Guyana Times - Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Exxon's 7th oil project in Guyana targets 30 wells, eyes 2029 start up

…as EPA seeking public’s review before decision on approval

in road fatalities threatens Guyana's ability to meet target – Benn

No filaria cases recorded in 8 regions across Guyana – Health Minister

now join search for 2 missing men Migrants account for 90% of TIP victims in Guyana in last 5 years

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, July 16 –00:30h-02:00h and Wednesday, July 17 – 01:00h-02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, July 16 –11:55h-13:25h and Wednesday, July 17 – 13:10h-14:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected to prevail during the day and at night, with intermittent sunshine in the afternoon. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to Southerly between 0.89 metre and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 12:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 18:08h reaching a minimum height of 1.05 metres.

Exxon's 7th oil project in Guyana targets 30 wells, eyes 2029 start up

…as EPA seeks public’s review before decision on approval

Oil giant ExxonMobil’s seventh development in Guyana’s waters, dubbed the Hammerhead development, will feature up to 30 wells and is targeting a 2029 start up, according to documents submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where it awaits approval.

In a notice, the EPA informed the public that ExxonMobil Guyana had applied for environmental authorisation for its seventh development offshore. The agency explained that the project may have significant impacts on the environment.

It was pointed out by the EPA that the project is relatively close to other development projects, increasing the risk of cumulative impacts. Additionally, the associated risks that pertain to unplanned events while producing oil may be significant.

As such, this would require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before any decision can be made. Members of the public were given 28 days to ask whatever questions they needed answers to regarding the project and its environmental impact.

A perusal of the project summary reveals that the development will have between 14 and 30 production and water injection wells. Further, production is expected to begin in 2029. When it does, it is anticipated that between 120,000 to 180,000 barrels of oil per day will be added to Guyana’s production capacity, while a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel capable of storing between 1.4 to 2 million barrels of

oil will be attached to the project.

Exxon is undertaking four production projects –Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara (which are currently producing oil) and Yellowtail (where installation activities are ongoing) in the oilrich Stabroek block.

It is estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production will climb to 810,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027. Additionally, Exxon has already received approvals for and is advancing preparatory works on its fifth and sixth projects, Uaru and Whiptail.

Gas

It was also stated in the project documents about what Exxon’s intended approach will be towards gas found in Hammerhead. The company referenced plans

to reinject the gas, among other plans that also include pumping it onshore, presumably for Guyana’s natural gas needs.

“Third-party oil tankers will be scheduled to offload the oil from the FPSO, making the oil available for export to the international market. The FPSO will also process, dehydrate, and compress associated gas produced from the reservoir. Several options for the management of the associated gas are being evaluated,” ExxonMobil explained.

“As the Hammerhead reservoir pressures deplete over time, injection may be considered to help maintain reservoir pressure and allow for optimum production of hydrocarbons to continue over time. In addition, some of the gas will be used as fuel on the

FPSO. Other options, including potential flow to other fields in the Stabroek block for improved oil recovery and/or onshore, are being considered, and the quantity of gas will also be further delineated following appraisal drilling.”

Some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas has already been found in the Stabroek Block, with the Pluma and Haimara wells being proven gas fields. Back in 2019 and 2023, ExxonMobil drilled for gas at the Haimara-1 and 2 wells, and emerged with varying degrees of success.

It was recently revealed that the US oil giant’s drill programme for Guyana for this year and beyond includes plans to further appraise the Haimara 3 and 4 well sites in order to gauge the commercial potential for gas in the Haimara gas field.

The administration is adamant that Guyana cannot miss this opportunity to monetise its gas resources. Already, United States-based energy firm – Fulcrum LNG Inc., has been selected to work in a tripartite arrangement with the Government and US oil major, ExxonMobil, to determine the viability of developing the country’s gas resources.

Currently, Government is pursuing its model Gasto-Energy (GtE) project which is being constructed in Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and will include a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL)/ 300 Megawatt combined cycle power plant that will utilise gas from the Liza field offshore. The excess gas from the Stabroek Block is what will be used for the gas monetisation project. (G3)

Map showing location of the Hammerhead development

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Citizens’ treatment at Police Stations

The call by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn for better treatment of citizens at Police Stations in Guyana is timely. It underscores a fundamental aspect of governance, which is the protection of citizens' rights and dignity, even in the context of law enforcement.

It is no secret that interactions between citizens and law enforcement can sometimes be fraught with tension and misunderstanding.

In his recent call for better treatment of citizens at the stations, the Minister said: “The Guyana Police Force represents our people. You are our Police…You (police ranks) are peacemakers, you are peacekeepers. In our culture today, our multi-culture, multi-ethnic society, in the villages and the communities, how we approach and speak to each other, how we treat women and children, how we treat people who come to the Police Stations – the Police Stations should be a welcoming place for people.”

The role of the Police is pivotal in maintaining law and order, but equally important is the manner in which they engage with the public they serve. Respectful treatment at Police Stations is not merely a matter of courtesy; it is a reflection of the State's commitment to uphold human rights and ensure justice for all.

Citizens who find themselves at Police Stations, whether as victims, witnesses, or even suspects, deserve to be treated with fairness and professionalism. This includes timely assistance, clear communication of rights, and a transparent process that upholds the rule of law. Too often, reports surface of mistreatment, delays, or confusion in Police procedures, which erode public trust and confidence in the justice system.

Improving conditions at Police Stations requires a multifaceted approach. Adequate training for law enforcement officers on human rights and effective communication skills is crucial. Additionally, investment in infrastructure and resources can enhance the operational efficiency of Police Stations, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the needs of the community effectively.

Moreover, fostering a culture of accountability within law enforcement is essential. Mechanisms for citizens to report grievances or misconduct must be accessible and responsive. Transparency in investigations and disciplinary actions against officers who violate protocols or abuse their authority are imperative to maintaining public trust.

The Minister's call should not be seen as mere rhetoric but as a catalyst for tangible reforms. It is an opportunity for the police leadership to collaborate in fostering a justice system that is fair, just, and respectful of human dignity. Respectful treatment at Police Stations is not just a goal in itself, but should be a policy where the rights and freedoms of every individual are upheld and protected.

The recent call by Minister Benn focused on improving the treatment of individuals at these stations, underscoring a broader need for consistent standards of conduct.

Law enforcement officers serve as the frontline guardians of public safety and justice. Their interactions with citizens, whether during routine inquiries, criminal investigations, or emergencies, must be characterised by professionalism at all times. This professionalism entails adherence to established procedures, respectful communication, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law without prejudice or discrimination.

Professionalism at Police Stations is not an option but a mandate for ensuring public trust.

However, professionalism requires continuous training and development for Police Officers. This includes education on human rights, conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making. By investing in ongoing training programmes, the Home Affairs Ministry can equip officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle diverse situations professionally and effectively.

Is America’s gun fixation backfiring on its pushers?

By Belén Fernández

It was a shot heard round the world – but most of all by presidential candidate Donald Trump, the victim of Saturday’s assassination attempt at a presidential rally in the US state of Pennsylvania.

A bullet grazed Trump’s right ear as he was filling the audience in on his plans to make United States immigration policy even more hellish for refuge seekers. One crowd member was killed in the gunfire and two others wounded. The shooter, identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by Secret Service officers. The episode will no doubt earn Trump substantial points among supporters, who will be ever more convinced that their hero is under existential attack in his sociopathic quest to “Make America Great Again”.

And while much of the analysis in the aftermath of the Pennsylvania rally has focused on the “polarisation” of the US citizenry, it is also worth pointing out the bleeding obvious – that firearms-related bloodshed would not transpire with such regularity if the country did not have more guns than people.

Earlier this year, Trump himself addressed an event held by the National Rifle Association – in none other than Pennsylvania, it so happens – during which he promised attendees that, if he is re-elected, “no one will lay a finger on your firearms”.

He went on to declare that he would reverse the damage allegedly done by President Joe Biden to America’s gun landscape: “Every single Biden attack on gun owners and manufacturers will be terminated on my very first week back in office, perhaps my first day”. Not that Biden’s, um, “attack” has been going so well. Recall the May 2022 massacre of 19 children and two adults at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which was merely one of numerous domestic bloodbaths to take place on the current President’s watch. The US continues to average more than one mass shooting per day –with “mass shooting” indicating an incident in which four or more people are injured or killed from gunfire, not in-

cluding the shooter.

On Saturday, the same day as the Trump rally, four people were killed and at least 10 were injured in a mass shooting at a nightclub in Birmingham, Alabama.

Then, of course, there is the US’s lengthy history of shooting up people en masse across the world, which only adds fuel to the (gun)fire at home by teaching Americans that human life is of negligible value and that everything is just one big video game anyway.

In addition to the more handson, do-it-yourself killing sprees in Afghanistan and Iraq, the US is also a key player in Israel’s ongoing efforts to annihilate the population of the Gaza Strip. The latest genocidal assault has officially killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza in just over nine months, although a recent Lancet study found that the true death toll could exceed 186,000 people.

Despite Biden’s threats to withhold delivery to the Israeli military of certain offensive weapons, a Reuters exclusive published on June 28 revealed that the US had thus far “transferred at least 14,000 of the MK-84 2000-pound bombs, 6500 500-pound bombs, 3000 Hellfire precision-guided air-to-ground missiles, 1000 bunker-buster bombs, 2600 air-dropped small-diameter bombs, and other munitions”.

How’s that for gun control?

At the end of the day, America’s gun fixation and shoot-’em-up mentality have predictable repercussions on the country’s political culture.

In a 2009 report, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) tabulated 15 occasions on which direct assaults had been perpetrated against US presidents, presidents-elect, and presidential candidates. Four such assaults had resulted in death, as in the cases of Presidents Abraham Lincoln, James A Garfield, William McKinley, and John F Kennedy.

The first recorded assault took place on January 30, 1835, and targeted President Andrew Jackson, who survived when the pistol misfired. As per the explanation provided by CRS,

Jackson’s assailant Richard Lawrence “said Jackson was preventing him from obtaining large sums of money and was ruining the country”.

Another failed assault occurred on October 29, 1994, when assailant Francisco M Duran fired a semiautomatic assault rifle at the White House while President Bill Clinton was inside. The CRS report does not provide a motive in this case, but a 1995 New York Times article specifies that the jury for Duran’s trial had “rejected defence arguments that Mr Duran was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and thought he had been chosen to shoot and kill an evil ‘mist’ that was enveloping the White House”.

To be sure, psychological instability is often invoked as a factor in US shootings – whether political or otherwise – although the official discourse tends to avoid mentioning the outsized role of US capitalism in literally fuelling mental illness in the country.

And yet it is hardly far-fetched to argue that America’s toxic cult of individualism might on some occasions lead folks to believe that the only way to accomplish anything is by taking matters – and guns – into their own hands.

Following Trump’s own brush with death, one wonders whether he’ll think back on his advice to Iowa residents devastated by a January school shooting: “Get over it”.

As they say, you reap what you sow. And if there is one thing the US needs to get over, it is the “right to bear arms”. (Al Jazeera)

(Belén Fernández is the author of Inside Siglo XXI: Locked Up in Mexico’s Largest Immigration Detention Center (OR Books, 2022), Checkpoint Zipolite: Quarantine in a Small Place (OR Books, 2021), Exile: Rejecting America and Finding the World (OR Books, 2019), Martyrs Never Die: Travels through South Lebanon (Warscapes, 2016), and The Imperial Messenger: Thomas Friedman at Work (Verso, 2011). She is a contributing editor at Jacobin Magazine, and has written for the New York Times, the London Review of Books blog, Current Affairs, and Middle East Eye, among numerous other publications.)

Poor Clare Sisters play soccer as they support the Colombian national team in the Copa America final against Argentina, at a convent in Montenegro, Colombia (Reuters)

SphereX Professional Services terminates contract with ExxonMobil Guyana amidst conflict-of-interest controversy

Dear Editor,

In January 2024, SphereX Professional Services Inc., landed a “conditional” contract with ExxonMobil Guyana (hereinafter “EMGL”) to provide analytics and advocacy services in favour of EMGL.

SphereX’s Director, Mr Joel Bhagwandin, under whose hand the aforementioned deliverables are disseminated to the media, set out a strict conditionality to the client, EMGL, prior to accepting the contract. In this regard, the Director established unequivocally at the outset that the firm will not advance and / or advocate for any position that would be favorable exclusively to EMGL and unfavorable to the Government of Guyana—and more so against the national interest.

Through the said contract, EMGL also solicits professional advice on Government Affairs and

political matters on certain sensitive issues.

Recently, the Director of SphereX, Mr Bhagwandin has taken a strong position against EMGL with regard to the incestuous relationship that EMGL insists on maintaining with the newly elected leader, namely Mr Nigel Hughes of a political party (the AFC) in Guyana. Mr Bhagwandin had written several strong missives to this effect in the mainstream media and including an exclusive interview on the subject on National Television. This is despite the violation of EMGL’s internal anti-corruption policies and political activities guidelines that unambiguously prohibits funding of political candidates in any form whatsoever, in countries other than the United States of America.

Subsequently, EMGL sought Mr Bhagwandin’s views as regards the above concerns raised

by Mr Bhagwandin himself within the public domain and more importantly, the Government of Guyana. EMGL’s main concern was that “how long would this last”, to which Mr Bhagwandin responded, until EMGL remedy this situation by complying with their anti-corruption and political activities policies.

Mr Bhagwandin went a step further suggesting to EMGL that if they are opposed to terminating the contract with the law firm entirely that the AFC leader is affiliated with, then the minimum that they can at least consider is to insist on the law firm ring-fencing their relationship internally. In so doing, Nigel Hughes should no longer be the attorney dealing with the EMGL portfolio on behalf of the law firm, which is what he had disclosed to the public, but that was quickly disproven. Mr Bhagwandin suggest-

ed, further, that if EMGL considers this option, that it would have to be done in a manner that is satisfactorily transparent for the stakeholders involved, mainly the Government of Guyana.

It would appear, however, that EMGL has no such intention (unsurprisingly) to do anything about these major concerns. In this respect, it can be argued that EMGL is no longer engineering a covert political project, but an overt political operation aimed at influencing the outcome of the upcoming general and regional elections in 2025; wherein EMGL may prefer to have a government that would serve their exclusive interests, as was arguably the case under the former coalition government.

In a highly anticipated move by our client, EMGL, today (June 14, 2024) EMGL’s focal point with SphereX, invited our

Guyanese deserve a healing process

Dear Editor,

In 2020, the PNC put Guyanese and Guyana to shame when they attempted to rig the General and National Elections in front of global observers. While the whole world was watching, those who are currently facing alleged election fraud charges, finagled the system in order to forge a result in favour of the PNC led by the “sanctimonious gangster” and his band of rebels. Since Dr. Irfaan Ali was legally elected as the President in 2020 due to the PPP/C winning the election as per the will of the people, the image of Guyana and Guyanese has transformed the international community to loving this nation once again. From a stage of repugnance to reverence, people throughout the world have been influenced by the PPP/C’s performance and personality.

A distressed Pope Francis, on the recent attack in the Gaza war, commented, "Why does someone continue to provide explanations for the war as if it could be justified for some reason? I do not know how these consciences can continue to do so." During last week’s debate in Parliament, the Opposition spoke about “the need for the Government and Opposition to work together to transform roads into safe passages.” The PNC also made mention of “striking a balance …detect and prevention of crime …. protecting individual rights.” How figuratively timing did this metaphorical innuendo stressed on the passage of time as Guyana mourns the 45th death anniversary of the late Jesuit priest and photographer, Father Darke on the 14th July, and, the 51st death anniversary of the Ballot Box Martyrs, Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar on the 16th July.

During Burnham’s era, the Catholic Standard Newspaper prominently featured articles exposing the PNC’s corruption and dictatorship. On Saturday the 14th of July’1979, as Father Darke was filming the beating of Mike James (Assistant Editor then for the Catholic standard), by agents of Burnham in front of the Magistrate’s Court, the young men turned on him and savagely unleashed a string of blows with

staves and then brutally stabbed him in the back with a bayonet. On trial were members of the once proud and dignified WPA, who were answering charges politically framed to incriminate them. Sadly, the WPA cannot walk in the shoes of their founder. In fact, they have blasphemed his fight and struggle against Burnham by joining force with his killers.

The Kabaka birthed the tool of rigging elections in order to survive and retain power. For 28 years the PNC was successful and administrate through illegal application which forged their success. All the Opposition forces failed to unseat him as all their efforts proved futile because Burnham and the PNC controlled the electoral system and the agents in charge of the polling stations. Through a process of inflating votes in their favour, destroying PPP votes, denying people from voting and switching the ballot boxes, the PNC was able to manipulate the mechanism and declared themselves winners, thus, shutting out the PPP and others and casting them in the wilderness from 1964 to 1992.

For 28 years, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP pursued the lonesome war and it progressed without the aid of foreign intervention. This was mainly due to the fact that the PPP was regarded as an outcast with their Marxism/ Leninism policy. Nevertheless, the PPP continued its relentless battle against the PNC to oppose and depose them through frank and fair means and not foul means. On the fatal day of 16th July’1973, Bholanauth Parmanand and youthful 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar, two of PPP’s homegrown heroes, were protesting the illegal removal of ballot boxes by members of the GDF at No. 63 Village, Corentyne, a PPP stronghold area. They were barbarously shot and killed unhesitatingly by the GDF who were part of the rigging scheme for the 1973 Election.

Like Hector who was killed by Achilles and his body dragged behind a chariot, young Ramessar’s body was kicked and stamped upon after he was shot and paraded in Jagan’s constitu-

encies to drive fear and threat into his supporters. Private London was one of the soldiers involved. He later became infamously known as the criminal, “Blackie”, who committed heinous crimes against the Guyanese people, and was later shot by the Police. But his coffin was draped with the National Flag by the PNC and he was given a heroes’ farewell by the PNC.

The dark hours of yore remind us of the diabolical days of Burnham’s X-13 Plan and his sharp steel to orchestrate the elimination of his foes. Burnham’s PNC was the intellectual architect of organised murders with the help of street hoodlums and members of the dangerous House of Israel led by Rabbi Washington. With cover-ups by the Police, the GDF and other agencies, a string of nefarious activities permeated the PNC, resulting in crime and corruption becoming overwhelmingly non-stoppable, driving fear into the hearts of those opposing the PNC. Burnham controlled all the military forces and awarded handsomely, those chosen to decorate his kingdom as puppets for administrators in all the public agencies. Thus, his dictatorial rule was guaranteed for the PNC to exercise a reign of destruction and fear, as the PNC terrorised Guyana for 28 agonising years.

On Guyana’s road to development, we need veins of safe passage which will guarantee Guyanese individual freedom and their constitutional rights. The fear of criminal input by infiltrators of destabilisation must be eliminated and the heredity of crime and corruption by any entity’s DNA, must be extinguished and replaced by an honest sobriety with a commitment to seriously honor integrity. Striking a balance between aversion and admiration and dislike and desire, is the first step towards the passage way which will guarantee peace, progress and prosperity for a One Guyana. It is time Guyanese deserve a break from violence and racism to subtlety and impartialness for its healing process.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Director, Mr Bhagwandin, to discuss putting our contract on pause until after the elections. Mr Bhagwandin unhesitatingly responded in the negative, and instead immediately communicated that in the circumstances, he prefers to terminate the contract between EMGL and SphereX with immediate effect.

The referenced contract has since been terminated by SphereX with EMGL.

Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

Director

Let us show respect to each other

Dear Editor, Enough of sad, sordid and sickening episodes.

Recently, my husband and I (pensioners) sat on the seawall (obliquely opposite the band stand), chatting and enjoying the fresh air. A minibus drove up and parked near where we were sitting. A man, woman and three young children came out. The children ran around playing under the watchful eyes of the adults (no doubt their parents).

Not long after they began playing soft (Indian) music. My husband and I continued chatting, then the woman approached us and said something like this: " we hope the music isn't disturbing you, because we see you are chatting, and we don't want that...because you are elderly folks and we have to show respect to the elderly..."

Wow!! I was floored! The music, playing softly, was in no way a bother to us! It

was indeed touching to see in 2024, expressions of such neighborliness, respect and thoughtfulness of others!! She continued " we have to show respect because we want others to respect us..."

This was so unlike some, who at the western end of the sea wall (near the Marriott hotel) see it fit, from time to time, to bombard the atmosphere with thunderous sounds emanating from the trunk of their vehicles as if they owned the entire area, unmindful of the fact that they are assaulting the ears of persons who go there to relax, and do not care for their choice of music! May we as families, communities, a nation, make every effort to treat each other with consideration and respect, regardless of face, race, religious or political affiliation.

Sincerely, Claudia Heywood

SPage Foundation

Understanding Variable Expressions

ometimes you want to solve a problem to find an unknown number. The unknown number is called a variable. Variables are usually expressed as letters. Variables are used with numbers and symbols in algebra, a kind of Maths used to find the value of unknowns. An algebraic expression is a group of letters, numbers, and operations.

When you have a variable in a multiplication expression, you do not need to use the x symbol. So 8 x p is usually written 8p. The 8 is called a coefficient, which is a number that multiplies a variable.

Exercises: Express by writing each expression in word form

Homemade cold pack

In this quick and easy science experiment tutorial, you will learn how to make a “cool” little ice pack. This activity is super easy and can be performed with a few items you already have at home. This science experiment uses an endothermic chemical reaction to create an impressive chill for your ice pack.

Materials:

Small ziplock bag

About one tablespoon of baking soda

About one quarter cup of vinegar

Thumbtack or safety pin

Water

Instructions:

Poke a small hole with the safety pin near the very top of the ziplock bag. This will release pressure and keep your bag from popping.

Open the bag and put the baking soda inside. Add the vinegar. Zip the bag closed. The baking soda and vinegar will begin to react and bubble. The bag will quickly expand and you will be able to feel the air escaping through the

hole you created. Shake the bag and mix the ingredients around.

Place the bag in your hand. You will feel a significant decrease in temperature.

How it works:

When the vinegar and baking soda mix, an endothermic chemical reaction occurs that absorbs heat from the surroundings and reduces the temperature of the area.

Make this a science project:

What happens if you use a larger bag? What happens if you use a different amount of baking soda? What happens if you use a different amount of water? What happens if you use very warm water to begin the experiment? (sciencefun.org)

BY KIMBERLY BLAESER

We all have the same little bones in our foot twenty-six with funny names like navicular. Together they build something strong— our foot arch a pyramid holding us up. The bones don’t get casts when they break. We tape them—one phalange to its neighbor for support. (Other things like sorrow work that way, too— find healing in the leaning, the closeness.) Our feet have one quarter of all the bones in our body. Maybe we should give more honor to feet and to all those tiny but blessed cogs in the world— communities, the forgotten architecture of friendship.

Source: Poetry (March 2021)

WORD SEARCH:

Govt seeking contractor for new Demerara River Bridge 4-lane approach road

…project to be done in 6 lots, with 7-month time frame per lot

The government has issued tenders to construct the fourlane approach road, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), to the new Demerara River Bridge, an important component in the transformative project.

According to the invitation for bids, issued by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) under the Ministry of Housing and Water, the project is being done in six lots with a timeline of seven months per lot being laid down.

It was further explained that the contracts will be awarded to the lowest evaluated and qualified bidder, with successful bidders being restricted to only one lot per contractor in a given project area.

“However, a bidder may be considered for award for more than one lot, provided that bidder has shown sufficient equipment capacity, financial capacity, human resource capacity to execute more than one lot simultaneously and to service their existing contracts whereby all existing contracts must be listed in the statement of on-going project forms,” the Ministry explained.

Pre-bid meetings will also be held, with bidders invited to tender for the

Italian firm Politecnica, was 43.4 per cent complete, with a year-end completion deadline being anticipated.

Abdul Hameed, a representative of the Italian company, had explained in March that various phases of the project, which started in May 2023, were being undertaken simultaneously to accelerate its progress. This is with the project deadline of this year’s end in mind.

Added to this, is the massive workforce of 650 workers advancing the

signed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, an order to acquire land for public purposes was issued on February 10, 2024. That order is intended to make land between Peters Hall and Providence available for the Government to build connecting roads for the new Demerara River Crossing.

The land being acquired was listed as parcels 47 to 57, lots 80 to 88 and a portion of Block U and Mudlot E.

Meanwhile, the order is legally listed as

project on or before August 8, 2024. It was also explained that in the event one bidder is adjudged by the evaluation committee to be the lowest qualified bidder in multiple lots, then the committee will recommend a lot for the bidder.

As of May 2024, the US$260 million new Demerara bridge which is being constructed by a consortium led by China Railway and Construction Corporation Limited (CRCCL) and overseen by

project. Of these, 120 are Guyanese while 85 are Venezuelan migrants.

Acquiring the land

The bridge will land aback Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara. Earlier this year, the Government had issued an order to acquire the land needed for the bridge and the approaching roads now being tendered for.

According to the gazette dated April 4, 2024 and

the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (New Demerara River Crossing and Connecting Road) (No. 2) Order 2024.

In May, however, the Guyana Government had been forced to issue eviction notices to over a dozen residents of Peters Hall, after negotiations to acquire their lands for the bridge failed. The offers in the compensation packages had included a free plot of residential lot (commercial and industrial where applicable) or house with

lot; monetary compensation to the market value of the resident land/ building; monetary compensation for crops, and accommodation affording the resident time to rebuild

CRCCL

Back in 2022, $21.1 billion was allocated towards work on the bridge. The CRCCL (International)

Limited-led joint venture outbid four other pre-qualified international companies that submitted proposals for the project.

In the months before the contract was awarded, the Guyana Government, through a team of specialists – legal and engineering – was in negotiations with the Chinese company to finalise the terms of the contract.

The new bridge 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, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed-high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted. The river will be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.

This new bridge will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by sever -

al decades. At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.

Specifically, it will provide better connectivity to the East Bank of Demerara, the Diamondto-Ogle bypass road on the eastern side of the river, as well as the WBD roads, including the Parika-toSchoonord road on the western side of the river.

The new bridge is a critical component of the Government’s drive to expand and modernise Guyana’s transport infrastructure and will address the challenges faced by users of the current bridge by providing safe, efficient, and effective crossing. Upon completion, it is also expected to lay the groundwork for other economic opportunities for Regions Three and Four, including agricultural development, tourism, construction, housing and commerce. (G3)

The work done on the bridge as of May

Map showing location of the bridge and access roads

Chinese national wanted by Police for money laundering, other offences

Tsniper

She Guyana Police Force have issued a wanted bulletin for a Chinese national for questioning in relation to Money Laundering and other related serious offences in Guyana.

arm of the GPF that deals with white-collar crimes.

Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Zhenjian Fang is wanted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) – the

The 44-year-old suspect’s last known address was given as 47 New Road,

The police on Monday said that anyone with information on Fang’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Special Organised Crime Unit on telephone: 225-3079 or 225-3084, or the nearest police station.

While the police did not make a connection, this wanted bulletin comes almost one week after three Chinese nationals were arrested during an inter-agency intelligence operation at a city hotel last Tuesday. The operation led to the seizure of $39 million and one unlicensed 9mm pistol with 15 rounds of matching ammunition.

According to the police, the suspects (two males and one female) were part of a transnational criminal group involved in gold smuggling and other illegal activities.

The female suspect, Ying Xin Su, has since been charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm. She appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess last Friday at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, where she pleaded not guilty to the charge. The 30-year-old travel agent has been remanded to prison and the case will continue on July 22.

ince our politics is just as polarised – and even more vitriolic – than America’s, there’s gotta be some lessons we can learn from this attempted assassination of ex-Pres Donald Trump. First, there’s the dehumanisation and demonisation of leaders from both sides of the divide. What this does is to make it easier for extreme actions to be taken since one is dealing –by definition – with something evil and malevolent!! Think of the kind of mind that can propose with utter seriousness that “the whole thing was fixed” for Trump to gain popularity!! Who in the world would agree for a shooter 450 yards away to shoot at one’s ear??!! Even the best sniper in the world, with the best scope in the world and with the most technically-advanced instruments to adjust for the wind factor ain’t gonna trust an AR-15 rifle to guarantee the delivery of the most precisely custom-made bullet to a target three cm thick (an ear lobe) and two cm away from a brain!! And he’d entrust the operation to a 20-year-old who was thrown out of rifle club in high school – and never received any sniper training ?? And even if he’s willing to do that, Trump wouldn’t be daft enough to go along!! Even if he isn’t a shooter, he’s enough of a golfer to know a thing or two about angles, momentum and ricochets!! While some of the polarised American electorate might retort that Trump doesn’t have a brain and doesn’t have anything to worry about…we know the decision would’ve been Trump’s and HE certainly thinks he’s got a BIG BRAIN!! Anyhow, we return to some other conundrums raised which are pertinent to Guyana. There’s the big question as to how was the shooter allowed to be on a rooftop – with a clear line of sight to Trump??!! This is basic SOP for any security detail – much less a contingent of supposedly the most highly-trained experts in the world!! As your Eyewitness had pointed out, Trump had a running battle with these security agencies and it’s not too farfetched to wonder if this lapse was “enemy action”? In Guyana, the Disciplined Forces that provide security for our President and ex-Presidents have historically been drawn from one side of our deep political divide.

The last subject your Eyewitness would bring up right now is the reaction of the leaders from both sides to the shooting. To a man, they’re all condemning it and protesting that “this isn’t the way democracy goes about its business”!!! This, of course, is the biggest piece of crock – since, even more sickeningly – each side’s blaming the other for the extremism!!

Doesn’t this sound familiar in good, ole Mudland??

…the sanctions on Venezuela

Mad Maduro just announced that Venezuela has achieved the highest oil production since the Yanks slapped them with sanctions in 2019 – for rigging their elections and denying the winning pro-West parties to take over the government. Now this is certainly good news for Mad Maduro as he campaigns for their general elections – scheduled for the 28th of this month. Even though a quarter of the population have fled – and the rest are facing hard guava season – he can claim that with the upswing, happy days will soon be back again!!

So, the question is, how come the good news for the Mad Man?? And the answer is it’s all thanks to the same Yanks we’re depending on to save us from Maduro’s clutches!! The announcement was that Venezuela has reached 851, 000 bpd – with PDVSA and CHEVRON currently producing around 200,000 bpd. That’s right…. remember sanctions were lifted by the US for Chevron? And let’s not forget that the US has initiated direct talks since July 2nd!!

What gives?

…SouthCom training

SOUTHCOM just conducted an Enhanced Domain Awareness training with the GDF. That’s the hot new concept in modern warfare – involving the four physical domains: sea, air, land, space plus the Electromagnetic Spectrum. And Mad Maduro??

The gun and cash that were found in the city hotel

Wanted: Zhenjian Fang

UN Road Safety Goal

Rise in road fatalities threatens Guyana's ability to meet target – Benn

ome Affairs

HMinister Robeson Benn has indicated that if immediate action is not taken against errant drivers on the country’s roadways, Guyana will be unable to meet the demands for the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action for Road Safety, which seeks to reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries by at least 50 per cent by 2030.

Benn pointed out that irresponsible adult behavior, speeding and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is the primary cause for the 97 deaths recorded for 2024, thus far.

Referencing to the recent accident which claimed the lives of a former national footballer, Carl Hunte and his nineyear-old grandson, Malique Roberts, along the LindenSoesdyke Highway, Benn issued a national call to licence holders to adhere to traffic laws and speed limits. He explained that the government’s goal to decrease the number of fatalities is not only geared at meeting the United Nation’s goal but also at enhancing public safety and ensuring that youths enjoy the economic growth ahead.

No filaria cases recorded in 8 regions across Guyana – Health Minister …says health authorities tackling remaining regions

he Health Minister

TDr Frank Anthony during the launch of the mass drug distribution campaign at the Victoria Health Centre on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) last weekend, disclosed that there are no recorded cases of filaria in eight of the 10 Administrative Regions across Guyana.

The minister noted that the elimination of the disease in these regions is a result of the Health Ministry’s hard work over the years, particularly the establishment of the ministry’s mass drug distribution campaign.

“We have been working for more than two years now to try to eliminate this disease from Guyana and we’ve introduced something called mass drug administration and through using there tablets we have been able to eliminate filaria from eight of the ten administrative regions in Guyana,” the minister stated.

Moreover, the minister disclosed that the Health

persuade them to make sure that they take their pills” the minister asserted.

Meanwhile earlier in July the Health Ministry mobilised 700 pill distributors to administer filaria pills over the next two weeks, targeting Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), where the risk of Lymphatic filariasis is particularly high.

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as LF, is a severe disease causing irreversible swelling in the extremities and geni-

Ministry is working assiduously to eliminate the disease in the remaining 2 regions which are Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region 4 (Demerara- Mahaica).

“What we’ve set about to do is to eliminate it from three and four, so currently we have a number of pill distributors and as you can see, they will be dressed in this purple colour and they are going out to households talking to people trying to

tals. Thousands in Guyana are already affected by LF. According to the Health Minister, this campaign is a critical step towards eradicating filaria from Guyana and improving the quality of life for those at risk. The Ministry of Health, Guyana, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) launched the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in Guyana since 2017.

“While there is a reduction in the numbers given the number of journey miles and the number of vehicles we have there is still a significant problem and if we continue in this trend, we will be unable to meet the requirements of the United Nations Decade of road safety by reducing road deaths by half by 2030. So, we have a number of initiatives ongoing,” Minister Benn said.

On the topic of reinforcement, Benn disclosed that the Force will soon launch a new initiative dubbed “Do the Right Thing”, which is geared towards retraining and retooling young drivers utilising the country’s roadways.

He believes that the sensitisation project will address the issue of awareness and respect for the rule of law and public safety.

“The fundamental appeal and the fundamental consciousness have to reside in those who drive… Young adult behaviour has

to be changed, they have to have a greater sense of awareness, they have to be coached, they have to retrained to bring about a change in this issue,” the Minister posited.

“We keep calling on the corporate bodies and the NGO’s (non-government organisation) to support the issues as well as insurance companies and those who sell cars, they should be involved in it,” he added.

In the month of June, the Force’s Traffic Department reported that 97 individuals lost their lives in road accidents on Guyana’s roadways so far this year.

This total includes 42 fatal

accidents and 55 road incidents.

When compared to the same period last year the figure reflects a 19 per cent decrease in fatal accidents, some 47 fewer accidents. According to GPF, some of those accidents were preventable and could have been avoided if people paid more attention to road safety, especially pedestrians. However, it made known that a persistent disregard for safety among road users, with individuals continuing to engage in risky behaviors remains a trend among the population.

(G1)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

Distribution of filaria pills

GAICO mulls building 2nd wharf facility to support Gas-to-Energy Project

After successfully commissioning its first marine facility at the Nismes foreshore, West Bank Demerara (WBD), which includes a wharf platform, GAICO Construction and General Services has disclosed that it is mulling plans to build a second wharf in Region Three.

According to GAICO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Komal Singh, who is also the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the second wharf is part of mechanisms being put in place to boost the company’s capability to further support the Guyana Government’s Gas-toEnergy project.

This project, which is being constructed at Wales, West Bank Demerara, includes a 300MW power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that would utilise natural gas that will be piped from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

With this in mind, Singh, who was at the time speaking during a recently televised programme, said the second wharf would be located near the GtE project.

“Almost all the work that was designated for the pipeline project on the GtE (Gas to Energy) project, all of that activity went through that facility. So, it was very strategic for us to have that facility during the time of need when that development project started. We are currently looking to develop a second war of development on the region three area,” Singh said.

“Yeah, we're at Nismes and we're currently doing another facility close to the gas to energy site also. That's where we're developing also a fertiliser blended plant. By the first half of next year, that plant should be up and running also,” he added.

The GAICO CEO said these private investments are geared towards positioning the company to benefit from the economic transformation of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) while supporting Government’s development agenda for Guyana.

“Because of all of the development that is projected to take place in region three, um you need to stay ahead of the game to be able to put infrastructure in place. So, when that gas to energy project come on stream, with the reduction of 50 per cent on the power generation costs, we are projected to see a significant improvement and increase in the manufacturing sector. As such, it is very critical for us in the private sector to make sure that we stay ahead of the game and put the requisite infrastructure in place so as to allow the development in the manufacturing sector to have a smooth transition in a year or two to come,” GAICO CEO explained.

GAICO invested a whooping US$30 million for the construction of the marine facility at the Nismes, which include a wharf, dry dock, and laydown yard where construction materials will be stored. It is intended to supplement the region’s de-

velopment, including the GtE project at Wales.

The project was due in 2019, but permitting hiccups were faced. However, in 2020, GAICO got the allclear and set ahead with its plan.

At the commissioning ceremony in January, President Dr Irfaan Ali pointed out that the project has created immense opportunities for not only business development in Region Three but also the enhancement of local capacity as well.

“So, the value creation that Komal [Singh, Chief Executive Officer of GAICO] has made here is enormous. Because if you hear the number of young people who are trained here; the number of truck operators, mechanics; let me frankly say that if we did not have this development, our pace of development in Region Three would be curtailed by 25 per cent at least; because we did not have an offloading facility for sand and for all the pipes for the Gas-to-Energy project,” he noted. (G1)

Part of the GAICO facility

GAICO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Komal Singh

Migrants account for 90% of TIP victims in Guyana in last 5 years

…survivor support efforts to be ramped up

The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry on Monday disclosed that migrants in Guyana accounts for 90 per cent of victims who were human trafficked over the last five years here.

Coordinator of the Countering Trafficking in Persons Unit, Tanisha Williams-Corbin, revealed that migrants are among approximately 1,446 victims who were identified and supported by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry for several years.

Corbin, who made this announcement during a human trafficking capacity building training session held at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Officers’ Training Centre, Camp and Young Street, on Monday, did not list the countries from which the victims originate.

However, during his address, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn commented on the issue, noting that the majority of migrants and victims are

usually housed in mining areas, where they are exploited in exchange for food and basic daily needs.

He explained that while Guyana has made significant strides in countering Trafficking in Persons, there is still a “far way” to go.

“We are required to make sure that we do not create opportunity for the crimes of human trafficking, trafficking in persons, smuggling, pimping of persons and all the crimes that are related to the question of trafficking in persons… We have to work hard to afford, to allow, to reach out, to give the protection to those persons in rural and indigenous communities, particularly,” Benn said.

Regarding the finding, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud highlighted that there is need for increased awareness and sensitivity of the issue.

She explained that while Guyana has managed to obtain its Tier 1 status in the US State Department 2024 TIP Report to tackle Trafficking in Persons,

work is still ongoing to ensure more perpetrators are brought before the courts.

“This is a scourge, a heinous crime, it is illegal and I liken it to modern day slavery… As a country, as a government we have zero tolerance for trafficking in persons. So, I want to give our commitment as Government of Guyana, as Minister who spearhead this taskforce that we will not rest until traffickers are routed and understand the seriousness in which we look at the issue of trafficking in persons,” Dr Persaud said.

2023 stats on human trafficking

In late June, the United States TIP Department revealed that over 400 trafficked persons were identified as victims of Human Trafficking within Guyana last year.

According a report released by the Department, the Guyana Government identified 407 victims while Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) identified one. This is in comparison to 2022, whereby the Government had identified 327 trafficked victims.

The victims included 21 Guyanese nationals and 386 foreign nationals from Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cuba, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Russia, and Venezuela. Some victims stayed in shelters while others were granted work or residency permits; others were repatriated.

Specifically, the report revealed that shelter was offered to all of the victims but only 312 were accepted. In the previous year, the re-

port noted, all the victims had accepted the opportunity to stay at shelters.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Countering Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit is the lead government agency coordinating victim care services.

Meanwhile, the government gave 333 victims residency permits and 18 victims work permits while eight were repatriated. In the prior reporting period, the government did not grant any foreign victims temporary residency status or work permits as it received no requests for such.

Prosecution

Moreover, via release the US State Department revealed that during 2023, 77 TIP cases were filed under the Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2023, resulting in ten suspects being arrested of which seven were charged. This reflected an increase from 2022 when

there were 28 cases.

The prescribed penalties under the revised 2023 Act include five years to life imprisonment and extended criminal liability to corporations, and explicitly included the use of children for the production and distribution of narcotics within the definition of trafficking. The law also defined trafficking broadly to include illegal adoption without the purpose of exploitation.

In addition, the report prepared by US State Department noted that the prosecutions were initiated against three alleged traffickers under other laws, including the Protection of Children Act for employing a child where liquor was sold, the Summary Jurisdiction (Offenses) Act for keeping a commercial sex establishment, and the Sexual Offense Act and the Summary Jurisdiction (Offenses Act) for sexual and bodily harm against a child younger than 16 years

old. This is compared with two prosecutions under other laws in 2022.

One of the challenges faced by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS), and NGOs is that “some victims may have declined to participate in prosecutions after receiving a pay-off from the trafficker, because of familiarity and trust built with the trafficker, or because of income received through commercial sex,” according to the report.

On this note, it was pointed out that the police lacked sufficient resources for non-English speaking victim-witnesses, while there is a limited government presence in the interior of the country to consistently and sufficiently conduct law enforcement actions, monitor establishments, screen for victims, and observe trafficking trends. (G1)

Youth critical to moving CSME forward – CSME director

Recognising the important role youths play in society, Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Director, Leo Preville highlighted that youths will play a crucial role in the development of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The Director championed the integral role of youths in the CSME during the launch of the Caricom Youth AmbassadorsCSME Attachment Programme at the Caricom Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana. He noted that the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) is working towards building a region that is focused on development.

On this point the director noted that the Caricom Youth Ambassadors are key stakeholders in the region’s development.

“We need to solicit the stakeholders who are critical to not just the present but also the future of this integration movement and therefore focusing on youth and in this

case the Caricom Youth Ambassadors is a critical step to treat present issues and future issues” he asserted.

He further noted that the demographic of the region consists of a fairly young population. In this regard Preville underscored that the Ambassadors will be used

to educate and speak with youths in the Caribbean in a language that they can identify with.

“Most importantly they are the advocates, they can play this advocacy role in ensuring that the messag -

ing on the CSME reaches their generation so advocacy is critical” he stated.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn addressing the human trafficking capacity building training session

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

CSME Director Leo Preville

Some of the Caricom Youth Ambassadors

Scenes from Region 3

presidential outreach

“Thank you, Guyana,” – Grenadian PM …as hurricane-ravaged island receives support from Guyana in rebuilding efforts

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada has expressed his gratitude to President Dr Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana as this country continues its efforts to aid the islands in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl's devastation.

According to President Dickon Mitchell, the donation from the Guyana Government is the largest the country has received so far.

“To my comrade and colleague President Ali, I want to take the opportunity to thank him for the relief supplies and the building materi-

als on this vessel. It has come at a critical time for the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. It is perhaps the single largest physical donation of relief and building material supplies so far that we've received,” he stated as the vessel which was loaded in Guyana with donations arrived on the island. He added that this donation serves as a testimony to Guyana's timely help. Further, 58 members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are also in Grenada supporting the restoration and relief work. They are contributing tremendously to a sense

of security, peace, and calm, and to a sense of hope and optimism, particularly for the people who've been impacted

by the hurricane.

“It's a 19-page manifest. It's a testament to the fact

structure. Upon arrival, the troops were greeted by the Prime Minister of Grenada,

Youth critical to moving...

The CSME Director challenged the Youth Ambassadors to utilise their roles and platforms to educate other Caribbean youth about the CSME. “You are the future of the Region and the ones best placed to reach the youth of your countries and communicate what is at stake with the integration project,” he stated. “This attachment programme is meant to deepen your understanding of the CSME and place you in a position to become advocates of the integration project. But more importantly, it is meant to build a network of like-minded young people. It is meant to drive home the message that we must work together on this development journey. The traditional factors that drove a sense of unity as one people are waning. We need to employ the logic of economics and create a sense of shared vision to weather the storms ahead.”

Eighteen Caricom Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) are participating in the programme from nine Caricom Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

During the week-long programme, the Caricom Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) will engage in dialogue and panel discussions and participate in field tours designed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills about the CSME to educate young people in their Member States.

Some of the activities are a discussion on the role of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in CSME, a visit to the Guyana Free Movement Committee and the Central Bank of Guyana for a discussion on the free movement of capital, and an engagement with Dr. Carla Barnett, SecretaryGeneral, Caricom.

In addition, CYAs will visit the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Customs and Port Authority and interact with technical experts on CSME-related topics, including coordinating CARICOM’s external trade policy, leveraging our Caribbean Culture for regional development and global impact, and innovation and technology within the CSME.

The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme was launched in Saint

Lucia in 1993 by the Heads of Government to mark the Twentieth Anniversary of CARICOM and was formally instituted in 1994. Since its inception, the Youth Ambassador Programme has contributed to increased youth knowledge and awareness of CARICOM issues and priorities; has raised the profile of young people at the national and regional levels; and has assisted in integrating the views and perspectives of young people from across the Region into national, regional and international policy and programmes.

These goals serve as a guideline for developing appropriate programme interventions and resource allocations, both at the regional and national level. Goals and targets should be reviewed from time to time to ensure they adequately and effectively respond to the needs and challenges of target populations. Importantly, while achieving the goals and targets of the CYAP, CYAs can help young people achieve their goals through matching the programmes implemented and the policies with their needs.

that our brothers and sisters within CARICOM have not just talked support for Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines, but they're demonstrating it in a timely and obvious manner. So we

The Honorable Dickon Mitchell, who thanked the government and the people of Guyana.

In addition to the personnel, the GDF's operational capabilities were significant-

ters. Our mission is to provide immediate relief and assist in the reconstruction and recovery efforts."

The category four hurricane made landfall on July 1 in Carriacou, Grenada, and subsequently intensified into a category five storm. According to info received by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Beryl, originating as a tropical depression, underwent a rapid intensification on June 30th, making it the earliest major hurricane in the Atlantic. The cyclone swiftly moved westward, posing an immediate threat to several islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Beryl’s journey across the Eastern Caribbean was marked by its strength, reaching Category 3 to Category 4 with maximum sustained winds between 130

are really, really appreciative of the gesture.”

“On my own personal behalf, and on behalf of the government and people of Grenada, we are truly, truly grateful and appreciative of the tremendous support that we're receiving from our brothers and sisters within CARICOM,” President Mitchell added.

The arrival marks a concerted effort by Guyana to support Grenada's recovery following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the nation's infra-

ly bolstered by the arrival of the vessel MV Lady Fazeela, which docked at Carriacou Island carrying substantial relief supplies from Guyana.

Guyana has committed to assisting in the reconstruction of several vital projects deemed essential for the community's recovery and long-term resilience. Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Brigadier Omar Khan MSS emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in times of need. "The GDF stands ready to support our Caribbean brothers and sis-

and 150 MPH. Hurricane Beryl impacted nine (9) CDEMA Participating States: Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and its dependents, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Haiti, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The impact on Grenada and its dependents and St. Vincent and the Grenadines was significant, prompting a level two response support from the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM). Over 10 persons died as a result of the hurricane. (G2)

FROM PAGE 11

Members of the Guyana Defence Force deployed in Grenada

Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell looking at some of the items received (Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada photo)

Mazaruni River boat collision

Police, MARAD now join search for 2 missing men

Agroup of police ranks and an officer from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have joined family members in searching for 35-yearold Troy Anthony Joseph and 43-year-old Cranston Davidson, who went missing during a boat collision on July 5 in the Mazaruni River.

This move comes on the same day Guyana Times published an article in which frustrated family members of the two missing men complained about the lack of support from the Police in the search for the two brothers-in-law.

Initially, the Guyana

two boats just before midnight on Friday, July 5 in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

that was

Police Force had reported that one man – 29-year-old Oswald Hudson Jr called “Saddie” of First Avenue, Bartica – lost his life while six others were rescued during a collision between

However, the families of Joseph and Davidson, both from Agatash Village, Bartica, are insisting that the men were also on the boat with Hudson and have been missing for days.

While no mention was made of the missing men in the police’s initial report, the GPF said on Monday that on July 6, 9 and 10, ranks along with the Maritime Officer for Regional Police Division Seven conducted searches in the Mazaruni and Essequibo Rivers for the remaining two missing persons but to no avail.

Nevertheless, another team returned to the area on Monday to assist family members to the search.

“As of 09:30h today [Monday], a dedicated team of policemen led by Inspector Crawford, in collaboration with Mr Melville from the Maritime Administration, departed from Bartica Police Station. They are currently in the Essequibo River, conducting thorough checks in the ongoing search for the two missing persons,” the GPF said.

Based on initial police reports, Shavez Thomas, 29, a boat captain from Itaballi Landing, was returning home from Bartica with one passenger in this vessel

Meanwhile, Oswald Hudson Sr, 60, also a boat captain from First Avenue Bartica, was heading from Itaballi Landing to Bartica, carrying two minors, a pregnant woman, the now-de-

ceased Oswald Jr. The two missing men were also in this boat.

The two vessels collided head-on at about 23:50h near BK Quarries Inc., Mazaruni River, throwing all the occupants into the water. Witnesses reported that after the collision, Oswald Jr. rescued one of the minors before he, Davidson, and Joseph went underwater and did not resurface.

Public-spirited citizens rushed to assist, retrieving six people from the water and transporting them to Third Avenue Beach. A search was launched, and Oswald Jr.’s body was found the following day.

Davidson’s sister, Felicia Edwards, told the Guyana Times on Sunday that the missing men worked at Echa Quarrie near Cuyuni Village and got paid late on the night of July 5.

“Cranston called his wife at 21:37h, saying he was waiting for a boat to come home. Troy also called his wife, Latoya, at 20:02h, saying he was in a vehicle heading to Itaballi. Cranston called again at 10:13 p.m., still waiting for the taxi

from Puruni. At 10:25 pm, he called to say he was in a boat heading home, and his wife could hear the engine. Troy’s wife called him at 10:23 pm, and he said he was in the boat. After that, their phones went straight to voicemail,” the woman related.

Edwards said that at around 03:00h on Saturday morning, they received a phone call informing them that there was a boat accident and that Joseph, a father of three, and Davidson, a father of seven, were in the boat. She said they went to the hospital and the mortuary in search of the men but they were not there.

She said since then, they have been searching for the men but to no avail.

According to Edwards, her brother’s bag was even found floating near Gold Creek, Bartica during the search.

“We, the family of the missing men, are frustrated with the authorities and the Guyana Police Force. Only the families are searching day and night with no help from the police, and we are exhausted. We want to know why this situation

is being dragged out for so long,” the woman related to this newspaper on Sunday. She expressed her frustration with the police, stating that they are not receiving any assistance and are often treated with hostility.

“The boat captains should have been arrested and charged until my brother and brother-in-law’s bodies are found. When we inquire with the police, they are dismissive and say they can’t do anything until a body is found. But they are not even helping us search.”

“Mothers lost their sons, children lost their fathers, wives lost their husbands, and they are not doing anything. These people are human beings. Every day we are searching, hoping to find their bodies and nothing. Right now, we are thinking something isn’t right because both of these men are missing and at least one of them should have surfaced. This is 10 day and we can’t find them anywhere. The boat captains have to explain what happened. We have to assume the worst because we aren’t getting any answers,” the woman lamented. (G8)

Dominican Republic investors eyeing local value-added rice production opportunities

The government recently met with a delegation from the Dominican Republic (DR), a country that has long pursued closer ties with Guyana, where investment opportunities in Guyana's agriculture sector were explored.

Meeting the delegation was Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha. According to the ministry following the meeting, the delegation included investors that are interested in opportunities in value added production, particularly in the rice sector.

These investors, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, are interested in bringing new and innovative technologies that can aid in value added rice production.

“The group is also looking to establish facilities to boost Guyana's Export potential and capabilities.

Minister Mustapha outlined the current strides that the government is making in the rice sector as well as the industry's current targets.”

“He pointed out that the rice sector has already surpassed its half-year target and is expecting an excellent harvest for the upcoming crop,” the Ministry said, also revealing that the delegation is looking to partner and collaborate with both the private sector and the government.

In April 2024, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) had reported surpassing its production target for the first crop of

the year with approximately 209,000 acres of rice under cultivation.

In 2023, the rice sector recorded an increase of seven per cent with a production 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. This year, $1.3 billion was budgeted to be expended by the GRDB to support increased production and productivity of the rice industry. The 2024 target for rice production is 710,000 tonnes, which is an increase of 10 percent from last year.

Missing: Troy Anthony Joseph Missing: Cranston Davidson

A relative with the Police team on Monday searching for the two missing men

Davidson’s bag

recovered by relatives during the search

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha (centre) flanked by the Dominican Republic delegation

Regional Police Division 4C cops GPF’s debate competition championship title

Regional Division 4C emerged victorious in the final round of the Guyana Police Force’s Justice Horace Mitchell Debate Competition after a heated exchange of arguments on Saturday night at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe in Eve Leary, Georgetown. The debate moot was “Drinking and Driving: Police presence outside of entertainment hotspots such as bars, restaurants, hotels, etc., in every Region increases the police ability to prevent incidents of drunk driving and decrease fatal accidents.”

The Regional Division 4C team, consisted of female Sergeant Oxana Johnson, female Corporal Makisha Jordan, and Constable Kenrick Philips who received the best speaker award, argued that such a measure would be an ineffective and heavy-handed approach, reasoning that a more holistic and comprehensive community-based solution was needed to address the root causes of drunk driving.

The proposing team ‘The Traffic Headquarters’, consisting of Corporal Timothy Roberts Woman Constable Luckie Providence, and Constable Alex McPherson, argued passionately for the implementation of increased police presence in entertainment hotspots to combat the scourge of drunk driving.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken during his remarks about the competition revealed that the debate competition will be held more frequently.

“We are not going to do debates annually anymore; we are going to do it quarterly. That by itself will improve our public speaking capability and capacity, which is important for policemen and women when we are interacting with members of the public.”

In fact, he stated that this frequent competition will see participation from most levels of the force.

“We will have debates at the constable level, at the lance corporal, at the sergeant inspectors, and more importantly at the

cadet level. This, if done, will build capacity within the organisation within a framework so that within the next year or two we will find eloquence at all levels of the Guyana Police Force. We must be able to pick any rank to speak on behalf of the police force,” he stated.

Impressed by the level of competition, Commissioner Hicken commended the members of the teams for their efforts, noting that they would have performed their duties and still found time to do research.

Dominican Republic investors eyeing...

Guyana and the Dominican Republic have been making efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in recent years. Only last year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had signed several agreements with President Luis Abinader during an official two-day visit to that country. These agreements included one for the joint establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana.

In the months leading up to the signing, ties between Guyana and the DR had grown closer as the leaders of the two countries met at various forums.

President Ali continued those bilateral efforts when he and First Lady Arya Ali arrived in the Dominican Republic for their visit along with a large delegation of Government officials and members of Guyana’s Private Sector.

As per the terms of the agreement on the oil refinery, the DR will have 51 per cent ownership of the refinery. The Government has since gone out to tender for proposals to build a refinery in Berbice with a 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity. It has also been revealed that four out of the 11 companies that had submitted proposals last year were shortlisted.

When it comes to agriculture, it is understood that joint production of ag -

FROM PAGE 15

ricultural products such as corn and soybeans, as well as partnerships in the poultry sector, were discussed. According to President Ali, the agreements in agriculture between the two countries will ensure their prominence at the table whenever food security is discussed.

In June 2023, President Abinader had himself arrived in Guyana for a oneday visit where talks progressed about potential collaboration.

Following bilateral talks between President Ali and President Abinader at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Greater Georgetown, senior Ministers from the two nations signed three pacts to strengthen collaboration, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in energy-related matters.

This MoU established a framework to facilitate and enhance bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector of the two countries based on equality and mutual benefit.

It included the promotion of investments in each other’s countries, as well as technology transfer, research and development, the building of human resources, and collaboration in the natural gas sector.

Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken congratulates debate champions Regional Police Division

Police Commissioner (ag) Hicken (centre) alongside competitors

NAREI assisting farmers against caterpillar infestation

Following a surge in caterpillars posing a major threat to crops due to their voracious leaf-feeding habits throughout Guyana, farmers are receiving technical support from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The Crop Extension Department (CDSS) has implemented several measures in areas such as Craig, Backdam, East Berbice, and the hinterland regions.

This initiative was revealed by NAREI CEO Jagnarine Singh during an interview with Guyana Times on Monday.

According to Singh, these caterpillars are primarily targeting cassava plants.

“At Craig, we are in the fourth round of distributing pesticides. We are currently in the Region Six area. Even in some of the operated areas, we are providing substantial amounts of insecticide,” Singh stated.

He also mentioned that NAREI is incurring significant expenses to supply these resources to the farmers.

“We are giving them a lot of insecticide. Cassava, ba-

sically, is one of the crops that is being affected. We are spending thousands and thousands of dollars, maybe millions, when you add up all those expenses.”

Singh pointed out that a training video is being provided to various farmers who have been affected, demonstrating how to use the insecticides effectively. Additionally, NAREI has deployed scientists to assist farmers in the field.

“We are not just giving a blow and then leaving. When it started, we had scientists in the field helping the farmers. NAREI scientists have been out there providing support,” he add-

ed.

This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the damage caused by the caterpillars and support the farmers in protecting their crops.

The impact of climate change on agriculture, mainly through the alteration of weather patterns, poses a significant threat to crop production and increases the prevalence of agricultural pests. Insect pests such as caterpillars from the Lepidoptera order, have shown varying responses to climate change, leading to serious economic losses in crop yields. The current situation in Guyana, where

a shift from prolonged dry conditions to rainy weather has led to sporadic but severe caterpillar infestations.

Caterpillars, particularly during their larval stage, pose a major threat to crops due to their voracious leaf-feeding habits. This feeding can strip plants of their foliage quickly, severely disrupting the plants' photosynthetic abilities and overall health, leading to reduced crop yields.

To address this, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), through its Crop Extension Department (CDSS), has implemented several measures which are as follows NAREI has provided necessary training for farmers on pest control and distributed pesticides to combat the caterpillar infestation.

Demonstration exercises

These exercises aim to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills in pest management, enhancing their ability to control caterpillar populations effectively.

Technical assistance

Continuous support and

technical advice are provided to farmers, especially in the heavily affected areas of Regions One (BarimaWaini); Four (DemeraraMahaica); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Ongoing interventions

NAREI's Crop Extension Department maintains regular visits to affected areas, ensuring the distribution of

pesticides and conducting further demonstration exercises to aid farmers in managing pest infestations. These adaptive management strategies are crucial in mitigating the impact of climate-induced pest outbreaks on agriculture. By providing resources and education, NAREI supports farmers in maintaining crop health and productivity despite the challenges posed by climate change and its effects on pest dynamics.

Mabaruma to get 1st Deeds and Commercial Registry Office

Mabaruma in Region One (Barima -Waini) will soon have its own Deeds and Commercial Registry office, providing crucial services to residents for the first time.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, made the announcement during an outreach on Monday.

The minister said the Deeds and Commercial Registry is a very crucial element of the country’s commercial and legal architecture.

The registry acts as a central hub for crucial information related to property ownership and some business activities.

“This service has never been extended to this region before. This is the first time in Guyana that the Deeds and Commercial Registry is having or will be having a presence here…We will establish an office here permanently,” the AG is quoted as saying in a DPI report.

This means the residents will no longer have to trav-

el to Georgetown, Region Four or the Essequibo Coast, Region Two to access these services. The new office will be established within the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building, allowing residents to register businesses, file property deeds, and access ownership records – without leaving Mabaruma.

The undertaking will save residents time and

money. It will also streamline business processes and potentially attract new entrepreneurs to the region.

The government also plans to open offices in townships countrywide, including Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), and Linden, Region Ten (Upper

Demerara-Berbice).

Nandlall’s announcement was met with great relief and excitement. For Claudette Wong, the new office will ease the burdens of many who may have financial constraints and as a result, would not be able to travel to Georgetown to access these services.

“It is good because [some of us] don’t have that money all the time to go to Georgetown and come back. I am glad that they are bringing it here because it would be very convenient for the people here in Mabaruma,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Another resident, Yonette Linguise also expressed excitement at the announcement, lamenting, “It’s a very good idea to bring them here because we wouldn’t have to travel to Georgetown, and we could get it done right here in the region.”

Like Linguise, Lloyd Cameron believes that this is a step in the right direction for Region One. He added that the move will also

expand economic growth there.

“This is something [we have] been looking for, for a long time. It will help because people wouldn’t have to go to renew their papers and documents in town… Having it nearby will be good and it will also bring revenue,” Cameron revealed.

A Hosororo resident, Mary Brown said that she knew very little about registering her business before the attorney general’s outreach.

According to her, an office in the region would significantly help to educate the public on the services offered by the Deeds and Commercial Registry.

“I think it’s a good idea because, like me, there are a lot of persons who have to come from very far and remote areas, so it will be beneficial for us to be able to come right here to Mabaruma, and it will help persons to know more about the registration,” she opined.

Additionally, residents can look forward to even greater ease in conducting

business with the upcoming implementation of card payments through the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

As Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley highlighted, these combined developments will revolutionise how business is conducted in Region One.

“The government, led by President Ali would have promised the people that they would bridge the gap between the coast and the hinterland regions. With the Deeds and Commercial Registry coming to the region, and now that GBTI is envisioning bringing the cashless payment system here, that would be a move in the right direction for the people of Region One,” the chairman said.

These announcements are built on a promise made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during a recent outreach in the region, and reflect the Government’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to the people.

Local caterpillars feasting on crops

Farmers smoking out infested area

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC

Convicted former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, 85, aims to run again

Alberto Fujimori, 85, who governed Peru with an iron fist for a decade and fled the country amid corruption scandals and human rights violations, plans to run for President amid a cloud of uncertainty and fractured politics.

His daughter Keiko, who unsuccessfully ran for President three times, announced the news on Sunday, drawing attention to the 85-year-old ex-President, who was released from prison in December after an appeals court reinstated his pardon.

But legal experts and analysts are questioning the viability of his 2026 candidacy due to his previous convictions.

"A presidential pardon has exonerated him from prison, but his legal status is of someone who hasn't finished his sentence," said Anibal Quiroga, a constitutional lawyer, who says Article 33 of Peru's Constitution removes the political rights of people given prison sentences after criminal convictions.

Fujimori owes US$15 million in civil damages over three separate cases. Experts say his candidacy would have to be decided by the country's electoral authority.

"Fujimori's political ambition without measuring the consequences could put the country in uncertainty again," Quiroga said.

There are at least 30 parties registered for the 2026 contest and Gonzalo Banda, a Peruvian political analyst, says Fujimori is trying to

re-establish his party as the country's dominant rightwing force.

Keiko and Fujimori's eponymous political movement distanced itself from the convicted ex-president in recent elections, portraying a more moderate image and apologising for errors committed during his presidency. But after losing in multiple elections, Banda says there's been a "reversal" towards traditional hardright policies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Nations gather to negotiate deep-sea mining code as opposition mounts

The United Nations' International Seabed Authority (ISA) was scheduled to meet on Monday to consider new rules allowing firms to extract minerals from the ocean floor, despite mounting concerns about the economic and environmental risks.

Supporters say deep-sea mining will help boost supplies of raw materials like cobalt and nickel, which are needed for the global energy transition, but critics say it could destroy ecosystems and disrupt migratory routes.

As many as 27 countries are calling for at least a tem-

porary halt of activities, and Hawaii last week became the fourth Pacific US state to issue a comprehensive ban.

Meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, until July 26, the 36-member ISA council will negotiate the latest draft of a long-awaited "mining code", designed to regulate the exploration and extraction of "polymetallic nodules" and other deposits on the ocean floor.

"I think it will become very clear at this session that there is still a long way to go," said Pradeep Singh, an ocean governance specialist at Germany's Potsdam Institute, saying that coun-

Tourism stakeholders watchful after Beryl’s devastation of Jamaica’s agriculture sector

Players in Jamaica’s fast-expanding tourism sector are not yet convinced that they will have to look overseas for farm produce despite the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on the local agriculture sector.

Preliminary estimates days after Beryl indicated at least J$1 billion worth of damage among all crops on the island, with fruits, tubers, vegetables and most other crops impacted. It was estimated that between 80 and 100 per cent of bananas and plantains were wiped out.

While there is some con -

cern, the consensus among tourism interests, who spoke with the Jamaica Observer late last week, was that so far there has not been any real impact on supplies yet – but they are watching what happens in the coming weeks.

“We’re not there yet,” said Nadine Spence, head of the Montego Bay Chapter of Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA), in response to questions about looking for imports to meet the demand of the tourism sector for agricultural produce.

“I saw [Agriculture] Minister [Floyd] Green on

the ground with them in St Elizabeth, but most certainly we are not there yet,” added Spence as she insisted that should a shortfall happen, there should be strategies implemented to ensure that the tourism industry can continue.

“If it is that there needs to be some sort of importation of goods, then that is what we would have to look to, but for now the industry is satisfied as it relates to food items. But, of course, there are certainly concerns for the weeks to come,” added Spence. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bolivian Govt announces natural gas "mega field" in biggest discovery since 2005

Bolivian President Luis Arce on Monday announced the discovery of a 1.7 trillion cubic foot (TCF) natural gas reserve located north of the country's administrative capital, La Paz.

The landlocked South American nation is facing an energy crunch linked to years of declining oil and gas production that has hit the country's currency reserves, and the State energy firm YPFB said earli -

er this month it is looking for ways to overcome recent fuel shortages.

"A 1.7 TCF reserve is confirmed, being the most important discovery for Bolivia since 2005," Arce said in a speech at the government palace.

"It will likely make for the third best-producing field in the whole country," Arce said, adding that the field has been named the Mayaya Centro-X1 IE field and will be part of YPFB's

Upstream Reactivation Plan.

The Mayaya Centro-X1 field will add to Bolivia's existing gas reserves, which stood at 8.95 TCF in December 2018, the most recent official data available.

Bolivia's natural gas production decreased from 56.6 million cubic meters per day (MMm3d) in 2016, to 31.9 MMm3d in 2023, according to YPFB data. (Reuters)

T&T Commissioner, TTPS say 'all Police Stations on high alert' after 15 weekend murders

tries were still divided over the final text.

Many are concerned the code is being rushed through without proper scrutiny and want to slow the process down, Singh said.

While many are concerned about environmental risks, others are also looking for clarity about how proceeds from deep-sea mining will eventually be shared.

After the council session, the ISA's 168-member Assembly will also meet on July 29 to elect a Secretary General, with Brazil's Leticia Carvalho standing against the incumbent, Michael Lodge. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The country’s senior Police Officers, led by Police Commissioner Erla HarewoodChristopher, have assured that all Police Officers, in all Police Stations across the country will be on high alert following a violent and bloody weekend which resulted in 15 persons being killed.

But less than two hours after Police addressed the surge in murders, which saw seven occurring in Portof-pain, a man was gunned

down on Charlotte Street.

The man who was not identified up to late Saturday evening, was found dead after passersby heard gunshots.

At a media conference at the Police Administration Building, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of operations, Junior Benjamin said All Police Stations are on high alert and they will be ramping up their patrols.

“As DCP in charge of operations, I want to say now

that all the stations are on high alert. I want to also state that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service [TTPS], we continue the fight. This is something that has been done for the last two to three weeks, we have ensured that we have more and more patrols outside there and I want to assure that at this time we have ensured that there continues to be a constant presence of the Police,” he said.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

DCP Junior Benjamin (left) whispers to Police Commissioner Erla Harwood-Christopher during a media conference at Police Administrative, Sackville Street, Port-of-Spain. At left is Senior Superintendent (ag), Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Sean Dhipaul

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori attends a trial as a witness at the navy base in Callao, Peru, March 15, 2018 (Reuters/ Mariana Bazo file photo)

Greenpeace activists hold banners during a protest against the deep-sea mining vessel Hidden Gem (not pictured), commissioned by Canadian miner The Metals Company, in the Mexican Pacific port of Manzanillo, in Manzanillo, Mexico, September 27, 2023 (Gustavo Graf/Greenpeace Mexico/Handout via Reuters file photo)

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil prices tick down on worries about Chinese demand

il prices edged lower on Tuesday on worries about a slowing Chinese economy crimping demand, though a growing consensus that the US Federal Reserve will begin cutting its key interest rate as soon as September limited declines.

Brent futures fell nine cents, or 0.1 per cent, to US$84.76 a barrel by 12:21 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 13 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to US$81.78.

China's economy grew much slower than expected in the second quarter, hamstrung by a protracted property downturn and job insecurity.

The world's second-largest economy grew 4.7 per cent in April-June, official data showed, its slowest since the first quarter of 2023 and missing a 5.1 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll. It also slowed from the previous quarter's 5.3 per cent expansion.

China's refinery output fell 3.7 per cent in June from a year earlier, official data showed on Monday, down for a third month partly due to planned maintenance, while lower processing margins and lacklustre fuel demand pushed independent plants to cut output.

Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Monday the three US inflation readings over the second quarter of this year "add somewhat to confidence" that the pace of price increases is returning to the central bank's target in a sustainable fashion, remarks market participants interpreted as indicating a turn to interest rate cuts may not be far off.

Lower interest rates decrease the cost of borrowing, which can boost economic activity and oil demand.

On the supply side, Houthi fighters in Yemen – responding to Israel's bombardment of Gaza –- targeted three vessels, including an oil tanker, in the Red and Mediterranean Seas with ballistic missiles, drones and booby-trapped boats, they said on Monday.

While the crisis in the Middle East has not impacted supply, attacks on ships in the Red Sea has forced vessels to take longer routes, meaning oil remains on the water for longer. (Reuters)

Serial killer arrested after

bodies

found in dump – Kenyan Police

Kenyan Police have arrested a man who they have described as a “serial killer” suspected to have been behind the gruesome murder of nine women whose mutilated bodies were found in a disused quarry used as a rubbish dump.

Police say Collins Jomaisi Khalusha, 33, confessed to having killed 42 women since 2022, including his own wife.

The suspect was arrested at a bar early on Monday morning as he was watching the Euro final.

There has been shock and outrage in Kenya since the first of the dismembered bodies were found on Friday at the Mukuru quarry in the capital, Nairobi.

“[He] confessed to have lured, killed and disposed of 42 female bodies at the dumping site, all murdered between 2022 and as re-

Israel launches new Gaza strikes after weekend attack kills scores in safe zone

Israel struck the southern and central Gaza

Strip on Monday to put more pressure on Hamas, following a weekend strike targeting the militant group's leadership, which killed scores of Palestinians who had sought shelter in a makeshift camp.

Two days after the Israeli strike turned a crowded swathe of Mawasi near the Mediterranean coast into a charred wasteland littered with burning cars and mangled bodies, displaced survivors said they had no idea where they should go next.

"Those moments as the ground shook underneath my feet and the dust and sand rose to the sky and I saw dismembered bodies – was like nothing I have seen in my life," said Aya Mohammad, 30, a market seller in Mawasi, reached by mobile text message.

"Where to go is what everybody asks, and no one has the answer."

Palestinians inspect a house hit in an Israeli strike amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Deir

the

Mawasi on the western outskirts of Khan Younis has been sheltering hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled to the area after Israel declared it a safe zone. Israel said its strike there on Saturday targeted Hamas military commander Mohammed

Deif, an architect of the October 7 assault on Israeli towns and villages that triggered the Gaza war.

The military said it struck an open area, with several buildings and sheds, adding it was a compound run by Hamas and not a tented camp.

Palestinian officials say at least 90 persons were killed on Saturday and many hundreds wounded. Reuters Journalists at the scene filmed carnage, with residents carrying the wounded and dead amid flames and smoke. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump picks JD Vance for running mate, formally wins Republican presidential nomination

Donald Trump chose Ohio US Senator JD Vance to be his vice presidential running mate, as the Republican Party officially nominated the former President to run again for the White House on Monday at the start of the party's national convention in Milwaukee.

"As Vice President, JD will continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT

cent as Thursday," said Mohamed Amin, head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Many Kenyans are asking how 42 persons could be murdered in the space of two years without Police noticing.

Amin said that after his arrest, the suspect led Police Officers to his house, about 100 metres (yards) from the crime scene.

The victims were aged between 18 and 30 and were all killed in the same way, according to the Police.

While the authorities have confirmed that nine bodies have been found so far in the quarry, local residents say the number is higher.

Joseph Waweru, who has been involved in retrieving the bodies, told the BBC he had counted 16 bodies, all severely dismembered.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

AGAIN," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The four-day convention opened in downtown Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum two days after Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, and hours after he secured a major legal victory when a federal judge dismissed one of Trump's criminal prosecutions.

Trump is due to formally accept the party's nomination in a prime-time speech on Thursday and will chal-

lenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 5 election.

Vance, 39, was a fierce Trump critic in 2016, but has since become one of the former President's staunchest defenders, embracing his false claims that the 2020 election was marred by widespread fraud.

Soon after Trump's announcement, Vance emerged on the convention floor with his wife Usha, shaking hands with and hugging delegates who

swarmed the couple. He smiled widely as he was formally nominated to be Vice President and is scheduled to address the convention on Wednesday. Vance is deeply popular with Trump's core supporters, but it remains to be seen whether he can broaden the ticket's appeal. He shares Trump's aggressive approach to politics, and his conservative statements on issues such as abortion could turn off moderate voters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine's Zelenskiy eyes 2nd summit in November, says Russia should attend

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday he aimed to have a plan ready in November to enable Kyiv to hold a second international summit on his vision of peace in Ukraine, and he said representatives of Russia should attend.

Ukraine hosted delegations from 92 countries at a first summit in Switzerland last month to advance its blueprint for peace. Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, was not invited to the event and dismissed it as a non-starter.

"I set a goal that in November we would have a fully-ready plan," Zelenskiy told a press conference in Kyiv. "I think that representatives of Russia should be at the second summit."

He made the remarks after returning from a visit to Washington for a NATO summit last week.

US officials discussed potential diplomatic negotiations with Zelenskiy during the summit, said

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, but said decisions on peace talks were Ukraine's to make.

"We've always supported diplomacy when Ukraine is ready, but it has never been clear that the Kremlin is

ready for actual diplomacy," Miller said at a press briefing.

Ukrainian officials have said previously that Russian representatives could be invited to a follow-up summit.

A Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said last week that Moscow would not attend a follow-up summit. The Kremlin has been less categorical and said there was "no precise substance" regarding the idea of a second summit. The first summit discussed three of 10 points advanced by Ukraine as Zelenskiy's peace "formula", including food security, nuclear safety and the release of prisoners of war and children. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Al-Balah in

central Gaza Strip, July 15, 2024 (Reuters/Ramadan Abed photo)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 20, 2024 (Reuters/Gleb Garanich file photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Discipline is necessary to maintain momentum and reach your goal. Pay attention to your budget and how you use your money and skills to further your prospects.

If you are observant, you will gain insight that will alter your perspective regarding meaningful relationships. Don't let emotional conversations turn ugly.

SUDOKU

(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)

Review your options and implement a positive lifestyle change. Refuse to let outsiders control your routine or interfere with your personal goals. Love and romance are in the stars.

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Reach out to groups that share your concerns. It's time to expand, explore your interests and take responsibility for your happiness. Follow your dreams.

Proceed with caution. Be wary of anyone enforcing questionable changes. Do your research and look for alternatives that suit your lifestyle and needs. Don't hesitate to be secretive.

Express your feelings. You can resolve issues if you are honest about what you want and expect from others. Being secretive will cause confusion and lead to uncertainty.

Take care of what's hanging over your head before you start something new. Making excuses, putting off chores or ignoring issues will lead to problems. Stop procrastinating.

Stop worrying about pleasing everyone. Do what's best for you, and don't look back. Surround yourself with people who share your interests and do your best to make a difference.

Ask direct questions if someone is giving you the runaround. Get your facts from the source before you agree to join forces with someone. An opportunity may require independent action.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Share your thoughts and plans and see who's on board. An emotional union will change how you feel about someone. Don't hesitate to show appreciation for a loved one.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Take your time, observe what's unfolding around you and question anything that doesn't appear fair or sensible. Focus on home improvement, meaningful relationships and establishing boundaries.

A change looks promising if you stick to your budget and refuse to let outside influences disrupt your plans. Don allow temptation to set in.

Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to lift Copa America title

Lautaro Martinez struck an extra-time winner as Argentina edged out Colombia 1-0 to win their second successive Copa America title, despite losing Lionel Messi to injury.

The Inter forward climbed off the bench to break Los Cafeteros' hearts in the 112th minute in Miami, where kick-off had been delayed for 82 minutes due to crowd disruption outside the stadium.

La Albiceleste headed into extra time without Messi, who left the field in tears in the 66th minute after sustaining an ankle injury. Nevertheless, Martinez stepped up in his skipper's absence, slotting past Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to deliver his nation's record-breaking 16th Copa triumph.

Both sides demonstrated their attacking intent early on. Julian Alvarez fired wide inside the opening 60 seconds, while Jhon Cordoba's volley clipped the outside of the post six minutes later.

Emiliano Martinez held onto a Carlos Cuesta header and, at the other end, Alvarez inadvertently took the sting out of Lionel Messi's goalbound effort on 20 minutes.

As the final remained in the balance, Jefferson Lerma fired narrowly wide from distance, while Nicolas Tagliafico headed over from a Messi free-kick just before the break.

Colombia created the better opportunities in the early stages of the second half. Santiago Arias drilled wide and Davinson Sanchez headed over from a James Rodriguez corner. At the other end, Camilo Vargas pushed away Angel Di Maria's effort from a tight angle, before a distraught Messi was forced off injured

as the game headed into the final quarter.

Messi's replacement Nicolas Gonzalez thought he had broken the deadlock in the 75th minute, but Argentina were denied by the offside flag as the game headed for extra time.

Gonzalez went close again five minutes into the first period, with Vargas scrambling across to thwart him on the line.

A penalty shootout loomed, but, with eight minutes remaining, two Argentina substitutes combined, with Giovani Lo Celso

whose composed finish snatched Copa from under Colombia's noses.

Super sub Lautaro seals Argentina's successful title defence

Having scored from the bench in Argentina's opening two Group A games against Canada and Chile, Martinez chose an ideal moment to complete a hat-trick of such strikes in this tournament.

Combining with fellow substitute Lo Celso, the Inter forward netted his in the United States to se

cure the Golden Boot award.

La Albiceleste needed a hero after Messi limped off on a bittersweet night for the skipper.

The first player to feature in five Copa America finals, at 37 years and 20 days, he was also the oldest player to start one in the 21st century.

However, there was to be no match-winning contribution this time in a tournament at which he has been plagued by niggling injuries.

Messi's international fu-

players could follow suit 23 years later, as they more than held their own with the reigning Copa and world champions. But La Albiceleste –the last team to beat them before they embarked on their record-breaking 28-match unbeaten run –proved their nemesis once more, with Martinez's strike breaking that streak, and their hearts. (Sportsmax)

Elite League Referees complete refresher training session

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) referees officiating in the KFC Elite League Season Six completed the first of two July refresher training sessions on Sunday, as the nation's premier male tournament enters its final six weeks of competition.

A total of 14 match officials, including FIFA Referee Shavin Greene, and FIFA Assistant Referees Kleon Lindey and Denisha Isaacs, trained in challenging conditions at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on July 14.

They participated in a fitness training session, on-field drills, and simulated game scenarios, with a particular emphasis on situations in and around the penalty area.

Additionally, the group engaged in classroom discussions aimed at improving call accuracy.

The refresher session was facilitated by retired FIFA Referee Sherwin Johnson and Referee Instructor/Assessor

Abdulla Hamid. Lenval Peart, Head of the Referees Department, also attended the session with some encouraging words to the referees.

Referee Instructor/ Assessor Hamid explained that Sunday’s session primarily focused on incidents in and around the penalty area due to teams “playing a lot of balls in the killing zone, which is in the shooting zone. So, we need the referee to be a part of that, knowing how to get in and how to get out and at the same time monitoring the

focus, describing their performance as "above par, about 85 to 87 per cent”.

He added that another session was scheduled for later this month to further enhance their skills and readiness for the last weeks of the Elite League.

Round Two of the KFC Elite League Season Six kicked off on May 25 and will conclude late August. It features a total of 45 matches contested by 10

activity in and around the penalty area.”

Hamid noted that the referees and assistant referees showed high levels of

of Guyana’s premier clubs: defending champions Guyana Defence Force FC, Slingerz FC, Guyana Police

Force FC, Western Tigers FC, Santos FC, Den Amstel FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Ann’s Grove United FC, Monedderlust FC and Buxton United FC.

FIFA Referee Greene shared that the session “was great for me. We love working together as a team. We did situations where it was match-related situations where we think we need improvement for these games... because the teams now are playing great football, it's only right that the referees step their game up and be able to match what the league is offering right now. We're enjoying the session.”

Over the next six weeks, matches are expected to intensify, with the top three clubs – Guyana Defence Force FC, Slingerz FC, and Guyana Police Force FC –aiming to maintain their positions for a chance at the title.

Meanwhile, the bottom two teams, Monedderlust FC and Buxton United FC, are striving to climb the table and avoid relegation. Clubs are competing for

top prizes of $2,000,000, $1,200,000, $800,000 and $500,000 respectively. The GFF Referees Department is dedicated to ensuring that matches in the league are officiated to the highest international standards with credibility. The next refresher session is scheduled for July 28.

feeding Martinez,

A look at the referees’ refresher training session

Victorious U19 Women’s team met with hero’s welcome

The Cheddi Jagan

International Airport (CJIA) was a buzz of activity on Sunday afternoon as preparations were made to receive the National Under-19 Women’s cricket team who were crowned champions of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars T20 Championships on Saturday.

Among the dignitaries there to welcome the championship-winning team were Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag; Assistant Director of Sports (ADoS) Franklin Wilson and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh.

Following the cultural reception filled with drums and dancing, GCB President Singh labelled the team’s achievement as monumental, being that the championship title was a first for Guyana.

“This is a monumental achievement as it marks the first time in history the team has claimed this prestigious title. You’ve made us proud. The recent Under-19 cricket tournament has marked a significant milestone in the history of Guyanese cricket. This tournament has not only showcased the incredible talent of young,

Government and Regional

the gatAhering

female cricketers, but also set the stage for the future of women’s cricket in Guyana,” Singh shared with the gathering at the CJIA, which included family, friends, other stakeholders, and well-wishers.

Delivering the feature remarks was Minister Parag in place of Subject Minister Charles Ramson Jr. Parag, while expressing her pride at the team’s feat, revealed plans that Ramson Jr has for the team’s development.

“I want to say to you, specifically, how honoured I am to be here, welcoming a team of young, female cricketers that have done us so proud-

ing

ly. The investment that you have made in your own talent, your own ability and capability, has done this country beyond proud. And we want you to know that, we want you to understand that,” Parag remarked.

The Local Government Minister went on to say, “The Minister wants you to know, that’s Minister Charles Ramson wants you to know that even though he’s not here, he plans to engage you further on how the Ministry can collaborate with you to further develop your talent and to push you beyond where you are now. Although you have

Easy Time outclasses Bossalina and co with dominant win

Reigning Guyana Cup champion Easy Time sealed a crushing win at the Port Mourant Turf Club Caricom horse race meet.

Jockey Colin Ross displayed brilliance in front of a packed house, sealing the deal in the feature event, with the champion horse trained by Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr bagging $1.5 million.

Running at 1350 metres, Easy Time was trailed by Bossalina, who finished second on her return to the Sport of Kings, while Beckham James came in third and Jessica’s Pride finished fourth in a thrilling race. Easy Time was the overwhelming favourite for fans, and he lived up to expectations.

Spankhurst was the notable absent horse as well as Glorious Business.

After a delayed start, the race day got going with the J Class event. Trump was the winner, after acclimatising to conditions.

Sarkar finished second while Princess Samiyah and Amazing Grace finished third and fourth respectively.

Race two was the two-yearold event, which was the first of its kind this year. Secret Traveller emerged as victor while Candy Candy came in second. Perfect Gold finished third while Miracle Star ran fourth.

The third race of the day saw Supremacy reigning supreme with a victory in the H Class race. Blinding Light came in second, followed by Emotional Damage and She WBO On Time in that order.

Bin Laden won an eventful J/K/L maiden class race, which had a stacked field of 12 horses. Jockey Ross was unseated from Lion Heart early in the race. Despite that, Lion Heart ran solo finishing jockey-less ahead of the other horses. In addition to Bin Laden, who took the top spot, Little Africa finished second while Rock Star came in third. Legacy

Local boy Kevin Paul piloted the resilient Trump to the win, which he celebrated with an iconic fist pump.

finished fourth in race four.

Experience prevailed in race five with Jockey Ross saddling Top Gun to a win in the L Class race. Running at 1500 metres, Ross pulled away from Wartime in a tense sprint home. Princess Sasha ran third followed by Royal Flight.

Royal Ink then pulled off a gate-to-pole victory in the threeyear-old Guyana and West Indies bred derby. Sex Appeal finished in second while Country Rock managed third and Super Quick came fourth in the penultimate race of the day.

The sponsors for the Caricom race meet were Big G Limber Yard, Ryan Tilak, Old Broom Lounge, Kascon Engineering, AJM Enterprise, Money Tree Trading, T&R Construction, Port Mourant Turf Club, Jumbo Jet, KP Jagdeo, Premium Asphalt, Zick Back Shop and Family, Archway Snackette and Devendra Bishoo.

The next race day will be the highly-anticipated Guyana Cup on August 11 at Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

Players eager for development

Kevin Padmore and Tyler Shamer Lyle have taken advantage of the Players Transfer Window midyear period that offers players eager to move towards their individual development, a chance to do so.

Lyle was phenomenal in

Santos Football Club, I would say that it is a good move ‘cause is a strong and young team so I think that going to Santos would be more of helpful for me and for Santos, because it is already a young team and I could just add lil’ experience to the team; yes, so is a good

would now hope to reap success in the Western Tigers defensive line, in their attempt to restore their championship pedigree after a disappointing first half of the KFC Elite League Season Six.

Meanwhile, Padmore was the driving force behind former club Ann’s Grove defensive unit and would now hope to reap success in the Santos Football Club’s defence, as they look to maintain their position in the top four.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Padmore expounded on the experience he brings to his new team and the level of development he wants to achieve.

“Well, the move to

He added, “For me to go in there right and the development, it would do me a great asset ‘cause playing with a young team that has the understanding and everybody wants it and team knowing about football, so me going to the team would just like giving them a little boost so that we could develop more into the league and try to stay into the top four.”

Also giving an exclusive comment to this publication was new Westen Tiger Lyle, who commented on the impact of national players in the team and the level of competitiveness for positions within the team, which can aid in individual development.

He stated, “I mean it

plays a big impact, is not like before when I could have just stayed home from training and just started when I was a Fruta Conquerors, but now I am surrounded by quality players like some national like the National Team Captain Daniel Wilson and you know competing with much better players for a position that I don’t even know if I am going to start in the team or not, but just get the confidence I get that I am going to start in the team and it playing a big role, I mean going and train everyday gonna develop my skills and once I keep hard and hard every day I going to improve, so I think the move is better for me and to develop my game and prove I’m a very talented youth.”

Lyle went on to highlight some of the key elements that he hoped to develop.

“Some of the key elements I am looking to improve are technically, tactically, making the right decision, and just be a player in the game, but being a student of the game you are never too big to learn, so every day to me as I go out to Western, I learn something new, learn something different that Fruta never taught me, so I congrats Coach Charles Pollard for that and looking to go perform in the upcoming game and play at my best.”

Padmore and Lyle recently had the opportunity to face each other at the National Training Centre (NTC) on June 13 as Western Tigers secured as a 3-2 victory over Santos. (Omar Mckenzie)

Prior to their return home, Guyana were presented with their championship trophy by CWI Vice President and Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) President, Azim Bassarath

Local

Development Minister Sonia Parag addresses

Port Mourant Caricom horse race meet…

Easy Time stormed to victory at Port Mourant Turf Club

gone out there, you’ve done yourselves proud and I can’t say it enough.”

On Saturday last, Guyana’s

Women pulled off a five-wicket victory over Leeward Islands’ Women in the CWI Rising Stars final, after be-

some 23 runs ahead under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method, when rain halted the game in its second half.

…as Padmore moves to Santos and Lyle to Western Tigers

Warriors draft Reifer, Alimohamed

The rosters for the six teams competing in the 2024 season of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) were, on Monday morning, completed during the tournament’s annual players’ draft.

There, defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors, who were only missing three players, completed their squad with a mixture of all-rounders and batsmen.

Manager Leon Johnson revealed the Amazon Warriors’ picks, which consisted of Barbadian all-rounder Raymon Reifer, who was drafted in Round 12; Guyanese bowling all-

…as CPL teams are completed following 2024 draft

rounder Ronaldo Alimohamed, who was drafted in Round 13 and Guyanese opening batsman Matthew Nandu, who was drafted in Round 16 as one of two emerging players for the 2024 season.

As such, Reifer and Alimohamed became the only two new faces in the GAW lineup with 14 players returning from their championship run in 2023; the only exception being Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who, however, was a member of the Amazon Warriors’ squad in 2022.

During the draft, commentator and analyst Nikhil Uttamchandani assessed the picks and what they bring to the

Amazon Warriors’ outfit.

“Obviously, three picks for them and one of them being Matthew Nandu, who was with them last year; he goes back into that emerging lot,” Uttamchandani shared.

“Given the fact that they’ve lost Odean Smith, the Raymon Reifer one is someone we know who is so experienced, he’s won this tournament with the Barbados Tridents five years ago but what I love that he provides this team, is flexibility. First of all, he’s a left-arm seamer, so he gives them some variation that they’ve missed in previous seasons, but he can bat pretty much anywhere, from numbers three to seven, and

I think he can be fitted in with that strong Guyanese core at any stage of the tournament and you know what you’re gonna get from him.”

The CPL commentator further stated about Guyana’s picks, “The Ronaldo Alimohamed one is an interesting one. He’s 25 years old, just made his First-Class debut for Guyana earlier this year. He took a five-for in his first season and he can swing the ball for sure, but he can also bat. So, maybe an investment for the future looking to him, but I love the three picks that they’ve made. It covers all bases in an otherwise, very strong team.”

Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers was the first pick of the draft, joining

the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. He will be joined at the Patriots by Mikyle Louis, Ryan John and Guyanese spinner Veerasammy Permaul.

recent World Cup break-out star Aaron Jones of the USA who qualifies to play at the CPL as a local player as he has a Barbados passport. The Kings also added Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Mikkel Govia and Akeem Auguste to their artillery.

add emerging players to their squad, spots which will be filled with their selection of

The

Young Guyanese fast-bowling sensation Isai Thorne will head to the Barbados Royals alongside Kadeem Alleyne and Nathan Sealy, while Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton,

Nathan Edward and Shaquere Parris.

Republic Bank CPL will bowl off on August 29 in Antigua with a clash between the home team and the Patriots. Local franchise and defending champions, the Amazon Warriors will get their campaign going on August 30 against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.

The complete Guyana Amazon Warriors team for the 2024 Republic Bank CPL

The complete Trinbago Knight Riders team for the 2024 Republic Bank CPL

The complete Antigua and Barbuda Falcons team for the 2024 Republic Bank CPL

The complete St Kitts and Nevis Patriots team for the 2024 Republic Bank CPL

The complete St Lucia Kings team for the 2024 Republic Bank CPL

The complete Barbados Royals team for the 2024 Republic Bank CPL