Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-05-2023

New education opportunities for Mahdia children

— President Ali announces

PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday evening engaged with families affected by the tragic fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory, which claimed the lives of 19 children.

During the event, President Ali lent those families an empathetic ear to their concerns, and solicited suggestions for ways in which the government could enhance their lives.

Many students who survived the fire expressed a strong desire to resume their studies, with a number of them hoping to do so within their own communities, where they can be closer to their families.

“I am so pleased to hear some of the children who just came out of the hospital asking

me when are they going to go back to school, but also telling me that they want to go back to school in their own areas, or be transferred somewhere. And all of that we are going to

support,” the President said.

He said that regardless of the criteria for secondary schools in these remote areas, the government will build facilities in the respec-

tive villages to accommodate the students.

President Ali assured the families that teachers would travel to their communities to ensure that their children’s education continues

without disruption until dedicated facilities can be constructed in those areas.

The families also shared their request for homes to be built in honour of the lasting

legacy of the children within their respective communities.

In response, the President said, “We [the government] are going to work and support it.”

In addition, the Head of State announced a significant development in the form of counselling specialists from overseas, who will collaborate with local counsellors. Government ministers have also been assigned to provide direct support to each of the families affected by the tragedy.

Further, President Ali highlighted the government’s commitment to the medical needs of the affected students, in that those requiring specialised surgery will be sent to Cuba, where they will receive the necessary treatment.

Peace and beauty

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday evening engaged the families of those affected by the tragic fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory, which claimed the lives of 19 children

Guyana's natural beauty was captured in photos posted to Facebook on Monday by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

In the words of the President: "May the peace and beauty of our canopy comfort us in her beauty and strengthen us in all our endeavours."

Enhancing bilateral ties

— President Ali in Brazil for Summit of South American Leaders; expected to engage in discussions with President Lula

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday arrived in Brasilia, Brazil, for a Summit of South American Leaders being hosted by President Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva.

According to the Office of the President, while there, President Ali is expected to have

bilateral talks with President Lula.

Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations in August 1968, and enjoy strong ties of friendship and cooperation.

President Ali, in early 2022, had listed several areas that are critical for both countries to

move their relationship forward, including energy and food security, telecommunication, infrastructure, integration, and trade.

He also pointed out that due to their geographical locations, the two nations must make strong statements in linking their territories.

Pilot to be charged with 16 counts of trafficking in persons

ORLANDO Charles, a 45-year-old pilot and businessman of Lot 45 Middle Street, Georgetown, is to be charged by ranks of the Guyana Police Force's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit, with 16 counts of trafficking in persons, Contrary to Section 3(1)(i) of the Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 2 of 2005.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Charles, between November 1, 2022 and May 18, 2023, trafficked 16 Venezuelans between the Mazaruni River in Region Seven and Georgetown.

The victims reported the

Orlando Charles

matter to the Guyana Police Force, and members of the Trafficking in Persons Unit

The Guyanese Head of State had said that in addition to oil and gas, expanding opportunities in the other non-oil natural resources sectors such as bauxite will create an opportunity for a direct link to northern Brazil and further afield that can “create an excellent platform for us

to develop an integrated project”.

Outside of oil and gas, Brazil has also recognised the potential of Guyana’s agriculture sector, and is already expressing an interest in partnering with Guyanese to establish a massive cattle production industry in the Rupununi.

Further, Guyana is also hoping to develop an energy corridor, in collaboration with Brazil, Suriname and possibly French Guiana that could see the countries’ energy resources (including natural gas) satisfying domestic and regional needs.

of the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters immediately conducted an investigation.

Subsequent to the investigation, legal advice was given by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Charles to be charged with 16 counts of trafficking in persons.

“The Guyana Police Force's TIP Unit, in efforts to combat trafficking in persons, will continue to work with other stakeholders to conduct intelligence-led operations, spot inspections, awareness, and training in every region of Guyana,” the GPF said.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday arrived in Brasilia, Brazil, for a Summit of South American Leaders being hosted by President Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva (Office of the President photos)

Supermarket price increases hit new high in May

THE rate of price rises at UK supermarkets hit a new high in the year to May due to coffee, chocolate and non-food goods.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ said that the overall rate of inflation at grocers reached nine per cent.

While prices for fresh food have fallen marginally, the cost of commodities such as coffee and cocoa has jumped.

The government is in talks about asking supermarkets to cap prices on food items to help with

the cost of living. An agreement, which would be voluntary, would limit the cost of basic foods such as bread and milk.

But the BRC has dismissed caps, stating the government should focus on cutting red tape so resources could be "directed to keeping prices as low as possible", as opposed to "recreating 1970s-style price controls".

The BRC and NielsenIQ figures, covering the week between May 1 and 6, show that overall food inflation ticked low-

er from 15.7 per cent in the year to April to 15.4 per cent.

Despite the fall, the figure is the second highest rate of food inflation on record.

A decline in the rate of price rises does not mean food costs have fallen; it simply means they are going up at a

slower pace.

Meanwhile, the pace of price rises for nonfood goods grew from 5.5 per cent in the year to April to 5.8 per cent in May.

This is despite supermarkets making "heavy discounts" on goods such as footwear, books and home entertainment, ac-

cording to Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC.

Fresh produce showed a slowdown in price rises, from 17.8 per cent to 17.2 per cent in May.

In April, supermarkets cut the price of milk by 5p, taking cost of a pint to 90p. However, that is still almost double preCovid prices in March 2020.

Price growth for ambient foods - which are goods that can be stored at room temperaturerose in the year to May from 12.9 per cent to 13.1 per cent. It is the fastest increase on ambient food prices on record, said the BRC and NielsenIQ.

Ms Dickinson said: "The price of chocolate and coffee rose off the back of the ongoing high global costs for these commodities."

Last week, official figures showed that the overall headline rate of inflation had fallen sharply to 8.7 per cent in April - the first time it fell under 10 per cent since August.

However, the drop was less than economists and investors had expected after grocery price rises remained close to the highest rate in 45 years.

It is also still more than four times the Bank of England's two per cent

target rate of inflation. The Bank has lifted interest rates 12 times in a row to 4.5 per cent in an attempt to calm price rises.

But following the higher than expected figure for April, some analysts speculated that interest rates could reach 5.5 per cent by the end of the year.

Food production costs have risen due to a number of factors including the cost of energy which rose following the end of Covid lockdowns, which pushed up demand, as well as Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Russia, which is a major oil and gas producer, was hit with sanctions.

Ukraine - known as the breadbasket of Europe - is one of the biggest exporters of grain in the world and has seen shipments severely disrupted because of the war.

Adverse weather conditions in some parts of Europe and Africa also impacted some fresh vegetables earlier this year, leading to supermarkets introducing customer limits on sales of peppers, tomatoes and cucumber.

Wholesale gas prices have started to drop but retailers claim that falling production costs take time to filter through to supermarket shelves due to the long-term contracts they typically sign with food producers.

Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ, said: "Food retailing in particular is competitive, so hopefully the recent price cuts in fresh foods is a sign that inflation has now peaked, albeit ambient inflation may take a little while longer to slow." (BBC)

The rate of price rises at UK supermarkets hit a new high in the year to May due to coffee, chocolate and non-food goods

Massy spends US$244 million in half a year on acquisitions

ONE of the Caribbean’s largest conglomerates has spent about a quarter of a billion US dollars on three major acquisitions over the last six months.

This has been revealed by Robert Bermudez, chairman of the board of directors of the Massy group, headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago but with significant assets in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, Jamaica, and Guyana.

In a statement released along with the unaudited consolidated financial highlights for the half-year ended March 31, Bermudez described the first half of the 2023 financial

year as a “very important period”.

According to the chairman, the conglomerate spent US$244 million (BDS$488 million) acquiring controlling interests in three major enterprises, including one in the United States.

“Strategically, the Group set out in 2019 to divest noncore businesses and assets and to focus future investments on its core portfolios on Integrated Retail, Gas Products, and Motors and Machines,” the Massy chairman explained.

In this regard, he pointed out in the regulatory fil-

ing that in December 2022, Massy acquired Rowe’s IGA Supermarkets in Jacksonville, Florida for US$47 million (BDS$94 million). In January, the company spent US$57 million (BDS$114 million) to buy Air Liquide’s operation in Trinidad and Tobago, while it signed a major agreement to acquire IGL Jamaica for US$140 million (BDS$280 million).

If the IGL deal is ap -

proved by the Fair Trading Commission in Jamaica, Massy will consolidate its position as the leading LPG business in the Caribbean.

Bermudez said approval of the agreement was expected and the transaction should be closed in the third quarter of the current financial year.

“Financially, the Group continues to perform commendably,” declared Bermudez who is retiring as

Massy chairman and will be replaced by Robert Riley.

He added that third-quarter group revenue from continuing operations grew by 11 per cent to US$1 billion. This was propelled by 16 per cent growth in revenue from integrated retail which is benefitting from its acquisition of Rowe’s IGA supermarkets in December 2022,” Bermudez outlined.

Group profit before tax from continuing operations grew by 17 per cent to reach US$77.2 million (BDS$154.4 million), while group after-tax profits from continuing operations increased by

19 per cent to reach US$52.5 million (BDS$55 million).

As part of the group’s centennial celebrations, the company known as Neal & Massy before its rebranding has committed to an employee share ownership initiative to ensure all employees can eventually participate in ownership of the company.

“The response has been tremendous,” Bermudez outlined in the chairman’s report which accompanied the financials.

He added that in Jamaica, all employees have already been granted their shares. (Barbados Today)

World Health Assembly continues with report on the health of women, children and adolescents — discussion on impacts of climate change

DISCUSSIONS on issues of importance to countries of the Americas continue at the 76th World Health Assembly, taking place this week (May 21-30) in Geneva, Switzerland.

On May 24, a progress report on the Global Strategy for Women Children and Adolescent Health (2016-2030) was presented, urging countries to step-up investment in family planning interventions and routine postnatal care for women and newborns in a bid to reduce maternal and child mortality.

The report outlined that in most regions of the world –with the exception of Southeast Asia – maternal and child mortality rates have either stagnated or increased. The majority of these deaths are preventable and result from lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services, as well as to prenatal care.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, nearly 8,400 women die each year due to

complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with a disproportionate impact on poor women and those from minority ethnic backgrounds. Approximately nine out of 10 of these deaths are preventable.

During the discussion, countries of the Americas highlighted the importance of recovering progress towards maternal mortality following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on women from vulnerable populations, as well as on strengthening mental health initiatives for adolescents.

The WHO’s Global Strategy provides countries with a roadmap to end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths, including stillbirths, by 2030, as well as to improve their overall health and well-being.

During a Strategic Roundtable on the role of the health community on climate action, which also took place on May 24 and

included interventions from COP28 CEO Adnan Z. Amin and United States first presidential envoy for climate John Kerry, participants underscored the intrinsic link between climate change and health.

Over the past decades, climate change has led to a rise in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, as well as an increase in infectious and

vector-borne diseases.

This is of particular concern in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean, which are on the frontlines of climate change impact in the Region yet contribute a comparatively minute percentage to greenhouse gas emissions, a main driver of global warming.

During the roundtable, participants highlighted that health should be a

powerful argument to advance the call for action in response to climate change

in the run-up to COP28. (PAHO/WHO)

Moving On and Up!

ELECTIONS come and go almost every day around the world, different countries using different systems producing different results in different circumstances, but all having some common factors; from electors being able to vote to losers faulting the system after not winning.

Turkey’s first run-off poll on Sunday was a perfect example of all the above, with 69-year-old President Erdogan starting a third decade in office after winning another five-year term in a tight finish witnessed by the world.

The first round saw the incumbent win, but missing less than one percentage point to go over the 50 per cent top.

The second round saw

the usual political realignments of support for both candidates, but resulted with the incumbent winning with 52 per cent.

Like almost everywhere else, the losing candidate has claimed the system was foul and is predicting dark national times ahead, while the winner is promising continuity – and the 48 per cent that didn’t support the winner, while also accepting their loss, also remain as much in the twilight zone of uncertainty as the millions of Syrian refugees whose future featured in the campaign.

And then there’s the giant task of reconstruction, rehabilitation, relocation and rebuilding of lives and shattered dreams following the two unprecedented

earthquakes in February that shook Turkey to its very foundations and exposed more than just the geological fault-lines needing urgent attention.

Sour losers have also accused the winners of hogging the Turkish media, even though both sides effectively used national and community social media platforms to get their messages across throughout their campaigns.

Interestingly, under Turkish electoral law, given the size and influence of the media houses directly associated with the contesting parties and in order to avoid the inevitable confusion that would follow if each is free to publish unverified figures, no election results are published or broadcast until

and unless approved by the equivalent of the national elections commission.

That system was criticised by international media houses accustomed to publishing speculative reports elsewhere that generate the usual revolving accusations-and-denials, but in the end, they complied without complaint as the system allowed for smooth and verifiable counting and uncontested public accounting.

No elections are purely perfect anywhere and there’ll always be imperfections, outside of very-clear efforts in some countries to ban major parties from contesting elections, using constitutional measures to silence national assemblies and extend rule, or simply using armed force or forces

to extend unpopular rule.

And then there’s the always-classic way in which European democracies can legally and constitutionally bob-and-weave, between traditional conventions and general elections, to select unelected party leaders to perform national executive leadership functions.

Guyana has added its unfair contribution to electoral history, from electoral marriages and alliances of convenience that change voting results, to the demonstrable values of one-seat majorities, to a ruling party actually stealing an entire electoral process and refusing to yield for all of five full months.

With perhaps the most important Local Government Elections (LGEs) ever

in Guyana around the corner, and political parties and elections authorities agreeing on the house rules for the nationwide poll, the absence of what’s supposed to be the biggest opposition political alliance is both interesting and instructive. But what else to expect from allied forces that simply oppose for opposing sake and continue to wear blinders to avoid facing the realities that stare them in the eyes?

The nation is moving on and up, forward ever in full thrust, with an increasingly-popular government -- and that’s just a fact of life in Guyana today that the few who still oppose the new national thrust simply cannot deny!

NGOs, including OGGN, are political instruments bent on disrupting our oil & gas sector

Dear Editor,

Numerous organisations in Guyana construct their identities under the label of “Non-Governmental Organisation” (NGO).

NGOs emerged out of two main dynamics, and the definition of an NGO is linked to the said sources. Firstly, there are NGOs developed by groups that are supposedly not under the control of governments, that is, they belong to that sphere called civil society. While these are private groups that push specific interests, they often depend on operating in the public sphere.

Secondly, NGOs have historical links to what po-

litical scientists like to call “social movements.” Their aims and objectives are broad-based, and they are usually focused on social change. NGOs are, in many ways, parts of social movements.

Yet, many of the NGOs in Guyana in association with their international partners are deeply political. This is most easily proven by the direct links that exist among those who claim to be in an NGO, but who are widely and indisputably linked to political parties.

Many local NGOs have links with foreign NGOs and vice versa. Local NGOs get access to the international community when they link-up with International

Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), such as Green Peace. They also receive money, and senior members get invited to fully paid conference trips. This is a kind of NGO-sponsored tourism.

In turn, INGOs get access and legitimacy to countries, mostly in the Global South, where they can prosecute their interests, which often involve implanting foreign values and interests albeit under the rubric of furthering development and strengthening governance. Building capacity is a favourite expression with deep connections to the global technocratic class, themselves linked to the interests of dominant states.

Many INGOs that come here are staffed by lower grade academics and their students who are not among the highest academic achievers. These types see the Global South as “slim pickings,” meaning that they assume the Third World is backward and needs the same kind of civilising missions envisaged by Rudyard Kipling or Thomas Macaulay more than a century ago.

Many of these foreign entities recruit local collaborators to push their civilisational interests while forgetting the responsibility they should take based on the historical record of the countries they come from. Students in foreign univer-

sities are taught to frame their NGO interference as learning from us.

There is a third category type of organisation. These are NGOs made up mostly of people in the diaspora.

The Oil & Gas Governance Network is the most relevant to our discussion here. It is made up of people who do not live here, as the list that follows shows.

Alfred Bhulai (Guyana), Dr. Andre Brandli (Switzerland), Dr Janette Bulkan (Canada), Dennis Henry (Canada), Darsh Khusial (Canada), Joe Persaud (Canada) Dr. Ganga Ramdass (USA), Mike Persaud (USA), Charles Sugrim (USA). Of the nine members of OGGN’s Board of

Directors, only one lives in Guyana.

OGGN is a hypocritical organisation because while members are living in countries that are massive producers of oil and gas, they want Guyana to desist from using our hydrocarbon resources for our own development.

Except for Mr. Bhulai, the Board of Directors are part of the populations that are the worst polluters in the world.

The US and Canada produce 25 million barrels of oil daily! Worse, is the fact that destructive processes such as fracking are prevalent in the countries where the members of the board

Continued on page 7

Minding for more than mining in Mahdia

I was in the transit lounge at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) in Barbados en route to Saint Lucia on May 23, when I saw the first TV newsflash on Al Jazeera about the deadly fire in Mahdia, a deep mining community few ever heard of until that morning.

I’d just overnighted in Bridgetown after five days in Jamaica covering the opening of the Sandals Dunn’s Resort in Ocho Rios on May 19.

It was three years to the day since George Floyd was killed, giving life to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement - and of my own near fatal hit by a speeding vehicle that same day, stretching me out on a Castries sidewalk just like George did, only to survive where he didn’t.

Just before boarding on the final leg of my 14hour flight by three aircraft between four Caribbean islands, the news about Mahdia hit me like a thunderbolt.

A lady next to me asked: “Where in Guyana is that?” and a lass next to her, reading from her phone, answered: “It’s the capital of the Potaro-Siparuni region, located near

the centre of Guyana at an altitude of 1,245 feet… and the area is rich in gold and diamond, with small mining operations…”

To which I added, “It’s around 200 miles from the capital Georgetown and you need a two-hour flight to get there…”

I might have gotten time and distance wrong, but that’s the everlasting impression I got from my first visit, in 1993, to the distant town in what the average Guyanese coastal resident will call ‘the bush’.

I was only a few days into my new job as Editor of The Mirror newspaper when my good old friend and comrade, President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, asked whether I would be willing to personally represent him at a private wedding in Mahdia.

On the day I was to depart, with absolutely no idea where I was going, I told some colleagues at The Guyana Chronicle’s Sports Bar on Lama Avenue, Georgetown: “I will come back late this afternoon because I’m rushing to Mahdia to a wedding…”

The likes of Alan Fenty, Sharief Khan, Freddy Kissoon and Bert Wilkin-

son never forgot to forever remind me of that precious gem of a demonstration of my sheer Caribbean islander’s ignorance, not only the sheer size of Guyana, but how far Mahdia is from Georgetown.

But the amazing revelation of the contours of the geological wonders that make up Guyana’s vast interior made-up for the flight from the then Ogle airstrip on what could easily have been about the length of time and distance of a flight from Saint Lucia to Jamaica.

The Mahdia wedding involved a Saint Lucian family, several of which had long ago trekked into the little mining town in search of El Dorado and left linguistic and other cultural legacies that still flow through annual traditional cultural events like the La Rose flower festivals (in August) imported by the first set of ‘Pallawalla’ (French-creole-speaking Saint Lucians) to land there.

There I got my first introduction to really having to sleep with a mosquito

net, how it actually feels to have Malaria -- and unbelievable but amazingly true stories of living by law-of-the-jungle rules “in the bush”.

There I learned how the term ‘Pork-knockers’ came from description of early Saint Lucians introducing the practice of salting and sun-drying huge portions of pork for long-lasting availability.

I later learned from relatives in Linden also living and digging for gold in Mahdia about the necessary ultra-secrecy of personal security after striking gold or diamonds to avoid being targeted for theft, in circumstances where no one ever witnesses anything...

Mahdia has long emerged from back then, now having more community facilities and greater levels of interaction with the rest of the country.

Today’s tinderbox effect of IT devices on a generation that ‘cannot imagine life without WiFi’ is alive as in Mahdia as everywhere else, infusing the community with all the

attendant social ills.

As such, the telling effect of loss or deprivation of access to a cell phone in these circumstances is no less on today’s teenage generation than on a sole survivor washed-up on an unknown shore in stormy weather, with only a few minutes charge left on a cell phone.

But while I share the mourning and other natural expressions of normal human concern over the tragedy that was, in such circumstances I also always (almost automatically) look for the good that can come out of the bad – like, in this case, acceleration of whatever plans the government has for minding more for Mahdia, as with the recent reports of more scholarships and other opportunities for students, etc.

Like with indigenous and riverain communities scattered in Guyana’s hinterland and coastal regions, Mahdia also qualifies to share in the spread of increased earnings from carbon credits.

Indeed, just like Silica

City is developing from virtually nothing and nowhere to tomorrow’s big somewhere in Guyana, so will the likes of Madhia and Linden, Agricola and Albouystown, Beterverwagting (BV) and Buxton, Sophia and Victoria, benefit from the new thrusts facilitated by the new national resource earnings, to propel them from the lingering effects of historical neglect to the upward elevator of clear inclusion in the new development paradigm.

Guyana today is fortunate to have oil and gas fueling its all-round development and it’s only natural to expect they’ll also energise better minding of earlier mining communities that contributed to national earnings but were historically locked out of or distanced from national development plans.

It’s understandable that the relatives of victims will have reason to think, talk and act about the murder charge now applied, while sociologists will offer better readings from different angles of what could have led to what happened.

By my thinking, however, Mahdia’s recent fatal misfortune can become a new catalyst for accelerated integration from peripheral to central state planning attention and action, way beyond mining.

NGOs, including OGGN, are political instruments...

From page 6

of OGGN live. There is also highly toxic hydrocarbons extracted. Guyana, by contrast, is blessed with light, sweet crude.

Oil from the Alberta tar sands, for instance, is among the worst in the world. According to the Center for Biological Diversity “oil from [the] tar sands is one of the most destructive, carbon-intensive, and toxic fuels on the planet.

Producing it releases three times as much greenhouse gas pollution as conventional crude oil does. Tar sands oil comes from a solid

mass that must be extracted via energy intensive steam injection or destructive strip mining, techniques that destroy ecosystems, put wildlife at risk, and defile large areas of land.

Finally, when transported by pipeline or rail, it puts communities, wildlife, and water supplies in danger of toxic spills that are nearly impossible to clean up. Four of OGGN directors live in Canada, including Dr. Bulkan who is a neighbour of the tar sands province.

Editor, the added problem we have here is that not only are many INGOs

interfering in our national economic development.

They are also actively interfering in the domestic politics of this country. The 501 (C) OGGN for instance has taken positions NOT connected to oil & gas.

Instead, these are anti PPP/C position intended to help the APNU and the AFC in elections. Andre Brandli has, for instance, been pushing GECOM to adopt electronic voting in this country. He also made ignorant but inflammatory comments about voter turnout in the 2020 elections.

Charles Sugrim is an

advocate for Dr. Vincent Adams, a former head of the EPA who was a political appointment. Another director went as far as to propose himself as the head of a new team to renegotiate the existing oil contracts.

His new team will have one member for the democratically elected government, and four from other sources, including from the same parties that tried to rig the 2020 elections!

Janet Bulkan takes positions on Amerindian affairs consistent with those of opposition elements and by so doing politicises the de-

velopment issues of the Indigenous communities with significant consequences for those communities.

NGOs and many INGOs have the support of the hegemonic states of the world, liberal academics and think tanks, the PR departments of global corporations, and the blessings of that elusive entity called the “international community.”

The assumption is that NGOs (domestic and international) are always superior in knowledge, credibility, capability, and legitimacy, compared to elected governments. This assumption,

however, applies only to poor countries, developing, non-Western countries, and to that amorphous mass called the Third World. Democratically elected governments are pushed aside by the foreign and local NGOs, working hand in hand. NGOs, both domestic and foreign, seem bent on disrupting the development of our oil and gas sector. This Guyanese people will not let that happen.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

UNESCO unveils new AI roadmap for classrooms

THE United Nations convened the first ever global meeting with education ministers from around the world to explore risks and rewards of using chatbots in classrooms, announcing on Friday a new roadmap to chart a safer digital path for all.

Less than 10 per cent of schools and universities follow formal guidance on using wildly popular artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like the chatbot software ChatGPT, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which hosted more than 40 ministers at a groundbreaking online

meeting on Thursday.

The ministers exchanged policy approaches and plans while considering the agency’s new roadmap on education and generative AI, which can create data and content based on existing algorithms, but can also make alarming factual errors, just like humans.

“Generative AI opens new horizons and challenges for education, but we urgently need to take action to ensure that new AI technologies are integrated into education on our terms,” said Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education. “It is our

duty to prioritise safety, inclusion, diversity, transparency and quality.”

Institutions are facing myriad challenges in crafting an immediate response to the sudden emergence of these powerful AI apps, according to a new UNESCO survey of more than 450 schools and universities.

RAPIDLY EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

At the same time, governments worldwide are in

the process of shaping appropriate policy responses in a rapidly evolving education landscape, while further developing or refining national strategies on AI, data protection, and other regulatory frameworks, according to UNESCO.

However, they are proceeding with caution. Risks to using these tools can see students exposed to false or biased information, some ministers said at

the global meeting.

The debate revealed other common concerns, including how to mitigate the chatbots’ inherent flaws of producing glaring errors. Ministers also addressed how best to integrate these tools into curricula, teaching methods, and exams, and adapting education systems to the disruptions which generative AI is quickly causing.

Many highlighted the vital role teachers play in this new era as learning facilitators. But, teachers need guidance and training to meet these challenges, according to UNESCO.

ADDING TO EXISTING FRAMEWORKS

For its part, the agency will continue to steer the

global dialogue with policy makers, partners, academia, and civil society, in line with its paper, AI and education: A guide for policy-makers and Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, as well as the Beijing Consensus on Artificial Intelligence and Education.

UNESCO is also developing policy guidelines on the use of generative AI in education and research, as well as frameworks of AI competencies for students and teachers for classrooms.

These new tools will be launched during Digital Learning Week, to be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on September 4 to 7, the agency said. (UN News)

US-based pop-up museum aims to create a platform for young Guyanese artists

viduals could discuss and share artworks that reflect sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity.

When asked why she decided to exhibit Guyanese culture to America, Ashvini said: "We have a large diaspora...and we want to give back to our own upbringing, our teachers, our country, our homeland."

She affirmed that moving to another country did not mean she and her twin sister had to abandon their homeland.

ana, she said that she was blown away by an array of unique arts and crafts from Georgetown and the hinterland communities.

Immediately, Ashvini said such talents should not go unrecognised and the museum is interested in displaying the unique crafts to the world.

GREEN FAD IN FULL SWING

WITH the aim of preserving the rich Guyanese culture, US-based Guyanese twin sisters, Ashvini and Ush Persaud founded the non-profit organisation, Green Fashion, Art & Design Museum (Green Fad Museum) to achieve this goal while also putting other Caribbean cultures on the map.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Ashvi-

ni said that the pop-up museum intends to work with emerging Guyanese artists to provide them with a platform to showcase their talents, both on the regional and international level.

She said that the inspiration for this initiative did not only emerge from the love of art and fashion, but also because there are meaningful stories behind Caribbean culture.

The founder further added that the formation of Green Fad Museum resulted from the need for

Ashvini then drew attention to the reality that some art and culture have been lost over the generations to those who immigrated to western civilisation and lacked a strong sense of cultural identity.

“It’s important to me to help with that preservation because I felt I had access to resources growing up in Guyana, and I had the privilege of being exposed to some of the greatest artistes in Guyana,” she said.

During a recent visit to her homeland, Guy -

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's widespread havoc, the museum overcame the challenges and even added fashion tribute masks to their Fashion Art Project in memory of everyone who was negatively affected and even lost their lives.

The International Museum of the Saree (IM of the Saree), one of the first and still most well-liked projects that the pop-up museum presented, was chosen because it brought together various groups, according to Ashvini, noting that the South Asian

a safe space where indi-

One of the unique paintings

Ashvini (right) and Ush

UNESCO calls out to implement its recommendations on the ethics of artificial intelligence to avoid its misuse

Mahdia: Political vultures and dullards

I ONCE wrote that not even in the United States where there are crazy minds saying crazy things about politics and the government are there more insane expressions about politics than in Guyana.

Guyana has discovered oil which can bring out poverty alleviation on a huge scale, but actual humans, not jungle beasts, have openly called for the immediate cessation of oil production because Guyana must play its part in saving the climate.

It never occurred to these limited minds that Guyana must play its part in seeing humans have food to eat, water to drink, employment to earn money and schools to send their children to be educated. The Stabroek News in an editorial a few months ago referred to Charrandass Persaud as a disgraced person.

But the same newspaper publishes constant commentaries by a lady, Dr Janet Bulkan, who

appealed to the OAS to intervene to stop oil production in Guyana. Those who call for the removal of the oil industry with tragic consequences for Guyana, should that happen, are feted rather than seen the way Stabroek News sees Charran.

Professor Clive Thomas described the mentality of those who want Guyana to come out of the fossil-fuel industry as “crass inhumanity.” For the record, I do not see Charran as a disgrace, and for the record, Dr Bulkan does not speak for me and 99.99 per cent of this nation. Now let’s examine more expressions of mental ugliness that does not exist in other societies.

Since the Mahdia tragedy, the vultures have come out like worms crawling out of the woodwork. These worms are presented with an opportunity to express their anti-government ramblings. We are told that the dormitory’s windows should not have been grilled.

It cannot occur to such

tiny minds that the grills have protected those 60 female teenagers from depraved men who would easily have broached the unprotected windows. And if that had happened, the same corrugated minds would have exclaimed; “why were the windows not grilled.”

Why the perimeters of rich people’s houses have deadly razor fences? I live in a compound where all the houses of diplomats and oil-industry officials are protected by frighteningly looking razor fences. If there is a fire, and the gates cannot be opened, you will be cut into pieces trying to jump over the fence.

There are some dangerous anti-government lunatics in this country, the likes you will not find elsewhere. The Mahdia inferno was not caused by a faulty electric wire that was ignored. It was not caused by an overheating fan that was ignored. It was not caused by a gas stove that the matron left on while being outside the building.

US-based pop-up museum aims to create...

From page 8 culture is quite diverse.

Additionally, there is the ‘2 Organic Apples’ exhibit which made waves in the museum for its meaningful message.

Created by T. Kowalski, the fine art painting illustrates a young Polish patient's battle with cancer, his love for apples, and his parting message for the world. The exhibit became a cancer awareness fashion art homage.

There are two green apples in the artwork. The man's final desire was for people to pay attention to what is put in their food, to be accountable for what

they eat, and to accept responsibility for what they consume.

Apart from the Guyanese community, she said that Green Fad is also receiving tremendous support from the international community for its mission to showcase the uniqueness of Caribbean culture.

Among the many Guyanese designers, the museum has teamed up with, she reflected on the partnership with Michele Cole, and according to Ashvini, it was one of the organisation's most loved collaborations to date. The twins collaborated with Guyanese designer Cole

The blaze was deliberately set by a student who became angry after being disciplined. In the United States, there are dozens (not one or two) who are aged between 14 and 16 who have either killed or seriously injured other people.

Now the editor of a newspaper allowed a commentator to write that Guyanese are laying the blame on the teenager rather than on the government. Can one imagine a fire was deliberately set and 19 lives were lost and a newspaper allows in print the view that we should not blame the arsonist, but the government?

This same commentator criticises the president for appearing with the survivors, something that

is commonsensical and occurs in every country in the world where such tragedies occur. The limited mind of that opinion-maker cannot see that when the leadership of a nation embraces the survivors of a huge tragedy, it symbolizes that the government cares and that in turn invokes the compassion of the nation.

The degeneracy of some sections of this nation is beyond incredible. A fire was set; 19 children lost their lives and even while the fire was still shooting into the skies, ugly minds went on a rampage to blame the government. It was the most bestial politicization of a painful tragedy in the 21st century anywhere in the world.

It was Mr Ralph Ram-

karran, a member of an opposition party and certainly not a government supporter, who on writing on Mahdia penned these lines; “The politicization of the tragedy started the next morning. Placards demanding “justice” and “compensation,” obviously orchestrated, appeared in an organized display, a few held by children too young to be able to read them.”

This is the season of the May-June rainy period. I fear if there is thunder and lightning and a tree fell onto a moving bus, and people die, there will be calls for Irfaan to resign because he should have known trees fall when it rains and he should have cut down all the trees before May.

to produce a spectacular and culturally varied evening as well as a wedding gown line for their Oil in Guyana Project in honour of Guyana's 50th Republic Anniversary.

The museum displays historical eco-friendly arts and crafts for people of all ages, including Guyanese-made hand or custom figurines, toys, tourism-ready clothing, eco-friendly bags, and paintings turned into paint to print fashion with drop shipping for a contemporary yet abstract historical perspective of Guyana.

Frederick Kissoon

Every community to be equipped with streetlights by 2024 —President Ali says

PRESIDENT, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced a transformational plan that will see streetlights being installed in every community across the country in 2024.

During an outreach in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday, President Ali noted that in every region, street lights have been raised as an issue for many persons.

And since the government is aiming to develop communities, an integrated plan has been devised to begin the installation of street lights for each community street, after

Guyana’s new power plant is completed and operationalised.

“We have promised that the cost of energy will come down by 50 per cent, and by the time we get there, starting from next year, we will roll out a national plan in which every single street and almost every single post across our country will carry a streetlight, which will improve security and enhance the conditions of [the community],” Dr Ali said.

The President indicated that the move to provide streetlights is part of a long

list of projects on which the administration has embarked, to improve the country at the community level.

This includes housing construction; the renovation of several public buildings and hospitals; the expansion of several main roads into highways; the construction of bridges and drains, and a national road-enhancement project, which saw more than 1,100 community roads identified and awarded for construction in 2022.

A strong commitment to improve infrastructure, ensuring enhanced quality of life for citizens, and improving safety and security have been consistently demonstrated by the government since assuming office in August 2020.

Already, the fruits of its

investment have been witnessed both globally and internationally, as Guyana has skyrocketed to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The administration continues to make prudent investments in areas of necessity, to improve the atmosphere of the country, and make it one that is competitive in the world.

Chinese medical brigade provides free aid to Leonora residents

APPROXIMATELY 100 residents of Leonora, Region Three, experienced the benefits of a recent medical outreach programme organised by the 18th Chinese Medical Brigade.

Held in collaboration with the West Demerara Lions’ Club, the outreach took place at the Leonora Unity Baptist Church, providing free medical assistance to those in need.

Led by a team of 14 Chinese doctors, the medical brigade offered specialised care in various fields, including General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, Traditional Chi-

nese Medicine (Acupuncture), Burns and Plastic, Orthopedics, and Nephrology, among others.

In addition to medical consultations, the residents were offered blood sugar and hypertension tests. The brigade also distributed informative health leaflets focusing on diabetes, hypertension, and diabetic retinopathy prevention to all participants.

From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Chinese Medical Brigade successfully treated nearly 100 patients, receiving warm appreciation and praise from the locals for their dedicated service.

Dr. Chu Xuehui, captain of the medical team, stated,

"Over the past 30 years, the Chinese Medical Brigade has brought together the efforts and expertise of more than 160 Chinese medical experts. The 18th Medical Brigade has conducted outreach programmes in various regions, including Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine, and 10. In the upcoming months, we plan to extend our free health services to remote areas during weekends and holidays."

To commemorate their 30 years of service to Guyana, the medical team also organised a photo exhibition at the clinic site, showcasing their contributions and commitment to the community.

The 18th Chinese Medical Brigade members provided free aid to residents of Leonora, Region Three, as part of their ongoing outreach programme

Mahdia School Fire: Girl, 15, remanded on 19 counts of murder

A 15-YEAR-OLD school girl was remanded into the custody of the Juvenile Holding Centre for setting fire to the female dormitory at Mahdia Secondary School, which left 19 children dead.

The teen appeared via Zoom before Magistrate Sunil Scare at Diamond Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the capital offenses.

It is alleged that during the course of arson committed on May 21, she murdered Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha Dandrade, Loreen Evans, Belnisa Evans, Mary Dandrade, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Sherena Daniels, Eulander Carter, Andrea Roberts, Bibi Jeffrey and Adanye Jerome.

The teen will be held

at a Sophia juvenile facility, and the matter was adjourned until July 4, 2023.

The police had disclosed that the teen was identified as a suspect after investigators were told that she set the fire after her cellular phone was taken away by the ‘dorm mother’ and a teacher.

At the time of the fire, there were 57 female students in the dormitory, a one-flat concrete building measuring about 100 feet by 40 feet with several windows, all grilled, and five doors.

According to the reports reaching this publication, fire/smoke was first spotted in the bathroom area. Unfortunately, it quickly engulfed the entire building, trapping many of the students and a five-year-old boy. Several of the students managed to escape with minor burns and injuries.

Those who were pulled from the burning

building were rushed to the Mahdia District Hospital, where five of them were pronounced dead.

After the fire was extinguished, 14 burnt bodies were found.

Samples that were sent to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York for DNA analyses, confirmed the identification of the dead

children.

Last week, Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh performed post-mortem examinations with dissections on six of the bodies: Nicholeen Robinson, Shorlin Bellarmine, Eulanda Carter, Subrina John, Martha D’ Andrade and Adonijah Jerome, at the Mahdia

District Hospital’s mortuary and the cause of death for each of them was given as smoke inhalation and burns.

A total of 29 female students were injured and were promptly assessed and treated. Several were air-dashed to Georgetown for further medical attention.

On Saturday, a 13-year-old girl, who was one of the two listed as critically injured, was transported to New York for urgent specialised care.

Several of the students were interviewed in the presence of a probation officer, and statements were taken.

The 19 victims of the tragic fire at Mahdia

Former APNU+AFC Parliamentarian rallies behind PPP/C for LGEs

— says coalition was ‘doomed’ from the start because of PNC’s ‘poor attitude’

DISAPPOINTED by the unsatisfactory work done by the A Partnership for

National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) while in office from 2015-

2020, a former coalition parliamentarian, Audwin Rutherford, has decided to

Recapping what it was like working with the APNU+AFC/People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Rutherford said: “The general attitude of the PNC to a real AFC person is not one you can work with.”

He said there was great reluctance from many persons to even join forces with the PNC, so his belief is that the coalition was doomed to fail from the start.

for future generations.

Apart from improving the market square and providing more recreational spaces for the youths, the LGEs candidate said that most of the roads in Linden are in a deplorable state, so he intends to work with central government to fix this.

throw his support behind the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs).

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Rutherford, who is a candidate for the PPP/C at the upcoming elections, said that he had already made up his mind to "take a backseat" in the political arena after leaving the AFC, but he was inspired by President, Dr Irfaan Ali's encouraging words to be a useful contributor in the mission to transform the mining town of Linden.

Rutherford went on to say that since he has been working with the PPP/C, the party’s members have been nothing but welcoming to him.

According to the former parliamentarian, the “One Guyana” strategy is a “special call” because: “...After 57 years of independence and 53 years of Linden [being] a town, we have not achieved much... what we did not have for many years is the ability to harness those resource[s].”

The LGEs, however, present an opportunity for Lindeners to choose better management, not only to improve their current state, but also to better the town

Rutherford said, however, that the condition of the roads is concerning since the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) receives a subvention from central government and it is also supposed to generate its own revenues to do basic community-enhancement work.

He is confident that he would be able to improve conditions in the town, since he has a good working relationship with Lindeners and he understands what the residents want.

The LGEs candidate also added that although he did not play a major role in his former party, he believes that his experience is sufficient to guide Linden forward.

58 Lusignan prison inmates complete skills training

SOME 58 inmates at the Lusignan Correctional facility graduated from various skills- training programmes such as culinary arts, electrical insulation, carpentry and joinery.

Officer-in-charge, Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Deoraj Gyandat said this is in keeping with the mandate of the prison to equip inmates with the tools to successfully reintegrate into society upon completion of their sentences, according to a release from the Guyana Prison Service.

Officer-in-charge of Prisons’ Welfare and Corrections, Marielle Bristol-Grant, highlighted the importance of prisoners having skills that can be

utilised to make a living upon their return to society. She commended the graduates for this accomplishment.

Meanwhile, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot noted that knowledge of skills such as those requires the accompanying mindsets. He reaffirmed the prison’s commitment to helping inmates learn from their mistakes and become better individuals.

In advancing this mandate, the director also expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for its continued support in enhancing the prison service.

The government’s drive to transform the prison service from penal to correctional has seen several rehabilitative projects be-

ing implemented to reduce recidivism.

The Support for the Criminal Justice Sector Programme, for example, was launched to address overcrowding in prisons. The programme identified community service as a method to reduce the prison population, in a system where incarceration was used as a default sanction.

In 2022, some 1,400 inmates were trained in various disciplines, such as block-making, basic agriculture and culinary arts among others, at a cost of $88.9 million and it is expected that this year, $100 million will be expended towards the training of 1,500 inmates. (DPI)

Linden LGEs candidate and PPP/C supporter, Audwin Rutherford

13 more annual local content plans get approval

THE Ministry of Natural Resources has announced the approval of 13 additional annual local content plans for the reporting year, 2023.

These plans serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of both the government and industry stakeholders toward the sustainable development of Guyana’s natural resources sector.

The approved plans ensure that the exploration and production activities undertaken by the companies will maximise local participation, promote economic diversification,

and foster social development.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in the company of the Director of the Local Content Secretariat Dr. Martin Pertab, and the ministry’s Legal Officer, Michael Munroe, signed the companies’ Letters of Approval at the ministry’s Kingston office on May 24.

The approved companies were Bourbon Guyana Incorporated; CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Guyana Deepwater Operations (SBM Offshore); Guyana Shore Base Incorporated; Noble Drilling

Guyana Incorporated; SLB Guyana; Stena Carron Drilling Limited; Tenaris Guyana Incorporated; Tullow Guyana B.V.; Weatherford Trinidad Limited (Guyana); Tiger Rental; Sustainable Energy Solutions, and OEG Energy Inc.

The Local Content Act states that contractors, sub-contractors, and licensees operating in Guyana’s petroleum sector must submit a Local Content Annual Plan, outlining in detail their procurement, employment, and capacity development plans for the reporting year. Just last

week, the ministry greenlit the annual plans of five oil majors operating in Guyana, including the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil Guyana.

As part of the signing, Minister Bharrat reminded that local content is of paramount importance to the government and people of Guyana. He said that it ensures that the development of our natural resources translates into tangible benefits for our people, generating employment opportunities, and fostering the growth of local businesses.

Commenting as well,

SLB’s Managing Director, Sharlene Seegoolam stated, “At the heart of SLB’s values is the principle of recruiting locally. We take immense pride in hiring and collaborating with exceptional individuals from Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Noble Drilling’s Local Content Manager Mrs. Renatha Khan – Bovell remarked, “This approval is a representation of our milestones/ commitment throughout the lifespan of our contract where we offer support to the economic development in the local communities.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources remains committed to the effective implementation and monitoring of local content policies, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance.

The government will continue to work closely with the approved companies and all stakeholders to foster an enabling environment that empowers local businesses, develops local capacity, and promotes sustainable development in the natural resources sector.

Child rapist’s life sentence reduced to 20 years

MARK Campbell, who is currently serving life imprisonment for two counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 12, had his sentence reduced to 20 years by the Court of Appeal on Monday.

In 2017, Campbell was tried before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Georgetown High Court.

It is alleged that he first engaged in sexual penetration of the boy during the month of September 2011 when the child was six years old. He again committed the act on July 10, 2013 when the boy was eight.

A 12-member jury found Campbell guilty on both counts, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years in jail.

Campbell had moved to the Court of Appeal, claiming that his conviction could not stand. He is asking that his sentence be set aside since it was unfair, too severe, and excessive.

The appeal was heard by Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

In handing down the court ruling on Monday, the Chancellor found that the trial judge did not abide by the sentencing guidelines

when sentencing Campbell for the crime.

The Court reduced Campbell's sentence to 20 years on each count, which will run concurrently.

It was ordered that the time Campbell spent in pre-trial custody be deducted from his sentence.

According to reports, Campbell was asked by the boy’s mother to take care of him while she worked the night shift.

Campbell allegedly sodomised the boy on the dates mentioned while his mother was at work.

In 2018, Campbell was handed another life sentence after confessing to raping a five-year-old boy on April 16, 2013.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who ordered that Campbell be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat hands over the signed Letter of Approval to Noble Drilling’s Local Content Manager, Renatha Khan – Bovell

Mark Campbell

Region Nine farmers receive ‘agri’ inputs, tools, livestock

THE Ministry of Agriculture recently distributed agricultural inputs, tools, and livestock to several farmers in Region Nine to boost production as Guyana aims to achieve its foodsecurity goals.

The farmers benefitted from the distribution of cutlasses, shovels, and wheelbarrows, while a number of Black Giant Chicks, starter feeds, fertilisers, rice seeds, vegetable seeds, and much more, were also received.

These tools will further help the farmers to minimise manual work in the fields and reap

maximum yields.

The Rupununi is primarily known for cattle rearing, however, with the distribution of the chicks, the agricultural sector will be diversified.

Rice production is also expected to improve with the distribution of the fertilisers.

The items were welcomed by the Region Nine farmers since farming is one of their main sources of income.

The distribution was made by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the Regional Democrat-

ic Council (RDC), at a market day as part of the 57th independence anniversary celebrations held in the region.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat handed over the implements.

Other major interventions undertaken by the government so far to boost agriculture in the country include brackish-water shrimp production, millet cultivation, and the black belly sheep project.

Fisherman jailed for illegal firearm possession

SHAMAR Plass, a 24-year-old fisherman was on Monday sentenced to 48 months imprisonment for confessing to the ownership of an illegal firearm, which he claimed he bought for “protection.”

Plass, of Red Road, Sophia, appeared before Magistrate Russell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate Court where he confessed to having a .38 revolver in his possession on May 26, 2023, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Visram Ramjattan, told the court that on the

JAILED: Shamar Plass

aforementioned day, police officers acting on a tip-off proceeded to 'C' Field in Sophia where they noticed Plass behaving suspiciously on a street corner.

Approaching him, the officers conducted a thorough search and discovered the revolver, without any ammunition, concealed in the right-side waist of his pants.

Upon being informed of the offence and cautioned, Plass reportedly justified his possession of the firearm, stating, "It's for my protection, boss."

Taking into account the gravity of the offence, Magistrate Liverpool handed down a sentence of 48 months imprisonment to Plass. In addition, he imposed a fine of $50,000.

Products that were distributed to the farmers

Surinamese horses looking at strong showing ...

From page 23

in full training mode to keep the momentum going for the Breeders Cup

The Club sent yet another champion Surinamese bred horse named Jet Lee that is expected to make her first run for Breeders Cup once the trainer approves

Head trainer and Club Chairman Mr Danny Gummels and assistant trainer Tariq Abdoelrahman has been working beyond the call of duty to ensure their horses receive exceptional care and training as the Club pushes forward in 2023

During a telephone interview with Mr. Gummels stated, “We have been supporting The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee and by extension horse racing in Guyana for many years The exposure and attention these horses receive is healthy is very good and we urge more Surinamese horse owners and stables to follow Thus far we have four horses on the ground in Guyana all working towards topping their class and bring home those wins We feel very welcomed when we come to Guyana to compete and we are in discussions with Surinamese stakeholders to host a similar race back home We have received tremendous positive reviews with our champion local bred Black Cat and we expect similar attention for the newest addition, Jet Lee

We had the pleasure of visiting the newly refurbished Bush Lot United Turf Club track and was very impressed with the work done From what we understand it’s the first all-weather track in Guyana and we are excited for the upcoming race on Sunday 11th June

We are increasingly pleased with the facilities offered at the Jumbo Jet Stables located in Bush Lot and is honored to work along with Nasrudeen ‘Juniour’ Mohamed who has been quite accommodating.”

Alleyne and Billingy crowned Independence TT winners

SENIOR national player

Joel Alleyne and young star Jasmine Billingy were crowned senior winners when the curtain came down on the National Sports Commission, 2023 Independence Table Tennis Tournament on Sunday evening.

In a thrilling encounter at the National Gymnasium, Alleyne battled back from a game down to defeat the resurging Nigel Bryan 3-2

Bryan won the first game 11-9, before Alleyne evened the clash with a hard - fought 12-10 win . The eventual winner pulled

ahead 11-7 in the third clash before Bryan stormed back with an 11-8 win to draw the clash even at 2-2

In the final game, it could have gone either way, but Alleyne pulled off a victory.

In the semi-final, Bryan had defeated youngster Ebo McNeil 3-1 ( 11-6 , 11-13 , 11-6 and 11-7 ), while Alleyne had defeated Elishaba Johnson 3-1 ( 11-5 , 10-12 , 12-10 and 11-5).

In the Women’s Singles, Billingy stormed to a 4-0 win for an automatic firstplace finish against some of the top young players in the country.

Eighteen records broken at GAPLF intermediate /Masters Championship

On Sunday, the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) hosted its Intermediate and Masters Championship at Chase’s Academic Foundation in Kingstown, where an impressive number of 18 national records were broken.

Nangita Seenarine, competing in the female equipped category, was crowned the best lifter in her division. The 23-year-old athlete, competing in the 52kg weight class, broke eight records. Her notable lifts included a 120kg squat, a 50kg bench press, and a 120kg deadlift. Seenarine’s outstanding performance earned her the weight class records for all three lifts, as well as the total record of 290kg for both the women’s junior and women’s open categories.

Second place went to Samara Sukhai with three wins from four clashes and third to Akira Watson Billingy , 12 , also won the U13 and U15 girls ’ titles

She would have clean sweep the female category, but Sukhai, who also continues to improve, stopped her in the U19 final 3-1 She lost the opener 7-11 before she stepped up her game to defeat her rival 11-8, 11-9, 14-12

Joint third place went to Watson and Seona Barker

In the Boys U19 division, Jonathan Van Lange played unbeaten to the title. He defeated Malachi Moore 11-6, 11-2, 12-10 in the semi-final before whipping Umar Percival 11-8, 11-3, 11-8.

The ‘ B ’ Division was won by Niran Bisshu.

Overall in the championship, Zion Hickerson won the U9 Boys ; Darius Daniels the U11 Boys, Jaden Trotman the Novice; Kayden Meusa the U13 Boys and Moore, the U15 title.

Chennai beat Gujarat to win fifth IPL title

(BBC) - CHENNAI Super Kings hit 10 off the last two balls to beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets and win the Indian Premier League for a fifth time

Sai Sudharsan’s 96 had helped put the Titans in a commanding position as they finished their innings on 214-4

A rain delay saw the Super Kings’ innings reduced to 15 overs and set a target of 171.

And Ravindra Jadeja struck the decisive runs , a six and final-ball four, to settle a thrilling encounter.

The match was likely to be the last of Chennai captain M S Dhoni’s career, with the 41-year-old having

said he would take a call on his future later this year

He entered the fray late on but was out for a first-ball duck, briefly resulting in stunned silence before Chennai rallied to seal victory in dramatic fashion

The final had originally been scheduled for Sunday, but heavy rain in Ahmedabad meant organisers moved it to its reserve day.

An impressive display by the 21 - year - old Sudharsan , whose 96 runs came off 47 balls and included six sixes, put the Titans in a strong position to defend the title they won for the first time last year.

Openers Wriddhiman Saha (54) and Shubman Gill (39) also

shone, while Matheesha Pathirana took 2-44 for Chennai.

The Super Kings had to wait almost three hours to get their run chase under way and, by the time they finally emerged to bat, it was well after midnight local time

But the 75,000 who had waited patiently inside the stadium were treated to a fearless display of cricket.

Devon Conway made 47 and Shivam Dubey was unbeaten on 32 as Chennai scrapped towards their target as Mohit Sharma took 3-36

Jadeja sealed a tense victory under the Duckworth-Lewis method by hitting Sharma’s last two balls for crucial boundaries.

Frank Tucker, at 71 years old, showed that age is just a number as he dominated the Masters 4 Equipped category. Tucker broke records in all three lifts and set a new total record in the 93kg weight class. His record-breaking lifts included a 120kg squat, a 77.5kg bench press, and a 140kg deadlift, resulting in a total of 337.5kg.

Matthew Maycock and Saif Abdool also had impressive performances, each breaking three records. Maycock, competing in the Masters 1, 83kg classic division, set records in the squat (197.5kg), deadlift (230kg), and total (537.5kg). Abdool, in the Men’s 93kg sub-junior Equipped division, established new records in the bench press (100kg), deadlift (185kg), and total (460kg).

Other notable lifters during the event included Kezia Joseph in the Intermediate female classic division, Shaquille Alexander in the Intermediate male classic division, Nicholas Teju in the Intermediate male Equipped division, and Marlon Wilson in the Master’s Classic division.

In addition to the powerlifting competition, senior strongmen performed as guest lifters, and a fundraising Bar-B-Que took place. The championship was sponsored by Fitness Express, Space Gym 2.0, and the Trophy Stall. This event marked the second statutory championship organised by the federation in the year, with over 20 lifters participating.

The upcoming event on the GAPF calendar is the Raw Nationals Championship, tentatively scheduled for July.

Joel Alleyne won a hard-fought clash against Nigel Bryan

Jasmine Billingy almost cleaned sweep the female division

Namilco ‘Flour Power’ under-17 football…

Buxton surge to top of league with win on Sunday

THE East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) National Milling Company ( NAMILCO) ‘ Flour Power’ under-17 league continued on Sunday at the Buxton Community Centre ground with a double header that saw wins for Buxton United and Melanie.

In the opening match, Melanie upstaged Haslington with a needling victory thanks to Konami Browne’s successful 51st minute strike

The loss saw Haslington drop from being joint leaders in the league following Buxton United’s win in the feature match of the evening

In that match, Buxton eased past Mahaica Determinators 2-0 with both goals coming in the first half of play

Akton Fraser opened the scoring in the 10th minute before his teammate Compton Hope doubled their advantage with a 37th minute goal

The win now sees Buxton at the top of the league after five rounds of play

BCB/

Dave West Indian Imports/Berbice River 40 overs…

Wiruni defeats Sand Hills Friendship to emerge as Champion

ON Friday last, Wiruni defeated arch rivals Sand Hill Friendship to emerge as the champions of the BCB/ Dave West Indian Imports Tournament for teams in the Berbice River area.

Three teams - Wiruni , Sand Hills Friendship and Ebini participated in the tournament which is being sponsored by Dave Narine, a New York based businessman who owns and operates the popular Dave West Indian Import business

Wiruni won the toss and elected to bat first in the match, which was attended by a large and noisy crowd of residents

Wiruni scored 201 for 6 off their allotted overs with Desmond Osborne top scoring with 62 (four boundaries and four sixes) with support from J Sinclair who scored 26.

Bowling for Sandhill Friendship , Kelvin Evans claimed 4 for 19 in an impressive spell with Colin Welcome supporting with two wickets for nine runs

In reply , Sandhills

Friendship were bowled out for 89 runs in 20 overs

to lose by 112 runs

Randy DeNobreya top scored with a polished 49 but he received no support in a poor batting exhibition

N Thomas took 4 wick-

ets for 36 runs while G McKenzie took 3 wickets for 6 runs

Desmond Osborne was declared the Man of the Finals for his innings of 62

The tournament forms part of a countywide second division tournament with

almost a hundred teams involved

The tournament is divided into five sub divisions where a champion would emerge and then the five champions would play in a playoff to determine the overall Berbice Champion

BCB President Hilbert Foster congratulated Wiruni on winning the tournament

He explained that similar finals would be played in the West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne areas

Foster stated that his administration was committed to development of the game.

The President also announced to loud applause that history would be created when a first division team from the Berbice River area plays in the BCB/ Speaker’s Cup 20/20 tournament

This would be the first time that a Berbice River team would be playing at the first division level in the history of Berbice Cricket They would join West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Tucber Park, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje , Albion , Port Mourant, RHT Thunderbolt Flour, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon Chairman of the BCB Cricket Competition Committee Leslie Solomon stated that he was impressed with the standard of the two teams and urged them to continue working on their game.

Solomon also expressed gratitude to Narine for his sponsorship of the tournament.

The winning Wiruni team

Melanie goal scorer Konami Browne

Buxton’s goal scorers Compton Hope (left) and Alton Fraser

KFC/GFF elite League 2023…

Western, GDF, Fruta and GPF winners as round two kicks off

ROUND two of the KFC Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite league kicked off with wins for Western Tigers, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, Fruta Conquerors and Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC over the weekend.

The round, which took place at the GFF National Training Center (NTC), at Providence.

With the installation of the temporary lights at the facility, Western Tigers and Buxton United were the first teams to take to the pitch on Saturday evening.

Buxton took the lead first with a 45th+1 minute freekick off the boots of Samuel Johnson. However, a slip up in the second half saw Buxton conceding an

own goal in the 56th.

Eusi Phillips later added the cherry on top in the 72nd to hand Western the 2-1 win.

The following game saw GDF thumping Den Amstel FC 4-0.

Olvis Mitchell got GDF’s adrenaline pumping early with two goals in the 7th and 8 th minutes. However, it was only until the second half that the soldiers extended their tally with goals from Stephon McDonald and Ryan Hackett in the 79 th and 87th respectively.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, late goals had spectators on the edge of their seats as Fruta Conquerors narrowly got past Ann’s Grove FC.

After a deadlocked first

half, Neron Barrow handed Fruta Conquerors the lead in the 77th minute.

Shemar Beckles equalized for Ann’s Grove three minutes later, but in the

Pan American Games Qualifiers set for Columbia

National Squash team to leave on Friday

By Sean Devers

GUYANA’S senior Squash

Women’s and Men’s teams are scheduled to depart these shores on Friday to Cartagena Columbia for the Pan Am qualifiers which runs from June 4-10. Guyana will be competing in Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles and team events

According to the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) they are still working out which players will compete in which categories of action

The teams are training together and attended a camp with head Coach Ramon Chan - a - Sue who has since returned to the USA

Coach Chan - a - Sue will travel directly from the US to Columbia to join the team

while Nicolette Fernandes is expected to depart Guyana on Thursday

The teams were selected through playoffs and previous performances

The Men’s team will be spearheaded by Alex Arjoon and includes Jason Ray Khalil, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal and Daniel Ince World Masters over 35 Singles Champion and sixtime Caribbean Champion, the ever-green Nicolette Fernandes will lead Guyana ’ s challenge

Surinamese horses looking at strong showing for the Breeders Cup

THE June 11 Breeders Cup is shaping up to be a closely knit contest , with Surinamese horses expected to provide stiff competition

Top Surinamese stable Club Neutraal is showing phenomenal growth and anticipates victory at

the Bush Lot United Turf Club Hailing from Wanica mere minutes away from Paramaribo Suriname , Club Neutraal has sent four champion horses thus far to Guyana for upcoming races

The Club was able to

secure their first win at the recently held Race of Champions where Black cat was able to overturn other local horses to capture a win

The Surinamese trainer and groomers are

86th Fruta snatched the lead once again by way of a Samuel Garnett goal.

Police closed the weekend’s and Round 2’s action with a 7-0 drubbing of Victoria Kings FC in the following game.

Nicholas McArthur was the marksman on show, with goals in the 20th, 33rd, 39th and 41st. Meanwhile, Ronaldo Dover (18th), Keswin Fraser (57th) and Ravi Coates (84th) all found the back of the net once.

The KFC Elite League will continue with Round 3 this evening at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary with Western Tigers and Victoria Kings meeting at 19:00hrs. Den Amstel and Police will then lock horns at 21:00hrs.

After Round 2, Western Tigers still lead the table, although narrowly, with 6 points and a +11 goal difference. They are followed by Santos, with 6 points and a +10 goal difference.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) also have 6 points each with goal differences of +9 and +8 respectively. Two teams in Buxton United FC and Fruta Conquerors sit on 3 points while, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, Ann’s Grove and Milerock FC are all yet to pick up points in the KFC- Sponsored League.

In addition, Nicholas McArthur has distinguished himself in the ‘most goals’ category, netting 6 goals in two games thus far.

Caribbean squash queen Ashley Khalil, singles finalist Taylor Fernandes and Mary Fung - a - Fat with the experience playing Professional Squash give the Guyana women ’ s team plenty of potency as the unit is expected to qualify for Pan Am Games

Those games are for Santiago, Chile from October 20 to November 5, 2023

The Manager/Coach is Chan-a-Sue while Referee Alwyn Calendar will also travel with the team.

Action in round two of the GFF elite League

Fernandes (left) & Khalil will lead the Guyana’s women’s’ team at the PanAm qualifiers in Columbia

The Surinamese horses in training at the Bush Lot United Turf Club

Eighteen records broken at GAPLF intermediate /Masters Championship

story on page 21

Ravindra Jadeja is cradled by MS Dhoni as Chennai Super Kings players and support staff

Nangita Seenarine poses with Wilson at the medal and trophy ceremony last Sunday.

Kezia Joseph receives her accolade from GAPLF head, Franklin Wilson