it is more “liberal, more democratic and more advanced” than any other country in the Caribbean.
According to Nandlall, “Guyana has the constitutional architecture in place that qualifies it as a democracy and not an autocracy.”
Nandlall also argued that the fact that Ramcharan got his assertions published in the press is evidence that democracy is alive in the country.
“You think if we were an autocratic regime, he could have published that?”
He noted that many organisations have also been freely engaging in activities that are anti-government and anti-development.
“You ever hear one day the government taking any steps against (them)?”
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall
6300 house lots distributed so far in 2024 – Croal
In line with its manifesto commitment to deliver 50,000 house lots by 2025, the government has allocated 6,300 lots this year, with a focus on Wales, Non-Pareil, and La Bonne Intention (LBI) developments. Housing Minister Collin Croal confirmed that 36,000 house lots have been allocated since 2020, and efforts are underway to hit 40,000 by year-end. Significant allocations have benefitted low and moderate-income earners.
Areas with the highest land allocation includes Wales Phase Two housing development in Region Three which have benefitted from over 2300 lots this year and Non-Pareil and LBI Phases Three and Four along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) that got
roughly 1000 lots.
Overall, the Government has allocated 36,000 house lots since assuming office in August 2020. Additionally, over 1,065 land titles and transports were also distributed in the first half of the year.
In an exclusive interview with this publication on Wednesday, Croal revealed that his ministry is working assiduously to ensure that this number increases to 40,000 by the end of 2024.
These lots he said are being distributed to persons who applied for land prior to 2019.
“We are hoping to do at least 10,000 this year, which will mean that before the year is finished, we want to close off with a 40,000 allocation for four-
and-a-half-year period or close to four-and-a-halfyear period”.
“As a government, we are happy that there are a number of things that we are satisfying. When we help with homeownership, it's also about ensuring that people are able to have a better quality of life. The environment in which they live, the environment for which their children will be able to grow and to be able to occupy and to reside. So, we've been pushing communities in terms of wholesome so that you have a lifestyle for people that are growing at the same time as our country is improving,” Croal said.
According to Housing and Water Ministry’s half year report which was recently published, more
than 45.5 per cent of the 6300 house lots that were allocated were to low-income earners.
Meanwhile, moderate-income earners received 29.7 per cent of the distributed house lots, 11.4 per cent went to middle-income earners and 11.3 per cent to young professionals.
Additionally, around two per cent of the lots distributed were for industrial, commercial and religious purposes.
Croal explained that when government took office in 2020, there were 70,000 house lot application in the system, howev-
er, noted that the administration has done a good job with clearing the backlog.
“It's a lot of investment. In fact, we spent over $240 billion since we've gotten into office. So, when you take that into consideration, it's a lot of investment and work that has happened. So, the work here too has increased tremendously. So, you know, we do ask for persons' patience because as I said at an activity last Friday, it's not just about allocating. When the staff finish allocating, they have to do a number of other things because we have to work to-
wards ensuring to be able to sign their agreements of sales, to be able to sign the process, their title, and to ensure that they have ownership. Ownership is equally important. That signals that you have that collateral that you can use to get a mortgage, to invest whatever means you would like, even for building your own home,” he added.
The sum of $78 billion was allocated for the housing sector in the 2024 National Budget to advance infrastructural development works in new and existing housing areas. (G1)
Mahaicony hit and run
“I couldn’t believe it” – injured girlfriend of man killed in
An accident at Now or Never, Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica Berbice), has left a man dead and his girlfriend seriously injured following a suspected hit-andrun accident around 20:30h on Saturday night.
Dead is 38-year-old Mark Williams of Parfait Harmony. His girlfriend, 34-year-old Lisa Singh of Mahaicony, was injured
and is currently home recovering from her injuries.
According to Singh, she and Williams had been in a relationship for over six years, though they lived apart. She had been visiting him for a few days, and they were on their way to her home when the accident occurred. She related that they were riding a motorcycle along the Mahaicony road when a vehicle struck
them, causing both to fall to the ground.
“I remember I had my hands around him and we were on our way home and all of a sudden, I didn’t know anything. When I caught myself, I was in the hospital and I was feeling pain I saw lots of doctors around me and kept asking what was wrong with me and why am I here. I started asking for Mark and they said he was
accident
upstairs,” she said.
“They say took me to Georgetown hospital to do a CT scan with an ambulance and I was in and out of consciousness. When I finished the scan and I went back to Mahaicony Hospital and I asked them for him and then they told me that he was not there and that he died… I couldn’t believe it. We weren’t riding speed. I just don’t know what happened”.
The woman said this
came as a shock to her because Williams was full of life before the incident occurred.
“He was talking to me on the bike and telling me how much he loved me and that’s why this hurts so much”, the woman said.
Eyewitnesses indicated that a white Toyota Fielder Wagon was the vehicle involved in the accident, but the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Williams and Singh were both rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital, where Williams was pronounced dead. Singh, who sustained a broken arm and multiple injuries, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and was later sent home but she is expected to undergo surgery. Police are searching for the driver responsible for the accident, and investigations are ongoing.
Guyanese murder suspect arrested in Suriname for robbery-murder
Nineteen-year-old
Mwange Smith of 'B' Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was apprehended by law enforcement officials in Paramaribo, Suriname, on Monday evening in connection with the robbery-murder of Donnegy Jones on Sapakarastraat earlier this month.
Mwange was arrested by members of the Paramaribo Regional Assistance Team in collaboration with the National Security Directorate on Timmermanstraat. The arrest followed an intense manhunt after the August 8 murder, where Jones was robbed and fatally shot by a man riding a moped.
Jones, 29, was reportedly approached by the suspect on a moped when the tragic incident unfolded. The police's diligent efforts led to the recovery of the moped used in the crime, which has since been seized as evidence. Mwange has since been transferred to the Major Crimes Department as investigations continue into his involvement in the fatal robbery.
This is not Mwange’s first encounter with law en-
forcement. Authorities in Guyana are also seeking him for a deadly incident on December 31, 2023. On that day, Mwange was allegedly playing with a firearm inside a house when it discharged, striking his stepbrother, Anthony Haynes, and Haynes’ two-month-old daughter.
Haynes succumbed to his injuries, while the infant survived with a gunshot wound to her right shoulder. After the shooting, Mwange reportedly attempted to conceal Haynes’ body by moving it outside and covering it with a sheet before fleeing the scene.
The Guyana Police had been actively seeking the public’s help to locate Mwange in connection with this crime. The murder took place at Haynes' Grahams Hall, East Coast Demerara home, where Haynes' reputed wife overheard him warning the suspect to "stop playing with the gun" just before a gunshot rang out. Upon investigating, she found her husband lifeless, holding their baby in his arms, while Mwange stood over them with a handgun.
Mwange’s criminal record is extensive. He had
Arrested: Mwange Smith
previously been remanded to prison in October 2022 after being charged with armed robbery against a woman in the East Coast Demerara area.
The Suriname Police had earlier arrested four other individuals linked to the Sapakarastraat case, though one has since been released. It remains unclear if the other suspects played a direct role in the robbery-murder. Investigations into both the Suriname and Guyana cases are ongoing. (G9)
Injured: Lisa Singh Dead: Mark Williams
700 students engaged annually through VYC’s STEM programme
Recognising the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) amid Guyana’s economic development, the Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) Inc. STEM Afterschool programme has been targeting hundreds of young individuals from various regions across the country every year.
The programme, which is supported by ExxonMobil Guyana and the Ministry of Education, has trained approximately 700 students from Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) over the past year.
VYC Board Member, Bonita Hunter, made this disclosure on Wednesday during the organisation’s annual graduation ceremony. She highlighted that STEM has a significant impact on the day-to-day lives, noting that all of one’s daily activities is connected to STEM in some way, shape or form.
“Science, [and] the whole STEM programme, and everyday life cannot and should not be separat-
ed, because everything that we do has to do with STEM. Living has to do with STEM It has to do with our biological functions – moving, talking, walking – whatever we do comes from that base knowledge that we have of STEM,” she pointed out.
In this regard, Hunter revealed that the Volunteer Youth Corps has been working assiduously with stakeholders to ensure a significant amount of the nation’s learners are exposed to STEM training annually.
“Each year, this programme reaches approximately 700 students, offering daily classes to learners, annual STEM camps, conferences, and award and prize-giving ceremonies as well as robotics training workshops and publications. This commitment towards enhancing education by the Volunteer Youth Corps continues to make a difference in our learners’ daily lives,” the board member stated.
Also present at the award ceremony was the Education Ministry’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) Officer, Raul Andrews, who highlighted the importance of having TVET skills amid Guyana’s rapidly growing economy.
“And if you notice, TVET deals with technology which is very important in any country. We've talked about how oil in any country is very vital because it opens
Region 1 gets new Police commander
Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana has officially taken over as Police Commander of Region One (BarimaWaini), which has recently been in the spotlight following one of the largest drug busts in Guyana’s history. His appointment was effective September 11.
The leadership transition follows the reassignment of Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, who previously held the post and has now been tasked with overseeing the police force’s transport workshop.
On September 1, a joint operation with US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the local Joint Services, uncovered 4.4 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately €176 million (G$40.7 billion), near an illegal airstrip in Matthew’s Ridge, Region One.
Hidden in hand-dug bunkers camouflaged with wood and foliage, the cocaine was suspected to have been brought into Guyana by air from a neighboring country and was waiting to be shipped to Europe by sea.
In the wake of this operation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reiterated the government’s firm stance against Guyana being used as a transshipment hub for illegal substances. He em-
phasised that the administration would continue to work with regional and international partners to combat narcotics trafficking and called the successful operation a testament to these efforts.
“We will come after those who seek to use Guyana as a transnational point for the movement of illegal substances with the full force of the law,” President Ali declared during the launch of Guyana’s National Defence Institute. He noted that recent successes in drug interceptions were just the begin-
ning and that the country would bolster its collaboration with international agencies, particularly in policing its airspace to combat drug trafficking from the skies.
With the investigation ongoing, there are growing suspicions about local complicity in the operation. Reports have emerged linking a senior police officer to the drug network, though acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has said that any such claims will be thoroughly investigated once confirmed by CANU.
to explore and implement more TVET-related areas into the afterschool programme.
“I know you're doing TVET areas [but] I think you're doing it in only one or two areas [so] I'm challenging you also to see how best you can add more areas to the after-class or the after-school class, to educate the nations children. You have the visual arts, home economics, even the business, because I know you're doing an area in industrial technology. All those areas, they are very vital,” the TVET officer stated.
a lot of new opportunities in the construction industry, the engineering industry etc. which will have all of the TVET areas. The country is expanding, the economy is growing, and we will need persons with technical knowledge to work in this country,” Andrews explained.
Moreover, the Officer commended the Volunteer Youth Corps for implementing TVET knowledge into its operations. In the same breath, however, Andrews encouraged stakeholders
Meanwhile, the graduation ceremony on Wednesday saw more than 150 students being rewarded for their outstanding performance. Notably, since its inception in 2012, the Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) STEM Afterschool programme has impacted the lives of over 6,400 students from 18 high schools across the country. The programme offers free classes in several subject areas such as Math, Science and Robotics among others.
New Region One Commander, Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana
Officials from the Volunteer Youth Corps and Education Ministry with the new graduates from the VYC STEM Afterschool programme
Guyanese products to feature at annual Americas Food and Beverage Show in Miami
Awide variety of products from Guyana will be on display at the 28th Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference 2024, which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center from September 16 to 18.
This is the first time Guyana will participate as an exhibitor in this event, which is slated to attract some 900 exhibitors and 20 country pavilions.
Guyana’s participation in this massive food and beverage exhibition was made possible through the newly established World Trade Center Georgetown (WTCG) which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with World Trade Center Miami earlier this year for collaboration in trade expansion through provisions for enhanced product visibility, easier market access and the exchange of trade missions.
According to a recent press release on Wednesday, Executive Chairman of the WTCG, Komal Samaroo, said “The participation of World Trade Center Georgetown (WTCG) in this international business show and conference is in keeping with our mission to expand trade between Guyana and the rest of the world by providing opportunities for Guyana’s export-ready food and beverage products to
be exposed to international buyers thereby creating the potential for new markets and increased sales.”
Samaroo, who is also executive chairman of the Demerara Distiller’s Limited (DDL) – the local WTC license holder, added that “this is not just an opportunity for DDL’s internationally acclaimed range of El Dorado rums to be exposed to new markets in Latin America and other parts of the world, where we do not currently enjoy significant market share, but also for other export-ready companies to seek buyers and distributors throughout North America and other markets where there is a demand for their products.”
He added that “this is also an opportunity for our subsidiary, Distribution Services Limited (DSL) to look at products for which there might be a market in Guyana and to have discussions about representing such brands locally.”
DSL will have a representative at the show.
Exhibits of DDL’s range of internationally acclaimed El Dorado rums and its Tropical Orchard Products Co. (TOPCO) fruit juices, along with packaged seasonings from Roy’s Extra Quality Products, different types of sauces from Umami, and a variety of BBQ sauces from SS Natural Fruit Flavored Inc., will be on dis-
play.
Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Officer of WTC Miami, Ivan Barrio, expressed his excitement for Guyana being featured among some 900 exhibitors from 20 countries from five continents.
“Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the World Trade Centers in Miami, Florida and Georgetown, Guyana earlier this year, I am elated that Guyana has chosen to exhibit and participate for the first time at our internationally renowned Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference,” he said.
“Guyana’s presence will be among the over 900 exhibits, representing over 20 nations from 5 continents, with an anticipated 10,000 attendees,” Barrio added.
Additionally, President of the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali, said that Guyana’s exhibiting in the show and conference demonstrates that the participating companies are fully export-ready and well prepared to enter international markets.
“This initiative demonstrates that these companies are fully export-ready, showcasing the potential of local businesses to compete on the global market. Through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes from major companies like DDL, large companies can play a crucial role in supporting the growth and global exposure of small businesses. With such backing, we can continue to elevate Guyana's presence on
the international stage and drive development for our local entrepreneurs,” Ali stated.
This three-day business-to-business show and conference is expected to have 7,300 attendees from
93 countries and will provide a unique opportunity for manufacturers and buyers to get together in fulfillment of their shared objectives.
The Americas Food and Beverage Show and
Conference is the largest trade event of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. It brings together buyers, suppliers, and industry experts from the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
"I am very dissatisfied
with NAREI’s performance in Region 6" – Agri Minister
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has expressed his dissatisfaction over the way the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been performing in parts of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).
NAREI is the premier organisation responsible for spearheading agricultural research and extension activities for productivity enhancement and diversification of the non- traditional crops sector (fruits and vegetables), bio fuel development as well as for plant quarantine services.
The Institute should be engaged in adaptive research that focuses on improving crop production/productivity for enhanced food security and rural development.
During a recent engagement at Bushlot, Corentyne farmers complained of issues they are having with certain crops and while they would have engaged NAREI, no assistance has been provided.
One farmer told the min-
ister that an officer from NAREI had taken a sample of soil last year for testing and the results never came back.
When questioned, the officer claimed that the sample was sent to the lab but the results never came back.
While ensuring that the agency would be acting in a more professional way, Mustapha said the agency is there to assist the farmers.
“I am very dissatisfied with how NAREI has been performing in this part of the region. If the officers are saying that they sent down information... I will have to meet with the person who is in charge of NAREI to deal with those issues. They have to be more responsive. The president himself is very passionate about agriculture because we see agriculture as one of the more important sectors of not the most important sector,” Mustapha said.
He pointed out that one of the goals is to increase production of the crops Guyana has been producing for centuries but if we con-
tinue like this we can’t,” he added.
One farmer, Richard Budhu, who grows vegetables at Number 51 Village said when his tomato plants are about to bear, the flowers fall off and the plants die.
“I spray everything that I know and they just die. I can’t even get back the money for the seeds,” he said noting that other vegetables are not affected.
Another farmer, Leslie Dorway who plants at Friendship Village said the egg-plants, bora and okra he tries to cultivate are being affected by an unknown disease.
“I am not getting any solution for this disease.”
Mustapha noted that from the National Budget, NAREI is receiving large sums. “We are buying a lot of resources for NAREI. We are giving free chemicals; we are giving all of the planting material free. I don’t know why people in this area are not getting those facilities,” the agriculture minister questioned. (G4)
Govt commissions 2 new agroprocessing facilities in Region 1
The government has commissioned two new agro-processing facilities in Region One (Barima-Waini), as part of its efforts to ensure that Guyana produces more value-added products on a national scale.
The commissioning was done by Agriculture Ministry, Zulfikar Mustapha and his team on Wednesday.
One of the agro-processing facilities is at Kumaka, Region One and it comes equipped with machinery able to boost productivity.
According to the ministry, the facility serves the two-fold function of increasing production and reducing the time taken to process and add value to the crops. These crops are expected to include plantains and ground provisions produce being grown at Smith Creek, Region One.
“Minister Mustapha encouraged the agro-processors and other groups to utilize the facility to its capacity and ensure they put efforts to maintain it while keeping it productive. Minister commended the farmers and processors for the excellent work they are doing in the Region,” the ministry said.
The second facility to be commissioned was the White Water Agroprocessing facility in Region One. During the ceremony, Minister Mustapha encouraged the women's group to utilize the facility to its capacity and ensure they put efforts to maintain the facility so that it remains productive in the future.
A number of agro-processing facilities came onstream in Guyana last year, in furtherance of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s
push to increase food production in Guyana and the Caribbean Region as a whole.
Such facilities have been established in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, and 10. Over 2500 farmers, agro-processors, wholesalers and retailers now have access to certified agro-processing facilities in their regions.
In September 2023, a $23.3 million state-of-theart agro-processing facility at Charity, Essequibo Coast, was commissioned and expected to benefit over 300 persons including women and youths. And last year, it had been announced that 250 households in White Water Creek, North West District (NWD) and surrounding villages would be benefitting from a spanking new $25 million agro-processing facility.
It had been announced that when the facility becomes operational, farmers will be able to advance their operations to a more commercialised value-added production and achieve sustainable economic growth through agro-processing. This will ensure that products, including cassava bread, farine, and cassareep will have easier access to markets.
In November 2022, a $15 million agro-processing factory was opened in St Ignatius, Region Nine, for farmers to process their peanuts and cashew nuts. Due to the large expenditures made in these sectors, the export revenue from agriculture-processed goods brought in $897 million for the nation, with a 61 per cent rise in export volume from 1071 metric tonnes in 2021 to 1724 metric tonnes in 2022.
(G3)
$100M to upgrade Campbelltown internal roads
Awhopping $100 million has been earmarked to upgrade several internal roads from laterite to concrete at Campbelltown, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
The transformative project fulfills a commitment made by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent visit.
Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill met with community members on Wednesday and made it
clear that the project will be undertaken by those living there.
He noted that the community-driven initiative is part of the government’s efforts to retain economic benefits within the village where major projects are being undertaken.
“Whenever we do the work, we want the people in the area to benefit, rather than advertising in the newspapers and having a contractor from Region One
or Region Six come and do the work. We will list all the contractors in the area. And then, we will give you the bid documents,” the minister is quoted by DPI as saying.
The upgrade will begin where the main access road ends and extend to the Village Office, covering 500 metres in length and 20 feet in width. Curbs will also be installed to address the issue of drainage.
Additionally, the project
will be divided into multiple lots to maximise participation.
Meanwhile, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, also addressed the residents, highlighting the government’s broader commitment to infrastructural development across the country.
She noted that hinterland communities are seeing increased investments, with the public works ministry allocating $300 million
annually for road maintenance in Amerindian villages.
“Over the last three years, the budget for these works has increased from $100 million to $300 million, ensuring community participation in maintaining their roads,” Minister Sukhai explained. Similarly, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, spoke if the government’s aim to distribute its resources equally. During the engagement, the ministers and public works engineers inspected the condition of the village’s roads. A 1.6-kilometre thoroughfare leading to a school was identified as a priority for upgrades.
The public works engineers, along with two community members, are tasked to inspect the road. The design will be drafted for the necessary interventions.
A section of the gathering at the Kumaka agro-processing facility
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha as he inspected the facility during the commissioning
Peru's Fujimori, divisive head of political dynasty, dies aged 86
Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, who steered economic growth during the 1990s, but was later jailed for human rights abuses stemming from a bloody war against Maoist rebels, died on Wednesday. He was aged 86.
Close colleagues visited him earlier in the day, reporting that he was in critical condition.
"After a long battle with cancer, our father... has just departed to meet the Lord," his daughter Keiko Fujimori wrote in a message on X, also signed by the former leader's other children.
Fujimori, the son of Japanese immigrants, was the little-known chancellor of a farming university when elected to office in 1990. He quickly established himself as a cunning politician whose hands-on style produced results even as he angered critics for concentrating power.
He slayed hyperinflation that had thrown millions of Peruvians out of work, privatised dozens of
State-run companies, and slashed trade tariffs, setting the foundations for Peru to become, for a while, one of Latin America's most stable economies.
Under his watch, the feared leader of the Maoist Shining Path, Abimael Guzman, was captured dealing a crucial blow to a movement that in the 1980s seemed close to toppling the Peruvian State. Guzman died in prison in September 2021.
But many Peruvians saw Fujimori as an autocrat after he used military tanks to shut down Congress in 1992, redrafting the constitution to his liking to push free-market reforms and tough anti-terrorism laws.
A slew of corruption scandals during his 10-year administration also turned public opinion against him.
Shortly after he won a third election in 2000 amending the constitution to run videos emerged of
Mexico's Senate passes judicial reform after protesters break into chamber
Senators in Mexico have approved a judicial overhaul pushed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador after debate was briefly suspended by protesters who broke into the Upper House in a bid to block the vote.
The Senate, dominated by Lopez Obrador s ruling Morena party and its allies, approved the controversial reform with 86 votes in favour and 41 against in a marathon session on Wednesday, winning the two-thirds supermajority needed to amend the constitution. Under the new measures, Mexico will become the world s first country to allow voters to elect judges at all levels including the
country s Supreme Court. Judges for the top court have typically been affirmed by the Senate from a shortlist submitted by the President.
Lopez Obrador, who wanted the bill approved before he is replaced by his chosen elected successor Claudia Sheinbaum in October, claims that the changes mean the Judiciary will cease to be at the service of the powerful, at the service of white-collar crime .But critics, including court employees and law students, say the plan could threaten judicial independence and undermine the system of checks and balances.
Norma Pina, the Supreme Court s chief justice, said that elected judges could be more vulnerable
to pressure from criminals in a country where powerful drug cartels regularly use bribery and intimidation to influence officials.
Opponents of the law have been holding protests for weeks.
During the Senate debate, hundreds of protesters stormed the chamber with pipes and chains chanting, The judiciary will not fall.
Lawmakers were forced to move to a former Senate building, where they resumed their debate as demonstrators outside shouted, Mr Senator, stop the dictator!
Lopez Obrador said protesters were protecting the interests of the political elite.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
his top adviser and spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos doling out cash to bribe politicians. Fujimori fled to exile in Japan.
He resigned via fax from Tokyo and then unsuccessfully campaigned for a Japanese senatorial seat.
Montesinos was later captured in Venezuela and jailed, convicted by the hundreds of videos he recorded of himself handing out cash bribes to politicians and business and media executives.
The cases against Fujimori piled up including accusations that he had ordered the use of death
squads in his battle against Shining Path militants.
Fujimori was safe in Japan he was a dual citizen and Japan does not extradite its citizens. So many were shocked when in 2005 he decided to head back to Peru, apparently in hopes of forgiveness and a return to politics.
Instead, he was detained during a layover in Chile, extradited to Peru in 2007, and in 2009 he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
While detractors dismissed his health complaints as a ploy to get out of prison, then President
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski briefly pardoned Fujimori in 2017.
Months later Kuczynski was impeached and the pardon overturned by Peru's top constitutional court, sending Fujimori back to the special prison that held him and no other inmates.
The court restored the pardon in December 2023, releasing the ailing Fujimori, who had suffered from stomach ulcers, hypertension and tongue cancer. In May 2024, Fujimori announced he had been diagnosed with a malignant tumour.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Mother, 2 children found dead in water tank in Tobago
Amother and her two children who were last seen on September 2 were found dead in a water tank in Parlatuvier, Tobago on the evening of September 11.
Senior Police sources confirmed Sarah Smith, 33; Genuine Smith, three, and 18-month-old Phoenix
Smith's decomposing bodies were found in the water tank around 17:30h on September 11.
Police said Smith's mother reported her missing.
The mother also said Smith was displaying erratic behaviour.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
Clashes outside Argentina Congress after pension hike blocked
Argentine protesters clashed with Police outside the country's Congress on Wednesday, after Lower House lawmakers voted to block a planned hike to pensions that had been opposed by right-wing libertarian President Javier Milei.
The chamber of deputies voted 153 in favour of the
pension hike with 87 against it, falling short of the twothirds needed to approve the bill after Milei had previously vetoed it saying that it put the country's plan for a fiscal balance at risk.
As news of the vote spread, hundreds of people protesting in central Buenos Aires broke down barriers erected by Police and
clashed with security forces with in riot gear in the streets.
Argentina's Government is pushing a tough austerity package of spending cuts to overturn years of fiscal deficits and tame high inflation, which has helped bolster the State's finances, but hit the real economy and left more people in poverty. (Reuters)
Brazil asks EU to hold off on implementing deforestation law
Brazil on Wednesday asked the European Union not to implement regulations in its deforestation law at the end of the year as scheduled and asked for it to be revised to avoid hurting Brazilian exports.
In a letter to the European Commission seen by Reuters, the Brazilian Government said the law banning the import of products linked to the destruction of the world's forests could affect almost one third of Brazil's exports to the EU.
The law passed in 2022 by the European Parliament was adopted in June last year, allowing 18 months for companies to adapt. The law applies to soy, beef, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, rubber, wood and derivatives, including leather and furniture.
"Brazil is one of the main suppliers to the EU of most of
the products covered by the legislation, which correspond to more than 30 per cent of our exports to the community bloc," the letter signed by the Ministers of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs said.
"In order to avoid impact on our trade relations, we request that the EU not implement the EUDR (EU Deforestation-free Regulation) at the end of 2024 and urgently reassess its approach to the issue," the Ministers wrote.
Brazil's exports of these products in 2023 reached US$46.3 billion, according to Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade data. The EUDR could affect some US$15 billion in exports, the Government calculates.
"We consider the EUDR to be a unilateral and punitive instrument that ignores national laws on combating deforestation," the letter
complained, adding that the European law discriminated against countries with forest resources and increased cost for producers and exporters.
The EUDR has been an irritant in EU trade talks with Brazil and its partners in the South American Mercosur trade bloc.
European Union and South American negotiators who met in Brasilia last week said they made "significant progress" on contentious issues that have been holding up the long-overdue EUMercosur agreement.
While the free trade deal is separate from the EUDR, Brazilian officials are concerned that the law could be used to reduce their country's quota of agricultural products to the EU and want to seek some form of compensation if the European law is implemented. (Reuters)
Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori (Reuters/Mariana Bazo file photo)
Judiciary workers and students hold a giant flag as they block streets near the former headquarters of the Senate of Mexico, known as Casona de Xicotencatl, during a protest in Mexico City [Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP]
Sarah Smith
Around the World
LLibya’s oil exports plummet as NOC cancels shipments
OIL NEWS
Hamas says ready to implement ceasefire without new conditions
The Palestinian Hamas group said on Wednesday that its negotiators reiterated its readiness to implement an “immediate” ceasefire with Israel in Gaza based on a previous US proposal without new conditions from any party.
ibyan oil exports fell around 81 per cent last week, Kpler data showed, as the National Oil Corporation (NOC) cancelled cargoes amid a crisis over control of Libya’s central bank and oil revenue, Reuters reports.
The standoff began last month when western Libyan factions moved to oust a veteran central bank governor, prompting eastern factions to declare a shutdown to all oil output.
Libyan ports shipped 194,000 barrels per day (bpd) on average of crude last week, down about 81 per cent from just over one million bpd in the previous week, Kpler’s data showed.
Although Libya’s two legislative bodies said last week they agreed to jointly appoint a central bank governor within 30 days, the situation remains fluid and uncertain.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), which is attempting to defuse the crisis, said Tuesday it would resume facilitating talks in Tripoli Wednesday.
NOC, which manages Libya’s fossil fuel resources, has not declared force majeure on all port loadings and has so far opted to use the measure on individual cargoes, trading sources with knowledge of the matter said. The Stateowned oil firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It had declared force majeure on all crude production at El Feel oilfield on September 2 and on exports from the Sharara field on August 7, before the crisis over the central bank began.
NOC last week cancelled several Es Sider cargoes, and two trading sources said it had also cancelled cargoes of the Amna and Brega crude grades.
Some tankers have been allowed to load crude from storage at Libyan ports to fulfil contractual obligations and avoid financial penalties, an NOC source said.
NOC said on August 28 that oil production had dropped by more than half from typical levels to about 590,000 bpd. It was not immediately clear where production levels now stand. (newsaz)
Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana
Hurricane Francine has made landfall in southern Louisiana after growing in strength into a Category 2 storm over the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm hit Terrebonne Parish at 17:00 local time (23:00GMT) on Wednesday, carrying winds of 155 kilometres per hour (100 mph), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.
Louisiana and neighbouring Mississippi have declared states of emergency and have told residents to take shelter and brace for the major storm.
Governor Jeff Landry said at a press briefing on Wednesday that residents should “stay off the roads, stay home and stay put”.
Francine made landfall 48km (30 miles) southwest of Morgan City, which has a
population of around 11,500 people.
It is forecast to bring 1020cm (4-8 inches) of rainfall, potential tornadoes and damaging winds to much of central and eastern Louisiana, forecasters said.
More than 42,000 homes and businesses in Louisiana were already without electricity, according to Poweroutages.us.
“Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows,” the NHC said.
The very wettest places could see up to 12in (30cm) of rain, bringing the risk of significant flash flooding.
Residents in eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama and western Florida were warned of a life-threatening storm surge.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
The Palestinian group said in a statement that their negotiation team, led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, met mediators on Wednesday including Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel in Doha to discuss the latest developments in Gaza.
Talks have so far failed to reach a deal to end the 11-month-old war. Lingering
issues include control of the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow stretch of land on Gaza’s border with Egypt, persisting.
CIA Director William Burns, who is also the chief
Slavery reparations backed by all
candidates vying for Commonwealth boss
Allthree candidates running to become the next Secretary General of the Commonwealth, a 56-nation club headed by Britain’s King Charles, said on Wednesday they supported reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism.
The Commonwealth evolved out of the British empire and is one of world’s biggest international organisations, covering some 2.7 billion people. Members include Canada and India as well as 21 African countries, and Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Jamaica.
Charles expressed deep sorrow over slavery in a speech to Commonwealth leaders in 2022 and last year gave his support to research that will examine the British monarchy’s links to slavery. However, Britain, like most colonial powers, has rejected calls for reparations.
The Commonwealth’s next leader, succeeding Britain’s Patricia Scotland, will be elected in October at the heads of government meeting in Samoa.
At a debate at London’s Chatham House, the three declared candidates – Mamadou Tangara of Gambia, Shirley Botchwey
from Ghana and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho – said they backed the idea of making amends for slavery and colonialism.
“I stand for reparations,” Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said, adding the Commonwealth could have a role to play if the member states request a “common voice” on the issue.
Setipa, a former Trade and Industry Minister, said if he was elected he would not wait for member states to ask the Commonwealth to act.
“The Commonwealth has a long history of facilitating discussions about difficult issues,” he said.
Tangara, a Gambian diplomat and politician, said he “fully” supported reparations, but it was up to member states to lead the conversations, which the Commonwealth could facilitate.
Both Botchwey and Setipa said reparations weren’t just about financial payments but also support to tackle climate change and build countries’ economic resilience, with Setipa noting these issues were crucial to addressing the legacy of centuries of slavery and colonialism.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
US negotiator on Gaza, said on Saturday that a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be made in the next several days.
The previous proposal
put forward by US President Joe Biden in June laid out a three-phase ceasefire in return for the release of Israeli hostages.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, as troops continued an extended operation against militant groups in the territory, the military said.
Further, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told Reuters, in a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday, that a lack of accountability for the killing of UN staff and humanitarian aid workers in the Gaza Strip was “totally unacceptable”.
(Excerpts from Reuters)
While Trump touts his debate performance, allies, donors and advisers lament it
Some Republican officials, donors and advisers said Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, had botched his debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, although Trump himself praised his performance.
“I think it was one of my better debates, maybe my best debate,” Trump told the “Fox & Friends” programme on Wednesday, adding that he was not sure whether to do another one. “I’d be less inclined ... because we had a great night.”
Harris, 59, put Trump, 78, President from 20172021, on the defensive in a combative presidential debate on Tuesday with a stream of attacks on his fitness for office and his myriad legal woes. The election takes place on November 5.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump ally, was one of the few party leaders to publicly say Trump’s performance was poor.
“A missed opportuni-
ty,” Graham told reporters of Trump’s debate performance, adding that the former President had failed to stay focused and lost chances to tout his record.
Chris Christie, a former Trump ally-turned-critic who ran against Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, said Harris was “exquisitely” prepared whereas Trump was not.
“Whoever did debate prep for Donald Trump should be fired. He was not good tonight at all,” Christie, who helped Trump with debate preparation in the 2016 election cycle, said on ABC News.
The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment on whether there would be a shake-up of Trump’s debate team.
With eight weeks to go before the election, and days until early voting starts in some states, the debate offered a rare head-to-head opportunity to face tens of millions of TV viewers.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Smoke rises after an explosion in Gaza, seen from the IsraelGaza border, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, September 3, 2024
(Reuters/Amir Cohen photo)
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, debated with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (Reuters/Amr Alfiky file photo)
An emotional confrontation won’t help you get what you want. Rethink your actions and put your energy into something constructive, like overtime at work or making life easier on the home front.
Stop dreaming and start doing what makes you happy. Reach out to like-minded people and generate a buzz, encouraging others to join your bandwagon. Be a teacher, a guide and a motivator, and make a difference.
Figure out what’s required and use your skills, experience and connections to reach your target. Your actions will speak volumes about who you are and your capabilities. Don’t allow anyone to lead you astray.
Refuse to get involved in emotional nonsense that leaves everyone upset and nothing resolved. Use your insight and skills to recognize what’s available and how to make the most of what you’ve got.
Make things cozy, entertaining and welcoming at home for the people you love. Pay attention to your needs. Reach out to people and organizations that offer insight into healthy living.
Take a good look around you, assess your surroundings and situation, and address issues that need adjusting. Don’t wait for someone to outmaneuver you. It’s up to you to set a path that encourages your success.
Abide by the rules, but don’t be subtle. A physical change that helps you stand out is favored and will encourage positive responses and opportunities that can help you promote your agenda.
A passionate show of skill and experience will help you rise to the top. Differentiate yourself from the crowd by exerting confidence and wisdom along with innovative solutions and suggestions.
Distance yourself from scammers and people selling overhyped projects. Focus on building opportunities, using your skills and acquiring experience. Start small, and growth will follow.
You can show passion, but don’t promise anything you cannot deliver. Connect with people who share your beliefs and are trying to reach similar life goals.
Invest in yourself and your future, and maintain a lifestyle that makes you feel comfortable. A healthy routine will also lead to compliments and opportunities to expand your interests and circle of friends.
Stay on top of facts and figures to ensure no one takes advantage of you. Put your energy into home improvements and make sure you are on the same page as your partners.
Fraser-Pryce to receive keys to the City of Kingston
Multiple-time Olympic and World Champion
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is to be presented with the keys to the City of Kingston by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).
The resolution to confer the honour on the sprint sensation was passed during a meeting of the Council held in the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber, 24 Church Street, downtown Kingston.
Fraser-Pryce is widely revered as one of Jamaica’s greatest athletes, with more than 22 years of stellar performance in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100m track events, and is the recipient of countless medals.
Moving the resolution,
Miami
Councillor for the Hagley Park Division, Waynette Strachan, said the worldclass athlete has made all of Jamaica proud and has transcended the boundaries of sport to become an icon, a symbol of hope, and an ambassador for Jamaica’s rich and vibrant culture.
“To give Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the keys to Kingston is to acknowledge not only her incredible achievements as an athlete but her profound influence as a role model, mentor, and beacon of hope for all Jamaicans.
“In giving Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the keys to the city, we are not just honouring her past accomplishments; we’re celebrating the promise of all that is yet to come. Her journey
officers pull Tyreek
Hill
from car, bodycam video shows
Police in Miami have released bodycam footage of a traffic stop involving American football star Tyreek Hill, who was pulled from his vehicle and handcuffed by officers.
Hill was pulled over on his way to Hard Rock Stadium in the south Florida city just hours before the opening match of the season.
Miami-Dade Police say one of the officers involved in the stop has been placed on administrative duties pending an investigation.
Two of Hill’s Miami Dolphins teammates, Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith, were also involved in the incident.
The team issued a statement on Monday backing their star wide receiver, saying: “We are saddened by the overly aggressive and violent conduct” shown to Hill and the other players.
The team called for the
officers involved in the incident to be disciplined.
Hill said the officer placed on administrative duties should be fired immediately.
“Each action that a law enforcement official take[s] is governed by standard operating procedures,” he said in a statement issued by his lawyer.
“The officer’s use of force was excessive, escalating, and reckless.
“We are demanding that the officer be terminated effective immediately.”
The local police union said that the officers acted properly during the encounter.
What caused the stop on Tyreek Hill?
The traffic stop happened not far from the team’s home stadium, and the bodycam footage begins when Hill’s car is pulled over, several officers approach, and one
knocks on the window.
“Don’t knock on my window like that,” Hill says several times after rolling the window down.
The officer responds: “Why don’t you have your seatbelt on?”
After a brief exchange Hill then says: “Give me my ticket bro, so I can go, I’m gonna be late.”
Hill then rolls the car window back up. The officer knocks on the window again and orders him to put it down again.
“Keep your window down (or) I’m going to get you out of the car,” the officer says. “As a matter of fact, get out of the car.”
The officers pull the football star out of the car and put him face down on the pavement.
“When we tell you to do something, you do it, do you understand?” one of the officers says, as they handcuff Hill.
“You were beating on my window like you crazy,” Hill is heard saying.
The officers then march him over to the curb and make him sit down.
“I just had surgery on my knee, bro,” Hill tells the officers.
Two of Hill’s teammates –- defensive tackle Calais Campbell and tight end Jonnu Smith – stopped along the road as the incident was unfolding.
Campbell also said he was placed in handcuffs as he tried to intervene in the situation. (BBC Sport)
is far from over, and I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire, uplift, and break barriers for many years to come,” she said.
Born and raised in Waterhouse, Fraser-Pryce is a treasured citizen of Kingston and outstanding Jamaican.
She continues to give back to the community of her birth and notable charities through her Pocket Rocket Foundation.
Councillor for the Waterhouse Division, Bryon Lee Clarke, said Fraser-Pryce continues to be a beacon of hope for many Jamaicans, and “this gesture is more than deserving”.
Councillor for the Stony Hill Division, Tosha Schwapp, described Fraser-Pryce as a
“Jamaican gem and icon who is beloved for her tenacity”.
Other Councillors who made contributions were Dennis Gordon, Eugene Kelly, Andrew Harris, and Jermaine Hyatt.
The presentation of the keys to the City of Kingston is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the KSAMC.
It is being conferred on Fraser-Pryce in recognition of her sterling and iconic career in athletics over the years, which has positively influenced adoring fans in Jamaica and around the world, including many who continue to enjoy her enduring legacy. A road in the community of Waterhouse will also be named in her honour.
(Sportsmax)
CONCACAF Nations League… Jamaica tops Group B after victory over Honduras
Jamaica claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Honduras on Tuesday night, propelling them to the top of Group B in League A of the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League as the September match window concluded.
The win secured Jamaica’s position as the group leader, while Nicaragua now sits in second place after their draw against Cuba.
In a tightly contested match at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa, the Reggae Boyz opened the scoring early in the second half when Honduras’ Denil Maldonado inadvertently scored an own goal in the 49th minute after Norman Campbell delivered a dangerous ball into the box.
However, Honduras quickly responded with an equalizer in the 50th minute, as David Ruiz finished from close range. Despite the quick turnaround, Jamaica continued to apply pressure, and in the 76th minute, Michael Antonio scored the match-winning goal from the penalty spot.
The victory puts Jamaica in first place with four points from two matches, giving them the edge in the group standings. Honduras, with one point, drops to third in the group, just one point off the top.
Elsewhere in the group, Cuba and Nicaragua played to a dramatic 1-1 draw at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba. After
dominating much of the first half, Cuba took the lead in the 42nd minute through a penalty converted by Karel Espino. The hosts came close to extending their lead in stoppage time, but Karel Pérez’s strike narrowly missed the far post.
Nicaragua, however, found a late equalizer in the 90th+7 minute, with Widman Talavera salvaging a point for his team.
The result keeps Nicaragua level with Jamaica on four points but in second place due to tiebreakers. Cuba, with two points from consecutive draws, sits in third place.
In the final Group B matchup of the evening, Trinidad and Tobago and French Guiana played to a scoreless draw at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago. Both teams creat-
ed chances throughout the game, with Loïc Ball forcing a save from Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Denzil Smith in the 27th minute, while Daniel Phillips hit the woodwork with a longrange strike in the 39th minute for the hosts.
Despite the opportunities, neither team managed to score, with both goalkeepers recording clean sheets. The result gave French Guiana their second point of the campaign, while Trinidad and Tobago secured their first point.
As the September match window concluded, Jamaica leads Group B, with Nicaragua close behind in second place. Honduras, Cuba, French Guiana, and Trinidad and Tobago round out the group, as all teams look to improve their standings in the next round of matches. (Sportsmax)
A snapshot from Jamaica’s clash with Hondouras
A still from the bodycam footage showing Tyreek Hill being detained by Miami Police
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Vintage Pollard guides TKR home against Kings
Captain Kieron Pollard smashed a rapid half-century under pressure to lift
Trinbago Knight Riders to a four-wicket victory over Saint Lucia Kings in an entertaining Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
After the Kings posted 187-6, the Knight Riders were well on track thanks to a belligerent 57 from 33 balls from Shaqkere Parris
After being routed for just 100 by Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Kings paced their innings well after being sent in to bat.
Opener Johnson Charles got the Kings off to a flier with two sixes in three balls to spoil the 23th birthday of quick Jayden Seales.
Skipper Faf du Plessis also chanced his arm and was dropped twice before his middle stump was knocked over by left-arm spinner Waqar Salamkheil
powered the Kings to a strong total.
The Knight Riders needed a fast start and Narine obliged before falling to debutant left-arm quick Khari Campbell, who picked up the wicket with his sixth delivery.
But Campbell was brought back to earth when he misjudged a skier in a lucky let-off for Jason Roy on 10. Campbell’s confidence was shaken and he succumbed to an assault from a rampaging Parris, who cracked a trio of sixes in the fifth over.
Parris raced to 31 off 9 balls as the Knight Riders continued to soar above the required run rate. He fittingly hit a six to reach his half-century off 20 balls as
the Knight Riders reached triple figures in the ninth over.
But Parris was less assured against vicious short-pitched bowling from Alzarri Joseph and on 54, he gloved a rearing delivery only for wicketkeeper Tim Seifert to fumble the chance after diving forward.
Parris’s momentum was halted and a clever bowling change led to his downfall when spinner Noor Ahmad lured him into a false shot.
Keacy Carty struggled for fluency and in the 17th over, was brilliantly caught by substitute fielder David Wiese, who dived at long on to take a stunner.
The pressure fell on Pollard, who kept his calm with his first CPL half-century since 2021 to leave the local fans once again stunned. (CPLT20)
SCOREBOARD
St Lucia Kings (20 ovs maximum)
Batting R
Faf du Plessis (c) b Waqar Salamkheil 34
Johnson Charles † c Pollard b Narine 29
Shadrack Descarte c †Pooran b Narine 0
Roston Chase not out 56
Bhanuka Rajapaksa c Seales b Pollard 33
Tim Seifert c Hosein b Hinds 11
Matthew Forde st †Pooran b Waqar Salamkheil 11
Extras (lb 4, nb 1, w 8) 13
TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.35) 187/6
Did not bat: Khari Campbell, Aaron Jones, Alzarri Joseph, Noor Ahmad Fall of wickets: 1-40
(Johnson Charles, 3.6 ov), 2-56
(Shadrack Descarte, 5.1 ov), 3-71 (Faf du Plessis, 7.6 ov), 4-151 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 17.4 ov), 5-169 (Tim Seifert, 18.2 ov), 6-187
(Matthew Forde, 19.6 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
4-0-43-0
Akeal Hosein
Jayden Seales 2-0-28-0
Sunil Narine 4-0-13-2
Waqar Salamkheil 4-0-37-2
Terrance Hinds 4-0-40-1
Kieron Pollard 2-0-22-1
Trinbago Knight Riders
(T: 188 runs from 20 ovs)
Batting R
Jason Roy c Campbell b Noor Ahmad 16
Sunil Narine c du Plessis b Campbell 14
Shaqkere Parris c du Plessis b Noor Ahmad 57
Nicholas Pooran † c sub (K Pierre) b Descarte 17 12
Keacy Carty c sub (D Wiese) b Forde 15 22
Kieron Pollard (c) not out 52 19
Andries Gous c Descarte b Forde 1 2
Akeal Hosein not out 5 4
Extras (lb 4, w 8) 12 TOTAL 19.1 Ov (RR: 9.86) 189/6 Did not bat: Jayden Seales, Waqar Salamkheil, Terrance Hinds Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Sunil Narine, 1.5 ov), 2-70 (Jason Roy, 5.2 ov), 3-109 (Nicholas Pooran, 9.3 ov), 4-123 (Shaqkere Parris, 13.2 ov), 5-154 (Keacy
CLASSIFIED ADS
Shaqkere Parris made up for some dropped catches with a blistering innings
Noor Ahmad did his part with the ball again for the Kings
Roston Chase kept the home side going
Kieron Pollard showed his prowess to power the Knight Riders home
Future Warriors “Champion of Champions” Tapeball on this Saturday
Powered by ExxonMobil Guyana, the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament for Primary Schools will meet a new climax as the winners of the three previous tournaments will match prowess in the Champion of Champions edition set for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the iconic Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.
Stella Maris Primary (Demerara); Cropper Primary (Berbice), and Huis T’ Dieren (Essequibo) will be the three participating schools.
The teams will play each other in a double round-robin format, followed by a final in the eight-over-perside contest.
John Ramsingh, speaking on behalf of the tournament’s organisers, FL Sport, expressed his overwhelming appreciation for the continued and
partnership with
Republic Bank CPL…
Hassan Khan replaces Zaman at Falcons …Jones to stay as Gous departs for international duties
Falcons have brought in all-rounder Hassan Khan as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman for the rest of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. Fakhar has re turned home for the Champions OneDay Cup, Pakistan’s newer version of the domestic 50-over competition, which will run from September 12 to 29, clashing with the CPL. Hassan, 25, was born in Karachi and had cap tained Pakistan in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand before he moved to the USA. A left-arm spin ner and a right-hand bat ter, Hassan was the high est wicket-taker for San Francisco Unicorns in MLC 2024 with ten strikes in nine matches at an economy rate of 7.09.
USA international duties
Aaron Jones, the USA Vice
Captain who made a splash during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, will stay with St Lucia Kings for the rest of the CPL while his national team-mate Andries
Gous is set to leave the Trinbago Knight Riders squad for the upcoming ICC CWC League ODI series in Jones is in action in the CPL as a local player through his Barbados passport while the South Africa-born Gous slotted in as a temporary replacement for Tim David at TKR. As such, Gous was signed up for just four games and is now in line for his ODI debut. David, meanwhile, is set to link up with TKR and reunite with his Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard, who is the TKR Captain in the CPL, after participating in three T20Is in England. (ESPNcricinfo)
that based on the success of the other three tournaments, teams will give their all and have fun while competing and hopes the players can transition into clubs or a more structured programme.
Lasawhna Prescott, Community Relations Advisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, expressed the company’s commitment to fostering initiatives that offer youths a platform to develop sportsmanship and camaraderie in a competitive environment.
“This initiative perfectly aligns with our objective of nurturing and empowering the younger generation through sports.”
Like in the previous editions, schools can field both boys and girls on their
teams at their discretion. All matches will be scored live, and the organisers have committed to ensuring that all the teams are dressed appropriately in uniforms and that all their gear, catering, and transportation needs are met.
Apart from another gear bag with numerous pieces of equipment for tapeball cricket, trophies, medals, and equipment/stationery for the schools, the tournament winner will face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a novelty match at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston on Sunday, September 22. The other two teams will also attend and engage in the interactive sessions.
Guyanese chess team boast high expectations for 45th Olympiad
Guyana has fielded a 10-member team for this year’s 45th World Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, set to run from September 10 to 23, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary.
The Guyanese team, comprising five females and five males for the Women’s and Open categories respectively, have high expectations for the biennial event; with a number of players expressing an intention to win their categories.
One such person was team leader Ronuel Greenidge, who spoke about his leadership role and his hopes of Guyana “coming back with something’.
“I haven’t been around for a while, but I still have a wealth of knowledge to assist the team in preparation, and I’m happy with their performance so far and I hope they get more insight. So, when we go there, we could actually walk away with something. You know, you don’t want to just go and participate, you want to actually go and come back with some achievement,” Greenidge explained.
He went on to add, “I don’t have an individual goal, I have a team goal. I would definitely like for the
team to at least win the category. I’m not sure if we’re in the D or the E category, but I hope to win our category. So, that’s one of our goals.”
Echoing similar hopes as Greenidge was another experienced campaigner in National Champion Taffin Khan.
The back- to-back National Champion shared, “I hope we win our category prize this year, we go into the top 100 in the FIDE rankings and achieve the FM [FIDE Master] title this time. The previous time, it was halfpoint away. So, this time I’m hoping to get it.”
Meanwhile, women’s team member Jessica Callender spoke of their preparation, including the opportunity to train with a Women’s Grand Master.
“Preparation for the Olympiad is a combination of what I know personally I want to improve on in my own playing and also like working with the women’s team. For the women’s team, we had a chance to train with a Women’s Grand Master this year to prepare for Olympiad and then our usual coach that we will prepare with while we’re there. So, definitely working really hard,” Callender said about her preparation for the global event.
The Chess Olympiad team feature: WCM Jessica Callender, Aditi Joshi, WCM Sasha Shariff, Ciel Clement, Treskole Archibald, CM Taffin Khan, Keron Sandiford, FM Anthony Drayton, Loris Nathoo and Sachin Pitamber. (G6)
Aaron Jones has prioritised
Hassan Khan in action for San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC
FL Sport’s John Ramsingh (left) collects the ceremonial sponsorship cheque from ExxonMobil Guyana Community Relations Advisor Lasawhna Prescott
Ronuel Greenidge
A look at Guyana’s FIDE Chess Olympiad team
