TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 11 –22:15h-23:45h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, September 11 –21:05h-22:35h.
he Mahaica
TParika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) has refuted several claims made by Opposition Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan with Vice Chairman of the authority, Zaid Rafoodeen mulling legal proceedings.
In a statement on Monday, the MMA/ADA slammed Jordan for what it described as baseless accusations, noting the importance of individuals seeking factual information and avoiding the allure of sensationalism.
Jordan in a missive had called for the Agriculture Ministry to investigate claims of land grabbing and misuse of machinery and fuel, naming Rafoodeen. However, this was debunked by the MMA/ADA, which made it clear that Rafoodeen, a rice farmer, has had no new lands allocated to him and further, that he will be taking legal action for Jordan’s untrue assertions.
“It should be noted that Mr. Rafoodeen is an age-old rice farmer who has been occupying lands within the MMA/ADA and no new lands were ever allocated to him, after sitting as a director who is representing farmers on the board. Mr. Rafoodeen has indicated to the board that he will take legal actions,” the MMA/ ADA said.
The authority also dispelled accusations of covering up instances of malpractice from its staff, noting that there was an instance of misappropriation which was recently uncovered and immediately dealt with by the MMA/ADA.
According to the MMA/ ADA, it “wishes to categorically reject the false claims made by PNCR/APNU’s Mr. Vinceroy Jordan, M.P on social media that is clearly aimed at irresponsibly disseminating false narratives. These allegations, characterized by their sensationalized nature, propagate a dishonest narrative.”
“The organization assures its stakeholders and the general public that any situation of misconduct and misappropriation of money were always investigated and the necessary disciplinary actions taken. The records are there to be verified,” the authority stated.
The MMA/ADA also noted that a recent instance of malpractice by a supervisor was also uncovered and that the Board of Directors had ordered an investigation. Following the submission of a report, the necessary actions were taken.
“It is the duty of the MMA/ADA to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency according to its mandate, duties and service to farmers. The authority recognizes the profound impact that misinformation can have on public perception and the reputations of those involved within the organization.”
“To set the records straight, the authority has been performing excellently, accounting for multiple successes over the past four years under the stewardship of the PPP/C Administration. These investments that are being made now have been able to cushion the hard effects that affected the lives of over 2000 farmers, during the APNU+AFC reign in office.”
It was pointed out that under the coalition government, their focus was on leasing land to their cro-
nies, with a former chairman allocating over 10,000 acres of land to his company, at the expense of others.
“If the lands were distributed fairly, this could have seen over 200 farmers benefitting from the same space to cultivate and earn an income for themselves and their families. Additionally, Former President Granger revoked validly granted leases for over 50 farmers within the MMA/ADA scheme and it was the PPP/C, while in Opposition, that took the matter to court and represented the farmers and the court ruled in favour of the farmers.”
“Further, D&I charges and land rental were increased from $3,500 to $15,000. Most of the drainage systems were clogged and were in terrible conditions. Over 700 miles of drainage and irrigation channels were abandoned, causing farmers to leave their farmlands and an increase in cattle mortality.”
It was pointed out that under the APNU/AFC, farm-to-market access roads were neglected and a massive decline in the cost per bag of paddy, to as little as $2200 per bag. Further, the seed plant was falling apart and only producing 2000 bags per crop.
“Now it’s over 30,000 bags per crop. Additionally, all the cattle pasture land was left to be overgrown. What could be deemed as a major neglect too, was the fact that the former Minister of Agriculture
had little to no interactions with farmers. Today, regular, weekly consultations are being held with farmers.”
“With dedicated leadership, this organization remains committed to fostering an environment rooted in accountability and professionalism, and has always encouraged open dialogue and constructive criticism,” the authority also said.
Meanwhile, the MMA/ ADA made it clear that it will not condone the reckless dissemination of baseless accusations, in this case from the opposition, which seeks to undermine the hard work and dedication of its staff and stakeholders.
The entire Region Five drainage and irrigation network, which includes residential areas, depends on the MMA/ADA. That agency overlooks all of the primary drainage systems in the Region. (G-3)
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
The heartbreaking tragedy of 10-year-old Akira La Rose and her 11-year-old cousin, Joylyn Jack, who drowned at Enchanter Creek on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway is a reminder of the dangers present when children are left unsupervised at outings. What was intended to be a joyful family celebration turned into a nightmare as these two young lives were lost.
The details of this tragedy reveal that the girls were part of a family outing, playing in the creek when they went missing around 15:30h. Their absence, unnoticed until it was too late, underscores the pressing need for increased supervision and safety measures at these recreational places across the country. This incident, while profoundly sorrowful for the families involved, also raises important questions about the adequacy of safety protocols at public and semi-public spaces, particularly those as inherently risky as creeks and beaches/seawalls.
While Guyana's abundant natural beauty makes creeks, rivers, and seawalls attractive destinations for relaxation and recreation, these environments also pose serious dangers, particularly for children. In the case of Akira and Joylyn, it is unclear whether there were any warning signs in place to help prevent such a calamity. Unfortunately, such precautions are frequently absent in many parts of the country.
This tragedy points to the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures at popular recreational areas such as creeks. First and foremost, there must be designated lifeguards at frequented creeks especially on weekends and holidays when families tend to gather in larger numbers. While it may be difficult to monitor every small creek or out-of-the-way seawall, certain high-traffic areas should be prioritised for regular supervision.
In addition, proper signage warning of dangerous currents, deep sections, or submerged obstacles is crucial. Many of the creeks and rivers in Guyana do not have visible indicators of depth or hazard, making it difficult for persons to gauge what is safe. Simple warning signs could alert swimmers and their guardians to potential dangers before they venture into the water.
Further, public education campaigns about water safety must be promoted across the country, especially in communities that frequent these sites. Parents and guardians should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to better supervise their children in open waters, such as understanding the importance of keeping a constant watch and ensuring that children play in shallow areas.
The deaths of Akira La Rose and Joylyn Jack have brought untold grief to their families and communities. It is incumbent upon everyone to take action to prevent future accidents like this one. Recreational spaces should bring joy, not sorrow, and with proper supervision and safety measures in place, they can continue to be cherished locations for families to gather and enjoy the beauty of Guyana safely.
This incident must serve as a wake-up call. While the immediate response may be grief, the long-term solution requires proactive planning. Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Tourism, and regional authorities, must collaborate to create a comprehensive safety framework for popular creeks and recreational beaches. The Ministry of Public Works can ensure the necessary infrastructure, including proper signage, barriers, and clearlymarked swimming zones. The Ministry of Tourism should establish guidelines for safe recreational use, working with local businesses to enforce safety standards. Regional authorities, in turn, can implement these guidelines, providing lifeguards, first-aid stations, and regular monitoring of popular locations. A coordinated approach would not only enhance public safety but also promote responsible tourism in these areas.
A framework for water safety, including training for volunteers as lifeguards, could also empower communities to take ownership of these spaces. Furthermore, private businesses and event organisers should prioritise safety when hosting gatherings near water, as lives depend on vigilance. Only through collective effort can future tragedies be prevented.
Dear Editor,
The APNU/AFC should be proud of the new dimension to socio-economic development which they 'delivered'. They were successful in delivering a developmental formula made up of feasibility studies, white papers, Commission of Inquiries, and 'consultations' via conferences. They wanted this Nation to believe that these alone are sufficient to propel socio-economic growth in an upward trajectory having spent hundreds of millions from the Treasury. Once again these Parties want the Guyanese to swallow this rubbish. As the saying goes, 'Words without action are meaningless'.
The APNU/AFC is a specialist in feasibility studies, they even were contemplating doing a 'feasibility study' before doing a feasibility study, hiring a feasibility expert and pay him hefty fee to determine the need for such study. These studies were aimed in convincing the public that the 'good life' is being delivered. The question was 'feasible' to whom? Since these feasibility studies consumed hundreds of million. It is not difficult to know who benefitted. In case of any doubt then just ask the previous Public Infrastructure Minister. It would seem that the first 5 years was just to do the feasibility
studies. The next 5 years would have been the 'action term'.
Now that the AFC has a 'brand new' leader, suit and all, the nation is once again made to endure the cacophonic reverberation of feasibility studies, conferences, consultations, 'knocking on doors' and presenting empty haversacks. The reality is that at first the studies appeared to be intellectually correct, being garlanded with a plethora of illuminating benefits which the Guyanese people will enjoy such improving their standards of living, lowering the cost of living and injecting millions into their pockets. Guyanese will not fall for this again. The lead actor has changed but the script remains unchanged.
The 'white paper' the Coalition presented on sugar not only guillotined the sugar industry but the lives of 7,000 workers and their families. Yet the AFC and the APNU still brags and boasts that they were correct in 'right sizing' the sugar industry. The objective of the Coalition was clear-after freezing wages in the sugar industry, freezing capital investments and aborting meaningful rehabilitation of plant and equipment in the field and factory, the stage was set not only to close the Wales, Enmore, Skeldon and Rose Hall es -
tates which they did, but to shutter the entire industry.
They were uncaring about the dire socio-economic consequences. Seven thousand sugar workers were given the 'white paper' and kicked out with no recourse to any alternative means of livelihood. They became mendicants overnight, some committed suicide, some migrated and thousands of their children faced a life of poverty, for the first time, some barely making it to school on empty stomachs, dressed in rags, whilst the Coalition Ministers enjoyed their humongous salaries and benefit increases and their children became the Richie Riches of Guyana.
The Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry preceded the closing of the four sugar estates and it recommended the non-closure of the Industry among others which actually saw the industry being made viable by 2025. Why would a 'caring' government set up such an inquiry, spent millions and then threw it in the garbage bin? The COI was just more money for the boys and 'proof' that the Coalitions 'cares' about sugar.
Then there were the conferences-Rice Farmers Conference, Rice Millers Conference, Cane workers
Conference, Cane Farmers Conference, the women conference, the youth conference and list goes on. The Coalition loves an audience to sell dreams. In the end, rice was deemed to be private business and the sugar industry a 'black hole' and sugar workers were deemed 'raiders' of the Treasury.
Youths were told to manufacture and sell cook-up rice and plantain chips and stop drinking Guiness at street corners. Any competent government will be cognizant of what needs to be done even before taking office since it keeps track of what is happening in the country and come up with concrete plans to govern in order to guarantee progress. The APNU/AFC always sounds vacuous and hollow. This can be contrasted with the PPP/C whose micro and macro policies are always realistic and achievable and on assuming Office they hit the ground running and began delivering on their manifesto with great alacrity.
In conclusion, the APNU/AFC delivered more to friends, families and themselves than to this nation and feasibility studies, COIs and conferences were mere sham meant to fool and deceive the nation.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
Dear Editor,
There is deep concern over the outbreak of the dengue disease in Guyana. The reported cases for January and February 2024 of over 1 million in neighbouring Brazil (with which Guyana shares the south-western border) and where there exists cross-border travel and trade, heighten the people’s anxiety.
Guyana has gone through the trauma of COVID-19 and did exceptionally well to control that disease, but she does not want to walk again on a similar track. Naturally, Guyanese are also worried about the outbreak of the dengue disease for which there is no specific treatment in Guyana, other than infected persons taking tablets for pain and fever.
Dengue is spread by the aedes aegypti and the aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The aedes mosquito also spreads malaria and Zika. Symptoms of dengue are usually high fever, headache, vomiting, and rash. It is estimated by World
Health Organization (WHO) that between 100 million to 400 million people are infected per year.
Guyana as of August 24, 2024 had 17, 042 cases (8,389 new cases and 8653 old cases in 2024). The Ministry conducted RDT tests on 31,669 persons and a positive rate of 26% was recorded. The number of infected persons hospitalized as of August 24, 2024, was 909 (or 5.3% of reported infected cases), while 5 persons died.
I need to give context to this health challenge. The PPPC government recognizes that physical infrastructural growth (roads, bridges, hotels, etc) must be accompanied by significant changes in the social sector like education, health, legal and social welfare. The way people view these sectors is how they would embrace the changes taking place. It is vital therefore that they are prepared to change old attitudes that would not be compatible with the new ones emerging out of modernization.
Changes in attitudes are fundamental. With respect to the legal system, for example, I paraphrase Marx’s famous dictum: "You cannot make old laws [and attitudes] the foundation of a new social development any more than these old laws [and attitudes] created the old social conditions." The weekly grassroots mobilization, combined with modernizing the education sector, and the thrust to make Guyana a world-class provider of healthcare services (producing healthier workers and families) are part of the process to get people to accept attitudinal changes. It is for this reason that the government is creating a modern healthcare system and has allocated in 2024 the second biggest budget amount ($(G) 129.8 billion). Given that there is no specific medication to treat dengue, the question is: "How would the government control the spread of dengue and allay the public's concern?"
Health minister Dr Frank Anthony says that much work therefore has to focus on prevention. The Ministry has distributed 50,000 medicine-laced mosquito nettings that last for 3 years to people who live in the high-risk areas of regions 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 10. They also would spray and disinfect the surrounding neighbourhoods (a process called fogging) where pools of water or open receptacles exist that favour the breeding of mosquitoes. One mosquito could lay as much as 200 eggs per day.
At the institutional level, Dr Frank Anthony says that responsibility for mosquito control is being devolved unto the NDCs which are in a better position to monitor and to implement preventive measures. The Ministry is providing the tools and supplies (fogging machines, mosquito nettings, insecticides, etc) and training. The Ministry will continue to monitor the overall situation and offer technical assistance.
Dear Editor,
The Opposition and all its operatives are dogmatically naysayers, they are so stuck in time that they have me painstakingly looking for an area or project, in which they have supported the PPP/C Government.
I have given up the search and have settled on the conclusion that we have an opposition that will put down everything The Government has put forward as a plan of action; it also tells me that they are prepared to put the country down.
It is wishful thinking that any positives will come from Opposition Quarters, as one opposition member made the bellicose statement," The Opposition is there to vote down everything," they are there to ensure that nothing the government does succeeds. In his political blindness, he further said "The only time
democracy was at work was when Ramotar was president, when everything he put forward, even his budget, was voted down.
So, I responded by asking him the question, weren't those programs voted down by The Opposition beneficial to the nation? He was bereft of an answer when I posited that question, but the blinding rage in that supporter propelled him on, he could not see any way forward only negatives and a firm gridlock. That control freak nature of theirs is present with us today, even if it means that our country is the sacrificial victim.
And so, it has been ever since an uncompromising, incorrigible opposition who would rather sacrifice the country for their own narrow political gains, is this the way a country should be governed? I think not, because it meant that we would have been stuck in time never
Dear Editor, The Lethem Township and surrounding communities have long faced the challenge of flooding during the rainy season, which has had significant impacts on farmers and residents alike. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has stepped up with timely and crucial interventions to ad-
dress this pressing issue.
By partnering with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 9 and the Lethem Town Council, the Ministry of Agriculture initiated the dredging of the Tabatinga Creek. This project is essential to improving the drainage system in Lethem, helping to prevent the severe flooding that disrupts lives and livelihoods.
The ongoing project will
to see progress or development, and for this same reason the people of Guyana voted on the side of development and forward thinking in the 2020 Election.
What the opposition needs to know is they are part of the government, that is why we have a parliament where educated and fruitful discussions are held to bring forth valuable progressive ideas for the future. As such the opposition should take ample opportunity to support the government rather than being obstructionists, mired in backwardness.
The Opposition can also be viewed as the government in waiting, therefore every opportunity that presents itself in the national interest should be supported, in normal language opposition should embark on a vigorous path of patriotism. But that support is woefully lacking, hence, the mistrust the people of this coun-
try have for them; simply put, we cannot trust them! They can go full speed ahead and destroy themselves, we could care less but do not bring our country down with your foolishness.
Lest I forget, the only area that The Opposition can claim that they supported the government was the border issue, and that is because they had no choice. For them to have opposed the government's stand on the border matter, would be a reprehensible act, unforgiven by the people of this country.
But Guyana has moved forward leaving them behind, The Opposition's negatives will not, I repeat, will not hinder the futuristic goals for our country, we will move this country forward irrespective of the negatives.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
bring significant relief to crop and livestock farmers, who often face devastating losses due to waterlogged fields and pastures. Moreover, residents of the township stand to benefit from this intervention, as it will reduce the risk of damage to homes and property caused by flooding. This collaborative effort demonstrates the Ministry’s dedication to supporting the re-
gion’s agricultural sector and improving the overall well-being of Lethem’s communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture, the NDIA, and all stakeholders involved for their prompt action and commitment to making Lethem more resilient in the face of natural challenges.
Regards, Andrew Lashley
To control any infectious disease also requires citizens’ behavioural change. In this way, Guyana will control dengue as it did with
Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.
Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh
New political parties have to do better
Dear Editor,
A minority political party, ANUG, is championing the need for a minority government. However, in hindsight, a minority government in the context of the Guyanese political environment would never work.
The one time there was such a dispensation in the 2011-2015 period, it failed miserably, which almost caused Guyana to be blacklisted, thereby driving the economy into the ground.
Notwithstanding, ANUG has positioned itself, aspirationally, as a party that would hold the balance of power and ensure the best policies and decision making at the national level, through the National Assembly, should they win some five seats at the upcoming general and regional elections in 2025.
Yet, week after week, and every time one of ANUG’s key spokespersons, save and except for its founding member, Mr Ralph Ramkarran, who is a legal luminary, the party exposes its lack of depth, comprehension,
grasp and rigour altogether, in respect of public policy matters.
It begs the question; therefore, how would the party hold the balance of power given its apparent deficit dilemma specifically regarding economic policies? The quality of such policy debate contributions by and from ANUG has been proven less than amateur and mediocre.
ANUG does not seem to have even a basic understanding of economic and policy issues, much less the more complex issues in an increasingly sophisticated, regionally, and globally integrated economy. Do they have the wherewithal and the capacity to deliver the best quality decisions and policies to the Guyanese people? The answer, so far, is a resounding no.
Political parties, especially the newcomers like ANUG have got to do better in this regard.
Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stay Woke 08:30 Food Network 09:30 BBC Travel Show
Stop Suffering
Paternity Court
Divorce Court 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - Her Majesty (2001) 14:00 The Loud House S4 E27 14:30 Spongebob Squarepants 15:00 Indian Soaps 16:00 Teaching the Truth in Love 16:30 Secrets of Sulphur Springs S3 E5 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 The Evening News 19:00 CPL Match 12 23:00 Van Helsing S2 E8 00:00 Sign off
instruments you'll need
Would you like to forecast or track the weather from your own house— without the Internet, television, or radio? It's easy. Not only can you put together your own weather station, you can build the equipment yourself!
Meteorologists, people who study weather, predict weather based on past weather. They track changes in temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and precipitation. To track the weather like a meteorologist you'll need:
Once you set up your weather station, you'll soon begin to notice how different patterns predict certain kinds of weather—just like a meteorologist. Good luck!
By Shaianne Chao
In the vast expanse of life, we seek a purpose, a meaning, a truth to keep. Through winding paths and trials faced, we yearn for wisdom, in every space. We find meaning in the simplest of joys, a simple breeze, a child's laughter, what great noise.
In the moments shared with loved ones dear, in their smiles and presence, so clear. We find meaning and pursuits of dreams chasing passions, bursting at the seams. with every step, we learn and grow, discovering parts of ourselves we didn't know. Sometimes, meaning hides in the darkest night, when we come for our fears, and take flight. In moments of struggle and adversity, we find strength, resilience and clarity. In acts of kindness, compassion blooms, meaning sprouts, like flowers in full bloom, a helping hand, a Heartfelt embrace, can bring light to someone's darkest place. But remember, meaning is unique, for it resides within, no need to seek. It’s in choices we make, the love we share, in living authentically, showing we care.
Works are well advanced on the US$12.8 million Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), with the projects expected to be completed by year-end.
To ensure that hinterland communities are provided with reliable electricity, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has been implementing hydropower and solar energy projects. These projects include the Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine.
According to the 2024 MidYear report, work progressed rapidly on these projects in the first half of the year. These two projects, 1.5 Mega Watts and 0.72 Mega Watts respectively, are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
However, a 0.65-megawatt solar farm being built in Mahdia was also substantially completed. This project is also expected to be commissioned later this year. Additionally, works for three solar farms will advance later this year, namely a 10 MW solar farm in Berbice, an 8 MW solar farm in Essequibo and a
0.6 MW solar farm at Leguan.
The government meanwhile also reported it has distributed a total of 3,101 solar energy home systems in the first half of the year to households not connected to the national grid, including in riverain communities.
“A total of 3,101 solar energy home systems were distributed in the first half of the year to support households in the off-grid and riverain communities. It is expected that 501 more will be delivered to Chenapao, Karisparu, Tuseneng, Maikwak and Cashew Island by the end of the year,” the report states.
Prime Minister, retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, who has oversight of the energy sector, visited the projects at Kumu and Moco Moco last year. During his visit, Phillips had observed their importance to Region Nine’s energy landscape. These projects form part of the Government’s commitment to fostering energy security and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
During his visit, the Prime Minister stressed that the projects would open avenues for advancement in the tourism and business sectors as the Government continues to
invest in the vision of Region Nine becoming a hub for economic activity.
“You’re going to harness the energy and you’re going to become producers and sell your goods. Market this place, tourists will come and you will earn money. That is what I want, and that is why we are here,” he had declared.
“Work with us…the people, the Government at all levels…can work hand-inhand, and we’re going to improve how we do things in Guyana,” the Prime Minister emphasized, adding that the Government will continue to provide projects and programmes to train people how to utilize all the resources to improve their lives.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister only recently commissioned two solar PV minigrid systems at Karaburi and Haimacabra in the Moruca Sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini). At the commissioning, the significance of the projects in enhancing the quality of life and fostering sustainable development in the remote hinterland communities was highlighted.
In Karaburi, the newly installed 19kW solar PV system, supported by 85kWh of battery storage, will pow-
er eight critical buildings in the village. This project follows the earlier distribution of 137 solar home systems to households in the community, which has already improved residents’ daily lives by providing clean and reliable energy.
In Haimacabra, a 21.5kW solar PV system with 94kWh of battery storage is now powering seven key community buildings, including the teacher’s quarters, prima-
ry school, nursery, hot meals kitchen, and health centre. This project builds on the earlier distribution of 245 solar home systems to households in the village.
To date, the Guyana Government has injected substantial funding and done significant work, through the GEA, on building solar mini and micro farms, as well as delivering over 30,000 household solar systems to hinterland communities.
In addition, the PPP/C Administration has also rolled out several fiscal incentives such as VAT and import duty exemptions for renewable electricity equipment and solar appliances; a one-off two-year tax holiday on corporation tax for importers of solar energy investment items; and changes to the Wear and Tear Schedule of the Income Tax Act allowing for capital expense write-offs within two years.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, during his visit to Washington DC, continues to meet with members of the diaspora. On one such visit, the Minister assured that the government is intent on ensuring that both oil and non-oil wealth is translated into prosperity at the individual, household and community levels.
During the meeting, Dr Singh was accompanied by President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge and Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, H.E. Samuel Hinds.
According to a statement from the Finance Ministry, Dr Singh addressed members
of the diaspora during which he explained that Guyana is undergoing an unparalleled period of economic growth, from both oil and non-oil resources and assured that they can rest assured this growth will positively benefit everyone, right down to the micro level.
“(Minister Singh) further noted that the extraordinary growth is allowing the Government to face a very real opportunity to improve the lives of every single Guyanese national and family. In this regard, it is the deliberate intention of the President Irfaan Ali-led Government to translate na-
tional prosperity into community, household and individual prosperity.”
“He also assured the Guyanese diaspora and friends of Guyana that the Government is under no illusion about the complexities of managing rapid economic growth, and is earnestly approaching this task in a very serious and responsible way, while still striking the appropriate balance between addressing immediate needs and long-term sustainability,” the Ministry further stated in a release.
Meanwhile, the finance minister also assured the attendees that this econom-
ic growth is no accident, but rather is driven by the government’s deliberate policies. It was pointed out that these policies are designed to promote a strong and increasingly competitive non-oil economy.
During a brief address to the audience, explained that what is being witnessed in Guyana today is an unprecedented period of extraordinary real economic growth that is without parallel in history,” the Ministry explained.
“While much of this eco-
nomic expansion is happening as a result of the discovery and introduction of oil and gas, there is also extremely strong growth in the non-oil sector, some of which is driven by positive spillovers from the oil and gas sector, but most of that which is driven by deliberate Government policies.”
Guyana’s economic growth has consistently been strong, with the country recording a whopping 49.7 per cent increase in its gross domestic product (GDP) in the
first six months of 2024. Not only was there an overall GDP growth, but also an increase in Guyana’s non-oil economy.
“In the first half of this year, our overall real GDP grew by an estimated 49.7 per cent in 2024… What is impressive is that the non-oil economy continues to grow, and the non-economy grew an estimated 12.6 per cent,” President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced last month.
Traffic departments in all the divisions of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have made out some 2614 cases against errant drivers from September 1 to September 7, 2024.
The GPF stated that some 576 tickets were issued for speeding with Division Five issuing 248 of the amount. Of the total, 26 were for Driving under the Influence (DUI). Fourteen of these cases were made out in Division Three. These drivers were charged and are expected to appear in court shortly.
Some of the other cases included, failing to wear seatbelts were seven; 88 for an unlit motor vehicle (rear & front); 223 for Prohibition of tinted glass – 137 alone in Division 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 35 for driving without a licence and 108 for failing to wear safety helmet.
However, the GPF has also conducted 45 sensitisation sessions with drivers across the country as well as 42 educational sessions with Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools.
Each effort made is done with the prior knowledge of our partners whose contribution is always necessary.
In addition, in the coming weeks, further efforts will be made to bring about improvements in road safety while reducing the opportunity for accident occurrence and the fear of accidents.
Last month, the GPF recorded a 20 per cent increase in fatal accidents involving motor trucks/lorries for the period January 1 to August 26, 2024, according to its communications unit.
The statistics showed that in the same period last year, there were 15 fatal accidents involving trucks, and that number has not increased to 18 for 2024. Additionally, there has been a 31 per cent increase in non-fatal accidents involving trucks.
Between January 1 and August 26, 2024, there were 187 incidents involving trucks, compared to 143 in 2023.
Further, the GPF had reported an increase in child fatalities due to traffic accidents from January 1 to July 23, 2024. During this period,
four children lost their lives on Guyana’s roadways compared to two for the same period in 2023.
The total number of fatal accidents in the first half of 2024 decreased to 55 from 72 during the same period in 2023. Correspondingly, the number of deaths resulting from these accidents also dropped from 82 in 2023 to 66 this year.
The Police Force cred-
its the overall reduction in accidents and fatalities to enhanced road safety measures, increased public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
However, the rise in child fatalities underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted safety initiatives to protect the youngest and most vulnerable road users.
Thirty-four-year-old
Kwasi Lord was on Sunday evening shot in the neck during a robbery at Red Road, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Lord of Cummings Park, Greater
Finance Minister Ashni Singh paid a visit to the Guyanese community in Schenectady, upstate NY – and it was given wide publicity back here in ole Mudland. Some folks might’ve been surprised at the numbers who showed up at the event in their Central Park. We know we’re EVERYWHERE – but gosh! that many in upstate NY? Yep, they’re THAT many!! We know there are hundreds of thousands of us in New York City and…well…these are the spillovers – as your Eyewitness gonna explain!!
The fact of the matter is when we – along with other West Indians – first started trekking up to the States to escape the ravages of their exported Great Depression, we ended up in Brooklyn. Interestingly, our emigrants were overwhelmingly African Guyanese – you could count Indos on one hand!! And as usual with new immigrants, we had to find lodgings in the slums – no Park Ave in Manhattan for us!! But what made us different from the Americans was that we started to purchase and “fix up” the run-down houses and pretty soon, whole neighbourhoods were lifted up!! For example, the “Crown Heights” that we hear about – where Hakeem Jeffries lives – was “gentrified” by we West Indians even before folks knew about “gentrification”!!
Interestingly, our local divisive politics even affected our residence patterns in NYC: when Indian Guyanese started their trek up north to America, they ended up in sections of Queens – Richmond Hill, Jamaica and Ozone Park – where the Italians and Jews were leaving for the suburbs. So our fractures are reflected in NYC – with African Guyanese in the west (Brooklyn) and Indian Guyanese in the east (Queens) – and “the twain shall never meet”! Anyhow, the Indo arrivals in Queens became so fast and furious that they soon created a real estate bubble – pushing up house prices by the late 1980s to levels the newer arrivals couldn’t even think about!!
Georgetown was relieved of a gold chain during the ordeal.
Based on reports received, on the day in question, the victim left home to purchase food and was confronted by an unknown masked perpetrator who was armed with a handgun during which he was shot and relieved of the gold jewellery.
He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where he remains in a stable condition. The alleged perpetrator remains on the run. Investigations are continuing.
What to do?? Enter the Mayor of Schenectady who’d married an Indian Guyanese lady!! Schenectady was your typical “company town” on which America reached its world supremacy in manufacturing. THEIR contribution were turbines produced by a massive General Electric plant that supplied electricity for whatever use there was – commercial or household use. But as US businesses sought greater profits by moving to cheap Chinese labour, Schenectady – like so many other towns in the Midwest – became part of their “Rust Belt” with abandoned homes. Observing the success of Indian Guyanese rehabilitating Richmond Hill – the Mayor offered homes in his town for token amounts – sometimes even $1!!
So we have a whole town in upstate NY stabilised by Guyanese homeowners – who turned out to meet and greet Min Singh and his team!!
Can they help build Guyana?
…political support
It ain’t easy being in politics in Guyana nowadays. Used to be you told the folks what they wanted to hear – meaning, promise them the sun and moon! –buy some liquor in the rum shops; deliver your private (racial) spiels under the bottom houses – and that was it!! Since folks voted mostly racially, it was already a foregone conclusion as to who’d win – just check the colour of the various noses!!
But now things are different: the noses are almost equal in number – which creates a dilemma to the old order. Suddenly, you gotta be nice to everybody since the least misstep could cost you those crucial fencesitters’ noses!! Problem is the new “bottom houses” where folks engage in the race talk – social media. Here it’s a case of everything hanging out and since the content’s available to everyone with a smartphone –meaning EVERYBODY – it means everyone’s riled up!!
And politicians have to be “outing” fires every minute of the day!!
…controls
All innovations bring challenges that must be controlled. While vehicles improved transportation, did you know road accidents take 1.19 million lives annually?? Controls are accepted.
Social media has amplified everyone’s voice...but that must be controlled, no? We just gotta be careful.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the removal of utilities obstructing the pathway of the US$260 million New Demerara River Bridge, a critical step towards advancing the transformational project, which is now 69 per cent complete.
The update was provided by Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill following an inspection of the site on Monday where he emphasised the urgency of expediting the project and outlined strategies for initiating works in the Peter’s Hall area.
“We are working with GTT and GPL to relocate the utilities so that we can continue the work and how we can start executing work within the Peter’s Hall area where we have acquired the properties,” he pointed out.
The project is being executed by China Railway Construction (International) Limited (CRCCL).
The hybrid cable-stayed, beam-girder concrete bridge is designed to meet the
United States American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards, ensuring it stands as a modern and resilient structure.
The crossing will consist of four lanes and will span 2.6 kilometres, connecting Nandy Park on the East
Bank of Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank.
Its total width, including the four lanes, shoulders, and median, will be 23.6 metres, providing ample space for safe and efficient traffic flow.
With a height of 50 metres, the bridge is specifically designed to accommodate Handymax vessels passing underneath. The minimum horizontal width of the navigation span is 210 metres, but the final design is anticipated to have a more extensive horizontal span.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued wanted bulletins for three men for questioning in connection with the murder of Lawrence Wayne called ‘‘Boy Boy’’ and Anthony
Havescome who were riddled with bullets during a drive-by shooting on August 24, 2024, at Durban Street Lodge, Georgetown. The wanted men are 30-year-old Dominique Darrel Osborne formerly of Princes Street, Georgetown and of Brooklyn New York; 31-year-old Keron Hinds of Smyth Street, Georgetown and also of Brooklyn New York and 18-year-old Omalie Vieira of Princes Street, Georgetown.
Wayne and Havescome were shot dead outside of Lot 23 D’Urban Street Lodge, Georgetown, while several victims were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).
Havescome died on the
night of the shooting while Wayne died one day after while receiving medical attention.
Those injured were Travis Ceres who received a bullet graze to his right elbow and right abdomen; Destra Auther, who received a gunshot wound to her lower left leg; Teon Allen, called ‘Spoil Child’, who received a gunshot wound to his left shoulder; Stanley Matthews, who was shot to his left hand and left thigh; Lennox Wayne, called ‘Two colours,’ who received a gunshot wound to his right thigh and right palm; and Lloyd Roberts who received gunshot wounds to his right upper chest and left hip.
It was reported that the victims were in the vicinity of V’s Delight, located on the southern side of D’Urban Street when four suspects, all armed with handguns, pulled up in a black Toyota Premio motorcar and opened fire.
According to Keon Aaron, the 37-year-old business owner, he hosted an ‘All Black’ party for the second anniversary of his business at a wash bay opposite his business place. Shortly after 05:00h, a police patrol came and instructed him to stop the party, which he did.
Aaron related that while some people left the party, there were still a few others liming and drinking in front of his business. He was checking off his bar when he heard several loud explosions that sounded like gunshots, and upon checking, he saw a dark-coloured, heavily-tinted car speeding off in a western direction.
The businessman further told investigators that he then went over to
his business place and observed several persons with what appeared to be blood on their bodies.
Some 29 9mm spent shells, one live round of 9mm ammunition, four pieces of metal fragments and six projectiles were discovered at the scene.
Following the shooting, detectives went to Manatee Place in South Ruimveldt where they observed a black Toyota Premio motor car (without number plate) with 11 9mm spent shells along with one .223 spent shell found in the front and back seats of the car.
The ranks traced the vehicle, which had registration number PAC 8364 engraved on the windscreen, the registered owner –Coleen Burrowe, a 33-yearold businesswoman. She told investigators that she along with three others were in her vehicle and had stopped at the corner of D’Urban and Victor streets at about 04:00h, when two men on a white XR motorcycle (registration number unknown) approached them.
The pillion rider dismounted the motorcycle, pointed a firearm at her, and demanded that she hand over the motorcar. Being fearful for their lives, Burrowe and the other occupants exited the vehicle, and the armed suspect entered the car and drove north on Victor Street, making good his escape while his accomplice on the motorcycle followed.
Meanwhile, anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Osborne, Hinds and Vieira is asked to contact the police at 2271149, 225-8196, 227-1611, 911 or the nearest police station.
Two men were arrested for breaking into and steal-
while 22-year-old Dequan Small of Diamond, EBD was arrested at his home.
open fire on the police
ing several items from the ‘Rude Boy’ Supermarket at 4th Bridge, Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday.
Twenty-five-yearold Junior Persaud of Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown was arrested at the scene by police ranks
Police stated that on the day in question, ranks received reports of a break and travelled to the location where they encountered four males in the supermarket. At the time, they were armed and discharged several rounds in the direction of the policemen who re-
Four persons were taken into custody following the discovery of a 9mm submachine gun with a matching magazine during a Custom AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) operation on Monday at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
CANU stated that its officers acting on information received conducted an operation at Lot 73 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD) where the gun and magazine were found.
As such, the persons who were at the premises at the time were arrested and are currently in custody assisting with investigations. Only on Sunday, a man was arrested a man with an illegal firearm and matching ammunition at Norton Street, Georgetown. The 9mm submachine gun and magazine were found in a backpack the man was carrying at the time. He was taken to CANU’s Headquarters pending investigation and charges.
turned fire.
However, Persaud was subsequently arrested while the three others managed to escape. Nevertheless, Persaud was interrogated and based on the information gathered, ranks pro-
ceeded to the home of Small where he was arrested.
Meanwhile, during a search on his premises, the police uncovered several ‘breaking devices’, a makeshift firearm, several car rims, and a small generator
all suspected to have been stolen from the ‘Rude Boy’ Supermarket.
Police are still on the
vestigations continue.
– 200 children receive $50,000 each under Childcare Subsidy initiative
Under the Human Services and Social Security’s Working Parents Child Care Subsidy initiative, 200 children have each received a $50,000 subsidy to cover three months of childcare services.
This support allows employed parents to work effectively without worrying about their child’s safety and care. By the end of 2024, an additional 500 children are expected to benefit from the programme.
According to the 2024 mid-year report, the government expended $400.6 million in the first half of 2024 on various childcare improvements.
This funding, part of the $1.4 billion allocated to the ministry in the 2024 budget, was used for training childcare personnel, constructing and upgrading infrastructure, and licensing facilities nationwide.
Efforts to enhance the accessibility of childcare services have also led to 89 additional childcare facilities being licensed to operate within approved standards, bringing the total number of licensed facilities nationwide to 336.
The government is also looking to complete constructing two new day and night care centres and rehabilitating the Sophia Care Centre by the end of 2024.
These efforts ensure that children across Guyana can benefit from quality services tailored to their emotional and mental development needs.
Further, the government intends to provide one-off cash grants of $100,000 to any WIIN programme graduates, who have completed the Levels one to three studies in Child Care and are desirous of opening their licenced daycare facility.
Funding has also been allocated to address the pressing issue of child abuse.
According to the World
Health Organization, approximately one billion children aged two-17 years have experienced some form of child abuse.
To alleviate the mental repercussions of endured abuse, the government in collaboration with the Child Advocacy Centres (CACs) is providing the necessary emotional, psychological, and therapeutic support for child abuse survivors.
Special emphasis is being placed on reintegrating these children into safe, secure and functional families. All of the government’s initiatives align with the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which defines children’s rights to protection, education, health care, shelter, and good nutrition.
The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus’s annual matriculation ceremony occurred on Thursday, September 5, taking on a special significance this year, with the spotlight cast on Sheridan Dyal, a standout student from Guyana earning a total of 40 CXC/CAPE subjects.
Under the grand University tent, which served as the site for the day’s festivities, Dyal’s achievements were celebrated as she was honoured as the top matriculant among her cohort.
The ceremony was hosted by UWI, Campus Registrar Dr. Donovan Stanberry, who lauded the matriculants.
He noted that Dyal, the top matriculant for 2024-2025, should serve as an example for all. A recent graduate of Queen’s College in
has been nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting a dedication and commitment to excellence. With an astound-
The Education Ministry to bolster primary school students' reading capabilities on Monday in observance of World Literacy Day launched the Primary School Libraries initiative at the Grove Primary School, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
World Literacy Day is being observed under the theme, "Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace."
However, the initiative aims to establish well-resourced libraries in primary schools across the nation, providing students with access to a diverse range of reading materials in multiple languages.
This effort is designed to foster a love of reading from an early age and support the development of literacy skills in various languages, reflecting the global theme of this year’s World Literacy Day.
At the launching ceremony Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) with responsibility for literacy Stembiso
Grant explained that the initiative is part of a wider initiative that aims to eliminate illiteracy among children country wide.
“In the past few months, the National Literacy department has been mandated by
the minister of education to work towards the elimination of illiteracy in schools as well as in our communities by developing and strengthening our literacy programmes, one of those mandates included providing story books for our children” she stated.
On this point, she high-
each child in this country has all the textbooks they need, We have bought textbooks for every single child from grades 1-13 individually for your own bookbag and it is the first time that the country has ever had that, I see people my age saying, oh we used to always get textbooks,
“Now every child is getting every textbook they need and we expect to see better results because of that” she stated.
Additionally, Manickchand encouraged the learners to take care of the books, noting that these books will only be replaced
lighted that for the first time in history, primary school learners will be provided with a plethora of storybooks which they can use during their recreational time. According to her, the ministry procured a total of 28 titles of books some of which have a total of 69 books in a series.
“The children at our primary school get all the recommended books that they need however for the first time story books were purchased for primary school libraries and this according to the minister is to ensure that our children can have books which they can read for pleasure and enjoyment” she explained.
Meanwhile, also speaking at the event was Education Minister Priya Manickchand who highlighted the ministry’s commitment towards each child is equipped with the necessary textbooks needed according to their grade level.
“We want to make sure
but that’s not the truth you used to get what is available so if you’re in the line to collect textbooks and math finish you don’t get math” the minister noted.
Further, she explained that she anticipates better
every three years. Through this initiative, the ministry has allocated a total of 460 storybooks to each primary school across the country. Moreover, to ensure students actually utilise this resource now available and devel-
academic performance from students since they will now have easy access to all of the required textbooks as well as a plethora of additional reading resources.
op a passion for reading, the Ministry announced that it will be awarded to each
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha urged farmers to conserve water and not to block waterways as Guyana braces itself for another prolonged hot spell.
The Hydrometeorological Service anticipates above-normal temperatures across Guyana from September to November 2024.
On this note, Mustapha during an engagement on Saturday last stated that farmers need to pay special
Additionally, her performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) exams further demonstrated her capabilities, with 21 subjects completed, including 10 grade ones and 11 grade twos.
She has also been recognised as CXC’s most outstanding student in the sciences in 2022. Additionally, she was recognised as one of Guyana’s top performers in CAPE.
As the top matriculant, Sheridan had the honour of signing the Matriculation Book on behalf of her fellow new students. This gesture was not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of her role as a leader among her peers, representing the high standards
and aspirations of the incoming class.
Now, on a new chapter at UWI, the nineteenyear-old is ready to pursue Dentistry within the Faculty of Medicine. Her choice to enter this challenging and rewarding field demonstrates her passion for contributing to the health and well-being of others, an aspiration that has been evident throughout her academic career.
In her interview with Our Today, Dyal expressed her gratitude and eagerness to officially start classes. She noted that though she did not always know what she wanted to do, her passion for dentistry grew over time. Dyal also has an entrepreneurial spirit, starting two businesses,
PAGE 13
one being her jewellery and accessories business, Teen Hustle which also helped fund her education and independence.
As Sheridan signed the Matriculation Book, her mother Sherry- Ann sent her love on YouTube live, sadly, unable to be here in person to celebrate her daughter.
Sheridan Dyal’s achievements and her new role as a Dentistry student at UWI, Mona, were the highlights of a memorable matriculation ceremony. Her story is an inspiring example of academic excellence and personal dedication, setting a high standard for her peers and reinforcing the university’s reputation for fostering exceptional talent. (Our Today)
attention to the advisory and ensure they conserve irrigation water.
“They cannot drain the irrigation water from the irrigation canals through the drainage canals. I have asked NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] to put mechanisms in place to monitor these canals and ensure that we have all systems in place and all structures must be operable during this period,” he noted.
The Hydrometeorological Office has explained that the period between September and November, are typically the warmest months of the year, particularly in September
and October, when extreme heat and heat wave days are common.
The forecast indicates an increased likelihood of higher-than-average temperatures, which could have widespread effects on public health, agriculture, and livestock. Also, the period is considered the driest in coastal regions in Guyana.
Further, the Hydrometeorological Office forecast also indicates that farmers may face challenges due to reduced water availability and increased stress on crops, leading to lower yields. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can affect the growth
and productivity of key crops, and water-intensive crops are particularly vulnerable.
According to Mustapha, a task force comprising the NDIA and other agencies that fall under the Agriculture Ministry is currently engaged to ensure that enough resources are available to tackle issues that may arise as a result of the above-normal temperatures.
“The conservancies around the country are at their normal level and there are a lot of other irrigation canals that we are making available to farmers. We have pumps available.”
In light of the tragic death of 10-year-old Akira La Rose and her 11-year-old cousin, Joylyn Jack at the Enchanter Creek along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Sunday, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn told operators of creeks to ensure warning signs, barricades and lifeguards are installed at their facilities by Saturday.
Benn was at the time meeting with creek operators and water-based activity providers on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
“I would like to see signs go up at those places now! I would like to see every resort have lifeguards and lifering, or at least a life raft and similar equipment. Additionally, there must be a barricade where our young ones can't go past a certain limit, I would like to see these things done by Saturday. I would also like to see warning signs put up,” the Minister stated.
He stressed that if these measures are not implemented, and no preventative measures are in place to handle accidents, it could negatively impact Guyana's tourism product when foreigners see the amounts of lives being lost in the top places that are deemed ‘tourist attractions.
He warned that the lack of safety measures contributes to a general chaotic appearance of the country, which is unsustainable.
Minister Benn also pointed out that in comparison to other countries like America, various steps have been taken to curb such tragedies, and Guyana can follow suit stating that it
will save numerous lives.
“I've been to places overseas like Canada, and in most of their water resorts, there was a lifeguard, paddle boats, and someone checking on safety now and again. We can do these things and enhance the income and attendance at these places but in a careful and structured way. We can't be afraid to make changes and insist on them, because any change we make should make things better. So, we need to decide here and now whether we want to get serious,” Benn said.
He emphasized that Guyana has not yet put anything in place to deal with these issues. “If we put these rules in place and people do foolish things that result in casualties, that’s a different matter. But as of now, we don’t seem to have anything in place, so that’s my first proposal.”
He also raised other proposals in support of these measures, stressing the importance of making creeks and water-based activities both safe and attractive.
9 communities in Reg 9 to benefit from communication materials donated by UNICEF/USAID
The Health Ministry on Monday received a donation of a quantity of communication materials from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). These materials, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will be distributed to the Community Health Committees in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) to promote health education on improved nutrition as well as other health-related issues.
The Community Health Committees have been established in 15 communities within the region where community health workers will utilise the donated materials to carry out their tasks.
Among the items are booklets designed to help disseminate accurate information. Additionally, the other materials will be available at health centres and schools across the 15 communities.
The items include 145 branded vests, 215 posters on nutrition, 130 posters on
He suggested that the government may need to provide funding to help implement the necessary safety features, noting that some creeks may be too narrow and require technical adjustments.
However, amid this frequency of tragic deaths, Benn admitted that the government must also take responsibility for these incidents. He further urged
them to take safety measures seriously.
“There’s no use in running these operations if you don’t have safety measures in place. There’s no use if you allow a free-forall where people are drinking, carousing, fighting, and jumping off bridges. There will always be a tragedy, whether it's someone falling, diving and breaking
their neck or head, or simply being drunk so we need to decide if we are ready to get real about this.”
It was reported that on Sunday at about 15:30h, the two young girls went missing while playing in the creek. La Rose of Lot 95 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and Jack of Lot 1726 Tuschen, WCD, were part of a family gathering with their grandmother, Allison Klass, 53, and Joylyn’s father, Oswald Jack.
After the alarm was raised, a search party was formed, and the girls were eventually found in the water, unresponsive.
They were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre by police and public-spirited persons but despite efforts to revive them, both were pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility.
Forty-nine-year-old Raymond Tinnis who was intercepted 9.8kgs of cannabis back in 2022 was on Monday sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $8.8 million.
Tinnis was found guilty of the offence following a trial at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Mittleholzer.
It was reported that on June 2, 2022, Tinnis was intercepted by officers attached to the Customs Anti-
hand hygiene, 12 banners, 25 handbooks, 10 manuals, and 34 flash drives loaded with educational videos.
The simple handing over ceremony was attended by Director of the Primary Healthcare Services, Dr Ertensia Hamilton; Youth and Adolescent Development Officer, Jewell Crosse and Deputy Representative (ag), Gabriel Vockel, both from UNICEF Guyana and Suriname.
The donation was accepted by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Narcotics Unit (CANU) at Mahaica Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) with 9.8 kilograms of cannabis. At the time of the interception, he was the only occupant of the vehicle. The cannabis was reportedly found hidden in the vehicle’s trunk.
Tinnis along with the narcotics, was taken to CANU headquarters where it was weighed and amounted to 9.8 kg with a street value of approximately $3 million.
Driver busted with 9.8kg ganja in 2022 gets 3 years, fined $8.8M Oil, non-oil wealth to be converted...
A section of the gathering
As a result of this halfyear performance, President Ali added that the country’s full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2024 has been revised to 42.3 per cent – a 10 per cent increase from initial projections, while the non-oil economy is also now projected to expand by 11.8 per cent.
It was previously reported that Guyana would record a real GDP growth of 34.3 per cent this year, representing the fifth consecutive year in which the Guyanese economy would be growing at more than 20 per cent, and will result in Guyana growing at an annual average of 38.8 per cent
over those five years.
Meanwhile, Ali further explained that almost all the economic sectors contributed to this growth despite challenges. This includes the construction sector which grew by an estimated 43.7 per cent.
Specific to the oil and gas sector, budget 2024 had stated that production of crude oil is slated to reach over 550,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, with a further ramping up to over 600,000 in the latter part of the year – representing a 44.7 per cent growth this year.
Currently, the Stabroek Block is producing over
660,000 bpd. And in the first half of the year, Guyana produced 113.5 million barrels of oil. Further, it is expected that production will cross the 220-million-barrel threshold by year-end.
Guyana’s revenues from the Stabroek block are held at the New York Federal Reserve Bank, from whence they are drawn to help finance the national budgets. The government has already indicated that it will continue to invest the oil revenues in areas which develop the productive capacity of the country and its people, and once there is stabilization, monies will be funnelled into savings.
(G-3)
In light of several incomplete road projects within the Aranaputa area in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the contractors were given two weeks to fully mobilize their teams and complete the respective projects before Christmas.
These were the sentiments of Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill during a visit to the incomplete Pirara Bridge which washed away during the recent flood caused by heavy downpours.
The minister related he was informed that work on the $115 million road enhancement project was over 80 per cent completed but this was not the case when his engineering team visited the area.
“Based upon the reports that I am receiving, it says that we have completed about 85 per cent of what needs to be done, in the report that I got in office it says 85 per cent. But I’m agreeing with my engineer based on what we drove around and saw a lot of work still has to be done under that contract,” He explained.
On this point, Edghill told residents that before the commencement of any new infrastructural projects this year, the ministry will be clamping down
walls and the completion of that contract because the government is not going to spend money for a man not to do his work whatever design the con -
“So I’m giving a deadline today, because of where you are located the contractor must be fully mobilized and work in execution within two weeks
on the contractor to complete the road enhancement works which were signed in 2023.
“The first thing that we are going to get done is enforcing compliance with the contract that was already issued which means all of the culverts, ring
tactor was give, we can’t go and change that now”
In this regard, the minister highlighted to the residents that based on the geographic location, the contractor will be given two weeks to fully mobilize his team to resume work.
from today, the contractor for the 2023 programme must receive written instructions on what he needs to do and execute his work to complete his contract here in Aranaputa,” Edghill stated.
As the Ministry contin -
ues to fulfil its commitment to the modernization and transformation of Guyana, back in April, the minster visited and inspected the ongoing projects in Region Nine.
These projects included internal roads in Lethem, St. Ignatius and the Piara Bridge, which is currently 50 per cent complete, and is the final bridge to be completed in the Lethem to Kurupukari corridor. Minister Edghill urged the contractors to complete the projects according to contract specifications, to manage the generation of dust and debris during road construction, and to complete the projects promptly.
Additionally, the subject Minister during this year’s National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), disclosed that a total of $6.41 billion was invested for the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hinterland communities countrywide.
He underscored the government’s commitment towards improving
connectivity and access in these remote areas, highlighting the scope and magnitude of the planned developments. A key project involves the construction of a crucial road link between Karasabai in Region Nine and Monkey Mountain in Region Eight, aimed at enhancing the efficient delivery of goods and services throughout the region.
A team from the ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, was dispatched to conduct surveys and determine the project’s costs and requirements. In addition to the Karasabai to Monkey Mountain link, Minister Edghill announced that all internal roads in Mabaruma, Moruca, Port Kaituma, and Matthews Ridge in Region One will be upgraded to rigid pavement concrete.
The minister pointed out that the end goal is to bridge the gap between hinterland and coastland areas, to ensure equitable access to services and improve living conditions for Amerindian communities.
“We have doubled the number of Indigenous students’ enrollment since 2020” – Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin ...says UG continues to implement policies to include Indigenous students
With the multicultural ethnic background at the University of Guyana (UG), it has been recorded that the tertiary institution has enrolled twice the number of Indigenous students since 2020.
This information was revealed by the ViceChancellor of the educational facility, Dr. Paloma Mohamed Martin during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times on Monday.
“We have double the number of Indigenous students now than we had, I would say, four years ago, they were amongst the most likely to not graduate on time before that period.”
However, this publication understands that this increased number is not only due to natural growth but also through numerous initiatives undertaken by the institution.
“I want to say a couple
of things, though, with regard to the education of Indigenous students at the University. When we looked at our intake and graduation rates over the last, I would say, 15 years or so, we recognized a couple of things—that most of our students, I would say over 95%, were from mainly the coastal areas. And we wanted to ensure that there was a kind of uniformity for most people.”
She expressed that from
this revelation, UG realized that there are numerous difficulties Indigenous students face, which have been taken into consideration.
“So, the first thing is that they are underrepresented in the university population. And this, of course, has to do with the difficulties they face, both in terms of matriculating, meeting the requirements of certain programs, and being able to study. What we also recognized was that
we have to treat these students as if they’re foreign students, meaning that we have to put a support system around them in the same way that we do for foreign students.”
The main reason for implementing these measures is that Indigenous students are typically coming out of their comfort zone and once they are supported, they do exceptionally well.
The government remains committed to creating a positive impact in every community through comprehensive programmes and policies.
This assurance was given by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag, during the 54th Town Day anniversary celebrations in Corriverton, Region Six, on Saturday.
She assured that the government will continue to invest in the region, implementing infrastructural and social projects geared at enhancing livelihoods. The minister noted that Region Six has seen significant progress over the past four years, setting the stage for future prosperity.
Through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), Guyanese now have greater
access to world-class education at their fingertips, free of cost. This programme has empowered over 30,000 Guyanese thus far, 3,000 of which are from Region Six, according to Minister Parag.
She added that within the housing sector, over 1,300 residential house lots have been allocated in the region, reflecting the administration’s staunch commitment to promoting homeownership.
“By the end of 2024, that number will be doubled with land opened up at Moleson Creek. You are having real benefits through this government… Service has to be seen, and not only heard. That is something we firmly believe in” the minister underlined.
Added to this, since 2020, over $27 billion has been invested to improve
road networks in the region, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times.
“Over 1,000 roads have been completed in Region Six, and that is what you call real development,” she stated.
The local government minister pointed to the implementation of several large-scale projects, including the construction of modern hospitals, a stadium, and an oil refinery that are in progress, which are set to further enhance the region’s infrastructure and services.
“All of the hospitals in Region Six will be upgraded. Doctors are being trained. Nursing school is opening right here in Region Six, which will help us to recruit more people… It doesn’t matter which community you come from.
“We looked at that and said, what’s happening with these students? And it just has to do with the kinds of stipends they were getting, even their diet. You know, they really did need somebody, a community, to put their arms around them and treat them as if they were at home. And it took us a while to understand our role in that. So, the most significant thing is the Indigenous section.”
Meanwhile, in terms of the enrollment of Amerindian students at the University and how it has evolved over the years, it was understood that UG has made significant strides.
One of the initiatives introduced since 2016, when she became Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni, and Civic Engagement, was the creation of a student
support fund. The funds raised catered to students who were facing challenges at certain points in their lives.
This fund stemmed from the desire to ensure that students weren’t dropping out due to minor reasons.
“We didn’t want students to drop out for minor reasons, just because somebody stole their laptop, or they needed a month’s rent, or something like that, which was really a big thing for most people.”
Professor Mohamed added that for some people, it’s a life-changing event, and for others, it’s a small thing that they could overcome. So, UG started raising funds for this, and what she noticed was that quite several Indigenous students were seeking support. That’s when they started analyzing what kinds of problems these
students were facing.
Meanwhile, she explained more about the implementation of scholarships.
“Upon realizing what the problems were, we put a couple of things in place. One, we continued to raise funds for Indigenous students, but also to source scholarships for them. And so, we have quite a few personal scholarships that people fund specifically for Indigenous students.”
“We have encouraged individuals and companies to give scholarships to Indigenous students to help them. We also started offering other types of support from our student support funds, which we raised independently. But I think the most significant thing among those measures is ensuring that we created a policy for underserved communities.”
We want to see that every single programme touches that community,” the minister emphasised.
Significant infrastructure projects are also underway, such as the construction of a modern, four-lane highway con-
necting New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, and the construction of the Berbice River Bridge.
These projects are expected to transform the region’s transportation and facilitate potential growth in the oil and gas industry.
The event was organised by the Corriverton Town Council and featured cultural performances as well as an award ceremony to recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the town’s development.
Also, motorists and residents of the East Bank, West Bank, and West Coast of the Demerara River will enjoy no bridge interruptions, as there will be no bridge retraction. The first-of-its-kind bridge in
South America will service Guyanese for at least 100 years.
When completed, the bridge will significantly enhance connectivity and support the economic growth of the region. Meanwhile, an Italian company, Politecnica was appointed to oversee construction works and assess the project design to ensure works were being executed according to the project specifications.
Abusy bridge in northern Vietnam collapsed after being hit by Super Typhoon Yagi, which has killed more than 60 people since making landfall on Saturday.
Dashcam footage showed the moment the Phong Chau bridge in Phu Tho province gave way on Monday, plunging several vehicles into the water below. Searches were under way for 13 people.
phoon, which brought winds of up to 203 km/h (126 mph) and is Asia’s most powerful storm so far this year.
Ten cars and two scooters fell into the Red River following the collapse of the Phong Chau bridge, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc said.
il prices rose about 1% on Monday on concerns that a hurricane forecast to hit Louisiana on Wednesday will disrupt production and refining along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Brent LCOc1 futures were up 78 cents, or 1.1%, to settle at $71.84 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.04, or 1.5%, to settle at $68.71.
On Friday, Brent and U.S. diesel futures closed at their lowest prices since December 2021. WTI closed at its lowest price since June 2023 and U.S. gasoline futures closed at their lowest level since February 2021.
In the U.S., oil and gas producers along the Gulf Coast started evacuating staff and curbing drilling to prepare for Tropical Storm Francine as it churned across the Gulf of Mexico.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center projected Francine will strengthen into a hurricane on Tuesday before hitting the Louisiana coast. The Gulf Coast accounts for about 50% of the country's refining capacity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). "A small recovery in prices is under way ... inspired by hurricane warnings that might threaten the U.S. Gulf Coast, but the wider conversation remains on where demand will come from and what OPEC+ can do," said John Evans, an analyst at PVM.
OPEC+ includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies like Russia.
In Libya, an OPEC member, the country's National Oil Corp declared force majeure on several crude cargoes loading from the port of Es Sider, with oil production curtailed by a political standoff over the central bank and oil revenue. (Reuters)
James Earl Jones, revered actor and voice of Star Wars’ Darth Vader, dies aged 93
James Earl Jones, the actor whose beautifully sonorous tones gave voice to Star Wars’ principal villain Darth Vader, has died aged 93.
Jones died at his home in Dutchess county, New York, according to an announcement from his representatives. No cause of death was provided.
Jones was not the original choice for the role of Vader: the British bodybuilder David Prowse was cast in the first film, released in 1977, for his imposing physique, but the film’s director George Lucas was unhappy with Prowse’s pronounced West Country accent. Jones was given the job of revoicing Vader’s menacing dialogue, creating an instantly immortal evildoer in the process. Hardly a major name at the time, Jones considered himself “special effects” and was not credited until the third Star Wars movie, The Return of the Jedi, in 1983. In all, Jones’s voice would be heard in six Star Wars films – the original trilogy, plus The Revenge of the Sith in 2005, Rogue One in 2016 and The
Rise of Skywalker in 2019 –as well as the infamous 1978 Holiday Special and the Star Wars: Rebels TV series which ran between 2014 and 2018. Jones also had great success with another voice-only role: Mufasa in the 1994 Disney animation The Lion King, whose death at the hands of his villainous brother Scar arguably traumatised a generation of children to the same extent as the death of Bambi’s mother in the 1960s. Jones reprised his role in the 2019 remake directed by Jon Favreau, which tried to give a more authentic cultural flavour to the story. (The Guardian)
The storm has wreaked havoc across the north of the country, with flooding and landslides leaving millions of people without power over the weekend.
Although it has now weakened into a tropical depression, authorities have warned Yagi will create more disruption as it moves westwards. More than 240 people have been injured by the ty-
The moment a lorry plummeted into the water as the bridge decking ahead fell away before the driver had time to stop was captured on camera.
At least three people have been rescued from the river so far.
Nguyen Minh Hai said he was riding across the bridge on his motorcycle when it collapsed.
"I was so scared when I fell down," he said, speaking from hospital.
"I feel like I’ve just escaped death. I can’t swim and I thought I would have died."
Part of the 375-m (1230ft) structure is still standing, and the military has been instructed to build a pontoon bridge across the gap as soon as possible.
Among them were a 68-year-old woman, a oneyear-old boy, and a newborn baby.
The typhoon also tore roofs from buildings and uprooted trees. (BBC)
At least 44 people have been killed in landslides and flash floods, according to Vietnam's ministry of agriculture and rural development.
Food prices have fluctuated over the years and many factors contributed to this.
Almost two weeks ago, on August 26, Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar told the UNC’s (United National Congress) Monday Night Forum that a basket of 11 basic food items had increased by 73 per cent between 2015 and 2024.
Holding up a list, PersadBissessar said: Two kilogrammes of flour was $12.99 and now stood at $18.49; Two kilogrammes of rice was $19.99 and is now $28.99; Margarine was $7.99 and is now $15.75; Curry $6.99 to $11.99; Corned beef $14.00 to $26.95; Sugar 1,800 gram $15.99 to $26.95; Full cream milk $9.99 to $18.99; Sardines $5.99 to $13.95; Aloo $2.50 to $5.95; Garlic
$10.00 to $15; and Onion
$2.50 to $5.95.
“These 11 items would have cost you $109 under the UNC. Now under the PNM (People’s National Movement), the same basket of goods would cost you $189,” said PersadBissessar.
In order to price check the claims made by the Opposition leader about current prices, Sunday Business Guardian used the Consumer Affairs Division database of various supermarkets provided by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for August 2024. That exercise revealed some discrepancies with six of the 11 items identified by the Opposition leader. At the nation’s largest supermarket chain, which is not the cheapest, a two ki-
The head of El Salvador's police force is among nine people who died when the military helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the Central American nation on Sunday evening local time.
Police Director-General Mauricio Arriaza was escorting a suspect in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme to the capital, San Salvador, when the helicopter came down shortly after take-off.
The suspect, fugitive former bank director Manuel Coto, had been accused of involvement in the embezzlement of $35m (£27m) from a credit union in El Salvador.
Salvadorean President
Nayib Bukele wrote on X that he did not think the crash should be considered an accident and ordered an investigation.
President Bukele said flags would be flown at halfmast for three days in honour of Mr Arriaza.
The president had named him as chief of police in 2019 and he was key to Mr Bukele's crackdown on El Salvador's infamous gangs.
Under Mr Bukele, the country's shocking homicide rate dropped, but human rights groups say security has come at a cost, with some suspects arbitrarily detained and denied access to fair trials. (BBC)
logramme bag of flour was $16.99 and not $18.49; table margarine was $11.25 and not $15.75; corned beef was $25.99 and not $26.95, sugar was $24.99 and not $26.95; sardines at $12.99 and not $13.95, garlic at $13.95 and not $15. The total August prices of the 11 items identified by PersadBissessar should be $179.07 and the increase in the nineyear period 64 per cent.
Delving deeper into what has caused the food prices to increase over the years, economist Dr Marlene Attzs said in recent times many citizens would agree there has been a marked and sustained increase in food prices. Attzs noted that with at least 80 per cent of the food products being imported, it’s useful to understand the combination of local and
global factors that cause the public to face increased food prices. Given that T&T imports most of the food consumed, she said the country is extremely vulnerable to any external factors that impact global food supply and prices.
“For example, between 2010 and 2013 there was an increase in energy prices which directly impacted global food prices. Energy is a key input in the agricultural sector, affecting the cost of fuel for transportation, fertiliser production (which is energy-intensive), and overall agricultural production. As energy prices rose, the cost of producing and transporting food also increased, leading to higher food prices globally. (T&T Guardian)
Australian police on Monday said they had launched an international search for a man accused of pouring hot coffee on a nine-month-old baby, causing serious burns.
Queensland Police’s Paul Dalton said a 33-year-old suspect fled the country days after committing “the most cowardly” crime the detective had seen in a decades-long career.
The baby was at a family picnic in a Brisbane park in late August when the man, believed to be an itinerant worker, poured scalding coffee over its face and limbs.
The baby “sustained serious burns” and required mul-
tiple surgeries. Police have no idea what the man’s motive was. He was not known to the family and is now believed to be in an unnamed country.
He is being accused of intending to cause grave bodily harm — a charge that could carry a penalty of life in prison.
Dalton said “dogged and determined” police will not rest until the man is captured and faces justice.
“We will keep going until we find you,” he said.
“(We are) fully committed to doing everything we possibly can lawfully to get this person back here to face justice.” (BBC)
(March 21-April 19)
Create opportunities, discuss your plans and don't wait for others to make the first move. Be direct, diligent and disciplined; you will discover something you want to pursue passionately.
If you are feeling unsure, seek out proof that you are heading down the right path. Use your charm, not your money, to get the information you need to make the best choice.
(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)
Uncertainty regarding your life, position and a possible move will motivate you to shoot for the stars and follow your dreams. Be wise and make choices based on facts, not on feelings.
Refrain from fussing over something you cannot change. Focus on talking to experts and people you can count on for honesty and integrity. Try to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
Get involved in events that grab your interest and encourage you to think before you spend money. Generosity can make you feel good about yourself, but it can also lead to stress if you don't take care of yourself first.
Question everything and everyone before you agree to something that has costly ramifications. Be realistic and forthright, ask questions and make adjustments that benefit you.
Don't act in haste regarding professional decisions, words or actions that can hurt your reputation. Take your time, consider your options and make a move only if it's beneficial to your health and happiness.
Don't be tempted by someone pressuring you to get involved in a joint venture or to spend money on something they want more than you do. Focus on your long-term plans and making sure you can fend for yourself.
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
You'll be playing with fire if you let someone interfere with your plans. Stick to what you know and do best, and forgo pleasing someone looking out for their own interests.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Think about who and how others play a role in your success and the incentives you can offer to ensure smooth sailing. Use your strength and courage to reach your goal.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Pay attention to health, fitness and socializing with people who can enrich your life. When in doubt, gather facts, assess situations and make choices that improve your life.
Excess and indulgence will set you back. Use your energy wisely and your mind acutely. It's up to you to set the pace, boundaries and costs of whatever you pursue.
"Too soon!" That was the mood as autumnal conditions enveloped an Oval ground which, it felt like only yesterday, had hosted a packed-out Men's Hundred eliminator tie in stunning summer twilight, T-shirts, shorts and sunglasses everywhere in the stands.
But as a crowd of 9,860 raided the back of their wardrobes for more suitable attire and turned up on a chilly Monday morning to see Sri Lanka overhaul a target of 219 and claim a consolation victory over England, the mood among those clad all in white was more like: "Finally!"
It had all come together at last for the tourists, albeit too late when they were 2-0 down. The eventual 3-1 series scoreline didn't
England 2nd Innings
Ben Duckett c MVT Fernando
b AM Fernando 7
Dan Lawrence c †Chandimal
b Kumara 35
Ollie Pope (c)
b Kumara 7 Joe Root lbw
b MVT Fernando 12 Harry Brook lbw
b MVT Fernando 3 Jamie Smith † c BKG Mendis
b MVT Fernando 67
Chris Woakes c †Chandimal
b Kumara 0
Gus Atkinson lbw
b Rathnayake 1
Olly Stone c sub (†KNM Fernando)
b Kumara 10
Josh Hull not out 7
Shoaib Bashir c sub (†KNM Fernando)
b AM Fernando 4
Extras (lb 3) 3
TOTAL 34 Ov (RR: 4.58) 156
Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Ben Duckett, 2.6 ov), 2-35 (Ollie Pope, 7.4 ov), 3-56 (Dan Lawrence, 11.1 ov), 4-66 (Joe Root, 14.3 ov), 5-69 (Harry Brook, 16.3 ov), 6-70 (Chris Woakes, 17.4 ov), 7-82 (Gus Atkinson, 23.4 ov), 8-140 (Jamie Smith, 30.6 ov),
9-145 (Olly Stone, 32.2 ov), 10156 (Shoaib Bashir, 33.6 ov) • Bowling O-M-R-W Asitha Fernando 12-2-49-2 Milan Rathnayake 7-0-43-1 Lahiru Kumara 7-1-21-4 Vishwa Fernando 8-1-40-3
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (T: 219 runs)
Pathum Nissanka not out 127
Dimuth Karunaratne c & b Woakes 8 Kusal Mendis c Shoaib Bashir b Atkinson 39 Angelo Mathews not out 32
Extras (b 4, lb 8, w 1) 13
TOTAL 40.3 Ov (RR: 5.40) 219/2
Did not bat: Dinesh Chandimal †, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando
Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Dimuth Karunaratne, 6.6 ov), 2-108 (Kusal Mendis, 19.3 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W Chris Woakes 12-0-52-1
Gus Atkinson 11-1-44-1
Josh Hull 6-0-38-0
Olly Stone 8-0-45-0
Shoaib Bashir 3.3-0-28-0
matter though to Pathum Nissanka, whose calm century delivered victory inside four days and could well have cemented his place in Sri Lanka's top order after two years in the wilderness. It took Sri Lanka 25.3
Dimuth Karunaratne cheaply the previous evening.
Bear in mind that no matter what the weather says, "summer" is far from over for England's whiteball players who have a series looming against Australia from Wednesday, only the magnitude of Sri
overs on the fourth day to complete their first Test win in England since 2014, their speed entitling spectators to a 50% refund on their tickets. The visitors resumed on 94 for 1 and needing 125 more. Nissanka's unbeaten 127 off 124 balls built on his first-innings 64 and saw his side home by eight wickets.
There was also a hint of relief that this match was over and done with for an England side that had dropped their bundle in the second innings and proved far from potent on the final morning when they managed to extract just one of the nine wickets they still needed after Chris Woakes' return catch had removed
Lanka's victory ensuring a gap of more than 48 hours in between.
Gus Atkinson, who is nursing a thigh problem which kept him out of the attack for the second half of Sri Lanka's first innings on Sunday, took the only other wicket to fall.
He gingerly jogged halfway to Shoaib Bashir, who made up the rest of the ground from fine leg where he had taken an excellent catch running in and diving full-stretch to his left to remove Kusal Mendis for a brisk 39 in the fifth over of the day.
But Nissanka, supported by Angelo Mathews, kept at Sri Lanka's task in im-
pressive time. He moved to 95 by threading a Woakes delivery that was too short and too wide behind point and raised his century running three with a neat cut off Atkinson to deep point.
Nissanka soaked up the applause with arms spread wide and a warm bear-hug from Mathews, marking his second ton from 10 Tests, although this was only his second match in the format since mid-2022.
After bringing up the milestone, Nissanka clobbered an Olly Stone short ball over the fence at deep backward square and, two
boundary at deep backward point.
The win was emphatic but followed a see-sawing contest which Sri Lanka's bowlers seized control of on the third day.
After missing a trick in favourable conditions on Friday, their seamers bundled England out for 156 in their second innings, Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando particularly effective against a home side kept afloat only by Jamie Smith's thunderous half-century.
They may want to forget it, but England will
balls later, he saw Bashir spill his ramp to deep third.
A facsimile six from Nissanka off Stone's next over took Sri Lanka past the 200 mark and, fittingly, he hit the winning runs cutting Bashir to the
also have to examine their first-innings collapse from 261 for 3 to 325 all out.
Meanwhile, this is a victory Sri Lanka will remember long after the boys of summer have - finallygone. (ESPNCricinfo)
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) re-
cently ‘killed two birds with one stone’, rewarding this year’s top performers of the National Junior and Senior Championships, while seeing off their team for the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad.
Guyana’s 10-member Olympiad team departed local shores on Sunday for the competition which will run from September 10th to 23rd in Budapest, Hungary.
As the team prepared to travel, GCF President Anand Raghunauth encouraged the Olympiad team to be good ambassadors of the sport for Guyana.
“Those selected to play for Guyana on the Olympiad team, you have a very special task ahead. Not only by participating and doing well, but being ambassadors for the federation. We will look at you as examples for the others. So, take your job very seriously,” Raghunauth said, addressing the team.
Raghunauth also had encouraging words for the younger players who missed out on Olympiad spots, noting that their improved performances can benefit the Federation and themselves in future.
The GCF President charged the younger players, “For those prominently placed in the junior competition, the junior winners, you have a role to play, you
Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred will only be doing the 100m at the Wanda Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium from September 13-14.
The 23-year-old St. Lucian, who also took 200m silver at the Paris Olympics last month, confirmed her participation in the marquee event after her run at the Zurich Diamond League on September 6.
There, in her first race since her history-making performance in Paris, Alfred produced a time of 10.88 to finish second to American Sha’Carri Richardson in a rematch of the final in Paris where Alfred took gold in a personal best and St. Lucian record 10.72.
“It felt good. Right now, I’m just really having fun and trying to finish strong,” Alfred told Citius Mag after her race in Zurich, noting that she hasn’t really got a chance to relax since Paris.
“I did for a few days but I really haven’t had a chance to take it all in yet,” she said.
The 2023 Bowerman Award winner described her training since the Olympics as “up and down,” noting that she’s still just fine tuning and working on other things.
As it relates to her final race of the season in Brussels, Alfred says she has no particular goal in mind.
“Nothing in particular, really. Just finishing strong. That’s all I care about,” she said.
Finally, Alfred still hasn’t got a chance to go back to St. Lucia since the Olympics, instead heading to her home base in Texas to finish out the season.
“Just celebrating with my country” was Alfred’s response when asked what she’s looking forward to when she returns home for the first time as an Olympic champion. (Sportsmax)
have to inspire the others. The Federation cannot do it without you. The more quality play you put out, the more rewards comes to the Federation, the more opportunities will come to you.”
On the other hand, one of Guyana’s senior players on the Olympiad team, FM Anthony Drayton shared his expectations for the international tournament.
“It’s very important, this
is the most important tournament for me every two years. My achievements include surpassing my previous results and achieving something new for Guyana. For example, maybe trying to achieve the IM [International Master] title or at least a faction of it while I’m there,” Drayton envisioned.
Guyana’s Chess Olympiad team comprises WCM Jessica
from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and National Sports Commission
The GT Kanaimas are getting ready to compete in the 2024 Amerindian Heritage Games, which will take place at Everest Sports Ground from September 11 to 15. The female team will be looking to retain their title, while the male team will be trying to win the championship for the first time.
In 2023, GT Kanaimas managed to defend their title as they defeated the Region 10 outfit as the scoreline read 4-2. In the male category, they failed to advance from the quarterfinals despite their high level of talent.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, GT Kanaimas Head Coach Len Thomas disclosed that he is confident that both
teams can secure supremacy and the key elements needed towards success.
Thomas said, “We're feeling so confident that we're going to take away this, well, for the females, third year in a row. For the males, we're trying to step up to the female standard and win this one as well. The whole team has to play as one. Once they're composed, play with one another, and play as a team, I think that will lead us to victory.”
Thomas went on to reiterate on the tactics being worked on and the camaraderie between the players which motivates the team.
“We try to keep the ball as much as possible so that the other team will have to run behind it. In this way, we'll be able to dominate the
game. Well, as the team here, right, this is Indigenous students who are studying, as well as those who are working in Georgetown, we put them together. You know, define it as a way of fellowship with one another. We work together, we train together, we go on trips together, all of them are together. So, I think that is a motivational force behind this team, whereby the togetherness,” Thomas said.
The Amerindian Heritage Games are a component of the celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month, which is observed throughout September. This year's theme is "Many Voices, One Song," and it is a moment to recognise the nation's Indigenous peoples and their rich cultural past.
In another development stemming from the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) leadership saga, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has taken a joint stance to, evidenced by a joint statement issued out of two of local sports’ foremost governing bodies on Monday afternoon.
The statement reads:
“In the last two (2) years, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) met with the President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Mr. Dwayne Scott, and other executives both jointly and sever ally on numerous oc casions. The meetings were premised on mat ters related to innumera ble complaints from swim mers, parents, coaches, and swim club executives.
quirements, unresponsiveness from the executive of GASA, heavy-handed and unfair treatment by GASA, unconstitutional actions and financial misconduct by the executive of GASA.
In July 2023, a meeting was convened by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles S Ramson MP, with members of the NSC, executives of the GOA, Mr Delroy Tyrell,
ly attending college in the United States and previously represented Trinidad while residing there. Mr Tyrell is inclined to change his nationality status to represent Guyana.
At the meeting, Mr Scott sought to justify why Tyrell did not qualify for change of nationality which was refuted conclusively with careful examination of the constitution of World Aquatics. Thereafter, Mr Scott accepted that Tyrell's application satisfied the criteria for a change of nationality, and committed to submit Mr Tyrell's documentation in two (2) weeks immediately following that meeting. Mr Scott subsequently went on record in the media ing that Mr. Tyrell's documentation was submitted to World Aquatics.
The complaints include biased selection processes, exclusion from competitive swimming, nepotism in swimming, refusal to accept clubs as members of GASA which meet the re-
tives of GASA to deal specifically with the complaint that GASA was ignoring, neglecting, and/or refusing to advance an application made by Delroy Tyrell. Mr Tyrell is a talented Guyanese-born swimmer who is current-
On Sunday, 1st September 2024, it was reported in the media that Jan Exner, who serves as the World Aquatics Legal Counsel, issued a response indicating that no documentation was submitted to World Aquatics on behalf of Mr Tyrell by GASA. Minister Ramson convened a meeting on September
6, 2024, with members of the NSC and GOA for a response by the executive of GASA. At this meeting, it was confirmed that Mr Scott and GASA had never submitted Mr Tyrell's documentation to World Aquatics.
Additionally, it was established that Mr Scott and executives of GASA have maliciously and vindictively withheld Mr Tyrell's documentation from World Aquatics to exclude him from representing Guyana at International meets.
The NSC and the GOA remain firm in their stance that there is no room for bias, inequality, exclusion, and unethical practices in sport. It must be noted that this is not the first instance where Mr Scott and the ex-
ecutives of GASA sought to mislead the NSC and GOA and were not forthcoming with the truth.
On another occasion, GASA sought to institute bans on two (2) swim clubs based on the actions of a few members for two (2) years. This action was represented by GASA at another joint meeting. Mr Scott and executives of GASA claimed that the ban on the two clubs holistically was based on a recommendation from World Aquatics.
When asked to return in 48 hours with evidence of the recommendation, Mr Scott and the executives of GASA stated that they did not have any such recommendation and were unconstitutionally implementing sanctions without a fair hearing.
The NSC and the GOA have exhausted all avenues to mediate with GASA and the disgruntled swimming fraternity to bring normalcy to the sport. On every occasion, Mr Scott acknowledged the above-mentioned indiscretions and shortcomings on the part of GASA while promising to rectify the lingering issues for GASA to function in the best interest of swimmers. As a result of consistent inaction by GASA, the NSC, and the GOA are convinced that the current executives of GASA do not have the best interest of swimmers and swimming in Guyana as their primary objective. Therefore, the NSC and the GOA no longer recognise GASA as a sports association in good standing and will no longer engage with the current executive of GASA. The NSC suspends swimming as a core sport along with its attendant support. Further, the NSC and the GOA will forthwith formally engage with World Aquatics to highlight the maladministration and the unethical acts being perpetuated by the current executives of GASA to the detriment of the swimmers in Guyana.”
What began as a stellar performance from Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, turned out to be a nightmare in their second CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) 2024-2025 League A clash with Martinique.
Competing at the PierreAliker Municipal Stadium, Fort- de-France, Martinique, the Golden Jaguars once again fielded an eyebrow-raising starting XI, comprising Captain Elliot Bonds, Goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, Terence Vancooten, Jalen Jones, Reiss Greenidge, Kadell Daniel, Daniel Wilson, Isaiah Jones, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Stephen Duke-McKenna and Deon Moore.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the Golden Jaguars struck first and looked a well-organised unit for much of the first 45 minutes.
The newest member of the national team, Isaiah Jones came in from the wing in an attacking run from the Jaguars, passing the ball wide to Kadell Daniel on the opposite wing. Thereafter, Daniel was able to cut in enough for the pass back to Jones, who left two of Martinique’s defenders on either side in his wake to complete the simple tap-in for Guyana’s first goal in the 14th minute.
Four minutes later, Deon Moore had the opportunity of a break-away run, but the Martinique defender tracked
him, Florent Poulolo handled the ball and as such, was shown a red card for impeding the goalscoring opportunity in the 18thh minute.
Now down to ten men, the Golden Jaguars rushed to take advantage of their opponents’ weakness and were able to do so as soon as the 24th minute. There was a lapse in Martinique’s defending which saw Isaiah Jones collecting the loose ball on the wing driving into the box that was populated only by the Martinique keeper, Yannis Clementia.
As Clementia cautiously advanced towards Jones and stretched out an arm to block the shot, Jones sent as easy,
right-footed shot into the back of the nets to give Guyana the 2-0 lead.
Minutes later, Guyana could’ve had a 3-0 advantage, but Deon Moore’s header goal was disallowed due to a foul being called against him.
At the other end of the pitch, Martinique was still relentless in their approach, but the usual good work from Quillan Roberts saw the Guyanese being able to keep the scores locked at 2-0 for much of the first half.
However, it was in the added time of the first half that Guyana’s nightmare began. Karl Fabien, in approach-
ing the goal, sent a left-footed shot into the box, which could’ve been cleanly scooped up by Roberts. However, defender Jalen Jones made a flash across Roberts, as if to head the ball out of the danger zone, but missed and was only able to obstruct Roberts’ vision.
As Roberts lost the ball
45th+2.
Resuming the second half with a 2-1 lead, another heartbreaking chance went a-begging for Guyana in the 59th, as their issues with finishing in last week’s game against Suriname seemed to reoccur.
Isaiah Jones was once again the playmaker, approaching from the wing and
on the ground, it fell squarely at the feet of Martinique’s Brighton Labeau, who sent the shot into the net for Martinique’s first in the
sending the ball into the box to meet Nathan Moriah-Welsh, who subsequently passed it off to a wide-open Deon Moore. Martinique’s keep-
er Clementia was already on his knees, but Moore hesitated on taking the shot, froze and sent a back- heeled pass to an approaching Stephen Duke-McKenna seconds later. However, McKenna too was unable to send the ball into the net and lost his footing as the opportunity to pull ahead went to dust.
The Golden Jaguars managed to hold off a reinvigorated Martinique for almost another 30 minutes, but also missed opportunities of their own in that time, as their need for fresh legs began to show. Then, the horrors of not being able to capitalise on their chances in the final third came back to haunt the national team, when Martinique’s Rudy Varane found himself alone with Jalen Jones near the back post in a corner kick set-up.
When the ball reached Varane after a failed header by his teammate, Jones showed no resistance, as the Martinique striker executed the easy tap-in for the equaliser in the 86th minute. Five minutes of added time bore no fruit for either side, who both picked up their first points of the new CNL rotation as a result of the draw.
The Golden Jaguars will be back in action until October 11, when they are expected to face off with Guatemala at home. Guyana are in Group A of League A. (Jemima Holmes)
