Hope-like canal at Lancaster Contractors dug wrong site, farmers to be compensated – Mustapha Chinese businessman charged, disputes $10M GRA tax bill
GAWU concerned as GuySuCo only achieved 39% of 2024 sugar target so far Mt Sinai impressed with pace of Guyana’s health screening programme
President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with several Cabinet members, joined a large gathering at the Deepavali Mahotsav in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, on Monday evening. The vibrant celebration of the Festival of Lights runs from October 28 to 30
US$5.5M agro-processing project earmarked for WBD …EPA waives environmental
Aprivately owned agro-processing fa-
cility that is earmarked for the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), has been exempted from requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with the agency noting that the project is unlikely to have any significant impact on the surrounding environment.
Based on details provided by the investor in the project documents, the agro-processing facility in question is being built by the Essential Foods Group Incorporated (EFG) in Canal Number One, WBD.
It was explained that the project, which is being built on 10 acres of land that was previously used for rice cultivation, will see a rice mill and agro-processing facility being con-
structed as part of a total US$5.5 Million investment.
Expressing an intention to partner with local rice farmers, the developers have also set themselves an ambitious target of processing 120,000 metric tons of paddy annually.
“To ensure seamless operations and efficient management, the project will employ a dedicated workforce of roughly 25 fulltime operational staff supported by an additional 25 full-time administrative personnel.”
“With a strategic focus on productivity and output, EFG aims to process 120,000 metric tons of paddy annually, meeting market demands while maintaining consistent, high-quality output. This framework enables efficient resource management, op-
impact study for facility
timized production capacities, and the upholding of the excellence expected from our operations,” the developers stated.
While the Gas-toEnergy pipelines, which run from the Stabroek block offshore Guyana to Wales, WBD, are between 400 and 500 metres away from the project, the developer assured that neither would interfere with each other’s operations.
“The EFG Region 3 Agro-Processing project was designed with a primary emphasis on practicality and functionality, ensuring its design seamlessly integrates with its intended purpose. The project prioritizes green solutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability by leveraging environmentally friendly
approaches to minimize adverse impacts.”
“Additionally, the project incorporates effective and efficient measures to combat all forms of pollution, reflecting a conscientious effort to address and mitigate risks associated with environmental degradation,” the developer stated.
EIA
Meanwhile the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a recent notice, waived the need for the EIA on the grounds that the project was determined not to have a significant effect on the environment.
As such, the regulator said that an EIA would not be necessary. For instance, it was pointed out by the EPA that the site is not
close to any sensitive ecosystems and that no hazardous materials and waste would be stored on the site.
As a matter of fact, any waste produced by the operation will be reused or disposed of, in accordance with regulatory approved methods. For instance, paddy husk will be used to power the furnace, while on the other hand bran and broken rice will be processed into rice oil, wax, protein and bran.
“The proposed site for the facility has been deemed appropriate for the activity by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and it is not located within close proximity of similar activities that may contribute to any cumulative impacts.”
“Effluent generated from the facility’s opera-
tions will primarily consist of water from rice polishing process. To ensure efficient resource utilization, the water from the rice polishing process will be repurposed for landscaping and irrigation of shrubbery,” EPA also explained.
Further, the agency pointed out that based on the plans submitted, any noise and vibrations will be reduced by the use of mufflers and silencers, as well as an impervious surface being set up to reduce vibration emissions.
That being said, EPA made it clear that waiving of the EIA does not mean the project has been approved and they further invited the public to appeal the decision if the proposed project will affect them, within 30 days of the published notice. (G3)
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, October 29 –02:30h-04:00h and Wednesday, October 30 – 03:00h-04:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, October 29 –14:55h-16:25h and Wednesday, October 30 – 15:20h-16:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Diwali 2024 signals need for restoration of individual spirituality, hope, peace, unity – President Ali
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
s Guyana ushers into the observance of Diwali, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday emphasised the importance of upholding basic tenants of society such as peace and unity, which he said are integral concepts in sustaining a nation.
The head of state also explained that this year’s observance profoundly signals a need for the restoration of individual spiritually, hope, thanksgiving, happiness, and personal accountability.
Ali, who was at the time addressing a large gathering at Deepavali Mahotsav, held in the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), highlighted that individual and collective community upliftment leads to the upliftment of humanity.
Further, he stressed that Diwali is just the physical aspect of long journey that requires persons to ignite the inner light within themselves.
“The country is not something that is dead. The country is something that's alive, that is alive, that carries a
dent said.
Addressing the theme of light of darkness, the Guyanese Leader emphasized that the most important elements of achieving
magnified by someone else, but it's up to you to light your own path and open your own narrow way through the darkest of times,” Ali added.
Moreover, President Ali
ing peace. Social media, you go on social media, you will see that there are persons on social media, whose sole objective every day is to create disorder. Their narrative is one that does not support the peaceful existence of society and of people. But you as individuals, must understand that the pursuit of peace, begins with our understanding and embracing of what peace is. We'll see the distractors of peace, who try every day to use division and divisive methods. And that is what this festival tells us about.”
“Very pleased and humble to lead a government that recognises the importance of thanksgiving, that recognises the importance of worshipping what nationhood is. And we are not shy about this. That is why you will see members of the cab-
good is to have hope and respect for religious practices and or culture.
On this point, Ali outlined that a unified Guyana –cannot be sustained if citizens do not uphold the values that make them Guyanese or collectively uphold the ability to stand up for the truth,
also spoke of the collective need to cleanse society of attributes that are negative such as racism and other scourges that hinder national unity.
“As individuals, you must look around in our society, and seek, and see who are the ones that are pursu-
soul, and that soul is reflected in the soul of every single citizen of the country…The function of spirituality and religious texts and scripture is to keep us connected with a core set of values and principles that must shape us every single day. And that is why the reality of day-today life must be understood with a context of religious spirituality… These are values that are entrenched into our psyche that we must uphold if we are to enjoy the freedom that we spoke of. The religious freedom and the cultural freedom that is expressed today,” the presi-
represent what is right and reject what is wrong.
“Even in families there is a competition to put each other down but what about if we reverse the script and make it a competition to push everyone up and to uplift everyone in the family. Imagine how more power at the society level, if we use this light to uplift each other, imagine the positivity that it will create. Think about it- how many hours every day we use to dispel negative energy. Just convert those hours into positivity”.
“Remember always that the darkness before you is
inet in every church, in every mosque, in every temple, whenever there's a festival,” he said.
The Deepavali Mahotsav being held at Leonora will last until Wednesday. Monday evening’s event was sparkled with vibrant colors, joyous energy, and the radiant glow of countless diyas displayed fairy lights which lit up the ground. As the festivities began, traditional Indian dances took center stage. As the evening’s activities proceeded the air was filled with melodious songs that celebrated light overcoming darkness, each note drawing the crowd into a shared sense of joy and unity. Between performances, a skit brought to life story of Diwali.
The recent milestone achieved by Guyana's Office of the Prime Minister in bringing high-speed Internet to more than 106,000 hinterland residents through the Lower Earth Orbiting (LEO) Satellite Connectivity Project marks a critical turning point for the nation’s social and economic landscape. By connecting 169 of 253 targeted communities, this initiative has reached a 67% completion rate, with significant coverage in some of the country’s most remote areas, including Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Not only does this project represent a technological leap forward, but it is a tangible step towards inclusive development and a testimony to Guyana's commitment to bridging the digital divide.
The high-speed Internet initiative exemplifies an effort to make modern connectivity accessible to all, particularly to residents in remote and underserved areas who have long been excluded from the digital sphere. This project redefines digital inclusion, providing Guyana's hinterland communities with tools that can greatly enhance the quality of life and promote economic opportunities. In Region Nine alone, for example, over 29,000 residents across North, Central, and South Rupununi now enjoy reliable Internet access – a transformation that unlocks numerous possibilities for education, health care, and entrepreneurship in the region. Similarly, more than 7100 persons in Region Two and over 5500 in Region Ten have seen their connectivity needs met, with the strategic expansion of the LEO satellite network improving access across six regions to date.
This achievement is more than a matter of convenience or luxury; it addresses fundamental necessities. Prime Minister Mark Phillips aptly underscored the significance of this project, noting, “Access to the Internet is no longer a luxury but a fundamental tool for education, healthcare, and economic development.” Internet connectivity provides an indispensable platform for e-learning, which has become especially critical in the wake of the global pandemic. With schools in many rural areas often under-resourced, online educational content can fill the gap, giving children in remote communities the same opportunities for knowledge and growth as their urban counterparts. Additionally, the new telemedicine capabilities enabled by high-speed Internet will allow hinterland residents to consult with medical professionals without the logistical and financial burdens of travelling long distances to urban centres.
The economic impact is equally significant. Through internet access, residents can now explore entrepreneurship opportunities that were previously out of reach. The development of digital skills and the ability to engage in e-commerce will empower these communities to become more self-sufficient and financially resilient. Furthermore, by establishing a network of 115 upgraded ICT hubs under the Hinterland Poor and Remote Communities Initiative, the Government has provided a shared space for business training, technology-based learning, and access to online markets and resources. This is a crucial step towards reducing poverty and creating sustainable economic growth. Moreover, the National Data Management Authority’s approach to implementation – especially in complex areas such as Moruca, where the project has achieved a 77% connectivity rate – highlights the effectiveness of a tailored, community-based strategy. Working closely with local leaders, the NDMA has successfully addressed unique challenges posed by each location, whether it be a lack of suitable infrastructure or inconsistent electricity supply. The upgrades to existing ICT hubs have amplified the value of previous investments in digital infrastructure, demonstrating how the Government has taken a holistic view of digital transformation, rather than focusing on connectivity alone.
The LEO Satellite Connectivity Project is a noteworthy step forward in empowering the marginalised populations of Guyana, yet challenges remain in reaching the remaining 84 communities. The Government’s statement acknowledged these obstacles, citing infrastructure limitations and logistical challenges. To ensure no community is left behind, ongoing collaboration with community leaders and continued infrastructure development will be key to overcoming these hurdles. Addressing such gaps will likely involve further partnerships, possibly with Private Sector stakeholders or international development organisations, to expedite the deployment of power solutions and building adaptations where necessary.
The broader picture reveals a path towards a digitally-inclusive society, where every citizen can participate fully in the digital age. Digital inclusion initiatives like this have the power to mitigate inequalities and foster a sense of community belonging and unity in even the most remote regions of the country. In a nation where geographic isolation has historically limited opportunities, the LEO Satellite Connectivity Project demonstrates a new era of connectivity.
This project, in sum, is more than a mere infrastructure development. By connecting the hinterland, Guyana is closing the digital divide and enabling all citizens to take part in the country's development journey.
Giant step towards gender parity at global, regional, and national levels
By Dr LesLie ramsammy, Guyana’s amBassaDor anD Permanent rePresentative to the un
Women's rights took a giant step forward this past week with the culmination of two seminal events. First, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination (CEDAW) issued a recommendation for 50:50 parity measures for women's participation in decision-making systems, shifting the Beijing 1995 emphasis from equity to parity (equality) for women in decision-making systems. Second, the Vatican (Papal) Summit 2024 came to an end in Rome with a call for permitting women to play a leadership role in the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church is a bastion for gender inequity, in centuries-old policy of limiting leadership roles for men only. The decision this weekend by the 2024 Vatican Summit is a genuine example of the glass ceiling being shattered. The decision is bold, even relatively transformative, but not nearly enough. The decision remained silent on permitting women to serve as priests, preserving this leadership role as an all-male affair. Even for women serving as deacons, the Summit deferred again to formalise women as deacons and insisted that further discernment is required. This is a stain on the Catholic Church as it chooses to remain “behind the times”, continuing to deny women their God-given rights.
The Summit was the end of a four-year consultation aimed at gauging the views of every church-going Catholic globally, and Pope Francis opened up the summit, which
is usually a bishops’ conference to some lay people, including 60 women (16%) of 368 voting delegates. All of the summit delegates voted on each of 151 proposals. Although all proposals were passed by the required twothirds majority, the most “no” votes were given to the proposal about women assuming more leadership roles in the Church, which has an allmale clergy. That the Summit approved women in leadership roles in the Catholic Church is still a giant leap forward, even if the Catholic Church remains a bastion of discrimination against women. It is a timid step, but a step forward, in stark contrast with the bold move by CEDAW at its 89th Session last week.
As Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Geneva, I attended the 89th session held at the Palais de Nations Building in Geneva, Switzerland, including its final meeting of the session which was held on October 25, 2024. CEDAW’s 89th session concluded with the launching of its landmark directive, General Recommendation 40 (GR40). The new CEDAW
Recommendation marks a milestone event in the long struggle for women and gender equality.
Although the launching of GR40 was a low-key event, it adds one of the most consequential legal guidelines for women rights at the global, regional and national levels. The adoption of GR40 by CEDAW represents a paradigm shift in the struggle for women’s representation in decision-making systems at all levels. GR40 is a new legal framework, rooted in the binding standards of one of the widest ratified treaties.
The UN CEDAW was adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly. It is often described as an international bill of rights for women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. Guyana ratified the Convention in July 1980.
One of the earliest successes in the struggle for women’s rights was the Beijing Platform of Action, 1995, which was adopted at the 4th Conference on Women in Beijing. The Beijing Platform of Action followed preparatory work done through the Women Conferences that preceded it – the Mexico Conference (1975); the Copenhagen Conference (1980) and the Nairobi Conference (1985). GR40 builds on the Beijing Platform of Action 1995. In 2025, the global family will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform. While the Beijing Platform 1995 sought to achieve equity, GR40 seeks to achieve parity.
Just as Guyana was present at the launching of GR40, Guyana was actively present
in Beijing, with a team that was led by Mrs Janet Jagan.
The Beijing Platform mandated a minimum of 30% participation by women in national decision-making systems. While progress must be acknowledged, most countries have not yet achieved the 30% minimum participation of women in decision making systems as the Beijing Platform of Action urged. In fact, there are still 107 countries around the world which have never had a woman Head of State, including the United States of America. The US this year has an opportunity to change this dispensation when the people choose their President in a November 5th election. Nine Caricom countries have never had a woman Head of State. Six Caricom countries have had women as Heads of State - Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica and Haiti.
Even though most countries are yet to meet the Beijing 30% standard and even though most countries appear off-track to meet the SDGs for women, GR40 mandates equal participation and power through 50:50 gender parity permanent measures at both national and international levels, a clarion call for full equality, with gender parity across all decision-making arenas. The new guidance, emphasising the importance of 50-50 representation, seeks to ensure that women and girls have equal access to roles in public and private sectors, economic governance, and digital spaces, marking a significant shift from previous targets of 30% representation, originally established by the Beijing Declaration in 1995.
Zayd Ali, son of President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, enjoys the new children’s play park at the National Park in Georgetown. His mother, brother Ilan, and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill look on as he plays (Office of the First Lady photo)
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
The Ram and McRae infamous survey
Dear Editor, Ram and McRae conducted a “survey” that purports to represent the views of “all Guyanese” in respect of the renegotiation of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. The total number of respondents, according to the report, was 139. There is an estimated (conservatively) 1.8 million Guyanese residing home and abroad (including 2nd and 3rd generation Guyanese residing out of Guyana). Yet, the survey respondents, which represented 0.008% of the Guyanese population residing home and abroad, is being sold egregiously by a small group of “the usual suspects”, as a representation of the views of all Guyanese.
When the survey was conducted, I had the opportunity to review the survey questions. Not only were the questions biased, but also such that they were framed in a manner to yield a certain type of result. For example, we do not know who the 139 respondents are, whether they represent a wide cross section of the Guyanese society: professionals, the private sector, civil society, etc., or whether the respondents were extracted from Ram and McCrae’s clienteles’ database. The lack of transparency in this regard
leaves much to be desired.
A proper, unbiased and objective survey of this nature ought to have covered two important elements that were completely omitted: (i) the implications of what was proposed by the survey were not addressed for the benefit of the respondents to consider, which may have altered their responses and (ii), the initiatives, policies and other ways in which the Government sought to maximise the in-country value from the 2016 Agreement. In particular, if the respondents knew of the implications, the survey result may have been very different.
Moreover, the survey “glorifiers” who have disingenuously sold the survey results as a representation of the vast majority of Guyanese, when all they do is to project their opinions from their “armchairs”, is a disservice to Guyanese, because none of them have gone into the fields and engage with the people directly in the manner the Government does across the country. And none of them have that benefit of direct feedback from practically the entire population as the Government would have, through public outreaches and engagement with the people across the country.
That being established, let’s examine the implications of the “renegotiation”, especially since Guyana’s neighbor to the west, Venezuela, is an excellent case example.
• The Contractor, ExxonMobil Guyana (EMGL) has already signaled on multiple occasions publicly that it is not interested in renegotiating the 2016 Agreement. Pursuant to the Petroleum Agreement (2016), both parties (Government and Contractor) would have to agree to renegotiation.
Should the Government impose renegotiated fiscal terms without the consent of the Contractor, ExxonMobil and their CoVentures, this would result in arbitration as in the case of Venezuela versus ExxonMobil.
Any move to arbitration in that circumstance, would halt production and the sector altogether, and the arbitration can take as long as ten years to settle, as in the case of Venezuela versus ExxonMobil.
• In the case of Venezuela, ExxonMobil and their co-venture partner sought in excess of US$40 billion in compensation but was awarded a total of US$10 billion through the arbitration
process, that lasted for ten years. From the time the arbitration process was initiated by ExxonMobil in 2007 against Venezuela, Venezuela’s GDP fell from US$315 billion (2008) to US$102 billion by 2018, a loss of US$213 billion or 68 per cent in eleven years. This culminated into one of the worst humanitarian, social and economic, political and geopolitical crises in history of a South American country. It has been marked by hyperinflation, escalating starvation, disease, increasing crime and mortality rates, resulting in massive emigration.
Returning to the case of Guyana, there were two unprecedented events that weakened the incumbent Government’s position, even if it wanted to renegotiate the Stabroek Block’s Petroleum Agreement. The Government would have been in a stronger position if by the time it assumed office following the general and regional elections, EMGL had not moved to production, and a Final Investment Decision (FID) was not yet made.
Recall that after the successful passage of the “NoConfidence Motion” (NCM) in December 2018, the general and regional elections were
Giant step towards gender parity...
A critical aspect of GR40 is that it elevates the standards of participation in international spaces, including international judicial bodies and monitoring bodies, peace and security sectors, arbitration mechanisms, and multilateral forums—areas where women’s representation has historically been absent or insufficient.
In justifying the recommendation of 50:50, rather than a minimum 30% as the Beijing Platform urged, CEDAW clarified that “equal and inclusive representation” must be the standard across all platforms to meet the Convention’s goal of eliminating gender discrimination and that the 30% minimum conveys a message that inequality between women and men is justifiable. CEDAW took the approach that even though countries are mostly off-track with achieving the Beijing 1995 targets, it is better to start planning for the 50:50 parity now.
The current statistics underscore the need for change. In 2022, only 16% of peace negotiators were women, and gender-based provisions featured in only 33% of peace agreements. Women hold 27% of parliamentary seats globally and only 35% in local government. This underrepresentation persists despite research indicating that women’s political leadership results in more stability, peace, and people-focused governance.
Addressing Economic Disparities in Leadership, CEDAW pointed out that
presently, despite women making up a significant portion of the workforce, they hold only 28.2% of management roles globally. The Committee also addressed the Gender Gap in Technology and Artificial Intelligence, noting women’s severe underrepresentation in tech and AI sectors.
Guyana is one of the countries that have made a concerted effort to achieve the Beijing Platform targets for Parliaments. In its amended constitution in 2001, there is a provision for all lists of candidates in national and local government elections: a minimum of 33% of the candidates must be women. The parliament of Guyana (September 2020 – present) has approximately 40% women MPs. Note that in the 1st election after independence, held in 1968, the Parliament of Guyana only had 10% women as MPs. In Caricom today, only two countries have met the 30% Beijing target for women MPs – Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica is also a third Caricom country that is within closing distance to the 30%, reaching approximately 29%.
Guyana’s push for gender equality has achieved success. The Global Gender Gap Index was first introduced by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2006 to benchmark progress towards gender parity across four dimensions: economic opportunities, education, health, and political leadership. The 2024 Report ranked 146 countries which had the relevant statistics to
enable ranking. Guyana was one of the 146 countries that met the eligibility standards for being included. Guyana’s rank in 2024 was 35th, with a score of 76.5%. In 2021, Guyana ranked 53rd, with a score of 72.8%. Guyana continues to make improvements on the Gender Gap Index (GGI). These scores should improve significantly in subsequent reports.
The average (mean) score for the 146 countries was 68.5%, showing that Guyana was 8 points above the global average. Guyana is also ahead of the average score for Latin America and the Caribbean which was 74.2% in 2024, with Guyana 2.3% above this average. Guyana’s average score for economic participation and opportunity for women is 72.8%, with a rank of #47. But with President Irfaan Ali’s mission of engaging women and youth in agriculture, future Gender Gap Index scores for economic participation and opportunity should change dramatically, leading to the overall Gender Gap Index score also improving.
Guyana’s President, HE Dr Irfaan Ali, was given the honour of addressing through a video message the closing ceremony of the World Food Forum, which was held last week in Rome. In his message, President Ali committed that Guyana is targeting a minimum of 30% of agri-businesses to be owned by women and 50% to be owned by women and youth. While many countries are promoting women and youth in ag-
constitutionally due three months thereafter; but was not held until March 2020, then the election result was declared five months later in August 2020. Consequently, almost one and a half years later, there was a change in Government following the NCM in December 2018 and the general elections in March 2020.
Cognisant of these ramifications, EMGL intentionally, aggressively transitioned into production in record time by December 2019 from commercial discovery in May 2015. By EMGL’s own admission, the timeline by which they moved from discovery to first oil in less than five years, was a record achievement across the global industry. Historically, it took about ten years to develop projects from commercial discovery to production following an investment decision. Therefore, considering that the FID for the Stabroek Block was based on the 2016 Agreement and the fact that EMGL had already started production, renegotiation was thus made difficult in these circumstances.
Notwithstanding, the Government managed to achieve the following, aimed at maximising the in-country value:
FROM PAGE 4
riculture and while the UN SDGs have set this ambitious target for women and youth, few countries have embarked so boldly on meeting this commitment.
About 80% of the world’s food is produced by smallscale farming. Women make up on average 43% of this agricultural labour in developing countries. They are the majority in some countries. In South Asia, more than twothirds of employed women work in agriculture. In eastern Africa, over half of farmers are women. Yet they face significant discrimination when it comes to land and livestock ownership, equal pay, participation in decision-making entities, and access to credit and financial services. For example, only between 10% and 20% of agricultural land owners around the world are women. For this reason, one of the SDG targets (SDG 5.1.a) is specifically related to land ownership and rights: “Secure and equal ownership rights for women over agricultural land”.
CEDAW GR40 comes at a time when globally, countries are preparing for the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on Gender Rights. Guyana has made impressive gains since Beijing 1995. It is one of few countries in the LAC with a Women and Gender Equality Commission. Hopefully, our country will emerge as a champion for GR40. I am certain that GR40 will be a serious subject for the Constitution Reform Commission, which has started work in Guyana.
(ii) Work began on the implementation of the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project which would translate to another GY$200 billion in direct and indirect benefits for the economy.
(iii) A new model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) was developed with significantly improved fiscal conditions that will result in the Government’s take increasing from 28 per cent to >40 per cent. The new fiscal terms include the introduction of a 10 per cent corporate tax, 10 per cent royalty up from 2 per cent, cost recovery ceiling down to 65 per cent from 75 per cent, and profit oil remains at 50 per cent. This new PSA will apply to all future production agreements.
(i) As soon as the Government assumed office in August 2020, it moved swiftly to implement Local Content Legislation which is now generating an estimated GY$200 billion annually from cost-oil to procure goods and services from Guyanese suppliers and provision of employment opportunities for Guyanese.
(iv) A new modern Petroleum Activities legislation was developed (already enacted into law), repealing the outdated Petroleum law. More importantly to note is that apart from the Stabroek Block, which is the only block that had moved to production before the Government assumed office in 2020, there are nine other active Petroleum Prospecting/Exploration Licenses. Accordingly, as new commercial discoveries are made, the new PSA/fiscal terms shall apply to those. In other words, the Government has effectively renegotiated nine other contracts that were based on the old fiscal terms because those have not moved to production as yet unlike the Stabroek Block.
Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin
Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers: Reducing
Exercises: Multiply
Maths as art
(artfulmath.com)
By ElainE Equi
Can you imagine waking up every morning on a different planet, each with its own gravity?
Slogging, wobbling, wavering. Atilt and out-of-sync with all that moves and doesn’t.
Through years of trial and mostly error did I study this unsteady way —
changing pills, adjusting the dosage, never settling.
A long time we were separate, O Earth, but now you have returned to me.
Local firm aims to help Guyanese earn extra income with solar tech
Green Power Solutions Inc, a renewable energy company owned and operated by the Nand Persaud Group, is aiming to empower Guyanese to generate additional income through investments in solar technology.
This local company, which has been in existence for some eight years, considers itself the premier supplier of environmentally friendly energy solutions in the country.
The company, a subsidiary of the Nand Persaud Group, offers homes and businesses the ability to generate their own electricity—and even earn income from it—using their solar technology.
During a meet-andgreet session on Saturday at the Giftland Mall, CEO Darren Ramdial, explained to Guyana Times the options available to consumers.
“Well, basically consumers are looking for options, and many of our past and present customers appreciate the peace of mind of
not having a blackout, and that’s where it all started,” he stated as passersby were glued to the equipment that the business showcased.
He added that this software is a hybrid structured array of equipment from what they would have provided consumers with years ago.
“Typically, years ago, solar panels would’ve needed a battery that you would have had to maintain through battery water; however, what we have
here today is literally ion technology, which comes with lithium ion technology that also has a 5-to10-year warranty, and its maintenance is free. With this long life and warranty, and peace of mind, we think that this is the way to go.”
In addition, the CEO explained that consumers can even earn extra income once Green Solutions’ solar panel products are installed at their properties.
“It’s a simple process. We would’ve done may-
be about 50 of these in the past. It’s a net billing arrangement with the utility company, and once you have the required equipment, the equipment you are using must be standard and acceptable. Basically, GPL pays—or the utility company pays—you 90 per cent of what you pay them in that given month or year for the electricity that is the excess you supply.”
Remarkably standing out from the rest of solar-paneled businesses, he relayed that they also have an app for their customers.
“The systems come with a mobile app that tells you everything about your systems: what it is producing, what amount of power is in your battery, what amount of power is in excess that you’re sending to the utility company, and how much
you are earning. This info comes with your energy bill at the end of the month, so the control is right in your hands, and you can look at this anywhere in the world.”
Only recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali held a virtual meeting with Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, to discuss the advancement of Guyana’s economy, particularly focusing on innovation and technology sectors. During the meeting, Musk commended President Ali on the impressive rate of progress and development in Guyana.
He expressed interest in exploring potential opportunities for collaboration in the burgeoning technological landscape of the country.
On the heels of this
meeting with President Ali, Ramdial expressed that in consideration of it, they have also committed to providing persons who would’ve purchased their product with electrical chargers for their vehicles.
“There are electric cars already in Guyana—perhaps over 300, including Tesla and all the latest models out there. This system that we offer, the goodness is you can charge your electric car free. So imagine how much you could save. Today, those electric cars could give you power that you put into it; use the power from your car to your home.”
Green Power Solutions Inc’s SunPower panels are available for sale at Green Power Solution’s head office at Lot 1 Tain, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. (G2)
The array of equipment showcased at the meet-and-greet event (Giftland)
Green Power Solutions workers engaging with customers
CEO of Green Power Solutions Inc, Darren Ramdial
Protecting…
T…infant businesses
his year’s winners of the Nobel Prize for economics were rewarded for their work in explaining how and why economies grow – and just as importantly – keep on growing. They talk about the importance of institutions – rules on how people should behave on specific economic issues. Say, like respecting property rights or the sanctity of contracts, etc. The point of it all is folks won’t invest and work their tail off if they aren’t certain they’ll be able to collect –and enjoy – their just desserts!!
But these fellas did also work in a slew of other areas and what stands out is their detailed historical knowledge of how specific economies actually grew. And one fact stands out – there’s never been an economy that has developed without protecting their new industries as they began to be formed. There’s even a name for the practice – “infant industry protection”. Think England, then America and Japan – followed by the Far Eastern Tigers of Taiwan, Korea etc –and now China. They all had protectionist rules that worked to protect their infant industry from unfettered competition for foreign firms – which invariably had longer experience and deeper pockets.
Nowadays we hear that such rules will violate the WTO trading regime – but in real life, the big countries regularly work around that regime – and even violate it openly – when their local firms are threatened. Most do this by imposing high tariffs on foreign goods so they become uncompetitive with similar local products. At this point of our economic development, sadly, there aren’t many goods we’re producing that need protection. But the Government’s pushing our manufacturing capabilities which should take off once the gas-to-shore facility is in place. We should be ready with this protectionist approach to the coming challenge however.
But there’s one troubling situation that’s already developed where one local sector’s existence is being threatened – and of which your Eyewitness has already commented: supermarkets!! The Chinese are flooding our country with supermarkets in almost every ward, village and hamlet – and wiping out the local “groceries” that served these communities for centuries in some instance. Right now some Agricola locals are up in arms against a Chinese supermarket that’s about to be launched.
Now one may say these Chinese supermarkets (and hardware stores) are much better stocked and with lower prices, so in the end, ordinary Guyanese benefit. But as the protesting businesses have pointed out, the profits generated by the Chinese businesses are all repatriated back to China and none in the local communities – unlike with them!! The Government has said that blocking the Chinese might violate WTO rules.
However, a decade ago, for the same reasons articulated above, India banned large chains from entering its retail market.
Without retaliation!
…virtue??
Believe it or not, the dominant view of those who’re supposed to dispense justice to we, the people is that there ain’t no morality in the law!! Justice is blind!! And so we shouldn’t get too outraged at some of the actions that pass muster nowadays. Take the case of those Carbon Credits we were allocated a while back. As somebody put it, it’s tantamount to paying us to not smoke so those nasty, developed countries can keep on puffing!!
Now our virtuous behaviour shouldn’t have anything to do with their sinning, should it?? The bottom line is if smoking’s a bad thing for the people around us, no one should be allowed to smoke!! It’s immoral for those with money to literally get away with murder. But since the law allows it, Guyana would be foolish not to go along and at least benefit our poor citizens who’re mired in poverty??
While some goody-two-shoes say that we must stand for principles – we gotta be pragmatic, baby!!
…work ethics?
From time immemorial, it was literally beaten into us that we only should enjoy that which we worked for. So the thought of just doling out oil money to folks just for staying home – is difficult to digest . When will they also work??
US$20M Marriott Courtyard hotel to be completed by March 2025
The US$20 million Marriott-branded Courtyard hotel which is being built at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), is expected to completed by March 2025. President Dr. Irfaan Ali was given this update during a tour of the construction site.
On Monday, the President was given a tour of the Marriott-branded Courtyard hotel. It was explained by the contractor that they are aiming to put the finishing touches on the hotel in the first quarter of next year and complete the hotel by March.
Further, the hotel will likely be commissioned in April of 2025. Marriott
now. They won’t wait until we’re finished, they’ve already started importing all the operational supplies, thousands of items. But they wouldn’t be shipped until January… that’s the pillows, pillowcases, all the other supplies,” Bassoo explained.
According to Project Manager, Jonathan Mohal during the tour, the additional works include solar panels. This, according to Mohal, will help ensure that heated water can be readily supplied to guests staying at the hotel, while promoting a green and sustainable environment.
“The conventional way we would use electricity to supply heated water to the hotel,
International, according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cardinal Investments Inc, Roy Bassoo, is working along with them and has already started the process to import operational supplies.
“Commissioning in April. Everything completed… I would say by January, February, the hotel should start finishing. (Marriott) are actually on board right
but this is a green initiative. By doing this, it increases the energy saving capacity at the hotel, and it promotes a green environment,” he explained.
Operation of this Courtyard Hotel is being undertaken by Cardinal Investments Inc.
The construction of the hotel, which is expected to feature 140-rooms when completed, is being led by R. Bassoo & Sons Construction.
Cardinal Investments Inc. is the special purpose company created by Roy and Denise Bassoo, that will design and construct the hotel at the CJIA on 2.5 acres of land leased from the government.
In December 2020, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) had executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the project in line with incentives being granted for all new projects. Financing for the project will come in part from syndicated financing led by Republic Bank.
That same month it was announced that R. Bassoo and Sons had entered into initial agreements with Marriott International and the Government of Guyana to design and build the hotel. These agreements followed the company’s response to the Government’s request for proposal (RFP) for hotel proposals.
Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago had also made an indicative offer of financing. Republic Bank has arranged over US$100 million in financing for other real estate projects in Guyana, including Movietowne, the Pegasus Corporate Offices and Suites, and the Georgetown Marriott hotel.
The agreements for the hotel were signed between Marriott International and Cardinal Investments Inc back in 2021. These agreements included (i) Hotel Management Agreement; (ii) Licence and Royalty Agreement; (iii) International Services Agreement; and (iv) Technical Services Agreement.
Marriott International was represented by General
Manager of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Eduardo Reple. Reple had used that opportunity to commend Cardinal Investments Inc for their “pioneering vision” in pursuing a new Marriott International Hotel in Guyana.
The hotel will be a one-minute drive from the entrance of the CJIA, and is expected to accommodate airline crews and staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other travellers. The Courtyard by Marriott at the CJIA will be the second Marriott
International brand in the country, since the first one, the Marriott Hotel at Battery Road, Georgetown, was opened back in 2015. That Marriott had cost US$58 million.
Courtyard Marriott is one of over a dozen new hotels expected to be opened in Guyana over the next four years. Only a little over a week ago, the US$20 million Aiden by Best Western Hotel, located at Lots 88-89 Oronoque and Robb Streets, Bourda, officially opened its doors. (G3)
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and Cardinal Investments’ Roy Bassoo during the tour
An artist’s impression of what the hotel will look like
GAWU concerned as GuySuCo only achieved 39% of 2024 sugar target so far
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has expressed concerns over the current trend of sugar production.
The workers’ union is questioning the competency of the sugar company’s management in light of the poor performance so far for the year.
According to GAWU, as of October 26, 2024, the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) produced 24,711 tonnes of sugar, representing just 39 per cent of its 63,276-tonne target for the year.
With 60 per cent of the cropping period already exhausted, GAWU said it is apprehensive that the deficit cannot be closed in the remaining cropping nine weeks.
GAWU indicated that the major challenge re-
volves around the quality of canes being produced.
It explained that while the industry cane yields have been higher than anticipated, the sucrose content from the sugar cane remains depressed.
GAWU noted that this is a result of the El Nino drought conditions that is currently fueling the heatwave in Guyana.
Nevertheless, it was highlighted that the “industry’s sad situation” cannot be delinked from the management.
In a statement released on Monday, GAWU expressed that: “…before the commencement of the crop, the Union drew GuySuCo’s attention to several important issues that required intervention. It appears that our concerns were brushed aside. Recently, we have expressed concern about the production rate and trajec-
tory. It seems that those charged with agricultural management in the industry have, for reason/s best known to themselves, chosen to turn a Nelson’s Eye.”
Given the conducive weather to mechanised sugar operations over the past few weeks, the GAWU is puzzled that daily production levels remained constrained. It begs the question: What are the factor/s
which have inhibited production levels? The industry remains heavily reliant on manual cane harvesting complemented by mechanised loading, a practice that is now decades old.
GAWU has since indicated that given the collective managerial experience in GuySuCo, they expected better planning to mitigate some of the challenges. Nevertheless, the work-
ers’ union said it remains convinced that the sugar industry can succeed, but, knowledgeable and capable management is an essential prerequisite.
In this regard, the union said: “We urge policymakers to consider ridding the industry of those who have anointed themselves as the ‘saviour’ but have placed it in a stranglehold and seek to blame everyone and everything but themself for the circumstances in which the GuySuCo finds itself.”
“It appears that rather than addressing their difficulties in a complete and frank manner; the GuySuCo agricultural leadership is preparing to deploy rationales and justifications to obfuscate to excuse their poor performance. We are sure that we will hear about issues related to punt weights, standards, and work attendance in the coming days, among other things. Of course, those who have followed the industry would know that these are certainly not new excuses but are the same old scapegoats – the workers and the weather – that will be deployed to grant coverage for the eventual output”.
When contacted by this publication for an opportunity to respond to GAWU’s statement, Head
1st crop
Back in August, this publication reported that GuySuCo produced 6,738 tonnes of sugar for its first crop of 2024, falling short of the initial target of 16,000 tonnes.
This was supported that information provided the agriculture minister in response to questions posed by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Vinceroy Jordon on the sugar industry during a parliament proceeding.
The minister stated at the time that the shortfall of the target is a result of the devastating effects of the prolonged drought, which “significantly restricted the growth of canes”.
He revealed that the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate produced 2874.3 tonnes while Blairmont produced 2084.8 tonnes and Rose Hall with the lowest, 1779.8 tonnes.
While the three estates began grinding sugar canes between February to April 2024, it was explained that the Albion Estate ‘did not grind for the first crop due to a powerhouse fire on February 3. The Skeldon Estate also encountered several issues when producing its first crop. (G1)
Chainsaw operator stabbed to death during row over $15,000
Achainsaw operator is now dead after being stabbed by a man with whom he had a heated argument at Mashabo Housing Scheme, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), on Monday afternoon.
Dead is 26-year-old Rayandra Abrams also known as "Bruce," of Mashabo Housing Scheme.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 13:30h at the Mashabo Housing Scheme, located north of the Mashabo Mission. Police have since said that witnesses related that there was an argument between Abrams and the suspect.
Police said that a 25-year-old barber and cousin of the victim, stated that he saw the two men arguing on the access road, where suspect allegedly threatened Abrams with a black-handled knife.
The barber recalled advising his cousin to leave, but Abrams reportedly refused. Moments later, the barber said heard Abrams call out for help. Turning back, he saw Abrams clutching his bleeding neck and suspect fleeing south on a motorcycle. The barber told Police that he assisted his cousin but Abrams succumbed to his injuries. Police were summoned to the scene and along with a doctor from the Suddie Public Hospital and Abrams was pronounced dead.
The dead man’s mother, Sonia Abrams, told Police that there is an ongoing dispute between her son and the suspect over an alleged unpaid debt of $15,000. Police are in search for the suspect who is also a chainsaw operator from High Hill Mashabo.
Abrams’ body was transported to Suddie Public Hospital mortuary. (G14)
Rayandra Abrams, also known as "Bruce”
of GuySuCo Paul Cheong declined to comment.
Man accused of land deal fraud pleads for repayment time
Dominic Bowen, a 24-year-old man from Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he pleaded for an opportunity to repay his friend after allegedly deceiving him in a land sale scheme.
Bowen is accused of cheating $4 million from his friend, Jermaine Sealey, by falsely claiming ownership of four acres of land in Yarrowkabra, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The alleged scam took place in April at Railway Road, Kitty, Georgetown.
chasing land, and Bowen claimed he owned four acres at Yarrowkabra and charged $4 million for the land.
Relying on their friendship, Sealey said he transferred the funds to Bowen in April at Railway Road. Bowen reportedly assured Sealey that the documentation for the sale would be ready within two weeks. However, as time elapsed Sealey received no paperwork, nor was he able to reach Bowen for updates.
The incident reportedly began when Sealey expressed his interest in pur-
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, Bowen pleaded guilty to the charge and requested two additional weeks to settle the amount with Sealey. The magistrate granted the request, setting Bowen’s bail at $100,000 and ordering him to return to court on November 8, to confirm repayment.
After unsuccessful attempts to contact Bowen, Sealey reported the case to the police. An investigation followed, during which Bowen admitted to the deception. He was then arrested and formally charged with the offense. (G9)
Chinese businessman charged, disputes $10M GRA tax bill
Chinese businessman Jin Ming Wu, owner of Prosperous Hardware Incorporated, has changed his initial guilty plea to not guilty for a tax evasion charge concerning his company, amid disputes over a $10 million tax penalty assessed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Wu, of Lot 110 Regent Street, Georgetown, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court late week to answerto four charges of tax evasion for failing to submit individual and corporate income tax returns for 2022 to 2024.
GRA alleges that Wu’s company failed to file its 2022 tax return by the April 30 deadline. During initial proceedings, Wu had pleaded guilty with an explanation for this corporate charge, as well as for the three individual charges related to unfiled tax returns for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
However, following the GRA’s prosecutor submission that the corporate penalty would be set at 10% of the assessed taxes—totaling over $10 million—Wu last week changed his plea to not guilty on the company’s behalf. His attorney, Sasha King, contended that
the GRA’s figures were inaccurate and urged a reassessment of the tax amount.
In addition to disputing the corporate tax figure, Wu and his attorney agreed on a personal tax liability of $859,154 for his individual charges, which he has 21 days to settle.
Despite the unresolved company charge, Magistrate McGusty granted Wu self-bail, noting his voluntary court appearance and cooperative approach.
The court granted the GRA a two-week adjournment to finalize the tax assessment amounts, with the case scheduled to continue on October 30, 2024.
Sticker enforcement
This case comes as Guyana’s government emphasizes the need for uniform regulatory enforcement. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recent-
ly addressed alleged regulatory leniency toward Chinese-owned businesses in Guyana.
“There are cases where Chinese business owners often bypass regulatory approval, and the agencies responsible for enforcing the regulations do not hold them accountable,” Jagdeo said, calling for stricter adherence to tax and regulatory standards across the board. Jagdeo highlighted issues where businesses have allegedly bypassed building codes, health regulations, and VAT obligations, urging agencies like the GRA to enforce tax laws impartially.
“We have made it clear to the regulatory bodies that you have to enforce the laws uniformly,” he stated, adding that some officials may be “induced” to overlook such matters. (G9)
Dominic Bowen
Hope-like canal at Lancaster
Contractors dug wrong site, farmers to be compensated – Mustapha
Farmers who suffered losses after their lands were dug up by contractors working on the Hope-like canal at No 51 and 52 in villages of Lancaster and Liverpool in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) will be compensated as the excavators executed works at the wrong location.
This commitment was given by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who indicated that the contractors have since halt operations.
On October 22, the contracting team had commenced works and had cleared several acres of farmland, including those with bearing fruit trees and several rice fields.
Guyana Times under-
stands that farmers in the area were not informed beforehand of any work scheduled to be done in the area.
The farmers were up in arms about their farms being destroyed and had demanded answers and compensation.
However, during a brief interview with this publication, Mustapha explained that the contractor dug up the wrong site.
He also indicated that the matter is being addressed by the Chairman of National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and a technical team.
“They raised the concern with me. No farmer's land will be taken over. As a matter of fact, the survey was done and I think the contractor went to a different direction. Now the NDIA would have gone there and they are sorting out the matter. I asked the chairman of NDIA, Mr [Lionel] Wordsworth, to go up there and deal with the issue. So, no farmers land will be taken away or encroached upon,” the Minister clarified.
The agriculture minister further explained that NDIA would be meeting with landowners to iron out the contentious issue, noting that following a survey, farmers will be compensated for their lost.
“Anyone's land has work to be done, it will be compensated fairly… If anybody lose
crop or lost crop and because of digging, we will look at that. I will ask NARI (National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute) to address the concern,” he added. The new Hope Canal replica in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) is among the many projects the Government is rolling out which will transform communities.
This project is also part of the Government’s plans to provide 100 per cent access to treated water on the coast by 2025.
The Hope Canal has been instrumental in preventing massive flooding along the East Coast of Demerara.
As far back as 2021, the Government had announced that similar infrastructure would be constructed in other regions to curb devastating floods. These include Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Studies had been done in 2022 to determine whether the water captured at the Hope Canal facility can be treated to be used as a sustainable source to serve the ECD corridor. It was noted that this initiative to reuse the Hope Canal water is necessary, as Guyana confronts climate change as well as responds to the growing demands for more service connections.
Rabindranauth "Chico" Beharry was a distinguished entrepreneur – PSC
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) in extending condolences to the Beharry family and the entire Beharry Group of Companies following the passing of Rabindranauth ‘Chico’ Beharry, said that he was a distinguished entrepreneur and a respected figure in Guyana’s business community.
Beharry passed away at the age of 82, leaving a remarkable legacy of innovation, dedication, and service to his country.
Beharry guided the Beharry Group of Companies to become a cornerstone of the Guyanese economy, with a diverse portfolio that spans banking, insurance, food manufacturing, and automotive services.
The PSC on Monday said that Beharry’s leadership was marked by a relentless pursuit of quality and an inspiring commitment to excellence, which earned him widespread admiration across the private sector in Guyana and beyond.
Beharry’s contribu-
tions to the Private Sector Commission were transformative, it said, adding that he championed the growth and development of local businesses. The PSC also said that Beharry influence helped shape Guyana’s economic landscape, and his efforts toward community upliftment set an enduring example for future generations of entrepreneurs. His impact on the private sector will resonate for years to come, the PSC said, adding that his memory will live on through those he inspired.
Rabindranauth "Chico" Beharry
that have been cleared
Mt Sinai impressed with pace of Guyana’s health screening programme
…70% of eligible nursery school students screened in less than a year
Two years on from its launch, the partnership between Guyana and the New York-based Mount Sinai Hospital, is one of the driving forces behind the accelerating revamp of healthcare across the country, including expanding healthcare screening of children, all the way to the secondary school level.
The pace at which it is expanding has been described as unprecedented by a Mount Sinai official. During an appearance at the Concordia Annual summit, President Dr Irfaan Ali was joined by Dr Rachel Vreeman, chair of global health and health system design from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and John Hess, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation.
Dr Vreeman gave some insight into some of the work her organization has been doing in Guyana, remarking on how impressive it is that the country has been able to expand its healthcare system at such a rapid pace.
“So, in Guyana, they’re
ible feat, I’ve been working in child health globally for more than 20 years. I’ve never seen a programme scale up across an entire country like this so quickly,” Dr. Vreeman said.
Dr. Vreeman, a pediatrician by training with experience in global health, remarked that in most countries children do not get routine, government sponsored health screenings done once they’ve
eas that range from workforce training to developing a robust data and health information system. This would enhance the efforts by the government to make healthcare more decentralized and community based.
“We do have work going on with the government of Guyana and the Ministry of Health, in a number of different areas all at once. From work force training and development to the con-
starting every year to provide each school going child with a full health exam. Checking their vision, their hearing, looking for dental issues. Looking for learning delays, challenges with their growth. And then creating the referrals and connections, so that right there in that community if there is an issue detected, each family gets connected to the services that are needed.”
“Whether that’s glasses, dental care. And in less than a year, they’ve managed to screen 70 per cent of the eligible nursery school students. That’s an incred-
passed the baby stage.
“In less than a year, the government of Guyana has launched a schoolbased health screening programme nationally. They started with the nursery school students, the threeto five-year-olds. Typically, there hasn’t been a place and Guyana is not unique in this, for children to get routine evaluations or screenings after they are babies and finish their first set of shots,” Dr. Vreeman explained.
She noted that Mount Sinai is also partnering with the government in ar-
tinued development of the data science and health information systems… everything from the IT specialists to the clinical informatic, so you can really set the strategy for the country with that.”
“We are truly working with the government systems to transform the system, along the lines of President Ali’s vision. It has not been the case previously that there would be the capacity in every community to get, say, screening for diabetes or high blood pressure or be able to access some of those ba-
sic medicines and services you might need. Might be required to travel into the capital, maybe have to take several hours journey to even get monthly diabetes medicines for example.”
Dr Vreeman expressed her excitement to move on to the next phase of the health screening programme, that is the primary school screening phase for children between the ages of six to 12 or 13. From there, the plan is to move to secondary school phase.
“So more and more we’ve been a partner to the Ministry of Health in their efforts to bring whatever level of services we
can, right to the community where people are. And then really free up the national hospital and continue to improve their ability to provide specialty care for when you really do need to be at that National hospital level.”
Last year, the Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme commenced with nursery school children being screened for oral, hearing and vision health defects. At one point, hundreds of health issues were detected after the Health Ministry would have screened 5600 students during pre-school screening. (G8)
From left: Mt Sinai’s Dr Rachel Vreeman, Hess Corporation CEO John Hess and President Dr Irfaan Ali
Mount Sinai’s hospital in New York
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024
Port Mourant robbery
“My son made the wrong choice” –mother of dead suspected teen bandit …but said son, linked to other robberies, deserved fair trial not fatal mob attack
Though admitting that her son was at fault, the mother of the alleged bandit, who was killed following a robbery attempt at Port Mourant is calling for justice to be served for the teenager’s death.
The woman is claiming that her son’s life was wrongfully ended, thus denying him the opportunity for a fair trial in the courts and even a chance to turn his life around.
It was shortly after 09:00h on Saturday last, two teenagers, one armed with a cutlass and the other with a firearm attempted to rob a Corentyne jeweller who was plying his trade at the Port Mourant Market.
Police said one of the perpetrators was 18-yearold Parmand Pertab called “Mikey” of Hampshire Village, Corentyne.
Pertab, who was armed with a cutlass, and who already had all of the stolen merchandise in his possession was confronted by several persons in the market, who managed to disarm
and other sticks and inflicted blows on the suspected bandit. He was nonetheless taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he subsequently died.
The teenager’s mother, Arona Archer told this publication that an investigation should be launched into her son’s death, which she claims is murder.
She admitted that her son did commit a crime, but argued that he should have been given the opportunity to face the law.
him and take the bag away. He managed to flee from his attackers, who gave chase through several streets of Port Mourant.
Pertab then made his way to a construction site where a 32-year-old woman, who is known to him worked and he asked her to help him. Because he was masked the woman said she cannot leave her worksite but it was then that he took off the mask and revealed himself. By that time a mob arrived, some carrying cutlasses
“... what he did was wrong but there is a law. People commit murder and they are in the prison. My son didn’t murder anyone, he had the cutlass and the one that had the gun he escaped – he shot someone on both feet but my son did not shed anyone blood. When they chop him up he did not have anything on him. He dropped everything and he ran. He asked them to carry him to the station... He did not have a knife or a gun,” she revealed.
Meanwhile, the police said that at the market the businessman raised an
alarm, and persons in the market confronted the bandit, who discharged three rounds in their direction, hitting one of the persons on his right leg and left thigh.
Archer said her son who is the third of four children, had been following the wrong company. Noting that he was still young, the woman said her son could have turned his life around.
“At the time that everything took place, my son made the wrong choice that Saturday morning. Whatever his intention was and he went and did that, I had no knowledge of such,” she said.
“He never stole anything and bring it here,” she added.
The grieving mother said she hopes the police investigate the incident, noting that the persons who inflicted the fatal wounds on her son must be held ac-
countable for they too have committed a crime.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested one man as they continue to probe.
Police are also in receipt of information which suggests that the two teenagers involved in the incident at Port Mourant Market on Saturday morning would have been involved in two robberies involving motorcycles previously.
This information only became available to the police after Saturday’s incident.
As the investigation continues, the police are following several leads including one that links the alleged mastermind of the failed robbery. (G4)
More work needed to help victims of child labour – Hamilton
Amid the fight against child labour in Guyana, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has said that more work must be done by stakeholders, particularly as it relates to the rehabilitation and fostering of children that have been exposed to Child labour.
The Labour Minister made this call on Monday during a two-day training programme hosted by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour. The training, titled “Partnering to Keep Children Safe,” is being held at the Regency Hotel and represents a collaborative initiative between both Ministries.
During his presentation, Hamilton said that whilst stakeholders have made significant strides in the fight against child labour there are still some areas that need improvement.
“One of the things I think this seminar must answer, because there is a question that is out there that we have to answer. What do we do with a child or children? We have not answered that question yet. We have answered we must collaborate. We have answered we must do regular inspections from all sides. We have answered what is our different roles, individually and collectively.”
In this regard the Minister made a call to action to stakeholders at the training session to develop systems that will help children who were victims of child labour.
“This seminar should report a plan of action to myself and my colleague, Minister. How? You must tell us how and I hope we answer it this year, so that in 2025, we can have it implemented. When we remove a 14-year-old boy from a coconut plantation in
Pomeroon, who is the healthiest of the children of a single mother who has five kids. We have to answer the question, what do we do with him? We have to be prepared, in every region, that that child must find him or herself in some place, not just to be taken care of, in a place where they can receive training and development.”
Also present at the training programme was Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, who highlighted the importance of authorities distinguishing between child labour and common chores.
“In this part of the world, when we consider what is child labour, we should look at the Caribbean culture and the Guyanese culture. We are not like other parts of the world where children do not do chores, children do not help, children do not do some things. So a distinction needs to be made, and that is where education is very pivotal in that distinction. How do we recognise and differentiate child labour and exploitation of children's work from what people call chores?”
Additionally, he also advocated for improved data management systems; she noted that many times re-
ports are utilising outdated data. The Minister added that even in some cases data is sometimes manipulated and generalised.
“But then it speaks to a deeper problem. Where is the data stored? Are we collecting the data in the kind of format that we can easily access that data? That's the first thing. Are we collecting the data in the form that it can be analysed and generate reports that are current? So we need to make sure that there's congruence of data, that the same data, whether you look at labour, human Servicess, police force, education, it's the same data we're looking at.
And I want to again reiterate, anecdotal references or speaking to one person or having a small population sample and that becomes the generalisation and that is the bedrock of what you're reporting is ridiculous. And we keep seeing it over and over.”
Meanwhile the two-day workshop is designed to empower attendees with updated strategies and tools essential for safeguarding the nation’s children. Topics covered during the sessions include abuse prevention, case management, family support, and effective collaboration with community partners.
Dead suspected bandit, Parmand Pertab, called “Mikey”
Mother, Arona Archer
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton
2 teens hospitalised after motorcycle crash
The motorcycle at the scene of the accident
Two teenagers are now hospitalised after the motorcycle was hit by a car driver, who claimed that they hit the back of his car and rode away.
Those injured are 18-year-old Jainarine Rampersaud, a mechanic of Lot 223 Area ‘R’ Ankerville Port Mourant, Corentyne and 15-year-old Stephon Verrapen also of Port Mourant.
At the time of the incident on Sunday evening, Verrapen was the pillion rider.
The incident occurred at Hampshire, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-
Corentyne).
The two were taken to the Port Morant Hospital and subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. However, Rampersaud was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Post Public Hospital and according to relatives, up to Monday afternoon, he remained unresponsive.
At the scene of the incident, villagers said that they were told by the driver of the car, PAG 6823, who had armed himself with a cutlass, that he was driving along the Corentyne Highway when the motorcycle, CN 9498, rode up
from behind and hit his car damaging the rear lights in the process.
“And they did not stop,” the car driver was recorded on video telling villagers.
However, the driver said he gave chase and eventually caught up with the motorcycle.
“I chase them and they turn through this street over there and come down to the back here,” he said in the recording.
Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus told this publication that the driver is currently in custody and the investigation continues. (G4)
4 homeless after fire destroys East Canje house
Four persons are now homeless after a fire destroyed a house in East Canje on Sunday evening.
The owner of the house, Saeed Jahoor, believes that the fire was deliberately set.
The fire, which reduced the wooden structure to rubble, was initially seen coming from the back of the building situated at Adelph New Scheme, East Canje, shortly after 18:30h on Sunday.
At the time no one was at home.
Rookmanie Nowrang said her husband had gone to work and she had gone
thing,” she said.
The building was not connected to the national grid.
The one-bedroom house was powered by a generator.
In listing some of the
to her mother’s home a few buildings away to spend the night along with her two children ages nine and 12.
According to her, she heard a neighbour screaming and sounded an alarm thinking that she was in the burning building.
“When me come I see the fire start to bun up everything that I had in the house. I couldn’t save any-
things that she would have lost, Nowrang said her house could not hold anything else.
“Me lost 2 TVs, a new bed, a freezer, and all my wears in the house and the house couldn't take anything more with the 3-piece chair set and music set.”
Meanwhile, her husband Saeed Jahoor, a labourer attached to the Albion Sugar Estate said even though he
uses gasoline it was not being stored close to the building.
“I aint feel it is the gasoline of the generator. I feel some foul play take place,” he said while noting that three months ago someone broke into the home while he was also working the night shift and his wife had gone to her mother’s house.” He said when his wife returned home on that occasion the entire house was ransacked.
This is yet another tragedy to hit the family. Only one month ago a teenage son of the couple went missing in neighbouring Suriname after reportedly falling off of a fishing boat he was working on.
The family is hoping to be able to rebuild their house and can be contacted on telephone numbers (592) 604-2933 or (592) 726-8681. (G4)
Saeed Jahoor and his wife Rookmanie Nowrang
GNBS introduces national standard for salted fish production
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has officially introduced the Standard Specification for Salted Fish and Dried Salted Fish (GYS 53:2016), aiming to uphold quality across the nation’s salted fish industry. Known for its essential role in traditional Guyanese cuisine— particularly in the muchloved breakfast dish of salted fish and bakes—salted fish remains a staple both locally and in export markets such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States (US).
Recognising the potential risks to quality during processing, GNBS designed this standard to support local producers in delivering safe, high-quality salted fish. The new standard applies to both salted and dried salted fish, ensuring that these products, with a minimum salt content of 12 per cent by weight, are suitable for consumption without additional processing. The standard accommodates popular fish varieties including shark, snapper, mackerel, and catfish, outlining methods such as brining, dry-salting, pickling, and wet-salting to guarantee the best results.
The specifications extend to both traditional and modern drying techniques,
including natural open-air drying and controlled, mechanically circulated air drying. GNBS advises a combined approach for the best outcome, while emphasising the use of safe, uncontaminated fish and clean salt free from foreign matter.
“Ensuring that salted fish remains wholesome and safe for our people and for export markets is a priority. This standard offers local producers a guide to maintaining high standards of safety and quality,” said a representative from GNBS.
Strict protocols for food additives, packaging, labelling, and storage are highlighted in the GNBS document. Packaging materials must be food-grade and clearly labeled with essential details such as product type (e.g., “salted fish” or “dried salted fish”), lot identification, and producer in-
formation for traceability.
To maintain quality, the GNBS standard includes provisions for sampling and analysis. Assessments cover aspects like net weight, water content, salt content, and any presence of toxic heavy metals. Under the new guidelines, salted fish is deemed defective if it contains foreign debris like wood chips, if it shows signs of halophilic mould or red discoloration, or if it has undesirable textures or smells.
Local salted fish producers are encouraged to adopt these standards. As GNBS promotes, following the guidelines can enhance product quality, bolster consumer trust, and provide a competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets. Copies of the standard can be obtained directly from the GNBS office for any interested producers.
Demerara Harbour Bridge to close for
The Public Works Ministry has announced that the Demerara Harbour Bridge will undergo critical maintenance and retraction, resulting in a temporary closure to vehicular traffic for a period of four hours. This maintenance window is scheduled to begin at 23:59h on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, and will end at 04:00h on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
In a released issued on Monday evening, the Ministry said that the planned maintenance is essential to maintain the structural integrity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which continues to support high volumes of traffic between Regions
4 hours tonight
Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The bridge, initially built with a projected lifespan of 10 years, has now far exceeded that timeline. According to the Ministry, as a consequence, regular maintenance and brief closures are necessary to ensure the bridge remains operational and safe for commuters. The Ministry said it strategically selected this fourhour period to minimise the impact on the daily commute, ensuring limited disruption to traffic flow during these hours.
Thousands protest in Georgia as Opposition challenges election results
Thousands of people protested outside Georgia's parliament in Tbilisi on Monday after the governing party won an election marked by reports of voting irregularities, prompting Western powers to call for investigations.
The protesters, some carrying anti-Russia banners, had viewed the parliamentary election as a crucial choice for the country's future. On one side, the Georgian Dream party has deepened ties with Russia,
while the Opposition is seeking to fast-track integration with Europe. Georgia has applied for European Union membership, but its candidate status was frozen over legislation on foreign agents.
Georgian Dream, which came to power in 2012, won nearly 54 per cent of the vote in Saturday's election, the election commission said.
The four main Opposition parties that won seats in parliament said
they did not recognise the results, and that they would boycott the chamber.
President Salome Zourabichvili had urged people to take to the streets after the results were announced.
"You did not lose the elections. Your vote was stolen, and they tried to steal your future as well," Zourabichvili told the crowd, draped in the flags of Georgia and the European Union. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Chair of the 48th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Education and Grenada’s Education Minister, Senator David Andrew, has highlighted adapting to changing technology, the need for education transformation and the threat of climate change as some of the critical areas of focus for the education sector.
The minister made these comments during the 48th COHSOD Education, hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat in Trinidad and Tobago which was held from 24 to 25 October. The Meeting provided a platform for stakeholders in the education sector to discuss the challenges, learning gaps and threats to the quality of education, such as the impact of climate change on education systems.
“Now is surely an opportune time to transform our education system into one that has greater levels of resilience and delivers lessons that create a climate-aware citizenry. I am optimistic that decisions we will make in this Meeting will serve to secure these and other important outcomes,”
Impact
According to a recent press release by Caricom Minister Andrew highlighted that the 48th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) will serve as a platform for member states
Education
to identify ways to ensure that their education systems are resilient to today’s challenges. He also expressed solidarity with other Member States recovering from Beryl’s destruction.
“The urgent challenge we have in this Meeting is developing an answer to the question- how do we ensure that our education system is responding to the immediate realities that we face?” I ask this question as an education minister who is now rebuilding and/or repairing 15 schools that experienced varying levels of damage due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl on 1 July,”
The Meeting Chair further advocated for regional collaboration to transform the education system into one that is resilient to the impact of climate change and offers better opportunities and outcomes for the People of the Caribbean
Community.
“Now is surely an opportune time to transform our education system into one that has greater levels of resilience and delivers lessons that create a climate-aware citizenry. I am optimistic that decisions we will make in this Meeting will serve to secure these and other important outcomes,” He added.
Education transformation
In her remarks, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon, said that the Region agrees on a paradigm shift to align its education sector with the global agenda for education transformation.
She stated, “The [CARICOM] Secretariat has an ambitious mandate to implement the 2030 Strategy, but we look to your support
as we review to make the necessary adjustments to meet our target of 2030 and beyond. Based on assessments thus far, we all agree on the need for a paradigm shift and for the Caribbean Community to embrace and keep in step with the global agenda for transformation of our education system.”
Solomon added that one of the key drivers would be repositioning the education system to respond to 2030 challenges. As a result, education stakeholders are asked to re-examine the Region’s education standards and the issues that affect student learning.
ASG Solomon also highlighted the CARICOM Secretariat’s successful interventions for the education sector. “Over the past year, we lay claim to some major accomplishments as a result of the support provided by Member States, partners and internation-
al donors. We continue to build strong partnerships, which have yielded positive results. In collaboration with The University of the West Indies, Organisation of Easter Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the CARICOM Secretariat launched Cohort 2 of the Learning Recovery and Enhancement Programme, known as “Let's REAP”, for Caribbean schools. Two thousand two hundred and forty-nine (2249) educators from 16 Member States and Associate Members are enrolled in this cohort, which commenced on 25 March 2024 and was completed in July 2024. Fifteen Thousand (15,000) educators - teachers, principals, and Ministry of Education officials are targeted for further training,” stated the CARICOM ASG.
She also highlighted the Digitalisation of TVET Delivery Project as another successful initiative. She noted that the Project is establishing a regional digital platform that supports the digitalisation of TVET delivery across CARICOM Member States.
Digital Education
During her opening remarks, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Education, Dr the Honourable Nyan GadsbyDolly, advocated for a tailored approach to the Region’s digital education gap. “It is not enough for us to deliver the basic tenets
of literacy and numeracy. In this dynamic world, we must equip our citizens with the skills and values needed to move through this revolving digital economy. We in the Caribbean face unique challenges that require tailored solutions. So, whether we are grappling with the widening educational gaps post-pandemic, the migration of skilled talent, or the pressure to revitalise our [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] TVET systems to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce, our responses must be deliberate and unified. COHSOD provides us with the ideal forum to exchange ideas, craft policies, and strengthen the networks that bind us as Caribbean brothers and sisters,” the Minister stated. Caricom education ministers, chief education officers, chief technical experts and other regional stakeholders participated in the two-day session. Regional and international partners, the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities (CANTA), the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and The University of the West Indies (UWI) also contributed.
Participants of the 48th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD),
Regional
Brazil institute sues social media giants for US$525M over excessive use by minors
Brazil's Collective Defence Institute has filed two lawsuits demanding 3 billion reais (US$525.27 million) from the Brazilian units of TikTok, Kwai and Meta Platforms for allegedly failing to create mechanisms to prevent indiscriminate use of these social media platforms by minors, according to initial petitions seen by Reuters.
Social media regulation has become a hot topic in Latin America's largest country after a months-long feud between X owner Elon Musk and a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice resulted in the company paying hefty fines.
In the lawsuits, the organisation demands the courts, both in the state of Minas Gerais, to order the companies
to create clear data protection mechanisms and issue warnings about the risks to children's and teenagers' mental health due to platform addiction.
The lawsuits are based on a series of studies on the possible damage caused by unsupervised use of social media, especially by children and teenagers.
"It is urgent that measures be adopted in order to change the way the algorithm works, the processing of data from users under 18, and the way in which teenagers aged 13 and over are supervised and their accounts created, in order to ensure a safer, healthier experience ... as is already the case in developed countries," said lawyer Lillian Salgado, one of the plaintiffs.
Meta Platforms said in a statement that it wants "young people to have safe and age-appropriate experiences on our apps, and we have been working on these issues for over a decade, developing more than 50 tools, resources, and features to support teens and their guardians."
The company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, also said it had recently announced a new "Teen Account" on Instagram, which will arrive in Brazil soon and promises to automatically limit the accounts teenagers can see and who may contact them.
TikTok said it had not received any notice about the case, while Kwai did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
($1 = 5.7113 reais) (Reuters)
Caricom concerned at “disquieting developments” in Haiti
The 15-member regional integration movement, Caricom, on Monday said it was “deeply concerned” by the ongoing differences being played out in public between the President of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), Leslie Voltaire, and Prime Minister Garry Conille.
“This growing lack of cohesion imperils the transitional process based on the spirit and the principles of compromise, consensus and inclusiveness set out in the Political Agreement of 11 March 2024 in Jamaica and the Political Accord of 3 April 2024 drawn up by the Haitian stakeholders,” Caricom said in a statement.
It said that this “unseemly and distracting conflict is taking place at a time when the insecurity and humanitarian crises are deteriorating gravely.
As UN COP16 nature talks are gridlocked, scientists warn of extinction risks
Countries were at an impasse over how to fund nature conservation and other key decisions as the United Nations COP16 biodiversity summit entered its second week on Monday in the Colombian mountain town of Cali.
With nature in unprecedented decline and species going extinct faster than ever, scientists warned the world's Governments that there was no time to waste.
As of today, roughly 38 per cent of the world's tree species – totalling 16,425 species – are at risk of extinction thanks to timber logging and clear-cutting to make way for farming, mining, road-building and other development efforts, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
"We need to take urgent action ... if we really want to keep these tree (species) alive," IUCN Director Grethel Aguilar told a news briefing in Cali.
The summit, which marks the 16th meeting of parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), is tasked with figuring out how to implement 23 goals outlined in the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aimed at halting and reversing nature loss by 2030.
Chief among those goals is having each country set aside 30 per cent of its land and sea territory for conservation by 2030 – a target known as the 30-by-30 goal.
As of Monday, only 17.6 per cent of the world's land area and inland waters were under some form of protection, according to the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP). That is far below the 30 per cent goal, though many countries have yet to submit pledges despite this month's deadline.
Commitments for protecting the open ocean were even lower – with only 8.4 per cent of maritime and coastal areas now protected, the UNEP report said.
The UNEP chief urged countries to not only meet the 30 per cent conservation goal, but also to target high-value lands and waterways for protection rather than favouring wastelands or other areas that already have little wildlife and small human populations.
"We cannot be seduced by just these numbers," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said on the sidelines of the summit. "Nature cannot be put in a museum."
By the summit's end on Friday, negotiators and observers hope to achieve progress on a raft of issues touching on financing, genetic material, Indigenous representation, and conservation policy.
"The discussions are going well, but it's a heavy agenda," said David Ainsworth, a spokesperson for the secretariat.
While the intensity of these discussions shows countries' engagement, it is also in some cases a sign "of a relatively low level of trust" between countries, Ainsworth said. "They have a lot of work to do this week."
So far, delegates are close to agreeing on a measure to recognise and include Indigenous groups in biodiversity decision-making, including with a new permanent presence for these groups within the official UN CBD process.
But many are watching for COP16 to deliver strong options for funding conservation as a measure of the summit's success.
Summit talks on how to mobilise the billions of dollars needed to halt biodiversity loss this decade were stuck on Monday, as country delegates debated whether there should be an additional fund created to handle this financing. (Reuters)
Mexican President condemns apparent assassination attempt on Bolivia's Morales
M“This is further deepening and prolonging the despair of the Haitian people seeking a glimmer of hope and relief.
“These differences between the leaders of the executive also undermine confidence among Haiti’s partners and the wider in -
ternational community, impeding the provision of the critical assistance that Haiti urgently requires to address and overcome the complex crisis in which it is presently mired”. (CMC)
exican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday condemned an apparent assassination attempt on former Bolivian President Evo Morales a day earlier, which took place amid a growing dispute within the Andean country's socialist ruling party.
"We condemn this, and offer all of our solidarity," said the leftist Sheinbaum, after she was asked about Sunday's incident in which the vehicle transporting the Bolivian former leftist lead-
er was shot at, injuring the driver.
Sheinbaum, who stressed the need to avoid violence, took office earlier this month.
For weeks, a split between Bolivian President Luis Arce and Morales has grown within the ruling socialist party.
Meanwhile, Bolivia's Government on Monday denied accusations that it had led a targeted attack on Morales, claiming the former leader's convoy had fired on special anti-narcotics Police who were carrying
out a patrol.
Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo said during a press conference that the FELCN anti-drug trafficking unit was carrying out a standard highway patrol when Morales' convoy shot at Police and ran over an officer.
Morales said in a radio interview on Sunday that he had indeed shot back at Police after they opened fire. Morales' vehicles were suspected of transporting drugs, according to the Government. (Excerpt from Reuters)
(Reuters/Yves Herman file photo)
An Andean marsupial tree frog (Gastrotheca riobambae) is pictured after its introduction into the wild as part of a Quito Zoo conservation project, in Quito, Ecuador, October 4, 2024 (Reuters/ Karen Toro photo)
Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) President Leslie Voltaire and Prime Minister Garry Conille (File Photo)
Around the World OIL NEWS
Oil prices edge up, US plan to refill reserve offers support
OIsrael votes to ban UN aid agency, Palestinians say 100,000 residents trapped
Israel's parliament passed a law on Monday to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating inside the country, alarming some of Israel's Western allies who fear it will worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
il prices edged up today, after a sharp plunge in the previous session, as a US plan to purchase oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) provided support while investors remained focused on developments in the Middle East.
Brent crude futures climbed 44 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to US$71.86 a barrel by 0025 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at US$67.83 a barrel, up 45 cents, or 0.7 per cent.
Both contracts tumbled six per cent on Monday, hitting their lowest since October 1, after Israel's retaliatory strike on Iran at the weekend bypassed Tehran's oil infrastructure.
The US on Monday said it was seeking up to three million barrels of oil for the SPR for delivery through May next year, a purchase that would leave the Government with little money to buy more until lawmakers approve more funds.
"While outlook for the Middle East situation remains alarming, the market is expecting a temporary lull in retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, President of NS Trading, a unit of Nissan Securities.
"The US plan to refill the SPR provided some support to the market," he said, but predicted a downward trend ahead as peak winter kerosene demand season in the Northern Hemisphere was still some way off while demand in China remained sluggish.
On Saturday, scores of Israeli jets completed three waves of strikes against missile factories and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran, the latest exchange between the Middle Eastern rivals.
The attacks were more tailored toward military targets, easing fears that Israel might attack Iran's nuclear facilities or oil infrastructure.
Tensions remain high, however, as Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Iran will "use all available tools" to respond to Israel's weekend attack.
The US warned Iran at the United Nations Security Council of "severe consequences" if it undertakes any further aggressive acts against Israel or US personnel in the Middle East.
In the US, crude oil and gasoline stockpiles likely rose last week, while distillate inventories were seen down, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.
The American Petroleum Institute industry group is scheduled to release a weekly report today and the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the US Department of Energy, will issue one on Wednesday. (Reuters)
No new limits on Ukraine's use of US arms if North Korea joins Russia's fight – Pentagon
The United States will not impose new limits on Ukraine's use of American weapons if North Korea joins Russia's war, the Pentagon said on Monday, as NATO said North Korean military units had been deployed to the Kursk region in Russia.
The North Korea deployment is fanning Western concerns that the twoand-a-half-year conflict in Ukraine could widen, even as attention shifts to the Middle East.
It could signal how Russia hopes to offset
mounting battlefield losses and continue making slow, steady gains in eastern Ukraine.
"The deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a threat to both IndoPacific and Euro-Atlantic security," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told reporters after talks with a South Korean delegation about the North Korean deployments.
US President Joe Biden said the development was "very dangerous". (Excerpt from Reuters)
Israeli officials cited the involvement of a handful of the UN relief agency’s thousands of staffers in the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel and a few staffers' membership in Hamas and other armed groups.
"UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel must be held accountable," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said the vote opposes the UN charter and violates international law. "This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimise its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to
#Palestine Refugees," he wrote on social
The vote came the same day Israeli tanks thrust deeper into northern Gaza, trapping 100,000 civilians, the Palestinian emergency service said, in what Israel's military said were operations to eliminate regrouping Hamas militants.
The Israeli military said soldiers captured around 100 suspected militants in a raid on a hospital in the
Jabalia camp. Hamas and medics have denied any militant presence at the hospital.
Talks led by the US, Egypt and Qatar to broker a ceasefire resumed on Sunday after multiple abortive attempts. Egypt's president proposed a twoday truce to exchange four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, followed by talks within 10 days on a perma-
nent ceasefire.
Israel has repeatedly said the war will go on until Hamas is eradicated while the Islamist movement has ruled out any end to fighting until Israeli forces leave Gaza.
Gaza's war has kindled wider conflict in the Middle East, raising concern about global oil supplies, with Israel bombing Lebanon and sending forces into its south to disable Iran-backed Hezbollah, a Hamas ally.
At least 16 were killed in Israeli strikes on three villages in eastern Lebanon's city of Baalbek, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Monday.
The conflict also triggered rare direct clashes between regional archfoes Israel and Iran. Israeli warplanes pounded Iranian missile production sites during the weekend in retaliation for an October 1 Iranian missile volley at Israel.
Iran's Foreign Ministry said Tehran would "use all available tools" to respond. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump appeals to religion, Harris talks jobs as millions vote early
Republican Donald Trump on Monday appealed to religious voters in the southern swing state of Georgia as his campaign distanced itself from racist remarks by supporters that could alienate key voter groups.
Millions of Americans have already cast their vote before the November 5 election, which national polls, including the latest one from Reuters/Ipsos, and surveys in swing states, show is a close race between Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.
In Georgia, where in-person early voting ahead of Election Day is expected to total up to 70 per cent of ballots, Trump courted religious
tration, this new radical left group of people."
But he faces pressure over his rally in New York on Sunday, where a comedian called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage", prompting a backlash from Latino celebrities and criticism from both Republican and Democratic politicians. The Trump campaign has said the joke did not reflect their views.
voters during a National Faith Advisory Board event. "I think this is a country
that needs religion," Trump said. "They're trying to stymie you, this new adminis-
Harris said Trump "fans the fuel of hate and division, and that's why people are exhausted with him." Later, Trump rejected Harris' contention that he is a fascist telling thousands at a rally in Atlanta: "I'm not a Nazi. I'm the opposite of a Nazi." (Excerpt from Reuters)
South Africa’s legal team says ‘‘intent is clear’’ in Israel’s Gaza
actions
While South African legal researchers were in an undisclosed location last week, racing against time to finalise hundreds of pages of evidence proving Israel’s intent to commit genocide in Gaza, in Israel, leaders gathering near the Gaza border were calling for the besieged and bombarded Strip to be emptied of Palestinians.
During the “preparing to settle Gaza” conference, held at a restricted military zone in Be’eri last Monday, Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was recorded calling for the “migration” of Gaza’s current inhabitants, and the possibility of future Israeli settlement expansion there – something considered illegal under international law.
“[We will] tell them, ‘we are giving you the chance, leave from here to other countries’,” Ben-Gvir said, while Israeli forces continued their more than yearlong bombardment of Gaza.
“The Land of Israel is ours.”
South African diplomats assert that statements like these offer undeniable evidence of Israel’s genocidal intent – something they must prove before
the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in an ongoing case. Monday was the deadline for South Africa to submit a detailed memorial against Israel to the ICJ, lawyers and diplomats told Al Jazeera. Its legal submission aims to definitively establish that Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Displaced Palestinians ordered by the Israeli military to evacuate the northern part of Gaza take a rest as they flee amid an Israeli military operation, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, October 23, 2024 (Reuters/Hassan Al-Zaanin photo)
Republican presidential nominee former US President Donald Trump participates in a moderated Q&A with Pastor Paula White (not pictured), at the National Faith Advisory Summit, in Powder Springs, Georgia, US, October 28, 2024 (Reuters/Brendan McDermid photo)
Put your energy where it counts. Letting anger get the better of you will prevent you from reaching your goals. Expanding your awareness will lead to an interesting opportunity.
Take the initiative. Use your skills and attributes to help pay the bills and bring you peace of mind. Taking a step in a direction that excites you is in your best interest.
Refuse to buy into someone else’s dream. Engage in conversations to expand your interests; you’ll discover what makes you happy. Focus on what makes you smile and boosts your confidence.
Rethink your current situation. Putt time and energy into something that simultaneously makes you feel alive and encourages you to earn more money. Stop making excuses.
Look for opportunities and participate in events that introduce you to something or someone you find engaging and entertaining. Expanding possibilities will encourage you to rethink your plans.
A straightforward approach will speed up the transformation you require to find peace. Be ready to let go of anything and anyone standing in your way. Live, learn and do what’s best for you.
Follow your heart. Your emotions will lead to changes that will help you get your life together physically, financially and emotionally. Don’t waste time second-guessing yourself.
A change will spark your imagination and encourage you to venture down a path that ignites your mind. Reach out, absorb, discover and integrate your findings into your routine.
Make updates that get you up to speed. Show off a new look, walk away from people and situations bringing you down and put a new twist on your attributes and skills. It’s time to get moving.
It’s all about money, integrity and taking care of business. Refuse to let your emotions interfere or cost you. Your skills and common sense will be required today.
A pick-me-up will help you get back on track, but be sure to stay within your budget. The idea is to reduce worry, not add to it with debt. Focus on self-improvement and honing your skills.
Look for a sign that points you in a direction that’s good for you and promotes what you do best. Avoid being tempted by someone suggesting indulgent pastimes or joint ventures.
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won the men's Ballon d'Or – awarded to the best footballer of the year – for the first time.
The 28-year-old, who lost just one game last season for club and country, was awarded the prize in Paris after helping Spain win Euro 2024 in July.
He also won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with City.
Rodri, the first player in the club's history to win the Ballon d'Or, claimed the award ahead of Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was third –the highest an English player has finished in the award since Frank Lampard's second-place finish in 2005.
Real Madrid won the award for club of the year and their manager Carlo Ancelotti was the winner of the men's coach of the year award, but there was no-one from the club present to receive the prizes.
It was reported earlier on Monday that Real Madrid
were boycotting the ceremony after reports Vinicius would not win the Ballon d'Or.
"A very special day for me, my family, and my country," said Rodri, who appeared on stage on crutches after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September.
Rodri rewarded for club and country record
The Ballon d'Or recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by a jury of Journalists from each of
the top 100 countries in the FIFA men's world rankings.
It was the first time since 2003 that neither eight-time winner Lionel Messi, 37, or five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, have appeared on the list of nominees.
Having helped Manchester City to the Treble in 2023, Rodri finished fifth in last year's Ballon d'Or.
His continued success with City and his role within Spain's Euro 2024-winning side has seen him become one of the most influential players in world football.
Hibbert’s 17.66m ratified as World U20 triple jump record
World Athletics has officially ratified Jaydon Hibbert’s world U20 triple jump record of 17.66m, achieved on July 21, 2023, at the Herculis meet in Monaco.
The Jamaican standout set the record at just 18 years old, surpassing his previous best of 17.54m set in Albuquerque earlier that year on March 11.
Notably, Hibbert's mark of 17.87m set at the SEC Championships in May 2023, was not the mark ratified by World Athletics.
Hibbert’s leap of 17.66m was one of three U20 world records recently ratified by World Athletics, alongside impressive marks in the women’s 5000m and javelin events. Medina Eisa of Ethiopia set the world U20 record in the 5000m with a time of 14:21.89 at the Diamond League final in Brussels on September 14, 2024, finishing second to Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet. Eisa’s time shattered the previous record of 14:30.88 held by Tirunesh Dibaba since 2004. Meanwhile, China’s Yan
Ziyi set a world U20 javelin record of 64.41m, also on September 14, in Quzhou, improving on her earlier record of 64.28m from April.
Hibbert, a former youth star from Jamaica, has been steadily rising in the international athletics scene, with his performance in Monaco marking a breakthrough moment. His achievements have raised expectations for his potential as he continues to develop in the discipline.
Alongside these U20 achievements, World Athletics also ratified Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s world high jump record of 2.10m, achieved in Paris in July. The Ukrainian star surpassed one of the longest-standing records in the sport, set by Stefka Kostadinova in 1987. Mahuchikh’s historic jump of 2.10m was part of a spectacular season, as she went on to win Olympic gold in Paris in August. (Sportsmax)
Rodri pips Vini Jr for men's Ballon d'Or
The holding midfielder went off injured at half-time in the Euros final against England, but he had already done enough to be named Player of the Tournament.
Rodri scored a career-best nine goals for City last season, including two crucial late strikes in Premier League games and a goal in the title-clinching 3-1 win over West Ham.
However, he is set to miss the rest of the 2024-25 campaign after his ACL injury in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal this season.
Kane and Mbappé share
Gerd Muller Trophy
Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé shared the Gerd Muller Trophy – the award for the best goalscorer – after both scoring 52 goals in all competitions last season.
With Real Madrid and France forward Mbappé absent, England Captain Kane was presented the award alone following a stellar first season with Bayern Munich.
"Thank you to my club Bayern Munich, all my staff, team-mates, for helping me score all the goals I scored," said Kane, who finished 10th in the Ballon d'Or men's award standings.
GOAPC
"It's an honour to take this award from a club legend [Karl-Heinz Rummenigge] –thank you very much."
Absent Real Madrid sweep club and coach awards
When Real Madrid won the award for club of the year and Ancelotti achieved the inaugural Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coach, there were no speeches.
Instead, the ceremony moved on swiftly.
Under Ancelotti, Real Madrid won La Liga by 10 points last season as well as the Spanish Super Cup, while they also triumphed in the Champions League –winning their 15th title in the competition.
They had seven players shortlisted for the men's Ballon d'Or award.
Yamal wins Kopa Trophy
The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best performing player under the age of 21, went to Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal.
Yamal, who turned 17 in July, made 50 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring seven goals and seven assists.
He was part of Spain's Euro 2024-winning side
where his four assists in Germany matched the record for any player in a single European Championship.
The youngest player, goalscorer and winner at a Euros, Yamal was named Young Player of the Tournament.
Martinez wins second consecutive Yashin Trophy
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy – the award for the best goalkeeper – for the second year running.
Martinez, a World Cup winner in 2022, helped Aston Villa finish fourth in the Premier League last season and qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
The 32-year-old also played a key role in Argentina winning the Copa America with five clean sheets in six games.
"Winning once is an honour, back-to-back is something I never expected," said Martinez, who is the first player to win the goalkeeping award twice in a row.
Ballon d'Or top 10
1. Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)
2. Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)
3. Jude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)
4. Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)
5. Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)
6. Kylian Mbappé (France and PSG/Real Madrid)
7. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)
8. Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)
9. Toni Kroos (Germany and Real Madrid)
10. Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich) (BBC Sport)
to run InterMinistries event on Friday
The Georgetown Office Assistant Promotion Committee (GOAPC ) will be hosting its annual Inter-Ministries/Government Agencies Dominoes on Friday, November 1, 2024 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation parking lot in Charlotte Street from 16:30h. The event was pushed back on account of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September.
The last champion team was the GNBS, who had come under hard press from Guyana Water Inc (GWI); Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); Guyana Geology and Mines (GGMC); National Library; Post Office; Bureau of Statistics; Parliament; Dem erara Harbour Bridge; Health Ministry; Education Ministry; Labour Ministry; Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC); Guyana Lands and Surveys
Commission; National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA); Guyana Forestry Commission; Guyoil and the Maritime Administration Department.
Teams must register no later than Wednesday, October 30, 2024, with James “Uprising” Lewis at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Protocol and Consular Affairs Department, contact number 628-1656 or 688-0073.
Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri
Lamine Yamal is the first person under 18 to win the Kopa Trophy
Jamaica’s Jaydon Hibbert
8 teams, 1 trophy: Regional Super50 bowls off today
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is excited to announce the start of the highly-anticipated CG United Super50 Cup 2024, which begins in Trinidad from today, Tuesday, October 29 and runs until Saturday, November 23. This premier List A regional tournament is an essential platform for showcasing the region's best cricket talent and a vital part of our preparation for future international competitions, including the
Bangladesh tour, performances here could be a springboard for many players looking to represent the region. This tournament is an integral part of our development plans as we build towards the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup."
He continued, “We are maintaining the bonus points system, as it aligns for our Key Performance Indicators for our ODI performances, and we look forward to seeing how the players equip them-
For the second consecutive year, teams will also be competing for increased prize money, with the winners set to receive US$100,000, while the runners-up will take home US$50,000. Both semi-finalists will be rewarded US$25,000 each.
In addition to the thrilling on-field action, fans will be able to watch matches live on ESPN Caribbean for games held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA). Matches
upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, highlighted the tournament within the context of a bustling period for West Indies cricket, "We are in an exciting and busy period for West Indies cricket, with our Maroon Warriors just reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup and our senior men fresh off their tour of Sri Lanka and gearing up to battle rivals - England. The CG United Super50 Cup allows our players to showcase their talents at a crucial time. As we prepare for the
selves for this level of competition.”
Rupert Hunter, CWI’s new Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the significance of the event and CG United’s support, "The CG United Super50 Cup continues to be a cornerstone in the development of West Indies cricket, providing our players with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on a competitive stage. We are incredibly grateful to CG United for their dedicated support, which has helped strengthen our vision for the future of cricket in the region."
from the Queen’s Park Oval (QPO) and the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground at the University of the West Indies Sport and Physical Education Centre (UWI SPEC) will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel. Tickets are available for all matches at both Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Fans can purchase a 10-match package at a discounted rate of US$20/ TT$150, while individual day tickets are priced at TT$20/ US$3. Semi-final tickets cost US$8/TT$50, with final tickets at US$15/TT$100. Tickets
are available online at www. tickets.windiescricket.com.
The eight teams competing in this year’s CG United Super50 Cup are:
• Trinidad & Tobago Red Force (defending champions) Barbados Pride
• Combined Campuses and Colleges Guyana Harpy Eagles
• Jamaica Scorpions Leeward Islands Hurricanes
• West Indies Academy
• Windward Islands Volcanoes
The match schedule for the CG United Super50 Cup is as follows. Games at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy begin at 1pm AST| 12pm JA time and games at both UWI SPEC and the Queen's Park Oval begin at 9am AST| 8am JA time.
October 29: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v CCC at UWI SPEC
29 October 29: Guyana Harpy Eagles v Windward Islands Volcanoes at BLCA
October 30: West Indies Academy v Leeward Islands Hurricanes at QPO
October 30: Barbados Pride v Jamaica Scorpions at BLCA
October 31: CCC v Guyana Harpy Eagles at UWI SPEC
November 1: Barbados Pride v Leeward Islands Hurricanes at QPO
November 1: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Windward Islands Volcanoes at BLCA
November 2: West Indies Academy v Jamaica Scorpions at UWI SPEC
November 3: Guyana Harpy Eagles v Barbados Pride at QPO
November 3: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Leeward Islands Hurricanes at BLCA
Smith elected to lead Old Fort Hockey Club
Mikhail Smith has been elected to serve as President of the Old Fort Hockey Club following the staging of the entity’s Annual General Meeting, which was held on Sunday, at the National Gymnasium.
Smith will have as his deputy, Vice President Dwight Sullivan; the other executives are Secretary – Kayla Duncan; Treasurer – Chris Low Koan and Assistant SecretaryTreasurer – Keziah Johnson.
The Committee members are Kalifa Hicks, Mark Fraser, Sonia Gordon, and Jason DeSantos. Dominic Alleyne was named the Club Captain.
The club’s board has been expanded with the addition of new directors. The current directors are Jeremy Roberts, Allan Newark, Audwin Graham, and Jonathan Roberts. The three new directors are Dexter Wyles, Samuel Roberts and
Marc Waldron. Meanwhile, a statement from the new body extended gratitude to the outgoing executive and accepted its promise to continue to work together to strengthen the club, while also aiming to work assiduously to realise the goals and objectives of the club.
Among the members
present were Nkosi Saul, Mark Fraser, Warren Williams, Jonathan Roberts, John Abrahams, Donnel Alleyne, Dominic Alleyne, Yonnick Norton, Chris Low Loan, Sonia Gordon, Dwight Sullivan, Dexter Wyles, Jason DeSantos, Karl Moore, Marc Waldron, Kayla Duncan, Mikhail Smith, Kezia Johnson,
Kalifa Hicks, Valerie Fernandes, Ivor Thompson, Jhaner Carpio, Jimmy Carpio, Johnny Carpio and Stefan King.
The new executive will serve for two years. Come August 2025, the club will be celebrating 50 years of its existence and several activities are being planned to commemorate the occasion.
November 4: CCC v West Indies Academy at UWI SPEC
November 5: Jamaica Scorpions v Windward Islands Volcanoes at QPO
November 5: Leeward
Islands Hurricanes v Guyana Harpy Eagles at BLCA
November 5: Guyana
Harpy Eagles v Jamaica Scorpions at QPO
November 7: West Indies
Academy v Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at UWI SPEC
November 7: Leeward
Island Hurricanes v Windward Islands Volcanoes at UWI SPEC
November 8: CCC v Barbados Pride at BLCA
November 9: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Guyana Harpy Eagles at QPO
November 10: Jamaica Scorpions v CCC at QPO
November 11: Barbados Pride v Windward Islands Volcanoes at QPO
November 11: West Indies Academy v Guyana Harpy Eagles at BLCA
November 12: Jamaica
Scorpions v Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at BLCA
November 13: West Indies Academy v Barbados Pride at UWI SPEC
November 13: CCC v Windward Islands Volcanoes at BLCA
November 15: Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Jamaica Scorpions at BLCA
November 16: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Barbados Pride at QPO
November 17: CCC v Leeward Island Hurricanes at QPO
November 17: West Indies Academy v Windward Island Volcanoes at UWI SPEC
November 20: Semi-Final 1 at BLCA
November 20: Semi-Final 2 at BLCA
November 23: FINAL at BLCA
CWI remains committed to developing the sport across the Caribbean and looks forward to another exciting edition of this flagship 50-over List A competition.
Chase, Bartica...
When the on-field action began, Bartica Secondary picked up the 2024 league’s first three points with a thumping win over East Ruimveldt Secondary.
Billy Smith netted the first of his hat-trick in the 8th minute for Bartica, but East had a swift reply, with Josiah Norton finding the back of the net in the 9th.
However, Smith broke the deadlock in the 24th minute and completed his hattrick in the 35th, after which his teammates Reizer Reid and Ezekiel Baldeo scored in the 50th and 60th minutes for the 5-1 win.
Defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation won the following game, easing past President’s College 4-0. Isaiah Ifill opened the scoring for Chase’s in the 12th minute while Shaquan David
connected from the penalty spot in the 20th to make it a 2-0 affair. Jaden Tasher and Neeiaz Baksh found the back of the net in the 25th and 36th minutes respectively to seal the win.
Waramuri Secondary brought the curtains down on the day’s action with a nail-biting 2-1 win over South Ruimveldt Secondary. Waramuri found themselves trailing first, after South’s Tyrese Pemberton found the back of the net from a set piece opportunity in the 19th minute. However, Waramuri’s Rondell Peters managed to pull it back in the 26th minute and in the 39th minute Erwin Booker pierced the net to find the game winner for the Region One outfit.
The Republic Bank league will continue next Sunday at the same venue.
Newly-elected President Mikhail Smith (sitting centre) flanked by other members of the executive
Defending champions Trinidad and Tobago
The Guyana Harpy Eagles will be hunting their first Super50 title since 2005
Forde responds to Golden Jaguars fallout
In response to a string of damning claims against the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), President Wayne Forde has come out in defence of his administration’s handling of the senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars.
Just one week after the Golden Jaguars ended their nightmare run in their inaugural CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) League A campaign with a 3-1 loss at home to Martinique and a 5-1 thrashing by hosts Suriname, a series of allegations were made against the GFF, published in another daily paper.
Reporting information provided by a ‘source’ within the Federation, the complaints encompassed payment issues, travel arrangements and the overall mis-handling of the team, in a correspondence signed by members of the Golden Jaguars unit.
Now, GFF boss Forde, in an invited comment on Monday, admitted to the existence of the correspondence and the Federation’s intention to respond, but provided some contradicting facts.
“First of all, just like you, we’ve seen those reports in a particular section of the media and I think the report quoted a source close to the programme and as far as I’m aware we have no official information other than a correspondence between the
players and the Federation, highlighting a couple of concerns that is being reviewed by the GFF,” Forde divulged.
“I don’t comment on information that a player or someone close to the programme may wish to share, but I don’t ever engage in those things. We will respond to those concerns in due course.”
The GFF President went on to reveal his contradicting facts, stating, “Let me start with what are facts. We’ve played six games so far in the Nations League in three separate fixtures. The first
fixture cost the GFF about $35 million. I think the second fixture was $36 million, third fixture just over $30 million. So in all, we have spent about a $100 million on six games so, let’s be clear about the investment.”
“On the first fixture, the players were paid four days late but they received before they even travelled, I believe between 20 and 30 per cent advance on their earnings. The second fixtures they were paid four days late and the last October fixtures, they were paid well within the agreed time,” Forde ad-
Chase, Bartica, Waramuri draw first blood in Republic Bank League
Three secondary school teams – name-
ly Chase’s Academic Foundation, Bartica Secondary and Waramuri Secondary -- found themselves on the winning side on Sunday when the Republic Bank Under 18 Schools’ League kicked off at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.
In the fifth edition of the Petra-organised tournament, for the next six weeks, eight secondary school football teams from around the
country will vie for glory in a somewhat unfamiliar format.
Decked out in their vibrant kits, the eight schools paraded on the MoE Ground, for the usual march-past exercise, after which the tournament’s official kick-off was conducted.
During the pomp and splendour of the opening ceremony, Republic Bank’s Commercial and Retail Banking Manager Stanton Grant expressed the company’s belief in providing opportunities for the youths to
showcase their talents.
“At Republic, we believe in possibilities, we believe in making dreams come true and this tournament is one such way where we can share this belief in our youth, allowing you to be creative and to play without fear of failure. Over the next few weeks, I urge you to showcase your talents, build lasting friendships and develop the values of teamwork, discipline and fair play,” Grant shared with the upcoming ballers.
“I would also say to you that one of the things sources don’t necessarily put out is the fact that we have increased the compensation for the players by 40% for the Nations League and I believe close to 90% for the World Cup Qualifiers. I believe starters are earning as much as $380 [USD] for a World Cup qualifier game and for the Nations League it’s somewhere within the vicinity of $260 to $280 [USD]. So, I would say to you that our players are well compensated and well-treated,” Forde opined.
“I believe if one was to reflect on where the national programme was a few years ago to where it is now, there would be no comparison, it’s almost night and day.”
mitted.
Forde went on to counter the payment allegations by revealing the increased pay structure, which in his eyes is a vast improvement compared to years prior.
While the GFF President was quick to admit that the fallout stems from an emotional response to the team’s recent performance, he was quick to remind that it is not supposed to be a player’s entire livelihood.
The GFF President reasoned, “It is human nature
that when things don’t go well, people find something to blame or someone to blame and we are a mature organisation and we understand that. Emotions are at its edge; the team obviously did not perform the way we were hoping they would perform in League A. These things will have an emotional toll on the entire programme and the Federation.”
“Ideally, we would like to have all of our domestic players on yearly contracts where they can make a decent earning from the programme, but the national team programme is not a programme that will give any player livelihood. You cannot plan your life on the national team, the team will only play so many times a year. What the national team does, it gives you exposure,” Forde reminded.
Additionally, addressing rumours that the Golden Jaguars have not been showing up to training, Forde expressed his confidence that they will ahead of their upcoming CONCACAF play-in fixtures in November.
Ramnauth aims to make a significant impact on senior debut
Debutant Rampertab Ramnauth of the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) is hoping to make a significant impact as they begin competing in the 2024 Regional Super50 Tournament in Trinidad, as the Harpy Eagles will open their campaign today against the Windward Islands.
In 2023, Ramnauth has participated in the GCA cricket league, a few senior matches, the national four-day trials, the T10 competition, the Regional U-19 tournament in St Vincent, and, most recently, the Super50 inter-county event.
Speaking to <<<Guyana Times Sport exclusively>>>>, Ramnauth divulged the overwhelming feeling of selection and what he expects to contribute to the team.
“It was a great feeling. You know, as a youngster growing up, I always wanted to represent the guy on the senior
team. At the age of 18 and 19, I told myself, "I have to make it," and the expression on my face at that time was amazing.
As a youngster in this team, I could make a big difference by going out and showing my talent and why I've been selected. Down by last year and to now I have improved a lot, so I tell myself, my skills are important to be in this team,” he said.
Ryan Hercules, Head Coach of the Harpy Eagles, talked about their investment in young players with regard to Guyana's future and the opportunity given to show off their skills on a worldwide scale.
“He's a decent, good lefthander, top-water batter. He's been around with the West Indies Under-19 and Berbice set-up under senior franchise players for quite some time. So, I think it's good from a franchise point of view, we start investing in the young
players. That's something we would have been doing for the past two years. So, it wouldn't just have been Rampertab, it's been a few other young guys we would have invested in. So, we have to look at the future of Guyana cricket as well. So, it's a perfect time for us to give these kids an opportunity to go out there and express themselves,” Hercules said.
The Guyana team that departed the shores on Sunday read; Tevin Imlach (Captain); Keemo Paul (Vice Captain); Tagenarine Chanderpaul; Matthew Nandu; Rampertab Ramnauth; Kevlon Anderson; Kemol Savory; Kevin Sinclair; Veerasammy Permaul; Ashmead Nedd; Ronaldo Ali Mohamed; Sylus Tyndall; Isai Thorne and Nial Smith. The standby players include Devon Lord, Antony
