Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-03-2024

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should be proud of the advancements and achievements within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), President Dr Irfaan Ali has said (Delano Williams photos)

GPHC paediatric ward gets first ambulance

- through donation from First Lady

FIRST Lady Arya Ali, on Thursday, donated an ambulance to the paediatric ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in the presence of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran and some employees of the medical institution.

Receiving the keys on

behalf of GPHC was Rambarran, who said that it was the first time the paediatric ward would have its own ambulance.

“This is the first time the paediatric ward will have an ambulance attached to it, so we wish to thank the First Lady for this,” Rambarran said.

He said that as the hos-

pital continued to build capacity, donations like that were welcomed since they allow for the expansion of patient-care services.

The CEO also com -

mended the First Lady for her continued support to the hospital and its patients over the last three years.

She had previously made donations of menstrual and sanitary products, and hampers for newborns and their mothers at the hospital.

In brief remarks at the handing over ceremony,

the First Lady, who is a mother of two, said that she thought it appropriate to have an ambulance dedicated to the paediatric ward.

“Even though paediatric emergencies are less frequent than adult emergencies, they still do occur and so I thought it was necessary to have an ambulance dedicated to this ward,”

she said.

She used the occasion to also congratulate the CEO and his team for the work they have been doing at the country’s premier healthcare institution, and to recommit to working with them to expand healthcare services to the Guyanese people.

First Lady Arya Ali, on Thursday, donated an ambulance to the paediatric ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in the presence of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran and some employees of the medical institution

Guyana on course to having a highly trained, qualified police force

- President Ali affirms; says nation should be proud of the development of the law enforcement agency so far - technology will make policing more efficient; welfare enhancement to remain a priority area

- police force must be so professional that safeguarding democracy, the rule of law is natural

By Feona Morrison

THE nation should be proud of the advancements and achievements within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), President Dr Irfaan Ali has said.

At the Police Officers' Mess Annex in Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Thursday, the Annual Police Officers' Conference opened with the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces giving the feature address.

President Ali, who expressed his admiration and pride in the law enforcement agency, said: "We ought to be very proud of the development in the Guyana Police Force over the last year in human resource development, performance improvement, improvement in productivity, and improvement in results, save and except for the situation on the roadways.”

He challenged all parties involved to collaborate in order to develop novel strategies for addressing how road users think, act, and behave, noting that it is regrettable that the government has to resort to this when road users are expected to act in a responsible manner.

“If I may look at the last year for the Guyana Police Force, I will say that we

and qualified Police Force and this is an important part of the transition,” he said.

Further, as part of strategic planning and enhancement, Dr Ali tasked the Guyana Police Force with strengthening regional partnerships and integrating its current operations with regional policing.

“I must say today, that we are very proud that in the last year, we have been able to not only deepen that relationship but to expand it to the point where we are at the final stages of having an internationally accredited Police Academy here in Guyana that will serve all of the region.

“This is one of the things that we wanted to achieve… build infrastructure here, build systems here that are

had the greatest expansion of training for our men and women in uniform. We had tremendous transitions of persons now having first degrees, diplomas, masters, PhDs, pursuing law. We are in a situation now where I believe that in the next four or five years, we will have a highly trained, competent

of international standards because we believe this is how we can share our prosperity with the rest of the region,” the Head of State said.

He related that Guyana is now fully integrated into the Regional Security System (RSS), leading numerous regional institutions, collaborating with extra-regional

partners, and expanding its partnerships with the United States of America (USA), India, and the United Kingdom (UK).

The President expressed happiness about the ongoing training of Police prosecutors, pointing out that it helps them become more competent in executing their duties.

IMPROVED WELFARE

According to the Head of State, efforts to increase job satisfaction will remain a top priority for the government. These efforts, he noted, include rewarding excellent work, providing chances for professional development, and creating a supportive work environment that encourages cooperation, accountability, and respect within the Police Force.

Dr Ali said: “There's a human value in appreciation. So, what I've seen in the Police Force is that you have good Police [ranks], who would work 30 years and retire as a constable.”

He said that the system’s design is the reason behind this and it has to be remedied.

“So, we have to find an innovative way in which the human assets feel appreciated and feel connected for after 30 years of service, after 10 years of service and after 15 years of service. So, you don't have someone knowing their father as a constable and retiring 30 years as a constable,” the Head of State said.

President Ali assured ranks that the government will be able to enhance the benefits package for public

employees given the "magnitude" of resources coming into Guyana.

“We have also been able to work on improving the total welfare package of our men and women in uniform. There is still a lot of work to be done and that work will continue. I want to assure you that, by the time we get to 2027, our workers across this country… our doctors, our teachers, our nurses will see Guyana as an attractive destination for human resource deployment,” the Head of State said.

TECH POLICING

Despite the immense value of human resources, the future of the Police Force, according to him, depends on technology and people-centred policing.

He said: “It is about engagement because with the best technology you require engagement. Technology does not bring the human aspect of policing and the human aspect of policing is human connectivity. We in the government are making investments in infrastructure, building safe places, building recreational facilities, building parks for families.

“And when we say community, it is not community policing alone, it is community security. It is having community integrated in the ownership of their own security, having community integrated in the building of their own security for those communities. This community I am talking about is building how the Police integrates itself in building sustainable communities where we support and foster family

development, networking within the communities and how we use the community as a tool to instill values, discipline and instill a community ownership approach to building wealth, building opportunities and supporting each other.”

President Ali said that policymaking, decision-making, judicial services, and Police services must now all operate at a speed and pace that the institutional arrangement was not built to support. This is a fundamental issue that needs to be resolved given the rapid speed at which development is taking place in Guyana, the Guyanese leader emphasised.

He provided an explanation, stating: “When you look at the size of our fiscal implementation space, look at the size of the budget for every agency, you will understand that our institutional systems were never built to support this magnitude of expansion and growth.”

Fortunately, technology, according to Dr. Ali, offers the chance to close this gap more quickly because the nation currently lacks the human resources necessary to deploy at the scale needed in several sectors, such as government services, engineering, security, and construction.

HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL

President Ali stressed that it is crucial: “[That] we build a highly professional Police Force so that any citizen can go to bed, sleep well, knowing that there are institutions in our country that

will not falter and disappoint the people of this country," as he urged members of the Police Force to behave and conduct themselves with professionalism.

The Head of State added: “In doing so, the Police force must be so professional that safeguarding democracy and the rule of law is natural. It's not based on influence, but it's natural; it becomes an inherent character and an inherent part of who you are when you put on the uniform.”

"When you put on this uniform and people look at you, they must see someone who will not hide when a country needs them to defend democracy, defend the rule of law, and uphold your constitutional requirement and that is all we want," he told the ranks, reminding them that wearing a Police uniform symbolises their representation for Guyana.

Under the theme "Transformative Unity: Nurturing Trust, Youth Development, Professionalism and Safety Through Competence and Strategic Partnerships," the Annual Police Officers' Conference is taking place from March 7–9.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, senior officers of the Police Force, Guyana Prison Service (GPS), and Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as well as representatives from the diplomatic community, judiciary, and magistracy, were present for the opening on Thursday. Former Police Commissioners were also in attendance.

The nation should be proud of the advancements and achievements within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), President Dr Irfaan Ali has said (Delano Williams photos)

GTU asking for 20 per cent wage hike for 2020 despite known COVID-19 conditions

DESPITE schools being closed in March 2020 and teachers being away from the classrooms owing to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) after resuming negotiations with the Ministry of Education (MoE) called for a 20 per cent wage hike from March 2020-2022, according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters, on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo highlighted this and underscored that the union is expecting this current administration to address what the previous APNU+AFC Government failed to.

“Recently, the teachers’ strike has come to an end and they’re back at the negotiating table and many in this country

would be surprised to know that the request before the government is to look at salaries since 2017, since the APNU period in office,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo further said: “And secondly, you know, from about March 2020 to March 2022, the schools were closed for COVID, for about two years, there was a phased reopening...even those years, the COVID years, their request is for 20 per cent increase...when teachers were not working.... the majority of the teachers did not have to go into the classroom....”

The union proposed an across-the-board increase of 20 per cent for 2019 and 25 per cent each for every other year despite this being the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when a majority of teachers were not in classrooms. Reports show that

in 2018, the union agreed to less. Teachers got 12 per cent (junior) and eight per cent (senior) retroactive increases for 2016, and an eight per cent retroactive increase for 2018.

“So when you talk about fairness, you should look at all of these, all of these variables. I'm

not going to talk more about that because the negotiations are going on,” Dr Jagdeo said, adding that the COVID-19 conditions must be considered.

While commenting on the almost five weeks long strike action that was orchestrated by GTU, the PPP General Secretary

said it was “premature.”

This is against the backdrop that the union had abandoned talks with the government.

According to a press release from the Education Ministry, on Thursday, the ministry met with representatives of the GTU in its boardroom to continue discussions on relevant matters of interest to both parties.

The Ministry of Education was represented by the Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain; Deputy Chief Education Officer- AHED, Marti DeSouza; Deputy Chief Education Officer- Admin, Tiffany Harvey; the Ministry’s Human Resource Manager, Jacqueline Simon; and Kerwin Jacobs, Senior Education Officer.

The union was represented by GTU President Mark Lyte; GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, Mariska Williams,

Julian Cambridge, Heathcliff Peters, among others, along with three General Council members.

During the meeting, the GTU and the Education Ministry identified 27 issues to be tabled for discussion. Following this, the two teams agreed on the order in which the matters will be addressed.

The first issue tabled for discussion was the establishment of a Terms of Reference for the meetings.

After deliberations, it was agreed that that there will not be a signed Terms of Reference, however, both parties agreed that at the end of each meeting, two representatives of each negotiation team and two witnesses will sign the minutes. The next meeting is scheduled for March 12, at 09:30 hrs in the ministry’s boardroom.

Police investigating mining death at Cowing Backdam

POLICE are investigating a mining incident that resulted in the death of Bertram Willie, a 60-yearold miner, who resided at Wisroc New Housing Scheme, Linden.

According to reports, the incident occurred on March

6, 2024 around 12:45 hrs at Cowing Backdam, Upper

Mazaruni River in Region Seven. Investigations indicate that Willie was the registered owner of a four-inch water dredge operation at the above-mentioned location.

Trevor Benn, a 50-yearold miner of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demer-

ara, alleged that on the date and time mentioned above, Willie was submerged in the Mazaruni River working (extracting gravel) when he (Benn) observed that a piece of land caved into the river (the area where Willie was operating).

Thereafter, Benn said he tried to call out to Willie but did not get any response from him. He immediately raised an alarm and with the assistance of other miners nearby, he went into the river searching for Willie, who was found pinned down

underwater by a tree stump.

Benn said he managed to free Willie whose body, by this time, was motionless. The body later resurfaced and was fished out of the River.

Benn later escorted Willie's body to Imbaimadai Health Post where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. The body was taken to the Imbaimadai Health Post under police guard, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (Delano Williams Photo)

CARICOM leaders working ‘around the clock’ on solution to Haitian crisis

By Feona Morrison

WITH news of a powerful Haitian gang leader threatening civil war and genocide in the capital, Port-au-Prince, if Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry does not resign, Caribbean leaders are working around the clock to devise a plan to alleviate suffering on the French-speaking island.

This was disclosed to reporters on the sidelines of an event on Thursday by President of Guyana and the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CAR-

ployment of a multinational police force to the Caribbean Island.

Henry travelled to Kenya after attending the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM which was held in Guyana from February 25-28.

Then, on Wednesday, it was reported that Jimmy Chérizier, also known as "Barbecue," the leader of the "G9 Family and Allies” and a former Police officer sanctioned by the United Nations (UN) for violating human

ICOM), Dr. Irfaan Ali, minutes after he left a regional meeting on the situation in Haiti.

According to international news reports, heavily armed gangs attempted to take over Haiti's main international airport on Monday, 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.

They wanted to stop 74-year-old Henry from returning from his trip to Kenya, which he visited to sign an agreement on the de-

that the people of Haiti deserve stability and normalcy.

“We are working aggressively on this. We have dedicated almost all of our time over the last number of days. This must be a Haitian-led initiative. This must be a Haitian -owned initiative and that is what is important for us. We have teams of persons talking to all the stakeholders trying to get a consensus. We are working with all other partners because everybody needs to be at the same place,” the Guyanese leader said.

mands for the resignation of Jovenel Moïse, the then-president of Haiti, who was later assassinated on July 7, 2021 at his residence in the capital.

The CARICOM country is still experiencing an upsurge in violence.

Henry's de-facto administration is being targetted for overthrow by Chérizier and his group.

Haiti's de facto rulers have intensified their efforts to expedite the process of appointing a new presidential council to govern the nation.

CARICOM leaders have

rights, had threatened to start a civil war that would eventually turn into a genocide if the Prime Minister did not step down.

According to President Ali, efforts are being made by regional leaders to develop a "Haitian-led solution for the people of Haiti and for Haiti."

He said that the state of affairs in Haiti was depressing for the entire region, but emphasised that CARICOM has a "responsibility to do everything we can to enable the Haitian people to find the consensus and to find a path that is Haitian-led and Haitian-owned.”

President Ali reiterated

He emphasised that because of the intricacy of the problem and the potential consequences to people's lives and livelihoods, an early solution is necessary. However, Dr. Ali did not give a timeframe by when specifics about the anticipated solution would become available.

In 2018, protests began in communities throughout Haiti in response to increased fuel prices. Over time, those protests evolved into de -

determined that the 15-nation regional bloc will take the lead in conducting a needs assessment to support the significant advancement in hosting elections in Haiti. Haiti is expected to host elections by mid-2025.

To combat gang violence in Haiti, the international community is pressing for funds to be raised for a foreign military force. Kenya’s High Court has declared that the plan to send a Kenyan police force to Haiti, which

is supported by the United Nations, is unconstitutional.

According to the plan, a multinational force would have been led by 1,000 Kenyan ranks and deployed to Haiti. As the region looks for a political solution for Haiti, CARICOM will shortly gather in Jamaica with important

Haitian players.

In the meantime, Chérizier recently informed reporters that killings that would occur if Henry was allowed to stay in power would only be the fault of western ambassadors. Haiti has more than 11 million inhabitants.

A demonstrator holds up a Haitian flag during fiery protests (Source: AP/Odelyn Joseph)

Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier (second from left) with his men in Haiti’s capital city, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 (Source: Clarens Siffroy, AFP)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Protecting The Mining Community

TRAGEDY has visited the mining sector once again. It’s not a mining pit cave-in or death by shooting or stabbing during an argument. This time, it was cold-blooded murder committed by greedy selfish robbers, who were willing to use force to get what they wanted.

The untimely deaths of gold miner Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff and his worker Donovan Washington, have not only rattled the mining sector but also their home town, Bartica. It has also placed security in the country’s mining districts on the front burner once again.

Crime in the interior

is nothing new. The rugged terrain, isolated camps and limited police presence make members of the mining community easy targets. Many employ private security personnel and miners are equipped with licensed firearms. However, it is clear that such measures are not stopping the bandits.

The double murder and robbery at Arimu Backdam, Region Seven, is the first of its kind for the year. It is also the first to have occurred since Ricky Ambrose was shot dead in December 2022 and relieved of his gold, cash and licensed firearm. Although he was not a miner, he

worked closely with the mining community as a Sworn Land Surveyor and Ranger. That tragic incident also occurred at Arimu Backdam.

Within hours of their demise on Sunday, mining associations publically voiced their concerns and issued calls for immediate action. One such body was the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] which rightfully urged all miners to take full security precautions and called on the Guyana Police Force to take the necessary actions to ensure miners can conduct their business in a safe environment.

Sheriff, who owns a six-inch land dredge, and his employee were making their way to Bartica with $37 million in raw gold when they were attacked by two mask gunmen. According to the police reports, the attack occurred within five minutes of leaving their camp. The men’s lifeless bodies were found a short while later and Sheriff’s firearms and gold were missing.

The attack appeared well timed and executed with precision. The bandits clearly knew that there had been a “big” wash down and when the men were leaving the camp. The question that has to be an-

swered is: Who leaked the information to the bandits?

Reacting to a new round of unease, fear and concerns, President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged miners when he went to Bartica for Sheriff’s funeral.

He listened attentively. He was sympathetic. He understood the fear this latest incident has stirred up in the mining community.

In response to a suggestion that there is need for police patrols to help beef up security in mining districts, President Ali emphasised the need for networking among miners.

“All you miners that are mining in a locality, when you go into the area, you

have to build a network among yourself so that you can support each other,” is what he said in part to the miners.

At his behest, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken and miners will meet as part of efforts to enhance collaboration and make the interior safe.

There is a reasonable expectation that this subject will be part of discussions at the ongoing Annual Police Officers’ Conference. Hopefully, new ideas will be hatched and in the not-too-distant future, fear will be at the back of the minds of every member of the mining community.

The proliferation of daily verbosities

Dear Editor, Reference is made to GHK Lall’s column published in the March 4, 2024, edition of the Kaieteur News with the caption: “Bursting the Bharrat Jagdeo bubble”.

The author, GHK Lall, hardly, if at all, writes anything worthy of response in terms of engaging him in any meaningful public debate, discussion, and analysis.

But on this occasion, I would like to, for the readers benefit, make an exception to illustrate the degree of venomous verbosity spewed on a daily basis by this particular author.

The author provided absolutely no meaningful, rigorous, and in-depth contri-

bution to his own subject, if it is that the author intended to offer a constructive criticism or critical evaluation of the Vice President’s performance. The article was fraught with 99% venomous verbiage.

This does not constitute serious analytical reasoning and evaluation of public policy and issues of national importance; matters of such, that the author asserts himself as the subject matters’ authority. That, notwithstanding, the author’s exposition of his prolific skills in the deployment of linguistics, that characterise his writing style, is perhaps more suitable for fictional novels, rather than issues of

national importance, development, public policy, and debates.

He then attempted to raise the question of oil spill; a belabored topical issue. The argument on the liability coverage thereof is an infinite argument.

What is of utmost importance, however, is that the operator in the Stabroek Block along with its co-venture partners are all fully liable in any such event of a spill. Ultimately, these matters are always the subject of litigation, and international laws often times are invoked.

This was the case in almost all of the major oil spills catastrophes that occurred in the past in different

parts of the world. The local laws, namely the Environmental Protection Act and the Petroleum Activities Act (2023), contain several provisions therein, mandating that the oil companies shall keep the State indemnified at all times against all liabilities that may be brought against the State, by reason of action, or the manifestation of any adverse event arising out of their operations.

Furthermore, on the question of whether the oil companies have sufficient financial resources to cover a spill, this is where the Vice President, on several occasions demonstrated the local subsidiaries’ financial posi-

tion, which is growing yearover-year (y-o-y) in terms of size in total assets, revenue and profit, y-o-y, coupled with the parent companies.

In that regard, one of the parent companies alone, namely ExxonMobil, closed FY 2023 with a total asset of US$372 billion, which is nearly 19x the size of Guyana’s GDP.

There are several elements of assurance required as per the local laws such as the insurance coverage (US$600m) and the parent company guarantee (US$2B). Of note, as the oil companies expand their operations over the medium and long term, these coverages will be revised upwards

to reflect the increased level of risks based on the size of the operations.

Unfortunately, the aforesaid elements are often times ignored by the media and commentators such as the likes of GHK and Glenn Lall et.al, in the interest of propagating their own rhetoric consistent with their overt or covert agenda.

In conclusion, 99% of the article had myriad baloney, which is the case, unarguably for all of his articles and columns; nothing whatsoever of substance to systematically deconstruct even within a minimum threshold.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

Embarrassment and amusement from the March 2020 elections

Dear Editor,

In retrospect, Guyana’s March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections, was a painstaking event which caused Guyanese to suffer moments of suspense, tension, alarm, embarrassment, amusement, mockery and laughter.

Four years have whisked away since the unscrupulous actors and actresses staged their dirty play for their infamous performances for the failed show, “The day the ruthless riggers failed.”

Guyana stood still for five agonising months as the election result recount took place. Even when the recount showed that the PPP/C Party had defeated the incumbent PNC Party, they refused to accede to the result and held on to power. It took the might of the American Booths to shove them out.

There was tense trauma as ambulances blared their sirens (serenading) their way to and fro from the

GECOM venue and the hospital (?). Drama was part and parcel of the scene, adding thrill, as a bomb hoax was announced. Election officers suffered from unknown medical issues which lasted momentarily.

There was the appearance and disappearance of officials, the queer and worrisome hide and seek game being played and the strange but true provoking and provocative announcements made by the then government officials. Insanity outplayed itself as the subject of mathematics took a turn for the worse.

Even a dirty charade (bed sheet) was introduced to disguise and discolor figures and numbers. An extended shooting range formed the field for testing your sights as numbers kept fading from the spectators.

The Diplomatic Corp and observers were subject to ridicule. Threats were openly issued to scare the invitees. Junior police ranks were guilty of insubor -

dination. A senior police officer was immediately transferred (removed) from his post. Tempers flared as a shouting match began. There was an invasion of insanity as skullduggery failed to advance its course.

Some comments, opinions, responses, answers and remarks are well worth their salt to reflect upon, as many players face charges and await trial in the court for alleged election fraud.

The Thursday night following March 2, Granger had proudly announced at a “victory” rally: “We are here to serve you for the next five years.”

“I cannot claim victory, which I have not done and I cannot concede defeat, which I have not done unless I am notified formally by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) what the results of the elections of the 2nd March have been. I don’t know what the Elections Commission will declare,” Granger told report-

ers at State House, Georgetown on July 1, 2020.

According to Granger, “I don’t want to say I am concerned, but I must say that I prefer that no foreign Head of government, or no foreign official comment on Guyanese internal politics until the results are announced.”

Former President Granger directed this remark to CARICOM Heads of Government, “people should be more prudent in their remarks; we know what we are doing.”

Joseph Harmon had written several heads of government and the international organisations, outlining that “based on the vast amount of evidence” the APNU+AFC Coalition “believes, and intends to prove, that the elections held on March 2 lacked credibility and legitimacy”.

Former Barbadian Prime Minister, Owen Arthur commented on Harmon’s ‘vitriolic’ attack on Gonsalves. “It can’t be that

someone at the level of Mr. Harmon thinks that he has the authority to unleash the kind of vitriolic attack that he unleashes on Caribbean leaders…He is not a Caribbean leader, and your leader should tell Mr. Harmon that he is out of order and he is out of place.”

Owen Arthur said, “I speak on behalf of the Commonwealth, the largest organisation of people in the world, and I am not going to have, not me, the Commonwealth disrespected by a threat to take away the accreditation.”

Former Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes had said, “Security personnel at the direction of Minister [of Public Security Khemraj] Ramjattan directed immigration to detain and question these individuals. Cyber Equipment was seized and three of the four Russians were found and deported. The fourth Russian operative has still not been located.”

Head of the OAS observer mission to Guyana’s March 2nd elections, Bruce Golding said, “And permit me here to pause to make a comment. I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.” He further added: “You know it takes an extraordinarily courageous mind [he gave a hint of a laugh as he said those two words] to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists.”

Guyana’s ally and Barbados Prime minister, Mia Mottley said: “The truth hurts.” There is no denial that March 2, 2020 General Election was the mother of all elections in Guyana. The PPP/C Party came out “pon tap.” It was a fair and free election and insurgents did attempt to undermine democracy. That is the whole truth and nothing more than the truth and the PNC know it!

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

Shocking revelation by former Prime Minister, Sam Hinds

ON Monday, March 4, former Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, was the guest on the Freddie Kissoon/Gildarie Show.

Tracing his interest in politics, he focused on his eventual leadership role in a civil society group named Guyana Action for Reform and Democracy (GUARD). This was a quintessential middle-class grouping whose raison d’être was to press the Desmond Hoyte presidency to concede free and fair elections.

GUARD was formed in early 1990 and had in its hierarchy some prominent middle class personalities. As it became popular, it pressed for an interim government with elections to be held within a two- year period.

Mr. Hinds brought up the issue of GUARD on the show when he was discussing the instinct of entitlement which he said some folks have

demonstrated.

To demonstrate his point of entitlement, he zoomed in on his experience with GUARD. He explained that he saw the instinct of entitlement for himself in GUARD when people in GUARD argued that the PPP and its leadership were not culturally eligible to rule Guyana, and thus although free and fair election was a requirement, these people felt their class was more eligible to govern Guyana.

Mr. Hinds made another shocking disclosure. He said the folks arguing for exclusion of the PPP on the basis of culture and class in the membership of GUARD (not in the leadership only but in the wider membership) constituted fifty per cent. In other words, about half of GUARD membership wanted the PPP out of the equation.

Mr. Hinds said that he

would definitely put it at 50 per cent. He said a retreat was called for at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Plaisance to settle the controversy over the PPP issue since the other 50 per cent took the position that their cause was free and fair elections and whoever wins, then, they should form the government.

Mr. Hinds said his position was if Cheddi Jagan wins he be the president. The former Prime Minister intoned that he always saw Dr. Jagan as a decent politician and thus could never be against him becoming president.

But the MCC in the membership of GUARD was against a PPP government. For the record, GUARD nominated Mr. Ashton Chase to head the interim government it proposed, rejecting the name of Dr. Jagan.

Mr. Hinds left Guyana the next day and

because of my historian instincts, I contacted him and requested if some names can be cited and I will promise never to reveal them if they are given to me in confidence. One of the names up to last year wrote editorials for the Stabroek News. The deep, Freudian feelings of the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC) were always there but it was the return of the PPP to victory in 2020 that generated implacable opposition to the PPP government. The importance of Mr. Hinds’ revelation lies in who he is. He was the chairman of GUARD. He saw firsthand, the mentality of the MCC and how they perceived Indian politicians in this country. Mr. Hinds has never talked about this aspect of his politics and Guyanese politics in general and his revelation should be a gold mine for those who use class analysis

in writing about politics in Guyana.

I did a 14-part series recently in this newspaper on the MCC and you can access them in the online edition of this newspaper. The essential point of the MCC’s atavistic reversion to the rejection of Indians in politics needs repeating.

After MCC elements came to power in 2015, the thinking was that at long last entitlement had become reality. The 2015 government was an unadulterated MCC regime and there was a triumphalist relieve that non-Christian Indian government in Guyana had finally come to an end.

The MCC became mentally destabilised after the 2020 election results showed a PPP victory. There was a genuine collapse of psychology in the world of the MCC in Guyana after March 2020.

President Granger was seen as the perfect middle class politician to lead Guyana and the MCC was emotionally satisfied that he was in power. In the WPA and AFC, the MCC felt that its role in government in the future was assured.

The world of the MCC collapsed after 2020. There is no need to repeat the contents of those 14 articles, but I did offer huge examples of the attitude of the MCC and the media it controlled to the actual rigging.

In those 14 articles, there is illuminating evidence that the MCC was psychically damaged by the results of the 2020 elections. Sam Hinds said he saw the cultural superiority and eugenics (my words) of the MCC in 1990. The whole of Guyana saw it after March 2020. Guyana is still seeing it.

‘The magistracy is frustrating the will of the people’

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Dr Jagdeo says amidst delay in electoral fraud case

AS Guyanese grow more frustrated with the steady delays in the trial which surrounds the allegations of electoral fraud in 2020, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has called on the magistracy to let justice prevail.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters, he said: “The judiciary here, the magistracy is frustrating the will of the people. They are not allowing justice to be done, and they are undermining governance in this country.”

Dr Jagdeo went on to say: “I think you need a serious introspection by the judiciary itself because it’s a separate branch of government and whatever we say sometimes publicly, others may want to misrepresent as an attempt by the executive to encroach on the territory of the judiciary.”

While addressing the “serious matter” and the damning results of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020

General and Regional Elections, Dr Jagdeo said that there has been a “merry-goround.”

The PPP General Secretary also firmly remarked that people are “tip-toeing” around the issue because they are worried about it. He said it is time the matter be addressed “legislatively” because maybe then the weight of public opinion can be brought.

With the steady delays, Dr Jagdeo said that this would “embolden” persons who attempt to execute electoral rigging.

“We’re not saying that we want the persons convicted or not, we are asking for you to proceed with the trial,” he said.

The much-anticipated trial surrounding allegations of electoral fraud faces yet another delay, this time with key issues in the case being referred to the High Court for ‘constitutional’ consideration.

On Wednesday, Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes,

who is one of the lawyers representing the cast of characters involved, regurgitated his previous arguments and told the court again that Section 142 of the Representation of the People’s Act obstructs a fair trial for his clients.

People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) activist Carol Smith-Joseph; former Health Minister under the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, Volda Lawrence; former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO, Roxanne Myers; former District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; and GECOM employees, Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller are accused of a number of offences, including misconduct in public office, uttering forged documents, and plotting to deceive the electors of Guyana by declaring a false

account of votes.

It is alleged that the defendants inflated or facilitated the inflation of results for Region Four, the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC coalition a majority win at the March 2020 elections, when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won by over 15,000 votes.

Underlining the constitutional intricacies at play, Hughes highlighted that his clients like Mingo, Myers, and Lowenfield were acting on directives from GECOM, underscoring the necessity of obtaining records to effectively challenge testimonies.

In a concurrence, Magistrate Daly acknowledged her jurisdictional limitations in

handling constitutional matters and referred the case to the High Court for thorough consideration.

As a result, the court will reconvene on April 2, 2024, and await the High Court’s determination on fundamental questions related to fair hearings and access to GECOM’s minutes.

Salaries for 2019-2023, teacher absenteeism and punctuality

- among issues up for discussion between Education Ministry, GTU

THE Ministry of Education, on Thursday, met with representatives of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) in the ministry’s boardroom to continue discussions on relevant matters of interest to both parties.

The Ministry of Education was represented by the Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain; Deputy Chief Education Officer- AHED, Marti DeSouza; Deputy Chief Education Officer- Admin, Tiffany Harvey; the Ministry’s Human Resource Manager, Jacqueline Simon, and Kerwin Jacobs, Senior Education Officer.

The Guyana Teachers’ Union was represented by GTU

President, Dr. Mark Lyte; GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald; Mariska Williams; Julian Cambridge; Heathcliff Peters; Sumanta Alleyne; Collis Nicholson; Donnette D’Andrade; Rabindrauth Boodram and Colin Bynoe, along with three General Council members: Deoraj Nauth, Sergio Joseph, and Vanessa Kissoon.

During the meeting, the GTU and the Education Ministry identified 27 issues to be tabled for discussion. Following this, the two teams agreed on the order in which the matters will be addressed.

The first issue tabled for discussion was the establishment of a Terms of Reference for the

meetings.

After deliberations, it was agreed that there will not be a signed Terms of Reference, however, both parties agreed that at the end of each meeting, two representatives of each negotiation team and two witnesses will sign the minutes.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 09:30 hrs in the ministry’s boardroom.

Some of the matters identified for discussion by the GTU are: The salary matters included in the multi-year proposal 20192023; the two per cent difference in salary for 2017 and 2018; the clothing allowance increase; and Whitley Council being paid

Police investigating death of 23-year-old Essequibo fisherman

POLICE in Regional Division No.2 are investigating the suspected drowning of Mahindra Persaud, a 23-year-old fisherman of Lot 259 Devonshire Castle Back Street, Essequibo Coast.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force, the incident occurred between 20:00 hrs on Wednesday and 06:00 hrs on Thursday at Jib Sea Wall, Essequibo Coast.

Enquiries disclosed that Persaud previously resided with his 20-year-old brother, Marvin Persaud, a carpenter of Devonshire Castle, Esse-

quibo Coast. According to Marvin, his brother would go out to sea and spend about three days and return home. Marvin also claimed that Persaud was an alcoholic and had been suffering from seizures for about five years now.

He further said that his brother was last seen alive

on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, around 07:00 hrs, when he left home for sea.

Around 06:30 hrs on Thursday, the body of Persaud was seen floating about 100 feet from near Jib Seawall. The body is at the Suddie Public Hospital's Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The Ministry of Education, on Thursday, met with representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) in the ministry’s boardroom to continue discussions on relevant matters of interest to both parties

every three years. Some issues identified by the Ministry of Education for discussion are teacher absenteeism and punctuality, poor performing schools, continuous

professional education, and completion of syllabus.

The Ministry of Education reiterates its commitment to continuing dialogue with the Guyana Teachers’ Union that

have been ongoing and which have produced several noteworthy results that will benefit teachers, children, and the system as a whole. (Ministry of Education)

Top row, from left: Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise BabbCummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left: Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph

Gov’t puts hold on granting permission for private ‘highway sandpits’

IN response to reports that Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken and Deputy Commissioner Calvin Brutus have permission to open sand pits on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has made it clear that this will not happen.

He made those remarks during a press conference at Freedom House, on Thursday, when he highlighted the increased demand for sand and how the government is working to open more public sand pits.

Dr Jagdeo also pointed

out that those who possess sand pits were “jacking up” the prices and the government opened public sand pits to regulate the prices.

“Let me make it clear that the Government of Guyana, on the highway has put a hold on all the sandpits,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo also said that the government wants the land for “public use” because many people who are residing on the highway lack proper documentation, and the government is also trying to attain large tracks of land to do the Silica City, among other develop -

ments.

The Government of Guyana is working to stabilise the price of sand and stone, according to Dr Jagdeo in December 2023.

He said that the prices for stone and sand had skyrocket due to a shortage. To cushion the effects of this, the government implemented several measures.

“Stone prices skyrocketed; there was a shortage. It was about $15,000 a tonne of crusher run and stone and the prices skyrocketed and there was a shortage. We licensed about nine new quarries… this is a success story; six new quarries are either

operating or started operating. The prices now have come down back to about $10,000 per tonne for stone,” Dr Jagdeo said.

To increase the production of sand, the government opened several sandpits to support the country’s infrastructural sector.

“When the prices skyrocketed, we said we open up some government sandpits, we’re going to do more of that, so that the prices were just jumping all the time. We are trying to get the prices to come down,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Figures provided by the Natural Resources

Minister in 2021, showed the production for sand surpassed 1.65 million tonnes, as compared to the 688,051 tonnes produced in 2020.

As for stone, 2021 saw a production of 853,099 tonnes, as compared to the 737,750 tonnes produced during the same period in the previous year. It has been noted that even with improved production, there were still complaints of shortages across the country.

Eleven quarry licences were issued to new applicants, covering 30,737 acres with each having a productive capacity of 150,000-200,000 tonnes per year.

‘We all can make a difference’ -

THE three-day Youth Climate Forum in Lethem, Region Nine, concluded on March 7 with participants highlighting the impact of climate change on their communities, requesting support from decision-makers to take climate action and petitioning the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for a dedicated space for young people at the annual regional multi-stakeholders’ forum.

The final day of the event saw participants engaging with representatives of various government ministries in a roundtable discussion. It also included a plenary

session on the current and future plans of government and the envisioned roles for youth within the region.

The representatives from the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Human Services, among other agencies, were responsive to the youths’ concerns and made promises to support where they could.

The participants, comprising young people from across the vast region, and organisers have deemed the forum successful, while noting it will further pave the way for youth participation at the policy level within the region.

Participant, Luana Allicock of Surama Village said, “It was a really great opportunity for youths to meet together to share their experience and the problems we face. If we can have this twice a year it will allow us to discuss the challenges we are facing and see how what we can do, and see the progresses made.”

Allicock explained that climate change and climate action were especially important to her since the impacts of climate change had affected her family’s livelihood. “Our farms have been affected; the wells, creeks and ponds dry up and we are

starting to face the shortage of water,” she highlighted.

Also feeling the brunt of water shortage was 17-yearold, Andre of Nappi Village who said with the necessary support he believes youth can make a difference in Region Nine.

“In this moment, climate change is very severe in my village. All the wells are drying up. My family has a reservoir and the animalsand wild animals are coming to the reservoir for water. The wildfires also affect our farming and us selling the products. The little produce is mainly for us to consume. So, this forum is good and

I think we all can make a difference,” Andre explained.

Recognising the challenges of limited dedicated space for youth participation and youth voices in key decision-making forums at sub-national and national levels and the continuing need to ensure that children and young people have the capacities and opportunities to influence climate policies and programmes, the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), with support from UNICEF Guyana hosted the Young Climate Change Leaders Programme.

President of the SRCS, Leroy Ignacio, said that,

given the positive responses from youth and partners, there will be a follow-up event for young people in the region.

“The youths are the future and climate change affect the future. Some of the information shared is very new to some of them, so they will need support through follow-ups. We will not leave them on their own and expect them to make the difference and change. There has to be a continuity to make it happen,” Ignacio emphasised.

Over 60 youth from across Region Nine participated in the forum. (UNICEF)

Participants at the Youth Climate Change Forum in Lethem pose with their certificate of participation at the end of the three-day activity

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

SBM partners with Food for the Poor to support oral healthcare initiative in Region One

EMPLOYEES of SBM

Offshore Guyana have continued their support for the Food for the Poor (FFTP) (Guyana) Inc.'s Bright Smile, Bright Future Project.

According to a press release from FFTP, this initiative aims to provide essential oral health care support to 600 primary school-aged students in the Matarkai Sub-District, Region One.

The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, underscored the SBM Offshore Guyana team's dedication to aiding vulnerable communities.

Staff of SBM Offshore Guyana previously assisted FFTP (Guy) Inc.'s Bright Smile, Bright Future Project in 2023 in Baramita by donating 200 children’s oral hygiene kits.

During the event, staff representatives handed over the oral healthcare products to bolster the project, which will have a lasting impact on the oral health and well-being of children in the region.

Each of the 600 pupils in the Matarkai Sub-District will receive an oral hygiene kit meticulously curated to promote proper dental care

practices.

The kits include essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, facecloths, and oral hygiene literature, providing children with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain good oral health habits.

FFTP (Guy) Inc. Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Benjamin, shared: “It is with great pleasure that I extend my sincerest gratitude to staff of SBM Offshore Guyana for their unwavering support and commitment to Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. and our efforts to enhance the lives and well-being of vulnerable families. The company

and staff have once again extended its generosity to the organisation by supporting our Oral Hygiene Project (Bright Smile, Bright Future). This initiative will not only transform smiles but also foster healthier and happier futures for these children.”

Offshore Guyana’s Sustainability Coordinator, Uma Madray underscored the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being of children, saying: “We are honoured to contribute to the oral healthcare of the children of Matarkai. This project aligns with our commitment to the United

“Together, we have demonstrated that when we join forces, we can create meaningful change and uplift those in need. Many children, especially those from low-income families residing in rural areas or belonging to indigenous communities, are more susceptible to cavities compared to children from higher income families,” Food for the Poor said.

Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Three, ‘Good Health and Well-being’, and we will continue to embark upon collaborative efforts that are in keeping with the objectives of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.”

The partnership by the staff of SBM Offshore Guyana exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private sector and charitable organisations.

Further, with dental care services not readily accessible to children in some parts of Guyana's hinterland, this project aims to raise awareness about oral health and preventive care among the younger generation, empowering them to take control of their dental health and maintain bright smiles.

SBM Offshore Guyana is the global market-leading provider of floating solutions to the offshore energy industry.

The company leverages its expertise and technology

to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for offshore oil and gas production.

With a commitment to excellence, safety, and environmental stewardship, SBM Offshore Guyana plays a vital role in supporting the energy needs of the region while adhering to the highest industry standards.

Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, the company aims to drive positive change and contribute to the long-term growth and development of Guyana's energy sector. Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFP) is the largest charitable Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Guyana.

The work of FFTP Guyana targets charitable purposes within the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

The organisation operates under the theme: “Transforming Communities, Renewing Hope, and Saving Lives.”

Employees of SBM Offshore Guyana have continued their support for the Food for the Poor (FFTP) (Guyana) Inc.’s Bright Smile, Bright Future Project

Guyana secures ‘Destination of the Year’ title for ecological tourism

- Minister Walrond recognised as Woman Tourism Minister of the Year for South America

GUYANA has been awarded the Destination of the Year in the Ecological Tourism category, according to the Pacific Area Travel Writers Asso -

ciation (PATWA) at its International Travel Awards 2024 at International Tourism Exchange, Berlin.

Additionally, Minister of Tourism, In -

Tourism,

and

dustry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond was also recognised as the Woman Tourism Minister of the Year – South America.

The PATWA Inter-

national Travel Awards have been instituted independently and are now in their 24th year.

The awards recognise governments, organisations, brands,

ministers, and individuals who have excelled in the promotion of tourism.

This includes airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour oper-

ators, destinations, government bodies, tourism ministries, and other service providers related directly or indirectly with the trade.

Guyana sets global example with quality carbon offset achievement

- International Civil Aviation Organization says

The following is the full text of a statement from the International Civil Aviation Organization: "THE International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) welcomes the Government of Guyana's milestone announcement on the authorization of carbon units for use in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) for the 2024-

2026 compliance period. Under the ICAO Council approved Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) programme, 4.64 million CORSIA-eligible units have been issued and authorized by Guyana, now accessible to aircraft operators for meeting offsetting obligations.

This pivotal decision applies the provisions of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement within the

framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Guyana's host-country authorization ensures the environmental integrity of these carbon units, emphasizing the prevention of double-claiming between CORSIA and other national environmental purposes.

As the first South American country to voluntarily participate in

CORSIA, Guyana sets a precedent for environmental commitment to the scheme's objectives.

This announcement paves the way for aircraft operators to confidently utilize CORSIA-eligible

units and fulfill their offsetting requirements.

ICAO Council President, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, expressed his welcome: "Guyana's announcement is a testament to the effective alignment of CORSIA and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the avoidance of double-counting and providing assurance to aircraft operators in the integrity of their carbon unit purchases."

ICAO Secretary Gen-

eral, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, also commended the initiative: "Guyana's authorization is a positive and timely market signal, bolstering investment in emissions reduction projects. We encourage other States governments to follow this significant example, aiding airlines in securing CORSIA compliant carbon units to meet their offsetting requirements."

Guyana has been awarded the Destination of the Year in the Ecological Tourism category, according to the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) at its International Travel Awards 2024 at International Tourism Exchange, Berlin

Minister of

Industry

Commerce, Oneidge Walrond was also recognised as the Woman Tourism Minister of the Year – South America

Approximately 3,000 house lots to be allocated in Wales

MINISTER Collin

Croal recently announced that the backlog of applications in Region Three will be addressed soon as the Ministry of Housing and Water was gearing up for the allocation of approximately 3,000 residential lots at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

Minister Croal made that disclosure while visiting Anna Catherina where he also informed residents that the flagship ‘Dream Realised’ exercise aimed to address the needs of persons who had applications dated 2019 and prior and was slated for April 5 and 6, 2024.

In addition to the allocation of house lots, the minister explained that the agency was also exploring the possibility of constructing more turn-

key units to suit several income brackets.

Further, residents were told of the ministry’s plan to bring an end to a number of squatter regularisation issues at Tract ‘K’ Plantation Anna Catherina. Surveyors were expected to continue with the block and occupational survey in the area, as the ministry was moving ahead with the processing within coming days.

A significant amount of work had been done in the area, including the block and occupational survey for several lots, which were set to be regularised. Allocations will also be made.

Additionally, some persons had begun making payments for their respective plots and the final plan for the area

was being prepared to be recorded within the next three weeks.

Residents were updated on the government’s development plan for the region, including plans to ensure the coast benefits from treated water.

Minister Croal said he was aware of the low water pressure issue in the region and revealed that several new wells have been catered for in the ministry’s 2024 work programme in an effort to provide relief.

Also mentioned was an update of the soon-to-be-completed Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway and the New Demerara Habour Bridge, which will bring tremendous relief to commuters in the region.

Minister Croal addresses residents at Anna Catherina, Region Three (Ministry of Housing photo)

Shawn Gurcharran set to take over as GBTI CEO

- company announces

DEPUTY Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI), Shawn Gurcharran, will soon assume the role of CEO of the company, according to GBTI.

The company, in a press release, announced a succession in its top management, noting that James (Jim) Foster, CEO (20202024), will demit office on March 31, 2024, and Gurcharran will assume duties as CEO on April

2, 2024.

“GBTI expresses its deepest appreciation to James Foster, our outgoing CEO, for his transformative leadership since 2020,” the company said.

The bank went on to say: “Jim's global banking expertise and strategic foresight have been pivotal in advancing GBTI’s position in the banking sector. Jim’s tenure

excellence. The bank is indebted to James Foster for this legacy.”

With over 20 years in banking and a solid tenure as GBTI’s Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gurcharran, is uniquely poised to lead the management structure of the bank.

brought about significant achievements and set new benchmarks for

“His profile includes an MBA with a specialism in Finance and ACCA and CGI fellowships, which has been instrumen -

tal in GBTI’s financial growth and strategic transformation efforts,” GBTI said, adding: “The Incoming-CEO is supported by an executive team with extensive experience; a portent for a continuing trajectory of growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence. His appointment continues the legacy of strong Guyanese leadership at the helm and management levels of the Bank.”

Incoming CEO of GBTI, Shawn Gurcharran

GBTI’s outgoing CEO, James Foster

Guyana, India partnership creates enormous trade, investment opportunities

- Foreign Secretary says

GUYANA and India’s economic performance globally presents a convenient environment for the expansion of trade and investment prospects

whereby our private sector, [and] our businesses can work with Indian businesses, bringing their experiences, bringing their expertise, bringing their

benefit.

“We will continue to look at other areas of enhancing our bilateral cooperation but certainly, the effort that we’re placing here to-

by the private sector and governments of the two nations.

This was emphasised by Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, when he addressed the opening of the inaugural Guyana-India Virtual Trade and Investment Summit 2024 hosted by the High Commission of Guyana in India, on Wednesday.

International financial firms have described Guyana as the fastest-growing economy in the world due to the accelerated development of its petroleum resources.

India is also known to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

“There is [a]range of existing and emerging new opportunities for Indian businesses as they are tremendous opportunities too, for our businesses. Also, we want this to be an opportunity to forge closer partnerships

capital and also us,” the foreign secretary underscored.

He added, “It would be a bit negligent if both our private sectors and government as facilitators do not explore and do not, as it were, seek out what those opportunities are.”

Persaud commended the Guyana High Commission in India for facilitating the important interaction, while assuring the government’s support in maximising these types of engagements to bring about the realisation of the countries’ fullest potential.

The foreign secretary also signalled the country’s intent to forge stronger bilateral ties at the private sector level – as a key cornerstone of its foreign policy. He added that Guyana will continue to nurture strong, bilateral cooperation with the Government of India for mutual interest and

day … will allow us to build upon work already done,” Persaud stressed.

Also shedding light on Guyana’s investment climate was the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who reiterated the importance of the Guyana/India private sector relationship.

He alluded to several attractive fiscal incentive policies established to drive heavy investments to accelerate the country’s development trajectory.

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, said that India can support the Government of Guyana’s drive to increase its local human resource capacity to complement the country’s exponential transformation.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the Private Sector Commis -

sion (PSC), Rafeek Khan, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali, Executive of the India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), Shaleeza Shaw, also highlighted sectors to potential investors during the summit.

Mining, oil and gas, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors were touted as

‘low-hanging fruits’ for doing business in Guyana by the private sector representatives.

Senior Director & Head of LAC and Oceana, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Imran Khan, had identified oil and gas, Information and Technology (IT), Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare as key sec-

tors of interest for the Indian private sector.

The summit was conceptualised to forge key partnerships and collaboration between Guyanese businesses and their Indian counterparts, so that the vast investment prospects can be explored, translating to enhanced relations between the two nations.

Lerone Souvenir cops first place in 592 Lager Beer Jingle Competition

MUSIC has always been a part of Lerone Souvenir’s life so much so that even when he’s not singing, he’s on radio playing

and sharing music or doing something related.

Just recently, he was the first-place winner in the 592 Lager Beer Jin-

gle Competition, along with Laurel Seales and Lil Million who came in second and third respectively.

“Even when I am not

singing, I am always heavily involved in music. It’s always been my passion and my love. Music is always a part of my life,” Lerone, 30, of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara told Buzz recently.

Starting his singing career in 2014 as a participant in the GTT Jingle and Song competition, Lerone had always wanted to become a singer while growing up but he didn’t have the opportunity.

So when the GTT competition came up, he took advantage of it and did fairly well, copping sixth place. He would have also performed with his band, Collage, for a couple of years before deciding to put a pause on music to focus on work and his studies.

Attending the University of Guyana, he did a diploma in Accounts and then went on to pursue a degree in Marketing. An au -

ditor for nine years at the Audit Office of Guyana, Lerone again had the opportunity to revive his interest and love for music when the GTT competition came around again in 2019.

He auditioned as before, made it to the finals, and copped third place this time.

Even as Lerone has had many opportunities to perform, he still has not been able to make music his main job. But, he’s currently working on a number of songs with Guava Productions and Joel Browne as his plan for 2024.

As for the Lager Beer competition, Lerone said a jingle was needed for promotional purposes, and it took him no time to put it together.

“I saw this competition and I thought I should take advantage of it and utilise my creativity. I went into the studio and my produc-

er, Rondel Glasgow from Guava Productions, took about 10 minutes to put together the beat and we’re here now as winners,” he shared.

Six finalists were chosen in the competition and there was a period of online voting.

“With all the work I am putting in now, hopefully I can release music that Guyanese and the world over can appreciate. Hopefully I can make music my main focus and perform throughout Guyana and around the world,” Lerone expressed.

He is the host of a radio show that caters towards popular music and is on 98.1 fm every Sunday doing the ‘Top 40 countdown.’ He’s also on the same radio station on Sundays from 13:00 to 16:00 hours and on Saturdays from 16:00 hours to 20:00 hours.

Lerone Souvenir

‘Celestial Burn’ to release first full-length album on Mar. 16

LOCAL heavy metal band, Celestial Burn, is launching its first full-length album called ‘EX INFERNUS’ on March 16, 2024, at the Cheers and Beers Sports Bar, Alexander Street, Kitty.

Heavy metal fans may remember the band from its 2018 EP/ Demo release which showcased some of what they bring to the table in terms of music. EX INFERNUS is a Latin name, which translates to ‘far from below’.

The Buzz was able to interview Celestial Burn members who all had incredibly good things to say about the album. Celestial Burn consists of guitarist Imran Baksh, drummer Fernando Vieira and vocalist Oma Ragoo.

They explained that EX

INFERNUS is an enhanced version of themselves, from where they began a few years ago, to where they are now as a local band.

According to Baksh, the songs on the album are songs

they have been working on for quite some time.

“These are songs that we have put together for about two years now. We performed them. We perfected them to our liking,

[for] people who we would have performed for [and] the reception was very well received. So the album is where we are today as a band, as a unit. This is the fruit of our hard work, the

label, the dedication.”

Baksh remarked that heavy metal music is not as big as other music genres locally. The support is small but vibrant and serves as a form of encouragement for the band.

The band said that EX INFERNUS has a total of seven songs. These are ‘Death is Lurking’, ‘Incarnate’, ‘Demons and Gods’, ‘Scryer’, ‘Lust of the Flesh’ and ‘They King and Jinn’.

Notably, fans of the band can pre-order exclusive EX INFERNUS t-shirts for $5,000 by contacting 592627-7432 or 592-604-5548. There’s also an option to inbox the band on their Facebook or Instagram pages with their size and the quantity. Closing date for orders is today, and will be available for pick up on March 14, 2024.

Fans will be treated to live performances from Celestial Burn in their new air conditioned facility. Patrons will also be able to have a great time with friends and fellow heavy metal fans, and enjoy good food.

Tickets are limited and are available for $2,000 at Bad Monkey Merch’s Giftland and MovieTowne locations, Regent Multiplex Mall and the Amazonia Mall, East Bank Demerara. Tickets will cost $3,000 at the door.

Celestial Burn was formed in 2017, and performs Symphonic Black/ Death Metal sounds.

If you are interested in hearing more of their music, you can visit them on all music streaming sites including Sound Cloud, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

‘Sparkey’ all set to drop

brand new single ‘Pretty Body’

MICHAEL ‘Sparkey’

Drakes, a Guyanese Canadian-based entertainer, is all set to drop his brand-new single called “Pretty Body,” which he described as a “party kind of tune for me.”

Born in Bartica and raised at Ithaca, Berbice, Sparkey migrated in 1997 to Antigua and Barbuda and later again, in 2013, to Toronto, Canada, where he now resides. He is the owner of the popular band, 2+Entertainment, which performs at numerous venues in Ontario.

The lyrics for his new single, written by him, speaks to elevating women, which he believes is a trending topic all around at the moment.

With three albums and numerous songs in hand, Sparkey is now focusing on directing his music back to Guyana. “Try -

ing to get back to my people,” he told Buzz recently.

Out of Guyana for about 30 years, Sparkey never left music. He left at a time when his song “Wake Up Guyana” was probably the hottest thing on air. It was a song that was named after the popular ‘Wake Up Guyana’ show, he said.

In achieving international acclaim, Sparkey has enjoyed nothing but a successful career in entertainment since he started singing in church at the tender age of eight. Perhaps it was the skills nurtured here that later landed him a place in the Band Corps and Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Frontline Band.

“I was born gifted to do this. I live and breathe music,” he expressed, as he recalled how his musical abilities were quick-

ly recognised when he joined the GDF after his secondary school days.

Here, he played the bugle, trumpet, steel pan and even vocalised. He also performed with a number of bands in Guyana like the Sheriff Band, GT Music Machine, and Yoruba Singers, to name a few. It was while at Yoruba Singers Band that he recorded “Wake Up Guyana” which was aired on many radio stations and programmes for many years.

With his genres being Soca, Dancehall/Reggae, and at the behest of the Tonik Band, Sparkey migrated to Antigua and Barbuda as a lead vocalist. It’s there that he focused more on writing and recording his own songs.

Having written and recorded the album ‘Back to Basics’, Sparkey was

featured on many albums with other artistes like Claudette CP Peters.

He wrote and recorded 11 of the 12 songs on

the ‘Vision 2000 album’ and has also written and recorded over 20 singles. He also wrote songs for other artistes like Pat

Raugette of the Virgin Islands, while some of his more known records include “Ah De Vibes”, “Caught Up” and “Zion Gate.”

Sparkey has travelled and performed in countries like Japan, Nigeria, Ghana, Columbia, Panama, US, UK, Australia, and many Caribbean destinations.

He was nominated three times and won the following two awards: Best International World Male Artiste and Best International World Album, as well as Best International World Song by Toronto Exclusive Magazine.

Further, he was named one of the top 20 independent artistes online by Internet Radio Magazine, and Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste by Underground Music Awards.

From left to right: Band members Oma Rago - vocalist, Fernando Vieiradrums and Imran Baksh - guitarist (Japheth Savory photo)

Guyanese Canadian-based entertainer Michael ‘Sparkey’ Drakes

‘Slingshot’ dedicates ‘novella’ to late daughter, Annabelle

By Tangerine Clarke

AWARD-WINNING calypsonian John “Slingshot” DrePaul, whose infectious, nostalgic lyrics have been a staple in the Guyanese music sphere, has authored a sad eulogy to late daughter, Annabelle Rianne DrePaul, on the one-year anniversary of her sudden passing at age of 20.

In an exclusive interview with Caribbean Life on February 26, the “Sweet Island Woman” singer, expressed deep sadness, at times sobbing, as he remembered the amazing short life his beautiful child lived, joining him from age five to sing and dance in his many music videos.

“On the first anniversary of our youngest daughter’s passing, Ingrid and I recaptured her life from her birth to her university career in a novella, Until We Meet Again,” said the once cheerful, popular songster, and Mashramani performer, of his wife, Ingrid, and himself.

DrePaul, who is best known for the merriest Christmas music ever recorded about life in Guyana, said he highlighted some remarkable pre- and

post-funeral interactions among her siblings and their families in the memorial, adding that it was a mixture of sadness and joy as everyone shared memories of Annabelle.

He shared that her dynamic conversations sometimes alluded to established faiths. “She was an ambitious high achiever who had set her academic goal toward a Ph.D.”

“As an example of such, she had accomplished all the requirements of a fouryear university schooling in just three years and was awarded the diploma posthumously. When she passed away, we had given up hopes of ever seeing the results of her hours of diligent studies and often speculated what her future may be,” he said, sobbing.

He explained, as written in the novella, “going up on the stage to receive the certificate were Ingrid and two of our grandchildren. The university made an exception when Ingrid requested the preteens accompany her on stage, as only graduating students were permitted.”

CHERISHED MEMORIES

Speaking of the cherished memories, he said: “Ingrid carried Annabelle’s

urn, and the grands brought two of her favourite stuffed toys. They raised them to standing applause.”

“We still get emotional and teary-eyed whenever Annabelle’s name comes up in a conversation; or when we enter her room and see mementos that remind us of her. Also, when we watched her favourite TV shows, losing her was too much for us to bear. She did not live to see her 21st birthday.”

DrePaul told Caribbean Life his loving daughter was a junior in high school when she was hired for part-time employment, and even though it was an entry-level position, it meant the whole world to her.

“Watching the million-dollar smile when she showed us her first paycheck of $189.35, was indescribable. It was surpassed when she opened a savings account in her name,” he gushed about his offspring, recorded joyfully singing, dancing, and playing percussion in videos, whether in Guyana, or Trinidad, her mother’s homeland.

“Even though Annabelle and I never adhered to any religion, she was always intrigued by the writings on the subject. On

her bookshelf was a copy of the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, the Torah, the Quran, and the Dead Sea Scroll. She and I would often debate the pros and cons of the established Faiths,” he said of the young lady who was always cheerful around her parents, whose

entertainment played an integral part of her upbringing.

He said when she was a preteen, “we took her wherever we performed. Whether for the Mash celebrations in Guyana or to entertain the Miss Guyana World in England. Annabelle also had a soft spot for orphans, and we had some memorable moments watching her interact with those at Joshua House and St. Ann’s Orphanage i n Guyana.”

“When I was discharged from the hospital after suffering a stroke, Annabelle spearheaded the rearranging of the furniture to create space to accommodate my physical setbacks. She and Ingrid took a leave of absence to get me readjusted at home,” he said, recalling loving memories.

The novella captures the deep father-daughter relationship DrePaul shared with Annabelle, from a toddler, noting, “When she was just a toddler, Annabelle would be in her playpen, watching and listening as Ingrid and I would be composing music in our home studio. She would tap on the top of her playpen, and it soon became natural for her to play percussion

instruments, first with the maracas and then on the acoustic drums in her high school band.”

“She soon became intrigued with video editing and assisted tremendously with our music video efforts. Her approach was no frills and fancy stuff.’

As part of the eulogy, DrePaul talked about the skills Annabelle had, like her editing style, and what the public saw from her amazing qualities.

“A month after her cremation, Ingrid and I were in Annabelle’s room, and in a desk drawer was a notebook with reminders to do videos for new Christmas songs we had already recorded.”

He concluded by saying that “Annabelle was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. However, whatever her shortcomings, only a parent can appreciate. She has enriched our lives during the twenty years she shared with us.”

The hardcover is available on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon. com/dp/B0CSV2TB1L? ref_=pe_93986420_7749

57520&asin=B0CSV2TB1L&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1 (Caribbean Life)

Book cover with Anabelle just before she died suddenly of an aneurysm a year ago

Anabelle with her parents Ingrid and John after a Mashramani presentation, when she was five

Adam Sandler’s Netflix hits make him

Hollywood’s best-paid actor, Forbes says

ADAM Sandler may not be up for any Oscars this weekend for Netflix's Murder Mystery 2 - but he can console himself with the fact that the rom-comthriller sequel helped make him the best-paid actor in Hollywood last year, according to Forbes magazine.

Murder Mystery 2 was Netflix's fifth mostwatched film of last year, with 173 million hours viewed.

The film was never likely to trouble the Oscars voters and was panned by some critics - with The Observer

appear in and produce comedy You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.

This year, he has already starred in sci-fi drama Spaceman - also for Netflix.

"There's no such thing as too much Sandler,"

Sandler's success on Netflix, appearing in and producing three films for the streamer in 2023, contributed to his $73 million (£57 million) earnings, Forbes said.

That put him above Barbie star Margot Robbie, who at 33 is the youngest person in the top 10 by a decade.

She was also a producer on Barbie, which was the biggest box office hit of 2023, and cult hit Saltburn.

Tom Cruise is third on the Forbes list, with Robbie's Barbie co-star, Ryan Gosling, joint fourth with Matt Damon, and Sandler's Murder Mystery castmate, Jennifer Aniston, in sixth.

Sandler and Aniston play hapless husbandand-wife private detectives in the enjoyably throwaway film series.

calling it a "crass comedy caper" and CNN saying the best thing about it "is that it's mercifully short".

Other reviewers were pleasantly surprised, however. The Los Angeles Times admitted its stars "are better than they need to be", while Vulture demanded to know: "How dare Murder Mystery 2 be any good?"

Last year, Sandler's lucrative relationship with Netflix also saw him write, produce and voice animation Leo; and

the company said when renewing his deal following the success of 2019's original Murder Mystery.

His earnings were boosted by 44 stand-up comedy dates last year, Forbes reported.

It is the first time Sandler has topped the magazine's list since 2002.

Tyler Perry was best-paid in 2022, with Dwayne Johnson on top for the three years before that. But neither star is in the latest top 10. (BBC)

Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler starred in Netflix’s Murder Mystery 2 (GETTY IMAGES)

Digicel and GBTI power up Regatta 2024

UNDER the theme, ‘Is We Own,’ the 2024 edition of the Bartica Easter Regatta, the biggest all-encompassing event in the sport and entertainment history of Bartica, is shaping up to be amongst the best hosted.

Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, who also chairs the Bartica Regatta Committee has disclosed that they have gotten off to a frenetic pace for this year's event concerning corporate support for the almost month-long activities which commenced on March 3rd and will conclude on April 1st.

On board in a huge way are Digicel and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, GBTI. Digicel's Chief Commercial Officer, Ms. Simone Pierre, handed the company’s sponsorship to Regatta Committee Treasurer, Ms. Natalie Tilbury Bobb, recently.

Ms. Pierre in brief remarks underscored Digicel’s commitment to supporting the event, which is not only a household name in Guyana but forms a part of the sporting calendar of the nation.

“This event is one that persons locally and overseas look forward to each year, they plan and budget for it, those coming from overseas, so you can understand the value and importance it carries. We have been throwing in our support over the years and will continue to do so, as it helps

to empower the community in a major and holistic way.”

Ms. Tilbury Bobb expressed delight on behalf of the Regatta Committee and its Chairman, Mr. Williams, and the people of the community on the continued partnership between the two entities, noting that this year promises to be huge.

Likewise, GBTI’s Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings handed over the bank’s contribution to Committee Chairman, Kenneth Williams, who lauded them for keeping up the Regatta tradition which brings together thousands of persons in sports and other activities that support community development and empowerment.

“We here at GBTI commend you and your committee for keeping this rich tradition going. You can depend on us for continued support, this is just one of the ways we give back to the community for its support of us. We look forward to seeing successful activities being held and your marquee event, the powerboat racing on Easter Sunday.”

In response, Williams commended GBTI for backing the event, which he noted will not disappoint.

“Regatta as you would know, Mr. Cummings is not only limited to Barticians but we welcome persons from all across Guyana to our beautiful community and to indulge in the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday March 08, 2024)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83

Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Geoff Boycott (ENG vs AUST, Perth, 1979)

(2) Jonny Bairstow (ENG vs AUST, Manchester, 2023)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first batsman to be dismissed for a pair on Test debut?

(2) Who is the first WI player to bag a pair on his Test debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

best we have to offer, be it sports activities and the many other events. So, I’d like to assure you and the management of GBTI that your support is vital to the overall success of the activities.”

Following is the calendar of events for the Easter Regatta

March 16 Miss Bartica Regatta Sashing

March 22 Regatta in Kingston Jamaica Party

March 23 Regatta

Jump Start

March 24 Regatta

Beach Lime / Regatta Got Tal-

ent March 27 Karaoke

Finals / Football Semi-Finals March 28 Gospel Extravaganza – Made to Conquer March 30 Regatta Football Finals / Street Jam-All Black Regatta On Land Tours – Resort Hopping March 31 Powerboat Race Day / River Swim / Road Race April 1 Grass Track Racing / Miss Regatta Pageant

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

FAIRVIEW

08:45hrs Heathcliff

09:20hrs And We Danced

09:55hrs Executor

10:35hrs Mr Bodacious

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

AQUEDUCT

Race 1 You're Forever

Race 2 Embraceable Gal

Race 3 Claire Quilty

Race 4 Uncle George

Race 5 Complete Agenda

ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS

MEYDAN

09:30hrs Mr Alajat

10:05hrs Moheeba

10:40hrs Laser Guided

11:15hrs Destructive

11:50hrs Nubras Passion

12:25hrs Lion's Mane

13:00hrs Vespasian

13:35hrs Nyaar

14:10hrs Wild Tiger

IRISH RACING TIPS

DUNDALK

12:40hrs Samrogue

13:15hrs Posh Maisie

13:45hrs Ferrybank

14:15hrs Al Mudhaffar

14:45hrs Wigmore Street

15:15hrs Skontonouski

15:45hrs Highland King

16:15hrs Palace Rock

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

EXETER

09:40hrs Isocrate

10:10hrs Donnacha

10:40hrs Casi's Tasha

11:10hrs Zambezi Fix

11:40hrs Supervisor

12:10hrs Activist

AYR

10:00hrs Ayiko

10:30hrs Serious Ego

11:00hrs Weaver's Answer

11:30hrs Artic Row

12:00hrs Whosmydaddy

12:30hrs El Elegante

NEWCASTLE

13:00hrs Very Classy

13:30hrs One More Dream

14:00hrs Nazca

14:30hrs Absolute Star

15:00hrs Phoenix Star

15:30hrs Torchlight

16:00hrs To The Bar

16:30hrs Lrdger

Digicel’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ms. Simone Pierre (left) and Regatta Committee Treasurer, Ms. Natalie Tilbury Bobb, displays the cheque

GBTI’s Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings (right) hands over the cheque to Regatta Committee, Chairman, Kenneth Williams

More corporate sponsorships roll in

MORE members of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) have once again thrown their support behind the DCB for its Inter Association Under-19 Cricket Tournament which commenced last weekend.

Rohan Auto Sales, located at 843 Good Hope, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, Anand Persaud and Raj Mathura of the USA and Terry Mathura of Canada fulfilled their promises recently.

They are happy to

be part of this tournament and will continue to support the development of young people especially, through cricket.

They have all expressed confidence in the work of the DCB.

The tournament involves the five associations: Upper Demerara, East Bank, East Coast, West Demerara and Georgetown and is played on a round-robin format, with the team with the highest points to be declared winner.

Thereafter, the winning association will

take on a “Best of the rest” team selected from the four other associations in a specially arranged game to be livestreamed across the globe.

This tournament is the main yardstick used by the selection panel to select the Demerara team for the GCB Inter-County Under-19 tournament.

West Berbice cricketers benefit from AJM/Cricnation592 Store

COTTON Tree top performers in the recently concluded AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament have benefited from cricket gear, compliments of AJM Enterprise via Cricnation592 Store.

Player of the final Kevon Jawahir, best batsman Fawaz Gaffoor and best bowler Waqar Hassan were the recipients of quality cricket gear.

Jawahir played a stellar all-round effort in the final to lead Cotton Tree to a crushing win against Achievers ‘A’ at the Bush Lot Sports Complex. Jawahir struck 52 and claimed 4-18 from four overs.

Opener Gaffoor struck a blazing 79 in the final and left-arm spinner claimed 5-14 from four overs. The gear presented to the cricketers estimates to more than G$ 150,000.

AJM Enterprise aims to develop cricket in the West Berbice area and provide quality entertainment to the cricket-loving population.

The tournament, which saw Cotton Tree walk away with G$ 1,000,000, was filled

with a lot of side attractions, including cheerleaders, bigscreen view, live streaming and a lucky fan walked away with $G50,000 for a onehand catch.

This event was sponsored by AJM Enterprise and Jumbo Jet and is powered by Banks DIH Limited.

According to the sponsors, plans are already in place to make this tournament a country-wide event.

AJM Enterprise is a subsidiary of Jumbo Jet. Jumbo Jet has been in operation for more than three decades, and they are synonymous with supplying heavy-duty equipment.

The heavy-duty giants, Jumbo Jet, are responsible for supplying 70% of the local contractors.

AJM deals with specialised transportation, crane rental, equipment rental, sup-

ply of raw materials, (sand, aggregate) and the list goes on. The AJM enterprise is involved in significant projects across Guyana.

Cricnation592 Store is a cricket equipment store located in Berbice, Guyana. The store provides quality cricket gear to cricketers across the Ancient County of Berbice, and throughout Guyana.

The tournament is branded Trophy Stall/Ramchand’s Auto Spares/Ariel Enterprise/Rohan Auto Spares/Steve’s Jewelry/Petama Enter -

prise/Motor Trend/ Cricket Equipment Guyana/General Marines/Terry Mathura, Raj Mathura and Pandit Anand Persaud.

Sterling Products commits to Westside Golf Course Easter Eggstravaganza

STERLING Products Ltd will become a main sponsor alongside the Ministry of Tourism’s Guyana Tourism Authority for the massive Easter Eggstravaganza weekend being hosted at the Westside Golf Course by the Klein/Poudereyen

NDC and Nexgen Global Promotions.

The Easter weekend celebrations will include a Car and Bike Show on Saturday; Duck Curry and King of the Grill Barbecue competition on Sunday and Family FunDay and Easter Egg Hunt, combined with a Fashion and Talent Show with lots of giveaways on Easter Monday.

It is anticipated that over 10,000 persons will take part in the activities over the three-day event and promote a range of attractions that Region Three will now offer on a regular basis.

Marketing Manager Mr. Dellon Lynch indicated, "The company has committed to providing at least 500 kids with complimentary Igloo ice cream and several hampers filled with a variety of our wide range of products as prizes for the weekend's activities.

"Sterling Products has been a staunch supporter of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf over the years and contributed to the student programme with Nexgen Golf and the Ministry of Education, which has blossomed into a programme of unprecedented proportions."

"The opening of the only Golf course in Region Three for family activities comes at a timely moment since the Joe Viera Park is temporarily out of commission. This facility has parking for several hundred vehicles and will ease the congestion on the main roads," said RDC Vice Chairman Omesh Stayanand.

According to Chairman of the NDC, Umesh Balram, "We are proud to have a facility in our area that can accommodate over 6,000 persons, who can participate in all kinds of family activities such as golf, cricket, football, fishing and cultural events."

Persons who are interested in reserving a spot to participate in the activities or vend are asked to visit the Klein/Poudereyen NDC office or call 645 0944 as soon as possible.

From left: Fawaz Gaffoor, Kevon Jawahir and Waqar Hassan with their cricket gear at Cricnation592 Store

Rohan of Rohan Auto spares

Anand Persaud

Raj Mathura Terry Mathura

Guyana Committee of Services hold successful `After Mash’ TT tournament

THE Guyana Committee of Services last Sunday held a successful `After Mash’ table tennis tournament at the Malteenoes Sports Club.

The tournament was arranged by former national table tennis player Godfrey Leacock in conjunction with Stanley Jones and the ever-popular Linden `Jumbie’ Jones of the Guyana Committee of Services.

The tournament took the form of a handicap tournament with the more experienced players playing with varying handicaps against the lesser

experienced ones.

Among the participants were national players Christopher Franklin, Krystian Sahadeo and former national player Donald Duff.

The three above named players ended in a threeway tie for first place with Franklin defeating Duff but losing to Sahadeo, who then lost to Duff. All three matches ended 2-1 in the best-of-three format.

The tournament was live streamed and cash incentives were presented to the winners by Joseph Ramkumar of the Guyana Committee of Services.

Ramkumar noted he was pleased with competitiveness of the tournament as was evidenced by the final result.

“Our next tournament is set for Bartica for later this month when our team be traveling up there during the Regatta activities.

The final of the Table Tennis tournament is set for March 30. We have also planned a ‘games show’ as part of our fund-raising venture and the first prize is a television set,” informed Ramkumar. (Sean Devers)

Twenty-eight teams for Climb ‘Guyana Cup’ football

THE Climb Guyana Cup will make a return with its Easter Edition featuring a total of 28 male and female senior teams set to compete for both cash and glory from March 22 to 24 in the North Rupununi.

The Aranaputa Sports Ground in the North Rupununi will come alive with seventeen (17) male teams, and for the first time, eleven (11) female teams and four Under-15 teams, all representing North, Central and South Rupununi.

The Battle of The North champions, Massara Strikers FC, may have clinched victory in December, but with their absence in this competition, a new male winner will emerge.

Participating senior men’s teams are All Stars Blazers FC, Challengers United FC, Falcons FC, FC Basin, Guyana Rush Saints FC, Jaguars FC, Legends United FC, Moco Moco FC, Paiwomak FC, Snatchers FC, Snipers FC, Spartans FC, Tabat-

inga FC, Three Hills FC, Three Regions FC, Toka FC, Wowetta Thunderbolt FC.

Senior Women’s clubs are are All Stars Blazers FC, Challengers United FC, FC

Basin, Flash FC, Gladiators FC, Guyana Rush Saints FC, Jaguars FC, Paiwomak FC, Strikers FC, Three Hills FC, Three Regions FC Climb Guyana Cup

Founder Amanda Wilson-Falloon said that the decision to host the tournament was driven by a desire to contribute to the Easter festivities in the region, and

also provide teams with more playing time in preparation for the start of the Regional Senior Men's League.

“Easter is one of the busiest travel times in [the] Rupununi because it's rodeo season. We decided to host the Climb Guyana Cup to add to the Easter festivities in the region, and to also give players more playing time in a competitive environment ahead of the upcoming new season of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) Senior Men's League.”

“We are looking forward to another successful tournament at the Aranaputa Sports Ground, three days of intense competition and lots of fun. As a fitting conclusion to the event, the Aranaputa Rodeo is scheduled for March 25, immediately following our championship match.”

Each match is scheduled to run for a duration of 40 minutes. All clubs will compete in the knockout stage, with the winners advancing to round two. This sequence

will continue until only the top four performing clubs are left to compete in the championship and third-place matches.

Wilson-Falloon added:

“A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the clubs, the Rupununi Football Association (RFA), the North Rupununi Football Association (NRFA) and Aranaputa Upper Burro Burro Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for their continuous support of Climb Guyana, as we persist in highlighting a fresh platform for competition.”

Fans will witness fierce competition between some of the Rupununi's premier clubs vying for a prize pool of one million dollars in cash and prizes.

Climb Guyana Region

Nine Director Alphonso King noted that “preparations are on stream for the tournament and the teams are eager to compete. We encourage all fans to come out and support their teams.”

From left: Donald Duff, Khristian Sahadeo and Christoper Franklin shared the top honours

Football action in the Climb Guyana Cup will make a return with its Easter Edition from March 22 to 24 in the North Rupununi

National U-15 cricketer Perreira plans to work hard in Antigua

Gets timely donation of gear from Vishal Nagamootoo

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD

off-spinning all-rounder

Revali Perreira will travel to Antigua as part of the Guyana team that will participate in this year’s Regional U-15 cricket tournament, scheduled to commence on March 24.

“I feel very happy to represent my country since doing so was always my dream,” is what he told the media earlier this week.

“I just gotta put in the hard work and what I can get from this tournament” declared the GCC player who is set to make national debut in this tournament.

A few days before his selection, Perreira was presented with a pair of pads, batting gloves, thigh pad and a bat by former Guyana first-class wicket-Keeper Vishal Nagamootoo, who now resides in New York.

“I just want to thank Vishal Nagamootoo for the donation of the gears and

I'm grateful and just happy and I just thank him for his kindness. It [the gear] will help me to be safer whether practising or in a match and I've also caught a liking to the gears,” disclosed Perreira who was born on November 9, 2008.

The talented youth attended Smyth Street Nursery School, Ketley Primary School and is now attending the Brickdam Secondary School, where he plays cricket and football.

Perreira who has six brothers and two sisters, revealed that his interest in cricket was born from the game in the streets.

“I used to play street cricket with my family and neighbours and we had fun. One day my cousin carried me to play hard ball for the first time which was up the East Bank where I got selected for the select team and I caught a liking to it from then,” explained Perreira,

who trains with GCC from Tuesday to Thursday.

“My favourite cricketer would be Virat Kholi because of how he goes about his cricket and the talent he has,” Perreira added.

“The main people that helped me is my coach Peter Persaud, my dad and everyone at my club; they give [sic] me a reason to play, especially coach Peter. He always gives me these tips and advice that no one else gives me,” concluded the talented youngster who is confident of doing well.

Guyana SQUAD: Parmeshwar Ram, Justin Dowlin, Danvir Seegobin, Emmanuel Lewis, Adrian Hetmyer, Rovaldo Pereira, Richard Ramdehol, Khush Seegobin, Sohail Mohammed (WK), Shamar Apple, Brandon Henry, Gilbert Griffith, Jathniel Nurse and Arif Khan.

Drayton wins Caribbean Blitz Chess Title 2024

GUYANESE FIDE Master, Anthony Drayton, is the Champion of the Caribbean Blitz 2024 hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation on Wednesday, March 6, at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.

The competition was open to all members of the visiting teams for the ongoing CARICOM Classic Chess Tournament, as well as Guyanese chess players and attracted more than forty participants.

The fast-paced intense chess competition was played over seven rounds with three minutes on each side plus 2 seconds incre -

ment after each move.

Drayton triumphed over his opponents to gain an undefeated 6.5 points.

He won against Guyanese players Rolex Alexander, Sachin Pitamber, Trinidadians Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez, Quinn Cabralis, Joshua Johnson, and Jamaican Nathan Hinds.

He drew with Surinamese Jason Yeung in the last round.

Coming in second, third, and fourth place with 5.5 points each were FM Johnson, FM Cabralis, and Yeung, respectively.

Guyanese Candidate Master, Ronuel Greenidge,

placed 5th with 5 points. Rodriguez, Jhustice-Demonte McDonald (Jamaica), Phil-

lip Corbin (Barbados), and Ryan Blackwood (Cayman Islands) also gained 5 points

with the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th positions. Barbados Emar Edwards took the 10th position with 4.5 points.

Cash prizes totalling USD 1,250, sponsored by the Guyana Chess Federation, were presented to the top ten winners, and the U-14 prize went to Guyanese 13-yearold Sachin Pitamber.

The chess tournament was supervised by FIDE Arbiter John Lee and International FIDE Arbiter Kelvin Daniel from Barbados.

Several Guyanese players who are known for playing the speed chess format also participated.

They included Davion

Mars and the Motilall brothers.

The speed chess format forces players to overwhelm opponents in a few minutes.

The GCF congratulates Anthony Drayton on his achievement and thanks all the players who participated in the Blitz.

The CARICOM Classic games continue on March 7th with rounds five and six, and March 8th with rounds seven and eight.

The week-long tournament will conclude on March 9th. The games can be viewed live at https://guyanachess.gy/caricom2024/ caricom-2024-live-games/.

Eight races carded for Easter Sunday horse-race at Port Mourant

THE Port Mourant Turf Club will come alive on Sunday, March 31, when the Easter Cup horse race takes centre stage. More than 10 million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs, and according to the provisional programme, eight

races are on the cards.

The feature event is the Easter Cup which will be open to all horses and the distance will be 1700 metres, along with a top cash prize of G$ 1,500,000. Additional races include the three-year-old Guyana and West Indian-bred, H3 &

Lower non-winner in Guyana five years and over, the ‘E’ Class, ‘L’ Class & J 3 maiden. The ‘G’ & Lower and first-time West Indies starters, J & Lower four years and above and the four-year-old West Indies and Guyana-bred races will complete the day’s

event. All races are run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority rules and races are subject to change. Only jockeys with less than five (5) wins for year 2023 will be allowed to ride in the ‘L’ Class and J3 maiden. All

non-Guyana jockeys will not be allowed to compete.

Entries for the Easter Sunday race will close on March 25, 2024. Persons to contact for entries are Dennis, 640 6396, Fazal 611 1141, Buju-6587637, Shazeena/ Rose/ Vanessa 322-0789,

5-Ginjo- 6187278

Any info or queries horse owners are asked to contact Ginjo on telephone 6187278. The Eas-

ter Sunday horse race is sponsored by KP Jagdeo General Contractors, Jumbo Jet and Old Broom Longue.

Anthony Drayton receives his prize from CCA Rep. Ms. Sandy Razark

Revali Perreira (left) is presented with cricket gear by Natali Nagamootoo on behalf of her uncle Vishal Nagamootoo