Guyana Times - Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Rainforest Tours to host safari in South Rupununi

Education Minister exposes AFC leader's false claims about Toka students

Jean Njeri Kamau of Kenya new UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana

President Ali urges investors to act now

Bee infestation in Region 6 worrying – Armogan

LM&TC mulls plans to get ATM in Wismar Market

Carpenter arrested as Police find 5.7kg ganja in Berbice

“We feel safer” – Ganesh

SAIPEM launches community development initiatives in Guyana

at the Eccles Sunnatul Jamaat on Monday as part of Youman Nabi 2024 observances (Office of the President photos)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, September 17 –03:30h-05:00h and Wednesday, September 18 – 03:45h-05:15h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, September 17 –15:50h-17:20h and Wednesday, September 18 – 16:25h-17:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Education Minister exposes AFC leader's false claims about Toka students

…Nigel Hughes under fire for falsely saying children have no school, being taught under cashew tree

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

Hughes, noting in a social media post that “People know what’s up! If you have to lie to get votes then you clearly don’t have a plan to make people’s lives better.”

It would not be the first time Hughes has landed in hot water over his utterances concerning the education sector. Last month, Hughes made a social media post about students in Phillipai, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) using pit latrines.

the entire Guyana, other than a privileged few like himself, were using pit latrine just recently,” the Attorney General said.

Nandlall had also questioned whether the AFC, which was in power alongside A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) from 2015 to 2020, never saw the need to upgrade the pit latrines into proper washroom facilities.

Low Tide: 09:47h

lliance For Change (AFC) leader Nigel Hughes has come under fire for claiming on social media that

Senior figures within the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) swiftly condemned Hughes, with Vice President Bharrat

into the Upper Mazaruni, perhaps for the first time in his life, and he discovers the living condition in those communities, he has

the students of a hinterland school were without a school building - a claim that was quickly debunked by members of the public and Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

The school in question, Toka Primary in North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) currently has a fully equipped building, complete with satellite dishes. Despite this, Hughes shared a photo of the students being taught in the outdoors, falsely claiming that they were without a building.

At first Hughes claimed that “the primary school children from Toka have no school building so they are being taught outdoors under the Cashew tree”, together with pictures of the students learning in the outdoors. He subsequently changed his caption to “nursery school children.”

However, a number of social media users uploaded pictures showing that there is indeed a Toka Primary School. Further pictures were uploaded, showing that there are both primary and nursery schools in the community.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Manickchand issued a stinging rebuke to

Jagdeo criticising the AFC leader for his narrow vision and hypocrisy.

“His focus is on pit latrines; he didn’t discover the new school at Kwebana or the one at Hosororo cost-

never seen this before. You see, he grew up in a privileged household…for the first time apparently, he is seeing pit latrine and he is seeing Amerindians using pit latrine. He has never, perhaps, used a pit latrine. He doesn’t understand that

“I am not saying that we should continue using pit latrine. The use of pit latrine in 2024 by schools or by anybody is a deplorable thing and we have to change that. And we are working every day to change that. But this gentleman believes with the wave of a magical wand, pit latrine can be converted into a flush toilet,” Nandlall said.

“2015 to 2020, his party was in government, didn’t they know that it had pit latrine in Mazaruni? Didn’t they know that it had pit latrine in the Amerindian communities? Why they didn’t fix it?” he further questioned.

At the time, Manickchand had also addressed the media on the matter, revealing that a contract had already been awarded for some time now to have a modern lavatory facility developed at the Phillipai Primary School. She had also revealed that Phillipai Primary does, in fact, have a block of flush toilets. (G3)

ing $2B, which is more than the entire capital budget for four regions for all the sectors in a single year by APNU. Didn’t discover that. He discovered a pit latrine in a school,” Jagdeo had said.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, speaking during his programme “Issues in the News”, had contended that Hughes “for the first time apparently, he is in the interior and is discovering these things.”

“This gentleman goes

The interior of Toka Nursery (photo shared on social media)

Toka Primary School (photo shared on social media)

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

AFC Leader Nigel Hughes

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Unabated tragedy & hit-and-runs

Guyana is reeling from a series of road fatalities that have occurred within a week. In just the span of one week, four lives have been cut short, leaving families and communities in mourning. What’s more alarming is the disturbing trend of drivers fleeing the scene of these accidents, an act that deepens the trauma for victims’ families and shames our society.

The death of Adree Slowe, a 62-year-old resident of Vigilance South, East Coast Demerara, is among this series of fatalities. Slowe was struck down by a minibus on Friday night, near the Church of God Road in Buxton. In a twist of fate, the driver sped off into the night, leaving Slowe to die on the roadside. This act is not an isolated incident, but part of a growing pattern of drivers abandoning their victims, refusing to face the consequences of their reckless actions.

Another devastating accident occurred early Saturday morning at Cottage, Mahaicony. Collin Dowden, a 28-yearold resident of Belle Vue, West Coast Berbice, lost his life in a horrific crash, leaving three others injured. This tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, is yet another reminder of the dangerous recklessness that is plaguing the roadways. Dowden, along with other passengers, was being transported in a motor car driven by a 23-year-old from Seafield, West Coast Berbice. Again, it seems speed and poor judgment played fatal roles.

On the same day, another accident took place on the Versailles Public Road, West Bank Demerara, claiming the life of 27-year-old Regan David Martin. In this instance, the driver of the speeding vehicle also fled the scene, abandoning Martin to his fate. Similarly, an unidentified woman was struck and killed by a sand truck on the Lusignan Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara. The driver of the truck was identified, but the initial aftermath of the accident suggests the chaotic and dangerous state of the roadways.

These four deaths in one week serve as tragic indicators of a broader systemic issue. The roads are becoming increasingly perilous, not only because of reckless driving but also because of the alarming lack of accountability. Drivers are escaping, leaving families to grapple not only with grief but with the frustration of seeking justice that often seems slow to respond.

What’s even more appalling is the ease with which some drivers flee the scene of accidents. The fear of consequences seems to outweigh any sense of moral responsibility, and this is a dangerous precedent. Hit-and-run cases are becoming all too common, and they reflect a society in which drivers no longer respect the value of human life. It is no longer enough to call these accidents—they are preventable, and the deaths are avoidable if only more care, responsibility, and enforcement are applied to our roads.

While the circumstances of each accident vary, one factor remains constant: speed and negligence are claiming lives. How many more families will have to bury their loved ones before there is meaningful change? The authorities must step up enforcement of traffic laws, implement the more stringent penalties for reckless driving that has already been amended and passed in the National Assembly, and launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns that promote safe driving.

Moreover, the time has come to implement harsher punishments for those who commit hit-and-runs, including revoking licences and imposing stricter prison sentences.

For the families of Adree Slowe, Collin Dowden, Regan David Martin, and the unidentified woman on the Lusignan Railway Embankment, these reforms will come too late. But in their memory, the Police must act now to prevent more lives from being needlessly lost. The roads should not be death traps, and no one should live in fear of stepping outside, unsure if they will make it back home safely.

The question that lingers is not just about what can be done to stop these tragedies, but why, as a society, the time for action is now.

Political rift between Norton and Jermaine Figueira deepens with latter’s removal from chairmanship

Dear Editor,

The internal tensions within political parties often serve as a reflection of broader ideological or personal conflicts. In the case of the opposition party led by Aubrey Norton, the recent dismissal of Hon Jermaine Figueira from his role as regional party chairman for Region 10, highlights a growing rift that could have lasting implications for both the party and Figueira’s political career.

Jermaine Figueira, an MP from one of the opposition's strongest support bases, has been a prominent figure within his region and nationally. Known for his wit’s boldness and dedication to tangible, on-the-ground work, Figueira has been consistently and actively involved in social upliftment and philanthropic work to aid his community development. Unlike many politicians who remain distant from their constituencies, MP Figueira has consistently engaged with his community, contributing to its growth and providing much-needed support and representation. His commitment has earned him not just political popularity but also a solid reputation as a dedicated and hard-working servant of the people.

However, his leadership approach focusing on a different kind of politics and representation for people beyond talk has drawn sharp criticism from some of his party comrades including

the leader, Mr Norton.

Aubrey Norton’s most recent action to remove MP Figueira from his position as regional chairman of the party in Region Ten, citing a lack of political engagement, has raised eyebrows.

Norton claims that Figueira’s efforts have been concentrated more on what he termed as "social work" rather than political mobilisation, which he argues is the primary responsibility of a party leader in a politically strategic region.

This move, however, seems more than just a managerial or strategic decision. It follows a pattern of actions aimed at weakening Figueira's influence within the party. From threatening to recall him from Parliament to stripping him of his shadow ministry portfolio and erasing his name from the party’s list during its last congress, Norton’s actions appear targeted at sidelining Figueira, one of his most respected and loved MPs.

The core of this conflict seems to lie in the differing political visions, positions and leadership styles of Norton and Figueira. While Figueira prioritizes community engagement, representing people and engaging in social philanthropy work that brings real tangible help and assistance to people, Norton seemingly demands a more aggressive, politically-driven approach from his regional leaders.

This divergence in priorities has fueled a series of confrontations, culminating in Figueira's removal from the chairmanship to the installation of an interim management committee of old comrades, bodies of Mr. Norton, some of whom reside overseas to oversee the region's affairs.

The implications of this ongoing and unnecessary conflict are significant, not just for Figueira but for the party as a whole. MP Figueira, is seen as a rising star with a bright political future, now finds his position under Norton’s leadership increasingly precarious. Norton’s apparent personal campaign against Figueira has cast doubt on the latter’s prospects within the party, leading some to question whether Figueira can continue to thrive under such antagonism.

Furthermore, the removal of Figueira from a key leadership role in a region where he has built strong grassroots support could backfire for Norton. By alienating a popular MP like Figueira, Norton risks creating further internal divisions that could weaken the party’s cohesion and its ability to effectively challenge the ruling government months away from an election.

Additionally, Norton’s decision to replace Figueira with an interim committee suggests a lack of trust in Figueira’s leadership, which could further erode confi-

dence in the party’s internal stability.

At the heart of this situation lies the broader question of what constitutes effective leadership within a political party. Is it the ability to mobilise political support, (which no one else has demonstrated better than Figueira,) to win elections, or is it the capacity to serve and uplift communities through tangible, social contributions? Figueira’s supporters would argue that his community work strengthens his political position by building trust and loyalty among voters. Mr Norton, however, seems to view political work as separate from, or even more critical than, social engagement, leading to this confrontation.

The conflict between Aubrey Norton and MP Jermaine Figueira reflects deeper issues within the opposition party regarding leadership styles and priorities. As Norton continues to consolidate power, Figueira’s political future appears increasingly uncertain. Whether Figueira can navigate these challenges and retain his influence remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that this internal struggle could have far-reaching consequences for the party's future and its ability to maintain strong, unified leadership.

Sincerely, Senior PNCR Member (name withheld)

Delegates of the 2024 Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant after their sashing ceremony on Sunday at the Amerindian Heritage Games 2024 at the Everest Cricket Ground. The pageant will be hosted on September 30 at the National Cultural Centre (Mansoor Cave photo)

PNC's Vinceroy Jordan continues to mislead public on agri matters in Reg 5

Dear Editor,

Please allow me to shed some light on a recent matter in Region Five that was made public by PNC member Vinceroy Jordan M.P. and to correct the many mistakes that he made knowingly or unknowingly to gain some form of attention from his supporters.

I have said many times and will say again that Viceroy Jordan is a square peg in a round hole by being the opposition shadow minister of agriculture. This man knows nothing about the agriculture sector and is playing blind-sighted as to the development within the sector that is presently taking place.

Vinceroy Jordan posted a video on his Facebook page where he interviewed one Abdul Rahim of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB). In that video, Mr. Rahim made several damaging allegations against MM/ ADA and its Directors.

During the interview Mr. Rahim claimed that he has a portion of land situated on the Right Bank of the Abary River and in the said video says that someone by the name of Sammy is now on the said land which he owns.

Jordan keeps pushing Rahim by questioning him by asking some very catchy questions to ensure that he gets his way to spread false in-

formation as he usually does and Mr. Rahim is caught up in Jordan's trap by saying he has said land. In possession means he is the owner or occupying said land.

Mr. Rahim keep talking and Jordan keeps recording the lies and false information being told to him, Mr. Rahim is also alleging that he is not getting access to lands situated on the Left Bank of the Abary River.

Mr. Jordan, did Mr. Rahim tell you (be truthful for once Pastor) that he went to court and lost the matter and was ordered to vacate the said land on the Left Bank of the Abary River, which he wants access to?

It is sad when people are fighting to be leaders and do not possess the skills or knowledge to seek clarity on the information they receive before making it public. I know that Jordan wants to make the news in every way just like his colleagues and going to do all that he can, even lying to the public so that he can be on the news and this is another matter of the misinformation being peddled by the PNC and it’s Region Five M.P.

Mr. Jordan, let it be clear as ice to you that Mr. Rahim does not legally own that said portion of land on the Right Bank of the Abary River in any form either by lease or transport. What he did was

A Petroleum Commission does not guarantee incorruptibility

Dear Editor, Reference is made to an article published in the local press on September 15th, 2024, edition, with the caption “for Guyana to prosper with its oil politicians must be replaced with a competent Petroleum Commission―TT specialist”. I don’t know where these “specialists” are from, but this latest specialist dug up, is Trinidadian Kuarlal Rampersad.

His reasoning is quite illogical because he thinks that experts are incorruptible. Politicians are not the only ones who are corrupt, experts are perhaps more corrupt than politicians. What is interesting though is that this so-called specialist has the audacity to lecture

Guyana on what is good for its prosperity, but the same thing he wants for Guyana, is absent in his own country. I confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has no such Petroleum Commission, a country that has been in the oil and gas business for more than a century. Is he suggesting, therefore, that the Trinidadian politicians are corrupt and therefore there is/was no prosperity in T&T?

I would argue that a Petroleum Commission is not necessary. Those same experts should be recruited within the ministry and other regulatory agencies.

The disadvantage with a Petroleum Commission of sorts is that it could move in the opposite direction that the coun-

try intends to go as a matter of its public policy. In our case, the policy is to ramp up production as fast as possible and to extract maximum resources as fast as possible, considering that there is a relatively short window to do so. We are in an era where we cannot afford to move at snail's pace in an industry that is increasingly evolving.

On the issue of corruption, this is why it is important to have a robust legal framework, parliamentary oversight, and strong institutions. As such, strengthening of the overarching governance and legislative framework for the sector is paramount. Are we doing this as a country? The answer is yes.

It is foolish to think that experts are not corrupt, and that

a Petroleum Commission will magically prevent corruption. There is no such guarantee. Furthermore, it is worthwhile to note that the existing institutions, such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the auditors have been doing a commendable job in terms of uncovering financial and other irregularities through the cost recovery audits. There are at least three cases in the sector that are the subject of arbitration, of which one landed in the local court (the inflated invoice by a Trinidadian firm). These examples are good indicators that the existing institutions are working effectively.

Yours sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

Rudra Nath encouraged teacher Doodnauth Singh to study law

Dear Editor,

Adding to what Ravi Dev penned as being a pioneer in education in Guyana and his activities in NY, (Sep 15), Mr. Rudra Nath had a very productive past and helped many including Doodnauth Singh. I knew and engaged Mr. Nath quite well as a fellow Port Mourant dweller. Everyone who knew or came across Mr. Nath, spoke positively of him. He was a kind of hero, a simple, down to earth man, in the Port Mourant surrounding.

I did not study at Nath’s. I passed Common Entrance in 1972 to study at Berbice High which later became Multilateral HS. But I knew Nath from interaction in Port Mourant as a youngster and activist. He was very close with Cheddi Jagan who regularly came to Ankerville, his and my native place. The two met regularly. Nath helped to organise rallies for Cheddi and planned strategies. And in New York, Nath, Bhanu Dwarika of Trinidad, Baytoram Ramharack, Ravi, myself and others launched the Indo Caribbean Federation. A few of us routinely engaged him on political history and community activism. Nath contributed significantly, mostly in Guyana, to the struggle against the dictatorship. It was Jagan who en-

couraged him to relocate from West Coast to Port Mourant, and there, he quietly contributed to the political struggle while founding high schools. The late Mr. Alim Shah, Rhyaan’s father, made available the land to found Nath’s school. Nath helped many among the poor to obtain a high school education they would not have obtained otherwise. He kept many students in school who could not afford to pay the tuition when the rule was to keep them out of classes if tuition was not paid. Clearly, Nath was a very caring, compassionate individual whose goal in life, it seemed, was to improve the lives of the poor and downtrodden, a Jaganite philosophy. Nath encouraged all to uplift themselves through education and to pursue higher academic achievement where practical. Those who passed GCE O’ Levels were encouraged to do A’ Levels.

He influenced the famous Doodnauth Singh to pursue law. While teaching at Guyana Oriental College, Nath happened upon Doodnauth Singh who had come from Skeldon to teach at that same school in Georgetown. Doodnauth taught Math. Nath observed Doodnauth in the classroom and held discussions on politics

and varied subjects after which he concluded that Doodnauth had lawyerly skills; Doodnauth made arguments based on facts, logic and deduction. In addition, Doodnauth was an outstanding speaker. Nath told Doodnauth he would make a great lawyer. He encouraged Doodnauth to study law. Nath and others pooled resources to help Doodnauth to pursue legal studies. Doodnauth agreed to abandon teaching as a profession and to study law. He later became one of Guyana’s finest and most successful lawyers and Attorney General. He was counsel to Jagan and the PPP for many years. He broke with Jagan over communism, Jagan’s unwillingness to strongly and publicly side with Indian culture, and Jagan’s reluctance to embrace a militant approach to confront the dictatorship.

Years later, in the 1980s in a visit to Guyana, Nath paid a courtesy visit to Counsel Doodnauth Singh. Doodnauth embraced him and broke down in tears. Doodnauth would not have been a lawyer without Nath’s goading and support. (As an aside, Doodnauth’s daughter, Gina, would become famous in UK over Brexit).

As headmaster, Nath ran into conflict with Board

of Governors of schools he co-founded because he was more interested in educating young minds while the board members were interested in making profits; education was a business for them to earn profit returns. Nath wanted to offer scholarships to six students annually who distinguished themselves at GCE to pursue higher learning in Chicago with the commitment to return to teach at the school. It didn’t quite work out because the Board was opposed to spending funds on scholarships. It demonstrated the gentleman’s advanced thinking.

At a time when jobs were most difficult to obtain for prospective educators, Nath provided employment as teachers to several individuals who faced discrimination in hiring practices at government schools and at Christian controlled schools because they were Hindus or Christians and refused to convert to gain employment. He hired several who did not exactly excel at GCE but had talent to be good educators. Nath’s school did produce outstanding students who went on to productive careers in Guyana and in the diaspora.

Sincerely,

Vishnu Bisram

illegally and unlawfully fence a portion of that land which is a State Land Reserve without any approval or proper documentation from the authority.

So the matter is clear, Mr. Jordan that the man does not own the land and was asked to vacate the state reserve. But because you want to make political mileage you went and did an interview with the man without getting the facts on the matter and I won’t blame you because that’s how the entire PNC operates by lies and deception.

I spoke to the person who is on the land presently and he told me that on numerous occasions Mr. Rahim tried to destroy his farm and he made reports to the police and they had to intervene on several occasions.

Jordan let it be known that Rahim did not own that portion of land and he was ordered by a court of law to vacate the land. Do you understand what a court of law order means when they say to vacate?

Mr. Rahim went on to make some damaging allegations about the management and members of the MMA/ADA board, whereby he claimed that one of the directors sold the land to the person presently occupying the said portion of the land.

Mr. Jordan, I thought you were a wise guy but you proved otherwise because you as a pastor and a politician should have known that when someone cannot get their way of what they want, they cast blame on any and everyone who they could to gain attention.

I want to ask you, Mr. Jordan to visit MMA and ask for all the names of the people that have leases and visit

those lands and see who are the ones subletting the lease lands when subletting is illegal. Voice your concern on this and call for MMA to take back those lands from people who are subletting their lease lands.

Mr. Rahaim's claims are far from the truth and he is putting himself in further trouble because he identified one of the directors by calling his name on that video and I believe that the director should take Mr. Rahim to court for his allegations.

I am calling and challenging you Mr. Jordan on this matter to bring the facts and let’s meet on this matter as you are once again spreading lies about the agriculture sector in Region Five. Let’s meet at any open space with the facts and if you cannot produce the truth about the matter and the facts then you need to shut up and stop spreading lies. Agriculture in Region Five is better off and tremendous growth is happening in this sector than what was happening under the previous government (you were a water boy then). Every sector of agriculture in this region is moving up and people are seeing the many developments taking place.

Many farmers are benefitting from the sector technically from its sub-agencies staff and even directly from the ministry’s input.

Mr. Jordan, I do not expect better from you because it’s known all over Guyana and afar that the agriculture sector developments alone are breaking the backs of the PNC.

Respectfully, Abel Seetaram

Prime and Composite Numbers Page Foundation

By Ovid

Toggle annotations

5 is a prime number. We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 5. 5 can only be divided by 5 or 1 without leaving a remainder.

6 is a composite number 6 can be made by 2×3 so it is not a prime number, it is a composite number 6 can be divided exactly by 2, or by 3:

7 is a prime number. We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 7. 7 cannot be divided up exactly:

When a number can be divided up exactly it is a composite number When a number cannot be divided up exactly it is a prime number So 6 is composite, but 7 is prime

Exercises:

Some are transformed just once And live their whole lives after in that shape. Others have a facility For changing themselves as they please.

Proteus, who haunts the shadowy seas That scarf this earth, is glimpsed as a young man Who becomes of a sudden a lion That becomes a wild boar ripping the ground,

Yet flows forward, hidden, through grass, without sound

As a serpent, that emerges As a towering bull under down-bent horns, Or hides, among stones, a simple stone.

1).

Or stands as a tree alone. Or liquefies, and collapses, shapeless, Into water, a pouring river. Sometimes He is the river’s opposite––fire.

Another with a similar power Was Erysichthon’s daughter, The wife of Autolycus. Her father Gave to the gods nothing but mockery.

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Multi-year agreement

Teachers to receive 10 months' retroactive payments next month – GTU

One month after the signing of the 20242026 multi-year agreement for salaries and other benefits, teachers are expected to receive their retroactive payment from January to October 2024 next month.

The announcement was made by Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President, Dr. Mark Lyte on Monday, who explained that the provision would cover some ten months of backdated payments.

Additionally, the 10 per cent salary increase agreed upon by GTU through the signing of the multi-year agreement will be added to teachers’ payroll with effect from November 1.

In an interview with this publication following the announcement, Lyte reiterated the union’s satisfaction with the package offered by government through the Education Ministry, noting that it is the first time since the establishment of the union that the body was able to secure a two-digit increase along with substantial benefits.

“… in the 2018 agreement, we were able to get double digits for the first year, that's I think 2016. For the first time, we are actually signing an agreement which would have taken effect currently with a double digit salary increase percentage. All the other agreements prior to 2018 were just 5 per cent stated per year. So, there's a lot that under my presidency that teachers can actually indicate that there have been increases not only in scholarships, we've had additional allowances being added to the list. We've had increas-

es in station and hardline allowances with the RAI under my leadership,” the GTU president said.

Aside from the agreed salary increase, the multi-year agreement also included several non-salary benefits for teachers.

Teachers, who hold doctoral degrees will receive $32,000 monthly, while those who have a master’s degree will receive $22,000 monthly, and holders of a Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Education will now receive $7000 and $5000, respectively.

Further, scholarships have increased by 100 per cent annually, and as a result, 70 educators will have access to free scholarships for Diplomas in Education

while 30 will secure Masters in Education through the University of Guyana (UG).

Moreover, as it relates to promotions for teachers, Dr. Lyte disclosed that GTU will be engaging the Education Ministry this week to outline the new criteria under which teachers will be able to see an additional increase in their salaries.

“We will be engaging the Ministry sometime in this week, hopefully before Friday, to look at the criteria that we would want to use for promotion, and hopefully in the new term, somewhere in the month of January, we will see teachers who apply and without a position through the promotional process, will be moving to a new school or changing status at

the same school. So that is likely to happen in the short term. All of these things will help to ensure that our teachers gain additional finance because with promotion, we're not only talking about responsibilities, but we also see promotion bring in additional salaries. So, we're pushing for that to happen,” he added.

On August 21, after months of negotiations, the Education Ministry and the GTU reached an agreement regarding salary increases and other benefits for educators over the next three years.

Following the signing of the multi-year agreement, GTU’s General Secretary Coretta McDonald publicly criticised GTU President Mark Lyte and the union’s second Vice President Julian Cambridge, accusing them and other union officers of being in consort with the government and misleading the union’s General Council into believing the deal is more favorable than it is.

She told the media at

the time that Lyte’s decision to sign the deal despite requests for more time was disrespectful and dismissive of the council’s role– something which the GTU President has since rubbished.

“Absolute rubbish! Absolute rubbish! How would you be in consort with the government, take them to the court, fight them tooth and nail all these months and be in consort with government? That’s absolute nonsense!” Lyte told local news agency, Demerara Waves Online.

Subsequently, during his weekly press conference, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo rebuked blatant attempts by the PNC-led Opposition to sabotage the deal inked between the two parties.

In fact, he reiterated his earlier position that GTU’s General Secretary Coretta McDonald was politically motivated to thwarting the negotiations.

“APNU confirmed that they didn’t want an agreement forward. They wanted the industrial unrest and

the bad blood to continue because they felt it would serve politically. They don’t care about teachers… So, they confirmed that Coretta McDonald is the conduit to sabotage the agreement,” Jagdeo posited.

Under the new agreement, teachers will see their salaries rise by 27 per cent by 2026, given that the educators receive a 10 per cent increase for this year, 8 per cent for 2025 and 9 per cent for 2026.

Notably, there is also an adjustable clause in the agreement, which stipulates that if a higher percentage increase is announced for the general public service, teachers will also benefit from the difference.

Earlier this year, teachers across the country had gone on strike for more than 70 days, demanding salary increases and benefits for teachers.

The strike ended on June 21, with the GTU and the Education Ministry agreeing to facilitate talks on the multiyear agreement. (G1)

Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Shannielle HooseinOutar and President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Dr Mark Lyte holding the agreement

Carpenter arrested as Police find 5.7kg ganja in boat

Acarpenter was on Sunday taken into custody after police discovered a quantity of cannabis (ganja) in a boat in the Berbice River on Sunday.

The 23-year-old carpenter of Patrick Dam Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam was the loan occupant in the boat at the time of its interception.

There were two bags containing four bulky parcels wrapped with transparent plastic, and they were weighed in front of the suspect to the amount of 5772 grams

Bee infestation in Region 6 worrying – Armogan

The infestation of Africanized bees is a worrying concern in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The regional administration is seeking to put in place preventable measures.

The Africanized bee, colloquially known as the "killer bee", is a hybrid of the western honey bee. They surround victims in their multitudes - hundreds, maybe thousands of them, swooping and sting -

Where’s…

…the law school?

What’s the difference, Dear Reader, between a good lawyer and a bad lawyer? A bad lawyer might let a case drag on for several years. A good lawyer, on the other hand, knows how to make it last even longer!! Now you might’ve heard that “lawyer joke” before, but today it’s resonating about the very womb of the profession. After more than two decades of trying, Guyana still doesn’t have a law school to produce these muchreviled “professionals”! And Lord knows they’ve tried.

During the last administration Basil Williams – SC, AG, Minister of Legal Affairs but not so incidentally the losingest AG in the history of Guyana – had assured us he’d secured the long-sought-after law school. There were hurrahs – if not hosannahs! – all across the land!! He’d secured 15 acres of land courtesy of his government and even announced the name – JOF Haynes School of Law – after one of our most illustrious members of the bar!! But he got some flyby-night private education operators out of Jamaica to own the school and the Council for Legal Education (CLE) that licenses law schools to issue the Legal Education Certificate (LEC) – balked.

ing and injecting venom into the human flesh.

They might go for the eyes, mouth, nostrils and ears.

Experts say unlike the European honey bee, this sub-species is especially sensitive to the presence of humans.

In Region Six every year persons have been dying as a result of bee stings.

Efforts continue to be made to remove them from places considered as being close proximity to residential areas but Regional Chairman David Armogan says the situation is still worrying but the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been providing assistance.

“We still have a lot of bees in some of the bushy areas in our region and so anytime people have problems with bees around their area they can call GLDA and they will attend to these hives... These things are very dangerous. Quite a number of persons have died as a result of bee stings. We don’t want that to happen so we are trying to make sure that it can be prevented,” Armogan said.

Over the past month the GLDA removed fifty hives containing Africanised bees in the Region. (G4)

They’d never given permission (their charters forbid private law schools), but Williams insisted THEY were mistaken. Never mind he couldn’t show any documentation to prove that such approval was ever granted!! Basil brings to mind that old saw: “How does an attorney sleep? Well, first he lies on one side, then he lies on the other”!! Snorted Basil truculently when the head of CLE told him the school wouldn’t be licensed: “Nobody can’t stop us from building a law school. It’s just that we are community minded, we are founding members of Caricom and we feel that we have a right”!! Well…Basil WAS the losingest AG ever, but he’d also threatened a sitting Judge when appearing before him!!

Anyhow, up to now –

as far as qualifying our aspiring lawyers – Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad automatically accepts the top 25 graduates of our UG LLB programme annually - all others have to take the Hugh Wooding Open Exam and wing it on their own. It ain’t cheap – costing at least $3 million per semester. The Government offers a few scholarships based on need, performance – and connections!! The PPP Govt promised to build the promised law school, but last your Eyewitness heard was a feasibility study – to convince the CLC – was being compiled.

Now your Eyewitness can’t imagine how we can’t justify more lawyers in the fastest growing Caricom economy!! Your Eyewitness is reminded of the terrorist who hijacked a 747 full of lawyers. He threatened to release one every hour if his demands weren't met!!

…the democratic example??

Can you believe there was another attempt to assassinate Trump?? Well, you better believe it, because the culprit was nabbed. They’ve described him as being a developer from Hawaii – but he only moved there a few years ago from North Carolina. There, he was labelled as an avid gun aficionado who owned an armoury of weapons and was a bit of a “weirdo”. Ironically, he fit your typical Trump supporter’s profile!!

Now, what this reminds us is: as a country becomes increasingly divided politically and leaders spout more extreme rhetoric, more followers are gonna accept the rhetoric at face value and take matters into their own hands. This is also the situation in Guyana where elements from the opposition are pushing the envelope to describe the PPP as an “apartheid government” that’s committing “genocide” on their supporters.

In the States, there are some who fear that a civil war is imminent. We’ve already experienced “freedom fighters” wreaking mayhem in our society. Déjà vu?

…the chicken curry?

One of Trump’s loonier advisers, Laura Loomer complained if Kamala Harris wins the election, “the White House will smell like curry”!! Trump’s VP candidate Vance – married to an Indian – says he doesn’t like the comments and "I make a mean chicken curry.” Curry chicken!!

the police said.

The man is expected to

be charged with trafficking in narcotics. (G4)

The ganja that was found in the boat

150 teachers to get duty-free concessions under multi-year agreement

Some 150 teachers drawn from across the ten administrative regions will soon be able to access duty-free concessions, according to the President of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU), Dr Mark Lyte.

The concessions are being granted by a 20242026 multi-year agreement signed between the Education Ministry and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) on August 21.

The provision covers vehicles with capacities of up to 1800cc, outboard engines of up to 75hp for persons in the riverine areas, and AllTerrain Vehicles (ATVs) for eligible persons in the hinterland.

As a result, some 150 teachers will be able to import vehicles that meet the criteria without having to pay duty, thereby lowering the overall cost of the vehicle significantly.

According to Lyte, the provision which is a part of the non-salary benefits for teachers, will motivate them to strive in their profession.

“We’ve had increase in number of duty-free concessions. And of course, the big one has always been the percentage that teachers will gain… The agreement has 150, we used to be getting 100, so it's now 150 per year. So, 50 additional teachers will be eligible for duty-free,” the GTU president said briefly.

In 2019, 300 educators from across the country were selected to benefit from duty-free concessions as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed between the Education Ministry and the GTU.

The concessions were covered under the Memorandum of Understanding for 2018 to 2020 and saw 100 teachers benefitting from the provision per annum.

This new agreement inked under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government will see an additional 150 teachers benefitting from concessions over three years and 450 teachers overall.

This will take effect from January 2025, given that the deadline for submission for duty-free concession for 2024 concluded on February 29.

During a virtual broadcast, following the signing of the multi-year agreement between the Education Ministry and GTU, President Dr Irfaan Ali had reemphasised his government’s commitment to ensure the nation’s education sector is modernised and transformed, reaching a status that is second to none.

“Over the next three years, teachers would see a direct increase of 27 per cent to their salaries. But that is not the totality of the increase. I want to go through some aspects of the holistic agreement. In 2024, they will receive a 10 per cent increase. In 2025, they will see an eight per cent increase and in 2026, they will see a nine per cent increase,” President Ali had stated.

He highlighted that the agreement has an adjustable clause. President Ali

explained that if at any time the government announces a higher increase for public servants, then teachers will get the difference between the increase they initially agreed to and the higher increase given.

The new agreement also sees an increase in the number of concessions that will be granted to teachers by 50 per cent, in addition to the policy that all teachers who hold a substantive appointment as a senior master, mistress or above within three years of retirement and have not received a previous duty-free concession are entitled.

Criteria To access concessions, applicants must submit copies of their birth certificate, first and present appointment letters, TIN certificate, and national identification card.

There are different criteria for which teachers can benefit from duty-free concessions.

Criterion A includes all Heads or Principals and Deputy Heads or Deputy Principals of Grades ‘A’ and ‘B’ institutions. They get this concession immediately on appointment, or with three (3) years remaining before retirement.

Criterion B covers Head

Teachers or Administrators of Grades ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ institutions. They get this concession after three years in their appointment, or with three (3) years remaining before retirement.

Criterion C is applicable to all Senior Masters or Mistresses; Heads of Departments of all schools; and Lecturer II of CPCE, Technical, or Craft Institutions. They get this concession after serving six years in the same position after their appointment. These persons must have at least three years of service remaining before retirement.

Bandits rob Corentyne family

Five armed bandits escaped after robbing a Rose Hall Town, Corentyne family of jewellery and cellular phones on Saturday evening.

Police have since said that four of the men were armed with knives and one with a gun.

One of the victims, Arthur Fraser told investigators that about 20:40h he heard the dogs barking and called a 64-year-old farmer, who lives at the same address.

As they got into the yard and were looking around,

they saw five men entering the house.

Anita Fraser revealed that the bandits escaped with a quantity of jewellery belonging to her.

They also took three cellular phones from the house and made good their escape on foot. Investigations are continuing.

Jean Njeri Kamau of Kenya new UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana

United Nations (UN)

Secretary-General

António Guterres has appointed Jean Njeri Kamau of Kenya as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana, with the host Government’s approval, starting on September 15.

Kamau, a release on the UN website states, brings more than 20 years of experience in human rights, development, political governance, and institutional development. She recently served as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union. Previously, she served as a diplomat in the Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Eswatini and Kingdom of

Lesotho and Washington DC. Before joining the diplomatic service, she worked in multiple roles in the public sector and civil society, including as Country Director for Action Aid International in Kenya and Lesotho and as the first Executive Director for the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kenya.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Nairobi and a master’s degree in Democratic Studies from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

She replaces Yeşim Oruç of Turkey who was appointed in 2021.

During a farewell ceremony for Oruç, Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips had commended the ef-

forts of the outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator, for solidifying the robust relationship with the UN agencies

and initiatives which have been instrumental in ensuring Guyana achieves its developmental objectives.

Oruç has been a responsive and reliable partner to the government and an ardent supporter of Guyana’s development, Prime Minister emphasised.

He had added that Guyana has significantly benefitted from Oruç’s expertise and wisdom.

Prime Minister Phillips was quoted in a DPI report underlining, “I wish to express our sincere gratitude to you for all the work you did in Guyana during your tenure…These efforts have

borne fruit and ensure that progress across the country is not uneven and is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

He had further elaborated that the UN is an essential pillar of the multifaceted system, which for small states like Guyana, is a dispensable bulwark of security, independence and a platform for such states to play a fundamental role in global governance.

Meanwhile, Oruç had expressed gratitude to the government for honouring the UN and by extension her work.

New United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Jean Njeri Kamau of Kenya

International Business Conference

Pres Ali urges investors to act now

With exactly one month left until the commencement of Guyana’s first International Business Conference (IBC) 2024, President Dr Irfaan Ali has indicated that himself and several Ministers of Government will be independently engaging investors participating in the conference, as the administration aims to secure foreign investment for all local businesses who will be present.

Organisers of the first ever International Business Conference, which gets underway from October 15 to 17, 2024 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, are anticipating the attendance of over 100 speakers and more than 500 delegates at the event.

According to the Head of State, the engagements will be conducted in both formal and informal settings,

with the primary goal being to educate the investors on how government is building out the economy and increasing capital and opportunities for Guyanese, among others.

He explained that Guyanese are already capitalising on the country’s growth and local expertise coupled with increased investment will contribute significantly to ensuring Guyana sustains its economic growth in years to come.

“The local Private Sector they have the know-how, they understand the market and understand the culture, but the foreign countries have the technology and a bit more capital and when we match that we get a perfect outcome. So that is why I think this conference is key because it brings that local fire-power and match it with that foreign fire-power

and gives us an opportunity to build partnerships because that’s what we want,” the Guyanese Leader said during a recent interview.

“If you don’t invest now, I tell people in two to three years it will be expensive for you to do,” he added.

The IBC, which was organised by the GuyanaSuriname Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), offers a platform for locals to pool their resources, strengthen collective capabilities, and elevate the Caribbean’s standing in the global market.

With high-level discussions, targeted networking opportunities, and avenues for foreign investment, the

IBC is set to play a crucial role in advancing regional development and fostering new business partnerships in real estate, infrastructure, mining, industrial ser-

China-Caribbean Forum

vices and tourism.

Ahead of the event,

President Ali is urging businesses across the Caribbean and the international community to seize the im-

mense opportunities that will be available.

“Many people look at the connectivity of business and the networking and the creation of larger scale companies when they combine their efforts, technology and people capital. But I see something that people sometime don’t look at. If you have more investors from the Caribbean in Guyana or more investors from the Middle East and US then it pushes their economy. And when they are pushed then the bureaucratic delays and the artificial blockade that is there is better served and easier to remove,” Ali said.

According to Ali, government policies would also be examined during the summit, with the aim of finding solutions to overcome challenges such as trade barriers, which would help to enhance regional and international trade.

Guyana signs MoUs with China to boost green, low-carbon investments

…agreements to help improve trade with Guyana and China

Guyana, represented last week by Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd at the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the ChinaCaribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with China to promote green and low-carbon investments.

The MOUs were signed between Todd and Vice Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and China International Trade Representative, Wang Shouwen, on the sidelines of the ministerial conference which was held in Hainan, China.

It came after the two Ministers engaged in a bilateral discussion, on matters relating to the advancement of trade and investment between Guyana and China. According to a statement from the Ministry, the MOUs pertain to both bilateral trade and low carbon investments.

"The fruitful discussions between the two sides concluded with the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding which include the Memorandum of Understanding on Deepening Bilateral Cooperation and Trade Facilitation and the Memorandum of Understanding on

Promoting Investment Cooperation in Green and Low Carbon Development between the Governments of Guyana and China."

"The two memoranda will provide the necessary impetus for the improvement of trade and investment relations between Guyana and China," the statement further said.

The bilateral relationship between Guyana and China, particularly in regard to the volume of trade, has been on an upward trend. As of 2023, bilateral trade has increased to well over US$1 billion. Chinese contributions have also been felt in Chinese business investing in Guyana, with such investments going from less than US$100 million to over US$8 billion.

Guyana and China celebrated 50 years of bilateral relations last year. Also in 2023, President Ali met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

During the Ministerial Conference of the ChinaCaribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, Minister Todd had stressed the need for the Caribbean region and China to close the existing gap in trade. Todd had further highlighted the Government of Guyana's main priorities and interest in further collaborating with China in

the areas of food security, energy security and climate security.

Other Caribbean countries attending the Forum include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti as an observer.

When it comes to low carbon development, Guyana has for some time gained

global recognition on the Net Zero by 2050 Agenda, through its robust plans for energy security and renewable generation, while continuously recording increased economic prosperity.

The United Nations Global Roadmap sets out the target that the world must achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed

from the atmosphere.

More than 80 per cent of Guyana's 18 million hectares of forests are estimated to store approximately 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Additionally, Guyana has been implementing a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as a national development strategy.

Guyana has been able to develop forest-based carbon credits for sale interna-

tionally, which is certified by Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) and are among the most robust in the world.

In addition, Guyana has been advocating for greater global recognition for the role played by highly forested countries in the journey to net zero, through the regularisation of markets for the sale of credits.

Following the announcement of the certification of some of Guyana's credits by ART, Hess Corporation has committed to purchasing 12.5 million credits for the years 2016-2030, in a deal valued at least US$750 million. With payments already kicked off more than a year ago for 2021-2025 credits, Guyana is dedicating the funds to low-carbon projects and climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

In fact, Guyana received its first tranche of carbon credit monies, totaling US$75 million in 2023, of which US$22 million was directly invested in Amerindian villages that developed over 800 projects. These projects are being implemented in 242 indigenous villages.

Moreover, Guyana has already earned US$37.5 million for the sale of high-quality carbon credits for 2024, from the multiyear agreement with United States energy-major Hess Corporation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd (left) and Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce and China International Trade Representative, Wang Shouwen following the signing

President Dr Irfaan Ali

SEPTEMBER 17,

Exxon Guyana’s new projects to add US$19B to cost bank – VP

…US$7B currently in cost bank to be recovered by Exxon

The new projects being embarked on by oil giant ExxonMobil in Guyana’s waters are expected to add US$19 billion to the overall cost bank, with US$7 billion still to be recovered from past expenditure. This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

In his most recent press conference, Jagdeo spoke about ExxonMobil’s recovery of its cost oil, which is capped at 75 per cent of gross revenue under the provisions of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement.

Up to last year, ExxonMobil Guyana had recovered US$20 billion in its investments from the Stabroek Block, leaving approximately US$10 billion to be recovered. During his press conference last week, Jagdeo revealed that as of right now US$7 billion remained to be recovered.

“I asked the technical staff, how much has been recovered. And what is remaining. And that’s the figure they gave me, that $7 billion remains in the cost bank at this time,” the Vice President explained.

But with three projects already approved (Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail), in addition to one (Hammerhead)

which is pending approval, Guyana can expect to have US billions of dollars more added to the cost bank. As a matter of fact, Jagdeo revealed that they have an estimate for the projects that have already been approved.

“So then what about the approved projects, It's $19 billion to be added. So, this is to complete all of the approved projects. So, the Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail. And a small balance on the Gas-to-Energy. If you add these three to the cost bank, you have to add another $19 billion there. So that will be the total in the cost bank for all the approved projects,” he said.

Jagdeo also acknowledged the argument that reducing the share the oil company is allowed to recover would have, in the short term, led to more revenue for Guyana. But in the long term, Guyana would have lost out, as there would have had to be less projects approved to make this argument work.

“You’re absolutely right that had there been a smaller share dedicated to amortization of the overall revenue and two, if you had less projects in the cost bank, you’d probably be getting

a little more revenue now,” Jagdeo explained.

“But in the future, you would not be getting as much revenue, or you may not even be able to produce much more oil… if you don’t approve additional projects. So, that’s it. It’s a commonsensical thing. Everything stems from the 2016 agreement.”

Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator of the Stabroek Block and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

The Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara projects, which are producing overall more than 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s offshore Stabroek Block.

ExxonMobil has been present in Guyana since 1999 and initiated exploration activities in 2008.

According to the provisions of the 2016 PSA signed under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, 75 per cent of gross revenue goes to cost oil while Guyana gets a total of 14.5 per cent from the remaining revenue and royalty and Exxon gets 10.5 per cent.

Under the new conditions of the model PSA that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has implemented, the cost recovery ceiling has been lowered from 75 per cent to 65 per cent.

This is in addition to including terms for all future PSAs to feature the retention of the 50-50 profit-shar-

ing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to a fixed rate of 10 per cent and the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax. Additionally, Guyana stands to benefit from as high as US$20 million signature bonuses for the deep-water blocks and US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks based on the model PSA.

The model PSA is being applied to future oil contracts, which will likely be signed once the Government reaches agreements with the companies that were successful at Guyana’s inaugural oil block auction last year. During the auction, 14 bids in total were received from six companies, for eight of the 14 offshore oil blocks. Exxon was one of the oil companies that submitted bids for the blocks. (G3)

Ganja farm found, destroyed along Berbice River

Police in Berbice on Sunday destroyed seven 1-acre ganja fields at Bartica along the Berbice River, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

An estimated 50,000 plants ranging between three inches and six feet in height were being cultivated.

The plants, three camps and a quantity of farming

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The cannabis farm that was found and destroyed

Caricom reiterates call for collective action, innovation to retain healthcare workers

Ahead of the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) scheduled to be held in Washington DC, United States of America (USA) from September 27 to 28. CARICOM has issued a call for a unified approach by health sector development stakeholders to retain Caribbean healthcare workers.

The need for collective action and innovation was highlighted by Officer in Charge, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Dominica and Chair of the Meeting of Officials for COHSOD, Dr Andy St Hilaire during a recent engagement.

Present was national health officials and representatives from regional institutions and bodies, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Human Resources for Health Caribbean (HRH) Commission, Global Fund, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

During his address, Dr. Hilaire highlighted that the surge in migration among healthcare workers threatens the quality of care and jeopardises health outcomes for the People of the Caribbean Community.

His comments on the matter were related via a statement from the Caricom

“Coexisting with all the challenges we experience in the health sector is the chronic shortage of healthcare workers within the Caribbean, especially physicians, nurses and midwives. The migration of healthcare workers significantly impacts our health systems' ability to provide quality and timely healthcare services. Therefore, policies to train and retain healthcare workers in the Region must be creative, robust and more responsive to the needs of our healthcare personnel,” stated Dr. Hilaire.

On this point, he encouraged robust discussions on the way forward and strongly advocated for the crucial role of collective action in tackling the issue.

“This meeting presents an excellent opportunity for us to provide our collective insight to address the challeng-

es we face in assuring health for all people in the Region, and we should chart a course towards more integrated and effective approaches to achieving resilient and responsive health systems.” He highlighted that the diversity of expertise and perspectives from stakeholders at the meeting will help to achieve the necessary creativity and innovation to reach meaningful solutions,” he added.

The migration of healthcare workers policy brief will form a pivotal part of the discussions for CARICOM Ministers of Health attending the 47th Meeting of the COHSOD scheduled for 2728 September 2024.

Other topics for discussion include the strengthening of the region’s healthcare systems to guard against and manage outbreaks of life-threatening diseases such as monkeypox, malaria and dengue, among others.

Family cremates wrong body in funeral parlour mix-up

…settles for US$3000 in compensation

Amix up over a corpse cremated on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday was settled on Monday after the families agreed to collect the ash of the body of their relative.

The mix up took place at a funeral home of the Corentyne between the body of a 62-year-old man and the body of a 75-year-old man.

Sixty-two-year-old Lalgobin Persaud Ramdass was discovered dead in his home at Number 62 Village Corentyne.

He lived alone after returning to Guyana following the death of his wife.

On Sunday, family members went to the funeral home to uplift his body and were given the body of 75-year-old Rohan Kuma. He was cremated at the Number 66 Crematorium. However, on Monday when relatives went to the funeral home to collect the body of Kuma, they were given the body of Ramdass and it was then the mix-up was uncovered.

Kuma’s family members were furious but the two families were able to come to a compromise and have the matter settled.

One family member told this publication that the settlement included not providing information to the media.

Nevertheless, this publication understands that on Sunday some persons did express concern when they were given the body of Kuma indicating that it did not look like Ramdass who they were

there to collect.

However, they were assured that it was indeed the body of Ramdass. Reports are that only about 25 persons attended the cremation and most of them were from overseas.

The matter was eventually settled and Ramdass’ relatives went to the Number 66 Crematorium for a second day where they cremated the correct body. The settlement involved the payment of US$3000. (G4)

“We feel

safer” – Ganesh Singh

…as Guyana Society for the Blind gets security guard

Increased security measures have been put in place for the Guyana Society for the Blind located on High Street Georgetown, thanks to the increased security measures now in place.

This is after several traumatic experiences persons endured from criminals attempting to break in the compound.

The security improvements include added walls, grills and most importantly, security personnel.

Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) Ganesh Singh revealed this during a recent interview with Guyana Times

“GGMC [Guyana Geology and Mines Commission] has put up gates all around, and that has significantly decreased the number of robberies we were accustomed to,” he stated.

He also mentioned that persons are finally at peace. However, this implementation is only part of other things that must be done for the total security of persons living with disabilities

“We feel safer, peace has been brought back to the institution; however, several steps can still be taken to keep incidents at an all-time low. We feel more secure, but there is

still more work to be done.”

Before the implementation of this security for the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB), the compound experienced a series of attempted robberies, invasions, and other criminal activities.

The GSB is a place where visually impaired persons receive essential learning skills and services.

Despite the numerous benefits the institution offers, its residents have not been immune to robberies.

This has caused growing trauma for the residents, who, due to their visual impairments, fear going outside, believing that people will take advantage of them once they

realise their disability.

One resident, Odessa Blair, was a victim of a robbery at the GSB headquarters in June and July. She stated that the situation had become intense, with criminals entering through the windows and taking valuables.

There have also been rumors that the GSB was being targeted because the occupants could not identify the robbers, thus, blind persons have been left to count their losses.

Earlier this year pleas were sent out to relevant authorities to address the matter and provide much-needed security support to the society for these vulnerable individuals. (G2)

Secretariat.

Chair of the Meeting of Officials for COHSOD, Dr Andy St Hilaire during a recent engagement

Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), Ganesh Singh

LM&TC mulls plans to get ATM in Wismar Market

In a bid to redirect business, commerce, industry, and trade back to residents of Wismar in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) is mulling plans to establish an ATM machine at the market.

The initiative aims to increase the traffic and business flow within the vicinity of the Wismar market square instead of having persons travel to McKenzie shore to access banking services through providers Citizens Bank and Republic Bank Limited.

Guyana Times was told that the ATM machine would be the first in the area, even though there are an estimate of four ATM machines in Linden.

In an interview with this publication, Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon disclosed that this isolation of ATMs is a major hurdle for residents living on the Wismar shore and makes banking

operations difficult for residents, particularly those who live in faraway communities such as Wisroc among others.

“It goes beyond the vendors; it goes to the entire banking in Wismar because in the absence of that piece of infrastructure to do banking and banking services Wismar is excluded from that,” Solomon said.

“Now that fact that the market square was chosen is because of the economic activities that takes place in the area, but it is also to allow for a total ecosystem

to be created around the area so that when people are doing banking business, they’re going to have other business. And this is part of our efforts to bring some light and excitement around the market,” he added.

Plans commence Meanwhile, also speaking with this publication was Town Clerk at the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) Lennox Gasper, who disclosed that engagements have already commence with Citizen’s bank to establish the ATM.

council.

“We did reach out to Republic [Bank] and they’re not really interested in establishing any other ATM machines [there], of course you know they have a branch on Mackenzie but no ATM on Wismar for them security is the issue, but Citizens is willing to establish one on the Wismar side at the Wismar market,” he stated.

However, the town clerk noted that the construction of the ATM at the market has been delayed due to a lack of communication between bank officials and the

“The Citizens Bank manager, he would have committed to me that he would have a draft of the contract done but he never got back to me,” the town clerk said.

Moreover, Gasper explained that for the initiative to be successful additional systems must be put in place by the council to ensure that the market vendors fully benefit from the project.

“What they’re actually attempting to do is to redirect traffic of persons to

the market, but the Wismar market requires much more than an ATM machine. The Wismar market requires the council activating its system and principal of regulation and having all the vendors along the road side to be relocated into the market people will go where the market is” He explained.

The clerk called for the enhancement of stalls at the market, this was done in an effort to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for citizens as well as tourist.

SAIPEM launches community development initiatives in Guyana

Women and single mothers from across Guyana are set to benefit significantly from various initiatives as announced at the launch of its 2024 Local Community Initiatives (LCIs) Plan in Guyana, in an effort to highlight its commitment to strengthening relationships with local residents and community’ stakeholders.

This year Saipem will be collaborating with the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Women Across Differences to roll out two initiatives which are geared towards empowering Guyanese women. According to a press release by Saipem this year’s community development programme will focus on two initiatives.

The organisation will equipping five single unemployed women aged 18 to 30 with computer literacy training. Selected through a collaboration with Women Across Differences, these young women will re-

ceive full scholarship to attend the Global Technology Institute, gaining essential skills to enhance their career prospects and overall life quality.

Single mothers

Additionally, recognising the unique challenges faced by single mothers, Saipem will support eight Guyanese single mothers to return to school. These mothers will have the opportunity to enroll in courses at esteemed institutions including the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana Industrial Technical Center, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education, and Carnegie School of Economics. This initiative aims to empower them with the skills needed to support their families and advance their personal development.

The Computer Literacy Program will span eight weeks, while the educational courses for single mothers will last seven weeks with possibility for

advanced and prolonged attendance. Both initiatives kick off in September 2024. Similarly to what was done in 2023, this year Saipem will additionally focus on an internship program, providing valuable work experience to six students coming from technical vocational schools. Like GTI and GITC and to three final-year engineering students from the University of Guyana. Saipem's 2024 initiatives represent a significant evolution of the company's community engagement efforts, dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of Guyanese society. Saipem in the release said that it's commitment to ongoing community development and support reflects its belief in the power of education and opportunity to drive positive change. Saipem is a global leader in the engineering and construction of major projects for the energy and infrastructure sectors, both offshore and onshore.

The Linden Wismar Market

Human Services Ministry trains 19 disabled persons in Learning Lab

Sone 19 persons living with a disability were recently trained in a Learning Lab by the Human Services Ministry

This training was an Intermediate Garment Construction Skill training Course for Persons Living with Disabilities in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), at the Bartica Town Council Boardroom. It began on September 8 and will conclude on September 18.

This information was shared by the Human Services Ministry in a recent social media post.

According to the ministry, this training stems from the ministry’s goal to grow their learning lab.

During the eight days of training approximately 19 persons engaged in various modules such as measuring and cutting cloth, sewing pleated school uniforms, collared shirts, ties, dress pants, etc. are topics discussed and learned in class thus far.

According to the ministry, it has thus far been making several attempts to increase opportunities for persons living with a disability. In June of this year, persons with disabilities gained access to necessary funding to kickstart small businesses through a collaboration between the Human

Services and Social Security Ministry and the Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Ministry. This initiative aimed to support individuals with disabilities by steering them toward establishing their micro-businesses rather than focusing solely on employment.

The ministry also stated

that it has been implementing systems to provide financial support for persons with disabilities to start their ventures.

A portal was also developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, allowing individuals with disabilities to access a revolving fund.

This fund offered financing with no interest and extended repayment terms, making it easier for participants to launch and sustain their businesses.

This new initiative is part of a greater idea to provide support for disabled persons. It is also among the few of its

kind globally, providing critical financial assistance to empower persons with disabilities to become entrepreneurs. Several individuals have already begun to benefit from the programme, marking an important step toward economic inclusion and independence for this vulnerable group.

Rainforest Tours to host safari in South Rupununi

…after flooding cancelled inaugural Independence Safari

Just four months after the canceling of the inaugural Independence Safari, Rainforest Tours Guyana has returned with a bang as they are set to head to the south to experience the vast aura.

This was announced by Managing Director and CEO of Rainforest Tours Guyana, Frank Singh, during a recent interview with this publication.

“We had to cancel the last safari due to all the flooding that was happening; however, patrons can be ready for an unforgettable experience in November as we will be heading to the south.”

On this point, he said the vast variety of attractions that the South Rupununi Safari is

miles of savannahs, and explore little-known places south of Guyana's interior.

Whether you are crossing the

of the most beautiful scenery that one will come across, some of these are; Dadanawa, with its long and rich histo-

set to offer those who attend.

“The South Rupununi Safari offers an ideal opportunity for persons to experience the outdoors, have fun and adventure, discover the picturesque beauty of

or

and

He added that the South

ry, held the claim of being the world's largest cattle ranch and was used as a home base for filming several episodes of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, one of television's first wildlife shows.

Dadanawa itself is known for over 400 bird species, including Jabiru Storks, Guiana Cock-of-the-Rock, and the rare Red Siskin.

Apart from the rugged-looking ranch at Dadanawa and the dry savannahs, this frontier is blessed with wildlife, including Jaguars, Pumas, Anacondas, Black Caimans, and Piranhas.

“The safari will vastly stand out and bring a new, exciting experience to villag-

es, including the Wapishana village – Shea – where patrons will get a glimpse of the Shea Rock, which towers over the flat savannahs.

From Shea, patrons will get a stunning view of the famed Bottle Mountain, the Shiriri Mountain, and the Kanuku Mountains in the distance.

This is an opportunity for tough drivers to test their skills and enjoy the "Vaqueros' territory."

Organised by the Tourism

Industry and Commerce Ministry, & and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with Rainforest Tours and the Local Government Ministry, there will be several attractions, including “The Bottle Mountain, The Kanuku Mountains, Shea Village, and the Shea Rock; Petroglyphs, over 400 species of birds, and a visit to the corral to see the vaqueros tame wild horses, brand steers, tan leather, and round up cattle.”

Rupununi River, camping in the open,

driving for miles in flat savannah land teeming with flora

fauna,” he told Guyana Times.

Rupununi region has some

Managing Director and CEO of Rainforest Tours Guyana, Frank Singh

One of the persons who participated in the training

Some of the clothes that were made during the training

Regional Candidate for São Paulo Mayor clobbered with chair in chaotic debate

Atelevised debate among election rivals for Mayor of São Paulo, Brazil's biggest city, descended into chaos when one struggling candidate whacked another with a chair and was expelled.

During Sunday's debate among six hopefuls, candidate Jose Luiz Datena, a TV presenter, exploded when opponent Pablo Marcal, a far-right influencer, said Datena was not man enough to hit him as he had previously threatened.

Datena had threatened to hit Marcal in a prior debate when Marcal raised a 2019 complaint of sexual harassment against Datena by a coworker. The coworker withdrew her complaint, but later said she had been intimidated into silence.

In his rage on Sunday, Datena picked up a chair and brought it crashing down on Marcal's shoulder. Datena, who is polling in fifth place for the October 6 election, was expelled from the debate. Marcal left to get medical attention for a bruised rib, his spokesperson said.

The remaining candidates continued the debate.

Marcal, a political novice whose campaign surged as his vitriolic debate appearances have gone viral, is polling third behind conservative incumbent Ricardo Nunes and his leftist rival Guilherme Boulos. Nunes and Boulos are running close in the polls, each with about a quarter of voter intentions, according to pollster Datafolha.

A half dozen pollsters announced new surveys to gauge the fallout from Sunday's debate in the city of 11.5 million people.

Political consultancy Eurasia said it did not expect the incident to have an impact on the race, while another said it could help Datena, who was polling around six per cent.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Golding challenges Jamaican PM to call General Election and urges Jamaicans to choose change

Opposition Leader Mark Golding on Sunday declared the Andrew Holness-led Administration defective and invited Jamaicans to choose change at the next general election as a People’s National Party (PNP) Administration led by him will provide the country with effective governance built on integrity and honest communication.

Utilising the party’s “Better must come” slogan from the 1972 General Election, which placed the

Michael Manley-led PNP in office, Golding challenged Prime Minister Andrew Holness to call the election, which is constitutionally due next September.

“The Prime Minister just needs to fly the gate! Call it, Andrew, call it…. and I will sound the trumpet,” Golding declared, eliciting loud cheers and sustained horn-blowing from comrades packed inside and outside the National Arena in St Andrew for the public session of the party’s 86th annual conference marked by

an appearance on stage by former incarcerated dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel.

“This Government is failing the people, but help is on the way, my fellow Jamaicans. Better is possible, and better must come,” Golding said.

After using much of the first portion of his address to repeat points he had raised previously, Golding slammed the Government for a lack of accountability and non-performance in a number of areas. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Peru calls on farmers to halt burns amid deadly fire season

Peruvian Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen on Monday called on farming communities to stop burning grasslands in Andean and Amazonian areas that have sparked deadly wildfires, killing at least 15 persons this season.

Forest fires are frequent in Peru between August and November, largely due to the burning of dry grasslands to expand agricultural frontiers and sometimes by land traffickers, according to data from the Ministry of the Environment.

"Please, I beg you to stop burning grass. All the fires that are happening na-

tionwide have been started by humans," the Prime Minister told reporters.

Adrianzen said 222 fire emergencies, of which 80 per cent had been controlled, were reported as of Sunday according to the civil defence agency. He added the fires could flare up again due to the dry season, stronger winds and difficult access.

The largest fires have been recorded in the regions of Cuzco, San Martin, Amazonas, Ucayali, Madre de Dios and Ancash, according to authorities.

Health Minister Cesar Vasquez told reporters that 15 persons have died and

134 others have been injured so far.

Several authorities have called for greater action from the government to put out the fires. Firefighters and volunteers are trying to put out fires in hard-toreach areas with water and by hitting the ground with branches to stop it from spreading.

The governor of Ucayali, Manuel Gambini, called for the presence of military aircraft to help firefighters and volunteers, because the rugged geography makes it difficult to extinguish the fires that are damaging palm and cocoa crops.

(Reuters)

Ecuador's Noboa seeks constitutional change to allow foreign military bases in country

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa will seek changes to the Constitution to allow foreign military bases to be established in the Andean country, he said on Monday via a post on X.

"Today we will present a partial constitutional reform to the national assembly which substantially modifies Article Five of the Constitution that prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases ... for military purposes. In a transnational conflict we need a national and international response," Noboa said in the message.

Ecuador's constitution has prohibited the presence of foreign military bases or installations for military purposes on Ecuadorean territory since 2008.

In January, Noboa declared Ecuador was fighting an internal war to end violence between gangs linked to drug trafficking.

"We are rebuilding the country that they left on its knees, the country that they turned into a cradle for drug trafficking, that they distributed to the mafias with a false notion of sovereignty," Noboa said in a video recorded from the Manta military base. The United States previously operated a military base in the coastal city of Manta to combat drug trafficking, but former President Rafael Correa ordered US troops to leave in 2009. (Reuters)

Cuba slashes size of daily bread ration as ingredients run thin

Cuba's communist-run Government on Monday slashed by a quarter the weight of its subsidised ration of daily bread, the latest shortage to strain a decades-old subsidies scheme created by the late Fidel Castro.

The bread, one of a handful of still subsidised basic food products in Cuba, will be reduced from 80 grams to 60 grams (2.1 oz), or approximately the weight of an average cookie or a small bar of soap. Its price, too, was slightly reduced, to just under 1 peso, or 1/3 of a cent.

Still, many Cubans, who earn around 4648 pesos a month, or around US$15,

can scarcely afford to shop for more expensive bread on the private market, leaving them with few alternatives.

"We have to accept it, what else can we do?"

Havana resident Dolores Fernandez told Reuters while she stood outside a bakery on Monday. "There's no choice."

Cuba last week said it had run short of the wheat flour it needs to produce the bread, a predicament the Government blames on the US trade embargo, a complex web of restrictions that complicates Cuba's global financial transactions.

The Caribbean island nation is suffering from ex-

treme shortages of food, fuel and medicine, shortfalls that have primed a record-breaking exodus of its citizens to the nearby United States.

Cuba's ration book, or "libreta", as it is known among island residents, was once considered a hallmark of Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution, providing a range of deeply-discounted products to all Cubans, including bread, fish, meat, milk, and cleaning and toiletry supplies.

Today, the crisis-racked government offers just a fraction of those products, and often, they arrive late, in poor quality or not at all.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Candidate for São Paulo Mayor Jose Luiz Datena throws a chair at his opponent Pablo Marcal (not seen) during a televised debate, in São Paulo, Brazil, September 15, 2024 (SITE TV POP/Reuters TV via Reuters)

People's National Party President Mark Golding arrives at the National Arena to loud cheers from comrades for the public session of the Party's 86th annual conference (Photo: Naphtali Juniorp photo)

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa speaks at his party's convention where he was elected as candidate for the country's February 2025 presidential elections, in Quito, Ecuador, August 9, 2024 (Reuters/Karen Toro photo)

Around the World

MOIL NEWS

More than 12% of US Gulf of Mexico oil output still shut after Hurricane Francine

Suspect in Trump assassination attempt may have lain in wait for 12 hours

Aman suspected of hiding for nearly 12 hours in an apparent attempt to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course was charged with two gun-related crimes on Monday, a day after authorities say he was spotted in the bushes with a rifle as the former US President played nearby.

ule, acting US Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe told reporters on Monday afternoon, and it was not clear whether the suspect knew Trump would be there.

ore than 12 per cent of crude production and 16 per cent of natural gas output in the US Gulf of Mexico were offline in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine, the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said on Monday.

There were 213,204 barrels per day of oil and 298 million cubic feet of natural gas still offline after Francine hit the coast last week.

The hurricane caused US offshore oil and gas producers to lose 2.37 million barrels of oil and 4.93 billion cubic feet of gas due to shut-ins that began last week, according to a Reuters tally of BSEE daily estimates.

Oil and gas producers began shutting in offshore production a week ago, as Francine moved through the US Gulf of Mexico.

There were 24 oil and gas platforms still evacuated on Monday, about 6.5 per cent of the Gulf of Mexico total, down from 171 evacuated offshore platforms at peak last week, the offshore regulator said citing reports from producers.

ExxonMobil said on Monday it was working to safely restart operations at its Hoover offshore platform in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Chevron also redeployed all personnel to their Gulf facilities and resumed production.

The US Gulf of Mexico accounts for about 15 per cent of all domestic oil production and two per cent of natural gas output, according to federal data. (Reuters)

Putin orders Russian army to become 2nd largest after China's at 1.5 million-strong

President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the regular size of the Russian army to be increased by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen in a move that would make it the second largest in the world after China's.

In a decree published on the Kremlin's website, Putin ordered the overall size of the armed forces to be increased to 2.38 million people, of which he said 1.5 million should be active servicemen.

According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a leading military think tank, such an increase would see Russia leapfrog the United States and India in terms of the number of active combat soldiers it has at its disposal and be second only to China in size. The IISS said Beijing has just over two million active duty service personnel.

The move, the third time

Putin has expanded the army's ranks since sending his military into Ukraine in February 2022, comes as Russian forces push forward in eastern Ukraine on parts of a vast 1000 km (627-mile) frontline and try to eject Ukrainian forces from Russia's Kursk region. Meanwhile, Ukraine said on Monday it had asked the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to join humanitarian efforts in Russia's Kursk region following a cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine's army remains in the Kursk region more than a month after launching the assault, in which President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Kyiv has taken control of about 100 settlements. Russia's Defence Ministry said on Monday its forces had regained control of two more villages. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The suspect never had the Republican presidential candidate in the November 5 election in hand did not fire any shots. But the incident raised questions about how an armed man was able to get so close to Trump, just two months after another gunman grazed his ear with a bullet during a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump's visit to his golf course in West Palm Beach was not on his public sched-

The Secret Service opened fire after an agent sweeping the course saw a rifle barrel poking out of the bushes a few hundred yards away from the former President, who was on the fairway of the fifth hole.

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The gunman fled in a sports utility vehicle, according to court papers on Monday. Officers found a loaded assault-style rifle with a scope, a digital camera and a plastic bag of food left behind.

A suspect, identified on Monday as Ryan Routh, 58, was arrested about 40 minutes later driving north on

Interstate 95. The licence plate on his vehicle had been reported stolen from another car.

Records show a phone associated with Routh was located at the golf course starting at 01:59h (0559

GMT) on Sunday morning, 11-1/2 hours before the incident. The suspect was on the "public side" of a fence along the golf course's boundary, Rowe said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Central Europe braces for further flooding 'apocalypse' as death toll rises

Residents of several areas of Poland and the Czech Republic rushed to evacuate on Monday as others in central Europe began cleaning

Blinken to travel to Egypt and discuss Gaza ceasefire

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken will travel to Egypt today to discuss a Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages with Egyptian officials, the State Department said.

Washington and mediators Qatar and Egypt have for months sought to reach a deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to halt the war and release Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The two biggest obstacles now are Israel's demand to keep its forces in the Philadelphi corridor to maintain a buffer between Gaza and Egypt, and the specifics of an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Blinken will discuss efforts to reach a deal "that secures the release of all

hostages, alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and helps establish broader regional security", the State Department said in a statement.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old IsraeliPalestinian conflict was triggered last October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamasgoverned enclave has killed over 41,000 Palestinians, according to the local Health Ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies. (Reuters)

up after the worst flooding in over two decades left a trail of destruction and a rising number of deaths.

Border areas between the Czech Republic and Poland were hit hard over the weekend as heavy rain that has fallen since last week and surging water levels collapsed some bridges, forced evacuations and damaged cars and houses.

At least 17 persons have died in flooding from Romania to Poland in the past few days.

On Monday afternoon, the mayor of Nysa, a town

of more than 40,000 people in southern Poland, called on residents to evacuate immediately after a nearby floodbank was damaged. In the northeastern Czech city of Ostrava, a broken barrier on the Odra river at its confluence with the Opava river caused flooding of the city's industrial area including the BorsodChem chemical plant, coking plant OKK Koksovny and others. Hundreds of people were being evacuated from more residential areas as well. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Germany brings back border checks to curb migration, experts question impact

Germany reintroduced temporary border checks including at its frontiers with France and the Netherlands on Monday as part of efforts to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime.

The coalition government has toughened its stance on migration following a surge in arrivals, in particular people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, and a rise in support for the Opposition far-right and conservatives.

The measures have, however, sparked concern among migration experts, who question their longterm effectiveness, suggesting they are more symbolic than substantive.

"The signal is deterrence

– an attempt to demonstrate the ability to act," said Hans Vorlaender, chairperson of Germany's expert council on integration and migration. While the border controls may be a short-term deterrent, smuggling networks often find new routes, Vorlaender said, adding that a more sustainable solution would be to process migrants asylum applications at the EU's external borders.

On Germany's eastern border, at the bridge connecting the town of Frankfurt-Oder with Slubice in Poland, a German police officer stood at control points, managing the flow of traffic and ensuring rigorous border checks.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ryan W Routh, suspected of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, appears in federal court where he was charged with two gun-related crimes in West Palm Beach, Florida, US, September 16, 2024 in a courtroom sketch (Reuters/Lothar Speer)

Russian army servicemen walk at an exhibition displaying armoured vehicles and equipment captured by the Russian army from Ukrainian forces in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, at Victory Park open-air museum on Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow, Russia May 31, 2024 (Reuters/Shamil Zhumatov photo)

General view taken by drone of a flooded area by Nysa Klodzka river in Nysa, Poland, September 16 (Reuters/Kacper Pempel photo)

It's best to focus on self-improvement instead of trying to change others. Criticism will distance you from someone you love. Reach out with kindness and consideration if you want to bring about positive change.

Tie up loose ends. The less you leave undone, the better you will feel. A change of pace will give you a reason to consider taking on a new challenge or look for ways to raise your income.

Relax, digest information and determine what's best for you. Don't follow the crowd. Look at the big picture and consider how you feel and what you want to achieve before you commit to something.

Put your energy where it counts. Upholding your reputation by taking responsibility and living up to your commitments will help you lay the foundation for success. Don't risk your physical well-being.

You'll respond better to physical actions than to empty promises. Take responsibility, verify information and change only what's necessary. Focus on self-improvement and personal growth.

Speak up and share your thoughts and feelings, but don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Sticking to the truth and being realistic is essential. Honesty and integrity will be key.

Explore what's available. It's necessary to take the path that resonates with your soul. Refuse to let others choose for you or disrupt your train of thought. Be true to yourself.

Pay attention to detail and to what others say and do. Through observation you'll gain insight that can help you make an important decision. Trust in yourself and your skills, and choose what you desire most.

Listen carefully. Someone will adjust the truth to suit their needs. An optimistic attitude will make you appear vulnerable if you don't set boundaries. Agree only to what's feasible.

You'll get a clear picture of an investment or money management issue. Set a budget and plan, and you'll look like a genius. Take the initiative and make the changes that suit you. Actions speak louder than words.

Pay attention to how you present yourself. A confident attitude will overcome any doubt someone may have in your ability to get things done. Don't feel you have to make a move or change because someone else does.

Don't take on more than you can handle. Focus on what's necessary and do your best. Discipline and hard work will pay off and help you avoid temptation and people trying to take advantage of you.

Wellalage, Samarawickrama crowned ICC Players of the Month for August

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced Sri Lanka players Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama are the ICC Players of the Month for August 2024.

The rare double for Sri Lanka comes after Wellalage excelled in a home OneDay International (ODI) series against India, and Samarawickrama hit a purple patch on a tour of Ireland. The only previous instance of players from the same country winning the awards the same month was when Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were named the Players of the Month in June this year.

Wellalage won the coveted monthly award ahead of South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj and West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales, who were the others shortlisted.

Wellalage won the award after a Player-of-the-Series performance that helped his side to a 2-0 series win over India. The 31-year-old left-

hander had scores of 67 not out, 39 and two, while also picking up seven wickets in the series, including a haul of five for 27 in the third match.

This is the fifth time that a Sri Lanka player has won the men’s award, the previous winners being Angelo Mathews (May 2022); Prabath Jayasuriya (July 2022); Wanindu Hasaranga (June 2023) and Kamindu Mendis (March 2024).

Wellalage was elated at winning the award and said that the award comes as a

great encouragement.

He stressed: “This is great news for me and brings immense satisfaction, as this recognition gives me further strength to continue doing the good work I do as a player and contribute to my team to reach excellence in the field.

"I wish to thank my teammates, parents, friends, and relatives, as I am sure my achievement will provide them great satisfaction, as they have been supporting me throughout.

“Recognition such as this,

coming from the International Cricket Council, is great news for young players like us and will certainly encourage young players in the game.”

Samarawickrama, who edged out the Ireland duo of Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis, had a fine run on a tour of Ireland that saw her become only the third woman cricketer from Sri Lanka to notch a century in ODIs.

The 26-year-old lefthander aggregated 151 runs in the two T20Is played in Dublin at a strike rate of 169.66, which included a match-winning 86 not out off 45 balls in the first match. She scored 172 in three ODIs in Belfast at a strike rate of 82.69 including a knock of 105 in the second match.

Samarawickrama is only the second Sri Lanka player to

win the ICC Women’s Playerof-the-Month award. Captain Chamari Athapaththu has won the award three times –in September 2024, May 2024 and July 2024.

Samarawickrama said this recognition was very important since it came less than three weeks before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. She said: "I am extremely happy with this recognition, which I consider a new high in my career. It certainly gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the big competition, the Women's T20 World Cup.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support network around me—my teammates, coaches, parents, my sister, brother, friends, and mentors. I take this opportunity to thank them all.

“I also wish to commend the players who were nominated alongside me for the Player-of-the-Month award. They are immensely talented, and I loved competing with such quality." (ICC)

Man City's hearing for 115 charges begins

The hearing into Manchester City's 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules began on Monday.

City were charged and referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.

It is alleged City breached its financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

City strongly deny all charges and have said their case is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence".

It has also accused the Premier League champions of not cooperating.

When the Premier League investigation began, City said the allegations were "entirely false" and that the allegations originally published in German newspaper Der Spiegel came from "illegal hacking and out of context publication of City emails".

City have won eight league titles, multiple cups and the Champions League since their 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

The private hearing, expected to last around 10

The Premier League claim City breached rules requiring the club to provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position".

This information covered club revenue, which includes sponsorship income and operating costs.

weeks, is being held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in the city of London.

“Discreet arrivals for start of case wrapped in secrecy”

Much like the secrecy around the case, the barristers we saw going into the

hearing this morning didn't give much away.

But it provided useful confirmation that the hearing has indeed started – and that it's happening at London's International Dispute Resolution Centre.

On Monday morning there was just myself, my producer and one other trade Journalist who were outside the location.

Arriving early for the start of this potentially seismic case was Blackstone Chambers barrister Lord Pannick –who has represented everyone from the Queen to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was celebrated by City fans last year with a banner saying 'Pannick on the streets of London'.

Pannick and his clerk were seemingly keen to avoid coming too close to the camera on their way in. He will be leading Manchester City's legal team, which also includes

barristers from Serle Court, Philip Marshall, KC; and James Mather.

There was no sign of Adam Lewis, KC, or other barristers representing the Premier League, so there is a chance they came in via a side entrance.

What are the 115 charges?

54x Failure to provide accurate financial information 2009-10 to 2017-18.

14x Failure to provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

5x Failure to comply with Uefa's rules including Financial Fair Play (FFP) 2013-14 to 2017-18.

7x Breaching Premier League's PSR rules 2015-16 to 2017-18.

• 35x Failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations December 2018- Feb 2023.

The Times has reported that the actual number of alleged rule breaches is 130. That came after confusion in how the Premier League originally listed the charges in relation to particular seasons, in its February 2023 statement.

They are not additional charges, but the Premier League has reportedly issued a correction.

How long will the case last?

The hearing is expected to last around 10 weeks, according to media reports, taking us into late November.

"It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon," City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday. "I am looking forward to the decision.

"I'm happy it's starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We're going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.

"Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we'll see."

When will there be a verdict?

Once the hearing is concluded, there will not be an immediate judgment. An exact date for a verdict is unknown, with reports only suggesting a decision 'early in 2025'.

Will there be an appeal?

This type of case cannot go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). But either side could appeal and a fresh hear-

ing, with a new independent panel arranged.

What about legal costs?

This specific case is six years in the making, so legal fees on both sides are already estimated at tens of millions of pounds before the hearing even starts. Expect whichever side 'wins' to make a claim for costs.

For context, the Premier League wanted Everton to pay the full £4.9 million legal costs of their first PSR sixpoint deduction case from last season. Everton's lawyer Celia Rooney told the appeal that those figures were “frankly eye-watering”.

However, an appeal board ruled Everton should pay £1.7 million and the Premier League cover the remaining £3.2 million legal fees. Any costs being paid by the Premier League at the end of the City case would have to be spread across the 20 clubs which make up the league.

Who are the lawyers involved?

We don't know who is on the independent panel which is hearing and ruling on the case – and will likely only know that once a written judgment is released.

City's legal team is being led by Lord Pannick KC, reported to charge £5000 an hour for his services. He helped City overturn a twoyear European ban in 2020.

(BBC Sport)

Dunith Wellalage

Harshitha Samarawickrama

Lord Pannick KC, right, arrives for the start of Manchester City's hearing against more than 100 Premier League charges on Monday, 16 September.

Man City fans celebrate barrister Lord Pannick KC with a banner in February 2023 referencing lyrics from Manchester band The Smiths

Kings keep apace with win over Falcons

Acomfortable 26-run victory by St Lucia Kings over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on home turf in Gros Islet saw them keep their 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign on track while consigning the Falcons to a sixth defeat in eight appearances in this year’s competition.

The Falcons won the toss and chose to insert the Kings in, but the home side’s top order started confidently with the bat in hand. Johnson Charles hit five boundaries for his 25 and Ackeem Auguste followed suit with a well-made 35 off 28 deliveries after Captain Faf du

Plessis fell to Chris Green for 14 at the end of the fifth over.

Green was the pick of the bowlers for the Falcons, the Australian’s canny off breaks seeing him snare four top-or

Blake targeted Diamond League glory to redeem Olympic setback

After a disappointing exit in the semi-finals of the 100m at the Paris Olympics in August, Jamaica's Ackeem Blake made it his mission to win the Diamond League title. The 22-year-old sprinter, who had entered the Olympics with high hopes, was left dejected after finishing fifth in his semi-final heat with a time of 10.06 seconds. However, Blake was determined not to let that setback define his season. With the guidance of his coach, Michael Frater, Blake refocused his efforts on the Diamond League Final in Brussels. "After a devastating exit in the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics, my team and I decided that we must put all our resources into making and taking the Diamond League Final," Blake revealed on Instagram after his victory.

The Jamaican sprinter knew that he needed to prove himself on the international stage, and the Diamond League presented the perfect opportunity to do so.

Blake's resolve to rebound from his Olympic dis-

appointment was fueled by the belief that he had more to offer. Earlier in the year, he had shown glimpses of his potential by winning a bronze medal in the 60m dash at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. With a personal best of 9.89 seconds, Blake knew he had the speed to compete with the world's best. What he needed was the mental fortitude to bounce back after a major setback. Frater played a crucial role in this mental and physical preparation. Blake credited his coach for guiding him through every phase of his comeback. “In this moment, I was deeply focused,” Blake said. “I

could hear my coach guiding me through every phase of the race.” The meticulous planning and intense focus that went into preparing for the Diamond League paid off as Blake stormed to victory in a time of 9.93 seconds, defeating a high-calibre field that included American sprinters Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley. Blake's triumph in the Diamond League was not just about the win itself but about redemption and resilience. It was a testament to his determination to overcome adversity and a reminder that setbacks can serve as stepping stones to success. (Sportsmax)

Kings set 152-9 off their 20

The Falcons’ top order struggled and were 28-5

feat. Shamar Springer and Captain Chris Green then rebuilt the innings by working the ball into the gaps, al-

at the end of the powerplay and it looked as if they were in danger of a heavy de-

beit the lack of boundaries meant that the Kings were never really put under any

pressure defending their total.

Springer was run out just as the harder yards were done and it was time to open the shoulders and pose a late charge, and when Green fell caught by Tim Seifert off Noor Ahmad for 48 off 37 deliveries, the match drifted away for good. Khary Pierre was awarded the Player-of-the-Match award for bagging 3-24 with his wily slow left arm, his three quick wickets of Kofi James, Sam Billings and Jahmar Hamilton was a top-order gut punch that the Falcons failed to recover from.

The Kings move to second place in the table, Barbados Royals ahead of them on Net Run Rate and with a game in hand, whilst the Falcons slip to second bottom and with plenty to do as the competition heads towards the business end.

Kofi James c †Charles

b Pierre 11

Sam Billings c Seifert

b Pierre 5

Jahmar Hamilton † c †Charles

b Pierre 0

Imad Wasim c Pierre

b Chase 0

Shamar Springer run out (Rajapaksa/Pierre) 23

Chris Green (c) c Seifert

b Noor Ahmad 48

Fabian Allen c Chase b Joseph 2

Roshon

Did

ov), 5-87 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 12.2 ov), 6-103 (Ackeem Auguste, 13.6 ov), 7-130 (Shadrack Descarte, 18.3 ov), 8-132 (Alzarri Joseph, 18.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Mohammad Amir 4-0-37-0

Imad Wasim 4-0-18-0

Shamar Springer 3-0-19-3

Chris Green 4-0-22-4

Fabian Allen 2-0-15-0

Kelvin Pitman

Kofi James

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

(T: 153 runs from 20 ovs)

Justin Greaves b Noor Ahmad 10 12

Ackeem Blake was triumphant in the Diamond League final

David Wiese’s blitz got the Kings past 150

Shamar Springer handled the all well once again

Khary Pierre produced a Man-of-the-Match performance that rattled the Falcons’ top order

Chris Green’s all-round effort was not enough

FIDE Chess Olympiad…

Joshi, Clement chalk up wins for women’s team

Aditi Joshi continued her dominant run at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, picking up a second victory over another higher-rated player on Saturday last. To make matters better for the women’s team, Ciel Clement also tasted victory in Round 4 when they faced off with European territory Guernsey. However, the Guyanese men’s team at the Olympiad were not as successful when they took on Palestine.

Marie de Carteret (unrated) of the island nation conceded defeat to Guyanese Ciel Clement (1454) after 31 moves in a weak position, losing her queen earlier to Clement.

Joshi (1535) defeated higher-rated opponent Julie L Denning (1741) in 36 moves after an intense fight. Joshi advanced her Rook, Knight and Bishop and surrounded her opponent’s King to execute checkmate on the 36th move.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan (2066) resigned to his Palestinian opponent CM Mohamed Allam (2053) on the 50th move as Mohamed made gains and strengthened his position for a final assault on Khan’s King.

FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton (1964) was engaged in a marathon confrontation with International Master (IM) Christian D Michel Yunis (2220) that ended in 83 moves. The match reached the endgame with Yunis’ only pawn left on the board, heading for promotion which determined the outcome and loss for Drayton.

Former Junior Champion Keron Sandiford (1755) conceded to his opponent Ahmad Abdel Wahab (1995) in an endgame dominated by Wahab’s two extra pawns heading for promotion, pos-

ing a dire threat to his opponent. Unable to avoid the outcome, Sandiford resigned on move 49.

Sachin Pitamber (1715), paired against CM Baha Miswadah (1957), ended their match on move 53 in favour of Miswadah. Miswadah gained a threepawn advantage with his superior Rook battling Pitamber’s Knight.

More matches are scheduled as Team Guyana face off against more countries in the epic biennial event with the participation of almost 200 chess-playing nations.

The 45th Chess Olympiad ends on September 23, 2024,

CPL to support Hurricane Beryl relief efforts

The Republic Bank

Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be making a US$50,000 contribution to support tertiary-level students who have had their last year of education significantly disrupted, following the horrendous impact of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

The disaster has had a massive impact on the lives of all residents in the northern parts of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique and has left students needing considerable support to complete their education. The CPL’s donation will support students with accommodation, meals, transportation and school supplies while they

continue their studies at TA Marryshow Community College.

In addition, the CPL will be making a commitment to bring a number of these students to the CPL in 2025 to work as interns at the event to further help with their professional development as they consider their future career options.

CPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pete Russell said: “Everyone at CPL has been touched by the impact that Beryl has had across the Region, and we are pleased that we are able to play our part by supporting these students as they complete their studies and look to a bright future ahead. Supporting the youth of the Caribbean is

hugely important to us and we look forward to hearing of the progress of these students and welcoming them to the tournament next year where we are certain they will find working with the CPL team a hugely rewarding experience.”

Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, said: “We are very grateful for the support that Republic Bank CPL is giving to our young people as they look to rebuild their lives following the massive impact of Hurricane Beryl on Grenada. This support means that they can recover from the immediate impact of this disaster and focus solely on continuing their studies.” (CPLT20)

Paruima, GT Kanaimas dominate football championships Amerindian Heritage Games…

The final day of the 2024 Amerindian Heritage Games was an exhilarating one as the curtains came down on the football championships at the Everest Cricket Ground, Carifesta Avenue. In the male division, Paruima (Region Seven) prevailed thanks to the tenacity and the encouragement of passionate supporters, while GT Kanaimas completed their hat-trick of titles in the female division.

The opening game of the night saw GT Kanaimas annihilate Region 9 All-Stars’ defence with their ability to make penetrative passes and convert shots. In the first half, Glendy Lewis gave the team a major advantage scoring a double within three minutes in the 21st and 24th minutes followed by Lisandra Henrito in the 42nd, Angelis Lawson in the 53rd and Jalade Trim in the 55th to seal their victory.

When speaking exclusively to Guyana Times Sport, Head Coach Lenin Thomas divulged the areas they worked on towards the success and was confident that his team could reap success in future Games.

Thomas said, “We're

so overwhelmed. We have worked hard and hard work pays off. So, the girls are very happy. We're all happy. We're so excited to win three in a row. Well, we had a solid defence line and the girls train for it. So, they worked as a team. The cohesion was there.

The composure was there, which led us to the victories. Well, it depends on training.

You know, as I said, the team right now, the Kanaimas, we're more of a team. We're more of a family. You know, we all meet. We don't have no kind of disagreements within the team. Everybody is one. We move as one. I think that leads to the success of the team as well.”

In the male division, the Region Seven outfit, led by Andrew Simmons, managed to pull off a come-from-behind victory as they demonstrated their ability to conquer and destroy against Region One.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Nelon Lucas scored a goal which was eventually deemed illegal as a foul was committed on the keeper.

The second half would see shots coming from both sides of the field, but it was another strike from Lucas that would count to put the Region

One outfit at an advantage. Paruima kept their composure as it led to Simmons netting a hat-trick in the 48th, 53rd and 63rd minutes. While speaking to media operatives, Region Seven Captain Dokumar Teyjnarine expounded that his team will continue to defend the title and revealed the motivation towards the win.

Teyjnarine said, “Well, first of all, I want to thank the Most High for giving me the victory. It was tough defending my title, this title, but we'll keep on trying on defending it. Scoring three, they scoring one. You guys coming from behind, I think. Well, my team, we play to the end. When any team scores against us, it motivates us to come back stronger: alright, and moving forward into, let's say, next competition.”

The Heritage Games, one of the hallmarks of Amerindian Heritage celebrations, shines a spotlight on Indigenous sportsmanship and culture, and saw participation from 735 athletes. This year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Song”, emphasises unity and the rich heritage of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples.

(Omar Mckenzie)

after 11 rounds of competition. So far, Guyana have faced the host nation Hungary, as well as teams

from Denmark, Jordan, Palestine, Guernsey, and sister Caricom States Grenada and St Vincent.

The pairings are computer generated based on the scorings of the teams participating.

Aditi Joshi (centre) and Ciel Clement (far right) picked up victories in Round 4 of the FIDE Chess Olympiad

Republic Bank has pledged US$50,000 to assist students displaced by Hurricane Beryl

The victorious Region Seven team with the back-to-back titles

A look at Guyana’s chess team at the FIDE Chess Olympiad