Kaieteur News

PANJAZZbilledforJuly23;turnsfive

The highly anticipated, annualsteelpaneventhosted by PanJazz Concerts turns five this year and promises an unforgettable celebration of the vibrant culture and captivating artistry, under the theme “PanJam: The GardenofSteel”.

This fifth edition will immerse attendees in an outdoor, creative ambiance with a touch of nature at the BlackMagenta,Georgetown rd Club on July 23 , a press release from the organisers said. Event organiser and creator of PanJazz Concerts, ReonMillersaidtheprimary objectiveoftheseconcertsis to promote the rich cultural heritage of steel pan and foster a deeper appreciation fortheuniqueartform.

This initiative started in 2018 while Miller was a student,andovertheyears,it would have adapted different themes, hosted at different venues, which contributed to it becoming thepremiersteelpaneventin Guyana, showcasing extraordinary talent and creativityofmusicianswhile successfully preserving and expanding the legacy of the iconicinstrument.

This year he said, in addition to the emphasis on e v e n t w i l l b e t h e and lasting contributions to ensembles and solo creativity, they have added presentation of the esteemed thesteelpanindustry,willbe performances to energetic an awards component to Lifetime Achievement h o n o u r e d f o r t h e i r band clashes, the stage will honour veterans in the Awards Five individuals unparalleled dedication and come alive with a fusion of industry “One of the who have made significant exceptional achievements talent, passion, and highlights of this year’s

These awards serve as a creativity The diverse testament to their tireless cultural items will resonate efforts in advancing the with the audience and foster artistry, innovation, and anatmosphereofinclusivity, recognition of the steel pan encouraging everyone to locally, regionally and celebrate and embrace the internationally,”hesaid. shared experience. Patrons

These awardees are can also expect the clash of Colgrain Whyte, Oliver the bands, between ANSA Pross, Micheal Smith Snr, McAL Parkside Steel Terrence Benjamin and Cary Orchestra and Guyana Gillis The Garden of Steel is P o l i c e F o r c e S t e e l said to offer an engaging and Orchestra, battling “tune for inclusive experience for tune” entertaining the attendees of all ages and audience with familiar backgrounds,asitwillfeature Caribbean sounds. Tickets a diverse range of cultural are available at GTT at performances, ensuring there Giftland Mall, Fon Roje, is something for everyone. Sach Soaps and Roje’s From captivating steel pan Exclusive.

Prison Service’s agriculture programme ‘productive’ in the first half year

The Guyana Prison Service’s agriculture rehabilitation programme for inmates has been successful in the first half of 2023, with a quantity of produce being reaped over the past fewmonths.

A release from the Prison Service on Sunday stated that inmates of the Mazaruni Prison, Region Seven, harvested a numberofvegetablesandfruitsfromtheprison’sfarm.Atotal of 245 pounds of boulanger along with a quantity of carambola were harvested and Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot noted that these will be preserved for the Christmas holidays.

Onlyrecently,inmateshousedattheLusignanPrison,East Coast Demerara, harvested a quantity of corn from the prison’s farm. Farming has been undertaken at the New Amsterdam, Mazaruni, Lusignan and Timehri prisons, with the efforts geared at sustainably supplying the prison populationswithproduceandpoultrysupplies.

The government through the Ministry of Home Affairs earmarked $5.5 billion for the Prison Service to support its transformation from a penal to a correctional service, which promotes an environment where custodial safety is assured, and inmates are rehabilitated and successfully reintegrated into society These include training in areas such as block making,basicagricultureandculinaryarts,amongothers.

Pres. Ali boasts of Guyana’s lowest debt to GDP ratio in Caribbean

implement your capital quite similar to the one that programme, that’s why we ensnared oil-producing have the current expenditure states like Nigeria and and the capital expenditure. Ghana.

As the country’s public explained. In the last five years, as I She told the House, “Sir, debt steadily increases, with Ali went on to tell the speak to you, to implement the government’s eschewing at least $79 billion more in audience that he has often $1B of capital expenditure, the use of the burgeoning loans being added to the been asked where Guyana we have reduced the cost of natural resource funds, in country’s existing arrears wouldaccessloansatafixed implementation by 160 preference to borrowing thisyear,PresidentIrfaanAli rate and more so, at a low percent That points to from any and all sources, on has assured that Guyana has interestrate,especiallywhen greaterefficiency,thatpoints theassumptionthatoilprices the lowest debt to Gross the world today lends at 5.5 toresultsorientation.” will remain high, thus Domestic Product (GDP) percent variable rate. The

While Guyana has been allowing easy repayment of ratiointheCaribbean. president however pointed using its success in the oil loans taken today, is falling

The Head of State gave out that each of Guyana’s sector as a guarantee to into the same trap as did this assurance on Saturday new projects was funded by support its borrowing spree, Ghana and Nigeria, for evening during an address at loansatafixedrate,lessthan the country finds itself in a example.” the La Primavera Banquet 3.5 percent. Ali boasted that similar situation that many Lawrence pointed out Hall in Ontario, Canada. He Guyana was only able to do other oil producing states, that external public has wasfocusedonthecountry’s this because the country has around the world, also fell grown steadily since the development and the setitsownagenda.“Wehave preyto.

People’s Progressive Party investment opportunities said what we want, and we S i n c e G u y a n a manage its resources. He Former Auditor General, (PPP) took office in August that await the diaspora in have said what we are commenced oil production, however noted that the Anand Goolsarran had 2020. Finance Minister, Dr Canada when he gave willing to accept,” he said its GDP has tripled, which countryhasbeenusingatiny warned that while Guyana’s Ashni Singh during the specifics regarding the state before shifting his attention according to the Minister fraction of its revenue to medium-term economic presentation of Budget 2023 of the economy According to the country’s debt to GDP with responsibility for service its debt “Our prospects appear very announcedthatthecountry’s tothePresident,eventhough ratio. Finance, has placed Guyana external debt service ratio, favourableduetoanticipated total public debt stood at there is chatter that Guyana The President received a in a better place to take more and this is the percentage of oil revenues, government US$3,654.9Manincreaseby is borrowing a lot, the resounding applause from loans. With the country’s revenue you are using to should nevertheless exercise 16.9percentfromlastyear countryhasmadeitclearthat the audience as he bragged; increase in GDP, triggered service external debt, is 4.1 restraint in spending, given Volume One of the 2023 it would only borrow from “Now our net international by its oil sector, Guyana has percent.” the volatility of oil prices. Budget Estimates indicate institutions that are offering reservehasincreasedby15.1 been adding more loans with The President also Goolsarran had made the that the latest loan estimates loans at a fixed interest rate percent. And what is the the hopes servicing its debt pointed out that the non- comments in his Column, in 2022 was $14,968,838. ofnomorethan3.5percent. realityintermsofourdebtto from the finance that would performing loans in the published in the Stabroek This year, government plans

“Some people say we are GDP ratio? Both domestic come in from its newfound banking sector fell from 7.8 News. Opposition Member to borrow a whopping borrowing a lot...although andexternaltoday,evenwith wealth. percent to 4.6 percent. He of Parliament (MP) Volda $94,080,000. This amounts we are a country that is the the massive transformation

In the meantime, the explained, “and when you LawrenceandformerHealth t o a n i n c r e a s e o f fastest growing economy in and capital investment in President said he has seen speak about bureaucracy, Minister during this year’s $79,111,162. It also means the world, we have set Guyana, our combined debt

“special journalists” doing you have to look at an Budget Debates expressed that the country’s loans this ourselves an internal target to GDP ratio is 24.6 percent, Youtube features and news equation that is called the worry over the nation’s year to finance capital in Guyana that we are only the lowest in the Caribbean. items on Guyana, who seem transfer ratio- in my own growing public debt. She expenditure is six times going to borrow fixed rates, And guess what it, is down to believe that Guyana is not head- that is how much said that the country was greater than the previous less than 3.5 percent,” he from39.6percent.”

“sophisticated enough” to money are you taking to falling into a dangerous trap, year

I had full backing from Ex-Pres. Granger and Cabinet to sign that Exxon contract

-RaphaelTrotman

Former Minister of thegovernment. Natural Resources, Raphael He has now come Trotman, has strongly forward to say that he refuted allegations that he believes the contract can be acted as a rogue element in renegotiated Despite the the negotiation and signing stability clause, Trotman of the Stabroek Block asserts that if Guyana Production Sharing indicates an interest to Agreement (PSA) between renegotiate some terms, the the Guyanese government oil companies would come and an ExxonMobil-led tothetable. consortium. However, the former

In his book ‘From minister’s seeming change Destiny to Prosperity,’ of heart may be seen as Trotman addresses these convenient. Kaieteur News accusations and provides and many other advocates insight into the decision- havecarriedthefightforthis making process that led to contract to be renegotiated the now highly controversial the National Assembly in He acknowledged that and CNOOC was in the example, had painted a for years, since its agreement. accordance with the President David Granger’s works.”

picture of Trotman’s visit to publication Trotman has Trotman stated that both Petroleum Act, further f o r m e r a d v i s o r o n The former oil minister HoustontomeetwithExxon, only now made this the former President, David a t t e s t i n g t o t h e i r petroleum, Dr Jan Mangal, strongly argued that as no in a manner that raised perspective known, after his Granger and the Cabinet involvement and approval. among others, had their own such intervention occurred, troublingquestionsaboutthe government has been voted were fully aware of the One of the main criticisms perspectives on what the it is clear that his actions former Minister’s integrity out of office, and when he agreement being negotiated. thatwasalsolevelledagainst agreement should entail, and were conducted with the Global Witness, which now has no power to do what he “I was never acting alone, Trotman was that he ignored theseviewsweresharedwith knowledge and approval of has different reporting appears to be insinuating the and did seek and obtain expert advice during the the Head of State. He noted hissuperiors. priorities, has since PPP/C administration must Cabinet’s approval to enter negotiation process however, “If my superiors Trotman’s assertions rescinded its ‘Signed Away’ do. Vice President Bharrat into the agreement ” He H o w e v e r, T r o t m a n wished, they could have challenge the prevailing report Trotman insists Jagdeo has indicated that notedalsothatseveralweeks vehemently denied this s t o p p e d m e f r o m narrative which has been however that the negotiation Trotman’s writings are of later, the former Minister of claim in his book, asserting proceeding. No one stopped swirling for years, and has process was transparent, and little concern, and will not Finance,WinstonJordanhad that he followed the me from proceeding, and it cast doubt on his true the agreement with Exxon, i m p a c t t h e c u r r e n t even tabled a Motion for a instructions and guidance he was no secret that an motivations for signing the Hess, and CNOOC was a management of Exxon’s Resolution to be adopted by received from his superiors. agreement with Exxon, Hess contract.GlobalWitness,for collective decision made by StabroekBlockPSA.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

GENTEEL LORD’S ERUPTING, GUYANESE MUST TAKE NOTE

Lifesometimespresentssurprisingreactionsfrom people who believe that they were dealt with unfairly,thatsomebodytookadvantageofthem. Eventhemostmannered,themostcontrolled,andthemost concernedaboutappearancescanloseitandthrowcautionto thewinds,whenitisfelttheyhavebeenwronged.Thiswas what took place at the majestic and storied Lord’s cricket ground during the Second Test match of theAshes cricket seriesbetweenarchrivalsEnglandandAustralia.Theswells and the top hats lost their stiff British upper lip standard, incensed that what they believe is fair play did not prevail. They raged and they lashed out with uncharacteristic abandon. Manners maketh man, but sometimes matters becomesounacceptable,accordingtoone’sjudgment,that thefloodgatesfall,andspontaneoushumanreactionserupt.

It may be huge disappointment about what is likely thwarted,whichexpressesitselfinragelongnotfelt,almost never manifested publicly But all this visited hallowed Lord’scricketground,themeccaandHimalaya,ofthegame. Evenmoreunusualwasthattheoutragepouredoutfromthe members’areas.

WhenJonnyBairstowwasgivenout,unfairlyandinan unsportsmanlikemanner,itwasthought,thedamofrestraint collapsed. What followed was not likely seen before at stuffy,well-controlledLord’s. Itisthesacredsanctuaryof cricket,Lord’sis,whereeventheapplauseforagreatshot, an incredible delivery and wicket, a stupendous catch is greeted with murmurs and restrained applause. But on Sunday, the courtly and well-respected let loose with their tumultuouswrathinoralcondemnationandalmostphysical interceptionofafewAustralianplayers.

Australian cricketers have earned a worldwide reputationforbeingthefiercestofcompetitors:theyaskfor nofavor,andtheygivenofavor Intheviewofthepuristsof the game, the action that led to the dismissal of Jonny Bairstowwaswithintherules,butnotintheirspirit. What thisshowsisthatwheneverythingisontheline,thenspiritis readily sacrificed to gain the upper hand. This was in the merematterofagameofcricket,whereanyadvantagewas fought for, and seized with ferocious ruthlessness and energy ThiswaswhatAustraliadidatLord’sonSunday,and they walked away the winner, and with some degree of satisfactionofajobwelldoneintheirhearts.

ForAustralia,itwasabattleonthefieldofplay,andthey gave not one millimeter In Australia, Guyanese see exploiters reincarnated: murderously predatory, always on theprowlforanedge,nomatterhowithastobehad,itwill behad. IntheincensedBritish,apeopleknownforalmost inhumanself-controlunderdevastatingfire,thereisalesson fortheGuyanesepeople.Guyanesefindthemselveslocked inafighttothedeathforalevelplayingfield,fornotwhatis justsportsmanship,butaboutwhatisthequalityoftheirvery existence, their lives. For what Guyanese are locked in mortalcombatoverisnotagameinvolvingasport,butthe unforgivinggameoflife.

ForGuyana,theirsisawarforfairness,theirsisaconflict forjustice,andtheirsisanintensesenseofahorriblewrong that has been inflicted upon them, something that afflicts themtotheirsouls. Guyaneseoperatewithastateofaffairs thattheynowseeasonethatcheatsthemoftheirchancetoa deservedprosperity,adestinydue.

Butitisbeingsnatchedfromtheminthemostcallousof fashions by an adversary that pretends to be of friendly partner Guyaneselive,liketheinfuriatedBritishatLord’s, with the bitterness that economic ascendancy has been wrenched out of their hands by a crude and brute and barbaric opponent, which leaves them unimaginably angry at the injustice. Growing numbers of Guyanese now harboring all manner of raging resentments, and ferocious animosities about who is friend, and who is enemy One hugelyupsetEnglishcricketersaidthat‘wedon’tthinkthat sharingabeerwouldoccuranytimesoon.’ Thisiswhereall Guyaneseshouldbewiththosewhousesupposedlysacred legalconstructstocheatthem.

SHOULD GOVERNMENT-OWNED SCHOOLS HAVE NAMES CONNECTED WITH CHRISTIANITY?

DEAREDITOR,

Recently , I have read in the press about the rebuildingof three schools among others ,namely, ChristChurchSecondary,St. GeorgesandSt.Mary’sHigh School and it begs the questionastowhyinthisday andagainasecularRepublic, these schools cannot be renamed withneutralnames to reflect the Multi religious countrywelivein.

AsregardSt.George’s,it seemsthatthelandonwhich the school was built on belongs to the Anglican

Church but our Government is funding the entire project whyisthisso?Inthiscaseif my previous assertion is correct the land should be transferred to the State. I recall that the Swami Purnananda School built largely with funding from the Hindu Community was renamed Cove and John Secondaryschoolafteritwas taken over by the Burnham led government, in this vein maybeChristChurchcanbe renamed as the Camp and Middle Street Secondary school!

Editor, it Is widely known that the Majority of the Government owned educational Institutions are managed and Administered largely by persons of the Christian Faith who invariably seek to indoctrinate and convert non-Christian Children and bring them into the “flock.” The names of these schools onlyaddtothepsychological pressure that Hindu and other children face while attending same and hence I stronglybelievethatthetime has come for these State-

owned schools and others with names indicative of a particular religion to be suitablyrenamed.

I look forward to requisite responses from the Ministry of Education, the E t h n i c R e l a t i o n s Commission, The Interreligious Organization and Parliamentarians among others. It is time that this egregious anomaly remnant of our Christian-oriented Colonial Heritage is corrected.

Yourssincerely

ChristopherPersaud

Is our Judiciary compromised?

DEAREDITOR,

Duringthepastsixyears, Guyanahasbeeninvadedby several U.S. oil companies, in particular Exxon Mobil, Hess, and Esso, to name a few

The recent comments by John Hess, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation that Guyana’s HeadofStatewas‘emphatic that a stay would be put in place’ following the High Court’s Order for Esso Exploration and Production GuyanaLimited(EEPGL)to provide an unlimited guarantee from its parent company is reprehensive, absurd, and downright foolish Such callous statement is an insult to all Guyanese and should be of

grave concern to all and sundry because the rule of lawisbeingtwistedtofavour the interests of the oil companies. What is even more bizarre is for the CEO of Hess Corporation to tell the nation that the judge did not understand what the petroleumlegislationwas,or the petroleum requirements of the production programs were, and our so-called president agreed with him. More importantly, President Ali and his honcho and de facto president who is the self-anointedoilexpertneed toexplainwhytheHessboss told the U S Energy Conference that the President assured him that a stay of the full liability

protection ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon would be issued. His statement was issued before the Court of Appeal handed down its decision.

John Hess even stated thathecalledthePresidentto express his concerns about the recent court ruling. Accord to John Hess, our President assured him that based on the merits of the case, there was no reason why a stay could not be granted.

Inhisbook‘TheWeston Trial’thefounderofthePPP and avowed Marxist Cheddi Jagan declared in the mid 1950’s that the country should be called Bookers Guiana Today, the PPP governmentisprotectingthe

interests of theAmerican oil giants and has abandoned thoseofGuyanese.Basedon thegovernmentunequivocal and explicit support for the foreign oil companies, it is quite appropriate that the countrycouldnowbenamed EXXONGuyana. This is exactly what the honcho and de facto president has done to the citizensofGuyana.

I salute the publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall for standing up to these corrupt, crooked, and dishonest politicians. It is timeforallGuyanesetorise and vote this government fromoffice.

Regards, L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l Roopnaraine.

For pragmatic democratic socialism

DEAREDITOR,

One of the opportunities availabletotheoppositionis to distinguish their position ontheroleofgovernmentin the development of the economy, from the incumbent PPP. We citizens wouldthenbepresentedwith a reason of choosing between them, apart from race which should be a nonstarted since neither of them can be elected solely on that basisanylonger

Do we continue with the neo-liberal “nightwatchman” state we accepted with the IMF’s Washington Consensus in 1989? Or do we accept the latter’s changed position of the present, where they took heed of the collapse of the modelin2008,andproposed the more interventionary state model from the Far

EasternexampleofJapan,S. Koreaetal?

With the coming of oil revenues, this is a key question that must be answered so we do not keep on confusing Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” that would guide the market to deliver the “goods” that society needs,with“nohands”.With self-interest,ifnotgreed,asa human constant, this has contributed greatly to the debilitations that some unfortunately see as inevitable by-products of “capitalism”.

Butwecannotignorethe reality that somehow our methods of socialisation keep on throwing up individuals who are only driven by their id and greed. A s o n e e a r l y U S commentator Madison noted, not long after Smith,

in an analogous context (politics): “If men were angels, we would not need governments.”Inadditionto the demons of the id, we recognise also that none of the institutions that we design around our values will ever work perfectly ( h e n c e i m p e r f e c t socialisations to begin with) so we create macroinstitutionstodealwiththese exigencies. And so, from early in the day in matters economic, markets have been regulated so as to mitigate the inevitable excesses precipitated by greed, “imperfect markets” or for “infant industry” protectionetc.

Those who insist that Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” means “no hand” in themuch-abusedterm,“free markets” speak from both

sides of their mouths. Take, forinstance,thecreationand issuance of money, which is regardedasthesinequanon forthecreationofmarketsin themodernsenseoftheterm. This has been regulated, by definition, from the earliest dayseitherbytheinstitutions that issued them in the first place - and later by governments.

Onecan’tverywellhave everyone creating money and expect markets to function.Theproblemisthat thosewhorituallyinvokethe ethereal “free market” do so only when the regulation in questionhinderstheirefforts to make excess profits over whatotherregulationsallow them to make in the first place Take banking Government regulations the worldoverallowbanksto

Kissoon not to be taken seriously

DEAREDITOR,

After his prolonged preambling, Freddie Kissoonasks“Istherealone ranger at Stabroek News?”

Asheintoned,whathewants to know is if this ‘lone ranger’ is truly alone, (and) thus “… has no one to accountto.”Letmestitchin quickly that when his erstwhile employer, Glenn Lall (Kaieteur News), questioned him about articles that were egregiously PPP biased, he was adamantly opposed to beingaccountable.

This man is worse than anenigma.

He lacks guiding principles and is susceptible to‘whimsandfancies’andis a slave to his emotions, and as expected, his ‘muzzler.’ Getting to his June 28, 2023 Chroniclearticle,hedetailed that “Professor Randolph Persaud, Presidential Adviser on constitutional affairs sent me (Freddie) a statement with his permission to use. I quote: “Stabroek News has not beenpublishingmyletters.It appears to be a matter of policy IsentlettersonJune1 rightuptoJune17,nonewas published…”

So, my question to Freddie is what is different withhisnewfoundbossesat Chronicle when it comes to a n t i - G o v e r n m e n t sentiments. Does Chronicle, the State-owned media, tolerate a parsing of the

People’s Progressive Party/Civic?

Secondly, will Freddie Kissoon recant for his many outlandish anti-PPP/C outbursts? Or did he make peace with the many he offendedintherulingparty?

Editor, I just perused

“Only a jumbie would enter the kingdom of Bharrat Jagdeo?”ThisMar09,2018 pieceissofalselyprophetic. Raid it: “One of the positive outcomes of politics in the current era in Guyana is the assignment of the PPP to longyearsinthewilderness.

The first brutal reality is that with the economic transformation that oil income will bring (look at Trinidad; it has first world infrastructure), the i n c u m b e n t p a r t y (APNU/AFC)isnotgoingto giveupthatgoldmine,sothe PPP should prepare to be in the opposition after 2020.” What a laugh! This needs ‘playingup.’ThePPP/Cisin powerandthereisa‘jumbie’ in the mix. He seems to be writingghoststoriestoo.

Look at this other turnaround.Inthesaidarticle,he emphasized that “The second brutal reality is that c e r t a i n p o w e r f u l governments in the world, withformidableinfluencein Guyana, will not allow the PPP back in power with Jagdeo in the driving seat. These global giants will not accept Jagdeo’s reign again. IftherearePPPleaderswho

think that the PPP has a chance in 2020, then they had better start doing something to stop a mental breakdown from destroying them.

The PPP will not be in powerin2025.

Those who want to see the PPP regain office have one act to perform; not two orthree,butjustonethingto do – radically transform the hierarchy of the PPP that may (I say may) allow for a rethink on the part of these powerfulcountries.”

F r e d d i e w a s s o emotionally carried away with his obsession that he screamed that “Based on fifteen years of disastrous (PPP/C) reign, one can demand the following – Mr Jagdeohasnorighttobethe PPP’s leader; no right to be oppositionleader;norightto be immune from criminal prosecution; no right to be perambulating the streets of Guyana preaching to the Guyanesepeople.

This man took the treasury of this country and used it as a lollipop in his mouth.Jagdeodestroyedthe economy of Guyana. Sugar was ruined because of the Skeldonfactory

NIS is on shaky ground because Jagdeo denuded it. Limited funds of a poor country were put into buildingahotelthatGuyana didnotanddoesnotneed.

Well, I will not embarrass him anymore. I

For pragmatic...

am glad that he is relegated to the little read, and hardly boughtChronicle.

As I close, I ask readers yet again to visit “Freddie Kissoon replies to Randy Persaud,” Dec 27, 2009, in that letter, he fumed that “It is nothing but pure, unadulterated hypocrisy on thepartof Persaudtoseek tolecturethe Kaieteur News editor when they are both columnists for one of the world’s most obscene and gutter newspapers, the Chronicle.

The Chronicle is a newspaper that has been brought into the gutter by this (PPP/C) regime. Under the Burnham and Hoyte Government such a descent into journalistic miasma would not have taken place… Persaud writes for the Chronicle but don’t read it.WhoreadstheChronicle? Notme!

Dr Persaud wants to know where I stand on the President’s pronouncement on responsible journalism. I do not believe Mr Jagdeo understands what is responsiblejournalism,what is professional reporting but mostimportantly,hedoesn’t understand what a responsible government is. Editor, I think Guyana is witnessing the Oedipus Complex live…on a daily basis in the Guyana Chronicle.

Yourstruly, PresscottMann

For justice to be done, Dharamlall needs to be charged and

DEAREDITOR,

Guyanese, in and out of Guyana, are fuming that the complainantdoesnotwishto pursue the matter in relation to the allegations against PPP/CGovernmentMinister Nigel Dharmalall and are asking on what basis did the complainant, a minor, withdrawthechargesagainst Government Minister Nigel D h a r a m l a l l ? T h e complainant is a minor susceptible to adult influence/coercion. And, in heremotionalstatewouldbe

class as vulnerable Was pressure (financial or otherwise) applied to the complainant?Atalltimesthe complainant, being a minor, needed to have her legal guardian or legal representative with her because of her being susceptible to adult influence/coercion For justice to be done, Nigel Dharamlall needs to be charged and tried so the original allegations/charges stand.

While Nigel Dharamlall

is innocent until proven guilty,heisnotbeatingarap because pressure (financial or otherwise) was applied to a minor to get her to change her mind. The case needs to gotoCourt.

Point to note: should President Irfaan Ali fire

Frompage create money out of thin air byamultipleoverandabove theamountthatisdeposited.

Thus, they make money coming and going - once by paying lower interests to depositors than borrowers (double digit figures in Guyana!) and then by lending the excess money createdthroughthemagicof regulation.Yetthesebankers in the developed economies complained when they were prohibited from investing depositors’ money in speculative vehicles and then had the regulations repealed After making trillionsofdollarsofprofitswhich the bank operators pocketed-whentheirgreedfuelled speculative bubbles inevitably collapsed, they were defined as “too big to fail”andbailedoutatthetaxpayers’expense.Inaperfect demonstration of the workings of the id-greed imperative, bankers expect profits to be privatised but losses socialised Karl Marx’s early critique of Capitalism was remarkable for its prescience in

highlighting several of its inherent contradictions but t h e a t t e m p t s t o institutionalise his insights failed miserably in our own lifetime Marx ironically confused epistemology (the theory of knowledge) with ontology (what actually is) and was too idealistic about man and his greed To paraphrase Churchill’s aphorism about democracy, capitalism is evidently the worst type of economic system - excepting for all others that have been tried and failed. We cannot give up on socialising ourselves into becoming more sensitive and responsive to theoverallsocietalgood–if for nothing else that society is simply a collection of us, the individuals. But in the meantime, our governments havetogetbacktoregulating and making appropriate market interventions to deliver the good life for all nowthatwefinallyhavethe wherewithal Nordic-style democratic socialism, anyone?

Sincerely,

Nigel Dharamlall then this would only be a PR stunt to make the PPP/C look good. And, I don’t see what firing Nigel Dharamlall achieves. This case needs to go to Court.

Sincerely, SeanOri

New Global Human Order and the France summit

DEAREDITOR,

The President of France Manuel Macron, recently playedhosttoaSummitfora New Global Financing Pact. The summit was held on June22-23,2023inParis.

In just about one week after the summit, disturbances erupted across France following the shootingtodeathbyapolice rank of a 17-year-old boy of Algerian descent Major publiceventsinFrancewere cancelled because of the disturbances. Had the fatal shooting occurred a week before the summit, it is reasonable to conclude that the event would have been one of the many events cancelledforthesafetyofthe foreignguests.

According to news reports, the summit brought together some 40 Heads of State and government, over 120 NGOs and NGO coalitions, more than 40 international organizations andover70partnersfromthe private and philanthropic sectors.PresidentAlididnot attendthesummit.

The summit was coorganised by France, Barbados and India with the objective of setting the foundationsforanewglobal financing architecture beyond the Bretton Woods system to address climate change, biodiversity crisis a n d d e v e l o p m e n t challenges.

Ontheeveofthesummit, President Emmanuel Macron, declared that; “The

summit is aimed at taking stock on all the means and ways of increasing financial solidarity with the South.

And French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna was quoted saying “The summit will aim to build a new contract between the NorthandtheSouthinorder to facilitate access by vulnerable countries to the financing they need to address their climate obligationsandtodevelopin a harmonious and democraticmanner.”

The background to and conclusions of the summit bear a striking resemblance to the call for a New Global HumanOrder(NGHO)made 27 years ago by the late President Cheddi Jagan Central to the call for a NGHO ‘was the question of i n t e r d e p e n d e n c e , particularly between the NorthandtheSouthbutwith human development as the unifyingfactor.’

Emphasis was placed on ‘The availability of new financial resources critical for human development whileatotallynewapproach which would address the debtquestionandtheneedto find new and innovative ways of mobilizing fresh resources to overcome underdevelopment was deemed necessary so as to enable developing countries in partnership with the developedcountriestoplaya more positive and meaningfulroleintheglobal marketplace…’

Soirrespectiveofhowhe was branded ideologically and regardless of how his critics criticized his call as a ‘pipedream,’‘irrelevant’and ‘oldhatfitforanotherera,’it isclearthatDr Jaganwasfar aheadofhistimeandtothose whonowechohiscallalbeit under new conditions and underadifferentrubric.

A debate over the relevanceof‘howwouldthe summit fit into an internationalcontextmarked b y t h e c a s c a d i n g consequences of concurring climate, energy, health and economiccrises,particularly in the most vulnerable countriesemerged.

Questions were asked whether future reforms wouldpavethewaytowards a more balanced financial partnership between the North and South setting the stage for new agreements to enable more countries to access the financing they need to invest in sustainable development.

These questions are not new Time and again, the international community was requested to address these major global issues that today, closely resemble thoseraisedatthetimewhen Jagan campaigned for a NGHO.

It is only fitting therefore, that in the light of thebackgroundinwhichthe summit was held in France, that Guyanese be reminded of Cheddi Jagan’s call and the fact that it remains relevant in a present-day

context.

Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados must be commended for her stirring pleas at what she described as the ‘’How dare you summit to upset the old order.’’

The co-host of the summitdeclaredthat;“What is needed now is not simply to mark a score card for progress, but the complete transformation of securing the sources of capital as unpopular as it might be to voiceit.”

Outspokenassheusually is,PMMotleycalledforthe; “bolstering of political ambition that is required, must secure transformation notreform.”

The Barbadian leader told the gathering; “We cannot continue in the shadow of an old imperial order that does not see nor feel for countries or worst yet, see nor feel or hear people.”

Amongst calls made at thesummitwere;

·stakeholderstocreatea new Bretton Woods movement;

· in-depth reform of the international financial institutions to improve the repartition of decisionmaking power in these bodies and, ultimately, the distributionofresources.

creation of a new Marshall Plan to finance climate action, notably through a new allocation of Special Drawing Rights to a new fund dedicated to tacklingtheclimatecrisis.

reform of the international financial architecture to rethink policies in favor of climate and the planet, digital technologies, and women’s empowerment.

At the conclusion of the summit a document described as ‘The Final Avenues for Action,’ was

presentedto;

Accelerate the emergence and diffusion of t h e t e c h n o l o g i e s indispensable to the transitionandtheproduction of public goods (including climate and health) through appropriate incentives and policies.

I m p r o v e t h e information architecture through which “green” investments and financial flows are defined and earmarked in order to achieve a more efficient allocationofcapital.

· Reform the IFIs, DFIs, and MDBs such that they deliver effectively for everyone, especially to needs of the developing countries.

A number of concrete advances were also announced during the twodaySummit:theseinclude:

commitment to redistributetheequivalentof $100 billion in Special Drawing Rights. The $100 billion total includes a pledge of $21 billion from theUnitedStates,whichhas yettobeapprovedbytheUS Congress.

an increase in the capacity of the Resilience and Sustainability Trust to $60 billion, which would raise the total amount that couldbereallocatedthrough the IMF to 80% of the total pledge.

·newclausessuspending debt repayment in the event of natural disasters will gradually be included in World Bank loan contracts. A ‘coalition of countries’ pledged to implement these clausesbyCOP28.

Support for the adoptionoftheprincipleofa tax on greenhouse gas emissions from the international shipping sector · rescheduling of $6.3 billionofZambia’sdebtwith

several creditor countries, includingChina.

Inordertoensurethatthe commitments made are kept on the international agenda, a roadmap characterized by summitry as its centerpiece was presented detailing majorinternationaleventsof 2023and2024.Theroadmap includes:

· September 4-6, 2023: African Climate Action Summit-Nairobi,Kenya

· September 4-6, 2023: FinanceinCommonSummit -Cartagena,Colombia

· September 9-10, 2023: G20 Summit - New Delhi, India

·September18-19,2023: SDG Summit - New York, UnitedStates

· October 13-15, 2023: WorldBankandIMFAnnual Meetings - Marrakech, Morocco

·November10-11,2023: 6th Paris Peace ForumParis,France

November 30December 12, 2023: COP28 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

· February 14-15, 2024: InternationalEnergyAgency 50thAnniversaryMinisterial Meeting

April 19-21, 2024: WorldBankandIMFSpring Meetings

April 2024: United NationsForumonFinancing forDevelopment

· July 12-14, 2024: G20 Summit - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

·September22-23,2024: SummitfortheFuture

This is a weighty roadmap for any developing country It provides a peek into what President Ali disclosed as part of a hectic international agenda for Guyana including the invitations for state visits from fifty countries includingChina.

Yoursfaithfully,

WE NEEDANSWERS

DEAREDITOR,

Many in Guyana and around the world was interested in the outcome of the grooming an buggery allegation against a serving minister If anyone was expecting any persecution, they not really familiar with the mechanism in place to protecttherichandpowerful inGuyana.

Iwasn’tsurprisewiththe delaytacticsusedbytheDPP by sending back the file to the Guyana Police Force for further investigation Apparentlyifyoudon’thave

the right connections, you could be persecuted very fast, many innocent and lots for frivolous matter Out of curiosity, can the public be educated as to the reason why the DPP send back the fileforfurtherinvestigation? Wholapseandwouldactions be taken against the errant individuals?

Editor, whilst the victim chose to sign a NFA, it tells me that the allegations are indeed true. Her reluctance to seek justice would surely motivate other predators to commits similar acts,

because justice in slo2 and one-sided in Guyana I sincerely hope that all the furor she cause is rewarding for her, especially the embarrassment she faced after making such allegations. Now, given all the happening, will the accused remain on his job when his leave is finished? I shudder to think what treatment the staff at that ministry was enduring before the allegations surfaced.

Regards,

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WITHDRAWAL OF COMPLAINT DOES NOT INVALIDATE SERIOUSNESS OF ALLEGATIONS

The purported withdrawal of a criminal complaint against sitting Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamall does not invalidate the seriousness of the allegations of rape of a school girl that have been levelled against him.

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It is well known that victims of sexual assault may experience immense pressure, fear, and societal backlash, leading them to retract their accusations.

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In such cases, the justice system must ensure that every possible avenue is explored to provide justice to victims, particularly young teenagers.

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Exxon took out billions in 2022 to clean up 3rd and 4th projects without pumping a drop of oil as yet

Guyana has commenced

Guyana’s third Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Payara arrived in April 2023 and is expected to commence production activities later this year.

This has been described what the contract (says) it’s ONLYAFTER 50 percent of paying ExxonMobil and its as a loophole in the outnowsobymid-February, the total oil has already been co-venturers Hess and Production Sharing we will have a completely extracted. This means, there CNOOC millions of US- Agreement (PSA) signed new PSAwhich will address will be more profit up front dollars in decommissioning with ExxonMobil and its those things which we for Guyana to benefit from, costs, to clean up the third partners, since countries believe that are not after 65 percent of the and fourth developments in have often been left to foot advantageous to us because revenue covers the the Stabroek Block, even t h e b i l l f o r i t s t h e y h o l d t h e c o n t r a c t o r ’s c o s t s / though these projects are to decommissioning activities decommissioningfunds.” investments. commenceoilproduction. after the petroleum In the new model PSA’s This new provision is

Decommissioning refers companiesleave. currently being finalised, the outlined in Section 41.16 of to the cleanup and ExxonMobil, Hess and government has proposed the new PSA. It states, “The restoration of the ocean CNOOC each took out that the contractor establish Contractor shall initiate floor,followingthelifeofan monies last year towards an Abandonment Fund contributions to the oil project. It involves the future decommissioning which will be overseen by Abandonment Fund when removal of the subsea activities ExxonMobil Guyanese authorities. That cumulative production from umbilicals, risers, and alone deducted $49.8 billion account will see deposits the field or fields associated flowlines (SURF) and other or US$237 million towards madebytheoilcompaniesas with the abandonment in technical equipment used this future expense agreed by the minister question has reached fifty during the process of oil according to its financial Kaieteur News understands percent (50%) of the proven wells in Yellowtail that spud Agency (EPA) had indicated extraction However, statements for 2022. It was that the minister may access reserves.” duringtheyear.” that the oil projects have a although the third and fourth also stated that for 2021 fundsfromtheaccountinthe It goes on to point out Importantly, the third lifespan of 20 years. In the projects yet to commence some US$81.3 million was event that contractor fails to thatdepositsshallbemadein Stabroek Block project, meantime, the oil companies production activities, the directed to scheduled effect environmental clean- equal annual installments, Payara will commence have been deducting monies financial documents from decommissioning activities. up during the term of this based on the initial and production activities in the annually to pay for the the oil companies for 2022 Vice President Bharrat Agreement, or fails to subsequent updates of the last quarter of this year decommissioning activities. revealed that monies were Jagdeo, who has been properly abandon wells or abandonment cost estimates Meanwhile, the fourth Guyana has however not deducted last year for heading the local petroleum abandon facilities to the provided by the Contractor development, Yellowtail is only erred by allowing the decommissioning. sector, had agreed that this satisfaction of minister upon initsabandonmentplan.The not expected to start up until funds to come out at least a

to the 2027. decade before they are financial statement provided and had said he does not

Abandonment Fund shall be It is also important to actually needed but the by China National Offshore

which such that the full cost of note that decommissioning country has allowed the Oil Corporation (CNOOC): a d v a n t a g e o u s f o r will however not extend to abandonment is paid to the funds will not be required Stabroek Block partners to

“During the period ended ExxonMobil to hold the Stabroek Block, oil Fund two years prior to the until 20 years after the be in control of the millions December 31, 2022, Guyana’s decommissioning companies will be required anticipated commencement project would have started, of US-dollars, rather than a d d i t i o n s t o funds.

to contribute to the of decommissioning and since these resources would controlthefunditself. decommissioning and He explained: “that is decommissioning fund abandonmentactivities. be used to restore the restoration provisions e n v i r o n m e n t u n t i l include the cost for one new productionactivitiesceaseat development well in Liza t h e w e l l s T h e

Phase One, six new

Environmental Impact development wells in Liza

Assessments (EIAs) Phase Two, 14 new

submitted by Exxon to the developmentwellsinPayara Environmental Protection and four new development

Man, 20, remanded for stabbing father to death

A20-year-old man was on Friday remanded to prison for allegedlystabbinghisfathertodeathonFather’sDay

The accused, Yeison Hernandez of ‘C’ Field, Sophia appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on June 30, 2023,wherehewaschargedwithmurder Hewasnotrequired toenterapleafortheindictableoffencewhenhemadehisfirst court appearance before Chief Magistrate (acting) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

KaietuerNewsreportedthatonJune18,2023at‘C’Field, Sophia Eyone Hernandez was stabbed to death at around 23:30hrs.

The police had reported that the deceased, who is a Venezuelannational,andhissonwhoallegedlysuffersfroma mental illness had an argument over food that day Investigators were told that the argument escalated when the suspectreportedlyarmedhimselfwithaknifeandstabbedthe victimtothebackofhisleftthigh.

An alarm was raised by the victim’s wife causing the suspecttobedetainedwiththeknifeinhispossession.Reports are that Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) from the Alberttown Fire Service responded to the scene, and Hernandezwaspronounceddead.

Police reported that on examining the man’s body, it was observedthathesufferedonestabwoundtothebackleftthigh andnootherwoundwasobservedonhisbody

The suspect was arrested and an investigation was subsequentlylaunched.

Minister Benn urges prison officers to balance security with humanity

Minister of HomeAffairs, Robeson Benn on Sunday, reminded Prison Officers of the important role they play in maintaining law and order The minister underscored too that prison officers should balance security and controlwithhumanityandjusticeinthe executionoftheirduties.

Minister Benn was at the time addressingtheofficersattheDirectorof Prisons’ quarterly muster and general inspectionofofficers.

He called on the prison officers to help reform prisoners, in order to prepare them to be reintegrated into society “We must remind ourselves of the mission of the Guyana Prison Meanwhile, Director of Prisons, Pilgrim, emphasised the necessity for Service which is to ensure that the Nicklon Elliot urged the officers to careful selection and thorough training, prisoners you keep remain in custody adopt methods to execute their duties which are key for the crucial public and that there are no breakouts and with more expertise, accountability, serviceasprisonstaff.Todatesome309 thingsofthatnature,maintainingorder, and change. Mr Elliot stressed that Prison Officers completed 65 courses control, discipline and a safe there is a need to review the current during the first half of 2023. The ranks environment for yourself and prisoners Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were trained by internal and external is important because when you do that, practised in prisons, which contributed facilitators, and among the completed you are maintaining a safer towards some failures of recent. Under courses were: Prison Management, environment for the entire country, and the theme, ‘Promoting Rehabilitation Human Rights and Supervisory whenyoudothat,therearebenefits it and Reintegration of Prisoners’, Elliot Management. has very far reaching effects,” the statedthatthe Prison Servicehas a duty Mr Pilgrim said “Based on the Ministersaid. to give inmates the skills necessary to current budgetary allocations for

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn

Acknowledging the number of make it easier for them to reintegrate training, the same has been utilised to resources available, the Minister intosociety ensurethatstaffareexposedtonotonly encouragedthePrisonOfficerstoplaya He further explained that an aim of institutionaltrainingbutatthetechnical meaningful role in helping to reform the prison is to assist the inmates in levelsothattheycanoffermoresupport prisoners and preparing them for return realizing their errors and improving and guidance to prisoners ” to their communities as positive themselves as people. Acting Deputy Additionally, 250 ranks have been contributors to the development of Director of Prisons and Head of the identified for further training for the society Staff Training Department, Kevin secondhalfoftheyear

GUYANA GOING TO THE DOGS

GlennLall,thepublisher of this newspaper, has been making a point that people need to take more seriously Hehasspokenaboutthisoil economy that we are developing and how it will end up costing us more than what we are receiving in revenues.

Yet most people only perceive the oil industry in terms of the revenues which Guyana is obtaining. But as know,thoserevenuesarenot sufficient to meet the immediate development needsofthecountry

Thegovernment,instead ofseekingbettertermsfrom the oil companies, is engaged in a borrowing spree This will further indebted the country – one that is supposed to be the fastest growing economy in the world. Thus it is likely thatthemoreoilrevenueswe earn, the higher will be our nationaldebt.

But Guyana’s oil economyisnotsimplyabout the royalties and profit oil. The local economy is being repurposed to cater for the oilindustry

Already, the map of Guyanahasbeenaltered.An island, created from dredging the Demerara River bed, has been created atthemouthoftheriver This is an entirely artificial attachment to the country’s territory,smallasitmaybe.

But the more ominous development is the cost to theeconomy,productionand productivityasaresultofthe development of all the various businesses that are being developed to service the oil industry. Just think, for example, about the exponential increase in the numberoftrucksandheavyduty vehicles using our roadways and the delays,

damage and destruction that they are causing Think about the toll these vehicles arecausingtocountry’sroad andbridgeswhichhavetobe repairedandredonebecause of the burden these vehicles are having on our road network.

Already the government is being forced to spend billion for infrastructure to cater for the oil economy Tow lane roads have had to be expanded to four lanes and these new roads are increasing road accident fatalities.

Think also about the congestion on our roadways caused by the movement of heavy-duty vehicles and equipment There are constantdelays,lonelinesof crawling traffic and the consequential loss of man hours.

The country port infrastructure is too small and concentrated along a narrow band of coastline to effectivelyservicetheneeds oftheexpandingoilandgas sector Assuchthereisfierce competition for river-front landsandthishascausedthe price of such lands to skyrocket, costs which are invariably passed on to consumers.

The shipping industry does not have storage space along the waterfront for normalcommercemuchless now that they are burdened with industrial imports for the oil and gas sector As such, freight forwarding companies have to be constantly moving containers on Guyana’s small roads and this add to thecongestion.

Theoilandgaseconomy has triggered a construction boom This has seen construction costs skyrocket Prices have

Dem Boys Seh...

almost tripled because the supply cannot keep up with the demand, despite the government removing taxes on a range of construction materials.

Itisthepoorpeoplewho suffer the most in such situations. They cannot pass on their additional costs to anyone,inthesamewaythat businesses can. And so, the poor are being marginalized rather than empowered by theoilindustry

Since the government begantoofferparttimejobs tocitizens,therehasbeenan acute shortage of labour Almosteverymajorbusiness is being forced to advertise for workers. This did not happen in the past because there were more workers than jobs Now today, companies are struggling to meettheirdeadlinesbecause oftheshortageoflabour The non-oil and nonoil related industries are suffering. The fishing industry has already been severely affected with many fisher folk forced to exittheindustry

The oil economy is increasing environmental pollution. The expansion of the economy has been so rapid that it has outstripped the capabilities of sanitation servicestoaddresspollution. And to make matters worse, there are proposals to treat radioactive wastes onshore. Citizens’ lives are affected b y p o l l u t i o n a n d environmentally unsound actions.

Despite the fastest growing economy in the world and the oil revenues whicharebeingreceived,the valueofGuyana’sdollarhas not appreciated. The argumentisthatthedemand is so great that it has cancelled out any potential gains from the massive

Dance of diplomacy

De Prezzie believes he is a dance man. Hethinkhegatmoves.Butpeoplejustbeing courteous and generous to he when he struttingheawkwardstuffondestage.

De real dancing gan happen this week.

UncleSamSecretaryofStatecomingtoGT. Well,hereallycomingtodeCaribbeanand heganpopinfuhgivealillecturetoPrezzie.

De Prezzie done decide he gan go to Chinalaterthismonth.Andjustdemention of de word China is enough dese days fuh cause deAmericans fuh get real upset. But dem diplomats know when fuh smile and whenfuhshakedemfingersinyuhface.

Deworldofpoliticsisnufftheatricsand thisweek’svisitpromisestosendamessage toGuyanathatyuhnahneedtogotoChina.

Uncle Sam gan lend yuh all de money yuh need, with interest and strings attached of course.

Isadelicatedanceofdiplomacyganbe taking place this week in GT. Deh gan gat nuff shuffling and shifting, double twists and turns. And Prezzie might even get to practice he moonwalk. Diplomacy, like a dance, is a complex interplay of steps and counter-steps.China,nolongerdeUSSR,is who de Americans want to keep out of de Caribbean. So dem boys hope that Prezzie gantryfuhshowdeblinkingmandatChina alreadywellentrenchedinGuyana.Prezzie should carry he fuh dinner at de New Thriving.Bydeway…Happy4thJuly! Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

influxofoilrevenues.Butif thiswerethecase,thedollar wouldhavedepreciated.

All of this shows just some of the ways in which the oil economy is destroying Guyana. And it will continue to do so because the government has agreedtobreakneckspeedof oilproduction.

Oil is not taking Guyana forward. It is pushing the country backwards Inequality is growing and will eventually create a majorclassconflictthatwill becalamitous.

So do not count your blessings when it comes to oil!Ithasbecomeacurseon thenation.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

H@RD TRUTHS

ONE BY ONE SANCTUARIES CRUMBLE, ANYTHING LEFT

Gu y a n a ’ s Childcare and P r o t e c t i o n Agency (CPA) had a world of hope and trust placed in itshands. Iregrettosaythat the people at the CPAhad a badday,oneoftheirdarkest hours. Others have said it, and there is some justification for the suspicions,thefears.

I believe so myself. If and when an entity like this agency can operate with a mind that is seemingly first dedicated to fulfilling the objectives of those with sinister motives (what is politically helpful), and we cannot summon the boldness and strength in us, find some trace of residual humanity in ourselves, then I fear that there is not much left as a remaining protectivebarrier

When we cannot be about the fundamental decency to look out for the interestsofabewilderedand bruisedchildforemost,then allelseshattersonthealtars ofexpectations,expediency, and excrement I have looked on as one thin line after another that separates us from tyranny has

crumbled. Inthevastnessof public affairs, public duty, and public professionalism, we have been victimised by repeated failures in moments of high need and acrosstheboard. For there are few places and fewer people, perhaps already dwindled to none, whoaregirdedwiththesteel of principle and robust conviction that some manner of wrong has been done,andonlytherightway, right attitude, and right attributes will suffice to get to unravel the darkness Convictions are boosted by the first sprinklings of evidence, sometimes minisculebutstillrevealing, corroborating.

What began to decline underForbesBurnhamtook a nosedive in the last few decades, and at accelerating rates in the last few years with 2020 as the starting line.

I offer Exhibit 1: the Guyana Police Force. I offeronlyafewmorewords. All the parade ground bugles, all the public relations jingles, all the politicalangles,tangles,and strangles, brought the khaki

line that stands between civilizationandchaostothat most feared of places. The firstpriorityisnottoprotect citizens, but to protect the interests, visions, and ambitions of those running the show It is one shabby show

A recent former American president would have described the show bestusingafour-letterword beginningwithan‘s’.

It has been that kind of police show with lawabidingcitizensfearing,and politically connected lawbreakers celebrating another great escape from theclutchesofthelaw

Exhibit 2 should be placed in the Smithsonian, or hung in the Louvre. A third tendril of thought is thatMadameTussaud’sWax Museum is a more appropriate home, such a public service horror it has degenerated into, a revulsion it has become. Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency has earned this extraordinary distinction.

Under impotent leadership, from above and below, the EPAprotects the

exploits of wanton and heinous exploiters, through being a primary partner in endangering Guyanese. In the GPF and EPA, the CPA has its precursors and standards. Its values are identical When prime political interests and maneuvers take the highest priority, when leadership m a c h i n a t i o n s a n d arrangements become unchallengeable, then not only adults, environment, and future are imperiled. The promise of the country, itstinyshootsandfirstbaby fruitsaresubjecttotheworst of exposures. I point to the children.

Children targeted, children preyed upon, children ambushed. When weabandonlookingoutfirst and foremost for our children, we expose them anddamagethem.

We do more than devastate our line. We defeat ourselves in our own time and we destroy the prospects of the times to come.

When a State institution that is the domain of mothers,andonefocusedon thewelfareofchildren,lose

sight of, and touch with, primeval and celestial maternal instincts, then it joins the long line of the falleninGuyana. What do we have left? Ministers parroting and pretending to maternal instincts? If that makesthedayofGuyanese, then go ahead, be Clint Eastwood.

The problem is that this isnotcinema,itisreallifein today’sGuyana.Lookatthat public-private(butallpublic works) sanctuary known as the Fourth Estate Shredded, it has been, but for a handful of exceptions. Politicsinvade,dirtypolitics pervade. Truth suffers, a population labours and agonises.

No sanctuary that fills a public space, that has a public duty, has not been vandalized, not been weakened and, worse, compromised.

Look elsewhere, and there are our houses of worship Incentivised or incited into crumpling, mostly subtly, or when necessary crudely, is how spiritual leaders, people, have surrendered, almost

withoutexception.

A l l t h e k a r m a , commandments and compelling suras have been diluted before new gods madeofflesh,andtothenew god that has color and texture. Money! Money! Money!

When men and women of God shrivel before rank perversions and come up with drivel to justify their choices, then the last sacred sanctuaryislost.

For if the Guyana Childcare and Protection Agencycannotbethereinits mostgleamingfineryforthe striplings and saplings in their dire hour of need, of hurt, of struggle, then what else do we have left in this country for safe harbour? I sayprobablynothing.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

‘We must help ease the suffering of the Haitian people’ – UN Secretary General

United Nation’s S e c r e t a r yGeneral His

Excellency AntÓnio Guterres on Monday appealed to leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to ‘help ease the suffering of the Haitian people’.Guterreswasatthe timespeakingattheopening ceremony of the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of GovernmentofCARICOM, attheHyattRegencyPortof Spain,Trinidad.

The UN SecretaryGeneral who traveled to TrinidadfromHaitisaidthat “The security situation is appalling, humanitarian needs are soaring, and there is not yet the political solutioninsight.

But I came with hope and optimism It is impossible to look at the crisis without seeing the long shadow of centuries of colonial exploitation, extortion, dictatorship and other screaming injustices. We must help ease the

suffering of the Haitian people.”

He reminded that humanitarian appeal is only funded at 23 per cent while noting that “it is a tragedy withinatragedy”.

Notwithstanding, G u t e r r e s t h a n k e d CARICOMleadersfortheir “criticalefforts”.

“I will continue to push for a robust international security force – authorized by the Security ýCouncil –tobeabletohelptohelpthe Haitian national police to defeat and dismantle the gangs,andIreiteratemycall to all partners to increase support for the national police in the form of financing, training, and equipment.

Let’sbeclear:Therecan be no lasting security without strengthened democratic institutions –and there can be no strong democratic institutions without a drastic improvementinthesecurity situation, ” the UN Secretary-Generalsaid.

In his address, Mr. Guterres said that the challenges seen in Haiti require“greaterengagement andgreatersolidarity”.

“That is precisely the founding spirit of

CARICOM You have advanced cooperation on everyfront–fromeconomic and social development

to fighting illegal drugs and arms trafficking to c o m b a t t i n g n o ncommunicable diseases

to advancing gender equality

And,ofcourse,youhave championed climate action andfocusedattentiononthe plight of Small Island Developing States,” he said

noting that the UN relies on Caribbean expertise and leadership.

He continued: “I don’t havetolookveryfarforthat wisdom”.

The UN head said that CARICOM celebrating its 50th anniversary is a time for reflection on the “enormous challenges

confrontingtheCaribbean”.

He noted that COVID19 destroyed lives and livelihoods, independently of a more extraordinary response.

“Tourism and export receipts temporarily collapsed. Prices for fuel andfoodskyrocketed.Debt

(Continuedonpage16)

Teen accused in Mahdia dorm fire, expected to be slapped with 20th murder charge today

Theteenagegirlwhoisaccused to the indictable charges which she will face another murder set by the teen suspect, who was spread in the building, causing of starting the fire at Mahdia stated that on Sunday May 21, charge Notably, the laws of aggrieved over her phone being several students to receive burns to Secondary School female 2023,atMahdiaSecondarySchool, Guyana protect the identity of confiscated by the dorm mother, their bodies and smoke inhalation, dormitory, which claimed the lives Region Eight, she murdered juveniles criminally charged Carletta Williams and a teacher At whilst several managed to escape. of 20 children, is expected to be Adonijah Jerome, Tracil Thomas, Section 100 of the Juvenile Justice the time of the fire, there were 57 This publication had reported that slapped with another murder Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Act, stipulates that a person shall female students in the dormitory the fire fighters and public-spirited charge- bringing the total to 20 Lorita Williams, Natalie not publish the name or any which is a one-flat concrete persons had to break the walls of when she makes her second court Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, information related to a juvenile if building measuring about 100 feet the dorm to free the girls that were appearance. On May 29, the teen Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, it would identify the child or by 40 feet, with 26 heavily-grilled trappedintheinferno. suspect appeared via Zoom before Martha D’Andrade, (and twin) juvenile as having been dealt with windows and five doors that were Theinjuredstudentsweretaken Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at Mary D’Andrade, Belnisa Evans, undertheAct. padlocked. to the Mahdia District Hospital and Mahdia Magistrate’s Court. There Loreen Evans, Omerfia Edwin, According to reports, around According to the GFS, when were examined and admitted by she was slapped with 19 murder Nickleen Robinson, Sherena 23:00 hours on Sunday May 21, firefighters arrived on the scene, it doctors.At the hospital, five of the charges and remanded to the Daniels, Eulanda Carter, Andrea 2023, the fire erupted at the was observed that the one-flat female students were pronounced Juvenile Holding Centre located in RobertsandRitaJeffrey dormitory The Guyana Fire wooden and concrete building was dead. A search was carried out in SophiaGeorgetown. The day after the suspect was Service (GFS) reported that the engulfed in flames A female thebuilding,whichwascompletely She was charged by police for remanded, a 20th fire victim point of origin of the fire was in the student related to the police that destroyed by the fire, and the burnt murder, contrary to section 100(1) succumbed. On May 30, 14-year- south-western interior of the they were asleep and were remains of 14 human beings were (c) (iii) of the Criminal Law old Sherana Daniels died while building, in the lavatory area. The awakened by screams Upon found.Notably,theboywhodiedin (Offences)Act, chapter 08:01. The receiving treatment.As such, today GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)alleged checking, they saw fire/smoke in the fire is the son of the dorm accused was not required to plead when the accused appears in court thatfirewasreportedlymaliciously the bathroom area, which quickly mother

ChildLink distances self from harassment, fatigue of Dharamlall’s accuser

Child Advocacy centre- q u e s t i o n e d w h a t r o l e concerns on the apparent ChildAdvocacy Centre (CAC) is ChildLinK has distanced itself organisations such as ChilLink breaches of protocols. “Shortly an innovative addition to the from “any actual or perceived played in managing the young into the interview, the child services of the Childcare and involvement in any alleged woman while she was in brought to the attention of the Protection Agency (CPA) which harassment, fatigue or frustration protectivecustody CAC staff that she had already commenced under the leadership ofthe16-year-oldschoolgirlwho In statement issued on given a statement on the said ofthenowretiredCPADirectorin accused Local Government Monday ChildLink said on June morning of no further action. The partnership with ChildLinK in Minister, Nigel Dharamlall of 30, the Child Protection Agency CAC team immediately wrapped 2014 “The efficiency and rapingandsodomisingher and Police requested the up the interview and did not effectiveness of the CAC rest

The young woman has Georgetown-based CAC to proceed with any questions. No largely on the collaboration of reportedly dropped the case conduct a forensic interview to further statements were taken,” several key stakeholders, against Dharamlall sparking complete the investigation ChildLinkstated. inclusiveoftheGuyanaPolice public outrage and many have ChildLink said they raised The agency explained that

45th Meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM

The 45th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community(CARICOM)openedonMondayattheHyattRegencyinPort of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. This year, CARICOM is celebrating 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, by Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago which gave birth to the regionalbody PresidentIrfaanAliisamongregionalleadersattendingtheMeeting.

107 educators trained in special education screening

One hundred and seven nursery school teachers from the Georgetown Education District were recently trained to effectively identify and support students with Special Education Needs (SEN). The training was facilitated by the Education Needs Training Unit of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) with the support of Nursery Education Officers, Basmatie Baboolall andGaitriHenry

The event was expertly facilitated by National SEN Officers,SavvieHopkinson,andYolandaTrotman-Phillipsat NCERD, Kingston, Georgetown. The exercise centred on the use of the Screening Packet which is a standardised document developed through the concerted efforts of various departments within the Ministry of Education. The packet is usedtoscreenandevaluatestudentswithSEN,enablingboth teachersandparentstocontributetothestudent’seducational journey Through the Screening Packet, teachers will be able to identify specific challenges faced by learners, providing valuable insights that guide placement decisions in both mainstreamandspecialeducationsettings.

During the sessions, teachers gained invaluable skills in effectively utilising the Screening Packet to capture meaningful observations of students with SEN within their classrooms.Thescreeningprocessoffersaquickoverviewof achild’shealthanddevelopment,allowingteacherstodiscern whether further evaluation is necessary for targeted interventionsortheprovisionofSpecialEducationServices.

Students identified through the screening process will be thoughtfully referred to the Regional SEN Centre where they will undergo comprehensive assessments and diagnoses, paving the way for personalised support and tailored educational plans. Further, the Department of EducationGeorgetown organised a Nursery Head Teachers Meeting to sensitisethemtotheScreeningPacketanditsessentialrolein shaping educational practices. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to foster inclusivity and provide quality education for all students, regardless of their individualneeds.(DPI)

Guyana seeks deeper ties with US - Pres Ali tells Joe Biden

Man accused of killing reputed wife arrested

T h e 2 9 - y e a r - o l d fisherman, who reportedly beat his wife Bibi Naseefa Baksh, 48, to death on Sunday was on Monday morning arrested by the police.

The suspect, Shivnanad Henry of Lot 33 De Grooten-Klyne, West Coast Demerara (WCD) is presently in police custody where the investigation is ongoing. Kaieteur News was told that Henry admitted to investigators that he gave Baksh several slaps but denied using the wood to lash her He said that he only used the wood to lash the woman’sdaughter.

President IrfaanAli has congratulated the and multilateral levels on national and United States on its 247th Independence international issues of mutual interest and Anniversary being observed today In a concern, my government remains committed congratulatory message to US President, Joe to deepening cooperation with the United Biden Ali said: “I am pleased to extend on States of America as our most strategic and behalf of the Government and people of the valued partner The high-level interactions Co-operative Republic of Guyana and on my betweenourtwostatesmorerecentlyforman own behalf, warm greetings and integralpartofthisprocessaswebuildonand congratulations to you, the Government and advance a bilateral agenda that would people of the United States of American, the redoundtothebenefitofourcountries.Please occasion of the Two Hundred and Forty- accept, Mr President, the assurances of my Seventh Independence Anniversary of your highestconsiderationandesteemandmybest country.” wishes for your personal well-being and the

The Guyanese leader added: “As we continued success and prosperity of the continue to engage at the bilateral, regional UnitedStatesofAmerica.”

T h i s p u b l i c a t i o n started arguing with each but never woke up. Seeing understands that he also other during a drinking hermothermotionlessonthe acknowledged that he was session around 04:30hrs on bed, the 12-year-old child aware of her being dead, and Sunday. It escalated and raised an alarm and the had left the house when he Baksh’s husband started police were called in. The made the discovery. beating her in front of her fisherman reportedly left the Kaieteur News had reported mother and 12-year-old house before they came that Baksh died sometime daughter Itisallegedthatthe When police arrived at their around 05:30hrs at her mankickedherdownaflight residence, the police Uitvlugt, WCD residence. It of stairs and reportedly reported that her body bore was reported that the kicked, cuffed, and dealt multiple marks of violence couple’s relationship was lashes to her body with a including abrasions to her filled with domestic issues pieceofwood. forehead,shoulder, arms and thatledtofrequentfightsand After beating her, he knees. They took her the quarrels. On Sunday, one of assistedthewomanbackinto Leonora Cottage Hospital theirfightsendeddeadly thehousewiththehelpofher where doctors pronounced The couple reportedly daughter Baksh went to bed herdeadofficially

utilization, stability

FAO Director-General urges transformation of agri-food systems

Director-General of the Food Price Index over the transformation of agri-food Villages Initiative promotes farmers involved engaged in Food and Agriculture past12months,dueinpartto systems in ways that benefit digitalization – of which Qu culturally iconic products Organization of the United currency exchange rate the most vulnerable people. isavocalchampion–inrural and processes The Blue Nations(FAO),QUDongyu, devaluations. Some 64 countries are now areas to boost income and Transformation is central for re-elected on Sunday for a

“Whatitmeansisthatwe participatingintheinitiative. livelihood opportunities, bolstering fisheries and second term at the head of have a problem of the most The Green Cities Initiative social cohesion and aquaculture so that they can the Organization stressed v u l n e r a b l e i m p o r t - focuses on improving the innovation to benefit local provide better dietary that it is time to “rewrite the dependent countries facing a resilience of urban food communities. nutrients for all in climatenarrativeonfoodsecurity.” significant increase in their systems and creating The One Country One friendly and low-carbon

He was at the time food import bill, which is healthier environments in Priority Product programme w a y s . F i n a l l y, Q u a d d r e s s i n g t h e putting pressure on their cities, where a rapidly helps countries leverage emphasised that the focus organisation’s Conference ability to access the food increasing share of the their potential by identifying was now on implementation which began on Saturday 1 they need,” Qu said. FAO is world’spopulationlive. special agricultural products of these initiatives, together July with the election of proposingmediumandlong- The 1000 Digital that can benefit family withmembers.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, termmechanismstoincrease Canada’s Minister of resilience so countries have Agriculture and Agri-food, the necessary income for as Chairperson and the those needs, he added, McDougall Lecture by pointing to FAO’s proposal Tharman Shanmugaratnam, for a Food Import Financing Singapore’s Senior Minister Facility in 2022 that was and Coordinating Minister taken up by the International focused his intervention on forSocialPolicies. Monetary Fund’s as part of the concepts that define food

Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu

In his speech to the its Food Shock Window, security, noting the key Conference, QU Dongyu which has disbursed $1.8 drivers of availability, highlighted that global agri- billion to six countries and accessibility, utilization and f o o d s y s t e m s a r e was recently extended until stability FAO plays a key continuously facing shocks March2024. role in various factors from different dimensions, B r o a d l y , f o o d interrelated with those and emphasized that FAO availability is a question of drivers. For example, Qu and its Members should not the supply of safe and noted that while food trade, onlyfocusonthechallenges, nutritious foods, while both global and intra- but also “find opportunities accessibility is a matter of regional, is essential, it in and take action to move demand and capacity, Qu turn is fostered by food forward.” said. “These concepts are safety,akeyareaofworkfor “We need to start the i n t e r - r e l a t e d , n o t the Organization. Likewise, transformation!” Qu urged, independent of each other” supporting non-food stressing that agri-food

and as a whole are directly agricultural production can systems need to urgently related to the concept of a improve rural incomes and becomemoreefficient,more betterlife,headded. thus food access for farmers, inclusive, more resilient and Assuring stability of he said, noting also that m o r e s u s t a i n a b l e food supply is about making workingtoreduceFoodLoss Transformative actions and s u r e a v a i l a b i l i t y , and Waste is critical to robust solutions are needed accessibility and utilization improveutilisation.

“so we can move forward is not hampered by B o l s t e r i n g t h e into a world of better shortages, emergencies or availability of adequate food production, better nutrition, sudden crises “Here is rich in micronutrients – a a better environment, and a where a Better Environment mission clearly reflected in better life, leaving no one plays a critical role,” the the concepts of Better behind,” the Director- Director-General said, Production and Better General said, citing the Four emphasizing the need to Nutrition – entails providing Bettersthathehasembedded cope with climate shocks, and leveraging the science, in various reforms, extreme temperatures, pests innovation,technologiesand initiatives and programmes and diseases and water know-how to accelerate implemented since first cycles. Increasing resilience production, and renewing a takingFAO’shelmin2019. to these challenges implies focus on healthy foods, the

In the message from focusing on prevention, Director-General said Pope Francis, read by through early warning

Boosting the supply of the Monsignor Fernando Chica systems, the One Health diverse food acquired for Arellano, Permanent approach and new insurance these goals will be essential. Representative of the Holy tools, strengthening shock Food availability also See to FAO, the Pontiff absorbers by prioritizing requires assuring access to congratulated QU Dongyu productivity increasing n u t r i t i o u s f o o d i n for his re-election and investmentsacrosstheworld emergencies, which is the encouraged him to continue to produce more with less, focus of joint work with the working “to eradicate the anddiversifyingproduction. World Food Programme, scourge of hunger in the Core Initiatives

FAO’s Emergencies and world, which is advancing The Director-General Resilience stream, and the rather than retreating” pointed to core initiatives proper design of emergency

“Today many experts say thathestartedduringhisfirst food reserves, Qu said. The that the goal of zero hunger term at FAO to pursue the accessibility factor is one of will not be met,” Pope noble goal of eradicating the major challenges we are Francis said. “Allow me to hunger facing today, exacerbated by say,theinabilitytofulfillour

The Hand-in-Hand price and income trends that responsibilities must not Initiative uses advanced have been roiled by various leadustoturnawayfromour geospatial modeling and a crises. Of particular concern originalintentions.” robust partnership-building is that the price of final food The drivers approach to support products is not following the of food security nationally-led programmes declining trend of the FAO

The Director-General to accelerate market-based

- says countries must address key availability, accessibility,

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From page 10 burdens grew heavier, liquidity dried up, and access to global capital markets worsened dramatically. All the while, the climate emergency continues to escalate – threatening the very existence of small island and low-lying coastal states,” he said noting that there is need for action on two fronts: action to fix finance and the climate crisis.

On the issue of finance, Mr. Guterres said that today’s crisis has revealed an international financial system that is “outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair”. He said that as the world prepares for the Summit of the Future, he has put forward a detailed blueprint for a redesigned global financial architecture, including the Bretton Woods system.

“But change will not happen overnight,” he said noting that “Caribbean leaders have been pointing the way forward – including Prime Minister Mia Mottley through the Bridgetown Initiative and Prime Minister Andrew Holness through the Finance for Development initiative.”

The UN Secretary-General has proposed a set of actions world leaders can take now. Those include a SDG Stimulus for investments in sustainable development, climate action, and more; An enhanced and effective debt relief mechanism, New financial tools, such as swaps that convert

debts into investments in climate adaptation, An increase in the capital base of Multilateral Development Banks and a change in their business model with a new approach to risk to be able to leverage more private finance at a reasonable cost in support of developing countries, The re-channelling of Special Drawing Rights and a shift in subsidies – away from fossil fuels and unsustainable agriculture and food systems into sustainable development.

Additionally, the UN leader said that redressing a core injustice facing middleincome countries: the continued lack of access to concessional financing because of allocation metrics that ignore vulnerabilities to shocks such as financial crises or climate-related disasters is another viable step that can be taken by leaders.

“I fully support your call for a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index,” Mr. Guterres said that on the climate crisis front limiting the rise in the global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible.

“But it will require carbon emissions to be cut by 45 per cent by 2030. That is why I have proposed a Climate Solidarity Pact – in which all big emitters make extra efforts to cut emissions; and wealthier countries support emerging economies to do so. And that is why I have put forward an

Acceleration Agenda to boost these efforts,” he said while urging governments to “hit fast forward on their netzero deadlines so that developed countries commit to reaching net-zero as close as possible to 2040 and emerging economies as close as possible to 2050, and Caribbean countries have been showing the way”.

Mr. Guterres noted that developed countries “must also finally make good on their financial commitments to developing countries – including by meeting the $100 billion goal, doubling adaptation finance, replenishing the Green Climate Fund, and operationalizing the loss and damage fund this year”.

He thanked Caribbean leaders for their “powerful calls for climate justice, advancing global action on loss and damage, investing in renewables, and safeguarding biodiversity, including through the efforts of Indigenous communities”. Quoting from Calypsonian David Rudder’s ‘Rally Round the West Indies’ song, the UN Secretary-General said:

“Soon we must take a side or be lost in the rubble, in a divided world that don’t need islands no more.” “My message is clear: our world needs the islands. We need to rally round CARICOM. You have my full support,” he concluded his address by saying.

ChildLink distances self from harassment...

From page 12 Force, Judiciary, Ministry of Health, and local not for profit organizations who manage the operations of the CACs across the ten administrative regions. Key to the success of the CAC services is confidentiality and maintaining the best interest of the child. ChildLinK is currently delivering CAC services in six administrative regions in Guyana,” the agency noted.

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“In the current case of sexual abuse allegations against a Government Minister, we wish to clearly outline the role of ChildLinK as part of the investigative apparatus. The various disclosures that have been made regarding this young woman’s posture and position on this matter are regrettable and none can be attributed to ChildLinK including her last statements,” ChildLink stated.

confidential nature of the CAC is fully understood by the organisation and has never been in question. “We have observed all protocols with key stakeholders requiring the services of the CAC over the years and to date have never breached this practice. We understand the gravity of this current case and the immense mental stress this child has and continues to endure. This places a greater responsibility on ChildLinK to respect her dignity and that of every child who participates in our programme.”

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The agency said while it would have preferred to maintain its usual and resolute discreet position in this case, “we are constrained to respond to the concerns of the public regarding ChildLinK’s role in this matter.” ChildLink said the

ChildLink stated that over the years its professional practice including work in the CACs has been consistent and respected by all stakeholders. “We have provided our services with integrity and the critical work of others involved in providing CAC services has been respected by ChildLinK. The accusation of leakages in this current case is troubling, ChildLinK maintains that it has acted professionally in all of its involvement in this case.”

The agency boasted that over the past almost nine years, the CACs have conducted more than 4000 forensic interviews. “These statements were submitted to the relevant authorities to decide on prosecution. The delayed

prosecution has often times resulted in children withdrawing their reports. In cases where children withdraw from the process, it is important that they receive significant psychosocial and legal support to ensure that they clearly understand the legal process. Children who withdrew have expressed feeling pressured and don’t wish to be publicly reminded of the abuse, among other concerns. We at ChildLinK believe that far too many responsibilities rest on the victims to provide the evidence of this crime. Therefore, all stakeholders should work assiduously in the best interest of the child and for the child’s safety and to stop the systemic abuse against victims.”

ChildLink said the operations of the Child Advocacy Centres (CAC) are a global model for responding to the critical concerns of sexual abuse perpetrated against children and young people.

The CAC is an international best practice and an evidence-based approach that many countries in the developed and developing world are utilizing collaboratively with their local NGO partners to provide a more comprehensive response to children who report cases of sexual abuse.

Former Magistrate, lawyer to form legal team to represent school girl allegedly raped by Min. Dharamlall

FormerMagistrateDawn be part of that legal team

Adrianne Cush and Wade referenced, Cush told Attorney-at-Law, Darren protestors and reporters, “I Wade on Monday pledged to sentamessagetohonourable form a legal team seeking Simona Broomes (who was justice for a 16-year-old also at the protest) and I said school girl allegedly raped I will follow you wherever by Local Government you go and I stand by that Minister,NigelDharamlall. too”.

CushandWademadethe While she made her pledge at a protest held at position known Broomes Square of the Revolution by added, “She (former members of the Opposition Magistrate) is following we and citizens, demanding straight to the court” and justicefortheteen. Cush said “Yes we are

Amidst chants of headingtothecourt”. “Dharamlallmustgo!”Wade The teen made a said, “I have been speaking statement to the police to several lawyers and I am accusing the minister of rape being backed by my senior, a n d s o d o m y . A n former Magistrate [Cush] investigation was done and a whoishere,whoiswillingto case file was sent to Director fight.We are going to form a ofPublicProsecution(DPP), legal team for this young Shalimar Ali Hack SC. for lady [school girl] and press legal advice. The DPP has [forjustice]”. returned the file to Confirming that she will investigators and advised

that they conduct further contact with the teen on “At that time, the Virtual that girl’s accusation of rape investigationintomatter Thursday to conduct any Complainant (alleged and sodomy should be According to the Police interview after the file was victim), in the presence of enough to institute a charge Force, detectives contacted returnedbytheDPP her parent and the Childcare againsttheminister the school girl for further The GPF claimed that it official, informed the “As an attorney-at-law, I s t a t e m e n t s b u t s h e was on Thursday when the investigators that she was must say this to you, all that reportedly told them that she girlinformedherparentsand withdrawing her complaint is required in that statement no longer wishes to proceed an officer of the Child Care against Minister Nigel for Dharamlall to be charged withmatter and Protection Agency Dharamlall and that she was is for that young lady to say Crime Chief Wendell (CPA) that she did not want doing so without anyone hetookhispenisandputitin Blanhum said, “At this time, to proceed with this matter forcing her to do so and of a part of me without my Iamonlyabletoconfirmthat anyfurther. herownfreewill,”thePolice consent. And let me say this the alleged victim has given Thereafter, it was stated disclosed. as a lawyer as well, there is a ‘no further action that the teen girl and her It was stated too that a no consent for buggery. statement’to investigators in parents then prepared a videorecordingwasmadeof ThesearethelawssoIdonot the presence of one of her statement to reflect that she the teen expressing her understand and I cannot parents and a representative is withdrawing her wishes. Notably, the Police appreciate why the file went from the Child CareAgency complaint Notably, the underscored that every back to the police,” Wade The [file] is currently being police said that no process of the child said. prepared to be sent to the investigatorwasapartofthis withdrawing her allegation The lawyer promised DPP for further legal process. The statement was was done in the presence of that he will not rest until the advice.” then delivered to the DPP’s her parents and the CPA school girl gets justice and

TheGuyanaPoliceForce Chambers by a parent of the officer made it clear that as soon as (GPF) issued a statement teen, another copy was then Given this, the police she is released from condemning and cautioning deliveredtothePolice. said the next step will be to protective custody “the real against the peddling of It was explained that send back the file to the DPP fight”begins. misinformation on social only after receipt of that forlegaladvice.

“So Dharamlall, there is media about what occurred statement did investigators Thefileistobesentback no easy thing for you sir is inthecase. meet with the teen, her totheDPPtoday best yuh face it now or later

It was first stated that no parents and an officer from However, Wade at the because we are coming any police investigator made CPA. protest on Monday argued way”,thelawyerstressed.

UN calls for just, equitable transition to renewable energy

Amid calls for a the government adopts a the international financial we should not forget that small island developing transition from fossil fuel to complementary approach to a r c h i t e c t u r e T h e many countries are already states need support in debt renewable energy, Secretary ensure local and foreign international financial suffering the dramatic relief and need support in General of the United businesses are not left with system that we have was impacts of climate change concessional funding and Nations, António Manuel de stranded investments He created after the second andthosethatsuffermostare because they are middle OliveiraGuterressaidsucha provided this policy position world war, when Trinidad not those that contribute income countries, they are transition must be just and during the country’s first and Tobago was not yet a more to the problem. So, we excluded from that. That equitable. Local Content Summit held member The majority of n e e d t o i n c r e a s e needstochange.”

Speaking during a news at Pegasus Corporate Suites today’s countries were not substantiallythefinancingto Hesaidtootheremustbe conference in Trinidad and and Convention Centre yet members. We need to adaptation There was a a much stronger action of Tobago,Guterreswasasked: underthetheme,“Sustaining adapt the international decision in the last COP to multilateral development “Sir,TrinidadandTobago,as Supplier Development financial system to the putthelossanddamagefund banks. “They need to be a small island state, also is a through Local Content realities of today’s economy in place, but we need to more capitalized and they producer of oil and natural Partnerships.” And to make it more fair and operationalise it, and this is needtochangetheirbusiness gas. In the context of the Financing for moreeffective.” vital this year And at the model in order to be able to energy transition and the climate change According to Guterres at same time, we need to make leverage much more, the UN’s push for climate Meanwhile, addressing the same time, “we see the surethatnamelysmallisland private finance that is change, you also have theissueoffinancingtofight n e e d t o i n c r e a s e [developing] states - that are necessary to make sure that nations like Trinidad and climate change, the UN substantially the amounts of middleincomecountriesand we are able to respond But this is true for climate, Tobagosayingthattheyhave Secretary-Generalsaid:“Itis funding for adaptation in some even high-income namely in the developing but it’s also true for theseresourcesthattheyalso vital. We have been strongly Mitigation is essential. We countries, but most of them world to the very dramatic developmentingeneral.” need [inaudible].Whatis the advocating for the reform of must reduce emissions, but middle income countries - impacts of climate change. UN’s position on that particularissue?“

In his response, the Secretary-General said:

“Well, we have a general position in relation to fossil fuels. We are, as you know, clearly in a position to say thatweneedtoprogressively phase out fossil fuels and p r o g r e s s i v e l y h a v e renewable energy as the way to sustain economic development in the world. But if you have listened to my recent position on this, I have advocated for what I call a just and equitable transition, which means not all countries need to be treated in the same way And the rhythm and the logic of the phase out is different according to the different conditions that different countriesmighthave.”

Gutterres’ comments seem to align with Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and others here that Guyana must be allowed to develop its oil and gas resources to benefit its people. Back in Februaryatthe International Energy Conference, Jagdeo had said that countries like GuyanaandSurinamehavea right to develop their oil and gas resources. “…because they have used up so little of the global carbon budget,” theJagdeohadsaid. Backin April Jagdeo again said that the PPP/C Government planstoembarkonanumber of measures that will keep the oil industry on the fast track for a minimum of 15 years. He said then that such an approach would include the timely award of production licences as well as encouraging investment in the sector Given the pace at which discoveries are being made in the Stabroek Block, and the overall speed of development activities, Jagdeo said it is critical that

- says not all countries need to be treated in the same way

Archibald strikes CAC Games 100m gold!

...Kaliza Smith, Andrea Foster unfortunate

Archibald crossed the

Itwasahistoricoutingfor line in 10.24s to win the Emanuel Archibald, with the heated contest and secure country’s most prized senior Guyana’s eighth Gold Medal sprinter winning his first at the CAC Games since the international gold medal country started competing at when he crossed the line theeventin1959. ahead of the pack at the It was a closely contested Central American and race, with Archibald Caribbean (CAC) Games in narrowly defeating Jose

G o n z a l e z f r o m t h e Dominican Republic and Rikkoi Brathwaite from the BritishVirginIslands,bothof whomfinishedwithatimeof 10.26seconds.

Tuesday July 04, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You have quite the juggling actonyourhandstoday,Aries. Thingsmayflyatyoufromall directions,alldemandingyour attention. Give equal weight toyourneeds.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Tension may build today from all directions, Taurus Everyone may seem to be operating as part of a great conspiracy against you. Don't getparanoid.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Spread your ideas out to the world, Gemini. Now is a great time to go on a long trip, or at least begin planning one. Explorethefarreachesofyour s p a c e , l i t e r a l l y a n d figuratively.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Take time out to change the things in your life that need restoring, Cancer Explore youremotionalneedsandfind waystosatisfythem.Youmay need to adopt a radically different approach in order to getwhereyouneedtogo.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today may be quite emotionally intense, Leo Your greatest gifts may get you into trouble on a day like this, but that doesn't mean you should stop being yourself for evenoneminute.

VIRGO (Aug 23–Sept 22)

You may need to make some distinct mental adjustments in ordertofitinwiththeenergyof the day, Virgo Try to tune into these energies and see what kind of balance they can bring toyourlife Bemoremindfulof yourwordsanddon'tsaythings youdon'treallymean

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

There's likely to be a bit of tension today regarding your position in society. Maybe you're running into issues that stem from your involvement in the collective versus your focusonyourpersonalissues.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

There's a bit of rigidity in the air today that might leave you feeling as if you're butting heads with everything you come in contact with, Scorpio. Try not to get too bent out of shape if people disagree with youropinions.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Your emotions may surprise youtodayasunexpectedissues crop up out of nowhere. Take time to smooth the wrinkles in your current plan of attack regarding your involvement withtheworld.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You may wonder what all the fuss is about today, Capricorn. People may be getting all worked up over nothing. Don't getabsorbedinthemelodrama.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Today is a wonderful and productive day for you, Aquarius Don't hog the limelight. Let other people feel like they're being heard, too. You might get into trouble if your head gets too big or your attitudetoostubborn.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Stand back and let someone else take the reins today, Pisces. Trust in others. There are many helpful hands out there to guide you. The most important thing is to let go and have confidence that others willdirectyou.

From page 25

IMMAF Coach Education and Certification Course led by Andrew Moshanov is a commendable initiative that will equip coaches with the necessary knowledge and skills to trainathleteseffectively

The participation of 20 coaches from six Caribbean regions, including Trinidad, Saint Lucia, Guyana, Antigua, Suriname, and Grenada, is a clear indication of the growing interestandcommitmenttoMMAinthearea.

It’s heartening to see that IMMAF is actively working to establish a strong support and education system for athletes and coaches across national federations, which is crucial for thesport’sdevelopment.

The involvement of coaches from Guyana, such as CorwinD’Anjou,whoisaworld-rankingMMAfighter,adds significant value to the coaching program Corwin D’Anjou’s experience and expertise will undoubtedly benefit young athletes and contribute to the expansion of MMAintheregion.

The emphasis on developing young athletes and transitioning them into coaches is a promising approach to ensuringthelong-termgrowthandsustainabilityofthesport intheCaribbeanregion.

A f t e r c a r e f u l examination of the photo finish, officials awarded Gonzalez the second-place position.

As the reigning national champion in the 100m, 200m, and long jump, Archibald adds the prestigious CAC gold medal to his collection of internationalaccolades.

The Linden athlete’s achievement marks his first international gold medal, complementing his previous successes, which include a silver medal in the South American Championship 100m and a bronze medal in the South American Championship 4x100m relay.

Despite Archibald’s success, the second day of track and field at the CAC Gamesbroughtmixedresults forGuyana.

AndreaFoster,knownfor her accomplishments in the 800m, fell short of securing a spot in the women’s 400m hurdlesevent.

Foster, a bronze medalist in the South American Championship 800m, finished at the back of the pack with a time of 59.37 seconds.

The race was dominated by Gianna Woodruff from Panama,whoadvancedtothe finals with an impressive time of 55.49 seconds, while Valeria Cabrezas from Colombiasecured(57.58s).

In the women’s 100m semifinals,KelizaSmithalso narrowly missed out on a placeinthefinals.

Shefinishedinthirdplace inthesecondsemifinalwitha timeof11.68seconds.

Smith’s time was ranked ninthamongtheathleteswho did not directly qualify as top-twofinishers.

With continued efforts and initiatives like this, MMA in the Caribbean can thrive, creating opportunities for athletes and coaches while elevating the profile of the sport in the area.

Furthermore, the importance of safety in the sport, as emphasized by Dr Andrey Moshanov, the IMMAF Director ofSportsDevelopment,cannotbeunderstated.

Collaboratingwithlocalfederationsisessentialtoensure that safety standards are upheld and that the sport is promotedresponsibly

Special congratulations to Corwin D’Anjou for his performance at the seminar, which further showcases his dedicationandcommitmenttoMMAandthedevelopmentof thesportintheCaribbeanregion.

Noslip-upsasDjokovicgetsrecordquestunderway

LONDON, (Reuters) - Four- for several years he has avoided any that drives Wimbledon fans mad. times defending champion and hot ofthegrasscourtwarm-upevents. After a mild shower, the roof was favouriteNovakDjokovicbeganhis “For me, the opening match is a slid into place, but Djokovic was record quest with a straight-sets little bit tricky, I’ve not played any reluctanttoreturntothefray,pacing Wimbledon victory over a willing warm-up match and grass is a little the court as ball boys took to using but eventually outgunnedArgentine different to clay,” Djokovic said. leafblowerstodrythesurface. Pedro Cachin on Centre Court “I’ve managed to adapt pretty well The action resumed after 70 yesterday over the years and hopefully I minutes–withtheroofopenagain–Serbian Djokovic, 36, is seeking managetodoitagain.” andDjokovichitthegroundrunning a men’s record-extending 24th Djokovic accepted that the rain with an immediate break. While he Grand Slam title that would also delay was frustrating for the crowd threw in some crowd-pleasing drop draw him level with Australia’s but said it was still slippery until shots, it was the relentless power Margaret Court, to match Roger after the roof had been reopened. “I and accuracy of his groundstrokes Federer’s eight Wimbledons and usually come out with rackets, not combined with an increasingly equal Federer and Bjorn Borg’s towels,”hesaid. emphatic serve that wore down his record of five successive men’s SMALLMARGINS 68th-rankedopponent. singlescrowns. As a reminder of the small To his credit, the 28-year-old

He took a convincing first step margins that separate the great from Cachin kept the champion honest in with a 6-3 6-3 7-6(4) victory where the merely very good, Wimbledon the third, coming back from 0-30 at the only time he looked really debutant Cachin had played only 5-4downwithfourstraightpointsto inconvenienced was when one match on grass, and lost it, but take it to a tiebreak, but Djokovic complaining about the risk of for long spells went toe to toe with merelywentthroughthegearsagain slipping on a mildly damp court the most successful player of all towinitcomfortably after a shower caused a 70-minute timeandbrokehimfora3-2first-set Tougher challenges will lie delay during which the roof was leadonarareDjokovicdoublefault. ahead in the next two weeks but, in closedandreopened. The champion broke back the absence of the retired Roger Last time Djokovic lost on immediately, however, and when he Federer and injured Rafa Nadal, Centre Court was in the 2013 final began to find his range, battered his someonefromthenextgenerationis against Andy Murray and way through the Argentine’s going to have to find something remarkably that was also his last defences to take the first set in 42 special to stop Djokovic walking defeat on grass by any of the 128 minutes. away with another armful of players in this year’s draw, though Then followed the sort of delay records.

GGA Annual General Meeting set for July 25

The Annual General Meeting of the Treasurer’s Report, Motions, Election of Guyana Golf Association will be held on office bearers for Period 2023-2024, Tuesday25thJuly,2023,from6:00pmatthe InstallationofOfficebearersand AnyOther Scout Association Ground on Woolford Business. Avenue. Notice of Motions must reach the The new AGM is guided by the Guyana Secretarynolaterthan18thJuly,2023. Olympic Association rules and regulations

Each club registered with the and in keeping with the requirements set Associationisentitledtosendtwodelegates, forth by the Guyana Olympic Association’s however only one authorized member will Executive in response to the GGA’s request beallowedtovote. formembershipthatwassubmittedinMarch

TheAgendafortheAGMisasfollows; 2020.

Welcome, Minutes/ Matters Arising, Attendance may also be by way of President Report, Secretary ‘s Report, electronicmeans.

Twenty-three member squad named ahead of Ran C/Ship member

8 Digicel Schools Football Championships…

Charity’s goal scorers (L-R) were Mervin Williams, Dwane Williams, Dundra Sobers and Nochloyd Marks.

East Coast Regional Champ to be crowned today

The eighth season of the Mahaicony 2 – 2 stalemate while New Digicel’s Schools Football Region Six also has a Amsterdam Multilateral Championships continues double-header with matches blasted 14 unanswered goals today with six matches scheduled for the Scott pastPortMourant. across six Regions, with the Ground and 14:30 hrs and Berbice High won 3 – 2 highlightofthedaybeingthe 16:00 hrs. The first match against Tagore Memorial Region4EastCoastfinale. features Vryman’s Erven and Berbice Educational

At the Buxton Ground, clashing with Central Trust dismantled Lower President’s College and Corentyne while the other Corentyne11–1.

Guyana’s National and the USA South valuable experience from Men’s Under-19 Rugby According to Manager thistrip,contributingtotheir team is set to travel to Sherlock Solomon, “This overall development He Jamaica for the Rugby will be the first time alsoextendedhisgratitudeto America’s North (RAN) U- representing Guyana for all the main sponsors, including 19 championship, which is but one player However, we Modern Optical, P&P scheduled to take place at have been training and Insurance Brokers, Ansa University of the West practicing for the last four McAl,CummingsElectrical, Indies, Mona Campus months, and the boys are N A M I L C O , Vi s h ’s ground in Kingston, Jamaica improving and getting Pharmacy, SNL Electrical, from July 12-16, following fitter.” Massy Gas Ltd, Wilfred an official announcement of He mentioned that the Neblette (NY), Freddy Fish the twenty-three member team has been focusing on Shop, the GOA, and the squad,overtheweekend. practicing and doing laps at NSC.

Meanwhile, Elisha the National Park, as well as The squad consists of: Crawford is the sole light weight training in the D a k a r i M a r t i n d a l e surviving member from gym to ensure the younger (Captain), Nihil Carter G u y a n a ’s p r e v i o u s players do not engage in (Vice-Captain), Dion participation in a RAN heavy lifting. Solomon also Softley, Vidal Narine, tournament as a 16-year-old highlighted that the team’s Tashenia Leitch, Gavin in 2019, just before the strong point lies in its McPherson, David Massiah, Covid-19 pandemic powerful backline, while the Anton Bernard, Sylvester disruptedsportingandsocial mainchallengeishelpingthe Fraser, Elisha Crawford, activities in Guyana. Led by forwards understand the Melson Moe, Omarion Dakari Martindale, this team rulesofrugby Leitch, Ephrain McLennan, will be the first to represent The team has been ShaquanAdams, Tion Mars, Guyana in the tournament preparing under the Daniel Deheart, Samuel sincetheCovid-19outbreak. guidance of Coach Larry Bellang, Tion Luke, Renson Last year, Guyana was Adonis,withassistancefrom Branch, Treville Weeks, and unable to compete in the former Guyana Captain Darian Bentick The RAN U-19 competition due JamalAngus.Angus, theson standbys are Cadem toinsufficientfunds. of former Guyana Cricket Hollingsworth, Samuel The team consist of 23 Captain Jerry Angus, who Nicholas, and Jamal members and four standbys, resides in England, is aiding Johnson. Sherlock Solomon and was announced after a theteam’spreparations. will accompany the team as practice session at Rugby Notably, Guyana senior theteammanager Alongside Field (National Park) players David Garnett, Coach Larry Adonis and Guyana’s group includes Gordon Brooms, and Scott several senior players, host Jamaica and Bermuda, Garraway are also assisting Solomon has been working while the other group in the team’s preparations. to ensure the squad is wellconsists of Trinidad & Solomon expressed his prepared for the challenging Tobago,theCaymanIslands, belief that the team will gain triptoJamaica.

Buxton will lock horns at

Academy trounced

On the East Bank, 14:30 hrs to decide who is DiamondSecondarycrushed crowned the East Coas Supply 16 – 0 while in Regional Champion Fo G e o r g e t o w n , We s t their efforts this far, both Ruimveldt defeated St teams have already Joseph4–0andExcelsior q

Tucville,6–0. C

mpionships In

In Region 1, Santa Region Two at Tapakuma Rosa defeated Waramuri Ground, the action kicks in a nail-biter on sudden off at 13:00 hrs as Aurora death penalty kicks, 1 – 0, meet Abraham Zuil in the after they were deadlocked first match of the double at 1 – 1 at regulation time header, which has Johanna while Hosproro squeezed Cecilia and Cotton Field pastNorthWest2–1. going head-to-head from match will see Tutorial In Region 2, Charity got th 14:30hrs. collidewithCanje. past 8 of May 5 – 3 while Region Five’s only In the tournament’s most Anna Regina sank Wakapoa match commences at 14:30 recent playing date, Canje 4–1. hrs at the Rosignol defeated Corentyne This country wide Community Centre Ground Comprehensive 4 – 3 on tournament is organized by with Bush Lot battling penaltykicksareplayingtoa thePetraOrganisation.

West Indies Rising Stars Women’s Under19 Championship bowls off in Trinidad today

The region’s best Under19 women’s cricketers have assembledinTrinidadforthe second annual Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Wo m e n ’s U n d e r- 1 9 Championship, from 4 to 12 July.

The competition will witness six teams Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, andWindward Islands in 30over matches, which will be played at the National Cricket Centre (NCC), UWI Sports&PhysicalEducation Centre (UWI SPEC), and Gilbert Park Cricket Ground (GPCG).

This tournament serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing and identifying talent, facilitating their progression.

The region’s best Under-19 women’s cricketers are in Trinidad for the second annual CWI Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship which starts today.

CWI’s strategic plan has committed resources into developing the women’s cricket at every level. This tournament therefore plays a vital role in the strategy to pathway system we have for women’steam.” Guyana–GPCG

Trinidad & Tobago vs Islands–NCC develop the talent pool and men’s cricket over the next The tournament will see Leeward Islands vs WindwardIslands–GPCG

Thursday13July produce the next generation fewyears. three matches each day Jamaica–UWISPEC

Jamaica vs Barbados – Leeward Islands vs of West Indies Women’s Thisyear’stournamentis starting at 10am (9am Trinidad & Tobago vs UWISPEC Barbados–GPCG players. key because we have to Jamaica Time). LIVE ball- Barbados–NCC

Guyana vs Leeward

Trinidad & Tobago vs

CWI’s Talent Pathway identify the next group of by-ball scoring of each Thursday6July Islands–NCC Guyana–UWISPEC Manager Steve Liburd said: playerswhowillmakeupthe match will be available on Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tuesday11July

Jamaica vs Windward “This tournament is vital for squad for the next ICC t h e Tobago–GPCG

Jamaica vs Guyana – Islands–NCC the growth of women’s Women’sU19CricketWorld www windiescricket com Guyana vs Barbados – GPCG

Saturday15July h cricket in the region, and we Cup and be the feeder group matchcentre. UWISPEC

Leeward Islands vs 5 and 6 play-off –are preparing for our for the new Women’s MATCH SCHEDULE

Windward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago – UWI GPCG rd th regional youth tournaments Academy that will lead into Tuesday4July LeewardIslands–NCC SPEC

3 and4 playoff–NCC to be consistent to the the West Indies senior Windward Islands vs Sunday9July

Barbados vs Windward FINAL-UWISPEC

Azarenka feeling the love on Wimbledon return

LONDON, (Reuters) - Belarusian verynice.

(REUTERS/ Andrew Couldridge)

VictoriaAzarenka said it felt great to have the I feel like there is an online part of it and support of the Wimbledon crowd yesterday there is the aura, and for me personally, I having missed out on the Grand Slam last year experienced very good treatment,” the 19th due to the ban on players from Russia and seedtoldapressconference. Belarus.

“There are of course some incidents

The ban was due to Russia’s invasion of sometimes happens (at other events), but I felt Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special like I was very welcomed everywhere. I have military operation”, and it resulted in ranking been very supported everywhere.And I really points being taken away from the event by the appreciatethatpart. ATPandWTATours.

“Today to hear people say, ‘Let’s go,Vika’ Aspartoftheirreturn,playersfromthetwo andcheeringmeonwasalsowhyIplay,toplay nations are playing as neutrals and are not infrontofthecrowd,toputonagoodshow So allowed to receive state funding or have thatfeltgreat.” sponsorship from Russian or Belarusian Azarenka’s compatriot Aryna Sabalenka companies. skipped two press conferences at the French Britain is a major ally of Ukraine and Open last month citing mental health reasons continuestoprovidemilitarysupportbutthere after being grilled about the invasion of was no animosity from the crowd towards Ukraine and Belarus being used as a staging former world number one Azarenka as she groundforRussiantroops. edgedpastChina’sYuanYue6-45-76-4inthe The world number two begins her firstround. Wimbledon campaign against Hungary’s

“Honestly, it was really nice. People are PannaUdvardytoday

ExxonMobil U18 Boys and Girls Schools Basketball Festival

Christ Church, Tutorial, QC, MTI, Multi, GTI, Kwakwani among winners - on day two

D a y t w o o f t h e

Secondary, edging them out points to their victory

ExxonMobil National with a final score of 24-22. Carmelo Mansonhing’s Schools Basketball Festival

Joel Estriado led the way for remarkable performance of (NSBF) saw intense

MTI with 11 points and 7 32 points and 5 rebounds competitiononSundayatthe rebounds, while Nehum stood out for St. Rose’s National Gymnasium

Rigby contributed 6 points High. located along Mandela and an impressive 12 U18 Girls Division Avenue The event, rebounds.QualonCrandon’s Highlights: sponsored by ExxonMobil 10 points were crucial in Over in the U18 Girls and supported by the theirtriumph. division, Kwakwani NationalSportsCommission New Amsterdam (NA) dominated School Girls (NSC), Edward B Beharry Multilateral emerged Combined, ending the game Limited, and G-Boats GY, victorious against Covent with an impressive scoreline proved to be a platform for Garden, displaying a o f 4 8 - 0 L a n e s h a budding basketball stars to dominant performance with Mohammed led the way for shine. a final score of 40-8. Xavier Kwakwani with 15 points

U18 Boys Division Ferreira had a good day for and9rebounds,whileSherel

Highlights: NA Multilateral with 12 Leacoch contributed 8

In the U18 Boys points and 5 rebounds, points. Brian Benjamin and category, Christ Church closelyfollowedbyTimothy D’Ja Garraway also played Secondary defeated Persaud’s 11 points and 6 vital roles in their team’s Diamond Secondary with a rebounds. Jared Dainty and success While, Marian final score of 29-19. Kwame respectively, along with Raghoo’s remarkable Griffith’s 10 points and 9 Joshua Hamilton also made Academy triumphed over Huntley led the charge for Cameron’s6rebounds. performance of 10 points rebounds Fuad Bacchus significant contributions to Bishops’ High with a 10-2 Christ Church with an Tutorial High secured a and 4 rebounds stood out for showcased his skills for theirteam’ssuccess. scoreline. Angel Ramjaram impressive performance of narrow victory against School of Nations. Queens C a m i l e ’s A c a d e m y, Government Technical ledthewayforMarianwith8 12 points and 7 rebounds, School of Nations, finishing College (QC) dominated contributing 9 points and 4 Institute (GTI) outplayed St. points and 6 rebounds while Tyrese Bancraft the game with 23 points to Camille’s Academy, ending rebounds.

Rose’s High, securing a 44- Princess Bond contributed 2 contributed 7 points and 10 22. Zeldro Haynes stood out the game with a resounding Meanwhile, in a closely 32 win. Peter Langevine and points to their victory rebounds. Benkai King and forTutorial,tallying9points 48-14 victory Owen Hooper contestedmatch,Mahaicony Martin Edwards showcased Lashaunte Berkley’s notable Andrew Cameron displayed and 8 rebounds, while spearheaded Queens Technical Institute (MTI) theirskills,scoring13and10 performanceof2points. their prowess for Diamond, Yeeknahyah Yisrael added 6 College’s triumph with 18 secured a narrow victory points respectively, while Action continued scoring 10 and 5 points points to their victory Ethan points, supported by Ezekiel over Lower Corentyne Javier St. Claire added 8 yesterdayatthesamevenue.

IMMAF certification course a success

- GMMAF Pres. Singh pleased with fighters’ success in T&T

Four Guyana athletes excelled in the Rufff & Tuff and TNTMMAFregionalinvitationalinTrinidadandTobago.The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF) and FightCentralcollaboratedontheevent.

AneviaFrank,CarlRamsey,SheezeBobb,andIjazeCave weretheathletesthatrepresentedGuyana.AneviaFrankmade herdebutintheoctagonandwonagoldmedal.

Carl Ramsey, a current Pan American Games silver medalist, and Sheeze Bobb, a current Pan American Games silvermedalist,bothearnedgoldmedals.IjazeCave,aworldclassathlete,alsowonagoldmedalinthetournament.

Their outstanding accomplishments were attributable to Coach Troy Bobb’s direction and teaching. Gavin Singh, presidentofGYMMAF,expressedhispleasureintheathletes and coach, praising Anevia Frank’s performance as a firsttimechampionshipcompetitor

Hestressedthattheorganizationiscommittedtoprovidea platform for local athletes to acquire regional and worldwide recognition, emphasizing the importance of this win for GuyanaandthesportofMMA.

Michael Singh, president of Fight Central, expressed his joy at being a part of this initiative and committed to continue supporting GYMMAF and its athletes both locally and internationally InconjunctionwithGYMMAF,FightCentral planstoholdasanctionedinvitationalandprofessionalevent, assuringthegrowthanddevelopmentofMMAinGuyana.

Overall, this is a big accomplishment for Guyana’s MMA community,andtheyareeagerlyanticipatingtheforthcoming PanAmericanChampionshipsinColombiainAugust2023.

(Continued on page 21)