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Saturday February 10, 2024
Majority of classrooms locked, student attendance hits a minimum at Reg. 5 schools By Anasa Williams The attendance at schools in Region Five hit a minimum this week and in some cases two students per class as the strike by teachers continued countrywide on Friday. On Friday this publication visited several schools in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) to observe what the student population and teacher’s attendance was like, since the teachers of Regions Five and Six took to the streets once more to protest the treatment given to them by the Ministry of Education. At 08:30hrs at the Mahaicony Secondary School on Friday, the school was quiet and classrooms on the block that housed the First Formers were closed. On a normal school morning, the students are usually
settled and engaged in the classroom or rushing because they are late. Luckily Kaieteur News caught up with a teacher attached to the school. “Yesterday (Thursday) we had about two students per classroom so we put all of them in the auditorium. Today it looks like it’s the same thing.” The teacher explained that most of the staff was not in school since they were attending the protest. Some would go to the school and carry out a “sit in” where they were in the classroom physically but were inactive. He voiced his disappointment in the way the ongoing situation is handled by the Education Ministry, since, according to him, all the educators are requesting is a meeting involving all teachers or at least the majority so that
A empty Fortwellington Secondary at lunch time.
Scenes from the protest in Region 5
their voices may be heard and their requests met. After journeying to the Calcutta Primary around break-time, the school compound was empty. Classrooms were closed and empty. An auxiliary staff of the school informed this publication that the students were staying away from school and the classrooms have been mostly empty for
the entire week. “They not coming and the class empty most of the week.” Headed further to the end of the region in the West Coast Berbice area this publication arrived at Fort Wellington Secondary at lunch time. Less than 20 students were seen in the school compound. Although
unable to enter the compound, a teacher was willing to talk to this publication about the strike. “The students are not coming and the teachers are out here. The few that go there {at school}is just to look over in case any students turn up.” The (Continued on page 14)
Teacher’s whipping up a meal as their brave the hot sun to protest.
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Saturday February 10, 2024
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ExxonM to test Guyana’s gas potential this year in Stabroek Block Head of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge said earlier this week that his company intends to drill at least seven wells this year, some of which will test the gas potential of the Stabroek Block. Routledge said some of these tests will be done in the South Eastern portion of the block. The official made the foregoing response following queries from Kaieteur News about the extent of the gas reserves to date. He was asked specifically to state if the government’s contention that there is a reserve of 17 trillion cubic feet of gas, is still a safe number to use, especially when one considers the number of discoveries made between 2022 and 2023. Routledge said, “I don’t know exactly which basis they are using. I think that is across the whole block. I think for a major development in that South Eastern piece it is probably a smaller number.” The Exxon official said his company is pursuing a suite of wells, some of which will be for exploration works while others will be for appraisal. He noted for example that two wells, Redmouth and Trumpet fish, will be drilled in hopes of landing a find big enough to support a standalone project. “We plan to drill two exploration wells west of Liza and Payara. The Trumpetfish and Redmouth
Map showing the location of the Redmouth and Trumpetfish wells to be drilled this year
ExxonMobil Guyana Head, Alistair Routledge exploration wells are planned more in the middle of the Stabroek Block during the course of this year,” the official said. Apart from those two, Routledge said Exxon has five exploration and appraisal wells planned for the Stabroek Block this year which fall under its 35-well campaign that was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since some of these five wells will test for gas, Routledge said it will be instrumental in helping the company to really understand the resource therein. “We think we have discovered a certain amount of (gas) resource, but you know, how will it perform dynamically? Can we infill with some additional discoveries we are drilling like the Bluefin exploration well currently so that is the focus now,” explained Routledge.
Turning his attention to Guyana’s National Gas Monetization Strategy which is still in draft mode, Routledge said the company has an interest in ensuring Guyana succeeds on this front, hence it is looking at the market for gas carefully. He noted that the domestic market is quite limited but there could be some markets that can be built out such as those for fertilizer production to support the agriculture sector. “We are working with the government as they develop a strategy…gas is a lot more
complicated and expensive than oil to store and transport around the world so you need to make sure the market is available and the right facilities are in place,” said Routledge. Guyana’s draft Gas Monetization Strategy, released by the Government of Guyana (GOG) last year October, outlines a roadmap for managing the nation’s significant gas resources. The strategy aims to inform decisions regarding the utilisation of these resources which it states, stands at 17 trillion standard cubic feet of
gas. While the document discusses various options for gas utilization, including power generation, methanol production, Liquefied Natural Gas, and ammonia/urea production, it fails to provide a clear r o a d m a p f o r implementation. Challenges identified early on in the document include the need for ongoing exploration to determine the full extent of gas reserves, as well as complexities in aligning the interests of stakeholders and addressing financial,
political, and economic factors impacting gas monetization. Overall, while the draft Gas Monetization Strategy recognizes the importance of gas resources for Guyana’s development, it falls short in providing actionable steps to effectively monetize these resources, posing challenges for the nation’s energy and economic future. Government has since received a number of recommendations on how to strengthen the document. It is expected to be released soon.
Jagdeo supported teachers’ strike in 2018 for better wages, but in 2024 he sings a different tune in office By Shervin Belgrave As opposition leader in 2018, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo supported a nationwide teachers’ strike for better salaries while he was Leader of the Opposition but in 2024 while in government is singing a different tune. Over the last five days there has been an intense strike/protests by teachers across the country demanding better salaries but the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) led government is refusing to meet and bargain with them on a possible salary increase. At Jagdeo’s weekly press conference on Thursday he was asked multiple times whether his government will at some point engage the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to negotiate increase in salaries and better working conditions.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Instead of answering the questions, the Vice President dodged them. One reporter asked, “What is wrong with collectively bargaining
with the union and salaries, let them submit proposals, you look at them”. Jagdeo in response said that the GTU is not a “credible” organisation to meet with. “Frankly speaking, now that I have had chance to go through in great detail where the state of the union, you know sometimes we are busy and you don’t look, I accused the media of doing that, but we too didn’t pay enough attention, with this state of affairs this is not credible body anymore,” Jagdeo said. The Vice President claimed too that the government has already met 60 percent of GTU’s demand as it relates to better working conditions for teachers. “Not everything has to be about wages, it could be about training of teachers, scholarships for teachers, it should be about housing for
teachers. The 100 billion we spend on house lots, teachers will benefit from that, the roads we build for communities, teachers will also benefit from that…”, Jagdeo posited. Jagdeo also made it clear that he does not support the ongoing protest/strike led by GTU because it is a political one. This is the same Jagdeo who in 2018 as opposition leader supported a nationwide strike by teachers. At a PPP/C press conference on September 6, 2018, Jagdeo said “…We have a crisis with our teachers and our children, crisis because this government [the then APNU+AFC government] has refused to negotiate in good faith with the teachers.” He then added, “Crisis because they [the previous government]
have been callously misrepresenting the teachers and rather than sit down and renegotiate with them they have been engaged in a confrontational approach to resolving this issue.” At that time teachers were similarly, in a deadlock with the Ministry of Education, for salary increases and Jagdeo as Opposition Leader threw his full support behind them and accused the then government of finding monies to double ministers’ salaries and not the wages of teachers. “So let me just say that we support teachers and their industrial actions because of the way they are treated and the whole country should,” Jagdeo said in 2018 before adding, “And so we support this strike, this is not a political strike although they [the APNU+AFC Administration] try to make it like that”.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Public Procurement Commission
It is a small miracle that Guyana’s Public Procurement Commission (PPC) gets anything done. The careful slant in selections, and the ‘problem solvers’ put in place were recognized early. The hope remained that the PPC would pull its weight, do justice to the duties before it. The jury is not just out, the jury is all but gone, leaving the verdict to keen Guyanese observers of how this PPC body has delivered, and not delivered. During the debate on the 2024 Budget Estimates, the PPC came under scrutiny, which partially explains why this sensitive body gives an appearance of slothfulness and falling down on its responsibilities. Money seems to be the root that is under the PPC’s sluggishness. There is so much of it given to the PPC that it would appear as though the commission is weighed down by all manner of considerations. Truth be told, the PPC could use a few ethical presences that are fully devoted to doing. Actions that benefit taxpayers carrying the financial load of them, and not those of political masters that seems to be the priority of some. The PPC has a commissioner or two (maybe one and a half), who could be considered unattached, truly independent. A few more with the requisite principles and professionalism could pave the way for a better, more freely functioning PPC. Guyanese need such an agency to look to and expect value for the huge outlay of taxpayers millions against the commission’s name. The numbers stagger: hundreds of millions annually for the commission itself, and a total compensation package of $20M and $13.7M annually for the chair and deputy chair respectively. Guyanese are due some results for that kind of money. The other commissioners snare almost a million monthly, which appears to be enough to make people see matters that come before the PPC in more ways than one. It has not necessarily been in the way that rewards Guyanese with the best returns. Get the right people, those that inspire political leadership trust, for these commissions and boards, and Guyanese get what they get. What is inspiring to leaders is not the same as what is healthy for either democracy or the Guyanese people. Looking beyond the PPC itself and across Guyana, certain common features become noticeable. If the presences are not mainly of individuals with a long and proven political heritage, they are of those who are so hungry and greedy that they will do anything to keep their bankroll going. Politicians love nothing more than having those kinds of citizens to provide camouflage for them. Perhaps, that explains why only two reports have been issued by the PPC in its output since 2022. The pocket is so heavy that movement is slow, the going tricky. It is either that Guyanese are fearful of filing a complaint, due to concerns about unsaid and unwritten blacklisting. Or that complaints that reach the PPC are so revealing and dangerous that they are best left on the suspension carousel. That is, they go nowhere, other than around and around endlessly, without resolution. Most likely, awards of the tender board occupy much of the PPC’s attention, since that should be the bulk of what comes before it. Those are all tied up in three of the more vital roles/functions of the PPC which are: 1) monitor and review the functioning of all public procurement systems… 2) investigate complaints… and 3) safeguard the national interest… The issue that never gets addressed, is never satisfactorily settled, in Guyana is when does the national interest take precedence. Procurement is a massive segment of national budgets, with runaway spending, and reports of even more runaway corruption embedded. This is where a PPC of substance is worth its weight in gold. Investigations should not take months; alleged irregularity should not be swept under the carpet. Those who desire to be seen as respected and ethical presences in this country can never consent to be a part of such practices. The money could never be enough, the favors of political manipulators what is scorned. When such is the case, citizens are the real winners. The unscrupulousness of political orchestrators and their lackeys lose ground.
Saturday February 10, 2024
Life in Guyana is challenging, interesting, frustrating and hard DEAR EDITOR, I moved to America when I was a teenager many, many years ago. If I was still a teenager today, I would go to America. I wouldn’t want to live in Guyana despite it’s the fastest growing economy in the world. If I was a teenager living in this country and scrabbling to secure food and other basic necessities, I would by any means necessary get out of this country. If it cost me my life to get to America, I would migrate. If it means taking the journey through the daunting and dangerous Darien Gap. The trek across the Darien Gap, a stretch of remote, roadless, mountainous rainforest connecting South and Central America, is one of the most popular and perilous walks on earth. Going through the Darien Gap, migrants encounter masked robbers and rapists. Exhaustion, snakebites, broken ankles. Murder and hunger). To get to America, I would have to get through Central America and Mexico and cross the Rio Grande the river that separates Mexico and America that dangerous river that many migrants drowned in, I would still migrate. If I was a teenager today, the way I would look
at my life in Guyana is if I stay in Guyana, I’m dying a slow death. Migrating is a fifty fifty chance of a better life/dying. If I don’t die on my way to America and If I make it to America, I would have more opportunities. I can remain in Guyana and die or I can die trying to get to America to a better life. Simply put, I can get busy trying to get to America or get busy dying in Guyana. Why would I risk it all to get to America. Currently I’m living in Guyana, and it’s definitely a developing country. The infrastructure is broken, and corruption is the daily bread and butter. Why did I move here? Because I could, because I wanted to, because it’s where I was born, because (despite all its warts) it’s a stunningly beautiful country with amazingly warm and welcoming people. How is life here? Challenging, frustrating, interesting, and hard. Sometimes it’s annoying too. But then there’s the good things. You’re family... to everyone (unless they are a government employee or a police, then you’re just a source of bribe money). Dealing with places like the police stations, Banks, GRA, GWI and GPL is frustrating on a level you
cannot imagine. They regularly lose your paperwork, demand silly things, play games with you and generally do anything they can to delay and obstruct the process. This is a Guyana thing.... I never encountered this stupidity in America. Day to day life though... it’s generally the same. You sleep, you wake up, you go to your job, you go shopping in a shopping mall, you go home and watch TV with your family and eat dinner. The routine is very... similar. Challenges? Broken infrastructure. You can’t depend on the police or the courts for justice. He who passed “something” wins. Money decides who gets treated fairly and justly in Guyana. This is how justice goes in Guyana. The electrical grid is stressed beyond breaking and I have to deal with rolling blackouts every month. Internet is either slow or expensive... both actually. People don’t give two hoots about their jobs. It’s slap slap bodge bodge, PAY ME. The building and road contractors are the worst. The result is newbuilt houses that are falling down before the paint is d r y. . . r o a d s t h a t a r e potholling before they finish paving to the end of the
street. The drivers are the worst in the world. Speeding and reckless driving is encouraged by minimum fines. The political leaders think they are the brightest and smartest people in the world. They are lacking empathy and sympathy for ordinary people. Sounds all negative right? Well it’s not. The food here is freaking amazing. Fresh fruits and vegetables but not cheap but the taste is amazing. Meat is excellent too. The locals are all incredible people too. They treat you like family. You’ve got a problem with something? There’s six people helping out and not expecting anything in return. It’s been the toughest, most challenging and frustrating thing I’ve done to move to a developing country, but I love every minute of it and don’t regret a single bit of it. Despite the risk of trying to get to America, braving unforgiving terrain, extortion and violence, to get closer to a better life and more opportunities, I would be willing to risk it all. I would have one goal: to make it to America. I would keep trying to get to America, no matter how much harder that dream becomes to realize. Name withheld
A tribute to Mohan Nandu DEAR EDITOR, Friday 9th February, 2024, Guyana lost yet another great son of the soil, the late and talented singer, Mohan Nandu, who mesmerized Guyanese with his baritone voice and nasal tone, dating back to the late fifty’s/early sixty’s. A popular resident of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, his sensational voice excited and soothed thousands throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, flowing across Suriname, traversing the Caribbean, and crashing in North America. Admired and respected by professionals, he earned the adoration and applause of many great singers from his ancestral land, India, having sung alongside of them. The winner of countless competitions, his vocal cord enthralled his fans with the classical, sentimental, and devotional melodies of all
the Indian songsters, his favorite being Mukesh Ji. An unsung cultural hero, his selfless and priceless contributions toward the musical arena, community, charity, cultural shows, fund-raising events and religious functions, will leave an indelible mark as a l e g e n d a r y s i n g e r, a n unfulfilled vacuum that will certainly be missed. Like others, such great artistes are left discarded by society and become dependent in their golden years. His neighbor, an Afro Guyanese, remained his heart and soul until his last breath, taking care of his needs and wants, pampering his whims and fancies and attending to him like a genuine friend and bosom brother. Swami Aksharananda from SVN and other members have been of i n v a l u a b l e a n d immeasurable assistance to
Mohan Ji’s challenging days. Mohan Nandu will not be forgotten and will be remembered as a cultural icon who contributed towards the preservation, upliftment, and sustenance of Indian custom and tradition. “A Tribute To Mohan Nandu” A fallen flower, Can render no more favour. Only to be devour, Within the hour. Mohan Nandu, a sun-flower, An Indian idol, what cultural power. He stood, the height of a tower, The music scene, he did empower. Oh, what a sweet delight, His appearance did alight. Yes, no more a living sight, His sustenance, it was quite a fight. As a competitor, he did cause a fright, Mohan was Guyana’s beacon, a bright light. The ladder of devotion, he made the flight, Only to be discarded, oh what a plight. Men, women
and children, he did excite, Be it a concert or mandir, day or nite. At home and abroad, a crowd once unite, To listen to his voice, such was his mite! Unconcerned, who is wrong or right, For the joy of singing, it was alright. A note to quote, his was no blight, Mohan’s respect for all singers, his was a might. Anna Catherina, a significant site, Mohan resided with black, brown and white. A friendly neighbor, no one need an invite, To laugh or gaff, a tune he did automatically recite. His vocal cord was his wealth, his health, despite, A man of dignity, he was always humble and polite. Once again, we will gather, this time for his last rite, The iconic Mohan Nandu, there is much to say and write. Jai Lall
Saturday February 10, 2024
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The effectiveness of a Constitution is dependent on the personnel in the captain’s deck DEAR EDITOR, I read about the establishment of a proposed Constitutional Reform Commission, where the political parties have named representatives to serve on this Commission. Taking into account the present socioeconomic-political environments of Guyana, this is a complete waste of time, energy and money. But even more egregious, more harmful, and more debilitating is that attention paid to such a Commission would divert the nation’s attention from important bread and butter issues. At this time, let us devote our time and energy towards ensuring that our people obtain much more from our natural resources. It is crystal clear that no change in our Constitution will change the behaviour pattern of the people in charge of the Government. I can see no adjustment in our Constitution that will change the massive profits of those who are extracting our non-renewable natural resources and will guarantee lifting ordinary people out of poverty. Out of the Guyana operations, Exxon is allowed to make $US7.6B, but yet the average public servant cannot provide three nutritious meals for their parents and children. If someone can tell me what changes in our Constitution can alter this fact, I will readily change my position. We live in a country where ignoring provisions in the present Constitution has become commonplace. We live in a country where time honoured tradition is emasculating. We live in a country where morality is either trampled upon and trivialized. We live in a country where persons, vaulted into high office, seem not to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong. We live in a country where in the execution of our daily duties there is a thin line between crassness, poor performance, mediocrity and excellence. We live in a country where the traditional
relationship between government and labour, where collective bargaining has taken flight. We live in a country where the notion of effective consultation is no longer. We live in a country where no matter how reasonable a proposal in Parliament by the Opposition, it is ignored. We live in a country where the financial resources are allocated based on the ipse dixit of the ruling cabal. We live in a country where the elite is in control of most of the media and therefore of what people are told. We live in a country where people must await the snail-like pace of a judiciary to dispense justice and where in many instances, we experience the statement that justice delayed is justice denied. We live in a country where the Party in Office feels it is duty bound by employing every rule or tactic if possible to control every facet of our lives. We live in a country where it appears that every effort is being made to frustrate workers in the traditional public service so that they take refuge by migrating to other countries. Giving the present government the opportunity to bring in others from certain places, obviously to change the demographics which existed from post-slavery. Whatever time and energy we have left, it should be directed to dealing with the abovementioned state of affairs. The effort must begin within our religious organisations, the home, the school and the community. This with a depraved world is a monumental task but I
believe if undertaken in a bipartisan way and with gusto will be much better than any attempt at tinkering with a Constitution. The effectiveness of a Constitution is dependent on the personnel in the captain’s deck on the ship of state. This relationship is neither new nor novel. It is a problem that has bedevilled our civilization for centuries. Take the two big countries, thanks to our history, best known to Guyana. First, our erstwhile masters rested their behaviour and things done on the magna carta but this ideal was diluted notwithstanding what the Constitutions demanded. The other dimension of course, is the importance of developing a tradition which will stand the test of time. For years an accepted tradition for the conduct of business and the way society must be managed was only adjusted when citizens stood up and spoke out to demand redress and equity, which always werepartofConstitutions. I need not burden this letter with details but my favourite example is when King Charles I sought to ignore Parliament and tradition he was cornered and had his head clinically removed from the rest of his body. Next example is the United States of America. Thanks to the folly of King George III who ignored the pleas of the colony. They had the declaration of Indepence
on the 4th July, 1776. But they put in the Constitution that we hold these truths to be selfevident that all men are created equal.’ etc. But we all know that equality did not apply to people of colour, which led to the American Civil War and the various acts of rebellion that produced whether you liked it or not a great nation state. But even today, as I listen to NPR, BBC and CNN News etc. there is a contentious environment surrounding the interpretation of articles of the Constitution. Dear Editor, let me avoid the tedium of details. Save to say, it matters little the contents of our Constitution. What matters is accountability, transparency and above all, men and women who can differentiate between what is morally right and wrong. Men and women of integrity willing to practise what they preach, willing to be faithful to a Constitution, men and women who truly believe in righteousness, men and women with a moral sense. In other words, let us in our Mosques, temples, churches, work feverishly to affect an attitudinal change and inject into the veins of those who lead to have a moral sense. In the Book of Philosophy written by Elmer Sprague, we are reminded “that in the first half of the 18th century, certain British Philosophers argued that the moral sense is the faculty by which we distinguish between moral right and wrong.
The deliverance of the faculty are feelings or sentiments; hence it is counted as a sense. Our observation of an instance of virtuous action is the occasion for a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction, which enables us to distinguish that action as virtuous. Similarly, our observation of an instance of vicious action is an occasion for a feeling of pain or uneasiness, which enables us to distinguish that action as vicious. The moral sense is also an influencing motive in our pursuit of virtue and our avoidance of vicious behaviour, and a place apart in our bestowal of praise and
blame.” Dear Citizens and Editor, no matter what we write in a Constitution, unless we can boldly tackle the dilemma of quality leadership and a nation unprepared to accept corruption and mediocrity, the whole exercise is a waste of time, energy and money. I plead that we deal with the gut issues that will make a difference. It is not what is in the Constitution. It is to get men and women of honour and rectitude to lead our nation. Hamilton Green, Elder
Teachers are important everywhere Dear Editor, Teachers are important everywhere in the world. I have seen numerous hardworking teachers in Guyana and elsewhere. I know your trials, and daily suffering, and trials and challenges. I have been there myself. That said, if one is u n h a p p y w i t h o n e ’s employer/salary one has the option of leaving for something perceived better. Just one thing I always believe in life. Nobody should be so trapped inside a profession that they will choose to cry over the pay, salary, paycheck and remain
miserable about it. A job is a job. If the public sector pay is not enough, then try the private sector! Market yourself and your credentials where you can be paid more handsomely for your services. STOP seeing yourselves as worthless beings that are underpaid. We are all victims of inflation and rising cost of living. See yourselves as qualified vessels that can offer the job market much more than what is already there. THAT is my advice to teachers. Long live the teachers of Guyana. Leon Jameson Suseran
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Saturday February 10, 2024
First week of teachers strike - Students attendance at West Demerara schools cut by half
The Leonora Secondary School student population has dwindled
As the dust settles on the first week of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU)- led strike, its impact on the public school system on the West Demerara has been evident. Attendance at several nursery, primary and secondary schools on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara was cut by half as a result of the ongoing industrial action. This publication paid a visit to several schools in the West Demerara district, where it was observed that since the start of the week, the attendance of students has been dwindling. Kaieteur News was able to witness firsthand at several schools several empty classrooms. At Windsor Forest Primary, Kaieteur news was told that half of the desk and benches at the primary school remained vacant for most of the week. “We have been making do with the staff and students that we have coming out… Crane Primary School
there is nothing that we can do if some teachers want to strike,” a staff member asserted. At Cornelia Ida Primary, this publication was greeted with a similar situation. A teacher explained that the school population of over 400 pupils has been affected due to some teachers not being present. “We have been keeping tabs on the attendance of both our teachers and students as you can see our doors are open but not everyone has been in attendance as they should,” the teacher at the school pointed out. Dem Amstel Primary was severely affected as the teachers there likened the lack of attendance to “a ghost town.” “We have three teachers but no students since Monday, the children hardly coming to school,” a teacher asserted. While some pupils at the Hague and Windsor Forest Nursery Schools
attended school , Kaieteur News was told that their attendance was somewhat affected. “There was a slight decline first but then we saw the children started to come out back…,”a staff told this n e w s p a p e r. A t C r a n e Primary School, it was clear that based on the school population of 281 pupils, that the regular attendance had been affected by the strike. Kaieteur News was told that some of the teachers are still going to work. “We are working and the children are coming out..,” a teacher said. This newspaper was nonetheless able to deduce that based on the number of students present that the attendance was affected. Given that the class sizes at Leonora Secondary School are significantly smaller now, teachers have resorted to merging the classrooms to make up the population to teach. A teacher said “Some (Continued on page 09)
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . Bharrat Jagdeo, the T B U . . L N . ..B NT...Bfish. LU NT LUNT.flip-flopping N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday February 10, 2024
Kaieteur News
Have you ever seen a fish out of water, flipflopping for dear life trying to get back in? Here’s an example of a much bigger fish doing it.
In 2018, Bharrat Jagdeo, then opposition leader, vocally supported teachers striking for better pay. Fast forward to 2024, now in power, he is singing a completely different tune, disrespecting similar protest action against his administration.
He admits to speaking out about Coretta McDonald’s complaints against the previous government. But now, he conveniently dismisses the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) as not “credible” because of her role there.
Hurry up and get back into the water, Mr. Fish. We’re tired of this flip-flopping.
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Saturday February 10, 2024
‘No need to down tools, have patience’ - Pres. Ali tells teachers By Shervin Belgrave
P
r e s i d e n t Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Friday assured teachers protesting for better salaries that there is no need to down tools; they just have to be patient. During his speech at the commissioning ceremony for a simulator facility at the Berbice Oil and Gas college, the Head of State sought to address how his
government is going to “fix the welfare” of not only teachers but also public servants including doctors and nurses. “I said this to them then, that listen, we are going to commence the process of fixing your welfare but I wanted you to understand and Alistair (Alistair Routledge ExxonMobil Guyana Head) is here,-we suffer from our own good news sometimes- everybody
believes that all the resources are available now (but) in 2027 then is when the real growth in revenue coming in would be seen in the country,” Ali pointed before adding “And I said to our teachers, our nurses, our public servants and I say to them now again that we are committed to giving you the best life possible.” He continued that he is adamant that “the present situation with the teachers
has been overtaken by political expediency” because he had explained to them, public servants, nurses and doctors that his government is “going to work in an incremental way to ensure that they will have the best welfare package in the region” but it will take time. “You don’t need to down tools because you are pushing at open doors, we are committed to this but you have to have patience”, Ali said. He noted that some interventions and measures will be coming by the end of this year because his government will be
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali conducting a total evaluation for all categories of workers. Ali iterated that his government wants to provide the best possible life for all workers but they have to give a little too and that little according to the
President is patience. Attempts were made by Kaieteur News to contact the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU)- the body leading the protest/strike-for a response to President Ali’s comments but they were all futile.
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 10, 2024
PAGE 09
TRESPASSING!
A man left his home in Guyana and went overseas to live. One day he decided to return home and thought that it would be nice if he asked one of his new overseas friends to accompany him b a c k h o m e . The friend was keen to see this South American country but not being a man of great means, asked where he was going to stay on his trip. The Guyanese man told him not to worry that he had a fully furnished home which he had left unoccupied in Guyana and that all that was required when they came back would have been some sweeping and they would be very comfortable. The two friends departed for Guyana. At the airport, they took a cab and headed for their destination. When they arrived, the owner was shocked at what he saw. Several persons had taken up residence in his unattended home. To rub salt
in his wounds, when the owner tried to get through what was left of his gate, he was greeted by one of the unauthorised squatters who asked him where he was going. His home had been taken over by strangers. There were no less than five families living there. The place was almost destroyed. This scene is not unusual, especially for persons who leave their buildings unoccupied. They refuse to rent their homes because they know that there is a high risk that they would have problems evicting the tenant when the time came. This often involves a protracted legal process that sides with tenants. They also know that tenants are not usually under any obligation to take care of the premises and, often than not, when they leave, the owner ends up having to foot a heavy bill for repairs to the home. As such, they prefer to leave
their homes unoccupied. The problem is that there are now persons, especially in the towns, looking for such homes. They notice an unoccupied home and they invade and take it over. In due course, other unauthorised persons also take up residence. Years ago a formerly beautiful colonial-styled structure was invaded by squatters. When fire struck destroyed the building years after, it was said that as much as fifty persons resided there. They were left homeless, with almost all of them losing whatever possessions they had in the building. They pleaded with all and sundry for assistance. But should this assistance be extended to providing a fasttracking of government house lots? In Guyana, if you want a house lot, all you need to do is to go and squat and when the authorities come to
First week of teachers strike... From page 06 class sizes are more than thirty students on regular day; we have seen less than 15 students for some of those classes this week.” At Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, the school was almost empty expect for a few teachers present. It was noted that some teachers and a majority of the students have not been in attendance since the start of the week. The teachers at the school declined to speak with the media but noted that “you can see for yourselves what we are dealing with; the attendance and the condition of the school.” West Demerara Secondary School saw a higher turn-out than most of the other schools. However, even with the turn out, the
attendance has been scanty in comparison to a regular school day. Teachers who were present at Patentia Secondary School appeared guarded, not wishing to comment on the size of their staff or attendance of students. This newspaper was still reliably informed that most of the students in attendance were those preparing for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams. On Friday, teachers and GTU representatives concluded their first week of protest action in front the Region Three Education Department West Demerara. The protest action is expected to continue on Monday.
DEM BOYS SEH
Parking in de city is like playing de lotto Trying to get parking in de city is like trying to find de winning Lotto numbers. Some people however does strike dem own luck. One day a man was late for a meeting. He was looking for a parking place, and cannot find any. In desperation, he looks to the heavens and prays, “Lord, if yuh find me a parking place, I promise ah gan never drink, smoke or be adulterous again.” Miraculously, a place opens up just in front of him. De man turns his face up to the heavens and says,
“Never mind, God, I just found one.” Deese days we gat people parking in de middle of a lane. Dem causing traffic problems but dem nah kay. Dem does park and sit down in dem car as if dem nah doing nutting wrong. And de police never seems to be around to charge dem. That reminded me of de time when I went into a store for a few minutes. When I stepped out I saw a traffic cop writing a parking ticket. So I went up to him and said, “Come on buddy,
how about giving a guy a break?’ He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. So I called him an idiot. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for defective tires. I let out another insult at him. He wrote a third ticket. The more I insulted him the more tickets he wrote, all the time placing them under the windscreen wiper. In all he must have written about ten tickets. I did not care. My car was parked around the corner. Talk half. Leff half.
destroy your structure, you are bound to qualify for a house lot. Once persons are squatting, they are fasttracked for government house lots. This is rewarding lawlessness. These persons had to have been living somewhere before they took to squatting. They were by no means homeless individuals who invaded a condemned building. No, they had to have come from somewhere, but took up residence because the laws do not allow for squatting to be a criminal offence. Why should these individuals be fast-tracked for house lots when there
may be more needy persons who have applied before and are awaiting the processing of their applications? During the time when Mrs. Janet Jagan was President, she gave out a number of lots to persons in Tiger Bay and also assisted them financially. Today large sections of Tiger Bay remain a shanty town, with makeshift structures being thrown up on private property. This is the problem that property owners face in Guyana. Someone can take up unauthorised residence on your property and there is nothing which you can do outside of instituting civil procedures. This is a real problem in Guyana.
The government must protect homeowners from these invasions by allowing for a less time-consuming process for eviction where someone is squatting on someone else’s property. Unless this is done, this form of trespassing will continue unabated. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
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Saturday February 2024 Monday May 02,10, 2022
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
If any Guyanese trusted Maduro, they are in a bad way In the aftermath of the Argyle Agreement, droves of Guyanese got carried away. The PPP Government’s spinning sensations (media machinery) went to work and hailed Guyana’s victory. I took the road not traveled and settled for the guarded: watch Nicolas Maduro like a rattlesnake. The rattle will come, the snake uncoiling, and there Guyana stands presently, almost back in the same place. It troubles that local brethren usually so keen-sighted on political leadership wiles and whims, could have been so relaxed about the socialist usurper from next door. When Nicolas Maduro develops a clean bone in his body about Guyana’s land, drop a line. All I ask for is a supporting x-ray. A CT scan would be better, for then there could be some inspection and evaluation of what goes on in his head, where his mind really is. The man wants Guyana’s land to be his legacy, and no piece of paper is going to thwart his addictions, get rid of his obsessions. If there is one thing that he has succeeded in doing relative to Guyana, it is that he has set the
standard for all other current and later Venezuelan politicians to follow. He will not succeed, but his visions and agitations will not be defeated. They will live on in the hearts of a l l a m b i t i o u s Ve n e z u e l a n politicians. To do otherwise would be Judas’s kiss: the road to irrelevance and self-destruction. In all seriousness, my thinking was that the conditions of the Americans for the partial lifting of sanctions would be given a genuine reception by the Venezuelan strongman, some space to allow his country to clamber out of its precarious economic and social straits. The people would benefit from the reprieve. In assigning rational thinking and reaction to Senor Maduro, I did not give the proper weight to two vital ingredients for maintaining his crippling hold on his people. Free and fair, Guyanese call it. The problem for Mr. Maduro is that the risk of an uprising in the booths could upend his tenure. His enemies would have him at their mercy, and it is an open freeway as to where that could lead. Having worn that shoe for so long, any
reversal of status quo just could not be allowed to occur. In a teaspoon, better to go against Americans and incur their wrath (and heavy responsive hand), than to take the very obvious chance that he could be tumbled from his leadership throne. The second ingredient is that for wily politicians, the people serve as sacrificial pawns only. The Americans act, and only the people suffer. Though this may sound callous, even inhuman, the Venezuelans are the best people to work out their own destiny, in their time, and in their way. My priority is what does this mean for Guyana. Maduro digging in his heels, drawing a hard line, towards the door held slightly opened by the Americans, cannot mean well for Guyana. More pointedly, I think that Maduro slammed that door shut in the face of the Americans. Is it just his determination to retain power at any cost? Or are there other nefarious elements, such as powerful foreign forces around, giving this man some backbone? Either way, I foresee the slow road and long road to a resumption of the highwire act engaged in by the desperate Venezuelan leader, and
what that means for border related issues. As has been perfected in this country by a couple of PPP Government leaders, Maduro has made gambling through appeals to the worst elements in his barrios, the lynchpin of his survival strategy. There is nothing like a juicy border controversy to incite people. There is no way that he would not know by now of the parade of American military brass in Guyana. Nor about developments pointing to an ‘air shield’ for Guyana (more on this another time). I believe that he has factored those in, and their significance, into his considerations, and they do not have the heft of slowing down whatever is going on in his head. Improving his tactics, certainly, as he is less likely to be so frontal, definitely cagier now. The last word is that his strategy on and for Essequibo has not changed an iota. All those handshakes meant nothing. Agreements and discomforts over the actions of some of our CARICOM brothers (which side are they really on?) are now all moot. This long-playing border
controversy disc is now back to the beginning of the first track, and the song provokes that funny familiar unforgotten feeling. My position is simple: Nicholas Maduro is not to be trusted, should never be depended upon to be an h o n e s t n e i g h b o r, p a r t n e r. Venezuela is not a friend of the Guyanese people. We are back to square one or poised to return there sooner than later. My concern is that having thumbed his nose at the Yanks, what opening gambit he will employ in round two of this relationship. The ICJ is of no weight. Bilateral talks are favored. I see a push, a feeler, for some wavering, some compromise from this side of the border. It is time to accelerate that air shield. And more of those warships (real ones, not fishing boats). And advisers, not necessarily orthodox ones. There it is. I said it again. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
Saturday February 10, 2024
Kaieteur News
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Most ECD schools closed as teachers strike bites
Empty classrooms at the Bladen Hall Multilateral School
S
chools on the East Coast Demerara closed their doors on Friday as underpaid teachers keep up their strike action against the Irfaan Aliled government that has refused to pay them better. Friday made it five days since the teachers are on strike and government is yet to meet their union leaders to listen to their concerns. Instead, the administration has dug its heels in, accusing teachers of not showing up for classes in normal circumstances and comparing their salaries with those of their counterparts in the Caribbean and private sector. A d d i t i o n a l l y, w h i l e playing down calls for the government to meet with the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo sought to punch holes in the union’s internal affairs, alleging that it has not submitted audited statements for years and accusing its leaders of being biased. Kaieteur News on Friday made tours to several schools on the East Coast Demerara to assess the situation and found out that all of the schools have been severely affected by the strike action. At the Golden Grove
Secondary, the few teachers who turned out did not even bother to teach. “I came today, because I was out the other days...most of my colleagues are on strike,” one teacher at the school told this newspaper. During prime teaching hours, the few students who showed up were in the yard playing football. Some of the female students used the free time to catch up with their male counterparts. “My mother told me to come to school...she said strike or no strike, I have to go school,” a student commented, hiding his face. He said that he has been at school every day despite the strike. “Them children hardly coming and them teachers not really teaching...we have nothing to do,” he added. Asked for his opinion about the strike, the student said the teachers should be paid better. “I don’t know their salary, but they calling for more money and they should get it...teachers work very hard,” he added. Business slow Still at Golden Grove Secondary, two vendors who ply their trade there said business has been slow all week. “The teachers and
It was all play for the few students who showed up at the Golden Secondary School on Friday.
students ain’t coming out ...but the few who come they would buy, but things not as bright,” one of the female vendors related. She told this newspaper that the strike has affected her sales. “Lots of the things I make I have to take them back home, because the children not coming out…this thing is affecting us.” Asked whether she supports the strike action by the teachers, the vendor answered in the affirmative, noting that they need a bigger pay. “Everybody wants a bigger pay…the cost of living is very high, so I have to support them. I have friends and cousins who are teachers, most of these teachers here would come and support by stall…so I support their action,” the vendor said. Gate, classrooms closed Across at the Golden Primary School, located in the heart of the village- some classrooms were closed with just a handful of students in the school. “The teachers them staying away...they are on strike,” a security who refused this newspaper entry in the school related. She said for the entire week most of the teachers stayed away and parents also kept their children at home. “People hardly coming...it’s the
strike...” the security guard said. At Victoria Primary, around 1.30pm the cleaner was seen sweeping and mopping up. School on a normal day concludes at 3pm. Asked why no one was at school the cleaner said: “The teachers dem gone home...even the children dem ain’t coming.” Asked whether the attendance was good during the week, the cleaner, Samantha Curry said no. “Poor attendance all week...and the children not showing up.” This newspaper caught up with a parent of a student of the school. She said she did not send her daughter to school because of the strike. “The teachers are on strike and when I pass here...I am not seeing anything happening at the school,” the parent commented. At St Andrew’s Primary, neighbouring Victoria that school was also severely impacted by the strike. Although the doors and windows were opened, there were no pupils. This newspaper could not enter the compound. There was no visible sign of any work being done. Additionally, the situation was the same at several other schools on the lower East Coast Demerara.
Enmore, Paradise, Bladen Hall Multilateral, Buxton and Friendship as well as Annandale were all severely impacted by the strike. Most of these schools were closed even before the normal cut off tie of 3pm. A teacher from Bladen Hall related that most of his colleagues are on strike and the students have also stayed away from school. “Nobody is going…both teachers and students; people are in solidarity with the teachers. This government has to be better and the things the Vice President saying will only get the teachers more angry,” the teacher commented. Unbothered At a news conference on Thursday Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said he is the least bit worried about teachers from communities deemed to be strongholds of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) being engaged in the strike. Responding to a question as to whether he was concerned that there has been large turnout of teachers in PPP’s strongholds, Jagdeo said that some persons have been misled by the union. “Many don’t see it (the strike) as political and that’s their right too and I know that many of them will go there but they
will vote PPP at the end of the day so I’m not too worried about that. We are not victimizing anyone because you go on the strike but I want them to understand that this is a political strike.” He continued, “I am not worried about it. I know workers are being encouraged. I know of two cases, where the leadership of the unions, have been consulting with the PNC to try to get workers from other areas to go out, but if that happened, we will have to deal with it if people want to move politically.” He claimed that the government has met about 60 percent of the union’s demands as it relates to creating better working conditions for teachers, although the teachers said the strike is not about nonsalaried benefits, but rather a substantial pay increase. “Not everything has to be about wages, it could be about training of teachers, scholarships for teachers, it should be about housing for teachers. The 100 billion we spend on house lots, teachers will also benefit from that, the roads we build for communities, teachers will also benefit from that…”Jagdeo told the press conference.
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Saturday February 10, 2024
Low turnout, empty classrooms at EBD schools
The Houston Secondary School Few teachers and students from East Bank Demerara (EBD) schools showed up on Friday as the Guyana Teachers’ Union’s (GTU) strike/ protests intensified on day five. Teachers have taken to the streets in demand of better salaries. On Friday, Kaieteur News was greeted with empty classrooms and closed schools during a visit to some schools along the East Bank corridor. At the Houston Secondary School, only a handful of teachers showed up to school but there were no students. One teacher was seen sitting at her desk doing work on a laptop. There were no students present in her class. Kaieteur News was told that only two students attended school on Friday. Given the no-show of the students, the other teachers were seen conversating with each other. At the Agricola Primary and Nursery Schools, only the security guard was present. Kaieteur News was told that nobody turned up for school but for the cleaning staff. A visit to the Peters’ Hall Primary School saw only a small number of students and teachers. Most of the classrooms were empty. In one class there was only one student sitting at her desk. Three other classes had four, seven and 13 students respectively. Of the 25 students who attended, 24, were students in the Grade Six level. Parents in the Peters’ Hall area reported that police have been frequenting the school. The parents told Kaieteur News that they are in support of the teachers’ call for better salaries. The parents said they showed their solidarity with the teachers by keeping their children home.
The Peters’ Hall Primary School.
A closed Agricola Primary School
One of the empty classrooms at Peters’ Hall Primary School
2 remanded for ‘ganja’ possession Two men were on Friday placed before the court, after they were reportedly busted by police ranks with more than 15 pounds of cannabis at Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, on February 7, 2024. Shemroy December and Mark Mohamed were both arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. The duo pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that they had in their possession 15.85 pounds of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. The prosecutor related that on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, ranks acting on information received went to a location at Hill Street, Albouystown. Upon arrival at the location, the police observed several men in a yard standing near to a wooden cupboard. Whilst walking up to the scene, a female upon seeing the ranks, was quick to alert her surroundings by shouting, “Police! Police!” As a result of the female’s exclamation, some of the men who were on the scene managed to escape through an alleyway. However, December and Mohamed, were still at the said premises. One of the ranks explained to the duo that the lawmen were acting on information received, which indicated that drugs were being sold at the premises. The ranks conducted a search in the presence of the duo. The search revealed two large bulky black bags, containing stems and seeds, with suspected cannabis; the bags were in a white bucket. The two men were told of the offence committed, arrested and then cautioned. In court on Friday, the prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the accused. To this end, the Magistrate refused bail and the men were remanded to prison. December and Mohamed are scheduled to return to the court on March 15, 2024.
One of the empty classrooms at the Houston Secondary School
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 10, 2024
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Bandits gag, beat La Grange family, cart off with millions in cash and jewellery
A
n elderly couple w a s l e f t traumatized on Wednesday after armed bandits invaded their residence at Lot 4, Unity Road, La Grange, West Bank Demerara and carted off with over $2 million in cash and jewellery. The break in occurred during the wee hours of Wednesday morning as Mahendra Persaud, 69, and his wife, Chandrowattie Sahadeo, 62, whose home and liquor shop is located a stone’s throw away from the La Grange Police Station, were asleep. The couple told Kaieteur News that they were tied up and beaten by the three masked men who gained access to the upper flat of their home using a ladder. Sahadeo said that her husband heard strange noises coming from outside their bedroom and went to investigate. “When he get up and to go check, the bandits had already climb up the ladder and gained entry through the louvers. They had a cutlass so they hold on my husband
Mahendra Persaud (left) and his wife, Chandrowattie Sahadeo and start beat him. He holler and I start holler too and then they come for me, grab me by my collar and drag me out the bedroom,” she added. She recalled that the men then demanded that they hand over the cash, jewellery and other valuables. “They ask me where the money deh? Where the money deh? I show them the bags where we keep it and said that all the money that
we got. Then two of them start search the house and tumble up the place. I tell them to search the house and see what you get,” the woman added. Sahadeo said that the men who had attacked and beaten her husband then proceeded to tie them up. “They get duct tape and pieces of cloth to tie we up. We hand, foot and mouth and put to lie down. I look at
A section of the couple’s ransacked home. my husband and see how he was in pain and blood. He was groaning and I said to myself that I have to remain calm.” As they lay on the floor tied up, Sahadeo said that she could hear the bandits leaving the home. “It sound like they call somebody and say bring the car we get some things,” she said. The intruders left soon after and the couple managed
to set themselves free. Sahadeo said she tried to call 911 and the La Grange Police Station but the phone rang out continuously. “My husband had to leave and walk over to the station in the same bloody condition. The police took a statement from us and then we went to the West Demerara Hospital to seek medical attention.” According to Sahadeo,
the visit to the hospital was the worse she has experienced in terms of visiting hospitals. “I go there; they offer to give us injection because they said they don’t have water to give us to drink or tablets. My brother-in -law had to get us two bottles. They didn’t have panadol to give us. I tell them not to bother I will find panadol.”
Separate acts of arson leaves several homeless The ruble that remains from the houses destroyed at Container City
Separate acts of arson on Thursday has left several people homeless at “Container City,” a squatting area located in Georgetown and at Lot 19, Seventh Street, Side Dam, Industry, East Coast Demerara. The first arson-related fire took place around 11:12 hrs. on Thursday at Container City which is located close to the John Fernandes Container terminal on Mandela Avenue. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said the fire destroyed some four buildings in the area. It reportedly started at Lot 5 West 1/2 Y Squatting Area, Container City, a one-flat wooden and concrete building owned by Paul (only name given). The inferno then spread to a second building at Lot 6, West 1/2 Y Squatting Area, a one-flat wooden
and concrete building, owned by Jane Boston and occupied by several individuals, including Troy Mickelson, Anastasia Mickelson, Richanna Boston, Wickland Cece’s, Devon Ceaser, and Alanna Havery. The fire did not stop there but continued its path of destruction to a third house at Lot 7, a two-storey wooden and concrete building, owned by Beverly Smith and occupied by Michael Smith Jr., Rawl Williams, and Ryan Williams. A fourth house barely survived the inferno. The one-flat wooden and concrete building is owned and occupied by Carl Morgan along with his family Towanna Morgan, Carl Morgan Jnr., and Briella Greene. According to the GFS, the building suffered minor damages
The house destroyed at Side Dam, Industry, ECD
since firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the blaze. “Preliminary investigations into the matter revealed that the fire
was maliciously set,” the GFS said, while adding that a suspect has been caught and is believed to be of unsound mind.
While firefighters in Georgetown were still combing through the ruble at Container city to make sure the flames were fully extinguished their colleagues were heading to battle another fire at Lot 19 Seventh Street, Side Dam, Industry, ECD. That fire erupted around 12:15 hrs. and is suspected to be an act of arson too. The fire destroyed a oneflat wooden building at the location and left three persons homeless. Those individuals included the owner, 46-year-old Hemwantie Singh and two others. “Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was the result of malicious setting by person(s) unknown” the GFS stated, while calling on anyone with information regarding the heinous act to come forward and assist with investigations.
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Saturday February 10, 2024
Majority of classrooms locked, student attendance hits...
Locked classrooms at School’s First Form wing From page 2 teacher told this publication that if the Education Ministry refuses to meet the teachers and listen to their demands and concerns, the strike will continue. He reiterated the situation will not return to normalcy unless their concerns are addressed. At Bushlot Secondary School during the lunch hour, a few students who were milling around and the security guard informed this newspaper that the teachers and students were hardly
coming out. Two vehicles were seen in the school’s parking lot; the head teacher was not in school at the time of the visit. “Them teacher and children staying home, most of them classrooms close up because there isn’t enough students to open all of them,” she said. Over at the Belladrum Secondary School, a staff member who asked not to be named noted that, “The school empty. The only students going to school are the ones who have to practice for the Mash competition in
town; otherwise it’s like a ghost town. Most of the teachers from my school as far as I am aware they are staying away and attending the protest.” Fortunately enough, just as the teachers were gearing up to line the roadways and begin their protest at Fort Wellington opposite the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office, this publication arrived on the scene to hear their concerns. Assembling at the “big tree” opposite the Guyana Elections Commission
A empty Bushlot Secondary School. (GECOM) office the protesting teachers walked a short distance away to stand o p p o s i t e t h e R D C ’s compound, which also houses the Regional Education Office. As they assembled and began their chants, students and teachers of the Fraser’s Educational Institute, a private school in the area, arrived to observe the proceedings. “No raise, no work”, “6.5 is not enough,” “Slippers on the ground”, “We ain’t backing down”, “What we want collective bargaining,” were some of the chants. The chants were augmented by loud drumming. A teacher who is also a father gave a quick breakdown of how his salary is spent. “After bills, transportation and food there is hardly anything left. I have children and even with the 6.5% it is hard to make ends meet. I had to get a side hustle to cushion expenses and that has to be kept out of the public’s domain or they might come after you.” “With the 6.5 increase that government claim to give us, we can’t even see it after tax and expenses.” Several teachers on the protest line agreed that without a side hustle or a partner with a significantly higher salary, it is extremely difficult to ensure that their families were well taken care of. Two female teachers explained that plans to extend their families have been put on hold since they cannot afford another mouth to feed. “I have a son and he is already big, my little big man. I really want another child but with what I work for, I don’t see giving him a sibling in the foreseeable future.” Others in close proximity agreed. Over the Berbice River in Region Six teachers did a double protest; one session in the morning and another in
A Teacher holding up a placard Region 5 the afternoon. The morning session was held at Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice and teachers were out in their numbers to show their support. Their chants were similar to those of their colleagues over at Fort Wellington. They also shared the same concerns as well. A teacher told those present, “They will want to stretch us out to see how long we can go but listen, voice or no voice, we coming outside. Listen we gotta understand, we gotta take the stand for what is ours. We gotta learn to talk for our rights. We will not be silenced. We will not shut up because we have equal rights. Because we have equal rights in this country.” Her pep talk was met with resounding cheers. The teachers then resumed
chanting. The protest ended at midday and the teachers dispersed to regroup further up in the region, at Spready’s Supermarket in Port Moraunt at 13:00hrs. According to information received by this publication, the location was chosen since President Irfaan Ali was expected to be in the area to open the oil and gas school. The teachers arrived at the location and a repeat of the morning’s proceedings followed as the President’s motorcade passed. According to reports received the student attendance in Region Six remained the same as Thursday with a number of schools remaining, closed as the students and staff stayed away.
Saturday February 10, 2024
Kaieteur News
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Teachers to continue strike until Govt. meets with Union to discuss improved wages
Scenes from the teachers’ protest action in Georgetown The fifth day of the nationwide teachers strike continued with fervor as educators in Georgetown stood resolute in front of the Ministry of Labour on Brickdam, Georgetown, demanding attention from the government regarding their long-standing plea for better wages. In a demonstration marked by chants and determination, teachers expressed their steadfast commitment to the cause, emphasizing that until the Government of Guyana addresses their concerns regarding inadequate salaries and working conditions, classrooms across the nation will remain
empty. The strike, initiated on Monday, aims to compel the government to engage in discussions with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to enhance teachers’ salaries and overall work environment. Speaking with Kaieteur News during the protest on Friday, Ms. Mariska Williams, the 1st Vice-President of the GTU, lamented the lack of engagement from government officials, including Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, while highlighting the urgency for dialogue to resolve the ongoing (Continued on page 23)
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Saturday February 10, 2024
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Saturday February 10, 2024
Empty classrooms as teachers take to the road on the Essequibo Coast to protest for better wages and salaries
Classrooms empty as more Essequibo teachers join protest On the Essequibo Coast in Region Two, the presence of students in classrooms dwindles amidst the ongoing protest by teachers demanding better wages. Yesterday marked the fifth consecutive day of protests, with an increasing number of
educators joining the demonstration. When the teachers turned up for the fifth day of protest action in front of the Regional Education Office, located at Cotton Field, a police officer relayed instructions barring teachers
from utilizing the benab, a structure they had utilized during the initial four days of protests. Sir Martin Samaroo, a prominent voice among the striking educators, said that the police informed him that the teachers were not
permitted to make noise near the schools in the vicinity. For the past five days, Sir Samaroo has delivered impassioned remarks directed towards the government’s handling of their demands for better (Continued on page 23)
Saturday February 10, 2024
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CXC waits for no one, Education Minister should meet with us now - Region 5 teachers Teachers of Region Five are appealing to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand to meet with them and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) as soon as possible to address preparations for the upcoming Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams since the regional body “waits on no one.” During protest action by the teachers at Fort Wellington in Region Five on Friday, a number of teachers responsible for the CXC classes voiced disappointment at the minister for not meeting with them to have the ongoing situation sorted out, as exams are around the corner and School-based Assessment (SBA) scores have to be submitted. “The government and the minister don’t care about us teachers neither the students, because if they did they
would have already meet with us and sort this thing out. The children that have to write exams can’t be in school since teachers have to be out protesting,” an art teacher explained. A Senior Mistress noted that “SBA season” is a crucial time for the country’s fifth form students. However, the ongoing situation will definitely have an impact on the scores. “If SBA scores are not submitted within a certain time, then the students will go into exams without them. When results come out there will be an asterisk next to the subject indicating that the student didn’t get an SBA score,” she said. “CXC is not a place that will be waiting on anyone. So, with or without Guyana they will have examinations, it is just that that government is willing to risk the futures if thousands over a few extra dollars. It is understood that
they may not want to give the 50% at least 15-20% added to the 6.5 will be acceptable and we can work from there,” another teacher stressed. Calls rang out this week for teachers to be paid better salaries as the strike action expanded on day five on efforts to achieve collecting bargaining. The strike which commenced on Monday has resulted in thousands of teachers taking industrial action and hundreds taking to the streets in protest, causing the closure of several schools countrywide. Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall joined those assembled outside the office of Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Brickdam on Wednesday where hundreds of teachers held their placards, chanting and calling for better salaries. Lall told the media: “When you look at what is
going on in Guyana, it reminds me of what the Israelis are doing to the Palestinians in Gaza, they are arresting the men, women, and children taking them and throwing them into large prison camps and blindfolding them. This is what’s happening in Guyana even worse; the leaders are allowing the foreigners to blindfold the country while they are eating away at the resources of this land.” O n We d n e s d a y, Secretary of the Guyana Teacher’s Union Coretta McDonald said that if one “Simply take a look at the salary scale of teachers in other Caribbean territories and compare them with what Guyanese teachers are being paid in an oil-producing
A teacher voicing her opinion via her place card. country and then you will understand our frustration.” The GTU General Secretary is adamant that with consistent and growing
support from its members and other sections of society, the government will be left with no other choice than to yield to their demands.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday February 10, 2024
Govt. investing heavily in the Army to patrol border and offshore activities - Pres. Ali President Irfaan Ali
P
resident Irfaan Ali on Thursday stated that the Government of Guyana (GoG) is investing heavily in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to not only patrol the country’s border but also everything that happens in G u y a n a ’s E x c l u s i v e Economic Zone (EEZ). The Commander-inChief was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the GDF Annual Officers’ Conference this week. Notably, this year, the government has doubled the financial allocation to the Army, with an allocation of $42.2 billion, representing an increase of more than $20 billion. President Ali said, “Let me be clear, Guyana is committed to the principle of non-aggression, but to remain vigilant…in the face of all and any threats.” He continued, “Your government is investing in strengthening the Force. We’re boosting our human and material capabilities. We’re strengthening defense cooperation with our friends and allies, and we are intensifying our surveillance of our territory, our borders, and our exclusive economic zone.” Guyana’s leaders have affirmed their commitment to resolving the longstanding border controversy with Ve n e z u e l a b e f o r e t h e International Court of Justice (ICJ). On December 14, 2023, following peace talks which were held between President Ali and
Venezuela’s President in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, both countries have agreed to de-escalate tensions in the region. The talks culminated with the signing of the Joint Declaration of Argyle. President Ali pointed out that the aim of the surveillance is to not only patrol the borders but also, “is to have a complete eye on everything that belongs to Guyana, including our exclusive economic zone. That is what these investments are geared towards giving us a comprehensive and total understanding of everything that occurs within our borders, and our exclusive economic zone.” As it relates to Guyana EEZ, ExxonMobil Guyana is the operator of the Stabroek Block, owning 45 percent; American oil-giant Chevron (Hess) with 30 percent interest and CNOOC holds a 25 percent working interest. Venezuela President Maduro had called on Exxon and others to exit Guyana’s mineral-rich Essequibo Region. Maduro had issued a three-month ultimatum after he held a sham referendum on December 3, 2023. Notably, ExxonMobil Guyana is now producing over 650,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from three ships in the Stabroek Block—Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity. This was revealed on Tuesday by Exxon Guyana’s Head, Alistair Routledge and his newly appointed Production Manager, Huzefa Ali.
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 10, 2024
PAGE 21
Low turnout at Georgetown schools on day five of teachers’ strike
The North Georgetown Primary School, located along the Woolford Avenue which had a few teachers and students present in the building on Friday.
T
here was a low turnout of both teachers and students at several city schools on Friday as the nationwide teachers’ strike continued for the fifth day. On Monday, teachers from nursery, primary and secondary schools began a nationwide strike and protest action demanding better wages and working conditions through collective bargaining. As the protest exercise unfolded on Friday and teachers lined the front of the Ministry of Labour’s Brickdam offices in their numbers, Kaieteur News visited several schools t h r o u g h o u t Wo o l f o r d Avenue and around the city to observe the impact the strike has made at these learning institutions. While some schools had classes in session, schools such as the St. Gabriel’s Primary, North Georgetown Primary School, St. Joseph High
S c h o o l , N o r t h Georgetown Secondary School, Richard Ishmael Secondary School, Stella Maris Primary School, The New Central High School, Ketley Primary School just to name a few, were affected as the attendance from students and educators were severely low. At one of the schools, one of the security guards related to this publication that a few students had trickled into school on Friday. While assessing the situation at St. Joseph’s High School and the North Georgetown Secondary just after 10:00hrs on Friday, just a handful of teachers were seen while students who attended were sitting and ‘liming’ just outside the building during teaching hours. On a quick stop at the North Georgetown Primary School, some classes were in section, while some had only
The North Georgetown Secondary School also located along the Avenue. the teachers present but barely any students. Also during teaching hours, there were two teachers in a classroom by themselves on their phones, while a few students were in the yard playing. At the Richard Ishmael Secondary, a group of teachers were observed sitting and chatting in the compound of the school, while some students were in preparing for the Mashramani activities. At the St. Gabriel’s Primary, one could hear a pin drop as there were hardly any students in attendance but just a few teachers present. A similar situation was observed at Stella Maris Primary. Schools such as Ketley Primary School, and the New Central High and the St. Mary’s High which are two schools housed in the same compound saw little to no turn out when compared to a normal
school day. Meanwhile, a teacher from the Graham’s Hall Primary who requested to remain anonymous related to Kaieteur News on Friday that the school was practically empty as most teachers have been on strike and had joined the protest on Brickdam during the week. As a result, she said students have been staying home while some only attended school during the morning. Kaieteur News had previously reported that a similar situation has unfolded all week long at different schools in R e g i o n s Tw o , T h r e e , Five, Six and Ten. It is unclear when classes will be back to normal at those schools as teacher’s on strike are s t i l l a w a i t i n g government to engage them on the issues they have raised during the ongoing strike.
The St. Joseph's High School located on Woolford Avenue.
The Stella Maris Primary and Nursery schools on day five of the teachers' strike.
Cart pusher jailed for breaking doctor’s Mercedes Benz windshield A
Yannick Cummings
man, who works as a cart pusher at the Stabroek Market in Georgetown, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment on Friday after he admitted to breaking the windshield of a doctor’s Mercedes Benz motorcar on Wednesday. Ya n n i c k C u m m i n g s made his first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, when the charge was read to him. Cummings was charged with the offence, unlawful and malicious damage to property. It is alleged that on We d n e s d a y a t t h e Woodlands Hospital located at Carmichael Street, Georgetown, Cummings
unlawfully and maliciously damaged the windshield of a Mercedes Benz vehicle, valued $205,000, property of Dr. Shoven Gobin. During the court proceedings, Cummings who pleaded guilty explained that he indeed broke the windshield, but it was due to an altercation with another man in front of Woodlands Hospital. The accused told the court, that earlier that day he was knocked down at the Stabroek Market, by a private car, which was reportedly carrying a p a s s e n g e r. C u m m i n g s related that he felt frustrated after the incident. He said all he wanted was to receive medical treatment for the injuries he sustained to his arms and legs. “He (the taxi driver that
allegedly knocked him down) insist he had to go GBTI ({bank} fuh drop the customer,” Cummings told the court. Following the delay in time, and the pain Cummings was reportedly enduring, he started to behave disorderly. The man claimed that he dragged himself to the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from another location where he was dropped off earlier. Upon his arrival at the GPHC, he said he discharged himself because the doctors and nurses were allegedly taking too much time before attending to him. Cummings further alleged that whilst in front of the GPHC, he was offered a drop to the Woodlands Hospital. However, when he reached there, another
conflict arose. The accused subsequently discharged himself for a second time. Furthermore Cummings claimed; while at the Woodlands Hospital, he got into an argument with another man and this led to the men throwing several bricks at each other. “I shai like me head ain’t good,” Cummings told the court. As a result of his actions, the windshield of the Mercedes Benz was shattered. In the court on Friday, the prosecution objected to bail. To this end, Magistrate Daly refused bail and Cummings was sentenced to nine months imprisonment. He is also set to receive medical treatment for the injuries he sustained on the day of the incident.
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Saturday February 10, 2024
Kaieteur News
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Wanted! Male & Female workers preferably from WBD, for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100 per day. Call: 611-7839. Maid needed. Live in or day work. Call Alex on 614-5181. Wanted One Fridge Technician and one Trainee A/C Technician, Driver licence would be an asset.Call : 6899856 or 689-4946. One 40-50 years Nanny to care for 1 year old, between 8am-5pm. Call: 682-5006. Chain saw Operators and Labourers wanted for wood concession. Call: 670-6919. Experienced Workers to burn charcoals and wood concession. Call: 670-6919. One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $13,000 daily. Call: 611-7088/ 639-6106. Full time Domestic Helper/ Babysitter, includes cooking. Call: 725-9610. One female able-bodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 226-1497, 6588559. Wanted Experienced Carpenters and Mason with tools at West Coast. Call: 614-7669. One live-in Caretaker for elderly person for Georgetown. Call: 627-3650/ 223-0654. Drivers needed to work in Georgetown. Interested persons can Call: 701-4000 Mon-Fri, between 8am-4pm. Reputable transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus and hire car licence. Call: 645-0025.
Vacancy at Vegetarian Garden for Factory Workers (part time). Call: 227-7714/ 223-3448. Email: info@vegeworld.net Receptionist, Laundry Attendant Deskstaff, Room & Security Guard, Handyman and Supervisor needed at South Road. Call: 225-0198. Pump Attendant/Cashier,s hifts (6am-2pm&2pm-10pm). Shell Station Providence E.B.D, Call: 265-7306. Email: Shellramsburg@gmai.com Captain, Seaman & Cook needed. Apply with valid certificates @ Liberty Ranges, 29 Sussex Street, Georgetown. Room Attendant & Desk Staff needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Part time rotating shift. Call: 225-0198. Famous Flavors is hiring Kitchen Assistant. Call: 6014918. One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade 1 or 2. Email application: techserigy@yahoo.com or Call 615-9132. Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 615-9132. One industrial Electrician needed. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132. One Bodywork man needed. Call: 675-9988.
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2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1731 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1731 Between: KAREN CANDACY DONALD nee ARMSTRONG Petitioner -andKWESI LAMONTE DONALD Respondent
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TAKE NOTICE that on the 29th day of November, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KAREN CANDACY DONALD nee ARMSTRONG the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 23rd day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around
LEGAL NOTICE 1
LEGAL NOTICE 2
the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty- five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 8th day of April, 2024 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge in the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 26th day of January,2024.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1688 Between: (SHANNON) SEAN KENRICK Petitioner/ Applicant -v(SHANNON) DIANA ANDREA nee HUNTE Respondent
LEGAL NOTICE 2 Filing Attorney: MS. COLLETTE MARKS Top Floor Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 505-2200/ 675-1405 Email: cmlaw2022@outlook.com 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1688
TO: DIANAANDREA SHANNON nee HUNTE Formerly of Lot 516 Kuru Kuru Soesdyke Linden Highway Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 21st day of November, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SEAN KENRICK SHANNON the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 12th day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty- five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 22nd day of March, 2024 at 9:15am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall via Zoom Meeting ID: 461 884 5616 and Password: court6. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or
Saturday February 10, 2024 LEGAL NOTICE 2
LEGAL NOTICE 3
LEGAL NOTICE 4
Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 22nd day of January,2024.
TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Reply to Application Relating to Child, Statement of Arrangements for Child and/or Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty- five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Friday the 5h day of April, 2024 at 1:15pm before the Honourable Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow via Zoom Meeting ID: 973 282 6483 and Password: Court123. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 26th day of January,2024.
THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-898 Between: HENRY (SARAH REBECCA) nee MOORE Petitioner/ Applicant -vHENRY (WINSTON RANDOLPH) Respondent
LEGAL NOTICE 3 Filing Attorney: MS. SHAUNESSY PROFITT GUYANALEGALAID CLINIC “Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246 Email: legalaid@networksgy.com 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1548 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OFJUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCEAND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1548 Between: (FRANCE) COLIN Applicant -and(COLLINS) SHAUNEILLE RUSSAN Respondent TO: SHAUNEILLE RUSSAN COLLINS Formerly of Lot 41 Rahaman’s Park East Bank Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 19th day of October, 2023 an Application Relating to Child was filed against you by COLIN FRANCE, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of January, 2024 the Applicant was directed to effect service of his Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana. AND FURTHER
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LEGAL NOTICE 4 Filing Attorney: MS. RENEE Mc DONALD GUYANA LEGALAID CLINIC “Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246 Email: legalaid@networksgy.com 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD898 IN THE HIGH COURT OF
TO: WINSTON RANDOLPH HENRY Formerly of First Dam, Alliance Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 8th day of June, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SARAH REBECCA HENRY nee MOORE the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 29th day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 4th day of April, 2024 at 9:30am before the Sitting Family Court Judge.IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate,
Teachers to continue strike until Govt... From page 15 strike. The teachers reiterated their unwavering stance, declaring their refusal to return to classrooms until their demands are met through meaningful discussions with the government. This sentiment was echoed by Williams. “So, while they have recognised that we have gave them a timeframe, the song that is being sung by all teachers is that we are not returning to the classrooms…unless the government of the day meets with the Guyana Teachers Union,” she said. She explained that while the government has been downplaying the impact the teachers’ strike has on the day-to-day operations of the schools, she highlighted that most classrooms are empty and even the students’ attendance is low. “And soon you will hear the parents start crying too,” she added. Furthermore, teachers highlighted the stark irony of Guyana’s status as an oil-rich nation, lamenting the lack of tangible benefits for its citizens despite revenues being generated from oil. They called on the Irfaan Ali led-administration for equitable distribution of wealth and expressed frustration over the disparity between the prosperity enjoyed by foreign entities and the economic challenges faced by local residents. “This is an oil rich country, people from other countries are coming, their employees from different countries
are coming here and they are boasting about their money and stuff they are receiving from our oil rich country and we the Guyanese people are not benefiting from that,” a Miss Natasha said. She continued, “And it is very sad that other people can come and benefit from our oil and we the loyal citizens of Guyana and we are not benefitting.” The educators highlighted the teachers’ salary scale that was posted by the Education Ministry. Most asserted that their take-home pay does not adequately meet their basic needs, leaving them financially precarious. Miss Natasha, told this publication, “We the teachers are out here on strike because our salaries are not enough, we all know that cost living is on the increase, we have rent to pay, kids to send to school and bills to pay…” “Teachers are still feeling the squeeze, we get pay today, we bruk tomorrow, it very hard on us those who feels it knows it… On top of that when you subtract rent, grocery money, money to take care of your children you have nothing left,” she added. Miss Natasha said too, “We have to be begging persons for assistance from overseas, you have to be doing more than one job, and we are tired so that is the reason why we are striking for ourselves and our families…” Moreover, rejecting assertions of political motives behind the strike, the teachers clarified that their primary
objective is to secure fair compensation for their labour and ensure a dignified standard of living for themselves and their families. Reference was also made to the 2018 industrial actions undertaken irrespective of political affiliations, underscoring the non-partisan nature of the current protest. Reference was also made to statements made by President Irfaan Ali during his tenure as an opposition frontbencher as he addressed the National Assembly and said, “What about the nurses, the teachers, the police officers, aren’t they equally important…?” The teachers used that to call on President Ali to fulfill his promise to them. Moreover, amidst the ongoing strike, teachers expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from members of the public, citing donations of beverages and snacks as tangible signs of solidarity with their cause. They underscored the importance of grassroots support in sustaining their efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for improved working conditions until their demands are addressed. A teacher said, “If you look carefully, we would have gotten beverage and snacks. Since we started on Monday public spirited persons have started to donate. So, we have been getting support from the ordinary man in the street and those who believe our industrial action is very much just.”
Classrooms empty as more Essequibo... Is that what you’re saying to us, Minister, Honourable Minister [Minister of Education Priya Manickchand], is that what you’re saying?” Sir Samaroo, a nonGraduate Senior Assistant Master said during day three of the strike, “You want to know what the salary has become after the LEGAL NOTICE 4 increase $137,000, yes $137,000…if it wasn’t for including granting the the love of the profession, Divorce. The Registry of why are teachers putting the Family Division of the High Court is located at the up with this…?” Yesterday, he disclosed to Law Courts [Georgetown, this publication that since he Demerara]. The office is open to the public between has been speaking up publicly, “They [the govern8:00am and 3:30pm ment] have made my name Mondays to Thursdays a target of discussion, they and 8:00am to 2:30pm on have been looking into me, Fridays except on public holidays and on such other looking into my family history… they looking for all days as the Registry is sorts of dirt they can find closed. on me right now. I’m not Dated the 2nd day of worried about that, but I February,2024. would like people to see how serious they (government) are taking this thing.” Despite these challenges, he remains resolute in his advocacy for improved condi-
From page 18 wages for teachers. On day two he asked, “So, in the Oil Republic of Guyana, you’re saying, in a trillion-dollar budget, all that you can give teachers is 6.5%, which is, in fact, about 18% less than the inflation rate. That’s being very generous.
tions for teachers. On Thursday, expressing the notion that he is the least bit worried about teachers from communities deemed to be strongholds of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) being engaged in the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) led strike, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo said that teachers should not fear victimisation from his government. Moreover, the impact of the strike extends beyond the protest site, with several schools along the coast experiencing disruptions to normal operations. Empty classrooms bear witness to the absence of both students and educators, prompting makeshift arrangements to accommodate those who do attend. College teachers and national pathway workers have assumed supervisory roles in some instances, attempting to maintain continuity in education amid the ongoing strike.
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Saturday February 10, 2024
NBA roundup: Pistons rally from 23 down, beat Blazers in OT
Reuters - Jalen Duren scored a season-best 27 points and grabbed a careerhigh 22 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons, who recovered from a 23-point, third-quarter deficit to notch a 128-122 overtime victory over the host Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night. Jaden Ivey put up 26 points and Cade Cunningham added 23 points for the NBAworst Pistons, who have won consecutive games for the first time since late October. Detroit, which beat the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, has just eight victories all season. Ivey was a careerbest 7 of 7 from 3-point range.
Rookie Marcus Sasser had 17 points and a career-high 11 assists for the Pistons. Jerami Grant scored a career-high 49 points and also had eight rebounds and six assists for Portland, which lost its third straight game. Anfernee Simons scored 29 points in 25 minutes but missed the final 22 minutes due to a sprained left ankle. Jabari Walker had 17 points and 11 rebounds and Kris Murray added 12 points for the Trail Blazers, who scored the first basket of overtime and never tallied again. Suns 129, Jazz 115 Kevin Durant scored 31 points and Bradley Beal added 30 as Phoenix defeated
visiting Utah. Durant, who had eight rebounds and seven assists, scored 19 points in the first quarter as Phoenix jumped ahead 40-28. Phoenix shot a blistering 59.1 percent from the field, making 14 of 29 3point attempts en route to its third win in a row. Beal made six of the Suns’ 3s and had seven assists. Eric Gordon scored 19 points. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 22 points. John Collins contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Collin Sexton chipped in 19 points and eight assists in the loss. Timberwolves 129, Bucks 105 Anthony Edwards scored
Saturday February 10, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is an excellent day for you, Aries. The farther you extend your emotions, the more prosperous you will be. Don't be afraid of new things. More than likely.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Arguments could quickly turn into declarations of war today. Things could get blown out of proportion if they aren't handled with care, Libra.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) It may seem like people aren't taking things as seriously as you'd like them to, Taurus. If so, take it as a hint that perhaps you're the one who needs to lighten up.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your life is taking off in many different directions, Scorpio. Everything seems to be expanding at once. It may be difficult to get a solid grip on any one thing.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't turn down any opportunities today, Gemini, even if they seem like dead-ends at first. One could be your lucky break. Realize that success doesn't always have a big neon sign pointing you in the right direction. CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's time to put your plans in motion, Cancer. There's a very expansive energy urging you to reach out and make valuable connections with others.
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SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is a great day for you, Sagittarius. There's a terrific feeling of expansion in the air. This is one of those times in which a small germ of an idea can grow into something big right before your eyes. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel like someone caught in a tornado, Capricorn. Things are whirling around you and everything seems out of control. Don't get stressed out.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Go for the gold, Leo. Don't settle for less. There's an expansive energy on your side urging you on to prosperity in every aspect of your life. Take control of the situation and act on your emotions.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It's time to take charge, Aquarius. There's fuel for your fire, and the scope of your influence is virtually unlimited. Don't hold back in any way. Confidently attack every project knowing that things will work out in your favor.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) The more you vacillate, the more valuable time and energy you waste, Virgo. Take a decisive stance and be confident about your choice. Give it everything you've got.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't concern yourself with getting more. Concentrate on what you already have, Pisces. Work with whatever resonates within you. You instinctively know what does and doesn't work.
26 points and dished nine assists, and Minnesota cruised to a win in Milwaukee. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 19 points for Minnesota, which bounced back from an overtime loss against the Chicago Bulls two nights earlier. Mike Conley added 18 points and shot 6-for-7 from beyond the arc, Naz Reid finished with 17 points off the bench and Rudy Gobert tallied 16 points and 11 rebounds. AJ Green scored a game-high 27 points off the bench to lead Milwaukee. Jae Crowder scored 21 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 17 for the Bucks, who fell to 1-5 since Doc Rivers took over as head coach. Warriors 131, Pacers 109 Stephen Curry hit his first seven 3-point attempts on a 42-point night, Jonathan Kuminga chipped in with 18 points and Golden State thumped Indiana in Indianapolis. Curry shot 15-for-22 overall and Kuminga was 9-for-16, helping the visitors make 55.9 percent of their total shots. They were 17-for-32 (53.1 percent) on 3-pointers. Rookie Gui Santos gave Golden State a boost off the bench with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins and Dario Saric contributed 11 points apiece. Pascal Siakam paced six Pacers in double figures with 16 points to complement eight rebounds. Myles Turner had 15 points, Jalen Smith 14, Aaron Nesmith 13, Bennedict Mathurin 11 and Andrew Nembhard 10 for Indiana, which saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Magic 127, Spurs 111 Franz Wagner racked up 34 points to help hot-shooting Orlando to an emphatic win over visiting San Antonio.Jalen Suggs added 17 points for Orlando, with Paolo Banchero scoring 16, Cole Anthony hitting for 12 points and Moritz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. tallying 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Magic won for the fourth time in five games and swept the season series from San Antonio. Devin Vassell hit for 30 points, all in the second half, to lead San Antonio, which has dropped six straight outings and the first two of their nine-gamesin-21-days road trip. The Spurs also got 15 points from Victor Wembanyama, 12 each from Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson, and 10 apiece from Tre Jones and Blake Wesley. In other results: Nuggets 114, Lakers 106 Bulls 118, Grizzlies 110 Mavericks 122, Knicks 108Cavaliers 118, Nets 95 (Field Level Media)
CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 1, Day 3- GHE vs. TTRF...
Third day squashed as Eagles, Red Force seek to make most of likely last day
W
eather again forced the stop page of play on day 3 as both Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force anticipate moves for the final day today. Bad weather essentially forced play to be abandoned at Conaree Sports Club in St. Kitts, with the Red Force still on 215-4 after the first and last day of action. Should play resumes today, Trinidad and Tobago
batsman Jason Mohammed will look to convert his 101 while Harpy Eagles bowlers, most notably their two strikers Ronsford Beaton and Veerasammy Permaul will be keen on maximizing their form with a day left. The match between West Indies Academy and Leeward Islands Hurricanes was also a no-contest on day 3. Final day action will continue from 10:00h today; weather permitting.
Saturday February 10, 2024
Kaieteur News
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Lakers unveil first of three Kobe Bryant statues Reuters - Kobe Bryant was known for exceeding expectations, so it should have come as no surprise that on the day the late star’s statue was unveiled outside of the Los Angeles Lakers’ home arena, it was revealed that three statues will ultimately don the downtown L.A. property. In a private ceremony outside of Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, the biggest names in Lakers history were in attendance — from J e r r y We s t t o M a g i c Johnson, Kareem AbdulJabbar and former head coach Phil Jackson. Pau Gasol was there, as was Norm Nixon, Michael Cooper and Robert Horry. Abdul-Jabbar and Jackson spoke at the ceremony, along with Lakers
controlling owner Jeanie Buss, former Laker Derek Fisher and Bryant’s widow Vanessa. “ A s I s e e t o d a y ’s current generation of star players follow in Kobe’s footsteps with huge scoring games, I know he would take pride in knowing that he is still pouring inspiration into the game that was so special to him,” Vanessa Bryant said. It was Vanessa Bryant that revealed the plan to have three statues. “I leave you with one of my husband’s amazing quotes,” Vanessa Bryant said. “‘Leave the game better than you found it and when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.’ And that he did.”
With that, the first Bryant statue was revealed from behind a gold curtain with confetti flying. It depicts Bryant in a white Lakers uniform with the No. 8. His right index finger is pointed into the air, depicting the moment after his 81-point performance Jan. 22, 2006, against the Toronto Raptors. The base of the statue is a triangle in honor of the triangle offense Bryant perfected under Jackson and assistant coach Tex Winter. The date of the ceremony — 2/8/24 — was symbolic. No. 2 was the jersey number of his daughter and aspiring basketball player Gianna Bryant, and her father wore both No. 8 and No. 24 during
A statue for former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is unveiled during a ceremony at Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena. (Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports)
his Hall of Fame career. Kobe, Gianna and seven others were killed Jan. 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash. While another of the statues will depict Bryant wearing his No. 24 jersey, the third will be of Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Starting Friday morning, the public can visit the statue unveiled Thursday. Bryant joined the Lakers as a teenager straight out of high school and spent his entire career in Los Angeles, winning five NBA titles and retiring after the 2015-16
season. In the history of a franchise filled with great players, Bryant holds numerous team records, including points and games played. His 33,643 points are fourth in NBA history, with three men who have played with the Lakers — LeBron James, Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone — standing ahead of him. “I’ve missed Kobe so much, like everyone else does,” said Lakers legend James Worthy, who is now an analysist on Lakers
broadcasts. “Anybody he came in touch with, he made it a special moment in their life. But this unveiling of this statue is amazing because it almost comes alive. Looking at it, you can see Kobe, you can feel Kobe, you can hear his voice.” Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Abdul-Jabbar, J o h n s o n , We s t a n d announcer Chick Hearn also have been immortalized with statues representing the Lakers at the downtown Los Angeles venue. (Field Level Media)
Hangzhou cancels Argentina friendly... From page 29 tickets bought from official channels can be 50% refunded, Tatler said, adding that it had been in discussions with the Hong Kong government to resolve the issue. Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said Messi was deemed unfit to play in the friendly in Hong Kong, but he came on as a 60th minute substitute against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday. “When we learned that Messi would not be playing, we pleaded with Inter Miami CF ownership and management to urge him to stand up, engage with the spectators and explain why he couldn’t play,” Tatler said. “He didn’t. The fact that
Messi and (team mate Luis) Suarez played in Japan on Feb. 7 feels like another slap in the face.” In the match in Tokyo, entire blocks of seats at the Japan National Stadium were unoccupied, with just 28,614 tickets sold. Chinese state media, Hong Kong politicians and some fans swiftly c o n d e m n e d M e s s i ’s participation in the Japan match, with statecontrolled Global Times writing that his absence posed many questions on the differential treatment for Hong Kong. In a statement, Hong Kong’s government said Tatler Asia had made its best effort to arrange a refund, adding that many people had questions about
the incident. “The government hopes that the Inter Miami team will eventually provide a reasonable explanation to Hong Kong citizens and fans who came to Hong Kong to watch the game.” Tatler Asia said Inter Miami had committed to ensuring that their top players, including Messi and Uruguay’s Suarez, would play for 45 minutes unless injured. It said it had hoped to create an iconic moment in s u p p o r t o f t h e government’s efforts to remind the world how relevant and exciting Hong Kong is. “That dream is broken today for us and all those who bought tickets to see Messi on the pitch.”
Samuels hails Jamaicans as five... From page 32 scheduled for March 2 and 3, at BMO Stadium. This will be followed by the semi-final round and final at Snapdragon Stadium on March 6 and 10, respectively.
English-speaking Caribbean officials: Odette Hamilton (referee), Daneon Parchment (video match official), StephanieDale Yee Sing (assistant referee), Carissa Douglas-Jacob (assistant referee), Crystal Sobers (support referee).
Saturday February 10, 2024
Kaieteur News
Hangzhou cancels Argentina friendly as Messi fallout grows in China HONG KONG, (Reuters) - Chinese sporting authorities have cancelled next month’s friendly international between Argentina and Nigeria amid a growing backlash against Lionel Messi’s failure to play in an Inter Miami match in Hong Kong last week. Argentina were scheduled to play Nigeria in the Chinese city of Hangzhou next month before facing the Ivory Coast in Beijing, but Messi’s failure to take the field for Inter Miami in Hong Kong on Sunday caused widespread anger among fans. The organiser of the Hong Kong match said they would give fans a 50% refund for tickets after the Argentine did not take the
field due to injury, but played in Japan days later. The backlash grew on Friday, with Hangzhou sports authorities saying that Argentina’s friendly against Nigeria would no longer take place.“As a commercial event, a company and the Argentinean soccer team negotiated that the team would play a friendly match in March this year in the city of Hangzhou,” the Hangzhou authorities said in a statement, opens new tab. “In view of the current well-known reasons, according to the competent authorities, conditions to hold the friendly match are not mature, therefore (we) have decided to cancel it.” It was not immediately clear if Argentina’s other friendly against Ivory Coast
in Beijing would also be cancelled. The Chinese FA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment sent outside normal business hours. The Argentine FA also did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Tatler Asiaÿ> LSa privately owned publishing and lifestyle company, said in a statement on its Instagram page that it was “deeply sorry” and “heartbroken” that fans were let down after Messi stayed on the bench during Sunday’s match. TICKET REFUND The match in Hong Kong drew 40,000 fans, with some spectators paying up to nearly HK$5,000 ($640) per ticket. The cost of all match (Continued on page 28)
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Saturday February 10, 2024
Pathum Nissanka becomes Forde bags three wickets to first Sri Lanka player to help Comilla Victorians beat Durdanto Dhaka by four wickets score double ODI century SportsMax - West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde was one of the stars of the show for the Comilla Victorians in their fourwicket win over Durdanto Dhaka in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Forde led the way with his medium pace with 3-35 from his four overs to help limit Dhaka to 175-4 from their 20 overs after they won the toss and chose to bat. Mohammad Naim (64) and Saif Hassan (57) led the way with the bat for Durdanto. The Victorians then successfully chased down their target with one ball to spare, reaching 176-6.
West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde.
Towhid Hridoy led the way with an unbeaten 57ball 108 including eight fours and seven sixes while Brooke Guest provided good support with 34 off 35
balls including four fours and a six. The win moves the Victorians to second on the points table with 10 points from their seven games.
2024 Mashramani Street-Style Football tourney officially launched
T
he official launch of the sixth annual Mashramani Cup, hosted by Edison Jefford, took place yesterday at the MVP Sports establishment in the Giftland Mall. This highly anticipated one-day Street Style knockout football tournament is scheduled for February 18th at the National Park’s, Tarmac. Despite widespread interest from top-ranking teams across the country, only sixteen teams will have the opportunity to compete for the championship. Described as a “win or go home” tournament by the organisers, selecting the final teams from a pool of 52 standby teams proved challenging. Punctuality is emphasized for participating teams, and failure to be present when the game begins will result in a walkover. Edison Jefford, the tournament organizer and
promoter, stressed the importance of discipline for the smooth running of such events. Punctuality remains a top priority on the agenda to ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved. Te c h P r o ’s O r a n d e Dainty expressed enthusiasm about their involvement, stating, “We are delighted to be on board as a subcontractor of the Enet franchise. TechPro aims to provide highquality viewership for this competition and future endeavors.” Denita Powell of Ansa McAl (Magnum Tonic) also conveyed appreciation for partnering with Edison Jefford and his team to promote this thrilling streetstyle football event. Powell highlighted the company’s pride in supporting the Mash Cup’s sixth edition and emphasized the importance of financial backing for talent
development. Edison Jefford shared plans to explore the possibility of providing WiFi at the venue for spectators to log on and share updates from the games. The tournament is expected to be exciting, starting from the first whistle to the very last. With over $1 million in prize money and bragging rights at stake, the winners of this one-night event will be crowned the best team in the Capital City. The champions will receive an impressive $500,000, while second, third, and fourth place finishers will be awarded $250,000, $150,000, and $100,000, respectively. The action is set to commence at 6:30 p.m. MVP Sports, TechPro, and ANSA McAL have played a crucial role in making this tournament possible through their substantial contributions.
BBC Sport - Pathum Nissanka became the first Sri Lanka batter to score a double one-day international century in a 42-run win over Afghanistan in Pallekele. Nissanka’s unbeaten 210, which included 20 fours and eight sixes from 139 balls, is the joint fifthhighest individual score in ODIs. H i s e ff o r t e c l i p s e s Sanath Jayasuriya’s longstanding one-day mark of 189 for Sri Lanka against India in 2000. The hosts batted first and finished on 381-3 after their 50 overs. Nissanka and fellow opener Avishka Fernando (88) put on 182 for the first wicket as Sri Lanka compiled their fourth highest ever one-day total. In reply, Afghanistan were reduced to 19-3 in the sixth over after Pramod Madushan took three wickets.
Pathum Nissanka’s effort is also the highest individual score in ODIs held in Sri Lanka. (Getty Images)
However, fine centuries from Azmatullah Omarzai, who finished 149 not out, and Mohammad Nabi (136) helped the tourists to 339-6 in their run chase. Scores: Sri Lanka 381-3
(50 overs): Nissanka 210*, A Fernando 88; Fareed 2-79 Afghanistan 339-6 (50 overs): Azmatullah 149*, Nabi 136; Madushan 4-75 Result: Sri Lanka won by 42 runs.
Allrounder Neser recalled to Australia test squad for New Zealand series MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Bowling allrounder Michael Neser has been recalled to Australia’s squad for the team’s first test series in New Zealand in eight years. Neser played the last of his two tests in December 2022. “It’s great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following his everconsistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we e x p e c t , ” A u s t r a l i a ’s chairman of selectors George Bailey said in a statement yesterday. Fast bowler Scott Boland will also feature in the squad despite suffering a knee injury. Neser and Boland are unlikely to play against the Black Caps unless there are injuries to Australia’s star pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. The three played in all five of Australia’s test
Australia’s Pat Cummins, center, appeals for a LBW decision on West Indies’ Kirk McKenzie on the first day of their cricket test match in Adelaide, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/James Elsby) Australia test squad: Pat matches against Pakistan and West Indies. Australia Cummins (captain), Scott won all three tests against Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Pakistan and split its two- Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, test series with West Indies. The two-test series in Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan New Zealand will begin Feb. Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, 29 at Wellington and the Michael Neser, Matthew second is scheduled for Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc. March 8-12 in Christchurch.
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2024 Drag Racing Series Round One: “1320 HEAT” billed for February 18 T
he Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) is set to host its muchanticipated 2024 Drag Racing Series, aptly named “1320 Heat.” Round one of this event is set to take place on February 18th at the South Dakota Circuit. This event promises an electrifying start to the season. In response to valuable feedback from our passionate motorsport community, the GMR&SC have adjusted the schedule to ensure that fans and racers have the best experience possible. The faster cars will now hit the track earlier in the day, alleviating the challenges of running late in the afternoon as we have in past events. The 1320 Heat is set for Sunday, 18 February, with free runs and dial-ins
happening Saturday (February 17). Elimination starts at 11:00 AM. Registration details are as follows: Early Registration Close February 9th at a cost of $10,000, while late registrants will pay $30,000. Competitors Racing License for this event is set at $10,000. Admission: General Ticket: $2,000 Kids (under 12): $1,000 VIP Access: $10,000 Staging Area Pass: $20,000. Meanwhile, the driver with the best time will have lane selection preference. We e n c o u r a g e a l l competitors to register early and secure their spot in this thrilling event. Registration and Medical forms are available at the GMR&SC office or gmrsc.com. Don’t miss out on the adrenaline-packed action of
2024 Drag Racing Series round one set for February 18 “1320 Heat.” GMR&SC is dedicated to bringing you the best in motorsport, and
“1320 Heat” is just the beginning of an exciting year ahead. Round one (1) of the
2024 Drag Racing Series is sponsored by Enet, Secure Innovations & Concepts,
AJM Enterprise, Pegasus Hotels and Corporate Suites, Prem’s Electrical and Ford.
Wickham’s 139 puts Barbados Pride on top as CCC Mangru, Fraser fifties Marooners face uphill task GCB Senior Women’s Super50 Inter-county Round 1 - Demerara vs. Essequibo
setup crushing 185-run for Demerara
Pacer Cherry-Ann Fraser showed her class Mandy Mangru sadly missed out on a possible with the ball during her brisk half-century. hundred as she led Demerara’s batting.
Mandy Mangru and Cherry-Ann Fraser led with fifties for Demerara as they whipped Essequibo by almost 200 runs during the opening round of the GCB Senior Women’s Super50 Inter-county Tournament. The ladies from town racked up 273 all out inside their 50 overs at Malteenoes yesterday, with the opener Mangru leading the assault compliments of a spanking 81 (7x4 2x6) at the top of the order. Meanwhile, all-
rounder Fraser pummeled 68 off 52-balls with 5 fours and three maximums and 27 from Naomi Barkoye, aided in Demerara’s onslaught. Yonette Welcome (3-48) and Nikesha Narine (2-65) emerged with some pride as they shared five wickets amidst the batting carnage. In response to a huge target, Essequibo slipped and never recovered as they were strangled for 88 runs. Opener Lavinda Ragobeer (20) and Analeisa D’Aguiar
(16) were the only two women to offer some resistance against a hostile Demerara side. A two-woman show between Litesha Jordan who starred with 4-16 and Niya Latchman (4-25) made light work of the Ladies from Essequibo, as they drew first blood in the competition. Round 2 continues February 11 with Essequibo seeking revenge against Berbice at Meten-MeerZorg Ground
SportsMax - Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners are faced with an uphill task, after Kevin Wickham’s 139 piloted Barbados Pride to a massive 344-8 declared on Thursday’s second day of t h e i r We s t I n d i e s Championship encounter at Chedwin Park, in Jamaica. The 20-year-old Wickham smashed nine sixes and eight fours on his way to a third First Class century in a 135-ball innings. He was well supported by Jonathan Drakes, whose 84 off 99 balls, included 12 boundaries. Marooners in their reply, ended the day on 10-1, still 334 runs behind Barbados Pride heading into yesterday’s third day. Scores: Barbados Pride 344-8 (72.2 overs); Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners 10-1 (18 overs) A f t e r l o s i n g Wednesday’s first day due to a wet outfield caused by a ruptured water main, Barbados Pride wasted little time to establish a solid
Kevin Wickham footing in their innings, as they declared intentions of securing a result in the contest. Despite losing captain Kraigg Brathwaite (seven) and Shayne Moseley (10) cheaply, Zachary McCaskie (30) gradually steadied things, before Drakes and Wickham took the Marooners bowlers to task with a healthy fourth-wicket stand. The foundation left by both was so healthy that it mattered little that Roshan Primus (five) and Akeem
Jordan (14) failed to contribute meaningfully to the innings. However, wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dorwich added a 50ball 41, including five fours and a solitary six, with the declaration coming shortly after his dismissal. Romario Greaves (2-54), Jediah Blades (2-64), Zishan Motara (2-68), led the Marooners bowling. Meanwhile, Jordan removed Kirstan Kallicharan (seven) to put the Marooners under early pressure in their turn at bat.
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Saturday February 10, 2024
Samuels hails Jamaicans as five English-speaking Caribbean officials appointed for inaugural Women’s Gold Cup SportsMax - Five representatives from the English-speaking Caribbean will be among 45 match officials that will oversee the inaugural edition of the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup scheduled for February 17 to March 10 in the United States. The five, comprises three Jamaicans – referees Odette
Hamilton, Daneon Parchment and assistant referee Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing –and two Trinidadians in assistant referee Carissa Douglas-Jacob and referee Crystal Sobers. All five are experienced in their own right, having officiated at one or more major tournament at some point in their respective
careers. However, Head of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Referees department, Cardella Samuels, believes that with this being the first ever Wo m e n ’s G o l d C u p tournament, the appoint of the Jamaicans, in particular, speaks to some significance where their consistency and hard work are concerned.
(from left) Crystal Sobers, Odette Hamilton, Daneon Parchment, Carissa Douglas-Jacob and Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing. “First, I must take the time to congratulate our Jamaican officials on their appointment. It is always a great feeling having our Match Officials being selected to officiate in these major tournaments. This is where we can say their hard work has paid off,” Samuels told SportsMax.TV. “I must also laud the effort of the JFF and its referees programme, which ensures its match officials are consistently participating in Concacaf events, and credit also goes to the instructors who have been
ensuring they (officials) are prepared,” she added. The Gold Cup, being hailed as the new flagship competition for women’s national teams will be played across four venues in three United States metropolitan areas. Caribbean teams Guyana, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Haiti, are among six teams set to contest the preliminary round at Dignity Health Sports Park Track and Field Stadium on February 17. Guatemala and El Salvador are the others. The winning teams will
advance to the group stage to join United States, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Canada. That 12-team group stage will be played between February 20 and 28, at Dignity Health Sports Park (Group A), Snapdragon Stadium (Group B), and Shell Energy Stadium (Group C). After roundrobin play, the group winners, runners-up, and two best third-place finishers, will advance to the quarter-final round, (Continued on page 28)
Brandon King made 53 off 37. (Getty Images)
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Adam Zampa and Mitch Marsh celebrate a wicket. (Getty Images)
West Indies lose by 11 runs to Australia in T20 run-fest at Bellerive 2024 Mashramani Street-Style Football tourney officially launched
Edison Jefford (second right) organiser of Mash Cup share photo-op with Denita Powell of ANSA McAL, Orlande Dainty of TEchPro and MVP Sports representative Mr Apple at the tournament launching at Giftland mall. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.