Ameena
passes away
Govt exploring possibility of bridging Leguan and Wakenaam – President Ali
…bridging Kwakwani and Kurupukari also being considered
Berbice mother kills bedridden daughter, then dies by suicide
Gas stations robbery gang caught, remanded to prison
Guyana’s Private Sector condemns repression, violence meted out to Venezuelans
…calls for Caribbean community to unite in solidarity
Fatal crashes up by 20%, non-fatal spike to 31% so far for 2024
Bandits raid home of vacationing
Essequibo
National air carrier would greatly benefit local aviation industry
Int’l professor underscores need for better networking to propel Guyana’s development Canada to reduce number of temporary foreign workers
The Palmyra Housing Development is making progress with 100 homes for young professionals under construction in its first phase at Palmyra on the East Coast of Berbice (RDC Region 6 photos)
Literary icon and philanthropist Ameena Gafoor passes away
Distinguished literary figure and philanthropist
Ameena Gafoor has died. Gafoor was born in 1941.
In a tribute, President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed his deep sorrow at Gafoor's passing, stating, "I join all Guyana in mourning the passing of Mrs. Ameena Gafoor, a truly extraordinary woman whose contributions to our nation, and especially to the literary arts, were exceptional. Ameena’s kindness and generosity were unmatched, touching the lives of many through her consistent support for various philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the promotion of the literary arts."
Ali highlighted Gafoor's role in nurturing the talents of writers, poets, and artists across the country, noting that her efforts "made a lasting impact on our nation."
He added, "Ameena will be remembered not only for her profound influence in the literary world but also for her humility and warm-spiritedness. Her gracious nature and compassionate heart made her a beloved figure to all who knew her."
“May her example continue to inspire kindness,
generosity, and a love for the arts in all of us. May Allah’s divine blessings and mercy be with her," the president as he extended condolences to Gafoor's husband and family.
In her younger years, Gafoor’s taught literature and French at the Central High School. She was also
a teacher at Tutorial High School, she taught French and Latin.
She was also the founder and editor of The Arts Journal which was pivotal in shaping Caribbean cultural history. Over the course of 13 volumes (2004-2018), the journal served as a vital platform for Guyanese writers, artists and scholars.
Gafoor's legacy was most prominently embodied in the Ameena Gafoor Institute (AGI), which has gained international recognition since its inception. The Institute, established in March 2020 under the directorship of Professor David Dabydeen, was formally launched at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament in October 2021. The AGI, with its Academic Advisory Board of 40 scholars worldwide and Honorary Patrons of distinction, has be-
come a global hub for research and dialogue on Indentureship and its legacies.
One of the AGI's most significant achievements is the creation of its website, which has gone global, becoming the most extensive repository of literature on Indentureship.
The website's comprehensive bibliography, updated monthly, lists practically
every book or article published on the subject. The Journal of Indentureship and its Legacies, another brainchild of the AGI, has published six issues since its establishment, featuring the work of over 26 scholars, writers, and artists. The Journal, an Open Access title, continues to receive thousands of views each month from readers worldwide.
Philanthropist and distinguished literary figure Ameena Gafoor
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
August 27, 2024 - 23:00hrs to 00:30hrs and Wednesday, August 28, 2024 - 23:30hrs to 01:00hrs
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - 10:45 hrs to 12:15 hrs and Wednesday, August 28, 2024 - 12:45 hrs to 14:15 hrs
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear to partly cloudy skies and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 09:22h and 21:39h reaching maximum heights of 2.30 metres and 2.33 metres.
Low Tide: 15:09h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.
Govt exploring possibility of bridging Leguan and Wakenaam – Pres Ali …bridging
TKwakwani and Kurupukari also being considered
he Government is exploring the possibility of bridging the Essequibo Islands of Wakenaam and Leguan as well as the Kwakwani and Kurupukari Crossings, according to.
President Ali, in a comment on Sunday, explained that his administration is currently reviewing all possible avenues for the utilisation of the existing Demerara and Wismar River bridges’ structures.
“…we are already looking at the placement of the existing Demerara River Bridge [at] the Kwakwani crossing, the Kurupukari crossing, and looking at the possibility between Wakenaam and Leguan. Those are all areas that our technical team and advisory teams are looking at. So that on the completion of the new Demerara River Bridge, we will have works commence on where the existing Demerara River Bridge can be located to aid efficiency, expand, productivity, reduce the cost of doing business, and improve competitiveness,” President Ali said.
The head of state said that the Cabinet will be discussing an approach aimed at improving competitiveness, transportation costs, and the efficiency of moving goods, services, and people on both the Demerara and Berbice River Bridges. He noted that both bridges are critical connections to the rest of Guyana’s economic ecosystem and for the movement of people.
“As such, before the end of this year, I'll be addressing these matters nationally, and I'll be making some pronouncements that would ensure improved competitiveness in terms of transport costs, increase efficiency and reliability, and I can assure that all decisions will definitely be to the benefit of consumers, businesses and the expansion of the economic activity that is taking place in Regions Five, Six, Three, Four, and all across the country,” Ali said.
Currently, persons using the road to travel from Georgetown to the hinterland areas must cross at Kwakwani and Kurupukari using scheduled pontoon crossings. This is timely and affects the timely supply of goods and services to several hinterland communities.
Meanwhile, farmers in Leguan and Wakenaam would have to use ferries to bring their produce out to Parika to market. The additional transportation charges also affect the end price consumers pay for produce that could have been cheaper with decreased transportation costs.
New Wismar River Bridge
Additionally, President Ali explained the new Wismar River Bridge in Region 10 will target connecting Linden with important developments in the hinterland.
“…the competitiveness of that bridge will increase productivity, reduce the burden on consumers, increase efficiency, and reliability, and expand trade. [Those] are the primary concerns that we'll be addressing. This bridge will
also be in the package of decisions that we will take before the end of this year,” he said.
New Berbice River bridge
On Monday, Guyana Times reported that President Ali assured that the new Berbice River bridge, for which contractors are currently being prequalified, will be on par with the modern structure of the new Demerara River bridge currently being built.
According to the Head of State, the bridge will have a futuristic design, capable of interconnecting with the massive developments taking place in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). He made it clear that the bridge will be no less in standard than the four-lane, fixed structure currently being built across the Demerara River.
According to the president, his administration hopes to be able to make decisions on the bridge before the end of the year, based on the Expressions of Interest it receives.
Meanwhile, the new Demerara River bridge, which is currently under construction, will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6
metres.
The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, would end the closure to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed high span to cater for the free and uninterrupted flow of vessels. The river would be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.
The idea of a new bridge across the Berbice River was first floated back in October 2022 by President Ali. Speaking at the launch of the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair two years ago, the Head of State told residents of Region Six that Government was considering a new bridge as part of the many infrastructure developments planned for the ancient county.
Then back in January this year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that the Government had already started planning the construction of a structure across the Berbice River. Construction of the bridge comes at a time when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is making plans for a plethora of development initiatives in the ancient county. This includes plans for the second major gas project, which VP Jagdeo has previously said is expected to be built in Berbice.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Ameena Gafoor, a literary luminary
The passing of Ameena Gafoor marks the end of an era in Guyanese and Caribbean literature, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Ameena Gafoor was more than just a literary figure; she was a cultural icon, a tireless advocate for the arts, and a beacon of generosity and kindness.
Ameena Gafoor’s contributions to the literary landscape of Guyana and the wider Caribbean are nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder and editor of The Arts Journal, she played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting Caribbean cultural history. Through 13 volumes published between 2004 and 2018, The Arts Journal became a vital platform for Guyanese writers, scholars, and artists, showcasing the rich diversity of thought and creativity that defines our region. Her work in this regard was instrumental in ensuring that the voices and stories of our people were heard, appreciated, and preserved for posterity.
Beyond her editorial work, Ameena Gafoor’s vision for a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of our history led to the establishment of the Ameena Gafoor Institute (AGI) in 2020. Under the directorship of Professor David Dabydeen, the AGI quickly became an internationally recognized centre for research and dialogue on Indentureship and its legacies. The Institute’s website, the most extensive repository of literature on Indentureship, and the Journal of Indentureship and its Legacies are testaments to her commitment to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.
But Ameena Gafoor’s influence extended far beyond her professional achievements. She was a woman of immense generosity, whose kindness touched the lives of many. Her support for various philanthropic endeavours, particularly those aimed at promoting the literary arts, uplifted countless writers, poets, and artists. She understood the power of the written word, and dedicated her life to ensuring that it flourished in Guyana and beyond.
Her humility, graciousness, and warm-spirited nature made her a beloved figure not only within literary circles, but also in the broader community. Ameena Gafoor was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to many, and her loss will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As we reflect on her life, we must also take inspiration from her example. Ameena Gafoor’s unwavering dedication to the arts, her commitment to preserving our history, and her kindness towards others serve as a reminder of the impact one person can have on a community and a nation. Her legacy challenges us to continue her work, to support the arts, and to ensure that the rich cultural tapestry of Guyana remains vibrant and accessible to all.
In her passing, Guyana has lost a true literary luminary, but her influence will endure. Ameena Gafoor’s life was a testament to the power of art, the importance of history, and the value of kindness. May her legacy continue to inspire us to be better, to create more, and to give generously to the causes that uplift our nation.
We agree with President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his tribute to her, when he said that Gafoor was “a truly extraordinary woman whose contributions to our nation, and especially to the literary arts, were exceptional. Ameena's kindness and generosity were unmatched, touching the lives of many through her consistent support for various philanthropic endeavours, particularly in the promotion of the literary arts. Her efforts nurtured and uplifted the talents of writers, poets, and artists across Guyana, making a lasting impact on our nation.”
Many fear Israel and Hezbollah are heading for all-out war – but here’s why that’s far from inevitable
By Lina KhatiB
Every conflict that generates public attention triggers speculation about what might happen next. Some offer doom scenarios; others use scaremongering as a diplomatic tactic in the hope that presenting policymakers in the international community with worst-case scenarios will spur those leaders into action.
After the latest escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, there is a tendency to assume that such a war is imminent. Resist that argument: escalation does not automatically mean all-out war is inevitable.
One of the tragedies in the will-they-won’t-they game playing out between Israel and Hezbollah is that it diverts attention from Palestine. Hezbollah’s fight with Israel is not about helping Palestinians, or even Hamas, but about pursuing self-preservation for Hezbollah. The group could have intervened on a large scale in October before Israel significantly weakened Hamas’s military capability, but it did not. Hezbollah would only engage in all-out war with Israel if the group felt it was facing an existential threat of its own (which, currently, it does not). It will not sacrifice itself for Palestine.
There is an urgent need to engage with the Israel-Palestine conflict in a clear-headed and nuanced way. Fixating on the question of whether escalation will lead to allout war masks the realities on the ground. As with many conflict-riven regions, the Middle East is often unpredictable. International media tend to lean towards maximal-
ist scenarios – such as a descent into a regional war – as a way of pre-empting this unpredictability. But this can also lead us to miss the kindling that lights the fire of other big stories, such as the uprisings that culminated in the Arab spring. Rather than attending to the nuances of conflicts and discord, people end up inadvertently warmongering.
This is not helped by Israel and Hezbollah engaging in propaganda that exaggerates their actions and intentions. Statements from both sides frequently convey escalated threats that hint that largescale war is on the table. Many people also remember the 2006 Lebanon war between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces, and some outsiders seem to have based their understanding of the current escalation on this previous scenario, which started with a Hezbollah military operation and escalated into full-scale conflict.
Israel and Hezbollah have been redefining the rules of engagement that they had implicitly put in place after 2006. Both are striking deeper into the other’s territory. But this still does not mean that they are heading towards regional conflagration. The perception that all-out war in the Middle East can break out at any time reflects a deeper, underlying anxiety about the region’s associations with conflicts that drag in the rest of the world (think, for instance, of the rise of al-Qaida or Islamic State). In the west in particular, anxiety about the Middle East can be an articulation of anxiety about the west having to get involved. While mistakes can happen
even in highly choreographed military activities, the circumstances on the ground point to the likelihood of a full-scale conflict between Hezbollah and Israel – particularly one that would drag in other parties – as being quite low. In 2006, Hezbollah was betting that a war with Israel would benefit its political standing in Lebanon, after its political opponents accused the group of being behind the 2005 assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. At the time, Lebanon also enjoyed economic support from myriad Arab countries in the Gulf, which helped finance reconstruction after the 2006 war.
Hezbollah is today Lebanon’s most powerful political party. It does not need a war to bolster its status. And Lebanon is reeling from a severe financial crisis, while its Gulf neighbours no longer offer unconditional aid. All-out war with Israel would therefore be deeply damaging for Hezbollah. The group is trying to avoid heading in this direction, but at the same time, it feels pressured to retain its credibility as an anti-Israel actor. Its solution to this dilemma has been to engage in psychological warfare. Before the age of social media, this took the form of installing billboards displaying threatening messages written in Hebrew on the Lebanon border, for example. Today, psychological warfare plays out on a global stage that is wider than ever. Both Hezbollah and Israel have traded threats through videos and statements that have circulated online around the world.
On the final day of August Games 2024, at Aishalton Village in South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), a cultural group from Marurunau village performed the Parichara dance at dawn (Aishalton Village, South Rupununi social media photos)
Farmers urged to adopt modern farming practices
Agriculture Minister
Zulfikar Mustapha
has called for the implementation of modern farming practices amid the country’s rapid agricultural growth. The minister made this call on Sunday during a community meeting at No. 63 Village in Region Six.
During his remarks, the minister made reference to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) one of Guyana’s leading regions in cassava production. He noted that that region’s crop production has increased significantly due to the implementation of a high yielding variety of cassava.
“In Region Three, you have a dominance of cassava. We are purchasing the cassava and sending it to the interior. The farmers there now increase the yield from the cassava from 18 tons per hectare to 30 tons because of the high-yielding variety that we have,” he stated.
This year a new variety
of high-yielding cassava was introduced to farmers. This new variety has doubled cassava production, increasing the yield per hectare from 15 tonnes to 30 tonnes.
Moreover, the minister revealed that the Ministry is working to introduce another type of bio-fortified rice to bolster production.
“By next year, we will bring out a new variety of rice. We have a bio-fortified variety that we have launched with IICA. I think you all should take advantage and plant that, because zinc is being grown in that rice. That will be a very lucrative variety. We can get preferential price for those paddies,” he stated.
On this point, the minister noted that with Guyana on the path of becoming one of the largest food exporters in the Caribbean, farmers would have to adopt modern techniques to keep up with the supply demand of the market.
“You have to think out-
side the box. We can't continue to do the same thing over and over. Let us change the way we do things. Let us make agriculture more modern. Let us make it more resilient, and we have to work together to form that partnership,” the minister stated.
Benefits of bio-fortified crops
Meanwhile, earlier this month, it was reported by the minister that the
Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) had surpassed its half-year rice production goal for 2024.
“We have seen production increase every single year. For example, in 2022, we had a production of 610,000 tonnes of rice that we produced. In 2023, that increased to 653,710 (tonnes), and this year our target is 710000 tons of rice for the first half of the year. We have already achieved our target, surpassed our target, and we achieved a production of 362,030 metric tonnes,” he said.
The minister note that this target was achieved through various initiatives employed, particularly implementation of several varieties of bio-fortified rice. Over the past few years, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) have introduced a total of 9 high-yielding varieties of rice that have been released for commercial production.
Leonora Police Station Management Committee & social work
These new varieties have significantly boosted the productivity and sustainability of the rice industry.
The exploration of new rice varieties and export markets aligns with the Government’s commitment to advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable development.
In 2023, the rice sector recorded a seven per cent increase with a pro-
duction of 653,706 metric tonnes. This signifies an increase of 43,111 metric tonnes in 2023, as compared to 610,595 in 2022. Guyana earned approximately $45.2 billion in exports in 2023, over $3 billion more than in 2022.
Due to the adaptation of modern farming practices in the rice sector, a total of US$127 million in revenue has already been recorded for the year.
Many fear Israel...
But in the current context, psychological warfare for Hezbollah is a preferable alternative to military action.
For Israel, too, all-out war would be severely damaging and cause large-scale destruction inside Israel. This is why Israel is refraining from instigating this scenario.
Instead, it is conducting attacks on Hezbollah targets to showcase its superior intelligence and military capabilities. This is in turn acting as a deterrent for Hezbollah, which knows that being so exposed would not bode well if there was a war.
The low likelihood of allout war does not mean that we should dismiss or belittle what is happening in the Middle East. That we remain focused on the prospect of a larger war underlines that all is not well. The Middle East is unpredictable because it continues to suffer from serious problems, and Palestine is at the heart of this. There simply cannot be stability in the region until this conflict is resolved. (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)
The LPSMC also intends to work along with sister Police Station Management Committees and Community Policing Groups (CPG) in order to bridge gaps, forge friendships, and attempt to prevent the spread of problems by identifying them in their early stages and reporting them to the relevant authorities.
The Leonora Police Station Management Committee, again in association with ranks of the Leonora Police Station, has started a food hamper distribution project in order to enhance its social service commitments towards the less fortunate. This is an ideal opportunity to easily liaise with members of the community and to provide service to humanity.
The LPSMC, along with the police from Leonora, will donate 30 hampers per month (a one-a-day project). The
Dear Editor, Communities are contaminated with crime, corruption, cultural conflicts, communal constriction and communication collapse. These negative elements corroborate the convincing conclusion that we have in Guyana an ailing society which needs immediate attention in order to curb a growing cancer spreading its dangerous fangs in every nook and cranny. As such, as is its mandatory civic duty, the Leonora Police Station Management Committee (LPSMC) has commenced a meet-the-people programme in corroboration and consultation with officers of the Leonora Police Station. This embarkment will afford ideal opportunity for members of the LPSMC and the Guyana Police Force to better familiarise themselves with the surroundings, understand the people, and analyze the social problems facing Region 3; in particular, villages in close proximity.
event started last Sunday, and persons residing in Leonora, Anna Catherina, Zeeburg and Zeelugt were beneficiaries.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
A winning strategy for our farmers
Dear Editor,
The plan to have farmers focus on a specific product instead of small amounts of a variety of products is a good export strategy. I suggest modifying one aspect of the strategy being proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture. Instead of producing and then seeking a market for the products, the Ministry would be more successful in helping farmers if they were to first find and guarantee a market for products to be produced.
A great opportunity exists in producing high-demand, profitable products such as organic bananas and coconuts. The organic produce industry is growing at a very fast rate due to the health benefits of the organ-
ic farming process, and the profitability of the organic food sector easily surpasses that of the nonorganic foods.
Given the extensive amount of virgin land available to Guyanese farmers, Guyana can quickly ramp up production in this sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture can also provide the much-needed service of securing long-term contracts with top buyers of high-volume, profitable organic products such as bananas and coconuts; thus giving Guyana and Guyanese farmers a winning strategy and a path to sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.
Best regards, Jamil Changlee
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
Page Foundation
Back-to-School Tips for Families Part 2
When your child is a bystander to bullying
Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying. Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.
Secure before & after school child care
During early and middle childhood, children need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and supervise them after school until you return home from work.
If a family member will care for your child, communicate the need to follow consistent rules set by the parent regarding schedules, discipline and homework.
Children approaching adolescence (11- and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age.
If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbour or with a parent by telephone.
If you choose an after-school programme for your child, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, trained persons to address health issues and emergencies, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.
Support good homework & study habits
Some children need extra help organising their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems.
Create an environment that is homework-friend-
By Emily BErry
Schedule ample time for homework. Build this time into choices about participating in after school activities.
Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time. Supervise computer and Internet use.
Take steps to help ease eye fatigue, neck fatigue, and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
If your child is struggling with a particular subject, speak with their teacher for recommendations on how to help your child at home or at school. If you have concerns about the assignments your child is receiving, talk with their teacher.
If you believe your child would benefit from special education services, look into tutoring or lessons. (Adapted from www.healthychildren.org)
What can I tell you? It was a summer that seemed to be making history — their personal history — almost before it began, and they stood back slightly, still in it, but observing it, saying “the summer this,” “the summer that,” all the while it was going on. They became obsessed with a fountain, for example, one they walked past each day, how abundantly it would reach upwards and yet be pouring back down itself the whole time — all winter this fountain had been dry, not saying a word. What more can I tell you?
Oh, everything — like how they would walk home in the evenings when the light was soft, anything bad sliding off them, and they would feel owned, completely owned, in a good way, by the air, which would touch them constantly,
ly starting at a young age. Children need a consistent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
Truck accidents
Fatal crashes up by 20%, nonfatal spike to 31% so far for 2024
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a 20 per cent increase in fatal accidents involving motor trucks/lorries for the period January 1 to August 26, 2024, according to its communications unit.
In providing the statistics, GPF’s Corporate Communications Head, Mark Ramotar, related that in the same period
resident of Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and formerly of Phillipa Village in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).
In July, 52-yearold Limwattie Laljie, also called ‘Savitha’, of Phase 2, Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) lost her life after being involved in an accident
event which focused on discussing strategies for improving the functioning of trucks and other articulated vehicles on the roadways to prevent accidents and minimise inconvenience to other commuters. Edghill addressed five key points, emphasising the need for reduced speed and better management of noise nuisances, as well
last year, there were 15 fatal accidents involving trucks, and that number has not increased to 18 for 2024. Additionally, there has been a 31 per cent increase in non-fatal accidents involving trucks.
Between January 1 and August 26, 2024, there were 187 incidents involving trucks, compared to 143 in 2023.
As Guyana continues to advance infrastructural development, more and more trucks are utilising the roadways. However, road users are complaining that truck drivers are largely inconsiderate and would operate their vehicles in a dangerous manner.
In April of this year, a mother of three was crushed to death by a low-bed truck at the intersection of Princes and High Street, Georgetown. The dead woman was identified as 36-year-old Nina Williams, also known as Martha Williams, a late
with a motor lorry which subsequently ran over her head. According to reports, Laljie was driving motorcycle #CK 6224 along the Mon Repos Railway Embankment Road while the lorry was proceeding in the same direction behind her.
As the lorry was in the process of overtaking the motorcyclist, its left side tray came into contact with the motorcycle, and Laljie was thrown onto the roadway and was run over by the lorry’s left side rear wheels.
In April, owners and operators of trucks and articulated vehicles met with Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) where he revealed a five-point plan to help reduce accidents and issues associated with trucks on the roadways. Some 100 truck drivers, operators, and trailer owners were present at the
as addressing concerns regarding damage to public property and the designated weight requirement for trucks.
He had directed his remarks to Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh and traffic ranks, who were also present at the event, stressing that drivers who are tired should not be allowed to operate vehicles on Guyana’s roadways. The minister urged police officers to intervene if they observe drivers exceeding reasonable hours, emphasising the importance of ensuring that tired drivers do not pose a distinct threat towards every citizen of Guyana.
At the same meeting contractors working on the Good Success to Timehri highway, EBD also raised concerns about the scores of persons, mainly truck drivers, speeding along the roads, where workers are currently carrying out works.
File photo: The truck that toppled on Three Friends Public Road, Essequibo Coast
Gas stations robbery gang caught, remanded to prison
Police in Regional Division 4'C' have arrested and charged three men from the East Coast of Demerara for their alleged involvement in a series of armed robberies at three gas stations.
Charged are Joel Joshua Williams, 21, of Lot 1355 Bachelor's Adventure; Akeem Marques, 27, of Bachelor's Adventure squatting area; and Tyron Peters, 19, of Lot 1109 Bachelor's Adventure.
Police said that trio were apprehended by an anti-crime bike patrol on August 23 and they were taken to court on Monday after they were charged with robbery under arms under Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
The three men appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Clive Nurse, where they pleaded not guilty to the
charges. They were remanded to prison and the case will continue on September 27.
According to Police the robberies occurred at Guyoil station,Railway Embankment Road and Chico Ramas gas station at Coldingen on August 20 and at the Rubis Gas Station, Success on August 23. It is alleged that the trio, armed with pistols and a cutlass, used a grey Axio motorcar to carry out the robberies. Upon arriving at the gas stations, they allegedly exited the vehicle and proceeded to rob pump
attendants and a security guard, making off with cash, cell phones, and jewelry valued at a
total of $340,000.
In addition to these charges, Joel Joshua Williams faces multi-
Vendetta…
…against workin’ girls
Over the last five years or so, your Eyewitness has been protesting the treatment being meted out to working girls in Georgetown. So, he wasn’t surprised when he read last week that, once again, there was a raid at a night club where twentysix females – all Colombians and Venezuelans - were picked up and taken to CID Headquarters. While there were other clubs involved, one name keeps popping up more than any other: Red Dragon on Robb Street. In one instance, it was reported that the Guyana Police Force – CID – Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit, along with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security – C-TIP – raided the Red Dragon night club in downtown GT and “rescued FORTY-FOUR female foreign nationals”.
Now, the problem your Eyewitness has is: if in fact trafficking is going on and these raids are being conducted, how come the traffickers haven’t been dealt with by the full force of the law, and put away at Lusignan or Mazaruni?? In one instance, the owner of the club had been arrested – along with another gentleman who claimed he was a clothes vendor – for trafficking - but as far as your Eyewitness’s investigation could find out, nothing was proved!!
As your Eyewitness has said on previous occasions, while he sees trafficking as a heinous crime – to peddle females against their will to be used for sex – it is clear that the girls at the night club might be selling their services quite voluntarily, thank you!! Practising the oldest profession in the world, that is!! Now, this is a horse of a completely different colour: there isn’t a civilisation on earth without sex workers. In fact, some of them – notably Chinese and Indians – were called “concubines”. They were highly trained before they were allowed to practise their profession. Music, poetry and the arts were only a few of the subjects on their curriculum. But before long, the British imposed their Victorian norms on these women’s bodies and decided what the females could do with their own bodies. Did you even think of that? Every day of the week, citizens are admired for going out and “selling their labour” for “wages”. But what’s this “labour” we sell? Can it be separated from our bodies? It really can’t, can it? It all comes down to the negative value judgement placed on “sex work” – it’s “sinful”. And that’s the nub of the problem, innit?
ple counts of robbery under arms. He is accused of robbing Dale Jordan and Melissa Wilkinson at the Guyoil Gas Station, Mon Repos Railway Embankment, on August 20. He also allegedly robbed Kenard Mahadeo of $9,000 at the Chico Ramas Gas Station, Coldingen, on the same day.
Williams appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison. He also appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce in connection with the robbery at Chico Ramas. Williams pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $100,000. That matter has been adjourned to September 30.
Our laws still insist that the morality coming out of some tribal customs two millennia ago should dictate what women can do with their bodies. For them, it’s forbidden for anyone to run “brothels” or “bawdy houses” (Criminal Offences Act s 357; Summary Jurisdiction (Offenses) Act, §165), and working girls can be rounded up and shamed.
It’s a shame!!
…against Working Girls’ Day?
Bet you didn’t know that June 2nd is “International Whores Day”, or (less contentiously!)
“International Sex Workers Day”. And that’s too bad. In an age when the ABCDEU Consulates join our LGBTQ community and march through the streets of Georgetown celebrating “Gay Pride”, we still have a whole community of folks stigmatized for EARNING a living!!
Now, Guyana’s supposed to have a Sex Workers Coalition, and your Eyewitness had hoped they’d be in the streets demanding that sex work not be driven underground – where the workers can REALLY be exploited.
Interestingly, in the 60s independence era, there were scads of these institutions in GT where working girls could ply their trade. “Ho’-tels” like Garmont on Lombard Street catered to the lower strata, while Cambridge and Oxford - near State House - were more upscale. The aptly named “Sangam” – meeting place – near Freedom House was in between!!
Sex workers of the world, unite!! You have nothing to lose but your chains of shame!!
…against road carnage
One of the ways we may be able to reduce the carnage on the roads is to tighten the requirements for driving licences to be issued. An intensive course in defensive driving must be introduced.
Remanded: Joel Williams
The car that was allegedly used during the robberies
Remanded: Akeem Marcus Remanded: Tyrone Peters
National air carrier would greatly benefit local aviation industry – GCAA Head
With heavy investments being made to boost the local aviation sector, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Field has indicated that a national airline would be a tremendous boost.
According to Field, the GCAA with the support of the administration will welcome such ventures and walk the investors through the process and ensure that their operations align with the sector’s regulations, protocols and best practices.
During a brief interview with this publication on Monday, the GCAA Head explained
that having a national carrier coincides with Government’s plans to make Guyana a new travel hub.
“It would be a tremendous boost to the economy, in terms of not only advancing and increasing the aviation industry, but the traffic, the uplift in and out of Guyana will be increased. Don't forget to bring in tourists, bring in businessmen in the job area. You'll have local pilots, local engineers, local flight attendants, and all this will be added towards the development of the economy in Guyana… Before all of this, the entire intent of the operation will have to be approved by our
administration, because eventually the administration determines how many aircraft operators we will have in Guyana and who can operate in Guyana,” Field said.
Over the last three years, Guyana has fostered many joint ventures with regional and international airlines to develop new routes for direct and indirect flights to and from Guyana, however, the number of locally owned carriers are relatively low.
Earlier in the year, Aviation Advisor to the government and former Member of Parliament, Lenox Shuman resigned from his post with the intention of establishing a “100 percent Guyaneseowned” airline.
Field explained that while a formal application has not been submitted yet, the GCAA did engage Shuman about the venture.
Nevertheless, he highlighted the Authority is anticipating more proposals of that nature.
“The Civil Aviation Authority is here as the regulator, and at the same time to see the
Wanted bulletin issued for Sand Hills' murder suspect
Police on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Anthonio Benedict in connection with the murder of 22-year-old laborer Francis Sukoo. Benedict's last known residence is in Sand Hill, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is urging anyone with information regarding Benedict's whereabouts to reach out by calling 227-1149, 225-8196, 227-1611, 226-3405, 225-6978, 333-3876, or 225-8196.
Individuals can also report any relevant information to the nearest po-
lice station.
Reports are that Sukoo was killed sometime between 17:00h and 18:07h at Sand Hill, Region 10. According to reports, Sukoo was hanging out with the suspect and other friends at a local shop, where they were drinking alcohol.
airline industry grow. We're here to promote the growth of the aviation industry. So, should a local airline or any airline make representation in terms of a formal application to operate into Guyana or out of Guyana, we will certainly welcome that application. So, an airline locally owned will certainly be a boost in terms of increasing the aviation industry and also the development of Guyana as a whole,” he reassured.
Meanwhile, when contacted for an update on his plans to estab-
lish El Dorado Airlines, Shuman indicated that a board meeting will be held shortly, after which he can speak with the media.
For the period January to May, Guyana has seen an increase in the number of persons entering the country.
According a report from the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, visitor arrivals increased significantly by 12.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2023 with a total of 141,078 visitors entering the country during this period.
Moreover, this year’s May month arrivals increased by 14.6 per cent in 2024 when compared to May 2023, with 28,327 visitors.
It was noted that the increase of visitors during this period is a result of multiple initiatives implemented by the Ministry who worked assiduously on several extensive, collaborative projects, programmes and initiatives to achieve significant strides in promoting and developing Guyana’s tourism product. (G1)
However an argument ensued between Sukoo and the suspect, which allegedly led to Sukoo slapping the suspect several times. It is alleged that the suspect then left the shop, only to return armed with a pair of scissors. Police said that he attacked Sukoo, stabbing him five times in various parts of his body, causing him to collapse.
According to Police, the suspect fled the scene, while Sukoo was rushed to a nearby health worker. He was subsequently transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Director General of GCAA, Egbert Field
Bandits raid home of vacationing
Essequibo Coast businessman …escape with over $28M, ammo, jewellery
The home of businessman Haimant
Chowtie, called "Two Leaf," of Columbia, Region Two (Pomeroon-
Supenaam) was burglarised over the weekend while he and his family were vacationing overseas.
The bandits made off with over $28 million and other valuables.
Reports are that the incident occurred between 15:00h on August 24 and 01:50h on August 25, 2024.
The businessman had left his home in the care of a close relative during his absence. The burglary was discovered when Chowtie’s son, who was monitoring the house's security cameras remotely, noticed that the CCTV system had been disabled.
Upon noticing the malfunction, he immediately contacted the relative, who rushed to the residence. On arrival, it
was discovered that the house had been broken into and thoroughly ransacked.
Among the items reportedly stolen were two diamond bands valued at $5 million, eight luxury watches totaling $8.5 million, and four gold chains
worth $1 million. Other items stolen included a diamond pendant and earrings valued at $1.5 million, 12 bottles of high-end perfume worth $900,000, a box of ammunition, $10 million, and an additional US$7000.
Police officers re-
sponding to the scene retrieved footage from the home's surveillance system. The video showed three individuals involved in the burglary, two of whom have since been taken into custody. Police investigation continues.
The vandalised home of the businessman
After months of proprietary works
Construction commences on Ogle-Eccles 4-lane highway
…as Govt aims to meet October deadline
Construction works on the US$106.4 million Ogle-Eccles four-lane Highway, which will link the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) commenced on Monday and already, the government is eyeing the project completion by October.
The four-lane highway is being built from the intersection of the Ogle Airstrip Road and the Rupert Craig Highway on the ECD towards Haags Bosch in Eccles, on the EBD.
The 7.8-kilometre road, which was contracted to Ashoka Buildcon, will feature a roundabout that will connect the highway and the Railway Embankment, which is also being expanded.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has disclosed that the new thoroughfare will develop the country’s infrastructure and open up
land to meet the needs of the agriculture, housing, and oil and gas sectors.
He added that the project which is slated to be completed by October of this year will also be a new road artery that links the Eugene F. Correia International Airport with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
“This is a major intervention that will cause people moving between the East Bank and the East Coast to bypass the entire Georgetown traffic, reduce travel time, make people's lives much easier, great accessibility, all the things that go with our improvement that have been started out. It's just a matter of implementing it now… And you would have noticed as well that the connector road at Haags Bosch which is in the Eccles area we were connecting with two lanes
but we have since expanded that project to four lanes because of the volume of traffic that we are noticing, so that's a significant improvement,” Edghill disclosed.
To ensure the smooth flow of traffic, upgrades will be made to Ogle Old Road, Industry Road, and Victoria Road in Plaisance.
These upgrades will include the removal of encumbrances from the parapets and the clearing of road shoulders.
Additionally, road users traveling from Rupert Craig Road to Ogle Airstrip Road from Georgetown will need to use UG Road to connect with Embankment Road while road users coming from Mahaica to the Airstrip Road will use Better Hope and connect with Embankment Road.
Concerning heavy-laden trucks, those heading east will be required to enter and exit the Railway
Embankment at UG Road, while those heading west will enter and exit at the Vryheid’s Lust main road. Police, along with traffic marshals from the contractor, will be on site to provide directions at detours.
Edghill said residents and businesses within the vicinity project have been engaged and have agreed to these terms.
“The residents have been engaged more than two months ago and they've all agreed. There are continuously planning on how they will access their homes. As a matter of fact, work has been going on in the area where the residents live on both sides and now, we reach the stage where we have to come to the middle which is the old road and that's why we're closing for the period… The section that is being closed for work is from the Rupert Craig Highway to the rail-
of road under construction at Ogle
way embankment. Work has been ongoing in the entire stretch and it's one of the projects that is on schedule and we don't want to delay it,” he explained.
The Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) is appealing for cooperation from all motorists during this period while reminding that these works are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the
nation’s roadways.
In June, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has inspected proprietary works. At the time the head of state has engaged with the contractor and technical officers from the Public Works Ministry.
During that engagement, the president had emphasised the importance of ensuring there is greater connectivity with the establishment of these road networks. (G2)
Strech
Berbice mother kills bedridden daughter, then dies by suicide
ABerbice mother and daughter are now dead, and police are treating the case as a murder/suicide.
Dead are 73-year-old Lilowttie Baker, called ‘Kamo’, and her daughter, 52-year-old Devi Nandlall, called ‘Linda’, both of whom had resided at Warren Village, East Coast Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The incident occurred on August 21, and Baker died on the same day while Nandlall passed away two days later, on Friday.
Nandlall had been bedridden for the past 34 years, after falling ill at the age of 14.
She had eventually been confined to a bed and wheelchair four years later, as her condition had
worsened. According to her stepfather, Frankie Baker, two weeks before the incident, his daughter had not been eating or drinking anything – refusing all that she was given. He said that on Wednesday last, the daughter asked for some
water to drink, and his wife took care of that task.
However, moments later, the wife reportedly made a shocking confession.
Baker explained that he was speaking with a relative on the phone when his wife came up to him
and gave him a small fabric bag and said goodbye to him.
“Kamo called me next to the door and she say, ‘Franky, look this thing’, and I know this is the bag that have me and she jewels inside. So I say, ‘Kamo, why you giving me this?’, and she say, ‘Bye’.”
He said he enquired the reason for her utterances and was told that she had consumed a poisonous substance and had also given some to her daughter.
“Me grabble she and she collapse, and ah put she down on the ground and run inside to the daughter. The daughter mouth clean. Ah say, ‘Ow Kamo, look what you done to your daughter and what you done to yourself.’
I squeeze her mouth and push my finger down her throat for her to vomit out, because I don’t know what to do…I start get stupid,” Baker said as he broke down in tears.
Neighbours were alerted, and the mother and daughter were rushed to the New Amsterdam
Hospital. The mother passed away a few hours later, while the daughter died on Friday.
Baker disclosed that he was on his way to the hospital on Friday when he received a telephone call informing him that his daughter had passed away earlier in the afternoon.
According to Baker, his wife had been receiving psychiatric help, and on many occasions, he had purchased the medication for her.
Anyone who needs someone to talk to, or knows someone who is in need of immediate assistance, is asked to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, or 623-4444, and speak with a professional counsellor. (G4)
Dead: 73-year-old Lilowttie Baker called ‘Kamo’
Dead: 52-year-old Devi Nandlall called ‘Linda’
UG to begin new academic year with over 3500 new students
…face-to-face, virtual, blended classes to continue
The University of Guyana (UG) is set to begin the new academic year for 2024/2025 with a weeklong series of orientation sessions culminating with a formal opening on Friday, which is set to see over 11000 students.
In a release, the University of Guyana, stated that year’s activities will bring new dynamism and innovation to the formal opening.
The release further mentioned of various activities set to kick off on the Friday of the jampacked week.
“The formal Friday Commencement activities will begin at 12 Noon with an open campus event, providing students with the oppor-
tunity to meet faculty, staff, and peers, explore the campus, student clubs and societies, and participate in other special activities in a festive atmosphere,” the release stated, adding that the ceremonial pening will take place at 14:00h at the new Multipurpose Auditorium, Turkeyen Campus, and will feature presentations from senior officers of the university, including Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande, Deputy Registrar (ag) Dr Daniella King, Deputy Vice- Chancellor for Academic Engagement Prof. Emanuel Cummings and ViceChancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin. The Commencement ceremony will also feature cul-
tural performances by the university’s talent ambassadors and other top performers.
Virtual and face-face orientations.
Virtual and face-toface orientation sessions will take place from August 26 – 30 for new students at all campuses (Turkeyen, Berbice and IDCE Regional Campuses) and from September 12 to 13 for continuing students also on all campuses. This year, the University is expected to welcome over 3500 freshmen (new students), who will join over 8000 continuing students pursuing studies in various academic disciplines, orientation sessions will begin daily from 09:00h. Classes for most new
Vybz Kartel hints at concert in Guyana in 2025
Jamaican Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has surprised his Guyanese fans with a hint at a possible performance in Guyana next year. In a video posted to Instagram yesterday, Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, teased the idea, saying, “Guyana, next year, a blood—at trouble. Gwan save up unno money, yeh hear. I’m forwarding.” This announcement shocked fans, as Kartel had previously sworn off performing in Guyana following a 2011 ban on some of his music by the state broadcaster, National Communications Network (NCN). At the time, the ban was due to concerns about explicit content in his songs. In a 2011 interview with The Jamaica Star, Kartel expressed his dis-
content, stating, “I refused to go there before the ban was imposed so that ban wasn’t necessary. I banned myself. Big up the Guyanese Gaza fans, but I would sooner tour Iraq than go to Guyana.” The ban was reportedly linked to Kartel’s decision to withdraw from a government-sponsored appearance at the Jam Zone Summer Break party. Despite the drama,
and continuing undergraduate students will begin on September 2, 2024.
New applications and registrations
Though many programmes are at capacity, students who have applied and not yet heard from the University or who wish to register for programmes that are not yet at capacity, are encouraged to complete pending applications or registrations at the earliest or risk losing their places.
Those who still wish to attend the University for the new academic year can still apply
during the next week. New applications close on August 31, 2024.
Registration is ongoing for those students who have already applied and have still to accept the offer placement as well as for students who are continuing. The University will continue to offer its students three attendance options - face-to-face, online or blended learning formats. The mode of delivery will depend on the discipline being pursued by students, their geographical location and other special conditions such as work commitments or disabilities.
Kartel’s hint at a Guyana performance signals a change of heart. Fans in Guyana, along with those in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, have reason to get excited, as Kartel has hinted at performances in these countries as well.
The 48-year-old artist is set to hold his first post-prison performance in Jamaica on December 31, 2024, marking a significant moment in his career after being freed from prison. Kartel, along with co-accused Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, was convicted of the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams but maintained his innocence throughout. His conviction was recently overturned by the Privy Council, paving the way for his return to the stage.
(NYCARIBNEWS)
Continuing students, who have not yet registered for the new academic year 2024/25, are urged to do so as soon as possible by checking into their SRMS accounts.
For assistance, please email or call our admissions Division –Turkeyen Campus - admissions@uog.edu.gy (592-623-8325 & 6231865) or RegistryBerbice Campus - ugbc. registry@uog.edu.gy (592-623-1926 & 6427394).
Faculties and other academic departments will continue to advise their respective students directly about options available to them.
Jamaican Dancehall star Vybz Kartel
Venezuela's election
Guyana’s Private Sector condemns repression, violence meted out to Venezuelans
…calls for Caribbean community to unite in solidarity
Guyana’s Private Sector Commission of Guyana (PSC) on Monday voiced its deep concern regarding the recent developments in Venezuela following the General Election and the subsequent Resolution adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS). The PSC has affirmed its commitment to upholding democratic principles, human rights, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, in line with the OAS's stance.
In a strongly worded on Monday night, the PSC highlighted Article 3 of the Inter-American Charter, which emphasizes the importance of "holding periodic free and fair elections based on secret balloting and universal suffrage as an expression of the sovereignty of the people." The Commission expressed grave concern over the apparent disregard for these democratic principles in Venezuela, pointing to violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms, and the political and economic instability that these actions could cause in the region.
The PSC has called on all member countries of the Caribbean community, who value democracy and the practice of free and fair elections, to unite in expressing their solidarity with the Venezuelan people. The Commission urged these nations to support an impartial international verification of the true results of the Venezuelan General Elections, to ensure that the democratic will of the Venezuelan people is respected and upheld.
Over the past week, international media outlets have closely followed the unfolding situation in Venezuela. Reports have highlighted the contentious nature of the election, with opposition parties and international observers alleging widespread irregu-
The PSC condemned the repression and violence currently being experienced by the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of democracy and the rule of law. The Commission emphasised that these actions threaten not only the well-being of the Venezuelan population but also the stability of the entire region.
larities and voter suppression.
Respect Venezuelans
Guyana is among the 20 plus countries which recently signing on to a United States (US) led statement calling for the Nicolás Maduro regime to respect Venezuelans and their human rights amid its ongoing crackdown on dissidents.
In the joint statement, released by the US State Department last Friday, the countries had condemned the current crackdown on dissidents, which has seen thousands arrested and killed, including Venezuelan journalists and opposition politicians.
“We express our deep condemnation of the repression of protesters and the violence that has claimed the lives of many Venezuelans in the post-election context. We urgently call on Venezuelan authorities to end the violence and release all those who have been detained, including opposition representatives.”
“Furthermore, we request the immediate return of the Office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Venezuela, and call on Venezuela to ensure the necessary conditions for it to fully carry out its mandate,” the joint statement had said.
The countries had also made a number of other calls on Venezuela. These included calls for Venezuela to guarantee the safe conduct of asylum seekers currently trapped at the Argentine embassy, out of the country and in accordance with international law.
Argentine President Javier Milei has been one of Maduro’s strongest critics and has even called for the intervention of Venezuelan armed forces following the disputed elections. Venezuela for its part had ordered the removal of the Argentine diplomats at the facility, which has been protecting six members of the Venezuelan opposition seeking asylum, since March of this year. This had prompted Brazil to step in and offer its protection to the Argentine embassy.
Mention was also made of the fact that the
National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela is yet to present the electoral records that would verify the declaration it made of Maduro’s victory… a declaration that is at odds with the electoral records published by the opposition, which show that opposition Presidential candidate Edmundo González actually won the elections by a wide margin.
“Consequently, we request the immediate publication of all original records and the impartial and independent verification of those results, preferably by an international entity, to ensure respect for the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed at the polls. Any delay in this process calls into question the August 2, 2024, official proclamation,” the joint statement had said.
The countries signing
on to the statement had included Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Guyana, Italy, Morocco, The Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Suriname, Uruguay, Ukraine, the United States and the European Union. Guyana and Venezuela currently have a border controversy being adjudicated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as Venezuela has unjustly claimed two thirds of Guyana, comprising of the mineral rich Essequibo, as its own.
The Maduro regime has also been stepping up its aggressive tactics, including a military buildup on Venezuela’s border with Guyana, a fact that has been roundly condemned by the international community.
Int’l professor underscores need for better networking to propel Guyana’s development
As linkages between the Guyanese population and regional bodies grow through varied partnerships, Dr. Teboho Moja – Professor of Higher Education at New York University and at the University of the Western Cape of South Africa – has emphasised the need for locals to collectively network, stating that Guyana can benefit at a much faster pace.
Networking is about building relationships and connecting with others: people you know, people you don't really know, and new people you've never met before. And while it may sound intimidating, it can be rewarding and fun.
She at the time made this disclosure during a webinar on Monday.
According to Dr. Moja, cycles of stagnancy in busi-
nesses, organisations and other bodies can be broken if collaborative networking efforts are practiced.
“If there is collaboration across the board then we can break the cycles…that we talk so much about but we need to break the cycles but we cannot do that alone, we need to do collaborative research and collaborative networking which can addresses major problems,”
she stated.
Considering the complexity in today’s world, she highlighted that if Guyanese try to reach out to regional bodies solely and not collaboratively there will be many hurdles which that person will have to jump over.
“The essence of network research communities lies in that ability to nurture and foster collaboration, promote the exchange of ideas, and drive innovation by bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, in today's increasingly complex world, the challenges we face, be they social, economic, environmental, or technological, are often just too vast for any single actor, researcher, or institution, government, or so, to tackle alone.”
She added, “So network research communities will allow for the pooling
of resources, the pooling of knowledge and skills, to enhance our ability to address these multifaceted issues that affect us all in different ways.”
Lending her perspective to scarcity of resources in different work fields, she mentioned that networking can alleviate this lingering issue.
“We can facilitate the sharing of resources be it data methodology truth which can significantly accelerate the pace of research and reduce the implication especially in situations where resources are limited.”
Using the University of Guyana (UG) as the main point of her discussion she drew a narrative which showed that if UG was capitalise on collaborative networking, there can soon be more statistical information
gained on topics such as migration and diaspora.
“We would have a clearer understanding of how we can leverage this strategy to enhance the work that we are doing here at the University of Guyana to enhance the field of migration and diaspora studies and even beyond that.’
The webinar was hosted by the University’s Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies under the topic of "Building inclusive networked research communities".
Dr. Teboho Moja is a Professor of Higher Education at New York University, an Extraordinary Professor at the University of the Western Cape - South Africa, and a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship at the
University of Pretoria, South Africa. She previously served as an Executive Director and Commissioner of the National Commission on Higher Education in South Africa (1995), appointed by President Mandela. She was recognised and awarded a Lifetime Achiever Award by the National Research Foundation (South Africa) and an Honorary doctorate by the University of Pretoria. She has served on numerous bodies including the UNESCOInstitute of International Education Planning and the Advisory board of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Programme. She is a board member of the National Research Foundation and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Student Affairs in Africa. (G2)
Dr Teboho Moja
Over 12,000 benefit from Govt-led skills training in 4 years – Hamilton
Training being provided by the Board of Industrial Training has been a success. This is according to Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton.
Some 12,472 persons countrywide have been trained in different fields since August 2020, as a result of direct investments being made by the government.
Hamilton, who visited several locations where training programmes are ongoing in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Monday, told this publication that since 2020, the government has invested $1.2 billion in various training programmes being run by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
During the visit he was able to witness firsthand several of the train-
ing programmes being rolled out in the county.
Training is currently ongoing in electrical installation, cosmetology, commercial cooking and information technology at various villages.
“So far of the 12,400 of the persons that we have trained, 61 percent are females across this country. In a lot of areas where women are
now trained and working in some skilled areas, they would not have had the opportunity five years ago to participate in these type of training programmes and a lot of women are gravitating towards these programmes; electrical installation, welding and fabrication,” Hamilton told this publication.
The Board of
State-of-the-art steelpan school in the pipeline
The Pan Minors
Music Literacy Programme was wrapped up on Friday with some 200 participants receiving their certificates at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.
As customary, this year’s programme was made possible through a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Republic Bank Limited.
During the closing ceremony, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr highlighted Government’s continuous investments in the steelpan industry to create talented and prominent players throughout the nation.
“This is an investment that the Government of Guyana has made in you, and I’m going to make a com-
mitment on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport that the groups who shared their talents today will be playing at the next event the ministry hosts that is appropriate for your talents to be showcased…You all will be compensated for your talent,” Ramson is quoted as saying in a DPI report.
According to the sport minister, Government has tripled its investment in the steelpan industry in order to allow
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.
Hamilton said that he is pleased with the work of BIT over the past four years.
He pointed out that a fiber optic technician training programme was for the first time conducted in 2022, with a batch of fifteen persons.
“By the time we were finished training those fifteen persons they were already working in the telecommunications field. If we didn’t foresee and bring that new programme on stream, where would have the telecommunication companies would have found the skill set from?”
Following the first batch, a second batch consisting of twenty persons were trained in 2023.
This year a further twenty persons were trained by BIT for Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
“Because the programme was so successful, GPL sought us out and asked us to train their staff because we have a fiber optic cable across the Demerara River and any time we have a disruption, we have to bring people in and pay a lot of money for them to repair it.”
Hamilton explained that with the input of BIT, GPL has almost twenty technicians in its employ who are empowered with the skills to carry out fiber optic installation and repairs.
According to Hamilton, many who are now working in the oil and gas sector were first exposed to technical knowledge and training through BIT.
In fact, he said many companies are depending on his Ministry for skilled personnel to employ.
“Whether welding and fabrication, people for the hospitality sector – we do commercial food preparation as a programme, they seek us out and we make our list of persons who have graduated available to companies so that they can interface with them. As a result, thousands of people are now working in skill set,” he explained.
Currently, discussions are ongoing with the World Bank for a two-year programme that will train women countrywide.
“So it is not just national organisations and sister ministries that have sought BIT out to execute programmes, international organisations also have. Right now, as I speak with you, we are engaging a technical company out of Dubai and tomorrow (Tuesday) the CEO and his team have a meeting with the UNDP discussing training,” he added. (G4)
Canada to reduce number of temporary foreign workers
Cmore persons to participate in the art.
As part of Cricket Carnival events, Government would be adding these new steelpan talents to the schedule, allowing them to have a feel of the big stage. A state-of-the-art steelpan school for teaching and competition purposes would also soon be designed.
Apart from engaging in steelpan activities, participants have been able to build life-lasting bonds and friendships.
anada is reducing by tens of thousands the number of temporary foreign workers it brings in, reversing some expansions to the program it made in 2022 as the government struggles to bring down numbers of temporary residents.
The temporary foreign worker program brings non-Canadians to the country to work on a short-term basis. Meant to fill labor shortages, it has grown dramatically and has come under fire for suppressing wages and leaving workers vulnerable to abuse, in part because of permits that tie workers to employers.
A UN special rapporteur called it, opens new
tab "a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his cabinet is also considering reductions to permanent resident streams.
Trudeau has been lagging in polls ahead of an election expected next year as a growing share of Canadians say Canada is bringing in too many immigrants.
"We're looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there's pathways to success for everyone who comes to
Canada," Trudeau told reporters Monday.
He said the government will present a broader plan on immigration levels this fall.
Canada has long prided itself on welcoming newcomers but its government is under pressure to reduce the number of temporary residents, which has grown dramatically in recent years.
The government has pledged more measures to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada's total population in three years. Its share was 6.8% in April and the Bank of Canada has said, opens new tab it expected that number to rise. (Reuters)
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton
Regional Venezuelan journalist released after being charged with terrorism, union says
Awell-known Venezuelan entertainment journalist arrested in Caracas over the weekend has been released, a media union said on Monday, but she faces terrorism charges as the fallout from the country's disputed July 28 presidential election widens.
Carmela Longo, who until last week worked at the pro-government Ultimas Noticias newspaper, was arrested on Sunday after her house was raided by police, the
National Union of Press Workers of Venezuela (SNTP) said on the X social media site. She was charged with terrorism and inciting hatred during a virtual hearing on Monday, and was later released, it said. Her teenage son also was briefly detained over the weekend.
Longo is not allowed to leave the country or write about her case and must appear periodically before authorities, the union has said. It says at
least eight other reporters have been detained following last month's election. Venezuela's electoral council has proclaimed socialist President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, as the winner of the vote despite opposition tallies showing a resounding victor for its candidate.
The Ministry of Information and the Attorney General's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reuters)
US travel advisory shifts favourably for Jamaica
AMAICA’S commitment to progress was reflected in the recent revision of the United States Department of State’s travel advisory. This adjustment, while nuanced, provides reassurance to prospective visitors about their safety and the quality of their experience when they choose Jamaica.
Brazil minister declares ‘war’ with fire as smoke cloaks Brasília and São Paulo
Brazil’s environment minister has declared her country “at war” with fire after a historic surge in blazes – from the depths of the Amazon to the rural south-east – cloaked Brasília and São Paulo with smoke, grounded flights and forced schools to close.
Speaking after an emergency meeting with the president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on Sunday, Marina Silva called the sudden spike in wildfires in São Paulo state’s countryside “unusual” and said federal police were
investigating the causes.
Three people have been arrested.
Some fear Brazil could be witnessing a repeat of 2019’s “Day of Fire”: a wave of deliberate, politically charged conflagrations that ripped through the Amazon rainforest in year one of Jair Bolsonaro’s environmentally calamitous presidency.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday responded "yes" when asked in a morning press conference whether he thought the United States was using its ambassador to interfere in domestic affairs.
The latest State Department update, issued July 25, 2024, acknowledges that “tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the island” and removes disparaging comments such as, “Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents”.
Jamaican officials, including the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of National Security, presented compelling data demonstrating the remarkably low crime rate against visitors, which stands at less than 0.01 per cent. Furthermore, they
Public and private sector stakeholders in Jamaica have worked diligently to bring a more balanced narrative to the language describing the island to its visitors, 42 per cent of whom are returning guests — the highest rate of any island in the Caribbean. The facts tell a consistent story, that visitors have consistently been safe and comfortable with their decision to come back to Jamaica.
showcased significant reductions in the overall rate of serious crimes: Jamaica recorded a seven per cent reduction in 2023 to reach its lowest overall crime rate in 23 years. Through continued diligence in 2024, the country has realised a further 14.9 per cent year-to-date decrease in serious crimes. Regarding medical services, the State Department has softened its warning, incorporating language it has used to describe many countries around the world, saying that: “US citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States”. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)
“This is a veritable war against fire and against crime,” added the minister after visiting the headquarters of the environment protection agency Ibama with Lula.
Three of Brazil’s six biomes – the Amazon, the Pantanal wetland and the Cerrado – have been feeling the heat since earlier this year, with the first registering an almost 20-year high of fires in the first half of 2024.
Referring to the situation in São Paulo, Marina Silva, a veteran environmentalist, told reporters: “In virtually two days, various municipalities are burning at the same time. This isn’t part of our experience curve in all these years we’re been working with fire.
(The Guardian)
Mexico president says US judicial reform criticism is domestic interference
Last Thursday, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar labeled a judicial reform that would see judges elected by popular vote a threat to Mexican democracy by exposing its judiciary to the influence of organized crime, and said it put the U.S.Mexico trade relationship at risk.
Lopez Obrador had last week blasted the critique as "interventionist."
On Monday, Lopez
Obrador emphasized the need to respect nations' independent sovereignties while assuring that relations remain friendly with Salazar and U.S. President Joe Biden. Nothing "rational" could cause a break in U.S.-Mexican trade relations, Lopez Obrador said.
The United States and Mexico are each other's top trading partners, and the U.S. has increasingly been opening factories in the neighboring country as it seeks to move its supply chains from China to closer home. (Reuters)
T&T couple beaten by 12 home invaders
Acouple had to seek medical treatment after they were beaten by 12 attackers who invaded their Penal home on the evening of August 24. Police said PC Rampersad and PC Nelson responded to a call at the couple's Carlito Trace, Quarry Road, Morne Diablo, Rock Road home. The 25-year-old woman told the officers she locked up around 5.30 pm and went to her bedroom with her 33-yearold husband and two
children when 12 men broke into the house, using a pickaxe to break through a wall near the spare bedroom.
The attackers immediately began beating the couple, injuring their heads, faces and lower bodies before taking a cellphone and $1,000. One of the men remained in the bedroom with the woman while the other 11 men dragged her husband outside to Carlito Trace Junction, where they continued to beat him, further injuring him, be-
fore running away.
The woman told police the attacker who was supervising her then took a bottle of Johnnie Walker whisky, poured it into her husband's white Nissan B12 Sentra parked under a galvanised shed and set it on fire. He then fled. The woman's husband returned and was able to contain the blaze.
The victims visited the Siparia District Health Facility for their injuries. Police are continuing investigations. (T&T Newsday)
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador
Venezuelan journalist Carmela Longo walking towards a police vehicle as she is being detained by police who raided her house, according to a journalists union and a local rights organisation in Caracas, Venezuela, August 25, 2024 in this screengrab taken from a social media video (Jesus Medina Ezaine/via Reuters)
Around the World OIL NEWS
Oil climbs 3% as Libyan output cuts further supply concerns
Oil prices settled 3% higher on Monday as production cuts in Libya added to supply concerns stemming from reports of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Brent crude futures closed $2.41, or 3.05%, at $81.43 a barrel, while U.S. crude futures settled $2.59, or 3.5%, higher at $77.42 a barrel.
Both benchmarks had gained more than 2% on Friday.
"The near-term buying seems justified," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial, citing Middle East tensions, Libyan production outages and weak oil inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, the key U.S. storage hub.
Libya's eastern-based government announced the closure of all oil fields on Monday, halting production and exports.
National Oil Corp, which controls the country's oil resources, provided no confirmation.
However, NOC subsidiary Waha Oil Company said it planned to gradually reduce output and warned of a complete halt to Libya's production, citing unspecified "protests and pressures".
Libya's Sirte Oil Company, another NOC subsidiary, said it will start a partial reduction in production.
Libya's oil production was about 1.18 million barrels per day in July, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, citing secondary sources.
"The biggest risk for the oil market is probably a further drop in Libyan oil production due to political tensions in the country, with a risk that production could fall from current levels of 1 million barrels per day to zero," said analyst Giovanni Staunovo of Swiss bank UBS.
An oil tanker has been on fire in the Red Sea since Aug. 23 after an attack by Yemen's Houthis, EU Red Sea naval mission Aspides said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, crude oil inventories at Cushing, the pricing point for U.S. crude oil futures, have fallen to six-month lows.
U.S. crude inventories were expected to have fallen by about 3 million barrels last week, according to a Reuters poll.
Investors remain cautious over the actions of OPEC and its allies, or OPEC+, which has plans to raise output later this year, said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.
"Most oil forecasters expect 2025 oil demand growth to hover around 1 million b/d. Were Libya to go down in another bout of civil war, the balances of 2025 could look very similar to this year's despite more Saudi and Russian production," Viktor Katona, lead crude analyst at Kpler, added.
On the demand side, increasing signs of lackluster growth and emerging risks to the job market overshadowed a gathering of global policymakers at the U.S. Federal Reserve's annual Jackson Hole conference, highlighting the changing trajectory of monetary policy as U.S. and European central banks eye cutting interest rates.
However, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly on Monday said it was hard to imagine anything could derail a September rate cut from the current range of 5.25%-5.50%.
6 killed in 'most massive'
Russian air attack, Ukraine says
Russia has launched one of its biggest air attacks on Ukraine of the war so far, the head of the Ukrainian air force has said.
At least six people were killed and dozens wounded as missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday.
Power infrastructure was hit, causing widespread blackouts, as the entire country was put under air raid alert and told to take shelter.
Russia confirmed it had launched attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure - one of its longterm tactics - and said all its targets were hit.
The barrage of missile and drone attacks began across the country overnight on Monday and continued into the morning.
According to Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of Ukraine's air force, Russia launched 127 missiles and 109 attack drones. Out of them,
Ukraine shot down 102 missiles and 99 drones, he said on Telegram.
Mr Oleshchuk called the combined strike "the most massive aerial attack”.
Previously, an attack last December when 158 missiles and drones were fired at Ukraine, had been considered the largest attack so far.
While the main target of this attack was energy infrastructure, it was also an attempt by Moscow to strike at Ukraine's reserves of another key resource: morale.
Ukrainians have been electrified by the recent successful incursion of their troops deep into Russian territory in the Kursk region.
With Monday's strikes, Russia was intending to bring ordinary people in Ukraine back down to earth with a bump - reminding them, and politicians in Western capitals, that the Kremlin still has the upper hand in this
At least 22 killed after having IDs checked in Pakistan
Gunmen have killed at least 22 people in south-west Pakistan after forcing them out of their vehicles and checking their identity, officials say.
The attack happened overnight on a highway in Balochistan province, where security forces are battling sectarian, ethnic and separatist violence.
The armed men checked identity documents, reportedly singling out those from Punjab to be shot, before setting the vehicles alight, officials alleged.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group, has said it was behind the attacks in Musa Khel district.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that security forces had killed 12 militants in operations after the attacks, but did not give further details.
Over the past 24 hours, the BLA has launched a series of attacks on multiple
war.
The message from Moscow was make no mistake, Russia can still inflict misery on the Ukrainian population whenever it chooses. Some 15 regions of Ukraine were targeted by Russia in the strikes, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said earlier - using weapons including drones, cruise missiles and supersonic missiles. (BBC)
‘Frightening’ Taliban law bans women from speaking in public
Ngovernment installationsincluding police stations and security forces’ camps across province.
In Kalat, 11 were killed - five of them security personnel - and six bodies were recovered in another district in Balochistan.
According to Najibullah Kakar, a senior local official, around 30 to 40 militants were involved in Musa Khel.
"They stopped 22 vehicles," he told AFP news agency. "Vehicles traveling to and from Punjab were inspected, and individuals from Punjab were identified and shot."
The BLA has said it was targeting military personnel travelling in civilian clothes, according to news agency Reuters.
Before the attack, the BLA warned the Baloch public to stay away from the highway, adding that their "fight is against the occupying Pakistani military".
(BBC)
ew Taliban laws that prohibit women from speaking or showing their faces outside their homes have been condemned by the UN and met with horror by human rights groups.
The Taliban published a host of new “vice and virtue” laws last week, approved by their supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, which state that women must completely veil their bodies –including their faces – in thick clothing at all times in public to avoid leading men into temptation and vice.
Women’s voices are also deemed to be potential instruments of vice and so will not be allowed to be heard in public under the new restrictions. Women must also not be heard singing or reading aloud, even from inside their houses.
From now on, Afghan women are also not allowed to look directly at men they are not related to by blood or marriage, and taxi drivers will be punished if they agree to drive a woman who is without a suitable male escort.
Women or girls who fail to comply can be detained and punished in a manner deemed appropriate by Taliban officials charged with upholding the new laws.
The restrictions have been condemned by Roza Otunbayeva, the special UN’s representative for Afghanistan, who has said they extend the “intolerable restrictions” on the rights of women and girls already imposed by the Taliban since they took power in August 2021.
“Whenever an adult woman leaves her home out of necessity, she is obliged to conceal her voice, face, and body,” the new laws state. Men will also be required to cover their bodies from their navels to their knees when they are outside their homes.
(The Guardian)
Missile striking Ukraine reservoir in Kyiv Oblast
DAILY HOROSCOPES
Ask questions, get out and about and discover what’s happening. Being inquisitive will lead to unexpected opportunities and a chance to develop your skills. Turn your talents into something sustainable.
Explore how you feel. Attend events that interest you and learn from the experience. Funnel your energy into growth, learning, meeting new people and discovering what makes you happy.
Overspending to impress someone won’t work. Use your ingenuity and intelligence if you want to get someone’s attention. Be true to yourself and stick to your budget.
Gossip may intrigue you, but passing along information can damage someone else’s reputation and your own. Invest more time in developing your skills and pursuing personal growth; the results will make others envious.
Reach out and join forces with like-minded people to make a difference. Stop complaining and start doing something. Speak from the heart and protect your reputation.
Self-improvement doesn’t have to cost you. Scour the internet for information that can help you get ahead, or revise your portfolio to greater emphasize what you can offer. Don’t sell yourself short.
Be open to suggestions but check things out thoroughly, especially in matters involving your health or finances. Someone will mislead you if you believe everything you hear. Go the distance and stick to the rules.
Pay attention to the reactions of others. Don’t feel obligated to participate in something that doesn’t feel right. Keep your money and possessions safe and your personal information to yourself.
Slow down; you may crave change, but the wrong move could make you anxious and vulnerable. Pay attention to what you have to offer, how you feel and what you want.
Make positive changes to your diet and lifestyle to counter poor health and stress. Discipline is encouraged, along with letting go of toxic connections and pastimes that lead to bad habits.
Participation is the name of the game. Don’t sit down or take a pass. Movement, research and getting those close to you to join in will be key. Do what’s best for you.
(Feb. 20-March 20)
Rethink your current situation and whom you allow to influence your life. Pay more attention to what helps you establish and maintain a lifestyle that leads to happiness, longevity and peace of mind.
ICC announces changes to Women’s T20 World Cup schedule
…Australia begin title defence on October
Defending cham-
pions Australia will, for the first time ever, play in the UAE on October 5, when they open their Women's T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka, the current Asia Cup champions. India, meanwhile, will open their tournament a day earlier, against New Zealand, in Dubai.
Apart from India and Australia, two other sides - England and West Indies - will be featured in a T20I on UAE shores for the first time during the 10-team event, which has had to be moved out of Bangladesh because of countrywide agitations that have led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime earlier this month.
The updated fixtures for the tournament were unveiled on Monday, with matches being split equally across Dubai and
Sharjah for the group stages. Australia will play three of their four group fixtures in Sharjah, while India will play three games in Dubai.
India have been drawn to play Pakistan in an afternoon game on October 6 in Dubai, while South Africa, finalists of 2022, and England will play their heavyweight Group B clash the following day in Sharjah.
The marquee India vs Australia fixture, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, is slated to be held on October 13 in Sharjah.
Dubai is slated to host the first semi-final, which is also the one allotted to India should they qualify, on October 17, while Sharjah is slated to host the second semi-final on October 18.
Dubai will host the tournament finale on October 20. Both semi-finals and the final have
5
been allotted a reserve day, unlike at the men's T20 World Cup in June when the semi-final involving India wasn't allotted a reserve day.
Among the participating teams, Scotland and Sri Lanka are the only teams to have qualified most recently when they featured in the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers 2024. While Sri Lanka won all six, Scotland won four out of their six games to qualify for the tournament. All those games, however, were held at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi. Interestingly, Dubai hasn't hosted a single women's T20I.
Each team would play two warm-up fixtures, from September 28 to October 3, to acclimatize themselves. Each side would play four group matches, with the top two teams from each
GCC Igloo Hockey Festival set to ignite GCC turf
The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) hockey turf is set to again welcome the GCC Igloo Hockey Festival, a celebrated annual event, from August 30 to September 1, 2024.
After a brief hiatus due to the global pandemic, this year marks the festival's triumphant return for its third iteration, continuing its tradition of bringing exhilarating hockey action to the community.
Originally launched in 2016, the GCC Igloo Hockey Festival quickly established itself as a premier event in the hockey calendar. The 2024 festival will build on that success, showcasing a vibrant array of talent across multiple age categories, including under-14 mixed, under-17 boys and girls, under-21 boys and girls, and open tournaments for both men and women. This diverse range of divisions ensures a competitive yet inclusive environment where players of all skill levels can shine.
The festival is more than just a series of match-
es; it is a celebration of the sport, and a testament to the resilience and passion of the hockey community. Attendees can expect an action-packed weekend featuring thrilling games, fan-friendly activities, and a variety of interactive experiences designed to engage and entertain spectators of all ages.
We are delighted to once again partner with Igloo, our primary sponsor, for this highly anticipated event. Igloo’s ongoing sup-
group progressing to the semi-finals.
Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in Group
A; while South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh and Scotland constitute Group B. The afternoon games would begin at 2pm local time, while the evening games, semi-finals and final included, would begin at 6pm. (ESPNCricinfo)
YBG concludes development summer camp
Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) wrapped up its development summer camp last Saturday at the Marian Academy court facility on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown with a day filled with fun and friendly competition.
It was a day when future national basketballers showcased their skills, and this year, more than 80 campers from various communities and schools across Guyana were in attendance, including one student from Tobago who participated in the camp.
Among the participants, 56 were first-time campers ranging in age from 6 to 15; and 7 girls who had completed the three-week programme were included. Throughout the camp, participants were reminded of the significance of basket-
port has been instrumental in the festival's success, and its commitment to promoting sports and community engagement is perfectly aligned with the festival's goals.
As our title sponsor, Igloo would enjoy prominent visibility throughout the event, including on-site branding, digital promotions, and interactive features that highlight its innovative products to a dedicated audience, the GCC has said.
ball for many young people, which is why YBG has de clared itself as remaining dedicated to creating op portunities for growth and development.
Each camper received a personalized evaluation from the coach, providing insights into their progress; and at the conclusion of the camp, YBG extended special gratitude to the parents and children for choosing YBG.
Participants have been encouraged to continue the growth started through this Academy by participating in sessions held every Saturday at the Marian Academy court.
During camp, participants had opportunity to interact with coach Willon Cameron and coordinators Shamar, Judah, Jeremiah, and Leona, among others, who imparted their knowledge and honed the skills
Meanwhile, the YBG group has extended special thanks to the Marian Academy for allowing them to use their court and facilities.
Additional thanks have been extended to the community partners, including Edward B. Beharry & Company Limited, G-Boats Inc, KFC Guyana, and the California to Guyana Basketball Foundation, whose unwavering support has made the initiative a success.
Mighty Ruler edge...
Semifinals Game-1
Beachside-2 vs. Mighty Ruler-4
Game-2
Misdemeanor-6 vs. Jones Avenue-0
Reon Hall-4
Alex Downer-2
Quarterfinal Game-1
Police-2 vs. Beachside-2
Beachside won 2-1 on penalty kicks
Game-2
Mighty Ruler-3 vs. Bad Boys-1
Mighty Ruler scorers
Oswin Joseph-2
Clint Kellman-1
Bad Boys scorer
PAGE 22
Don Lam-1
Game-3
Avengers-0 vs. Jones Avenue-1
Kyle Allan-1
Game-4
Misdemeanor-4 vs.
Ruler Top Form-0
Cobi Jones-2
Reon Hall-1
Kelon Benjamin-1
Australia won the previous edition of the tournament in 2022
Igloo hockey action would return to the GCC turf this weekend
Briton John secures historic second place at 33rd Tour Cycliste de Guiana
The ever-consistent
Briton John has announced himself on the international stage with a historic 2nd place finish in the just-concluded 33rd Tour Cycliste de Guiana in French Guiana, the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has confirmed.
According to a missive from the Federation, John was just 9 seconds shy of claiming the overall yellow jersey, making this one of the closest finishes in the history of the race.
John’s achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first time in 25 years that a Guyanese cyclist has made it to the final
podium in this prestigious event. John's exceptional performance is a testament to his dedication, skill, and determination.
Curtis Dey, who also completed the entire race, provided invaluable support to Briton John throughout the competi-
Badminton coaches impressed with team’s performances
Guyana’s national junior badminton team recently roped in 8 bronze medals across 5 divisions in the just concluded Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Junior Championships which were held in Aruba, in the Lesser Antilles.
Mishka Beharry took home bronze in the Girls’ Under-17 Singles, while Ethan Bulkan secured bronze in the Boys’ Under-13 singles.
In team competitions, the pair of Xavio Alexander and Frank Waddell secured bronze in the Boys’ Under-19 doubles, while Leshaunte Berkley and Gabrielle Felix finished third in the Girls’ Under-19 doubles. In the Girls’ U11 doubles, Anjaneysa Godette and Riyo Alexander teamed up for Guyana’s 7th and 8th bronze medals of the games. Reflecting on the weekend’s competition in Aruba, coach of the Guyana team, senior national champion Priyanna Ramdhani, expressed pride in the athletes’ performances.
“The team’s performance was very good! Excellent! Big improvements from the last Caribbean games. Last year we only got one medal, a bronze; this year we got 8 medals. We fell short in the semifinals, but that’s
okay. Big improvements, and we’re proud of all of the players,” Ramdhani shared.
Another team coach, senior player Akili Haynes, was quizzed on areas of improvement the young players may need, and he responded,
“You could say maybe everything, because I’m sure no badminton player is perfect. But, for instance, I want them to work more on tactics, better understanding of the game, attitude towards the game. Also, we’re looking at footwork and consistency when it comes to Badminton. Few mistakes I’d say cost us, but
tion. His commitment and teamwork played a crucial role in this outstanding result. Unfortunately, the other members of Team Guyana were unable to complete the race due to various challenges, but their efforts and perseverance remain commendable.
The entire cycling com-
munity in Guyana is joining the Guyana Cycling Federation in celebrating this historic achievement.
To honour Briton John, Curtis Dey, and the team's efforts, a simple reception will be held in recognition of their success and contribution to Guyanese cycling. Their achievement
represents a significant milestone for cycling in Guyana, and serves as an inspiration for future generations of cyclists.
The Guyana Cycling Federation has noted its pride at the team’s performance, and has said it looks forward to building on this success in future years.
Mighty Ruler edge out Misdemeanor to claim championship
The Bartica Community Center
Ground in Region 7 was a hive of activity on Sunday night, as Mighty Ruler put on a series of spectacular performances in the knockout rounds of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets Bartica Zone championship to eventually be crowned champions.
it’s stuff we could work on. I know for sure that we’ll be better next time around.”
Guyana took a 20-member contingent to the CAREBACO Junior Championships in Aruba, and the athletes competed in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles from the under-11 to the under-19 category. Some 153 athletes from several territories around the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Jamaica, Barbados, and hosts Aruba competed in 204 Badminton games across 4 days during the championships.
Mighty Ruler’s Keron Spencer recorded a second-half goal against Misdemeanor to seal the victory, and with the win, Mighty Ruler walked away with $300,000 and the championship trophy.
Mighty Ruler have also earned an automatic place at the national championship, which is slated for September 6th at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Demerara. The losing side Misdemeanor have received $200,000 and the second-place trophy.
In the earlier semifinal round, Mighty Ruler had bested Beachside 4-2, while Misdemeanor had crushed
Jones Avenue 6-nil.
Jones Avenue have edged Beachside 3-2 on penalty kicks, after regulation time ended with the teams being scoreless in the thirdplace playoff. With the win, Jones Avenue walked away with $100,000 and the third-place trophy, while Beachside pocketed $80,000 and the fourth-place trophy.
In the initial quarterfinal round, Mighty Ruler bested Bad Boys 3-1. Oswin Joseph bagged a brace, while Clint Kellman netted once. Don Lam scored for the loser.
Similarly, Misdemeanor crushed Ruler Top Form 4-0. Cobi Jones scored twice, while Reon Hall and Kelon Benjamin each netted once. Jones Avenue upset Avengers 1-0. Kyle Allan scored the only goal of the match. And Beachside defeated Police 2-1 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended with the teams on 2-2.
The official draw for the national championship
is set for tomorrow at the
Complete Results
Final
Misdemeanor-0 vs. Mighty Ruler-1
Keron Spencer-1
3rd Place
Jones Avenue-0 vs. Beachside-0
Jones Avenue won 3-2 on penalty kicks
Curtis Dey on the attack
Colours Boutique’s Robb Street branch.
Mighty Ruler captain Elcio Olivera receiving the championship trophy in the presence of teammates after Misdemeanor had been defeated in the final
Guyana’s Mishka Beharry (far right) was on the podium after roping in an individual bronze
Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League 2024…
Dottin inspires TKR to Super Over win against GAW
Deandra Dottin’s cool head and power hitting has seen Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) defeat Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) in a pulsating encounter in the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).
In that match, played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, a defeat would have been terminal for Dottin’s side, but a lastgasp Super Over victory win saw the Knight Riders get their first points on the board, to keep their competition hopes alive.
Each side scored 128 runs off their twenty overs in a tied match, and that set up a box office finish. Dottin top scored for the Knight Riders with 53 from 38 balls at the top of the order, before a stutter in the
a Super Over finish. Shabnim Ismail took the ball for the Warriors in the Super Over, having impressed once again with figures of 2/24 in the match. Dottin then grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and smeared two huge sixes off the first three deliveries, the second of which saw her fall to her knees as she propelled the ball high and long over the rope on the leg side.
SCOREBOARD
Trinbago Knight Riders Women (20 ovs maximum)
Deandra Dottin (c) c Selman
b Burns 53
Harshitha Samarawickrama c
Ramharack b Tryon 18
Jemimah Rodrigues c &
b Ramharack 2
Jess Jonassen c Ramharack
b Tryon 1
Chedean Nation run out (McLean) 1
Shikha Pandey c McLean
b Ramharack 25
Kycia Knight † c Burns
b Ismail 16
Zaida James
b Ismail 7
Jannillea Glasgow not out 0
Extras (lb 2, w 3) 5
TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.40) 128/8
Did not bat: Jahzara Claxton, Samara Ramnath
b Ramnath 25
Erin Burns run out (Zaida James/Pandey) 61
Chloe Tryon run out (Pandey/†Kycia A Knight) 5
Natasha McLean not out 9
Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 2) 8
TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.40) 128/5
Did not bat: Karishma Ramharack, Shabnim Ismail, Ashmini Munisar, Shakera Selman, Nyia Latchman Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Sheneta Grimmond, 4.1 ov), 2-25 (Lauren Winfield-Hill, 5.3 ov), 3-102 (Shemaine Campbelle, 15.6 ov), 4-116 (Chloe Tryon, 18.2 ov), 5-128 (Erin Burns, 19.6 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W Jess Jonassen 4-0-15-0 Shikha Pandey
middle overs was rescued by valuable contributions from Shikha Pandey (25) and Kycia Knight (16). The Warriors looked to have had the run chase in hand. With Erin Burns playing a patient innings to score her second fifty in succession, and with Shemaine Campbelle in
support, they needed a seemingly manageable 19 runs off the final three overs. However, two quick run-outs scuppered the Warriors’ chances, with Burns and Chloe Tryon both being caught short of the crease in the dying stages of the main game, the match was taken into
A single saw Jemimah Rodrigues come on strike for the final two deliveries, and the diminutive batter showed her class with a cover drive for four off the final ball from Ismail. The Knight Riders scored a whopping 19 runs off their six deliveries.
The Warriors’ response did not go as planned. Jess Jonassen was her frugal self with the ball in hand all evening, and she bowled the Super Over for the Knight Riders to close out the match. Chloe Tryon was run out for the second time in a matter of minutes, this time off the very first ball of the Super Over, before Burns slapped a catch to Dottin in the covers.
Campbelle and Natasha McLean saw out
Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Harshitha Samarawickrama, 8.2 ov), 2-74 (Deandra Dottin, 9.6 ov), 3-74 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 10.2 ov), 4-76 (Chedean Nation, 10.6 ov), 5-77 (Jess Jonassen, 11.2 ov), 6-117 (Shikha Pandey, 17.5 ov), 7-124 (Kycia Knight, 19.2 ov), 8-128 (Zaida James, 19.6 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W
Shabnim Ismail 4-0-24-2
Sheneta Grimmond 2-0-14-0
Shakera Selman 1-0-8-0
Chloe Tryon 4-0-12-2
Erin Burns 3-0-27-1
Nyia Latchman 1-0-8-0
Ashmini Munisar 1-0-14-0
Karishma Ramharack 4-0-19-2
Guyana Amazon Warriors Women (T: 129 runs from 20 ovs)
Lauren Winfield-Hill (c)† lbw
b Glasgow 11
Sheneta Grimmond c Pandey
b Zaida James 9
Shemaine Campbelle c Madavi
the last rites, but by then the target was out of reach of the Warriors. Dottin’s side dealt with the pres-
sure of defending a total twice in one evening, and live to fight another day in the tournament. (CPLT20)
Natasha McLean and Erin Burns fell one run short of the victory target against TKR
