Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-04-2024

‘Guyana

is the land of opportunities’

–– Global Commercial Director of ‘OES’ says, underscores that company’s investment size of approximately US$1M will soon grow –– plans to hire more Guyanese as it expands

GPL ‘aggressively’ reviewing proposals for new electricity generation

–– 14 of 17 generators, six step-up transformers installed at Columbia sub-station, says Nandlall

Expanded mental health services imminent

12

–– with launch of National Action Plan 2024-2030 –– focus to be placed on suicide prevention and substance abuse

‘Norton not fit to be a leader’

–– former PNC General Secretary Amna Ally breaks silence after being criticised by party’s leader –– says has no confidence in his leadership, announces support for Roysdale Forde

Public scrutiny of gov’t is always welcome

–– Attorney-General Nandlall says, emphasises commitment to fostering culture of transparency

FormerAFCParliamentarian:Securitysectorwasstainedbyallegationsof‘explosive’corruptionunderRamjattan,AFC

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, inspected the progress of the installation of 17 generators and six step-up transformers at the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) sub-station at Columbia, East Coast Demerara, on Monday (Office of the Prime Minister photos)

‘Guyana is the land of opportunities’

— Global Commercial Director of ‘OES’ says, underscores that company’s investment size of approximately US$1M will grow soon — plans to hire more Guyanese as it expands

By Trina Williams

IN the eyes of the Global Commercial Director of OES Asset Integrity Management

Adam Gibson, Guyana is “the land of opportunities”, as the business climate is just ripe for companies to invest.

During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, Gibson highlighted how OES Asset Integrity Management aims to provide local employment opportunities, whilst boosting the economy with their massive investment.

The company, which is a leading global provider of inspection, rectification and asset support solutions to the oil-and-gas industry, has an investment size of approximately US$1 million.

However, according to Gibson, this will soon grow, as there are expansion plans brewing.

“So, we all say the US is the land of opportunities, but I really believe Guyana is the land of opportunities for all Guyanese, and it's also open to business for international partners,” he said, adding: “OES is a global leader in Asset Integrity, and with Guyana’s new oil-and-gas industry, we fill a gap locally to ensure assets are certified, fit and safe for use and maximising efficiency and optimization, and ensuring operations are completed safely and sustainably.”

As he went on to say: “Our local content plan allows these services to be delivered locally by Guyanese.”

Giving some insight into the future plans that the company has for Guyana, Gibson disclosed: “We're actually going to go through another investment stage very soon; we're going to pretty much triple the size of our operating capacity here through an investment; through a new office facility and a warehouse facility, and also upgrade and bring additional equipment to you.”

And, in commending the government for fostering such an impeccable business climate, especially with the Local Content Act, Gibson said: “I think that the government has done very well with the Local Content Act; it puts a control in place. It doesn't

limit; it puts a control in place to ensure that there's opportunities here for local Guyanese [and] local companies to bring their skillsets up, and bring their expertise up.”

The Local Content Act was designed with the overarching goal that Guyana’s oiland- gas industry can support an economy where small and medium-sized businesses can grow, thrive, and benefit from the country’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.

The laws are intended to ensure that companies operating in the country hire a certain percentage of local workers and use a certain percentage of local goods and services. These percentages are set to steadily increase as local workers and companies gain capacity and knowledge until Guyanese provide many services and fill most of the industry’s jobs.

But what is OES Asset Integrity Management doing to ensure that locals are not being left on the backburner and are key players in the country’s development?

Since OES Asset Integrity Management’s entry into the local market, the company has retained 89-90 per cent of local Guyanese as their workforce, both in the management team and field staff.

With Guyanese coming from various backgrounds and from all walks of life, Gibson noted that although they prioritise the youth, they have never left mature persons

behind.

Upon establishing operations back in October 2020, he noted, there were many older Guyanese who were never given the opportunity to “spread their wings”, and OES Asset Integrity Management has given them that chance.

Additionally, the Global Commercial Director revealed that the company has a partnership with the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and the University of Guyana (UG) in order to ensure that their human resources are properly trained.

PROGRESSIVE MINDSET

The saying “education is the key to success” encapsulates precisely what Gibson means when he stated that investment within the education sector is crucial for Guyana’s long-term prosperity.

He said that although things take time, it is evident that the government has realised the importance of education and they have made investments in the right areas.

Gibson stated: “I think they've got a very progressive mindset on that. Everything can always be better or improved. And what they've got [is] that mindset to make it better and to improve it. These things take time, but I think they're investing in the right areas, [like] in infrastructure and education.”

However, what this businessman would like to see is

more access to capital for local entrepreneurs.

“There's a lot of Guyanese here with a lot of potential, but sometimes it comes down to capital,” he underscored while noting that access to capital sometimes poses a difficulty.

Meanwhile, the company’s Financial and Administrative Manager Annalisa Beharry, who was also the first female Guyanese to be employed by the company, told this publication that OES Asset Integrity Management has placed its local staff on a high pedestal, and continues to invest in

building their capability.

As such, when needed, the company deploys their local staff to various parts of the world for training if Guyana does not have the resources.

She also commended the government for expanding the business landscape to the point where international companies such as OES Asset Integrity Management feel safe in.

Beharry stated: “...From the inception, the incorporation of OES in Guyana, to date, growth has been tremendous and going forward, there is so much opportunities,

which government has been providing the climate through local content; the investment in education and basically creating the atmosphere for foreign investment in Guyana and this opens the doors for so [many] for local people.”

EMPOWERMENT AND OPPORTUNITY

According to a field inspector from OES Asset Integrity Management, Timothy Singh, the company which is making a name for itself in Guyana has provided him with new opportunities.

For Singh, within Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, his life has become a “tale of transformation.”

The mechanical engineering student who hails from Sophia stated that the company provided a supportive environment where he could pursue his studies while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in his field.

“Today, as I continue my studies, I carry with me the lessons learned and experiences gained through my partnership with OES. My journey exemplifies the transformative power of education, mentorship, and corporate responsibility in shaping a brighter future for individuals and communities alike,” he said.

OES Asset Integrity Management Financial and Administrative Manager Annalisa Beharry (Delano Williams Photos)

Global Commercial Director of OES Asset Integrity Management Adam Gibson

Despite limitations, CARICOM doing everything possible to support Haiti

–– CARICOM Chair says, highlights collaborative efforts with international partners –– as Haiti finalises establishment of transitional council

THROUGH collaborative efforts, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continues to be a key stakeholder in lobbying support for Haiti amid its humanitarian crisis.

CARICOM’S current Chairman and Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that leaders of the 15-member regional bloc have spent the last eight weeks in frank engagements.

“CARICOM is doing all that we can do. We have limitations, limitation by scale, limitation by size, limitation by resources,” the CARICOM Chair said during an interview with Trinidad and Tobago’s CNC 3 Morning Show, on Monday.

He added: “The US [United States] and all the other stakeholders have been joining us, working on finding a solution, but we know that the challenge ahead of us would be resourcing the intervention, getting the resources that are necessary to finance the intervention.”

According to reports coming out of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, stakeholders there have finalised an agreement for the establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council.

“[What] we have done

Last month, President of Guyana and CARICOM Chairman Dr. Irfaan Ali, led meetings with several other regional leaders and international partners to address the increased waves of violence in Haiti

so far is to encourage Haiti to own the solution, Haiti to lead a solution and we are working aggressively with Haiti on this, all its stakeholders,” the CARICOM Chair said.

Back in March, Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry had resigned, paving the way for the establishment of a new transitional governance council.

Henry’s resignation came after the CARICOM Chair led meetings with several

other regional leaders and international partners to address the increased waves of violence in the member state.

During those engagements, several pledges of support were made. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States’ Department of Defence will double its support for a multinational security mission from US$100 million to US$200 million; this will bring the monetary pledge to US$300 million.

Apart from this, the US has also pledged US$33 million for humanitarian aid.

While these pledges have been made, the CARICOM Chair highlighted that much more will be needed to not only support the country during its current affairs, but in the long term in the rebuilding of a nation.

“Whilst yes, we all have a responsibility to our citizens, we also have a responsibility to addressing [sic] the wider issues that are connected with

Haiti,” he said.

President Ali noted that support for the country will need to go beyond the establishment of the council.

“We have all been working to ensure that this Haitian-led solution, Haitian-owned solution does not end and a Presidential Council does not end at the appointment of a new prime minister. That is when the support system must kick in, that is when the resources to ensure that the support sys-

tem work will be critically needed and we do not want to be at a point when we get there that we don’t have the mechanism to support what is being built,” Dr Ali said.

Back in March, international news reports had stated that heavily armed gangs attempted to take over Haiti’s main international airport, exchanging gunfire with police and soldiers in the most recent attack on important government locations in a wave of violence that also included a mass escape from the nation’s two largest prisons.

In February, a collective decision determined that the regional bloc will take the lead in conducting a needs assessment to support the significant advancement in hosting elections in Haiti.

Leaders recently converged in Guyana for the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government.

Confidential meetings were conducted with Henry, who participated in the extended four-day summit.

At that meeting, it was revealed that a consensus was met for democratic elections to be held in the French-speaking state by August 2025.

Commendable Statesmanship

IN the ongoing Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has once again displayed commendable statesmanship by reiterating Guyana’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.

With Venezuela’s submission of its counter-memorial on the 1899 Arbitral Award to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), there is a glimmer of hope for a resolution grounded in international law.

President Ali’s unwavering stance on upholding international law and respecting the ICJ’s jurisdiction is a testament to Guyana’s dedication to peace and justice.

Despite Venezuela’s continued rhetoric and questionable actions, in-

cluding recent attempts to assert territorial claims over Guyana’s Essequibo region, President Ali remains steadfast in his resolve.

President Ali’s vigilance in monitoring Venezuela’s statements and actions underscores Guyana’s proactive approach to safeguarding its sovereignty.

The genesis of this controversy dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a decision that settled the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. However, Venezuela’s persistent challenges to the award have perpetuated tensions for decades. Guyana’s decision to seek affirmation of the award’s legitimacy from the ICJ in 2018 was a bold yet necessary move towards

resolution.

Despite Venezuela’s initial objections to the ICJ’s jurisdiction, the World Court’s decisive ruling in December 2020 paved the way for substantive engagement on the merits of the case. Now, with both parties bound to accept the ICJ’s judgment, there is renewed hope for a peaceful resolution based on legal principles.

The international community must continue to support Guyana in its pursuit of justice and territorial integrity. Regional and international stakeholders have rallied behind Guyana, recognising the importance of upholding international law and respecting sovereign boundaries.

As we move forward, it is impera-

tive for Venezuela to demonstrate genuine commitment to the legal process and refrain from further provocations. President Ali’s call for peaceful coexistence between the citizens of Guyana and Venezuela reflects a vision of regional stability and co-operation.

By upholding the rule of law and advocating for peace, President Ali has set a commendable example for responsible governance in the face of adversity.

It is our hope that Venezuela will reciprocate this commitment to peace and engage constructively in the legal process before the ICJ, paving the way for a just and lasting resolution to this longstanding controversy.

Recklessness under Ramjattan, AFC enabled glaring security lapses, breaches

Dear Editor,

IT IS rather disheartening to see the Alliance For Change, the once promising Third Force that provided hope to the country for bringing about meaningful changes and reforms in our political culture and governance systems, now being relegated to being the ‘press release’ party, churning out myriad recommendations and proposals of ideas for improved security, which it had no space to propose much less implement under the coalition government.

This is the very party that held ministerial responsibility for the security sector in a period stained by explosive allegations of corruption, and the imposition of the power of party paramountcy over the country’s security forces.

It was under the AFC’s security portfolio that Guyana experienced the most corrupted system for the issuance of firearm licences and citizenship, the prostituting of the Guyana Police Force in unbridled witch-hunting of political opponents of the Coalition, and Gestapo-like control of the electoral machinery of the 2020 Regional and General elections,

as was seen by all and sundry during the attempted rigging of the Region Four returns at the Ashmin Building.

Wasn’t it the AFC Minister of National Security who hired an international security expert, which later turned out to be a most vulgar conflict of interest saga? Now, with little to no credibility remaining, no electoral constituency ahead of the next general elections, and desperate to project some semblance of relevance and viability, what remains of the AFC leadership, many of whom I had placed trust and high hopes in while serving in the party, is now grasping at straws in the very sector where its most glaring failures were recorded.

Unashamedly, the AFC is now proposing several measures it sees as vital for arresting public security amid, what it says is “escalating crime and narco-trafficking” situation.

They now want the current government to implement the recommendations of the British Security Sector Reform, which the coalition left languishing in the dust, and craft a policy that is compatible with democracy and not a strong-man nor iron-fisted state.

Do they believe the Guyanese people

have forgotten the concocted assassination plot against Granger, which turned out to be nothing but a ruse to boost security around the president akin to the North Korean dictator, and for which the Crime Chief was reassigned for telling the President that there was no shred of evidence of a plot; the so-called interception and deportation of supposed Russian saboteurs; and the political hijacking of GECOM by the GPF and its puppet masters to secure the elections rigging process?

They are calling for stronger community policing, which the Coalition abandoned; they want better vetting of police officers, especially senior ranks, many of whom the coalition used to enable the subversion of the constitution and rule of law during the election tabulation and verification process; they now want wider surveillance systems; enhanced road signage; convening of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Security; and most laughably, the depoliticisation of law enforcement. All of these lofty recommendations stand in stark contrast to the recklessness that passed as public security management under Ramjattan. The reckless abandonment enabled glaring security lapses and breaches that led

to the burning of the Camp Street prison, and a callous and ill-thought-out gamble of issuing hundreds of pardons for criminals instead of serious approaches to reform and rehabilitation.

There could be no doubt that it is the AFC and its consuming domineers in the 20152020 Coalition Government who must be held responsible and accountable for encouraging and offering support to criminal elements bent on destabilizing the country, before and during their reign.

Instead of regularly resorting to pontifications on issues of governance which the AFC and its partners failed so miserably on, the party would do well to caution the few remaining members and senior political figures that they ought to be mindful of the dangers and legal implications of the criminal practice of drinking and driving, and indecent exposure while they fight in futility to avoid political oblivion.

Sincerely, Trevor Williams Former Member of Parliament for the

Shubh Chaitra Navratri

Dear Editor,

DID the total solar eclipse on Monday bring or send any message of religious significance to the inhabitants of Planet Earth?

It did blank out parts of North America for as long as four minutes when the moon passed between the earth and sun, and there was complete darkness as the moon blocked the view of the sun during the hours of 12 and 4:30 PM. In Guyana, we were not privileged to experience this phenomenal sight.

What we do know is that this exceptional astronomical event is anticipated to bear various astrological repercussions associated with Mankind’s welfare. Its scientific but not alien genesis preceded the beginning of the Hindu festival of Navratri, the ending of the Muslims’ fasting month of Ramadan, and came after the Christians’ observance of Lent and the culmination of Easter.

Once again, Hindus, devotees, lovers and followers of Hinduism throughout the world, including Guyana, are proud and lucky to have the golden opportunity of celebrating Vasant, or Chaitra Navratri. Navratri, the auspicious festival of commemorating nine nights/days of the nine forms of Divinity of the Universal Mother, Durga Mata, is observed twice per year, in Spring (March/April as per the Gregorian calendar), and in Fall, October/November (Sharad Navratri). This year, Navratri commences on April 9 and concludes, as usual, with the grand culmination of Ram Navami on April 17.

While most of the customs and rituals are fundamentally the same for both seasons, traditions and practices may vary as per the different ways and means practised in the different parts of India, and inherited by the descendants who migrated and settled in various parts of the world. In Maharashtra, for instance, the first day is called Gudi Padwa, and in Kashmir, it is known as Navreh. The first day of Chaitra Navratri falls during the Full Moon phase, which is known as the Shukla Paksha phase, marking the first day of the Hindu calendar. Ghatasthapana is one of the significant pujas during Navratri, and it marks the beginning of the nine days of festivity. This is the invocation of Goddess Shakti, and must be performed as per the stipulated rules and guidelines of the scriptures.

Nav (nine) Ratri (night) is a dedicated period to specifically revere the Divinity of Mata Durga, who is the Universal Mother. In Shaktism, the word Ratri (night) is symbolically derived from the root, ra, “to give”, and is taken to literally mean “the giver” of bliss, peace and happiness. This is a time when Hindus go the extra mile to prepare themselves mentally, spiritually and physically to

undergo this period of penance to include cleansing, fasting and praying in order to seek the blessings of Mata Uma. Attention is also paid to the surroundings for cleanliness, and the restriction of anything sacrilegious or the consumption of anything considered unholy. Devotees would make a special effort and flock all the Mandirs throughout the country, paying obeisance, serenading her numerous names and glorifying her heroic stories while praying to Amba Maa to satisfy our quest for her to shelter us under her umbrella of protection, and shield us from any form of endangerment.

Durga Maa enjoys being addressed by 108 names, each adorned with its individual significance. As the Trinity of Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati, the Divine Mother blossomed from the attributes of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and gifted with the presents of all the deities and devas. Identified as AdiShakti (Primal Power), the Goddess of War, her manifestation centres around combatting evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, progress and prosperity. The triumph of good over evil to restore faith in confidence and reinstate Dharma over Adharma provides the pinnacle for the essence of Navratri.

And so, the first three nights are dedicated to the feet of Durga Ma, the Protector of Mankind who was called upon to reveal her prowess in her nine Avatars to battle the forces of physical and psychological negativity. The second three nights are exalted to the devotion of Lakshmi Mata, the Bestower of Health, Wealth and Prosperity, whom we beseech for material growth for sustenance and survival to provide the convenience of comfort. The last three nights are lauded to extoll the praises of Sarasvati Ma, the Provider of Knowledge who removes nescience, and paves the path of acquiring intelligence so that we function responsibly in society, and maintain moral up-righteousness.

In as much as the joy and fervour remain enthusiastically inclined for devotees to celebrate in all its pomp and glory, we are daily reminded of the demonic prevalence and transgression in society of the types of Madhu & Kaithaba, Dhumralocana, Chanda and Munda, Mahishasur, Raktabija and Shumbha and Nishumbha. Nevertheless, this is the ideal occasion to learn about all The Universal Mother’s features, characteristics, significance, purpose and scriptural history through the puranas of Maa Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. It is a time to fast, pray, give thanks, and also give to charity.

Prayers and praises to the Universal Mother, especially during this period, is

a cultural event inherited from ancestors from India, and ably maintained and glorified by surviving generations.

Durga Saptashati, commonly referred to as Durga Path Pooja, is reverently performed to glorify the name of Durga Devi. As we wait until 2044

for the next total solar eclipse, may Ma Durga’s blessings be showered on all to enjoy peace, bliss, good health and happiness. Shubh Vasant Navratri.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Amid the undeniable development, I invite Mr. Vieira to comment on his contributions to the ‘agri’ sector

Dear Editor,

I’VE taken note of a letter written by Mr. Tony Vieira addressing several areas that fall under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture. This letter is not only misleading and baseless, but it is also riddled with inaccuracies, and as such, it would be remiss of me not to address it.

Contrary to what the writer is attempting to insinuate, all the irrigation needs are being satisfied along the East Coast and on the East Bank of Demerara. As it relates to claims that the water resources in the EDWC are almost empty, I can confirm that there is sufficient water in the conservancy to support farming and other agriculture-related activities along the East Coast of Demerara.

In fact, the NDIA has been quite proactive in their efforts to ensure these resources are not depleted, and has been pumping water into the conservancy for the last four months. The Authority also has a rigorous monitoring and maintenance system in place to ensure critical water resources are not being wasted, especially during the ongoing dry season that Guyana and many other countries in the region are experiencing.

The NDIA collaborates with the various NDCs in these areas to ensure rangers are in place to monitor inlets leading to villages along the ECD corridor are being monitored and maintained. Additionally, the NDIA continues to replenish the water level, and has been doing so for the past four months by pumping from Maduni Creek into the conservancy, using mobile hydro-flow pumps.

It doesn’t stop there. Apart from the NDIA’s current work programme, emergency rehabilitation work was also conducted on a portion of the Lamaha Seepage Channel at Barnwell North Farming Area in Mocha, while additional modifications to improve the irrigation system were also done, which involved the installation of high-density polyethylene tubes and a gate.

Tubes were also installed between Lamaha to the Central Navigation Canal in Mocha. Furthermore, it was also confirmed

that for the 2023 – 2024 period, the NDIA has installed several mobile and tractor pumps to assist with improving irrigation in affected farming areas.

An aqueduct was also constructed at Cane Grove and an all-weather road will be constructed at Buxton/Middle Walk. These interventions will benefit hundreds of farmers along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara.

Also, fresh water is being supplied to the shelter belt water treatment plant continuously. To supplement these efforts, the NDIA will also be procuring several 40 Cusec mobile pumps that will be installed in several villages including Mocha on the East Bank of Demerara.

As it relates to the current management of the NDIA, all of the senior technical officers within this agency are seasoned and well-educated engineers with years of experience and have been working to develop Guyana’s D&I capabilities for many years. They are familiar with the country’s D&I landscape and are more than capable of managing the authority even as the country’s D&I needs continue to evolve.

The writer also spoke about rice. I wish to remind the writer that the nation has one of the best track records in the region in developing and releasing high-yielding rice varieties that are well adapted to local conditions and ideally suited for the international market.

Over the years, GRDB has developed 15 high-yielding rice varieties that have responded well to the changing environmental conditions in which rice is being grown. The recently released “GRDB 16” has gained widespread acceptance countrywide, and has yielded more than nine tonnes/hectares in many farmer fields during the current harvest. Productivity has moved from 2.8 tonnes/ hectare in 1992 to a current high of 6.5 tonnes/hectare.

Last year, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture along with the Head of the IICA Delegation in Guyana launched the GRDB-IICA 17; a zinc-enriched variety that is also the first of its kind for the region.

This variety is also high-yielding with immunity-boosting properties promising to attract preferential prices for local farmers.

These achievements are as a result of responsible and policy-directed investments made by the government to improve the country’s productive capacity and resilience to the harsh impacts of climate change.

As it relates to paddy bugs, indeed there were instances where infestation was observed to be above the threshold levels during the first crop of 2024. However, this was mainly attributed to the prolonged dry weather conditions. Rice farmers in the most affected areas have confirmed that prompt actions taken by the GRDB have kept damages to the crop to a minimum. The writer failed to mention that crop extension officers carried out daily monitoring of farmers’ fields for incidences of paddy bugs and that the GRDB assisted farmers with the application of pesticides through aerial spraying and drones. Long-term measures are also being developed to manage paddy bugs with the introduction of a biocontrol programme which is being directed by the GRDB.

To say that the Ministry of Agriculture is dysfunctional exposes the writer’s motives to directly attack the credible and impeccable work done to restore this sector over the past three years. So much has been and is being done for farmers, and yet the writer chooses to speak on water levels when the entire country and many other parts of the Caribbean Region have been experiencing drought-like conditions for several months.

Why not speak about the interventions being made to boost the country’s D&I infrastructure to combat climate change? Why not speak on the interventions being made to equip farmers, many of whom gave up on agriculture during the reigns of the previous government because of the harsh measures that were imposed, with climate-smart agricultural inputs such as shade houses and technical support?

Why not speak on Guyana’s successes at introducing new crops such as corn, soya bean, high-value crops like broccoli, cauli-

flower, and carrots, and trials to commence production of onions? What about the investments to resuscitate the spice industry in Region One or the work being done to increase production in Baracara, Victoria, Canal Polder, and other areas that were known for their agricultural produce? What about the progress being made with the construction of the Hope-like Canal in Regions Three, Five, and Six? Why not point out these major achievements?

Let us call a spade a spade. The writer has little credibility and his writings seem to be coming from a place of resentment from internal issues he may or may not be having with the PPP/C, which is often the case with some of these individuals.

Lest we forget, Mr. Vieira was employed as a technical director at the ministry for three years and made no meaningful contributions to the sector. His contract ended last February and he is now preoccupied with trying to discredit the work being done by officers charged with managing various aspects of the sector. I invite Mr. Vieira to comment on his contribution to the sector for the three years he was employed at the ministry.

While he may boast of his expertise in managing sugar estates that were owned by his family, it should be noted that the only success he had with those operations was running them into the ground due to his lack of investment, strategic planning, and poor management. While serving on the Board of Directors at GuySuCo under the previous administration, his input to the sector’s development was convincing the corporation’s management to cultivate grass at the Wales estate.

I will continue to defend the commendable efforts made by those in charge of guiding the agriculture sector.

I am seeing progress and I know with the current work ethic being displayed by those managing the sector, progress will continue.

Yours sincerely,

Ron McKenzie

The crucial role of the Agriculture Ministry in achieving food security

Dear Editor,

FOOD security is a fundamental human right that every person deserves to have access to. In Guyana, the Ministry of Agriculture has been playing a crucial role in ensuring that its citizens are able to access affordable, nutritious and safe food.

One of the main goals of the Ministry of Agriculture is to increase agricultural productivity, and improve the quality of the food produced in the country. By invest-

ing in research and technology, providing training and extension services to farmers, and implementing policies that support sustainable agriculture, the ministry is able to ensure that a diverse range of crops are grown and harvested throughout the year.

This not only helps to ensure that there is a steady supply of food available to the population, but it also promotes economic development in rural areas by creating jobs and increasing incomes of farmers.

However, achieving food security is not just about producing enough food; it is also

about ensuring that this food is accessible and affordable to all members of society.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana works closely with other government agencies and nonprofit organisations to develop programmes that help vulnerable populations, such as low-income families and small-scale farmers, access the food they need.

Achieving food security is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a coordinated effort from government agencies, nonprofit organisations, and the

private sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana plays a vital role in this effort by investing in agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and ensuring that the food produced in the country is safe and accessible to all.

By working together, we can ensure that every person in Guyana has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Sincerely,

Arnold King

Do Guyanese agree that Guyana must save the world?

A GROUP of Guyanese individuals living in and outside of Guyana plus a number of organisations run by Guyanese publicly wrote that Guyana must stop oil production right away.

They wrote: “We are deeply concerned that the government’s policy to pursue economic development based on oil and gas is bad for Guyana. Oil-andgas production is an existential threat to Guyana. We cannot support government’s policy to produce oil and gas when every ton of greenhouse gas pollution cause [sic] loss of life in African countries. In light of the above we call for a national moratorium on all petroleum operations in Guyana – offshore and onshore.”

Here are the names that composed the absurdity: Vanda Radzik, Alissa Trotz, Vidyaratha Kissoon, Karen de Souza, Pauline Melville, Christine Samwaroo, Danuta Radzik, Maya Trotz, Susan Collymore, Joy Marcus, Halima Khan, Vanessa Ross, Wintress White, Gary Girdhari, Nicole Cole, Abbyssinian Carto, Nigel Westmaas, Joan McDonald, Duane de Freitas, Akola Thompson, Joan Cambridge, Immaculata Casimero, Terry Roopnaraine, Colin Klautky, Earl John, Janette Bulkan, Sandy de Freitas, Sherlina Nageer, Jocelyn Dow, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes, Mosa Telford, Suraiya Ismail, Leila Jagdeo, Gerald Perreira, Romario Hastings, Paulette Allicock, Daniel Allicock, Isabelle de Caires, Luke Daniels, Red Thread, Amerindian Peoples Association, the South Rupununi District Council, The Breadfruit Collective and the Makushi Research Unit.

I chose to highlight the names just in case you know some of these people and recognise the type of life they live and the zero contributions they have made or are making to Guyana. I never heard about the “breadfruit collective,” but I know about the breadfruit I constantly buy for an aging lady, and I would welcome a collection of some free breadfruit from the breadfruit people so my financial burden could be reduced.

In two previous columns, I outlined the status of a majority of those people and where they live and how they live. I will do so in a third column. The main point in their publication which I quoted above is that we, in Guyana, must save the planet by stopping oil production. Here are other examples of the call for Guyana to save the planet.

Stephen Sackur who interviewed President Ali for his BBC programme titled HARDtalk, told the President that oil production will release two billion

tons of carbon missions and said to the President: “Does that give you the right to release all this carbon….” Even a moron would know the main point of Sackur. It is why Guyana should do this to the planet, meaning, we should stop those two billion tons of emission to help save the planet.

Secondly, the Stabroek News in its editorial noted last Monday: “Guyana retains a moral culpability over this combustion, considering the grave climate consequences the planet faces … that is the amount of oil that must be extracted and monetized. The rest should be left in the ground until needed or the climate crisis is abated.”

In all the examples I have offered, one fundamental motif stands out – Guyana must save the planet. Don’t forget, this Third World country that is billions of miles away from the type of infrastructure and economy and modern life that the West has, must regulate or stop oil production to save the planet.

Someone sent me this information and asked that I include it in my writings: “A carbon bomb is created every day by the top five oil producers at forty seven million (47,000,000) barrels of oil. In 18 months these five countries produced twenty four billion barrels of oil. Guyana at peak production of 3.5 million barrels daily would take 20 years to produce 24 billion barrels of oil.”

This kind of information, however graphic and fact-based is not going to stop some folks in this country, including a leading newspaper, from calling on Guyana to stop oil production. John Mair, commonly known as Bill Cotton, told me that the owner of Stabroek News, who lives in an oil-producing country, the UK, is very wealthy. In her piece on oil in Guyana in the New York Times (see my column yesterday), Gaiutra Bahadur featured a photograph of the colonial-style plantation house that one of the anti-oil lobby persons lives in.

In that same editorial, here is what the Stabroek News had to say: “The rest should be left in the ground until needed or the climate crisis is abated. There is no such thinking at Freedom House or the Office of the President, in Parliament or even in the ranks of the opposition. Guyana and its people are being poorly served by its leaders.”

For trying to feed the people of Guyana from our rich oil fields, the leaders of Guyana are not serving the people.

I wonder if Stabroek News is properly serving the Guyanese people.

A celebration of love, gratitude, empathy

– President Ali emphasises importance of Eid-ul-Fitr

“THE Holy Month of Ramadan has ended. During the Holy Month, Muslims engaged in acts of abstinence, fasting, charity and prayer to strengthen their faith in Allah.

This special period assures them of God’s blessings. Now that Ramadan has ended, Muslims express their profound gratitude for Allah’s mercies and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

with great joy. I extend warm Eid-ulFitr 2024 greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Islamic community, who find immense happiness in this festival.

During Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims in Guyana will gather with loved ones, share with those in need, and reflect on the oneness of humanity, as emphasised in the Holy Quran. Guyana’s promise

of sustained prosperity and social harmony allows us all to celebrate each other’s festivals with greater unity and joy.

Eid-ul-Fitr also serves as a reminder of our shared values of togetherness, happiness, love, forgiveness, and compassion.

As we celebrate, let us shower our love and generosity on our fellow

brothers and sisters, especially the less fortunate. Uplifting the vulnerable is an obligation of our faith.

The Holy Prophet (On Whom be Peace) says: “He is not a believer whose stomach is full while the neighbour to his side is starving.”

Let us therefore observe Eid-ul-Fitr with gratitude and a heart full of love and empathy.

Eid-Mubarak to all!”

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Public scrutiny of gov’t is always welcome

ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, has emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and believes that public scrutiny strengthens these efforts.

During a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), he explained the government’s decision to appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to join as a party to the unlimited parent guarantee case.

Guyanese citizens

–– Attorney-General Nandlall says; emphasises commitment to fostering culture of transparency

Referencing this case, the AG said that the government has created an enabling legislative environment for citizens to take concerns of this nature to the court for solutions.

He said that the Judicial Review legislation, which was enacted by the PPP/C government in 2010, has empowered Guyanese to challenge actions made by any authority in the interest of the country.

“The PPP gave the people of Guyana that right. Why? Because we

Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte in September, 2022, approached the High Court demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforce the liability clause of the environmental permit issued to ExxonMobil.

believe that our actions must be subject to scrutiny, judicial and public scrutiny, and if the citizens feel aggrieved by these actions, they have a right to approach the court. And we have made that right very accessible,” the minister said.

The legislation establishes a framework of accountability to ensure that lawmakers and government officials comply with the law.

Under this act, the court can provide a range of remedies, including compensation, prohibition, and injunctions.

“That is a demonstration of our government’s willingness to make itself accountable and transpar-

ent in its operations and in its day-to-day conduct of the affairs of the state. We are not afraid of scrutiny,” the Attorney-General added.

Additionally, when compared with similar pieces of legislation in the region, the legal affairs minister said that Guyana’s Judicial Review Act is the most liberal of its kind. (DPI)

Attorney-General and

Minister of Legal Affairs, Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall

–– with launch of National Action Plan 2024-2030

Expanded mental health services imminent

–– focus to be placed on suicide prevention and substance abuse

By Shamar Meusa

MENTAL health services are expected to be decentralised and expanded across the country over the next few years to improve access and efficiency.

This was highlighted during the launch of the country’s National Mental Health Action Plan and National Suicide Prevention Plan 2024-2030, which is expected to be a

guiding policy document to aid in the achievement of the goals of making these services more accessible.

At the launch, which was held at the Ministry of Health’s Brickdam office on Tuesday, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said the government has been creating the legislative architecture to facilitate changes in mental health care and suicide prevention.

He said one of the main things that they have looked at in the development of this action plan is the decentralisation of mental health services across the country.

“Some of the things that we have been working on in the ministry is how do we decentralise mental health care. A lot of mental health care was centralised at the GPHC, and so one of the steps that we have taken is to take this out to

other regional hospitals, so now people can access mental health services in regions,” he said.

Further, a new area which will receive more attention is substance abuse, Dr. Anthony said, noting: “You will see in this new action plan an area that we had not paid a lot of attention to, and that is the area of substance abuse. We felt that this is something that we need to pay more attention to.”

that work will be done to facilitate the decentralisation of mental health services, he added that they will also work on deinstitutionalising patients.

Dr. Anthony related that the modern way of treating people is to not keep them in the hospital when they experience acute episodes, but to have them treated and return home.

As such, this action plan will aid in this transition, and further address the issue where families refuse to accept those persons at home who have been treated at these facilities.

In this regard, he in-

PRAGMATIC STEPS

The Health Minister indicated that while the ministry currently funds prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that help people with substance abuse issues, they are also looking to partner with other organisations in this regard, as this is something that is of utmost importance.

While he mentioned

dicated that a lot of work has to be done to get people to think differently, therefore, public education will be pursued.

“All of this we have to put in motion, and so over the next couple of years, you will see a lot of changes. So, what we have in the action plan, both in terms of what we want to do with mental

Director of the Mental Health Unit at the Ministry of Health Dr. Timothy Morgan (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

PAHO/WHO Assistant Director Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas (right) hands over the National Mental Health Action Plan and National Suicide Prevention Plan for Guyana 2024-2030 to Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony

‘The lessons we were taught in, out of Masjid must be coupled with action’

–– CIOG President says in Eid-ul-Fitr message

The following is the full text of a message from President of CIOG

Al-Hajj Shahabudeen

Ahmad:

“ MY dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam and Humanity, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi

Wa Barakaatuh.

“May the Peace, Guidance, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah (swt) be upon us all!

Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak!

On this joyous day of Eidul-Fitr, the Executives and Staff of CIOG join you in celebration.

“Alhamdu-Lillah, (Praise be to Allah) we were honored by Allah (swt), the Infinitely Merciful, to have graduated from the university of Ramadan. A month in which we practiced patience, self-control and restraint.

“We have participated in private and communal worship, engaged in much reflection and introspection, enhanced our caring and giving and refined our character; all with the expectation of attaining closeness to our Creator, Allah (swt). Now, after a month of fasting, we celebrate with the intention of being Abdun-Shakoor, thankful servants. Allah (swt) says in chapter 10 of the Holy Quran, entitled Yunus (Jonah) verse 58:

“In the grace of Allah (swt) and in His (swt) mercy, in that they should rejoice; it is better than all [the worldly wealth] that they may amass!’

“On this 1st day of Shawwal, the day of Eid, as we celebrate and rejoice in the grace and mercy of Allah (swt), we ponder on the many lessons of Ramadan. However, this year was immensely more difficult not because we deprived ourselves of food and water but because of what we endured as an Ummah.

“Our Beloved Prophet, Rasoolullah (peace and blessings be upon him), said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.

“Yes, this Ramadan was painful as we watched in disbelief at the first publicly televised genocide of our Brothers and Sisters in Gaza. We were given many lessons this Ramadan but the greatest lessons came from them while under-siege. Notably, the concept of Imaan (faith) and Tawwakul (intense and hopeful trust in Allah (swt)).

“Emerging from Ramadan this year cannot mean the same as last year. The lessons we were taught in and out of the Masjid must be coupled with action. Gratitude is not just expressed on the tongue.

“Self-restraint and control must be extended to other aspects of our lives. We witnessed our Brothers and Sisters break their fast with soup made of grass and water, and some are in perpetual fasting. Despite their homes and places of worship decimated, they still prayed the night prayers between the rubble. I ask, what is the source of their strength? What we witnessed is their constant dua (prayer) of our Father Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him.

“Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3:173)

Ibn ‘Abbas said in a hadith, “When (Prophet) Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, he said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” So did the Final Messenger, Rasoolullah (saw) when he was told: “A great army … [has] gathered against him, so fear them”. But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)”. [Al-Bukhari].

“Our Brothers and Sisters invoked the prayer of the Prophets (peace be upon them) often with a smile, Hasbunallu Wa Nia’ Mal Wakeel, “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).

“This year, many lessons were taught to us at great expense and sacrifice.

We must now go beyond the Masjid and couple this with civilization changing action. Belief is not just expressed on the tongue, but it must also be manifested in our deeds and lives. This is the legacy of Muslims everywhere we went. In a time that is seemingly filled with darkness and loss of hope, let us fulfill the rights we have to those around us and this Ummah – and by extension – the entire world. Be that beacon of light and hope.

“In our celebration, let us not forget those among our brothers and sisters who face difficulties and hardship, those facing the challenges of illness, hunger, and despair. Reach out, find ways to help, comfort and sustain others, while filling them with hope and reminding them that Allah (swt) is Gracious, Merciful and Abundant.

“Today does not signal the end of worship or letting go of the concerns of the Akhirah (afterlife). On the contrary, it is our duty throughout the year to build on the progress we made in Ramadan so that each Ramadan finds us stronger and closer to Allah (swt), as individuals and as a community.

“Let us reaffirm the importance of prayer. The strength of our community and the quality of our lives will be improved as more of us observe the five daily prayers, which are the spiritual sustenance of the believers. Let us fill the Mosques as we did in Ramadan. We should leave aside all excuses and delays and observe our prayers, a seemingly small act that yields countless benefits and blessings. Allah (swt) reminds us in the Holy Quran:

“Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do”. (Holy Quran Surah Al-Baqara 02:110)

Let us nurture harmonious relationships in our families, communities, and our nation. I encourage you to invite our non-Muslim brothers and sisters to join

in our Eid Celebrations. It is our duty to promote the core Islamic values of coexistence, tolerance, and khidma - to be in the service of others. Let us lovingly serve and protect all of Allah’s (swt) Creation. Allah (swt) reminds us in the Holy Quran: “We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single com -

munity, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good. Every one of you will return to God and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed.” (Holy Quran Surah Al-Ma’ida 05:48)

“May Allah (swt) Bless and have Mercy on us all. May Allah (swt) Bless and have Mercy on our country and the entire world. We beseech Allah (swt) to accept all our good deeds and forgive all our shortcomings,

(Ameen).

May Allah (swt) graciously grant us Healing, (Ameen). I close with the pillar of reliance and absolute trust in Allah (swt). The prayer of prophet Abraham (A.S.)

“Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3:173)

Eid Mubark! Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Wa-Alaikumus-Salaam WaRahmatullahi-WaBarakaatuh.”

New Amsterdam Prison undergoing $1.7B upgrade

WITH $1.7 billion in upgrades underway at the New Amsterdam Prison in Region Six, both inmates and staff will soon benefit from a modern environment, significantly contributing to the development of the Guyana Prison Service.

These upgrades will provide prisoners with improved living conditions, and staff with a more conducive working environment.

To manage the extensive work at the prison effectively, the transformation process was divided into 10 lots.

Lot One involves the construction of a senior officers’ living quarters, while Lot Two focuses on the male and female living areas. Lot Three includes the building of a kitchen and storage bond.

Additionally, Lots Four and Five will feature the construction of an officers’ sports club and a reception building.

Moreover, to enhance prisoner comfort and ensure equitable access to basic needs, Lots Six through Ten will respectively accommodate an infirmary annexe, an overhead storage tank, a treatment plant, cell blocks, and a training facility.

Specifically, the training facility is intended to positively impact prisoners’ lives by providing them with opportunities to learn trades, so as to prepare them for reintegration into society.

These skills will enable prisoners to secure jobs and provide for themselves and their families upon release, fostering positive change in their lives. Many of these projects are nearing completion, while others have progressed more than 50 per cent.

The report on these upgrades followed a visit

by Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot and a team from the Guyana Prison Service.

Elliot expressed satisfaction with the rapid progress of the works, noting that it underscores the government’s ongoing investment in capital developments within the prison system.

These investments aim to enhance the physical structure of the prison, ensuring adequate housing for both prisoners and staff.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for overseeing the functions of the prison service, was allocated a sum of $44.8 billion in the national budget this year.

Of this amount, $6.4 billion was allocated for the operation of the prison service, with $2.7 billion specifically earmarked for infrastructure enhancements. (DPI)

With $1.7 billion in upgrades underway at the New Amsterdam Prison in Region Six, both inmates and staff will soon benefit from a modern environment, significantly contributing to the development of the Guyana Prison Service

Expanded Mental Health ...

health patients and potentially how we prevent suicide, I think all the steps are very pragmatic; they are very practical things that we want to do,” Dr. Anthony said.

Director of the Mental Health Unit at the Ministry of Health Dr. Timothy Morgan, while giving an overview of the action plan, said that this will foster the move of mental health services into communities.

Dr. Morgan said: “We are mostly looking at the mental health strategy in terms of addressing mental health issues in a more holistic way; in a more humanistic way, and we are protecting those persons’

human rights and ensuring their dignity.”

Further, he said that this plan will address the issue of the suicide rate in Guyana, and will also pay close attention to suicide attempts and work along with other ministries and collaborative partners like NGOs to reach the communities, and ensure issues are addressed proactively and not reactively.

“We are looking at this from a more holistic approach, where there is a whole government and a whole society approach in tackling mental health issues in Guyana,” he added.

One of the collaborative partners that aided in the drafting of the action

plan was the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), which was represented at the launch by Assistant Director Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas.

She said that PAHO is pleased with the work that Guyana has done over the past years to prioritise mental health and strengthen mental health legislation.

Additionally, Dr. Sealy-Thomas applauded the government for the progress that the country has made in addressing the mental health challenges of the population through the implementation of several actions.

The National Mental Health Action Plan and National Suicide Prevention Plan for Guyana 2024-2030

PAC uncovers breaches in procurement processes in Region Two under APNU+AFC

THE Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday uncovered several breaches in the procurement regulations by the Region Two administration in 2019.

The discovery was made while the committee was

examining the 2019 Auditor General’s report for the regional administration, where it was noted that despite several requests, no evaluation committee minutes were submitted for examination.

The report noted also that through the audit process,

it was difficult to ascertain what and if any recommendations were made to the Regional Tender Board in relation to the award of contracts.

As a result, government member of the PAC, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo questioned

the former REO, Denis Jaikaran whether there were minutes, and why it was not submitted for audit examination.

Jaikaran told the committee that at the end of meetings that were held, he briefed officers from the

Auditor-General’s office who were in the region, and further added that minutes were submitted.

Further to this, Dr. Mahadeo said that when documents are handed over from agency to agency, there are records, and asked whether those records or documents were provided and what procedure was followed.

While the response given by the former REO did not suffice, the Auditor-General’s office provided clarity on the report.

The officer said: “As it relates to the RDC’s procurement procedures, the awarding of contracts by the RDC, they failed to produce the evaluation criteria and the evaluation reports so the basis of determining the lowest responsive bidder was unknown They had provided tender board minutes which

we looked at; the minutes just tell us who they are awarding the contract to it doesn’t tell you the basis, it doesn’t give you how many bidders.”

The officer further provided additional information in this regard which included examples of when contracts were awarded but no indication was given in relation to the evaluation.

Against this backdrop, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira said that this was a clear violation of the financial rules and noted that this should not have occurred.

The former REO was subsequently grilled on the procedures followed, as it was highlighted by some members of the committee that these acts amount to major breaches of the procurement regulations.

Former REO of Region Two Denis Jaikaran

‘Norton not fit to be a leader’

–– former PNC General Secretary Amna Ally breaks her silence after being criticised by party’s leader –– says she has no confidence in his leadership, announces her support for Roysdale Forde

THE proverbial hammer continues to fall on Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton, with former General Secretary of the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) Amna Ally being the latest person within the party to take a jab at him by declaring that he is “not fit” to be a leader.

The incumbent PNC-R Leader, within the past few weeks, has been putting the party stalwart on blast, accusing her of a number of infractions, including undermining the party’s current leadership.

However, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, Ally said that Norton is “losing ground” and “looking for scapegoats to place the blame on”.

Since fellow Opposition member Roysdale Forde launched his internal campaign on the day of Norton’s press conference, the party’s shaky foundation has started to “rock” even more.

In response to Norton’s accusations against her, Ally called on the party’s leader to get his act together.

“What Mr. Norton, the Opposition Leader, has to do is pull his socks up.

Mr. Norton must work with the Constitution, and he must seek to unify the party rather than splitting hairs and having people go their own way. He is not fit to be a leader,” Ally firmly said.

Additionally, Ally said that Norton’s feathers have become ruffled because she is not following him.

Instead, the former PNC-R General Secretary has placed her confidence in Forde, and while listing the qualities that Forde has, which she thinks make him a better candidate than Norton, Ally said: “...I don’t want to have a leader who has an issue with 30 blank cheques.”

According to former PNC-R Treasurer Faaiz Mursaline, in a previous interview with this publication, from the time he assumed the position of elected treasurer, he was made to sign blank cheques with no supporting documents.

In November 2022, he signed as many as 20 blank cheques. In his request for an audit of the party’s finances, Mursaline said that he had even suggested that it be done by current party executive and Member of Parlia -

ment, Volda Lawrence. However, this was shot down by Norton.

During the PNC-R’s press conference on January 5, Norton sought to address Mursaline’s claims that he’d called for an audit into the party’s finances by conceding that he’d advised him that Lawrence could not audit the party’s finances, as doing so would amount to a conflict of interest.

He, however, offered no explanation as to why a private firm has not been brought in to audit the party’s records.

When asked about the current financial state of

the party and if she believes it is in a position to contest the upcoming elections, Ally said she couldn’t care less as long as Norton is at the helm.

“I don’t know and I don’t care, because I am not going to lift a finger under Norton’s leadership.

When he is changed as leader, well, then I will

look and see what contribution, if any, I can make. But as of now, I want nothing to do with Norton and his leadership,” she said.

Former PNC-R General Secretary, Amna Ally

Security sector was stained by allegations of ‘explosive’ corruption under Ramjattan, AFC

–– former AFC parliamentarian says; highlights party’s relegation to a ‘press release’ party, absence of its voice while in gov’t

FORMER Alliance for Change (AFC) Parliamentarian, Trevor Williams has flayed the party for its poor management of the public security sector while it was married to the A Partnership for National (APNU) as part of a coalition that constituted the seat of government from 2015-2020.

Williams in a letter to the editor, said: “It is rather disheartening to see the Alliance For Change, the once promising third force that provided hope to the country for bringing about meaningful changes

and reforms in our political culture and governance systems, now being relegated to being the ‘press release’ party, churning out myriad recommendations and proposals of ideas for improved security which it had no space to propose much less implement under the coalition government.”

He said that this was the very party that held ministerial responsibility for the security sector in a period “stained by explosive allegations of corruption and the imposition of the power of party paramountcy over the country’s security forces.”

The former parliamentarian went on to say: “It was under the AFC’s security portfolio that Guyana experienced the most corrupted system for the issuance of firearm licenc-

es and citizenship, the prostituting of the Guyana Police Force in unbridled witch-hunting of political opponents of the coalition; and Gestapo-like control of the electoral machinery of the 2020 regional and general elections, as was seen by all and sundry during the attempted rigging of the Region Four returns at the Ashmin building,” he said, adding that the party is now “grasping at straws in the very sector where its most glaring failures were recorded.”

Against this backdrop, according to Williams, the AFC is now proposing several measures it sees as vital for arresting public security amid, what it says is “escalating crime and narco-trafficking” situation.

Williams related that the AFC wants the current government to implement the recommendations of the British Security Sector Reform which the coalition left “languishing in the dust.”

Staying on the topic of security, he questioned if the party believes the Guyanese people have forgotten the “concocted” assassination plot against Former Head of State, David Granger and the political “hijacking” of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and its “puppet masters” to secure the elections rigging process.

He went on to say: “They are calling for stronger community policing, which the coalition abandoned; they want better vetting of police officers, especially senior ranks, many of whom the coalition used to enable the subversion of the constitution and rule of law during the election tabulation and verification process; they now want wider surveillance systems; enhanced road signage; convening of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Security; and most laughably, the depoliticisation of law enforcement.”

He added: “All of these lofty recommendations stand in stark contrast to the recklessness that passed as public security management under Ramjattan, reckless abandonment which enabled glaring security lapses and breaches that led to the burning of the Camp Street Prisons, and a callous and ill-thought-out gamble of issuing hundreds of pardons for criminals instead of serious approaches to reform and rehabilitation.

“There could be no doubt that it is the AFC and its consuming domineers in the 2015-2020 Coalition Government who must be held responsible and accountable for encouraging and offering support to criminal elements bent on destabilising the country, before and during their reign.”

Former AFC Parliamentarian, Trevor Williams

Kwakwani benefits from $420.1M road upgrades

RESIDENTS of Kwakwani, located in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), are benefitting from major infrastructural upgrades totalling $420.1 million.

This investment aims to bolster connectivity and stimulate economic development in the mining and logging community.

Substantial works have been completed in sections two and three of the village. R&M Mining

Residents of Kwakwani, located in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), are benefitting from major infrastructural upgrades totalling $420.1 million

Investment Project Inc. and DJ General Construction and Supplies executed major works totalling $77.3 million and $77.4 million, respectively, in this critical area.

Similarly, Coomaka village witnessed a significant facelift in its internal road network, undertaken by DJ General Construction and Supplies, with a total cost of $87.2 million.

Significant works were also executed on the vital Hururu to Kwakwani Access Road, completed by International Import and Supplies, valuing some $57.9 million.

Nottinghamshire Road, a crucial artery linking Mackenzie Linden to CB Housing Development Inc., received much-needed rehabilitation, amounting to $120.1 million.

These critical road networks fall under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works’ Hinterland Road projects.

Integral to the wider strategy of bridging the gap between coastal and hinterland areas, the government has allocated a sum of $5.5 billion for hinterland road development in the 2024 budget.

This progressive investment underscores the PPP/C administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and equitable development for all Guyanese. (DPI)

Importers, dealers, users implored to verify measuring instruments before sale, use

The following is the full text of a statement from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards:

“THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has noted an article in the Guyana Times Newspaper titled, “Ask business for discount if scale doesn’t have the sticker” – GNBS tells RDC” and wishes to offer some clarifications to what was stated in the article.

“With reference to the headline of the article, it must be noted that the GNBS does not sell scales or other measuring instruments and therefore cannot request that businesses provide any discount to buyers. By virtue of the 1981 Weights and Measures Act, the GNBS is responsible for verifying all measuring instruments used in trade to ensure consumer protection and equity in trade.

“In situations where new, unverified commercial scales and other measuring instruments are offered for sale, members of the public are encouraged to inform the GNBS so that the necessary enforcement and corrective actions could be taken.

“In addition, it should be noted that the GNBS conducts verification of measuring instruments used in trade during the periods – January to March and July to September, annually. However, vendors and other users of measuring instruments who missed these verification periods can still submit their measuring instruments to the GNBS offices countrywide for verification. Meanwhile, importers and dealers can submit their new commercial measuring instruments to the GNBS for initial verification throughout the year, before offering them for sale.

“Notably, from April 01, 2024, the GNBS has commenced surveillance activities at shops, markets and supermarkets across the country to ensure that measuring instruments used in the conduct of trade are verified as required.

“Finally, it should be noted that gas stoves are one of the commodities monitored by the GNBS and all commodities are monitored by the GNBS based on the requirements of established National Standards.

Importantly, commodities are not verified or stamped as indicated in the article, except in the case of measuring instruments.

“The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is urging all importers, dealers and users of measuring instruments in trade to ensure these instruments are verified (stamped) by the GNBS before they are sold or used.”

Man hospitalised with five gunshot wounds

POLICE are investigating a shooting that left a 26-year-old man hospitalised with five gunshot wounds.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the incident occurred at proximately 11:30 hours at Middle Road, La Penitence, on Monday.

The victim, identified as Shane Bourne, was reportedly approached by two unidentified males on a motorcycle. One of men fired several shots at Bourne, striking him four times in his right thigh and once in his left thigh.

The suspects immediately fled the scene after the attack. Bourne was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by public-spirited citizens and is listed in a stable condition.

Investigations are ongoing, police said.

Skeletal remains found in Berbice ‘canefield’

SKELETAL remains appearing to be that of a human, were discovered at Enterprise A Field, Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the remains were found and reported to the police by a 41-year-old security sergeant, Devpersaud Hublall and a 56-year-old security constable, Deon Victor around 08:30 hours on Monday.

Police were dispatched and on arrival, a security pointed out an area inside of the canefield where “remains” which include one skull and bones were seen.

The scene was processed by officers and the remains were retrieved, as investigations continue.

GPL ‘aggressively’ reviewing proposals for new electricity generation

— 14 generators, six step-up transformers installed at Columbia sub-station, says Nandlall

By Feona Morrison

HEAD of the Executive Management Committee of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Kesh Nandlall has said that the company is “aggressively” reviewing a proposal for the addition of new electricity generation capacity.

This comes amidst growing frustration among consumers over frequent disruptions in power supply, which have adversely impacted businesses and households alike.

In response to a recent surge in power outages across the country, the GPL on Monday installed 14 of 17 generators and six step-up transformers at its sub-station at Columbia, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to bolster its elec-

tricity supply capacity.

In a brief interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Nandlall said that

the remaining generators would be installed by the end of this week.

Aside from that, he re-

lated that preparations are ongoing to source emergency energy, and that the government is still review-

GPL's network.

Additionally, the utility company is actively exploring renewable energy options as part of its longterm strategy to diversify the energy mix, and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

GPL recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InterEnergy, a Dominican Republic power company to enhance the management of its electricity services.

Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, who expressed satisfaction with the developments while at the Columbia site, said: “Government remains committed to

ing this initiative. "We are aggressively reviewing a proposal to bring new power generation to the grid," Nandlall said.

The US$27 million worth of generators, acquired from Apan Energy Services, is expected to add an estimated 30 megawatts to the national grid.

boosting GPL's generation capacity and improving its overall service to the people of Guyana.”

The persistent outages, attributed to various factors, including aging infrastructure and increased demand, have underscored the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades within

President Dr. Irfaan Ali had expressed deep concern over the state of Guyana’s power infrastructure, which is significantly impacted by aged generators, some over 30 years old, compounded by a five-year period of maintenance neglect between 2015 and 2020 under the APNU+AFC government.

According to the Head of State, these issues have resulted in inefficiencies in power generation, thereby exacerbating the shortfall in meeting the nation’s escalating electricity demands.

“As I speak, we are not meeting those demands; we have tremendous difficulties with trucks in construction, accidents hitting the network, causing challenges,” President Ali said.

With an exponential increase in demand anticipated, President Ali revealed projections of an additional 35 megawatts of new demand this year alone, reaching approximately 220 megawatts overall by year-end.

However, the current generating capacity stands around only 165 megawatts, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by infrastructural constraints, including difficulties with transportation for construction and accidents affecting the network, President Ali stressed the critical need to address human resource gaps by recruiting more engineers, technicians, and linesmen to strengthen the workforce.

Fourteen generators and six step-up transformers were installed at GPL’s sub-station at Columbia, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips inspecting the installation of the equipment

Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee Kesh Nandlall

‘Nothing about Justice Prem Persaud’s life was

simple or

By Feona Morrison

THE legacy of Justice of Appeal Prem Persaud, a titan in the legal realm of Guyana, was honoured on Tuesday in a solemn ceremony at a special sitting of the Full Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature.

The late Justice Persaud, who passed away at the age of 91 in November 2023, was remembered not just for his legal acumen, but also for the complexity and richness of his life.

In a poignant tribute, the Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, S.C. reflected on Justice Persaud's remarkable journey, highlighting how he traversed life with simplicity and humility, creating an illusion of ordinariness despite his extraordinary achievements.

"Nothing about Justice Persaud’s life is either simple or ordinary. He was quite an exceptional human being, leaving a legacy to boast, cherish and emulated,” remarked the Attorney-General, capturing the sentiment shared by many who knew him.

According to Nandlall, Justice Persaud's ascent through the ranks of the legal profession was nothing short of remarkable.

ordinary’ — Attorney-General says, as Full Court remembers late legal luminary

period, Justice Persaud was appointed a Justice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal of Guyana.

Upon his retirement from the Court of Appeal, Justice Persaud served in several posts, continuing his journey of service to Guyana. The posts included, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, a member of the Judicial Service Commission, Chairman of the Trade Union Recognition Board, and head of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited.

Throughout his nearly 60 years of service to his country and its people, Nandlall said Justice Persaud exemplified unwavering dedication and distinction. Despite holding powerful positions, he never succumbed to the allure of authority, instead remaining grounded and accessible to ordinary citizens with remarkable ease.

Reflecting on Justice Persaud’s illustrious career, the Attorney-General noted that he delivered several landmark judgements in various areas of the law,which will continue to guide lawyers and judges alike.

He said: “These judgements, though demonstrating scholarship, forensic legal reasoning and an industry of legal research, are written with great clarity and brevity.”

For her part, Chief Jus-

Born into modest beginnings at Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he said Justice Persaud started as a technical assistant at the Botanical Gardens; he later transitioned to a clerk in the magistracy, laying the foundation for a career that would see him occupy some of the highest constitutional, judicial, and statutory offices in the nation for decades.

tice (ag) Roxane George, S.C. led a heartfelt tribute to the memory of the late Justice Persaud, reflecting on his longstanding and distinguished career in the Public Service and lasting impact on the legal fraternity of Guyana and the wider Commonwealth Caribbean, especially with his judgments on a wide array of legal subject matters and issues.

She added: “Justice Persaud’s name has been etched in the annuls of legal history in Guyana by the numerous cases in which he decided which have lend [sic] to the development of the jurisprudence of our country. And since many are reported in the West Indian reports and by extension, they have also added to the jurisprudence of the Commonwealth Caribbean.”

While alluding to a succession of decisions made by the late Judge, Justice George stated: "His judgments were not lengthy, capturing the issues to be decided. He

believed in simplicity and clarity, and therefore exemplified [what] has become the newer thinking as regards communicating legal issues.”

The Chief Justice stated that she was honoured to have appeared before Justice Persaud in 1990, after becoming a prosecutor in the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Justice Persaud has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Guyana and the Caribbean.

According to Justice George, during his long and distinguished career, Justice Persaud was a well-respected jurist, a man of integrity, who was always humble and approachable, treating everyone with kindness and respect. “He will be remembered as a man most learned in the law,” she noted.

Also paying tribute to Justice Persaud was Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who described him as “One of Guyana’s finest sons.”

She said: “He lived a life of simplicity, a life of love and humility, a life that was devoid of hubris and arrogance. [He was] one who loved to help and always gave a helping hand. He gave a helping hand to strangers, to lawyers, to friends, to family and everyone with whom he came into contact.”

In view of this, she stated that he should be recognised for his love of humanity.

Justice Persaud joined the legal profession in Guyana in the year 1960, after qualifying as a Barrister in the United Kingdom (UK). His was a career of service to the legal profession. First as a magistrate in the then British Guiana.

He was the longest serving magistrate in the British Commonwealth. The next step in the career of Justice Persaud was to the High Court as a Puisne Judge in 1986. After serving as a High Court Judge for several years, and Chief Justice for a short

Justice Persaud was the father of Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud; brother of Vidyanand Persaud, Senior Counsel; and the uncle of Prabha and Vidushi Persaud, both Attorneys-at-Law.

The late Justice Prem Persaud Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, S.C. Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards

Arsenal draw against Bayern Munich

(BBC) - Harry Kane returned to north London with a goal as Arsenal's Champions League hopes were left hanging in the balance after they fought out a draw with Bayern Munich in the quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium.

Kane, Tottenham's record goalscorer, received a predictably hostile reception from Arsenal's supporters, who saw the Gunners make the perfect start when Bukayo Saka's low finish put them ahead after only 12 minutes.

Bayern belied their poor form in the Bundesliga to turn the game around before the break as former Arsenal forward Serge Gnabry swept home the equaliser six minutes later.

Kane's moment arrived when William Saliba tripped Leroy Sane at the end of a blistering run after 32 minutes. The England captain stepped

forward for the resulting penalty and silenced the taunts with his 15th goal in 20 appearances against Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side were not at their fluent best, but substitute Leandro Trossard was the beneficiary of outstanding work by Gabriel Jesus to equalise.

Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty in the final seconds of stoppage time, but the referee waved away their appeals when Saka went down as he was challenged by keeper Manuel Neuer.

The second leg in Munich is on Wednesday, 17 April.

Arsenal left the pitch amid a mood of disappointment and frustration after a performance that was unusually tentative.

The Gunners' late equaliser from Trossard, who has scored six goals as a substitute this season, sets the second leg up perfectly, although Bayern will feel they are favour-

ites at the Allianz Arena.

It rescued a respectable result from a display that lacked Arsenal's usual fluency and defensive assurance, Gnabry's equalizer, an uncharacteristically sloppy concession starting with a mistake by Gabriel.

At the end, Arsenal were complaining bitterly that referee Glenn Nyberg should have awarded a last-gasp penalty when Saka went down, but it looked like the Gunners' forward initiated the contact with Neuer.

Whether it was bigstage nerves or not, Arsenal fell short of the standards that have taken them to the top of the Premier League.

This, in itself, will give Arsenal and manager Arteta hope for the second leg because they can perform so much better than they did here.

Leandro Trossard has scored two goals in his past two games for Arsenal

Sunrisers hold on for win against Punjab Kings

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Sunrisers Hyderabad dropped three catches of Ashutosh Sharma in the final over off which Punjab Kings needed 29 runs. Two of them went over the ropes for sixes and nearly turned the match. But when the third went down, only one delivery remained and Kings needed nine. Shashank Singh sent the last ball miles over the long-off boundary, but Kings fell short by just two runs in their chase of 183 to give Sunrisers their third win of the season

It was Jaydev Unadkat who bowled that last over which went for 26. As fate would have it, it was Unadkat who Harshal Patel had dropped on the final ball of Sunrisers' innings and the ball had popped up over the rope for six. Fine margins.

What a dream it would have been had Shashank and Ashutosh pulled off another heist like they did five days back against Gujarat Titans. But eventually, they were left with too many to get in the final over of the chase.

Shashank, Ashutosh at it again

They joined forces when Kings were 114 for 6 halfway into the 16th over. The required rate at the time was 15.33 which soon shot up to 16.75 with 24 balls remaining. Different bowlers bowled each of those four overs, and each one of them was taken to the cleaners.

In the 17th, Shashank took on Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He got a streaky outside edge over short third first ball of the over for four. The next ball was drilled to wide long-off, and the fifth one slashed to deep extra cover.

Ashutosh then kept Kings in the hunt, swatting and ramping Pat Cummins for back-to-back fours in the 18th over. The odds still remained with SRH, with Kings requiring 39 in the last two overs. T Natajaran was taken for ten, an excellent over in the context of things, which left Unadkat with 28

to defend in the 20th. Unadkat's final over started with a six, two wides and another six. Fourteen runs gone in two balls. But he came back well conceding just six runs in his next three balls. Shashank deposited the last ball for six, but Kings narrowly missed out on getting over the line.

Reddy rescues SRH Nitish Kumar Reddy's heart would have been in his mouth during the carnage in the final over. After all, he had spilled Ashutosh's catch the first ball of the final over. But it was Reddy's knock of 64 from 37 balls that rescued SRH from a precarious 64 for 4 in the tenth over and took them to 182.

After Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram fell cheaply, it was down to Reddy to do the repair work. On 14 from 18 balls at one stage, he slammed Harpreet Brar for four and a six in the 11th over. Kagiso Rabada was hooked over long leg for six, and Sam Curran was smashed over deep square. But Reddy really turned the screws in the 15th over, when he deposited Brar for 4, 6, 4, 6 off successive balls.

Arshdeep sets things right

Coming into the game Arshdeep Singh had four wickets in as many games in IPL 2024. Against SRH, he doubled his season tally on his way to figures of 4 for 29. The first of those came when on the second ball of the third over, Dhawan turned around 180 degrees and back-pedalled from midoff to catch Head. Two deliveries later, Arshdeep angled one across Markram, and had him edging behind to the wicketkeeper. Arshdeep's first spell figures were 2-0-8-2, and as a result, SRH had their worst powerplay of the season, being restricted to 40 for 3.

Emerging players T20 tournament among CWI development plans

CMC – A Twenty20 tournament for emerging players in the Caribbean may be on the cards for next year.

Director of cricket Miles

Bascombe said Cricket West Indies (CWI) and organisers of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are working collaboratively to identify the next generation of players to represent West Indies in the format on the international stage.

“There is some recognition that the CPL may not necessarily be where those stars would emerge, so we are working with CPL to have an emerging players’

regional T20 tournament,” Bascombe said during a CWI news conference on Monday in Bridgetown.

“We recognise in terms of T20 cricket that we need a way to find our next crop of T20 players. We have had success in T20 cricket, and I’m sure the head coach [Darren Sammy] is anticipating some more success as we play at home in this (T20) World Cup. But we generally still have to work hard at finding our next crop of emerging T20 stars.” The T20 tournament is part of suite of development projects that CWI plans to

undertake in the coming years to revitalise the game in the Caribbean.

Bascombe said the development of a sustained pathway to the international stage for men’s and women’s players was an important item on the high-performance agenda.

“Pathway development will be key to our cricket system,” he said. “On the men’s side, I think we are almost where we want to be. We have players coming into the system formally from the Under-15 level and that picks up very talented players from 12, but generally from 13.

“We have structure for those players all the way through to Under-19s, and we have recognised that at the Under-23 level, we still have leakages at that age group, and we are working to ensure that we have a programme that helps to capture those players.

“Over the next few months, and over the next few years, you will definitely see a lot of work going into men’s Under-23 programme.”

On the women’s side, Bascombe said: “We only currently have senior women’s and Under-19s, and if we

really want to get to the top of world cricket in women’s cricket, we definitely have to capture younger talent and have them playing the game at an earlier age, giving them more awareness, and skill development.

“We are working to introduce a women’s Under-16 programme, which will begin to roll out this year and evolve into a women’s regional Under-16 tournament within a few years.”

In this regard, Bascombe said CWI has started working with coaches in the territories to bring alignment to the brand of play and per-

formance indicators across formats.

“What that has looked like so far has been meeting between our head coaches and the territorial head coaches,” he said.

“This brand and performance indicators also has to be documented because the intention is for us to drive that West Indies brand of play all the way down into our age group levels, so that we create a brand that all West Indian cricketers play as they come through the pathway.”

Drayton, Narine emerge champions of 2024 April Open Chess Tournament

FIDE Master Anthony

Drayton and the young Ricardo Narine emerged on top in the Open and in the Juniors category respectively, at the 2024 April Open Chess Tournament

Played at the Catholic Life Centre on Brickdam at the weekend, Aditi Joshi was adjuged the best female overall while the Best Newcomer overall was Tendi Cameron.

In the open caregory Drayton finished ahead of Damian Moulder and Gilbert Williams respectively, while Narine beat out Kishan Pu-

ran, Sachin Pitamber, Kyle Couchman and Alexander Zhang in that order.

For the win, Drayton bagged a trophy and G$300,000, Moulder (trophy

& $100,000) and Williams (trophy & $50,000).

For the juniors, Narine

won a trophy & $30,000 with second-placed Puran snagging a trophy and 15,000, and Pitamber picked up a trophy and $7,000.

The tournament is an annual rapid chess open competition held in the month of April.

It was originally started as a birthday celebration of the founder Marlon Williams; however, over the last 13 years the tournament has evolved to a popular and highly anticipated event that now stands on its own.

The tournament attracted many chess enthusiasts from all ages and genders, and persons from all walks of life.

In a release, the organisers said, “We would like to thank the Guyana Chess Federation for their unwavering support over the years. The sponsors – SAB Mining, Andrews Supermarket, Maggie’s, Fantasy Gaming Lounge, JGS filling Station, Victoria Law Chambers & Desingershouse are the ones that have made this tournament possible with their generous support.

City; Real Madrid draw in six-goal thriller

(BBC) - Holders Manchester City and Real Madrid shared six goals in a thriller to leave their Champions League quarter-final evenly poised after the first leg at the Bernabeu.

Pep Guardiola's side took the lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva cleverly snuck a 25-yard free-kick round the wall and past Andriy Lunin.

Two deflected strikes brought 14-time European Cup winners Madrid level. First Eduardo Camavinga's long-range effort hit Ruben Dias and spun into the far corner of Stefan Ortega's goal, before Rodrygo got

in behind the City defence and poked home via Manuel Akanji's heel.

City were dominant in possession throughout under the closed roof of the Bernabeu but lacked quality in the final third - until Phil Foden stepped up.

The England midfielder had been on the edge of the game but found space just outside the area to turn and fire into the top corner to pull City level.

Moments later leftback Josko Gvardiol cut in and found the far corner with a superb right-foot shot to score his first goal since joining City from RB Leipzig in the summer.

However, Madrid equalised with a stunning volley from Federico Valverde to set up an intriguing second leg on Wednesday, 17 April at Etihad Stadium, where City beat Madrid 4-0 in last season's semi-finals.

There was late concern for City though, with Foden hobbling after a late tackle on his ankle.

Foden allayed fears of a serious injury, telling TNT Sports he had a "bad dead leg" and was hopeful of being fit for Saturday's Premier League home game against Luton.

The various winners of the 2024 April Open Chess Tournament

Phil Foden's goal at the Bernabeu was his 22nd of the season for Manchester City

Demerara Volleyball Association Clubs League…

GDF move to top of the standings with win over Venguy VC

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF)

Volley Ball

Club showed their ball handling skills on Monday evening to dominate team Venguy and ascend to the top of the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) clubs league standings.

GDF, skippered by Michael Adolph opened the five-set match-up with a 25-16 win in the first after good plays from Osworth Dash and Jahleel Roberts.

Dash would end the match with 9 points, 8 for Roberts with the GDF side also getting notable contribution from Omari Joseph and Steffon Norah.

In the second set, Venguy Volleyball Club looked out of their element losing 25-12 before showing greater determination in set three.

Luis Nunez played well for his 8 points as they pushed the soliders hard but they ultimately lost 25-21.

Joseph with 8 points was his usual prolific best as he continued to lead the league’s overall individual standing with 45 points.

Premier Eagles Trevon Mcrae sets second on 36 points and Corwyn Richards of Castrol Strikers on 30 points for third.

first set 25-21 but surrendered the following two sets 24-26 and 21-25 before bouncing back to win the final two 28-18 and 25-9.

The soldier’s first win came against Alphas Volleyball Club 3-2.

They won the first set 25-21 before losing the second and third sets 25-17 and 25-18.

They however managed close it out in the finals two sets 26-24 and 15-12.

GDF opened their league campaign with a 3-2 loss to Premier Eagles volleyball club.

The Eagles notched the

The win catapulted GDF to the top of the league table with two wins and a loss out of three games for 8 points.

Castrol Strikers moved to second on the table with Premier Eagles third; both teams on two wins and a loss.

The league continues throughout the week at the National Gymnasium.

ExxonMobil Guyana Linden Inter-School football officially launched

EIGHT secondary schools in Region 10 are gearing up for the third ExxonMobil Guyana Inter-School football tournament, organised by New Era Entertainment.

The tournament will commence on April 12, with matches also set for April 13, 14, 16, 19, 20 and 21.The finals will be played on April 26.

Competing teams include Christianburg Wismar Secondary, McKenzie High School, Wisburg, New Silvercity Secondary, Kwakwani, Linden Technical Institute, Linden Foundation Secondary, and Harmony Secondary.

Ryan Hoppie, ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Adviser for Public and Government Affairs, expressed the company's delight in supporting the tournament once again.

With ExxonMobil investing $5M in this year’s Championship, Hoppie praised New Era Entertainment for their dedicated efforts, highlighting their role in fostering football development at the school level in Linden.

He added, “our collaboration with New Era is a prime example and we have been working with these guys for a few years now and we continue to support their initiatives

because, as I said, we know the significance of sport for the individual and also the community.”

“For ExxonMobil Guyana, we see the immense value of investing in Sports, it gives us the opportunity to support the community and youths which are two of our focus areas when we seek to invest,” Hoppie said.

Wayneright Bethune, President of the Upper De-

merara Football Association (UDFA), encouraged players to embrace the 'Beautiful Game' with passion and sportsmanship.

Despite challenges at the senior level due to limited facilities, Bethune applauded the opportunity for youth participation provided by the schools’ tournament.

Dawn Barker, Region 10 Education Officer, stressed on the importance of sports

in personal development and commended ExxonMobil for their continued investment in youth football through New Era Entertainment.

Last year, Christianburg Wismar Secondary School emerged victorious, defeating New Silvercity Secondary to claim the coveted title.

IGG set for October 24-26 in French Guiana

FOLLOWING discourse with the relevant governmental authorities and officials from the competing territories during an official meeting in March, seven disciplines will be contested at the 2024 edition of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) in Cayenne, French Guiana, from October 24th–26th.

The seven sports are: athletics, basketball, beach vol-

leyball, chess, futsal, swimming, and table tennis.

Moreover, a tour of the facilities that will be utilised during the event was also conducted, as the logistical apparatus was being calibrated by the host territory. Additionally, a virtual meeting on April 22nd will transpire amongst the relevant stakeholders where the age limits for the respective

sports will be deliberated and eventually confirmed.

Due to the distance that Guyana must travel, their arrival date in the French territory will be the 22nd, while their departure will occur on the 27th. Suriname, due to their proximity, will arrive on the 23rd.

Director of Sports Steve

Ninvalle said, “The confirmation of the seven dis-

ciplines and their relevant logistical mechanisms and measures months prior to the actual occasion indicates the increased significance that has been afforded to the championship. Outside of its obvious competitive importance, the event has been a significant cultural and social experience for all involved and stands to remain an integral element and component

in our shared heritage and identity.”

Ninvalle further stated, “This event is a reflection and confirmation of a covenant that exists between the participating territories, and the Government of Guyana, given the innate and immeasurable value of this annual undertaking, will endure and ensure that it remains part of the cultural fabric of the

territories.”

Initially held in 1967, the IGG is normally an annual affair among Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The previous iteration was staged in Suriname, with Guyana hosting the 2022 edition following a five-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

GDF and Venguy In action in the DVA Clubs League GDF players going for the strike against Venguy in the DVA Clubs League

Sunrisers hold on for win against Punjab Kings