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Indoor: Day one action set up thrilling conclusion Jul 15, 2024 Sports GHB-Value4U Summer Break Junior Tournament… Kaieteur Sports – There was no shortage of action on the second day of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Value4U Inc. Summer Break Junior’s Hockey Tournament on Saturday at the National Gymnasium. Abosaide Cadogan had a standout performance for GCC in the U-21 Girls Category. Shakeem Fausette of Saints was instrumental for his team on the opening day. The players moved to the indoor segment of the tournament following a highly competitive outdoor segment, which unfolded at the Georgetown Cricket Club Turf on Friday. Under-13 GCC War Dogs and YMCA OFHC Uprising booked their tickets for the final after victories over the teams locked in the third-place showdown, YMCA Showstoppers and SHC Scorchers. In Group A, War Dogs defeated Hikers (4 – 0), VHC Sticklers (3 – 0) and YMCA Uprising (1-0) on Court One while the Group B matches on Court Two saw Sticklers battle to draws against YMCA Uprising (0-0) and Hikers (2-2). The other match in Group B on that Court saw Uprising reign supreme over Hikers (4 – 0). In the Group B matches on Court One, GCC Thunderbolts lost to YMCA OFHC Showstoppers (0-4), GCC Thunderbolts and SHC Scorchers drew nil all and Showstoppers lost to Scorchers (1 – 2) Under-16 A total of 11 matches were billed for this division in both the Boys and Girls categories. In the Girls segment, GCC Her-ricanes defeated HHC Junior Jets (1-0), SHC Sensations defeated YMCA OFHC Stars (3-0) and Her-ricanes (5-0) and HHC Junior Jets (3-0), YMCA OFHC Stars sank VHC Sticklers (4-0) and Junior Jets drew with Sticklers (1-1). The five Boys matches saw GCC Outlaws defeat HHC Hatchets (6 – 0) and YMCA OFHC Stunners (3-0), SHC Legends got past Stunners (5-0), SHC Sigmas trounced HHC Hatchets (4-0) and Legends drew with Sigmas, nil all. Under-21 The lone Girls’ match in this Division was won comfortably by GCC Spartans against Saints, 3 – 0 while the highly competitive Boys Division had contrasting results. In the six male showdowns, YMCA OFHC Top Form defeated GCC Pitbulls 4 – 0, SHC S’Team drew 1 – 1 with SHC Clovelly. S’Team sank Pitbulls (2 – 1), Top Form and Clovelly drew 1 – 1, Clovelly defeated Pitbulls 4 – 2 while S’Team won 1 – 0 against Top Form. Meanwhile, the tournament was scheduled to conclude on Sunday with the remainder of the matches in the Indoor Segment. Related Similar Articles

Port Mourant player benefits from Project Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana Jul 15, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports – Richard Sewmangal, a 14-year-old all-rounder from Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, is the latest young cricketer to benefit from this joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana. The fast-bowling all-rounder was the recipient of one pair of cricket shoes. Richard Sewmangal received the equipment from coach, Hubern Evans. He is a student of JC Chandisingh Secondary School and represents Port Mourant Cricket Club, a club that has a rich history of producing cricketers for Berbice, Guyana and West Indies, at all levels. Sewmangal represents his club at all junior levels and was selected in Berbice 24-man squad at the under-15 level. The presentation was done by former national cricketer and coach, Hubern Evans. Evans encouraged the youngster to stay disciplined and focus on his game and education. Sewmangal expressed gratitude in response and promised to work hard on his game. This project continues to support young people. Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $460,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, eighteen pairs of cricket boots, thirty-one pairs of batting pads, 33 cricket bats, 29 pairs of batting gloves, 24 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one fiber-glass bat and ten boxes of white cricket balls. In addition to the above, more than $600,000 worth of gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, a former National wicketkeeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase gear requested and not available at the time. To date, 76 young players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 32 bats, three boxes, six helmets, 27 pairs of cricket shoes, eighteen pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat grip, 31 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves, a set of stumps and bails. Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist in identifying talent. Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs with a youth program, will also benefit. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry at 623-6875 or Kishan Das at 1-718-664-0896. Related Similar Articles

Guyana bleeding from tax waivers to Exxon Jul 15, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Indented in the Guyana’s 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon, is a clear and unequivocal statement (I will break it down in layman language) -renegotiation of the Oil Contract is quite possible as long as there is mutual agreement (Exxon and the Guyana Government) on both sides. It did not specify any limitations to renegotiation because unanticipated fluctuations/ market conditions that can cut both ways. For simplicity sake, I offer this as an example. Let’s assume that Exxon’s projection is that of every barrel of oil belonging to them (pursuant to the prevailing agreement) sells at an average of US$40 in the world market, in 2024, that Exxon will garner a profit of US$1 after all Exxon’s expenses are paid. However, what happens if the price per barrel plummets to $US 30? Will Exxon not hasten to invoke the renegotiation clause? They’d be fools not to as they will bleed and their Investors/ Venture Capitalists will scream bloody murder! Then, I ask the rhetorical question- why the Government of Guyana is reluctant to invoke the renegotiation clause and continue to aid and abet Exxon to bleed Guyana and Guyanese of their oil patrimony? Editor, another burdensome clause in the existing contract is breaking the back of our Guyanese people – The Tax Write-off.  Embedded in the current PSA is the clause that the Government of Guyana must pay – to Guyana’s GRA – all the taxes that Exxon owes to Guyana AND on top of that, issue Exxon with a tax receipt so they do not have to pay tax on that specific sum to the United States IRS (Internal Revenue Service).  As extracted from Exxon’s 2023 Annual Report, Guyana Government paid GRA US$658 million- on behalf of Exxon. Folks, that’s 658 million pure US Dollars drained from Guyana’s Treasury in 2023 alone. Can you imagine what that sum, injected in Guyana’s economy, can do for every man, woman and child of this nation? As a caveat, the current 2020 government inherited this cockeyed PSA which was brokered by the 2015 Government of Guyana. However, that does not exonerate this prevailing government from making overtures to Exxon for possible renegotiation. After all, that was vociferously thundered as part of their 2020 manifesto. Voters latched onto that largest of manifesto promises and reposed confidence that this government WILL renegotiate the PSA. What now? “Loss of investors’ confidence” is the oft repeated mantra. However, as a push back, I am citing 2 examples. In 2016, Trinidad commenced renegotiation of its PSA agreement, and pushed, and pushed and pushed. Today, Trinidad is enjoying the favourable outcome of its persistence. Senegal is currently (April 2024) setting the stage for PSA renegotiation with British Petroleum (BP). What of Guyana? It is noteworthy to mention that Exxon has divested most of their global Oil & Gas Portfolio and acutely concentrating on rapidly developing/extracting its now prized jewel, Guyana’s Oil.  As a hedge, should not this give added impetus for our Government to accelerate renegotiation talks? Guyana continues to bleed whilst other governments vacillate. Editor, unless there are sensitive, mitigating and/or exigent circumstances that preclude such, the mantra of “loss of investors’ confidence” has lost its luster as many bellies go hungry every day. What happens if, in Guyana, there is “loss of VOTERS’ confidence” instead, sledgehammers at the ballot boxes? Respectfully,Jonathan Subrian, Esq. Related Similar Articles

Let the democratic process proceed without violence Jul 15, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, The CRG extends its sincere thanks to the Secretary Service for protecting President Donald Trump. It is very unfortunate that the political situation in the U.S. is deteriorating. May good sense prevail and may President Trump recover quickly. There is no need to circumvent the democratic process. Allow the people to choose via their vote. Both candidates deserve an opportunity to safely contest the elections. They have served diligently and they are patriots. Our support is with them and we hope that their safety is no longer compromised. A difference of opinion should not escalate into violence. A difference of perspective and political opinion should never result in the desire to kill. Those who choose violence over discussion and terror over peaceful discourse are the enemies of the democratic process. The U.S. continues to set the standard for democracy and we all have a responsibility to help ensure that we support the continued pursuit of democratic values in our actions and in how we discuss differing views. It is ok to disagree, but it is not ok to resort to violence when such a disagreement occurs. With concern,Mr. Jamil Changlee Related Similar Articles

Donald Trump shooting; an act of cowardice Jul 15, 2024 Letters Dear Editor The recent attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump is an act of cowardice and cannot be condoned. Trump was delivering a campaign speech in Pennsylvania when he was shot in the right ear. Another person was killed, in addition to the attacker who was shot dead by police. Police are currently investigating the shooting and the likely motive of the attacker. Regardless of the motive, such actions have no place in the United States or for that matter in any other country in the civilized world. America is known as one the champions of the free world and actions such as these do not reflect well on the country’s democratic credentials. The attempted assassination of Trump brings back memories of the assassination of President John F Kennedy in November 1963. RegardsHydar Ally Related Similar Articles

Govt. must be deliberate about investing in Linden and Region 10 Jul 15, 2024 Letters Dear Editor I, like most Guyanese have traversed the length and breadth of this country and it is clear to see that the economic landscape of Guyana is undergoing significant transformations, propelled by investments in infrastructure and various developmental projects. However, despite these advancements, there remains a critical need for more deliberate, more targeted and impactful investments in the lives of people and in communities such as Linden and by extension Region Ten, which is a microcosm of the bigger need on a national scale. Linden and Region Ten, this part of Guyana, the most beautiful, is characterized by high levels of economic struggle, unemployment and the significant burden of extremely high cost of living. This township and Region therefore, requires focused interventions that will directly impact the lives and livelihoods of the residents. The government’s efforts, while noted, must transition from infrastructure-centric projects to sustainable economic empowerment strategies, especially in agriculture and skills training, to foster real relief and long-term prosperity for the people of Linden and Region Ten. The government’s investment in infrastructure projects such as roads, drains, and recreational facilities like the synthetic track and the rehabilitation of the Mackenzie Sports Club are welcomed initiatives. These projects, albeit too slow in progress, symbolize a commitment to improving the physical infrastructure of the Region. However, the real impact on the daily lives of people; the residents remain minimal. The government’s continued failure, is in understanding that the tangible benefits of such infrastructure projects will take “time to manifest,” and in the interim, the immediate needs of the people, particularly those in the majority, grappling with high costs of living and unemployment, remain unaddressed and their cries continue to fall on deaf ears. The recent government outreach led by the Prime Minister, Mark Phillips in Region Two, where over one billion dollars was pledged to boost agriculture, serves as a compelling model for what could and should be replicated in Linden and Region Ten, where he is from. The government must accept that investment in agriculture can provide immediate and sustainable relief to our people by enhancing food security, creating jobs, and fostering economic self-sufficiency. By channeling similar investment into backyard gardens, and supporting small and medium-scale farmers in Linden and Region Ten, the government can alleviate the burden and hardships of high cost of living and similarly reduce unemployment. Agricultural investment in Region Ten will have a multi-faceted impact to the benefit of the people. Firstly, it will directly reduce food costs by increasing local production. Second, it will create employment opportunities, not only in farming but also in ancillary industries such as food processing, distribution, and retail. Further, it will empower residents by enabling them to become self-sufficient, thereby reducing their dependency on governments seemingly handout food hamper policy and other external aid and fluctuating market prices. If the government is serious and it is committed to helping the people of Linden and Region Ten, investment in agriculture must be deliberate and intentional. This means creating policies and programmes specifically tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the region. For example, providing subsidies for agricultural inputs (quality seeds, shade house materials, fertilizers, chicks, piglets, sheep, fish, equipment, etc.) offering training and resources for modern farming techniques, and establishing markets for local produce are crucial steps. Additionally, investment should also focus on improving infrastructure that supports agriculture, such as roads to access farms and markets, irrigation systems, storage and processing facilities, transportation and distribution networks. We are painfully aware in these parts, that scores of individuals were leased farmlands in the Millie’s Hideout area long before 2015 and more after, with the aim of opening up another agricultural front for the town complimenting the West Watooka farming area; sadly, however to this date, only two or three lease holders have been able to operationalised their lands while others are suffering for lack of personal resources to do so. In fact, most of the lands never benefited from secondary access roads. This needs to change quickly. Moreover, it is essential to engage local leaders and communities in the planning and implementation of these investments. Understanding the specific needs, strengths, and potential of local farmers and residents, ensures that the investment is not only effective but also sustainable. It is important to emphasize that community involvement fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, which is vital for the long-term success of any developmental initiative. The government must accept that investing in agriculture in Linden and Region Ten will have broader socio-economic benefits. As the regions agricultural output increases, it will contribute to the overall economic growth of Guyana. Additionally, by reducing the economic burden on communities like ours, the government can foster a more “equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities” across the country. This, in turn, will lead to a more cohesive and stable national development. I call on the government to be deliberate in a meaningful and impactful agricultural investment in region ten similar to that of region two and it will be much more successful. It will serve as a model for other underdeveloped areas in Guyana, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted, community-driven development strategies. Immediately, expand the financing facility with the commercial banks to support all forms of agriculture, like was recently negotiated by the government for rice farmers. I can assure the government that easy access to suitable LOW-COST FINANCING remains the chief impediment to lease holders in Linden and across Region Ten being able to put their passions for the land and the agriculture industry to work. This must change and change quickly. If done NOW, these moves will energize the dormant potential for transformative change. When targeted investments are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people, transformation is inevitable. I without pride, beseech the Government of Guyana to adopt a more holistic and pragmatic approach to development in Linden and Region Ten. While we accept infrastructure projects are important, there is an urgent need for direct investment in sectors that will immediately impact the lives of our residents, particularly agriculture. Deliberate and intentional investment is what is needed to bring real relief and sustainable empowerment. It will not only alleviate the current economic struggles but also pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable future for all citizens. Yours respectfully,Jermaine Figueira MP Related Similar Articles

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