Guyana Times - Monday, July 22, 2024

PanJam 2024 set to sizzle patrons on July 27

Nigeria mulls granting citizenship to C’bean nationals with ancestral ties

...lauds recently-launched single-window system

Seventh-day Adventist Health Fair Govt to collaborate with church to get preventive health care into communities – continues to invest in equipment, support services for cervical cancer

Improvised weapons among prohibited items in “condemned” area at Mazaruni Prison

20th Caricom-Japan Consultation Japan ready to work with Caricom to ensure peace, stability & prosperity

2 busted with foreign ganga, gun during CANU operation

Berbice farmer chops son after he refused to work for him

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, July 22 –04:00h-05:30h and Tuesday, July 23 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, July 22 –04:50h-06:20h and Tuesday, July 23 – 05:30h-07:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

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

Winds: East North-Easterly to Southerly between 1.34 metres and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 17:35h reaching a maximum height of 2.60 metres.

Low Tide: 11:07h and 23:23h reaching minimum heights of 0.49 metre and 0.61 metre.

Guyana making significant progress in attracting int’l investors – US

State Dept's CIF 2024 report

...lauds recently-launched single-window system

Guyana continues to make strides in attracting international investors according to the recently released Investment Climate Report (2024) which also lauded the government on the launch of the single-window system.

The report was released by the United States (US) State Department, which evaluates the investment climate of over 160 countries around the world and whether they have adopted Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) norms. In Guyana’s case, the report acknowledged the progress that has been made.

“Guyana aims to provide a welcoming business environment for international investors and has already shown some success. Business registration times have been reduced from three weeks to less than one week. And the Government of Guyana is developing a single window program for permits.”

This is particularly the case with the Ministry

ual applications and generate progress reports, which can also be accessed by applicants. Another feature of the system is a time-bound element by which the relevant agencies will have to respond to applications otherwise they would automatically be considered approved.

of Housing’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) single window system, which will see agencies such as the Central Board of Health, the River and Defence Board, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the National Trust of Guyana, Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), and the Deeds Registry also getting on board.

The single-window system features five key elements including one-window access to allow the CH&PA to be the point of entry for planning and building applications; as well as a dashboard to show the status of individ -

Implementation of the single-window system forms part of the Government’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment and improve the ease of doing business through an electronic portal that allows investors to submit planning and building permits, and check the status of the permits from anywhere in the world.

The system would also allow Guyanese citizens to access information they need, through a hassle-free process and from any part of the country. While the CIF report gave due recognition to this initiative, it also highlighted the challenges that remain.

“Government processes remain slow and opaque, particularly public procurement, with tenders

evolving and being re-issued. Many businesses find Guyana’s taxation system confusing. Some companies have found success in hiring local counsel and accountants and connecting with business support organisations like the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). Investors seeking to capitalise on the oil and gas sector are encouraged to review Guyana’s local content requirements,” the report states.

The executive summary of the report also spoke of Guyana’s export composition. While still dependent on extractive resources, the report noted the government’s efforts to diversify the economy and make investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and information and communication technology.

“To that end, the Government of Guyana (GoG) is offering incentives for investment in agriculture, business support services, health, information technology, manufacturing, and energy, especially in outlying regions, through the Guyana Office for Investment, or GO-INVEST,” the report states.

When it comes to the Responsible Business Conduct norms, which include expectations that businesses will seek to avoid and mitigate any negative impacts from their operations, the report noted that most companies do conform to these responsibilities.

These include adherence to human and labour rights, information disclosure, protection of the environment and consumer interests, an-

ti-bribery, science and technology, competition, and taxation. Further, these guidelines are outlined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“Local companies have improved RBC as firms react to increased levels of competition, partly to compete or subcontract with companies in the oil and gas sector that emphasise it. Guyanese consumers are increasingly aware of RBC principles as the population becomes more sensitised,” the report explained.

In Guyana, GO-Invest has brought in 250 investments since 2020. Guyana has been extending ties around the world, and the Government has assured that investors can expect an enabling business environment.

In March 2023, the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) was launched in Guyana, coming months after visa restrictions were removed for Guyanese visitors to the United Kingdom (UK). Then in April, the India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was formed, thus paving the way for the facilitation of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. In May, the Government of Ghana commissioned the first Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce in Guyana. There is also an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

In November, a European Union (EU) Trade Mission arrived to explore opportunities, with a heavy focus on forging greater economic cooperation in the areas of health, climate, energy, and regional connectivity.

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

India-Russia relations in multipolar world

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Vladmir Putin of Russia participated in the 22nd India-Russia summit in Moscow, even as a USNATO Summit was held in Washington. The meeting was quite significant in that it signals the new evolving multipolarity in global politics through which small nations like Guyana will have to dance between the raindrops. The poles of power number the US, EU, China, Russia, Japan, India, and possibly Brazil in our continent.

Much has been written about a possible Cold War brewing between the present world hegemon – the US, and its challenger China, and of the dangers of history repeating itself from the first iteration when numerous countries like Guyana were caught in the crossfire. The example of India in the present is hopefully not unique. It offers hope that amidst all the competition, conflicts, turmoil, and even wars, in a multipolar world, countries might be able to maintain positive linkages with even putative enemies as they seek to further their national interests. Russia is presently in the crosshairs of the US, which has vigorously supported Ukraine in its defence against the invading Russian army. At the same time, India is a member of the Quad defence alliance that includes the US, Japan, India, and Australia to checkmate Chinese expansionism in the Pacific. In the meantime, China is the firmest ally of Russia and has been steadfast in the latter’s support.

After the US and its European allies imposed a blockade on Russian oil, India benefited enormously from the deep discount prices under which it was able to purchase the “surplus” oil to keep its “Make in India” programme growing. While voices were raised in the US and EU about this safety valve offered to Russia, India was able to successfully argue that not only did the purchases serve its national interest, but the EU itself had not sanctioned oil from Russia via pipelines but merely that shipped via the sea. The almost inevitable march of Donald Trump back into the White House, and his commitment to ceasing the carte blanche the Biden Administration has given Ukraine, shows that countries such as Guyana have to be careful in reflexively following initiatives the competing power players might take against each other.

It was, therefore, quite significant that the Putin-Modi meeting was consummated while India’s relations with the US remained firm. The previous summit was in Dec 2021 in Delhi and when none was held in 2022 or 2023 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, some felt that this signalled Indian skittishness in the face of US-EU diplomatic concerns. The Indian Foreign Minister’s retort then was that not every European problem was the world’s problem. Earlier this year when asked by a Japanese Journalist about India’s “silence” on the invasion, S Jaishankar’s more nuanced answer is significant on the question of national interest. “… the world is a complicated place, and there are many important principles and beliefs in the world. What happens sometimes in world politics is that countries pick one issue, one situation, or one principle, and they highlight it because it suits them.

But if one looks at the principle itself, we in India know better than almost any other country, because immediately after our independence, we experienced aggression, we experienced an effort to change our boundaries."

Hence, the real significance of the Putin-Modi summit is that it took place after the three-year hiatus and especially during a NATO summit. The Indian Foreign Secretary emphasised before the meeting that they look at their “relationship with Russia purely from a framework of reference of bilateral relationships”, but also stressed that the visit would be an occasion to discuss “various areas of importance in bilateral engagement and also issues of regional and global importance of mutual interest and help broaden the scope of our partnership” . However, in a principled stance when a Russian missile attack hit a hospital in Kyiv, killing several children Modi offered a pointed rebuke to Putin. "When innocent children are killed, the heart bleeds and that pain is very terrifying."

Avoid character assassination

Dear Editor,

Please allow me space in your newspaper to share my thoughts on a very important issue, that is, the poor quality of the public discourse and political debate in the letter section of the major dailies in Guyana.

Editor, regularly, l look forward to reading the letters as well as following the views of both the critics and supporters of the government on social media. I look forward to well-researched, thought-provoking letters on topical issues as well as the political situation in Guyana.

With the above in mind, it is very disappointing to read the views advocated by some. One such reckless and brazen individual is Rickford Burke. He has a penchant for attacking those whom he feels are articulating views which are contrary to his. One such person that he took to task was Ravi Dev. Dev wrote an article, " Burnham Created a Totalitarian, Racialised state. This cannot be the aspiration of the PNC/R leader to be elected." (Stabroek news: 202406- 26,). In his article, Dev highlights what he perceives to be the numerous pitfalls of the Burnham regime, and policies the latter implemented that caused great resentment among the majority of the population, resulting in Guyanese leaving in droves to foreign lands.

Dev expressed his views and l was looking forward to an intellectual rebuttal

of his points but, instead, Burke castigated Dev, labeling him as being part of a group of, " older East Indian men in particularly (sic), [that] have Forbes Burnham obsession syndrome. " Burke also paints Dev as a P.P.P. member and ominously declares," P.P.P. racism will lead to another 1963 types civil conflict." Burke is not interested in offering an intellectual rebuttal of Dev's points but he is merely attacking Dev for the letter's view of Burnham. This is disappointing.

One expects more from Burke. If Dev feels that Burnham did irreparable damage to the social, political, and ethnic fabric of the Guyanese society, then that is his right to express his views on same. The P. N. C candidates are always extolling the virtues of Burnham so Dev is reminding everyone of what Burnham did so he (Dev), thinks the candidates need their policies and not taking us back to such a troubling time in our past. Burke must not arrogate upon himself the right to determine who speaks on what topic.

Burke is silent on the decision of Roysdale Forde and Amanza-Walton to not contest for the leadership of the P.N.C. He also did not comment on nor condemn the disturbing statements made by W. P. A leader in Buxton.

Burke also seems to have an obsession with the vice president. Almost daily, Burke posts a picture

of the latter, accusing him of murdering 1400 African Guyanese. This is a serious charge and the number is significant. Concerning these killings, Stabroek News did a thorough investigation and the results do not support Burke's claims. From this investigation, we learned that 420 were killed and they were not all African Guyanese. Of this above number, 119 were Indo Guyanese and some were Amerindians, plus mixed-race ancestry. In ad-

dition, many of the deaths resulted from armed confrontations with the police and gangs, while some died trying to topple the government, and more. Suffice to say, that Burke's figure is not supported by facts.

Burke is a prominent figure in the political landscape of Guyana; therefore, he needs to be more responsible. So many look up to him.

Sincerely,

Mahindra Persaud

Government delivers on eye care commitment

Dear Editor, Back in May 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO), via the World Report on Vision, estimated that without urgent action, the number of people who are blind could triple by 2050. This World Report on Vision drew attention to the growing need for eye health services, provided a set of recommendations to increase equitable access to eye care, and proposed the integration of people-centered eye care services. In revisiting this document, I was happy to note that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is quite ‘on top of things’ vision-wise for the nation.

I see that just recently, it was reported that the “Government rolled (their) out eye-testing & spectacles initiative at Mahaicony, Enmore & Diamond.” This is in keeping with their 2020-

2025 manifesto, a commitment geared at enhancing the lives of citizens. This phase of the programme was hosted at the Dundee and Diamond Health Centres and at Enmore Hope Primary School. From what I gathered, those eligible for this unrolling really and rightfully capitalised on it, as over 2,000 persons had already benefitted from eye testing and some of those who were tested had received spectacles.

Further, according to Dr. Anthony, Minister of Health, “… individuals diagnosed with cataracts during the screening would be added to a treatment list, (and) if we detect, apart from you needing glasses, that you have cataracts, then we will put you on a list and we will be able to do those surgeries for you.”

Westminster contractor shot dead during home invasion

– wife beaten in head, son stabbed during ordeal

Sixty-nine-year-old

Jairam Ramkishun, a contractor of Westminster Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was shot dead in the wee hours of Sunday after bandits invaded his property.

According to reports, Ramkishun lived in a one-flat concrete house with his wife, Tajwantie Harry Persaud, and their two sons, aged 24 and 25.

Tajwantie told the police that she and her husband were asleep in their bedroom when they were awakened by three males dressed in hoodies one of whom was armed with a handgun.

She recounted being beaten to the head with the gun by the intruders who demanded cash and jewellery. Her husband, however, put up a fight against the men. Upon hearing the commotion, one of their sons, Jonathan, came out of his bedroom.

Together, they managed to force the suspects out of the house. During the scuffle, Jonathan sustained a stab wound to the left side of his rib area. The men exited through the western side door, after which Ramkishun armed himself with a cutlass and went after them.

The wife further stat-

ed that amid everything, she heard a loud explosion, which sounded like a gunshot. Upon checking, she saw her husband lying motionless on his face in a pool of blood at the front of the yard.

She immediately contacted a family friend who reported the matter to the police. After checks were made in their home, it was discovered that one iPhone 8 and one iPhone 11 were missing.

The police arrived at the scene and found two live rounds of 9mm ammunition and one 9mm spent shell at the front of the yard. In addition, a black haversack and two flap hats were also found at the scene.

In an interview with reporters on Sunday, Tajwantie

The traffic situation in Guyana is evolving

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, the current Traffic Chief in Guyana seems to have accepted the role of barking and no bite. Repeatedly each traffic chief jumped on the podium and started issuing threats and like an ordinary fraudster, said the words that people wanted to hear, and no results.

Out traffic situation seems to be evolving to the worse and still no one seems to really know nor understand how to go about and address this issue. At one point, this present administration was boasting about installing state-of-the-art cameras with all sorts of features and the fact is, years after, the situation remains the same. If one is to observe the traffic accidents in one in Guyana, most occur in the night/morning hours, which is the time the traffic officers are enjoying their peaceful sleep.

Editor, various reasons help to contribute to accidents in Guyana, but none of the actors seems partic-

ularly concerned to address them. Many vehicles started painting or tinting their brake lights, which makes it almost impossible to see during the day unless you are up close. Is that legal?

Many vehicles are purchasing a single led light and installing it on their windshield or the roof of their vehicle and instead of pointing it on the road for a better vision, they conveniently point it directly in the faces of drivers coming in the opposite direction. Many trucks also disregard the lights the trucks come with and install some powerful LED lights that almost blind other drivers. Aren’t the police aware of these illegal actions and can’t they address them? Whilst they continue to make idle threats, people’s lives are being snuffed out carelessly, all because they are incompetent to function properly in the position they’ve been entrusted with!

Sincerely, Sahadeo

Bates

revealed that this was the second time in the year, they were robbed.

"It happened the same hours in the morning… the story is in the court. Last week Thursday we went to court and that was the trial day. The suspect that I identified at the first robbery, he was at court and he carried someone with him and he kept saying that he will come back to them [her family] and I gonna kill all of them…” she said.

Tajwantie described her husband as a quiet and hardworking man who did not deserve to die in such a cruel manner.

"He was very quiet, hardworking, and loving to his family. He loved to work…I believe they were sending a message to the family towards the court that transpired last week," she added.

Meanwhile, Jairam’s brother, Phillip Ramkishun, called on President Dr Irfaan Ali, to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted into his brother’s death.

"We are waiting on justice and I am hoping that the President will see that there is fair justice in this. We need justice…. there are a lot of families that this happened to and nothing comes out of it, but we are asking you. If we

to walk the length and breadth of

to get

tice, we will do it. My brother is an innocent person, and we need justice," he said.

He added that after the incident, they contacted the La Grange Police Station but that proved useless. It was the ranks from Wales Police Station that turned up to conduct the investigation.

He added that his brother worked hard to make life comfortable for him and his family and it is heart wrenching to know that his life was snuffed out in this manner.

Government delivers...

I urge that this goodwill venture be fully utilised. It is geared for individuals aged 18 and under, and those 65 and older, and it also offers a $2,000 voucher for eye screening and $15,000 to cover the cost of spectacles, if required. This must not be taken lightly. Vision care is costly and its importance must be prioritised.

The word from Sumrana Yasmin, Sightsavers’ senior global technical lead for eye health, who was part of the team that developed elements of the mentioned guide, is that “Eye health is an often-forgotten element of health and wellbeing, and this has led to a mounting global crisis.

The WHO guide is a vital step to addressing this. She detailed that “The big task ahead is to make sure that long-term investment, policies and resources are in

place to achieve recommendations set out in the World Report on Vision and make use of the tools in the guide. To improve eye health and universal health coverage, there must be a collaboration between governments, non-government organisations (NGO), the private sector, and other stakeholders, and eye health services be integrated into wider health and education systems.”

I reiterate that this outreach is a commendable effort from the PPP/C health officials, as “… it aims to alleviate financial burdens associated with eye care while enhancing access to vision correction services nationwide … it is free of cost and it is good.

Yours truly,

Hargesh B Singh

Adding with Negative Numbers Page Foundation

When you add a positive number and a negative number, compare the numbers as if they do not have positive and negative signs.

If the positive number is larger, just subtract. You identify them by adding a minus sign to the front of a number. So – 1 is 1 less than 0. – 6.2 is 6.2 less than 0.

Example:

9 + ( – 4) = ?

Step 1: Remove the + sign and brackets. Step 2: Do the maths. 9 – 4 = 5

If the negative number is greater, ignore the minus sign for the time being. Subtract the smaller number from the greater. Then put a minus sign in front of the difference.

Example:

5 + ( – 7) = ?

Step 1: Subtract 5 – 7

Step 2: Write a minus sign in front of the difference. So 5 + ( – 7) = – 2

When adding two negative numbers, ignore the minus sign and add. Then write a minus sign in front of the total.

Example:

( – 3) + ( – 4) = ?

Step 1: Ignore the negative signs and add: 3 + 4 = 7

Step 2: Write a minus sign in front of the total. So ( – 3) + ( – 4) = = – 7

Exercises: Solve

1) (– 6 ) + 2 =

2) ( – 8) + 7 =

3) (– 6) + 10 + 10 + (– 6) =

In this fun and easy magic science experiment, we’re going to use an optical illusion to make it appear a straw is bending.

Materials:

Water Glass

Straw

4) 5 + (– 2) = 5) 35 + (– 26) + 12

How it works:

Instructions:

BY TANAYA WINDER

Sacred stars blanket a nighttime sky, each light reminds us of the preciousness of life. Your memory lives along the Milky Way, each twinkle saying don’t forget my name.

Fill the glass about halfway with water. Now put the straw into the glass of water. Observe the straw from the top, sides, and bottom of the glass. When you observe the straw from the sides of the glass, it appears to be broken or bent.

direction. So, as we look at the straw in the glass, the light from the top part of the straw travels straight to our eyes whereas the part of the straw that’s underwater has light that is refracted since it travels through the water before it reaches our eyes.

Refraction causes the straw to look bent and sometimes it can even appear to be broken. Light usually travels in a straight line to our eyes, but when the light goes through the water, it slightly changes

Make this a science project: Try different sized glasses. Try writing messages and holding them behind the glass. Try putting different sized and shaped items in the glass. (sciencefun.org)

It’s an epidemic, a sickness of the earth, a war we enter as soon as we are birthed. Indigenous women, girls, our two-spirit, too. When did this world start disappearing you?

Source: Poetry (March 2021)

WORD SEARCH:

Govt working directly with farmers to help stabilise food prices – VP Jagdeo

...says initiatives such as co-investing being pursued across country

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has been making specific interventions in the agriculture sector, aimed at helping farmers to increase production and market their goods to stabilise food prices.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who gave this reminder amid the ongoing debate over the cost of living. At his most recent press conference, Jagdeo pointed out that while many want increased wages and salaries across the sectors, not as much thought is paid to the input costs farmers incur and their need to also make more money.

“Farmers also have to increase their income. Somehow people have this belief that we can raise all the salaries for everyone but the farmers who work in the fields, they have to keep their prices constant and cheap…as though they must take the hit every time,” Jagdeo said.

“In Guyana, we want to make sure everyone prospers. And that’s why we’re focused intensely on making sure they (farmers) get the help to increase their production. We’re doing something else, which is co-investing in facilities for processing. Because if the farmers can get a steady market, they can ramp up their production.”

The Vice President gave as an example the production of cassava. In case the price of cassava is high, this will cause more

farmers to go into cassava production. But he raised the question of what happens if the next crop sees a fall in the price of cassava. This is where co-investing, an initiative the PPP/C Government has been introducing in the farming communities, comes in.

“If you have a guaranteed market, with the cassava production. No matter how much you increase the production, you can still make money. Then it will help to smooth out that. I spoke last week about cassava mills in Region Three.”

“In Black Bush Polder we co-invested in a processing plant that would buy the produce from the farmers to process. We’re doing this all over the country. Working with the farmers,” Jagdeo explained.

In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture had collaborated with local manufacturer UMAMI to open a modern, multimillion-dollar agro-processing facility in Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder (East BerbiceCorentyne (Guyana).

Additionally, the Agriculture Ministry through the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has also been assisting 100 farmers in Crabwood Creek to cultivate peppers for UMAMI, which then exports these products.

The project was officially launched in May of this year, at Skeldon Sugar Estate Manager’s Club House and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had project-

Berbice farmer chops son after he refused to work for him

Ayoung farmer is now seeking medical attention after he was chopped in the head by his father for refusing to work on his rice plot on Tuesday. The injured man has been identified as Guresh Basdeo, 29, of Number 55 Village Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Basdeo told the Guyana Times that his father demanded that he spray his rice but instead, he went to visit the home of another farmer with whom he worked. This reportedly angered his father who turned up at the farmer’s house and began threatening his son. At the time, he was carrying a cutlass.

“He start rubbing the cutlass on the road and say, ‘come you mudda ... ah gon chap yo here today. If you can’t do me wuk, you can’t do nobody else wuk,’ and he rush up to me with the cut-

lass.

Basdeo recalled his father inflicting a wound to his head after which he entered his car and sped off the scene. The matter was later reported to the No.51 Police Station and Basdeo went to seek medical attention at the Skeldon Hospital.

According to Basdeo, one day before the chopping incident, his father turned up at his place of employment and threatened to harm him if he did not leave the work and attend to his plot that is under cultivation.

“I can’t leave my work to go and spray his rice,” he told this publication.

Basdeo noted that his wife is eight months pregnant and he was seeking to earn as much money as possible to take care of her. The police are continuing their investigations.

ed that in less than two months from the launch, farmers could be selling hundreds of pounds of peppers weekly.

Middlemen

Meanwhile, Jagdeo also highlighted the role that middlemen play in driving up costs for consumers, even as they help get the products to the market. He noted that talks have already been had with farmers, for instance those from Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) on how they themselves can market their produce directly to consumers.

“On the middle men, I think if you have better transportation and the farmers are better organised, they can cut out the middle men. I’ve spoken to farmers from across the river, who normally come to Georgetown to sell. And the city council runs them out, because they want bribes.”

“But they come directly with their produce so that their prices would be minus the margin that a middleman would give. And up to recently, we tried to assist them. Because when they come there, the constabulary would go down and harass them and they can’t sell,” the VP said.

Jagdeo related that some supermarkets sell

produce at three times the price it could be purchased from the farmers for. This is despite the only difference being the packaging and marketing of the product… hence the importance of ensuring consumers have multiple options to purchase goods.

“So, I guess the point is well taken, that we have to keep working to make sure that the farmers benefit more from any profit. Because they’re working in the fields. And sometimes their margins are very, very slim. And they do the hard work. And the middlemen, they make most of the money.”

The government has made significant steps to keep the cost of living as low as possible, measures that have helped stabilise

the cost of utilities and products on the market, even while neighbouring countries feel the squeeze. These efforts have included slashing the price of fuel and spending over $1 billion to purchase fertilisers which it then distributed to farmers. Since taking office in 2020, the President Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration has introduced several measures to put more disposable income in the pockets of Guyanese. From the onset, Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed from water and electricity. There has also been an increase in old-age pensions and public assistance, putting billions of dollars into the pockets of the Guyanese.

(G-3)

Mazaruni River boat collision

Still no trace of missing men, boat captain on bail

The search continues for Troy Anthony Joseph, 35, and Cranston Davidson, 43, both from Agatash Village, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) who have been missing following a boat collision on July 5 in the Mazaruni River.

In that accident, Oswald Hudson Jr., 29, from First Avenue Bartica died.

It was reported that on the night of the accident, Davidson and Joseph were in a boat captained by Oswald Hudson Sr., 60, also from Bartica. The collision occurred at approximately 23:50h when Hudson Sr.'s boat, carrying six passengers, collided head-on with another boat operated by Shavez

Thomas, 29, from Itaballi Landing.

The crash threw all occupants into the water. Despite efforts by public-spirited citizens to rescue the victims, only six people were pulled from the river, with Hudson Jr.'s body recovered later. Since the incident, families of the missing men have been tirelessly searching the river and its banks, expressing frustration with the perceived lack of support from authorities. The police initially only reported Hudson Jr.'s death, overlooking the missing persons. The families of Davidson and Joseph have since confirmed that they were also onboard.

Recognising…

…PNC heroes

One of the problems with starting out “fresh” by throwing out all the old guard is a loss of institutional memory on all the nitty gritty that doesn’t get written down – like where the skeletons are buried!! But the big things ARE written down so when something significant is missed, one wonders what the heck’s going on with the new lot drafted in to keep the ship on course!!

We were just told that six PNC stalwarts were inducted into the PNC “Hall of Heroes” by the new Leader and his Central Executive Committee. Clever move…it connects the newbies – who’re virtual unknowns – with the folks who built the PNC. And sends a signal of their legitimacy. But Norton might be laying it on a bit thick to bring in at one fell swoop SIX new heroes since it raises the question of why the heroism of these worthies hadn’t been recognised till now. After all, since they’re all in the great beyond – some for decades – surely their heroic deeds on behalf of the party would’ve been known!!

But your Eyewitness is baffled by one inductee –Desmond Hoyte – since he’d already been inducted back in 2006: !! That’s right, squaddies. Desmond was inducted into the PNC Hall of Heroes on Dec 23 of that year – after the PNC under Robert Corbin’s leadership had caused the party to suffer its worst-ever drubbing at the polls!! Maybe Corbin had been trying to burnish his own credentials then?? At his side then was Winston Murray, who’s one of the new six inductees. Murray, of course, is widely regarded as the best leader the PNC never had!! And it’s to Norton’s credit that just before Murray passed, he’d nominated him for that position. While Murray was “mixed”, he looked Indian and coulda have been the bridge to the “multiracialism” the PNC had craved from the beginning!!

But is Hoyte’s double induction into the Hall of Heroes – alongside Burnham and Reid – actually due to a loss of institutional memory? Or is Leader Norton signalling that he holds no hard feelings for Hoyte throwing him out on his ears as the General Secretary back in the day?? The man was so nice, he gotta be a hero twice!! Awwww! The third inductee was Shirley Field-Ridley. who was quite a package of brains and beauty in addition to being Minister of Education. Sadly, her death and rushed cremation precipitated all sorts of dark rumours. Since there is no statute of limitations on murder maybe an investigation might be started now that she is a PNC Hero.

The other heroes are Comrade Vi – who wasn’t just Mrs Burnham but the livewire of the Women’s arm; Hyacinth Godette, Cammie Ramsaroop, and Oscar Clarke.

…political manoeuvring

Apart from the canvassing and pressing of the flesh by all the political parties, Guyanese can tell elections are in the air from all the trash talk in the Opposition camp about a new voters list and biometrics. This, of course, has absolutely nothing to do with the integrity of the voting and everything about the said Opposition being able to scream “RIGGING” after the elections! To provoke disgruntlement in their supporters and riots in the street.

What’s the issue about the Voters List? The Opposition screams it’s “bloated” by a couple of hundred thousand names. These reside abroad and they want them off with new house-to-house registration. But they had their representatives when GECOM decided on continuous registration in 2022 – which obviates the need for HtH exercises. The folks abroad are still eligible to vote!! And biometrics? Well, the picture on the National ID – which must be produced – is biometrics, innit??

Is the PNC telling us its agents all fall asleep during voting??

…a gadfly

A “gadfly” is a person who provokes others into action by criticism. And that’s what Rambo Gaskin – who just passed – was to the nth degree. A communist by training and temperament, he always told it as he saw it!!

APNU in talks with AFC on possible collaborations – APNU Chairman

...says coalition open to all like-minded parties

APartnership for National Unity (APNU), which once shared a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC) before going its separate way after losing the 2020 elections has begun talks aimed at possibly reigniting the flames.

This was revealed by APNU Chairman Vincent Henry, in a recent interview with the Guyana Times when he was recently asked about possible collaborations with the AFC.

Henry, a Member of Parliament (MP) who also leads the Guyana Action Party (GAP), noted that discussions have commenced with several other political parties.

“First of all, our charter is one that is very inclusive. We work with other political parties, we work with community groups, we work with churches, we even work with individuals, citizens, once they have the same belief and understanding on how we can achieve our objectives.”

“As such, we are open to any political party that has that sort of belief in coalition politics. And from what I have noticed, there are several parties with that sort of belief right now. And actually, we have begun to work with them.”

According to Henry, this includes the AFC with whom they have begun to have discussions with even after he was elected APNU Chairman. Henry noted that “we’ve had discussions with them. And we will continue to have discussions with them and others, not just the AFC.”

The AFC had announced its split from the coalition in July 2022, after forming the APNU/AFC seven years prior. Then AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan had said that the smaller party was “unafraid” of the consequences to come and was unprepared to give up any of its parliamentary seats.

When the split was announced, Ramjattan had said that the AFC would only consider entering into a new coalition with the APNU closer to the next General and Regional Elections due in 2025.

While the AFC had announced its decision to remain in the coalition with APNU until the expiry of the Cummingsburg Accord in December 2022, no definitive position was shared regarding the party’s way forward until this announcement.

The AFC had joined hands with the APNU to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections and the coalition subsequently won. The parties signed the Cummingsburg Accord, which outlined the parliamentary seats and ministerial portfolios for AFC and APNU members, respectively.

However, APNU, led by former President David Granger, had been accused of continuously violating

the accord. On December 24, 2019, after much back and forth between APNU

and the AFC, a revised Cummingsburg Accord was signed, but the full details

were never released to the public. Since it came into office after joining forces with the APNU in 2015, the minority AFC has been criticised for the submissive role it has been playing to the APNU. Decisions the former Government made, such as the closure of sugar estates, which put thousands of sugar workers out of jobs, were passed unchallenged and even supported by the AFC. This is despite the AFC retaining the Agriculture Ministry.

This passive relationship with APNU was cited

by former AFC parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud, as one of the reasons he voted for the No-Confidence Motion that brought down the APNU/AFC Government in 2018. The AFC meanwhile

Improvised weapons among prohibited items in “condemned” area at Mazaruni Prison

Twelve improvised weapons were among several contraband items found during a search in a condemned section of the Mazaruni Prison on Thursday. Police stated that a joint prison search led to the discovery of four cellular phones, one cell phone charger, 12 lighters, and 12 improvised weapons.

The search team comprised 10 ranks from the Bartica Police Station and several prison officers.

Just two months ago: six cellular phones, six lighters, seven improvised weapons, and one pair of scissors

were found during a raid at the prison.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot recently said that additional security measures would be employed within the confines of each prison location in a bid to end the continued flow of contraband into the prisons.

The prison head also indicated that persons’ movement near the prison locations would be restricted and, in some cases, a “stopand-search” exercise would be conducted.

Director Elliot also indicated that the Guyana

Prison Service (GPS) would also be erecting signs at strategic points outside the prisons, warning the public to desist from such acts and the consequences attached to them.

Meanwhile, Elliot warned that there would be no let-up in bringing down corrupt prison officers, family members, and friends of inmates who are bent on breaking the law.

“Public safety is a key component of the prison system, and all efforts will be made to achieve such a task,” the prison head said.

Wanted Timehri man apprehended by Police

Quacy Hall, 36 from Alliance Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) who has been evading police for the past several months was arrested on Friday.

Police stated that Hall was charged with narcotics possession and was sentenced to three years imprisonment following the conclusion of a trial in ab-

Arrested: Quacy Hall

sentia that was heard by Magistrate Crystal Lambert, at the Bartica Magistrates Court.

The Magistrate had since issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest on March 24, 2024, and he had managed to evade police ever since. Now that he has been arrested, he will be taken to prison where he will serve his three-year sentence.

2 busted with foreign ganga, gun

during CANU operation

Two persons were taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of cannabis and a .38 revolver during an operation in Georgetown on Friday.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) stated that its agents conducted an operation on Friday during which a motorcar was intercepted. A subsequent search

of the vehicle unearthed a large Ziplock bag containing a quantity of cannabis.

Two persons were arrested and escorted to CANU’s Headquarters along with the suspected narcotic, which tested positive for cannabis and weighed one kilogram.

However, during a follow-up operation on Saturday, officers searched

an abandoned house which led to the discovery of a black plastic bag with another set of cannabis weighing 916 grams and a .38 revolver. The cannabis that was seized is known as “Sour Deisel” - foreign cannabis that has a current street value of $700,000 per kilogram. Investigations are continuing.

Teen dies, driver battling for life after car crashes into concrete fence

Ateenager is now dead and another man is battling for his life after the car in which they were travelling crashed into a concrete fence on Saturday evening at Fair Field, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The dead teen has been identified as 16-year-old Julio Joseph of Pomona

at a fast rate of speed which led him to lose control and as a result crashing into a concrete fence. At the time of the accident, the now-dead teen was the backseat passenger.

Following the smashup, Narine and Joseph were pulled from the wreckage in an uncon-

Housing Scheme and a former student of Aurora Secondary School.

His friend, 20-year-old Gavinash Narine, 20, of Onderneeming Sand Pit is presently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Suddie Hospital suffering from broken bones on his body and other injuries.

Based on reports received, Narine was reportedly driving the motorcar

scious state and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where the teenager was pronounced dead.

However, Onkia Persaud, the teen’s mother told the Guyana Times that her son had left home on Saturday for the barbershop and promised to return as soon as possible. After some time, he returned home with a friend’s scooter and in-

formed her that he was accompanying Narine to Supenaam to pick up his mother who was expected on the ferry.

“I let him go, thinking they would return early… when I see it was getting late and he didn’t come back home, I messaged him at about something to 10 and ask his location…

He replied that he was at a supermarket in Supenaam and that his friend was drinking, but he wasn’t.”

The mother tearfully recalled that about midnight, she received the

shocking news that her son was involved in an accident and was at the Suddie Hospital.

“When I arrived, I saw my son lying dead. They told me he died on the spot.

I didn’t know he was going out and wouldn’t come back home...now he whole life gone.”

The police are continuing their investigations.

(Raywattie Deonarine)

20th Caricom-Japan Consultation

Japan ready to work with Caricom to ensure peace, stability & prosperity

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Japan reconfirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration on climate change, natural disaster preparedness, and agricultural technology during the recently held 20th Caricom-Japan Consultation at the Caricom Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown.

They also explored the possibility of technical cooperation in women, peace, and security; governance; citizen security; renewable energy; agriculture; food security; agribusiness, and food value chains; as well as sustainable marine resources and water resource management, in alignment with the current areas of collaboration.

The meeting, which was one of several high-level engagements commemorating Caricom-Japan Friendship Year 2024, was co-chaired by Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Remelda Blankendal, and DirectorGeneral, Assistant Minister (Ambassador), Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, Yasushi Noguchi.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Blankendal stated that the meeting served to reaffirm Caricom and Japan's shared commitment to sustainable development while also solid-

ifying their mutual respect.

Ambassador Blankendal recalled the historic Caricom-Japan Summit in 2014, when the late Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese Prime Minister to visit the region, ushering in a new strategic approach to Caricom-Japan cooperation and the first CaricomJapan Friendship Year.

The Surinamese Ambassador stated that Caricom has benefitted considerably from technical cooperation with Japan in disaster management, capacity building, food security, and climate change, underpinned by Japan's policy of recognising the vulnerability and unique conditions

of Small Island and LowLying Coastal Developing States.

“We have long called for such approaches to become a global standard. We hope that Japan will continue to be an ally and advocate for the advancement of this position and policy solutions such as the implementation of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and recommendations highlighted in the Bridgetown Initiative, especially in fora where we as small states have no access and no voice,” the Ambassador stated.

She expressed the Community's gratitude for Japan's assistance to

Member States following Hurricane Beryl and noted that the country remains one of the Region's leading partners in disaster management and risk reduction.

Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon, thanked Japan for being one of the first development partners to provide emergency aid following Hurricane Beryl's devastation in the region.

“We are constantly reminded that the continued existence of our Caribbean societies is dependent not only on our ability to build climate resilience but also

on the international community’s will to respond to the dangers posed to Small Island and Low-lying Developing Coastal States (SIDS) due to climate change,” Solomon stated.

She added, “It will take a concerted effort to bring about the solutions needed for the preservation of our Region, and I am assured that as a friend to the Community, Japan will surely echo the call to provide the necessary resources for adaptation and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).”

In his remarks, Ambassador Noguchi expressed solidarity with Caricom in the wake of the hurricane's destructive impact and loss of life. He said that the Government of Japan had provided emergency aid to Caricom Member States, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica, and was also preparing emergency assistance for Grenada.

Ambassador Noguchi emphasised the importance of Caricom-Japan relations, stating that their cooperation in the international arena is critical in the face of global instability caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the war in the Middle East, challenges in East Asia, and a deteriorating international and regional security environ-

ment.

“We consider this a historical turning point. Japan is ready to cooperate with Caricom to work together and to lead the international community from a divided and conflicted situation to a harmonised situation. We are aiming to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity. For this, we believe it is very important to maintain and uphold a free and open international order, based on the rule of law, and human dignity,” Ambassador Noguchi stated.

Following the Consultation, the Director-General paid a courtesy call to Caricom Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett. The Japanese delegation included the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Plenipotentiary Representative to Caricom, His Excellency Yutaka Matsubara.

Caricom-Japan

Friendship Year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the first CaricomJapan Consultation in 1993, as well as the 60th anniversary of Japan's diplomatic relations with Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The 8th CaricomJapan Foreign Ministers meeting is scheduled for December to conclude the year-long celebrations.

Nigeria mulls granting citizenship to C’bean nationals with ancestral ties

Nigeria is considering granting citizenship to persons in the Caribbean, including Guyana, who can prove they have ancestry ties with the country.

This was revealed by Nigerian officials during engagements with Guyanese Dr. Astell Collins, in his capacity as the Diplomatic Administrator for the African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU).

Dr. Collins, who has since returned home, was a delegate representing the Caribbean region in a team headed by Dr. Andre McClerkin, to Nigeria.

According to a statement from AFRIDU, Dr. Collins engaged in pivotal discussions with Nigerian leaders, including His EminenceKing Alfred Diete-Spiff, His Excellency Senator George Akume (Secretary to the Government of Nigeria), and Hon. Abike DabiriErewa (Chairman/C.E.O. of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The trip, aimed at strengthening ties between the African Diaspora and Nigeria, was marked by a

series of productive meetings and collaborative initiatives.

"This mission has been an extraordinary opportunity to deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the African Diaspora and Nigeria. Our discussions explored economic opportunities, mutual growth, cultural appreciation, and the importance of inclusivity and civility in our communities. Moreover, our meetings with the government officials signaled their willingness to explore the legal framework and consti-

tutional considerations necessary for the issuance of citizenship for Africans in the diaspora," Dr. Collins revealed.

Speaking with the Guyana Times, he clarified that there will be a follow-up meeting with stakeholders later in the year to further discuss the issue of granting citizenship to persons outside of Nigeria.

Should this initiative be greenlighted, Dr. Collins stressed that Guyanese stand to benefit.

"This will allow Africans in the diaspora including

Guyanese and Caribbean nationals to be able to access the benefits of being a citizen of Nigeria," he explained.

Meanwhile, discussions were also centered on the need for more economic partnerships, with a focus on fostering entrepreneurship and

investment opportunities between the regions.

Dr. Collins concluded, "The relationships we have built and the initiatives we have planned are a testament to the power of unity and collaboration. I am excited about the future and the positive impact these partnerships will have on our communities."

This mission to Nigeria represents a significant step forward in the efforts to strengthen the global African diaspora network, the statement from AFRIDU added.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday attended the opening ceremony of the Health Fair/Business Expo and Family Funday at the Guyana Exhibition Centre in Sophia, Greater, Georgetown hosted by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church

PanJam 2024 set to sizzle patrons on July 27

Guyana's premier steelpan concert is set to take place on Saturday, July 27 at Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park Houston, Greater Georgetown.

Founded six years ago by renowned Guyanese pannist Reon Miller while he was a law student, PanJam began as a fundraiser to cover his tuition fees. Today, it stands as a cultural phenomenon, celebrating the rich sounds of the Caribbean and attract-

ing people from all walks of life.

This year’s theme, “World of Colours,” promises a visually stunning experience as attendees are encouraged to dress in bright, colourful attire, embodying the vibrancy and diversity of the Caribbean culture.

The move to Parc Rayne marks a significant milestone in PanJam's journey, reflecting its ever-increasing popularity and the need for a larger venue to

accommodate its growing fanbase.

PanJam 2024 boasts an impressive lineup of both local and international artists. Making their debut performances at PanJam are the talented Jackie Jaxx and cKush. The event will also feature special performances by international guest, Amjad Ali and regional sensation, Joshua Regrello. Returning to the PanJam stage are beloved seasoned performers

Carlvin Burnett, Cassie Adams, Roy Stewart, and Reon Miller, among many others.

One of the most eagerly anticipated segments of the evening is the epic clash between two of Guyana's most prestigious steel bands – the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Steel Orchestra and Parkside Steel Orchestra. These bands will engage in a thrilling tune-for-tune battle, promising to end the

night on a high note.

“PanJam 2024 promises an unforgettable evening of music, pan music, culture, and celebration. I’m overly excited for this year’s edition and for people to have an elevated experience with pan music especially. My whole reason for continuing this concert even after paying off law school, is to really foster greater appreciation for the pan instrument.

For the most part, I be-

lieve that is being accomplished, but I think what is planned for this year will really hit it home! I’m encouraging everyone to come out and be part of the experience,” Miller stated.

The growth and success of PanJam have attracted significant sponsorship from major companies. Their contributions have been instrumental in elevating the concert's stature and ensuring its continued success.

Prison officers urged to treat inmates with respect, professionalism

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has called on prison officers at the Camp Street, Georgetown location to maintain the highest standard of respect and professional conduct. Elliot emphasised the importance of treating prisoners humanely, as outlined by international protocols and standards.

During his recent quarterly muster and general inspection Elliot reminded officers of the challenging nature of their work, which involves caring for offenders who have been deprived of their liberty and may be mentally disturbed.

“Reforming these individuals to become productive and law-abiding

citizens is no mean task. Also bear in mind that the Prison Service thrives on

manity, fortitude, and integrity. These principles must always guide you

ther,” he stressed.

Elliot urged officers to ensure the safe custody, welfare, reformation, and rehabilitation of prisoners, reinforcing the importance of treating inmates with respect and dignity.

Just two months ago, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had emphasised the importance of respecting the rights of prisoners.

Minister Benn has consistently advocated for continuous improvement within the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), emphasising the importance of up-

discipline and also upholds the ideals of vigilance, hu-

throughout your career if you want to succeed fur-

skilling and professionalism. He emphasised that

prisoners have inherent human rights that must be upheld, and he condemned any form of physical or emotional abuse meted out to them.

Benn has also urged the Prison Service to redouble its efforts in addressing systemic issues, emphasising the critical role

of personnel in ensuring the security and well-being of both inmates and the broader community.

He has underscored the importance of learning from past failures, urging vigilance to prevent incidents such as the 2002 jailbreak and the Camp Street Prison fire tragedy.

Guyanese man wanted for drug-related offences in Suriname

The Attorney General at the Court of Justice in Suriname has requested an investigation into Shaundell Curtis Phillips, a 52-year-old Guyanese man who is accused of violating Suriname's Narcotics Act and participating in a criminal organisation.

According to reports out of Suriname, Phillips is believed to have a leadership role within the criminal organisation and is wanted in connection with several drug cases. Recently, he had taken refuge in an apartment at 39 AG Ellislaan in Paramaribo and might attempt to flee to Guyana or he is currently in Guyana.

Suriname authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Phillips' whereabouts to immediately contact the Narcotics Brigade at 404866 or the Command Center (CC) at 115.

Additionally, individuals can reach out to the nearest police station, as reported by the Suriname Police Force.

Training, adaptation paramount as GPF embraces technological innovation to fight crime – NDMA

In a significant move to enhance transparency and accountability, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has adopted advanced technological solutions and innovative techniques to improve crime-fighting efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

This initiative was spotlighted during the Police Force's 185th Anniversary Symposium last week at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Themed 'Modernising policing by balancing technology, community engagement, and global best practices,' the event featured a panel discussion on 'Law enforcement innovations, technology, techniques, digital age policing, cyber security, and countering crime.'

During the symposium, talks were advanced on cybercrime, security, and the use of technology to fight crime. Some of the panelists included Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum; Signal Corps Commander, Roger Nurse; National Data Management Authority

NDMA’s Deputy General Manager for Operations Orson Smith

(NDMA)’s Deputy General Manager for Operations, Orson Smith; Senior Superintendent Jermaine Johnson, and National ICT Advisor Darryl Akeung.

In his opening remarks, Blanhum highlighted the critical threats posed by cybercrime and the necessity for law enforcement to adapt to technological advancements. "We’ve established Zara Computer Centers in almost all (of) the regions, and we have our police ranks, who are being exposed to the various aspects of cybercrime and cyber security learning so that they can be pro-

ficient.”

Smith, representing the civilian sector collaborating with the GPF, emphasised the transformative impact of technological innovations on law enforcement. He noted, "… I want to say is that I’m sure we all agree that the integration of advanced technologies and all these innovative techniques are definitely going to transform our law enforcement and we must leverage these technologies, we must leverage things like data analytics, crime pre-

CDB removes Dr Hyginus "Gene" Leon as President

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on Sunday confirmed the closure of the “internal administrative process” involving Dr. Hyginus 'Gene' Leon and confirmed that he “has ceased to hold the office of the President of the Bank”.

In a statement issued by the CDB, it stated that “Per the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Development Bank, the Vice President (Operations), Isaac Solomon, will continue to exercise the authority and perform the functions of President until a new President is elected.”

The release further stated that the process for the election of a new President has commenced and the Board of Governors has been invited to submit nominations for the position of the President of the Bank by August 26, 2024. It is expected that the election process will conclude in October 2024.

“CDB, under the direction of its Board of Governors and Directors, and through the leadership of its management and the efforts of its staff, continues to work fully and effectively together with its Member Countries and development partners to advance CDB’s mission of reducing poverty and transforming lives through sustainable and resilient development initiatives.”

Earlier in the year, Dr. Leon resigned with immediate effect and had threatened to file a lawsuit against the region’s premier financial institution. It was reported that the St. Luciabased law firm, FOSTERS, had written to the CDB stating that their client Dr. Leon believes that “he will never be treated fairly” after he had been sent on administrative leave in January.

The lawyers had given the regional financial institution until May 4 “to negotiate an amicable separation” indicating also that their correspondence should be viewed “as our client’s pre-action protocol letter” regarding the entire situation.

In January, it was disclosed that Leon, had been sent on administrative leave until April, as “an ongoing

administrative process” continued at the region’s premier financial institution.

Leon is the sixth president of the regional development finance institution. He was elected at a special meeting of the CDB Board of Governors held on January 19, 2021, for a fiveyear term, and assumed office on May 4, 2021.

Leon heads a team of more than 200 employees headquartered in Bridgetown and came to the assignment with 35 years of experience in economics, financial policy development, and executive management, more than 20 of which were spent working with the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF). He had succeeded the Jamaican-born Dr. Warren Smith who retired in 2021 after serving as president for 10 years.

diction models and all the other advances that they have to ensure that we are more effective, we are more efficient and we are more responsive."

He outlined several technological tools that could be integrated into law enforcement, including facial recognition technology, licence plate recognition (LPR), Mobile Data Terminals, Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs), and Drones. These innovations promise increased efficiency, enhanced accuracy, better resource allocation, and improved officer safety.

“We can, because we are now involved in the use of technology, we can now be able to leverage historical crime data, we can also have complex algorithms do some computations for us and identify things like high crime areas, it can help us to allocate resources proactively. The whole idea of automating these routine tasks and data analysis will help our officers to focus on other critical aspects of their work.”

However, Smith also addressed potential challeng-

es associated with technological integration, such as privacy concerns, bias and fairness, public trust and data security, and the need for adequate training and adaptation. He pointed out that privacy issues are a significant concern, stating, “…we have to balance the use of data analytics with protecting the privacy of the individual and that’s the reason why you would have seen several different pieces of legislation being passed to protect citizens' right to privacy.”

Further, he acknowledged the limitations of facial recognition technology, especially concerning demographic accuracy, and the potential for bias. He warned, "So we have to deal with those biases, so we have to be very careful that there are some biases and then you can end up unfairly targeting particular persons or even communities."

Moreover, Smith underscored the importance of proper training and adaptation to new technologies. He stressed, “All of these things that we do, we have to make sure that our officers are properly trained, there is no point having the best facial recognition technology, licence plate recognition technology and we cannot use that technology to track where that suspect went, which vehicle he escaped with and who was his known associates, and of course, we have to be willing to adapt.”

He stressed that to effectively and fairly utilise these technological advancements in policing, ongoing training and the ability to adapt are para-

mount.

To ensure that crime is effectively tackled, the government has been investing “significantly” in all forms of forensic sciences to be integrated into policing and investigations.

Earlier this year, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, said that the government has recognised that the country has to change its approach to investigations to be successful.

He suggested that the focus on forensics forms part of the government’s plan to adjust policing strategies to conform with changes in society and the way criminals operate. Already, the use of handwritten statements is no longer being tolerated.

Subsequently, Nandlall urged Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken to ensure that officers stop taking handwritten statements and instead use the electronic devices that have been provided.

In addition, with support from international experts, local police officers have received training in forensic photography, document examination, ballistics, and fingerprinting. Furthermore, investments are being made to enhance the capacity and capabilities of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory.

Nandlall also announced that over 30 police officers, along with five officers from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, went to India on a fully funded scholarship programme to receive training in forensic interviews.

Still no trace of missing...

On the same day, Guyana Times published an article in which frustrated family members of the two missing men complained about the lack of support from the Police in the search for the two brothers-in-law. Maritime Administration (MARAD) along with police ranks, joined family members in searching for the men.

The Police Force said on Monday that on July 6, 9, and 10, ranks along with the Maritime Officer for Regional Police Division Seven conducted searches in the Mazaruni and Essequibo Rivers for the remaining two missing persons but to no avail.

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

However, Davidson’s sister, Felicia Edwards told the Guyana Times on Sunday that they were only assisted for one and a half days.

“They said they were going to come back to look for the boat because someone said they saw the boat, but I didn’t see them come back or we didn’t hear anything from them”, the woman said.

“On Friday the 19th we got a call from my sister-in-law's brother saying that the captain found the boat he brought a man from Suriname with a scanner which means they scanned the boat and eventually found it then after they found it they tied a yellow bottle on the spot where the boat...”

She also reported that

Thomas, the driver of the other boat involved in the collision, was arrested. However, Thomas was subsequently placed on bail as investigations continue.

“They brought out the boat driver and they said they were going to lock him up… we were later told that he was arrested and placed on bail”, said Davidson’s sister, Felicia Edwards.

The woman said despite these efforts, there is still no trace of Davidson and Joseph, leaving their families in a state of anguish and uncertainty. The families continue to appeal for more comprehensive search operations and greater transparency from the police and other involved agencies.

Seventh-day Adventist Health Fair

Govt to collaborate with church to get preventive health care into communities –

continues to invest

in equipment, support services for cervical cancer

On Sunday, when the Guyana Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists hosted a Mega National Health Fair, President Dr. Irfaan Ali committed his government to aid the church’s efforts in making more preventative care available to the community, through the provision of cervical cancer screening services and vouchers.

In his feature address at the opening ceremony of the Health Fair/Business Expo and Family Funday at the Guyana Exhibition Centre in Sophia, the Head of State lauded the church for the role it was playing and pledged that the state would also assist it in the delivery of preventative and curative medical care to the community.

“I want to extend our ser-

according to President Ali, would also include facilitating surgeries for cataracts, eyewear distribution and ensuring that young girls and women are scanned for cervical cancer. The

vices to the church. Because I believe that your work is evidence of the type of environment we want to create in service to people. So, throughout your medical outreaches, now and in the future, all the members of the community… because I want to make this clear, especially for those in every community who are not here and listening. This is not only members of the church who can benefit. When the church speaks about the community, it's everyone. This facility is open to everyone.”

“And make use of the facility. Feel welcome. I can tell you. The Seventh Day Adventist is an extraordinary group of people who make you feel welcome. I feel welcome every time I come here. And I want to use this opportunity to say, through our eyecare programme, all the persons who would require spectacles, we will give you the vouchers to ensure that they get their spectacles at different places.”

The support of the state,

President therefore charged the church with supplying the list of patients to the government, which will provide the necessary assistance through the Ministry of Health.

President Ali also urged that the platform provided by the church be used to accomplish cervical cancer screening. President Ali assured that vouchers would be provided for both the cervical screening and for the spectacles programme.

“Director, I want you to use this platform to coordinate with us, the programme of cervical cancer scanning. And we’re ready and willing to work with you, either through the vouchers or through the partnership, on having the women that come and young girls, scanned for cervical cancer. And we’ll fully take care of that programme.”

“You see, the difference is the church is in a position of trust. That is why the church has immense responsibility for public health. The church must

use that position of trust to educate the members of the community on healthcare, but importantly letting them understand the types of programmes that are beneficial to them,” the Head of State said.

The challenge

President Ali called on the church to challenge itself to match the national efforts at getting preventative health care into the communities. Further, he noted that the community itself has a responsibility to access available treatments and services, that would allow them to care for their own bodies.

“Let us also use this platform to scan as many women as possible. Let’s challenge ourselves to see if we can beat the national efforts as a church. Because we want women to get this scan. And we’re investing also in equipment and support services. So, if they need treatment, we can get that treatment early.”

“Because as my brother said, it's about preventative medicine. And that is important. A lot of these things, if we’re able to capture it early, then we can deal with it. As good members of the church, you have to make decisions that understand the body that you are protecting. This body is a gift to you. If there is an opportunity for you to access something that would help to protect that body, you have a responsibility to access that benefit and service.”

The President also pledged to support the church with a $2 Million donation that would go towards covering transportation, logistics and other costs associated with organising the medical outreach. He lauded the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for its altruistic nature and noted the importance of community, according to the scriptures.

“The church is a community. And the concept of community in the scriptures

very special meaning. In the scriptures, the community goes beyond the individual. And when the church community goes beyond the individual, then the church takes on the responsibility for the community.”

“And if the church does not fulfil its community responsibility, then the church would be failing in its duty. And our leaders in the church would be failing in their duty. But the church is made up of individuals, when combined form the community. And it is that community that is brought together today under the umbrella of the church, that gives these services to you,” President Ali said. (G-3)

Baby born to Essequibo teen mother who succumbed to dengue released from hospital

The newborn son of 19-year-old Lanita Jacobs who tragically passed away from dengue fever shortly after giving birth, has been discharged from Suddie Public Hospital free of infection.

Born prematurely at 35 weeks and weighing just 2050 grams, Liam Jacobs faced a tough start to life. After his birth via C-section, he spent a critical 23 days in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he battled several severe complications.

Despite the challenges, including a positive dengue test and other health issues, Liam’s condition improved

thanks to the dedicated efforts of the NICU team. However, on Saturday, he was finally discharged and placed in the arms of his father, Kevin Brummel.

Liam’s recovery, in the face of his mother’s tragic death, highlights the exceptional care provided by the medical professionals at Suddie Public Hospital.

The success of his treatment underscores the commitment and skill of the NICU staff in providing life-saving care under the most challenging circumstances.

Joe Biden pulls out of 2024 US presidential race

– throws support behind Kamala Harris

President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he will end his presidential re-election campaign, bringing an abrupt and humbling conclusion to his half-century-long political career and scrambling the race for the White House just four months before Election Day.

Biden, 81, could not reverse growing sentiment within his party that he was too frail to serve and destined to lose to Donald Trump in November. He backed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee.

“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder

chairmanships of the powerful Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees. And he served eight years as Barack Obama’s vice president.

Endorses Kamala Harris for presidential race

Following the announcement on Sunday evening, President Biden gave his en-

of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted on X. “I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.”

Biden thanked Harris for “being an extraordinary partner” in his letter and then endorsed her in a subsequent post.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President," Biden posted. "And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year."

Biden and Harris spoke on Sunday ahead of the president’s announcement, according to a source familiar with the campaign.

His withdrawal caps a singular national political career, bookended by Richard Nixon’s fall and Trump’s rise. He mounted four presidential bids. He spent 36 years in the U.S. Senate representing tiny Delaware. He rose to the

dorsement in the presidential race to Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a letter posted to his social media account, he said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

"And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term," he wrote in his statement.

Calls for Biden to withdraw from the race began to grow after a disastrous debate performance in late June against Donald Trump.

During the debate he was criticised for often being incoherent and speaking in a weak voice - something which his party claimed as down to a cold.

Following it, there were growing calls from within his own party for him to stand aside, with a grow-

ing number of congressional Democrats worried his campaign would hurt their own re-election chances in November.

A handful of senators, who sit in the upper chamber of Congress, also called for him to withdraw.

In his statement, President Biden thanked his Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she was an "extraordinary partner".

"And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me," his statement added.

"I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America."

He wrote that he would address the nation on the matter next week.

While Kamala Harris has the backing of the current president, it is unclear at the moment if she will be selected unopposed as the new candidate.

The focus will now be on the Democratic National Convention which takes place next month in Chicago.

It begins on 19 August - but Mr Biden's party had sped up the process to comply with a 7 August candidate certification deadline in the state of Ohio - meaning the new nominee should be confirmed in just over two weeks.

An unprecedented decision Biden’s decision to exit the race less than a month before his party’s convention and a few months before voter’s head to the polls is unprecedented in the modern political era. The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson, whose expansion of the Vietnam War in the 1960s split the Democratic

Party. But Johnson’s announcement came in March 1968 — eight months before that election.

“We’re in uncharted waters,” said Barbara Perry, a presidential studies professor at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. “No president has dropped out or died this close to the convention.”

to complete thoughts or deliver a cogent explanation of why voters should choose him over Trump. He later attributed his poor performance to exhaustion and a cold. He implored the country not to let one bad night overshadow his accomplishments in office.

Unpersuaded, Democratic lawmakers be-

Replacing Biden atop the Democratic ticket is likely to set off internal Democratic tremors as ambitious officials maneuver to become his successor. Factions have already formed around Harris, Whitmer and Newsom.

Harris would seem to be the heir apparent. She broke a barrier as the first female vice president. A woman of color, she enjoys strong support among African Americans, a loyal piece of the Democratic coalition. Overall, though, Harris’ approval rating stood at only 32% in an NBC News poll released earlier this month.

“There’s no one you can name right now who is an obvious substitute,” Perry said. “That’s what makes this so uncertain and chaotic.”

The mechanics of putting a new name on ballots also gives rise to myriad legal questions. Republicans could work to throw obstacles in the nominee’s path by mounting legal challenges aimed at keeping that person off the ballot.

Questions about Biden’s capacities dogged him throughout his presidency but peaked following his debate with Trump on June 27. Combined with his flagging poll numbers, his listless performance sparked a panic among his own party that he couldn’t win in November.

With 51 million people watching, Biden spoke in a raspy voice and often failed

gan calling on him to step aside, a rebellion that started slowly but grew steadily in size and intensity.

Thirty-seven congressional Democrats, including independent Sen. Joe Manchin, who previously was in the Democratic Party, had called on Biden to drop out of the 2024 election before he delivered his decision Sunday afternoon.

They appealed to Biden’s patriotism, arguing that if he sincerely believed Trump is a threat to democracy, he needed to put his country first and stand down.

Biden fought back. He held numerous calls and meetings with Democratic officials at all levels to shore up support inside the party — to no avail.

Looking to blunt concerns about his acuity, he gave interviews and held press conferences to prove to voters that he could still think on his feet. But the gaffes kept coming and his poll numbers remained stagnant.

In another bit of bad fortune and timing, Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on July 17, forcing him off the campaign trail.

For Democrats, Biden’s illness created an unwanted contrast. While Trump delivered a triumphal speech accepting the Republican nomination in Milwaukee on July 18, five days after surviving an assassination attempt, Biden was in self-isolation back home.

Biden’s departure is

the latest in a series of jarring developments that has made the 2024 presidential race the most chaotic in living memory. Trump easily won the Republican presidential nomination despite splitting his time between the campaign trail and various courtrooms where he was a defendant in criminal and civil cases. In May, a jury in Manhattan convicted him on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to a porn star. Then, in short order, Trump rebounded. The Supreme Court issued a much-anticipated ruling on July 1 that immunised Trump from official conduct when he was president, impeding special counsel Jack Smith’s efforts to prosecute Trump for interfering in the 2020 election.

Trump nearly died on July 13 as he appeared at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman lying on a roof 130 yards away fired a bullet that grazed his ear. Trump dropped to the ground in self-defense. Then, his face smeared with blood, he rose and defiantly pumped his fist, yelling “Fight!”

Another fortuitous development came two days later, coinciding with the opening of the Republican convention in Milwaukee that certified Trump’s nomination. Federal Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida dismissed a separate case brought by Smith alleging that Trump improperly retained classified documents that he took home with him when he left the White House in 2021. Cannon, who had been appointed by Trump, ruled that Smith’s appointment was illegal. Smith quickly appealed her ruling.

The rolling streak of news gave Trump a jolt of momentum, allowing Republicans to present an energised and unified front at this month’s convention. Biden seldom sparked any such enthusiasm. His primary campaign was mostly a coronation. He faced token opposition as party leaders cleared the field, betting that having beaten Trump once before, Biden was best positioned to do it again. But poll after poll confirmed that voters harbored doubts about him, believing he was too old and infirm to serve another term. (Modified from NBC/BBC News)

Regional

More than 20 killed in Bolivia’s worst road accident this year

Ahead-on collision be-

tween a truck and a bus on a highway in the Bolivian Andes has killed 22 persons and injured 16 in the country’s worst road accident this year, according to Police.

Fourteen of the dead have been identified so far, Police said on Sunday, with Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying there was at least one Chilean national among them.

Earlier, officials said the drivers of both vehicles were among the dead.

The accident happened on a road between Bolivia‘s town of Patacamaya and the town of Tambo Quemado in northern Chile, according to Unitel channel.

The bus had been heading towards Chile on the busy commercial and tourism route linking the two South American countries.

Jamaica’s hurricane recovery efforts bolstered by donation from Cayman Islands

The Jamaican Government has received US$200,000 and an assortment of medical equipment from the Cayman Islands towards Jamaica’s Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts.

The presentation was made to Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Thursday, July 18 by Premier of the Cayman Islands, Julianna O’Connor-Connolly, who led a delegation from the neighbouring territory on a working visit to Jamaica.

and support.

“On behalf of the people of Jamaica, we say thanks to our brothers and sisters and, indeed, our family in Cayman for this contribution. This is not a small contribution; [it] is significant and we appreciate it,” Holness said.

The Prime Minister indicated that the funds donated would be used to assist persons who have been adversely impacted by the hurricane.

Management (ODPEM), which will be distributing according to need,” Holness said.

Premier O’ConnorConnolly, in her remarks, said the extension of assistance was indicative of the countries’ close friendship.

“This truck made a prohibited manoeuvre and, as a result, we have this unfortunate accident,” he said.

Images of the accident shared by Unitel showed the bus with its front section shattered and the

The initial investigation showed that the truck had crossed into the opposite lane while trying to overtake a vehicle, traffic officer Nilo Torrico said.

smashed truck. Some bodies were seen on the road.

First responders were working to remove bodies trapped in the destroyed vehicles, Torrico said.

Bolivia sees about 1400 traffic deaths each year, Government statistics show. Accidents are mainly due to poor driving and mechanical failures.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Mother of murdered T&T woman: Leave after first sign of abuse

The mother of a San Fernando woman who is suspected to have been beaten to death by her boyfriend is urging young women to leave their relationships at the first sign of abuse.

Given the nature of the incident and the ongoing Police investigation all names are withheld in this story.

"Listen when your parents or elders speaking. They could be giving you good information. When the first lash, is to leave. Do not stay in any abusive relationship," the victim's mother said on July 21.

"My daughter didn't listen and she paid the price. The last thing she said was it's her choice and she dead today. Don't let that be y'all choice. Make a decision to come out of the relationship and do not stand for any abusive relationship."

Her daughter, a 22-year-old from Johnstone Street, was pronounced dead around 04:49h on July 21 after she was hastily dropped off unresponsive at the San Fernando General Hospital's accident and emergency department around 02:00h by an unknown vehicle.

Doctors told Police the woman had marks of violence on her body. Her mother told reporters on July 21 she was a loving child with ambitions of being an aesthetician. That was until she met the man who began abusing

her. She said her daughter would call and ask for help, but when they arrived with Police, she would claim the issues were sorted out.

"So we couldn't do anything, because they (the police) used to say she's an adult. We would leave. A few months again, same thing again. She would call for help, we would go with the Police, she would say she don't want to do anything."

The victim's mother said the abuse was so bad that her daughter suffered broken fingers, had to undergo surgery and had scars and bite marks on her body. She said the man even raped her daughter once, but she refused to take legal action.

She said the couple was even evicted from where they were staying, because the landlord was fed up with hearing the abuse and neighbours would often call the Police.

Despite this, she said her daughter refused to leave the relationship, at least permanently.

"She came home on many occasions, probably like about 10 times she came home and we always tried to support her. We always show her love, always and she would always go back."

She said her daughter returned home around three weeks ago, but her boyfriend came and "snatched" her, forcing her into a vehicle and driving

away. She said her daughter was injured in this incident and had to be taken to hospital.

She said the Police were contacted and she was able to get her daughter to a safe location away from the abuse with everything she needed to survive.

However, she said her daughter chose to return to the abusive boyfriend on the night of July 19.

"I spoke to her Friday night. I told her don't go nowhere. Nobody supposed to know where you is. You hiding. You in a safe place. She still left and she gone."

She said she and her mother last spoke to the woman around 10:00h on July 20. They questioned why she went back into the abusive relationship.

"The last thing she say is 'Because it's my choice.'

"That choice have her dead today. He kill her."

San Fernando Police officers visited the woman's Johnstone Street home where they were told her boyfriend woke a neighbour to help him carry her to the hospital as she was lying on his apartment floor unresponsive.

Crime scene investigators also went to the apartment on the morning of July 21 and recovered several pieces of clothing which were either torn or stained.

WPC Mohammed is continuing investigations.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

During a meeting between the leaders at the Office of the Prime Minister, Holness thanked the Government and people of the Cayman Islands for their gesture of goodwill

“I can guarantee you that this will be used to assist the families who have been displaced and dislocated. In fact, this will go into our Disaster Preparedness Fund, which is essentially managed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency

“Jamaica has so many connections for us. As a woman of faith, I would like to reach out to you as a leader, as a neighbour, as a brother. I was especially delighted to hear that your ports were pretty much up and going, and your airports, because you will rise again. It is an honour and a distinct privilege to [give this] small token,” she said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil rules out 3 potential new cases of Newcastle disease in poultry

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry said on Sunday it has ruled out three potential new cases of Newcastle disease in poultry after testing additional samples taken from animals in the area close to where a first case was confirmed last week.

Newcastle is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds, causing respiratory problems, among other symptoms, and can lead to death. Brazil on Thursday detected its first case of Newcastle disease in poultry since 2006.

"The negative results are an extremely positive sign regarding the containment

of this sanitary event, which is important for a quick resolution of the situation, and reinforces the robustness of Brazil's agricultural defence system," the Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The additional samples were collected on Friday from birds in three properties within the protection zone established in Rio Grande do Sul, where authorities found the first case of the disease in 18 years, when it was detected in subsistence animals.

Last week’s confirmation of the case led the Government to enforce a voluntary ban on poultry exports to certain countries.

Brazilian meat lobby ABPA and the state poultry association ASGAV welcomed the results of the additional testing on Sunday, saying they corroborated the single case found last week was “an isolated” event.

Authorities reported the single case on Thursday after the death of around 7000 birds on a small chicken farm, representing 50 per cent of the flock there.

Brazil voluntarily adopted export restrictions on Friday, affecting sales to 44 nations, including China, Argentina, the European Union, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan forge green energy export alliance

Kazakhstan is pressing ahead with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to develop electricity export capacity, even as Astana faces challenges in securing the power needed to fuel domestic economic growth.

The Kazakh Ministry of Energy has published for public comment a draft agreement on its strategic green-energy partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The agreement would put some flesh on the bones of a memorandum of intent the three countries signed in May.

“Emphasising the importance of green and clean energy in global action to combat climate change, the Parties encourage mutual cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, green hydrogen and green ammonia to improve energy system security and the stability of supply,” the draft states.

The draft goes on to commit Kazakhstan to “jointly implement new energy infrastructure initiatives that will contribute to the diversification of energy supplies and transit routes in Europe, Central Asia and the Caspian region.” It also declares an intention to achieve “rapid, deep and sustainable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions”. The parties likewise express interest in facilitating “the interconnection of the energy systems of Central Asia and Azerbaijan for the purpose of sustainable export of green energy and broad strategic energy expansion”.

The trilateral initiative’s main market for green energy appears to be the European Union, which has contended with energy shortages and high costs, due to the disruption caused by the Kremlin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine and the resulting imposition of sanctions on Russia

As outlined in the memorandum of intent signed in May, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan seek to lay a highvoltage power transmission line on the Caspian seabed to facilitate Westward-bound electricity exports. Neither July’s draft agreement nor the May memo provide insight into key details, including investment costs, specific infrastructure projects and construction timelines.

Climate and geographic conditions in Kazakhstan, with its vast windswept steppes, create favourable conditions for the development of wind-power plants. According to the Ministry of Energy, the energy potential of wind energy in the country is at least 920 billion kWh per year.

Kazakhstan is actively developing its green energy potential. Today, renewable energy sources account for only about six percent of total power generation in Kazakhstan, while coal-fired production accounts for about 80 per cent. Under an ambitious Government plan, however, the green-energy share of power production is set to rise to 15 per cent by 2030 and 50 per cent by 2050.

If the government keeps to those targets, some experts question where all the power production will come from to meet export ambitions and growing domestic needs. A Russian media outlet cited Kazakh energy expert Olzhas Baidildinov as saying Kazakhstan will face an electricity deficit of about 6 Gigawatts by 2030.

The wild card in Kazakhstan’s power-generation deck is atomic energy. In June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced an intention to hold a nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, a country that served as the Kremlin’s main atomic proving ground during the Soviet era and has the environmental scars to prove it.

A nuclear plant could provide for domestic needs, leaving production from wind and hydro sources for export. Despite the legacy of atomic-inflicted harm on Kazakhstan’s environment, polls indicate that slightly more Kazakh citizens support the construction of a nuclear facility than oppose it. But attitudes could shift depending on which entity might be tapped to build a plant. Some local observers believe Rosatom, the Russian statecontrolled entity, has an inside track on securing the contract, in the event the Kazakh Government proceeds with plant plans. But given the checkered history of Soviet/Russian nuclear energy, a Russian design may raise the level of popular opposition to plant construction more than would a French-, South Koreanor even Chinese-built facility. No date has yet been set for the referendum. (Oilpice.com via Eurasianet.org)

Israel shoots down missile fired from Yemen after striking Houthis

Israel said it shot down a missile launched from Yemen on Sunday and the Yemeni Houthi movement said it had fired several missiles at the Israeli city of Eilat after Israel's first public strike against the Iran-aligned group a day earlier.

The Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel and disrupted global trade through the Red Sea in response to Israel's assault on Gaza, further destabilising the Middle East as war in the Palestinian enclave rages on after nine months.

Israel says the Houthis have launched 200 attacks against it since the Gaza

war began, many of them intercepted and most of them not deadly.

But a rare Houthi drone strike on Friday hit Tel Aviv and killed one person, prompting Israel to

announce its first strikes against the group on Saturday. The strikes by warplanes hit near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah and killed six persons, local medics said.

The Houthi movement, known formally as Ansar Allah, said on Sunday it would continue to attack Israel in response.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces battled Palestinian fighters in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Sunday, striking areas in the centre of the coastal enclave where thousands of Palestinians displaced from their homes have been seeking shelter. Residents in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, said fierce battles, raged between Hamas-led fighters and Israeli forces, especially in the centre and in western areas where tanks had advanced in the previous two days. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bangladesh court scraps most job quotas that sparked deadly protests

Bangladesh's Supreme Court on Sunday scrapped most quotas on Government jobs after nationwide action led by students spiralled into clashes that killed at least 139 persons, but some organisers said the protests would continue.

Dismissing a lower court order, the Supreme Court's Appellate Division directed that 93 per cent of government jobs should be open to candidates on merit, Attorney General AM

Amin Uddin told Reuters.

Prime Minister Sheikha Hasina's Government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, under which 56 per cent of jobs were reserved for groups such as freedom fighters' families, women and people from underdeveloped districts. But the lower court reinstated it last month, sparking the protests and an ensuing clampdown that included an Internet shutdown and a curfew with the army on the streets.

Zelenskiy calls for longrange weapons after drone attack on Kyiv

Ukraine needs longrange weapons to protect its cities and troops on the frontline from Russian bombs and drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday after a massive overnight drone and missile attack.

Russia launched its fifth drone attack on Kyiv in two weeks overnight, with Ukraine's air defence systems destroying all the air weapons before they reached the capital, Ukraine's military said.

Ukraine's air force said on Telegram that its air defence systems destroyed 35 of the 39 drones and two cruise missiles that Russia had launched overnight. The weapons, the air force said, targeted 10 of Ukraine's regions.

It was not immediately clear how many drones were launched at Kyiv. There were no casualties and no significant damage reported, Serhiy Popko,

head of the Ukrainian capital's military administration, said on the Telegram.

"During last night alone, the Russian army used almost 40 'Shaheds' against Ukraine. Importantly, most of them were shot down by our defenders of the sky," Zelenskiy said on Telegram, referring to the drones.

He said it was necessary to destroy Russian bombers at Russian air bases to protect Ukraine from air raids.

"Our sufficient longrange capabilities should be a fair response to Russian terror. Everyone who supports us in this supports the defence against terror," Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy renewed his call for Western allies to allow long-range strikes on Russia on Friday in London, saying Britain should try to convince its partners to remove the limits on their use. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The recent clashes followed similar violent protests ahead of January's national elections by Hasina's opponents in response to what they called her authoritarian rule, and by garment workers demanding better pay amid high inflation.

"Students have clearly said they are in no way part of the violence and arson that have taken place in Bangladesh since Monday,"

Amin Uddin said.

"I am hoping normalcy will return after today's ruling and people with ulterior motives will stop instigating people," he added.

Internet and text message services in Bangladesh have been suspended since Thursday, as security forces cracked down on protesters who defied a ban on public gatherings. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Alert issued in India after boy dies from high-risk Nipah virus

Health authorities in India's Kerala state have issued an alert after a 14-yearold boy died of the Nipah virus.

According to the state's Health Minister, an additional 60 persons have been identified as being in the high-risk category of having the disease.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said the boy was from the town of Pandikkad and that those who came into contact with him have been isolated and tested.

People in the area have been asked to take precautions such as wearing masks in public areas and refraining from visiting people in hospital.

The Nipah virus infection is a "zoonotic illness" transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It can also be transmitted through contaminated food and through contact

with an infected person.

The WHO has described the virus as a priority pathogen by the WHO because of its potential to trigger an epidemic.

The virus has been linked to dozens of deaths in Kerala state since it was first reported there in 2018.

The 14-year-old died on Sunday, just a day after he was confirmed to have the virus, according to Indian media reports.

Parts of Kerala are said to be the most at-risk globally for the virus. An investigation published by Reuters last year found that Kerala, which is a tropical state and is witnessing rapid urbanisation and rapid tree loss, created "ideal conditions for a virus like Nipah to emerge".

Experts say that due to habitat loss, animals are living in closer proximity to humans and this helps the virus jump from animals to humans. (Excerpt from BBC News)

SUDOKU

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Join forces with people who share your expectations and concerns. Turn what you do best into something lucrative. Don’t let emotions fester when action is necessary. Stop procrastinating.

Look before you leap. Focus on your finances and how to bring money in instead of doling it out. Stick close to home and implement a cheaper lifestyle. Establish priorities and prosper.

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

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Personal growth will lead to better days ahead. Fix up your personal space and spend more time with someone you love. Become the driving force behind what you want; success will follow.

High energy and enthusiasm will draw the help you require to make a difference. Don’t hesitate to let someone know how you feel. An emotional situation will turn into an opportunity.

Take a leadership position and be responsible for making opportunities you desire. It’s your time to flourish, so don’t let laziness squelch your dreams. Personal improvement is favored.

Your conduct will set an example for others and influence how others treat you. Learning, researching and observing will help you make better decisions and lifestyle changes.

Don’t be afraid to try something new or to change your look or approach to life and love. Put your energy where it counts and become a participant instead of a bystander.

Set reasonable goals and dedicate your time accordingly. Be cognizant of other individuals’ needs to avoid opposition. Gathering and confirming information will be in your best interest.

Preparation and awareness will aid you in discovering who is on your side and what’s possible and to your advantage. Question, adjust and follow through with your plans.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Execute changes that will put your mind at ease. Consider those who influence how you live and begin a dialogue that encourages being less frivolous and saving.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Spread joy. Love and romance are apparent if you make the first move. A pick-me-up that boosts your confidence will encourage you to go after your dreams.

Don’t allow anyone to manipulate a situation or lure you into an argument. Change what’s necessary to reach a better position. Be careful not to take on more than you can handle.

Pottaya stands out at successful RHTY&SC Bakewell/Buster 2024 Academy

Butcher

The curtains for the 34th edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club annual Cricket Academy came down on Friday last with an impressive closing ceremony at the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The Academy, which started on Monday, July 8, attracted the registration of close to 90 youths and was conducted by a panel of cricket coaches headed by Level 3 cricket coach Winston Smith. Other cricket coaches were Gregory Crandon, Floyd Benjamin, Ryan Algu, and former national player Eon Hooper.

Present at the closing ceremony were Rose Hall Town Mayor Dave Budhu, Town Clerk Natasha Griffith, former Mayor Chattergoon Ramnauth and Region Six Sports Officer Randy Mangru.

Club Secretary Hilbert Foster stated that despite the weather which affected several days, the 2024 Bakewell/Busta Academy was a huge success and exceeded the club’s expectation. The coaches placed special emphasis on physical fitness while numerous sessions were done with the main objective of improving the batting, bowling and fielding skills of the youths.

The participants were also involved in several practice matches and had lectures on a wide range of topics such as

history of the game, rules of cricket, rules of a sports ambassador, personal hygiene, importance of education, table manners, drug abuse, peer pressure, and respect for the elderly. Members of the Academy also handed over a donation to the Port Mourant therapy unit and Rose Hall Town Council security department as part of their community development outreach campaign.

RHTY&SC Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall noted that the success of the club on the cricket field could be traced back to the club’s Cricket Academy, which since 1991 has trained over 4000 youths. A total of 123 players from the Academy has gone on to play for either Berbice and Guyana while 16 have played for the West Indies at different levels. Nine RHTY&SC members have also played at the international level.

They are Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kevin Sinclair, Akshay Homraj, Dominique Ricky, Shemaine Campbell, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, and Erva Giddings. Kissoonlall noted that the Academy also produced last week two players for the West Indies Under-19 female team, Trisha Hardat and Danellie Manns.

Head Coach Winston Smith stated that he and the other coaches were very impressed with the work ethic of the youths. Smith noted that the coaches were able to successfully complete their planned programme. The Head Coach urged the youths to continue working on their personal game and to put into practice what they have learnt.

Regional Sports Officer Randy Mangru hailed the outstanding work of the club over the years. He not-

ed that sports in the region would benefit from millions of dollars of investment by the Government of Guyana into venues across the county.

Guyana junior cricketer Matthew Pottaya was named Cricketer of the Academy after a close and competitive battle with several other players. Participants were involved in a multiple-choice test for 50 marks, while 10 marks were available from an essay and 40 marks were given for attendance, commitment, personal discipline and performance on the cricket field. The runner-up at the Academy was national Under-13 player Tameshwar Deonadan while the best female was Jada Frazer, niece of Kevlon Anderson.

The other awardees were:

1. Best batsman: Mario

2. Best bowler: Sohil Sirkisoon

3. Best attendance: Dev Seepersaud

4. Most disciplined: Darvish Narain

5. Most improved player: Ravindra Persaud

6. Best Under 13 player: Jaden Ganpat

7. Best Under 11 player: Joshua Brijlal

8. Best fielder: Leon Reddy

Special awardees: Jonathan Hicks, Nars Lachgadu, Sohil Veerapen, Nicholas Cameron, Jevon Crandon, Darwin McKenzie and Dinesh Singh.

The Cricketer of the Academy received close to $300,000 worth of prizes including an electric bike from KC Singh; electronic tablet; a King’s Jewellery World gold medallion; designer clothing and watch; headphones; kitchen utensils; household items, including a lazy boy from AH and L Kissoon; cosmetics hampers; and food hampers. The best batsman and best bowler received a complete cricket kit from Demerara Bank, Rose Hall Branch. Other awardees received a wide range of prizes including trophies, bicycles, electronic tablets, hampers, footwear, designer watches, educational packages and sports gear. Each participant of the Academy received a medal of service, school bag and a

hot and cold flask.

The RHTY&SC also presented two special gifts to the coaches at the Academy. The club would like to express special thanks to all the persons and companies who contributed to the success of the Academy including Bakewell, Guyana Beverage Company, the National Assembly, Minister Joseph Hamilton, Minister Collin Croal, Minister Susan Rodriguez, KC Singh, DeSinco Trading, Banks DIH, Romario Samaroo, John Ramsingh, Alistair Collins, Target Innovation, Mike’s Pharmacy, NAMILCO, Roger Harper, Bhesram Ramnaut, Kiran Kadir, Dr Terrence Blackman, Donna Todd, Demerara Bank, Canadian Surplus, and Chris Lachman of the USA among others. The RHTY&SC also unveiled its squad of 12 Under-11 players from the Academy for its special elite training programme which would start shortly. The players selected were Lamar Lafleur, Akeem Frazer, Randy Williams, Kelvin Ramlal, Anthony Sirkisoon, Dilshan La Cruz, Aden Moore, Jawan Frank, Daniel Alexander, Ronaldo Roberts, Kumar Chandradeo and Jonathan Lyte. These players would be invested in for the future with special training and gear.

CFU Club Shield to kick off this Thursday

…GDF FC to represent Guyana

Twenty teams from across the Caribbean, including defending champions SV Robinhood from Suriname, are gearing up for the 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield slated for July 25 to August 4 in Willemstad, Curaçao.

This year’s edition marks the first time that the CFU is organising and managing the competition hitherto run by Concacaf and called the Caribbean Club Shield. As in previous editions, the 2024 competition will still qualify two teams to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

The number of teams in the hunt for top honours is up by five from 2023 when 15 clubs participated. This has necessitated a change in format to a straight knockout competition, raising the stakes on the teams and bringing intensity to the contest from the first whistle.

In addition to the defending champs SV Robinhood, the contenders are: America FC (Haiti); Arnett Gardens FC (Jamaica); AS Étoile De Matoury (French Guiana); AS Junior Stars (Sint Martin); B.A.Y.S FC (St Lucia); CCCUL Dublanc FC (Dominica); Club Atlético Pantoja (Dominican Republic); CRKSV Jong Holland (Curaçao); Defence Force FC (Trinidad and Tobago); Grenades FC (Antigua and Barbuda); Guyana Defence Force FC (Guyana); Metropolitan FC (Puerto Rico); Paradise FC International (Grenada); RAMS Village Superstars FC (St Kitts and Nevis); Scholars International SC (Cayman Islands); SCSA Eagles (St Maarten); SV Racing Club Aruba (Aruba); SV Real Rincon (Bonaire); and SWA Sharks FC (Turks and Caicos Islands).

The competition, which was established in 2018, has

a primary objective of advancing professional football throughout the Caribbean. Participation is open to semi-professional clubs and amateur teams holding current championship titles in their respective domestic leagues.

CFU General Secretary Camara David said all systems are go for an exciting competition.

“From an organising perspective, we have worked between both organisations to ensure a seamless transition of the competition from Concacaf to the CFU. We have enjoyed that same level of collegiality with the Curaçao Football Federation, and I can assure regional football fans that the teams are ready to battle for Caribbean supremacy,” David said.

CFU President Randolph Harris noted the importance of the CFU Club Shield to the developmental agenda for re-

gional football. “The competition aims to help professionalise football in the Caribbean. I am on the record many times noting the need for us to keep developing and advancing football in the Region for many reasons, not least amongst them opening up pathways for our footballers. The CFU is pleased to collaborate with Concacaf on this competition and look forward to working closely with the confederation to advance football in the Caribbean,” Harris said.

Defending champions SV Robinhood won both the Club Shield and the Caribbean Cup in 2023, making them a definite team to watch.

Fans may watch livestreams of the matches on the CFU’s YouTube page, CFU Official, and follow the CFU’s social media platforms for updates.

Trophy Stall and General Marine show support to Kares One Guyana T10

Corporate Guyana has continued to answer the call to support one of the growing cricket tournaments – Kares

One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast – as Trophy Stall and General Marine have opted to show support.

As a supporter of all sports in Guyana, Ramesh Sunich, Managing Director of Trophy Stall, has benevolently donated trophies for second place and all of the Regal Stationery individual accolades – Player of the Final, Most Runs, Most Wickets, and the Assuria Insurance Most Valuable Player award.

Trophies will be awarded

Slingerz dominate

Ann’s Grove; Western drub Monedderlust

Slingerz Football Club

secured another resounding 11-0 victory, this time against Ann’s Grove United Football Club on Saturday, bringing their total goals to 68, currently the highest in Round Two of the KFC Elite League Season Six.

Meanwhile, Western Tigers Football Club triumphed over Monedderlust Football Club 4-1, also on July 20, advancing one place to fourth position on the points table.

Slingerz FC, currently second on the points table, delighted their fans with a goal-scoring spree that began with Kemar Beckford's spectacular strike in the 11th minute of their match at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Beckford went on to score two more goals in the 24th and 78th minutes.

Daniel Ross added to the tally with goals in the 21st and 54th minutes, while Marcus Tudor found the net in the 40th and 51st minutes.

Andrew Murray contributed with goals in the 90th and 90th+2 minutes.

In the Western Tigers FC match, Samuel Garnett scored twice in the 20th and 33rd minutes, while Michael Pie added the final two goals in the 55th and 72nd minutes.

Tyrone Delph netted his team’s only goal in the 80th minute, but Western Tigers FC tightened their defence and prevented any further scoring opportunities.

In the latest standings,

there have been no changes in the top three positions of the league. Guyana Defence Force FC continue to lead comfortably with 40 points, boasting 13 wins and one draw, along with an impressive goal tally of 61.

Slingerz FC from West Demerara maintain second place with 38 points, secured from 11 wins, two draws, and a total of 69 goals scored. Guyana Police Force FC hold third place with 28 points, having played 13 matches, winning nine, drawing one, and losing three.

Western Tigers FC secured a crucial three points on Sunday, moving up one spot to fourth position with 24 points. They have recorded eight wins and seven losses, scoring 47 goals.

Santos FC have moved down to fifth place, also on 24 points from eight wins and six losses, with 31 goals scored. Den Amstel FC hold sixth place with 18 points,

comprising five wins, three draws, and seven losses.

Fruta Conquerors FC follow closely in seventh place, accumulating 16 points from five wins, one draw, and eight losses, with Monedderlust FC in eighth position with 12 points, resulting from three wins, three draws, and eight losses.

Ann's Grove United FC occupy ninth spot with 11 points, having won three matches, drawn two, and lost 10.

At the bottom of the table, Buxton United FC remain in 10th place with one point secured from a solitary draw and 16 losses.

The KFC Elite League continues on Thursday, July 25, with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC going headto-head with Monedderlust FC at 18:30h, followed by Slingerz FC taking on Den Amstel FC at 21:00h, both at the NTC.

for the Cricket For Charity Match led by President Dr Irfaan Ali and medals for that match and the tournament's final.

Meanwhile, General Marine has sponsored the titled rights for the “Kawasaki Super Striker” through its Kawasaki brand.

The stakes for the 32 teams vying for the coveted championship title are rising.

This year’s competition boasts a bigger prize pool:

$1.5 million will go to the winners, $500,000 to the runners-up, and $250,000 in consolation prizes for the losing semi-finalists.

The action commences August 3 with a knockout format. Opening-round matches will be played at the Police Sports Club, Queen’s College Ground, and Lusignan Sports Club.

Kares Engineering; Banks DIH Limited; Star Rentals; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Montra

Restaurant and Lounge; SuperBet; Demerara Mutual; ETS; Metro Office and Computer Supplies; Building Expo 2024; Premier Insurance; Enet; Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc; Trophy Stall; ANSA McAL Distribution; RS53 RestoBar and Lounge; Jacobs Jewellery, First Change Builders Inc; Samaroo Investments and Coel’s Boutique are the other sponsors on board thus far.

Kishane Thompson leads iBET Olympics 100m odds

…Richardson favoured to win women’s 100m

Jamaican sprinter

Kishane Thompson, the world’s fastest man in 2024, is the frontrunner in iBET Supreme’s odds to win gold in the men’s 100m at the Paris Olympics.

The Olympic Games will commence on July 27, with track and field, arguable the main attraction, beginning on August 1. Fans are eagerly anticipating the thrilling 100m event on August 3.

All eyes will be on the Stade de France, where Thompson, with a season-best time of 9.77 seconds, aims to surpass reigning World Champion Noah Lyles from the USA to claim the prestigious men’s 100m gold.

Thompson is the favourite with odds of 2.13, closely followed by Lyles at 3.10. Another strong contender from Jamaica, Oblique Seville, has odds of 7.80 and is poised to challenge for the top spot on the podium.

Lyles, who clocked a lifetime-best of 9.81 seconds at the London Diamond League, is the third fastest globally this year.

Seville’s impressive 9.82 seconds, achieved at the Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica on June 1, cements his status as a formidable competitor.

Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, the second fastest man this year with a time of 9.79 seconds achieved on June 15, is listed with odds of 28.00 to win in Paris.

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who clocked 9.99 seconds this season, ranks 28th fastest and has odds of 13.00.

Reigning Olympic Champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs posted a competitive time of 9.92 seconds, placing him 10th this season and securing the fifth-best odds of 22.00 to defend his title.

In the men’s 200m, Lyles is the favourite with odds of 1.13. His phenomenal time of 19.53 seconds not only tops this year’s leaderboard but also ranks as the eighth-fastest in history.

Lyles is the third fastest ever in the 200m, trailing Jamaicans Yohan Blake (19.26s) and world record holder Usain Bolt (19.19s).

American sprinter Kenneth Bednarek has odds of 5.40 for a podium finish in Paris, while Tebogo holds strong with odds of 7.40.

In the women’s 100m, reigning World Champion Sha’Carri Richardson leads the pack with odds of 1.54 to secure her first Olympic gold.

Richardson’s dominance this season, with a world-leading time of 10.71 seconds, adds to the anticipation of her performance in Paris. Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson follows with odds of 4.80, boasting a season-best of 10.84 seconds and ranking fifth this year.

St Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred stands at 7.40, aiming for the gold, while legendary sprinter Shelly-Ann FraserPryce has odds of 12.00 for a chance at her second Olympic 100m gold.

Fraser-Pryce, competing in her fifth Olympics at 37 years old, has accumulated an impressive eight Olympic medals, including consecutive 100m golds in 2008 and 2012.

In the women’s 200m, Shericka Jackson is determined to claim her first individual Olympic gold. With favourable odds of 2.85, she is a top contender, closely trailing American sprinter Gabby Thomas at 2.28.

Jackson initially led the odds for Paris, but recent reports of her injury have cast doubt on her prospects.

Despite this setback, she remains the second-fastest woman in the event’s history.

Julien Alfred follows with odds of 5.80, positioning herself as the third favourite to win the women’s 200m in

Paris.

In addition to these competitive odds offered by the company, iBET has launched an extensive referral campaign for the summer called “Make Money with iBET”. Existing iBET customers can earn $500 GYD for each successful referral who signs up for an iBET account.

There’s no limit to the number of people you can refer, so increase your chances of winning by referring more friends.

Moreover, iBET will reward the referrer with one per cent of the top-up value every time the referred customer adds funds to their account. This promotion began on July 8 and runs until September 30.

Bashir, Root, Brook give West Indies a 241-run hammering

Shoaib Bashir's first five-wicket haul on English soil sealed victory inside four days for the hosts, after Joe Root and Harry Brook had set England up against West Indies in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

by 241 runs, and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series being played for the Richards-Botham Trophy.

Root and Brook each scored centuries before the

On a flat batting track and with a monumental runchase at Headingley nearly seven years ago still in the recesses of some memories – certainly Captain Kraigg Brathwaite's –- the task was

hosts were bowled out for 425 in their second innings – the first time in England's history that they had scored 400 in both innings of a Test – setting West Indies a target of 385.

Then, at 20 years and 282 days, off-spinner Bashir became the youngest England bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a men's Test at home, beating the previous record of just-retired seamer James Anderson.

still steep, not to mention in light of an innings defeat at Lord's in the first Test of this series, even if Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis made a bright start by taking West Indies to 61 without loss.

But Chris Woakes and Bashir put it out of reach as West Indies lost 5 for 21 in the space of 35 balls and Bashir finished things, West Indies losing 10 for 82 in all as they were bowled out for 143.

drinks break, a length ball outside off stump that lured a faint edge behind from Louis. Moments later, Kirk McKenzie fluffed an attempted drive off a Bashir short ball and fell to a sharp catch by Jamie Smith behind the stumps.

Brathwaite, on 47, edged Woakes to the keeper and Bashir drew another edge to Root at slip off Alick Athanaze with one that dipped and turned appreciably. In between, Bashir had pinned first-innings centurion Kavem Hodge lbw, and after three overs, Bashir had 3 for 8.

Mark Wood, who had bowled with jaw-dropping speed in West Indies first

nine down.

Bashir then bowled Shamar Joseph with a full er ball on middle stump to the absolute delight of his Captain, Ben Stokes, who grinned broadly as his young charge took a third five-wicket haul in just his fifth Test.

Earlier, Root was serene in posting 122, his 32nd Test century having moved to eighth on the all-time Test run-scorers' list with 11,940 runs during the course of his innings.

Brook had reached 109 in similarly unruffled style, the pair putting on 198 runs for the fourth wicket. That was after Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett had fallen

innings, produced venom of a different kind to remove Kevin Sinclair, his short ball spitting up higher than the batter expected and, as Sinclair put his hands in front of his face, it rapped the wristband of his glove and was taken at second slip.

Joshua Da Silva, who had scored an unbeaten 82 in the first innings, started playing some shots, pulling Gus Atkinson through midwicket for four and crunching Bashir over the fence at wide long-on. But Atkinson responded in his next over with one that moved back in from outside off to strike Da Silva on the back pad in line with middle stump and, two balls later, he put England on the brink of victory by bowling Alzarri Joseph.

No sooner had Jason Holder taken him for six and four to move to 37, Bashir rattled off stump with a gem that turned in and beat the edge as Holder pressed forward, leaving West Indies

in quick succession on the third day, themselves having each passed fifty and put on 119 runs together.

Jayden Seales broke through with a double-strike on the fourth morning and another wicket on the last ball before lunch to Sinclair lifted West Indies from a position where the match looked to be slipping beyond their reach as Root and Brook settled into their stand. They added 100 runs to England's overnight score, but the hosts lost three wickets for 19 runs in 7.2 overs.

Brook brought up his fifth Test ton – and first on home soil – nudging Alzarri Joseph for a single to midon and, two balls later, Root clipped one to the leg side to bring up his fifty, and the 150 partnership.

But, after a near-flawless innings, he fell wafting at a Seales delivery that moved away slightly off the seam, found the edge and sailed through to Da Silva behind

the stumps. Seales struck again when he removed Stokes cheaply, turning a short ball straight to Alzarri Joseph at backward square leg.

That brought Jamie Smith to the crease and he managed only 6 before Sinclair drew a faint edge with a delivery on off stump and Da Silva collected.

Moments after, Woakes edged a rising Shamar Joseph delivery towards second slip, where the towering Holder took a strong catch moving to his left with arms stretched above his head, Root raised his century with a thumping drive through deep point for four

off Alzarri Joseph. Holder returned to the attack with great effect, Root smashing a full, wide delivery straight to Kirk McKenzie at cover. Root departed to hearty applause from the crowd and handshakes from his opponents. Seales saw two slip catches put down off Wood in successive balls, but made no mistake with the third when he bowled Wood for a duck with the next, a fuller ball just outside off which seamed in and clattered into the top of off stump. Seales' fourth wicket ended England's innings, Bashir the last man out, bowled by a yorker. (ESPNcricinfo)

Joseph 20-0-103-2

Jayden Seales 22.2-1-97-4

Shamar Joseph 19-0-75-1

Jason Holder 15-2-54-1

Kevin Sinclair 15-1-78-1

Kraigg Brathwaite 1-0-6-0