Opposition attempting to rewrite its role in cybercrime legislation
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, congratulates Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Bernardo del Picó Rubio and his wife
BRIDGE OPENINGS
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Thursday, September 19 – 03:45h-05:15h and Friday, September 20 – 03:45h-05:15h.
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Thursday, September 19 –04:55h-06:25h and Friday, September 20 – 05:40h-07:10h.
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Opposition attempting to rewrite its role in cybercrime legislation
…very provisions Opposition now condemns were inserted by APNU/AFC – Jagdeo
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 17:30h reaching a maximum height of 2.95 metres.
Low Tide: 11:05h and 23:26h reaching minimum heights of 0.33
pposition political parties are attempting to rewrite history regarding their role in the Cybercrime Act of 2018, as they are now seeking to condemn an Act the provisions of which they themselves had crafted and signed into law.
Over the past few weeks, several Opposition members have condemned proposals made by the current People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) government to update the current Cybercrime Act to align it with provisions of the International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes. However, many of the provisions of the Cybercrime Act being condemned by members of the Opposition are provisions created by the APNU+AFC Opposition during their time in Government.
Notwithstanding widespread criticism over several provisions of the Cybercrime Bill before its enactment, then Minister of the Telecommunications, former Chairperson of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Cathy Hughes, supported the then Cybercrime Bill as being “vitally important to people and citizens of all walks of life.”
Yet, in a dramatic shift, both she and her party are now spearheading calls for its repeal, citing concerns over the criminalization of libel and the perceived threats to free speech.
Leader of the AFC, Nigel Hughes, husband of Cathy, has denounced the use of the law in the criminalisation of libel. However, at his weekly press conference last Thursday, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo went to great lengths to remind that the Cybercrime Act and all provisions therein are a creation of the current Opposition, having been enacted with the full backing of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)
and AFC politicians. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has criticized this about-face, arguing that the Opposition's attempts to shift blame for the act's controversial provisions are disingenuous.
“The Act that they passed in 2018…they passed it with the full support of the AFC; not a single dissenting voice,” Jagdeo argued.
He emphasised that the very provisions the Opposition now condemns — criminalizing libel — were inserted by the APNU and AFC themselves.
“Today it is heaped on our doorstep. This is part of the revision of history. They criminalised a civil offence and now say watch how this Government is evil. It was done under APNU. It's an attempt to revise history. This is dishonesty. It absolves them of the crime, and then heaps the crime on the PPP now that we’re trying to pass regulations
consistent with international policies that respect people and do not infringe on their rights. Everything gets distorted in today’s context,” Jagdeo has said. He also noted that attempts to include a sedi-
tion clause were ultimately abandoned due to public pressure, thereby underscoring the complexity of the political landscape surrounding the legislation.
“Nigel Hughes is implying that we intend to make a civil offence into a criminal one. Who passed the Cybercrime Act? If you look at Article 17, 18 and 19 of the Cybercrime Act passed under APNU+AFC in 2018, you will see exactly who
criminalizes libel. In libel, there is a civil remedy, but now it's also a criminal issue. They’re the ones who did this, and then they add in another section about sedition,” Jagdeo reminded.
As the Opposition rallies against the PPPC government's plans, they assert that the current administration is using the Cybercrime Act to intimidate and silence dissenting voices. However, critics point out that the same politicians now voicing concerns had previously ignored widespread criticism of the bill when it was introduced.
The AFC Leader has also called for the Cybercrime Amendments to be in keeping with the Budapest Convention of 2001, as opposed to the UN Cybercrime Convention. However, while both the Budapest Convention and UN Cybercrime Convention address cybercrime, they have different scopes, purposes, and frameworks. The Budapest Convention primarily focuses on the criminalization of offenses related to computer systems, data, and content, while the UN Cybercrime Convention is broader in its scope, and is seeking to establish a global framework for addressing crimes committed through ICT, including but not limited to cybercrime. Moreover, the Budapest Convention focuses on law enforcement and crime prevention, while the UN Cybercrime Convention places more emphasis on striking a balance between fighting cybercrime and protecting human rights, reflecting diverse perspectives of individual UN member states.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Then APNU/AFC’s Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Urgent action & rising HIV/AIDS cases among Caribbean youth
The call by Dr Richard Amenyah of UNAIDS to address the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases among the youth population across the Caribbean is a wake-up call for policymakers. The data from a recent study highlights that young people aged 15 to 24 now account for 27% of new HIV infections in the Caribbean, a staggering 15% increase since 2020. This rise in cases, which is particularly prevalent in countries like Barbados, Suriname and Guyana, reflects a troubling trend that demands immediate attention.
This rise among youths is not merely a health issue, but a reflection of deeper societal challenges. As Dr Amenyah points out, several factors drive this epidemic, including social norms, policy barriers, and limited access to healthcare services. Many adolescents engage in high-risk sexual behaviours, often influenced by a lack of proper education and knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention. The situation is exacerbated by the widespread social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, further discouraging young people from seeking information or treatment.
Despite significant advances in HIV treatment and prevention over the years, the Caribbean’s younger generation is being left behind. One major reason is the absence of comprehensive sexuality education in schools. Adolescents are not being equipped with the knowledge they need to protect themselves, leading to risky behaviours based on myths and misconceptions about the virus. Moreover, there are few youth-friendly healthcare services where young people can access confidential and non-discriminatory sexual health services.
To reverse this trend, Caribbean governments must take bold and immediate steps. Investments in health systems should focus on creating youth-friendly environments within healthcare facilities, ensuring that services are accessible, confidential, and responsive to the unique needs of adolescents.
Additionally, mental health support for young people living with HIV is woefully inadequate. The emotional burden they carry, compounded by social isolation and fears about their future, underscores the need for comprehensive mental health services tailored to their specific circumstances. This must become a priority for healthcare systems across the region.
New technologies provide opportunities to reach young people in innovative ways. Social media, telemedicine, and mobile health apps can play an instrumental role in educating adolescents about HIV prevention and treatment. Policymakers should seize this opportunity to engage the youths where they are online, and use digital platforms to dismantle the barriers to HIV education and healthcare.
Ultimately, ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, a goal endorsed by regional and global leaders, would only be possible if we act now. The rising HIV/AIDS rates among young people in the Caribbean are a clear sign that we are not doing enough. Governments, health officials, and civil society must unite in a renewed effort to address this epidemic head-on by implementing comprehensive sexuality education, expanding access to youth-friendly services, and removing the stigma and policy roadblocks that stand in the way of a healthier future for the region’s youths.
To effectively combat the rise in HIV/AIDS among Caribbean youths, comprehensive action must go beyond health services. Policymakers need to foster cross-sector collaboration, integrating education, social services, and community outreach to create a holistic response. Schools should be at the forefront of this movement, implementing robust sexuality education curricula that equip students with accurate, science-based information about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This education should challenge harmful myths and misconceptions, fostering a culture of openness and understanding rather than fear and stigma.
Further, community-based organisations, especially youthled groups, play an important role in reaching young people, and these organizations, often more trusted by youths, can help bridge the gap between health services and the young people who need them. Encouraging peer education programmes can further empower adolescents to become advocates for their own health, creating ripple effects that positively impact their peers. Public health campaigns must also leverage media effectively, utilising all platforms most frequented by young people — social media and mobile apps.
Bloodied, humiliated and knocked off guard by deadly pager warfare
– what will Hezbollah do next?
By Lina KhatiB
The extraordinary September 17 pager attack in Lebanon, followed by Wednesday’s walkie-talkie attack, constitute the biggest security breach that Hezbollah has encountered in its history. The attacks – widely attributed to Israel’s Mossad agency though not yet officially claimed by Israel –present a serious dilemma for Hezbollah. They add to the pressure on the group to retaliate against Israel but at the same time severely limit its military options. The attacks also deal a blow to Hezbollah’s morale and credibility as an armed group purporting to possess high security standards.
Hezbollah can no longer claim to be impenetrable when it comes to its security. For decades, the group presented observing secrecy in its operations and communications network as necessary for its role in supporting Lebanon’s defence. This is why it insisted on having a telecommunications network that is completely separate from the national grid. It is also why Hezbollah defended its clandestine activities in Beirut’s port and airport. It has been importing and exporting goods through those public facilities as well as across Lebanon’s border with Syria without any supervision or intervention by Lebanon’s state authorities.
To minimise the likelihood of exposure, Hezbollah often had oversight over the whole process of ac-
quiring or selling goods in Lebanon, including weapons and drugs. It also dealt swiftly with the discovery of any infiltrators within its ranks. The group exercises high surveillance in its areas of influence in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa valley and Beirut. Such measures conveyed the image of a group running a security state within the Lebanese state.
The pager and walkie-talkie attacks have shattered this image. They have shown that Hezbollah is vulnerable to Israeli interception of not just its communications network but also its supply chain. With such a high level of exposure, the group will be carefully calculating its next steps against Israel. There will also be widespread paranoia within the group regarding what else Israel may have been able to sabotage. This in turn lowers morale among Hezbollah’s ranks.
The level of disarray caused by the pager attack comes on top of existing concern within Hezbollah regarding Israeli surveillance. Since last October, Israel has been persistently targeting hundreds of its officers and commanders across southern and eastern Lebanon, and even in Beirut. Those personnel have been killed by Israeli strikes not just on the battlefield but also in houses and cars. After Hezbollah identified that Israel was able to track its movements through mobile phones, it instructed its operatives to
shift to pagers instead on the basis that the less sophisticated technology meant safer communication.
Hezbollah has repeatedly vowed to exact revenge on Israel for its attacks on the group, but even Israel’s assassination of a top commander, Fuad Shukr, did not spark any serious retaliation. This is partly because it is not in Hezbollah’s interests to engage in action that could lead to full-on war with Israel, and partly because security vulnerability limits its ability to plan military activities. The pager attack has underlined that the level of this vulnerability is far greater than Hezbollah anticipated. It has virtually paralysed its military arsenal. After all, any military plan would necessitate the use of communication tools, and Hezbollah’s have been shown to be compromised.
Israel has the option of using Hezbollah’s heightened weakness to conduct a large-scale military operation against the group in southern Lebanon. But Israel will not necessarily go down that route, because it would not be beneficial. Hezbollah is used to fighting against Israel militarily and can withstand a great deal of loss in that regard: it can later rebuild its arsenal, as it did after its last war with Israel in 2006. These attacks, however, act as a deterrent in lieu of military action.
Their success will benefit the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, politically. Netanyahu has been under a lot of public pres-
sure to secure Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. He can claim these attacks as a spectacular concrete step towards achieving that goal. Meanwhile, Israel is carrying on with its military attacks on southern Lebanon at the same pace as before September 17, which indicates that this week’s attacks are a standout incident and not part of a wider shift in strategy.
The attacks also undermine Hezbollah’s exceptional status in Lebanon as the country’s only armed entity other than the Lebanese Armed Forces. Hezbollah has been using this status to bolster its political standing in the country. The operational paralysis brought about by Israel opens the door to eventual political loss.
All those challenges put Hezbollah under unprecedented pressure, as it will want to salvage its political standing in Lebanon and retain credibility in its fight with Israel. While the next moves in the conflict are uncertain, Israel has already deeply humiliated Hezbollah, which shrinks the group’s space for manoeuvre. But as long as there is no ceasefire deal to end the Gaza conflict, the possibility of both Israel and Hezbollah eventually expanding the scope of their battles remains on the table. (The Guardian) (Lina Khatib is director of the Soas Middle East Institute and associate fellow at the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House)
A partial lunar eclipse is seen over a residential building in Moscow, Russia (Reuters)
NY Guyanese Hindus in Ganesh Procession in Richmond Hill
Dear Editor,
Hundreds of Guyanese and other Indo-Caribbean Hindus participated in Lord Ganesh Mahotsav or Utsav processions on Sunday and Monday afternoon on Liberty Avenue in Queens, to celebrate appearance of the deity and to mark the end of the festival that is also known as Ganesh Chaturthi.
The festival was introduced in the greater Richmond Hill area by Guyanese and other Caribbean Hindus.
Ganesha is a God worshipped by Hindus at every prayer (Jhandi), and he is the first to be invoked. In Hinduism, there is only one God or Goddess, and that deity is worshipped under different names. Ganesha is first to be mentioned in a puja because he has the power to clear obstacles and bring fortune and peace.
The Ganesh festival and events held under its auspices brought people to-
gether from all walks of life in a fervent display of joy in the procession and praying at the temples. Hindu pilgrims came from various parts of the city to join one of two processions late on Monday afternoon – one organized by Tulsi Mandir of 111 Street, and the other by Grace of Divine.
Grace of Divine also held a procession with a murthi of the deity on the first night of the festival, and again on Sunday afternoon. Grace of Divine also held a nightly discourse on Ganesha, reading from the Hindu scriptures from Thursday, September 5, thru Monday, September 16, at the Cheddi Jagan empty ground on Pandit Ramlall Street, 133rd Street, off Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill.
Tulsi Mandir also held a nightly discourse during the same period, at its headquarters on Tulsi Mandir Street, or 111 Street, off Liberty Ave.
On Sunday, Grace of Divine followers marched from 121 Street to 133 Street. On Monday, the procession started at 133rd Street and concluded on Cross Bay Blvd in Howard Beach, over the bridge on Rockaway Beach, a few miles away.
The Tulsi Mandir procession started at 111 Street, from the mandir, and ended up on Rockaway Beach, where puja (rituals) was performed.
Hundreds joined the processions, and traffic jams ensued. This is the 11th annual procession for Tulsi and the third for Grace of Divine.
The processions included Hindu bhajans or songs, with a Ganesh murthi atop an open trailer and a van called a yatra (people following the moving Ganesh murthi). Songs accompanied by music blared out, and followers also sang along in a chorus or kirtan. Celebrants clapped, danced,
and chanted mantras as the Ganesh yatra made its way on Liberty Ave and on Rockaway Beach, where the clay murthi was immersed in the water for dissolution, a rite called Visarjna.
The immersion of the murthi in the water was explained by a community leader from another temple. “When the clay dissolves in the water, the energy of Ganesha is spread all over, floating across the oceans to bless the entire universe.”
The festival was held over eleven days, concluding on Monday. Ganesh Chaturthi festival was brought to America and other parts of the Indian Hindu diaspora by IndoCaribbean (Guyanese and other) Hindus. The festival is observed on a grand scale with tassa, prayers, chanting, and rituals.
The festival was observed by Indo-Caribbean mandirs all over the USA and in Canada, although
Election fraud case charade is a disgrace for Guyana
Dear Editor,
Here we go again! The criminal trial involving the alleged perverse actions of several former election officials who are accused of fraud during the 2020 General Elections: former GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former Returning Officer for District Four, Clairmont Mingo; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; former Minister Volda Lawrence, APNU+AFC’s Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph; and former GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Liven, Michelle Miller and Denise Babb-Cummings, and their alleged utilization of false spreadsheets and bedsheets to brazenly steal the government, has been
postponed for yet an additional 45 days.
This further delay of another 45 days -- until October 31, 2024 -- follows more extended sick leave for the presiding magistrate, Leron Daly, who “remains unable to return to court due to illness.”
Those in charge of the judiciary are doing an injustice to the public and to the laws they were sworn to uphold, and this malpractice and betrayal of the public trust must stop. They should take a deep look at their consciences, and if their actions or omissions are influenced by political or non-judicial considerations, then they must resign, and stop obtaining salaries on the backs of the Guyanese people.
This case speaks vol-
umes about the state of the judiciary and justice in Guyana, and its lack of independence and separation from the other branches of government, as is required in all democracies - the ex-
ecutive and the legislature. This is real obstruction of justice!
Sincerely, Albert Baldeo, NY, USA
only a few in Queens held nightly discourses. It coincides with the end of summer and concludes on the eve of the Pitri Paksh (starting on Wednesday), a two-week period of praying for the souls of the departed and paying tribute to their contributions to society.
After Pitri Paksh, a period of remembrance of the departed, comes Navratri, followed by Ram Leela and Dussehra and Diwali.
Ganesha Chaturthi celebrates the appearance of Lord Ganesh, and is one of the most colourful festivals of Hindus. Not very popular in Guyana, it has become very popular in New York and Florida, among Guyanese and other Hindus.
The locations for the two nightly programmes were jam-packed with worshippers. Dinner was served nightly, and on Sunday, lunch and hot and cold drinks were served as well.
The high point of the festival was the street procession. The procession began with offerings inside the temples, praying for good tidings in the coming year and invocations and chanting of mantras at the start of the procession. Ganesh murthi was taken on a chariot and pa-
raded on the avenue with loud music. At conclusion of the procession, some three miles away, there were further invocations before removal of the temple on the chariot and a ground puja on the beach before immersion of the murthi in the water.
Along the parade route on Liberty Avenue, volunteers handed out sweets (ladoo) to onlookers and passersby. Roads were closed off, facilitated by NY regular police and auxiliary officers, several being Indian Guyanese from the greater Richmond Hill community. Many people stopped what they were doing and took on the procession, attracted by the music and dancing, curiously querying what it was about. It is a religious fair open to all, regardless of background. The organizers of the processions invited onlookers to join, and they welcomed people. There was much jubilation, with people dancing in the street, some barefooted. By partaking in the festivities, they celebrated their Hindu faith, and came together as a community far from the homeland of Guyana or from the Caribbean.
Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Module test Page Foundation
Complete the following test items
1) Which of the following triangles is obtuse? __________
Right-angled? __________ acute? __________
2) Calculate the following expression:
4 + (8 – 3)3 + 5(3 + 2) – 5 (5)
3) Write the following number using scientific notation: 3,356,725.0094
4) Manny collects postcards and stamps. His collection consists of 3 postcards and 1 stamp from New York, 5 postcards and 2 stamps from Florida and 4 postcards and 3 stamps from Georgia. If each postcard costs US$1 and each stamp US$0.55, how much did Manny spend on his collection. If the exchange rate is US$1 = $208 Guyana dollars, how much did Manny spend on his collection in local currency?
Starch is among the most important carbohydrates, so this test is also called the carbohydrate test (though not all carbs are starches) due to oversimplification. Starches are made of polysaccharide and glucoside, and they are generally found as food reserves in plants ‒ in roots or seeds. The most common examples of plant starch reserves are potato, rice and wheat ‒ our main bulk of food. You will also find plenty of prepared foodstuff rich with starch, like bread or biscuits.
5) Which of the following angles is obtuse? __________
Right? __________
acute? __________
Iodine Test for Starch
We will use biscuits today.
Materials required: Test tubes
Dropper
Small beaker (50 ml)
Iodine solution
Food sample (a biscuit in this case)
Method
How to perform the iodine starch test
Take a little part of the biscuit (just a pinch) and crush it thoroughly.
Put it in a test tube and
add some distilled water (plain water will work as well). About 3-4 ml should suffice. Shake well to make a suspended solution. Our liquid looks cloudy white. Take a little bit of iodine solution in a clean dropper, and pour 2-3 drops of it into the test tube.
The liquid inside the test tube should start changing colour immediately. Depending upon the concentration of the sample, you should be able to see a bluish-black or almost black
colour. This indicates the presence of starch.
Explanation of the iodine test Iodine solution is generally yellow or amber coloured. When it comes into contact with starch-like compounds, the smaller iodine atoms slip into the larger starch molecules. They have a complicated relationship. Anyway, these starch-iodine complex molecules look blackish blue ‒ that is the colour you see in the tube. (labkafe.com)
By Ovid
But in that moment, as the blade hangs
Poised for the first downstroke, shudderings
Swarm through the whole tree, to its outermost twigs
And a groan bursts from the deep grain. At the same time
Every bough goes grey––every leaf Whitens, and every acorn whitens.
Then the blade bites and the blood leaps
As from the neck of a great bull when it drops Under the axe at the altar. Everybody stares paralysed. Only one man protests. The Thessalian Erysichthon turns with eyes stretched Incredulous. “Your pious cares,” he bellows, “Are misplaced.” And he follows That first swing at the oak with another
At the protester’s neck, whose head
Spins through the air and bounces.
WORD SEARCH:
Chile’s 214th Independence
Guyana eyes deeper collaboration with Chile on investments, energy, and food security …other
areas to be explored at upcoming bilateral
Guyana and Chile having shared 53 years of diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips has expressed Guyana’s wish to collaborate with this Spanish-speaking country on a number of areas, including investments, energy and food security.
Chile celebrated its 214th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday evening during a reception held at the Marriott Hotel, and Prime Minister Phillips used that opportunity to extend congratulations to Chilean President Gabriel Boric and the people of Chile on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana.
According to Prime Minister Phillips, Guyana has already formed a strong partnership with Chile in a number of different forums, such as the
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the United Nations (UN).
“Our collaboration has extended across various platforms — bilateral, regional, and international —allowing us to pursue issues of common interest as members of CELAC, the Brazilian Consensus, and through the CARICOM-Chile mechanism, as well as at the UN. Together, we have advanced programmes for the economic and social development of our countries,” Prime Minister Phillips detailed.
Lauding Chile’s contributions to human resource development in the fields of geological mapping, maritime training, and linguistic skills, Phillips noted that Guyana is eager to strengthen its collaboration with Chile, and revealed that consultations would be upcom-
ing on key areas that include trade, investment, environmental protection, agriculture, maritime issues, mining, and energy.
“The relations between our two countries stand on the foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and trust. We share a strong adherence to principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes and cooperation among states,” he declared.
“Like Chile, Guyana remains committed to the principles of democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law, and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. These, we believe, are critical elements to the maintenance of peace and security across our region,” Phillips has said.
In the area of agriculture, the Prime Minister pointed out that Guyana is already considered a leader in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) when it comes to food security. In particular, he said, the 25 by 2025 initiative which seeks to reduce food imports into the region by 25 per cent by 2025 is the brainchild of President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
According to Phillips, Guyana welcomes the potential for further collaboration with Chile when it comes to agriculture.
“Guyana, as lead for
talks
Caricom on this initiative, continues to advocate for food and nutrition security in the region. Our Government welcomes collaborative efforts and partnerships which can build the necessary capacity to meet the rising need for expertise in the technological advancement and resilience of this sector,” he declared.
The Prime Minister also addressed shared climate challenges such as forest fires and drought, stressing the need for joint efforts to combat these issues, especially their impact on food security.
Additionally, Chile’s efforts to advance regional integration across South America was mentioned. When it comes to democracy, good governance, and economic growth, the Prime Minister noted, these two countries share similar commitments.
The Prime Minister also laid out Guyana’s overall development strategy, particularly regarding improving healthcare, education and infrastructure, and reducing the cost of living.
“Our Government is committed to a holistic development
strategy that addresses national aspirations, providing improved access to healthcare, education, water, social services, and infrastructure while working to reduce the cost of living,” he detailed.
Prime Minister Phillips was joined at the reception by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; and by other Cabinet members and members of the private sector and diplomatic community. Guyana and Chile established diplomatic relations on July 22, 1971. (G3)
Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Bernardo del Picó Rubio addressing the gathering
Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips
Fire destroys 2 homes, 11 homeless …woman suspected of
Two families of Lots 6 and 7 Lamaha Park Reserve in Georgetown are now homeless after a devastating fire destroyed their homes on Wednesday morning.
The blaze, which reportedly began at around 02:30h, is suspected to have been deliberately set by a young woman who had been living at the property. In total, 11 people, including two children and an elderly woman, have been displaced.
When Guyana Times arrived at the scene on Wednesday afternoon, a neighbour, Ms Otoley Whyte, confirmed that one of the affected homes had contained several apartments, and the suspect had been residing in the front unit.
arson
stealing her phone. She claimed the boy had borrowed the phone to make a call, but had ridden off on his bike and had failed to return the instrument.
When the young woman confronted the boy in the presence of his father, the boy denied the accusation and an argument erupted, during which the woman threatened to burn down the house if her phone was not returned to her.
"I was sleeping, and I jumped out of my sleep with this young lady rowing about her phone," Whyte recalled. "She came and she was crying and pelting the house, saying the man's son borrowed her phone and rode away with it. She even said she would burn
According to Whyte, the incident started at around 01:10h, when the young woman accused the son of another resident of
the police, but the woman refused, citing a previous altercation involving her girlfriend.
“She told me that she had a matter at the station because
down the house," Whyte disclosed.
Whyte said she urged the woman to report the matter to
she brick down her girlfriend’s house…and hit the girl’s daughter in the head. She didn’t want to go to the police station,”
Whyte explained. Eventually, Whyte was able to calm the woman down, and she had gone back inside the house.
”Fire! Fire!”
Less than an hour later, Whyte said, she heard screams. "I heard them hitting the house shouting, ‘Fire! Fire!’ and I jumped up and pulled my blind. I saw flames coming through her apartment. This is just after she told us (that) if she didn’t get back her phone, she would burn down the house with the boy's father inside," Whyte explained.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the woman walking away from the scene.
“A young man said he saw the girl walking up the road, and when he asked where she was going, she said, ‘On the road.’ She even asked him if he saw any fire,” Whyte added.
The woman had also allegedly handed over important documents to another neighbour, to whom she had confessed that she had burned down the house.
Despite the boy’s denial that he had stolen the phone, several people confirmed that the young man had indeed used the woman’s phone earlier that day.
“His girlfriend said he called her six times with the girl’s number,” Whyte said.
Injuries
Meanwhile, Kassa Hodge, a resident of Lot 6, sustained burns while attempting to save his home. He managed to escape the fire, but suffered injuries to his legs, arms, and abdomen.
“I was in my bed and heard an argument over a phone, then went back to sleep,” Hodge said. “Shortly after, I heard people shouting, ‘Throw water! Throw water!’ When I looked, I saw flames coming from the side of the next house. I picked up a bucket and started throwing water, but it wasn’t doing anything. I had no chance to save anything," he disclosed.
Hodge, who had shared the home with his brother, a mechanic, has said they suffered losses amounting to millions.
“My brother had a lot of bikes in the yard. We had seven or eight battery bikes, and all burned up. I was trying to save the house when I saw a gas bottle blow up. I barely made it out like a movie. Same time, all the wires were bursting,” he explained.
Hodge described the toll the fire has taken on his family: “I am in physical and mental pain. All our documents, all the children's school things, burn up. We just want to get back on our feet, because we have children to get back to school. This is really sad and cruel.”
The suspect remained on the run as of Wednesday evening, but an investigation has been launched.
Securing…
…our security
It’s reported that Pressie held some discussions with US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer over the phone. They discussed – it was said – “ongoing efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship, and reaffirm the commitment of Guyana and the US to advance regional security, democracy and stability.” Inter alia, they also discussed Mad Maduro’s elections fraud and fallout.
The question in your Eyewitness’s mind is: What concrete steps will be taken to deal with this issue?
This discussion was a follow-up to the first-ever GuyanaUnited States Strategic Dialogue, held virtually last July between a large US team and our Foreign Secretary’s team. Apart from “ideas for advancing the bilateral economic agenda, underscoring the need for good governance and institutional strengthening,” – yawn!! - your Eyewitness was interested in the “pledge for continued defence and security cooperation”. With the latter in mind, he would hope that discussion on Mad Maduro addressed the clear and present danger he presents, not only to our security, but to the security of the entire region, after his crackdown to still Opposition protests against his rigging.
Point of the matter is that the Strategic Dialogue was held just before Maduro’s July 28 elections, and the US representatives were all hot and sweaty about their government’s commitment to “democracy” and “good governance” within the US historic hemispheric interests. But after – as your Eyewitness had predicted – Mad Maduro had thumbed his nose at their “Barbados Agreement” and had massively rigged the elections, the US haven’t even been huffing and puffing!! They made an equivocal call – along with Brazil – for proof of the “electoral victory” to be produced, then watched as Mad Maduro used the armed forces and other state institutions to launch a massive crackdown on the Opposition. The latter’s presidential leader had to flee to Spain and seek asylum to escape the arrest warrant issued for him!!
With the US keeping the status quo on the licence given to Chevron to continue extracting oil in Venezuela, their actions to sanction several state officials – such as the head of the Elections Committee – aren’t even a slap on the wrist. Chevron’s oil that’s shipped to the US doesn’t just help to keep Mad Maduro’s illegal regime afloat, but signals to the dictator that the US are more swayed by the short-term benefits of keeping oil flowing than the long-term stability of the region being threatened by his machinations!! Refugees, drug transshipment, blood gold, cross-border criminal syndicatos, and chaos in Venezuela are only some of those threats!!
While there’s been some US SouthCom exercises in collaboration with our armed forces, we gotta proceed by hoping for the best while preparing for the worst – which is that we may be on our own.
Continue strengthening our forces to deter Mad Maduro!!
…political support
Your Eyewitness has been mulling over the short shrift given by the Leader of the Opposition (LOO) to the initiative by his party’s Reg 10 political leader, Jermaine Figueira, to engage in social work among his constituents. Seems he was expected to do only “political” work!! But exactly what does this mean??
A political party in a democracy is supposed to be concerned with persuading the most folks to vote for it at elections. Isn’t addressing their social needs gonna positively sway their voting decisions??
One assumes that by “political”, the LOO might’ve wanted Figueira to be bad mouthing the PPP – economic genocide; apartheid government; racist etc, etc - to keep their supporters from switching. Negative politics… which doesn’t improve the lot of the supporters, but just leaves them more aggrieved!
Gandhi, who knew a thing or two about political mobilization, once said, “No one can ride on the back of a man, unless it is bent”.
Seems that most Opposition Leaders prefer riding their supporters.
…electoral integrity
This magistrate hearing the elections fraud petition against the GECOM officials has postponed the trial for months - claiming she’s ill. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, because of the urgency of the matter, can’t a substitute be appointed??
The injuries Kassa Hodge sustained as a result of the fire
The aftermath of the fire in Lamaha Gardens
HIV/AIDS cases surge 15% in 3 years among young people in Caribbean
…Guyana, Suriname, Barbados lead in new cases
Policymakers across the Caribbean have been urged to accelerate management and mitigation efforts against the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), as cases continue to rise among the young population.
The call was issued on Wednesday by Public Health
Specialist at the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), Dr Richard Amenyah, following completion of a comprehensive study on the region’s status.
A release issued on the matter indicated that young people who are 15 to 24 years old accounted for 28 per cent of new HIV infections in 2023, while, in the
Caribbean, this age cohort accounted for 27 per cent of the 15,000 new infections. This represents a 15 per cent increase from 2020.
This rising proportion of total HIV incidence among young people ranges from 14 per cent in Suriname and Guyana to 37 per cent in Barbados.
Dr Amenyah highlighted that the figures warrant
further investigation and serious attention if the region is to collectively end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Further, he explained that several factors are driving the epidemic among adolescents and youth, noting that HIV prevention and testing among adolescents and young people have been particularly challenging due to factors such as social norms, vulnerability, high-risk sexual behaviours, policy barriers, limited access to healthcare services, and poor care-seeking behaviours.
“The lack of comprehensive knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment increases risky sexual behaviour, fuelled by myths and misconceptions about the virus. Many schools lack comprehensive sexuality education, and there are few youth-friendly facilities within or outside health
care settings to engage and educate young people about HIV,” the UNAIDS specialist noted.
In a bid to better address the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, Dr Amenyah suggested that policymakers devise plans that would reshape adolescents’ understanding on the illness and help them to be well informed about its effects on the body, so that they can desist from engaging in risky behaviours.
He also urged governments to remove all policy and legal bottlenecks, and increase domestic health investments to deliver youth-friendly services to meet the needs of young people.
“The mental health of young people living with HIV must not be overlooked,” he said, adding that many experience feelings of isolation, anxiety about their future, and concerns about living a fulfilling life.
“Unfortunately, mental health services tailored to the needs of HIV-positive youth are often limited. However, advances in medical technology and digital platforms present new opportunities for engaging young people in HIV prevention and treatment. Social media, telemedicine, and mobile health apps have been instrumental in disseminating information and connecting young people with essential services. Access to these services is essential to fostering the health, well-being and dignity for all; hence, removal of these barriers and ensuring the services are youth-friendly should be prioritized. In fact, this must warrant deliberate health policy and strategy to reach young people, wherever they are, with high quality, confidential and non-discriminatory HIV and sexual reproductive health services,” he added.
Evaluation of bids for oil blocks’ seismic survey to be completed this year
…contract to be awarded by year end
The Government is moving to finalise the evaluation of companies that expressed interest in conducting seismic surveys of offshore oil blocks in June 2024, and there are plans to award the contract by the end of this year.
In an effort to encourage more companies to explore for oil and bid for blocks, the Government had announced plans to undertake a 3D seismic survey. As a matter of fact, the Government had, in June 2024, issued a tender seeing expressions of interest from companies to do the survey. According to the 2024 Mid-Year Report, of the eight companies that expressed an interest, seven were asked to submit proposals to the Government.
The report states that the evaluation of these seven proposals is expected to be completed in the second half of this year. It goes further to state that the contract is also expected to be awarded by year-end.
It had been explained in the notice issued by the Natural Resources Ministry (MNRE) that the state is seeking a reputable and experienced firm to conduct a “3D Multi-Client Seismic Survey” in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offshore Guyana. According to the Government, the firm
that is eventually contracted would be required to acquire, process, and interpret the 3D seismic data with a view to paving the way for exploration and development of oil and gas resources offshore.
Additionally, the firm would be required to ensure “high-quality seismic data is available for effective evaluation during future bidding and licensing rounds.”
The MNRE had also noted that, for a firm to be eligible for the assignment, it must “be an internationally recognized firm with prior experience successfully completing three similar assignments/contracts at least 12 years prior to the application submission deadline.”
At a previous press conference, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had said that once the prequalification process is completed, the bidders must submit proposals for the project. He had also assured that the study would come at no cost to the Government.
“We went out the last auction without any 3D seismic study, so we didn’t have much data for the areas. When you have less data, people don’t put in great bids, so they don’t know what is there, they can’t interpret the data,” he had said. “We are hoping that [for] all of the unallocated areas, we may have the 3D seismic studies done
by these people. They do it, we don’t have to pay for it, because it’s a very costly exercise, and they can share the data with us and sell it to the clients,” Jagdeo had further explained.
Repository
Meanwhile, arrangements for a data repository, to hold all historical and current data on Guyana’s oil industry, is also expected to be finalized by this year- end. American firm Haliburton had submitted a US$1.8million bid for this contract.
Currently, Guyana stores its oil sector data overseas. Once in country, however, the Government would have greater autonomy over the sale of data to companies for purposes such as the oil bid rounds.
Earlier this year, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had explained that hosting the data repository in-country would not only provide job opportunities, but also generate revenue for the country.
“Many countries producing oil don’t have a data repository in their own country after four or five years. After four years [of producing oil], we are already moving towards establishing our own data repository in the country,” Bharrat had said.
“It’s a very lucrative investment or assignment that we’re taking on, because it’s not only spending money to set up the data repository; it is about getting our people to work there, and to sell that data to companies that will come and seek to do exploration in Guyana. It’s worth a lot of money.”
A petroleum data repository is a centralized storage and management system that hosts data for explora-
tion, production, and distribution of petroleum and natural gas. It serves as a hub for various types of oil-related information, including seismic data, drilling records, and reservoir engineering data.
Both the seismic survey and the repository are important elements of future bid rounds. At present, Government is finalizing the bid round that occurred last year. Last year’s auction concluded with 14 oil blocks on
offer within the country’s shallow and deep-water areas.
During the bidding round, eight blocks were shortlisted based on the bidders’ ability to meet the criteria of the expected work programme and the required financial commitments. Six companies were awarded oil blocks, among them a woman-owned Guyanese company, Sispro Inc., which secured two blocks. (G3)
Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone
Father, son and daughter among 60 BIT graduates
Atotal of 60 residents who hail from several communities across Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) on Wednesday received certificates after completing several technical programmes offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
These graduates have earned certification in a range of fields, including general building construction, welding and fabrication, electrical installation, information technology, motor vehicle servicing, air conditioning repair, and refrigeration.
This achievement highlights BIT’s commitment to enhancing employability and
technical skills that are crucial for success in today's competitive job market.
Among the graduates were three members of the Lewis Family: father Jermaine Lewis, son Daniel Lewis, and daughter Desha Lewis, who, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), have all been certified in welding and fabrication. The rigorous four-month BIT programme has transformed their existing business by enhancing their skills, and they can now deliver superlative services across the region.
According to the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) the father Jermaine Lewis highlighted that, due to the robust
training, he is now able to improve the standard of his business.
He said, "Before joining the programme, our work could be considered 'streetstyle' welding. The training taught us advanced techniques and styles that have significantly improved our business. I am grateful for this opportunity, and it is even more special to share this achievement with my children, who will continue and expand our family business."
Daniel and Desha have echoed their father's sentiments by expressing their appreciation for the skills gained and stating how much they
participating in the programme. Their new-
expertise has greatly refined their abilities and contributed to their business success.
Notably, 20 graduates have already secured job positions with reputable companies, or have launched their own businesses, showcasing the immediate impact of BIT's training on their careers. This success underscores BIT’s dedication to empowering Guyanese citizens with the skills necessary for socio-economic advancement in both the region and the country.
The graduation ceremony, held at Riverside Hall in Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, marked a pivotal moment in the graduates' journey toward personal and professional growth. In attendance was Chief Executive Officer of BIT, Richard Maughn; Technical Officer Devika Ramsewak; Chairman of Lust-en-Rust Community Development Council (CDC), Mitchroy Garnett; and other officials, all of whom offered words of encouragement and congratulation.
Government has, since 2020, invested a total of
$1.2 billion in various training programmes being administered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT); and since August 2020, over 12,500 persons countrywide have been trained in different fields as a result of direct investments being made by the Government.
The Board of Industrial Training is responsible for promoting and facilitating technical and vocational education and training. Its primary goal is to enhance the skills of the workforce to meet the demands of various industries.
Completed feasibility study on local law school handed over to CLE
Government has completed a feasibility study for the establishment of a law school locally, according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC. That study has been handed over to the Council for Legal Education (CLE), a regional organisation which operates the Hugh Wooding Law School in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, and the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas. Nandlall said the report was handed over last week, during a meeting of the CLE.
“They were impressed with the preliminary report. They expressed gratitude, and congratulated us for presenting excellent report,” he said.
He added that the CLE has appointed a high-level subcommittee “to move the process forward.” This sub-committee comprises Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC; Justice Liesel Weekes, SC, Chairperson of the CLE; Reginald Armour, SC, Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago; Justice Louise Blenman, Chief Justice of Belize;
and Jacqueline SamuelsBrowne, a member of the CLE. Jamaican lawyer Dr Lloyd Barnett would also be added to the sub-committee.
Nandlall disclosed that a meeting of this sub-committee would be held shortly.
For nearly three decades, Guyana has been trying to establish a law school within its jurisdiction, because its law students are forced to attend the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, where only the 25 top students are allowed each year into the programme. Under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition Administration,
attempts had been made to establish the Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes Law School, but the CLE had not been approached about the project initially, and when permission had eventually been sought, it was denied in late 2017.
Back in September 2022, the CLE had approved a new proposal from Guyana to set up its own law school. The CLE had subsequently outlined the requirements that the country needed to fulfil, including conduct of the feasibility study.
The Government had also announced that that school would be established at the Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown campus of the University of Guyana.
had enjoyed
found
Daniel, Jermaine and Desha Lewis standing alongside BIT’s CEO, Richard Maughn
1 month until closure
Govt still awaiting arrival of ITEL management team
With only one month remaining before IteL Guyana ceases its local operations, the Government of Guyana is still awaiting the arrival of the business process outsourcing (BPO) company’s management team, which is currently overseas.
About a week ago, IteL had announced that, after much thought, it would cease operating in Guyana by November 30, and the official shutdown of its Georgetown office has been slated for December 31, 2024. The result of this closure would result in more than 400 workers losing their jobs, and the financial support system ceasing to be.
In a telephone discussion with this publication on Wednesday, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton revealed that the IteL management team had not indicated exactly when it would arrive in Guyana, but the principals have been engaged through virtu-
Hamilton disclosed. In addition to ensuring that the affected workers at the call centre are properly compensated, Hamilton said, Government would assist in finding alternative employment or training opportunities for them.
Minister Hamilton explained that the data to be provided by the IteL company would play a vital role is helping Government to identify suitable jobs for each individual.
“We'll be in a better po-
assured that the sector’s overall health remains robust, so much so that the Government is even focusing on a shift from traditional call centre services to more sophisticated back-office processing operations. Ramsaroop, whose remarks were issued days after the IteL announcement, has noted that this transition aligns with Government’s strategy to move towards higher-value services that demand more specialised skills.
al mediums and they are aware of what is required of them.
“We are waiting on the principals. As I understand it from the local management here, they are there to come into Guyana. We have (had) preliminary conversations with them (local management here), so when the principals of the company come, then we'll have the discussions with them. That is (the position taken by) the Chief Legal Officer (of the company). We have requested from them the information regarding the persons: how many persons, the names of the persons, their salaries, and what are their likely benefits,” he detailed.
“Of course, we have to give them some time, because that was just last week; but they didn't give a definitive time when the principals of the company will be in Guyana,”
sition when we have the data. Right now, I (wouldn’t) have the Ministry of Labour advise Government (in this regard); we are not in a position to do that. We heard that it’s about 400 persons, but we don't know; we have to validate that via documentation. Secondly, we have to know how long people were working, and that would determine their termination benefits. And so some people might be in a better position than others,” he added.
IteL Guyana opened its doors over three years ago with plans to expand the country’s telecommunication and services sector. The company has since indicated that its closure is resulting from its inability to operate in Guyana amid the country’s unprecedented economic growth.
Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Its Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop, has
In August this year, it was announced that $2 billion had been injected in the local BPO sector as the Guyana Government aims to create 15,000 jobs in that sector by the end of next year.
The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) has said that President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to advancing the BPO sector began to take shape with the implementation of fiscal incentives and various forms of support, such as skills development in the labour force. According to Go-Invest, the $2 billion was invested into constructing readymade call centre shells, strategically located across the country in such places as Region Two, Region Five, Region Six, Tuschen, Enmore and Linden. This infrastructural development has been complemented by training programmes for new recruits and by enhancing ICT literacy.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton
Jamaica pushing its Private Sector to tap into opportunities in Guyana
…eyes transport & logistics, ICT, timber sectors
Jamaica is looking to cement its presence in Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas economy, and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Aubyn Hill, is encouraging Jamaican companies to take advantage of investment opportunities that are in Georgetown.
During a recent press conference in Kingston, Minister Hill spoke about efforts being made by the Jamaican Government to push STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and build capacity of its citizenry. But, he said, with a three million-odd population, these skills have to be exported. Hence, he is urging Jamaican companies to explore the potential business opportunities in Guyana and tap into them.
“I know what’s going to happen in Guyana…Guyana has 11 billion barrels of oil that they have disclosed –Exxon is leading drilling arrangements. So, Guyana is going to have a lot of oil to sell. We have a great relationship with Guyana, and we should therefore be looking to sell services and making sure we expand our businesses,” he disclosed.
“We have the skills that they don’t now have. They have 780,000 people; that’s gonna grow by three or four times in five to seven years because the money is com-
ing. We must be there,” the Jamaican Minister declared.
Minister Hill touted that one area that has scope for potential business opportunities between the two countries is transport and logistics. He explained that with some of the country’s agricultural produce practically “gone”, like sugar and bananas, they have to now look at ways to economically use the land, and are currently conceptualising economic zones and logistic hubs.
To this end, he is encouraging the Jamaican private sector to come up with a plan to take into this opportunity.
“The draft in Guyana –Port Georgetown – is four to six metres. You can’t take big ships in there. So where it must come from? Kingston!
[We have to establish a] special economic zone. You guys
get together, talk it out, and make sure people invest, because all the great bulk will have to happen here in Kingston. It might happen in Florida, but why Florida? Bring it here! So, we need to get that done as a growth area,” the minister posited.
Minister Hill went on to outline the trade potential with Guyana, citing lumber as an untapped commodity.
“We buy very expensive lumber from all over the place. Guyana and Suriname have all the lumber that we should want. Guyana has 215,000 kilometres of land… We need to make sure that we collaborate with them,” he stated.
The Jamaican Government has been looking to expand its economy through exports, and believes Guyana is an idea invest-
ment destination for its goods and services. As such, the Jamaican Government has fielded at least three trade missions to Guyana over the past few years, and already there have been successful business opportunities emerging from those engagements.
Minister Hill, who himself led those delegations, mentioned a businesswoman, Kareema Muncey, expanding her food product line – Home Choice Enterprises (HCE) –to Guyana. She was among the 35-member trade mission that the minister first led to Guyana back in October 2022, and has already set up operations in Georgetown. Additionally, the Jamaican minister said, there is massive scope for growth and expansion in the ICT sector. In fact, Kingston-based ResolveIT Limited, a technology solution company, has also dipped its toes in the Guyanese market and has set up an office in Georgetown as
well.
During the second mission to Guyana, in 2023, the 75-member delegation had over 250 business-to-business meetings with the Guyanese private sector, with several Jamaican companies securing export contracts, particularly in limestone aggregates and technology services.
The most recent trade mission was in May of this year, when Minister Hall led a 61-member delegation to Georgetown to scope out and explore investment opportunities here. That business delegation spanned a mix of small and large companies across priority sectors, including manufacturing, agro-processing/agribusiness, mining, technology, and the services industry.
Jamaican Government entities such as the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC),
the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ), the HEART/NSTA Trust, as well as Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) also participated.
During an event held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh highlighted the country’s bright economic prospects, emphasising there is business to be done in Guyana in all sectors. He also placed on record that the Government of Guyana is committed to diversifying the economic base, and as such, placed the highest level of importance on a strong non-oil economy.
Minister Singh further reiterated that the Guyana Government would like to see more Jamaican companies setting up operations in Guyana and forging partnerships with Guyanese companies, fostering the creation of jobs and generation of wealth in the country. (G8)
Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Aubyn Hill
File photo: Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh addressing the visiting Jamaican business delegation back in May
Avalon seeking environmental approval to explore Omai gold pit
…targeting 1.8M ounces of gold
Avalon Gold
Exploration, a company operating the Omai Gold Mine in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is seeking environmental authorization to explore for, and make preparations to produce, gold at Omai’s Wenot pit; and is targets as much as 1.8 million ounces of gold.
The company has approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking authorization to explore for gold in the Omai Gold Mine. The environmental authorization being sought would cover the company’s 2024-2025 work programme, during which diamond drilling and engineering studies would be conducted, among other activities which have been described as low impact.
“The 2024-2025 proposed work program will continue the definition and expansion of gold resources, and continue engineering studies in order to develop an economi-
cally sound, actionable mine plan that addresses responsible environmental stewardship,” the project document has detailed.
“The planned program consists mostly diamond drilling, minor geophysics, minor geological mapping and trenching, all very low environmental impact work. This work is to expand and optimize the resource for development, combined with engineering studies that will focus on advancing the Wenot deposit towards production”, the document has detailed.
There are also plans to establish a 9,000-tonne-perday processing plant with an initial cost of approximately US$375 million. A preliminary assessment had established an initial production target of 1.83 million ounces of gold at the Wenot open pit mine. This works out to an average of 142,000 ounces of gold per year over a 13-year mine life.
“The 2024-2025 pro-
posed work plan also incorporates engineering studies that, subject to approval, will include initiating the de-watering of the Wenot pit in 2024. The de-watering of the Wenot pit is a critical first step, essential and fundamental to re-development of the Omai mine. As this process is a long lead time (estimated at 12-24 months), the Company intends to advance this as soon as EPA approval is received,” the project document added.
The EPA has, in a notice, invited the public to make written submissions regarding this project within 28 days. The notice has asked that any questions and topics the public requires to be addressed or considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be included in the written submissions.
Omai Gold Mines produced over 3 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005. It subsequently ex-
Persons burning garbage warned of risk of out-of-control fires
With Guyana currently experiencing a heatwave, persons disposing of waste by way of burning are being warned of the risk of such fires spreading out of control.
Berbice Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald is advising persons who may choose to dispose of their solid waste by burning to do so safely and in open spaces. And when doing so, he has cautioned, it should be done in small quantities.
His advice comes in wake of the Hydrometeorological Department announcing that Guyana would be experiencing above-normal temperatures from September to November this year.
McDonald is advising that when disposing of solid waste by means of fire, every effort should be taken to ensure the fire does not spread.
“Watch it, please. Whenever you are lighting those waste (materials), do not leave (the fire) unattended, because it has a tendency of spreading,” McDonald has cautioned.
The Hydrometeorological Department has explained that the warmest months of the year are typically between September and November, and the hottest period is particularly in September and October, when extreme heat and heat wave days are common. The Hydromet forecast has indicated an increased likelihood of higher-than-average temperatures, which could have widespread effects on public health, agriculture and livestock. This period is also considered the driest in coastal regions of Guyana.
“As for this dry-spell season, we can only ad-
The Omai pits ited Guyana in 2015, only to return to the Wenot and Fennell pits in 2020.
Avalon Gold Exploration is a private gold exploration company focused on gold projects in Guyana. The company’s flagship gold project is the famous Omai Gold Mine, the licence for which it acquired from the Guyana Government in 2019 for US$4 million. In February 2022, the company announced that it would continue drilling at its Region Seven location, since it believes that even more deposits of gold are available at the Wenot deposit.
Prior to that, the company had filed a technical report with SEDAR, which supports the 16.7 million tonnes of indicated gold and 19.5 million tonnes of inferred gold it had announced to be deposited in the Wenot.
In that technical report, consultant P&E Mining ex-
plained that extending the Wenot deposit is expected to cost US$2.65 million, and be completed in the next 12 months. According to the report, exploring these targets could provide opportunities for open-pit mining.
In January 2022, Omai Gold Mines had announced the discovery of significant gold values during initial trenching and drilling on the Broccoli Hill target at its Region Seven holdings. The company had disclosed that
trenching exposed a quartzrich shear zone with samples assaying 29.3 g/t Au, 7.8 g/t Au, 5.0 g/t Au and 2.2 g/t Au along a 40-metre strike.
Additionally, the first round of drilling on Broccoli Hill, totalling 690 metres, intersected gold mineralization with four of the six holes returning assays greater than 1 g/t Au and as high as 4.04 g/t Au over 0.9 m and 0.91 g/t over 6.8 m. (G3)
vise members of the public (that) when you are disposing of your garbage and other waste materials, do it in a very safe manner,” the senior fire officer has said.
Meanwhile, as it relates to the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service to effectively discharge its mandate, McDonald has said there are always challenges facing the Fire Service. However, the Fire Service is confronting those challenges with the determination to overcome them.
In noting that the current Government has been making resources available to the Guyana Fire Service, Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald has said that eight new fire tenders and fifteen water bowsers are shortly to be made available to the Guyana Fire Service. (G4)
Son arrested 2 days after allegedly setting parents' home on fire
Two days after allegedly setting his parents’ home ablaze in Aishalton Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper
The fire was started at around 19:30h, and it reportedly occurred after the suspect had gotten into a heated argument with his
ly members, the man has a history of violent outbursts and substance abuse, which they believe had contributed to the incident. His aunt
Essequibo), a 23-year-old man has been arrested on Wednesday afternoon.
That fire, which occurred on Monday evening, left a family of four, including a seven-year-old child, homeless and destroyed the house they had lived in for 20 years.
father. Following that confrontation, the man had fled the scene, and flames had been seen consuming the family’s home shortly thereafter. The suspect had been on the run since the incident, prompting a police manhunt to apprehend him.
According to fami-
Petronella Michael had previously expressed frustration over the lack of intervention by authorities despite years of abusive behaviour exhibited towards his parents.
The suspect is now in police custody pending charges. (G9)
Lodge man on unlicensed firearm charges on $200,000 bail
Rondell Vanrossum, a 45-year-old unemployed resident of Lot 56 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was on Wednesday placed on bail in the amount of $200,000 after appearing before Georgetown Magistrate Faith McGusty on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Vanrossum has pleaded not guilty to both charges, has been placed on bail, and the matter has been adjourned to October 6.
Vanrossum’s arrest has been part of a broader police operation conducted in Regional Division 4A (Georgetown) on Monday.
That operation, targeting high-crime areas across Georgetown, resulted in multiple arrests, including several wanted suspects.
Officers conducting house-to-house searches apprehended Vanrossum after finding an unlicensed Glock 9MM pistol and ten rounds of ammunition in his possession.
The raid, which took place from 04:00h to 13:00h, covered areas such as Independence Boulevard, North Ruimveldt and Kitty. In addition to Vanrossum being arrested, police apprehended several other individuals, including Nicholas Singh, alias "Pookie," wanted for the
of Natram Persaud; and Lorenzo Heywood, a 20-year-old who has been wanted for armed robbery. (G9)
Miner on illegal gun, ammo charges on $400,000 bail
Jamal Rollox, a 37-year-old miner who resides in Campbellville, Georgetown, was on Wednesday placed on $400,000 bail after appearing before Georgetown Magistrate Faith McGusty and pleading not guilty to being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
These charges have stemmed from the police arresting Rollox at the Dynasty Bar on Aubrey Barker Road in Ruimveldt on September 15.
Officers had been monitoring a wake for the late Lawrence Wayne, also known as "Boy Boy," when
Charged: Jamal Rollox
they observed Rollox using a firearm to discharge several rounds into the air.
According to the police report, upon noticing the
presence of law enforcement personnel, Rollox attempted to dispose of the weapon by throwing it under a parked car. Officers quickly retrieved the firearm, which was identified as a Glock 40 pistol containing ten live rounds of 9mm ammunition. When asked if he had a licence for the weapon, Rollox admitted he did not. Following his arrest, Rollox was taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were secured as evidence and sent for ballistics analysis. He will have to return to court on October 6. (G9)
The house after being destroyed by fire
The man being arrested by Police in Aishalton Village
murder
Charged: Rondell Vanrossum
No sugar missing – GuySuCo rejects Opposition’s claims
…says there was an over-declaration, resulting in dismissal of 2 workers
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has rubbished claims that several hundred tonnes of sugar had gone missing from the Rose Hall Estate by explaining that there was an over-declaration that had led to the dismissal of two senior estate officials, and those dismissals had sparked last week’s protest action.
It was reported by a local newspaper last weekend that over 200 tonnes of sugar had gone missing from the Rose Hall Estate during the last crop, and this had resulted in GuySuCo firing the Production Manager and the Head Laboratory Technician of the estate.
Subsequently, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Vinceroy Jordan had submitted questions through the National Assembly, which is currently in recess, asking Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to confirm the reports about the missing sugar, and requesting that the minister provide a report on the outcome of the investigation that had led to termination of the two estate officials.
On Wednesday, GuySuCo sought to clear the air on the situation, explaining that the reports of sugar having gone missing at the Rose Hall Estate are false.
“There was no issue of missing sugar,” the sugar company has stated. It further added, “…what had occurred was a major breach in the standard operating procedure for sugar declaration (over a period of time), which resulted in an over-declaration.”
According to the sugar corporation, this over-declaration was what had led to the dismissal of the Production Manager and the
Head Lab Technician of the Rose Hall Estate.
Those terminations had sparked controversy last week, as sugar workers at the Rose Hall Estate downed tools on Friday and Saturday in protest of the appointment of a new Production Manager.
Backed by their union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the striking workers had claimed that the individual put there had served in the position back in 2017, and was reportedly the reason behind the estate having been closed by the former APNU/AFC administration.
“Dem bring a Production Manager from Uitvlugt. He went here in 2017, and say that he come to close the estate. That is one reason. the second is that he tampers with the scale; and three, he rob the workers a day pay. So we don’t want him here,” GAWU representative Sewchan Manga has said.
The two dismissed workers were represented by the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).
The strike action has seen grinding operations at the Rose Hall Estate being halted since Thursday evening, after the factory workers walked off the job leaving several tons of wood burning. In addition, more than 600 punts of cane had remained on the ground, losing sugar content as a consequence.
However, pressure from the protesting workers resulted in GuySuCo removing the newly appointed Production Manager, and the sugar workers have since resumed work.
Meanwhile, in its missive on Wednesday, GuySuCo has called on Parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan to desist from making mischievous statements without having the full “facts and figures.”
“The question of corruption in GuySuCo, as stated by Mr. Jordan, is purely nonsensical. Let it be known that GuySuCo is on record to be a corporation that is financially audited by the Auditor General’s Office, and has completed its last financial audit for the year 2022, and is currently working on the year 2023. Such statement of corruption therefore is mischievous, to say the least,” the sugar company has said.
In the preamble to his questions, which were posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Jordan said the parliamentary Opposition would continue to press the Agriculture Minister to get answers to the questions of corruption levelled against his Ministry.
<<Powerhouse control room>>
He went on to call out the Minister for failing to answer the questions relating to the cost of the rehabilitation works done on the powerhouse control room at
Albion Estate. In fact, the Opposition MP also submitted questions on those works, asking what repairs were done to the tune of $600 million.
During a National Assembly sitting last month, Minister Mustapha had disclosed that some $600 million had been spent on rehabilitation of the control room at the Albion Sugar Factory, which was destroyed by a fire earlier this year.
The February 3rd blaze, which investigators say was electrical in origin, destroyed millions of dollars in specialized equipment in the control room and resulted in disruption of operations at the sugar factory.
At the time, MP Jordan had cited a preliminary report from GuySuCo which estimated the damages to be at approximately $50 million.
The Agriculture Minister had committed to providing a breakdown of how and on what the $600 million had been spent to repair the powerhouse.
However, in his ques-
tions to the House, Jordan is also asking the Minister to provide the engineer’s damage assessment report (cost included) and the engineer’s estimate for works completed, as well as details of the procurement process followed for the procurement and supply of materials and labour to complete the rehabilitation works. A list of contractors that were procured to supply materials and complete the works at the powerhouse control room was also requested by Jordan. He further asked whether an inquiry was launched into the cause of the fire and the total damage sustained in the control room and powerhouse?
In Wednesday’s missive, GuySuCo confirmed that an investigation/enquiry had been conducted by the Guyana Fire Service and the report had been submitted to the Guyana Sugar Corporation.
“The estimated cost submitted by the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture, of 600 million Guyana dollars is an accu-
rate representation based upon the engineering estimates; it must be noted that there are two outstanding items in that of Power Generator Sets and Transformers, both of which are in the procurement process, which GuySuCo always follow the standard operating procedure on procurement,” the sugar company has stated.
It was initially reported by GuySuCo that the fire caused serious damage to crucial electrical infrastructure in the powerhouse, including the four-megawatt generating control panel, 2.5-megawatt generating control panels, 700-kilowatt low voltage cap set control panel, 3.3 kv Interbus transformer, Interbus transformer barker, a section of the low voltage bus bar, and several major sections of the circuitry.
GuySuCo informed Jordan that those remedial works conducted on the power plant have resulted in the Albion Sugar Factory being in full production mode for the second crop of 2024. (G8)
Multiple Guyanese colloquial terms included in Oxford English Dictionary
From belna, feg and foreday morning to ketcha, prags and queh-queh, several Guyanese origin colloquial terms have been included in the new words added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) when the updated list was released on Wednesday.
The Guyanese terms are among those included from a number of other regions, including Wales, East Africa, and New Zealand. The words are part of the OED's plans for its World English programme, which focuses on different varieties of English spoken around the world, and is part of OED's commitment to documenting the diversity of English with regular World English updates.
"This new approach will ensure the timely and
consistent monitoring of all major varieties of English covered by the dictionary, so that it can keep pace with the rapidly developing vocabulary of Englishes worldwide," the organisation said in a statement.
The following are the Guyanese terms that got included in Wednesday's release: belna, n.: Indian English and Caribbean (esp. Guyana). A (usually wooden) rolling pin, typ-
ically used to flatten out dough, esp. for baking into roti.
butter flap, n.: In
slightly sweet, buttery white bread that is folded before baking. caddy ole punch, n.: A
typically constructed from the pages of a schoolbook and stems of a coconut tree leaf, and traditionally flown by children.
feg, n.: A segment of a citrus fruit, esp. an orange. Also: a clove of garlic. Cf. peg, n. III.12.
Foreday morning, n.: Early morning, esp. before dawn.
Ketcha, n.: A children s game, resembling tag or hide-and-seek, in which
Guyanese cookery: a soft,
home-made paper kite,
one player pursues the others and anyone who is caught then becomes the pursuer. Pagalee, adj.: Of a person: (originally) having an intellectual disability; (later also and now chiefly) foolish, unintelligent, irrational, or out of touch with Prags, n.: Financial or other material aid given to a person or people in need; handouts. Later: unofficial or fringe benefits (esp. unethical or illegal ones) queh-queh, n.: Among (esp. rural) Afro-Guyanese communities: a traditional set of celebrations held before a wedding, involving the betrothed couple with their salara, n.: In Guyanese cookery: a type of sweet bread made with a white yeast dough, spread with a filling of sweetened and spiced coconut dyed a vibrant red
Sugar workers protesting at Rose Hall Estate last week
Opposition MP Vinceroy Jordan
Haiti creates council tasked with holding 1st elections in a decade
Haiti's Government on Wednesday created a provisional electoral council, marking the most concrete step toward reviving the electoral process in years after political turmoil and later violence thwarted previous attempts.
The Caribbean nation is set to hold elections by 2026, a decade after they were last held in 2016.
Under normal circumstances, elections would have been held every five years, but an already-rocky political situation in Haiti was exacerbated by the power vacuum caused by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 and the nation has gone without a President since.
Armed gangs have also since spread their control over some 80 per cent of capital Port-au-Prince and most other parts of the nation.
The council created on Wednesday already has representatives for seven seats that represent religious groups, Journalists, farmers and unions, the Prime Minister's office said.
Two other seats, one for human rights organisations and another for women's rights organisations, still lack a delegate, the office said on X.
The council will be tasked with laying out the legal framework to hold elections and then planning them.
Haiti's transitional presidential council – a separate body which has been acting as the government since it was installed in April – established the electoral council in a meeting. The presidential council's mandate expires in February 2026, by when elections must be held.
A previous electoral council had been dissolved in 2021 under Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who took office after Moïse's death, but was forced out of his post earlier this year after he left the country to seek support for an international security mission and was unable to re-enter Haiti.
In Haiti, executive pow-
er is meant to be split between the President and the Prime Minister. The interim Government in May tapped Garry Conille as Prime Minister.
However, both councils face an uphill battle in bringing stability back to Haiti.
Just Kenya and Jamaica have deployed forces to Haiti so far as part of the United Nations-backed anti-gang offensive, which is set to expire at the start of October if its mandate is not renewed later this month.
The mission could also be converted into a formal UN peacekeeping operation, which would ensure funding and the longevity of the mission, a draft resolution showed.
(Reuters)
Ministry of Trade: Jamaica-Trinidad and Tobago relationship growing
Trinidad’s Ministry of Trade Permanent
Secretary Randall Karim has commended the Jamaican Promotions Corporation (JamPro) and the Jamaican High Commission to Trinidad and Tobago on its latest trade mission to Trinidad and Tobago, calling it another step in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica’s growing relationship.
“We view this mission as another milestone in our bilateral relations and the commitment towards deepening economic ties,” he said.
Karim made these re-
marks on behalf of Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon at a business networking cocktail jointly hosted by JamPro and the High Commission of Jamaica to Trinidad and Tobago, on September 17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain.
In a news release on September 18, the Ministry said the business mission that runs till September 21, "serves as another milestone in bilateral relations and a commitment towards deepening economic ties between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica".
Venezuela's Gonzalez says he was forced to sign letter accepting court ruling of Maduro victory
Venezuela Opposition Leader Edmundo
Gonzalez, who stood against President Nicolás Maduro in July's election, on Wednesday said he was forced to sign a letter accepting a ruling from the country's top court which recognised Maduro's victory.
"Either I signed or I faced the consequences," he said in a statement.
Gonzalez is currently in Spain, where he was granted political asylum earlier this month following the issue of a warrant for his arrest in Venezuela.
The national electoral council proclaimed Maduro the victor of the presidential election, which took place on July 28, prompting allegations of fraud and widespread protest as the
Opposition published vote tallies online which they said showed Gonzalez had won.
Earlier this week, a UN report said Maduro's Government escalated repressive tactics to crush peaceful protests and keep power in the aftermath of the South American country's disputed election.
The declaration by Venezuela's top electoral authority was approved by the country's Supreme Court, even though officials have not published vote tallies showing Maduro's victory.
Gonzalez said he was met at the Spanish Embassy in Caracas by Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and her brother Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly, who
gave him the letter to sign.
"There followed very tense hours of coercion, blackmail, and pressure," Gonzalez said, adding he felt he would be more useful in freedom than locked up.
"A document produced under duress is totally worthless, due to a serious lack of consent," the statement added.
In Caracas, Jorge Rodriguez presented a two-page letter signed by Gonzalez and said the former presidential candidate, 75, had 24 hours to retract his claims.
"If you don't deny that in 24 hours, I'm going to release the audios, it's up to you, Mr Gonzalez," Rodriguez said, referring to the meetings he and his sister held with Gonzalez. (Reuters)
Indigenous man shot dead as land dispute in Brazil farm state escalates
In Brazil, a man from the Guarani community was shot dead on Wednesday morning, a governmental protection agency for Indigenous communities said, as a land dispute in the farm state of Mato Grosso do Sul escalated.
It comes after a violent confrontation in early August during which armed men, backed by farmers in trucks and tractors, attacked Indigenous people reclaiming land in the vast farming state, injuring 11 of them.
The man was shot in the head on Wednesday morning, the Indigenous affairs agency Funai said. The dispute relates to the Nhanderu Marangatu Indigenous Land located in Mato Grosso do Sul on the border with neighbouring Paraguay.
Terras Indigenas, a database run by an environmental and Indigenous rights nonprofit in Brazil, shows the land of some 9000 hectares has a population of about 1350 and had been rec-
Karim said Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have maintained a positive trade balance over the years with data from the Central Statistical Office showing that trade has ranged from $2.7 billion in 2018 to $1.2 billion in 2023.
“On a regular basis, 171 companies from Trinidad and Tobago export to Jamaica,” he said. “These are exports over $100,000 a month.”
He added that Trinidad and Tobago's imports from Jamaica are valued about $333 million a year.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
ognised as Indigenous territory.
Funai said it had asked the specialised federal prosecutor's office to adopt all applicable legal measures and had met with the Judge responsible for the case.
"(We are) committed to ensuring that this violence ceases immediately and that those responsible for these crimes are rigorously punished," it said in a statement.
"Given the seriousness of this matter, (Funai) is pre-
paring new action before the Federal Regional Court of the 3rd Region, in order to guarantee the protection of the Indigenous community," it added.
Ranchers have been hoping to clear land to plant soybeans for export or raise cattle to produce beef. With Brazil's farm frontier advancing toward the Amazon, disputes over land claimed by Indigenous people have multiplied.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
PNP calls for Holness’s resignation following Integrity Commission report
Jamaica’s Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called on Prime Minister Andrew Holness to resign following Tuesday’s tabling of the Integrity Commission’s investigative report into his financial affairs, the revelations of which the PNP has described as disturbing and appalling.
In a release on Wednesday, the PNP said the report, which spans 171 pages, “details a series of troubling findings that call into question the Prime
Minister’s integrity and suitability for office.
“We are currently reviewing the full report with our legal team and officers to ensure that we fully understand the implications of this investigation. After carefully analysing the details, we will address the Jamaican people more substantially and comprehensively,” the PNP said.
The Party said, based on its initial review, there are a number of key points which it wishes to make including, in the Party’s estima-
tion, that Holness “deliberately misled the country and Parliament”.
According to the PNP, the report also points to serious tax irregularities on the part of Holness’s companies and recommends that these issues be referred to the Commissioner General of Tax Administration Jamaica.
“This further compounds the untenable situation that faces the prime minister,” the Opposition said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
A Police Officer stands guard in the street, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, May 1, 2024 (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol photo)
Guarani-Kaiowa Indigenous people, who are reclaiming land, stand guard during a conflict with men backed by farmers in trucks and tractors in Douradina district, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, August 3, 2024 (Reuters/Gabriel Schlickmann photo)
Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JamPro) Manager for new market development, Nicholas Sutherland; Trinidad’s Ministry of Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Randall Karim; High Commissioner of Jamaica to T&T, Natalie Campbell-Rodrigues and Trinidad’s Ministry of Trade and Industry Deputy Permanent Secretary Ava Mahabir-Dass at a JamPro reception on September 17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain (courtesy Ministry of Trade and Industry)
Around the World
OIL NEWS
Oil prices fall as Fed rate cut stirs economic worries, storage report mixed
Oil prices slipped lower on Wednesday as a rate cut announcement from the Federal Reserve raised worries about the health of the US economy, while investors largely shrugged off a crude oil inventory decline that they attributed to the impact of short-lived weather.
Brent crude futures for November settled at US$73.65 a barrel, losing five cents, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for October settled at US$70.91 a barrel, falling 28 cents.
The US central bank cut interest rates by half a percentage point, a larger decrease in borrowing costs than many expected, stoking concern the central bank may see a slowing job market. Interest rate cuts typically boost economic activity and energy demand, yet a weaker labour market can slow the economy.
Meanwhile, crude inventories fell by 1.6 million barrels to 417.5 million barrels in the week ending September 13, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 500,000-barrel draw.
The crude draw, which resulted in inventories dropping to the lowest in a year, helped limit price declines.
While the EIA's report was more supportive of oil prices than Tuesday's American Petroleum Institute (API) figures, investors likely linked the drawdown to Hurricane Francine, a short-lived event, said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho bank.
"The problem with a 'Hurricane” report is that the numbers have a tendency to boomerang back in the opposite direction in the next week's report, after oil infrastructure comes back online," Yawger said.
Gasoline and distillate inventories, meanwhile, rose slightly last week.
Brent had staged a recovery since September 10 when it fell below US$70 to its lowest since December 2021. It faces resistance at around US$75 due to weak global refinery margins that signal sluggish demand, he added.
Earlier in the session, oil found support from risks of increased violence in the Middle East disrupting supply after Hezbollah accused Israel of attacking the militant group with explosive-laden pagers in Lebanon. Hezbollah promised to retaliate against Israel, whose military declined to comment on the blasts.
"The end of peak summer demand and a negative shift in traders' sentiment have contributed to the price drop, though potential conflicts in the Middle East still pose a risk of supply disruptions," said Mazen Salhab, Chief Market Strategist MENA at BDSwiss. (Reuters)
2nd wave of Lebanon device explosions kills 20 and wounds 450
At least 20 persons have been killed and more than 450 wounded by a second wave of explosions from wireless communication devices in Lebanon, the country’s Health Ministry says.
Walkie-talkies used by the armed group Hezbollah blew up in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon – areas seen as its strongholds.
Some of the blasts took place during funerals for some of the 12 persons who the Ministry said were killed when Hezbollah members’ pagers exploded on Tuesday. Hezbollah blamed Israel for that attack. Israel has not
military operation," he told reporters.
There were already rising fears of an all-out conflict after 11 months of cross-border fighting sparked by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
commented.
The attacks came as Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a "new phase in the war", and People and first responders gather at the scene of a reported device explosion in Sidon, in southern Lebanon, September 18, 2024 (AFP)
Ukraine's Zelenskiy says “victory plan” is ready
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that his "Victory Plan", intended to bring peace to Ukraine while keeping the country strong and avoiding all "frozen conflicts", was now complete after much consultation.
Zelenskiy pledged last month to present his plan to US President Joe Biden, presumably next week when he attends sessions of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly.
While providing daily updates on the plan's prepara-
UN General Assembly overwhelmingly supports Palestinian resolution calling for end of Israeli occupation
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on Israel to end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories within a year, a move that Palestine hailed as “historic”.
The nonbinding measure passed a 124-12 vote on Wednesday, with 43 countries abstaining.
The UNGA demanded that “Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its interna-
tional responsibility, and do so no later than 12 months”.
It also called on Israel to make reparations to Palestinians for damages incurred by the occupation.
The UNGA, whose mission includes promoting “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”, includes every sovereign country in the world, so Wednesday’s vote underscores the depth of the international opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
The resolution backed an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – the UN’s top court – which found
that Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories is unlawful and must end.
The court ruled in July that Israel is abusing its status as an occupying power, stressing that Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal.
The resolution was submitted by Palestine – a permanent observer state at the UN.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the resolution and urged countries across the world to take steps to pressure Israel to adhere to it.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
tion, Zelenskiy has given few clues of the contents, indicating only that it aims to create terms acceptable to Ukraine, now locked in conflict with Russia for more than twoand-a-half years.
"Today, it can be said that our victory plan is fully prepared. All the points, all key focus areas and all necessary detailed additions of the plan have been defined," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.
"The most important thing is the determination to implement it.
There was, Zelenskiy said, no alternative to peace, "no freezing of the war or any other manipulations that would simply postpone Russian aggression to another stage".
On Tuesday, the President said a meeting with top commanders had produced "good and strong content" in military terms, "precisely the kind that can significantly strengthen Ukraine".
Zelenskiy has used as the basis for negotiations a peace plan he presented in late 2022 calling for a withdrawal of all Russian troops, the restoration of Ukraine's post-Soviet borders, and a means to bring Russia to account for its invasion.
Russia has repeatedly said it is willing to negotiate, but rules out discussions while Ukrainian forces remain in its Kursk region after it launched an incursion into the area last month.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
as an Israeli army division was redeployed to the north.
UN Secretary General António Guterres warned of the “serious risk of a dramatic escalation” and called on all parties to “exercise maximum restraint”.
"Obviously, the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a pre-emptive strike before a major
Hours after Wednesday’s explosions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to return the tens of thousands of displaced people from the north of the country “securely to their homes”.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant meanwhile said Israel was “opening a new phase in the war” and that the “centre of gravity is shifting to the north through the diversion of resources and forces”.
An army division recently engaged in Gaza has been redeployed to the north, the Israeli military confirmed.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Harvey Weinstein pleads not guilty to new sex crime charge
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to committing a criminal sexual act in a New York court.
The 72-year-old is facing a new charge over the alleged sexual assault of a woman in a Manhattan hotel in 2006, according to District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg.
"Not guilty," Weinstein said emphatically when asked for his plea on Wednesday.
Appearing in court in a wheelchair, Weinstein wore a dark suit and a blue tie, and with a large bandage on his right hand.
“Thanks to this survivor who bravely came forward, Harvey Weinstein now
stands indicted for an additional alleged violent sexual assault," Bragg said in a statement.
Separately, Weinstein is awaiting retrial after New York's top appeals court threw out his rape conviction and 23-year-sentence in April.
The conviction was dismissed on the basis he did not get a fair trial, because the Judge allowed testimony from women who he was not charged with assaulting.
Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sexual encounters with anyone. He remains in custody serving a 16-year-sentence over the 2013 rape of an actress in LA.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Largest US labour union declines to endorse either Harris or Trump
America's largest labour union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, has declined to issue a US presidential endorsement for the first time since 1996.
The union, which boasts some 1.3 million members across the United States and Canada, said it had received "few commitments on top Teamsters issues" from either Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Republican nominee Donald Trump.
It also claimed that polling of its rank-and-file members found "no definitive support" for either candidate, though two of its recent polls indicated lopsided support for Trump.
The move is a major blow to the Harris campaign's efforts to win over working-class voters with less than 50 days before election night.
An endorsement had the
potential to mobilise thousands of Teamsters who live, work and vote in the crucial battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Shortly after the announcement, some Teamsters regional councils representing more than half a million members in Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and California, said they would be endorsing Harris.
In a statement, the Harris campaign touted its support from "the overwhelming majority of organised labour" and noted that many Teamsters locals have gotten behind her candidacy.
"While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice-President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organised labour for her entire career," campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt said. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visits positions of Ukrainian service members, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine, July 8, 2022 (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters photo)
Be receptive and try something new and exciting. Introduce yourself to groups and experts who can broaden your perspective and point you in the right direction to achieve your goals.
A change you make will enhance your reputation or improve your professional status. Don't wait for things to come your way; embrace every opportunity with a positive attitude and high energy.
Don't involve yourself in things that lead to temptation. Discipline, strength and courage will be your best friends when dealing with old wounds or obsessions. Take a deep breath, organize your thoughts and make good choices.
You may think you are doing enough to please everyone, but going above and beyond the call of duty will ensure you don't miss out on an opportunity. Leave nothing to chance, and you'll make your dreams come true.
Don't let anger set in when knowledge is your best resource. Have your facts and figures ready before you engage in something that can affect how you move forward. Be honest and understanding.
Learn as you go, and you will be satisfied with the results. Trial and error will lead to interesting connections and opportunities that are sure to encourage you to think outside the box.
Put your best on display. A chance to explore something new will be enlightening, spark your imagination and encourage new beginnings. Someone who challenges you will interest you in many ways. Romance is favored.
Pick up the pace and finish what you start. What you accomplish will affect how others perceive you. A reputation for reliability will encourage new opportunities. Join a group that addresses your concerns.
Let your hair down and do something that makes you happy. Your involvement will lead to people who share your zest for life and spark your enthusiasm to continue heading in a direction that excites you.
Make your life more convenient. Clear the clutter and make room for something you want to pursue. Follow your heart and do what's best for you. Refuse to let someone's negativity leave you feeling stressed.
Financial opportunities are apparent. Broaden your horizons, socialize, network and connect with people who offer insight into possibilities. It's time for a new look, vision and direction that stimulate personal growth.
Energy, discipline and challenges that put you where the action is will pay off and keep you out of trouble. Refuse to let temptation take the lead. Don't engage in indulgent pastimes.
Afghanistan ease to victory after South Africa fold for 106
England. Pakistan. Sri Lanka. New Zealand. Australia. And now South Africa.
That is a list of teams Afghanistan have beaten in white-ball internationals in the last 11 months.
The first three of those results came in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at last year’s 50-over World Cup, which secured Afghanistan’s automatic qualification for next year’s Champions Trophy. The last two were at this year’s T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan reached the semi-finals. In between, there was a T20 International win over Sri
Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar, stunned South Africa in the powerplay and reduced them to their worst start in ODIs: 36 for 7 after 10 overs. A 39-run eighth-wicket stand
Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib off 48 balls took them to a massive win. Afghanistan polished off the total with 24 overs to spare.
The margin underlines their dominance from the opening exchanges. Farooqi, whose first 11 deliveries cost 14 runs, decided to change his angle from over to around the wicket and it worked like a charm. The final ball of his second over was well wide of Reeza Hendricks, but the South African opener reached for it anyway and played on. At the end of Farooqi’s next over, Aiden Markram, who was standing in as captain in place of an ill Temba Bavuma, went exactly the same way. In his next over, Farooqi picked up his third wicket when Tony de Zorzi top-edged a pull to Shahidi at midwicket.
At the other end,
terattack with two boundaries off Rashid Khan’s third over as South Africa limped towards 50. They got there in the 16th over. Then it was over to Mulder, who
of the first seven overs –and Ngidi thought he had Rahmat snaffled down the leg side and reviewed, but replays showed the ball hit his pad – and the pressure told. When Fortuin was introduced in the eight over, Rahmat missed a sweep off a full, flighted ball and was out lbw.
next over.
Fortuin’s follow-up was five wides and he was then replaced by Markram, who Azmatullah Omarzai hit over mid-on for Afghanistan’s first six. Markram kept himself on and could have had Shahidi caught at slip in his next over, but Hendricks was surprised by the chance. Shahidi was out lbw three balls later and then South Africa opted for spin from both ends.
Afghanistan’s first boundary came after that when Riaz Hasan pulled a Burger short ball over backward square leg. Burger was given the same treatment on the other side of the powerplay by Shahidi and Afghanistan were gaining momentum. Mulder could have broken it when Riaz, on 11, flicked him to de Zorzi at midwicket but despite a decent jump, de Zorzi could not hold on. The drop only cost South Africa five runs as Riaz missed a Fortuin arm ball and was bowled in the
Azmatullah enjoyed the flight and hit Markram for six more down the ground. Markram then took himself off and brought Burger back, but he was dispatched for back-to-back sixes by Naib. He finished things off with 13 runs off Phehlukwayo’s second over to joyous scenes from the Afghanistan dressing room and the small Sharjah crowd. (ESPNcricinfo)
Ghazanfar, playing in just his third ODI, had to wait a little longer – until the first ball of his fourth over – for success. Tristan Stubbs, his own ODI career only two matches old, tried to push Ghazanfar to mid-off, but edged to slip instead. Five balls later, Jason Smith was beaten by turn as he tried to defend and was bowled. South Africa’s difficulties ued when Kyle Verreynne did not anticipate the turn back into him and was hit on the pad. He reviewed the sion, but it was upheld on Andile Phehlukwayo saw off four Ghazanfar balls, and survived an lbw appeal, but then wandered out of his crease while the ball was still alive and was run out by a game-aware Gulbadin Naib. And that is how South
was the most assured player of spin in his side, albeit the bar was not particularly high. Mulder hit the only six of the innings off Rashid over long-off, brought up South Africa’s hundred with a pull over midwicket and his half-century off 80 balls. When he became Farooqi’s fourth – and final – victim, in the 33rd over, South Africa’s innings was all but over. They were bowled out inside 34 overs with plenty of questions over their approach.
They will also want to consider the composition of their attack, which included only one specialist spinner in Fortuin, to Afghanistan’s three. Still, the seamers made early incisions. Lungi Ngidi had Rahmanullah Gurbaz caught at deep third off the third ball of the innings to put Afghanistan in early trouble. Ngidi and Nandre Burger kept Afghanistan quiet for most
South Africa (50 ovs maximum)
Batting R Reeza Hendricks b Fazalhaq Farooqi 9
Tony de Zorzi c Hashmatullah
Shahidi b Fazalhaq Farooqi 11
Aiden Markram (c) b Fazalhaq Farooqi 2
Tristan Stubbs c Mohammad
Nabi b Ghazanfar 0 Kyle Verreynne † lbw b Ghazanfar 10
Jason Smith b Ghazanfar 0 Wiaan Mulder b Fazalhaq Farooqi 52
Andile Phehlukwayo run out (Gulbadin Naib) 0
Bjorn Fortuin b Rashid Khan 16
Nandre Burger not out 1
Lungi Ngidi lbw b Rashid Khan 0
Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 2) 5
TOTAL 33.3 Ov RR: 3.16) 106
Fall of wickets: 1-17
(Reeza Hendricks, 2.6 ov), 2-24
(Aiden Markram, 4.6 ov), 3-25 (Tony de Zorzi, 6.2 ov), 4-29 (Tristan Stubbs, 7.1 ov), 5-29 (Jason Smith, 7.6 ov), 6-36 (Kyle Verreynne, 9.2 ov), 7-36 (Andile Phehlukwayo, 9.6 ov), 8-75 (Bjorn Fortuin, 23.2 ov), 9-105 (Wiaan Mulder, 32.2 ov), 10-106 (Lungi Ngidi, 33.3 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W Fazalhaq Farooqi 7-1-35-4
AM Ghazanfar 10-2-20-3
Rashid Khan 8.3-2-30-2
Nangeyalia
Fazalhaq Farooqi finished with figures of 4 for 35 from his seven overs
AM Ghazanfar picked up 3 for 20 from his 10 overs
South Africa’s early strike was not enough to keep Afghanistan at bay
Rashid Khan picked up two wickets
Grenada’s James, Antigua’s Ambrose to receive UWI honorary doctorates
Decorated Grenadian
quarter-miler Kirani
James and West Indies cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose are set to be honoured with honorary doctorate degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI), according to reports.
They are among 13 distinguished individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Caribbean region, with ceremonies scheduled across UWI’s five campuses from October 12 to November 9, 2024.
James, renowned as one of the most accomplished 400m runners in history, will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD). James, who made history as Grenada’s first Olympic gold medallist, has consistently excelled on the global stage. He is one of only nine athletes ever to win world titles at the youth, junior, and senior levels and is the first athlete to secure three individual Olympic medals in the 400m, with gold in 2012, silver in 2016, and bronze in 2020. James also boasts
three World Championship medals, including gold in 2011.
Beyond his illustrious athletic career, James has demonstrated a commitment to education and community development. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Business and serves on the Board of Directors of the Windward Islands Research & Education Foundation (WINDREF), where he contributes to the Sport for Health programme. His recognition by UWI not only celebrates his athletic achievements, but also acknowledges his broader contributions to Grenadian society and the Caribbean region.
Joining James among the honourees is Sir Curtly, the legendary fast bowler from Antigua and Barbuda, who will also be conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. Ambrose, one of cricket’s all-time greats, terrorised batsmen worldwide during his career, helping to cement the West Indies’ dominance in the sport during the late 1980s and 1990s. His remarkable
impact on cricket has left a lasting legacy, making him a fitting recipient of this distinguished recognition.
In its official statement, UWI emphasised the importance of celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, culture, medicine, and human rights.
“This year’s recipients have excelled in advocacy, medicine, tourism, culture, sports, business, education, science, and music,” UWI stated, highlighting the diverse achievements of those being honoured.
The UWI graduation ceremonies will take place across its campuses in Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and globally via the UWI Open Campus, each marking the contributions of the honourees in their respective fields.
James’ recognition will take place on November 9 at the Global Campus, while Sir Curtly will be honoured at the Five Islands Campus ceremony in Antigua on October 12. (Sportsmax)
City’s visa issue keeps Shaw out of Champions League qualifier
Manchester City will be without their star forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw for Wednesday night’s crucial Champions League qualifier against Paris FC due to a failure to secure her visa on time.
Shaw did not travel to France for the first leg of the round two qualifying match despite last-minute efforts to expedite the process.
According to a re port in the Guardian newspaper, sources in dicate that the Jamaica forward was sent to the French Embassy on Tuesday morning in a bid to secure an expedited visa application, but the request was ultimately refused.
midable Paris FC side could pose a significant challenge to their qualification hopes this year.
While Manchester City has denied that Shaw was asked to secure a late visa, the club is reportedly confident that this setback will not affect future matches.
City’s road to the Champions League group stage has been rocky over the past three seasons. They failed to qualify for the group stage in each of those campaigns, crashing out in the qualifying rounds to Real Madrid in two seasons and finishing fourth in the Women’s Super League (WSL) in the 2022-23 season, thereby missing out on automatic qualification. The absence of Shaw in this critical match
Paris FC is no stranger to tough competition; last season, they eliminated both Arsenal and Wolfsburg to advance to the group stage, where they finished third in Group D ahead of Real Madrid. Their impressive campaign included two wins over Madrid and competitive performances against top teams like Häcken and Chelsea. With such a formidable opponent, City will undoubtedly feel the impact of Shaw’s absence, despite the arrival of Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema from Arsenal.
Shaw’s absence is particularly notable given her remarkable form in the WSL last season. She was the
and falling just one short of V Miedema’s and Rachel Daly’s record 22-goal seasons in 2018-19 and 202223, respectively. Her performances earned her multiple accolades, including WSL Player of the Season, the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Women’s Footballer of the Year, and the Football Writers’ Association’s Women’s Footballer of the Year. Manchester City will now have to navigate the challenging tie against Paris FC without their most prolific scorer, a setback that adds pressure to their bid for a return to the Champions League group stage. The club will hope that this visa issue is an isolated incident and not a precursor to future complications as they seek to establish their presence in European competition once
Gauff splits with Coach
American world number six Coco Gauff has ended her partnership with Coach Brad Gilbert just two weeks after what she described as a “disappointing” US Open title defence.
Gauff, 20, won the first major of her career in New York last year under Gilbert’s guidance.
But she lost in the fourth round to fellow American Emma Navarro this year.
“Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead,” Gilbert, who also coached former Grand Slam champions Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, and Andy Roddick, wrote on X.
“I’m excited for the next chapter in my coaching career.”
Gauff hired Gilbert to work alongside Spanish
coach Pere Riba after a chastening first-round exit at Wimbledon last year.
That led to a turnaround in fortunes as Gauff won 18 of her next 19 matches in her home hard-court swing, leading to title victories in Washington, Cincinnati, and New York.
Beating Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final was a career-best 12th victory in a row.
Riba left the team in November to leave Gilbert as the sole main coach.
This year, Gauff has not reached a final since defending the Auckland title in January.
After runs to the Australian Open and French Open semi-finals, she was beaten in the Wimbledon fourth round and reached the same stage at the US Open.
Fragility with her serve
– having hit 19 double faults against Navarro – and forehand raised questions about whether she would continue
with Gilbert.
“Thanks to Coco and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in
2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort,” added 63-year-old Gilbert. (BBC Sport)
Grenada’s 400m icon Kirani James and Antigua’s Sir Curtly Ambrose
Coco Gauff has not reached a final since winning the Auckland title on January 7
Manchester City’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw
Ramdhani relishes “amazing” Costa Rica bronze-medal performance
After a week-long competition in the Costa Rica Future Series last week, Guyanese badminton champion Priyanna Ramdhani secured herself a spot on the podium, clinching bronze in the women’s doubles division.
Ramdhani teamed up with Trinidad and Tobago’s Chequeda de Boulet and advanced to the semi-final round, but they fell short to Peru’s Fernanda and Rafaela Munar 21-10, 21-11, in their quest to make it to the gold-medal match.
The Peruvian duo eventually went on to claim the women’s doubles gold medal, defeating El Salvador’s Fatima Fuentes and Daniela Hernandez 21-10, 21-11.
Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport about
the experience in Costa Rica, Ramdhani described the outing as a great experience and
even more amazing to have won a bronze medal.
tition after coaching and it’s a great feeling to be able to win
“The competition in Costa Rica was great; it was a good experience. They had players from a lot of countries like Portugal, France, Morocco, Canada and it was good to be around these players and make new friends. The experience overall was great,” Ramdhani told this publication.
The Guyanese badminton player went on to share about her successful campaign, “It was an amazing feeling, amazing experience because I just recently got back into compe-
a medal. I thought my performance was good, but, in the singles, it could have been better, but there’s always room for improvement and more training. I just think it was a great win for me, which will boost my confidence for future tournaments.”
The national champion, who has been coaching her younger peers this year, went on to explain how coaching has aided aspects of her game.
“I’ve been doing a lot of coaching since I came back from Canada to Guyana, to
Guyana’s Jones named in CNL League A best XI
Following the conclusion of the September window of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League, the governing body for the sport in the region has disclosed the top players in each League (A, B, C).
Guyana’s senior men’s national team’s newest forward, Isaiah Jones has been named in the best XI of League A. Jones, though missing out against Suriname in Guyana’s League A debut match, produced a sparkling performance in their second match, against Martinique. The United Kingdom-based player netted a brace that eventually became the only two goals in Guyana’s 2-2 draw with the French territory.
League A’s best XI:
Goalkeeper
Nicholas Hagen, Guatemala
Hagen played a key role for Los Chapines to kick off the campaign unbeaten and momentarily sit in second place
the job done at both ends to help his nation to an undefeated start. Pinto converted from the spot in the win against Martinique and helped the back line keep a clean sheet against Costa Rica.
Juan Pablo Vargas, Costa Rica
The towering centre-back was a solid presence in defence, recording four ball recoveries and three clearances in two clean-sheet performances for Los Ticos. Vargas also dished out an assist in Costa Rica’s home win against Guadeloupe.
Francisco Calvo, Costa Rica
Calvo continued to lead the back line for Costa Rica while also contributing offensively. The captain of Los Ticos contributed two ball recoveries and nine clearances to a backline that conceded no goals. He added a goal to take his tally to six all-time in the CNL and extend his lead as the nation’s top scorer. He also completed 95.45 per cent of attempted passes.
in Group A. Guatemala's goalkeeper registered four saves and six clearances and kept a clean sheet against Costa Rica.
Defenders
José Pinto, Guatemala
Guatemala’s captain got
this campaign. Ruiz bagged a goal in each match for Los Catrachos and completed 95.45 per cent of his passes.
Kervin Arriaga, Honduras Arriaga was one of Honduras’s most influential players in the team’s opening matches. He scored a goal, contributed three ball recoveries from midfield, and completed 91.67 per cent of his passes.
field with eight steals, while also completing 92.42 per cent of his passes and being a constant threat in attack.
Forwards
Isaiah Jones, Guyana
With his brace in the team’s visit to Martinique, Jones secured the first points of the campaign and a significant draw for Guyana.
help out with the players. Yes, I think that the coaching kind of helped with my strategy and tactics during playing, because coaching it allows you to improve on placement of the shuttle and other tactics. And also, it develops a stronger mindset as a player and I think it helped me a bit to play and perform better,” she explained.
With tournaments lined up and a four-year plan in place, Ramdhani is keen on seeing her Olympic dreams realised
at Los Angeles 2028.
Ramdhani shared, “Getting a medal was a great confidence booster and I’m looking forward to attending more tournaments. My goal is to qualify for LA 2028 Olympics and I will be attending a lot of tournaments throughout the next four years. I will be training and looking for training camps to attend and I think this will help me to improve a lot and hopefully, I will be able to qualify for the Olympics.”
Guyanese star in massive Talladega College soccer victory
The Talladega College women's soccer team put on a historic performance Sunday afternoon and collected a 22-0 win over the Oakwood University Lady Ambassadors.
Three Guyanese footballers, namely Annalisa Vincent, Shamya Daniels, and Hasha Holder all produced stunning performances that contributed to the massive win for the college team.
The win marked the fourthstraight shutout victory over Oakwood. Talladega leads the series 7-1 since 2013. Vincent tied the Tornadoes' single-game record with eight goals in the win. Brenda Perez scored eight goals in a 13-2 win at Oakwood in 2013. Both now rank sixth in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) record book.
for largest win margin, topping a 14-0 shutout of Oakwood in 2021. The Tornadoes' 37 shots are the third-most in programme history behind a 47-shot performance against Oakwood in 2021 and 39-shot performance against Oakwood in 2018. Talladega College will have some time to celebrate the dominant victory, because the next time the Tornadoes take the pitch will be on September 28 at 16:00h in Mobile, Alabama against Spring Hill College. (Talladega College)
Midfielders
David Ruiz, Honduras
The 20-year-old midfielder impressed for Honduras and announced himself as one of the players to watch
Jordan Leborgne, Guadeloupe Leborgne made history for his nation by scoring against Suriname, as his goal was the first ever for Guadeloupe in League A and went on to be the match-winner for the first set of three points for Les Gwada Boys.
Kasey Palmer, Jamaica Palmer was all over the pitch for the Reggae Boyz. He was a rock defensively in mid-
Virgil Misidjan, Suriname Misidjan was excellent for Suriname, notably leading the attack with a goal and an assist to help Suriname kick off the 2024/25 CNL with a win against Guyana.
Michail Antonio, Jamaica Antonio continued to prove why he is recognised as one of Jamaica’s leading attackers, contributing a goal and taking five shots.
Cycoiah Watley, Autumn Wyatt, and Daniels each posted a hat-trick. Kenya Glenn posted a pair of goals, while Jenally Barco posted two goals and two assists. Ana Santos added a goal and Holder led all Tornadoes with three assists.
The 22 goals are not only the most team goals scored in a game for the Tornadoes, but are the most scored in a single game by an HBCU [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] in NAIA women's soccer history and seventh-most overall. It is also a programme record
Shamya Daniels pitched in with a hat-trick
Priyanna Ramdhani displays her bronze medal and the Golden Arrowhead
Ramdhani and her T&T doubles partner de Boulet after the match
Priyanna Ramdhani and Chequeda de Boulet (second pair from right) on the podium following the women’s doubles event
Isaiah Jones (on ball) leads Guyana’s goalscorers’ tally with two goals
A look at some of the faces in League A’s Best XI for the September window
Annalisa Vincent netted eight goals to tie a single-game record for the institution
TKR best GAW in see-saw thriller
Abit of revenge for last year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was on the cards on Wednesday night as the Trinbago Knight Riders overcame the Guyana Amazon Warriors by five wickets.
Though the Amazon Warriors were slow to start, the defending champions were coming along nicely at 55-2 in eight overs. However three major wickets fell in the space of nine balls, dragging the defending champions into hot water.
Shimron Hetmyer went first, attempting a big shot off the very first ball of the ninth over being bowled by Waqar Salamkheil. However, all Hetmyer could get on the ball was the toe-end of the bat, as it holed out to fine leg and found the safe hands of Akeal Hosein.
Two balls and one run later, Tim Robinson miscued a shot which a leaping Dwayne Bravo jumped up to catch at slip, and departed for a hard- fought 34. Then, when Keemo Paul chopped Bravo’s bowling onto his stumps, the sea of red at the Queen’s Park Oval erupted in ecstasy.
Things seemed to calm down for a minute for the Amazon Warriors but the reintroduction of the mystery
With Ali gone, Motie fol lowed soon after, he was bamboozled by the last delivery of Narine’s third over.
At the start of the 13th over, the Amazon Warriors had two new batsmen at the crease with seven wickets down for just 76 runs. Truly a terrible position.
when Nathan Sowter bowled his second-ever over of the CPL, TKR’s problems began to grow.
Sowter baited Shaqkere Parris into a big shot and had him caught for a run-a-ball 29, and a few balls later, castled Keacy Carty for 10.
Much to the dismay of the crowd in Port-of-Spain, TKR Captain Kieron Pollard became Shamar Joseph’s first wicket of the Republic Bank CPL.
Just when the required run rate was approaching 13 for the Knight Riders, Andre Russell presented himself as the answer to their problems, hitting a quartet of sixes off Sowter and Paul. Paul recovered well in that over, however, and backed by a tidy 19th over from Pretorius, the pressure was back on.
struck off the first over of their chase, the Knight Riders tricked their boisterous supporters into thinking that the chase would be an easy one.
But, Narine departed in the next over, owing to Ali’s doing.
It was a ‘cometh the man, cometh the moment’ situation for Tim David, who, until the 19th over, was striking at just 86 with just 19 from 22 balls. However, the decision to bowl Paul in the last over turned out to be a dreadful one, with the Guyanese all-rounder being deposited for two sixes to get the required 12 runs for victory.
The defending champions’ bowling line-up, after that point, did well to contain the Knight Riders’ batters. Then,
The CPL continues tonight with the Knight Riders back in action, this time against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
nership from Romario Shepherd and Dwaine ing champions ble and got them to a able andShepherd surged to the top
overs, there was a lot for pions to With 12 runs
The Trinbago Knight Riders got the better of the Amazon Warriors in their first meeting of the season
Andre Russell produced a Manof-the-Match performance to rescue the Knight Riders
Romario Shepherd brought the Guyana Amazon Warriors back from a difficult position
Nathan Sowter picked up two crucial wickets on his CPL debut